The Henry Morris Study Bible

I really had no idea what to expect when I received this beautiful Henry Morris Study Bible in the mail from Master Books.

I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.

And it came at the perfect time as it is a great supplement to my current journey of reading through the Bible cover-to-cover in 90 days. (As I write this I am 1/3 of the way through the entire Bible...it is Day 30 for me! Yes, I am a tiny bit behind, but will catch up this weekend. No pressure in this effort, but blessings are abounding as I continue to read God's Word so thoroughly.)

Oh, and no, I did NOT read through the entire Henry Morris Study Bible in 30 days, nor could I in 90 days. That is in no way the intention of it. It is a study tool and a wonderful reference at any time.

Now, what makes this 

Henry Morris Study Bible 

so unique and special?

Yes, it is special because it is so FULL of helpful annotations that it is VERY thick...BUT there is much more about it that makes it so special and unique as well.

Who is this "Henry Morris" anyway?

Well, in the words of John MacArthur, Dr. Henry Morris (founder of the Institute for Creation Research) was "our generation's foremost spokesman for biblical creationism."

And I will share a bit more with you about the late Dr. Morris and why as his life's work he compiled this study Bible, in his own words as stated in the amazing Introduction to The Henry Morris Study Bible.

Neither ignorance nor arrogance is appropriate armor for the Christian soldier.

It is with such admonitions in mind that I have undertaken the challenging task of preparing the annotations for The Henry Morris Study Bible. As an engineering scientist who has spent many years among the skeptical intellectuals of the academic world, I have felt very keenly the need for this kind of Bible study tool "in the defence and confirmation of the gospel" (Ph 1:7), and have therefore spent many, many hours in the study of Christian evidences and the scientific integrity of Scripture.

More importantly, every day for over 60 years has been partially devoted to the study of the Bible itself. The result has been a deep and settled conviction, stronger every year, that the Bible is indeed the very Word of the living God. Its histories are authentic, its science is accurate and far in advance of its times, its practical wisdom for daily living is unexcelled, and its insights into the human heart are profoundly perfect for every need. Furthermore, its own internal structures, as well as the claims of its authors, provide endless evidences of its divine inspiration to all who study it with open mind and heart. "Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name," the psalmist testified (Ps 138:2).

As you may see by Dr. Morris' quotes, he preferred the King James Version of the Bible and therefore  The Henry Morris Study Bible is in the King James Version.

The Annotations, or explanatory notes and commentary are so vast (due to the 60+ years of Dr. Morris' research and study) that some pages are almost all commentary, as you can see in the following pictures.

Genesis 1:1&2 plus explanatory notes on the word "God."

Genesis 1:3-8 plus explanatory notes

John 15:2-16:2 with red letters indicating Jesus speaking plus explanatory notes

I must add that as a student of the Bible, I firmly believe in relying on the Holy Spirit of God as your primary teacher and guide to understanding God and His Word. However, commentaries and explanations from trusted and wise Bible scholars offer an immense depth and multi-faceted understanding of often difficult topics. Again, though, we should test everything and not just take it at face value (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).

Another rich benefit of this study Bible is the twenty-two Appendices he added to the end of it. They include such topics as:

- Authenticity of Biblical Text
- The Logic of Biblical Creation
- Outline of Earth History as Revealed in the Book of Genesis
- Bible-Believing Scientists of the Past
- Science and the Scriptures
- Quotations from or Allusions to Genesis in the New Testament
- Fulfillment of Biblical Prophecies
- "I AM"---The Eternal Self-Existent God
- Prophecies Fulfilled at the First Coming of Christ
- Creation and Consummation---The Book of Revelation
- The Creationist Faith of our Founding Fathers
- Addressing Alternate Explanations for the Age of the Earth

Without quoting the entire Introduction, Annotations, and Appendices to you, I can safely say that this  Henry Morris Study Bible is an invaluable resource for all Christians---those who firmly believe as well as those who doubt. 

But, I won't stop there. 

I challenge those who do not believe in God and/or do not believe in His Word---The Bible---to peruse this study Bible and some of the annotations and appendices that address some of the reasons you do not believe. If you do this, I invite you to come back here and share with me how those explanations have affected your thinking.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from New Leaf Publishing Group. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review. 

Treasures of Healthy Living by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey

Doesn't that cover just look delicious and fresh and inviting?! 

(Maybe it's because I'm hungry...no, it really does look scrumptious!)

As soon as I read about this book I was intrigued to discover what it had to offer. And upon receiving it and delving into it, I have been in no way disappointed.

Treasures of Healthy Living by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey is actually more of a study than a book. As a matter of fact, I plan to try to go through this study with a couple of people whom I know have a major interest in eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle. I really cannot wait to dig into it with them! I think they are going to love it just as much as I do.

This 12-week study is one of the most holistic health and wellness guides I have ever seen. Not only does it focus on giving the reader very practical guidance in food selection and consumption, but it also connects foods and lifestyle with our God and His Word. It is truly amazing to see how much He has to say in His Word about food and eating and drinking as well as health and well-being.

To give you an idea of the vast array of foods discussed in this book, I will list the chapters for you here:

1. Treasure of Health (intro embarking on this treasure hunt about health)
2. Beverages (includes water & The Living Water, milk, juice, and others)
3. Grains (including bread & The Bread of Life, whole grains, seeds and nuts)
4. Vegetables & Fruits (focuses on color as well as gardening)
5. Herbs, Spices, Oil, & Vinegar (focus = flavor as well as herbal medicine)
6. Protein & Meat (overall discussion about meat, beef, and protein)
7. Fasting & Self-Discipline (God's design & benefits of fasting & self-control)
8. Sweets (WooHoo! My fave! Okay, really, it's the good & bad about sweets.)
9. Environment & Toxins (focuses both on recognizing toxins & on allergies)
10. Stress & Forgiveness (Yes, those two go hand-in-hand at times!)
11. Exercise (Caring for your body as the temple it is w/physical & mental exercise)
12. The Fullness of Christ & Health (Joy, laughter, & practical action plans!)
13. APPENDIX (Action Plan, Daniel Fast Journal, Health Assessment, & Results of My Hunt)

So, what do you think? 

Are you as intrigued as I was?

If so, I highly recommend getting a copy of Treasures of Healthy Living by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey as well as its companion books (which I plan to get soon also): the Treasures of Health Nutrition Manual and the Healthy Treasures Cookbook.

Sooo, will you join me on a journey to discovering and utilizing the Treasures of Healthy Living in many ways: by using this study guide, by exercising more (as I have recently started doing) & especially by reading through God's Word from cover-to-cover?

I hope you will! 

Please let me know how this is all going for you!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Glass Road PR. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.

The Complete AQUARIUM Adventure by Merilee and Bill Clifton

I'm so excited! 
I just can't hide it!

We're going to the AQUARIUM this weekend!!!

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas down here in New Orleans to be exact.

Oh yeah! Oh yeah!

I am even more excited because when we go we will be taking along our "field trip in a book" called The Complete Aquarium Adventure by Merilee & Bill Clifton.

What a cool and complete book this is! 

My state bird! The Brown Pelican! I see this bird often.

It is arranged in a tabbed format so that it is divided in sections for "Before the Aquarium", "At the Aquarium", and "After the Aquarium." Additionally there are tabs within the "At the Aquarium" section for various Sea Animals and Birds and other Sea Creatures that you will see at the aquarium. Each section has vibrant photos and brief, concise, but thorough content to read about the specific topic of the section. The coolest thing to me, of course, is that the content is Bible-based and helps me to teach the Truth about these creatures regarding how they were intentionally designed and created by God - not just a product of random, unplanned evolution void of a Creator.

The Tool Kit treasure chest in the back cover

And finally, after its "Appendix" tab, The Complete Aquarium Adventure has inside its back cover a special "Tool Kit" resembling a treasure chest. And treasures truly are to be found on the inside! I think second only to the content this tool kit is my favorite part of this book. It has several special cards in it designed for using at the aquarium as games to play along the way. One set is for playing a special form of BINGO in which you mark off each space as you find its creature somewhere in the aquarium. Another game in the Tool Kit is an alphabet-based game in which you write the name of the creature you find at the aquarium if its name begins with the specific letter of the alphabet on the line you still need to fill in.

Look at the treasures awaiting you inside the Tool Kit!

One tiny critique just to keep it real is that the little pieces of velcro used to close my little Tool Kit will not stay on. The glue that holds them onto their respective cardstock paper portions had loosened itself by the time the book got to me in the mail. (I DO live in HOT, HUMID Louisiana, by the way...go figure! Guess all glue is not made to withstand our wonderful temperatures. No biggie to me.)

Anyway, as you can tell, I do love this book and highly recommend it. They even have a similar one for zoo animals called The Complete Zoo Adventure by Dr. Gary & Mary M. Parker.

Does either of these sound like something 

you or someone you know may want?

Guess what?!

Yep, it's that time again!!!

#TeachtheTruth Twitter Party!

Giveaways & FUN Galore!

If you don't have a Twitter account, 

it's easy and FREE to get one.

(Click HERE to read Michelle's post that gives 

a great description of how to participate in a Twitter Party.)

Date: Thursday, June 21st

Time: 8pm Central (lasts between 30 minutes & 1 hour)

Hashtags: #TeachtheTruth (entire party), 

#tttrollcall 

(to check-in & say Hi when you first join the party)

Who to follow on Twitter: @MasterBooks4u & @mamahall

Prizes include: Welllll...I think you need to come join us to 

find out what exciting prizes you might win! 

One HUGELY EXCITING hint I CAN give 

is that this time there will be a 

Kid and Parent Grand Prize that you don’t want to miss!

(Is "hugely" a word?...)

Spread the word and come join us!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from New Leaf Publishing Group. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.

What are you doing this summer?

Got any plans for the summer?

I imagine you have a few.

If you're like me, work is a big, necessary part of those plans---though some fun and relaxation is mixed in there as best as possible.

You know another thing that is in my plans?

Beginning June 1st, I am going to {try to} 

read the Bible cover-to-cover in 90 days! 

{No, you did not hear that wrong---I did not say in One Year---I said 90 days!}

Care to join me?

I dare you!

Seriously, there are many reasons why many of you have no interest in doing this with me. 

• Atheists or Agnostics - Why read a book you feel is completely fiction, fantasy, and even ludicrous for so many people to place such staunch "faith" in?!
• Why not? 
• Read it so that you can have more ground to stand on when you state why you don't believe it.
• Read it to understand the thinking of those who place faith in it so that you can better understand them.
• I challenge you to read it along with me. Don't stop. You can make it through 90 days cover-to-cover if you just go straight through.
• Other non-Christian faiths - Again, why read a book that though it may put forth good principles in many areas, it also goes against what you firmly believe in and hold dear?
• Why not?
• See above "Why not?" points.
• I read portions of the Qu'ran, after all. Not so that I would be converted to Islam (I wasn't), but just to understand more about those Muslim brothers and sisters whom I care deeply for and long to understand more.
• Christians - You may read the Bible every day. You may not. You may be on a One-Year-Through-the-Bible reading program with which you may be doing well, but then again, maybe not. How in the world could you possibly read the entire Bible through in only 90 days when you struggle to get through it in one year?!
• You can do this.
• You need to do this.
• I challenge you to do this.
• Again, as above,  I challenge you to read it along with me. Don't stop. You can make it through 90 days cover-to-cover if you just go straight through.

Now, are you wondering how I am even going to attempt this crazy feat?! (I did not say I would succeed, but I most definitely am attempting it.)

Well, go check out this weblink for more details, but let me just say it was not my idea.

As a matter of fact, this idea was born in the mind of an agnostic.

Yes, you heard that right.

A committed agnostic, Ted Cooper, at 43 years of age decided in 1999 to read the Bible for the first time in his life. As he states, he (along with his wife) was "happily agnostic" and had determined to just read this book that he felt so strongly was basically hogwash.

He decided if he was going to get through it, he had to do it quickly---not over a year. So, he realized if he read only 12 pages a day as if he were reading a novel, he could get through it in 90 days. He did not set out to stop along the way and study it. He just set out to read it. And so he did.

I'll let you go to his website HERE to find out 

what all occurred during and after his reading. 

So, with that little bit of background, I invite you---rather I challenge you---(no matter what your faith or lack thereof) to read the Bible with me in 90 days.

I do need a little encouragement and arm-in-arm support 

along the way, you know. 

So will you, I imagine.

If you are even considering this, you can even purchase a Bible Mr. Cooper had formatted specially so that it would perfectly go along with his 12-pages-a-day plan if you like. (It is a regular NIV Bible just structure to be read from Genesis to Revelation at the rate of 12 pages per day. Nothing too unique beyond that.)

OR if you would prefer to use your own Bible or even an online Bible like BibleGateway.com or YouVersion or many others---you can just follow along with Mr. Cooper's reading plan in this bookmark-formatted checklist: http://www.biblein90days.org/attachments/contentmanagers/1760/b90orgbookmark.pdf

So, join me today!

I'll be checking in along the way periodically. 

I hope you will do the same.

Paper, Rock, Scissors by Leslie Lamb

Wow!

That Leslie Lamb is one powerful, bold weaver of teen fiction!

A while back, I had the privilege of reading and reviewing Lamb's first book and first book in this planned series, Kiss, Bang, Boom!


That book introduced the three main characters she plans to complete a series about; namely three teenage girls names Zella (Book One), Celeste (Book Two), and Oona (Book Three).

So, after having read Kiss, Bang, Boom! Book One - Zella's Story, I just couldn't take the suspense and had grown to know and love the characters...so I just HAD to purchase for myself and read Paper, Rock, Scissors. Book Two - Celeste's Confession.

Let me just say---if you have any teenage girl or young adult girl in your life, please get these two books for them (and the third once it is written and published)! I will suggest based on the reality of the content as it focuses on teenage life pressures in our current day, I would not recommend this one for the pre-teen age range. However, it may be just what some of them need as well. Maybe get it and read it for yourself then see what you think.

In Paper, Rock, Scissors, Lamb further delves into the daily life, choices, and effects of choices made in Celeste Cooper's life. The fictional teenage girls and their families draw the reader in and cause us to truly connect with them and their honest, common struggles. Celeste, specifically, is a girl who seems to have it all together in spite of growing up without a father. However, she draws much of her self-worth and happiness from the handsome, loving young man in her life. She does love God and live for Him...or at least she THINKS she loves God and she lives for Him when it is convenient.

BUT...her belief in Him, her trust in Him, her love for Him and her living for Him...let's just say that all gets HEAVILY tested in this honest reality of a teen / young adult life story.

Truly, mine did in those years---why wouldn't Celeste's?!

Without giving away the story as well as the unfolding of it, let me just say that Lamb is not afraid to be real with the young people of our day (and even the not-so-young like myself). She is real in a way that needs to happen in order to wake these young people up to the effects that common decisions will have on their life and the lives of those around them.

And one more thing I have to say to Leslie Lamb, the author---Way to leave a girl hanging, Les! Now you just HAVE to write that Book Three: Oona's Story!!! And I better be among the first to know when it's out!

I hope you will consider this series for any and all of the young females (and even males) in your life. You may just need to read it for yourself as well---not just as a filter, but as a faith-strengthener.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book myself, so I do not need a disclaimer. The fact that I purchased it does not guarantee a favorable review.

Step Away from that Diet by Sundi Jo

I have this friend.


Her name is              Sundi Jo 
/sun-dee-jo/.

She is a tremendous inspiration to me in many ways---only one of which is the amazing success at weight loss she has experienced.

Yes, Sundi Jo Graham weighed in at 330 pounds a very sort time ago. In 2008 at the age of 25, to be exact.

Today, after a life change I will have to let her tell you about in her FREE eBook Step Away from that Diet, at the age of 28 she is 145 pounds lighter!

Is that inspirational or what?!

Even more of a tug on the heartstrings is her story about what has gone on in her life as she shed the pounds. She didn't just lighten her physical load; her mind and heart are much lighter and more free as well.

If I tried to tell you everything practical as well as everything thought-provoking Sundi Jo shares in this eBook, well, I would give away the whole thing. And, I have no reason to do that, because you can get the whole thing yourself for FREE by clicking right HERE!

I am at that point in my life where this book, Step Away from that Diet, came along at just the right time (just as Sundi Jo did in my life).

Maybe you are, too.

So, what's stopping you?! It's FREE!

You don't have an eReader? No problem! It's in a PDF format that is set up similar to a PowerPoint, so it is compatible with both your computer and your eReader and is VERY easy to navigate and read on either. Plus, it is formatted in a very nice, quick-reading way that allows you to just get to the meat of her message.

Trust me, you will be doing yourself and others in your life a BIG favor by reading this little eBook!

Check it out for yourself right now...don't wait any longer...CLICK HERE to download it NOW!

You'll be glad you did.

Thank you, Sundi Jo for sharing your heart and story so honestly and practically with me and so many others. Many blessings to you, friend!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Sundi Jo. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.

Ten Steps to a Closer Walk with God by David Showers

Have you struggled along in your journey of trusting in God yet longed to be closer to Him?

Are you feeling pretty secure in your relationship with Jesus, but wondering how you may be able to draw even closer?

Do you feel completely distant from the God you once firmly believed in and loved strongly?

If you resonate with any of the above questions, then you will likely resonate with the reason David Showers wrote his book Ten Steps to a Closer Walk with God.

As a matter of fact, let me let him tell you a bit about why he wrote this book:

So many times in my life I've wanted to grow closer to God, but for some reason I kept hitting walls. Why is it I have such difficulty with my faith growing when I want it so badly?

After years of reflection, I've figured out that it isn't one single obstacle I had to overcome, but many. I've also learned that I will never accomplish my goal of being as close to God as I desire. I've come to realize that my relationship with God is ever-changing and growing. As with any relationship, it takes time, dedication and trust for it to blossom.

So, with prayer and the Word of God, Showers set out to write this book both for himself and for others. He compiled a list of things he struggled with in his walk with God---things which he says he felt stood between himself and God.

That list became the chapters of Ten Steps to a Closer Walk with God. Check them out here and see if any or all of them resonate with you.

1. GIVING UP CONTROL
2. LEARNING TO TRUST
3. DEALING WITH DOUBT 
4. FINDING FAITH 
5. UNDERSTANDING FORGIVENESS 
6. UNDERSTANDING HUMILITY 
7. MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE 
8. GOD WANTS US TO BE HAPPY 
9. FINANCIAL FREEDOM 
10. REVERENCE FOR GOD

As I read through this book, I found many nuggets of inspiration as well as several scriptures quoted throughout it. Additionally, Showers is impressively honest with his thoughts and emotions in a way that most readers will find welcoming and very easy to relate to. He does not pretend to be perfect nor have everything all figured out. He is just sharing what he has learned on his journey of growing closer to God. He even shares many of the deep things he has struggled with off and on throughout that journey.

I will say that some of what he shares reveals that he and I differ on some theological points, however ultimately we are siblings and sojourners together in the family and body of Christ. Our hearts are united in our love for Jesus and our desire to point others to Him as long as we remain on this earth.

I am so thankful to David Showers for sharing his book Ten Steps to a Closer Walk with God with me and blessing me with the privilege of reading it and sharing it with anyone who may come across this review of it. If you are able to grab a copy of it, I pray it enhances your walk with the Lord and I hope you will come back here and share your thoughts!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from David Showers. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.