Tracesoffaith

A Review of the Student Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

June 27, 2023
If you'll allow me two quick stories, then we'll dive into the features of this Student Life Application Study Bible (there are many).

First, I began reading through the Bible chronologically in a year in 2015, and it's become a daily practice. It all started with a woman from Bible study who started a year ahead of me, and kept talking about how she enjoyed it. I found a copy of the Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation at a garage sale, and joined her. We read it with a group of people online, and the NLT has been a great translation for Bible readers at all levels.

Second, I have a daughter who's in the age range for a student Bible. She went to a youth camp last summer, and on our way home, she asked if she could get a new Bible. We'd appreciated the kid Bibles she used that were age-appropriate, often including pictures, charts, and sidebars. What a joy for this mama to help her daughter find a Bible that would take her study of scripture to the next level.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

The Student Life Application Study Bible brings both of these stories together in a meaningful way. Let's look more closely at the translation. It took ninety respected Bible scholars seven years to complete the New Living Translation. A revision of the popular Living Bible, it was first released in July 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers. It's written at a 6th grade reading level (or 11+ years). Their Life Application Study Bible (for adults) remains one of the best-selling study Bibles today.

This particular Bible comes in a sturdy gift box, and matches the teal color of the "Leatherlike" cover. There are five other options to choose from, including a green hardcover and softcover, and charcoal featherlike with or without reference tabs. In addition to the myriad of charts, notes, maps, book overviews, and character snapshots, this Bible is equipped with access to the Filament Bible App. Here are some specific features:
- 8.25 font on paper of decent thickness
- 27,000+ study notes (combined with app)
- Timeline of Bible events and world events
- "The Bible's Big Story" in the back that highlights narrative themes
- 81 biographical summaries of men and women in the Bible
- 137 full-color pictures illustrating objects and places
- 59 Q/A about basic Christianity
- 316 maps, charts, and infographics throughout
This study Bible is full, and with the downloadable app, an amazing resource. Every page was assembled with a young student of the Bible in mind. I highly recommend this Bible for a student growing in their faith.

Enter to win this Bible for FREE at freebies.com by clicking on the "enter." Contest ends July 14th, 2023.
Commentary-ish Narrative Books on the Bible

June 26, 2023

These aren't your typical commentary books. I compiled a list of books to read as companions with books of the Bible. They might include narrative or context or citations, but not in an overly scholarly way. I hope you find this list helpful. You'll notice a few blanks. If you know of books that fit this category, feel free to reach out.

Whole Bible – The Book of God (Walter Wangerin Jr)

Old Testament – The Christ Key: Unlocking the Centrality of Christ in the Old Testament (Chad Bird)

Old Testament

Genesis – The Genesis Trilogy (Madeleine L’Engle), Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters (Carmen Joy Imes)

Exodus – The Tender Commandments (Ron Mehl), Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach Us About Women (Kelley Nikondeha), One in a Million (Priscilla Shirer), Fire by Night: Finding God in the Pages of the Old Testament (Melissa Florer-Bixler), Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters (Carmen Joy Imes)

Leviticus – Leviticus as Literature (Mary Douglas)

Numbers – Out of Step With God: Orthodox Christian Reflection on the Book of Numbers (Patrick Henry Reardon)

Deuteronomy – The Rational Bible: God, Blessings, and Church (Dennis Prager)

Joshua – Winning the Worry Battle: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua (Barb Roose)

Judges – Hearts of Iron: Feet of Clay: Practical and Contemporary Lessons from the Book of Judges (Gary Inrig); There Are No Strong People (Jeff Lucas)

Ruth – Gospel of Ruth (Carolyn Curtis James), Finding God in the Margins (Carolyn Custis James)

Samuel – Men Behaving Badly (John Goldingjay); The Making of a Man of God (by Alan Redpath)

Kings – King David and the Kings of Israel: Lessons from Their Lives by Rabbi Yehonasan Gefen

Chronicles – Chronicles of History and Worship (Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon)

Ezra/Nehemiah – A Great Work: A Conversation With Nehemiah For People (Who Want To Be) Doing Great Works (Jon C Swanson); Nehemiah For You: Strength to Build for God (Eric Mason)

Esther – Faith Among the Faithless (Mike Cosper)

Job – The Trial of Job (Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon), The Stars Beneath Us (Paul Wallace), Answer to Job (C.G. Jung)

Psalms – Christ in the Psalms (Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon), Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life (W. David O. Taylor), A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (Psalms of Ascent), Praying the Psalms (Walter Brueggemann), Reflections on the Psalms (CS Lewis), Finding Jesus in the Psalms: A Lenten Journey (Barb Roose)

Proverbs – The book of Proverbs in Social and Theological Context by Katharine J. Dell

Ecclesiastes – Recovering Eden: The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes (Zack Swine)

Song of Songs – The Sexual Reformation: Restoring the Dignity and Personhood of Man and Woman (Aimee Byrd)

Isaiah – The Prophecy of Isaiah (J. Alec Motyer), Stump Kingdom (Dale Ralph Davis)

Jeremiah – Run With the Horses (Eugene Peterson)

Lamentations – Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times (Soong-Chan Rah)

Ezekiel

Daniel – Daniel: Servant of God Under Four Kings (Geoff Thomas), Daniel the Prophet (Noah Hutchings)

The Minor Prophets by Charles L. Feinberg

Hosea – Reedeeming Love (Francine Rivers)

Joel/Amos/Obadiah

Jonah – The Prodigal Prophet (Tim Keller), Under the Unpredictable Plant (Eugene Peterson)

Micah

Nahum – Piles of Slain, Heaps of Corpses: Reading Prophetic Poetry and Violence in African Context (Jacob Onyumbe Wenyi)

Habakkuk – Habakkuk: Faithful Doubt (Travis Scott)

Zephaniah/Haggai/Zechariah/Malachi

New Testament

Matthew – The Divine Conspiracy (Dallas Willard), Matthew and the Margins (Warren Carter)

Mark – Jesus: A Theography (Leonard Sweet/Frank Viola)

Luke – The Return of the Prodigal Son (Henri Nouwen), Come With Me Devotional (Suzanne Eller)

John – Jesus: A Biography (Leonard Sweet/Frank Viola

Acts – The Mission of the Triune God (Patrick Schreiner)

Interpreting the Pauline Epistles (Thomas R. Schreiner); Paul and the Power of Grace

(John M. G. Barclay)

Romans – Lutheran Theology: Doing Theology (Steven D Paulson), The Normal Christian Life (Watchman Nee); When in Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel According to Paul (Beverly Roberts Gaventa)

1/2 Corinthians – Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians (Kenneth E. Bailey; The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons From 1 Corinthians (D.A. Carson); Paul Decentered: Reading 2 Corinthians with the Corinthian Women (Arminta M. Fox)

Galatians – Galatians Re-imagined (Brigette Kahl)

Ephesians – Practice Resurrection (Eugene Peterson)

Philippians – Think Good (JL Gerhardt); Lydia (Paula Gooder)

Colossians – Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire (Brian J. Walsh)

I/2 Thessalonians – The Practice of Hope: Ideology and Intention in 1 Thessalonians (Nestor O. Miguez

1/2 Timothy – Nobody’s Mother (Sandra Glahn)

Titus/Philemon

Hebrews – An Unshakable Kingdom: The Letter to the Hebrews for Today (David Gooding)

James – Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart (David Gibson)

1/2/3 John – Maximum Joy (Dave Anderson)

Jude

Revelation – Hallelujah Banquet (Eugene Peterson), Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Scot McKnight), The Joy of Hearing: A Theology of the Book of Revelation (Thomas R. Schreiner)
Kid’s Bible Review – The Illustrated Holy Bible (NIrV)

April 13, 2023
When I was teaching Sunday school to children, one of my top priorities was getting a Bible in their hand. I grew weary of hearing youth group leaders say our "church kids" came to them not knowing Bible basics, such as using the index, whether books were in the Old Testament or the New Testament, the location of Psalms in about the middle. So, every lesson, from kindergarten to fifth grade, we turned in our Bibles to the story for that day. If it took fifteen minutes (and sometimes it did), so be it. I wanted them to know these were real stories found in God's holy word. I repeated several phrases over and over, hoping they'd be instilled in their hearts. Then, we'd read at least a verse or two.

Imagine the frustration, then, of the children who did bring their Bible to church (YES), but it was a preschool version, or storybook Bible. Now, I have nothing against these Bibles. They have their place. The young children could not use these to participate in our exercise, though. It didn't lend itself to learning how to navigate the Bible. That's why I'm excited about Bibles like The New International Readers' Version (based off the NIV), which I'm reviewing in this post. If you're wondering how the NIrV is different, perhaps this from the publisher will help:

Whenever possible the NIrV uses the text of the NIV but where necessary uses shorter sentences and words easier to understand. Throughout the translation, each verse has been meticulously evaluated in light of the meaning of the original languages in which the Bible was written.

Here are some review highlights:
- The New International Readers' Version (NIrV) is written at a third-grade reading level.
- It includes over 750 illustrations, with consideration of ethnicity.
- Combining the translation and illustrations, this Bible is intended for ages 4-8 years old.
- While no verses are included (that could be cumbersome), chapters are noted, and there are lots of subject headers.
- Each page includes a single column of text, in "Comfort Print" font, with plenty of white space for ease of reading.
- Books of the Bible are color coded at the top, so you could mention a page number and a color when directing children to turn in their Bibles to a passage.
- I'm a Bible map person, and am especially wild about the map included in a back pocket of this Bible.
- The flip side of the poster-sized map is a condensed version of the lineage of Jesus, going back to Adam and Eve. This was another area I'd emphasize again and again. The Bible is God's story, connected from beginning to end.
Here's a short video from the publisher with more information:

This Bible would be an excellent choice for one that's made available in a classroom. The hardcover is thick, and seems durable. The illustrations will help teachers or other adults keep students engaged in the story. I'd highly recommend this as a "take-your-Bible-to-church" Bible as well. There might be some confusion if you're looking for a particular verse (verse numbers have been found to be distracting), but glancing at chapters, starting at the beginning, can be done with ease.

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I received a copy of The Illustrated Holy Bible For Kids from Zondervan for the purpose of generating a review.
The Beauty of Motherhood – A Blog Tour Post

April 3, 2023

Motherhood has broken me open. I didn't know broken, fragile pieces could be so beautiful, but that's how I see myself now. Not an outer beauty, but an inner one that has allowed motherhood to soften me, to shape me. I didn't know this kind of brokenness would teach me how to really live. It would teach me to walk by faith, not by sight. Because sometimes, I cannot see the outcome, but I trust it to be good.

“Take these broken wings and learn to fly.”

Paul McCartney ("Blackbird")

I see much of me in her. Our teenage daughter who wants to know everything. Who finds her value in knowledge and studies. I long to be the bridge between perfection and broken humanity. Perhaps that's a bridge a person has to build on their own, using each stone hurled her way, one by one. We identify life by milestones, those transition points that take us from here to there. In this case, I'm thinking of the seismic occurrences that, broke our family (and society) collectively open, and our new selves emerged. We could not stay the same.

mean girls, pandemics, adults who hurt, middle school, jaded history, cell phones, technology, quarantine, death, broken education, me culture, violence, church power struggles

So we take this fragile journey together. I pray, asking God to keep my heart soft, asking him to do the same for her. I'm a broken vessel of vulnerability, pouring out beauty so my daughter can see it. Feel it all around her. I beg the Holy Spirit to give me discernment in talking about all the things she already knows about in life, even those parts I wish she didn't know yet. Someday, not all that far from now, may our daughter look back and know she had honest parents. Loving and true.

I'm broken open, before my daughter. The world is too volatile for her to understand it as safe. Isn't this a wonderful space for faith to enter in? To build our trust in God? What a beautiful privilege to lead my daughter into the holy of holies. That space where we encounter God, not because we go to church or don't cuss or believe how some Christians expect us to believe, but because he is, always and forever, the way, the truth, and the life. Broken open before our Savior, so his light can shine forth. Asking him to teach us to fly, even with broken wings.

This post is a part of the blog tour for The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years. With scripture, stories, prayers, and practices, The Beauty of Motherhood provides mothers with refreshment and the reminder that they are not alone as they mother. Order your copy at Amazon, or Bookshop. The Beauty of Motherhood is out now!

I met the authors, Kimberly Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis at a virtual writer's conference with Collegeville Institute. I so wish it could have been in person, to meet these wonderful ladies face to face. Next time.
Most Clicked Posts of 2022

December 29, 2022

It's kind of fun to look back on the year, and see what articles showed up the most from Interest searches and Pinterest pins. The articles on this list continuously find their way to readers. They're the material you want to read. They touch on topics near and dear to my heart as well. Although none of these were written in 2022, here are the articles with the most clicks this year:

1. For the Woman Whose Husband Doesn't Go to Church (Anymore)

This is a follow up post to another one on this list (#4), which speaks to women who sit in church pews alone on Sunday mornings. There are any number of reasons for this, and I want them to always know they're welcome too. I read a tweet this year about a church who invited a group of single ladies to light the advent candle one week in December. I loved this! We should be intentional about remember the family of God doesn't look like a nuclear family of dad, mom, and two kids. And it shouldn't.

2. Reflections on Holy Week

I have several of these scripture reflections posts now. Looking specifically at the Easter story or the Christmas story, I write reflections on the Bible verses that offer us details about the events that happened. This one on Holy Week is a good way to remember what Jesus did each day of the week leading up to Resurrection Sunday.

3. Explaining to a Child Why We Go to Church

I picture Saturday conversations that go something like this, "Can't we just stay home from church tomorrow, maybe watch it virtually?" Then, Mom or Dad do a quick internet search for help in talking to their child about the importance of church in our lives. The numbers for this post are high on the weekends.

4. For the Woman Who Goes to Church Alone

As I mentioned in the description for my #1 post, women who sit alone at church have my heart. They also have an invitation to sit with me any time. My mom went to church without her husband, and it left me aware of those women around me who bravely do the same thing.

5. Five Ways James Encourages Us to Have an Active Faith

As a bible teacher, it always does my heart good to see my blog posts about Scripture do well. This one on James shows up on search engines regularly. He has a lot to teach us about a practical faith.

6. For My Daughter's Future Husband, I Pray

Barely a teenager, we don't know for sure that our daughter will get married, of course, but covering the "maybes" in life with prayer seems like a great idea. If she does find her husband-to-be someday, I have high hopes he'll be a godly man who lets God shape him.

7. Top 5 Bits of Advice I'd Give a 19-Year old Girl

I wrote this one a few years ago now, but the advice still holds. Someday, I should expand on the idea, offering advice for 29, 39 and 49 year olds. Maybe next year, when I actually turn 49.

8. Thoughts about Ash Wednesday (From a Protestant)

I've got a handful of articles on liturgical calendar services, like Ash Wednesday. My page views go up quite a bit during Advent and Lent, which points to our increased interest in the church calendar, and the rhythm it can give our lives. I'll keep writing articles like this one for sure!

9. Tabitha Was Kind (a Medi-Share post)

I've written a handful of articles for Medi-Share, a healthcare partnership program. This article tells the story of the beloved Tabitha we read about in Acts 9.

1o. Bible Studies, Devotionals, and Living by Faith Books for Teen Girls (Oh My!)

I'm often asked for book recommendations, and that includes books for teens. Many of these resources are ones we used in our house with our daughter, so they are tried and true. Really, any resource that helps your daughter become familiar with her Bible is a win in my book.
You’re Joking Me – A Book Review

December 12, 2022

Q: What do you get when you have a funny, talented seventh grader who tells good jokes?

A: Possibly, a book deal.

I gave a hearty clap when I saw William Daniel's mom announce that he'd signed a book deal with Revell Publishing. The world could use a lot more laughter! You're Joking Me: Jokes for Kids by a Kid released in November, and since then, I've seen the author doing television interviews, in news articles, and on a variety of podcasts, including this article in Newsweek! His goal: to stop inappropriate humor.

The jokes inside this book, they're truly funny. Of the more than 450 puns, riddles, one-liners, and knock-knock jokes, here are a few examples:

Q: Why did medieval people rarely see the sun?

A: Because it was the dark ages and there were any knights

Knock knock.

Who's there?

Neil.

Neil who?

Neil a little closer and I'll tell you.

Here's more about the young author:

"William Daniel is a middle schooler, a WWII enthusiast, and a competitive gymnast. He builds model airplanes and wants to be a pilot someday. He has an older sister, Maris, and a twin sister, Calyn, and is the younger by four minutes. As you can imagine, he enjoys making people laugh, which he does for family, friends, and at school. William lives in Colorado with his family and dog, Riley."

What a family-friendly resource. From my subbing days, I'm envisioning this book in a classroom setting too. Kids can take turns reading the jokes out loud. I've got an extra copy of this book, and I plan on passing it along to one of my favorite third-grade teachers. I also think it looks rather nice under my daughter's tree, don't you? It's pocket-sized, so just right for a stocking stuffer. After the gift-opening session, your family could entertain yourselves with a joke or two.
Bible Review – Explorer Bible for Kids

December 5, 2022
I remember the search for my daughter's first "Big Girl Bible." We'd decided to give it to her a few years before she could actually read it. I wanted her to have a Bible that was just like the ones she saw adults using, beyond her story Bibles, which we also used regularly.

"This is God's holy word," I told her. "We handle it with care and respect."

The careful attention to detail and learning resources in the Christian Standard Bible's Explorer Bible for Kids, quite simply, blows me away. I had to read up on some of the sidebar material immediately as I flipped through it. My personal favorite is the Olive Compass, Leathertouch. Here's a link to look inside.

Here are some key features you'll find inside:
- Introductions to each book of the Bible
- Highlights of 79 Bible characters, including fun facts and insights
- 115 facts and images from today, and how they connect to the Bible
- A look at archaeological finds and how they help us understand scripture
- A glossary and concordance
- QR codes that lead to online videos and activities
- Charts that show where Bible events fall into world history
- A dictionary that defines some of the bigger words found in the Bible
Here's a video introducing the Bible.

I've used the CSB translation for years, and really appreciate it. Did you know you can look up translation reading levels? That might be a good tool for deciding which Bible you'd like to select for your child. The CSB lands right in the middle, about 7th grade reading level, so it will grow with your child as their reading level develops. Taken from the website, csbbible.com:

"The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a highly trustworthy, faithful translation that is proven to be an optimal blend of accuracy and readability. It’s as literal to the original as possible without sacrificing clarity."

I've got a couple ways for you to get your hands (or the hands of your favorite young reader) on this NEW Bible. Blessed Freebie is giving away a copy! Enter here by December 17th for a chance to win. Lifeway Stores is offering blog readers a 50% off coupon, good for one copy of this particular Bible from their website, lifeway.com*.

*Here's some more fine print on this deal: ENJOY 50% OFF RETAIL PRICE FOR UP TO (1) OF EACH SKU OF THE EXPLORER BIBLE FOR KIDS. VALID THROUGH 12/31/22, CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, LIMIT 1 COUPON PER PERSON.
Bible Review – Egermeier’s Interactive Story Bible

November 29, 2022

Let me start by telling you how thrilling it is to hold a Bible that's also incorporated the technology of our day. In the debate over electronic Bibles versus print Bibles, this kids' story Bible from Warner Christian Resources offers both. Win-win.

Here are some unique features I liked in the new Egermeier's Interactive Story Bible:

It's a hardcover Bible that's not too thick (coming in at 611 pages).

The pages inside are illustrated with four-color drawings from artist, Mark Harmon.

It includes 312 stories told chronologically, and they include the scripture references.

The stories are well-written by author, Elsie E. Egermeier, and appropriate for kids of all ages (reading level is grades 2-3).

The follow up questions at end of each story can help with further discussion.

The "Helpful Bible Information" section in the back is an excellent tool for parents to use in helping their kids learn about scripture. Things like maps, a Temple drawing, and a chart listing Great Prayers of the Bible. I learned a few things myself!

The QR codes! They take you to videos that tell you more about the Bible itself, and particular stories using drawn illustrations.

There's a touch of nostalgia in this story Bible as well, with the older generation remembering the classic Egermeier's Bible Story Book, first published in 1922. In total, there have been more than 6 million copies of this beloved Bible sold.

Outside the city gates, the wise men saw the same bright star they had seen in the east country. It seemed to lead them. Surely, God was helping them find Jesus. (Egermeier's Interactive Story Bible page 374)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Interested in getting this Bible for a Christmas present (or two)? Enter to win one of three giveaway copies here. Winners will be drawn on December 28, 2022. You can also purchase some Bibles at 30% off during November and December by using the code: BLOG30.
Not All Who Wander Podcast Interviews

October 25, 2022

In an effort to make my interviews and writing easy to access, I've started individual pages for those podcast interviews done for a particular book. This page lists the interviews I had for my first book, Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost or around articles produced during that time. Feel free to reach out if you're interested in having me on your podcast, YouTube, or radio show.

Here is a list of my interviews:

Can I Say That At Church (with Seth Price)

The Stories Between Us (with Shawn and Maile Smucker)

The B.A.R. Podcast (with Dawain Atkinson)

The Why Behind The What (with Nathan Albert)

Spark My Muse (with Lisa Colon DeLay)

Two Christians & A Jew: What is Torah? (with Meir Simchah, Jennifer Brown Jones, Frank Taylor)

Gravity Leadership Podcast (with Ben Sternke and Matt Tebbe)

Apprentice2Jesus (with Daniel Thompson)

Pod Have Mercy (with Jackson Davey)

Light Vision Podcast (with Eric Fisher)

Armchair Theology a discussion of Ruth (with Ross Furio and Clay Farrington)

Happy & Holy Podcast (with Kate Boyd)

Time Eternal Podcast (with Nicole Roccas)

1Geek411 YouTube Book Club (with Chris, Cameron & Shaneen)

1Geek411 (twitch) & 1Geek411 (Youtube) Interview (with Chris, Cameron, Shaneen & Emma)

think radio talk show & my first time using Twitch

Kevin Barhydt YouTube Channel

A Priest & A Rabbi LIVE radio show (with Father Christian Anderson and Rabbi Matthew Durbin)

Facebook Live version

Jason Scott Montoya YouTube discussion (with James Rowell and Greg Goodrich)

Halfway There Podcast (with Eric Nivens)

Rooted by the Stream (with Dr. Pam Morrison)

Resist & Restore podcast (with Jonny Rashid)

A Few Minutes (with Matt Rhodes)

The Motherhood Metamorphosis (with Brittany Meng)

Resist and Restore (with Jonny Rashid)
Shaky Ground Interviews

October 25, 2022

Since my second book, Shaky Ground: What to Do After the Bottom Drops Out, released July 2022, I've been doing several interviews to discuss the book itself, and those spiritual practices that can help us keep our feet on the solid ground of Jesus Christ. If you'd like to speak with me about Shaky Ground or anything book or church-related on your show, please reach out via email at tdhnow at gmail dot com.

Here's the list of podcast episodes:

In Conversation With… (with Kevin Barhydt)

Stories of Hope in Hard Times (with Tamara K Anderson)

Apologetics (with SJ Thomason)

YouTube Interview (with Sovann Penn)

Share Life book discussion (with Jason Montoya)

A Few Minutes With… (with Rev. Matt Rhodes)

Spark My Muse (with Lisa Colon DeLay)

Halfway There (with Eric Nivens)

Rooted by the Stream (Dr. Pam Morrison)

Untangled Faith Podcast (Amy Fritz)

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