motherhood

Roar Like A Lion

September 23, 2021 by Kristin 8 Comments

I decided if we’re going to have a 20-minute drive to school each morning, I might as well use that time for good. “Roar Like A Lion” is a new devotional for kids that’s been perfect for our morning commute.

“Roar Like A Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith” by Levi Lusko appeals the most to my sixth-grade son who recently accepted Christ and was baptized, but my kindergarten girl also loves the bold, beautiful pictures. He’s been the one to read it aloud to us. My 14-year-old daughter thinks the devotional is for younger kids, but she gets involved in our discussions. (And I will probably make her read aloud one of the days soon!)

My son Ben especially loves the facts of lions. It’s been good to talk about why this animal is a symbol of courageous faith on the way to school because the school’s mascot is Lions. In a fun detail of God’s timing, Ben also was assigned lions as a topic for a science research project. He’s taking some facts right from this devotional!

More importantly, I pray for kids are encouraged to stand up for Christ among their friends. There are hard feelings and social situations to navigate, especially for my two oldest in middle and high school, even at our small, Christian school. Their homeroom teachers have been talking to them about being leaders among their peers, so this devotional is timely in our lives.

In the wild, lions roar for three reasons: to let others know where they are, to show how powerful they are, and to scare off the enemy. Your life should roar for the same reasons: to let other believers know where you are and that they aren’t alone, to show how powerful God is, and to scare off your enemy.

We spent some time this week talking about what “roaring” like this looks like in our everyday lives. I really like thinking about how believers are in this life together and should be able to find each other easily, despite everything else going on in this world. I’m thankful Cate and Ben, even as young Christ-followers, also have this kind of community in their lives. Rachel likes to talk about how she loves God too.

I like driving my kids to and from school because some days that’s when they really talk to me and each other. So it’s good to have some thought-provoking information, prayers, and questions for my kids. Honestly, it’s a good way for me to start my day too.

About the book

With eye-catching art, fascinating stories and facts, Bible verses and prayers, and simple action steps, this 90-day devotional will help your kids approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God’s faithfulness.

Relevant topics include:

Facing fears about school and friendships
Dealing with peer pressure and bullying
Handling new challenges, disappointments, and grief
Having the courage to try something new
Understanding how we each fit into God’s great story

This 192-page hardcover book is aimed at readers 6 to 10 years old, but, as I said, my sixth-grade son really likes it. It’s published by Thomas Nelson (Sept. 14, 2021). Learn more at the book’s website or Amazon. There’s also free resources available: Parents Discussion Guide and Four Rhythms to Setting the Pace of Your Home.

About the author

Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church. He is the bestselling author of adult non-fiction books “Through the Eyes of a Lion,” “Swipe Right,” and “I Declare War.” Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.

About the illustrator

Catherine Pearson is a Swiss illustrator based in the hills of Lausanne, Switzerland. With a European Bachelor in illustration, Catherine through her career and experiences has refined a unique and playful illustration style. She is passionate about bringing clients’ ideas to life and believes illustration can speak to you where words cannot.

Giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Enter before Sept. 28, when I randomly choose a winner. Just comment on the blog, Facebook, or Instagram posts about this book as a chance to enter to win. Extra entries are public shares of my posts about this book on any social media channel.

*****

Find other family devotionals we’ve enjoyed through the years at my idea list on Amazon.

I received a hardback copy of “Roar Like A Lion” in exchange for a review from the publisher as part of my participation in the Momentum Influencer Network. They are also providing the book to the winner of my giveaway. Much thanks! The opinions here are my own.

Ben’s new life in Christ

September 19, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Ben accepted Christ into his life last Sunday night! We had done the whole usual bedtime productive and he called me into his room. I admit, I sighed, wondering what required me to get out of my own bed. The second he started talking, I could tell this was going to be a different conversation. I listened for a minute and then called Greg into the room.

Earlier that night, Ben and Cate had been to their first monthly youth worship at church. A high school acquaintance of ours shared his testimony that night and something he said really struck my boy. Ben realized he too was far from God and didn’t want to run away anymore.

I had been praying especially for my boy that weekend after Chase, who is both the middle school youth minister and teaches an Old Testament class to the sixth-grade boys at school, shared something with me. He texted me after class one day to tell me he read over some class notes Ben has left behind. After a class about the fall in the Garden of Eden, Chase said Ben seemed to understand sin, forgiveness, and our need for Jesus. I screenshot the text to Greg and a couple of friends.

I was already in awe of how God was affirming our church move earlier this year and continued enrollment at the private school our kids attend. I wasn’t doubting. I wasn’t asking for confirmation. But God gave it to me anyway in multiple conversations and connections in just a matter of a few weeks.

That same week Chase texted me about Ben, small groups started for the middle & high school kids. One of Ben’s two leaders is a college student Greg and I had gotten to know a little bit over the summer through our Sunday school class. We only know a few college students, so this seemed like kindness from God to a mom.

Ben talked to us about not wanting to run from God anymore. I was thrilled he wanted to change directions and run to God. For almost 12 years, this boy of mine has always wanted to be on the move. He was a cranky baby … until he could crawl, then walk, then run. He liked stroller rides, car rides, and swings. He’s kept me on my toes with all his movement. But now I’m witnessing his willingness to move to be exactly how God reached his soul.

Today he stepped out in faith and proclaimed in his new life and direction when he was baptized. And this momma is praying for all the movements, transitions, pivots, and changes to come as he continues to live.

*****

Watch the video from Hardin Baptist or my video from beside the baptistry.

Rachel is 6!

September 19, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

We’ve spent the weekend celebrating our girl who loves a party!

Rachel is joy personified. I say that often, but it’s always been true. I default to serious mode way too often, but she keeps me smiling and laughing. She’s funny, smart, and loves people.

She likes to sneak into my bed in the middle of the night so we can snuggle. I’ll take all the love — after sunrise! She swims like a fish, dreams of being a rockstar, and remembers all the words to songs. She likes adventures, having anyone we know over to our house, and prefers not to be alone.

She doesn’t like to slow down to eat a meal and would prefer to graze all day. She always wants to go back to where we’ve gone before because road trips & adventures are among her love languages. I won’t be sad when she can tell time and remembers the order of the days of the week. She’s going to learn so much in kindergarten, which she loves but does find tiring. She often falls asleep on the way home or on our porch swing before she makes it into the house. She’s always been the kid to resist naps but then lay down on the concrete, put her head down on the table, or contort herself in the booster seat in the minivan … and sleep anyway.

As girly as she can be, Rachel loves all things pink, princessy, and sparkly. She plays soccer — and then sometimes does a cartwheel after she scores. She hugs her opponents, adults, our cats, and often people we barely know. She sometimes says she doesn’t know her letters, but then she aces spelling tests in kindergarten and knows the first letter of so many people’s names.

Now, if I could just get her to stop sticking out her tongue or raising a peace sign (like Mario apparently does when you beat a level on Super Mario Bros.) every time I’m trying to take a picture. Speaking of pictures, just follow my #thirdchild posts on Instagram; she’s a popular subject in my shared squares.

Rachel,

I hope you always love big and bring others in. You, my girl, are a light, so keep shining brightly. I’m truly thankful you were born and I get to be your mom. You keep me laughing, wondering where you went, and feeling loved well.

Happy 6th birthday, sweet girl!

Love, Momma

*****

My favorite story of how God made the five of us a family is told in my first book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family,” which is available on Amazon or directly from me.

Look back on Rachel’s past birthdays: One. Two. Three. Four. Five.