Kaleidoscope Seeing God's Way and Wisdom in a Whole New Light

Patsy Clairmont's book on Proverbs was a very quick and easy read. Each chapter is short and to the point, which I found refreshing. Even though it is a book you could read in a sitting or two, it packs a powerful punch. I recommended this book to a friends who was looking for a personal bible study to work on in between bible studies at church. This would also be a great addition to one’s daily devotion time. This is not an in depth study of the book of Proverbs, but rather the author chooses a few of the wise teachings to focus on. I found the author’s take on some of the Proverbs to be fresh and informative. Personal real life examples make the lessons even more applicable and the timeless lessons of proverbs seem to take on new meaning. Ending each chapter are personal reflection questions that could also be used in a small group setting. This is the first book I have read by this author, and based on it, I am interested in reading her others. It is nice to add some humorous insight to bible study sometimes, an this is just what Patsy Clairmont does with Kaleidoscope.

66 Love Letters A Conversation with God That Invites You Into His Story

66 Love Letters by Dr. Larry Crabb is an awesome book! The author has taken such a unique approach to helping people understand God’s Word. Each of the 66 love letters is a summary of each book of the Bible, written as a conversation between the author and God. From Genesis to Revelation, Dr. Crabb gets straight to the heart of God’s message to his people. Meant to be a tool to use along with the Word of God, not as a substitute, this book helps take the confusion out of even the most difficult portions of the Bible. If you have ever felt like reading the Bible sometimes turns into a chore, something to check off your “to do” list, this book is for you. I am on a through-the-bible-in-one-year reading plan, and I know some days I have found myself reading just to get through. The most tedious parts, such as the requirements for the building of the Tabernacle in Exodus, I often skim over and don’t get much out of. The amazing thing to me about Dr. Crabb’s work is that he has taken even these “boring” parts of the Bible and boiled it down to the bare bones of what God is really communicating to us. I have found that reading this book alongside the Bible has made me reflect so much more deeply on what God is speaking to me. Oh, and don’t skip the Prologue or the “How This Book Can Speak To You” sections at the beginning of the book. The first is insightful and informative, the latter beautifully written. I found myself rereading portions because it spoke to me so deeply. Not a book to sit down and read in a few days, but one to take slowly and saver as the pieces of God’s story come together as your own.

"Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers" notes by Bobbie Wolgemuth

I am enjoying using the Mom’s Bible for my daily bible reading and devotions. It offers a nice change of pace from a more scholarly study bible. It is enlightening to try a different translation once in awhile and tends to make God’s word “fresh” after becoming familiar with a favorite translation. I usually read an NIV bible and this NCV is similar but different enough so that I am not anticipating the wording of each verse and it forces me to read more carefully, which is a good thing. I like that this bible, even though it is hardcover, is not too big and bulky to carry to church, yet has a nice size print that is easy to read. While each book does offer an introduction, I would prefer a little more information, such as the date the book was written and the original audience it was written to. I agree with other reviewers who have said it is not one I would use as a study bible. However, the focus of the notes, written by Bobbie Wolgemuth, is to highlight mothers throughout scripture, and it does a good job of this. It is interesting to contemplate familiar bible stories from a different angle. Spotlighting how women both in the forefront of these stories, and sometimes behind the scenes, fit into and contributed to the bible is fun. Also encouraging is to realize none of these biblical mothers was perfect, yet they were loved and used by God. My absolutely favorite part of this bible is the section in the back entitled “Answers to Questions Kids Ask”. This in itself is a valuable resource for moms who face never ending questions about all things, including God’s Word. Included are answers to such questions as “was Jesus really born on Dec. 25th?”, and “why can’t we see God?”. So helpful for a mom who wants to be biblically accurate in what she is teaching her children. Overall a great everyday bible for moms.