This Life I Live by Rory Feek

You may be interested in this book because this couple is famous.  I, however, had not even heard their names before picking it up.  I like to hear people's stories...learn about the lessons and insights their experiences have taught them.  That alone sparked my interest in this book, and I'm glad I took the time to read it.

Rory Feek writes in a blog with the same title: This Life I Live. Many people have heard about his wife, Joey, and followed their music career and her battle with cancer.  This book focuses more on Rory's life before fame and fortune...how God got his attention and prepared him to be a good husband.  Like most of us, there are some parts of his story that Rory is not proud of, but he recognizes that those things still have value and need to be told.  He writes, "I've learned that most of the time, the things that you're most ashamed of and don't want to tell anyone are the things that can become a new beginning for you.  And, in time, God has a way of making those moments the first things you want to talk about because it's from there that He was able to work in your life.  To really change you.  From the inside out."  It is with this spirit of authenticity that Rory writes, and I found it both engaging and easy to relate to.

This book has the same feel that a blog has - short chapters that either tell a story or focus on a theme.  While the book as a whole does flow from start to finish, the individual chapters don't always come in chronological order.  Jumping around in time was mildly confusing at times, but I could follow it.

Every family has a story to tell and lessons to share.  I'm glad I got a glimpse into this one...

And if you like to listen to audio-books: Rory recorded this book himself!  I think it would be really cool to listen to an author reading his own story.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Drawn In Bible Study Review

Adult coloring books have been increasing in popularity.  While I personally have not found the time to enjoy this new hobby, I know many people do! Drawn In Bible Studies are unique in that they combine scripture/study with coloring.  There are studies on Mary, Esther, and Ruth.
The books are roughly 5" x 8".

Bible Study: There are four main sessions that include scripture from The Message Bible, devotional thoughts by Eugene Peterson, questions for discussion, and a prayer.  Coloring pages are woven throughout the session.  There are also notes at the end of the book to guide someone in how to effectively lead the study.

Why include coloring pages?  The author says "the act of coloring will help your orienting response, the brain function that allows you to filter out background distractions and attend to the matter at hand...By coloring as you engage in this Bible study, you'll be more attentive to what the Scriptures have to teach you."  It gives your hands something to do while your mind is meditating on the Word.

What to color with? You could use colored pencils, but only if they are very sharp.  Many designs have very tight spaces. (Some examples are shown below).  I tried using gel pens, and they work well.  The pages are thick enough that the ink does not bleed through the paper.  However, if the ink is still wet when you turn the page, it can transfer to the following page.  This could create a problem if you are coloring bits of multiple pages in a short amount of time.

If you like coloring, this type of Bible Study is a new and interesting option!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.