The Year Ahead

OK, the dust has settled–new backpacks, new shoes, new clothes for the ones the kids have outgrown all purchased; new carpool organized. The new school year is happening.



The new school year will bring new opportunities and it will bring new challenges. You and the kids should not go it alone. And you don’t have to. God wants to go with you. In fact, He would be delighted for you to invite Him into your everyday life. He has seen what is ahead. He has also made plans–good plans for you and the kids. Family devotions will help you walk with Him.



Family devotions after dinner can be tough to pull off. Know that ahead time. Everybody is tired and— there’s homework, instrument practicing, dishes to wash, emergency runs to the grocery store (you’re out of cereal, out of cheese, out of the cupcakes for the school party that somebody forgot to tell you about). But make time, breathe, rest in the God who made the whole universe, and go into His presence. You and your family will reap benefits that you cannot begin to imagine–because God is that loving and that wonderful and that generous.



We can recommend some family devotionals. And think about, pray about, letting the kids take turns leading. Sometimes they like to be in charge. 



Faith Forward Family Devotional



Grace for the Moment Family Devotional



Indescribable: 100 Devotions about God and Science



Kingdom Family Devotional



Little Visits . . .



The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions about God and Science



Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.)  Her latest works for children are I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue , mystery novels for girls 10-13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.