Giving God’s Word

Chronic Illness, Uncategorized

A few weeks ago, an opportunity arose just at the time I was praying to give a special gift for our oldest Granddaughter’s 10th Birthday. Biblegateway.com offered a chance for all of its BloggerGrid members to review their newest Journaling Bible for girls ages 8 – 12.

Wow! I thought! This opportunity could be sent from God in answer to my prayers. But then I saw the dates for review, and my heart sank. In order to qualify, bloggers had to agree to have their review posted on their site before April 10. The dates were smack in the middle of my current RA infusion Schedule. I knew that for most of those weeks when I would need to be reviewing the Bible, I would be suffering the after-effects of flu-like pain and weariness.

And yet, I could not stop thinking about that Bible. I asked a few friends to pray. I asked my husband to pray, and the answer kept ringing in my heart: This was the gift I had been praying for.

And so before I go any farther, let me add the proper legal requirements. I was given The NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls without cost for being a member of the BibleGateway BloggerGrid Community, #BibleGatewayPartner. However, any opinions that I express in this review are purely my own.

If you have been following me, then you know about the recent update to my infusion schedule. Just days after I had surrendered to keep going forward with the treatment and the after-effects involved, a fresh surrender was put before me. My Rheumatologist had to cancel all of those scheduled treatments and put me back on a higher dose of Prednisone until this Covid-19 Pandemic clears up. While I was struggling to accept those delays, God reminded me of the timing of this review.

Then another friend invited me to join her for a 24-hour fast of Social Media to seek God’s mercy & grace for our world, on the weekend that the Bible was awaiting my review. One of the requirements for review was to share photos of how we would use the journaling portion of the Bible. Perfect activities–journaling God’s Word as I was praying over the life of one special 10-year old and for the burdens of so many in this world right now!

As I pulled out my journaling supplies, I felt that truly, these were gifts of God’s timing in the middle of such bleak times that the world is staggering under. He is still our Sovereign Lord, with purposes that we might not even begin to grasp. But our faith can find a resting place in this passage that has become part of my Life-Chapter:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways

    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
Art for Isaiah 55:9

And then my heart was overwhelmed as I paused to see God’s grace through His Word that He has preserved for us. From generation to generation, the Lord has allowed us to share the messages that speak such life to us:

We will not hide them from their descendants;

    we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

    his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalm 78:4 NIV
Art for Psalm 78:4

I found this Bible to be beautiful, with an easy-to-read font style. There was plenty of room in the side-margins to add artwork and/or journaling. The only concern I have is the extreme thinness of the pages. If this is to be a Bible for 8 – 12 year old girls, it seems to me that a thicker paper would have been much easier to work with. However, with that said, I chose to make my art-work on a separate piece of paper, sized to fit the margin, and then glued onto the page.

I found such a gift from the Lord as He enabled these shaky, arthritic hands to draw, to write, to cut, and to paste. Every bit of creativity has become such a blessing to me.

And every bit of sharing of the Word of our God has become such a privilege to me also. I take nothing for granted these days. What seemed like it would always just be there, has become more precious for each one of us during this recent trial. What my chronic illness began preparing in me has only become so much more dear over these recent weeks.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

We have this treasure hidden in jars of clay, within our own frail bodies, and yet, we are meant to share that treasure, that gift of our Lord’s mercy and love. May He bless His Word within our hearts today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us the gift of Your written Word. Thank You that the gift of Your Son, Jesus, is the Living Word for us, sent to show us the depth of Your love. Will You help us to cling to You and Your faithful promises that You have spoken to us in Your Word? In these days that feel so heavy and dark, will You lift our eyes to know that YOUR ways are so high? Help us to pray for the next generation that is looking up to us. Help us to hug them with Your Words. Help us to love them to You.

In the name of Your son, Jesus, we pray,

Amen.

If you would like more information about the NIV Artisan Collection Bible, and the many options available for purchase, click here to go to the Biblegateway’s site. And if you would like more information about the many great benefits and Bible study options at the Biblegateway site, click here.

I am linking with: #TellHisStory #GraceandTruth

Published by Bettie G

Jesus follower, Wife, Mom, and Grandma, journeying through chronic illness one day at a time

Published

39 thoughts on “Giving God’s Word”

  1. Dear Bettie,
    This is so beautiful! I love the artwork you put on the margins of this lovely Bible. I know your granddaughter will love it so much. It’s like a hug and a kiss from Grandma. 🙂 The passage in Isaiah is also a favorite of mine. I’m so glad His ways are much higher than mine. He is in control and I can be at peace knowing that. He already knew that your RA infusions would be canceled so He was preparing you to get this review together. What a blessing to be able to share your heart with your family and others. You always bless me, my dear sister/poet/friend. Much love to you with many blessings! xoxo

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      1. Yes, isn’t that song such a blessing? I have had it bookmarked ever since Anna shared it with me a while ago. I’m glad that we can share music through Youtube now, in these hard days.

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    2. Dear Gayl,
      Thank you so much for your sweet and encouraging comments! I do pray that my Granddaughter will feel the love that we are sending with this gift! It really is such a relief and peace to our hearts when we can remember that His ways are so much higher than ours. He truly does see the timing of all of our days, and knows how to help us prepare each step of the way. I am so thankful that we can share in creativity, dear friend! You are a gift to my heart. Blessings, love and hugs to you my dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much! And may God bless you and your family also. It’s always a joy to see the Scriptures that you share, here on WP and on Instagram too.

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  3. God’s timing is wonderful! And this Bible seems a great asset for young girls! Praying for you. Pray for me I have a deadline for writing a devotional for Wednesday. I had tried to finish the project before the move and it didn’t get quite done. Now I must go back and see if what I wrote is still acceptable and try to finish it.

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    1. Dear Mandy,
      Yes, God’s timing is so wonderful! I will pray that He gives you His strength now to share what He has already put on your heart through these weeks of moving. May it bring such a blessing to you, and to all He calls in to read. Love and Blessings, dear friend!

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    1. Oh, amen, I feel the same way, Anita! I shouldn’t be surprised at His timing, as He is always so perfect, but He shifts my own perspective so often. Praise Him for His greatness over all!

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  5. Leaning in and trusting His timing leads to a very peaceful mind and heart! I love these stories of God’s workings in our lives even when we thought the timing was off. Thank you for your review and introducing me to Biblegateway’s programs. I’ve used the site for study but didn’t realize it had so much more!

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    1. Dear Lynn,
      I am so glad I was able to point you in a good direction with the Biblegateway’s good programs! There are so many options that are available now that are true blessings for us. His ways and His timings are such gifts for us! I pray that He will continue to bring blessings and comfort and strength into your days dear friend.

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  6. Dear Bettie, more and more I see the promise of 2 Corinthians 4:7 being fulfilled in your writing and life. You give us rich sacred treasure here to wonder and ponder over, and you exhibit the signs of a soul beautifully surrendered to her Saviour in the way you live. I love how you had a holy nudge you just couldn’t ignore, and how God opened a door of timely opportunity for you to walk through. He already knew, of course, that time, opportunity and energy enough would become available to you to complete this task, and give it your characteristic creative embellishments as well. How lovely that this also benefits the future generation with a special gift to pass on. One made all the more precious and special because it was tended over with godly focus and love. As always, dear friend, you inspire me by the way you spread God’s love, grace and encouragement abroad even during your own tests and trials. You are such a blessing to me and so many. Love and hugs! xoxo 💜

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    1. Dear Joy, I am so very thankful for the ways that you have encouraged me through your own life to keep listening to those Holy nudges even in the midst of living with Chronic Illness. What a blessing that God has given for us to share across the miles how we are facing our days, and then to pray for each other. Our Lord is so near to us! And when we can share that nearness with our own Grandchildren, what a double blessing. He truly knows how to guide us in that sharing too! There are days that I feel I have so little to share, but then He shows me that it is the sharing itself that holds the gift of His Love. Thank you for sharing that gift of love with me, dear friend! Many hugs, love and blessings to you too! xoxo

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      1. Dear Bettie, it really is a great blessing to share the hard and share our hearts across the pond. Just knowing we are also praying for one another is a huge source of encouragement. I understand those days when we feel too weak, weary and empty to give in the way we want to. And how God so often surprises us with a different kind of offering for those we love. The gift of time, attention and presence is far more valuable than we realise. Yes, it is “the sharing itself that holds the gift of His Love.” May God fully equip us to keep on sharing those precious gifts with each other, our loved ones, family and friends. xoxo ❤️

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        1. Dear Joy, Oh, you are so right, our Lord does surprise us so often by helping us to give a different kind of offering than we had planned. His ways truly are higher! I am praying for you across the pond today, dear friend, and asking the Lord to keep you and your family so safe and protected. Blessings, love, and long distance hugs! xoxo

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          1. You and I have seen that happen so many times, haven’t we? You think we’d have learnt by now not to fret but rest instead in realising that God’s ways are sovereign! 😉 And the offering that comes delights us too because it’s unexpected and better than we could have imagined. Oh how we value your prayers! Thank you so much, dear friend. Our youngest son’s immediate neighbour has been really unwell with the coronavirus. He only found out a couple of days ago. When it hits that close to home it’s even harder not to panic. I’m praying the same thing for you and your family. Blessings, love and safe hugs to you too! xoxo 💜

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            1. Dear Joy,
              Wow, that is so close, to have a neighbor contract the virus! Oh, how thankful I am that our Lord is not surprised by our panic either. He is so gentle to bring us His comfort. Thank you for all of your sweet prayers and the lovely card also! Blessings, love, and soft hugs for you tonight/today! xoxo

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              1. Dear Bettie, yes it was rather alarming to hear that a mere wall stands between our son’s home and that of his infected neighbour. But he is staying indoors, apart from exercise walks in the grounds, and keeping his distance. We all need God’s comfort and calm to soothe our hearts and minds in the worrying days we find ourselves in. You’re so welcome to the card! We’re grateful for your blessings and prayers. Love and hugs! xoxo

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                1. Amen! May the Lord help us and help our families to cling to HIM even as we must distance ourselves from others. I am so thankful for all of your prayers too!! Long distance hugs and love to you my dear friend! xoxo

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  7. Bettie, loved this post so much! Thank you for sharing what most of us have experienced as well – He’s an On-Time God!

    You picked out beautiful illustrations and scripture to prove your point, and the Ellie Holcomb video was the icing on the cake.Thank you!

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    1. Dear Jerralea,
      Yes, He really is an On-Time God! Thanks for your sweet comments and encouragement. I am thankful you were moved by the Ellie Holcomb video–it is so good! Blessings to you!

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  8. Oh Bettie, it moves me to tears to read how God answered your prayers. His timing is so perfect. Your love for Him and your faith in Him inspires me. And those notes you placed in the Bible for your granddaughter are so priceless. Amen! to your prayer. Thank you also for reminding me of that song. I love it! Love and blessings of healing in every way!

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    1. Dear Trudy,
      Yes, I was crying as I worked on those journal pages too, so thankful for His gift to be able to share! I know you understand the longing to be able to share His love and our prayers with our Grandchildren. I’m so glad that you love the song by Ellie Holcomb also! Isn’t it such a joyful prayer of grace? He loves us each so much. Blessings love and healing strength for you also, dear friend! xo

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    1. Dear Julie,
      Thank you for your precious encouragement my friend. You have brought tears to my eyes tonight, to remember that even in my weakest-feeling times, HE is the one who brings the blessings as I just praise Him there. Love you so much too, dear sister!

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  10. I love how God made a way for you to review this Bible. Journaling Bibles are an amazing way to read God’s word and spend time in reflection. Praying for you as you continue treatments.

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    1. Dear Mary,
      Yes, I did have such a sweet time, preparing the journaling portion that expressed the heart of the Scripture that I was reading. God was so good to make that way open! I appreciate your prayers so much dear friend! It is not an easy time for any of us right now, and yet, God is drawing His body together in prayer and praise!

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    1. Dear Jennifer, Yes, isn’t God so gracious to us? He knows just how to help us in the sharing and loving. I pray He is taking such good care of you now too. Blessings and love across the sea!

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    1. Thank you so much, Dear Cheryl! I have had some new painful flares. But Praise God, He has carried me and given such times of rest just when I needed it most. He really is such a gracious and Good Shepherd for us! Love and Prayers for you too, dear sister!

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    1. Yes, I agree Theresa! I was already underlining, and drawing arrows back then, imagine how great it would have been to illustrate our thoughts too?? Thank you so much for your prayers. May you be blessed with a Beautiful Holy Week coming soon.

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