Self Care: Creating a Mama Morning Time Routine

by Meghan // February 16, 2019 // Comments off

Morning time can be a hard concept when you aren’t a morning person.

Growing up, I needed a good 20+ minutes to wake up before I could function, I didn’t eat breakfast willingly, and I walked around in a fog until lunch time. Haha (not really, but it took a while.)

Not much has changed, except now I have coffee, 4 children and a farm + an amazing husband. I learned after baby number 4 I have to take care of myself.

Mamas, this is the only body and mind we have. We need time, whether introverted or extroverted, to think through our day before the littles rise. We need time to talk with Jesus, read God’s Word, and pray before the world needs us.

Taking time for ourselves isn’t a luxury, it is imperative. We cannot take care of the people we love if we don’t take care of ourselves.

How to Make Time

Rise before the kids. My husband usually wakes me up before he leaves for work, around 530/6am. When he is traveling, or if he leaves very early, he texts me or I set an alarm.

When I had infants, I sometimes put my morning time on the back burner, but there were days I could squeeze it in-before the 5:30AM feeding wake up, or the quick nap from 6am to 7am before baby started his day. Some mornings are just more hectic than others, especially when there are tiny babies involved. Using the time at the end of the day for a quick devotional or mini art journal session does the trick, too. I remember the hours between baby going to sleep for the “night,” and waking for a middle of the night feed (7pm-11pm) were usually a good time for me to take “me” time before catching a quick nap.

Even today, with an 8, 6, 4, and 2 year old, we implement rest time from 1-3pm. The older 3 don’t usually nap, but the 2 year old does. I take this time to unwind just for me- I set the older 2 kids up with audio books, handicrafts, or alone time in their own space. During this time I am able to stretch, load up my water cup, have a healthy snack, and read a good book, journal, or sometimes sleep!

Getting Excited and Preparing for Success

Have your tools on hand

Keeping a tote with my favorite study Bible and a good devotional, like Help Club for Moms, gets me excited about my alone time with Jesus. In my tote I keep my Bible journaling highlighters, a few of my favorite pens for my Bible, sticky notes for marking things I want to come back to for studying, and all my favorite devotional books. (A video coming on that tote, soon!)

I love having all of my tools at hand; anything I am led to do, I can do right then and there. Whether it is copying a favorite verse to my planner for the day, reciting a special prayer from Prayers that Avail Much, doing a little art journaling, or just reading God’s Word, having it all together keeps me motivated, and accountable.

***You can use anything you have on hand for a tote-an extra book bag, backpack, basket, or old purse. There is no need to buy new things, when you probably have something on hand that will work! When you find your groove, and have worn out your repurposed tote or Bible, then treat yourself to a new one. =)

Set the coffee pot timer

Yes, this is seriously something that excites me and keeps me motivated.

Hearing the coffee pot beep right after my alarm wakes me, means I can go straight to the kitchen for a fresh cup of coffee… And you can’t lay down to drink coffee, so might as well sit up and read the Bible while you’re at it, right?! If you don’t do coffee, use the timer for a pot of hot water for making tea, hot cocoa, or whatever your favorite hot beverage may be.

Your Favorite Way to Connect with Jesus

Maybe journaling and devotionals aren’t your thing? That’s okay- there are so many ways to connect with Jesus. I keep the KLove app on my ipad and turn it on often. Worship music while reading or praying is a great way to start your day!

I also have the YouVersion app on my phone and ipad- there are so many quick daily studies for all walks of life- mamas, dads, youth, elderly, widows, parents with special circumstances-if you can think it up they have study for that topic or person. Their verse of the day may be just enough to fire you up for the day.

Podcasts are another wonderful way to take time for yourself, even when you don’t have the time or energy to sit and write/read/journal. Two of my favorite pastors to listen to on my podcasts app are: Adrian Rogers and Charles Stanley. You can also listen to them online, via those links.

I grew up with both of these pastors; being form the south there is something about those accents that make my heart sing, too. But they speak Biblical truth; that combined with their love for God and His people make listening to and studying through them very easy.

Mamas, I hope you have found something helpful here that will fire you up for self care time with Jesus.

Sometimes it is as simple writing on a scratch piece of paper the things we want to accomplish when we wake, so we don’t forget to do them! Remembering to start and stick to a new routine can sometimes be difficult-make it easier on yourself.

Look for the next post in this series, which will touch on other forms of self care!

Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links; when you use those links you help support my family, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

30 Days to Understanding the Bible {a book review}

by Meghan // January 20, 2019 // Comments off

Bible reading, journaling, and studying are some of my favorite ways to unwind, begin my day, and end my day. This month I’ve been using 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. This has been a fun review; learning, studying, and refreshing what I know about the Bible really helps bring everything together when I am reading and journaling.

About the Book

Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor. Max was also one of the original team members with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. He provides resources and discipleship strategies at MaxAnders.com to help people grow spiritually.

His book 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, has been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for 30 years. I found it to be a straightforward, easy-to-use guide. I really like the structure of the book; in just about 15 minutes a day I have been learning and studying about the history, context, and structure of the Bible itself.

Inside, the 385 page book you will find 7 sections:

The Story of the Old Testament, including the geography structure of the Bible, and each Old Testament book
The Story of the New Testament, including the geography structure of the Bible, and each New Testament book/era
The 10 Great Doctrines of the Bible (SO fascinating!)
Nano Summary of the Bible
How to Mast the Bible So Well That The Bible Masters You (how to study the Bible well)
Teaching Plan
Bonus Chapters-this is full of chapters that cover chunks of the Bible in depth, such as miracles, parables of Jesus, The Resurrection, prophecies, etc.

Also, there is a great appendix in the back, along with several blank pages for note taking (love that!)

The chapters are made up study notes, charts, lots of visual helps, and review studies. I found that their reviews are very similar to the classical education model, in repeating back what you have read, which is a proven helpful way to memorize and learn, then apply what you’ve memorized.

The visuals, charts, and icon images are definitely going to help visual learners! I can’t wait to hand this to my daughter; she will so enjoy the history, context, cultural break down, and studying of the Bible.

Alongside my copy of the book, I’ve been using my ESV Study Bible. This certainly isn’t necessary, but I like to make notes and highlight in my books, especially my Bibles. I was able to make many notes and reminders in my ESV study Bible of things i learned from 30 Days to Understanding the Bible.

This book will be a wonderful addition to your library or as gift for someone you love. Whether you are new to Scripture, studying as a refresher, or just wanting some history context and break down of the Bible, this is going to be a top notch resource!

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Some links on this blog are affiliate links; when you use those links you help support my family, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Life is Moments {of grace}

by Meghan // January 7, 2019 // Comments off

They sometimes disagree, I sometimes have to say “go work it out with your words, then come tell me how you fixed the problem;” We avoid being their referees as much as possible. Real life doesn’t come with a referee, we have to learn when to stand our ground and when to retreat.

Life is Moments of Grace

This life, homeschool, building relationships with siblings and each other … it is messy. It can be harder than we would like, yet often it is only as hard as we make it.

But Grace says we can. Grace, knowing there is room for error because Jesus, means we can.

(small backstory-grace is a really big trendy word in the Christian community the last several years. For what it’s worth, I am still learning about it. I think it is overused and misused often, so I was hesitant to make this post. I believe a lot of new Christians or those that don’t know Jesus yet are probably confused by the use of grace as I once was… but alas it was laid on my heart so here I am.)

The Word says we can overcome, work through, build, grow, fail, and try again at this parenting thing because of Him.

Not because we are patient.

Not because we are good or kind.

I’m not patient y’all and Im surely not good ?- I’m not any better suited for this gig than any other mom.

**But we are not called to make choices based on patience, ability, or lack there of … God calls us, and He decides how to arm us for His work.

We aren’t perfect, therefore life isn’t either.

But life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

And we don’t have to be perfect parents to have beautiful, blessed, non-perfect children.

But we do need to be able to see them, speak affirmations of faith over them, and stop criticizing them, our spouses, and ourselves.

Don’t let the noise distract from the beauty. Find your quiet in the chaos in Him, in truth, and in all things beautiful to Him.

Those dirty hands, the messy hair, the loooong bedtime conversations that seem to go on forever- they’re going to end one day, sooner than I’d like.

I’m thankful for this reminder- for children that just came in from playing in the dirt, gathered around a book, one sprawled on a table covered in crumbs ?- the reminder that the hard days are *really* hard but they reap joyful moments, and that’s what life is made of.

Life is moments, good or bad, that we don’t get again.

Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links; when you use those links you help support my family, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

NIV Adventure Bible Polar Edition {a review and giveaway}

by Meghan // November 29, 2018 // Comments off

The Adventure Bible brand, having sold over 9 million copies, is beloved by Christian schools, churches, and families alike. Now, the #1 Bible for kids, including all of the trusted essentials loved by parents, is available in an exciting polar exploration theme!

My son could not wait to embark on a fun, exciting trek through God’s Word with the NIV Adventure Bible! He has been asking for a big boy Bible, that was more than an illustrated story Bible. For the last several weeks we have been reading from it as a family at bedtime; my daughter has a different version of the Adventure bible, so she was able to help him navigate through all the amazing features found within his Polar Edition. It makes my heart so happy to see them loving God’s Word, and finding truth for their life in Scripture.

While on this arctic adventure, readers meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and
learn all kinds of facts about the Bible. And most importantly you’ll grow closer in your relationship with God.

Features of the NIV Adventure Bible, Polar Exploration Edition include:

The same trusted Adventure Bible content in a frosty new theme
Full-color images of polar animals, arctic outposts, and icy landscapes
throughout make learning about the Bible even more engaging
Life in Bible Times—Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in
ancient days
Words to Treasure—Highlights great verses to memorize
Did You Know?—Interesting facts help you understand God’s Word and the
life of faith
People in Bible Times—Articles offer close-up looks at amazing people of
the Bible
Live It!—Hands-on activities help you apply biblical truths to your life
Twenty polar-themed pages focus on topics such as how to know you are a
Christian, famous people of the Bible, highlights of the life of Jesus, and how to pray.
Book introductions feature arctic art and important information about each
book of the Bible
Dictionary/concordance for looking up tricky words
Color map section to help locate places in the Bible
Complete text of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible
Thrilling new glacial cover on metallic paper

You can check out a sample of this new Polar Edition by clicking the following link:

NIV Adventure Bible Polar Edition {sample}

Enter below to win your own copy of the NIV Adventure Bible Polar Edition; the publisher hopes to get the winner’s copy to them in time for Christmas!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links; when you use those links you help support my family, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Scripture Bible Art Journaling {a review}

by Meghan // November 16, 2018 // Comments off

I *love* journaling, doodling, and especially writing; I have been debating buying a few different art and journaling books. I’ve been journaling since before I could write a sentence, but love learning new things like hand lettering and art methods. My love for words runs deep, and God has used that love of language to encourage me in Bible and scripture journaling.

How excited was I when given the chance to review some of the most beautiful art journals ever?! SO excited, y’all! AND, on my 33rd birthday? YES, please- (… and thank you!)

These are some of the most beautiful, high quality, well made art journals I’ve laid my eyes or hands upon! Ellie Claire Gifts has created delicious hardbound art journaling books that everyone should add to their shelves (or desk … or hygge space).

The Illuminate Your Story Journal opens with an introduction to illuminated letters, the history of this intricate art (how interesting!), and the process used to create your own within the journal’s pages and beyond! The journal is complete with a riveted pen loop, sewn binding, and smooth white pages which detail the art of creating illuminated letters, scrolls, ivies, and other shapes used in the ancient art of illuminated lettering. Between art practice pages you will find lined pages featuring quotes and scripture for journaling or continuing your practice. It even features an expandable envelope in the back for keepsakes. ? I LOVE this feature; it expands super wide, too. You will love it!

This journal is cream with a teal spine, pen loop, and elastic closure. It is smaller in size compared to the other 2 journals I received, but boy is it a beauty! There is a light teal bookmark found in the back, and beautiful gold embossing on the cover.

The Illustrated Word coloring journal features sewn binding with a beautiful orange cloth spine, and contains sturdy, thick antiqued/cream colored pages filled with forty illustrations from the archives of the Museum of the Bible- there are lined pages between each illustration for journaling.

Each illustration spread features the original art work with a reference to it’s collection/creator at the bottom of the page, with a full page adapted illustration for coloring or painting. This is a beautiful, classic coloring journal; the cover is beautifully embossed with gold foil details all throughout the cover illustration.

Lastly, there is my personal favorite, the Faith and Lettering Journal– it also has sewn binding with a riveted (thick) elastic pen loop (also found on the Illuminate Your Story Journal) filled with crisp, white, lined, grid, and decorative pages. The introduction has complete helps for rediscovering your creativity and how to use the book. There are step-by-step letter practices for decorative/creative lettering. Colorful, artistic verses are found throughout for inspiration during your devotional and time- they are sure to help imprint God’s Word in your heart. ?

I love how helpful the Pro Tips (one example seen above) found throughout are to the practice of lettering and design. The square grid and dot-grid pages are perfect for getting letters, scrolls, doodles and other creative designs just right and sized to scale.

These are all perfect Christmas gifts for anyone- young and old- in your life! I know my 8 year old daughter would love using these, as would I! I cannot wait to dive into them further. They are simple to use, encouraging, and did I mention-Beautiful? Their beauty will definitely light a fire to inspire your creativity!

Thank you, Ellie Claire Gifts, for these amazing art journals; they have been a joy to review ?

Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links; when you use those links you help support my family, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Chris Tomlin CD Review & Giveaway~ Holy Roar

by Meghan // October 29, 2018 // Comments off

If there is one thing I know can turn our day around, it is worshipping Jesus. We enjoy many of Chris Tomlin’s worship songs in our home, and his latest album Holy Roar is no exception. With a focus on the freedom and wonder of worship as a community, pouring out our praise in song, Holy Roar brings every voice together.

There isn’t a song on this album that the body of believers won’t resonate with in home, church, or the family mini van. 😉 Of course there is the radio favorite, Resurrection Power which reminds us all of the power of the Holy Spirit, alive in every believer. Our new family favorite is Impact– this is a request by all my children. No one ever expects the impact Jesus will have on their life, but once we’ve accepted Him, knowing the impact he has during worship and every day life is life changing. This song touches on that and the abounding emotions found within that understanding.

The raw I Stand in Awe, with Nicole Serrano, is probably one of my all time favorite worship songs now. Mapping out the milestones of the journey we take when accepting Christ, the questions, wonder, and absolute awe we have for Him, for his perfect love for us, the blessings He has already laid out for us, this song is just absolutely beautiful. How Sweet It Is (featuring Pat Barrett) is a favorite to begin our day. This song has a chorus so simple, yet so pure and truthful; when even my youngest children sing it as we begin our day, it is easy to see Jesus working right then and there. The title track, Holy Roar, is sure to be a regular in any contemporary worship line-up, and for good reason.

Buy your copy of Holy Roar HERE.

The rest of the album is more powerful worship songs which combined will be known as one of Chris Tomlin’s greatest works. Your family and congregation will love worshiping our Lord to Holy Roar.

A little background on Chris Tomlin,

Chris Tomlin is one of the most heralded singer-songwriters in the world who
has amassed an impressive body of work. He has sold more than 8 million
albums, 11.3 million digital tracks with 16 #1 singles. Chris is one of only four
artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over 1
Billion digital radio streams.

Enter below for your chance to win a copy of Chris Tomlin’s Holy Roar:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

A Living Book for Fall Nature and History Study: Indiana {a review}

by Meghan // September 21, 2018 // Comments off

We have reviewed By the Way books in the past, this time we were able to review By the Way Book Series: Indiana (Discovering Biblical Truth in Everyday Life).We have enjoyed it tremendously.

This book is part of a larger series of geographically based Christian worldview children’s books; it has most definitely sparked some interesting conversations in our family.

How We Used it and What We Think

The 48 page, full-color book is absolutely gorgeous (and ourcopy is signed by the author! insert googly eyes here!). The first thing I saw when I opened the book is the most gorgeous fall foliage spread with scripture… insert google eyes again. *love* This is perfect for our fall book shelf! And if ever someone wanted encouragement as a homeschool parent that the world is our classroom to be seen through our children’s eyes and with a filter of our faith, this book is it! (Thank you, Joy!)

By the Way Book Series: Indiana makes a note in the beginning that it is:

informative-put the wow in learning
integrated- science, geography, and history (and scripture/Biblical truths-score!)
intentional- God’s message is right there the whole way
inspirational- touching our children’s hearts and minds with God’s beauty

All the above are quotes or paraphrases from the introduction of the book, but I couldn’t describe it’s purpose or message better myself! It is such a rich addition to our home library. What is the best part? Probably the conversations we had while reading parts of it. The story allows you to pick the book up and begin on just about any page, while still getting so much from your reading; this allowed us to discuss the scripture on pages, how the animals or events on that page reflected that scripture, how they relate to each other and most importantly to us and our loving relationship with God.

This then became a conversation of all these things we see in our own world, our own back yard, on our farm, that make those same reflections. This week I heard one of my younger children trying to explain the Monarch butterfly’s “God given compass” from page 21, as we watched Monarch caterpillars on our milkweed plants.

There are fun activities such as finding specific animals and pictures (the 4 year old’s favorite) & learning how to geocache with links provided, as well as a precious story line that is sure to keep everyone’s interest. The illustrations are just beautiful, rich, and captivating, along with a little humor.

We still enjoy the Colorado book from the By The Way series (especially since we love visiting CO), but I *think* I may love this book even more. It is perfect for a fall nature study, history studies, and of course a state study. I think children of any age will enjoy the book; it can certainly grow with small children, while older children will enjoy all the information & beautiful illustrations/photography.

I cannot wait to add some of their state card packs from their website, and add more of this series to our home library.

Connect with By The Way

Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links; when you use those links you help support my family, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

My Favorite Things: August

by Meghan // August 14, 2018 // Comments off

This month I want to try to begin a series of posts about my favorite “things,” that help me in my family life, and thus homeschool life (because homeschool is our lifestyle, right?).

The Read Aloud Revival Premium Membership– I have heard Sarah discuss it on her podcast for ages. I’ve been a loyal listener for a few years, and never really thought the Membership applied to me. Our whole family life revolves around books, after all. Boy was I wrong! After a very hard summer (emotionally physically, mentally) for our family, I needed to simplify, set new goals for our homeschool, and get started FRESH. And I needed to do this without the drudgery of “too many things” on our to do’s. Just because it is good, beautiful, and wonderful doesn’t mean we have to cram it in right now. We have SO many days, so many weeks, so many month, and years to add in the many wonderful homeschool resources. They don’t all have to fit RIGHT NOW. (remind me of this in 3 months haha)
The Read Aloud Revival Book Bag– Nope, I am not being paid to tell you how much I love RAR. I just really do. And her book bag is no exception; beautiful, perfect for library trips, easy to load, strong, wide straps, lined with a zippered pocket … I could go on but I won’t. These make great gifts (I think each child will get one for Christmas because I love mine) and you get a discounted rate when you are a RAR Premium Members!
Thriftbooks– I love books. I love cheap books. I love cheap books that come in the mail.
Little Jewel Books– I wasn’t so sure what to expect with these, but I ordered 2 I thought we would like for our family. These are beautiful little books … really they aren’t so little. I have found them to be perfect for my almost 4 year old 3rd born who needs a little “help” remembering right from wrong. The covers are enticing, and the pages are really lovely. I can’t wait to order many more!

ducks swimming in the flooded chicken run

Rain- We have been in a pretty serious drought in our neck of the county since the winter. This month, however, mother nature has decided to bless us with something like 20 days of rain. I am *so thankful* for the rain! The pond my finally fill up this year, the grass and trees feel better, and the ducks are sure enjoying it!
Playing games- In our efforts to take a step back in everything, we have found our afternoons and evening usually empty, meaning we have time to play games as a family, crochet, and water color. Mostly, I play UNO with my son and oldest girl while the other do crafts, art, etc. It has been so pleasant!
Reading Aloud-We have finally found our groove for reading aloud again, and *it is perfect.* Even the 2 year old is getting better about being quiet so we can listen. Whew whooo!
More Free Time- did I mention we all have more free time now? Everyone is picking up books more often, playing outside more often, loving on the goats, playing pretend, climbing new trees MORE. It makes my heart happy, and I can already see a big difference in the kids’ emotionally without the stress of everything we had on our plates before.

What have you enjoyed most this month?

Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links; when you use those links you help support my family, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Fun Interactive Story Bible {with free app-a review}

by Meghan // April 26, 2018 // Comments off

Our children LOVE Bible stories, and Bible story books; one of the first books my oldest fell in love with was a Bible story book at the age of 3. Our family has gone on to enjoy several story Bibles over the years. We have been using Planet 316 Story Bible and the companion Planet 316 Story Bible App from Planet 316 and WorthyKids/Ideals.

The Planet 316 Story Bible is no exception to a great story book Bible, it is however different than other story Bibles! This is an interactive “come to life” Bible, when combined with the companion Planet 316 Story Bible App. It is easy to use, and fun for all ages! My kids are 7, 5, 3, and a toddler (who wasn’t usually around when we used this Bible because it was at the older’s bedtimes) and they all enjoyed the stories from the Bible, and also the interactive app on our ipad.

We simply open the app on our iPad or phone, point the screen at the page to be scanned, and the illustrations on the Bible page “come to life,” as my 7 year old says, or appear in 3D. The app works really well, we didn’t run into any hiccups; the scanner scans quickly and easily without any fuss. It really is fun to tap the different illustrations and hear them talk, or act out part of the story. The kids laugh and listen as illustrations run across the page (Jacob and Esau), as angels walked to heaven while Jacob snored (haha-Jacob’s ladder), and Joseph’s brothers plotted against him (Joseph’s coat of many colors). There are many beloved stories in the Planet 316 Story Bible, some many story Bibles don’t include (over 100 stories in all).

The language is written clear and sticks to true Biblical stories with no fantastical elaborations or emotions inserted into the stories (this is a HUGE criteria for both my husband and myself when it comes to children’s Bibles). The illustrations are beautiful and fun; most important in a children’s story Bible, they are memorable. The images help solidify the stories which lead to knowing Jesus as our savior, and the Planet 316 Story Bible definitely does justice to said stories.

One really big plus for our family is the diversity found in the illustrations- characters and angels all have different skin and hair tones; some are obviously due to the region in which they take place (Egypt, for example) while others seem to be selected more randomly? Regardless, it is refreshing to see different shades in a story book Bible that probably reflect a somewhat (more) realistic idea of the people at that time.

The Story Bible alone is wonderful, but when paired with the fun interactive Companion App, it is even better! I have no doubt that some of these stories are more memorable for my kids because they have seen and experienced a bit more of the story itself through the app. It has led to some really great conversations and discussions in our family at bedtime (Would Joseph really feel that way? Would you be scared to profess the meaning of dreams to the king? How would you handle a sibling rivalry that determined your future? What would Jesus tell him to do?).

Connect with Planet316

Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links; when you use those links you help support my family, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

ESV Illuminated {art journaling edition} Bible

by Meghan // November 23, 2017 // Comments off

As I’ve been pouring over some new books this fall season, one that landed on my counter *ehum* desk, was the ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition– Oh. My. This Bible features a refined and eye catching cover, along with gold edged pages, and beautiful art work.

This is probably one of the prettiest Bibles I have ever laid eyes on. On top of being just lovely and elegant, this Bible is a full ESV text, in 9 pt Lexicon font, spaced in single columns to allow room for note taking, journaling, art work, and any other praise you can put on paper.

There are over 500 hand lettered, gold inked illustrations by artist Dana Tanamachi; she has been featured world wide and is probably best known for starting the chalk-lettering trend that abounds. The Smyth-sewn binding fits the weight of this Bible perfectly, ensuring it will hold up to the years (and generations?) of use, art, and the love it will receive.

About 2 years ago I was introduced to Bible art journaling; it is a wonderful way to combine time with the Lord, worship, prayer, and any enjoyment for art/creativeness. Anyone can use this Bible but those that love to color, doodle, and relax through journaling, painting, and stamping, will especially enjoy combining one of the best translations (ESV), with their love for the Word. I hope to find time to create one journaling Bible for each of my children to have one day… I am working on the first for now. 😉

I’ve written in every Bible I have ever owned, because I like to make notes of new understandings, record how a verse or passage specifically affected and influenced my life at that time, and to document prayers. But most Bibles lack room for much prayer journaling or documenting. The ESV Illuminated Bible, art journaling edition, provides ample room for all of this and more!

Some of my favorite times in my Bible have been while I sketched out something that represented *to me* what a verse or passage was saying. Using different art mediums make it impactful, colorful, and memorable in a relaxing and a fun way.

If you are looking for a journaling, (or maybe you’ve filled one and are ready to move on to the next?), or a personal gift this Christmas season, the ESV Illuminated Bible is a breath taking Bible to use! In addition to what I’ve mentioned above, it features:

2- color printing
64 full page, book opener illustrations
50 full page verse illustrations
250+ hand lettered margin verses
100+ other illustrations throughout (such as florals, scrolls, etc)
gold edges and detailing
arrives with a permanent slipcase, perfect for storing and gift giving

You can read about Dana Tanamachi HERE, and see even more details, including images and video, of the ESV Illuminated Bible HERE.

One lucky winner will get a copy of their own- enter below to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

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