HEIRLOOM: Devotional Book Review {& Giveaway}
In order to leave a legacy, you’ve got to own it first. You’ll find inspiration for doing that in HEIRLOOM: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith, written by Kathy Howard. This devotional book review includes a giveaway and this book would make a lovely gift!
The Author of HEIRLOOM: Kathy Howard
Kathy Howard is a Bible teacher and the author of numerous devotional and Bible study books. She speaks at women’s retreats and events across the United States and internationally.
She has a Masters in Christian Education and a certificate in women’s ministry from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary.
Howard and her husband live in Texas. They have three children, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, four grandsons, and a granddaughter.
In addition to writing and speaking, Kathy Howard has a blog where she encourages women “to stand firm on our rock-solid God through trials and persecution or ease and success by embracing real, authentic faith.”
“The most valuable heirloom we can pass down is a legacy of faith. While we can’t believe for any of our loved ones, we can teach them about our great God and create an atmosphere in our homes where trust in him can flourish. We can tell our own stories, share God’s Word, and point them to Jesus.”
Kathy Howard, Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith
The Contents of HEIRLOOM
This hardcover devotional book, published by Tyndale, is beautiful inside and out. Every page is full of colorful images gathered from various sources.
Inside this book, there are fifty-two, true stories about people from the past. The stories tell us how they lived and worshiped. Kathy Howard states:
“Today we’re reading our ancestors’ stories. Tomorrow our descendants will be reading our stories. What kind of legacy will we leave?”
Just to give you a taste, here is a sampling of the devotion titles:
A Prayer from My Great-Great Grandmother
Wild Hogs, Tobacco, and Skipping Church
A Grace-Filled Moment by the Rocker
Open Kitchen, Open Heart
From Horseback to Podcasts
Grandkid Camp
Celebrate Jesus
In the back of the book are endnotes, which I personally enjoy in nonfiction books. And, last but not least, are some lined pages for readers to write their own legacy story. Readers may write something about the spiritual experiences of their relatives, or about their own upbringing or personal testimony.
Each HEIRLOOM Devotion
Each devotion begins with scripture. Usually, it is taken from the Holy Bible NIV, but some are from the ESV, KJV, and NLT.
Also, included is a true story, questions for reflection, and a short prayer. The stories may be about someone you’ve heard of before, such as Dwight Moody. Others introduce you to a less familiar name. The stories reflect how God worked through different people to influence the spiritual growth of others.
I’ve reviewed numerous devotional books. HEIRLOOM is unique in several ways. Included with each devotion is a “Legacy Tip” which is a practical tip to help you create a spiritual heirloom your family will treasure.
Here’s an example of one of Howard’s Legacy Tips:
“Discipling you children at home is foundational, but you can heighten their spiritual growth by encouraging them to attend Sunday School, youth group, or a Bible study.”
Also, another distinctive feature of the HEIRLOOM book is the inclusion of a Genealogy Tip with each devotion. This offers advice on how to research your family’s genealogy.
My Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I find stories of faith fascinating, no matter how simple or how complex they are.
This has inspired me to ask my relatives to bring family faith stories to our next family gathering. I hope to compile these into spiritual legacy booklets to give to everyone.
I highly recommend this book. It is a great fit for Christian parents and grandparents. It will make a great addition to home and church libraries. And, it should delight genealogy enthusiasts.
HEIRLOOM Book Giveaway Details
We’ll draw a winner from this blog’s email subscriber list on November 29, 2021.
If you’d like your name in the drawing twice, then be on the email list, plus share with us below one memory of someone who left you a spiritual legacy. Did someone share a testimony of faith with you or guide you to God’s truth? Maybe you just observed someone who was consistent in their faith walk. We’d love to hear one of your memories!
CONGRATULATIONS to Jennifer of San Francisco, California! Your name was drawn from this blog’s email subscriber list as the winner of HEIRLOOM. I’ll email you about where I should mail your book. Yay!!!
I received a FREE copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
10 Comments
Karen McLain
I took my mom’s wisdom for granted until she was gone. I hear her words of advice now in almost every aspect of my life and I quote her as often as I can. She was quiet and humble and kind to everyone and she spoke softly and her love for Jesus and her family were something to be emulated and I strive for that each day.
Sally Matheny
Oh, Karen, what beautiful sentiments. It sounds like you you had a wonderful mother whose love for Jesus was evident in her life. Thank you so much for sharing those thoughts with us.
Kathy Howard
Karen, both my parents are gone now. There are so many things I wish I’d asked them about their lives and faith. I want to be more proactive with my kids and grandkids!
J.D. Wininger
Thanks for sharing Ms. Kathy’s book with us. It’s exceptional; just like you two young ladies.
Sally Matheny
Thanks, J.D. Hope you’re having a joyful day on your Texas ranch!
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Kathy
It sounds like this beautiful cover contains a treasure to read and savor. Thanks for reviewing it, Sally!
Sally Matheny
Hello, Kathy. You’re right, it is a treasure. You, along with the other commenters here, have TWO entries in the drawing. Someone will be savoring this book soon! 🙂
Rosalyn
I have such good memories of my grandfather and certain verses he’d repeat, often. One special memory, I was interviewing him and asked “who is your favorite author?” His reply “Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”. I will never read Hebrews 12 without thinking Of him.
Sally Matheny
Good morning, Rosalyn. Thank you so much for sharing with us that precious memory of your grandfather. Keep telling it to the next generation.