Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions to Grow in Your Faith by Sarah Young

In Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions to Grow in Your Faith, Thomas Nelson and Sarah Young remind readers that Jesus is the answer. In Jesus is where peace, belonging, and identity are found. Today, teens seek so much from the people and world around them, and this book reminds them that Jesus is where everything they need begins and ends.

This book and its message are absolutely beautiful. I could curl up under a blanket and read and re-read the devotions all day long. They are peaceful. When I open the cover of the book, I feel peace and a warm Jesus hug seep out of it. Sarah Young is a talented, thoughtful author who in this case, as always, knows her teen audience.

The 50 devotions are simple: A title, a 1/2 page of text, and a verse or two to read. I like that the verses aren’t written out because that nudges readers to open their Bibles and explore the verses for themselves. Of course they could just read the devotional and not the verses, but doing so would leave a nagging feeling of unfinished business. On the page opposite the devotional is another verse: written out, and illustrated with a vibrant design. The whole book is color—an attractive feature for teenagers, or any reader for that matter. The small, thin, sturdy book is also a fine fit for teenagers: Digestible. Easily slipped into a binder or backpack.

Written as though Jesus is speaking directly to the reader, these devotions invite and pull readers into His presence, reminding them that trusting Jesus is exciting. That we need to change our thoughts and focus on Jesus. That Jesus’ riches are the best. That the answer is always Jesus. That giving Jesus our time is essential. That instead of searching for answers, we need to search for Jesus. We need to make Him our hiding place.  

Upon first glance the book appears slightly feminine, but upon opening it could definitely be an appropriate gift for both genders. And there is a presentation page! A beautiful book.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

“Don’t Close Your Eyes: A Silly Bedtime Story” by Bob Hostetler

A tool for parents to trick their little ones into sleeping . . . and I think it will work! Mark Chambers has illustrated Bob Hostetler’s medium-sized board book “Don’t Close Your Eyes: A Silly Bedtime Story” about sleepy animals being encouraged to keep their eyes open so they don’t miss a moment of excitement!

The reverse psychology of this story will undoubtedly make sleepy kids laugh, and I think it may also cause them to decide to close their sleepy lids.

The illustrations are in dusk tones—appropriate for sleepytime hours. The rhyme follows foxes, ducks, owls, and more throughout the goodnight process—reflecting on the day’s fun and tomorrow’s dawn, and telling little ones that even though they’re so tuckered out, they’d best not close their eyes! But alas, at the end, little ones are encouraged to close their eyes if they must . . . “And dream a dream of me because I dream of you each night.”

This book is a satisfying length. Often rhyming books end too soon, but this one keeps going until the littles ones will feel they must doze. The only God-type reference is one to bedtime prayers having been said; therefore, this may be an acceptable gift for non-believing friends. The illustrations are captivating and cozy and the message is sweet—I just found that in some places the rhythm of the rhyme didn’t flow. Nonetheless, I would still recommend this book!

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions for A Thankful Heart by Sarah Young

In Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions for A Thankful Heart, Thomas Nelson and Sarah Young invite their readers to “enjoy peace in His presence.” Teenagers are overwhelmed with expectations, and this book presents thankfulness as the answer.

I could read these short, peaceful, compelling devotions repeatedly. They offer solace and perspective. Teenagers will love this book.

The 50 devotions are simple: A title, a 1/2 page of text, and a verse or two to read. I like that the verses aren’t written out because that nudges readers to open their Bibles and explore the verses for themselves. Of course they could just read the devotional and not the verses, but doing so would leave a nagging feeling of unfinished business. On the page opposite the devotional is another verse: written out, and illustrated with a vibrant design. The whole book is color—an attractive feature for teenagers, or any reader for that matter. The small, thin, sturdy book is also a fine fit for teenagers: Digestible. Easily slipped into a binder or backpack.

Written as though Jesus is speaking directly to the reader, these devotions hug readers and pull them to Him. Jesus reminds his children to thank Him for His gifts and surprises. To rejoice in Him and then be expectant of the peace that follows. To Be still. To squash the comparison game. To conquer being rushed and find the need to be still. That grumbling has got to go. To remember that thanksgiving is a sacrifice. And mostly, that “Thankfulness is your greatest protection against that darkness.”

Upon first glance the book appears slightly feminine, but upon opening it could definitely be an appropriate gift for both genders. And there is a presentation page! A beautiful book.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions for Busy Days by Sarah Young

Sarah Young and Thomas Nelson know their teenage audience. The back cover of Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions for Busy Days states: “You’re running around like crazy. You’ve got practice, school, homework, friends, parents’ expectations, and so much more. How will you ever get it all done?” This sounds like the mantra so many high schoolers chant.

The feel of the book itself also screams teenager. It is small, thin, and sturdy. Digestible. Easily slipped into a binder or backpack.

Once inside, the appropriateness continues. In the Introduction, Young quells the world’s ideal of “busy is better.” And she reminds her readers, as she does in her other books, that these devotions are best read slowly. In a quiet spot. With Bible open.

The 50 devotions are simple: A title, a 1/2 page of text, and a verse or two to read. I like that the verses aren’t written out because that nudges the readers to open their Bibles and explore the verses for themselves. Of course they could just read the devotional and not the verses, but doing so would leave a nagging feeling of unfinished business. On the page opposite the devotional is another verse, written out, and illustrated with a vibrant design. The whole book is color—another attractive feature for teenagers, or any reader for that matter.

The devotions themselves, written as though Jesus is speaking directly to the reader, are powerful. Calming. Direct. Assuring. Each devotion points to Jesus as the Life Giver, the Fulfiller, the Answer. They remind readers that Jesus is enough, and that, in fact, He is everything. Jesus invites the teenage readers to find solace in Him.

Upon first glance the book appears slightly feminine, but upon opening it could definitely be an appropriate gift for both genders. And there is a presentation page! A beautiful book.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.