Dear Reader:
If you have been a frequent follower of my blog and newsletter, you may recall my devotional features from 2022. While I’ve always enjoyed devotions from publications like Guideposts and Our Daily Bread, I’ve recently discovered themed devotions for every interest and every age. One such devotion, written by Sandra Kay Chambers, is a great way to help kids connect with God and discover His purpose for their lives. Read on to hear more about Sandra and her book and to learn how to win a copy for a special kid in your life.
Welcome, Sandra! I am excited to have you as my newsletter guest today to talk about your book Fingerprint Devotions (©2023 by Ambassador International). I see from your website that we have much in common. We both live in the South, we are former educators, we enjoy mysteries and historical fiction, and we are currently writing children’s books!
While we share many similar interests, I’ve learned from your book that we can’t share fingerprints. “Out of 7.9 billion people on earth today, no two people have the same fingerprints.” Wow! That fact reassures me of God’s awesomeness!
Q: Tell us how you came to write a kids’ devotional book based on fingerprints.
A: It was during the COVID lockdown when I ran across some interesting facts about fingerprints, and I believe God said to me, “Write down those facts you are discovering.” Then I began pairing each with a scripture; and I wrote a short devotional, a journal activity, and a prayer around that theme. I was excited about what I thought God wanted me to do, even though I’d never written a devotional book for children before. I knew many of the newer type of devotionals for kids, like Loui Giglio’s Indescribable Series, pairs scientific facts about creation with scripture and a devotion. Michelle Medlock Adams has a fun devotional called Puppy Dog Devotions with facts about the different breeds of dogs woven into the devotional. I think these are great because they keep kids’ interests and pair something in their lives they are interested in with God and Scripture.
Q: You’ve included unique “Fingerprint Facts” at the end of each devotional. For example, I was surprised to learn that “koalas have fingerprints just like humans.” I was also interested in reading your notes about the techniques da Vinci used to create his famous Mona Lisa painting. (I wish I had known this fact when I saw his painting at the Louvre in Paris several years ago.) What is your favorite fingerprint fact, and why is it special to you?
A: I think my favorite is the one about dogs and the fact that a dog’s fingerprint is not on his paws, but on his nose! And just as humans can be identified by their fingerprints, dogs can be identified by their unique nose print. I have even written a picture book about a Frenchie (based on my daughter’s dog) and how she discovers her unique “doggie” fingerprint. It’s not published yet, but hopefully soon!
Q: As a lifelong journal keeper, I appreciate the space you have provided in each devotion for kids to log their thoughts for the day. How do you hope kids will utilize this section of the book?
A: I want them to really think about the discussion question based on the devotion and then write out their answer. I have been a long-time journal keeper too, especially in my relationship with God and what He is teaching me and how He has come through for me in difficult times. I often look back at my journal, and the entries help me when I’m struggling or doubt God. This is what I hope kids will also do–use their journal to remember all the times that God has been with them and helped them. There are also opportunities for them to be creative and draw or create pictures from fingerprints.
Q: You have divided your forty devotions into four thematic sections. My favorite section shows kids how to benefit from the fruit of the Spirit, based on Galatians 5:22-23. What is your favorite scripture lesson, and what do you hope kids will learn from it?
A: I think in that section my favorite scripture lesson is based on Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The lesson of this devotion is helping kids distinguish between “Happiness” and “Joy,” pointing out that joy is not based on our circumstances but on knowing that God loves and cares for us.
Q: Your book contains unique stories about Biblical characters as well as stories about modern-day champions of worthwhile causes. Who is your personal hero based on these unique characters?
A: Actually, it’s David in the Bible because he’s a good example of someone that demonstrated God’s joy. He did not just have joy when things were going well; he had joy in difficult times too, like when he was being chased by Saul who wanted to kill him. And David is the author of many psalms that show his joy even during the difficult times in his life.
Q: I love how each chapter includes a bug’s image created with what looks like a fingerprint. How did you choose which bugs to include, and which is your favorite image?
A: They were actually created by the publisher’s interior book designer. It was a huge surprise when I saw the layout for it, and I loved it! Probably my favorite is the butterfly. In the back of my book, I have listed some fun resources where kids can learn to create bugs and animals themselves with their fingerprints. And there’s a free downloadable packet from my website when they purchase the book. It has coloring sheets and activity sheets based on fingerprints.
Q: I understand you have a special cause connected with this book. Tell us about 7Homes.
A: I am partnering with 7Homes, a Christian, North Carolina-based foster and adoption agency. I’m donating books myself and asking people to consider purchasing a copy, not only for their child or grandchild, but to consider buying an extra paperback copy ($11.99) from Amazon to donate to 7Homes. They will put the devotionals into “care bags” for kids who have to be taken out of their homes, sometimes suddenly. They will also use the books as Christmas gifts and gifts at their camps for foster kids. I have set up a special link on Amazon to purchase and have Amazon mail the book directly to 7Homes: https://rb.gy/uvsry.
Q: How can your readers find out more about you and purchase your book?
A: The book is available from all major retailers as well as on Amazon. The link for Amazon is: https://rb.gy/hnqys. They can discover more about me on my website: https://sandrakaychambers.com.
I also have a podcast: “5-Minute Parenting” for Christian parents available on all major podcast platforms as well as on my website. I have a presence on several social media sites including:
IG at http://www.instagram.com/sandrakaychambers
and https://www.instagram.com/fiveminuteparenting/
FB: http://facebook.com/sandrakaychambersauthor
Pinterest: http://Pinterest.com/sandrakaychamberswriter
Thank you, Sandra, for writing this book and for sharing your story with us today. I look forward to reading your picture book about your daughter’s dog!
Readers, if you would like a chance to win a copy of Fingerprint Devotions, please subscribe to my newsletter at https://joycemccullough.com/newsletter/ by noon (CST) on December 25, 2023. You must have a U.S. mailing address to win.
Christmas Blessings,
The Literary Lyonesse
