Thursday, September 30, 2010

September Favorites


These are my top reads of September 2010.

God's Mighty Acts in Creation by Starr Meade. 2010. Crossway. 112 pages.
A Girl Named Mister. Nikki Grimes. 2010. Zondervan. 232 pages.
Wildflowers of Terezin. Robert Elmer. 2010. Abingdon Press. 352 pages.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: God's Mighty Acts in Creation

God's Mighty Acts in Creation by Starr Meade. 2010. Crossway. 112 pages.

Looking for a book of family devotions? You should definitely consider Starr Meade's God's Mighty Acts in Creation. It's designed for use with children--aged 8 to 12. Forty-five messages all themed around creation--focusing on how God reveals himself through creation.

From "What We Can See In Nature"

Are you a nature lover? You may not think of yourself as a nature lover, but I'm sure you are. The word the Bible uses for nature is "creation." You yourself are a creature, a part of creation. You're probably glad that God created you! There are surely other parts of creation you love and enjoy: people, for instance, and horses and dogs and dolphins. If you appreciate any of those, you're appreciating God's creation. (10)
From "Take Off Your Shoes"

All creation should cause us to stop and take notice of God, because everything in it reveals something of God to us.... Even Christians take creation for granted and fail to notice God's revelation in it. In this book, we will practice "seeing." We'll consider each thing God made during the creation week, looking to see how it shows us something of who God is. But because creation is only "general revelation" and limited, we will also look at God's "special revelation," his Word, to see how God himself said these created things teach us of him. Our goal will be to develop the habit of looking at creation and "seeing" reminders of God, so that we'll take off our shoes and worship God for who he is and what he has done. (12-13)

Here's how the book is organized.
Creator and Creation: An Introduction (2 lessons)
Day 1: Light and Water (10 lessons)
Day 3: Land and Plants (10 lessons)
Day 4: Sun, Moon, and Stars (5 lessons)
Day 5: Birds and Fish (6 lessons)
Day 6: Animals and People (12 lessons)
Each reading is two pages; each includes an "As for me and my house..." extension activity. (Similar to Starr Meade's Bible story book, Mighty Acts of God.)

I really enjoyed this one! I think it would be great for Christian families. Also available, God's Mighty Acts in Salvation. (I hope to review this one soon!)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

A free study bible?!

A little while ago, I wrote a post about upcoming bible releases that I was excited about! One of those was the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible.

I bought a copy on Monday. And I am really enjoying it! Today, I learned that you can read this study bible online at mystudybible.com! It's still in beta at this point. But from what little time I've spent reading exploring it online, it seems like a great tool! And what a great way to introduce new users to this translation of the Bible! And a great way to "test" the study notes too!


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

HCSB Study Bible


A place to keep track of what I read in the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible

Written by Moses

1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy


OT Narratives

6. Joshua
7. Judges
8. Ruth
9. 1 Samuel
10. 2 Samuel
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra
16. Nehemiah
17. Esther

Wisdom Literature

18. Job
19. Psalms
20. Proverbs
21. Ecclesiastes
22. Song of Songs


Major Prophets

23. Isaiah
24. Jeremiah
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel

Minor Prophets

28. Hosea
29. Joel
30. Amos
31. Obadiah
32. Jonah
33. Micah
34. Nahum
35. Habakkuk
36. Zephaniah
37. Haggai
38. Zechariah
39. Malachi


NT Narratives

40. Matthew
41. Mark
42. Luke
43. John
44. Acts

Epistles by Paul 

45. Romans
46. 1 Corinthians
47. 2 Corinthians
48. Galatians
49. Ephesians
50. Philippians
51. Colossians
52. 1 Thessalonians
53. 2 Thessalonians
54. 1 Timothy
55. 2 Timothy
56. Titus
57. Philemon

General Epistles 

58. Hebrews
59. James
60. 1 Peter
61. 2 Peter
62. 1 John
63. 2 John
64. 3 John
65. Jude

Apocalyptic Epistle by John

66. Revelation

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Monday, September 27, 2010

MacArthur Bible (ESV)


A place to keep track of what I read in the MacArthur ESV Bible.

Written by Moses

1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy


OT Narratives

6. Joshua
7. Judges
8. Ruth
9. 1 Samuel
10. 2 Samuel
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra
16. Nehemiah
17. Esther

Wisdom Literature

18. Job
19. Psalms
20. Proverbs
21. Ecclesiastes
22. Song of Songs


Major Prophets

23. Isaiah
24. Jeremiah
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel

Minor Prophets

28. Hosea
29. Joel
30. Amos
31. Obadiah
32. Jonah
33. Micah
34. Nahum
35. Habakkuk
36. Zephaniah
37. Haggai
38. Zechariah
39. Malachi


NT Narratives

40. Matthew
41. Mark
42. Luke
43. John
44. Acts

Epistles by Paul

45. Romans
46. 1 Corinthians
47. 2 Corinthians
48. Galatians
49. Ephesians
50. Philippians
51. Colossians
52. 1 Thessalonians
53. 2 Thessalonians
54. 1 Timothy
55. 2 Timothy
56. Titus
57. Philemon

General Epistles

58. Hebrews
59. James
60. 1 Peter
61. 2 Peter
62. 1 John
63. 2 John
64. 3 John
65. Jude

Apocalyptic Epistle by John

66. Revelation


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Why Christians Need Speak...

If you follow many book blogs--especially blogs dedicated to YA books--chances are you've heard about the latest issue with Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. The author, I believe, first mentioned this last Sunday on her blog. Speak is one of three books mentioned in Wesley Scroggin's article "Filthy Books Demeaning to Republic education." (The other two are Twenty Boy Summer and Slaughterhouse Five.) You can read my review of Speak, Twenty Boy Summer, and Slaughterhouse Five. (Though I definitely wouldn't recommend Slaughterhouse Five to just anybody. It doesn't seem like the best fit for required reading.)

I didn't post about this earlier because it's overwhelming to approach it.

Should I mention how silly and ineffective it is to try to ban books? How it only makes the book more appealing? (Not that a book has to be "banned" or "challenged" for it to be appealing. But I do think some readers pick up a book just because it has been banned or challenged.)

Or I could talk about how it is just wrong, wrong, wrong to want to ban any book for any reason. I'm not saying every book is appropriate for every reader. I think there's a BIG difference in saying a book is a good fit for the school or public library and a book is a good fit for required reading within a classroom.

I could talk about the distinction between a parent's right to be involved with their own child's reading (which I support) and the parent's "right" to interfere be involved in other children's reading (which I don't support). If you don't want your child reading a book, that's one thing. If you try to tell other parents, teachers, librarians that you don't want ANY child to be able to read a book, that's another. That's overstepping it.

I could talk about the importance of context. How important it is to judge a book as a whole. How seemingly "offensive" things can seem in isolation. How tallying up "bad" words doesn't really give you a clue to the book's quality. Why it is so important--as a reader--to ask WHY.

I could talk about how important it is for people to have the freedom to read anything.

I could talk about my mixed feelings on required reading. How difficult it is--at times--to like anything you're required to read. How many good books are wasted because they're forced onto unwilling readers.

But. I think I'll talk about assumptions. How very easy it is to make assumptions. To make quick judgments. To assume that you know everything, and others know nothing. To assume that you're always right about everything. To assume that you have enough knowledge--enough wisdom--to know where another person is coming from. As Atticus Finch wisely tells his daughter,
"If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view" (30).
There are plenty of people in Melinda's life who think they know her. People who are quick to judge her. People who are quick to label her as this or that. These people are quick to act on those judgments, assumptions. It's not just that people think of Melinda in a certain way. They talk about her. They shun her. They bully her. They want Melinda to feel bad about herself, to feel "properly" punished. The adults aren't much better. A couple of adults in particular seem just as mean, just as prone to bullying.

There are very few people in Melinda's life--teen or adult--that seem concerned--thoughtfully and prayerfully concerned--for her. Very few who question why this young woman has stopped talking. Why her grades are falling or why her behavior has changed so much in the past year. Melinda is troubled. But who is there for her? Is there anyone who sees her? Who really and truly sees her? Who seeks to understand? Who seeks to listen? It seems that Melinda is easily dismissed, ignored.

Yes, it is important for Melinda to speak, to find her voice. But it's also important for her to be heard.

I believe that Speak is a book that everyone should read--teen or adult. Perhaps Christians should ask themselves how good they are at seeing the world around them. Of seeing the needs of others. Of listening--really listening--to people. Are you seeing the world through His eyes? Are you being his hands and feet? Are you loving the "least of these"? Are you spreading God's grace through compassion? Are you treating others with respect and dignity? Are you treating others the way you would want to be treated? Or are you among the first to judge, to throw stones?

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: A Girl Named Mister

A Girl Named Mister. Nikki Grimes. 2010. Zondervan. 232 pages.

Her mom may call her Mary Rudine, but everyone else calls her Mister. Mister's a good girl--a Christian girl--sings in the church choir, loves volleyball. She has a best friend, Sethany, she tells all her secrets to. But things change when she meets Trey.

Things start off safe--and pure. Trey and Mister go on group dates--often at the church, or with the church youth group. But soon that isn't enough for Trey. And well, Mister, has to admit being alone with Trey feels right. Yes, she knows that being alone with him might lead her to temptation. Might lead her to have second thoughts about her commitment for purity. But. She does it anyway.

One time. Mister has sex with Trey just one time. But that was all it took for a new life to form, and for one teen's life to change forever.

Mister struggles with the guilt and shame of being a pregnant teen. She struggles with the truth. She tries to deny the pregnancy--for a time. But she is relieved to find comfort and support not only from her mom but from others in her church as well. She also takes great comfort in reading a book of poetry--a book she borrowed from her mom. A book of poems about Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Readers read not only the contemporary story of Mister but Mary's story as well. It imaginatively examines what it might have been like for Mary. Yes, readers may be familiar with the Christmas story. But have you really, really thought about what it might have been like for Mary and Joseph?

A Girl Named Mister is a verse novel. I enjoyed both Mary's narrative and Mister's narrative. I loved how Mister finds grace and peace in the gospel, in the church. I loved how she was able to turn this experience into a growing one--growing closer to her mother, growing closer to God.

Soft
Soft as fleece,
God's forgiveness
falls over me
like a quilt,
and this time,
I let it smother
my guilt.  (145)  

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week in Review: September 19-25


This week I read

Luke 6-11 in the Common English New Testament
Matthew 5-12 in the ESV MacArthur Study Bible

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Book Review: A Hope Undaunted


A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman. 2010. Revell. 505 pages.

Boston, Massachusetts, May 1929

Now this is how love should be--nice and neat.

A Hope Undaunted is the first novel in Julie Lessman's new series, Wind of Change. But in many ways it isn't the first of anything. For it continues the story of the O'Connor family, a soap-opera drama first begun in A Passion Most Pure. (The second and third novels are A Passion Redeemed and A Passion Denied.) Honestly, I'm not sure how you would make sense of this one if you weren't familiar with the Daughters of Boston series.

A Hope Undaunted stars Katie O'Connor, a young woman coming of age at a crazy time in American history. Katie definitely is a BIG believer in women's rights. She has ambition; she has a plan. She wants to be a lawyer. But that isn't enough, she wants to be a congresswoman too! Marriage is part of her plan. But he must be rich, ambitious, powerful. When we first meet Katie, she's sure of herself, of what she wants. And one of those wants is Jack Worthington.

But one too many broken curfews leaves Katie uncertain of many things. Her father refuses to let her see her boyfriend, Jack. He's refusing her law school, too, unless she volunteers her summer to helping the less fortunate. She'll be working at the BCAS--Boston Children's Aid Society. She'll be working for Luke McGee and Parker Riley. And she clashes from the start with one of her bosses.

Of course, that could be because there's a history between the two...and an undeniable attraction. Parker warns Luke again and again that it's unwise, unprofessional, to fall in love with Katie. But. Luke just can't help himself. Can Katie?

I would say that A Hope Undaunted is complex, but that's not quite true. It's not so much complex as it is packed with dramatic twists and turns. It's a soap opera with many characters, many stories.

If you enjoyed Lessman's Daughters of Boston series, chances are you'll enjoy this one too. But. I feel A Hope Undaunted is messier than Lessman's previous novels. Because this isn't just a chaotic story of Katie's romances (in and out of the office). No, it's a family drama. Readers become a little too acquainted with previous characters. Marcy and Patrick (the parents), Faith and Collin (oldest sister, brother-in-law), Charity and Mitch (second sister, brother-in-law), and Lizzie and Brady (third sister, brother-in-law). Add in two more brothers--Sean and Steven--with six grandchildren (I'm not sure if they're all clearly named and properly identified), and a couple of family friends like Emma, and you'll see why the plot becomes a bit too tangled. I'm not saying it is unrealistic, necessarily, because life is messy and families can be a bit chaotic.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Love's First Bloom


Love's First Bloom. Delia Parr. 2010. Bethany House. 32o pages.

Ruth Livingstone had very little time left to change her father's mind.

Widow Ruth Malloy has come to the village of Toms River, New Jersey, with a toddler, Lily, in the spring of 1838. Welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Garner, she finds a new beginning. But adapting to that new life--new in so many ways--isn't an easy task. New name, new identity, new child, new job. (She's helping Mr. Garner in his apothecary shop.) Ruth needs an escape sometimes. If only there was a place she could go to be alone...

Jake Spencer is also new to Toms River, New Jersey. He's just settling in when he discovers a woman in his garden. The woman, Ruth, is just as surprised at the intrusion. She thought the cabin was abandoned.

Can these two find a way to compromise? To share a space? It won't always be easy. Because both Ruth and Jake are keeping secrets. Not only from one another, but from the whole town.

Ruth is struggling with so much. Her father has been arrested for murder. She seems to be one of the few who believes wholeheartedly in her father's innocence. And instead of being there for him, she's been sent away--having to keep up with the trial and its aftermath through newspapers. Oh, how Ruth HATES, HATES, HATES newspapers and reporters. And when reporters come to town trying to track Ruth Livingstone down, she feels so vulnerable, she doesn't feel safe leaving home.

Jake has struggles of his own. His own past he's trying to redeem. When the time comes, he'll have a BIG decision to make.

Just one kiss.
One soul-wrenching kiss.
That was all it took for him to know there would not be another time or another place for him to fall in love.
The time was right now.
The place was right here.
And as much as he had tried to deny it, he knew in his heart that Ruth was the only woman he would ever love, just as he knew that by loving her, she was the one woman who could cost him the one thing he so desperately wanted to achieve: his redemption. (257)
I enjoyed Love's First Bloom. I liked both Ruth and Jake. The story, while predictable in places, was well told. And it wasn't without a few surprises. I liked that!

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Book Review: In Every Heartbeat


In Every Heartbeat. Kim Vogel Sawyer. 2010. September 2010. Bethany House. 352 pages.

Don't you dare cry.

Libby Conley, Pete Leidig, and Bennett Martin are three friends attending the same college, the fall of 1914. Libby dreams of being a journalist. (And she's looking for a shortcut or two). Pete has wanted to be a preacher for years. And Bennett. Well, Bennett's good at many things--very athletic, very popular. But, truth be told, he's just waiting and hoping for a chance to be a soldier. Though the war in Europe has just gotten started, he's hoping that the United States will join sooner rather than later.

The book is narrated by all three. These three share a deep bond because they all grew up together, grew up as orphans. Though technically Pete has parents. They just happened to kick him out when he was a young boy. Which led to a tragic accident. But. That's Pete's story to tell.

The main story? Pete loves Libby but he feels called by the Lord to preach--and Libby is a bit too worldly to settle down with. Libby loves Pete but she wants to travel the world and be a journalist. She loves Pete. But. She feels the need for some independence.

In Every Heartbeat is a novel that I didn't connect with. Perhaps because it's the second in a series. Perhaps because I wasn't in the right mood for it. On another day, maybe I would have liked it better. Or maybe it's just a bit too much. It seemed to go in a dozen different directions. Just when I felt comfortable with where it was going, it shifted focus entirely. This kept happening which made me a bit frustrated. (Though I was VERY relieved it didn't spend more time on baseball. There was one chapter early on that bored me with its endless details on one baseball game in particular.)

I guess my biggest problem with In Every Heartbeat is the characterization. I had a hard time believing in these characters. And there were a few scenes where I just wanted to slap whoever was speaking. (In particular, the scene where Libby's article is rejected.)


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Fall into Reading 2010


Challenge-Specific Post for Signing Up (To Come Soon)
Challenge Basics
September 22 - December 20, 2010

I hope to read eight to ten books for Fall Into Reading 2010. I hope to read a blend of fiction and nonfiction books.

What I Plan to Read:

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr
In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson
While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin
The Evangelicals: What They Believe, Where They Are, And Their Politics by Christopher Catherwood
God's Mighty Acts in Creation by Starr Meade
God's Mighty Acts in Salvation by Starr Meade
The Deep Things of God: How The Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders
Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas


What I Read:

1. In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer
2. Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr
3. A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
4. Dark Sons. Nikki Grimes.
7. A Girl Named Mister by Nikki Grimes
8. Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson
9. The Evangelicals: What They Believe, Where They Are, And Their Politics. Christopher Catherwood.
10. While We're Far Apart. Lynn Austin.
11. Snow Day. Billy Coffey.
12. The Road to Paris. Nikki Grimes.
13. What Good is God? In Search of A Faith That Matters. Philip Yancey.
14. Cottonwood Whispers. Jennifer Erin Valent.    




© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Sunday Salon: Week In Review: September 12-18


This week I...

finished Hebrews in the Common English New Testament
read Luke 1-5 in the Common English New Testament
read Matthew 1-4 in the ESV MacArthur Bible

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, September 18, 2010

New Bibles for 2010

I love the Bible. I do. I love reading different translations, different study Bibles, different devotional Bibles. I think Bibles make great gifts--for birthdays, for Christmas, for any occasion really. Here are a few 2010 releases. I've not tried to be completely comprehensive. Are there any new releases you're looking forward to?


MacArthur Study Bible, ESV -- August 2010


Product description:

First-Edition Formats Releasing August 2010

  • Complete ESV Bible text
  • Nearly 25,000 explanatory notes from Dr. John MacArthur
  • Bible text in 8.7 point type, 7.6 point study notes
  • More than 140 two-color maps, charts, timelines, and illustrations
  • Complete introductions to each Bible book
  • 80,000 cross-references
  • An extensive concordance
  • A section of full-color maps
  • Bible reading plans
  • Concise articles on “How We Got the Bible” and “Introduction to the Bible”
  • Crossway’s lifetime quality guarantee on all leather and TruTone® editions


In His Image Devotional Bible NLT -- November 2010

From the Back Cover:

Are you becoming the person God made you to be? Is God’s presence in your daily life as real as you’d like it to be? Do you find the busyness of your life crowding out your relationship with God?

The In His Image Devotional Bible guides you through daily, life-changing interaction with God. The features in this Bible focus on passages that highlight His attributes and names so you can develop a deeper, richer, life-changing understanding of who God is. As you do, you’ll find yourself being renewed, energized, and transformed. Inside this Bible you’ll find . . .
  • 270 Prayerful Readings invite you to quiet your heart and listen to what God is saying to you through His Word and by the power of His Spirit.
  • Response to God Articles turn the focus from God’s attributes to what they mean for your life.
  • God’s Names and Titles feature clarifies the meaning of the original language and offers a related application.
  • Knowing God Articles explain God’s attributes, helping you understand the big picture of his character and what a biblical relationship with him should look like.
  • Book Introductions provide insight into how God’s attributes and character are revealed in each book adding a new depth of understanding to your study.
  • Reading guides and indexes help you get the most out of In His Image.
Get to know God at a deeper level. Let him change you from the inside out.

You’re holding the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. An authoritative Bible translation, rendered faithfully into today’s English from the ancient texts by 90 leading Bible scholars. The NLT’s scholarship and clarity breathe life into even the most difficult-to-understand Bible passages—but even more powerful are stories of how people’s lives are changing as the words speak directly to their hearts. That’s why we call it ‘‘The Truth Made Clear.’’

The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible, NKJV -- September 2010

Product Description:

Discover the life-enriching biblical application you're searching for in The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible.

With more than 1,000 "Life Lessons" offering insights straight from Max, the message of God's Word will be more meaningful and impactful than ever.

This beautifully designed Bible contains practical application drawn from Max Lucado's entire career—from his first book to his latest release, Outlive Your Life. For the first time, all the devotional material in this fully-revised edition of The Inspirational Study Bible is from Max Lucado and uses the popular and reliable New King James Version translation!

A perfect companion for Max Lucado's Outlive Your Life DVD-Based Study (9781418543945).

Bible readers will:

  • Gain a unique, inspirationally focused view of Scripture
  • Experience God's interaction with people like themselves
  • Acquire new perspectives from the devotional insights of Max Lucado
  • Shine a light on "the map that leads us to God's highest treasure"

A perfect companion for Max Lucado's Outlive Your Life DVD-Based Study (9781418543945).

Features include:

  • More than 1,000 insightful Life Lessons
  • Christ Through the Bible sidebars
  • Topical Index
  • New King James Version Text
START! The Bible for New Believers. Edited by Greg Laurie. October 2010.

Product Description:

A brand new life of faith begins when we place our trust in Jesus Christ. Start is the perfect Bible for new believers or believers who want to learn more about their faith. Ideal for introducing new believers to the Bible, Start focuses on basic discipleship with articles and devotions on subjects including prayer, Bible study, church involvement, sharing your faith, and discovering God's will. Core biblical themes are introduced at basic levels of theological sophistication and presented in very simple language.

Features include:

  • Features include:

    Grow entries, revealing key disciplines of the Christian life.

    Know articles, exposing the core beliefs of Christians.

    Live messages, focusing on various aspects of salvation.

    Learn notes, providing mini-commentaries on key passages for spiritual growth.

    Topical Index to articles and Scriptures

    Greg Laurie’s Secrets to Spiritual Success


KJV 1611 Bible / NKJV Bible: 400th Anniversary Commemorative Set -- November 2010

Product Description:

Celebrate 400 years of biblical tradition with this special boxed set!

This 2-volume boxed set includes the 1611 edition of the King James Bible as well as a commemorative edition of the New King James Bible.

The KJV 1611 edition has the authentic spellings, capitalization, and punctuation used by the 1611 translators themselves, before centuries of changes began to occur. Set in roman type for easier reading, it includes the original notes, references, and books of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, as in 1611. The NKJV Bible is a single-column text, for easy reading.

This premium box set makes a wonderful gift for anyone who loves the legacy of the Bible.

Features include:

  • The most authentic text of the 1611 King James Bible available
  • Commemorative insert booklet with more information about the history of the Bible and the KJV
Also available, KJV 1611 Edition (Hardcover)

Family Reading Bible -- NIV -- July 2010

Product description:
If you are one of the millions of Christian parents looking for a way to engage and understand the Bible together as a family, The Family Reading Bible is the Bible to meet your needs. Throughout the development of this unique Bible, the special content (reading paths, questions, fun facts, and more) was tested by Christian families just like yours, who provided insightful feedback and help in order to make this Bible useful for you and your family in everyday life. The Family Reading Bible is designed to help parents use the Bible itself as their family devotional tool. A reading system with three easy-to-use paths allows parents to accommodate children of various ages and stages. Readings of manageable length along with age-appropriate, engaging questions will encourage and maintain your kids' interest in God's Word. The Family Reading Bible is the perfect tool for parents in their role as the spiritual leaders of their home. CORE FEATURES 1) Three reading tracks: * Track 1: Short Path---for families with tight schedules or children under 9 * Track 2: Long Path---for longer devotional times and children over 9 * Track 3: Off the Beaten Path---provides an opportunity for creative exploration of various topics of the Bible such as the Christmas story, Angels and Demons, Kings and Queens, and other fun topics. 2) The Family Reading Bible is arranged in standard Bible order -- Genesis to Revelation -- but you'll be reading the Bible stories and events in the sequence in which they occurred. Example: when a reading about David in 2 Samuel is connected to a Psalm David wrote, you will be directed by page number to a devotional reading from that Psalm. You will then be returned by page number back to the next reading in 2 Samuel. 3) Brief summaries connect reading passages to provide continuity and understanding 4) Engaging, relevant fact and discussion questions written for children at various learning levels 5) Trivia facts keep both kids and parents engaged.

HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) -- October 2010

Product Description:
HCSB Study Bible Developed in direct response to what consumer focus groups asked for, only one study Bible delivers more than you'd expect-right where you'd expect it.
When reading a passage in the Bible, you shouldn't have to wonder where to find supporting reference notes and commentary that go along with it. That's why the "HCSB Study Bible"-featuring approximately 15,000 study notes-is designed so that every clarifying resource is there on the same page spread as the biblical text to which it refers. You'll never again forget what you were looking for, because the pertinent note, map, chart, word study, or illustration is already there. And when an even deeper view is desired, there are also introductions for each book, outlines and timelines, a concordance, and more. For the growing believer whose desire is to know Scripture more intimately and live out its loving instruction, the "HCSB Study Bible "always keeps you and God on the same page.
  • FEATURES 290 word studies
  • Four-color presentation pages
  • 141 photographsTwo-column text setting
  • 62 timelines
  • Two-piece gift box (non-hardcover)
  • 59 maps
  • One-year Bible reading plan
  • 24 articles
  • Center column references
  • 16 illustrations/reconstructions
  • Topical subheads
  • 15 charts
  • Black letter text

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Friday, September 17, 2010

Common English Bible (New Testament)

A place to keep track of what I read in the Common English Bible (New Testament)


NT Narratives

40. Matthew
41. Mark
42. Luke
43. John
44. Acts

Epistles by Paul

45. Romans
46. 1 Corinthians
47. 2 Corinthians
48. Galatians
49. Ephesians
50. Philippians
51. Colossians

52. 1 Thessalonians
53. 2 Thessalonians
54. 1 Timothy
55. 2 Timothy
56. Titus
57. Philemon

General Epistles

58. Hebrews
59. James
60. 1 Peter
61. 2 Peter
62. 1 John
63. 2 John
64. 3 John
65. Jude

Apocalyptic Epistle by John

66. Revelation


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Book Review: More Than Words


More Than Words by Judith Miller. 2010. Bethany House. 368 pages.

"Come down from that tree, Oma!" I'd done my best to sound firm.

Historical fiction. Amana Colonies, Iowa. 1880s.

Gretchen, our heroine, has a busy life. She helps her father with the general store. She tries her best to 'mother' her younger brother, Stefan. She is also responsible for taking care of her grandmother, her Oma. And since Oma has dementia--it's a job with no end. But. No matter how busy her life may get, Gretchen, finds time to write. She journals and writes poetry. Not every one notices this--Gretchen's special gift. Many just take her for granted. Not noticing the things that make her special, unique. But. There is one man (at least) who notices.

For better or worse, Gretchen's life is changed one year when an outsider, Mr. Finley, comes to town, comes to her father's store. A salesman more interested in getting acquainted with Gretchen than in selling his merchandise. A man who claims he's interested in joining the community. But is becoming a part of the Amana community really what he's interested in?

And then there are the visiting gypsies....her brother and grandmother can't resist visiting the gypsy camp every chance they get. It doesn't help that neither are supposed to. That Gretchen feels responsible for them both.

Can Gretchen find some peace in her life? Can she find love?

I didn't enjoy this one as much as Somewhere to Belong. But I didn't dislike it. I just found it a bit predictable in places. It didn't help that the publisher gave too much away in their description! True, I might have been suspicious of Mr. Finley's intentions anyway. HOWEVER. I did enjoy Conrad very much.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Sunday Salon: Week in Review September 5-11


This week I finished several books!

Galatians,
Ephesians,
Philippians,
Colossians.

All in the Common English Bible New Testament.

I've also started Hebrews. I've read Hebrews 1-6.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Book Review: The Thorn


The Thorn. Beverly Lewis. 2010. Bethany House. 352 pages.

At times I wonder what might've happened if I'd gone with Mamm that damp, hazy morning eleven years ago.

The Thorn is the novel of two sisters: Rose and Hannah (Hen). Set in the 1980s. In Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The first in a trilogy.

Hen chose to marry an outsider, an Englischer, Brandon; they now have a little girl, Mattie Sue. But after several years away from her community, her family, Hen is having second thoughts. She is saddened by how her marriage has turned out. Frustrated at how her husband wants to raise their daughter. He does not want his wife, his daughter, to have anything at all to do with the Amish. (How could he not want his daughter to know her grandparents?) She wishes her daughter were more obedient, more respectful. Wishes her daughter had never, ever been exposed to Barbie dolls, MTV, or Madonna. So she's struggling to find her place...

Rose, the younger sister, is still part of the Amish community. She's already been baptized into the community, the church. While she doesn't question her faith--her place within the community: she has no desire to see the outside world, the modern world--she doesn't always keep all the rules either. For one, she enjoys spending time with Nick, the foster son of the bishop. Secret time. Sometimes they ride horses late at night. Sometimes they go on walks. She knows that many would disapprove of this alone time, but she considers Nick one of her best friends. Even though he's an "outsider." Even though most consider him a rebel. But just because she enjoys spending time with Nick doesn't mean she isn't interested in courting an Amish man. She is thrilled when Silas Good asks her to be his girl.

Two sisters struggling with love, life, and family.

I liked this one. I liked both Hen and Rose. Nick reminded me of Heathcliff. Not in a bad way. Not in a completely selfish, self-destructive way. Just in his brokenness, I suppose. Silas was a bit underdeveloped in my opinion. And Brandon. I had more than a few issues with him!


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Monday, September 6, 2010

On Christian Music


I wanted to share a link to Carrie's post at Reading To Know called Musical Theology. She writes about how frustrating it can be to listen to Christian radio. How some of the songs being played are just not theologically sound. Or perhaps to phrase it better theologically questionable.

I've never been a fan of Christian radio--I'll clarify, I've never been a fan of Christian radio stations playing Christian music--rock (whether hard or soft), praise and worship, rap, alternative, pop, etc.

But. That doesn't mean I don't listen to Christian music or that I'm not a fan of "Christian" music.

I've listened to Christian music for most of my life. (Not exclusively listened. But listened to some degree.) I definitely have favorites. I definitely have standards--theological standards--I apply to my music.

What I've learned is that it is not a matter of "genre" within Christian music. It's also not a matter of age, of "new" versus "old." You can find theologically questionable hymns in your hymnbook too. You can find questionable praise songs that have been sung in and out of churches for decades. Just because it's song within church doesn't mean you shouldn't take the time to examine the lyrics carefully and thoughtfully. Just because it's sold by your local Christian music store doesn't mean that it's theologically sound.

There are some great musicians, artists out there. There are good and bad examples in every "genre" within Christian music. And it isn't always fair to judge an artist by one song that they sing. Keep in mind that the artist isn't always the songwriter. And that some lyrics are a matter of interpretation. And perhaps most importantly not all matters of theology must be agreed upon. (Though the basics, the essentials, the heart-and-soul of the gospel message is a different story.)

So these are some of my favorites...

Caedmon's Call. I love, love, love Caedmon's Call. With songs like "Only Hope," "You Created," "Hands of the Potter," "Standing Up For Nothing," "Thankful", "Mystery of Mercy," "Before There Was Time," "God Who Saves," and "God of Wonders."

Andrew Peterson. I love, love, love Andrew Peterson. In fact, he'd probably top my list of favorites--in ALL genres of music. Some of my favorite songs? "Just As I Am", "High Noon," "The Silence of God," "No More Faith," "Loose Change," "The Chasing Song," "Faith to Be Strong," "So Long, Moses,""Behold the Lamb of God," "More," "The Far Country," "All Shall Be Well," "Mystery of Mercy," "All Things New," "The Good Confession," and "In the Night My Hope Lives On."

Steven Curtis Chapman. Some of his albums I listen to more than others. His "Beauty Will Rise" album is so very, very amazing. I would recommend it to just about anybody. I won't list favorites from all his albums. But I will mention "With Hope," "Burn the Ships," "Remember Your Chains," "God is God," "Not Home Yet."

Casting Crowns. Especially their first and second album. (I just haven't listened to their other albums as often.)

Newsboys. I love, love, love Newsboys. They've got some great lyrics hidden in some of their songs. (Like "Who?" from their Greatest Hits album).

dc Talk's Jesus Freak album.

Rich Mullins--The Jesus Record, and Songs 1 and 2. (I love, love, love "Creed," "We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are," "If I Stand," "My One Thing," "Bound to Come Some Trouble," and "Hold Me Jesus."

Chris Tomlin. All of his albums are good. "Indescribable," "How Great Is Our God," "Your Grace Is Enough," "Mighty is the Power of the Cross," "Holy is the Lord," "Come Home Running," etc. Too many to list...

"My Jesus" by Todd Agnew

"God Shaped Hole" by Audio Adrenaline. (Without a doubt, my favorite, favorite Audio Adrenaline album is UNDERDOG. I just love, love, love that album.)

"Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice

"What's Wrong With the World" by Shaun Groves. (Oh, how I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one! And his "God of Us" is so very, very beautiful.)

"Aslan" by Kendall Payne

Theology DOES matter. At least to me. How about you?


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Music Review: Slugs, Bugs, And Lullabies



Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies. Andrew Peterson and Randall Goodgame. 2008. 41 minutes.

I will do my best to put into words how much I love, love, love this CD. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I mean I love, love, love Andrew Peterson. And I've never been disappointed in any of his projects. So I had high hopes for this one. And wow, what a great album this is!!!

It is a children's album. But I don't think you *have* to be a child to love this one. (Perhaps just a child at heart.) Eighteen songs--well, seventeen songs and a very cute, very sweet poem (Up). You'll find a blend of silly, sweet, catchy, and thought-provoking songs. (Yes, there are a couple of songs that make you think--deeply--about God, about faith. Not all the songs are 'religious' however. Plenty are just silly, silly, silly.) Some are fast; some are slow.

Here's the video for God Made Me. (One of the catchiest tunes from the album.)


  • Stop
  • Post Office
  • Piggy Little Toes
  • God Made Me
  • Dreams
  • Bears
  • Who's Got The Ball
  • Up
  • Tractor Tractor
  • Chicken Wiggle
  • Beans
  • Tiger
  • The Boy Who Was Bored
  • You Can Always Come Home
  • May the Lord Bless and Keep You
  • Beautiful Girl
  • My Baby Loves to Dance
  • Settle In, My Child, and Sleep

Favorite silly song? Hard to choose between Bears, God Made Me, and Piggy Little Toes. (I loved Dreams too.)

Here's "Bears" live...


And a live version of "Piggy Little Toes"


Favorite lullaby? I loved May the Lord Bless and Keep You, Beautiful Girl, You Can Always Come Home, and My Baby Loves to Dance.

You can order the album from the Rabbit Room or on Amazon.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week in Review: August 29 - September 4


This week I finished two books!

Romans in the Common English Bible New Testament
Matthew in the Common English Bible New Testament

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Friday, September 3, 2010

Book Review: Wildflowers of Terezin


Wildflowers of Terezin. Robert Elmer. Abingdon Press. 352 pages.

Hanne Abrahamsen awoke with a start in the middle of a bad dream, something about being in nursing school once again and a man who looked like Adolf Hitler (but with the face of a codfish) announcing at her graduation that she was a Jew, and didn't everyone already know that?

Historical fiction. Set--for the most part--in Denmark during World War II. It stars a Jewish nurse, Hanne, and a Lutheran minister, Steffan Arne Petersen; the war brings these two together in unexpected ways. Steffan NEVER thought he'd be part of the Danish Underground. Never thought he'd be part of the Resistance. But. When he meets Hanne, when he learns what the Nazis have planned for all the Danish Jews, well, he has to do something. Still. It didn't have to be so personal. But Hanne is a remarkable woman. Brave and compassionate. Always thinking of others.

This was a great book! True, I am always seeking out new (and new-to-me) books set during this time period. So it was an easy choice for me. I loved how the story is told through dual narrators. I loved both Steffan and Hanne. It was an interesting novel--very intense but not over the top. Both characters surprised me!

I would definitely recommend this one!

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible