Perfect for journaling newbies!

4 stars

Collage this Journal by Eleanor Shakespeare

Art journaling is currently a very popular concept, but sometimes a blank notebook can be overwhelming and seem daunting in knowing where to start, especially for folks new to the concept. But this new book by Eleanor Shakespeare is set up beautifully for newbies, as well as long-term art journalers as it provides prompts on already full-colored creatively decorated backgrounds that just need personal touches with doodles, paint, markers, paper, or any other art media you wish. Some of the prompts include: “Who or what makes you laugh?,” “Collage yourself as a superhero,” and “What makes your heart sing?”

This collaging journal would make a perfect gift and creative outlet for any teen or artistic person who wants to capture things they love as well as dreams they have.

If there would be any suggestion in the future, it would be for the book be spiral or ring bound to allow for the addition of pasting items and adding art medium to the pages.

*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review.

Imaginative, multi-sensory Bible learning

4 STARS

REVIEW: The Play-Along Bible: Imaging God’s Story through Motion and Play by Bob Hartman and illustrated by Susie Poole

Being in ministry, I am always looking for new and innovative ways to get the Gospel message into the hearts of folks. And a new children’s Bible called The Play-Along Bible is trying to do just that by imagining God’s story through motion and play.

In Seminary in one of my Christian Education classes, I was reminded we all learn in different ways through multiple intelligences including learning through linguistic intelligence (spoken and written word), logical-mathematical intelligence (analytical), bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (using one’s body), spatial intelligence (using space), interpersonal intelligence (working with others), intrapersonal intelligence (knowing one’s personal capacities), naturalistic intelligence (knowing one’s environment), and musical intelligence. And when we combine these learning methods together with multiple senses, we are more likely to remember what we learn. That is what The Play-Along Bible, aimed for kids ages 3-6, is trying to accomplish through multiple intelligence and multi-sensory learning.

It takes 50 beautifully illustrated Bible stories and puts them together with actions and social interaction. For example: “Genesis 1:1-5: In the very beginning, everything was completely dark. You couldn’t see a thing. (Place your hands over your eyes. Shut them tight.) Then God said, ‘Light!’ (Say, ‘Light!’) And it wasn’t dark anymore—it was bright! (Open your eyes.) God called the light ‘day’ (Shout, ‘Day!’) and the darkness ‘night,’ (Whisper, ‘Night.’) And that was the first day. (Shout, ‘Hooray!’)”

I plan on using this children's Bible in upcoming children's messages at my church. I can't wait to see the kids learning about the Bible and engaging in the stories all while interacting and having fun.

*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my unbiased review.

Short & Sweet, but Impactful

4 STARS

REVIEW: Surprise the World! The Five Habits of Highly Missional People by Michael Frost

This book is short and sweet, and to the point. But if you live the 5 habits author Michael Frost suggests, it is sure to be impactful.

Frost’s missional habits are based on the acronym “BELLS”: Bless others, Eat with others, Listen to the Holy Spirit, Learn about Jesus, and be Sent into the world. And each chapter focuses on one of the habits and how the reader can form it in his or her own life.

One of the biggest takeaways from the book is how Frost says Christians should live “questionable” lives. What he means by that is if all believers are leading the kinds of lives that evoke questions from their non-Christian friends, then that opens opportunities for faith sharing. So, he says if a friend invites you to a bar, say “Yes.” That may draw some strange looks from others, but could ultimately lead to people asking you questions about your faith, which will allow you to share and surprise the world. It is a novel and offbeat concept, which is probably why I like it.

This book would work great with a small accountability group for those desiring to be more like Jesus.

*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my unbiased review.

It truly is lovely!

5 stars

Whatever is Lovely: A Coloring Book for Reflection and Worship By WaterBrook Press

Coloring books for adults is the new "it" craze. It seems adults are finding stress release and a new sense of relaxation in reverting to things they once did when they were kids.

However, there is nothing childish about this latest coloring book from WaterBrook Press. In fact, it is elegant. (If you can even say that about a coloring book!)

The artwork in this book is truly amazing and elegant, so much so that these pages could be framed after coloring. The weight of the paper has a scrapbook feel, almost like card stock. The only recommendation would be to make the pages perforated so they could be easily tore out. (Please consider that option on the next one, WaterBrook Press!)

Above this just being a pretty, the best thing about this coloring book is the focus on worshipping our Lord. Each page contains artwork along with a Scripture, hymn, or quote from a devotion, and the back of each page describes its meaning. So, while you color, you are entering into a holy time to sit still and contemplate and reflect on God. What a creative and powerful worship time!

I believe this would make a great gift!

For a preview of this coloring book, visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Whatever-Is-LovelySP11.pdf

*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review.

Let the designing begin!

5 stars

Design the Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building A Meaningful Future by Ayse Birsel

I have a background in graphic design, so this book intrigued me.

The theory behind the book is taking a proactive exploration adventure into who you are and who you want to become.

It includes deconstructing and breaking down all the parts that make up who you are in order to look at it from different points of view and create a new vision. Basically getting rid of what you don't want in your life and transforming into who you want to become.

And this book is an ongoing journey. The author asks you to only work on it 10 minutes at a time. So, don't plan to redesign your whole life in a week.

As a Christian, I was able to use this book as a chisel and tool to allow God to work in my life.

For more information on the author, visit http://www.aysebirsel.com

*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review.