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Every year seems to come with resolutions to do more of certain things(like read the Bible and exercise) and less of other things(like overindulge on sweets). This year I felt strongly that I am supposed to focus on what we can do rather than what we shouldn't do. In fact, I believe this is the foundation for the freedom I have found in many areas of my life.
For example, when someone starts a new diet(which means a way of life) they often focus on all the things they will need to restrict. When we focus simply on the things we need to restrict we fail to indulge on the things that our body needs(like water, vegetables, fruits, and rest). I believe if we fill up with good things than we don't miss the things we don't need to be consuming(like sweets and other junk food).
The same is true spiritually. While it can be good to fast things like social media and TV it can't be done without fueling our self with things that give life, like God's word. Over the last year I have been very intentional about reading God's word and I have noticed a big difference in my appetite for the things of this world like social media and TV(to name a few).
Because I recognize the importance of God's word in my own life I am passionate about passing it on to my kids. I was beyond thrilled to discover a new book set from Tommy Nelson Publishers called "The Joshua Code". What's unique about this set is that it has a book for the parents and one for the kids but each weeks topic stays the same so you are studying the same verses at the same time. How cool is that?! Each book contains 52 scriptures every believer/kid should know. Every week has a new scripture and devotional.
The first thing that jumped out to me in the Joshua Code for kids book in was a quote in the foreword that said "If you give your child one thing by the age of five, let it be a big faith in God". Wow, isn't that the truth?
Another thing I love about the kids book is the plan for you to follow Monday through Sunday to help your kids memorize that weeks' scripture. The stories are engaging and strike up great conversations between me and my kids.
Would you like a FREE copy of this set of books? Simply comment below and let us know if your family has a family Bible verse. And if so, what is it?
I am a member of the Tommy Nelson Mommies for Thomas Nelson, Inc. As a member of this group, I receive products for my use and to review at no charge to me. I receive no monetary compensation for my participation. All opinions are my own.
Recently our girls, Ellie & Livvy, have started playing soccer. Ellie loves to get out and try new things and usually has a good attitude whether she wins or loses. Livvy, on the other hand, has been hesitant to try sports. When I asked her why she told me "because I'm so afraid of losing!"
I don't know about you but I can relate to Livvy much more than I can Ellie. I remember as a young child never wanting to try things for fear of failure. I remember being terrified of coming in last place(because I often did) or worse yet falling on my face in front of everyone. The mere thought of it was paralyzing.
But, as evidenced by this blog, I have overcome that mindset. I have learned that I would much rather fall flat on my face in front of everyone then to continue to hide and never try things. There comes a point in all of our lives that we must decide if we would rather take a chance and possibly fail or sit back and watch life pass us by always wondering what could have been. I tell my kids the pain of failure is so much less than the pain of never trying.
While I would like to give say my new found courage is me mustering all my strength to be brave that is simply not the truth. The truth is the closer I get to God and realize how deep His love is for me, I am less afraid of what people think of me because my hope and my security is in him.
I was excited when I was asked to review Lysa Terkeurst new book "Win or Lose I Love You!" because it addresses the heart of the issue of our attitude in winning or losing in life and finding our hope and joy in Christ. The book uses adorable forest animals and kids, Max and Lulu, who are playing different field day games. The characters are cute, relatable and engaging for kids of all ages. I have to admit even I could relate to the different characters. Some of them were great sports and others not so much. Lysa did a great job of making the forest animals come to life and teaching kids the importance of being a good winner and a good loser.
My kids have asked me to read the book to them multiple times and every time we read it something new comes to life. I asked them each what they liked about the book and here are their responses:
Ellie(age 8): I liked that the book was fun to read and it taught me how to not be a poor winner or a poor loser.
Livvy(age 6): I learned that if you win or lose people will still love you.
Zeke(age 4): I liked the animals, they were funny. I learned you will love me no matter what.
My favorite part of the book was the very last page that had 10 biblical words of wisdom(scriptures) whether you win or lose. I had each of my kids choose the one that spoke to them most to memorize. The girls told me these will help them next time they have a soccer game. :)
Whether your kids play sports or not, every family needs this book. From soccer games, to board games to getting up and speaking in front of their class, my kids will never forget the life lessons learned in this book. You can purchase your copy by clicking the image below:
Would you like to WIN a FREE copy of this book?! Simply comment below and tell us who you would love to give this book to OR ask your kids how they know they're loved by you and share their response with us for a chance to win!
