Bible Journaling Made Simple by Sandy Allnock

Here is the book summary:

Draw closer to God and creatively unlock more of the Good Book!

Your relationship with God is unique. Shouldn't your Bible reflect and celebrate that bond? In this introduction to Bible journaling, you'll discover meaningful ways to combine art, heart and scripture--from backgrounds to hand-lettered verses to beautiful full-page drawings. No expensive supplies or artistic skills are required...only a desire to honor and enhance your spiritual life.

To guide your creative worship experience, this book provides:

·        Prompts to engage you with the text, then visually interpret Scripture in words and pictures

·        Basic techniques for working with colored pencils, watercolor pencils and watercolor paints

·        21 step-by-step tutorials for drawing trees, flowers, skies, mountains, maps, water, light and other popular themes

·        Tons of inspirational page samples and suggested verses to illustrate

·        Downloadable icons and technique videos available on the author's website

Whether you're new to Bible journaling or looking for fresh ideas, this book will lead you on a rewarding spiritual journey. Success is not measured in the complexity or polish of the art, but in a deeper, more personal connection with God.

"Our lives are busy, and we leave a trail of things-we-should-remember on the ground behind us. Instead, scoop them up and journal them. Preserve the lessons vital to our growth as Christians." ~page 12

And now, my review:
Bible Journaling Made Simple by Sandy Allnock was an inspiring book.  This book points toward passionately pursuing a relationship with God as the first focus with the art side coming in after and I really was blessed by that.  I found her instructions to be doable and understandable.  I didn’t feel unwanted pressure, but I did feel her encouraging me to go for it.  There is nothing like adding art to Scriptures that speak to me, taking it to another level of meditation on His Word, cementing it in my heart.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Journaling-Made-Simple-Art-Filled-ebook/dp/B07JH64BN7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bible+Journaling+Made+Simple&qid=1562068146&s=gateway&sr=8-1#customerReviews

https://www.christianbook.com/journaling-simple-filled-journey-creative-worship/sandy-allnock/9781440353338/pd/353338?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bible-journaling-made-simple-sandy-allnock/1128560571?ean=9781440353338

The Little Book of Cartooning and Illustration by Various Authors

Here is the book summary:

In The Little Book of Cartooning & Illustration, beginning cartoonists, animators, and illustrators will discover key concepts associated with learning the art of traditional cartooning and animation.

With this guide, dozens of tips from the pros will help you find the materials and tools you need to develop your own unique style. A combination of creative step-by-step projects and open practice areas offer encouragement and invite participation for those artists who want to put their newfound skills to immediate use.

You'll learn all the cartooning and animation tricks of the trade, including:

·        The squash and stretch principle

·        Exaggerating details

·        Rendering faces and expressions

·        Anthropomorphizing inanimate objects

·        Creating original characters

·        Mastering body shapes and movement

·        Writing gags and jokes

With so many tools at your disposal, why wait any longer to start animating? Get started, get drawing!

The Little Book of ... series focuses on delivering fun, approachable, and interesting art instruction in a fresh, portable format. With its contemporary design, open practice pages, creative exercises, and prompts that encourage interactivity, beginning artists learn the fundamentals of their craft, often with immediate results.

And now, my review:
The Little Book of Cartooning and Illustration by these various authors was so fun to look through and pick one and try it out.  I felt they gave quite a variety to choose from and with all sorts of expressions and feels.  It was truly fun to choose different ones.  Some I had to try more than once to get the right look, but that can happen with any drawing book.  If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.  I had a digital copy of the book so the extra pages to practice on didn’t affect me at all. 
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Cartooning-Illustration-expressions/dp/1633226204/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Little+Book+of+Cartooning+%26+Illustration+Maury+Aaseng%3B+Clay+Butler%3B+Jim+Campbell%3B+Dan+D%27Addario%3B+Alex+Hallat%3B+Joe+Oesterle&qid=1562066360&s=gateway&sr=8-1#customerReviews

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-little-book-of-cartooning-illustration-maury-aaseng/1129102349?ean=9781633226203

Made for the Journey by Elisabeth Elliot

Here is the book summary:

In her first year as a missionary to a small group of native women in the Ecuadorian jungle, Elisabeth Elliot faced physical and spiritual trials. In Made for the Journey, Elliot captures the mysteries and stark realities surrounding the colorful and primitive world in which she ministered. More than just a recounting of her early days, this is a beautifully crafted and deeply personal reflection on the important questions of life and a remarkable testimony to authentic Christian obedience to God.


And now, my review:
Made for the Journey by Elisabeth Elliot was a story that spun so many emotions in me.  Her knowing and living her appointed way and sharing with the reader about it was powerful to me.  As she moves along she shares all the Spiritual Truths that she discovered walking it out.  Like her “natural” way is to not trust God but to worry instead.  Also that God has given us the power to exercise our wills.  He has delegated it to us.  I loved this “Trust Me.  Never mind the answers to the whys just now – those are Mine.  Trust Me.”  “God’s story never ends with ‘ashes.’”  Having also journeyed to Quito, Ecuador, this holds a special place in my heart.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Made-Journey-Missionarys-Jungles-Ecuador/dp/0800729463/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31HOY1NN5TWSM&keywords=made+for+the+journey+elisabeth+elliot&qid=1561995962&s=gateway&sprefix=made+for+the+journey%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/journey-missionarys-first-year-jungles-ecuador/elisabeth-elliot/9780800729462/pd/729461?product_redirect=1&search_term=made%20for%20the%20journey&Ntt=729461&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/made-for-the-journey-elisabeth-elliot/1127953189?ean=9780800729462

Truth Unchanging by Becky Thompson

Here is the book summary:

Motherhood is often noisy and rarely silent. Learn to hear God speaking above all the noise in these daily devotions that can be completed in five minutes or less.

As moms know, even when there isn't noise around us, there is usually noise within us. The constant to-do lists that spin in our minds, the worry and wonder if we are doing a good job, and the need to stay two steps ahead of our families when we feel two steps behind keeps our minds routinely restless. So when quiet time with God isn't so quiet, and alone time is nearly nonexistent, how does a modern-day momma tune in the voice of the Lord?
With Truth Unchanging, you don't have to wait until you're alone to talk with Jesus. Designed to be read in five minutes or less, each powerful, hope-filled devotion will...
  *  refocus your heart on the Word of God
  *  refresh your mind with God's Truth for your life
  *  revive your spirit as you realize God is speaking to you personally
Truth Unchanging is not just a devotional. It's an opportunity to begin daily conversations with Jesus, the One who has everything we need to take on the days ahead, the One who wants to speak to you right now. Tune in to His voice today.


And now, my review:
Truth Unchanging by Becky Thompson is a daily-devotional book that is based on a character in the Bible and related to our everyday Mama life.  I found myself relating greatly and feeling what she was getting at.  I felt a sense of great encouragement from each day’s entry.  I was challenged.  She helps to identify God’s voice in our lives.  I completely agree with her statement that said, “Don’t miss My voice because you’re expecting Me to speak in a certain way.  If you focus on Me, you won’t miss a word of what I want you to know.”  And “… the more we respond to these promptings, even when we don’t understand them, the more we will train our hearts to listen for God’s loving direction in all situations.”  What a truthful, kind, and compassionate writing voice.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Unchanging-Hearing-Daily-Motherhood-ebook/dp/B07FRV2TG5/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1K3OQ3E1SSB7F&keywords=truth+unchanging+becky+thompson&qid=1561995188&s=gateway&sprefix=truth+unchangin%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-3

https://www.christianbook.com/truth-unchanging-hearing-daily-midst-motherhood/becky-thompson/9780525652298/pd/652298?product_redirect=1&search_term=truth%20unchangi&Ntt=652298&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/truth-unchanging-becky-thompson/1129141994?ean=9780525652298#/

A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter

Here is the book summary:

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?


And now, my review:
I found A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter to be a swoon worthy, romantic read.   It was a great Regency novel. I love books that have less than perfect circumstances in a person’s life and yet they persevere and thrive forward.  I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship that developed between Daphne and William.  Daphne is a fun character to watch played out with her fear of large groups of people and her crazy ability to go on a daydream.  This was a great second book to this series. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Return-Devotion-Haven-Manor-Book-ebook/dp/B07FH7KJQP/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+return+of+devotion&qid=1561992900&s=gateway&sr=8-1#customerReviews

https://www.christianbook.com/a-return-of-devotion-2/kristi-hunter/9780764230769/pd/230764?product_redirect=1&search_term=a%20return%20of%20de&Ntt=230764&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-return-of-devotion-kristi-ann-hunter/1128873083?ean=9780764230769#/

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

Here is the book summary:

Thomas Bledsoe and Kate Gruener are traveling the Wilderness Road when conflicts between natives and settlers reach a peak that will require each of them to tap into a well of courage.
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Love and Adventure Are Discovered on the Wilderness Road
In 1794, when Kate Gruener’s father is ready to move the family farther west into the wilderness to farm untouched land, Kate is eager to live out her own story of adventure like he did during the War for Independence and to see untamed lands. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas’s job is to get settlers safely across the Kentucky Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naïve Kate’s inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict. Is there more to Thomas’s story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear.

And now, my review:
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is a great 5^th book in this series put out by Barbour Publishing called Daughters of the Mayflower.  I have read the whole series so far and have really enjoyed each book.  Their covers draw me in and each author puts their own spin on each story.  Sometimes with series I feel like they try to stretch out something a little too far and yet with this one I love everything so far.  This particular story was really fun to watch as they take a journey and need to hire a man to see them there safely.  Kate finds herself asking questions of the scout, Thomas, and over time this starts to work on Thomas.  He’d rather not get tied down, but she has quite the pull.  I also loved how the author threaded in the historical side.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Cumberland-Bride-Daughters-Mayflower-book-ebook/dp/B07BFNDX6T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EXGVEJDAO2Q9&keywords=the+cumberland+bride&qid=1561987179&s=gateway&sprefix=the+cumberland+brid%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1#customerReviews

https://www.christianbook.com/the-cumberland-bride-5/shannon-mcnear/9781683226918/pd/226918?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cumberland-bride-shannon-mcnear/1127066254?ean=9781683226918

The Wonder of the Word by Tony Evans

Here is the book summary:

Everything you need to know about Scripture

The Wonder of the Word gives you a complete survey of the Bible and shows you how Scripture produces power in someone’s life.  It is the second book in the Kingdom Pastor’s Library from Tony Evans and will reinvigorate your love for Scripture.  Dr. Evans explores the nature and benefits of God’s Word, as well as how to sow and grow the seed. It will also cover important topic such as:

·        The revelation of Scripture

·        The inspiration of Scripture

·        The illumination of Scripture

·        The interpretation of Scripture

·        The canonicity of Scripture

Learn the essentials of Scripture from the gifted, veteran pastor, Tony Evans.

The Kingdom Pastor’s Library is a series of books that brings you a concise, complete pastoral philosophy and training from Tony Evans.

Faithful. Powerful. Practical. Become a Kingdom Pastor today.

And now, my review:

The Wonder of the Word by Tony Evans is geared toward pastors and written in such a way that helps pastors look at what important in leading/teaching in churches and put off things that are minor.  I just love the Word of God and very much enjoy how Pastor Tony Evans shares Truth so that drew me into this one without realizing the audience that he was meaning to draw.  But all that he shares is Truth and is needed in churches today from the top down.  Prayerfully, pastors will get their hands on this book and lead their flocks to the Word and all its richness.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Word-Hearing-Scripture-Kingdom-ebook/dp/B07FCWDXJW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+wonder+of+the+Word&qid=1561983909&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/wonder-word-hearing-voice-god-scripture/tony-evans/9780802418319/pd/418319?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20wonder%20of%20the%20word&Ntt=418319&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wonder-of-the-word-anthony-evans/1129056656?ean=9780802418319