How To Crush Your New Year’s Resolutions With These 12 books

How To Crush Your New Year’s Resolutions With These 12 books

Do you want to go deeper, in your relationship with God, in your marriage, do you want to turn your finances around, find freedom in a clutter-free house, and raise your children to love God in 2024?  Are you hungry for more? More of God’s presence, more of His wisdom, more of His love?

 

Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish”.  As much as we laugh at New Year’s resolutions, the basic idea of setting goals is powerful. 

I have compiled a list of twelve books to help give you actionable steps to achieve your dreams in 2024. 

 

Readers are Leaders. No matter what job you hold you are serving as a leader in some capacity.  It is imperative that you continue to learn and grow as you mature. 

 

“You are the books you read, the movies you watch, the music you listen to, the people you spend time with, the conversations you engage in. Choose wisely what you feed your mind.” -Unknown

 

I have compiled a list of some of the best books ranging from topics on organization, finance, parenting, leadership, biographies, marriage, discernment, and how to experience a deeper love relationship with Jesus.  There are twelve books- one for every month of the year. Some of these books are quick reads, and some you will need to savor as you allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart.

 

I would encourage you to look over the list and start with the books that you are most drawn to, you will be hungry to learn as opposed to just wanting to cross another book off the list (which is only mildly inspiring).

Let us know what your favorite book is from this list and why you love it. 

 

Here is to our best year yet!

 

Here are my Top Twelve Book Recommendations for 2024:

 

 

 

 

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1. Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living  Tsh Oxenreider   Organization                                      

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) Organized Simplicity’s aim is to convince its readers that simple living is the absolute best way to live.  Be it with house cleaning, family schedule management, personal finances, and managing the “stuff” you allow within your four walls, the only way to live well is to do so intentionally and simply.

Why I Love it:

Tsh is not only an amazing writer, but she helps you answer the “why” behind why we do what we do. Full of practical tips; from schedules, to cluttered closets, to finances, this book is the answer to addressing the clutter and chaos of life.  Get It Here! 

2. Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality     David G. Benner               Faith

What is It About:

(Amazon Description)  Through careful examination of Scripture and reflection on the Christian tradition, Benner shows how God bids us to trust fully in his perfect love. God is love, and he intends for you to live in his love. Surrender to Love will lead you to an unexpected place, where yieldedness to God frees you to become who he created you to be.

Why I Love it:

Are you tired of living a life of performance before God? Do you long for an intimate relationship with Jesus? This book is an amazing tool for uncovering the lavish love of God poured out on us.  After you read and engage with this book, your spiritual life will never be the same. Get it Here!

  1.  The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness   Dave Ramsey                  Financial Transformation                            

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) You CAN take control of your money.   Do you want to transform your sad and skinny little bank account into a bulked-up cash machine? There’s one sure way to whip your finances into shape, and that’s with The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition. Design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt—meaning cars, houses, everything. Recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths (these will kill you). Secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement!

 Why I Love it:

Unless you live under a rock, almost everyone has heard of Dave Ramsey. I had to add this book to the list because it transformed my finances, helped me become debt-free, and live in financial freedom.  This book is an easy and entertaining read (on finances no less) but it packs a punch. Financial Freedom is right around the corner for YOU! Get it Here!

 

4. Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life

   Tish Harrison Warren                                            Faith

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) Christianity Today’s 2018 Book of the Year-In the overlooked moments and routines of our day, we can become aware of God’s presence in surprising ways. How do we embrace the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred?  Framed around one ordinary day, this book explores daily life through the lens of liturgy, small practices, and habits that form us. Each activity is related to a spiritual practice as well as an aspect of our Sunday worship.

Why I Love it:

 Do you ever wonder if you can truly be present to God while changing a dirty diaper, folding laundry, and running kids to activities? Tish brings to light God at work in the mundane tasks of our everyday lives. This is a very practical and encouraging book that women (and men) won’t want to put down. Get it Here!

 

  1. 7 Women and the Secret of their Greatness                      Eric Metaxas                                         Biography 

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas gives us seven captivating portraits of some of history’s greatest women, each of whom changed the course of history by following God’s call upon their lives.  Each of the world-changing figures who stride across these pages—Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, Sister Maria of Paris, Corrie ten Boom, Rosa Parks, and Mother Teresa—is an exemplary model of true womanhood.

Why I Love it:

 Eric Metaxas is not only a superb writer but what an inspiring book! He dedicates a chapter to seven women who exemplified Christ is such similar and vastly different ways.  You will be encouraged, captivated and inspired to wholeheartedly dive after God’s plans for your own life after reading this book.  Get it Here! 

  1. Death By Suburb-How to Keep the Suburbs from Killing Your Soul      Dave L. Goetz                                            Faith

What is It About:

(Amazon Description)  Suburbanites need to understand how the environment affects them and what spiritual disciplines are needed for their faith to survive and thrive. Goetz identifies eight toxins in the suburban life, such as hyper–competition and the “transactional” friendship, and suggests eight corresponding disciplines to keep the spiritual life authentic.

Why I Love it:

Tired of superficial faith? Want to go deeper with Jesus but not sure how?  This author stands out with his brutally honest look at the pitfalls of suburban life. Not a suburbanite? No problem, the truths in this book can apply to any follower of Jesus. I appreciate how he practically applies each chapter to a spiritual discipline. The only downside, I could find is that he (the author) can tend to wax eloquent in a few chapters. Get it Here!  

  1. Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High       Kerry Patterson                                  Communication                                                                  

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) The New York Times and Washington Post bestseller that changed the way millions communicate. Crucial Conversations exploded onto the scene and revolutionized the way millions of people communicate when stakes are high. This new edition gives you the tools to: Prepare for high-stakes situations Transform anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue Make it safe to talk about almost anything    Be persuasive, not abrasive

 
Why I Love it:

This is one of the best books that I have read on communication. It helps you think clearly, open lines of communication, and converse in a way that your audience can understand. It gives great tools for how to handle conflicts with confidence. Get it Here!

  1. Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey: Nurturing A Life of Faith      Catherine Stonehouse                                    Parenting                                

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) Understanding how a child’s faith forms is crucial to knowing how adults can most significantly enhance the child’s spiritual development.By carefully “setting the stage” through liturgy, sacred stories, and parables, adults can help children meet with God. Quiet times of “godly play,” carefully adapted to the age level of the child, enable adults to join with children on the journey toward deeper intimacy with God.

 

Why I Love it:

 Do you want to know how to introduce your child to spiritual practices beyond memorization and Bible reading? Do you want to give them spiritual tools that will change the course of the rest of their lives? This book is not only super practical but has put years of research behind the best ways of communicating with your child.  Dive into this book and set your child up for success, a deep relationship with God. Get it Here!

 

  1. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery  Ian Morgan Cron             Personal Development                                               

    What is It About:

    (Amazon Description) What you don’t know about yourself can hurt you and your relationships―and maybe even how you make your way in the world. It can also keep you in the shallows with God. Do you want help figuring out who you are and why you’re stuck in the same ruts? The Enneagram is an ancient personality type system with an uncanny accuracy in describing how human beings are wired, both positively and negatively.

    Why I Love it:

 This book is more than a personality tool, it is a way of looking at your life holistically. It helps you become self-aware, understanding why you do what you do, and giving you permission to be yourself. It also shows you warning signs to look out for when you are operating out of an unhealthy place. LOVE IT!  Get it Here!

  1. For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men   Shaunti Feldhahn                                Marriage                                            

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) The man in your life carries important feelings so deep inside he barely knows they’re there, much less how to talk about them. Yet your man genuinely wants you to “get” him—to understand his inner life, to know his fears and needs, to hear what he wishes he could tell you.  Based on rigorous research with thousands of men, Shaunti delivers one eye-opening revelation after another, including:

Why your respect means more to him than your love.  How he feels deep inside about his role as provider. What it means for a man to be so visually “wired.” Why sex for him is primarily emotional, not physical. What he most wishes he could say to you.

 

Why I Love it:

This book answers real-life questions about men, is very honest (sometimes brutally so), and super practical (are you picking up on our theme).  An easy but poignant read, it gives you tools to help you love and understand your spouse at a deeper level. Get it Here!

 

  1.  The Season Nativity:Confessions and Practices of an Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Extremist                          Sybil Macbeth                                                       Advent

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) The Season of the Nativity – Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany – deserves more attention and better publicity. As the opening three acts for the liturgical year, it sets the stage for our yearlong journey through Scripture and salvation history. This book combines memoir, front-porch theology, and pages of spiritual practices and activities to invite individuals and families into a deeper relationship with a time of year you may have never discovered before. It gives simple tools and exercises for word-weary, distracted, and busy people – perhaps to experience a serious and playful nativity season for the first time.

 

Why I Love it:

WOW! I love this book for its clear explanations of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany and hands-on activities. The book is full of easy, and practical suggestions to create a meaningful season for your family that is focused on Jesus. You could not possibly do every activity presented so pick a couple to add each year.  Get it Here! 

12. Discernment, God’s Will and Living Jesus: Christian Discernment as a Way of Life

Larry Warner                                                Discernment

 

What is It About:

(Amazon Description) Want help in hearing and recognizing the voice of God? Do you desire to discern and live into God’s Will for your life? Far from the usual notion of trying to “discover God’s will” when faced with a critical decision in life, this book underscores the fact that discernment is foremost a lifestyle we need to cultivate. Written with warmth and wisdom, biblical, practical, gritty, and not always comfortable this book speaks to the mind and heart of every Christian who longs for a closer, more intimate walk with Jesus.

Why I Love it:

Do you ever struggle with knowing the answer to a difficult decision? The saying, “What would Jesus do?” just really doesn’t cut in crucial situations.  This book is all about developing a discerning lifestyle with practical suggestins for everyday life. Larry takes the “mystery” out of Christian discernment. A challenging read that offers practical tools for hearing God’s voice. Get it Here! 

 

 

 What about you? What books would you add to this list?

Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work  on Pinterest!e a comment, and d

How to Choose Home Decor that Sparks a Love for Jesus

How to Choose Home Decor that Sparks a Love for Jesus

  

Reading Time: 4 min 39 sec

Have you ever walked into someone else’s house and knew what they were about with once glance? 

 

I will never forget when my husband and I went house hunting many years ago. We entered a home and in a couple of rooms, there were small crosses above the doors. They were small and not in your face, but you noticed them, and immediately you knew that faith was important to this family.

 

Whether it’s your favorite sports team, your children, miniature trains or the latest design trend, your house speaks volumes about who you are and what you value.

 

I have always resisted putting up “religious” décor in my house. For one, I was totally traumatized growing up in the era of glass figurines and sappy Christian art. I also didn’t want my house to feel dated and not fit my design “aesthetic”. Ha! So I totally dismissed “religious” art as a) something old people do and b) something I would never do… until two things happened.

 

1) My husband mentioned that he wished we had some art that reminded us of our faith in our home. That conversation went over well.  (SHOCK and HORROR were my reactions. Did I even know my husband?! )

 

2) We had kids… 

 

It’s amazing the lengths we will grow and stretch all for the sake of these helpless babies. I was reading a book on the spiritual development of children and a point the author made really jumped out at me.  She said that “Pictures have a powerful impact on children, and it is important for parents to know what they are seeing.” Catherine Stonehouse, Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey.

 

Children are experiential learners, you can tell them what to believe and how to walk it out, but that advice only becomes formational through experience and the power of the Holy Spirit.  My thoughts were immediately drawn back to my previous conversation with my husband. 

 

What would it look like if the items in our home were a constant reminder to

turn our eyes towards Jesus? 

 

There are so many things that distract us from spending our time on the most important thing, a love relationship with Jesus.  I wanted my children to grow up  knowing from the time they were born that they were deeply loved by God AND experiencing his lavish love for them.

 

I realized that I could partner with where my children were at developmentally by intentionally choosing items that communicated our family’s values, and the importance of a relationship with Jesus in our lives.

 

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can begin the process of turning our homes into havens. A safe place where after a long day we can come and refocus our attention on Jesus.

 

What does a haven look like for you?

 

Shocker of shocker my life was transformed by having these little objects as reminders to STOP throughout my day and refocus my attention on Jesus.

 

As always, let’s get practical about how to make this happen in real life. We are going to be talking about how to:

  1. Intentionally Evaluate

 

2. Create Beautiful Empty Spaces

 

3. Make a Visual Spiritual Road Map

 

So let’s get started! 

1. Intentional Evaluation 

 

When I first started this process, I walked through my house and took a hard look at the general makeup of each room; what was on the walls, the decorations, the furniture etc.  

I asked myself these questions:

 

  1. What story does this room tell?
  2. Does that story align with our family values?
  3. Do I need to remove or add something from/to this room?
  4. Does this item/room spark joy or draw my heart towards Jesus?

 

You need to go through the process of asking yourself these questions otherwise you will be sending conflicting messages to your family and others.

 

What do the items in your home tell you

about your family values?

 

2. Create Beautiful Empty Spaces

I realized after walking through my home that I had bought a number of things just to fill a spot. The items were nice but they did not especially bring me joy, they were just …there. 

 

I am talking about the ascetics of a room not how many ice cream scoops you have crammed into that drawer.

 

Remove items that either:

a) Don’t fit your values

b) Don’t draw your heart towards Jesus

c.) Don’t bring you joy

 

Give yourself a pat on the back! Woohoo! You are that much closer to creating a space that is rich with meaning.   

 

Do not rush to fill those empty spaces, but practice patience by waiting to find the perfect item for that spot (or no item at all).

I actually had a number of bare walls (in my main living spaces) and spots in my house after completing this exercise.  It was actually a challenge for me to be okay with having an “unfinished” space. 

Prepare yourself to have conversations with friends and family who want to know if you are redecorating? 🙂   It is always a fun conversation to talk about how you are in the process of creating a haven for your family.

 

 3. Make a Visual Spiritual Road Map

The word curate as a verb means to, “to collect, organize, select and take charge of”.  I encourage you to see yourself as the curator of a gallery, lovingly choosing each work of art with care.  These items do not fall into your hands overnight, it is a journey.  

 

I would look for items that have a personal story, spark joy or draw your heart to Jesus. For instance, it could be a landscape that reminds us of God’s creation or my child’s artwork from Sunday school. Each piece will look different, feel different, but as long as it turns my/or my child’s eyes towards Jesus it accomplishes its goal.  When you do add pieces intentionally place them in high traffic areas around your house. 

 

Some Ideas* to get you started: 

*Etsy is a great starting place for finding specific and one of a kind décor.

  1. Pictures of Jesus with Children  (place in kids rooms)
  2. Landscapes
  3. Stars
  4. Toys
  5. Crosses
  6. Candles
  7. Photos or Mementos
  8. Rocks or Tactile Objects
  9. Wall Art

 

Over time you begin to create a visual spiritual roadmap in the rooms of your home.

I can walk through my house noticing specific items and reflecting over where I/or my family was in our journeys towards Jesus when I chose that item.  It’s a beautiful reminder of how God has been at work in the quietness and craziness of our ordinary days.

What about you? What are your favorite ways to curate an atmosphere of Joy and Jesus?  Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest

 

Want to Dive in Deeper? Check out these Resources:

 

  1. Liturgy of the Ordinary – Tish Harrison Warren

  2. Organized Simplicity – Tsh Oxenreider you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don

How to Unlock the Heart of Your Child with this Simple Activity

How to Unlock the Heart of Your Child with this Simple Activity

 

  Reading Time: 4 min 53 sec

 

We all want to raise Godly Kids, young men, and women who have thriving relationships with Jesus.  As parents we want close relationships with our children. We want to know what is going on in their hearts and minds, because we want to help guide them into becoming Godly adults.  But sometimes the end goal is easier said than done.

 

Have you ever struggled to get beyond a mumbled, “I’m fine” response from your teenager to the question “how are you doing?“  Do your preschool and elementary age children struggle to put words to their emotions?  Do you want to get past surface issues and uncover the heart of your child?  

 

Our lives are busier than ever before. Between school, work, soccer practice, dance recitals, and family commitments, we are stretched thin.  We struggle to make family devotions a priority when there are so many things demanding our attention.  

Our kids are inundated with a secular worldview

they desperately need our spiritual input in their lives.

 

There have been multiple studies stating that parents are the number one influence in a child’s life. YOU are number one as an influence your child’s life: not your children’s pastor, Sunday school teacher, or youth pastor but YOU. You model your family’s priorities and values. So how do you unlock the heart of your child and foster a love relationship with Jesus?

 

We are going to be exploring a reflection & prayer activity that has TRANSFORMED my relationship with my kids, and their relationship with God. The experience teaches children (and adults) how to be aware of God, their actions, emotions, events and, relationships that make up their days. It is amazing because not only is it simple, experiential but you get to engage in a prayer activity as a family. Creating deep relationships while drawing your family into a deeper relationship with Jesus, that’s a HUGE WIN in my book!

 

  1.  The Benefits for You and Your Child 

     

2. Tips for Getting Started 

3. The Reflection Activity 

 

  1. The Benefits to You & Your Child 

We live in a time of overstimulation where we rarely stop at all, let alone reflect back over our actions and the events of our day. We, let alone our children, can find ourselves in places we never intended to be because we never stop to reflect and realign ourselves towards God.

 

Richard Foster says it this way,“In our busy, hectic world, it is easy to run from one thing to the next without much thought of God’s presence and purpose in our daily life. By learning to give attention to God’s grace in our lives, we come to know and love Him more and more.”

 

Teaching our children to reflect over their day, paying close attention to their responses, motives and, feelings is an amazing discipline.  

 

Here are some of the amazing benefits to weaving this activity into the life of your child:

 

Benefits for You:

  1. You get to hear the good, the bad and the ugly parts of your child’s day.                                                                                                                                          
  2. You develop a deeper relationship with your child.
  1. You become aware of ways that you can partner with God in the life of your child.
  1. You get to see God at work in your child’s life.
  1. Your relationship with God deepens as a result of this daily activity.

 

Benefits for Your Child:

 

  1. It teaches your child to slow down, and to be present in the moment.
  1. It shows them how to live with intention. Reflecting on their actions of the day.
  1. It encourages them to acknowledge and name their emotions instead of burying those thoughts and feelings.
  1. It encourages an intimacy with God. They come experience for themselves that no thought, feeling or event is too small for God’s loving presence.
  1. They learn that they do not have to earn God’s love. That we all need God’s grace for every day.
  1. They are encouraged to acknowledge situations as they arise instead of sweeping them under the rug.
  1. They learn to live in awareness of God at work in the small and big moments of their lives.
  1. They experience God’s overwhelming, lavish love for them.
  1. They start seeing patterns of Gods faithfulness in their lives at a young age.

 

 

  1. Tips for Getting Started 

If reflecting over your day is new to you, it can seem overwhelming to lead your child through the activity.  This activity does not have to complicated or super involved.  It can take between 5-10 minutes depending on the age and talkativeness of your child.

 

Practical Tips:

                              

  1. I would suggest doing this activity with your child after dinner or right before bedtime. It is amazing how a conversation with Jesus where they unburden their hearts, acknowledging the good and bad things of the day, thanking Him for how He is at work, and by talking about their concerns for tomorrow, calms them down and prepares their bodies for rest.

 

  1. Be intentional about setting aside time so that you won’t feel rushed, and are able to fully participate in this activity.

 

  1. Let your child know what to expect. Briefly explain the reason behind the activity, the activity itself, and your child’s role.

 

4. Prepare their hearts: Invite God’s presence and then allow a couple of moments of silence before starting the activity.

 

5. Utilize silence. This activity is about your child reflecting over their day and meeting with God. As the facilitator ask a question and then be silent. Allowing your child the chance to think and talk to God.  Your child should be doing a majority of the talking.  

6. Understand that you might practice this activity for a season or for the rest of their lives. You are giving them the gift of another tool for their toolbox. 

7. Optional: Try putting on simple instrumental worship music on in the background.

8. Optional: Light a candle to remind you that God is with you and in you.

 

Reflection Activity                                                                    

 

We want our children to know and love God deeply, and a way we can foster that relationship is engaging in the practical activity of pausing to reflect back over their day.  So, what does it look like to pause and reflect? 

 

1. Invite God into this Moment – Asking him to lead us back over our day, bringing to mind specific situations, helping us to pay close attention to our responses, motives and feelings.

 

2. Thank Him – I would ask “What brought you joy today? (Allow silence and space for your child to share). “Thank God for those special times.”

 

3. Acknowledge – Ask, “What made you feel sad today?” “Is there anything you want to ask God for forgiveness?” “Thank God for the times that you did listen to Him.”

 

4. Look Ahead to Tomorrow – Ask, “Is there anything about tomorrow you want to talk to God about? “Ask God to help you with the good and difficult things for tomorrow.”

Close by praying a blessing over tomorrow.

Allowing your child space to reflect over their day without jumping in with suggestions is necessary for this practice.  Some of the best most special times I have had with my child have been during this bedtime prayer

  •  

What about you? What are your Favorite ways to reflect and pray over your day?  Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

Interested in Going Deeper?

 

  1. Surrender to Love            By David Benner
  2. Death By Suburb -How to Keep the Suburbs from Killing Your soul    By  Dave L. Goetz

 

How to Be Present with Jesus this Christmas

How to Be Present with Jesus this Christmas

 

  Reading Time: 4 min 53 sec

 

Children learn experientially and as parents we need to provide ways for them to not only know about, but also to experience a relationship with Jesus. We are going to be talking about 20 Kid-Friendly ways your family can EXPERIENCE the heart of Jesus this Christmas.

 

We want our children to not only understand, but internalize the reason for the Advent Season, that it’s all about Jesus. His lavish love for his children, His humility as He laid aside His rights to come to earth as a baby, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Christmas Day is a culmination of the Advent season where we join together in celebration of the birth of Christ.  So how do we provide ways for our children to experience the birth of Christ? The foundation for experiencing God is all about the relationship, not the activities.

I would encourage you to enter this season with intention to spend time in God’s presence, not by doing, but just being. When you spend time with Jesus, you model your values and priorities instead of just talking about them. Your active relationship with Jesus is more powerful than any activity for your children. 

 

Traditions and symbols help remind us to look up

and notice God at work in and around us.

 

 The advent season can be supplanted by the hurry and flurry of activity but what I want to encourage you to do is to prayerfully create or participate in a couple (not all) of activities that focus turn your focus on Jesus. These activities are not just about making family memories, but its a way to actively engage in the heart of God.  

 

 Here are some practical ways to be present as a family this Christmas with the One who is ever present with us.

  1.  Visit a Living Nativity

Check your local parenting website/group for info on living nativities near you.       

 

2. Eat a Mediterranean Meal

While you are eating talk about what types of foods Mary, Joseph, and Jesus ate (Ideas: Lentil Stew, bread, fruit, olives, grapes, vegetables, beans, fish).

 

 

  1. Light an Advent Candle each  Sunday

Take time each week to gather everyone together to light a candle and pray.  This will become a meaningful tradition as your family experiences setting aside time to focus on the meaning of Advent.

 

  1. Play with the Nativity Set

This is HUGE! Play is the way children engage with the characters and internalize the truth of the nativity.

 

  1. Anticipate Christ’s Birth-Advent Calendar

Grab the directions to my favorite beautiful but simple advent calendar above. 

 

  1. Listen to Handel’s Messiah

  Listen to Handel’s Messiah part one, it is about Isaiah’s prophecies of a coming King and the shepherds hearing about the birth of Christ

 

  1. Read an Advent Picture Book Each Day

Wrap 24 books and place under the tree or in a basket. Have your child unwrap a different Christmas book every day.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones

2. Who is Coming to Our House – Joseph Slate

3. Mortimer’s Christmas Manger- Karma Wilson

4. The Little Drummer Boy –   Ezra Jack Keats

5. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey – Susan Wojciechowski

6. The Crippled Lamb – Max Lucado

 

  1. Craft a Shining Star

Hang the star in each child’s room as a reminder of Jesus’ birth. Grab cardboard, acrylic paint or tape, and glitter. This activity can be as simple or fancy as you desire. This is a very hands-on way for your children to interact with the story.

  1. Watch a movie of Christ’s Birth

Snuggle under some blankets and watch the story of Jesus birth unfold. Here are two of my favorite Christmas movies:

1. The King is Born

2.  Matthew:Visual Bible

 

  1. Learn about Christmas

Buck Denver Asks: Why Do We Call It Christmas? This film is a fun way to learn about the origins of Christmas traditions. I have shown the film to elementary through middle school students and they really enjoyed it.

 

  1. Reenact the Christmas Story

Grab some pillowcases, sheets, and rope and Voila! Let your kids get creative.

 

  1. Read some Christmas Poetry

 Drink some hot chocolate and listen or take turns reading aloud Christmas Poetry.  “The Nativity” G.K. Chesterton or Advent poems by Emily Dickinson

 

  1. Learn & Sing Christmas Hymns & Carols

This is another practical way for children to turn their eyes towards Jesus during the Christmas season. Unless we are intentional about teaching our children will most likely not learn the lyrics to Christmas Hymns and carols unless they learn it at church (which is only a couple times a year). Suggestions: Oh Holy Night, Silent Night, Gloria, Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

14. Memorize Mary’s Song

  

Luke 1:46-55 is such a beautiful and joyful passage to memorize.

Mary’s Song

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior                                                                               

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” (NIV Translation)

 

 

  1. Reflect on the Advent Bible Passages

Start with Matthew 1, Luke 1, Isaiah 40:9-11.

 

  1. Create Pictures of the Nativity or Advent Symbols 

You can print off coloring pages (the internet has tons) or create your own masterpieces. (Draw, color, paint, or collage)

 

  1. Be Present with God

Spend some time in silence and reflection just being present with God, away from the chaos. Everything else flows out of time spent in God’s presence. Light a candle as a tangible reminder of Gods presence with us and in us.

 

  1. Collect Gifts for Others in Need

I love this super-practical way of opening my children’s eyes to the needs of those around them. Check out Compassion International, Operation Christmas Child, or Angel Tree for ways to show the love of Jesus to others.

 

  1. Bake Jesus a Birthday Cake

This tradition helps to refocus our attention on Jesus on a day when it could be all about gifts. My children discuss in great detail what kind of cake Jesus might like weeks in advance.  Let your children pick and prepare the cake for Jesus. You can light candles and sing happy birthday on Christmas day.  

 

  1. Hide Mary and Joseph

This is another fun way to interact with Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Move Mary and Joseph peg dolls to a different spot around the house each day. Your child will find great delight finding where Mary and Joseph have ended up each day. After your child finds the dolls, talk about what it must have felt like to be Mary & Joseph.  (You can buy a male/female peg figure for $2 at a local craft store)


What about you? What are your Favorite ways to gifts experience Jesus during Advent? Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

 

Interested in Going Deeper?

 

  1. The Season of the Nativity by Sybil MacBeth
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10 Christmas Gift Ideas the Encourage a Love for God Kids Edition

10 Christmas Gift Ideas the Encourage a Love for God Kids Edition

  

Reading Time: 4 min 56 sec

 

Christmas’s come and go and do you ever find yourself struggling to remember what you gave or received last Christmas? 

 The whole point of Christmas is that it is a celebration of the Birth of Christ.  I realized that I had focused on Christ’s Birth just in what we did (decorations, service, and activities) and totally bypassed what we GAVE at Christmas? As a part of our family values, we want to be intentional about weaving the things of God into every aspect of our lives.  

 

Does that mean I don’t want to buy them any toys for Christmas? No, I believe that Jesus finds great delight in our joy!  What would it look like to turn our child’s focus away from “getting” and towards not even just “giving” (though that’s amazing,) but on Jesus? 

 

Could our focus on Jesus permeate not just our decorations or activities, but even the gifts themselves? What would giving gifts that become a part of their spiritual foundation be like? How would you find them?

 

Kids are experiential learners. Catherine Townsend in her book, Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey says it this way: “Discoveries made through direct experiences are more transformational and exciting for children than lessons in which adults tell them what they ought to know.” She goes on to say, “..through play children actively think things through.”

 

Kids need to be able to interact with the stories of Jesus as a part of building their spiritual foundation. When you include gifts that encourage a love for Jesus, you are also reinforcing your family’s values in the life of your child.  

 

I would suggest starting a tradition of giving one or two gifts that turn your child’s eyes towards Jesus every Christmas or birthday.  

 

 I am including my top 10 favorite resources to help get the wheels turning.  These include: 

  • Books

  • Bibles

  • Devotionals

  • DVDs

  • Art Books

 

Books

 

1. The Boy and the Ocean     Max Lucado

“God’s love is like the ocean, my little boy,” she said. “It’s always here. It’s always deep. It never ends. God’s love is special.”

Oh my word, hands down, probably my favorite Christian picture book. The illustrations are beautiful, the words are life-changing, and what an amazing book to pull out at bedtime.   The story draws parallels between Gods creation and His vast love for His children. I love how the writer, Max Lucado portrays parents who include God in everyday life. Both boys and girls will love this book.

 

  1. Gods Great Love for You   Rick Warren        

    This book is all about God’s overwhelming love for His kids told in such an imaginative way. Written by Rick Warren, the book shows a young girl on different adventures discovering God lavish love. The illustrations are adorable and though the book can be read to girls and boys, the book is specifically geared towards young girls. Suggested Age: 4-8 years old 

     

3. Shhh…God is in the Silence     Fiona Basile

I have had so many children and youth over the years ask me how do we hear God’s voice? This book is a great introductory book to one of the ways that we hear God’s voice, in the silence. In a time where we value filling up every available moment with something, this counter-cultural book reminds us that God was in “a gentle, quiet whisper”.  (1 Kings 19:11-12).

Bibles

 

4. The Jesus Storybook Bible

This is a phenomenal paraphrased Bible for kids. The text is age appropriate, the illustrations are captivating, and the overarching story focuses on God’s never ending, never giving up always and forever love for his kids.  I have read what feels like HUNDREDS of Bibles (okay, a little overdramatic here) and I haven’t found one yet that comes close.

Devotionals

5. Psalms for Young Children      Marie-Helene Delval

This book is all about using the Psalms as a guide to teach children how to talk about their feelings.  The Psalms are paraphrased and allows young children to understand and interact with the text.  The text and illustrations are age appropriate and imaginative. 

I would suggest using this book as a devotional and allowing the kids to act out the different parts of the Psalms. “Let’s clap our hands and shout with joy because God is a great strong king!” 

 

6. Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing      Sally Lloyd-Jones 

This is an amazing collection of 101 devotionals from the author and illustrator of the Jesus Storybook Bible. This devotional is rich with powerful truths, always turning your child’s eyes towards Gods overwhelming love for them. 

I would suggest reading one devotional slowly and thoughtfully each day.   At the end of each passage, give your child time to respond before asking open-ended questions.  Ages Elementary-Middle School. 

 

Bible DVDs

 

7. Nest Bible Animated Classics                                                                   

We have really enjoyed the Animated Bible Classics. These videos are a great complement to devotional time as they allow students to see Bible stories happen right before their eyes. There are thirty-six different stories and they are geared towards ages kindergarten-third grade.

8. What’s In the Bible Series

Phil Vischer (the creator of Veggie Tales) created this fun 13-part series for older kids where he unpacks the narrative of the Bible with detail and wit.  I found the series  amazing because he manages to go into a lot of detail (for elementary kids) about the books of the Bible, always drawing their attention back to the overarching theme of God’s great rescue plan.  This series gives them a great Biblical foundation. Ages 4-Elementary

 

Art Books

 9. Praying in Color Kids Edition                      Sybil Macbeth

Have you ever heard, “But I don’t want to pray? I don’t know what to say? I’m embarrassed to pray out loud?” This is a revolutionary resource for children (and adults) who want another try another way to spend time with God.  The author, Sybil Macbeth gently leads children in understanding what prayer is, common prayer problems, how to pray, and step by step of how to pray using art. This has been an amazing resource for children and students who have felt inadequate or have had a hard time concentrating when it comes to prayer. Love it!  Ages 5-11.

 

10. The Bible Doodle Book                           Zondervan

This doodle book has 100 unfinished drawings (and stickers) for children to complete. I love it because the children can use the prompts to help them complete the drawings. You can use the drawings/prompts to as a complement to your daily family devotions. A creative way to engage with the Bible!  Ages 6 & Up.

 

 

Gifts for Mom: 

1.The Season of the Nativity                                                                 Sybil MacBeth

2. Death By Suburb-How to Keep the Suburbs from Killing Your Soul           David L. Goetz

3. Organized Simplicity: The Clutter Free Approach to Intentional Living                                                                  Tsh Oxenreider

 

What about you? What are your Favorite Kid gifts that foster a love for Jesus in your child? 

Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

! Leave a comment, and d

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