Forever Beloved

Faith, Love & Truth

The Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible {Book Review}

The Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible
by B & H Publishing

About the book:

The Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible combines two hot trends: Bible journaling and adult coloring. Through unique illustrations included on every page spread, readers, illustrator’s, and notetakers alike learn to engage the biblical text in a new way. The exceptional design offers a unique balance for everyone from seasoned artists to the creatively challenged, allowing for guided creativity and meaningful personalization of the Bible reading experience. From filigree, Scripture quotes, and unique images, these line-drawn illustrations are waiting to be brought to life.

One thing I’ve always loved since I was little is coloring.  As I got older, it changed into other artistic outlets like scrapbooking, card-making and art journals.  When I saw this Bible combined all of those things, I lept at the chance to review it!

This Bible has over 600 drawings and verses, filigree designs, swashes and doodles.  Some of the designs span two pages, while others are only one page.  It has wide, lined margins on the pages which is perfect for art journaling or note taking during sermons.  The pre-drawn designs are a light gray color and easily covered with pencils or markers.

I have used markers, watercolors, watercolored pencils and colored pencils in this Bible and the pages withstood all of it.  I was really apprehensive to use watercolors and markers, afraid they would crinkle or rip the page or bleed through.  But to my excitement they didn’t!  You can see the examples of what I’ve done below.

Adult coloring books are a hot trend right now.  You can find adult coloring books for just about any theme.  It relieves stress, relaxes you (read this as puts me to sleep) and helps you focus!  What a better way to relieve stress than coloring in your Bible!

I have to say, the creative lettering pages are my favorite.  I’m a sucker for great fonts and love mixing them.  The lettering in the Bible is superb!

And for those of you who don’t feel you’re artistic enough for this Bible, don’t worry, there are many designs already on the pages!  All you need to do is color them in.

B & H Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review.

Snuggle Time Psalms {Book Review}

Snuggle Time Psalms
By Glenys Nellist
About the book:

Did you think the book of Psalms was only for adults? Think again! Snuggle Time Psalms, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the poetry book of the Bible. This padded cover board book uses simple concepts, rhyming text and adorable art to help children engage with the Psalms. Beginning with “Bedtime Peace” and ending with “Wonderful Me!” this collection of fifteen bedtime poems enables young children to discover the One who holds them in his arms, leads them like a shepherd, created them just as they are, and cherishes them with a love that never ends … snuggle and see!

When my Sunday School littles hear me say I have a new book for us to read, they instantly run to my bag to see what magic it holds.  As soon as they saw this book, and the adorable cover, I heard immediate shouts of now, now!

 
This cute little board book is just the perfect size for little hands!  The illustrations are just precious. There are fifteen bedtime prayers that will bring the psalms into your little ones life.  Each page contains a psalm paraphrased for little ones. Some of the words seem challenging or difficult for young children to understand but I just took that as an opportunity to explain the word in terms they would understand.  I had their undivided attention throughout the entire story, they loved it!
This book was provided to me free of charge by Book Look in return for my honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Voiceless {Movie Review}

When I was contacted by Icon Media and asked to review a movie for Christian Cinema, I leapt at the opportunity.  Once I read the film synopsis, I was completely drawn in and couldn’t wait to watch it.  And I was blessed to have a private screening of Voiceless!

As someone who has not only a strong opinion on abortion but also had their life spared by adoption, I can testify that the movie hits home. What they are telling us is it’s time to take a stand for the voiceless! As I’ve said before, we must stand for life. We must be a voice to the nations. If not us, then who? Who will speak out for these little ones?

In the myriad of pro-life films, Voiceless stands out as…well, first and foremost, it stands out. Whether by accident or design, the story of Voiceless is unlike any other movie in the mini-genre of films that speak out against abortion. The recently discharged soldier who had a rough upbringing, found God and now is running a community outreach program; his wife who, in the end, has to take a step of faith and stand beside her husband; and the teenage girl that has to choose between having her baby and getting kicked out of her home or having an abortion.
 
There were so many powerful key points made in the movie.  What it means to be pro-life, taking a stand even when you’re the only one standing, reaching out to broken people even when it’s messy, a church more concerned with numbers and appearing politically correct and following a convicted heart.
There was one quote in the movie that really struck me and left me wondering if we as a Christian community, and myself as a Christian, are doing enough to stand for the voiceless.  

The church has become more like a lamp tucked under a basket than a pillar of light on top of a hill.

In life, we have to make choices and they aren’t always easy.  In Voiceless, Jesse had to make a choice.  Is he going to take the easy way out and back off, which is what everyone wants him to do, or will he face a major confrontation which will require him to put everything on the line…not just his job, but his freedom and marriage as well.

And last but not least, faith. Voiceless is filled with the theme of stepping out in faith!  That through Him, we have strength.  The entire movie spoke so loudly of Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Voiceless is gripping, emotional, touching and quite powerful. It displays a perfect amount of love, faith, devotion, and strength. It gives a voice to those who have yet to be heard.

In theaters October 7

Voiceless is a good message-movie, and it makes its case smoothly and clearly, but it’s also an excellent drama. This is a movie that can be recommended for all ages!  I simply cannot say enough great things about this movie!  

Special thank you to Icon Media for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own personal opinion.