Beyond Suffering Bible

We all know someone who is dealing with a disability, chronic illness, pain or some other form of suffering.  The Beyond Suffering Bible is the first study Bible to directly address those who suffer and the people who love and care for them. From bestselling author, singer, and radio host Joni Eareckson Tada and the experts at Joni and Friends Christian Institute on Disability, the Beyond Suffering Bible is filled with thousands of notes and features that invite readers into a conversation about suffering and its place in each person’s life. Each feature has been carefully created to provide readers with valuable information, meaningful encouragement, and challenging applications as they encounter God’s Word.

As I read through Ruth and Philippians, two of my favorite books of the Bible, it was full of notes on how God's word relates to our suffering and to be joyful even when life does get tough.
There are numerous articles such as: Why am I disabled?
                                                            How to be a loving friend to those affected by disability
                                                            Constant distraction - living with chronic pain
are just to name a few.

This Bible is not only lovely to look at and to read through, it is full of practical ways to reach those that are suffering, or for those who are caring for those who are suffering.

How do I know?  I know what it is like to be in the role of the "disabled" In January of 2015 I had to have emergency brain surgery, which I wasn't supposed to survive.  I did, but it cost me part of my vision and some multi-tasking issues etc.  Yes, I was blessed.   

As I read through and use this Bible, it helps to remind me that God has a purpose for what happened and that He will carry me through each day.

This Bible comes with high recommendation and sits on my desk and gets regular use every day.

an excerpt from the Bible:  

“Sometimes fear can cause us to hesitate, but we must remember this: When God orchestrates the events of our lives, understanding is optional, but obedience is always required. God chose Joseph and Mary to be the earthly parents of Jesus, just as he has chosen you to fulfill your responsibilities on the path your life takes, even if you never understand the why—or the how.” (“Mary and Joseph,” p. 1087)

The Beyond Suffering Bible

This Bible comes in hardcover, leather like and soft cover formats that are very attractive.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Getaway With God

Does the busyness and the pressures of the day make it hard?  Maybe you have considered a retreat but never knew how to find one or what type to go on.

oes it seem hard to find time to sit down with God?

In this book, the author Letitia Suk gives the reader options and guidance to discover retreats.  It not only explains how but why we need retreats.

At first look I thought that this book would be a personal retreat for me to do on my own time, but this is a great guide to find a type of retreat that suits you, as well as a guide in the back on how to find a retreat. 

I found this book to be a great help in realizing how important retreats are, and that they are invaluable for us to spend time alone with God.

Kregel Publishers

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Newton & Polly A Novel of Amazing Grace

This is a fictional novel, based on the famous John Newton and Polly Catlett.  Most people are familiar with the name John Newton, author of  " Amazing Grace"; one of the most well-known hymns that we sing today.

In this novel we are taken back to the the year 1742 when Polly and John meet for the first time.   We are introduced to each character and taken into their lives and read about the history that came to be.

From their chance meeting, into their relationship and through John's struggles to finally have a relationship with God.

Honestly, this is one of the best novels I have read this year.  It kept me captivated and wanting to read more about each character, drawing me into the lives of these two people.

The author has done thorough research and it shows in her writing.   There is also a reader's guide in the back that one could use this book for a group reading and discussion.

I recommend this book for anyone who likes historical, historical romance or would love to learn more about the man who wrote "Amazing Grace", and how the hymn came to be.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

She Reads Truth

This is an amazing book written by two women (Rachel Meyers and Amanda Bible Williams) that gives  the reader real life accounts on why we should depend on God and His Word.

The book will inspire you and let you know that you are not alone out there.  Everyone deals with something every day.

In one part of the book, the authors set the setting in a typical Bible study, where everyone chooses a mug.   Each woman has that mug full of life, and as they ask at the end of that chapter, "what's in your mug?"  A very good question and we know that no matter what life has in that mug for us, God is there with His Word, to help us and to keep us going.

A hardcover book, with an attractive linen cover, I would suggest this book for every woman to read.

You can also visit their website http://shereadstruth.com/ to find out more about the authors and to find a place to go and sit with your mug.


I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Fresh Infusion of Joy

Everyone is looking for joy in their life.  What a better way to find joy, than to look into God's word for the joy that we can take and enjoy every day.

This little book is packed with ways to enhance your life with joy.  Well written and a quick 5-minute read, you can find yourself infused with joy.

At the end of each reading, there is scripture to turn to and apply to your reading and your life.

With and attractive cover, and convenient size to carry anywhere.  This is a great devotional either for oneself or it could make a great gift.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

James – Faith Becomes Real

The book of James can be inspiring and often perplexing. This verse-by-verse journey illustrates James’s letter with both-modern day and biblical examples. By slowing down and focusing on each verse individually, it allows the reader to better understand what James meant and how it applies to today’s world.

In this book, the author  takes us through the book of James and educates us on how to apply those verses to our lives.

 The author brings a  very slow thoughtful approach to reading James  that lets the reader to completely appreciate all that James said and how it applied back then and how it applies now  in today's world.

A quick an easy read, the author has dissected James into  a verse- by verse section with a discussion at the end of each section.   It could be used as a 5-minute daily devotion.

More of a devotional, less of a commentary

I would use this as a supplement to a commentary, more of a devotional type of reading to help one enjoy the book of James.

The book of James can be inspiring and often perplexing. This verse-by-verse journey illustrates James’s letter with both modern day and biblical examples. By slowing down and focusing on each verse individually, it allows the reader to better understand what James meant and how it applies to today’s world.

In this book, the author  takes us through the book of James and educates us on how to apply those verses to our lives.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Boy Called Christmas

Matt Haig's A Boy Called Christmas gives us a possible story of Santa Claus's boyhood. Eleven-year-old Nikolas' his father; a poor woodcutter , Nikolas has a hard life, but he never complains. Living in the second-smallest cottage in Finland, he spends his time day dreaming of magical things - pixies and elves. Nikolas considers his father’s bedtime story the best part of his day. A small, brown mouse Miika, who dreams of cheeses of all types and forms, often sneaks into the cottage to share in hearing these stories. The two have very little possessions - Nikolas only has a turnip doll and a sleigh.

When the hunter, Anders, convinces Nikolas’ father to join a band of men seeking to prove the existence of Elfhelm and reap a large reward from King Frederick, Aunt Carlotta comes to care for Nikolas. However, her cruelty in forcing Nikolas to sleep outside and in failing to give him enough to eat result in his running away to find his father. Facing danger and bitter cold, Nikolas aids the reindeer Blitzen, removing one of Anders’ arrows from Blitzen’s leg .

. The two succumb to the frigid cold; Father Topo and his granddaughter Little Noosh, two elves, rescue them and take them to Elfhelm. Angered because humans have kidnapped an elf child, Father Vodol, the head elf and owner of the “Daily Snow” imprisons Nikolas and Miika. Sharing their cell, Nikolas meets Sebastian, a troll, and a Truth Pixie, who delights in using hewlip to make other people’s heads explode.

A daring escape allows Nikolas and Miika to track Joel, Nikolas’ father, and the kidnappers. After rescuing the elf child and returning him to Elfhelm, Nikolas makes the decision to remain there. The balance of “A Boy Called Christmas” follows Nikolas’ growth and integration into Elfhelm society, the creation of Santa’s workshop, and the legend of Santa Claus and his gift giving.

Chris Mould’s illustrations complement the story  of “A Boy Called Christmas” and are well done and appropriate for the 8-12-year-old. 

One thing we must remember  is that this is a fiction story based on the real-life St. Nicholas.  It is a suppostion. 

I personally really enjoyed this book.  It brings out to children that good does overcome evil.

Well written and very entertaining.   Any child will love this book.


I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.