Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The month or so between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a busy time.  There are always so many items on the to do list and events that fill up our calendars.  In Sacred Holidays, Less Chaos, More Jesus, Becky Kiser helps us gain perspective regarding how we celebrate holidays throughout the year.  Celebrations are obviously good things, but often we let all of the “stuff” surrounding the holidays overwhelm us.  Unfulfilled expectations often leave us frustrated and disappointed, which defeats the whole purpose of celebrating holidays in the first place.

Sacred Holidays is a very practical and interactive book that prompts the reader to think through why and how we celebrate throughout the year.  There is a chapter devoted to each of the following “holidays”: New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Lent & Easter, Summer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent & Christmas and Birthdays.  I appreciate that Kiser offers do-able ideas to make all of these holidays “more sacred”, but encourages us not to feel obligated or pressured to do them if they are not a fit for our family.  I can see myself using this book as a reference throughout the year, re-reading each of the holiday chapters a month or so ahead of time in order to be better prepared.  There are also chapters regarding common struggles, to be read as needed.  The topics include expectations, conflict, budgets, schedules, and grief.  This is one of my favorite new books that I have read this year, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants less chaos, more Jesus!

Dislcosure: I received a copy of these journals in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Have you ever tried Bible journaling?  When I see examples of how other people do it, I am always inspired.  However, I am somewhat at a loss as to how to do it myself.  Today I am reviewing three different Bible journaling books from Worthy Publishing that might help you along in the Bible journaling journey.

Each of these books has a distinct style and offers different journaling methods.

The Illustrated Word is an adult coloring journal.  This journal appeals to me because coloring is definitely something I can do!  There is something relaxing and meditative about coloring, and the intricately illustrated verses in this journal are really beautifully done.

Description: Create your own masterpiece with this journal that has forty glorious illustrations from ancient manuscripts that have been recreated as line drawings. Just as medieval monks brought Scripture to life through intricate inked illustrations in handwritten manuscripts hundreds of years ago, you can now create your own stunning keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.

Illuminate Your Story is a unique journal that teaches you how to create fancy lettering that will add an artistic flair to your writing.  This is another book full of pretty lettering and pictures.  Although it is not really my style, I can see how others might find it helpful and inspiring if they like the classic look.

Description: Use the almost-lost art of illuminating letters to enhance your writing, Bible journaling, or sermon note-taking. Rich illustrated manuscripts in the Museum of the Bible’s collection inspired these gorgeous letters. Easy to follow instructions, practice pages, and encouragements guide you through the creation of amazing start letters, flourishes, and more.

Out of the three journals, the Faith & Lettering Journal is my personal favorite.  It has a more modern feel and is a combination of lovely illustrated verses, blank pages and step-by-step lettering guides with space to practice.

Description: New from professional letterer Krystal Whitten! With guides, instructions, and tutorials, this is a fun and inspiring way to create beauty with words. It is the perfect place for journalers to practice Bible journaling, lettering quotes and verses, or decorating a page with original thoughts and plans. Exploring your God-given creativity has never been so rewarding.

Any one of these journals would make a wonderful gift this Christmas season.  Bible journaling is a special hobby because it is a way to record special memories, along with our walk with God.