39. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. Sara Brunsvold. 2022. 361 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Clara Kip had prayed repeatedly to die in Sao Paulo. It truly seemed the smallest of requests. People died in Brazil every day. What was one more? Especially one who had dreamed of the country most of her life. The Lord, however, gave her Kansas.

Premise/plot: Mrs. Kip (Clara Kip) is dying make no mistake about it. This contemporary Christian read opens with our main character entering hospice care and checking into a nursing facility. But in her few week(s) left, she's going to continue to impact the world. She's still got love left to give until her very final breath.

Aidyn Kelley is a newbie reporter who is looking for her "big break." Having won an award for her writing in college she feels entitled to be a big shot in the newsroom. But. That's not how life works. Still, her boss (not the BIG boss) is giving her an assignment. To the outside world and even to Aidyn herself this assignment feels like punishment. Write an obituary for an old woman????? Really???? That's the big break???? Aidyn is told to go and visit Mrs. Kip, to get to know her...

The two slowly but surely come to an arrangement. Aidyn tells an inventive, creative "extraordinary" death story and Mrs. Kip will in return answer three questions truthfully. After a very bumpy introduction, these two soon become good friends....

Readers learn--even before Aidyn--how EXTRAORDINARY Mrs. Kip's life actually is/was. 

My thoughts: I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. Without a doubt my most favorite of all time contemporary read in Christian Fiction. I love how UNapologetic it is. Mrs. Kip is a LOVING, kind, WISE woman of God. All of life's hardships and sorrows, all her losses, all her unanswered prayers, etc. have taught her that the JOY OF THE LORD IS HER STRENGTH. I love how her story unfolds. I love the flashbacks. But most of all I love the present-day-scenes. I love her witness. I love her testimony. I loved every moment of this one. It was BEAUTIFUL. It was PRECIOUS. 

Could it perhaps trigger some readers????? Perhaps. Mrs. Kip is dying of CANCER. And it's hard not to have a personal story, a personal connection. Readers may be reminded of their own [painful] losses. But this one is SO beautiful. Even if you have to read through tears, I think the story is a thousand times worth it.  

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2022 Weekly Bible Reading #43

Bible reading week of 22 - 28 October 2022.

I finished the NASB 1973 Bible this week. 

• Psalm 107-115
• Proverbs 22-23
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Malachi
• Revelation 14-22

I am reading the BSB (Berean Standard Bible) for my Daily Offices from the Book of Common Prayer

• Psalm 107-138
• Proverbs 22-28
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Daniel
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Acts
• Luke 1-20

Darby (Power 60 Reading Plan)

• Psalm 86-150
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Songs
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah 1-4

NIV 2011

• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah (2)
• Malachi (2)
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Romans

I have TWO ongoing year-long 30 Day MacArthur plans going. 

• In October, I will be reading 1 Peter 1-5 for thirty days: CSB, RSV, ESV, ESV, NASB 95, NASB 2020, RSV,
• In October, I will be reading Isaiah 49-54 for thirty days: CSB, RSV, ESV, ESV, NASB 95, NASB 2020, RSV

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

38. The Florence Legacy

The Florence Legacy. Lauraine Snelling. 2022. 400 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Breeanna Lindstrom stared at the envelope in her hand. Probably a thank-you note since it was from Jade's husband. Tears immediately burned her throat and leaked from her eyes. How she missed Jade.

Jade left three friends ten thousand dollars apiece so they could take a dream vacation to Florence, Italy. Breeanna [or Bree], one of our two protagonists, is super-excited about the trip. Even in the midst of her family's messiness, she's still super thrilled to be getting away from it all. [One child is expecting a new baby soon. Her other child is drowning in debt and homeless.] She's also started seeing her best friend's brother-in-law. [They meet at the funeral of her best friend's husband.] He gives her lessons in Italian. The other protagonist, Pierre-Rene Dubois, besides being a love interest, is getting ready to start up his own business, a coffee shop. He wants a vet-friendly coffee shop. His chapters focus on getting this business started.

The novel is contemporary Christian fiction. To the extent that the characters are developed and fully fleshed out, they are presented as broken-imperfect people living in a broken-imperfect world. For example, relationships are messy. Pierre-Rene's relationship with his son and son-in-law is messy. He loves them and respects them, but, he's still balancing out how to be involved in their day-to-day lives. He is striving to make the relationship stronger and better. Likewise, Bree's relationship with Jessica, her daughter, is problematic as well. Jessica acts out--lashes out--at her mother and brother. She is upset that she has no money and doesn't have a place to stay. Any attempt to help is seen as an attack. And yet the lack of an attempt to help is also seen as being hostile. 

The plot is minimal at best. Essentially there is lack of any interesting plot. The vacation to Italy--despite the publisher's description as being hilarious--is lackluster. Except for one of the friends getting mugged and having to return to the States early, all the friends do is eat, drink, and go tourist-y places. That doesn't translate well in a book. In a movie, there could be a montage of the three-to-four friends doing all the tourist-y things and laughing and having a grand old time. In a book, well, it's just boring. The characterization of the other friends is bare as well. There's just not any fleshing out of these side characters to make readers care. 

I found this a tedious read. I do think these characters given another plot might be of interest. Pierre-Rene's PTSD, for example, is probably worthy of being explored in a book. Likewise, books about families struggling with reconciliation and healthy boundaries could be a good thing. But it was just hard to come to care for any of these characters or to be engaged in the story. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

37. The First Songs of Christmas

The First Songs of Christmas. Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. 2021. 160 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: One of the things I most love about being a child of God is that we have something to sing about. And one of the things I most love about the Bible is that it gives us songs to sing. Especially Christmas songs.

First sentence from day one: The Ancient of Days became a newborn. The One who created the first woman was born of a woman. 

What you see is what you get. A thirty-one devotional--intended for the month of December, obviously--that takes readers through the first songs of Christmas [as found in the Bible]. These first songs of Christmas are all found in the first two chapters of Luke. It wouldn't be such a bad idea to read either Luke 1 or Luke 2 in its entirety each day throughout the month. I always think it's great to look at the bigger context of how verses fit together. The devotions themselves look at the story just a few verses at a time--which is perfectly fine--but seeing the pieces all come together is wonderful too. 

So readers get a few Bible verses at the start, the devotional entry, a prayer, and further verses to read if they so desire. 

I liked this devotional. I bought it last year after Christmas. [I think it went on sale after Christmas]. I've been really wanting to read it and couldn't wait until December. After all, if I enjoyed it, I'd want to recommend it to YOU so you could read it in December. I definitely liked it. I'm not the biggest devotional reader, but, I do make exceptions for shorter devotionals. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

16. New American Standard Bible 1973

New American Standard Reference Edition. 1973. God. 1899 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

This was my second time to read the 1973 text edition of the New American Standard Bible. [I have read the 1971, 1973, 1977, 1995, and 2020.] I read it through the first time in February 2021. I did start underlining in it. [Since I bought it used, for about $2, and since it already had handwriting in it.] I continued underlining more the second time through. It is always interesting to me how different verses "pop" at you when you read. [Of course, some always pop at you.] 

I used the NASB 1973 for my Daily Offices in the Book of Common Prayer. I started this read through on August 29, 2022 and finished on October 23, 2022. 

PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

For His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil: for Thou art with me;

Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

Thou hast anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

What do you need to know about it?

1) It's out of print and long out of print. Lockman is unlikely to reprint the 1971 or the 1973 editions of the New American Standard Bible. Though the 1977 can be found now and then newly published. IF you want to find the 1973, used is the only way to get it I'd imagine. 
2) It is a REFERENCE edition. Cross references are found on the side--the outside side as opposed to the center column. Those that love side column references, this one is great!
3) It features at least 25 completely blank pages. I don't know what note-takers would consider generous (versus stingy) in terms of blank pages and space to write...but I thought it was generous all things considered. I don't know of any (non-note-taker, non-journaling) modern Bibles that offer so much room for writing. 
4) It is verse by verse. I know some Bible readers would rejoice over this verse by verse format. New paragraphs are noted by a bold verse number.
5) It is black letter. It does NOT present the Words of Christ in red. (Again there was much rejoicing...at least by some).
6) I don't have a font size; but if I had to guess I'd say somewhere between 8 and 9. That's a complete guess on my part. It's not overly large font but it wasn't hard to read. The paper wasn't amazing, but it wasn't horrible for bleed-through either. Nice in-between neither great nor horrible. 
7) The 'bells and whistles' of this one: 

*foreword
*Fourfold Aim of the Lockman Foundation
*Preface to the New American Standard Bible
*Explanation of General Format
*Old Testament Table of Contents
*New Testament Table of Contents
*Concordance (115 pages)
*16 color maps

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2022 Bible Reading Week of #42

Bible reading week of 15-21 October 2022. 

I am reading the NASB 1973 for my Book of Common Prayer Daily Offices.

• Psalm 75-106
• Proverbs 15-21
• Isaiah 44-66
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Daniel
• Hosea
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation 1-13

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible

• John 7-21
• Revelation

Darby (Power 60 Reading Plan)

• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Job 
• Psalm 1-84

NIV 2011

• Ezekiel 
• Daniel
• Hosea
• Joel
• Mark

I have TWO ongoing year-long 30 Day MacArthur plans going. 

• In October, I will be reading 1 Peter 1-5 for thirty days: NKJV, ESV, NASB 77, NASB 77, NASB 2020, NASB 95, BSB,
• In October, I will be reading Isaiah 49-54 for thirty days: NKJV, ESV, NASB 77, NASB 77, NASB 2020, NASB 95, BSB,  

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

15. ESV Gospel Transformation Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible: Christ In All of Scripture, Grace for All of Life. 2019 (this edition). 2096 pages. [Source: Gift]

First sentence: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

I read and reviewed the first edition of the Gospel Transformation Study Bible when it first released. They have since come out with a second edition.

One thing that has changed from then to now is my eyesight. I wasn't able to fully utilize the notes this time around. But if memory serves me, then the notes were all sorts of amazing and awesome. (I'm sure that is still the case). For the record, I tried to read the notes for about two or three weeks, it was just too much of a strain on my eyes to commit to reading each and every word of the notes. If I came across a particular passage where I felt I needed some clarification or a boost, then short spurts of reading the notes worked. 

I love the premise of this one--that Christ is to be found in ALL of Scripture. This Bible erases or perhaps bridges the disconnect between testaments that some struggle with. 

I started this Bible on June 28, 2022 and finished it on October 17, 2022. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2022 Bible Reading Update #41

Bible reading week of 8 - 14 October 2022

I am reading the NASB 1973 for my Book of Common Prayer Daily Offices.

• Psalm 38-74
• Proverbs 8-14
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Songs
• Isaiah 1-43
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible

• Jeremiah 21-52
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Hebrews
• James
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
• John 1-6

Darby (Power 60 Reading Plan)

• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles

NIV 2011

• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Matthew

I have TWO ongoing year-long 30 Day MacArthur plans going. 

• In October, I will be reading 1 Peter 1-5 for thirty days: NASB 95, NASB 77, NASB 95, RSV, NASB 77, NASB 77,
• In October, I will be reading Isaiah 49-54 for thirty days: NASB 95, NASB 77, NASB 95, RSV, NASB 77, NASB 77, 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

36. Counterfeit Kingdom

Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church. Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett. 2022. [November] 272 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: With more than 780,000 instagram followers, Bethel Church in Redding, California, is one of the best known churches in America and around the world. 

Readers may or may not have heard of the "NAR" (aka New Apostolic Reformation), but there's a definite possibility that readers have heard of Bethel Church, Bethel Music, Hillsong, Elevation Worship, etc., (Even if you can't quite put into words what teachings are unique to this church.) 

This new book examines NAR beliefs, teachings, practices, etc. to see if they are actually biblical. Or if what NAR stands for (promotes, establishes, etc) is a counterfeit kingdom. It also serves as an introduction of sorts. This book isn't exclusively for those with an interest in exposing the dangers of NAR. It is truly suitable as an introduction to the subject.

The book is packed with information. And it is arranged/organized in a clear and helpful way. It balances personal stories with theology. The authors have compiled stories from people who have left the NAR, or, people who have lost family members to NAR. The book is written passionately, zealously, persuasively to warn the mainstream about the dangers of this counterfeit kingdom.

Chapter titles:

• Wake Up, Olive
• Who Are The New Apostles and Prophets
• Hogwarts for Christians
• Jesus's Overlooked Warning
• The Apostolic Takeover and Spiritual Abuse
• Counterfeit Revival
• The Passionately Wrong "Bible"
• Toxic Worship Music
• Is It Always God's Will To Heal?
• Deception-Proofing Your Children
• Joining the Resistance

I found this a fascinating read cover to cover. What I thought I knew about Bethel church and her famous pastors, is just the tip of the iceberg. I had no clue on most of this stuff. [Chances are, you won't either.] I found much of what I learned to be alarming, shocking, disconcerting. After reading this one, I was like, yes, I see WHY the authors wrote this book. Definitely would recommend it to any Christian who reads. [Sadly, not all Christians do read.] I thought the subject was broken down in an easy-to-digest way. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Checking In On Current Bibles

Normally, I wouldn't write a post just to check in on the progress of my current Bibles. But as it's getting to be October and I'm running out of months to finish those Bibles this year...it seemed like a good idea.

Power Read The Bible (60 Days). I am using the Darby translation of the Bible. My sixty days are officially up on November 24. There's a slight chance I'll finish a day or two early (or for that matter, a day or two late). I have 2 Samuel through Revelation. 

ESV (Gospel Transformation). I stopped reading the notes a month or two ago. The print is just too tiny and I was tired of squinting. These are the books I have left to read.

• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• John
• Hebrews
• James
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation 

NIV 2011

• Psalms
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Daniel
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke
• John
• Acts
• Romans
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthains
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• Jude
• Revelation

NASB 73. I am reading this for my Book of Common Prayer offices.

• 2 Kings
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Songs
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Daniel
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2022 Bible Reading Update #40

Bible reading update week of 1-7 October 2022.

I am reading the NASB 1973 for my Book of Common Prayer Daily Offices.

• Psalms 1-37
• Proverbs 1-7
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• Romans 12-16
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Galatians

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible

• Isaiah 40-66
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Jeremiah 1-20

Darby (Power 60 Reading Plan)

• Leviticus 7-27
• Deuteronomy
• Joshua
• Judges

NIV 2011

• Exodus 31-40
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy

I have TWO ongoing year-long 30 Day MacArthur plans going. 

• In October, I will be reading 1 Peter 1-5 for thirty days: NKJV, NASB 95, NASB 2020, RSV, NLT, NASB 95, ESV
• In October, I will be reading Isaiah 49-54 for thirty days: NKJV, NASB 95, NASB 2020, RSV, NLT, NASB 95, ESV

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible