The NKJV Study Bible: Full Color Edition - Book Review

It always seems funny to be reviewing a Bible...but as I told my husband, I am reviewing the features of this new Study Bible, not the actual content of God's Word. And the features, in my opinion, deliver.

I was quite excited when the package containing The NKJV Study Bible: Full Color Edition arrived - I was really looking forward to diving right into the resources this Study Bible offers. I was not disappointed - color maps, articles bringing context and understanding of Biblical-era culture and times, word studies, annotations, timelines, essays, and more... 

The Good Dad by Jim Daly

"In a few short minutes, a man can become a father. But so many don't realize what a father is or what it means."

- Jim Daly

As a single mother who raised a son, I approached Jim Daly's new book, The Good Dad, with a bit of trepidation. Would I find reproach for my son's absent dad? Would I find yet one more prophecy of fatherless boys growing into men who cannot be good fathers? or, from the man who heads the ministry of Focus on the Family, would I find hope?

I found hope.

No More Dragons by Jim Burgen

"I finally saw that, in spite of the long list of reasons God could hate me, he didn't."

-Jim Burgen

I meant to read this in little bites - a few pages of a chapter at a time - because I was busy and wanted to make sure I read well for the book review. But once I started I could not put this book down until the end - and even then I kept turning back to re-read sections. Yep, I was up til 3am - on a work night - reading this! No More Dragons is part sermon, part confessional, and all inspiring. Jim Burgen takes you through his journey from "the Pastor's kid" to his loss of faith to the moment where God "undragoned" him - and he does this in an incredibly engaging manner. 

The People Factor by Van Moody

"When people show you who they are, pay attention."

- Van Moody

 
The People Factor is subtitled, "How building great relationships and enduring bad ones unlocks your God-given purpose" - a hefty premise, and one that Van Moody takes on with ease. This is *not* your typical self-help-with-a-Christian-twist book, but rather an engaging journey. Moody uses personal examples and Biblical examples of good and bad relationships - models that we all share in one way or another. He then examines *why* each example is good or bad - all the underpinnings - so that we learn to recognize when we ourselves fall into these same patterns.  

Encouragement for Today by the Proverbs 31 Team

Encouragement for Today is a devotional created by an amazing team of women: Renee Swope, Lysa TerKeurst, Samantha Evilsizer, and the Proverbs 31 Team. I have had very mixed experiences with devotionals, but this one really touched a place in my heart - in fact, I plan to purchase copies for all of my nieces, as I feel the lessons contained in this little book are important ones for all young women.

Tough Guys and Drama Queens by Mark Gregson

Mark Gregson's Tough Guys and Drama Queens: How to NOT get Blindsided by your Child's Teen Years is a must-read for all parents. It isn't that I believe all parents must follow Gregson's pattern, as much as reading this constantly pointed me to the the reality that I must stay aware of my child's needs over my own...which is really easy to overlook when we were in the throes of a drama. The book is simple, accessible, and on target - Gregson loves the children in his care, and this love comes shining through on every page.

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life by Luci Swindoll

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life - 50 ways to make the most of every day, by Luci Swindoll, is a treasure of a book. Luci is nearly 80, and has lived a life packed with love and adventure...and she doesn't seem as if she will be giving up the adventure any time soon!