Heather Bixler

If you choose to read these devotions one a day, you’ll have enough material for more than a month. Alternatively, a busy mom might pick an appropriate topic from a nicely arranged chapter list and jump straight to the devotion most appropriate (jumping back for more, since each devotion ends with a link to the contents again). Titles cover deep issues of healing and brokenness, and everyday problems like baskets of dirty clothes. Feel burned out? There’s a devotion for that, and for show more when your work feels fruitless or fears overwhelm you.

Each devotion begins with a Biblical quote (maybe several quotes) and ends in prayer. In between the reader is asked or guided through thought-provoking questions to see God’s truth behind life’s distractions. Who or what do you fear? Asks the author in one place. And Why should we have confidence in God?
These devotions are all sufficiently long to draw the reader in, while still being short enough for a quick lunch break before school’s out again. Both authors are open and honest, reminding busy moms we’re all in this together—and God is with us. And both offer wise and practical advice, as well as prayer.

For me, these devotions read like phone calls, with much left unsaid and much to ponder alone. The authors teach what they’ve learned rather than sharing complex details. And the lessons are good, well-written and well-planned for “the craziness of our lives.”

For readers needing more, there are links to more books embedded in the text—a neat idea.

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review. show less

If you struggle to memorize Bible verses as a regular routine, then this reading plan is for you. The emphasis of the series is to use journaling to help you memorize Scripture. The focus in this book is on gratitude. The plan gives you 8 verses to memorize over the course of 8 weeks. Each chapter gives the participant activities to accomplish each day. Some are writing activities, some are discussion based on the verse's content, a few are verbal activities, while some time is dedicated to show more rote learning.

The material you will need will be a journal, some post-it notes, a pen and a Bible. Above all, you need some dedicated time and determination, humbleness of heart and a love for the Lord. This series is specifically designed for the busy person, so the activities are short.

As with any Bible study and memorization plan, you get out of it what you put into it. The plan is easy to execute and can appeal to a wide age range, including children and young people.

In my copy of the book which contains only the reading plan, there is no background reading to do. I think this would work well for a busy person. However, for the individual who has more time on their hands, this can be supplemented with a commentary series such as Warren Wiersbe's "Be" series. This series is topical and interesting to read. It would fit well with the journal concept.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and Body and Soul Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” show less