Permanent Markers: Spiritual Life Skills to Write on Your Kids’ Hearts

A You-Can-Totally-Do-This Guide to Teaching Spiritual Life Skills That Last

As mom to a work-in-progress family of six, author Janel Breitenstein knows too well the chaos of life with the lid off. She understands how skeptical you are of shoehorning more into carpool-packed days and just trying to get kids to put socks in the hamper.

But as a missionary, she also understands the urgent need to cultivate unerasable habits that prepare kids for a bold relationship with Jesus.

If you’re a parent looking for doable, out-of-the-box ways to disciple your children, Permanent Markers is a resource you’ll seek again and again. Find…

• age-appropriate, uber-easy ideas and activities that will draw kids toward God
• questions to kickstart meaningful conversations, along with journaling prompts for both you and your kids
• hands-on life skills for teaching kids what the world often rejects–like community, self-control, humility, and Christ-anchored identity
• small-group discussion questions and lists of additional resources

Permanent Markers empowers you to engage kids in vibrant spirituality, leaving this work of art up to God. You’ll find a practical, fun handbook for the most vital, eternal part of parenting.

Endorsements

“Janel Breitenstein has given every parent a gift in this book. With her characteristic candor and wit and her love for God and His Word, she offers hope and encouragement to moms and dads who can easily find themselves growing weary as they raise their children. Her insights are profound and right on point. ” -Bob Lepine, cohost, FamilyLife Today

“This much-needed parenting book does not disappoint! Janel’s global perspective, practical suggestions, and insightful wisdom will guide your family in necessary conversations to navigate today’s culture. I highly recommend this book!” -Kristen Welch, bestselling author of Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World

“Through honest story-telling that will make you audibly laugh, along with raw vulnerability that doesn’t put you under the pile, Janel helps you pursue the most important part of your kids: their hearts. I’m grateful for the ways Permanent Markers has helped us refine and reshape the goals we have for our kids, giving us practical tools and guided conversations to meaningfully engage with our kids with deeper intentionality.” -David Robbins, President, FamilyLife

“Enlightening and enjoyable to read, Permanent Markers will equip you as a parent to tattoo messages of truth from God on the heart of your child that they will carry throughout life. With practical activities every parent can do, this book will focus your investment of time in what is eternal and what is best for your child.” -Ron Deal, bestselling author of The Smart Stepfamily and Building Love Together in Blended Families (with Gary Chapman)

“Permanent Markers is a treasure trove of creative, practical ideas for shepherding children more deeply into the love of God. With passion, candor, and wisdom, Janel Breitenstein offers parents a grace-filled approach to discipleship that lays down the burden of behavior modification and instead embraces the adventure of cultivating a listening ear–not only to our children’s hearts, but to God’s. This book is a winsome invitation to relinquish control and rehearse our dependence on the God who generously gives us everything we need as we navigate the complexities and joys of parenthood.”   -Sharon Garlough Brown, author of the Sensible Shoes series and Shades of Light

“Janel makes learning God’s Word attractive and has created engaging activities that will make these truths something kids can enjoy and remember. The tools found here will help families make inroads into the hearts and minds of their children!”  –Jason Houser, founder and president, Seeds Family Worship

Janel Breitenstein's path has included six years in youth ministry, over sixteen published works, more than a decade of publishing and marketing experience, and years writing and speaking to parents in their army-crawl to raise kids who love God with their lives. Today, Janel and her husband John live in Colorado with their four children. You can find her writing at JanelBreitenstein.com, where her authentic, intimate style connects with readers around the globe.