Our Daily Devotional
I have mentioned on several occasions that we begin our school days with a daily devotional. This has changed forms over the years. One year we went through the Proverbs cycling through one a day each day of the month. One year we went through the Psalms. One year we went straight through memorizing the catechism. We would alternate year after year. This past year I found something new and am loving it! Rather than just memorizing the catechism (as important as that is) and just reading through the scriptures (as primary in importance as that is) we are now doing both at the same time.
Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade is an excellent resource that I would recommend to any and every family. Catechism is one of the best methods of teaching what we believe our children. The devotions are based on the Westminster Catechism and provides a great way of studying sound Christian doctrine. This book provides approximately two years worth of daily study. It covers each of the 107 catechism questions. A new question is covered each week which provides plenty of time for memorization and plenty of time for study. There are six daily devotions per question, all with Scripture readings pertinent to the question so you can explore how God’s Word answers that question. This tool can be used for all ages. The devotionals only take minutes if you have very young children or you can dig deeper and expound upon them. There is great opportunity for discussion.
This is a very practical tool which will guide you through the scriptures to answer, teach, and explain the doctrines of the Christian faith to your children using the form and questions of the catechism.
Tags: Catechism, children, Christianity, devotion, homeschool, worship Posted in Catechism, Christianity, Conviction, Curriculum, Family, Homeschooling, Train Up a Child, What to Read, children, worship
October 15th, 2009 at 5:27 am
We used both the Westminster Shorter Catechism and Training Hearts, Teaching Minds during the middle school years. It was like using both a KJV and a NIV to read the same verse. This expanded their vocabulary and understanding. I would recommend it as well, though we did skip the catechism covering baby baptism.
October 15th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Oh, I’m glad to hear from someone who is using it. We’re planning on starting it in January with our three boys.
Julie
Julie´s last blog ..The Re-Weirds of Parenting #5
October 16th, 2009 at 2:54 am
Thanks, Kristine. That is not one I have heard of. We are always looking for good devotionals to use with the kids. I’m sure I will find it at an Aussie Book store.
Have a good weekend.
Ruby´s last blog ..Another Park, More Art
October 16th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I’ll have to look into it! Thanks for the recommendation!
Mandy Mom´s last blog ..Everything Required
October 17th, 2009 at 4:01 am
Thank you. I have added it to my wishlist. And I appreciate your comment on my post. I appreciate your kindness to me.
Jenn
Jenn4him´s last blog ..Coming Out of Sticker Shock
October 19th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Hi-
I just found your blog by way of another blog, and wanted to comment that my husband is also in the Air Force, and we were previously assigned to Elmendorf AFB about 4 years ago. We really enjoyed our assignment there and miss the beauty of God’s creation that is so abundant in Alaska.
It was nice “meeting” you and finding someone in the blog world who is also in the Air Force Family.
Blessings,
Lacey
Lacey´s last blog ..Chicken Salad Pita
November 11th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Hi – I don’t comment on many sites but had to on yours. It’s very well-done! I really like how you write – very to the point. Thanks for having this site. I don’t have time to read everything right now, I found this site when looking for something else on Bing, but I’ve bookmarked your homepage and will check back soon to see the latest posts. I always enjoy reading on the web about religion. Do you have any particular biblical study guides? I’m looking for one to start reading, I just finished one and need a new one to read. I have a blog with daily Bible readings on it. Please visit it – it as at http://www.GotTB.com. Do you have a favorite Bible passage or story? I would not even know where to being the processing of picking just one. God’s Peace!