If you're looking for Christmas gifts that are more than a toy to be enjoyed and then discarded after a few weeks, I'm right there with you. I'm so tired of spending money on junk -- things that are played with a few times and then added to the ever growing pile of forgotten toys. This year, I'd like to give some gifts that matter! A Book of Mormon Journal is a great gift that will build my girls' testimonies in their Savior, Jesus Christ.
Elizabeth Dorathy just wrote two fun Book of Mormon journals, and she sent them to me for my kids to test. The first is called, "Scripture Power! Book of Mormon Journal for Children," and it's written for children ages 6-11.
We love that the book encourages kids to say a prayer before they begin reading, to read a small amount from the scriptures, and then to think about what they read by answering a question. The kids love to see their progress and to go back and read what they have learned so far. They also love that pages of the journal are marked when they match an activity from their Faith in God books.
Faith in God is an activity program girls and boys ages 8-11 work on in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Children participate in activities to learn and live the gospel, serve others, and develop their talents. You can learn more about the program here.
The second book is called, "My Witness of Jesus Christ: Book of Mormon Journal for Youth." This is a much more grown up version of Scripture Power, with longer reading passages and more thought-provoking questions. This book is meant for youth ages 12 and up. I blurred out my daughter's notes because she would absolutely die if I posted her writing online! I promised her that I would not read what she wrote, but the quick glimpse I got made me really happy. I love to see her applying the scriptures to her life.
You can read more about the journals on Elizabeth's blog, Book of Mormon Journals or follow her on facebook.
Do you have any great ideas for meaningful gifts that won't end up adding to the junk pile? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!
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linda spiker
Great ideas and would make cute stocking stuffers, sharing on my ward page!
Heidi
Thanks, Linda. These would be great in a stocking!
Heather Mecham
Thanks! I need to check out the journal for teens. I think my daughters would like it.
Heidi
You should definitely check it out, Heather!
Jessica Poe
I've been wanting to look at those scripture journals - thanks for the reminder! As far as giving gifts with a message and meaning - I'm with you! As mothers, we're often the ones responsible for ensuring Christ is central to our Christmas celebration. :)
Thanks!!
Heidi
I totally agree, Jessica. Sometimes I forget how much more important that responsibility is than making sure that the house is ready for Santa!
Kendra
I love those journals! My daughter would love a gift like this!!
Heidi
I like that they make they kids think about what they are reading and apply it.
Kim
These journals look amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Heidi
You're welcome, Kim. Thanks for stopping by!
Camille
Great gift idea for Christmas. I love that helps kids dig a little deeper.
Heidi
Me, too, Camille. I like that these journals help them apply what they read to real life.
Lara
These are so cute! I think my girls would love them, and I would hope that they would also use them as intended. Great gift!
Heidi
I know what you mean, Lara. My task now is helping the girls remember to use them!