The Return

Review: Picturing Heaven: 40 Hope-filled Devotions with Coloring Pages Randy Alcorn, Illustrated by Lizzie Preston Tyndale House Publishers 2017 Alcorn writes in the introduction that the value of this book is perhaps that “Coloring the imagery---the trees, lakes, animals, and people enjoying a redeemed creation---will help you develop a vital view of the magnificent New Earth God is preparing for us!   As you ponder these pictures and participate in the art, you’ll more fully appreciate Christ’s promise---not of a ghostly existence, but of resurrected bodies and minds in a fantastically beautiful resurrected universe ruled by Jesus, the King of Kings, our Savior and Lord.” (9)   Indeed, the time spent thinking on all that will not be a wasted time.    Short devotional readings drawn from several of Alcorn’s previous works are accompanied on the facing page by the illustrations by Lizzie Preston.   They are printed on a good qualit...

Review: Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal Compiled by Amie Carlson Tyndale House Publishers 2017 I have become a believer in the adult coloring books, an admission that will sway my opinion of this book.   Coloring books in general require me to stop, slow down, and relax.   Add a time to consider what a Bible verse says and things are good.   Very good, in fact.   That’s what this journal is about.    Tranquility describes this journal well.   The introduction page says tranquility is a state of calmness, peacefulness, quietness, serenity.   Sounds wonderful already.   Just typing those words felt good.   The book has small drawings on nearly every page that may be colored, a few lines (or more) to use as the reader sees fit, and a short paragraph to encourage some prayer.    The overall size doesn’t exceed a child’s book.   No giant designs to labor over.   One a day woul...