Colossians & Philemon For You

Colossians & Philemon For You, by Mark Meynell

24/60 | Started 08.18.25 • Finished 05.08.26 | 4.5 stars

This commentary-ish book is incredibly accessible for the lay reader. While it provides information and insights on each verse of Colossians and Philemon, it avoids getting bogged down with overly technical wording or highly confusing topics. Instead, Meynell lays out what different takes are espoused on certain difficult passages, and leaves the reader to decide to pursue them further. His writing is clear and his explanations are saturated with supporting scripture. I really like this series from The Good Book Company and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy supplement to their Bible reading or study.

The Penderwicks

The Penderwicks, by Jeanne Birdsall

23/60 | Started 03.27.26 • Finished 05.08.26 | 5 stars

"This is the best book ever!!!!

This book is about four sisters: Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty. For summer vacation they went Arundel cottage where they met a boy named Jeffrey, in an unexpected way. They become friends and go on many adventures together. There’s also Churchie, Mr. Penderwick, Mrs. Tifton, Dexter, Cagney, two rabbits named Yaz and Carla, and a dog named Hound. My favorite part of the book was when Jeffrey showed up as the Penderwicks were leaving and told them he didn’t have to go to Pencey."

Carolyn, age 9

Colossians & Philemon

Colossians & Philemon, by Kathleen Buswell Nielson

22/60 | Started 08.10.25 • Finished 05.05.26 | 4 stars

This one was a long time coming... We did a study of Colossians and Philemon by Colleen Searcy last fall, but I never finished the chapter on Philemon in this book I was using to help me as I co-led a small group. So I finally picked it up and read the last chapter. Nielson's particular method of teaching through the book is to lead you to other passages in the Bible itself to answer questions that might arise from studying your particular passage. She doesn't provide the answers to questions like many other studies do. However, after being guided through the book of Colossians, she drops you in the deep end for Philemon, and it felt like a little too much of a switch. I would have liked to see the Philemon chapter remain a bit more guided.