The Bible for Kids Podcast

This week hosts Mike Nawrocki and Sarah Humphrey talk with author Laura Smith about her new book for women and how the psalms impacts parenting and kids. The book of Psalms is full of wonderful passages that illuminate the intimate connection we get to have with our Father. Despite the chaos of our busy lives, the Father is frequently whispering to our souls to spend time with Him. As you read Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms you will receive revelation and insight from best-selling author Laura L. Smith on the beauty of connecting with God through His Word. Dive into the power of the Psalms and be inspired to praise God every day. Showcases 30 popular psalms and the timeless truths and emotions they reveal about our daily lives For women who are longing to deepen their faith Explores popular Bible themes to encourage you to participate in spiritual development Laura L. Smith has been searching her whole life for beauty. Not in the world—there’s plenty of that—in the crimson of a cardinal’s feather, in the sound of waves crashing along a shore, in the melody of a Beatles’ ballad, or in a Chagall stained glass window. The world is filled with beauty, but for her that was another story. It took her years to discover her true beauty, to fully grasp she is made in the image of her Creator, and therefore, she is beautiful. The incredible thing is…so are you. You were marvelously made by God to inspire awe. No matter what the world tries to tell you, no matter what you try to tell yourself. No one can rob you of the incredible true identity God instilled in you. Smith tells stories (through books, blogs, and speaking) in hopes of helping you discover what took her so long to see: your beautiful true reflection in Christ. Smith lives in the college town of Oxford, Ohio with her husband and four kids.

This week co-hosts MIKE NAWROCKI and Sarah Humphries have the unique opportunity, in part 2 of a 2 part podcast, to talk to US Senate Chaplain Barry Black about his new book A Prayer for Our Country! In A Prayer for Our Country, US Senate Chaplain Barry Black leads children in thanking God for America, while also exploring the ways we can model God’s love to support our country’s citizens, heal hurts that divide us, and look to a stronger, united future. Senate Chaplain Barry Black believes words matter and that healing and unity are possible in America if we see the image of God in others. In this prayer for children based on wisdom from his almost two decades of daily praying over the US Senate, Black offers needed and inspiring text to help the next generation grow stronger in faith and forward America’s dream. A Prayer for Our Country: Uses kid-friendly language to show children how prayer can be part of our everyday lives Explores ways children can live out their faith Presents a positive message about kindness and respect Helps readers ages 4-8 see how they can help support and shape our nation Contains stunning illustrations that represent the diversity of our great nation by illustrator Kim Holt In addition, A Prayer for Our Country is perfect for: Helping kids better understand and respond to the events happening in America today Teaching children how to pray Reading aloud format for classrooms, storytime, and families

This week co-hosts MIKE NAWROCKI and Sarah Humphries have the unique opportunity, in part 1 of a 2 part podcast, to talk to US Senate Chaplain Barry Black about his new book A Prayer for Our Country! In A Prayer for Our Country, US Senate Chaplain Barry Black leads children in thanking God for America, while also exploring the ways we can model God’s love to support our country’s citizens, heal hurts that divide us, and look to a stronger, united future. Senate Chaplain Barry Black believes words matter and that healing and unity are possible in America if we see the image of God in others. In this prayer for children based on wisdom from his almost two decades of daily praying over the US Senate, Black offers needed and inspiring text to help the next generation grow stronger in faith and forward America’s dream. A Prayer for Our Country: Uses kid-friendly language to show children how prayer can be part of our everyday lives Explores ways children can live out their faith Presents a positive message about kindness and respect Helps readers ages 4-8 see how they can help support and shape our nation Contains stunning illustrations that represent the diversity of our great nation by illustrator Kim Holt In addition, A Prayer for Our Country is perfect for: Helping kids better understand and respond to the events happening in America today Teaching children how to pray Reading aloud format for classrooms, storytime, and families

Co-hosts Mike Nawrocki and Sarah Humphrey talk with author Lisa Town Bergen (author of the God Gave Us series) about her latest book Nana the Great Comes to Visit. Filled with David Hohn’s exuberant and playful illustrations,Nana the Great Comes to Visit joyfully celebrates the ways loving grandparents help children grow in confidence. Regarding the inspiration for the book, Bergren says, “My grandmother and mother were the epitome of grandmothers at their best—cheerleaders, mentors, gentle teachers, encouragers, passionate advocates, and prayer-coverers.”  “My loving grandmother always thought I could do anything and supported me all my life, and my mother has championed and loved my own children well, too,” she emphasized. “They both inspired me as I thought about our exuberant Nana of this series!”  It's always a good time when Nana comes for a visit!  Nana is great at building forts, playing checkers and reading bedtime stories to her grandkids.  Nana applauds dressing with flair, climbing high, and even dancing while praying.  Most of all, Nana is great at finding more fun in the everyday moments of life. Parents, grandparents and other caregivers will appreciate how this fun and endearing book celebrates the countless ways grownups help children learn to believe in themselves—while assuring children of a grandparent's love.   For more information, visit WaterBrookMultnomah and GodGaveUsBooks.com ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Tawn Bergren is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 60 books, including her “God Gave Us” children’s series, which has sold more than four million copies. Her books have been featured in numerous media outlets including, O Magazine, USAToday.com, CNN.com and Woman’s Day. She lives in Colorado Springs her husband and three gradually moving-out children. Visit her at: LisaTawnBergren.com

This week, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Sarah Humphrey talk with Major Matt Satterlee of the Salvation Army, getting a behind the scenes look at this church and organization and also the distribution of the Ministry edition of The Bible for Me: Stories and Prayers. Major Matt Satterlee is currently serving as the National Youth Secretary for The Salvation Army. With responsibilities covering all of The Salvation Army’s youth ministries from Hawaii to Maine, Major Satterlee is responsible for The Salvation Army’s youth curriculum, summer camping ministry, and partnering with other churches and organizations that do youth ministry.  Major Matt Satterlee has been a corps officer (pastor) in churches throughout Virginia, Georgia, and Florida.  Major Matt Satterlee is the son of Salvation Army officers going back at least 4 generations. He was born in West Virginia and met the Lord at the age of 7 on an altar in the Frederick, Maryland corps. Moving around with his parents and growing in his faith for many years, he was accepted on a Salvationist Service Corps trip (mission trip) in the summer of 2002 to minister in Argentina and Paraguay. It was there, in the back hallway of the corps (church) in Asuncion, Paraguay, that the Lord called him to be a Salvation Army Officer. Major Matt Satterlee met his wife, Jamie, in Texas and were married in 2002. They entered The Salvation Army seminary in Atlanta, GA in 2004 as part of the Visionaries session and were ordained and commissioned to the Portsmouth, VA Corps as Corps Officers where their family grew with the addition of daughters Lillian and Susannah. Studies show that nearly half of all Christians say they accepted Christ before the age of 13.  Major Matt Satterlee says, “If we are called to make others’ salvation the first purpose of our lives, we should be exhausting ourselves in youth ministry.” Having come to National Headquarters following 7 years of ministry to youth and young adults, the Satterlees are passionate about the discipleship of young people.

This week Mike interviews new podcast co-host and author Sarah Humphrey. Sarah recently released Salmon Says Devotional: 100 Days of Wisdom from the World's Wisest King co-written with Amy Parker If we could give our tweens one tool to mold them into strong, faithful adults, what would it be? The wisdom of the Bible. Thankfully, this wisdom is easily accessible in the book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live.   Solomon Says Devotional: 100 Days of Wisdom from the World’s Wisest King by Amy Parker and Sarah Humphrey offers growing, impressionable minds one hundred devotions based on priceless wisdom that is straight from King Solomon himself. This devotional:  is written for children ages 8 to 12. begins with a passage from Proverbs and provides a practical and culturally relevant perspective. offers engaging examples that help readers see how King Solomon’s ancient wisdom applies to today’s world. provides short prayers and simple activities so readers can apply the teachings to their own lives. This resource is perfect for: birthdays, holiday gift giving or as an addition to your home library parents and children to read together Sunday school discussions and small group activities creating meaningful conversations about the wisdom of the Bible By offering the Proverbs in an engaging form and by showing practical ways to apply them, Solomon Says Devotional invites kids to see how ancient wisdom is still helpful, intriguing, and essential in their modern world. Sarah Humphrey is a wife and homeschool mom to three kids while also working as an artist, author, and voice actor. Her writing and doodling can be found in her devotional, 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood, and her voice in several commercials, children’s books, and audiobooks. She loves encouraging women and kids to embrace self-care, utilize their gifts, and become leaders in the community around them.

This week Amy and Mike talk with author Chris Morphew about his new book, Who Am I and Why Do I Matter?, Part of his Big Questions Series. Sooner or later, kids ask big questions about themselves and their faith: Who am I? Where do I fit in? Am I good enough? What do people think of me? What does God think of me? In this warm, empathetic book, Chris Morphew shows children how to embrace and enjoy their identity as those loved by God and made in his image. He also gives lots of practical advice on how to remember what God says about who they really are. Lively stories and illustrations make this book easy for 9-13 year olds to engage with. Readers will be helped to replace fear and anxiety with faith and confidence as they find their self-worth in what God says about them. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chris Morphew is an author, teacher, and school chaplain living in Sydney, Australia. He has written over 20 novels for children and youth, including his six-book young adult series, The Phoenix Files. Chris enjoys Mario Kart, obscure board games, and superhero movies. He has been told he looks like Chris Hemsworth from the back.

This week co-hosts Amy Parker and Mike Nawrocki chat (and sing) with author Susan Burritt about her new book SOS GOD! SOS GOD!’s humorous poems inspire children to pray, showing them they don’t need fancy words to talk to God. They can speak to Him like a BFF!! Each poem encourages kids to have a personal relationship with the Lord, reassuring them of His love, no matter what! They’ll learn to be grateful for the joys in their lives, and they’ll discover they can ask God for help with whatever ails them! The poems are narrated in a child’s voice, with Bible scriptures listed by each one, so parents can use the book as a devotional. It is unique in its amusing child narration and its boldness to talk to a loving God about anything and everything. Children will face fear with: “The Lord is my light and the One who saves me. So why should I fear anyone? The Lord protects my life. So why should I be afraid?” Psalm 27: 1 ICB They’ll conquer low self-esteem, proclaiming: “I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.” Psalm 139:14 ICB They’ll rejoice in God’s goodness, declaring: “God, your love is so precious! You protect people as a bird protects her young under her wings. They eat the rich food in your house. You let them drink from your river of pleasure.” Psalm 36:7-8 ICB There are also activity sheets at the end for children to interact with the Bible. SOS GOD! is the perfect book to draw children (and adults) closer to God. Susan C. Burritt was born in Rochester, New York. Facing difficulties in childhood, she discovered reading took her to new and exciting worlds! Books became her greatest pleasure and escape. She moved to Los Angeles to become a famous movie star! When that didn’t happen, she made use of her Masters in Education. She teaches and motivates youth at a private learning center in Los Angeles, and at charter schools throughout the Los Angeles area. Susan wrote SOS GOD! to inspire children to talk to God about everything because she firmly believes that the most powerful solution to problems is receiving God’s help through prayer.

This week Amy and Mike talked with author Amy Gannett about her Tiny Theologians series. Kids ask questions like this about God all the time. We want our answers to show them the God who IS, the God of the Bible. Amy Gannett’s Tiny Theologians® series teaches young readers about God’s all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present nature. Did God Learn His ABCs? A Book About God’s Knowledge Did God ever go to school? Does God need someone to teach him? Is there anything God doesn’t know? The engaging, rhyming text and bold, delightful illustrations make God’s omniscience (His all-knowing nature) understandable, relatable, and applicable for kids. Young readers will close the book knowing there’s no need to hide their sins, questions, or dreams from God—for He already knows everything about them. Does God Sleep? A Book About God’s Power Does God ever get tired? Does He sometimes get sick? Does He ever stop working? The engaging, rhyming text and bold, delightful illustrations make God’s omnipotence (His all-powerful nature) understandable, relatable, and applicable for kids. Young readers will close the book knowing there’s no need to fear when falling asleep—for God is always awake, watching over us and working in the world. Does God Go on Vacation? A Book About God’s Presence Does God ever leave Heaven? Does He take vacations? Will He ever go somewhere where He can’t hear our prayers?  The engaging, rhyming text and bold, delightful illustrations make God’s omnipresence (His all-present nature) understandable, relatable, and applicable for kids. Young readers will close the book knowing there’s no need to worry about today or tomorrow—for God never takes a vacation! He is always with us. Amy Gannett (M.Div, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary) is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher. She is the author of several exegetical Bible studies.

This week Amy and Mike talk with friend and author Tricia Goyer about her new book Happy Heart: Staying Centered in God's Love through Chaotic Circumstances. Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love Through Chaotic Circumstances takes readers on a journey to discover where their true strength, peace, and joy come from—the Lord—no matter what life offers up. Tricia Goyer—author, podcast host, volunteer, homeschooling mom of ten children, and caregiver to her grandma—understands what it's like to be pulled in different directions with the longing and intention to do all things well. In the midst of chaotic circumstances (which all of us face), she’s found uncomplicated but effective practices for nourishing the soul—because everything stems from the heart. This hope-filled guide will inspire you to stay tethered to the Lover of your soul. By taking time to make your heart happy in the Lord, you’ll grow closer to the Heavenly Father, fostering true transformation from the inside out. Heart Happy will help you discover the beautiful life you've always hoped for through a connection with God that never seemed possible … until now. Tricia Goyer writes out of her passion for God and her love for family and others. The author of more than 70 books, she writes both historical fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting. This USA-Today Best-selling Author has also won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer's Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference.