My daughter, Robin, placed a neatly wrapped gift in my hands. We were celebrating an early Christmas at her home, and I was not really expecting anything. The package was pretty heavy and I was trying to ascertain what it might be. A five pound box of chocolates? I hoped not; not so good for a compulsive eater like me. A complete set of wrench sockets? I hoped not because I already have many sets of wrench sockets scattered about the house and garage. As it turned out, the gift was weightier than I suspected. It was a Bible.
Now my daughter knows I already have many Bibles. There are four different versions on the bookshelf, one on the kitchen table, and many New Testament translations on a shelf in the basement. These do not include the two Bibles my wife uses. Oh, and I have seven versions of the entire bible on my iPhone. And since I am about to turn eighty years of age, it’s unlikely I’ll wear out any Bible in my lifetime.
Nevertheless, I was pleased to receive this one for a couple of reasons. First, as you can see, it is a Reformation Study Bible, with maps and notes and a concordance. (I could have used those maps when we studied the life of Abraham in Genesis this year.) Second, this edition also contains creeds and confessions, so I don’t have to search for separate books when I want to read one of these. Third, it was an acknowledgment and an encouragement from my daughter; celebrating the faith we share and my continuing need to grow in it.
I started reading in it as soon as I returned home, beginning with the precious personal inscription on the flyleaf. I also ordered a Bible cover with carrying handles. (I did mention that this thing was heavy, right?) It is a pleasant feeling to sit in my chair with this book in my hands reading familiar words with a renewed excitement. I can’t wait to get back to the mens study on January 12th.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105 (ESV)
Robert Frohlich 
What a perfect gift. And it’s sitting on a beautiful quilt!
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That quilt is the one I use when it’s time for a nap in my office/study/spare bedroom.
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This reminded me of the story of an elderly minister who was retiring after years of serving a congregation, and to show appreciation the Board bought him Kittel’s Theological Dictionary (all 10 volumes!).
After a few weeks, one of the Board members noting that the ex-officio minister had never mentioned the gift after the initial Thank You, asked how he was enjoying it.
The wise old man replied, “Oh, yes, it is delightful. And it is amazing how much light the Bible sheds on it.” 😉
❤️&🙏, c.a.
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I know the feelings exactly Robert. My inscription is from my wife. My journal inscription from my oldest daughter. I reflect in the journal what insights come from the Word giving my life context.
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Back in the day when I was editing books for a major religious publisher, I had to amass a large number of various Bible versions so I could ensure that the authors quoted the cited verses correctly. Now the top of a large bookcase is stacked high with Bibles, including numerous of my own personal Bibles. (No matter how worn and marked up, I can never get rid of any of my Bibles!) As I’ve aged, I’ve realized increasingly a three-fold problem: (1) I need a Bible that has wide, ample margins so I can write notes, create outlines for messages, jot down ideas to include in my writing, and write lines from hymns and poems and quotations that relate to various verses and passages. (2) My failing eyesight dictates that I need a Bible with a large, clear, legible type size. (3) Combined, the first two needs result in a Bible that is heavy and a burden for arthritis-plagued wrists to support while reading, especially while sitting in a church pew. I’m not a fan of Bibles on phone or iPads, so. . . . I understand you “weighty” problem!
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So thrilled for you – Ligonier (RC Sproul) have precious teaching too – clever Robin! God bless you and your family now and always…bible carrier – good idea…I must get ano one too – enjoy as you live in Him, flowing blessings.
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I love you, Dad!
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