• The study Bible to keep near

    ByKristin books, faith, giveaway
    19 Comments

    Since 2015, I’ve studied the Bible through Precept studies with groups of women. Through these studies, I’ve learned to study inductively, appreciated word studies to bring deeper context to scriptures, and gleaned so much truth from Pastor David Guzik’s commentaries. 

    Other than the women who have walked through scripture and life with me, the BlueLetterBible app has been the best Bible study tool. That app is where I learned about David Guzik’s Enduring Word verse-by-verse commentary. When I saw the new Enduring Word Study Bible, I was thrilled and immediately shared it with my best Bible study friends. 

    Based on Guzik’s commentaries, this NKJV study Bible provides so much insight right alongside the Word of God itself. Features include introductions exploring key themes of every book of the Bible, study notes to help you explore the meaning of every chapter of Scripture, 400 application notes to help you live in light of God’s Word, 50 articles offering a deeper exploration of key topics throughout Scripture, and a concordance with more than 200 word studies.

    My group is finishing up our study of Galatians, and I’m excited to have this study Bible nearby to reference as I dig deeper into God’s Word and apply it to my life. 

    About the Bible

    The Enduring Word Study Bible invites you to experience the transforming power of Scripture with pastoral and practical commentary for every chapter of the Bible from pastor and Bible teacher David Guzik. His insights equip you to apply biblical teaching to your life, guide you through challenging topics, and strengthen you to navigate the storms of life with confidence and joy.

    This NKJV Bible officially publishes this week (Nov. 11, 2025) by Thomas Nelson. Like all things, you can purchase your copy on Amazon in hardcover or soft leather. Learn more about the publisher’s website. 

    About the author & editor

    David Guzik is a pastor, Bible teacher, and author of the Bible commentary used by millions at EnduringWord.com. David has been in Christian service for more than 40 years, including two church plants and more than seven years as a missionary in Germany, where he was director and teacher at Calvary Chapel Bible College. David and his wife Inga-Lill have three adult children and three grandchildren.

    Giveway

    And I have one brown leather version of the Enduring Word Study Bible to share with one of y’all. Share in the comments one of your favorite Bible study tools between now and Sunday, Nov. 16. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents. 

    Other resources

    In the photo, you’ll see some other Bible study resources I love, so I wanted to share some other tools, if you’re looking for ways to enhance your time in God’s Word.

    ***** 

    Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing this Bible for my review & giveaway. Opinions are 100 percent my own.

  • New Bible encourages creativity

    ByKristin books, giveaway, review
    10 Comments

    God created us to create, and this beautiful new Bible helps believers draw nearer to the Creator.

    The CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible has plenty of room for creativity while studying God’s Word with its wide margins, journaling space, and line-art illustrations throughout. The easy-to-read black, 9.5-point font is a single column.

    This Bible also includes two ribbon markers for easy referencing between pages, a concordance, a one-year reading plan, full-color maps, and a gift-giving presentation page. 

    I have the Cream LeatherTouch version – and it’s lovely! I typically take notes in book-specific journals as our church typically preaches straight through books of the Bible, but I could be easily convinced to start using this beautiful Bible. 

    With Mother’s Day and graduation approaching, the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible would make a wonderful gift for your loved ones, especially those who love to doodle, color, and take notes. 

    About the CSB Bible

    This Bible officially released this week (April 15, 2025) from Holman Bible Publishers. The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

    Order your copy of the large-print edition CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible and learn more at Lifeway. This beautiful Bible is also available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ChristianBook.com. If you’re looking for other gifts, shop for the entire family at holmangiftguide.com.

    Giveaway

    And I’ve got one to share with y’all! Enter by sharing a comment about what you’d love about this Bible or who you’d share it with. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents through Monday, April 21. 

    *****

    Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a free copy of this Bible for this review. These opinions are 100 percent my own.

  • Praying Through Loneliness

    ByKristin books, giveaway, review
    2 Comments

    I love Praying Through Loneliness: A 90-Day Devotional for Women compiled by author Kristen Strong – and not just because I have devotionals included! She put together a beautiful book of encouragement for anyone (and that is everyone) who has experienced loneliness.

    I have two devotions included: “Created for Communion with One Another” is based on 2 Corinthians 13:14, which says, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (Obviously, this was a major theme in my book, Created for Communion.) “Have Holy, Helping Hands” tells of how an impromptu prayer moment in a kitchen with other women reminded me of Exodus 17:12, which says, “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up – one on one side, one on the other – so that his hands remained steady till sunset.”

    And there are so many other good ones! Regardless of why, when, and how you’ve experienced loneliness, I trust this book will encourage you. It’s also a great gift to share with a friend who could use the truth in her life. 

    About the book

    Praying Through Loneliness is a compilation of stories from many women in all stages of life written to let you know that you are not alone in your sadness, frustration, or sense of rejection; when you feel jealous of other women’s friendships; in the pain of a friendship breakup; when you want to give up trying to connect again; or in your need to know that the Lord sees you in your loneliness, has a purpose for you during it, and won’t abandon you as you walk through it.

    This book doesn’t skip over the sadness and hardship loneliness brings. It doesn’t offer trite advice or give spiritual formulas to shortcut the slow work of friendship. Instead, it offers an empathetic and hopeful accompaniment in the dark night you are walking through.

    Each daily devotional includes a scripture verse, vulnerable story where questions and regret are seen through the eyes of Jesus who is always walking beside you, hopeful message, and meaningful prayer references for encouragement

    If you pre-order Praying Though Loneliness, you’ll get some goodies, including extra devotionals that aren’t in the book. And let me tell you a secret: One of those extra is also written by yours truly. The book officially releases Nov. 12, but you can pre-order it now from wherever you like to buy books, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

    Praying Through Loneliness is a 224-page paperback published by Thomas Nelson (Nov. 12, 2024). 

    About the author 

    Kristen Strong offers her two decades of experience as a constantly relocating military spouse and one decade as a settled civilian to address head-on the rising pain point facing women today in startling numbers: acute loneliness and isolation due to a lack of friends.

    Kristen has authored books including Girl Meets Change and Backroads to Belonging. She and her U.S. Air Force veteran husband, David, have three beloved adult children. Together this military family zigzagged across the country (and one ocean) several times before settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can find her at kristenstrong.com.

    Giveaway

    In the spirit of friendship, I’m giving away two copies of Praying Through Loneliness along with two copies of my own Created for Communion because the messages complement each other so well. This giveaway is open to any U.S. resident. Just say in the comments why you’d like this book and who you’d share a copy with. A winner will be randomly chosen on Friday, Nov. 8 and gets a set of books for herself and one to share with a friend. 

    *****

    I received some author copies for being part of this project, but I truly love it and appreciate Kristen Strong’s words and encouragement.