by Skye Hakes Liles
Yesterday we explored one way that you can encourage some graduates this year as they enter into a new season of life. Let’s take a look at idea number two.
- Give them a relevant book or send them a link to an encouraging sermon/message. Your graduate may not remember all the valuable advice that you give them so provide
some resources that they can return to when they need to be reminded. These can range from relationship advice to spiritual development to financial guidance. The sky really is the limit and they can never have too many good resources. Here are a few suggestions:
The Graduate’s Survival Guide (Book & DVD Set) by Rachel Cruze
This kit serves as a tool that teaches graduates about the financial aspect of life. It includes a reference book that covers topics from balancing a checkbook to student loans and more. The four-track DVD offers discussions on topics like college life and practical saving tips.
This gift set was created by Rachel Cruze, the daughter of financial guru Dave Ramsey.
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
This book is a great resource for someone of any age but especially great to start practicing in a new life season. Pastor Mark Batterson of Washington DC’s National Community Church explains the importance of never giving up on your prayers. He describes a method which he calls “circling” to help figure out what to ask God for and how to be diligent and faithful with praying. You can buy a corresponding devotional as well.
Let the Journey Begin: Finding God’s Best for Your Life by Max Lucado
Max Lucado reassures new graduates that they are not alone. He offers guidance on how to navigate the next season of life and how to make sure that God is an intricate part of the journey.
This article breaks down the advantages of being plugged into a campus ministry as well as being active in the local church simultaneously while in college. It goes a step further
by advising on the best way to transition from college to a career while staying involved in the local church. Being established in a local church and serving in ministry is vital to spiritual growth while in college and prepares your spiritual health for the future.
3 Actions Every High School Grad Should Take by Dave Ramsey
In this quick article, Dave Ramsey highlights 3 important things that high school graduates should do after graduation: make new friends, find a church home, and budget for success. The budget portion is especially helpful and offers access to a basic budget form!
A sermon series from Pastor Craig Groeschel
This four part sermon series acknowledges some simple phrases that Christians are guilty of saying. Pastor Craig gives Biblical foundations as to why they are incorrect thoughts and what the Bible actually says regarding these topics. God Never Said That is an excellent resource for graduates as they begin gaining their independence. It challenges them to know exactly what they believe and why.
The 5 Love Languages Dr. Gary Chapman
A bestseller and phenomenal tool, The 5 Love Languages explores the ways that each individual feels love. The idea behind the languages is that once you know how you feel love, you begin to understand how people in your immediate circle feel love too. Then you can begin expressing love to them in a way that meets their needs. The languages apply
in all relationships from parents to spouses to friends. The 5 Love Languages is available in several versions including one for married couples, men, singles, military families, and more.
Each of these resources can be helpful as graduates transition into college, the workforce, or some other experience. Feel free to share some of your favorites as well! Come back tomorrow for the final part of “Guiding Graduates.”
Skye is currently working as a freelance writer and editor. She has a background in mass & interpersonal communication as well as creative and professional writing. In her free time, Skye enjoys reading books, traveling, and watching as many movies as she can. She’s always looking for the next great adventure and is currently working on a self-written list of 30 Things To Do Before Turning 30. She also has an unnatural obsession with candy and vanilla coke.