for Girls Only! {Devotions}

As the mother of a 7-year old daughter, we deal with a lot of human nature! Sometimes I think my daughter believes I am the only mother who expects certain things out of her.

Things like cleaning up after herself, treating her brothers with respect, keeping a good attitude, and completing her formal lessons. I often tell her, as a gentle reminder, she is not the only one in the world who has family responsibilities. But I don’t think she always believes that.

Then this devotional came along and saved me! Ha! No, really, this is a really wonderful devotional. Again, I am rather picky about devotionals. I don’t like wishy washiness or a whole lot of fluff, you know what I mean?  I aim to find solid, biblical teachings, and devotions that challenge us in our faith.

My daughter is getting to the age where I think she really needs to understand she’s not alone. She is beginning to deal with issues such as bad attitudes and meanness towards her brother’s.  Now, don’t misunderstand, this isn’t a constant thing. It is just, in my opinion, very normal issues that arise – but still must be dealt with.

This devotional addresses such issues using the stories of other [fictional] girls. As the mother of 2 girls, Carolyn Larsen has learned much about the challenges they face. Her daughter’s taught her much about living and loving.

I want to give you a glimpse into this book, because I don’t think my explanations can do it justice. Following each devotion is a two page spread of follow up activities [which I think are so important]. This gives girls the opportunity to do this devotional on their own [if they choose] because they can think on the questions and challenges independently.

Here is a little self test which will help them kind of see where their heart really lies on each issue.  Below is a key to understanding the answers to the questions. I really like that because it is a quick and simple way to do a heart check. Often, our children don’t tend to think about how their actions or words can effect others. (Sometimes we adults don’t either )

On the next page is a check list of ways to put to action the lesson that was learned. My daughter was all about this – it really

motivated her and that was so encouraging to me. Our children don’t always have the capacity for “bright ideas” on their own, so having this kind of help, I know, is encouraging to them.

The “Things to Do” listed here from the Living With an Attitude devotion include:

• Write a “thanks for all you do” note for someone in your family and leave it on the kitchen counter.
• Next time you hear yourself whining about getting your own way, stop yourself, then do an attitude check.
• Ask God to help you notice when your attitude is really bad. Then ask for his forgiveness and help in apologizing to any people you have hurt.
• When you’re tempted to complain, stop and think of three things you can be thankful for.

Now they can do one of these, or all of these.

The final element in this spread is the Things to Remember section, which has scripture verses related to the lesson and some quotes in the margins (which I really love).

Here is one of the quotes I really liked:

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. ~Charles Dickens

I do recommend this devotional to you mother’s out there with girls in the age range of 8-12, roughly.

What I like about it being a “girls only” devotional, is that it really narrows in on issues girls deal with, that they themselves may not fully understand. This is an excellent guide to help mother’s talk with their girls about these issues. A mother/daughter chat about life is priceless.

I don’t know about you, but as for me, I need all the help I can get! I thank God that He uses women like Carolyn to help us newbies out

*This book was sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers. You can read my disclosure policy here.

 

{The One Year} Devotions for Preschoolers (2)

Instilling excellent character qualities in our children ought to be one of the things at the top of our priority list, and beginning this at a young age is very important.

Using [The OneYear] Devotions for Preschoolers 2 is a great way to begin this important training.

It has a short devotion for each day of the year. For toddlers and preschoolers, short and sweet is the way to go. Their attention spans are very small.

This is a wonderful way to begin great conversations about God with our little ones. It doesn’t have to end when the devotion ends. We can further the teaching by adding personal examples and continue to talk about what was learned throughout the day.

Each devotional begins with a scripture. Following is the short devotional accompanied by an engaging and colorful illustration. At the bottom is a short rhyme which ties into the devotional.

I believe it is important for the parent to really engage their children in devotions. Not merely read it, close the book, and get on with life. A devotional  cannot be effective without passion and follow through from the parent. Children know what drives us and what’s important to us.

When we show them how excited we are about God, they will get excited, too. When we show them how to love, they will learn how to love, too. Even a simple devotional can be applied to anyone’s life. The principles taught are not complicated:

• be a loyal friend
• live an honest life
• use wise words
• give generously
• do not fear

These devotions also teach about God and who He is. Also things everyone needs to know:

• God is always with us
• God will care for us
• God will guide us
• God delights in us
• God will give us good things

These are things we can live out and talk to our children about everyday, using this devotional as a tool to spark conversation, and tangible ways to live for God.

Living for God is important, but it is also important for our children to be saturated with His love for them and teach them how to love in return. This devotional can help with both of those aspects.

My children enjoy these and sometimes want me to read them more than one at a time! This would make a great Christmas gift, too! You can check out Tyndale Kids to view this devotional and other products your children will enjoy!

*This book was sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

 

Educating the Whole Hearted Child, by Clay and Sally Clarkson

So, I know I am about 10 years behind the date this book was published, BUT, I only started homeschooling a few years ago and so just recently heard about it.  Sarah Mae over at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee asked me if I’d ever read it one day when I was struggling with my 7-year old daughter. I was trying to figure out why I kept having power struggles whenever I mentioned “school”. Sarah Mae also did a two part interview with Sally Clarkson on her blog. You can read that here and here.

Educating the WholeHearted Child is one of the most “meaty” homeschooling books I have ever read. It is beautiful and inspiring, practical and empowering. God used this beautiful couple, Clay and Sally Clarkson, to share with us their hearts for homeschooling; their passion for educating the whole-hearted child.

They walked me through discipleship and educating my children in such detail! It truly is a must have for home school families with a desire to shape their children’s hearts and lives, rather than just educate them in the academics. This is not a book that will sit on the shelf after reading it one time through. This is a guide to help me in everyday discipleship and home education. The margins are filled with scriptures, quotes, references, and other helpful notes that can be easily found at a glance. They are one of my favorite things about the book.

As I was reading through it, parts of it seriously made my eyes well up with tears, because I came across some of my own struggles and I was reading the answers to things I was clueless about. I faced some realities and truths about myself as well. It was conviction, mixed with revelation, inspiration, and encouragement, all wrapped up in one.

One of my favorite parts of the book include:

Five Heartbeats of Discipleship

Obedience
*Obedience is not complete until it comes from the heart.
*…if your children do not obey quickly, you are training in their hearts a habit of disrespect. {emphasis mine}
*Your children’s obedience is the way they will show their love for God (John 14:15). Your job is to help them love God better.

Discipline
*Biblical discipline is a relational process of spiritual training that cultivates godliness.
*Rather than thinking about discipline simply as an act, think of biblical discipline as a process.

Love
*A sympathetic parent understands that each child’s distinctive personality is a gift from God that is to be accepted and affirmed, regardless how ‘different’ it may be from their own. Each child needs a different voice of discipline, a different touch of mercy, and a different word of encouragement.
*…though sympathy may be uncomplicated, it is not undemanding. It takes time to be a sympathetic parent–to spend enough time with your children to understand their childish thoughts and feelings, and to respond in a sympathetic way.
*Having a heart of sympathy for your children will mean…lowering your expectations about what can and must be accomplished in a day.

Protection
*From unwise relationships: fools, unbelievers, immoral, false teachers
*From ungodly secular media. Keep high standards for the television, movies, music, print media, and electronic media
*The center of companionship’s in a child’s amusements ought to be the parents themselves…No companionship should be permitted to a child in his amusements that is likely to lower his moral tone, or to vitiate (negate) his moral taste…It ought to be so, in every well-ordered home, that a child can find more pleasure at home than away from home…Wiser parents secure to their children such home amusements as cannot be indulged in to the same advantage outside the home. (H. Clay Trumbull, Hints on Child Training, 1890)

Direction
*You must know where to go if you expect to guide your children in the way they should go.
*Effective discipleship is always intentional, never accidental.

There is so much more to this than I have written. I have only given a glimpse of the wisdom this book is packed with.

Other areas that are covered include keeping house, learning styles, teaching models and methods, and an array of resources to help along the way.

Now, believe it or not, there is a new edition of this wonderful book coming out some time in 2010. I know, unbelievable, right?! How could you possibly make this book any better?! But, since it is about 13 years old, the new one will be updated AND expanded by about 100 pages!! Oh I CAN’T wait!! You definitely want to keep your eyes open for that.

Be sure to visit Whole Heart Online, and Sally’s personal blog, I Take Joy, to become better acquainted with her and her family. She is a sweet spirit and for me, a ruby.

 

Big Truths for Young Hearts, by Bruce A. Ware

This book is quite amazing. In fact, I’m so excited about it because as a homeschooling mom, I am going to be incorporating it into our everyday learning.

These Truths are broken down in detail for parents and school children [and up] to converse together on. The author, rather than talking down to the child, instead uses stories or other illustrations to clarify meaning. He also gets excited about knowing these truths which will, in my opinion, excite the children as well.

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What are the Truths?

• God’s Word and God’s Own Life as God
• God as Three in One
• Creator and Ruler of All
• Our Human Nature and Our Sin
• Who Jesus Is
• The Work That Jesus Has Done
• The Holy Spirit
• Our Great Salvation
• The Church of Jesus Christ

He breaks down each Truth into portions consumable for children to take in. Granted, every child is different. Some may be able and desire to take in more, some may need to take in less, in order to “chew on” the bits they can handle. We know our children best and must adjust accordingly.

My daughter and I sat down and read together chapter 5, one section at a time. I allowed her to pick which chapter she wanted to read through with me, doing one section per day for 6 days.

When I implement this into our home school, we will be doing one section per week. It will take about 14 months to complete. However, this will give adequate time for more discussion throughout the weeks and any questions that arise. As a matter of opinion, this book has depth to it and upon reading it plenty of conversation should be expected. It is meant for parent and child to read together.

Here is something discussed among my 7-year old and I during our reading:

My daughter began to understand the concept of Jesus being fully man in the section How Jesus Emptied Himself. She didn’t realize that Jesus could feel the same pains and temptations we face, and that, as a human, he has gone through much of the same things we go through.

This book is an excellent tool for teaching our children Biblical Worldview, and the sooner the better. Although this book helps, it should only be used as a tool. The parents are the main instruments in shaping their children’s worldview. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Take it to your pastor for extra help, with your child there.

I highly recommend this book for children and adults. A study guide would certainly be an excellent tool to accompany this book, yet it is not totally necessary.

To read more reviews on Big Truths for Young Hearts, visit Crossway’s Blog.

*This book was sponsored by Crossway Books in exchange for this review. Please see my full disclosure policy here.

 

She Did What She Could, by Elisa Morgan

This is a pretty resourceful book. Elisa was quite thoughtful at laying this out and I have to say, it left me impressed, inspired, and encouraged.

The first part of her book takes you word for word through “she did what she could”. She proposes some of the things that could’ve happened during the momentous occasion when Mary poured oil over Jesus. Elisa talks about what Mary could’ve been thinking, what Jesus could’ve been thinking, and literally breaks down each word into a simple word study. It’s quite amazing because it really takes into more depth which brings a new level of understanding to something that could be seen as trite, or radical.

Elisa goes on to write about “what if….I did what I could?” Again, she breaks down each word and fully personalizes it for her, and for us. It’s incredible as you see all the possibilities unfold before you! She does a great job of dissolving that “all or nothing” mentality.

Just today, as I was whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies for my family, I decided to double the recipe so I could take a batch to our home group the following evening—even though it’s not our turn to bring snack. This isn’t to bring glory to myself in any way. It’s to give a practical example of how this way of thinking can be put into action in our everyday lives. And this is just one example.

She invites us to go beyond thinking that if we don’t do everything, we can’t do anything. Imagine if everyone did what they could? A lot more would get accomplished. People would be cared for, needs would be met.

I do recommend this book, especially to those who struggle with serving because they believe the lie that they don’t have “enough” to give.

*Book provided by Tyndale House Publishers

 

Big Thoughts for Little People, by Kenneth N. Taylor

When I first saw Big Thoughts for Little People, I have to admit, I expected a lot less. I thought it was going to only portray a word that matched each letter of the alphabet that was relevant to God and the Bible. I was excited to use it in aiding me in teaching my toddler the alphabet in a fun way while learning tidbits about the Bible.

Let me tell you, I got so much more than that! It wasn’t until I opened it and began reading “A” for “asking” that I realized this is a devotional! It’s a wonderful devotional suited for the short attention span of toddlers and preschoolers, yet filled with spiritual truths to help them understand God and character training attributes.

In addition, opposite the page of the devotional is a large picture associated with the word, and filled with pictures that begin with that letter! So after our devotional reading, we look at the picture and find all the things that begin with that letter.

Each devotional contains some simple, yet important questions, and a paraphrased verse.

My children love this and remind me to pull it out every morning, for chance I might forget!

I really do recommend this for toddlers and preschoolers.

Kenneth N. Taylor, the author of Big Thoughts for Little People was actually the founder of Tyndale House Publishers and is the best-selling author of numerous children’s books, so he has other great books out there worth checking out!

*Book sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers

 

Redefining Beautiful, by Jenna Lucado

Redefining Beautiful. The title itself captured me. Jenna writes this engaging book for teenage girls. She draws them in simply by being real and getting serious about our identity. You don’t have to be a teenager to be challenged by this, because I was. She speaks plainly, lovingly, and understandably to young girls about insecurity, boys, individuality, friendship, and more, while intertwining God in all conversations. She uses the attractions and difficulties most teenage girls face to bring them in to something much deeper than make-up and shoes (even though those things are fun!).

Jenna lead me to a place I had not yet discovered about myself and I began to break free from bondage’s simply by recognizing how God sees me. She writes plainly about some of the struggles she faced as a young woman and how God changed her heart because He shifted her identity. Our real security, our real identity is found in God, our Heavenly Father.

Jenna challenged me to dig into the Word when I have those feelings of insecurity and fix my eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) because it will take the focus off myself.

I really believe many teenage girls would relate and therefore listen to the message she’s sharing. I definitely recommend this to teenage girls, especially those who have doubts about their worth or significance in life. Jenna wants young ladies to know their worth is not found in how others view them, or even in how they view themselves, but in how their Father sees them: and that is truly beautiful.

*Book sponsored by Thomas Nelson Publishers

 

Stand: Diving into God’s Words~Psalm 119

This week I read this really neat book put out by Alex McFarland, for teens (although it’s great for adults, too). It is called Stand: Diving Into God’s Words– a discovery of Psalm 119. Psalm 119 happens to be my favorite Psalm – maybe even my favorite chapter of the Bible. It seems to really capture my heart and desire for God’s Word and it draws me in every single time.

Alex does a great job drawing out what the Psalm is saying and laying it out in a well written and organized guide.

The book is written for teenagers, however, I believe adults can benefit from it as well — I did. I really liked that Alex didn’t change any of the big “Christian” words (transcendent, sovereign, revelation) to dumb it down for teenagers. I believe it’s important to teach our children what these words mean rather than shirk out and act like they are “weird” words, just because they are big and/or they don’t understand them. That really puts a negative attitude on learning anything new or different from what they already know. The author uses them and defines them well enough to be understood.

He talks about worship in it’s true form:

the fall-on-your-face, don’t-look-up-or-you-might-be-blinded-with-glory kind of worship

Worship means to prostrate and in this modern age it’s not practiced enough, nor is it encouraged in many churches today. Our children should know what worship in it’s true form is – it’s not about us and what makes us comfortable. Worship is often humbling and that means discomfort in lowering ourselves so that God can be raised up – not just figuratively, but literally. I like how Alex draws this out for the reader, and isn’t afraid to tell teenagers the Truth, for fear it will “cramp his style” or not be “relevant”.

I really like how he communicates God’s Law as the Bible has written about it.  He expresses how God’s law is for our well-being rather than saying it was “old testament ritual and not applied to today”.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Alex puts true value [through Psalm 119] on us [the readers] growing and maturing in our walks and turning away from sin. He clearly lays out the difference between the “grace abounding” message and walking according to the Law and keeping His statues. There is such a difference! True, we are to walk in God’s grace, but not to continue to sin because we know grace is offered.

Romans 6:1-2 (KJV)
¹ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
² God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

The way the book is set up is that each chapter covers a theme: God, Scripture, Relationships, Prayer, Truth, Happiness, Blessings, Priorities, Troubles, Attitude, Goals. Each of these are woven throughout Psalm 119. He derives the themes from an expository interpretation which he references in list form at the end of each chapter.

I encourage parents with teenagers to get this. It is jam packed with wonderful, spiritual disciplines that we all need. Alex lays them out in a way that will challenge teens to raise the bar on their own life. I encourage parents to read it as well! It is challenging and a great tool. It would make a great group study as well.

You can visit Tyndale House Publishers to read more about the Stand series.

*Book sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers

 

My Story Bible

There are many children’s story Bible’s to choose from in the stores. But not all are created equal. In fact, it is seriously hard to find a good children’s Bible (in my opinion). Again, my number one selling point is accuracy. Illustrations are a close second and dialogue that doesn’t “dumb it down” to kids. I believe children are capable of understanding more than we often give them credit for. They will rise to the occasion if we challenge them.

My Story Bible by Jan Godfrey is a very well illustrated, well written story Bible. In fact, the illustrations are what first captured me in this sweet book! They are soft and engaging.  The language is repetitive in some places, but the children love repetition because it gives them anticipation for what is going to be said next. It actually helps them become more comfortable and familiar with the text.

Something I particularly love are the “sound and action words” she uses to draw the children into the story. For example, in the story The King Who Said No (Moses), the author writes,

There were frogs and gnats and flies everywhere, hopping and humming and buzzing. (emphasis mine)

From the story Jonah Runs the Other Way,

Then…gulp, guggle, whoosh! The enormous big fish tossed Jonah out of its mouth and onto the beach. (emphasis mine)

It’s like built in sound effects! I love it!

I recommend My Story Bible to parents who have children ages 2-6.

Tyndale House Publisher’s is giving one copy of My Story Bible away to one blessed reader! All you have to do to enter is tell me your child’s FAVORITE Bible story! All of my children have at least one story they like to hear over and over again. Share what your children’s favorites are!

The fine print:

• U.S. Residents only (sorry my international friends )
• You will receive an email notice (or comment) from me if you win
• If you do not contact me by Monday, September 14, I will have to choose another winner. Please don’t let that happen!
• Winners will be drawn by Random.org on Friday!

*Books sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers

 

Who Made the World? ~ Book Giveaway!

As a mother of young children, my days are filled with questions of “why’s” and “how’s”. Sometimes it is difficult to come up with  the answers on the spot. Children are very curious arising at a very early age. They explore the world around them and are eager to learn more about the things we teach them.

The Bible is one of the greatest mysteries to mankind. For children, it’s a great platform for lot’s of questions!

The “Little Blessings” series offered through Tyndale House  Kids Publishers helps parents organize many of these questions in the books they offer. Some of the titles include Is God Always With Me?; Why Is There a Cross?; What About Heaven?.

They now have two new releases in this series: Who Made the World? and What Is the Bible?.  I had the privelege of reading Who Made the World? and was pleased by what I read.

The first half of the book is from a child’s perspective and is asking all kinds of questions, in a rhythm of rhyme that captures the attention of children:

So who made the world? God, I think it was you. Did you have a helper? If so, tell me who!; What was the first thing you made, and the last? Did you snap your fingers to make it go fast?

The second half of the book is God answering the children’s questions. When I first began this portion, I admit, I was a bit nervous. Not knowing if what “God” was going to say was going to line up with Scripture. Yet as I read through each answer, I came to find my nerves at ease. Everything written from “God” came directly from Scripture.

When reading any book that deals with the Christian faith, my number one selling point is does it line up with God’s Word? Not only did this pass the test, but each question is listed in a “Bible References” section in the back of the book, with the question and the Bible verse it was derived from.

My children enjoyed the rhymes and illustrations. It is an engaging and delightful book!

One blessed reader of mine is going receive a free copy! Yay!! This is very simple! All you have to do is leave a comment telling me one of your favorite children’s books! Wallah! You’re entered! I will choose a winner and announce it on FRIDAY!!

The fine print:

• U.S. Residents only (sorry my international friends )
• You will receive an email notice (or comment) from me if you win
• If you do not contact me by Monday, September 14, I will have to choose another winner. Please don’t let that happen!

Be sure to visit tomorrow for the second book giveaway!

*Books sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers