My daughter has been an athlete her whole life just about. And with her walking into her last year of homeschool, we can feel college within reach. And with that is a whole other world of problems, decisions, challenges, and discoveries. But we also know there will be plenty of blessings, friendships, excitement, and joy. For her, she will need to balance it all along with her studies. We will be able to see firsthand how the fruits of our labor as her parents turn out. Thankfully, she will not be alone; her heavenly Father will be right there with her every step of the way while her Dad and I will be back home on our knees praying for her. All this said, I was intrigued and surprised to find a Devotional for College Athletes. All in For Him is a 21-day devotional written by Gwen Thielges.

Mahala swooped it up quickly and couldn’t wait to start reading. We usually do devotionals together, but I felt like this one she should do on her own. But we ended up re-reading a few of them together because she enjoyed them so much. My heart was touched when she brought me the book and it was highlighted, verses were circled, hearts around key words and stars and notes in the margins. My fruits are looking pretty good right now I think as I listen to her go on and on about what God has put in her heart.

We both agree that each devotional is only a page, two at most. They are very easy to read, straight to the point, and the message is richly rooted in the Word of God. This would make an excellent gift to any athlete in high school or college. You can feel Gwen’s love for God, her faith and family, and it’s poured into each devotional. Very practical topics are discussed that our student athletes are up against like respecting authority, being a role model, leadership, winning, social media, and having Godly confidence and humility to name a few.

Each day is filled with a short devotion, several prayers, and scripture that corresponds. You are encouraged to spend quiet time with the Lord and to let the verses and prayers marinate in your heart as you strengthen the connection between Christ and the talent He has given you. Mahala loved the prayers and has a few of them written out on 3x5 cards taped all over her wall beside her bedroom door. She reads at least one of them as she walks out throughout the day. Her only complaint about this book is that it was only 21 days, but it has ignited a spark in her that she is truly thankful for.

-Product review by Sheila Quach, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, June 2017