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Bibles & Resources for Studying

May 15, 2020 in Lifestyle, Servanthood

This week I’ve been studying the book of Esther. I’ve shared my study moments on Intastories, and I’ve received quite a few questions about the bible(s) I use during my study time. So, I figured a blog would be a great place to archive what I’m using and how I use my 4 bibles in rotation to study.

I’m no expert. Let’s make this very clear. I don’t have a well designed annotating system (I freestyle my annotation), however there are great systems out there to assist with annotating your reading and highlighting key words (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and more). Also, let’s take this slow — no need to rush out and buy the bibles I’ve listed here. For instance, I started with one bible and over time added to my resources or found other ways to have access through digital copies until I was ready to invest in the hard copies. Kindle and Apple Books are your friend.

So let’s jump into what I use on a regular basis, first up:

  1. Single Column Journaling Bible, I’ve linked it, here. I purchased this ESV (English Standard Version) bible back when Christian bookstores were easily accessible, almost 5 years ago. What drew me to the bible was the design and how it was specifically created with a single column larger margin area devoted to taking notes or doodling. If you like to take notes during Sunday Service, Bible Study or doing your own study time and don’t particularly need to carry a journal, then grab this bible. I especially love revisiting certain scriptures and reading my notes again and again.
  2. Tony Evans Bible Commentary, I’ve linked it here. So here’s the thing before I use the bible commentary, I read through the scriptures and passages a few time my ESV or NIV bible . I find it best to let the Holy Spirit speak to you through His word, before drawing from someone else’s interpretation. Then I use the commentary to compare and contrast. It’s a great tool. Tony Evans is great at diving deeper with scripture and illustrating passages in such a way that they come to life. In addition, Pastor Evans adds links to his commentary to watch him teach on certain chapters. It’s like a full-circle experience. I JUST recently purchased the hardcover version of this bible, before I was using the digital version available on Apple Books and Kindle.
  3. Eugene Peterson Message Bible Simply put the message bible gives a more contemporary voice to scriptures. It makes the original language and tone of other versions of the bible easier to digest. Although the message version “breaks-down” scripture I would encourage you to rely on other versions before using this one. It’s a great reference but understanding the author, time, and location of certain passages is important for a complete understanding and not just a quick interpretation. I’ve added a link to the message bible, here. I have a vibrant turtle back pink one that’s pretty light weight and compact.
  4. Life Application Study Bible Last but certainly not least, the application bible. I usually end my study time by referencing the study notes, textual notes, and cross-references provided for each book and chapter. The application bible also gives some applicable tips to help navigate life and strengthen your walk. I don’t have a hard copy of this bible I instead use the one Apple Books version.

So there you have it — a breakdown of each bible I use and how I use them.

If you have any questions, you can drop them in the comments section.

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If you’re new here, this is Deacon my #pandemicbaby and the reason behind @maskedmotherhood. I, like so many other moms found out I was pregnant at the beginning of the 2020 and shortly after that a global shutdown. 
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Just like that, resources available to pregnant women were few and far in between, our spouses could no longer attend appointments, and there was so much uncertainty around if and when the pandemic would end. We were in a space of hiding as women.
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Almost 18 months later — 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆, and 𝐝𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧. This group is back and available to you. Because the truth is YES we as moms need resources, but we really need Jesus! 
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I’m looking forward to serving in this space again as bible study leader and welcoming back experts to provide us with all the tips we need to succeed at every stage of motherhood. Every stage, 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐒. All of the details are available, www.carmenwatkins.com and everything is absolutely free. 
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Friendly reminder— Don’t be the guy roaming y Friendly reminder— 
Don’t be the guy roaming your local Walgreens or CVS scrambling for a card. 🫠🤭
•
I know holidays can sneak up on us, but I’m here to help. You can do this, group hug! 🤣
#forwardtothedads
#idontmindtakingtheheatforus
#friendlyreminder
#momshelpingmoms
I haven’t been on my feed much and it has a lot I haven’t been on my feed much and it has a lot to do with the work I’ve been putting into @maskedmotherhood — I don’t take it lightly that I get to serve in this space, and one day I’ll have a full system that runs like a machine, but until that happens as a wise woman told me — “clarity will come as you go.”
•
So just go for it!
GOD BLESS THE TRIBE | 4U @sdtribe GAME DAY #photod GOD BLESS THE TRIBE | 4U @sdtribe GAME DAY #photodump
My greatest responsibility isn’t just to share J My greatest responsibility isn’t just to share Jesus, but show Jesus. 
•
It means nothing to share Jesus with others, and not live a fully devoted life showing the love of Jesus at home with my husband and my kids. 
•
God, guide me as wife and mom. Help me to fully show up demonstrating your love in my home. Let joy be the aroma of my home. Let forgiveness come easy. Let your light shine in and through us. Help me to serve selflessly and unto you. In Jesus name, amen.

#thedubs
📣Special Announcement 📣 • Masked Motherhoo 📣Special Announcement 📣
•
Masked Motherhood is BACK!! 
•
If you’re new here, this is Deacon my #pandemicbaby and the reason behind @maskedmotherhood. I, like so many other moms found out I was pregnant at the beginning of the 2020 and shortly after that a global shutdown. 
•
Just like that, resources available to pregnant women were few and far in between, our spouses could no longer attend appointments, and there was so much uncertainty around if and when the pandemic would end. We were in a space of hiding as women.
•
God gave me the vision to create a space where moms could come together for bible study, prayer, and as an added bonus have experts join our weekly calls to talk with us about the new protocols for labor and delivery, our mental health as moms, navigating the postpartum phase, the pros to chiropractic care in pregnancy, and the ups and downs of breastfeeding. It was a beautiful season, and as a constant reminder we focused on 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝟒:𝟏𝟒, “𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬”, we were called to bring forth the next generation in the middle of a global pandemic. 
•
Almost 18 months later — 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆, and 𝐝𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧. This group is back and available to you. Because the truth is YES we as moms need resources, but we really need Jesus! 
•
I’m looking forward to serving in this space again as bible study leader and welcoming back experts to provide us with all the tips we need to succeed at every stage of motherhood. Every stage, 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐒. All of the details are available, www.carmenwatkins.com and everything is absolutely free. 
•
If you have any questions, please comment below or send me a DM! 
•
Bible Study begins on Tuesday, April 19th
Can I get a 🥁drum roll, pleaseeeee? • Congra Can I get a 🥁drum roll, pleaseeeee? 
•
Congratulations to the winner of the @northpointmall Spring Giveaway…

🎉 @chelle.phillips 🎉

Please check your DM to claim your prize. Everyone else thank you so much for participating and sharing this giveaway! 

Meet me in the comments to Congratulate @chelle.phillips and let me know if you’d like to see more giveaways in the future!!! 

#northpointmall
#northpointmallalpharetta 
#thingstodoinalpharetta 
#carmenwatkins 
#carmenwatkinsblog 
#momblogger
#bloggermom
#blackmomsblog 
#momblog 
#heyblackmom
#blackmominfluencer 
#atlantamoms
Wedding Day #photodump • Yesterday as we were ge Wedding Day #photodump
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Yesterday as we were getting ready, Britt’s grandma said how amazing it is that we have all remained friends over the years. 18+ years connects the 4 of us, and no time, distance, or relationship has ever come between us.
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It’s a beautiful thing. 
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Love them all so deeply and @itsme_msb Britt Britt what an honor to stand with you as you committed to for richer or for richer (inside joke) 😂😜 with Stephen. I love you to the moon and back and back again. 
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#swipe to see the Carm you don’t get on the gram! Lol. Reserved for the near and dear. 😜 Also my husband looked so scrumptious last night 😍🥰. If I have another kid we agreed to name him after the bartender, Jawan😩😂
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