An Encouraging Read!

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

(This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase by clicking through my links, I will be compensated at no cost to you. Threads of Encouragement uses affiliate links and ads to help support this site.)

 

I have been following Crystal Paine a.k.a. Money Saving Mom for years.   I love her transparency as she shares her life through her blog- Money-Saving Mom, her social media outlets, and her books.   I have found her latest book, The Time Saving Mom to be such a wonderful read and encouragement to myself as a Christ follower, mom, and grandmother of five granddaughters.   I love how Crystal lays the foundation of prayer for her “Time Saving” strategies of Prayer, Prioritize, Plan and Prep.  She shares her wonderful 6×2 Priority System she uses in the Prioritize strategy, how she uses Google Calendar and her Time-Blocked To-Do- Lists in the Plan strategy, and discusses having simple routines in the Prep strategy.  I highly recommend The Time Saving Mom to anyone!  There is so much wisdom and practical insights to gain from The Time Saving Mom.  It is truly a book about “the joy that comes from handing your day and your to-do-list and your overwhelm over to God and asking Him to help you, multiply your time, and give you the strength to do what He’s call you to do.”

 

 

The TEXT

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

Hey everyone!  I hope everyone is off to a great start this New Year!  To begin the new year Harper Collins Christian Publishing has provided me with a sample copy of a great new Bible – The TEXT Bible.    The TEXT  Bible is a wonderful tool for students, young adults, and new believers as they dig into studying the Bible on their own.  The TEXT Bible  uses the following “TEXT the Text” Bible engagement technique:

T –  Talk to God

E – Encounter God & humanity

eXamine your heart

T- Talk to others

Some of the features included in The Text are:

  • TEXT the Text: use the four-step TEXT study method to engage with Scripture
  • Big Q of the Text: big life questions with short answers
  • “Who is God?”: nearly 100 short devotions on the person and character of God
  • Praying the Text: Learn how to start praying God’s Word right back to him!
  • Get to Know the Text: brief explanations of people and events found in Scripture
  • Follow the Thread: navigate the Bible across topics
  • Anatomy of the Text: concise descriptions of literary devices and categories of Scripture found within the Bible, such as parables and apocalyptic books
  • Terms of the Text: brief definitions of important words to help us better understand and discuss Scripture
  • Clear and readable 9-point NET Comfort Print® typeface

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THIS BIBLE:  Praying the Text is one of my favorite features!  I feel like praying scripture back to God is something all Christians fail to utilize.  Praying scripture back to God is powerful, and beneficial as we deal with the daily struggles of life in a fallen world.  I also love how the “TEXT theText” Talk to others encourages Christians to simply talk to others about their faith and what they are learning!

The layout/format of THE TEXT Bible is perfect for taking notes and journaling.   Book intros are included for each Book of the Bible.  The TEXT Bible uses the very understandable NET Translation.

 

I believe The TEXT Bible will help ANYONE with tools that connect Scripture to all of life.

You can get 50% off your copy of THE TEXT Bible if you order before Valentine’s Day!  50% off link HERE.

ALSO***  Harper Collins Christian Publishing has provided a GIVEAWAY copy (Hardcover) for one of my readers.  This is limited to US winners only.  TO ENTER please do the following two things by 1/20/22: First, comment below with what feature of The TEXT Bible you would be most excited to use.  Second, please share this post on one of your social media platforms.  After completing the two tasks please use the Rafflecopter Form below to enter.

 

DISCLOSURE:  Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CSB Lifeway Women’s Bible

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

 

Ladies, if you are looking for a great Christmas present to give to someone, or for yourself- look no further than the CSB Lifeway Women’s Bible! This new Bible is the perfect Bible/devotional combination.   I love the easy-to-read print, bright white pages, and space on the sides of the Bible text for notes!  Also, the Bible text is one column instead of two which I believe helps this Bible be so easy-to-read.  Maps and illustrations are sprinkled throughout this Bible in brilliant color.   Bible reading helps and devotional thoughts are included from some of my favorite women speakers and leaders of today such as Kelly Minter, Pricilla Shirer & Angie Smith.

Included are:

-Over 100 articles placed alongside the corresponding biblical text to foster deep reflection on Bible passages and topics focused on the life needs of women

-Nearly 100 short devotional thoughts placed throughout the Bible

 

-Bible introductions with a short overview and reading plan highlighting key passages in that section

 

-66 book-focused introductions providing a concise overview with book-specific timelines

-Over 40 character profiles of key women in the Bible with questions for application

-More than 35 reflection questions to help women engage more deeply with the Bible

-Nearly 100 brief inspirational quotes on the Bible

-Over 25 word studies on individual words or phrases detailing meaning and significance, and over 30 charts, tables, and maps.

-Features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB)

You will love this Bible for your personal Bible study/daily reading & also as a journalling Bible!   To learn more about the CSB Lifeway Women’s Bible click HERE.

Right now Lifeway has a special offer on the CSB Lifeway Women’s Bible:  You can get 50% the purchase of (1) Lifeway Women’s Bible with code SAVE50LWB (Only available on Lifeway.com.  Limit 1 Bible at 50% off retail price, and Lifeway Women’s Bible sku.  Limit one offer per person.  Cannot be stacked with any other offer.  Valid 11/15/22 – 12/31/22.)    

ALSO*** Lifeway has graciously provided 1 (one) copy of the Lifeway CSB Women’s Bible (Marigold LeatherTouch Edition) for my readers as a GIVEAWAY!!   This is limited to US winners only.  Please enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE:  Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  

New Film From The Kendrick Brothers: LIFEMARK Coming Soon!

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

I’m so excited to share a new movie from The Kendrick Brothers with you!   LIFEMARK is coming soon to theaters for one week in September – releasing on September 9, 2022.   I’m such a big fan of their previous movies, War Room, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof.

About LIFEMARK:
David’s comfortable world is turned upside down when his birthmother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David embarks on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of War Room and Fireproof—comes LIFEMARK, inspired by an incredible true story that celebrates the gift of life.

I hope you will view the trailer, and plan to go to the theaters in September to see this timely and powerful movie, LIFEMARK!

Here is a link to the trailer:

Don’t Miss The Daily Grace Co. Semi-Annual Warehouse Sale!

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

(This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase by clicking through my links, I will be compensated at no cost to you. Threads of Encouragement uses affiliate links and ads to help support this site.)

The Daily Grace Co. Semi-Annual Warehouse Sale is a great time to save 50-90% off slightly imperfect and retiring items.  Since this only happens twice a year, you don’t want to miss out!

Here are some of my favorite items included in this sale:

 

A TO Z PROMISES OF GOD KIDS CARDS   $5.00

 

 

PRAYER JOURNAL – FLORAL   $15.00

 

PRAY | CULTIVATING A PASSIONATE PRACTICE OF PRAYER – HIS AND HERS BUNDLE   $20.00

 

DELIGHT IN JESUS MUG  $9.00

 

AMAZING GRACE BAR NECKLACE   $16.00

A Pink Hoodie

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

 

I was recently asked to speak at a ladies’ missions meeting about something near and dear to my heart-  Appalachian Christmas Outreach Backpacks.   ACO Backpacks are a ministry of Baptist on Mission of North Carolina.  I have been involved with this ministry for many years now.  ACO Backpacks are important because, for many children in the Appalachian Coalfield regions, the backpack will be their only Christmas present.  Items included in the backpacks are warm winter clothing items (gloves, scarves, socks, etc.), a new toy, canned food items, candy, hygiene items, a copy of The Christmas Story leaflet, and a Bible (the most important item.)  Normally, I begin packing backpacks near the end of September through the month of October since the collection day is the first Saturday of November.   However, the night before speaking at the ladies’ mission meeting, I felt God nudging me to pack a backpack to show the ladies.   I picked out a backpack that was blue with bright pink zippers and trims.  My plan was to pack this backpack for a girl in the 11-14-year-old age category.  I began packing all the items that go in each backpack. One thing I love to do is coordinate and match items that go in the backpacks so I chose a bright pink Bible and used as much pink as I could with the other items.  I love to pack a warm hoodie or soft sweatshirt in my girls’ backpacks but did not have one on hand as I was packing.   I looked through all the items I had on hand to no avail- hoping for a hoodie or sweatshirt, but finding none that would work.

Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

One thing that Psalm 37:4 speaks to me is that when our desires are lined up with the desires God has for us – He will give us the desires of our hearts like a soft pink hoodie for the backpack I was packing.   I have a friend and sister in Christ,  who is so faithful to search for backpacks and backpack items.  Often she leaves the items sitting in my chair at work.   As I went in to work the next morning, I found in my chair several new backpacks and a bag from Belk (a clothing department store in our area).   In the Belk bag was the nicest soft, pink hoodie in a size perfect for an 11-14-year-old girl!   God blessed me that morning with one of the desires of my heart just in time to share with the Ladies in their missions meeting.

Later this year, in December, an 11-14-year-old girl will receive this backpack.   I pray this backpack will be one way God gives this girl the desires of her heart!

 

The Daily Grace Co. Cyber Monday Sale

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

(This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase by clicking through my links, I will be compensated at no cost to you. Threads of Encouragement uses affiliate links and ads to help support this site.)

One of my favorite companies is The Daily Grace Co.   Their Bible studies are excellent!  They have so many wonderful products to choose from including journals, jewelry, prayer guides, mugs, etc.   Today, you can shop storewide 30-80% off, plus receive a free necklace with every order while supplies last.

Some of my favorite items are:

The Bible Handbook

Regularly $58 – On Sale Today for $28

 

Pastel Bible Highlighter Set

Regulary $15 – On Sale Today for $5

The Daily Grace Prayer Calendar

Regularly $20 – On SaleToday for $14

 

New Every Morning Meditations On His Daily Grace

Regularly $16 – One Sale  Today for $5

 

Floral Bible Tabs

Regularly $10 – On Sale Today for $5

 

God’s Got This!

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

Last week as I was walking, I took this picture.  The same evening my pastor asked me to put this verse in our church newsletter.   As I was searching the internet for this verse with a picture, none really spoke to me.  However,  this picture that I had taken earlier came to mind.   So I paired the two together.   I think this picture and verse go together so well.   Sometimes, all I can see are the “bare trees” in my life.  I fail to see the “Son” shining through what I consider to be barren.  Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite promises from the Lord.  When I see difficulties, hopelessness, lack of purpose, and disappointment in my life, my Lord is still declaring “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  I’m so thankful that He is sovereign, and that I can truly say “God’s got this”.   I have hope, purpose, joy… even when things are difficult and disappointing.  I have a future with my Lord!

Please know dear friends that you can claim this promise in your life too if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior!   He is in control and has our best interest in mind!   This past Friday, I did something as I was leaving home to go to work that I considered to be really stupid on my part.   This “stupid” thing involved my car, and my thinking that something serious was wrong with the car.   So I turned around, come home and switched to our truck.    Later that evening, I realized that the “serious” problem wasn’t a problem at all.   I kept thinking about how dumb I had been until the following evening when the Lord kind of shouted out to me that although I thought what I did was stupid; it was possibly Him keeping me from harm instead.   What I considered to be an inconvenience and aggravating, could possibly have saved my life.   God has promised me that He has plans for my life.   I may not understand them all-  like last Friday, but I know He has my best interest in mind!  His good plan, purpose, and future for my life far outweigh anything I could possibly imagine!  For that, I am thankful!

Abiding in The Vine

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  John 15:5

A few months back several of my African Violets were blooming, and I thought it would be fun to share them with you.   African Violets have always been a favorite of mine .  Immediately John 15:5 came to mind in planning to share my violets.   Just as these violets must have the vine to flourish with beautiful leaves and flowers, so must we abide in the True Vine to flourish in our lives.

How do we abide in the Vine?   First of all a personal relationship with Jesus-   asking Jesus to forgive our sins, and be Lord and Master of our lives.

Second, we remain attached to the Vine by spending time in God’s word, The Bible.  Study His word, memorize it, dwell on it, and apply it in our lives (Rooted and Watered).

Third, we abide in the Vine through prayer.   Prayer is so important to a Christ follower.   Through prayer, a Christ follower receives direction for life (growth), is convicted of sin and receives forgiveness (pruning),  and realizes true comfort, strength, and joy (flourishes).

Fourth, we remain in the Vine when we obey Him, and share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ! (Bearing Fruit).

We have just embarked into a new year.   Many have looked ahead to 2021 with hope and anticipation for a better year than 2020. Whatever 2021 holds for us, the best thing we can do this year is abide in the True Vine, Jesus Christ.   Remember as we abide in Him, we will be rooted and watered.  We will grow, be pruned, flourish, and bear fruit for Him.  After Jesus talks about abiding in Him, He talks about joy.  Was your joy lacking in 2020?  Listen to Jesus’ words in John 15:11   “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”  Let’s abide in Jesus this year, and experience true joy!

 

The Great Farmapalooza: A Darling Children's Book

The Great Farmapalooza: A Darling Children’s Book

Posted on by Jackie Lawrence

(This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase by clicking through my links, I will be compensated at no cost to you. Threads of Encouragement uses affiliate links and ads to help support this site.)

The Great Farmapalooza by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Kelly Breemer, is a darling, lovely, delightful, entertaining, children’s book.   Full of colorful farm animals, butterflies, flowers, ponds, and sunshine; The Great Farmapalooza, is an eye-catching book for children.  More important though, The Great Farmapalooza, teaches young children to have grateful hearts!  Children learn from the farm animals to be grateful for the Lord making them, to be grateful for a new day, to be grateful for God’s love for them, and to praise our awesome God!   The Great Farmapalooza will quickly become one of your child’s favorites!