Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Jesus Calling Review & Giveaway


Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young (adapted by Tama Fortner) really surprised me with its simple truths.  The original book Jesus Calling (for adults) has sold over 800,000 copies, but could it translate over into something that kids would enjoy?  I'm not sure that this book is for the very young, but I would recommend it for an older child or for the young at heart.  Two things struck me as I read.  First, the story that we find in the author's dedication of this book to her mother demonstrates to me the important role that mothers play and what a wonderful mother she had.  This sparked my interest in the book even more.  Second, the voice of the book is written as if Christ were speaking with the reader directly.  The first person narrative makes it that much more personal.  It made me switch my mode of thinking from letting the scriptures speak to me to listening actively for His voice in my scripture study and making sure that I leave time to ponder and to pray.  The book does a great job of talking about real life concerns.  I also like that each page starts with a scripture and ends  with scripture references that encourage the reader to continue his or her study on their own.

Although this is not an LDS book, I would recommend it to an LDS audience.  I received this book through BookSneeze.  Here is the dedication for the book that I mentioned earlier...


Now for the giveaway:  I received an extra copy of this book and have decided to give one away to one of my readers.  All you need to do to enter is leave one comment on this post with your blog or email address.  I will choose a winner on Friday.  
** Continental US residents only, please. **
Good luck!


45 comments:

  1. That looks like an awesome book. I love anything that will help teach my children simple gospel truths. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  2. I love books like this that can inspire my children, although, it is probably me that would get the most out of it.

    The tribute to her mother is beautiful and I hope to someday be that inspiring to my children.

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  3. Thanks for sharing, always looking for good devotionals for my girls. We have one for ages 3 to 6, but it's pretty basic. This sounds like something great to grow into!

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  4. Wow! I would LOVE to win this!

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  5. sign me up, would love to share it with my grandkids...I'm working on my fhe book for empty nesters and singles and have just decided to put more scriptures into each lesson idea. This post confirmed that impression. Thanks!

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  6. It looks like a great book. My kids would love it.

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  7. The book looks great. I love checking this blog every day!

    lalabowers@gmail.com

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  8. Jocelyn - You have boundless energy! http://recipecutouts.blogspot.com/

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  9. This book looks perfect for my family!!

    creativeitchblog AT gmail DOT com

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  10. What a neat giveaway. I love the dedication she wrote for her mom.

    =)

    http://grannysuesnews.blogspot.com

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  11. The tribute to her mother is fabulous! What a wonderful little book!

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  12. What a sweet idea!

    musingsfromaminority.blogspot.com

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  13. What a great book!
    tami_warner@hotmail.com

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  14. Just found your blog through Sew Dang Cute - look forward to following you! heathere.willoughby at gmail.com

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  15. looks like a great book i'd love to have to share with my children. naomi.witcher@gmail.com.

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  16. The more opportunities for our children to talk about Jesus and to consider him a part of daily life, the better. Thanks for your great website and for a chance to win this book!

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  17. Looks great, if I don't win, I may see if the library has it.

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  18. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the book. It really looks interesting and I will read. I like books like this that teach more about our relationship with Christ. I really liked the idea that Christ was in the narrative. I just posted on my blog about the importance of the Holy Ghost in our lives; it brought back thoughts about when I have listened and obeyed I saved the life of my child.
    Here's my blog site: http://lgwilliams.blogspot.com or my email is templetop@msn.com
    Blessings to you for your post today! LeAnn

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  19. I love the idea of this book and think it would be perfect for my family.

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  20. I think this book looks great!! Thanks for sharing it with us! During these days anything that will us to be a better people is needed!
    missycod11@hotmail.com

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  21. I am striving to be the kind of mother that would deserve a dedication like that! I would love to have this book to add to our "valued books" collection!

    wendybird72@yahoo.com

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  22. What a wonderful book. This book would be great for FHE,talks and family devotionals. I think we are all trying to be that mom in the dedication. Great find!
    janelrn@hotmail.com

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  23. That books looks really sweet. I would love a copy!

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  24. Oh how fun! Pick me! Pick me!

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  25. That looks really great! Thanks!!!

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  26. Looks wonderful. Thank you for the give away!

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  27. One day I'd like to write children's books too. Thank you for intorducing this one to me!

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  28. This looks like a very good book! Anything that brings us closer to Christ is a good thing.

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  29. Great Giveaway Jocelyn as always! Hope I win!

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  30. Count me in!
    And what's this 'book sneeze' about? I've never heard of it before.

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  31. how adorable and helpful! pick me!
    *kelly
    kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com

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  32. What a sweet dedication to a wonderful mother. With so much trash out in there in all types of media, it is great to see a simple little book that teaches that Jesus is calling us to Him. This would be a wonderful book to own. Good luck to everyone.

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  33. Count me in! Anything that makes devotional time quick and easy is a blessing.

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  34. I love finding more ways to talk of Christ, hear his voice. Thanks for sharing a good find.

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  35. This sounds like an awesome book! It reminds me of my mom & grandma. Both died of different kinds of cancer - my mom died in 2005 at the age of 52 & grandma died in 2001 at the age of 75. I recently started going through my mom's journals & my grandma's "quote books." She didn't really do journals, but loved collecting quotes. They both (the journals & quote books) help me a lot in my life now that I don't have my mom & grandma right here w/ me.

    Anyway, sounds like a great book & wonderful dedication from the author.

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  36. My daughter LOVES Jesus and hearing about Him everyday. Although she is just two years old now, I'm sure it's something we could adapt and bring into our family. Thanks for sharing!
    gieseysgoberserk.blogspot.com

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  37. Looks super cute! malusdomesticus.blogspot.com

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