To my 14 year old...

Today we celebrate our 14 year old!  Happy birthday Caleb!  

I made a list of 14 things I appreciate about you. There are many more, I'm thankful for you and am blessed to be your Mom! 

1. I appreciate your willingness to help me...if it's unloading groceries or doing something like cook supper when I don't feel well, you are a big help to me in so many ways.  

2. I appreciate that you are a hard worker. I've had different people tell me that they've seen you work hard. This is important all through life. 

3.  I appreciate that you have so much knowledge about so many areas. You always surprise me with the random facts you know.

4.  I appreciate the relationship you have with your Dad.  I remember when you started following him around everywhere and wanted to do everything he did. I like to listen to the two of you talk in the van when you're both up front. I pray that you two will always be close. 

5.  I appreciate your laugh and how you can make me laugh. There are so many ways you do this! Thank you! 

6. I appreciate your sense of adventure.  Remember the time on vacation we went on the rapids.  Or when you and Dad when zip lining?  You love the outdoors.  

7.  I appreciate that you are an amazing big brother. It touches my heart to see you two together and to hear y'all laughing and playing.  You have such a special bond, and I pray you always will. 

8.  I appreciate the friends you have chosen. As you get older it's always important to be wise in your friendships.  You have some good ones and I'm so thankful.  

9.  I appreciate your love of God and your heart to follow Him.  Seek after Him in all you do.  

10.  I appreciate the way younger kids look up to you. I've been told numerous times how good you are with kids.  Those little eyes are watching you and are following what you do.  

11.  I appreciate your hugs.  They are the best and I need those!  

12.  I appreciate your confidence and how you can speak in front of a crowd so effectively.  You amazed me with your speech for UIL modern oratory this year and your best man speech at Uncle Cody's wedding.  Many people are terrified of public speaking, you seem to be a natural at it.  

13.  I appreciate that we share some of the same interests.  I love that you have always loved reading like me! 

14. I appreciate you being you!  God made you special and unique. Always be you and don't try to be like everyone else. 

I'm proud of you. 

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

NIV Bible for Teen Guys

About this Bible:

The NIV Bible for Teen Guys, designed specifically for guys ages 13 to 18, is for real teenage guys with real lives. Packed with daily readings, highlighted promises of God, challenging insights, smart advice, and open discussion about the realities of life, this Bible is designed to help teen guys grow in their faith. The NIV Bible for Teen Guys is as serious about your walk with God as you are, helping you discover his will for all areas of your life, including relating to your family, dealing with friends, work, sports, girls, and so much more.

Features include:  Daily readings for teen guys by popular Christian male authors (Mark Batterson, Kyle Idleman, Mark Hall, Max Lucado, and more) Character profiles of men in the Bible Book introductions for each book of the Bible Highlighted promises of God: verses worth remembering A concordance for help in finding verses The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

My thoughts:
I have enjoyed using the NIV Bible for Teen Guys.  It is a hardback version and a good size to carry....not too big or bulky and also not too small that the text is too difficult to read. The easy-to-read text of black and olive for the chapter names/numbers and artistic elements are perfect for a guy (nothing girly!). The yellow design on the front is used inside as well.

There are some really good devotional thoughts in here.  I think they are very appropriate for a teen guy and are not too long or wordy that they won't read it.  I liked the topical index as well.

I asked my son to share his thoughts too.  He said he liked the Bible and thought the devotions had good lessons for teens.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany