This blog post includes a review of a new children’s devotion book. I was given a free copy. I was not paid for this review. All opinions are mine.
One afternoon last week, while I sat working at my computer I received a telephone call about my 8th grade son, Josiah. Josiah is a gifted math student. We’ve known this for some time, and this fall he took some tests to get a better idea of his capabilities.
The teacher called to ask if we would be willing to drive him to the local high school for the first class of the day, since he is ready to advance to high school math. We are thrilled for Josiah, who is more than ready for the challenge.
So began the scramble of logistics (we already have 5 kids in 5 different schools) and how are we going to make this work — who and when and which vehicle.
Kiersten, who is a junior in high school, listened to this conversation. Her first concern was that her little brother not be placed in the same class as her. (That would just be too much for any big sister to handle — thank goodness he wasn’t).
She is out of the building during that hour taking a medical class at another high school across town (making that 5 kids in 6 schools, technically). As I busied myself with a string of phone calls, I didn’t pay too much attention as she picked up her phone and typed in a string of texts.
“Mom,” she interrupted as I juggled busy calendars and notes. “What, daughter?” I asked her.
“It’s all arranged. I have friends who will meet Josiah before school starts and walk him to his class, and then friends who will meet him after class when he is done, so he won’t be by himself.”
Just like that. No jealousy that her brother was invading her school space. No asking on my part.
Kiersten took care of her brother.
When I look at this situation, I clearly see the gifts and abilities God has given Josiah — mathematical ability, reasoning, confidence.
Yet I see the gifts God has given Kiersten, too — kindness, compassion, care.
A Parent’s Influence
As a parent or other important person in a child’s life, you have such an intimate knowledge of your children. You see their strengths and talents with which God has blessed them. Some may be obvious to the world and others may be subtle.
You have incredible influence over your children in a positive way. Your guidance will help them move into the plans God has for them, and help them grow into all that they are capable of becoming.
The more you speak into their lives the positive traits you see, the more they will believe this is part of their character.
Speak a Blessing Over Your Children
Our church uses the Faith Legacy Series to teach parents how to speak a blessing over their children. This has been such a great experience for our family! Mike and I wrote a simple blessing for each of our children based on positive trait we see in them that we want to encourage and see grow. We chose a Bible verse that goes along with each blessing.
Borgstede kids blessing cards
We have said these blessings to our kids in worship at the end of the Faith Legacy classes, and we also use them at home during family devotions sometimes.
You can do this for your children. This isn’t hard, and it’s so meaningful! Choose a trait you see as a positive in each child, and write a simple blessing that goes with it. Choose a Bible verse to go with it.
How to Teach Kids About God’s Plans
You continually teach your children about God’s plans for them when you have family devotions, take them to church, and teach them God’s word. You model it in your own life, too, when you trust God to guide your own life. (This is an area where I continue to work!)
We have used many different resources for family devotion time in our home. (Check out The Top 7 Tools Every Christian Family Needs for Meaningful Family Devotion Time)
The Plans I have for You Devotional is a beautiful new resource. I was really impressed with this book and look forward to using it with our family. The main sections are “I’ve Got Big Plans for YOU”, “I’ve Given YOU a Purpose”, “I Don’t Do Things Small”, “There’s Nothing YOU Can’t Do!”, “Find That ONE Thing”, “What I Created YOU To Do”.
From Zondervan:
About The Plans I Have For You Devotional:The devotional is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children’s book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love, and joy, and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.
Hardcover; 160 pagesAge Range: 8-12 years
The Plans I Have for You Journal is a great complimentary book. It includes secitions for free writing and drawing.
From Zondervan:
About The Plans I Have For You Journal:The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place.
Stationery; 208 pagesAge Range: 11-14 years
The books are labeled as for ages 8-12. My opinion is that they would work for a tad bit younger, maybe 8-10. Also I felt like the drawings were a bit on the girly side. I would see a girl being more drawn to these books than a boy.
Overall, I would definitely recommend both of these devotion books.
And the great news is, I’m excited that Flyby Promotions has given me one of each to Giveaway on my blog for FREE! Yeah!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
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