Priorities

** I will leave this post at the top of my blog until I draw a winner, but please scroll down for more recent posts. **

As a Mom, I've always got tasks, ideas and to-do's swirling in my head. Am I the only one? My mind thinks in party plans, creative crafts and yummy foods a lot of the time!

It is also easy to feel burdened as a Mom with all the things we should do: teach the kids, clean the house, make the meals, throw in a load of laundry, get homework done, memorize Scripture, do a family devotional.

Did you see what made the end of the list? I don't really mean for it to, but it seems with all the "must do's" that means little time for other things on a lot of days.

Enter a HUGE help when it comes to teaching my kids about God's Word: the just released book Old Story New: Ten Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God by Marty Machowski. We completed the first devotional as a family, Long Story Short, which takes you through the Old Testament. Old Story New takes you through the New Testament as a family. When I was asked if I would review this book, I jumped at the chance because I already knew of the great material from the first book! (And because I LOVE books!).

This devotional takes you through the New Testament in five ten minute devotionals a week. I find this to be a great balance in our week. We try to do a family devotional right after dinner, but some days, due to various activities, this might not always work. If it doesn't, then I schedule time in our school day and we sit down together to read. The devotionals are very engaging and set up for the kids to answer questions and give input. My kids are (usually) very attentive - they are still kids - but most often, they listen and eagerly participate. It turns out to be a great discussion time as a family! Even Avery (who is 20 months) seems to sense the importance of the moment, and sits next to me or her siblings and listens. You never know what those young minds will remember in these early years!

(It doesn't always look like this, but most days my kids are eager and very receptive to this fun way of walking through the New or Old Testament together.)

I find that when we have a routine, the kids can expect what will happen next, which means it usually gets done. So often there are things that I really want to do, or really mean to do, but without a plan and routine, it rarely will. These times with my family, learning about God together, have become very meaningful and thoughtful times that I will treasure.

There are tons of great reviews on this book. Here is just one that speaks to what a wonderful resource this is:

"Marty Machowski 'gets' families. Even more importantly, he knows how to connect them to the Bible with simple, relatable New Testament studies that make much of Jesus in every lesson. If you want your kids to see the Savior through his Word, spend some time in this exciting new devotional."  - Dave Harvey, Chuch Planting and Church Care, Sovereign Grace Ministries

The really cool news is that New Growth Press has offered to give a free copy to one of my readers! Just comment on this post and you will be entered to win Old Story New, at no cost to you! I promise it will become sweet family time as you learn and grow in his Word together!

ETA: I forgot to say when I will draw a winner! You have until Wednesday, October 17 at noon to enter. Please leave me a way to get in touch with you, and I will contact the winner. Thanks!

Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book at no cost to me, but all opinions expressed are my own.

Comments

[Julie]

Our family loved Long Story Short and would love to see and use Old Story New!

[Leah Kolb]

I've read several reviews of this book and I'd love to have a copy, thanks!!! :-)

[Suzy]

I've never heard of this, it sounds super cool! Love your review of it:)

[Ashley]

Oh pretty please pick me pick me! Mark and I were just talking about wanting to start something like this to do as a family around the dinner table or before bed time. Love you friend!!

[Jennifer Miller]

It sounds like a great book. We are always looking for great resources like this. Thanks for sharing.

[Melissa Jones]

We would love to win a copy of Old Story New! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

[Marni]

What a great review. We would love to do this devotional as a family. Thanks for sharing another great resource!

[Erik Huff]

Thanks for the chance to win! We have really benefited from "Long Story Short"!

[Candace]

Sounds great, I would love to win! :)

[Heather Moore]

So if I win, I also want a picture just like yours above of your kids! That is precious!