A new Journey for a New Year

In honor of the New Year I bought  a new Bible.
The Quest Study Bible .  A brief rundown from the publisher:

• Over 7,000 sidebar notes that clarify the Bible’s most puzzling passages

• Nearly 350 articles by top scholars that address the most popular and provocative questions asked by Christians and non-Christians alike 

• Article index and expanded subject index that help readers quickly find the answers they’re looking for

• Single-column Scripture text format

• Color-keyed verse numbers that supply instant reference to articles and sidebar notes

• Book introductions that identify themes, characters, and events in each Bible book

• Over 150 two-color in-text charts, timelines, and maps providing background information readers need to understand different passages

• Concordance, dictionary, 16-page full-color map section, 7-page full-color timeline section, and reading plans to assist readers’ studies of the Bible.

If you are looking for something new for yourself, a loved one or perhaps someone in need this would make an excellent choice.

The Dragon and the Turtle

Written by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark, illustrated by Vincent Nguyen

The main character in this very charming children's book is Roger, an adventurous turtle that loves pretending to be a pirate. One day he finds himself lost and alone in an unfamiliar place.

Padraig is a steadfast and loyal dragon that happens to meet Roger while snacking on his favorite meal...yummy, crunchy bugs!

Padraig volunteers to help Roger find his way home. Padraig, puts his own wants and needs aside to help Roger and goes to extraordinary lengths to help his new friend find his home.

When at long last Padraig successfully leads Roger home both boys discover what it truly means to be a good friend. They each also discover a few things about themselves that they didn't know before.

This book is based on Proverbs 17:17 which says: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Padraig has needs himself, but he goes out of his way to help Roger even though they have just met. Illustrating for children that being a friend entails so much more than "good times"...

The end of the book provides discussion points that could be shared by a parent and child. I feel it is an excellent way of helping parents let their children understand the moral of the story in a way that they can use in their own lives.

A recipe for chocolate chip snappers (rogers favorite snack) is also included in the book. I felt this inclusion was an absolutely wonderful addition to the book. It reinforces the theme of working together as a team to accomplish a goal-two friends could make this together or perhaps a parent and child-and it also brings the book to life, making it a real experience for kids.

This is a charming and beautiful picture book that will be enjoyed by children of all ages.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Watebrook Press, 2010

ISBN: 978-0-307-44644-2

Voices of the Faithful with Beth Moore

Voices of the Faithful with Beth Moore is a book of daily devotions. Each of the daily devotions is written by a missionary serving in different parts of the world. From the forward...”Their testimonies are as diverse as their backgrounds and personalities as well as the places they serve...they all have one thing in common: a deep, abiding love for our lord Jesus Christ..”

I really love this book. When I first received this book I quickly flipped to a random page and was immediately uplifted by the message. It was inspiring and so very special in that the testimony was personal and helpful. It was like having a dear friend offer me gentle words of encouragement and perspective. The very simple fact the the testimonies are written by missionaries for Christ working for the Kingdom of God from around the world lends the daily devotions special meaning. It has inspired me and led me in my personal journey. These are voices not so different from my own...dealing with the same trials and questions that I often have each day.

Every penny of the author's profit goes to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions for the effort abroad. So not only will you be fed spiritually by this book but you can also feel good that you are personally helping a cause in Christ. Anyone looking for a daily devotion for the new year will not be disappointed

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”