Making Time for God: Daily Devotions for Children and Families to Share [Paperback]

Susan Garrett (Author), Amy Pauw (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Parents will appreciate this thoughtful daily devotional that helps children develop good prayer and quiet time habits and encourages them to turn to the Bible for answers to real-life situations. Authors Susan Garrett and Amy Plantinga Pauw are both seminary professors and uniquely qualified to underpin their book with sound biblical theology. Their practical experiences as mothers make each devotion kid-friendly and applicable. Making Time for God deals honestly with difficult topics such as race, diverse religious traditions, divorce, and jealousy. It introduces children to many of the best-known and best-loved stories of the Bible but doesn't shy away from harder to understand passages such as the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God. Each of the 366 entries includes a solid Scripture passage, a reflective meditation, and a prayer. It's appropriate for elementary age kids to read alone or for families to read together. Those who are looking for the perfect gift for special occasions and parents who want to jump-start a devotional time with their kids will appreciate this handsome and thoughtful book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Opens up the richness of Biblical texts in creative ways that underscore the Bible's relevance for life in today's world. -- Presbyterians Today, November, 2002

The book's vibrant, matter-of-fact style makes it readable for children... and enjoyable for parents as well. -- crosswalk.com

The language is clear and uncluttered. The concepts are thought-provoking...Extraordinarily well executed...an invaluable tool for parents. Recommend highly. -- Christian Booksellers Association Marketplace, October, 2002

From the Back Cover

At last-a children's devotional with substance! This unique daybook is the perfect way to start your children on an exploration of the Bible, while helping them develop a strong pattern of daily devotions and prayer. The authors, who are both mothers and seminary professors, combine biblical teaching with engaging stories that kids can identify with, as well as thoughts for personal application. Representing the richness of Scripture, Making Time for God draws from most books of the Bible, not just a few familiar stories, and includes both the best-loved Bible verses and the harder to understand passages. This devotional also deals honestly with difficult topics such as race, diverse religious traditions, divorce, and jealousy. The 366 entries emphasize the seasons of the church year and correlate to the secular calendar as well. Elementary-age kids will enjoy reading these devotions alone, or families can read them together out loud. With Making Time for God, you will set your children's feet on the path to good devotional habits and encourage them to turn to the Bible for answers to real-life situations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801045053
• ISBN-13: 978-0801045059
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,675 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Prayer
  • #37 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Devotional

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a book for everyone in the family, May 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Time for God: Daily Devotions for Children and Families to Share (Paperback)

Making Time For God is a Godsend! I have 5 children and I find it difficult to make time to read 5 different books every night.

This book satisfies the needs of all my children ages 2 1/2 to 12 1/2 (4 boys and 1 girl). The older kids are able to understand the text, and the conversations that follow our reading, include the younger children.

This book gives us a dose of reality and religion at the same time. It makes sense to us, is easy to read and we are able to apply lessons in our daily life. Making Time For God helps me as well, since I was not raised in a religious household. I am still learning alot, so I was happy to find a book that was not "over my head".

My aunt was so excited to hear about this book that she wanted a copy for her library.

Thank you to the authors. We love your book!!!

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for kids, June 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Time for God: Daily Devotions for Children and Families to Share (Paperback)

I bought this book to give to relatives with children, but liked it so much that I bought one for myself. I love the way the authors help us to think about the Scriptures. They don't just give "the moral of the story," but they really explain what the passages mean--yet in terms that are easy to understand. The writing is simple but very engaging, even for adults. This book is helping me to think about the Bible and about my faith in new ways. I never miss a day.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent family devotion guide, August 29, 2007

By 

Ellen "Working Mom" (Nicaragua) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Time for God: Daily Devotions for Children and Families to Share (Paperback)

I'd been searching for a book of devotions to share with my children, ages 2 and 6. This book is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the Bible in ways that make sense to everyday life.

I appreciate the fact that the authors include texts from nearly every book of the Bible, even tackling scripture that is much harder to interpret to children (like scripture from the Prophets that make God look like an fearsome ogre). Yet these authors are able to handle those texts with grace, helping even adults understand deeper theological issues without simplifying them, and without trying to provide "pat" answers.

The book begins with an introduction for children/youth, and an introduction for parents/caregivers. There is one page for each day of the year, including scripture, a reflection on the text, and a brief prayer that follows along with the focus.

If you are seeking a book of devotions to share with your family, get this one. It's very insightful and good for all ages.