Devotional Book Recommendations

I have to agree with the people who suggest against giving a devotional book. Even as a somewhat religious person, I am offended each holiday season when my highly religious relatives give us 'gifts' with a booklet enclosed pushing their religion on us. Religion and spirituality are so highly personal that it's not a good idea to assume you know what direction she is or may be taking in that realm. It would probably be best to go with a non-denominational gift to avoid any misunderstandings of intent. Good luck!

The book I recommend is A Jewel in His Crown by Priscilla Evans- Shirer. It's a really good book and not too overwhelming for a person seeking Him. Blessings!!!!!

The book I give to graduates is Madeline L'Engle's A Ring of Endless Light. It's not a devotional, but it is a beautiful, fiction read. I'm not religious, but Ms. L'Engle was. This is a fictional book where one of the main themes is how to stay positive even in the face of terrible events. It's not overtly religious, is focused equally on science, and tells a great story. I've re-read it countless times. You can find it in the young adult section of any bookstore.

With all due respect to you and your beliefs, as a non-religious person with an extended family including several very religous people, my suggestion would be to avoid any religious gifts to this girl. For one thing, this is the daughter of a co-worker who has obviously chosen to raise her daughter in keeping with her own beliefs, which is her right (much as it is your right to raise your girls religiously). To keep your relationship with your co-worker amiable and professional, don't impose your beliefs on this family. I personally find it very pushy and inconsiderate when my extended family insists on giving me and my children religious gifts despite the fact that they know we are not raising them to be affiliated with any particular religion. We really sincerely prefer that they would attend the functions etc. (we love them dearly and appreciate their presence immensely), but save their money that they are spending on these gifts that, frankly, I put or give away so that my children (who are very young) will not be subjected to them. Again, with all the respect in the world for you and your faith, trying to guide this girl into your religion is really none of your business.

This is not what you want to hear but I have to tell you, you may greatly offend the person you are giving it to, and her mom. My best friend is an atheist. She has raised her children with the knowledge of all religions but she believes in, "do no Harm". Any religious book that focuses on God for answers could permenantly damage your relationship with her mother. I respect my friends "non-beliefs" just as she respects my beliefs. The first time her daughter came to my house for supper and we said grace I realized that she did not do anything. I spoke to her mom, told her I did not know that she was not a believer, her mom replied with, "I am a believer, I believe in doing no harm."

So while I understand your desire to share God's love, I really believe that you may want to think again.

To be completely honest, I don't think it's appropriate to give her a religious book if she is not religious. I understand that you want to share your faith, but perhaps the best way to do that without being pushy (as you said) is to wait for her to come to you if she's ever interested. Her parents made a decision to raise her a certain way, and as she is going off to college she will be making her own decisions, if she finds that religion is something that interests her (and many do find their own way) then I'm sure she knows about your devotion and would feel comfortable talking to you. Until then, I would respect her parents decision and find a more appropriate graduation gift. I know you have good intentions, so please don't be offended by my post, it's just how I feel. Best of luck!

I have to second both "Oh The Places You'll Go" and the Chicken Soup series if you want--they're both very good and I don't think either one would offend!

I love Christian Bookstore Distributors (www.cbd.com) I find many of my gifts there. I often have given journals for graduation gifts. I have seen devotional/mediatation journals. They usually have opening food for thought ideas then space for her to write her own feelings. That might be the way to go and you can add a pretty pen to go with it. Sharing faith isn't always the easiest thing to do though I do believe you go with your feeling. If you find something and it doesnt feel comfortable to give- dont. I think you will find something and say "Thats it!". Good Luck

Talk to the staff at Family Christian Bookstore. They are very helpful.

Hi M.,

Having received a book like you are suggesting for my own graduation from some relatives who were seemingly more devout than my family, I would highly recommend you avoid this as a gift. Religion and spirituality are a very personal thing. In spite of your very good intentions, you can very possibly offend the girl and her family (as I was greatly offended). If the girl seeks advice of a spiritual nature she has many resources. I know you mean the best, but I would really try to avoid pursuing any type of gift that pushes an agenda or belief on someone who may not share them.

I just wanted to say that since you are not usually comfortable sharing your faith that I feel this is something that God is calling you to do. I do not have a great recommendation just was thinking more generally. If you can find a journal that has a verse or inspirational message at the top of each page that would be a great start for someone who just needs little bits at a time:)

I just got done reading a book called Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. I think you should read it if you have not done so yet. There is a lot of wisdom about listening to God with a Woman's heart and realizing how important we are in his plan.

I think the absolute best gift for a grad (besides cash) is a journal. This is a great time for them to record their thoughts and experiences.

EDIT*** Ladies, please keep in mind that M. is not out to offend. She is wanting to share something important to her....not pressure someone into believing the way she does. It's not an infringement on freedom of religion to give a religious gift, people still have the freedom to choose what they believe.

Matthew Paul Turner has a book called Everything You Need to Know Before College: A Student's Survival Guide. He's a Christian author but not particularly evangelical...so he's a little less assertive for someone who might be intimidated by receiving a Christian book.

I agree with the others, I think I would go with something more motivational or memorable than spiritual. I do the like Dr Seuss idea! or even the giving tree. Remember everything you need to know you learned in kindergarden!

Hi M. - I have a book called "Simple Gifts" - Unwrapping the Special Moments of Everyday Life. It is a nice devotional, but with different women writing it. Good luck and keep me posted on what you came up with.

I like "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers (I think?) This book helps turn bad thoughts into good ones. Also, there is a workbook that goes with it.

I'd maybe look into the "chicken soup for the soul" series of books. They are not what I'd consider "devotional" books, but they are spiritual and do help make a person feel less alone in the world. You could also enclose a bookmark w/ it that has a nice subtle loving quote on it :)

As a spiritual but not religious person, these books would be far less offensive to me than some of the other ones out there :)

I also want to give you kudos for caring about their feelings and beliefs. My favorite Christian friends are the ones who don't preach at me but simply live their lives as examples of Christians.

Good luck and blessed be!!!

I would have to agree with the majority here. Sharing a religious book with someone who is not in your own family would be crossing the line. I would be highly offended if someone gave this as a gift to my daughter for any occasion. I know your intentions are good but you wouldn't want anyone sharing their personal beliefs with your daughters.

May I suggest you find a gift for your coworker's daughter that does not have the potential to spark controversy? You could offer (in your congratulations card) to bring her to church with you one of these days if she so chooses. Church would be a far more appropriate place to give a non-churched girl a devotional book. You could also ask her where she'll be attending college, and if you know anyone at your church with a friend or relative living there you could help them connect. That way you can avoid any weirdness between you and her mother.

Look on the Focus on the Family website

A Book that I received at HS graduation that has made an impact on me (I am religious, but the book isn't) is the Dr Suess book "Oh the places you will go". I've seen it at alot of stores and really like it! I've been out of school for alomst 15 years and read it weekly! It gives me a positive outlook on MY life and what I can do! Good Luck!

I agree with the poster who said you may be crossing lines. I think supporting someone's religious belief, non-belief, questioning, etc. is best done by family.

when i graduated someone gave me a book called "psalms for graduates"
good luck!

Hi M.:
Religion is a touchy subject. The mother and daughter may have deep religious beliefs but they may differ from your beliefs. I am Wiccan and I do not discuss religion with just anyone. I always wear my pentacle if someone asks me I explain. Many Witches are afraid to wear the symbol of our religion or discuss our beliefs because we are afraid of losing our jobs or friends. If someone gave me or my children a book that leaned toward Christian beliefs I would throw it out. Please consider this: " Why is it that Christians feel as though they are the only ones who have the right to freedom of religion?" I would recommend that you go to a bookstore and look for a book that delivers the message you want to convey but is not structured around religion.
You could look for a picture frame that says something like "you are loved" and ask the mother for a picture of her family or the girl's friends to place in the frame.

My mom gave me a book called "God Calling". It has short daily readings which are written in a way that is loving, and not critical. Mine is taped together and on my night stand right now.

I don't know if you're looking specifically for a "devotional" book, but I might suggest some that are more just for the reading. In fact, it would seem that if someone has only a general belief in God, then they may not be motivated to use a devotional. So, in such a case, I would look for a very good read that is hard to resist reading but that really gets to the heart with the love of God. "The Shack" was an awesome read that really took my religion out of the box and into the heart. I would recommend it to anyone who is at all human. Max Lucado is a great author for some of the same reasons, but his books are definitely classified as Christian--not at all a bad thing, but resisted by some people, which is why I like the first book. A really good biography of a missionary is sometimes a super choice, as nothing speaks more convincingly than personal testimony. I haven't read "The end of the Spear", but I bet it would be great.

"Hindsight"

High school graduation can be a major transition for young people. As teens begin the next chapter in their lives, this book is a wonderful resource to help them prepare for the changes ahead. Filled with 60 devotions written by young people in college, armed services and work force, this book offers insight on how faith can help young people navigate this new chapter in their lives.

http://store.tyfi.org/prod-Hindsight-50.aspx