It is hard to believe that Ash Wednesday is this week!! Every year I try to find ways to prepare myself and my family for Easter and one thing I enjoy is having some devotional to help me become more focused on Jesus and the true meaning behind the amazing holiday of Easter. This year I found an amazing small devotional. It is The Easter Code by O.S. Hawkins.
This is a pocket sized devotional. It is perfect to take with you anywhere. The messages in this small book are strong and not what you hear all the time. It starts with talking about Lent as a time not to give something up or do something good every day, but reminds us that salvation comes from God and from God alone. It has nothing to do with what we do or don't do, but has everything to do with God's grace and mercy. The readings go from there. The messages speak the truth in a very frank way that makes me sit up and listen.
Each day has a message and then a code word to go with the theme of the message. Then there is scripture, which is called A Passion Proclamation and it ends with a prayer. All are tied together with a theme for the day. I love how the code word gives you something to think about throughout the day. These are strong messages and speak in a way I haven't read in awhile as a Christian. It helps me focus on Jesus and the meaning of what He did for us.
Our next book is written for teenagers however I think it is perfect for Hazel who is just 10. It is Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions for a Thankful Heart by Sarah Young. This book has messages every tween or teen girl needs to read. It covers topics such as turning to Jesus always--to praise and be thankful even in the hard times. It talks about using times when one must be quiet and to make sacrifices with one's time to spend time with Jesus instead of watching a favorite show or playing a favorite game. The messages are powerful and speak right to a teen or tween's mindset. Each devotional is accompanied by a colorful page with scripture. There are also pages throughout the book with just colorful scripture artwork.
I love how the messages in this book speak to the teen or tween and relate to what may be happening in her life. It talks about friends, school, family and more. The messages are strong and remind her to be thankful to God for all things.
Our final book for today is When Words Fail: Practical Ministry to People with Dementia and Their Caregivers by Kathy Fogg Berry. Now my family is dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. If you know anyone who has had it you understand what a nasty disease it is and how hard it is for everyone touched by it. I wanted to read this book to see if I could find ways to help with the care giving and perhaps help my mother as the main caregiver find some strategies as well. With that said, this book is written for a church to learn how to best minister to their members who are having dementia issues. It is to help figure out the best way for the visiting ministry groups to help members with dementia to be comfortable and to make a difference in their lives.
The book starts with a wonderful explanation of dementia and the various forms. This was the most useful part to me. It gave me a better understanding of Alzheimer's and what can happen. The rest of the book is written more about a church member visiting someone and bringing comfort and God to them. This is not going to work for my family member, but it does have some amazing tips and it is a ministry that is often not focused on in a church. The book is a wonderful resource for churches and I hope more churches will embrace it and help with the care giving for these members.
I hope you will take the time to check out these three books. Each has its own value and reaches different people.
