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Oct 16, 2023
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5 People on Your Gift List that need a New Bible

gift wrapping with title of post 5 People on Your Gift List that need a New Bible

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Ascension Great Adventure Bible and the OSV Blessed is She Catholic Notetaking Bible were both given to me in exchange for an honest review, as was a free trial of the Hallow app.

When my husband and I got married, we received many gifts.

Most of them, were monetary.

But one gift was a Bible.

The white Catholic Bible we were given on our wedding day was from Matt’s Aunt Betty Ann.

Aunt Betty Ann is often known by another title. That title is Sister Betty Ann, IHM.

I have no relatives that chose the religious life. Matt having an Aunt that is a religious sister is such a blessing.

I have to be honest, when I first opened that gift – the Bible – I thought:

“That’s sweet. Her vow of poverty limits her on how much she can give, but this is such a kind gift”.

17 years later I realize that gift was of far more value than I realized back then.

This Bible has been our only Bible for most of our marriage!

5 People on Your Gift List that need a New Bible

1. A Gift for the engaged couple or newlyweds

What dawned on me lately is if we only have a Bible because Matt’s Aunt is a religious sister and she gave us one for our wedding gift – how many Catholic couples and families DO NOT have a Bible!???

I mean, I had another Bible when we got married – but that was my Bible from my sophomore year of high school.

I went to a Catholic High School and we were required to have a Bible that year for Religion class.

And once again, it dawns on me . . .

How many Catholics have not gone to Catholic school? How many went to Catholic school but were never required to have their own copy of a Bible?

So, this year, before I write another Catholic Christmas Gift Guide, I want to STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to buy someone a Catholic Bible for Christmas this year.

3 bibles stacked on an outside table

The one Aunt Betty Anne gave Matt and I is the New American Bible Saint Joseph Edition

It has served us well 🙂

in the past few years, some other great options have been published.

2. A Gift for the new convert to Catholicism or the couple you know where one is Catholic, the other is a non-Catholic

Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible

I was given a copy of this Bible last year in exchange for an honest review.

It’s fantastic.

I love that it goes along with the Bible in a Year Podcast and there are really so many reasons to like this version.

It’s great for a couple. It’s a great gift for a man or woman.

My neighbor and good friend has a copy of Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible and she just converted to Catholicism!

I think the Bible in a Year podcast helped her on her journey home to the Catholic Church.

It’s a sad reality that some Catholics are not as familiar with Sacred Scripture as other Christians. This does not have to be! The Bible in a Year podcast and great publications, like the Great Adventure Bible, makes knowledge of Scripture very accessable and attainable.

3. The gift for a couple that just got their baby or toddler Baptized

I actually gifted a copy of Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible to my sister and her husband when they had their two children Baptized this past year.

I called her up after to explain my reasoning (as you read above) and she told me they actually only had a New Testament, so this gift was something that they did not have . . . and on my end, I felt like it was truly appreciated.

In young families, there may be quite a few Children’s Bibles. .. . they probably don’t need another one of those. Give the adults a gift that will grow with the children and the family!

4. A Gift for your Christian Sister, Mom or Girlfriend

Another Bible I am loving lately is the Blessed is She Catholic Notetaking Bible published by OSV.

This is a beautiful book to give to a woman – no matter what age!

Many parishes have started Bible study programs, and this Bible allows the woman to not confiscate the family Bible each time she leaves to go to a meeting or do her independent studying.

This Bible is a great Eucharistic Adoration companion.

For middle aged women, or older, this idea that it’s okay to color, write and draw in your Bible is a little new. For many of us, writing or coloring in our Bibles was not encouraged. This new found freedom could be quite a blessing to a loved one!

5. A Gift for Your Catholic Christian Dad, Husband and Brother

And, on a side note, here’s a funny story.

One year, for Christmas, I bought my father a Bible.

My dad had modeled the faith for me growing up, but I although I often saw him with Rosaries and always wearing a Miraculous Medal, I wondered if he owned a Bible.

So I was pretty excited about this great gift idea I had for him.

I gave it to him. He looked at it. He told me that it was really nice.

Then, he broke it to me:

It wasn’t a Catholic Bible. It was then that I learned not all Bibles were the same.

I think I might have been 20 years old. This was news to me – King James Bible – not the same as a Catholic Bible.

Still, I think a Bible was a good gift for him.

But think about it – the men in your life . . . when is the last time someone gave them a Bible?

There are options now that may have not been available or necessary years ago.

Large print Bibles for the older crowd that can not read the small print so easily.

Apps like Hallow that have a virtual option may open a door to Christ simply because it will literally be at his fingertips (yes, you can give Hallow as a gift!!!).

Don’t be afraid to give one person a Bible this year!

Share that it is something you appreciate having in your home, or share a personal story about how you came about owning your own Bible.

You can do this!

Do you have a Bible? Was it a gift or something you bought for yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!

And don’t forget to share and Pin this post!

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  1. Amy Schisler says

    October 17, 2023 at 10:01 am

    My daughter gave me the Ave Maria women’s Bible last year for Christmas, and I was sooooooo happy!! My husband and I always give nativity sets as Christmas gifts. That was the one thing we realized we didn’t have when we decorated for our first Christmas (my mother had already given us a Bible 😊).

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Let us pray together for our priests! In the name Let us pray together for our priests! In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Saint Teresa of Avila is credited with this quote: “Behind each priest, there is a demon fighting for his fall. If we have the language to criticize them, we must have twice as much to pray for them”.

The parish I have been attending for over 20 years has always been blessed either such wonderful priests. I am so grateful, and if I’m being honest, quite sad to see this one go on to another assignment.

Let us fervently pray for all Catholic priests… for they truly help us know and love Jesus Christ more.

God bless Father Windle … and @irishclan7 we loved the ice cream truck at his farewell. Our twins had actually made up a song they would sing on pancake breakfast days… perhaps one day I’ll convince them to sing it for you or for Father Windle 😉 

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If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from If Saint Maria Goretti could send us a letter from heaven… it might say this!

Only about 7 Saints were highlighted in the Be Yourself Journal…. Saint Maria Goretti was one of those Saints.

Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!

Comment below if you want me to read the other letters!

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Maria… what are the other titles in the series?
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What if we combined prayer journaling with junk jo What if we combined prayer journaling with junk journaling???

Let’s find out together with @wendytownley on Saturday morning!

Join us for a fun workshop- and put some time to be pray and be creative on your calendar this weekend!
Want more info? Type JOURNAL in the comments!
Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling i Junk Journaling plus Prayer Journaling = Falling in love with prayer on a whole new level!!
Join @wendytownley and Amy Brooks @prayerwinechocolate to learn more!

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Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME Saturday’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Event was AWESOME!
So thankful @allentowndiocese hosted and organized this beautiful day with the help of Trials to Triumph (T3) a foundation that helps families in the area and created a beautiful space to pray, reflect and enjoy the company of others.

Some highlights:

🙏Over 60 women prayed the Rosary together and I used Julia Miller’s @freshrosary Praying the Promises Rosary guide to lead each mystery. Julia several women came up to me afterwards to ask where they could get a copy… the said it really moved them ❤️

🤗One woman said, “I have no Catholic friends!” to which I responded, “You do now!!” THIS the beauty of Prayer Wine Chocolate! 

🏫 I got to see an old friend from college and it was so much fun catching up with her! Her name is Maria which was one wink from the Blessed Mother - but definitely not the only one!

♥️It was the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  I shared some stories about IHM nuns… I had met with all but one of the group that resides at our parish convent. The one Sister that missed our gathering… well her Mom and sister attended this event! This place is about an hour and a half from my house! What are the odds??? 

Signal graces are so cool.😎 

I hope women who attended start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group in their parish!

Want more information? Comment below!

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Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( I mean, the guy deserves a coffee break or something… I’m constantly dialing his number!!!).

My unofficial patron Saint of finding a parking spot is SAINT POLYCARP!
 Years ago a coworker (fellow teacher, we taught in a Catholic High School together) told me she always asks Saint Polycarp to help her find parking and he never lets her down.
Her reasoning…she said, and I quote:

“No one is asking him for anything!!!”

All I’m saying is …it works.
Try it.

#CatholicSaints #patronsaint #Catholic #Catholics#CatholicsofInstagram
A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Cho A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering…

Our Lady ended up at the table with us before we began to pray the Rosary.

And as if it was perfectly orchestrated by the Holy Spirit… she was located at the head of the table.

That night was so incredibly fun. I remember thinking about how Bishop Barron once said;

“The flag of the Holy Spirit is JOY”.

That is what that night felt like to me. The Holy Spirit was there and moving!

Thank you Jessica (@sallykpub ) for successfully running a PWC group during the 2025-2026 year!

Thank you Betsy (@vacationlearning_blog ) for pioneering this adventure!!!

Comment below if you want more information about this parish ministry!!!

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Life has been extra busy lately. Here are a few mo Life has been extra busy lately.
Here are a few moments I’d like to share with you ❤️

1. I recorded, edited and published a reel. I have many on my to do list but responsibilities have pulled me in so many directions lately. I really enjoy making reels. I hope to publish more soon!

2. I thought about backing out of the shore (that’s Philly for beach) field trip and keeping my son home too. I had fearful, anxious thoughts the days and night before. I’m so glad I didn’t cave to them. My oldest son had a fantastic day with his classmates. The chaperones and teacher had a great day too. I think God gave us all a mini retreat. I am so grateful ☺️ 

3. Colleen discovered @thelandmark.cafe serves @sevenweekscoffee a week before the trip and suggested we go there. I suggested we pray a Rosary on the beach. These kinds of friendships make all the hard things in life so much lighter. Plus, we bought matching sweatshirts. ❤️ you @colleeenm 

4. I was an assistant track coach this Spring! My daughter wanted to run and we even convinced her older brother to sign up too! This is extra special to me since this was a sport I participated in and coached for years before motherhood. I’m excited to see my children continue to put their best feet forward on the track and in the field events too.

5. I was a disgruntled, unenthusiastic assistant coach when I first received the Paper Plate Award assignment. As I took on this work, I truly began to enjoy it. I realized how little I do just for the sake of creativity and leisure. This assignment was a gift. I’m super proud of my surfboard and must give credit to YouTubers who make it possible for me to draw anything 

6. My husband had a birthday last week. He took off from work and we had lunch at Panera Bread while the kids were in school. It was lovely and delicious!

7. This year when I chaperoned the Churches and Cheesesteaks field trip I did NOT get a flat tire. This makes for a happier chaperone. I think I ate a Pat’s cheesesteak but it may have even Geno’s. Either way… good. I don’t mind being a tourist in my hometown of Philly. Honestly, I quite enjoy it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#7quicktakes #fridayintroductions
We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn’t help to listen when I overheard…

One young woman to another wearing a baby..
“Look at his white hair!!!”

Mother wearing baby: I know, we picked out his name before he was born and when we came out we looked up what his name means and is means “white hair”

Other woman: No way!!!

Baby wearing Mama; “The Lord knows!”
Other woman: He sure does!”

Me to friend who also overheard this; “Oh I LOVE ❤️ this place!!!”

The Lord indeed knows!
Praise the Lord!

The Lord knew that I would be planning to make a reel for @sevenweekscoffee … but I didn’t know @colleeenm would have told me about this coffee shop that serves Seven Weeks Coffee and it just happens to be where we were taking our 8th graders on their class trip!

The Lord knew…
He also knew it would be the day of @thelandmark.cafe ‘s soft opening!

We got to order brunch and I must say not only the coffee was delicious but so was the GOAT Omelette!

Thank you @sevenweekscoffee for sending me some coffee! Thank you @thelandmark.cafe for an incredible experience and an amazing Golden Hour iced coffee!#catholic #catholicwoman #prolife #catholicwomen #catholicmom
Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June 13th???

Let’s celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary together!

We will pray the Rosary, sip wine and enjoy snacks and I’ll share how this ministry will unite our hearts to our Blessed Mother and ultimately to the Heart of Jesus!

#boulderridge #ImmaculateHeart #Allentown #Catholic #Catholicretreat
“Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an “Catholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an evil to fear.”

I am delighted to share this book written by @emilystimpsonchapman with you!

On Mother’s Day I enjoyed a few moments of silence and solitude on my deck with a cup of coffee and this hardback book that I think is absolutely perfect for a coffee table.

Since I’m a total history buff and definitely appreciate a glass of wine 🍷 I couldn’t say yes fast enough when I was offered a review copy of this book!

I so appreciate Emily’s introduction which I devoured and even took notes (yes, that is me relaxing) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

My top bucket list wish is to go to Italy one day… so the first chapter is helping me write my dream itinerary.

If you are looking for more Catholic inspired content or even a gift for a friend… I highly recommend this book.

Let me know if you have it or read it! 
If you want the link… let me know :)

Tag a friend who would LOVE this book!
Cheers!!! 🥂 

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #Catholichome #Catholicwoman #prayerwinechocolate
It’s that easy. Share your intentions; Pray a Rosa It’s that easy. Share your intentions;
Pray a Rosary tonight;
Enjoy some wine and chocolate.
Cheers!
It’s still Easter!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholicreels #Catholicwomen #catholicfriends
Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude.
I would ever write a letter to a friend and immediately start talking about myself… and yet I wanted to dive right in there when praying to the Creator of heaven and earth?????

Prayer journaling truly helped me in many ways. This was the first way.

I needed to be more grateful.
Some days are really hard… but there is always something to be grateful for.

Shifting my attention was something that I needed; not only spiritually but mentally and emotionally.

Do you use a journal to pray?

Share your thoughts 👇🏼

#prayer #prayerjournaling #prayerjournal #Catholic #prayerjournalprompts
Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering! A Prayer Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is, at its foundation, a Rosary group that incorporates time for friendship and fellowship.

Why start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group?

—>You want more Catholic friends but don’t know how to find them . . .

—>You want more Catholics to return to the faith, and you are looking for ways that will help them feel welcome!

—-> You are in a busy stage of life so a Bible study is not ideal, but you still want to gather with other Catholic women for faith and fellowship

If you are interested in starting a parish group, 
Comment FREE 
for a FREE resource that will help you talk to your Pastor about the benefits of having a Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry in your parish!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholic #Rosary #faithandfriendship
Infertility is a part of my life story… But so is Infertility is a part of my life story…
But so is hope, prayer and miracles.

One thing I know helped me through those dark, hard years were reading miracle accounts of others who had faced this same struggle.

I loved reading miracle stories about women and couples longing for a child or children.
The accounts that shared grief, despair and uncertainty but ended with a dream come true… oh how I rejoiced with them!

Reading these true stories gave me hope… if it could happen for others… why not us.

It felt like an eternity… but it wasn’t.

God gave us our miracle… then He did it again (and again).

It really is true… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Don’t give up.
One day, someone will want to hear your miracle story too…

#infertility #lovethemboth #talkaboutadoption #believeinmiracles  #nevergive
Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Cho Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Chocolate gear and resources to support my shopping 🛍️ spree 😂 
Seriously though:
No show socks from @sockreligious LOVE

A Miraculous Medal necklace is my favorite accessory besides my wedding ring of course.

My house needs more crucifixes and @houseofjoppa has some beautiful options 

I love candles and the Easter set from @paxrosashop really caught my eye

My favorite coffee mug is from @thelittleroseshop and I’d love another!

I could go on and on… Comment what you would add!

#Catholicmom #Catholicmother #Catholicwoman #Catholic #prayerwinechocolate
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