Family Devotions is a 365-day devotional book that is accompanied by a CD with 12 Scripture memory songs and is intended for families with children ages eight to twelve. Each month has a different theme, some of which are Trust in the Lord, Be Holy/Pure, Forgive One Another, and Be Kind. For each day of the month, there is a devotional relating to the theme. The author, Lauretta Marigny, has instructions on how to conduct your family devotion. She recommends worship, instruction and prayer. The enclosed CD would be the worship part; the songs on the CD correspond to the monthly memory verses Mrs. Marigny outlines. Next would come the instruction portion of family devotions, which would entail going over the lesson indicated in the book. Lastly, she suggests you pray together as a family. The devotional book has a good mix of Bible stories as well as stories about the author's family and extended family. This book could be used as a nightly family devotional or in the morning before beginning your homeschool.

I appreciate that Family Devotions has such a variety of topics that really address everyday life. I also like that children can relate to many of the stories because they involve kids just like themselves.

While I really enjoyed the devotional book, I felt that the CD with Scripture memory songs was a bit lacking. My family did not enjoy listening to the songs and found them a bit slow. The one song we really enjoyed though was "Children Obey Your Parents," which is taken from Ephesians 6:1. It was quite catchy and enjoyable.

I think many families would enjoy the Family Devotions book and would recommend it. On the other hand, I believe the accompanying CD would be better left unordered.

Product review by Charlsie Swadley, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, August 2008