NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible ... and a GIVEAWAY! (Read with Audra blog tour)

About the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls

Created especially for girls ages 8 to 12, this beautiful Bible provides ample space for young artists to express themselves through coloring and journaling.

Girls can get creative with the detailed, ready-to-color line art surrounding the hundreds of inspiring versus in the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls. This Bible is a perfect gift for a special young girl in your life and will become a cherished keepsake full of personalized creative expressions of faith. Features include:

• Hundreds of verses illustrated in ready-to-color line art
• Thicker white paper for enduring note-taking
• Lined, wide margins for notes, reflections, and art
• Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Easy-to-read black letter text in single-column format
• Lays flat in your hand or on your desk
• Ribbon marker
• Beautifully designed Leathersoft-over-board cover featuring screen-printing and other cover embellishments
• 8-point type size

Using the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) text makes the Bible accessible and easy-to-read for kids. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators, from a wide range of denominations in various countries and continually review new research to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world.

My review...

I own a few coloring Bibles, and I love them. Those are the NLT translation, so I was interested in checking out one in a different translation, in this case, the NIV Bible.

The Bible definitely catches your eye with its bright pink color with silver polka dots. It will likely delight many girls, of varying ages. There are numerous coloring pages. Some contain images, while others are just words. They are easy to read and would appeal to young girls. However, I am no longer a young girl, and I enjoyed them, too 😊 If a page does not contain an image to color, there are lines for journaling or note taking. The target age is 8 and up, and I’m sure many adults would enjoy using this, perhaps alongside the young children in their lives.

As is standard for a Bible, this one is somewhat heavy, and it comes in at over 1,400 pages. When I looked at it, I propped it on my desk, as it is a bit awkward for me to hold. I use colored pencils for my other journaling/coloring Bibles, and they’d work well in this one, as well. The pages are a decent thickness, but there could be some bleed through if using markers or gel pens.

This would make a lovely gift for girls of any age.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls from Zondervan (HarperCollins Christian Publishing) for this review. This post is sponsored by Zondervan.

Click here to download sample coloring pages

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Inspire Catholic Bible

My review...

I own the original Inspire Bible and the Inspire Praise Bible, so I was excited to see the Inspire Catholic Bible. It’s the only Catholic coloring and creative journaling Bible, and this NLT translation is officially authorized for use by Catholics.

Starting with the packaging, this is a beautiful Bible, though it is definitely geared toward females. The cover is a gorgeous metallic rose gold flexible, leather-like cover. The edges of the pages feature butterflies and flowers, also in pink (mainly). There is a ribbon bookmark and elastic closure band, which are very useful. At the beginning of the Bible, there is a section that explains the concept of Inspire, as well as information on the New Living Translation. 

There are over 450 illustrations, and many pages contain two-inch-wide lightly ruled margins, perfect for taking notes or adding your own illustrations. The font is 8.65, which is a bit larger than the font in some jounaling Bibles. THE NLT version is quite easy to read and understand. However, the pages are quite thin, even when compared to the other Inspire Bibles. I found that taking notes with a pen created a bit of ghosting on the other side of the page. As a result, I would suggest using colored pencils, or perhaps crayons, for coloring. Other mediums (markers, paint, gel pens, etc.) could bleed through. (I didn’t try these other mediums based on how the pen showed through just in taking notes.) 

Amazon purchase link

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

A trio of journals from Ellie Claire

It's almost a new year, which is a great time to pick up a new devotional journal. Ellie Claire has  three options to choose from.

This devotional begins with a beautiful, brightly colored cover. The devotions feature God's creation, including nature in all forms. It's a 365-day devotional journal, running January to December. Each one features a verse, devotion, prayer, and space for journaling. The pages complement the cover with flowers and peacocks. I find it somewhat calming to read this, as I was taken in with the descriptions (such as "A creek runs through my neighbor's field..." and "Fireflies glittered in the pasture surrounding my daughter's home...") If you feel closer to God when you're outside, this is a devotional journal to check out. A ribbon bookmark is also included, as is an elastic band for closure.

Amazon purchase link

This is a yearly devotional journal which contains inspirational quotes from popular Christian worship songs or hymns at the beginning of each devotion, followed by the message, a Bible passage to read, and a prayer. I love worship music, so I was excited to see lyrics used with the devotionals. (Note: You do need to have access to a Bible, as the verse referenced is not provided with the devotion.) There are numerous lines to use for daily journaling. The pages have flowers which complement the cover, and a bookmark and elastic closure band are included. 

Examples of the inspiring quotes/lyrics:

• "And with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength." from "Love the Lord" by Lincoln Brewster
• "I'm pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed." from "Trading My Sorrows" by Darrell Evans
• "His banner over us is love, our sword the Word of God." from "Faith is the Victory" by John H. Yates

Amazon purchase link

The focus of this journal is on peace, and that starts with the cover, which is beautiful and peaceful to look at. The focus is on the fact that God  is the only source of true peace, and He wants to give it to us, as well. The daily devotions in the 365-day devotional journal follow the standard format (verse, devotion, and prayer), along with lines for journaling. The edges of the pages match the coloring of the cover. In a world full of chaos on a daily basis, I like that this devotional focuses on helping the reader find (that sometimes elusive) peace. A ribbon bookmark and elastic band for closure are included.

Amazon purchase link

Are you looking for some gift ideas?

I've mentioned on more than one occasion that I adore devotional books, so I was excited to have the opportunity to review a trio of books from FaithWords. I'd highly recommend these books for gift ideas (even if it's a gift for yourself!). In this collection, there's a bit of something for just about everyone. I can't wait to use all three of these books during my 2019 devotional time 😊

Moore's devotional is different than any I've read, and I really liked that fact. As with many books, the readings are short, sweet, and on point. They begin with a Bible verse, have a message, and end with a short prayer. However, in this 365-day devotional, each day focuses on one key word. The words are simple, yet powerful, for instance: Relax, Seek, Stop, Belong, Doubt, Chosen, Hungry, Journey, Prepare, and Love.

This devotional allows the reader to look at common words in a different way. I particularly love how Moore finds a Bible verse using the word, and then she incorporates the word in the body of the devotion, as well as the prayer. The book itself is small and easy to hold, and the color/scheme of the pages complements the cover.

Amazon purchase link for What a Great Word! 

 This is such a fun book! The cover is bright and cheery, and the illustrations and big, detailed, and easy to color. The pages are a bit thicker than some books, so you could use colored pencils, gel pens, crayons, and markers (though there may be a bit of ghosting with some of these). Bible verse are included with many illustrations, and each journal page contains numerous lines,a s well as a basic picture to color. There's a page at the front to list who the book belongs to, as well as a page at the end which says, "The End." (This would also make a nice book if you have someone in your life who's an aspiring author!)

Amazon purchase link for Here's Some Happy

I like Joyce Meyer, so I was excited to add this devotional to my collection. This is a powerful daily devotional that tackles a number of issues, including lack of confidence, self-image, and relationships. Each devotion begins with a Bible verse and ends with a prayer. The message contains practical tips and wisdom to address to those issues. The book itself is a beautiful pink leather cover, and a ribbon bookmark is also included. Each week begins with an intro with general encouragement for the week.

This book has been revised and expanded from an earlier edition. Some of the devotions do seem geared toward wives and mothers, so keep that in mind when picking this one up. (Most could be applicable to women, in general.)

Amazon purchase link for The Confident Woman














Disclaimer: I received complimentary copies from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Ellie Claire Art Journals

I recently had the opportunity to review a trio of art journals from Ellie Claire, just in time for the holiday season. I found them to be delightful and inspirational overall, making them a perfect addition to my daily devotional time.

When I journal, I use a variety of things (including pens, colored pencils, markers, gelatos, gel pens, stamps, and stickers). I tried many of these with this collection of journals. There was a bit of ghosting, at time, but, in general, everything I typically use worked well, as the pages in each journal are a bit thicker than one might find in an average notebook or Bible. All of them lay flat, which is ad added bonus!

Each journal contains beautiful illustrations to accompany the instructions. The books would be appropriate for people of various ages and skill levels. I've never been overly creative in my journaling, but these will make it a bit easier to do so, and I look forward to using these journals. (They would make wonderful gifts this Christmas, as well.)

                Amazon purchase link


This journal is an all-inclusive journal for lettering, as well as for creating beautiful artwork in your journal or Bible. I'm not very artistic, and even I was able to follow the instructions (and, for the most part, things came out looking okay). The journal provides opportunities to practice hand-lettering, Bible journaling, and sermon sketch note-taking. Banners, flowers, and frames are also included. The tips are helpful for beginners and more experienced calligraphers, etc.

Amazon purchase link



This journal contains illustrations from ancient manuscripts, along with illustrations to color (around forty of them) and abundant space for journaling or drawing your own illustrations. A few Bible verses accompany some illustrations, so this book really brings Scripture to life through the drawings. There is a place along the spine to store a pen, as well.

Amazon purchase link

If you've ever wanted to improve your writing and make it a bit fancier, this book is for you. The illustrations included in this journal are gorgeous and will give the user a number of ideas to try in their own journaling. The instructions are easy to follow, though some are definitely more advanced than others, and there is ample space for practice. Designs include general flourishes, animals, and flowers. The options really allow the user to personalize their writing. Appropriate and inspiring quotes and Bible verses are included. There is a place along the spine to store a pen, a bookmark, and a keepsake pocket.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of each journal from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

The Illustrator's Notetaking Bible for Teens

Do you like to take notes in your Bible? Are you a fan of coloring? If you said "yes" to both of these questions, then this Bible is for you! It is perfect for Bible journaling.

What was my first impression of this Bible? I loved it! There are over 600 illustrations to color, as well as wide margins for taking notes (or adding your own illustrations, if you're inclined to do so!). 

This Bible is the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translation, which is very easy to read and understand. At the beginning of the Bible, there is a description of the HCSB translation, for those unfamiliar with it. There are questions throughout the Bible which help the reader in their study. These include: 

• How to read and study the Bible
• What makes the Bible so special?
• If I can't see God, how do I know He's real?
• Why does God allow evil?
• What's your worldview?

The Bible lays flat, making it very easy to read, color, or take notes. It contains twelve pages of "study helps," which includes the bullet notes (something specific to the HCSB Translation). A yearly study plan is listed in the back, as well as numerous colored maps. There is also a beautiful ribbon marker. It is written in 8-point text and contains 1376 pages.  It is the perfect size to allow creativity, as well as be a functional Bible for everyday reading and study.

While this Bible is labeled for teens (ages 11-18, or grade level 6-12), I feel it is appropriate for adults, too :-) It would be a perfect addition for someone wanting to share the Bible journaling experience with their daughter, sister, etc. If you are looking to deepen your spiritual walk, this is certainly a Bible to check out.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher as part of the B&H Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.

Here's the link to the Bible on the publisher's website, where it can be purchased. 

http://bit.ly/2a7XSnM

Life Verse Creative Journal Set by Jana Magruder and Morgan Grace Magruder

I was very excited to receive this journaling set in the mail. I enjoy the new adult coloring trend, and I also do Bible journaling.  I felt that this set would be a perfect complement for both of them. I was correct :-) The small size of this journal makes it extremely portable, but don’t let the size fool you, as there is a lot packed in little book. The journal encourages creativity and provides an easy way to add a daily dose of Scripture, as well as meditation, to your day. There are numerous images to color, and some have blank places for the reader to add in their own touch to the included picture. A number of popular verses are included. The set also comes with a completely blank journal to use. This would make a wonderful gift for just about anyone.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.