I recently received the Everyday Matters Bible for Women, from Hendrickson Publishers, for review.  The Everyday Matters Bible for Women was created in partnership by Hendrickson Publishers and Kyria.com, Christianity Today’s women’s magazine.

The Bible I typically read is the New International Version (NIV). While I have several other translations and paraphrases, I have leaned toward the NIV for ease of understanding.  The Everyday Matters Bible for Women is the New Living Translation (NLT).  Both the NIV and the NLT are “meaning for meaning” translations of the Bible, rather than “word for word” translations, so I wasn’t quite certain how this translation would differ from my typical reading Bible.

Here is an example of the difference as seen in Proverbs 3:6

NIV: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”

NLT: “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

The NLT is just as understandable and readable as the NIV, which I was pleased with.

Now that I’ve shown you a little about the difference in the translation style, let me tell you about THIS Bible in particular.  This Bible features over 300 articles and features by more than 140 of today’s most recognized Christian leaders and writers, including: Kay Warren, Priscilla Shirer, Elisa Morgan, Nancy & John Ortberg, Richard Foster, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Lauren Winner.
It also features

• 4-color printing throughout
• Book introductions
• Color-coded icons identify each Spiritual Discipline addressed in contributors’ material
• Article, “How to Use This Bible in a Small Group Study”
• Index of Spiritual Practices
• Resources for further reading
• Presentation page
• Ribbon marker

The Everyday Matters Bible for Women is designed for today’s busy Christian women.  It is designed to make time spent in the Word richer, not harder. 

Let’s face it, life gets so busy sometimes that it is easy for daily Bible reading to become a “have-to” or “need-to” rather than a “get-to.”  I love that I get to spend time in God’s Word (almost) daily.  This Bible features twenty four disciplines (or Christian practices/virtues) that put us in a position to be strengthened and renewed.  The disciplines include such things as Acceptance, Confession, Faith, Fasting, Gratitude, Hospitality, Stewardship, and so on.  Each of the disciplines is represented by a colorful icon that reminds the reader of its meaning.  Each discipline has studies or passages included within the context of the Bible.  At the end of each one, it tells you where to find the next one on that discipline.

Each book of the Bible is preceded with a descriptor, which includes information on the background, message, time, and outline of the book.  This is very helpful for those who are unfamiliar with the background of each book of the Bible, and a great refresher for those who are familiar with it.

Overall, I really like this Bible.  The studies in it are timely and well thought out.  The discipline icons are colorful and serve as great visual references. The only thing I would change, and it is a personal preference, is that I would put the book and chapter reference at the top of the page (where the page number is listed) and would change it to a darker font.  Our church meets in a theater style setting, and when the house lights are not up all the way, it is more difficult to locate the passage with the font being in a lighter color.  I’ve also ditched the dust jacket, as I just can’t stand those things anyway.  Why you would want a dust jacket on your Bible is beyond me.  I would hope that it gets used enough that the dust jacket would be unnecessary.

The Everyday Matters Bible for Women would make a great gift for any woman on your list, whether for a birthday, Christmas, or anniversary.  It is available at Christian retailers nationwide, on ChristianBook.com, barnesandnoble.com, and is coming to Amazon on September 30th, and wherever else books are sold.

***I received a courtesy copy to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.***