Jesus – Tina Unsell

ESV Journaling Study Bible Review | TruTone English Saddle | 1 Chronicles 28:9

September 24, 2026September 28, 2026by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

Introduction

I was excited to receive the ESV Journaling Study Bible from Crossway in the TruTone English Saddle design featuring 1 Chronicles 28:9. This is a Bible I’ve wanted to add to my collection for quite some time, so I was especially excited to finally have the opportunity to spend some time looking through it and getting to know it.

The beautiful caramel-brown cover immediately caught my attention. The Scripture embossed on the front reads, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you.” from 1 Chronicles 28:9. I love that this is the first thing I see whenever I reach for this Bible. It’s a beautiful reminder to keep seeking God and His Word.

I received this Bible from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts

The first thing I noticed was the TruTone English Saddle cover. It’s soft, comfortable to hold, and has beautiful stitching around the edges. I really appreciate the feel of a soft-cover Bible, and this one feels sturdy and made for long-term use.

This Bible does not have gilded or metallic page edges. Instead, the pages have their natural paper-colored edges, which I personally don’t mind at all. It also includes one ribbon marker and lays flat nicely, which I think is especially helpful when you’re studying, writing, or journaling.

Inside, the Bible combines the resources of a study Bible with generous space for journaling. The two-inch ruled margins give you plenty of room to write observations, prayers, notes, and reflections as you read God’s Word.

It also includes approximately 12,000 study notes, 80,000 cross-references, 80+ maps and illustrations, 10 topical articles, 120 Bible character profiles, 900 Bible facts, and a glossary of key terms.

There are also introductions throughout the books of the Bible, along with a substantial collection of resources in the back, including information about God’s plan for salvation, Christian truths and doctrine, how to read and understand the Bible, the Christian life, ethics, weights and measures, coordinates, maps, contributors, and more.

How It Impacted Me

What I particularly love about this Bible is the combination of study and personal reflection. I’m someone who enjoys writing in my Bible, adding prayers and notes, and personalizing the pages as I spend time in God’s Word.

The generous journaling margins make this Bible feel like something I can truly make my own over time. I can see myself filling those margins with prayers, observations, Scriptures that speak to me, and little reminders of what God is teaching me.

There are also several blank pages at the beginning and end, which I love because they give me room for stickers, embellishments, notes, and other personal touches.

Bible Journaling & Personalization

I’m especially looking forward to adding my own embellishments and making this Bible personal to me. For someone who enjoys Bible journaling, the combination of the ruled margins and the additional blank pages gives you plenty of opportunities to add your own creative touches.

I also appreciate that the pages feel substantial enough for writing and Bible study without feeling overly thin.

Scripture That Stands Out to Me

“If you seek Him, He will be found by you.”
1 Chronicles 28:9

This Scripture is one of my favorite things about the Bible itself because it’s right there on the cover. Every time I reach for it, I’m reminded of the invitation to seek God. That makes the design feel much more meaningful to me than simply being a beautiful cover.

Who I Would Recommend This Bible To

I would especially recommend this Bible to someone who enjoys Bible journaling, studying Scripture, writing prayers and observations in the margins, and having additional study resources available while reading the Bible.

If you enjoy personalizing your Bible and want generous space to write while still having the depth of a study Bible, I think the combination of features in this Bible is worth exploring.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think the ESV Journaling Study Bible is a beautiful combination of study and journaling. I love the soft TruTone English Saddle cover, the 1 Chronicles 28:9 Scripture on the front, the generous two-inch margins, and the amount of study material included throughout.

I’m really looking forward to using this Bible during my own Bible study time and seeing how it becomes more personal as I add notes, prayers, stickers, and embellishments along the way.

I’m also planning to share more about how I personalize and use this Bible as I spend more time with it.

Bible Details

Bible: ESV Journaling Study Bible
Cover: TruTone English Saddle
Design: 1 Chronicles 28:9
ISBN: 979-8-8749-0261-2
Publisher: Crossway

🛍️ Where to Find It

You can find the ESV Journaling Study Bible on Crossway’s website here:

Shop the ESV Journaling Study Bible at Crossway

🎥 Watch the Bible Review

Want to take a closer look? Watch my full video review of the ESV Journaling Study Bible from Crossway on YouTube.

▶️ Watch my ESV Journaling Study Bible Review on YouTube

Disclosure

I received this Bible from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

Book Reviews

Deeper – Dane Ortlund

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Introduction

Deeper by Dane Ortlund is a thoughtful and Christ-centered book that explores what it means to grow in the Christian life beyond surface-level faith. It focuses on spiritual depth that comes not from striving harder, but from resting more fully in the person and work of Christ.

This book builds on themes of grace, transformation, and ongoing spiritual formation, pointing the reader back again and again to the heart of Jesus.

My Thoughts

This book felt like a gentle but steady invitation to move away from shallow or performance-based faith and into something deeper and more rooted in Christ.

What stood out to me:

The focus on spiritual growth as a work of grace rather than effort
The repeated emphasis on the heart of Christ in transformation
The calm, reflective tone that encourages slowing down and thinking deeply

How it impacted me:

It reminded me that growth in faith is not rushed or forced
It encouraged me to rest in what Christ is doing rather than what I am trying to achieve
It gave me a deeper appreciation for God’s patience in spiritual formation

Writing style / tone:

Reflective and theological but accessible
Calm and steady rather than urgent
Focused on depth rather than surface application

Key Themes

Spiritual growth through grace
The heart of Christ in transformation
Moving beyond surface-level faith
Rest and dependence on God

Who I Would Recommend This To

Believers wanting deeper spiritual maturity
Readers who enjoyed Gentle and Lowly
Those feeling stuck in surface-level faith
Small group or personal study readers

Favorite Quote

“Spiritual growth is not first about trying harder, but about resting deeper in Christ.”

Final Thoughts

Deeper is a steady and thoughtful reminder that true Christian growth is rooted in grace rather than effort. It calls the reader to slow down and consider the depth of Christ’s work in shaping the heart over time.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone who desires a more grounded, reflective, and Christ-centered understanding of spiritual growth.

👉 Buy on Amazon

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.

Book Reviews

Gentle and Lowly – Dane Ortlund

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Introduction

Gentle and Lowly is a deeply comforting and Christ-centered book that invites readers to see the heart of Jesus in a new and tender way. Dane Ortlund draws from Scripture and historic Christian writings to show the compassion, gentleness, and steady love of Christ toward sinners and sufferers.

This is not a book that rushes you. It is one that slows you down and gently turns your attention back to the heart of Jesus.

My Thoughts

This book met me in a very quiet and personal way. It reminded me that Jesus is not distant or harsh, but gentle, patient, and full of mercy toward those who come to Him honestly.

What stood out most to me was how consistently the book points back to the character of Christ. It is not centered on striving or performance, but on rest and belonging in Him.

The writing is simple but rich, and each chapter feels like an invitation to pause and reflect rather than rush through.

What stood out to me:

The gentle portrayal of Christ’s heart toward sinners and sufferers
The focus on grace instead of performance
The steady, calming tone of the writing

How it impacted me:

It encouraged me to slow down spiritually
It reminded me of the kindness of Jesus
It shifted my focus from striving to resting in Christ

Writing style / tone:

Calm and reflective
Easy to read but deeply meaningful
Devotional in feel without being overly complex

Who I Would Recommend This To

Those who feel spiritually weary or burdened
Anyone struggling with guilt or shame
New believers wanting to understand the heart of Jesus
Small group or Bible study settings

Favorite Quote

“One of the hardest things to grasp in the Christian life is how freely and fully Christ loves His people.”

Final Thoughts

Gentle and Lowly is a book I would return to again. It is steady, comforting, and rooted in Scripture. It gently shifts the reader’s focus away from striving and back to the heart of Christ’s mercy.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs to be reminded that Jesus is truly gentle and lowly in heart.

👉 Buy on Amazon

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.

Poetry

Refined by Fire, Rising in Grace

November 22, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

**Not perfection —** **but grace** unfolding.

A psalm of brokenness and restoration. May these words be a sanctuary for your heart today.

—

I carry shame for actions, words, and thoughts.
The inability to trust You
still escapes me.

Though doubts and confusion
make me feel so weak,
still You call me worthy—
more than I can believe.

Even in my most broken state,
You still call me daughter.
How can You remain so faithful
when I continually falter?

I often wonder if I am truly chosen,
or destined to a life undone by the world,
when trials shake me to my core—
when I cannot feel Your Presence,
and Your voice seems so distant,
the silence pressing in like stone.

You whisper: You are not defined by misery,
nor by a life without purpose.
The refining fire is painful,
even breaking at times,
yet beyond the surface
a greater work is unfolding.

You stretch the limits of my sight,
so I may see through clouded glass,
bask in surrender’s light,
and drink deeply of living water—
drawn into intimacy with You.

The burden I carry,
the weight of my heart,
is being woven into a tapestry,
a work of art.

You are preparing me.
In the stillness, You mold and shape me,
making room for my story
that will propel me forward—
not perfection, but mercy,
a blessing that lingers in the lives of others.

My testimony will no longer be bound by pain.
For when I walk in my calling,
a lioness will rise forward
to guard the hallowed ground with reverence.
Your strength will be my armor.
Your power will be my shield.

Not perfection, but grace.
And in You, I am made whole.

—

There are moments when weakness feels louder than faith, yet I have found a deeper truth: even in my frailty, His love calls me His. What seemed like breaking has become shaping, and grace has carried me into wholeness.

Do you hear that same love naming you, even in your own fragile places?

~ Tina

Poetry

Never Let Me Go

September 7, 2024September 7, 2024by Tina Unsell2 Comments

When I am lost Lord

You find me

When I am tired

You revive me

When I am weak

You give me strength

When I am wandering

You call me back to You

When my heart is heavy

You carry me

In my pain and sorrow

You comfort me

Even in my grief

Your love surrounds me

Thank You Lord

I can’t live without You

Thank You for loving me

And for never letting me go

Faith

Faithfully Waiting

April 20, 2024April 30, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

Have you been hoping, praying, wandering in those desert places, waiting for that defining moment when you can boldly declare that you’ve received your healing? Your miracle?

Faithfully waiting for that prayer that you’ve prayed countless times over your healing, healing for a loved one, healing for a friend, healing and restoration or renewal for your marriage, healing for your children, grandchildren, salvation for a prodigal child or family member, your parents health, that circumstance or situation that never seems to be resolved, your financial situation, mending of a broken relationship or friendship? Maybe you’ve been praying for that impossible dream that you fear will never come into fruition or something that seems impossible to overcome.

Whatever it is that you’re asking of the Lord, know that none of this defines you.

Your value isn’t found in your answered or, for that matter, your unanswered prayers.

Your value is found in the person and work of Christ Jesus.

Let me clarify that in better terms to help you understand what I’m trying to convey.

Just because you pray and it seems like your prayers aren’t being answered, it doesn’t mean that your faith is weak or that you need to pray harder.

And just because your prayer does get answered does not mean that your faith is better than anyone else’s.

To further clarify, prayer is key to having a healthy relationship with God. Yes!

And having abiding faith means putting your trust in God and having confidence that He will fulfill His promises. And that we continually receive, believe, and trust that Jesus is everything we need.

However, you are not defined as unloved, forsaken, or forgotten if the answers to your prayers aren’t fulfilled or come to pass.

God loves you no matter what the outcome.

He knows what’s best for you.

Don’t lose heart.

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

And stay persistent and patient in waiting through prayer.

Remember these Scriptures …

Romans 12:12 – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

James 5:16 – “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Never stop praying.”

Are you still faithfully waiting for that unanswered prayer?

Then you are in good company.

Just remember, your value or worth aren’t determined by anything other than who Christ says that you are.

Not even your unseemingly unanswered prayers.

Art, Creative Journal

Romans 8:39

August 25, 2023by Tina Unsell2 Comments

“Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I love drawing flowers so I thought I would share some of my drawings with you all! ‿✿⁀°♡

Happy Creative Faith Journaling, Y’all!

‿✿⁀°♡ Tina

Faith, Parenting

Leave Them Jesus

August 22, 2023April 30, 2025by Tina UnsellLeave a Comment

Christian Parents…

Remember-what you do here or don’t do here on this side of heaven, as a follower of Christ Jesus; choosing not to witness to your children will have eternal consequences.

Point your children to Christ, if we don’t then the world will point them to destruction.

I know it’s hard, but don’t allow yourself to feel defeated. Keep fighting for your children. Keep seeking help from the Holy Spirit…. Who is … Jesus in You!

As we learn to lean on the Holy Spirit, He will do the work in us to help strengthen us; to help us persevere, fast, pray, and intercede on the behaves of our children.

It can seem like a losing battle, I know!

Keep faith in the Holy Spirit’s power to bring conviction to your children’s hearts, even when you’re tired and can’t see the results of your efforts. Whether saved or unsaved, the Holy Spirit is working in and on their behalf.

It might be exhausting; it might be difficult; it might be heartbreaking to witness their refusal to the truth-the truth that will redeem, cleanse, restore, renew, save, and set them free from the chains of sin and death.

You may not even realize it, but your children are watching. They see you. They hear the words you speak. They are witnesses to your faith, to the reflection you mirror as a follower of Jesus.

Continue to follow and set the example of Jesus in your daily life. Keep witnessing to them. Keep planting those seeds. Your children see your love and devotion for the one who changed you, made you whole, gave you new life, and opened your eyes to the revelation that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

And, it is my prayer and the cry of this mother’s heart; someday, my children will want to know Him more. They will choose Him as their Lord and Savior.

The Holy Spirit will empower you to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ. The fruit of your labor will not be in vain.

The treasure that you, as a Christian parent, will leave in the hearts and minds of your children will outweigh all earthly treasures.

Leave an inheritance to your children that matters.

Leave a legacy.

Leave them Jesus.

Christmas

I Want A Christmas That Whispers Jesus

December 7, 2022by Tina Unsell2 Comments

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, but lately it has been hard to celebrate.

I know you’re probably thinking to yourself, “How can you feel that way about Christmas?”

For the past several years it’s become more worrisome than joyful.

And honestly, I have to admit it isn’t the picture I envision for myself or my family, especially when I think about celebrating my savior’s birth.

It’s been hard the last couple of years. With everything we have had to endure as a society and as a nation as a whole. It’s been especially hard for those of us Christian’s who are desperately trying to live by our moral and Biblical standards. It seems, at times, that we are being forced to do things that goes against our will. Things in which goes against our beliefs or that we believe to be just and right in the eyes of God. And it’s getting worse by the day. I know I’m not alone when I say that we all have felt the impact of it all.

It’s Christmastime and instead of feeling excited I’m feeling anxiety, extremely tired, worn out, and looking forward to when Christmas is over.

Christmas has become so commercialized and downright demanding that it can sometimes take the enjoyment out of celebrating.

And on top of that, financial burdens can make it difficult for everyone around the holidays.

Trying to figure out how to purchase gifts for your children at this time of year, when you don’t have the means to do so encompasses a whole lot of unwanted pressure that causes me and I am sure many others to dread this time of year.

It wasn’t always this way.

What happened?

Where did the jubilation go?

When did it become more about the gifts than about Jesus?

When did I allow my heart to become so disheartened?

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and my heart aches that seldom the celebration is truly wrapped up in Him.

Beyond all decorations, tinsel, Christmas trees, lights, gifts, and the many to do list, where does Jesus fit in?

Has my family made room for Him?

Have I made room for Him?

Have you made room for Him?

After all, Jesus is the reason we celebrate the season, right?

Or have we quickly forgotten?

Have I allowed the pressures of life to dampen my spirit?

Unfortunately, it has, but I don’t have to let it, do I? Do we?

Most certainly not!

Then what do I do about it?

What do we do about it?

How do I (we) combat the feelings of stress, worry, anxiety and the endless amounts of pressures that are brought about during the holidays.

We keep our hearts and minds focused on Jesus.

We never let ourselves lose sight of the significance, joy and the miracle of the birth of Jesus.

When our souls are weary we continue to look to Jesus.

We continue to pray and seek His face above all others.

At Christmastime, and in every season.

May we never forget or need reminding of the extraordinary gift that we have been given.

May we never forget to Thank God, for His precious gift of Jesus.
.
.
.

You know the story!

One Holy night, long long ago, a baby changed everything.

For unto us a Child is born.
For unto us a Son is given.

… Born in a stable.
… Wrapped in swaddling clothes
… Placed in a manger
… He was no ordinary baby
… He was Immanuel — God with us

His name shall be called Wonderful Jesus

… Our Blessed Hope
… Our Blessed Assurance

… The Savior of the whole entire world
… The Incarnate God
… The Way, the Truth and the Life
… The True Vine
… The Resurrection and the Life
… The Mediator
… The Lamb of God
… The High Priest
… The Good Shepherd
… The Deliverer
… The Redeemer
… The Bread of Life
… The Author & Perfecter of Our Faith
… The Lord of All
… The Great I Am
… The Counselor
… The Mighty God
… The Everlasting Father
… The Prince of Peace
… The Word of Life
… The Word of God
… The Holy One
… The Light of the World
… The King of Kings and Lord of Lords
… The One True GOD!

The story of Jesus’ birth doesn’t end there.
The story of Jesus’ birth is so much more.

It’s not just a beautiful Christmas story, but the most beautiful Christmas story ever told.

From the birth of Jesus in a manger to the Star of Bethlehem, Christmas is a celebration of God becoming flesh as a gift of love.

The greatest gift of love in whom through and by Him, our Lord, Christ Jesus, would save His people from their sins.

May we be reminded of God’s indescribable gift of love — our beautiful Jesus.

This Christmas, may we make time to just

… Slow Down
… Pause
… Quiet our Hearts.
… Calm our Minds
… Prioritize our Focus

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want a Christmas that is,

… hurried
… worried
… pressured
… stressed
… boxed
… wrapped
… packaged
… weighed down
by life’s demands
… stripped of joy
by life’s circumstances

I want a Christmas that

… wraps me in His presence
… comforts me in His Hope and Love
… is devoted solely to Him
… exchanges anxiety and stress for joy
… is focused on Him
… grows closer to Him
… is thankful for the gift of Scripture
… celebrates the miracle of His birth
… is eternally grateful for Gods unspeakable gift

I want a Christmas that rejoices in, Jesus.

I want a Christmas that whispers, His Holy Name.

I want a Christmas that reminds me of just how loved I truly am.

How loved we are all!

I want a Christmas that brings hope of a better tomorrow, through my Lord and Savior.

I want a Christmas that assures me that because of Jesus I can experience true joy even in the midst of trouble.

I want a Christmas in which to marvel in the wondrous power that took place on that Holy night, in order for God to save the entirety of the world.

Thank You, Father God, for Your

… Unspeakable
… Wonderful
… Priceless
… Inexpressible
… Indescribable

Gift of Our Beautiful Jesus.

May we always celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with delight, elation and tremendous exaltation.

He is worthy of our every praise!