I’ve been searching, pondering, watching…waiting (not sure for what exactly ;)) trying to decide if I should jump on the journaling Bible bandwagon.
So when I was contacted by FlyBy Promotions to receive a $25 coupon to Family Christian to write about my shopping experience with them, I knew what I was going to buy!
A journaling Bible!
After stalking my mailman waiting patiently for my coupon in the mail, I rushed off to my local Family Christian store (how blessed am I that I have one 10 minutes from my house!) and headed straight to the journaling Bible section. I use the ESV, so I had to pass by the pretty versions that have art already in them to color, as the ESV isn’t available in that style.
But as fun as it sounds to make a Bible beautiful with art, I am both not creative enough, and too much of a perfectionist to draw in my Bible.
This year I started to listen to the God Centered Mom Podcast during my commute time, and it’s been one of the best things I could’ve ever done for my knowledge of the Lord and the Bible, my perspective and my walk with Jesus. I’ve been exposed to so many amazing guests on her podcast, but the most influential to me has been Katie Orr. Her Bible study method, FOCUSed 15, has revolutionized my desire to study the Bible, knowledge of the Bible, and me as student of the Bible. Because of the way I’ve been studying the Bible, I really wanted a journaling Bible to have more space to write notes. I’m writing notes for myself in the margins, which are tiny in my ‘regular’ Bible. This journaling Bible does not dissappoint! I’ve also started using the Color Method (that I also learned about on the God Centered Mom podcast) to color code what I’m reading as I’m studying the Bible. As a visual person with a ‘touch’ of ADD, this really helps me focus on what I’m reading and discern why it’s in the Bible and how I should apply it to my life.
I’m no stranger to my local Family Christian store, so I was able to quickly locate where the Bibles are in back of the store, though I was distracted a few times by the gorgeous Scripture prints they had on display in the front of the store, and the clearance sections through the store.
After I had my new Bible in hand, I found a few more areas of distraction. The Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Summer on the Go deals throughout the store were tempting to me, but I resisted the urge to buy more music or books. It wasn’t easy because they have some great books and music on sale, but I did it. 😉
And as I approached the checkout, I was surprised and thrilled to see a display of Active Faith Sports clothing. I’ve ordered items online several times for my guys, but to see it in Family Christian was exciting! As much as I love to shop online, when it comes to clothing I love to feel it and check the sizing. So having Active Faith items in the store will definitely bring me back!
My checkout was quick and friendly with John, who I often see when I wander into the store. We chatted about my Bible and he told me how popular they are and that some customers will bring their journaling Bibles into the store to show him. Talk about a great relationship with your customers!
But what I love about Family Christian stores is that my purchases support their efforts to unite with ministries that are helping children and families in need around the world. As you know, helping people around the globe is important to me. God has placed a growing desire in me to help others, even through my purchases, so if I can shop and help others, it’s a double win!!!
Though this $25 coupon helped bring me into Family Christian Store this time…it certainly isn’t the last!!!
And I have exciting news for YOU…..one reader will be chosen to receive a $25 coupon for Family Christian!!! (can be used online as well!)
Simply comment on this post about if you’ve ever shopped at Family Christian and what you would like to buy if you win the coupon! Good luck!
Winner will be chosen on Saturday, August 27th.
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification
I love my Family Christian store and now they are carrying Bible journaling supplies so that’s exactly what I would use my gift card for! Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
Oh how I miss our local Christian bookstore. We are a small town and we don’t have any chain Christian stores… we did have a long established family run store for many years but it closed down. I know when we travel to bigger cities, it’s always fun to run across a Family Christian store! (I’m still on the fence with Bible Journaling as well… I keep ALMOST buying one… but then talk myself out of it!) Maybe, one day!
We live in the boonies, so if I win, bless someone else!!!
We have always love Family Christian Books. As pastors, it was nice that they gave a discount.
We’re glad to once again live near one of the stores!
I love my local Family Christian Store! I would love to try a journaling Bible but haven’t ventured out to try it yet. If I one the coupon, I would probably get a journaling Bible OR I would get some books and/or music! 🙂
I received the FC flyer in the mail about the Journaling bible. I journal separately in a five year journal which I will be completing this year. I will also be completing my 6th year through the Bible. I would very much like to get a coupon for a Journaling bible.
I love the Family Christian bookstore. If I won, I would love to purchase a new Bible. I also love the kids’ section!
I shop at Family Christian. I don’t go there very often. As I find it to be quite expensive for my budget. BUT when I do go I love buying appearal. Though I would love to have a new Bible. I need one in ESV because that’s my prefered right now.
Hi Melissa- I love to shop at Family Christian, I am glad to have a Christian Book Store close by. I miss the ones we had in Coatesville and Thorndale, but Exton is close although I don’t get there as often as I would like. I like to buy my cards there and the $25 would be great for getting more cards. I also buy gifts there.
Oh my goodness, there are so many things I would love to buy. One thing I have been searching for is the perfect item for my son’s dorm room next year. I need to find something special and inspirational. I’m not sure what it is, but I will know it when I see it!
I love my Family Christian store and now that they stock the Illustrated Faith supplies, that’s exactly what I would use my gift card for. Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
I’ve browsed through Family Christian store many times. I have purchased gifts their regularly for kids receiving sacraments and often toyed with idea of buying a girly bible instead of our dollar store one that I occasionally flip through. The store by us was most helpful to me when I was thinking my dad was actively dying. He had leukemia and even though he did pass last month into heaven the staff helped me through one most difficult day by holding my hand gathering other staff and saying a prayer with me at that moment. I hadn’t bought anything that day just doing my weekly browsing waiting for my son to finish his music lessons. I was actively searching for anything I can give as a present to my dad to place in his hospital room to know we were all rooting for him as well as God. As hard as I tried my focus just wasn’t there and saw a bowl for customers to write a requested prayer and just started to cry. A cashier asked if she wanted to pray right then and there and it was exactly what I needed most and suppose it helped my dad since he did live past that day and week to a couple more months. I think I need to go back to ask them to pray again with me because I miss him so much. Great people and nice gifts. Kim
Oh Kim!!! I hadn’t heard about your dad. I’m so, so sorry!!!
What a blessing that the employees in Family Christian were there to pray with you when you needed it that day. I’ll be praying for God to comfort you as you miss your dad. He was a great man!!!
I love to go there for gifts at Christmas time! I would love to have a gift card to Family Christian to get either a new journal or a new devotional book.
Hi! I shop at Family Christian as well. I usually buy gifts for other people there. If I were to win the giftcard, I would purchase a journaling Bible as well. I will be starting a Bible Stydy soon, “Enojoying everyday Peace” with some good friends! 🙂
Woo hoo!!!! I can’t wait for the study Amiee!!!! ?
Hi Melissa, I love to shop at Family Christian! If I’m the winner of the coupon I want to get C.S. Lewis “Mere Christianity”. I love his writing and want to collect all his books eventually. I’ve heard this book has some really profound insights in it. Have you read it? Thanks for the review – you were very thorough.
Shirley @ http://www.shirleyjdietz.com
Thanks for reading Shirley! I haven’t read Mere Christianity, but I’ve seen it quoted often in other books I’ve read. I think it needs to be on my To Read list too!