Review: 5-Minute Devotions for Teens by Laura L. Smith

5-Minute Devotions for Teens by Laura L. Smith

5-Minute Devotions for Teens: A Guide to God and Mental Health
Laura L. Smith
Zonderkidz
Published December 6, 2022

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About 5-Minute Devotions for Teens

5-Minute Devotions for Teens: A Guide to God and Mental Health removes the stigma on mental health and advises Christian teens what they can do when they are depressed and anxious. Scattered throughout the book are tips to help teens maintain good mental health practices such as meditation, disconnecting from social media and technology, saying affirmations, and much more.

Each day includes a Scripture verse, short devotional, and a prayer or prompt.

This 100-day devotional will help teens 13 to 17 years old:

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Review: Restore My Soul by Laura L. Smith

Restore My Soul by Laura L Smith

Restore My Soul: the Power and Purpose of 30 Psalms
Laura L. Smith
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Published July 5, 2022

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About Restore My Soul

The book of Psalms is full of wonderful passages that illuminate the intimate connection we get to have with our Father. Despite the chaos of our busy lives, the Father is frequently whispering to our souls to spend time with Him. Dive into the power of the Psalms and be inspired to praise God as you read RESTORE MY SOUL: THE POWER AND PROMISE OF 30 PSALMS.

In each chapter, a Psalm is accompanied by personal stories that help to illustrate and explore the verses and what they mean … Continue reading

Review: Barking to the Choir by Gregory Boyle

Barking to the Choir by Gregory Boyle

Barking to the Choir
Gregory Boyle
Simon & Schuster
Published November 14, 2017

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About Barking to the Choir

In a moving example of unconditional love in dif­ficult times, the Jesuit priest and bestselling author of TATTOOS ON THE HEART, Gregory Boyle, shares what three decades of working with gang members in Los Angeles has taught him about faith, compassion, and the enduring power of kinship.

In his first book, TATTOOS ON THE HEART: THE POWER OF BOUNDLESS COMPASSION, Gregory Boyle introduced us to Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the worldCritics hailed that book as an “astounding literary and spiritual … Continue reading

Review: Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle

Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion
Gregory Boyle
Free Press
Published March 9, 2009

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About Tattoos on the Heart

How do you fight despair and learn to meet the world with a loving heart? How do you overcome shame? Stay faithful in spite of failure? No matter where people live or what their circumstances may be, everyone needs boundless, restorative love. Gorgeous and uplifting, TATTOOS ON THE HEART amply demonstrates the impact unconditional love can have on your life.

As a pastor working in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles, Gregory Boyle created an organization … Continue reading

Review: Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird

Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird

Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplative Prayer
Martin Laird
Oxford University Press
Published July 1, 2006

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About Into the Silent Land

Sitting in stillness, the practice of meditation, and the cultivation of awareness are commonly thought to be the preserves of Hindus and Buddhists. Martin Laird shows that the Christian tradition of contemplation has its own refined teachings on using a prayer word to focus the mind, working with the breath to cultivate stillness, and the practice of inner vigilance or … Continue reading

Review: How Sweet the Sound by Laura L. Smith

How Sweet the Sound by Laura L. Smith

How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns
Laura L. Smith
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Published August 4, 2020

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About How Sweet the Sound

If you love singing and listening to hymns, this book is for you! Hymns are a special kind of music, packed with truth, … Continue reading