I'm a bookworm and love to read, although it is hard to get a read in edgewise these days. Recently, two friends got me started on the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley. They are fantastic. I happen to know a few authors and can't wait to read Becky Wade's book My Stubborn Heart! Disrobe Completely, by Jeffrey Thurston is my all time fav because he is the best OB/GYN in the nation and also happens to be mine, which reminds me I am definitely not a fan of the Fifty Shades of Gray type read - and that is not to say that I am against sex or lots of it given the appropriate setting. There is just no need for a bad read.
I've been blessed to be involved in our Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program at our church for the last three years. I will never tire from soaking up all I possibly can about being a better mom. One of our speakers last year is the buyer for the book fair of a local and classical private school. The following is the information she shared with us, which I continue to cherish when choosing literature for myself and family.
-Good literature can be a powerful tool in educating and forming moral values
-Reading should play an important role in godly child training and teaching
-Literature choices reflect educational and spiritual goals
-Literary stories give expression to emotions and ideas common to man
-Literature by nature influences the thoughts and emotions of the reader
-We need to TEACH our children to ENJOY what is ADMIRABLE. This is known as the cultivation of taste.
*** Some Questions to ask yourself about a book you are considering reading ***
1. Will the book lead my child toward Christ or away from Christ?
2. Does the book make my child more sensitive to sin and more aware of his need for a Savior?
3. Does the book uphold the moral principles of the Bible?
4. Doe the book uphold the standards and principles I am teaching my child?
5. Does it inspire respect for elders and authority?
6. Are there appropriate consequences for attitudes and actions?
7. Is sin portrayed as sin and are there negative consequences for it?
8. Are obedience and submission portrayed as positive character traits?
9. Is this book overly sensational leading my child away from a meek and quiet spirit?
*** Engage your children as you are reading. Ask them what they admire in the characters and what they dislike. Do they see principles of forgiveness, character growth, compassion, humility, sacrifice, fortitude? ***
The speaker gave us an extensive reading list that I will cling to for many years to come. I have never utilized our local library like I have this summer, placing a gazillion holds for these classic reads. Some are out of print and I ordered those on Amazon. It was impossible not to cry while reading to my kiddos this summer because the books are just that raw and good. They have truth and lessons and are more than just a story. The Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes is one of my favorites.
Goodreads is an app which allows you to connect with others that share a love for reading as well as their bookshelf. There are so many wonderful literary options out there to enrich and deepen our lives. Let's make our next read a great one!
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