The regular “little of this, little of that” feature at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
I have some great things to give away, and in the coming week I will post about them so that you have time to win or buy with a discount before Christmas! So do check back.
Today I have a really lovely edition of the Gospel for you. It's going to take me a minute to explain it, because it's unique, so bear with me.
You know how basically you have a choice between Bible story books for your children or… the Bible, which can be hard for them to read with its small print and myriad notations? Or you know how you get distracted by the (wonderful, in their place) footnotes and marginalia of your edition of the Gospel but have definitely outgrown the storybooks? We had this problem when suggesting Bibles for our Resources in The Little Oratory. There just seemed to be a need…
Well, William Bloomfield has produced this volume: The Holy Gospels of St. Luke and St. John, illustrated with classic sacred art, that fills a niche in there between those two things. Using the Challoner Revision of the Douay-Rheims with slight changes (mainly just replacing the thees and thous), the text is simple and uncluttered. It's in large type, so children can read it easily. But it's the actual Gospel, not a retelling, so nothing stands between them — or you– and Scripture.
You can see right away that there aren't verse markings, which seemed so odd to me at first, but then I realized the devotional advantage. It's really a lovely, simple presentation of Scripture.
Bloomfield (who also produced that Sacred Art Series Rosary Flip Book with Desktop Easel — remember? Also a great gift, don't forget, and it comes in two sizes!) plans to add the other Gospels — and I hope, the rest of the Bible, eventually! What a marvelous idea!
If you are looking for a gift for your god-child, child, or really anyone, do not hesitate to purchase this high quality, impressive book. It's perfect for gift-giving and it's perfect for anyone.
Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget. The winner will receive a beautiful Sacred Art Series Gospel of St. Luke and St. John.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(FYI, you are asked for your email *only* so that you can be contacted if you win! So do not fear the “registration.” If you are entering the drawing with a comment, don’t forget to come back up here and click on the Rafflecopter thingy to get your entries!)
In addition, William Bloomfield has generously offered 15% off one book, 20% off an order of 3 or more! Just use the code LMLDBLOG when you are checking out.
And visit William's Sacred Art Facebook page for information and updates on what he is doing.
A few links for your weekend reading:
- Did you miss my piece in which I channeled my inner Prelate? What I Wish a Bishop Would Say About Marriage. Mainly, repentance.
- I actually get a fair number of queries to the effect of: Auntie Leila, what do you think of Santa Claus? I confess I am impatient with those who would sweep away the collective memory. Since the times when children believed in Santa were better times than ours for children and their sense of wonder, why is our first reaction not respect for this tradition? We seem very quick to call fairy tales lying, but I don't know that our age is so truth-loving. We have the de-bunking disease and it might kill our imaginations outright. If we want to take a stand, let's reject the mall version of Santa and call it a day. Anyway, I recommend this “Thomistic” defense of Santa. It requires a passing familiarity with the “disputatio” method — first present your opponents' arguments to the best of your ability, then state your case, then refute the arguments. A good read!
- Speaking of marriage, I often wonder why people tip-toe around the topic of cohabitation, even when they are trying to explain why it's not a good idea. It's almost as if we don't all know women who are exchanging their virtue for a false sense of security, whether emotional or material; or men who are compromising their manhood. She doesn't realize what she's giving up for a razor in her bathroom or the key to an apartment. Sometimes it's the guy who's freeloading and you just want to make it stop. It's a terrible arrangement, no matter how it's packaged, and I don't get why we can't just be honest about it. This video makes the point.
- Do your children enjoy paper crafts? I like these “Fr. Peter” cutouts — links to the downloads in the post. These are cutouts your boys will enjoy, if any!
- Speaking of crafts, remember this one that Rosie posted about? The mouse in the tin? SO CUTE AM I RIGHT??? I feel the need to do this very soon. How about you?
Lorelei says
Somethings up with rafflecopter…it says the contest hasn’t started yet. Or maybe I missed something?
Leila says
Lorelie, I never catch what day it is! Fixed! Thanks!
Will Bloomfield says
Leila, thank you for this lovely promotion! And thanks to your wonderful readers for their purchases and support! Please spread the word. I need your help to make the Sacred Art Series a success and thereby to spread the Gospels and the faith.
Donna L. says
Thank you SO MUCH for the well-written and thought-provoking article about Santa…
my favorite piece: “While it is true that the modern practice of the Santa Claus tradition furthers consumerism and obscures the meaning of Christmas, Christians need not abandon religious practices because they have been usurped by secularization. To the contrary, the recovery and purification of this tradition of Santa Claus, who is best remembered for his life of selfless (and anonymous) giving, can be a powerful means of combating both consumerism and secularism and restoring Christian culture.”
Yes to this!
Have a beautiful day all, I’m off to make gingerbread cookies to share!
Emily says
This is so beautiful! Thank you for telling us about it!
Emily M says
Thanks for the giveaway! If I don’t win, this will be going on my wishlist for sure!
Kirsten says
ooh, what a lovely idea, and executed perfectly to boot! thanks for the chance to enter.
Amada says
Thanks again for a wonderful giveaway!
Mary says
It looks lovely. Thanks for the giveaway!
Cathy says
Because the best gifts are those we don’t expect, I am entering this raffle. Thanks for showing us this beautiful book!
Liz says
This is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
Thank you for the giveaway, Auntie Leila. I am often frustrated that illustrated children’s Bibles use such silly language instead of the actual text of the Bible. Yes, I agree that some stories should be condensed for children, or perhaps cut altogether (such as the story of Lot and his daughters), but I think that children usually love the Biblical language even when it is a bit mysterious to them.
Cassandra Brungardt says
I had never heard of these before! They are really lovely! Thanks for a chance to win!
Laurel says
This is beautiful! I love devotionals with gorgeous sacred art!
Doreen says
What a beautiful book! Thank you so much for this!
Tiffany S says
I’ve never commented before, but have been a long time reader. What a lovely Bible! If I don’t win, I will definitely be purchasing one for our family. It’s such a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Melinda says
Thank you, this book looks beautiful!
Anne says
What a lovely giveaway…and at this time of the year as well. 🙂 Love. It.
Betsy says
I love the Gospel book! What an absolute treasure. If I don’t win, I just might go buy one for our family, and to use in our Sunday School class.
Katie says
What a beautiful book. I would be so happy to read it to my children.
Jill W says
What a beautiful book! Thanks for pointing it out!!
Rosie says
A very holy priest told me that every child should be gifted with their own copy of the Gospels when they make their first Communion, and this would be PERFECT! So glad to know of it, even if I don’t win!
Amy says
Beautiful! Thanks for making us aware of all these great resources… much less for giving them away!
Melina says
What a beautiful book! I would love to win a copy. Bookmarking anyway for godchild gifts.
Denise Petrash says
What a beautiful book! I would love to win a copy. Bookmarking anyway for godchild gifts.
Tamara @ This Sacramental Life says
Just beautiful!
Rosina says
What a lovely book! Thank you so much for sharing it with us 🙂
Shannon says
This is so lovely, and just the sort of thing I’m looking for to read with my little boy!
Alaina says
That edition of the Gospels is just lovely! I would be thrilled to share it with my little ones.
Sara says
This Bible looks very nice. You’re right, there is a need for such an edition.
Mary Catherine says
I was just wringing my hands about the lack of beautiful editions of the real text of the Bible for me to give my children. Prayers answered!
Ginny says
This is so beautiful. I would love to win a copy for my family!
Rachel Anderson says
Oh, that’s gorgeous! Beautiful books are so important for children, especially when it comes to sacred works.
mongupp says
The paintings look stunning!
Ame E. says
This is a lovely edition of the Bible, and would make a beautiful Christmas present.
Christine C. says
What an absolute lovely edition of the Gospel. I’m glad I came across this web site.
Suzanne says
A beautiful book. I would love it for my daughters.
Lindsey says
This book does look beautiful!
Thanks also for the link to thoughts on Santa Claus…we are still figuring out just how to approach it all! We have taught our two that Saint Nicholas was a real person and are going from there. What do you do when your four year old asks you point blank, “Is Santa Claus a real person or a made up story?”
Leila says
Lindsey, I just treat it like those other “sensitive” topics — “What do you think?” “Tell me what you are thinking about it.”
Just listen and see what he’s getting at. If he’s really a realist, then you can explain the St. Nicholas connection, and caution him to be delicate with his siblings’ “cloud of unknowing.” 🙂
Marylynn says
What a lovely book! Something to keep in mind as my little ones start learning to read.
EmilyRose says
looks great! I’m always looking for actual Bible texts in a more kid-friendly format.
Katherine says
Looks like a beautiful book.
Jamie says
These look beautiful. Would love a copy. Thanks for the nice give away!
Mary Eileen says
What a beautiful book!
Also mouse in a tin is one of my favorites!!! I came across Rosie’s post sometime last year and immediately made 3 or 4 if them for every birthday or event I could think of. Adorable!!
Sara says
I love the art in this book!
SueK says
What a beautiful book!
Ann Marie Tipton says
The little book looks lovely! Would love to have a look at it.
Clara says
What a lovely book. Thanks for the opportunity for the giveaway.
Happy (early) Gaudete Sunday!
Michelle C says
A beautiful edition of Holy Scriptures-hope there will be more.
Erin McFarland says
Buying the 4×6 Rosary flip book, and hoping to win this unique devotional!
Deborah Bloomfield says
Thanks for the links to the cohabitation vows and the hoped for bishop’s statement on marriage!
Of course I can’t wait to read this special version of the Gospels (true confession: my son did this!)
Denise T. says
What an amazing book. It is so beautiful! Would love sharing it with my children.
Mary says
That book looks beautiful! I would love to win! Thank you for the opportunity.
Celeste says
Wow, this little volume looks perfect for our family!
Ariel says
The book looks lovely.
Angela says
oh my goodness, that gospel book is lovely! Perfect way to bridge between little readers and older readers.
Mary says
I ordered the rosary flip book after reading your recommendation, and I love it! It would be wonderful to have the gospel book too. Thank you for this lovely giveaway!
Tracy says
What a lovely book. I’ve been looking for something just like it. Now I’m off to read the Santa article. I’ve been bewildered by the recent backlash against this particular tradition. Seems like it just popped up out of nowhere.
Betsy M says
Wow, what a beautiful book. I would love to read this to my children!
lisa says
I think my husband would really love this! For himself, and for reading to the children. Thank you so much for the chance to win such a beautiful book!
KB says
How beautiful! Hopefully he’ll publish the whole Bible! Wouldn’t that be something?!
Brittany P says
I have a single column Bible, and I love it! I’ve been looking for one without verse and chapter numbers as well, for devotional reading. I love the idea of also having sacred pictures with the text. What a much better alternative to children’s bible story books, which often leave out important parts of the Biblical narrative!
Laura says
I would so love to have this beautiful book in our home! One way to engage the children in study. =)
wendy says
That looks so wonderful. Thanks.
Mrs. B. says
Wow, Mr. Bloomfield – such beauty! Thank you for the coupon as well – I plan on buying the Rosary flip-book as well.
Rhonda says
What a beautiful boo that I would enjoy reading with my 5 grands and the 2 more on the way.
Nathalie says
Looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for the opportunity to try and win a copy.
Jennifer says
What a beautiful book! My blossoming reader and budding reader would enjoy this. And to be honest, it might get me reading more scripture as well!
Emma says
Who wouldn’t love this beautiful book? Thanks for the giveaway and for everything I’ve ever read or seen on likemotherlikedaughter.
Lynn Osborne says
This is beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win!
Colleen says
Beautiful book! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Sue says
What a gorgeous book! First Communion is coming up for my youngest this June. I need to get one of these for him!
Santa can be a tough one. I had every intention of dong Santa just like my parents did, but something (the Holy Spirit?) told me that telling my particular first child that he was real if she asked me point blank would be a big mistake. It turns out that she is a very black and white person, and has told me herself many times that she would have been so angry if we had “lied” to her about that – she really believes that it would have hurt her faith, as she is a natural doubter. So, now that we’re Catholic we enjoy St. Nicholas day, and we talk about Santa as if he is real, and play with that, though all of our kids know that he’s not actually climbing up the balcony to make his way into our chinmey-less home on Christmas Eve. 😉
angelina says
beautiful xx
alexia says
I would love to own this!
Catherine says
This is absolutely beautiful! I was just thinking the other day, as I was reading aloud from the Catholic Children’s Bible, how unimpressed I actually am with it. This is just perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Andrea Shuttlesworth says
What a beautiful book!!
Laura H. says
Awesome giveaway! So excited to see this Bible!
Jennifer G. Miller says
What a gorgeous book! I prefer using the actual Gospels instead of stories, so this is the best of both worlds. Thanks for the giveaway!
Mary Alice Phillips says
This looks so spectacularly lovely! I know my family would love this, particularly my 13 year old son, adopted from China last year.
Martha says
What a great idea for a book! I frequently have trouble reading the Scriptures with my daughter, because I HATE paraphrasing the beautiful language. I’ll be putting it on her Christmas list whether I win or no!
Marianna says
What a lovely book!
Heather says
what a beautiful book! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Ruth Anne says
Oh my goodness, what a totally awesome way to make a Bible. I feel that would make reading straight from the Bible so much easier with little ones!
Elizabeth says
Thanks for hosting the giveaway! I will be purchasing one for sure even if I don’t win. I much prefer reading the actual Bible to my son, but his little boy patience would be vastly improved with some beautiful art to look at instead of just tiny words!
Laura says
Beautiful!
juanita says
These look wonderful; Luke is my favourite and John is my husband’s!
Margaret says
Beautiful. Would love to win.
Elizabeth says
I have never seen anything like this Bible! It would be a treasure for my family!
Angie says
What a wonderful book!!
Angie says
What a wonderful treasure!!!
Lindsay Marie says
This book looks wonderful! Thank you so much for sponsoring this giveaway. It is going on my wishlist regardless.
Elizabeth says
That book looks so lovely, and perfect for a young man I know who will be making his first communion this coming year. I will have to keep it in mind if I don’t win a copy! Thanks for offering this.
Rachel says
This is a lovely idea. I’d like it for my own library.
Jane says
I love that Bible! My husband and I have made a few little books with beautiful pictures for our children (hymn books, saint books) but the Bible is a little beyond our scope!
Audra says
Lovely give away! Perfect for Advent! Thank you!
Ellen says
This book looks amazing! I’d love to share it with my family.
Melissa says
A lovely book I would be overjoyed to share with my baby.
Heather says
That sounds like a fantastic idea for a presentation of the Gospels!
Theresa says
I would love to read this edition of the gospels. I had ADHD and dyslexia, so standard bibles with their busy and cramped format are very difficult to read.
Additionally, my eldest goddaughter is currently in Kindergarten. I could read this, then give it to her when she gets her first communion.
bikurgurl says
Beautifully illustrated! Would be a handsome addition to our homeschool Bible shelf!
Heather says
Oooh, I’ve been looking for something like this version of the Gospel! It looks perfect for my 10 and 13 year olds. And for me too!
calee says
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thanks!
Rebecca says
This Bible is beautiful!
Michele says
What a beautiful book! Thanks for another great giveaway!
Kathryn Jones says
That is a beautiful book. Our family enjoys The Children’s Bible Reader. The bible stories are close to the actual text and are accompanied with beautiful icons.
Kerri says
How wonderful; would love to have this for my goddaughter.
Beth F says
What a beautiful bible! 🙂
Amanda says
what a beautiful idea and a beautiful book! I could see that being a great transition between the children’s bible stories and the actual full blown 1 million page long bible with distracting notations and small print.
Allison says
These gospels and the format of the book are lovely! Will probably be ordering for my two oldest for Christmas!
Catherine says
Looks beautiful! I love that it’s illustrated with sacred art.
Cassandra says
I would like to enter the contest! The Bible looks beautiful! Thanks for hosting!
Christi says
so beautiful! and fills such a need. Thank you for sharing this.
Katie says
Beautiful!
Amy says
Thank you for telling us about this book. I look forward to diving into the gospels with my little ones. I didn’t even realize that we were missing this bridge between picture Bible and “grown up” Bible!
Lynelle says
Lovely, would make a perfect gift!
Keisha says
SO beautiful! I would LOVE to get one of these to give to my children. What a wonderful devotional book.
Ann says
A beautiful book! Just what I’ve been looking for!
James Hernon says
looks like an absolutely lovely book!
connie says
This looks like a beautiful book and very readable.
Heidi says
What a beautiful Bible!
kristina b says
Oh, that looks so beautiful! We have a wonderful storybook Bible that has captured the imagination of my 18-month-old but something like this would be good for when he is a little older and can understand the biblical language more but would still appreciate the illustrations. Though honestly I think I would really appreciate reading the Gospels with such gorgeous illustrations also!
Kate says
This book is a great idea — and is gorgeous to boot! Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
Nina says
I love your blog and your giveaways. This is a lovely giveaway as always. If I don’t win I just may have to get one of these for our three kids anyway. Thanks for sharing such beautiful things with your readers.
THeresa says
Wow, this is gorgeous!
Christine says
I would love to read these to my youngest children. I have 6 children total and the two youngest are at the perfect ages, 7 and 5, to enjoy this beautiful book. Love it!!!
CMerie says
Interesting books! I purchased the flip book awhile back and it has made a great addition to our prayer table. I would love to win this.
Lisa says
I love your perspective and book suggestions. Thank you! This looks like a wonderful way to read scripture.
Tacy Williams Beck says
Lovely edition! That video about living together was perfect!
Kiera says
My family would love this edition of the Gospels. Thank you!
Katie says
This is such a great book as my kids are getting older. Thanks for letting us know about it, I am likely going to get one even if I don’t win 🙂
Ashlee says
I will need to get for my kids soon as they are growing up… (sigh). Would be awesome to win!
Jessica says
So beautiful! I have been keeping my eye on these beauties, but have not purchased one yet… thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Amanda says
That lovely book definitely fills a void. My seven year old reads very well, but the typical format and type of a Bible is just too much. We may get this for Easter.
Anna says
This is a beautiful book. Thank you for the giveaway.
Lindsay says
I want this for ME, not just for my children!
Margaret Schay says
Beautiful illustrations!
Susan says
Beautiful! I’m one who really needs all the help I can get when it comes to staying focused when reading Scripture.
Kristi says
This book looks SO beautiful and I would love to win — we bought the Sacred Art series Rosary flipbook on your recommendation on the blog, and have really liked using it for family rosaries with our little ones. I also think it’s just a nice reminder of what day (related to the rosary) it is — you can flip through it to leave one of that day’s mysteries on display. Anyway, thank you for holding this giveaway!
KelLee says
This would be fabulous for my husband. He is a public school teacher but loves to read the gospels. This is small enough he could bring it to work to feed his soul on those really bad days!
Lauren M says
LOVE these!! So beautiful!
mandamum says
I may have to get one of these to augment the children’s bibles we have – real text, illustrations, nice cover… yay.
Melanie says
Thanks for sharing this! It is quite lovely and would make a great gift. Also, thanks for the thoughts on Santa Claus.
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing this! It is quite lovely and would make a great gift. Also, thanks for the thoughts on Santa Claus.
Cristina says
You always have the best things! I really like this version of the Gospels–I think it would really help my younger set focus as we do our Bible readings from the actual Bible as per the suggestions on Ambleside online 🙂
Catherine says
I need to be educated in the way of beauty as my instincts are way off, and I believe that this bible would help with that.
I also read the article about Santa and I have totally been in the objecting camp. It really gave me food for thought, so much so that I am thinking I need to do Santa now!
Auntie Leila, how would you recommend STARTING to do Santa after NOT doing him? We of course talk about St. Nicholas, watch the movie, and they know that Santa Claus comes from St. Nicholas, but how to do all the other “Santa” stuff? It’s too late for my ten year old, but I think my 6 1/2 year old still believes or could believe (I haven’t been vehemently against Santa with him, just more avoided the topic) and my 2 year old doesn’t know anything yet. I would appreciate any ideas or advice you could give me. Other readers could chime in, too! 🙂
Maxine says
Wow! What a beautiful book! This would be amazing to win. Thank you.
Monica K says
What a lovely book! I find that my children (6, 4 and 3) are very willing to listen to the Scriptures if they are presented in an “excited reverent” way (for lack of a better description.) However, the beautiful illustrations will make it even better!
Sarah D says
What a beautiful book of the Gospels, I love good paintings for children. We need to get the prints we have hung up in our house too!
Happy Gaudete Sunday!
Sarah
Christine G. says
ooh I would love to win this! I am a Catholic school art teacher and would love to share with my students! Thank you for sharing such beauty.
Meaghan says
Looks beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway.
Terri T says
This looks beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway!
Sarah King says
This is such a great idea! I think my daughter (10) would really appreciate it. Thanks for the chance to win!
Lori Richmond says
Lovely! My boys will like this since they have had Daddy read all the story versions already!
Hallie says
This is a lovely giveaway!
Annalisa says
Beautiful!
Kris says
Looks like a lovely Bible. And one that those of a Charlotte Mason persuasion would love, too.
Mary Beth says
Just beautiful! A great Christmas gift.
Erica Sanchez says
Lovely book! Love your blog!
Karen says
Lovely, lovely photos of this Bible.
I would so love to read this to my daughter.
Thank you for offering this giveaway.
Stephanie in Germany says
It is wonderful that such beautiful books are being made. Thank you for sharing.
Roslyn says
The PERFECT go-between for advancing readers. And so beautiful. Thanks Leila!
Theresa says
I love the idea of the actual Gospels with good art! Even though I still am attached to the inspired picture bible… 😉
Katie says
What a beautiful book for the Gospels!
Andi says
What a lovely Gospel!
cynthia merrill says
Thank goodness for larger print! A version of the Gospels to treasure.
Laura Jeanne says
Wonderful! It makes me so happy to see children’s books with beautiful illustrations, as opposed to cartoonish ones.
Maureen says
Beautiful!
Jessica says
Beautiful! I definitely want to add this to our library!
Rachel says
Thank you! What a great gift idea!
Cassidy says
I will always enter a book giveaway! These look wonderful.
Monica says
Beautiful! Would love to win.
Christina A says
I know this giveaway is looooong over, but this is such a lovely presentation of the Gospels! Have you heard of Bibliotheca? They did the whole Bible in 5 volumes, single column on fine paper with neither chapter nor verse divisions; so refreshing, but no illustrations. https://www.bibliotheca.co/
Also, I have an ESV Reader’s Bible in one volume, which is single column on thin paper and includes chapter divisions, but only lists verse range at the very top of the page.
https://www.christianbook.com/esv-readers-bible-leather-look-brown/9781433565564/pd/565561?event=ESRCG
A church in my town has been hosting a Bible Reading Challenge for the past few years, reading 4 to 6 chapters each day (except for Sundays and a few catchup days) to read the Old Testament twice and the New Testament once each year. I’ve really loved taking in “the whole sweep of Scripture” (NT Wright) in a shorter time frame: https://www.christkirk.com/biblechallenge/women/
Finally, I think you might really like The Aelfred Rex Bible Story Book. It includes lovely black and white engravings, and the stories are reverently paraphrased, in many places merely abridged.
http://www.aelfredrex.com/bible-story-book-1