Book Review: Modern Life Study Bible (NKJV)

I had the wonderful opportunity to review a copy of The Modern Life Study Bible which is a full-color NKJV study Bible. I grew up using the King James version at my very strict Christian school and I don't care for it at all. Thankfully the NKJV is a modern version and much easier to understand and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Study Bibles bring such depth to understanding the ancient context of the scriptures. I love digging deeper and getting beyond my own world to what the writers meant in their place and time and this Bible makes that easy.

Things I loved about this Bible:
Focus sections.  Whereas the Life Application Bibles will normally give background on a single verse, the Modern Life Study Bible focuses on a section of scripture.
Timelines. In Daniel the reign of Nebuchadnezzar is laid out with major events included on the timeline. I love understanding how different Biblical characters fit together in the historical timeline.
Full-color illustrations
Maps and diagrams
Special information on occupations of the Bible

66 inspirational biographies of believers who put their faith to work including Corrie ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, Eric Liddell, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Amy Carmichael, and Augustine.

Overall I found this Bible very easy to use and I'm pleased to use it for my personal devotions. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good study Bible.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Banana Chocolate Muffins (Gluten-Free)

I've been baking A LOT lately. It might have something to do with the never ending winter and constant snow. Yes, it definitely has to do with that. At least when I turn on the oven it warms the house up and I get something yummy for my efforts. I'm always on the lookout for good things to pack in school lunches that aren't just junk food and this sure fits the bill.

I wasn't so sure about this combo of banana and chocolate as I don't much like bananas. They just don't appeal to me the way a good apple or raspberry does. I thought I'd go ahead and try this though and I'm so glad I did. My very picky 9 year old son (who also doesn't like bananas) said in reaction to his first bite "I don't like this muffin, I LOVE it!" OK, so this one is a keeper.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Makes 22-24 muffins. Adapted from Gnowfglins.

• 3 cups combination of gluten-free whole-grain flours (millet, buckwheat, amaranth). I like Namaste Gluten free flour blend from Costco.
• 2 cups whole milk kefir or yogurt
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 mashed bananas
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut butter or butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3 tablespoons flaxmeal
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Stir all flours together and mix with the kefir or yogurt. Cover bowl and let soak overnight, 8 to 12 hours. This makes the grains easier to digest. 
The next day, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your muffin tins. In a separate bowl mash the bananas and mix them with the eggs, syrup, vanilla and melted butter and add them into the flour bowl and stir it together. Sprinkle sea salt, baking soda, flaxmeal and shredded coconut over the top of the wet ingredients. Stir until just mixed then add chocolate chips.
Using a spoon, fill the muffin molds 3/4 full. Bake for 20-22 minutes until muffins are golden brown on top. Let them cool in the pan a few minutes and then pop them onto a cooling rack and start eating.  You can top them with butter, banana slices or almond butter- use your imagination!

Does gluten free baking intimidate you? What's your experience baking this recipe? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!