3. From Pearl Harbor to Calvary

From Pearl Harbor to Calvary. Mitsuo Fuchida. 1953/2011. eChristian. 96 pages. [Source: Bought]

This is a short autobiography. Mitsuo Fuchida concisely relates for readers his experiences during World War II; his restlessness after the war, and his quest for answers; and ultimately his  conversion to Christ, and his subsequent evangelical work for the Lord. It may be short, but, it is nevertheless compelling.

In chapter one, the author recalls bombing Pearl Harbor.

In chapter two, the author relates his further experiences during the war itself.

In chapter three, the author writes of his experiences after the war, his longing for peace, and his quest for answers.

In chapter four, the author writes of his conversion and shares his testimony.

The final chapters (chapter five through chapter seven), readers learn of his evangelical work, his work for the Lord, how he shared his testimony with others, and how his focus changed so completely.

It was originally published under the title From Pearl Harbor to Golgotha in 1953. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Top Ten for 2022

Fiction

1. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. Sara Brunsvold. 2022. 361 pages. [Source: Library]
2.  In Honor's Defense. (Hanger's Horsemen #3) Karen Witemeyer. 2022. [June] 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. The Great Passion. James Runcie. 2022. [March] 272 pages. [Source: Library]
4.  The Sweet Life (Cape Cod Creamery #1) Suzanne Woods Fisher. 2022. [May] 308 pages. [Source: Library]

Nonfiction

1. I Belong: Heidelberg Catechism Question and Answer 1 for Children. Joyce Holstege. Illustrated by Meagan Krosschell. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. 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]
3. A Dozen Things God Did With Your Sin (And Three Things He'll Never Do). Sam Storms. 2022. [January] Crossway. 225 pages. [Source: Review copy]
4. He Is Not Ashamed. Erik Raymond. 2022. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Bibles

1. Berean Study Bible. God. 2020. 1504 pages. [Source: Gift] 
2.  Beyond Suffering Bible NLT: Where Struggles Seem Endless, God's Hope Is Infinite. Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni & Friends, Inc. 2016. Tyndale. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

43. Under the Texas Mistletoe

Under the Texas Mistletoe. Karen Witemeyer. 2021. 320 pages. [Source: Gift]

First sentence: "It's a fool's errand, I tell you."

Under The Texas Mistletoe is a collection of three holiday-themed novellas by Karen Witemeyer. One is brand new--2021. One is first time in print [previously available as an e-book]. One is a reprint of a previously published novella [from another holiday novella collection]. The three novellas are A Texas Christmas Carol, An Archer Family Christmas, and Gift of the Heart. 

I enjoyed all three novellas. I don't know that I have a favorite exactly. Whatever story I happen to be reading at the time is my favorite. Of the three novellas, An Archer Family Christmas is the most melodramatic--in my opinion. But I am also super partial to the Archers so I can definitely overlook a little holiday drama. 

I really just felt so happy reading all three novellas. It was great to revisit Gift of the Heart. I do remember reading that one when it came out in another book. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

42. Zanna's Gift

Zanna's Gift. Orson Scott Card. 2020. 250 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: There are many ways to lose a child, and none of them is merciful. But like all unbearable things it can be borne, and in the weeks before Christmas 1938, the Pullmans were learning how.

Premise/plot: Zanna's Gift is a LOVELY Christmas novel. Zanna, the youngest of the Pullman family, has a special way to memorialize her older brother, Ernest, after his unexpected death at age fifteen.

The best way to read Zanna's Gift is without knowing a thing about it. I promise you. I'm doing you a favor by NOT summarizing the plot and sharing what Zanna's GIFT was and how it was a gift that kept giving and giving, how that gift came to symbolize so much to the entire family. 

My thoughts: LOVE. I loved this one absolutely and completely from start to finish. It was one of those perfectly perfect EXPERIENCES. It feels like more than just a book, a story, a fictional work. THESE CHARACTERS ARE REAL. How it hasn't been adapted into a movie if it was truly published originally in 2004 is beyond me. It would make an excellent movie.

I would recommend this one to people who aren't necessarily readers. Of course I recommend it to readers who read anything and everything. But for those who are reluctant to pick up books, please consider reading this wonderful amazing book. 

If you LOVE Christmas, this is an absolute must. I could easily see it becoming a book that you feel you HAVE to read each and every year. 

This was my SECOND year to read Zanna's Gift. Last year I was surprised by how magical this read was--a celebration of life, love, and family. This year I was reminded of just how beautiful and touching it is. These characters have remained with me throughout the year. 

Is it Christian fiction? Maybe? Faith plays out in the background of this one. Faith isn't fleshed out in this one--in terms of theology. But I'm not so sure it needs to be for the beautiful themes to come through. There is nothing in Zanna's Gift that is anti-Christian. It is a treat of a book for ALL readers regardless of faith background. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

19. Berean Standard Bible

Berean Study (changed to Standard) Bible. 2020. 1504 pages. [Source: Gift]

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

I've read the BSB translation three times now. I just absolutely love, love, love this translation of the Bible. 

It is now available on Olive Tree app and YouVersion. 

The Berean Study Bible is a (relatively) new translation recently made available in print. It has been available online at Biblehub.com since 2016 (I believe.) It is important to realize, however, that it is not your traditional "study" Bible. It is a text-only Bible. The study element is what you put into it by being a Berean (Acts 17:11). You put in the work, the effort, the energy--and it will be a study Bible.

From their website, "The Berean Study Bible is a completely new translation based on the best available manuscripts and sources. Each word is connected back to the Greek or Hebrew text, resulting in a transparent and honest text that can be studied for its root meanings. The Berean Study Bible text is the result of a careful translation and styling process to maintain core meanings and produce an English text of high literary quality, effective for public reading, study, memorization, and evangelism. We believe that the Scriptures are meant to be studied and shared freely. Just as Paul encouraged the churches to pass on his letters, we are developing digital resources that will be free to access and free to share in websites, apps and software."

I absolutely love, love, love, LOVE, love this translation. It feels like coming home. It feels familiar, right.  Of course, many translations feel familiar. But that is often the result of months even years. It is hard to explain. 

BSB

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 the sake of His name.

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

I will fear no evil,

for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

This third time through, I read it with the Daily Offices of the Book of Common Prayer. 

About the print edition, the layout is great. Good size font. A good bit of space on each page. (Perhaps not enough for notetakers, but this isn't claiming to be a notetaker's edition). Nothing looks crowded or crammed. It is black letter!!! The only slight negative is that it is a bulky Bible. It is a bit heavy. But once you've got where you're going, once it's on your lap or on the table/desk in front of you, you forget all that. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

41. A Model of Devotion

A Model of Devotion (The Lumber Baron's Daughters #3) Mary Connealy. 2022. 299 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Jilly Stiles always came back to the mansion on Nob Hill.

There are three books in the series: The Element of Love, Inventions of the Heart, and A Model of Devotion. Each book stars a different sister as the central protagonist, though all three books feature the sisters [and whole family] to a certain extent. This third book has the story focused on Jilly.

I have just about decided that A Model of Devotion will almost probably-probably be my last novel to read by Mary Connealy. [Unless I find more review copies from previous years. Those I'd probably still feel the need to read.] Mary Connealy's personal writing style is melodrama, melodrama, melodrama, and even more melodrama. I have just about decided that I am personally allergic to all the melodrama. This doesn't seem to be the case with most of the reviews I've read. Plenty of readers instead of seeing melodrama see ACTION and ADVENTURE and SUSPENSE. 

For those not allergic melodrama, Jilly's life [and the lives of anyone who's close to her, works with her, happens to be near her] is in great danger [still]. Will Jilly and Nick Ryder [the love interest] outsmart the bad guys.

I do recommend--well, loosely "recommend"-- reading the books in order. [If you read them at all. You should have a fairly good idea as to your own tolerance for melodrama.] So, all three books have had one overarching villainous group of bad guys. A hierarchy of bad-ness, if you will. The [wicked] stepfather naturally has super-evil schemes to take control of the family's lumber business. It isn't enough for him to have manipulated his way into marrying their mother. He wants "his men" [his cronies, his minions, his yes men] to marry the daughters. Together they will essentially take over this business. He has picked out a villain for each daughter. The sisters learn of this scheme and ESCAPE. [This is the one time that I don't mind the melodrama. It happens in the first chapter of the first book.] The loophole is that if each of the sisters marry, then the stepfather's plans will come to nothing. To be fair, if TWO of the three sisters marry, then the stepfather's plans will be thwarted completely. Since each book features a sister getting married, the third book should be irrelevant at this point. There's no way for the "bad guys" to win the day. 

S

P

O

I

L

E

R

S

So the stepfather and the three men [though this number dwindles I think???] keep on cranking out evil plans--one after the other, for THREE BOOKS. Despite the fact that ALL THREE GIRLS HAVE GOTTEN MARRIED. Despite the fact that there is absolutely positively no way whatsoever that this company could ever pass into the hands of the stepfather or the would-have-been-husbands, the cronies, the minions, the bad guys, these MEN continue throwing resources away--ridiculously so. Not accounting for money spent, time wasted, or risk of getting caught, getting sent to jail, or being sentenced to death. They come up with plans that involve murder, more murder, kidnapping, assault, sabotage and tampering,  etc. Like the number of HOURS, WEEKS, MONTHS, spent calculating these super-elaborate schemes is ridiculous. When you know that even if every single little thing went according to your diabolical plan and you still would be no closer to your goal--because ALL THREE SISTERS/DAUGHTERS ARE MARRIED AND HAVE CONTROL OF THE COMPANY. I just can't fathom any reason why these villains wouldn't have moved on with their lives by this point. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

18. Darby Translation of the Bible

Darby Bible. God. 1890. 2304 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

This was my first time reading the Darby translation. I knew that it was from the nineteenth century and still used thees and thous. I knew it was more 'old-fashioned' and 'traditional.' As opposed to 'modern' and 'contemporary' like say the Message. I've been curious about this translation for years now.

From Bible Gateway: 

The Darby Bible was first published in 1890 by John Nelson Darby, an Anglo-Irish Bible teacher associated with the early years of the Plymouth Brethren. Darby also published translations of the Bible in French and German.

J. N. Darby's purpose was, as he states in the preface to his English New Testament, to make a modern translation for the unlearned who have neither access to manuscript texts nor training and knowledge of ancient languages of the Scriptures. Darby's translation work was not intended to be read aloud. His work was for study and private use. In his own oral ministry he generally used the English KJV Bible.

From the GoodReads book description:

John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) went in 1853 to Germany, where he established congregations in Dusseldorf, in Elberfeld, and in other towns. He was dissatisfied with the existing Bible versions in French and German, and so he collaborated with German and French followers in the creation of new versions in those languages. With some German associates he produced the "Elberfelder Bible," and with French-speaking followers he produced the "Pau Bible." 

Darby did not feel such a need for a new translation in English, because he considered the King James Version to be adequate for most purposes, and he encouraged his followers to continue to use it. But, he decided to produce a highly literal English version of the New Testament for study purposes. This New Testament was completed in 1867. The version is exceedingly literal, based upon modern critical editions of the Greek text. After Darby's death in 1882, certain of his followers in England produced an English version of the Old Testament based upon Darby's French and German translations. In 1890 this was published as the Old Testament portion of The Holy Scriptures. A New Translation from the Original Languages by J. N. Darby (G. Morrish, 1890). The complete Darby Bible is still reprinted and used now a days.

Psalm 23:1-6 

Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside still waters.

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely, goodness and loving-kindness shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of Jehovah for the length of the days.

Psalm 100:1-5

Shout aloud unto Jehovah, all the earth!

Serve Jehovah with joy: come before his presence with exultation.

Know that Jehovah is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving [and] into his courts with praise; give thanks unto him, bless his name:

For Jehovah is good; his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever; and his faithfulness from generation to generation.

John 14:1-6

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe on God, believe also on me.

In my Father's house there are many abodes; were it not so, I had told you: for I go to prepare you a place;

and if I go and shall prepare you a place, I am coming again and shall receive you to myself, that where I am ye also may be.

And ye know where I go, and ye know the way.

Thomas says to him, Lord, we know not where thou goest, and how can we know the way?

Jesus says to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father unless by me.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

17. NIV Rainbow Study Bible

Holman Rainbow Study Bible: NIV Edition. New, Improved User-Friendly Design. Purple Leathertouch Indexed. B&H. 1632 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

The introduction states,

"The Holman Rainbow Study Bible is a simple yet thorough Bible based upon the premise that every verse of every Bible falls under one of twelve thematic headings. Each of the twelve headings is assigned a different color; then each verse of the Bible is color-coded to the heading to which it is most closely related…The Holman Rainbow Study Bible allows the serious Bible student the opportunity to study and teach the great Bible themes while avoiding a time-consuming or complicated system."

Start date: August 17, 2022. End date: November 17, 2022. 

It is the NIV translation of the Bible. 

It is in paragraph format! 

The font is a great size. It isn't too big or too small.

It is NOT red-letter! Instead, readers will find that all words spoken directly by God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit appear underlined throughout the Old and New Testaments. I love this concept. I do.

It is color-coded. There are twelve subjects (and colors) in this color-code system. 

God. Discipleship. Love. Faith. Sin. Evil. Salvation. Family. Outreach. Commandments. History. Prophecy. 

Each subject is a heading, of sorts, covering many subjects. For example:

Salvation: blessings; deliverance; holiness; Heaven; the tabernacle; angels; eternity; resurrection; second coming; judgement of the godly; grace

Love: joy; kindness; mercy; mourning; lament; comfort; compassion; peace; sympathy; humility; charity

Commandments: offerings; laws; priesthood; feasts; Sabbath; tithing; baptism; Lord's supper; church; deacon; growth

Prophecy: promises; covenants; revelations; vows; visions; dreams; oaths; pledges; insipiration; fulfillment; future

Every verse is color-coded; every verse has been categorized into one of the twelve main subject headings. At the bottom of each two-page spread, the colors/headings appear as reminders so you can easily interpret what the colors mean without having to refer back to the chart at the front of the Bible. However, I found it helpful to write on index cards the smaller subcategories under each. 

Here are three examples to give you a taste of what it feels like to read a color-coded Bible.

Hebrews 12:1-3(Discipleship, God, Faith)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


Romans 5:6-11(Love, Salvation, Love)

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Matthew 11:27-30(God, Love)

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Is the system easy to learn? Yes and no. I won't lie. It may take you several weeks to memorize the colors and what they mean, ESPECIALLY, if you are concerned with distinguishing the subheadings and the headings. Yes, it's easy to learn that purple represents God and that pink represents outreach. The general headings aren't overly difficult. But the subheadings under each heading add depth and substance. And it's my recommendation that readers take the time to DECONSTRUCT the system, the color codes. And work with the verse, looking for layers of meaning and trying to figure out how it fits.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

40. A Short Guide to Reading the Bible Better

A Short Guide to Reading the Bible Better. George H. Guthrie. 2022. [November] 176 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: This is a book about words. Words have already shaped your life a great deal, putting things in motion, setting trajectories for your relationships, work, interests, commitments, and hopes. Words have hurt or healed you, delighted or devastated you, instructed and informed you. In short, words have played a large role in defining who you are today. 

George H. Guthrie has written a handful of books about the Bible--namely how to read the Bible. This one strives to be short(er) and (more) concise. His mission (obviously) is to get his readers to read the Bible (the VERY WORD OF GOD) better. Guthrie writes, "If our purpose in life is to live for him and to his glory, and the Scriptures shape us for his mission, then God's Word provides us with a means to that very desirable end...The Scriptures play a vital role in us fulfilling our purpose in the world. Consequently, there is no more important task in life than hearing from God and trusting him on the basis of his Word... Everything else in our lives is shaped by whether or not we are living out of a life grounded in the Word of God, the Bible. We need to read it and read it better than we ever have before, so that we can live it well." 

 Each chapter seeks to help believers read the Bible better. It is essential, in Guthrie's opinion (and my own) for believers to live in the Word. His chapters cover a variety of topics all working together to help believers read the Word better. Topics include motivation and spiritual condition, how to better understand the message of Scriptures (including picking a translation), how to read the Bible with others, how to read for personal transformation, the big picture of the Bible, Bible reading plans, and selecting useful tools or resources for study. 

I love that first and foremost he makes this a heart issue. I think it is so easy to forget this. Our attitude is not something that we can just shrug off. It doesn't matter if my heart is open or closed--or distracted or engaged--so long as I check Bible reading off my list. That's not how it works. The Word of God is powerful and life-giving. It is food for our souls. Spending time in the Word should strengthen, encourage, convict, transform. It should be a joyous meeting of our souls with God.

I appreciated this one. At times--and I am not saying I could approach this topic any better--it felt a little like product placement. Read these books [a good many but definitely not all seemed to be published by his publisher]. I don't know a way around this. I don't. But overall, I greatly appreciated it and would recommend it. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

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

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

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

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

35. The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life (Cape Cod Creamery #1) Suzanne Woods Fisher. 2022. [May] 308 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dawn parked in front of her childhood home in Needham but couldn't make herself get out of the car. For this brief moment, the terrible news belonged only to her. As soon as she told someone, especially her mom, it would make it somehow more real. More true. Maybe it wasn't real.

Premise/plot: The Sweet Life follows a mother and daughter--Dawn and Marnie Dixon. Marnie has recently gone through treatments for breast cancer; Dawn has recently been left at the altar--well, almost. These two set out on the paid-for-and-can't-be-refunded honeymoon. What neither expected was to fall in love with their destination. Marnie decides to make the ultimate, ultimate leap of faith and BUY an ice cream shop in the historic district. Dawn is flustered--very. How could her mom be so reckless and spontaneous? Yet she agrees to help support her mom. If the shop can make a success of it between memorial day and labor day, then all is well and good...but if it's not it's time to step back and reconsider. Dawn loves to make ice cream--it was a hobby she shared with her dad (who recently died). The narrative alternates between the two women.

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one so much more than I expected. I don't typically read contemporary romances. And to be fair, this isn't so much a romance as it is women's fiction. Both Dawn and Marnie have some growing to do in their lives. And they have to learn how to best support one another in a loving, caring, forgiving way. There are a couple of guys in the picture...but never stealing the show from the main thing. I definitely want to keep reading this series.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

14. NLT Beyond Suffering Bible

Beyond Suffering Bible NLT: Where Struggles Seem Endless, God's Hope Is Infinite. Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni & Friends, Inc. 2016. Tyndale. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought]

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

This was my second time to read the Beyond Suffering Bible. I am so glad I decided to revisit it. And, as always, the timing proved personally providential. These notes and articles were just what I needed in my life. It was such a benefit to spend time in this particular Bible at this particular time in my life. 

I started this one June 23, 2022. I finished it September 14, 2022. 

It is the New Living Translation. Honestly, this might just be my second time through that translation? It isn't my favorite or best translation, my "go-to" or "the one." But I am getting to realize that it does deserve a place at the table, so to speak. That this translation can be JUST RIGHT. Reading it with the notes lends it to being a better fit for me than if it was a text-only Bible.

The special features make this a WOW Bible. Or perhaps I should amend that to say with the ever-steady INFLUENCE and HELP of the Holy Spirit the special features can lead to some wow moments. 

 Bible introductions. True, other Bibles have Bible introductions. But each Bible introduction in this one stresses key suffering and disability themes found within that book of the Bible. (In addition to giving the basics you'd expect.)

For example, these are the Key Suffering and Disability Themes found in the book of Jeremiah:

• God’s words are sweet. In the midst of our suffering, God’s words bring joy and delight (Jeremiah 15:16), even when they do not promise immediate relief. In contrast, words of false prophets who provide empty promises are bitter poison (Jeremiah 23:13-16). But when we pay attention to God’s words, we can have peace as we trust in his sovereign plan.
• Give us ears to hear. Jeremiah rebuked the people for failing to listen to and obey God (Jeremiah 7:24, 26; Jeremiah 17:23-24, 27). When pain strikes, we often become locked inside our own minds, unable to communicate with others. God is not confined by such restraints. He always listens and responds when we pay attention to his voice.
• God is our source of knowledge. Jeremiah castigated humanity for lacking knowledge (Jeremiah 10:14), because knowledge is linked with “fear of the LORD” (Prov 9:10). Fears about weakness and inadequacy often flood our minds. Knowing God, the source of all knowledge, helps us see that our human fears can be removed and replaced with his loving presence (1 Jn 4:18). A healthy awe of our Creator calms our minds and becomes the lens through which everything else is made clear.

And the Key Suffering and Disability Themes found in the book of Lamentations

• Sorrow must be faced head-on. Jeremiah dearly loved the city of Jerusalem, but he did not defend her innocence, writing that her tragic destruction was the result of her own weaknesses. Sorrow and sin must always be faced head on. It is this no-nonsense, raw approach that allows hope to grow in the fertile ground left from the ashes of suffering. By being honest with our failings and honest about our sorrow, we allow God to turn our hearts back to him so that he can give us the hope of the renewal he has promised.
• Lament implies trust in God. Jeremiah expressed real anger and “negative” emotions—several poems in this book reflect deep heartache, frustration, and hopelessness. There are those today who believe that even in the face of unspeakable struggles, lamenting indicates a lack of faith in God. On the contrary, lament can be an implicit expression of one’s trust in God. Lament shows our awareness that God cares for us and can change our circumstances. God doesn’t view lament as a critical review of our problems, but as a form of praise offered in anticipation of the ways in which he may yet reveal himself.

Connection Points. These are brief notes that provide commentary and application. While there aren't as many notes as you'd' find in a study Bible like the ESV Study Bible or the John MacArthur Study Bible, I think that's a good thing overall. These notes are concise and helpful.

Genesis 3:15 A Promise of Victory. When God put hostility between the serpent and the woman’s offspring, he opened the way for our eventual redemption. Sometimes referred to as the protoevangelium (“first gospel”), this is the first promise in Scripture of God’s final victory over evil and a full restoration of the cosmos to its intended state—free from the effects of sin. These are words of great hope for those who suffer.

Exodus 3:14 Intimacy with God. God is not bound by time, space, or other limitations. As the Timeless One, he is able to walk with us through all our struggles and sufferings, never growing weary or running out of options (Isa 40:28). Jesus, the great “I AM” incarnate (John 8:24, 58), invited all those who “are weary and carry heavy burdens” to find rest in him (Matt 11:28-29).

Exodus 40:36-38 The Christian Life. A large part of the journey of faith is learning to walk with God instead of running ahead of him. The key to discerning God’s direction in our lives is resting in his presence. We may not always be certain which way we should go, but when we “remain in [him]” (John 15:4), the Good Shepherd will never lead us astray (John 10:14; see also Ps 23).

Ruth 2:19-20 Family Support. Often in our suffering, we withdraw from those around us, particularly our family. And sometimes families can be uncaring. However, as we see in the example of Ruth and Boaz, family members can also be amazing agents of God’s love and support. Consider gently reaching out to your family in your suffering. They may be waiting, unsure of how to help and looking for you to provide them with directions.

Job 7:3 Chronic Struggles. Job did not suffer for a short period of time. He was “assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery.” Chronic illness and disability are not evidence of God’s lack of involvement in our lives. Instead, suffering can often serve to deepen our relationship with the Lord, who suffered in our place and stands alongside us in the midst of our suffering.

Lamentations 2:11-12  The Plight of Children. Jeremiah didn’t just have passing thoughts about the destruction of Jerusalem, he lived through it. He anguished over not being able to bring greater comfort to his people, especially the children. The majority of children around the world with disabilities live below the poverty level, which compounds their struggles. Even today, childhood deaths due to starvation continue to increase. Ask God what you can do both in your community and around the world to help ease the suffering of children.

Mark 8:31-33 Suffering Does Not Define Us. Many know Jesus as the Suffering Servant. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that his suffering was not a surprise but rather something he knew was coming and chose to face head on. Yet it is easy to forget that Jesus’ life was not all about suffering. The stories preserved about Jesus’ life in the Gospels attest that the human experiences of joy, love, parties, and sleep were just as much a part of his daily life as suffering was. Suffering was not the only thing to define him. Suffering is not the only thing that defines any one of us.

Romans 8:28-29 Becoming like the Son. It can be hard to believe that God is working everything “together for the good of those who love God” in the midst of pain, sickness, heartache, or financial uncertainty. How can such trials be for our benefit? How can this verse bring comfort, even though it sometimes feels like a trite platitude? We must look to the full counsel of Romans, where Paul also teaches that problems and trials help refine our character (5:3-4). And when our character better reflects Christ, more people are able to see what God is doing in our lives, and they are drawn to him.

Romans 8:35-37 God Stays! Trouble does not come because God has abandoned us. Christ’s love is not withdrawn because of disability, struggle, financial ruin, lies, or depression. God is present with us in both good and bad. The Holy Spirit cries out on our behalf when we are unable to find the words (8:26-27). Suffering is not a sign that God has left you. It never has been, and it never will be.

Profiles. The Beyond the Suffering Bible contains profiles of Bible characters--like you'd expect--but it also contains profiles of ordinary--or not so ordinary--people who know a lot about suffering and/or disabilities. These are inspirational and insightful.

From the profile on Noah

• Given the depravity of his culture—which was probably worse than our own—Noah’s life must not have been easy. But Noah stood firm, even when the call came to build the ark. Take a stand for righteousness Before the flood, Noah likely suffered a great deal of ridicule and scorn from skeptics around him. It must have been painful to watch his friends and neighbors ignore his warnings of God’s impending judgment. When the great flood finally came, Noah witnessed firsthand the destructive fury of God’s wrath against sin and evil poured out on all creation.
• No matter how severe the calamity, distress, or difficulty, God’s purposes continue and always prevail. Like Noah, we are called to take a stand for righteousness in the midst of evil. It won’t always be easy, convenient, or comfortable. But in the end, we have God’s covenant to protect and watch over us. What better promise could we have than that?

Devotionals. I don't always love devotionals. But these devotionals seem to be the exception to the rule. Here is one from the book of Jeremiah:

Two Roads, Two Choices Jer 24:1-10 Two brothers. Two responses. Two roads. The theme introduced in Genesis 4 with Cain and Abel runs all the way through the Bible to Revelation: Choose God or false gods, righteousness or wickedness, wisdom or foolishness, the narrow way or the wide way. The “two-road” metaphor also appears in Jeremiah 24 in the vision of two baskets of figs. God asked the prophet what he saw, and Jeremiah responded that he saw a basket of good figs and a basket of figs that were rotten and useless. The two baskets represented the responses of God’s people under sustained suffering. While both groups had stumbled, some of the people would eventually turn and choose to honor God. The others simply turned their backs on the ways of the Lord, and God told Jeremiah to treat them like rotten figs. We don’t like to think about God turning away from his people, but these examples instruct us in learning to make the right choices. God cannot tolerate an unrepentant lifestyle of sin. Paul documents God’s response to those who lived lives of ongoing wickedness: “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” (Rom 1:28). There are consequences when we make the wrong choice. We don’t like to think about God turning away from his people, but these examples instruct us in learning to make the right choices. God cannot tolerate an unrepentant lifestyle of sin. Paul documents God’s response to those who lived lives of ongoing wickedness: “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” (Rom 1:28). There are consequences when we make the wrong choice.

Words from Joni. These are letters spread throughout the Bible. Here's a brief excerpt from one found in the book of Jeremiah:

My best memories give shape to that hopeful future promised in Jeremiah 29:11. Your memories—especially if you’ve lost a loved one, or your health, or your ability to think clearly—should inspire hope in you, too. For as wonderful as the world was when all those special remembrances occurred—as wonderful as it was when my hands worked—these things are only a foretaste of more delightful, pleasurable experiences to come. Jesus is the one who makes our futures bright. Jesus assures us that our best memories will one day blossom into a more joyous reality than we can ever imagine. He is our hope (1 Tim 1:1). What are the memories of things you’ve lost? How might those memories inspire hope in you today? How might those remembrances draw you closer to Jesus, the God of all hope? Grab hold of this verse—Jeremiah 29:11—and so many other Scriptures that promise the world. Oh, not this world, but the world to come!

Articles. These are found at the back of the Bible.

• God's Story of Disability The Unfolding Plan from Genesis to Revelation by David C. Deuel, PHD
• A Biblical View on the Sanctity of Life by Joni Eareckson Tada
• Why Am I Disabled? Reflections on Life's Questions and God's Answers by Christopher Ralston, PHD
• The Constant Distraction: Living with Chronic Pain by Michael J. Easley, DMIN
• An Innocent Addiction by Stephen F. Arterburn, MED
• How To Be A Loving Friend to Those Affected by Disability by Mark W. Baker, PHD
• Becoming a Welcoming Church: God's Urgent Call to Disability Ministry by Steve Bundy, MA
• Hope: Heaven, Our Real Home by Joni Eareckson Tada

Some of my favorite quotes:

Every God-honoring response to a trial increases your capacity to praise God and enjoy him forever. Joni Eareckson Tada

Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God will lift the Curse that brought disability. People with disabilities will no longer need a law to protect them, prophecy to offer them hope, or instruction to correct misunderstandings about disability. For now, we eagerly await our assured deliverance from the suffering associated with disability. David C. Deuel

We have an immortal soul, and we were made to glorify and magnify the Lord. As image-bearers, we are all equal. This is so critical to how we relate to people with disabilities. Joni Eareckson Tada

If we can embrace the view that we are not defined by our disability, pain, or disease, we can minister to others. A major turning point is not only refusing to be defined by our situation, but also seeing others with hearts of compassion and knowing that we can encourage them because of our pain. I call it “imperceptible influence.” You and I have no idea how we are being used by Christ. Simply pressing on, staying in the Word, choosing not to whine, learning to have a healthy sense of humor in the midst of trials, affirming others in their gifting, and trying to encourage those who struggle in similar situations are ways Christ works through us. Your faithfulness to him and your compassion for others may never be graded in this life, but don’t underestimate the possibility that God is using you and that you have that imperceptible influence. Michael J. Easley

Comfort actually has nothing to do with removing suffering; it is about offering another person strength as they endure suffering. We do not need to remove suffering from our lives or the lives of those we love because we can find God there in the midst of it. We often misunderstand the point of comforting others. We think we are supposed to come up with pithy phrases that will distract them from their pain or that we are supposed to be an agent of some miraculous cure. But actually, the true meaning of providing comfort is to simply be with others in their pain. You don’t need to know what to say, and you don’t need to do anything in particular. Mark W. Baker

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible