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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.
New seasons in life come with many different emotions. If you like the current season you are in you might feel sad or fearful to move to a different season. On the contrary, you might be delighted to move into a new season if you have been walking through a difficult time.
My husband and I have gone through many different seasons in our 10 years of marriage. We went from being newly weds in college, to having babies and toddlers in the house, on to being business owners and now homeschooling our elementary age kids. With each new season comes new challenges as well as new and unexpected blessings. Some seasons, like the baby phase, I was happy to move out of. No more diapers or middle of the night feedings. But while I'm not changing diapers I am figuring out how to homeschool my kids while still pursing other dreams God has planted in my heart.
Here are a few lessons I have learned from each season of life I am in:
Embrace your season.
I remember when my kids were babies I would have older moms tell me to embrace the season. It was so hard for me to receive that at the time because I was overwhelmed, tired and missed alone time with my husband. But now that I am out of that season I see the many moments I took for granted. Never again will I nurse my children or be able to soothe them by rocking them to sleep. But I do see how the seeds of love and nurture I planted in them in that season of their life are now blooming. Because I took the time to nurture and grow them while they were young they are well adjusted children who are pursing their God given dreams and talents.
Simply put, don't start decorating for Valentine's Day when we haven't yet celebrated Christmas. :)
Practice patience & have faith.
I love reading about farmers and how they plant a crop then patiently wait for it to produce fruit. It takes a lot of faith for them to plant a tiny seed and believe it is going to grow into something so much bigger that can be used for many things. But I am certain with every year they do it the more patience and faith they have because they have seen it done before. This is why it is so immportan to read God's word and fill our minds with faith. As we read the stories in the Bible we fill ourselves with the truth that God is the same yesterday, today and forever and will continue to provide for His children.
I am currently in a season where I am doing a lot of planting and watering. It is in these seasons that we must be patient and have faith that God will bring a harvest at the proper time if we don't give up(Galations 6:9).
Share the good news of your harvest.
When the season comes for you to harvest all the crops the Lord has given you, share it with others! I love that God made plants and fruits to contain seeds that when planted produce more plants and fruits! If you get fruit in your own life share it with others so it can build their faith and produce a harvest in their life as well.
I recently received a book from Tommy Nelson Publishers to review called Parable Treasury. I was so excited to read it to my kids because it is exactly what the Lord has been speaking to me about seasons in our lives. I've already had to walk my kids through different seasons in life and this book gave simple yet biblical perspectives on new seasons in our lives. It reminds us that no matter what season we are in God is using it for a greater purpose. We may not always see the why but God is always working overtime on every detail of our life.
The book contains 4 different parable stories for each of the 4 seasons of the year. One of my favorite parts were the scriptures that were on the bottom of each page. My 6 & 9 year old girls love this book!
Would you like to win a FREE copy of this book? Simply comment below with your answer to this question to be entered: What season is your favorite and why?
(Please note: 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!
