Christmas Gift Idea

One of my favorite Christmas gifts from a couple years ago was The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers by Crystal Bowman and illustrated by Elena Kucharik. I always did Bible story time and scripture reading but really wanted a devotional to do daily with my children. This book was the perfect fit for us. Each lesson is just a page long. There's a short story based on different Biblical truths, a Bible verse to tie the learning to Scripture and a short rhyming prayer. It's not just for teaching your children the Bible but for giving them the practice of daily time in God's word and prayer. There's a lesson for each day of the year and so they are often relate to season which I LOVE. The illustrations are adorable. They feature four sweet little friends as the grow, learn and experience life. We read through it the first year we got it, I took a break this past year and have been filling in with shorter devotional books, Bible stories and such but I really loved having a daily go to devotional activity aside from the usual Bible story book. We're all geared up to read through it again this year and I think next year we'll find The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2 by Carla Barnhill and illustrated by Elena Kucharik. I also included Blessings Everyday: 365 Simple Devotions for the Very Young also by Carla Barnhill and Elena Kucharik. While this one is probably too young for my two at this point my Nephew just might be getting this as a present for Christmas next year. I think these make the perfect Christmas gift to give to the special young children in your life.

You all know how I love my little Storybooks!

I Love My Little Storybook by Anita Jeram captures the joys that a well written/illustrated and well loved storybook can bring to a child. Jump into the pages of one little bunny's favorite storybook as he shares all that he loves about what can be found in it's pages. The illustrations are so sweet and just packed with things to find and see. The characters found in the storybook follow along as you meet them and move through the story with you. What a fun celebration of reading and imagination!

Really Woolly Bible Stories by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

Really Woolly Bible Stories by Bonnie Rickner Jensen and illustrated by Julie Sawyer Phillips is a simple sweet collection of favorite Bible stories told in rhyme. The rhymes are really well done capturing the key message of these stories while keeping it a fun and flowing read that the youngest of children will enjoy listening too. The book starts with the scripture verses John 10:11 and Isaiah 40:11 as a premise helping to tie the really woolly sheep character into the Biblical references of Jesus the good shepherd tending to his lambs and how we are His child and how He cares for us. There are 16 Bible stories retold in this book with the scripture references included. The book concludes with "A Prayer for You" poem in the back which makes for a wonderful good night prayer to share each night with your little one. Each story is accompanied by the really cute really Woolly and his friends, a rabbit and a duck, as well as a picture portraying the Bible story. It's a wonderful read geared more towards preschool age and younger but sure to charm all ages. I am very happy with this book and I am adding it to one of my favorite books to give to new moms to be.

I received a free copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing’s Book Sneeze book review program. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Praying the Scriptures for your Children

I recently threw a baby shower with some friends. I'm planning to post about the shower later this week but I thought I'd start off with one of my favorite baby shower gifts to give.

This next book is one of my most read, well worn books. Its called Praying Scriptures for your Children, by Jodie Berndt. I myself have been blessed with a praying Mom. I know how important prayer is and how much impact it can have. When I was expecting my first I learned of this book from a friend and rushed out to get it. I was nervous about being a Mom and did not fancy myself the kind of prayer warrior my Mom is. I could not have been happier with this book. Berndt helps arm you with the power of praying scripture for your children. She shares personal stories of the impact of praying scripture has had in her life. She includes numerous scripture references that you too can pray for your children. It helped me as a young Mom to get into the regular pattern of praying scripture for my children and provided insight into parenting that relys on God's answers to those prayers.

For those of you familiar with this book, I hope this is a good reminder of the importance of praying scripture for those in your lives.

Enjoy!



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