Filled: 60 Devotions for the Foster Parent's Heart

by Jamie C. Finn

Though the words "foster care" are not in the Bible, the act of caring for the vulnerable is clearly important to God. Perhaps nowhere is that kind of tender attention and care for the vulnerable more evident than in the act of fostering a child. But as foster parents pour themselves into the children God has called them to care for, they may find themselves feeling emptied, in need of being refreshed and reinvigorated for the day to come.With 60 devotions written especially for foster parents by a foster parent, Filled offers a special boost of spiritual energy and encouragement particular to the unique joys and challenges faced by those who open their homes and hearts to kids in need of love. Each reading includes Scripture, a real-life anecdote from the author's experience as a foster parent, an explanation of the biblical text, and suggestions for continued reading.

Genres: Fostering

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Cassidy Brunk]

Incredible and 100% relatable. This book is a MUST OWN for foster parents or anyone who wants an inside look into the simultaneous devastation and beauty of foster care. I will be reading this again and again.

[Ashley Bozarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that this books shows the reality of how hard Foster Care is but then gives scripture to encourage and give hope it what often feels like hopeless situation. I would recommend to anyone doing foster care, considering it or just wanted to know more about the reality of it!

[Natalie Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Filled" is a poignant devotional designed specifically for foster parents navigating the unique joys and challenges of foster care. Each entry features a heartfelt personal story that resonates deeply, reflecting the real struggles foster families face—stories that are often raw, touching, and undeniably relatable.

The author skillfully intertwines these narratives with biblical wisdom, providing readers with not only comfort but also practical insights rooted in Scripture. As you journey through the pages, you’ll find yourself encouraged by the reminders of God's unwavering presence, even in the most trying moments. Jamie has an uncanny ability to bring you to tears while simultaneously lifting your spirit, affirming that you are not alone in this journey.

This devotional serves as a beacon of hope, pointing readers back to the truth of God’s word, reassuring them that His love and guidance are ever-present. It's a must-read not just for foster parents, but for anyone who knows and loves someone involved in foster care. The insights shared will foster empathy and understanding, making it an essential companion for those seeking to support families on this profound journey.

In a world where foster care can often feel isolating, "Filled" shines a light on the importance of community, faith, and resilience, encouraging all who read it to lean into God's promises. This book is a gift and will leave you feeling refreshed and filled up to the fullness of God.

[Mhughessc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie C. Finn is a noted author, speaker, and the founder of Foster the Family. Having read her previous book, I was glad to see she has a new one coming out. This book, "Filled: 60 Devotions for the Foster Parent's Heart", is a nourishing meal for the soul of the Christian foster parent. I appreciate that Finn reiterated, "I need God's Word each day because, well, being a foster parent is hard. I offer other flowery elaborations on that word -- hard -- throughout this book, but mostly. it's just hard . . . His Word is what I need most -- more than any training or strategy, more than help or rest or any other legitimate need that I legitimately have. I need the supernatural encouragement and teaching and guidance that only his Holy Word and Spirit can provide." The author then goes on to encourage her readers to read slowly, with prayer, and to read this book as only *part* of their devotional time. Finn warns her readers that this book is meant to supplement our daily Bible reading, not replace it.

If you're a foster parent -- particularly a believing foster parent -- this devotional book will be a balm to your weary spirit. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a foster parent it remains imperative that I dig into the Word daily and lean into God along the many highs and lows of this journey. This 60 day devotional encouraged me to do that.

It felt like the author could see into my heart and my home as so many of the things that she wrote spoke to me. The foster care journey can be so isolating and lonely and to know that others are walking alongside me is such an encouragement to me. It reminded me too to keep my eyes on Jesus no matter what is happening in my "foster world".

This is a must read for those who are foster parents but for everyone to give a glimpse into the world of a foster parent.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an excellent read. I so appreciate the author’s honesty, vulnerability, and commitment to Jesus. She bares all her fears and insecurities, her failings and her triumphs. I recommend to all foster/adoptive parents. I chose to listen on audiobook all the way through, but it is recommended by the author in the introduction to be read over the course of 60 days (or however long it takes you to get through.) However, if you’re trying to crank out books on your to-read list while simultaneously meeting your Goodreads yearly reading goal in the last few weeks of December, I think it’s permissible to disregard the instructions 😆 In all, I feel refreshed and and filled, and grateful to have read this book.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Finn, THANK YOU for writing this. I have tears in my eyes as I read each page because this Scripture-based devotional is exactly what foster parents (and all of us who serve in the foster care community) need. Thank you for being bold with your faith when the world tells us other methods are primary. Thank you for writing Foster the Family and Filled, so I can put copies of these books into the hands of the families I serve through my foster care and adoption ministry with confidence in its contents to encourage, challenge, and uplift them. Thank you for all that you do in the name of Jesus.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, simply the best. This is for every foster parent who is on the journey and needing solid truth to help them through.

Jamie is honest about the injustice and heartbreak of foster parenting. She covers nearly every aspect of foster parenting, even though the book is not long enough to get into personal details. She focuses on truth, and that’s what we really need. God is our help, strength and fortress. This book is her constantly reminding us how much we need to look up. That’s where our help comes from.

I’m so grateful for this author. She has really rocked my world and given me so much encouragement. I love what she does and I can’t wait to see how God uses her next!

[Sarah Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an encouragement to my foster mama heart. Man, I didn’t realize how much I needed to be filled with these encouraging words, biblical truths, and moments of tough love reality. Every Christian foster parent needs this devotional in their arsenal. Jamie writes in such a way that you feel as if you’re sitting down and having a personal conversation with her. The Lord has used her to speak to my heart and I know this book will speak to the hearts of every reader.

[Heidi Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Jesus loving foster parent, you need this book! It helps reorient your perspective on fostering back to WHY we are doing this. We are laying our lives down for these kids because Jesus laid his life down for us! Jamie gives so much encouragement throughout the book, I am excited read it again!

[Anja Katheryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get an advanced copy, so Jamie’s words have already been working on my heart for the last several weeks. It is so good! She shares honestly from the hardships of 10 years of foster care and faithfully points readers to God and his unfailing love day after day. I already know I’ll be reading this again and again!

[Carolyn Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet devotional for any foster parent. Or for anyone who loves someone who is touched by foster care. Jamie has a way of speaking TRUTH into the hard and the beautiful of foster care. If you are a foster parent, or know someone who is, I know this devotional will speak deeply to your heart.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a foster or adoptive parent or whether you know someone who is- this book is incredibly relatable and encouraging. Jamie shares her struggles in a real and raw way that anyone involved in foster care and adoption can feel
In their gut!

I am absolutely loving the encouragement of Jamie’s gospel teaching!

[Sabrina Marie]

I'm so thrilled to have the chance to read through another book penned by Jamie Finn. She somehow holds together nuance of the spectrum of situations and emotions AND a clarity to convey the powerful message of the Gospel for our intricate thread of human experience. Deeply grateful for the helpful insights and the ways she continues to point to Jesus through this devotional.

[Erika Hamlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a foster family in need of hope and encouragement this devotional is for you! I love starting my morning with reading this - gives me hope to turn to throughout the day. I have been reading it digitally but had to get the hardcover because there is to much to highlight and sticky note!! I will be purchasing for all my foster family friends!!

[Caroline Mott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what my heart needed. Every page points me back to the One who gives me the strength to do this hard and holy work of caring for foster children. There are so many days that I try to do this on my own strength and fail miserably. Jamie reminds me that His power is made perfect in my weakness. I will return to this book over and over again!

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an encouraging read. I'm taking it slow and reading over the Bible passages as I go. She puts thoughts I've had into words that help me process all the ups and downs of foster care life and life in general. God is working out the timeliness of the readings. It will encourage you! Ready through prayerfully.

[Riah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fed my soul! The author incorporated every aspect of being a foster mom in this book. It took scripture from the Bible, tying it all together, creating a powerful resource that every foster mama needs.

[Sarah La · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is just want I needed to read at this very moment. There is so much scripture and it's so applicable to our current day to day. I literally sobbed through the entire book. I'm reading it for the second time. Run, don't walk, to get your copy!

[Becky Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie has such a unique way of encouraging foster parents while also sharing real life challenges all while pointing people to Jesus. There is a lot of encouragement, inspiration and hope in these pages. I highly recommend this book for any foster parent!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend and fellow foster mother sent me this book after we “lost” our first placement. The stories shared and mostly the poignant scripture referenced and suggested for further reading filled my soul.

[Noémie Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never has a devotional book spoken so directly to my heart. Ever page I wanted to say ‘me too!!’. Jamie Finn’s writing is beautiful, sharp but encouraging, funny and touching. I just finished it and will probably immediately start over. Thank you Jamie for writing this for us!

[Emily Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a big source of encouragement to me as a foster mom. Having a daily devotional to turn to that applies to exactly what I am going through and has a reminder to turn to Christ has been a huge blessing.

[Elizabeth Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled will make you cry, encourage you, help you feel seen, point you to Jesus, and continually remind you of the true “why” of foster care. I will read it over and over again.

[Corree Roofener · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written devotional, that allows those walking the journey of foster care to be seen. It is a provision of hope and love and understanding. So valuable.

[Nikki Hertzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Christians to guide us in how to pray for the foster/adopt families in our lives, as well as for the foster family themselves.
As a foster mom myself, I treasure the godly words of wisdom and the personal anecdotes in this devotional. The chapters are short, succinct, and powerful. And yes, I needed a tissue with most of them. Because I've been there in the midst of most of that messiness and it hurts. But it also grows us in so many ways.
Aesthetically, this book is cool too--the cover is textured and the pages inside are colored!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Jamie Finn delivers another amazing book for foster parents. This book will gracefully convict you while giving you the encouragement you need to serve the children and families in your care.

[Jessica Dudenhofer Beery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. If you are a Christian foster parent, get it. If you know a Christian foster parent, buy it for them. Thankful I have a friend like that - the book was such a blessing, Mattie. 💕

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing for foster parents

[J. Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong, funny, and heart-filling. Good stuff for all the people doing the very exhausting job of Foster Care. One of the better gifts I've been given.