BOOK REVIEW: CHAPTER & VERSE: CROSSWORDS AND OTHER PUZZLES ~ GENESIS, BOOK ONE ~ BY T.J. JOHNSON

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Xulon Press, ISBN # 9781604773200
Available through author’s website at www.hayneskid.com , Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble

 

Review by Dennis Moore

November 29, 2009 (San Diego) -- TJ Johnson, a Bible teacher at Bayview Church in San Diego, sums up the genesis of her inspiration for writing a book of Biblical crossword puzzles.

 

 

“These puzzles are designed as an alternative way to introduce pertinent and interesting facts concerning a particular chapter or Biblical period," she said.  "I have used some of them in the course of teaching Bible classes at the church I attend in San Diego, California. They provide a way of reviewing what you’ve read to reinforce those facts in your memory. The puzzles are instructional and entertaining, and they remind us that it’s okay for Christians to have fun even when we’re studying God’s Word.”

 

With that in mind, TJ Johnson’s series on Bible verse and instruction was born: Chapter & Verse, Crosswords And Other Puzzles ~Genesis, Book One~.

 

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, and the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:1,2). Everyone knows this as the beginning chapter of the Bible, but in Johnson’s Chapter & Verse, Crosswords And Other Puzzles, ~Genesis, Book One~, she frames it in such a way that it leaves an indelible imprint on our minds and souls. On page 4, 16(down): she states; “_______ was upon the face of the deep.” Of course, we know that “darkness” was upon the face of the deep. Throughout her book, the crossword puzzles get more complex, but that is her intent--to test and reinforce readers’ knowledge of the Bible.

 

“Abram was ninety-nine years old when God changed his name to Abraham; Invoked the covenant of circumcision; Promised Isaac, the son born to Sarah; Blessed Abraham, and established An Everlasting covenant to Isaac, and his seed.” (from Genesis 17). I must confess, as a Christian, I am not as knowledgeable and familiar with those biblical facts. Perhaps, this book will help.  Johnson’s “Chapter & Verse” helps me with that, by stating on page 52, 40(Across): “Abraham wanted to ______ land to bury Sarah, not take it as a gift.” We now know, through Johnson’s book that Abraham wanted to buy land to bury Sarah.

 

To the most well versed in Bible teachings and scripture, Chapter & Verse, Crosswords And Other Puzzles ~Genesis, Book One`, serves to reinforced what we thought we knew about the Bible. This book, the first in a series from this transplanted Texan, leads us into her second book; The Genesis Men, Adam & Sons.

 

Johnson's books  make ideal gifts for Christians on your gift list who want to learn more about the Bible. For additional information, visit the author's website at www.hayneskid.com.

 

 

Dennis Moore is a writer and author, and a member of the San Diego Writers/Editors Guild. He is also the President of a consulting, marketing and promotions company in San Diego, Contracts & Agency, LLC. Mr. Moore is President of his Church, Bethel A.M.E., Prison Ministry

 


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Comments

Barnes & Noble - Grossmont "Authors Event"

TJ Johnson will be one of the scheduled authors at the Barnes & Noble "Authors Event" in San Diego (Grossmont) on April 9, 2011, in which the topic will be how to get published.

Bible Chapter and Verse Just Like BRAGN's Rhymes and Reasons!

Ms. Johnson! Utilizing creativity to teach and bring awarenes to something established, such as the Bible is a sure thing in winning over new followers or fans and wanting to learn its principles. Love your concept of bringing the Bible's principles and teachings in a fun and non-lecturing way through crosswords and other puzzles. Bravo to you Ms. Johnson! Just like you, I wanted to bring awareness to children of how living positively and proactively now, will increase their life's positive results in the areas of building better relationships with their parents, other adults, teachers, peers and most importantly, with their inner selves. BRAGN - Be Real And Great Now's Rhymes and Reasons to Inspire Positive and Proactive Communicating Young Adults also inspires without lecturing through 43 original poems on topics that include, parental love, belief system, perseverance, resolving conflicts and issues,front of the room presentations, shyness,friendships, bullying, to dream and dream big and learning to love and believe in themselves. Thank you for your review Dennis! BRAGN - Be Real And Great Now is available at Amazon.com, CreateSpace.com and book stores near you! -Zenaida Roy-Almario

Interest in TJ's book increasing!

Attended TJ Johnson's book signing at Malcolm X Library this past Saturday, and from all indications, interest in her book seems to be increasing, as several of her books were purchased just before the conclusion of the book signing. TJ and I talked about having a subsequent book signing at the downtown library in a few months, and possibly getting my former Church in Chicago to stock her books in their bookstore, along with possible book signings there.

Malcolm X Library Book Signing/Author Speak

I am happy to note the upcoming Book Signing/Author Speak of TJ Johnson's book(s). I am honored to be associated with TJ Johnson and her body of work, and encourage everyone to be in attendance at the library on March 27, 2010, from 10AM to 12PM. Congratulations TJ, and keep up the good work.

Regards,

Dennis

T.J. Johnson new book

Let me quickly express both my thanks and appreciation to Mr. Dennis Moore for his thought provoking review on TJ Johnsons Crossword Puzzles bibically based book. Obviously, without question, it has promoted my level of awareness, captured my imagination, and arrested my mind.

I am personally recommending TJs book to all Bible Readers, Teachers, Church Leaders, Pastors and especially those persons who would like to learn more about the Bible and its major characters forthwith. Good luck to you TJ Johnson.

Respectfully Submitted,
John Samuel