One of my favorite times of the day with my kids is at bedtime. This is when we snuggle together, read a couple books, talk, and have prayer time. We have always had a bedtime routine since my kids were babies. It helps them to transition from the day into night time. Recently, we added something new to our bedtime routine, the book, Little Visits at Bedtime.
Little Visits at Bedtime Review
We have always read a couple books to our kids every time since they were babies. Once they were around 3 years old, we tried to incorporate the Bible as one of those books. We have not been consistent but would read a story from their kids Bible at least several times a week. Now that my kids are getting older and understand more, I wanted to introduce to them a kids devotional.
Little Visits at Bedtime is for kids ages 3-7. It is laid out in a 2 page format for each day. Each day has a short memory verse at the top of the page, below that is an application story that kids can relate their lives to, following that is a “Let’s Talk” section where you both can discuss questions about the story and apply it to their lives. On the second page, there is a “Dear God” prayer that reflects on the story and God’s Word. There is also a Parent Connection that gives parents tips on how to apply this to your child’s life. Finally, the last section is “Bringing It Home” where you can relate the Bible passage and story into the lives of your kids.
God Spoke to my Son through Little Visits at Bedtime
My 7 year old son and I have been talking about how God speaks to us. He was discouraged because he had never heard God’s voice yet. I have tried to explained that God does speak to us in many ways, including through His word, the Bible. Seeing or Hearing is believing for kids – and adults.
On the night before my son’s 1st day of school this year, God spoke to him through Little Visits at Bedtime.
Elijah was nervous about going to school. He didn’t want to go to school because he wanted to be home and enjoy summer longer. I must admit that I felt exactly the same way!
We opened up Little Visits at Bedtime as we have been for the previous week. The title of the lesson was Puppy in School. How appropriate as my son was started school the next day AND we were planning on getting a puppy the next weekend. The story was about a service dog that was going to training school to help blind people. The story was simple and was fun for my son to think about his future puppy. However, the Bible Verse was pivotal.
Do not be anxious about your life. Matthew 6:25
God was telling my son not to be anxious about his life, not about school, not about the bus, not about friends, not about summer being over, not about anything. I used this time to also read another very helpful verse about being anxious.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillippians 4:6
Author Mary Manz Simon states, “For a child, sleep-time conversations are an opportunity to review the day and share fears, hopes, and dreams.” This night’s devotional allowed my child to talk about his fears and to have hope and peace from God. I was worried that he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep because of his anxiety about school, as this has happened in the past. After I left his bedroom, he was fast asleep by 8:30pm. This was close to a miracle for my son to be asleep so early the night before a highly anticipated day. I’m sure it was because of this book and God’s blessing on him.
Buy Little Visits at Bedtime
This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to Concordia who provided us with the products for review and giveaway.
