The Children's Hour

Children's Book on Irenaeus

2012-01-09T07:02:00.001-08:00

Irenaeus of Lyons: The Man Who Wrote Books,Sinclair Ferguson

(Banner of Truth, 2010), hb., 40 pp.

Ages 3-7

This is another volume in Sinclair Ferguson’sHeroes of the Faith series. I have previously mentioned our appreciation of thevolume on Polycarp. There is not as much action to this story which makes itnot as exciting for little ones, but it contains great truths as it describesIrenaeus’ teaching. This is a helpful little book as it introduces a key hero ofthe faith and covers important doctrine.

Best Reads With My Kids in 2011

2011-12-27T22:09:00.000-08:00

As 2011comes to a close I thought I’d list the best books I've read with my kids thisyear (my list of best reads in 2011 for myself can be found here). This listincludes only full-length books which I read with my older children, not briefbooklets read with my younger ones. In no particular order the top 5 are:

Kingdom's Hope & Kingdom's Edge (The Kingdom Series, Book 2 & 3), Chuck Black- We listened to the audio of these and really enjoyed them. You can read my comments on Book 2 here. Book 3 was also quite good. They survey the story of the Bible in the setting of knights.
Chosen Ones (The Aedyn Chronicles), Alister McGrath- This is a Narnia-like story which is well done with good truths. We eagerly read the second volume when it appeared, but it was not up to the quality of the first.
Through My Eyes, Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker- This was a really good read with the boys- strong on perseverance, hard work, family, trusting God, living for his glory and sharing the gospel.You can see my review here.
This Was John Calvin, Thea van Halsema- This was a really good biography of the prominent reformer (see review here)
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever- Tammie read it aloud to us again, a Christmas tradition for us. Really good at puncturing religious pomposity and pointing to earthiness and mission (my review from a previous year is here).

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas andblessings to you in the New Year.

Christmas Story in Biblical Texts and Art

2011-12-26T23:16:00.000-08:00

The Nativity: From the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, Ruth Sanderson

(Eerdmans, 2011), hb., 28 pp.

Ages 5+

Part of our Christmas tradition is readingtogether the biblical account on Christmas morning while our younger childrenact out what is read with the nativity set. This year we used this book forthat reading.

The text of the book comes directly from Matthewand Luke. There is no further elaboration. The books strength comes from placingtogether the accounts of both gospels and in nice illustrations by RuthSanderson which are done in such a way as to recall medieval art. This “old”feel of the art contributes to a sense of reading these texts along with thechurch through the ages.

We really appreciated the art work, sense of history,and he gathering of the texts. This will become a fixture in our Christmas celebration.

The Power of Symbols, Christmas

2011-12-22T19:08:00.001-08:00

One of the best books I read this year was The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me to Faith by Peter Hitchens (who writes incredibly well, like his recently deceased brother). As we approach Christmas I was reminded of his discussion of the Communist attempt to suppress any vestige of Christmas in Russia. Drawing from written sources and his own experience living in Russia, Hitchens described the Communist concern especially to turn children away from religious interest. Then he provided the following quote from a pamphlet titled, “Against the Christmas Tree” which has been published in a series called “The Library of the Young Atheist”:

“ ‘Millions of little children are brought up by very religious grandmothers. For such children the Christmas tree represents a very great danger.... Not one Young Pioneer detachment, not one school and not one group of young and Atheists should leave children of pre-school age unattended during the Christmas holidays. The struggle against the Christmas tree is the struggle against religion and against our class enemies.’” (181)

My point here is not trees but the value of symbols and traditions. When an atheistic regime sought to stamp out Christianity they were deeply concerned about the power of symbols to keep alive religious memory. Too often today Christians breezily dismiss “mere symbols” claiming to be concerned only with the “real idea.” This is short-sighted and ignorant of history and human nature- not to mention ignorant of the Bible since God saw fit to give us symbols.

The potential application of this point is broad, but, to speak of Christmas, we do much of our best teaching and discipling when we use good symbols, investing them with biblical meaning and incorporating them into meaningful, appropriate traditions. These things will stick with our children and our churches for years to come providing pegs for biblical truths and armor against cynicism. So as you prepare for and celebrate Christmas make the most of your traditions and symbols, enjoying and celebrating the appearing of God’s saving grace (Titus 2:11).

Guest Post: Simonetta Carr on her New Book

2011-12-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

Today we have a guest post from Simonetta Carr, whose books I have commended here previously. She has just recently published a new biography of a woman who lived in Reformation Italy. I am thankful to Simonetta for providing us with an explanation of her new book.

When P&R asked meif I wanted to contribute to their ChosenDaughters series I had mixed feelings about it. I liked the challenge ofwriting fiction, especially since English is not my first language, but afterfocusing very carefully on historical accuracy in my children’s biographies,the idea of imagining scenes and settings seemed frightening. How could I know,for example, the personality of Olympia’s mother? What if my description wasvery different from reality?
On the other hand, Ihad the perfect subject for this story. The P&R series is about youngChristian women of our past, and Olympia Morata had led a very adventurous lifefrom the time she was twelve. Besides, she was from Italy, my native country,and everyone knows that it’s easier to write about familiar things. I was alsoexcited at the opportunity I would have to familiarize my readers with someevents of the Italian Reformation, a period which is still unknown to many.
In some ways, we cansay that the Reformation had its roots in Italy, where it was both anexpression of dissatisfaction with the obvious excesses of the Roman CatholicChurch, and a return to the sources, including a rediscovery of the originalScriptures and the doctrines of the church fathers.
In Naples, a circle ofspirituali, mostly inspired by Juande Valdes, was already spreading pre-reformation teachings in the 15th century.By the time Luther posted his theses in 1517, some like-minded groups hadformed in various Italian cities. Slowly, Lutheranism and Calvinism spreadthroughout the country, silently, as the Church of Rome became increasinglyalarmed.
It was in 1542, aftera failed attempt to reconcile Protestants and Catholics at the Diet of Regensburg,that Pope Paul III re-established a form of inquisition in the country. At thatpoint, Italian Protestants were left with three choices: keep their faithprivate, leave the country, or declare their faith and face imprisonment anddeath.

It was around thattime that Olympia Morata shone as a child prodigy, giving signs of her futureas the most prolific woman writer of the Reformation. Her life was short andintense, shaken not only by the tumultuous events of the time, but also bypersonal disappointments, rejection, poverty, illness, and exile.
It was a story I couldnot pass by, one of those stories which, as we often say, “begged to be told.”Overcoming my hesitations about writing fiction, I began reading and re-readingOlympia’s letters and poems in an attempt to understand and to convey who shereally was.
There are many themesin Olympia’s life which will certainly resonate with young people today. Somemay identify with her apprehensions leaving home, with her desire to please herfather and teachers, or with her nervousness before giving a public speech.Some may recognize themselves in her admission of being normally afraid “ofdangers worse than reality” or in her passion to see favorite books translatedinto her native language. And which of us can’t remember times when afascination or concern occupied our minds, leaving little room for God?
Someone said thatwriting a book should change the author. I think Olympia did this for me, as Ishared her excitement, passion, and concerns. Through her letters, I watchedher growing from an over-achieving and worrisome young girl, obsessed with hergoals and hungry for praise, to a mature and heavenly-minded Christian, fullyconscious of the deep reservoirs of God’s strength which are available to hischildren in this pilgrim life.

On my blog(www.simonettacarr.com), I am planning to explain, chapter by chapter, whatdetails were imagined and what are pure facts. All the letters and poems quotedhave been carefully translated from the originals. I encourage my readers topay attention to Olympia’s voice. Maybe, when you finally close the book, youwill miss her as much as I do.

Polycarp of Smyrna: The Man Whose Faith Lasted

2011-11-29T14:57:00.001-08:00

Polycarp of Smyrna: The Man Whose Faith Lasted,Sinclair Ferguson

(Banner of Truth, 2010), hb., 40 pp.

Ages 4-8

This book is part of the Heroes of the FaithSeries which Sinclair Ferguson has started, and this is a great beginning. In a“word to the parents” section at the end of the book Ferguson explains the aimof this series. He notes that today our culture encourages people to have “idols”rather than “heroes.” I think Ferguson is right on this, and I appreciate how hedistinguishes the two: idols are adored because of their image whereas a hero isone who is respected because he “has shown moral fibre, … has overcomedifficulties, … has been tested and has stood firm.” Ferguson’s series seeks toprovide families a resource for introducing young children to such heroes inthe history of the church. In Ferguson’s words:

“TheHeroes of the Faith books are intended to build up into a kind of church familyalbum- pictures of those who, throughout the centuries, have been members fothe family of God.”

I think this book on Polycarp succeeds very well.In an engaging, simple way Ferguson tells the story of Polycarp, his time withthe Apostle John, and his martyrdom. My wife read this one to our two youngest(4year old boy & 5 year old girl) while I was away at a conference. When Igot back both children told me excitedly about the book. Over the last few daysI have heard them both- especially my son- going around the house chanting, “Po-ly-carp!Po-ly-carp!” (his name is chanted in the book). Any book which results in mychildren being excited about a hero of the faith, chanting the name of one ofthe earliest church leaders after the New Testament is certainly worth having.

We commend this one to you.

Books for Reformation Day

2011-10-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Reformation day is two weeks away. We always makea big deal of it in our house as it marks a point in history when the gospelwas recovered and renewal came to the church. As a resource, in case you wantsome books for your family on the Reformation, here is a listing of book I havepreviously reviewed on this blog which connect to the Reformation (links takeyou to my reviews).

The two main names which people know of from theReformation are Martin Luther and John Calvin. In a recent post I summarized the differentbooks I have reviewed on Calvin. On Luther, Paul Maier’s MartinLuther: A Man Who Changed the World is an excellent, beautifullyillustrated book. Virgil Robinson’s Luther,The Leader is less engaging but solid. Most recently Luther:Echoes of the Hammer provides a factually solid telling of Luther’sstory in graphic novel format.

Louise Vernon has also written a biographyof Lutheras well as Tyndale, Erasmus, Gutenberg,and Wycliffe.These are good short introductions to each of these key leaders.

Diana Kleyn’s ReformationHeroes is a wonderful resource providing brief overviews of over 30leaders, many of whom are often unnoticed (a full list of names is provided in thereview). William Boekestein has written a nice biography of Guidode Bres, author of the Belgic Confession, for younger children.

Lastly, regular readers of this blog will knowthat Douglas Bond is one of our family’s favorite authors. Bond’s Mr.Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation is great story and wonderfulintroduction to the songs which played a key part in the Reformation ascongregational singing was recovered.

I hope these recommendations might help yourfamily in remembering God’s mighty works in the past as we raise our children anticipatingGod’s work in the future.

Luther: Echoes of the Hammer

2011-10-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

Luther: Echoes of the Hammer (The Graphic Novel)

By Susan K. Leigh, Illustrated by Dave Hill

(Concordia, 2011), pb., 144 pp.

Ages 6+

Just in time for Reformation Day ConcordiaPublishing House has released this graphic novel of the life of Luther. SusanLeigh does a good job telling the story of Luther and the graphic novel formatis engaging. The book works from Luther’s birth to his death and does a goodjob with details as well as the theological and historical issues. Along the way sidebars (or full pages) aregiven to providing more information on other key people in the story from otherreformers, political leaders and Catholic leaders.

This is an engaging way to get your childrenreading about this important man and event.

This Was John Calvin, a Biography for children

2011-10-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

This Was John Calvin, by Thea B. Van Halsema

(Inheritance Publications, 2010; originallypublished 1959)

Ages 9-18

Reformation Day (Oct 31) is quickly approaching soI wanted to go ahead and commend this well done biography even though we havenot yet quite finished it.

I have previously commented on several biographiesof Calvin so let me first set this one in the context of the others (links takeyou to my review of each book). The main distinction between them is the age ofthe audience for which they are intended. Simonetta Carr’s JohnCalvin is the one most suitable to a younger crowd, starting perhaps atage 5. It is nicely illustrated, with large pages and simple writing. The nextage group up (about 6-12) is addressed in Joyce McPherson’s TheRiver of Grace: A Life of John Calvin. Then I have discussed two books which are aimed more at adults orolder teenagers, Theodore Beza’s firsthand, TheLife of John Calvin and Douglas Bond’s work of historical fiction,TheBetrayal.

Mrs. Van Halsema’s This Was John Calvin would fit in that list right after The River of Grace. It is probably bestsuited for children ages 9-18 (though adults could profit greatly as well!). The River of Grace is a great book, but This Was John Calvin is more indepth. In fact Mrs. Van Halsema displaysan amazing knowledge of Calvin and his writings. She dedicated the book to herfather, Clarence Bouma, “through whom,” she writes, “I met John Calvin.” Thisexplains a great deal as her father was a prominent Reformed theologian whowrote on Calvin and the Reformation. She obviously learned well as she citesextensively not only from Calvin’s major writing but most often from hisletters and tracts. Furthermore she weaves these quotes into a compellingnarrative.

Thus, well-written and carefully researched, thisis a great book to help you understand and appreciate the labors, sufferings,and intellect of John Calvin and how these all were given for the glory of Godand the good of His church. Mrs. Van Halsema also connects Calvin’s story tothe other key Reformation leaders of his time providing a good overview of whatwas going on in Europe.

So, we warmly commend this book to you. In fact, Ihave ended up with an extra copy, so we will do another book giveaway! Therules are the same as before. You can be entered into the drawing simply byleaving a comment here. You can be entered twice if you pass along this post onyour own blog, or via Facebook or Twitter. Just make sure I know that you havepassed this along so I can count it. I will draw names for the winner next Wednesday, October 19.

Noisy Place, by Edgar Guest

2011-10-10T10:42:00.001-07:00

I have for sometime enjoyed the poetry of EdgarGuest. His focus in simple rhymes on the beauty of everyday life and family isa blessing to me. This poem is a good reminder for me and fits the Children’sHour theme well.

Noisy Place

It is difficult to read
When for candy children plead,
And I find it quite disturbing
When with shouts there is no curbing
They come bounding in the place
At a mad and merry pace,
Just as if the world and all
Had been made for children small.

It is difficult to write
When with innocent delight
And a joy no frown can smother
Lusty lungs are calling: “Mother!
May we go in swimming now?”
So I sit and mop my brow
And I push the work away
Till there comes a quiet day.

It is difficult to nap
When the screen doors bang and slap
And a most tumultuous riot
Shatters every hope of quiet.
For no youngster ever thinks
Father needs those forty winks,
Or respects the plea we make
To be still for mother’s sake.

But somehow it seems to me
That more difficult ’twould be
Could I sit and read whenever
Came the fancy, knowing never
Child o’ mine would burst the door
To disturb me as of yore.
I should oft’ be longing then
To be bothered once again.

Athanasius Book Give-Way Winner!

2011-10-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who participated in the book giveaway forSimonetta Carr’s Athanasius. Therewas a great response. This morning I compiled the names and with the assistanceof Brian Denker had our drawing. And thewinner is:

Al Chandler!

Al, I will drop the book in the mail (still in shrink wrap!)soon. Everyone else, I would encourage you to get a copy of this great book foryour family and for your church libraries.

The Story for Little Ones: Discover the Bible in Pictures

2011-10-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Story for Little Ones: Discover the Bible in Pictures

(Zonderkidz, 2011), hb.

Ages 3-5

Recently I received a review copy of this book along with some other materials related to Zondervan’s The Story project, an effort to help people see the overarching story of Scripture. I was pleased to see another effort aimed at helping people move beyond disconnected Bible stories to seeing how the Bible fits together as one major story of God’s work of creating a people for himself. And this initiative has books for little children, children, teens and adults. This is a good idea.

However, The Story for Little Ones is a disappointment, and I cannot recommend it. I decided to just jump in and begin reading it to my four and five year old children one evening. What immediately jumped out to me was that the story of the Fall was completely skipped. Of course in a summary of the Bible you have to pick which stories to include and which to leave out, but how can you leave out the Fall! This is one of the major movements of the entire story- Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation. After a happy creation, the story moves simply to God calling Abraham, “a good man who trusted God.” The burden of that story is Abraham trusting God to being him to a new place. There is no hint of sin, covenant, etc. In fact most of the Old Testament ends up as moralisms about being good without the dimension of our need of rescue from sin. Here is a sample of the bolded conclusions of each story which state the main lessons:

“Abraham trusted God. You can trust God too.”

“God gave these rules to help his people live good lives and be closer to him. God’s rules will help you too.”

“God had Rahab help his people. You can be a helper too.”

“Samson asked God to help him. You can ask God for help too.”

“Ruth was kind to Naomi, and Boaz was kind to Ruth. God smiles when you are kind”

“Nehemiah knew God was on his side. God is on your side too.”

In the New Testament there is improvement with it being clearly stated that Jesus came to save people “from their sins.” However, the lesson from Jesus’ baptism is “God’s power shows through Jesus. God’s power works in your life too.”

If you are looking, as I am, for resources to help your children grasp the overall story of God’s work of salvation, to grasp the heart of the Bible’s message, to point them to their need for Christ, this is not a great resource.

The next step up book, The Story for Children, a Storybook Bible looks to be much better- I noticed the fall is clearly dealt with. I have not had the opportunity to read more of it yet, though. I will plan to post more on it in the future.

Athanasius Book Giveaway

2011-09-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

As a follow up to my post commending Simonetta Carr’s book, Athanasius, I also have a copy of the book to give away to an interested reader. This is a great book which will be good for families and libraries.

You can be entered in the drawing in two ways. If you leave a comment on this post you will be entered once. If you pass along word about this post by linking it at your blog, retweeting it, or sharing it on Facebook you will be entered twice (send me the link or “@mention” me in the tweet so I will know).

From the names entered I will draw a winner next Wednesday, Oct 5.

Athanasius, by Simonetta Carr

2011-09-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

Athanasius, by Simonetta Carr

Christian Biographies for Young Readers series

(Reformation Heritage Books, 2011), hb., 61 pp.

Ages 8-15

This is the third book in this series by Simonetta Carr which I have commented on. This series is becoming a “go to” spot for biographies of great leaders in Christian history. (I also commented previously on another children’s biography of Athanasius that was not as compelling)

This is an engaging, nicely illustrated biography of Athanasius. It explains the world into which Athanasius was born where Christians were severely persecuted until Athanasius’ teenage years when Constantine ended the persecution. Carr also discusses the conflict with Arius, the political maneuverings which led to Athanasius’ exiles. The book is especially good in making clear that the theological disputes of the time were not mere hair splitting. Carr makes clear that Athanasius labored and suffered to defend the gospel for the good of souls. This is a great book for introducing young readers to this important pastor and to the important theological issue of the day- the full deity and humanity of Christ.

The heart of the book is nicely captured in this compelling book trailer:

Since many in our churches do not have a good grasp of church history this book and trailer could be very useful to many.

I warmly commend this book to you.
(A nice product description and table of contents can be found here)

Through My Eyes, Tim Tebow

2011-08-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Through My Eyes, Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker

(Harper Collins, 2011), hb., 260 pp.

Ages 10+

My boys and I really enjoyed reading this book. It is different from the others books we typically read since it is a contemporary autobiography, but it was very beneficial. We had already been drawn into the Tim Tebow story as we had watched his college career and his clear Christian witness. When I met and served with his father, Bob Tebow, and learned more about his family we were only drawn more to Tebow. This is a genuine young man with a solid Christian family.

So, when we saw this book I thought I’d give it a try for our reading together. We were not disappointed. The book was entertaining and exciting. The stories of his adventures and mishaps with his brothers growing up were fun and familiar! The stories of his competiveness- especially of his 300+ culrs to win a contest leaving him unable to straighten out his arms for days!- were fun and challenging. Throughout the book Tebow held up faith in God, the importance of family, hard work and perseverance, and our responsibility to help others, especially those in need. He speaks of his accomplishments without bragging and is honest about his own shortcomings. In the end I was glad for my boys to hear this story and example of hard work and commitment to God. It provided a current example of many of the characteristics we have read and talked about elsewhere.

I have suggested roughly the age 10 or above for the book since that is probably about the time the details of football games, etc. will be of particular interest. The only thing that arose which was more tricky with my younger guys was the incident where the reporter asked Tebow if he was saving himself for marriage. Tebow addresses the issue but does so very tactfully. Still, it simply did not make sense to some of my younger boys who have no idea what he was talking about. If I knew of it ahead of time I would simply have skipped that portion for reading aloud, so I mention it to you in case that is of help.

We commend the book to you, and even though we are die-hard Packer fans we will be pulling for the Broncos as well when Tim Tebow is on the field.

Squire Boone Biography

2011-06-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

The Incredible Adventures of Daniel Boone's Kid Brother, Squire, by Fred Conway

(FBH Publishers, 1994), pb., 111 pp.

Ages 9+

This is a fun book full of adventure as well as historical information. Most kids know about Daniel Boone, but few have heard of his brother, Squire. Conway does a good job in telling the narrative of Squire’s life capturing the key historical events and the spirit of adventure.

I had heard of Squire but had no idea of his historical significance. I had not known that Squire after his conversion became a Baptist preacher of Reformed convictions. As an older man he carved into the foundation stones of the grist mill he and his sons built:

I set and sing my soul’s salvation and

Bless the God of my creation

My God my life hath much befriended

I’ll praise him til my days are ended.

In addition to being a key pioneer, settler and founder of forts and towns, Squire also served as delegate to the first legislature of Kentucky (1775), state representative, signatory of Virginia’s ratification of the Constitution (Kentucky was then part of Virginia), performed the first recorded wedding west of the Appalachians, delivered the first church sermon in Louisville, and built the first Baptist church in Indiana. Not bad!

The book concludes with very informative appendices noting historic locations and parks commemorating Squire Boone which can be visited today.

This is a useful, informative and enjoyable little book and we commend it to you.

The Bible- Gospel or Moralisms

2011-06-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

While reading on the King James I recently found an interesting quote from Bruno Bettelheim’s book, The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales (Alfred A. Knopf, 1976). The portion cited was the following:

“As long as parents fully believed that Biblical stories solved the riddle of our existence and its purpose, it was easy to make a child feel secure. The Bible was felt to contain the answers to all pressing questions: the Bible told man all he needed to know to understand the world, how it came into being, and how to behave in it. In the Western world the Bible also provided prototypes for man’s imagination.”

This caught my attention as I agreed with its point, and I was intrigued that it arose in a book on the value of fairy tales (the value of which I have also commended several times at here). However, once I found a copy of Bettelheim’s book, I discovered the rest of the quotation. Immediately following the portion cited above was this:

But rich as the Bible is in stories, not even during the most religious of times were these stories sufficient for meeting all the psychic needs of man.
Part of the reason for this is that while the Old and New Testaments and the histories of the saints provided answers to the crucial questions of how to live the good life, they did not offer solutions for the problems posed by the dark sides of our personalities. The Biblical stories suggest essentially only one solution for the asocial aspects of the unconscious: repression of these (unacceptable) strivings. But children, not having their ids in conscious control, need stories which permit at least fantasy satisfaction of these ‘bad’ tendencies, and specific models for their sublimation.
Explicitly and implicitly, the Bible tells of God’s demands on man. While we are told that there is greater rejoicing about a sinner who reformed than about the man who never erred, the message is still that we ought to live the good life, and not, for example, take cruel revenge on those whom we hate. As the story of Cain and Able shows, there is no sympathy in the Bible for the agonies of sibling rivalry – only a warning that acting upon it has devastating consequences.
But what a child needs most, when beset by jealously of his sibling, is the permission to feel that what he experiences is justified by the situation he is in. To bear up under the pangs of his envy, the child needs to be encouraged to engage in fantasies of getting even someday; then he will be able to manage at the moment, because of the conviction that the future will set things aright. Most of all, the child wants support of his still very tenuous belief that through growing up, working hard, and maturing he will one day be the victorious one. If his present sufferings will be rewarded in the future, he need not act on his jealousy of the moment, the way Cain did.” (52)

This is a very significant comment which possesses real insight while also betraying a sadly common misconception about the Bible- a misconception found not just in the culture in general but in the church as well.

The major problem is that the author sees the Bible simply as demands for good behavior, in story and precept. The Bible is simply a set of morals. Sadly, this is often how it is preached. And, if this is how you see the Bible, it is certainly not “sufficient for meeting all the psychic needs of man.” But the author, and far too many preachers, misses the Gospel which is the center of the Biblical story! Yes, God’s demands and the negative consequences of disobedience are made clear. But the recurring theme is God’s rescue and redemption of His failing people. The Bible’s answer for “asocial” behavior and feelings is not “repression” but redemption. This is the point of the cross which is the center of the Biblical story.

Bettelheim is on to something when he states children- and adults as well- need to be assured that things will be made right someday. The key to endurance is the hope that the wrongs endured now will be made right and that injustices will be dealt with. However, Bettleheim points us simply to fantasies of getting even ourselves. The gospel points us to the resurrection where our sufferings will be removed and justice will be vindicated, not by our own getting even but by God’s intervention. This, then, is not simply fantasy but a real promise and a steady ground for hope.

As we read and teach the Bible to our children we must make sure that we do not stop simply with call to proper behavior but we get to the central point of grace which pardons and empowers (e.g. Titus 2:11-14). We must also regularly point our children to the hope of the resurrection which grounds our perseverance (1 Cor 15:58).

Portrait of a Faithful Father

2011-03-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

The book of Fourth Maccabees (a Jewish book from around the time of Jesus) gives a powerful portrait of a faithful father. In context, the mother of sons who had died for allegiance to their faith, reflects on her husband’s work in training their sons:

A happy man was he, who lived out his life with good children, and did not have the grief of bereavement. While he was still with you, he taught you the law and the prophets. He read to you about Abel slain by Cain, and Isaac who was offered as a burnt offering, and of Joseph in prison.He told you of the zeal of Phineas, and he taught you about Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael in the fire. He praised Daniel in the den of the lions and blessed him. He reminded you of the scripture of Isaiah, which says, `Even though you go through the fire, the flame shall not consume you.' He sang to you songs of the psalmist David, who said, `Many are the afflictions of the righteous.' He recounted to you Solomon's proverb, `There is a tree of life for those who do his will.' He confirmed the saying of Ezekiel, `Shall these dry bones live?' For he did not forget to teach you the song that Moses taught, which says, `I kill and I make alive: this is your life and the length of your days.'" (4 Maccabees 18:9b-19)

Fathers, let us teach the Scriptures to and sing the Psalms with our families, leading them to trust in God that they might live and die faithfully. (Ephesians 6:4).

Dragons, Stories and Your Children

2011-03-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying Michael O’Brien’s book, A Landscape With Dragons: The Battle for Your Child's Mind. The opening portion provides a good description of the role of stories in moral formation, particularly distinguishing good and bad and facing the real fears of the world.

His overview of how Christianity shaped the patterns of older stories but this shaping influence has largely given way to the influence of paganism is very helpful for parents in thinking about books for their children. He argues that fear of “monsters” is not something to be ridiculed; rather, “It is a wise parent who recognizes the first awakenings of these mute dreads as the first buds of a spiritual faculty” (19). His own account of how his mother dealt with the fears of his childish fears is inspiring and instructive.

I have not completed the book, but his arguments thus far have much in common with those of C. S. Lewis (commented on previously here and here)

Here are a few more good quotes:

I want them to read plenty of stories in which there are dragons that act like dragons and meet a dragon’s end. (33)
Their interior life had need of the tales that inform them of their danger and instruct them at deep levels about the tactics of their enemy. It is good that our children fear dragons, for in the fearing, they can learn to overcome fear with courage. Dragons cannot be tamed, and it is fatal to enter into dialogue with them. The old stories have taught our children this. (33)
The imagination must be fed good food, or it will become the haunt of monsters. (33)

Encouraging Boys to Manhood

2011-02-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

We really enjoy using Veritas Press’ Omnibus curriculum in our homeschooling of our older boys. Good books are suggested (though we don’t read every book listed) and the accompanying study guides with questions are very helpful. My boys are currently reading G. A. Henty’s Winning His Spurs - A Tale of the Crusades, and I especially appreciated the opening paragraph of the study guide which is pasted in below:

Jonathan Edwards entered Yale College at age thirteen and graduated at age seventeen. He served as a minister at age nineteen, and after returning to Yale at age twenty he passed the examination for a Master of Arts degree. In an age characterized by a lowering of expectations and standards, we marvel at such maturity and responsibility. There was a time, however, when a boy was expected to behave like a man at age thirteen. There was a time when a thirteen-year-old boy was expected to be skilled at something other than playing video games. Unfortunately, we live in an age characterized by low expectations for our youth. We rarely envision our teenage boys taking on such responsibilities or taking up five small stones and slaying a giant.
Winning His Spurs takes us back to a time when a young boy was challenged to behave like a man. We are encouraged to rethink the expectations we have of our youth. As we observe the life of Cuthbert, the main character, we get a glimpse of the bravery and courage that a young boy can have. As we enter into the events surrounding the crusade to recapture the Holy Land, we see the action through the eyes of a valiant boy, and we are forced to reexamine our own lives. If we view literature and history as an opportunity to explore our own hearts, Winning His Spurs is a call for men to stand up and face life’s challenges with renewed vigor and courage.

Kingdom's Hope

2011-02-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

Kingdom's Hope (Kingdom, Book 2)by Chuck Black
(Multnomah, 2006), ages 7+
Audio by Oasis Audio

On a recent trip we listened to this book straight through. My oldest son (age 14) had read the first book in this series and was not terribly impressed. However, we all really enjoyed this one and are eager to get the audio for the rest of the series.

The story is a retelling of a majority of the Bible’s story line set in a world of knights and castles. The setting provides opportunity for battles, good adventure, references to chivalry, honor and nobility. Then, I was impressed with how faithfully the key elements of the Bible story were presented with proper nuance.

Black compresses the time of the judges to the Exile and Restoration into one man’s lifetime. Some might object that this would necessarily distort the story. However, we must be clear about what to expect of a fantasy re-presentation of such a story. For a straight retelling we look to Bible story books. Books like Chuck Black’s are intended to give us another angle on these biblical truths. By compressing the story into ne lifetime readers can appreciate the overall unity of the story- something often missed in churches today. The repeated rebellion of God’s people, the utter futility of our attempts at reform and our great need of Divine rescue are all the more apparent. And the way in which he wove together the stories of the judges, Saul, Daniel and others, I thought, was very well done.
The audio dramatization was nicely done as well. There were places where it was a bit over done, and the sound for running horses made my boys laugh, but that was all part of the fun of listening. We warmly commend this book as a fun way to listen together as a family while also hearing the great story line of the Bible in a fresh way.

Bunyan on the Disobedient Child

2011-01-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

Andy Naselli recently posted this poem by John Bunyan which I appreciated and thought appropriate for this blog. I hope you appreciate it as well.

Upon the Disobedient Child [pp. 761–62]

Children become, while little, our delights!
When they grow bigger, they begin to fright’s.
Their sinful nature prompts them to rebel,
And to delight in paths that lead to hell.
Their parents’ love and care they overlook,
As if relation had them quite forsook.
They take the counsels of the wanton’s, rather
Than the most grave instructions of a father.
They reckon parents ought to do for them,
Though they the fifth commandment do contemn;
They snap and snarl if parents them control,
Though but in things most hurtful to the soul.
They reckon they are masters, and that we
Who parents are, should to them subject be!
If parents fain would have a hand in choosing,
The children have a heart will in refusing.
They’ll by wrong doings, under parents gather,
And say it is no sin to rob a father.
They’ll jostle parents out of place and power,
They’ll make themselves the head, and them devour.
How many children, by becoming head,
Have brought their parents to a piece of bread!
Thus they who, at the first, were parents joy,
Turn that to bitterness, themselves destroy.
But, wretched child, how canst thou thus requite
Thy aged parents, for that great delight
They took in thee, when thou, as helpless, lay
In their indulgent bosoms day by day?
Thy mother, long before she brought thee forth,
Took care thou shouldst want neither food nor cloth.
Thy father glad was at his very heart,
Had he to thee a portion to impart.
Comfort they promised themselves in thee,
But thou, it seems, to them a grief wilt be.
How oft, how willingly brake they their sleep,
If thou, their bantling, didst but winch or weep.
Their love to thee was such they could have giv’n,
That thou mightst live, almost their part of heav’n.
But now, behold how they rewarded are!
For their indulgent love and tender care;
All is forgot, this love he doth despise.
They brought this bird up to pick out their eyes.

- John Bunyan. “A Book for Boys and Girls: or, Temporal Things Spiritualized.” Pages 746–62 in vol. 3 of The Works of John Bunyan. Edited by George Offor. 3 vols. London: Blackie and Son, 1853.

Two Kind of Men

2011-01-18T21:26:00.001-08:00

We are still enjoying Little Britches. It is a mixed bag with various weaknesses, including fairly frequent profanity (which I edit out). However, when it is good it is various good, particularly in the interaction between the main character boy and his father. In what we read this evening the boy has been told only fools work with their hands and others are owed a living. When he shares this with his father as they are milking the cows, the father, who doesn’t typically say much, says:

“Son … There are only two kinds of men in this world. Honest men and dishonest me. There are black men and white men and yellow men and red men, but nothing counts except whether they’re honest men or dishonest men.
“Some men work almost entirely with their brains; some almost entirely with their hands; though most of us have to use both. But we all fall into one of the two classes- honest and dishonest.
“Any man who says the world owes him a living is dishonest. The same God that made you and me made this earth. And He planned it so that it would yield every single thing that the people on it need. But he was careful to plan it so that it would only yield up its wealth in exchange for the labor of man. Any man who tries to share in that wealth without contributing the work of his brain or his hands is dishonest.
“Son, this is a long sermon for a boy of your age, but I want so much for you to be an honest man that I had to explain it to you.”

That is a good word. The son reflects,

“I wish I knew how Father was able to say things so as to make you remember every word of it. If I could remember everything the way I remember the things Father told me, maybe I could be as smart a man as he was.” (177)

This is a good portrait of father son interaction reminiscent of Proverbs (cf. 3:1).

Character in Little Britches

2011-01-05T20:56:00.001-08:00

At the encouragement of several friends I have begun reading Ralph Moody's Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers which was first published in 1950.

We are already enjoying many humorous parts. Tonight there was also a good lesson. The main character, an eight year old boy, lied to his mother in order to cover himself and to get to try something with their horse. Things went bad and in the end his lie was exposed. His father's comments are well stated:

"Son, there is no question but what the thing you have done today deserves severe punishment. You might have killed yourself or the horse, but much worse than that, you have injured your own character. A man's character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn't do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth." (41)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Van Nestes

May the peace of Christ be with you.

Dickens, The Life of Our Lord

2010-12-22T21:37:00.000-08:00

The Life of Our Lord, Written for His Children, Charles Dickens
(Simon and Schuster, 1934), hb., 128 pp.
Ages 5+

A few years ago I stumbled across a first edition copy of this book which Dickens wrote from 1846 to 1849 for his own children and was only allowed to be published after his last child died. I respect Dickens’ writings and had often heard of his faith in Christ and this book so I was interested to read it. Finally this year I decided to read at least the first part (the birth of Christ) to my boys as we approached Christmas. However, it was really a disappointment.

In fairness Dickens never intended this for public consumption. He is writing for children in another setting, so we might look for different emphases or clarifications. It would be easy to nit pick. However, my concern is deeper. The gospel is conspicuously missing and the portrait of Christ is too small.

In the announcement of the angel to the shepherds, Luke records the angel as saying:

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 1:11)

Dickens paraphrases it this way:

“There is a child born to-day in the city of Bethlehem near here, who will grow up so good that God will love Him as His own Son; and He will teach men to love one another, and not to quarrel and hurt one another” (13)

The wise men show up and tell Herod they are searching for a child who “will live to be a man whom all people will love” (14). Why Herod would want to kill such a child, makes little sense since any reference to Jesus as a King is missing. The skipping of references to Jesus as God and Savior were clear enough that my older boys began to ask if the author believed in the biblical Jesus. In the rest of the book Dickens affirmed Christ’s deity, but I don’t know why this section was written so poorly.

In the rest of the book, the gospel seems to be reduced to being nice and earning God’s favor. In the summarizing the Christian hope, Dickens says early Christians endured much “for they knew that if they did their duty, they would go to heaven” (123-24). He summarizes Christianity as “TO GOOD, always”, to love our neighbors, to be merciful, gentle, etc. Then, if we remember the life and lessons of Jesus and “try to act up to them, we may confidently hope that God will forgive us our sins and mistakes” (124). Faith is not mentioned and grace is hard to find here.

The book closes with two prayers for his children. One excerpt from the evening prayer is particularly alarming.

“Make me kind to my nurses …and never let me be cruel to any dumb creatures, for if I am cruel to anything, even to a poor little fly, God who is so good, will never love me” (128).

I am all for being clear on our inability to live up to God’s standard, but that must be followed by the “good news” that God has made a way for our sins to be forgiven or there is no gospel.

In the end, I sincerely hope Dickens believed better than he wrote here. But, you can safely skip this book. It will not be any help in explaining the Scriptures to your children.

The Guardians of Ga’Hoole

2010-12-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

The Guardians of Ga'hoole:The Capture , Kathryn Lasky
(Scholastic, 2003), pb., 222 pp.
Ages 8-16

We had heard good things about the movie “Legend of the Guardians”, but we had not yet seen it. Then this week in our local bookstore one of my boys found this book and we realized the movie came from these books. This piqued our interest so we bought the book and read it this week.

In keeping with what we had heard about the movie, the book has good adventure along with themes of nobility, courage, sacrifice, family, honor and freedom. It is not up to Douglas Bond or even Brian Jacques’ Redwall series, but it is a good story with these great themes. It was a lot like some of the stories from the 70’s and 80’s where the bad guys are trying to take over by brainwashing and removing individual thought and freedom.

What I liked most about the story was the place of “the old stories” in it. The main character was taught the legends of old as a “child” and they captured his imagination, even though his brother scoffed at them. Then, it was these stories which gave him hope in his captivity and even enabled him to resist the brainwashing. These stories inspired hope leading to his escape. If you have read much of this blog, you will know that this theme resonates deeply with me! The main character even mentioned learning the Psalms in connection with these old stories (the author is Jewish).

However, I can’t recommend the book without reservation due to its use of language. There were a number of places where there was harsh language between siblings, and a common phrase which was a play off using the Lord’s name in vain. Then, in a good battle scene one of the “good guys”, in his war cry includes these comments: “Then I’m gonna punch you in the gut! Then you’re gonna wind up on your butt! …[and] I’m gonna send you straight to hell.”

The previous parts were primarily immature and below what I want to encourage. However, the comment on sending the enemy to hell trivializes a terrible, serious reality.

So, this is a story with some strengths. In a day when so many stories have very little of value, I really appreciate one with a sense of honor and appreciation of the place of “the deeds of old.” This story does not entirely rise above the current milieu due to its language, however. So, parents be aware. You can choose to use it with your children and edit these portions.

The Value of Tales

2010-12-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

My boys have just finished reading Howard Pyle’s The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood and we have had a great time of it! It is a great story open to the discussion of many valuable points. I plan to comment more on this later, but here I simply reproduce s section of Pyle’s opening which is a nice defense of the value of tales like this. This is a fun call to enjoy a simple tale:

You who so plod amid serious things that you feel it shame to give yourself up even for a few short moments to mirth and joyousness in the land of Fancy; you who think that life hath nought to do with innocent laughter that can harm no one; these pages are not for you. Clap to the leaves and go no farther than this, for I tell you plainly that if you go farther you will be scandalized by seeing good, sober folks of real history so frisk and caper in gay colors and motley that you would not know them but for the names tagged to them. ....

Here you will find a hundred dull, sober, jogging places, all tricked out with flowers and what not, till no one would know them in their fanciful dress. And here is a country bearing a well-known name, wherein no chill mists press upon our spirits, and no rain falls but what rolls off our backs like April showers off the backs of sleek drakes; where flowers bloom forever and birds are always singing; where every fellow hath a merry catch as he travels the roads, and ale and beer and wine (such as muddle no wits) flow like water in a brook.

This country is not Fairyland. What is it? 'Tis the land of Fancy, and is of that pleasant kind that, when you tire of it—whisk!—you clap the leaves of this book together and 'tis gone, and you are ready for everyday life, with no harm done.

And now I lift the curtain that hangs between here and No-man's-land. Will you come with me, sweet Reader? I thank you. Give me your hand.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

2010-12-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever¸ Barbara Robinson
(Tyndale House, 1972), pb., 80pp.
Ages 5+

It has become a bit of a tradition in our house for Tammie to read this book to the kids at Christmas- and she reads it well! Even after several readings she laughs almost uncontrollably at several points and cries at the conclusion.

It really is a well-written, fun, touching little story about looking afresh at the reality of the Christmas story. The “worst kids in town,” the Herdmans, get into the church’s Christmas pageant and discover the power of this story while some of the regular church members can’t see past their preconceived notions.

The Herdmans do use the Lord's name in vain in a couple of places. We just edit these on the go.
This is a nice one to enjoy and benefit from.

Faithfulness Under Fire Video

2010-11-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

William Boekestein, author of the book Faithfulness under fire which I commended in the previous post, shared in the comments section the link for a video on the book, and i thought it was so nicely done it ought to be posted here for everyone to see. Thanks for passing this along, Bill, and for taking time to write this book for kids.

Faithfulness Under Fire

2010-11-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido de Bres, by William Boekestein

(Reformation Heritage Books, 2010), hb., 32 pp.

Ages 4+

This is a nicely done, brief biography of the author of the Belgic Confession. Christians tend to be unaware of church history, and, even when we have some awareness, the Reformation beyond Luther and Calvin is typically a significant gap.

Guido de Bres (1522-1567) studied under Calvin and Beza and was a key Reformation leader in Belgium. His Belgic Confession remains one of the doctrinal standards of many of the Reformed churches today. This little book relates his discovery of the Scripture, his ministry under persecution and his eventual martyrdom. This book is simple and straightforward and is a good resource for introducing young children to a key church leader and the reality of people suffering for the faith.

Thanksgiving with the Family

2010-11-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

We have done various things as a family to mark Thanksgiving. One key thing each year is to have a time for each family member to reflect on ways God has blessed us and particular things for which each one is thankful. It can be a challenge to get little ones focused but it is well worth it.

This year, following a suggestion from Doug Phillips, we read chapter 4 from William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation where Bradford described the deliberation the Pilgrims on whether or not to leave Holland. The chapter is only five pages long but is a moving description of the challenges facing this group and their decision to risk great things trusting in a great God. It is moving to hear the potential challenges they faced from their own perspective. Fear was a great obstacle to overcome, and these people are powerful examples of gospel courage:

“though many desired to enjoy the ordinances of God in their purity &the liberty of the gospel, yet, alas, they preferred to submit to bondage, with danger to their conscience, rather than endure these privations.”

It was good as a family, also, to read of their concern for their children to continue in the faith. I also appreciated their long term vision of “planting the gospel” in America. They acknowledged they would not accomplish everything in their lifetime but they looked to the future.

This text was inspiring to me so I share it with you. Happy Thanksgiving, and may we pass on such faith, courage, and long term vision to those behind us.

Teddy Roosevelt, Perseverance & “The American Boy”

2010-10-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Roosevelt’s essay, “The American Boy,” has some good wisdom for boys growing into manhood, and I have enjoyed reading it to my boys. This excerpt underlines the importance of perseverance.

Perhaps there is no more important component of character than steadfast resolution. The boy who is going to make a great man, or is going to count in any way in after life, must make up his mind not merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand repulses or defeats. He may be able to wrest success along the lines on which he originally started. He may have to try something entirely new. On the one hand, he must not be volatile and irresolute, and, on the other hand, he must not fear to try a new line because he has failed in another.

Teddy Roosevelt on Reading to His Boys

2010-10-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

In a letter to one son, Teddy Roosevelt mentions that while his wife is away he is doing the nightly reading to the younger boys. His description of their time together is a good encouragement to us today to read our children.

“Each night I spend about three-quarters of an hour reading to them. I first of all read some book like Algonquin Indian Tales, or the poetry of Scott or Macaulay. Once I read them Jim Bludsoe, which perfectly enthralled them and made Quentin ask me at least a hundred questions …. I have also been reading them each evening from the Bible. It has been the story of Saul, David and Jonathan. They have been so interested that several times I have had to read them more than one chapter. Then each says his prayers and repeats the hymn he is learning …. Each finally got one hymn perfect, whereupon in accordance with previous instructions from mother I presented each of them with a five-cent piece.”

Cited in The Letters and Lessons of Teddy Roosevelt for His Sons, ed. Doug Phillips

Spence, “How to Raise Boys Who Read”

2010-09-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Thomas Spence, President of Spence Publishing Company, has written a very good article for the Wall Street Journal titled, “How to Raise Boys Who Read.” Spence is the father of 6 boys and as the father of 5 boys myself I concur with his arguments.

Spence takes on the trend of “meeting boys where they are” by giving them gross books to read (I was not even aware of how low some of this has gone). He appropriately cites Plate, Aristotle, and C. S. Lewis as exemplars of a long tradition which understood education not merely as the accumulation of facts but as the training of certain kinds of people with the ability to love what is good and hate what is bad. In summarizing this section Spence writes:

One obvious problem with the SweetFarts philosophy of education is that it is more suited to producing a generation of barbarians and morons than to raising the sort of men who make good husbands, fathers and professionals. If you keep meeting a boy where he is, he doesn't go very far.

Then, if appealing to boys’ interest in gross things is not the way to get them to read, what is the answer? Spence cites studies and then gives this basic, commons sense answer:

The secret to raising boys who read, I submit, is pretty simple—keep electronic media, especially video games and recreational Internet, under control (that is to say, almost completely absent). Then fill your shelves with good books.

Amen! It may be difficult but it is our job as parents and it is worthwhile.

Spence closes with this:

Most importantly, a boy raised on great literature is more likely to grow up to think, to speak, and to write like a civilized man. Whom would you prefer to have shaped the boyhood imagination of your daughter's husband—Raymond Bean [author of SweetFarts] or Robert Louis Stevenson?

I encourage you to read the full article.

Church Father on Childhood Learning

2010-09-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

“what we learn in childhood adheres to the mind and grows with it”

- Irenaeus, 2d century bishop of Lyons (cited in Eusebius: The Church History, trans Paul Maier)

Lives of Famous Romans

2010-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lives of Famous Romans, by Olivia Coolidge

(1965; reprinted 2007, American Home School Publishing), pb., 221 pp.
Ages 11+

This book gives an overview of the lives of twelve key men in the history of Rome beginning with Cicero and ending with Constantine. I like the idea of the book, but was not thrilled with the execution. It was dull though still a little breezy. If we are going to press on through a less than exciting account, we will do that with a classic source. Secondary retellings will have to be more engaging and helpful, or they serve little purpose.

The Story of Roland

2010-08-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Story of Roland (Classic Reprint), by James Baldwin
(Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1897; reprinted by Forgotten Books), pb., 415 pp,
Ages 9+

This is a wonderful 19th century book in facsimile form. As a facsimile there are places where some letters are hard to read. I have seen re-typed versions of the book also available. I kind of like the facsimile look, and this edition has a nicer cover. :)

In this book James Baldwin, famed author and editor of children’s books, especially old myths and legends, weaves into one flowing story the various legends and stories about Roland, the hero knight of France in the days of Charlemagne. For those who will read or study “The Song of Roland” this is a great help in getting the broader story in an understandable way. I am grateful to Kevin Vailes for pointing us to this book.

At over 400 pages this is a long book but we enjoyed it. Simply the language itself was enjoyable. Baldwin wrote well in a grand style reminiscent of the King James Bible (including the use of thee, thou, and inflected verbs ending in –eth). He is not flowery but uses his words well. This made the reading a vocabulary building exercise as well as I would stop to ask my boys if they knew certain words and then explain. At other times I did not know certain words and I would look them up so that we all learned.

The story is full of adventure and noble themes. The account of boyhood friendship in the first “Adventure” (the term used rather than “chapters”) was stirring. It was refreshing coming from an error which understood honor and had no reservations about masculinity or deep friendships between men. There are great examples of courage and character as well as examples of the fall of the wicked.

There are also odd sections and things to critique in the story, which is also instructive. Probably representative of the times, there is an amazing level of syncretism in the realm of Charlemagne. They clearly consider themselves Christian and yet employ the services of a wizard who calls upon the forces of darkness. The story shows no qualm about this, so it was a good point to see that my audience noticed the problem. The idea of Christianity advancing by military force against the “Saracen foe” is also assumed, as well as the propriety of conquering anyone you can. This again was an opportunity for critiquing the worldview found here.

So I would commend this book to an audience a bit older, who will enjoy the adventure and nobility and also be ready to discuss the areas of weakness. Also, I think hearing/reading good writing like this helps to shape good writing.

Fathers Praying for their Children

2010-08-26T10:22:00.001-07:00

Brian Croft, at his excellent blog on pastoral ministry, recently commented on the value of fathers praying for their children. He cited the testimony given by one young man.

I share it that you also might be encouraged in this regular valuable exercise.

I came from a Christian home where I was taught to love the Lord at very early age. One of my fondest memories as a young boy was having my father pray for me at bedtime. Each night he would pray: “Father in heaven, I pray for my son—That you would bless him and keep him, and give him a good night’s sleep. I pray that he would grow to be a just and upright man, and that he would never know a day without you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.” I remember one night at about age 9, my dad bent down to kiss me after praying and noticed that my eyes were tearful. He asked, “Why are you crying, son?” And I answered, “Because I’m happy…” Little did my father know that the Lord was dealing with me in His own peculiar way. For some time, my soul had been restless because of sin in my life and my need to be forgiven. That night, when my father prayed the words, “that he would never know a day without you…” I knew for the first time that I knew the Lord Jesus—and that made me very happy.

Vigen Guroian on Moral Guidance & Children

2010-08-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

In Tending the Heart of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken a Child's Moral Imagination Guroian extols the place of classic stories in shaping the moral imagination. He laments the current state of affairs stating:

“Children need guidance and moral maps and they benefit immensely with the example of adults who speak truthfully and act from moral strength.

Our society is finding it difficult to meet these needs of children. Some well-meanign educators and parents seem to want to drive the passion for moral clarity out of children rather than use it to the advantage of shaping their character. We want our children to be tolerant, and we sometimes seem to think that a too sure sense of right and wrong only produces fanatics. Perhaps we have become so resigned to flailing about in the culture’s muddy waters of moral compromise and ethical obscurantism that it is hard for us to imagine other possibilities for out children.”

Beorn the Proud

2010-07-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

Beorn the Proud, Madeleine Polland
(1961; reprinted, Bethlehem Books, 1999), pb., 185 pp.
Ages7-12

This is a story of Viking raids, Ireland and Denmark in the 9th century with an adventure centering around a boy and girl. We really like good historical fiction and have enjoyed many books from this publisher so we were excited to get back to this book which we ran out of time for the last time we went through this time period. However, this book was a disappointment.

On the positive side, the book has an explicit Christian message. The girl in the story, Ness, is an Irish Christian and she advocates the faith to her Viking captors, including Beorn, the son of the chief. The contrast of a God of love versus a god of war and slaughter is discussed, as well as the value of humility rather than arrogance. This is good. However, the Christianity discussed is fairly vague.

Negatively, the story is just not told well. At a couple of places the telling is so vague as to cause confusion for several pages before ideas were explained. There was some adventure and intrigue but it was not compellingly delivered.

So, this book is tolerable but there are plenty of others which provide a more realistic portrait of the era in a more engaging manner.

The Tower of Geburah

2010-07-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Tower of Geburah , by John White

The Archives of Anthropos Series, vol. 3

(InterVarsity, 1978), pb., 402 pp.

Ages 8+

We have just finished reading volume 3 in the Archives of Anthropos, The Tower of Geburah, by John White and we really enjoyed it. I have commented previously on our appreciation of vol 1 and vol 2.

John, the main character from the first two volumes, is now a grown man. When his nephews and niece visit one time they stumble upon a magical connection to the world of Anthropos (obvious borrowing from the Chronicles of Narnia). As in the previous stories the children have been called into Anthropos to help fight the forces of darkness. This time they work with good King Kardia (Greek for “heart”), Princess Suneidesis (Greek for “conscience”), and Lady Chocma (Hebrew for “wisdom”). The children must battle temptation, fear, and treachery in order to be faithful to Gaal (the Jesus figure) and help overcome the forces of evil.

At times we wished the book would give more information as it moved along because people, places or events at times show up with little introduction. However, we really enjoyed the action and adventure, the pictures of nobility, and our need for redemption. The point is made well that we are all in need to rescue and that Christ “receiveth sinful men” forgiving, restoring and empowering them.

Also as before many (perhaps most) of the proper names (people, things and places) are plays off Greek and Hebrew words. I am working on a document to post soon as a guide to these names. It will be preliminary (we have not yet read all six books and I am not sure on all the names yet), but I hope it will be of use to others.

Some people look down their noses at books that obviously imitate others, as this series clearly draws from and imitates C. S. Lewis, George MacDonald and J. R. R. Tolkien. I, however, disagree with such condescension. The books do not aspire to originality. Rather they provide more entertaining and edifying opportunities to engage in similar story telling. They do not rise to the level of Lewis or Tolkien, but that is no harsh criticism! We really enjoyed this book and commend it to you.

Ten P's in a Pod

2010-06-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ten P's in a Pod : A Million-Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family, by Arnold Pent III
(Vision Forum, 2007), hb., 208 pp.
Ages 8+

Though this book has been reprinted by Vision Forum it was originally self-published by the Pent family in 1965. It is a first-hand account of the Pent family (mom, dad, and eight children) as they travelled over North America singing, quoting scripture and presenting the gospel. The book was compiled from the journals of the third son of the family, Arnold Pent III, written when he was age seventeen to nineteen. Thus, it has a homey, 1950’s feel.

It is comical to hear about various situations such a family could find themselves in as they travelled often not knowing where they would stay or where their money would come from. Thus, this is a challenging narrative of faith and strong example of the leadership of a godly father. It is clear that the family was shaped by a vision coming from the father as he impressed a variety of habits on his children including regular exercise. The primary theme of the book and of the ministry of the family, though, was devotion to the Scriptures. Each family member was required to spend a specific amount of time reading the Bible each day before breakfast (), and then the family studied the Bible together for 30 minutes three times a day, after each meal. The family devotions are described as often consisting of each family member quoting a chapter of the Bible! In fact, they read the Scriptures so much that by early ages each of them could quote full chapters. One son was able to quote any verse in the New Testament. And, they did not focus on memorization. They just read the Scripture so much that it began to stick in their minds.

This was an encouraging and challenging read causing us to say we wanted to be more diligent in our own reading individually and corporately. Occasionally, the young author comes across sounding a bit proud when criticizing. However, it seems just to be understandable exuberance of a young man with a clear vision of life.

Read this with your family and be challenged to focus on the word of God.

Benjamin Franklin on Reading History

2010-06-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

“The general natural tendency of reading good history must be to fix in the minds of youth deep impressions of the beauty and usefulness of virtue of all kinds, public spirit, fortitude, etc.”

Hostage Lands

2010-06-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hostage Lands, by Douglas Bond
(P&R Publishing, 2006), pb., 234 pp.
Ages 8+

If you have read much on this blog you will know that my family & I are big fans of Douglas Bond and his books (see discussion of other Bond books). Earlier this year we finally read this one, Hostage Lands. The style and approach are recognizable from other books we have read, for example the ancient story comes to us as a modern person reads an account.

The story begins with a modern boy in Britain living near Hadrian’s Wall. This boy, Neil, is not very interested in school and does not see the value of Latin, though he picks up the language well. Along the way he discovers an ancient manuscript in Latin which he translates with the aid of his teacher. In this story we enter the world of Roman Britain, the tension between Rome and local tribes, conflicting loyalties, questions of honor and the claims of Christ vis-à-vis the claims of other authorities in our lives.
As always Bond tells a good tale with action, adventure and intrigue. He also gives you a good feel for the history and life in Roman Britain. It is a great way to learn while having fun. We warmly recommend this book.

Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

2010-06-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare
(Oxford School Shakespeare Series), pb., 160 pp.
Ages 12+

As another part of our study of literature and history around ancient Rome, my boys and I read this edition of Julius Caesar. Of course it is as much interpretation as history, but it was useful to discuss Shakespeare’s interpretation and his view of human nature.
The reading was challenging but this edition has very helpful annotations in the side margins explaining archaic phrases. The use of language, humor and powerful rhetoric were very worthwhile. I did not realize how much Shakespeare liked puns! Then the portraits of uninhibited pride (Caesar) and torn conscience (Brutus) were also striking and sources of good conversation.
I heartily commend this edition.

The Twelve Caesars

2010-06-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

The Twelve Caesars, Suetonius
(Penguin Classics, 2007), pb. 398 pp
Translated by Robert Graves, revised by James Rives
Ages 15+

My boys and I set out to read this classic piece of Roman history between 120 and 130 AD as part of our study of ancient Rome. It is a recommended part of Veritas Press’s Omnibus curriculum.

The book covers the lives of the first twelve Caesars beginning with Julius and ending with Domitian. Written at such an early date it is invaluable historically and provides some fascinating background for the New Testament since all the of the New Testament is written during the time covered here (Revelation was probably written during the reign of Domitian).

However, I stopped having my boys (ages 10, 12, 13) read this book after the first two chapters (Julius and Augustus). It is fairly difficult reading, but that is not why I stopped them. I stopped because it describes with frankness the wickedness of these men. My boys did not even know (thankfully) what all was being referred to. The book is in many ways a study of depravity, depicting what happens when men have no restraint- spiritually, legally, politically or economically- on their behavior. Cruelty, greed and sexual perversion were foremost. This behavior is not celebrated but is discussed.

So, while the book is valuable historically, parents need to be aware of what is in it, and plan accordingly. A good way to check out this book (and many other classics) is by downloading free audio of it at librivox.org.

The Ides of April

2010-05-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Ides of April, by Mary Ray
(Bethlehem Books, 1974, 1979), pb., 165 pp.
Ages 10-15

This is a well written story with a compelling murder mystery. The story is set in Rome in A.D. 62 in the reign of Nero. The main character is a slave, Hylas, whose prominent master is murdered. Since it is assumed that one of the slaves was responsible, all the slaves of the family will be executed. Hylas escaped the initial arrest and begins a desperate attempt to prove the innocence of the slaves, find the real killer and rescue his fellow slaves including his mother. Intrigue, adventure, bravery, a nobleman’s recognition of the humanity of slaves, and even Christians who are willing to risk themselves to help a stranger- all these elements are skillfully combined for a fun story which also provides some insight into the Roman world.

We all enjoyed this book and commend it to you.

Our Home is like a Little Church

2010-05-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

Having previously commended here the little book, Pastor Daddy, I am pleased to say that the new edition, Our Home is like a Little Church, has now been published by Christian Focus Publications. Previously the book was available only through Sojourn Church who produced it, so I am pleased to see it now made more widely available.

Here is the promotional blurb I wrote for the book:

This is an excellent book and I have sought to get a copy into the hands of every family at our church. It is a story about fathers leading their families at home as the pastor leads the church. The great old concept of “every father the pastor of the church meeting in his house” is portrayed here in an engaging and compelling way. The left hand pages comment on what the pastor does at church. The right hand pages then comment on how the dad does a similar thing in leading his family at home. Reading this then will urge fathers forward and give them some built-in accountability as children will look to see that the things read about are actually done! The book is simply written in a nice rhyme with nice illustrations. This little book has the potential to accomplish much good. I encourage you to get a copy for yourself and then get copies for families you could give it to.

Amazing Tales Not so Amazingly Told

2010-03-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

Amazing Tales for Making Men Out of Boys, Neil Oliver

(William Morrow, 2009), hb., 364 pp.

Ages 7+

Last year I wrote a post on this book just after purchasing the volume. I quoted the back of the book (which is what induced me to buy the book) and wrote, “How can a book that says this not be good!” Sadly, I must now write to say in answer, “They found a way.” In spite of the inspiring writing on the book cover this is not a very good book and I cannot recommend it. I like the concept but the execution was poor.

The biggest problem with the book is its total lack of a moral compass. I had seen criticism of the book along the lines that it simply gloried in men dying in combat. I dismissed the critique at the time expecting that it came from people who failed to consider the value of self-sacrifice in this way. Now, I appreciate the criticism. Without a moral compass nobility and valor are hard to distinguish. Various comments in the book demonstrate carelessness for real values apart from dying bravely. For example homosexuality among Spartan young men is discussed casually without any moral judgment. Profanity is sprinkled liberally throughout. This is not what I want to read to my boys.

Related to this, the book does not sound like it is really written to boys. Quite a bit of information is assumed and even examples used relate more to adult men. It sounds like a conversation between adult men which they imagine will resonate with boys.

Lastly, though many powerful stories were selected, the manner of retelling the stories was typically ineffective. These are great stories which ought to be powerful, but they never soared. They were like great lions that only meowed. So much more was expected so that the disappointment was great.

We do need to retell the great stories which used to be commonplace and which capture the imagination of young boys inspiring them to be men. However, manhood is not sheer recklessness. It is willingness to sacrifice for the good, an arranging of life according to a compelling moral vision which shows when it is right to fight and when it is not.

Fathers and the Nurture of Souls

2010-03-01T14:49:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I wrote a column arguing that as fathers hug their children they engage in spiritual warfare for their children. The thesis may sound overstated to some. However, two items I read in the last week have reinforced my conviction in this area.

First, a friend of mine recently shared his story of his journey through homosexuality. He mentions his abusive father, and how at age seven he rejoiced when his father died. He wrote:

I have no memories of my father or my mother ever holding me or expressing love for me. I grew up starving for love, nurture, acceptance and affirmation.

What is so striking about this is that it is so common in the experience of people struggling with homosexuality.

Second, I am reading Jim Speigel’s latest book, The Making of an Atheist (I have commented before on an earlier book of his). This is a great book which I commend to you. In one chapter Speigel interacts with the work of psychologist Paul Vitz (particularly Vitz’s book Faith of the Fatherless) who argued, through an examination of many prominent atheists, that a broken relationship with one’s father predisposes many people to reject God. Vitz does not say that a broken relationship with one’s father ensures atheism, but that it often predisposes one to atheism. Speigel comments further:

We unconsciously (and often consciously, depending on one’s worldview) conceive of God after the pattern of our earthly father. This is even encouraged in Scripture, as Jesus constantly refers to God as our “heavenly Father.” When one has a healthy father relationship and a father who is a decent moral model, then this metaphor and the psychological patterns it inspires are welcome. However, when one’s earthly father is defective, whether because of death, abandonment, or abuse, this necessarily impacts one’s thinking about God. Whether we call it psychological projection, transfer, or displacement, the lack of a good father is a handicap when it comes to faith.

Experience and observation simply confirm what the Bible teaches. Fathers, our presence, care and nurturing of our children is crucial for their souls. They will make their own choices one day, but the choices we make today shape the way they see God. Some will rebel against God in spite of godly parents. Still, we do truly wage war for their souls as we demonstrate loving care.

The Rocky Island

2010-02-22T06:05:00.000-08:00

Rocky Island and Other Stories
Revised and updated by Christopher Wright
(Bridge Publishing, 1982), pb., 105 pp.
Ages 5-10

These simple 19th century allegories have some value but mostly are lesser renditions of thems in Pilgrims Progress. In this collection of seven stories there are really two stories retold in only slightly altered ways. The call to trust Christ is made clear, so there is value but so many other books do this in such a better way. My boys tired of the book quickly because of the repetition and the lack of subtlety.

God King

2010-02-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah, Joanne Williamson

(Bethlehem Books, 2002), pb., 212 pp
Ages 8-13

Similar to Williamson’s Hittite Warrior (previously commented on), this story follows a fictional non-Israelite character as he eventually comes into a biblical story where God delivers His people. In this case the main character is an Egyptian boy who becomes pharaoh and then sees God’s deliverance of Judah and King Hezekiah from the onslaught of the Assyrians.

It is a good story with intrigue and action. The main character, Taharka (note 2Kings 19:9), is interesting and compelling. You also learn some things about Egyptian life and religion. The characters are more modern in their outlook, so it is not entirely ‘authentic,’ but it is a good, enjoyable read.

The intersection with the biblical narrative only comes late in the story. Taharka sees the power of Israel’s God as he decimates the otherwise unstoppable Assyrian horde. The names of used of the various Assyrian leaders come straight from the Bible. The book suggests the Assyrians died from an outbreak of the plague, as God’s judgment. The Bible simply says the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 of the Assyrians. How God did this is not stated, but there are improbabilities with the way this book suggests it.

In the end, we enjoyed this book and recommend it. It is not overly sophisticated, but it is enjoyable and gives a picture of Ancient Egypt as well as giving background to a biblical story.

Selfishness vs. Courage

2010-02-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

I find myself wanting to post a quote from Bob Schultz’s Boyhood and Beyond almost every day as we read through the book (see previous post). There is a wealth of wisdom here, and it stimulates good conversation. Today we read the chapter titled, “Leadership,” where he drew from the story of Ernest Schackleton, a story I have related to the boys before.

Here are two strong excerpts from his application:

“Many boys are said to be shy. Their parents explain why their son did not say thank you or hello with the excuse, “Joey is just being shy today.” The truth is that Joey is just caught up in himself. Joey thinks too much of his own feelings and thoughts to consider someone else. Joey is simply selfish.” (111)

“Do you want to be a man with courage like Shackleton? Your biggest hindrance is selfishness. The selfish are not courageous. You must become a man who thinks of others. It is not waiting for some big chance to save lives that makes a hero; a hero is made by thinking of others in everyday situations.” (113)

The Family Table and Wisdom

2010-02-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

Patrick Henry Reardon has a great article in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Touchstone titled, “Wisdom from the Family Table.” It is another great resource for parents as he discusses the important life training that takes place as families gather around their tables.

Here are two quotes:

“The quest of wisdom commences with learning how to eat. The most basic steps toward virtue are mastered at the family table. Character begins with etiquette. Teach a child how to dine like a human being, and you have gone wonderfully far in his education.”

“Indeed, I submit that the lessons learned at the family table are more fundamental to the pursuit of wisdom than those learned in the classroom. It is at meals that souls and minds are nourished, as well as bodies. It is largely from eating with the family that helpful information is conveyed and the foundational lines of character are formed.”

Imagination the Basis of Ethics, Worldview

2010-02-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

David Mills' article, "Enchanting Children: Training Up a Child Requires a Well Formed Imagination" (from Touchstone) is a great resource for parents. He deals with several issues, primarily the importance of the imagination in shaping life. He argues that the imagination shapes life more than the facts we know and that stoires are the key factor shaping our imaginations. Therefore we ought to be very diligent in guarding what stories our children take in- e.g. limit television and read them good stories. I agree wholeheartedly!

Here are some quotes.
On the importance of imagination Mills wrote:

We tend to rely, I think, too much on knowledge. Even if Johnny has memorized the Baltimore Catechism or the Westminster Confession, or even hundreds of verses of Scripture, if his imagination has been formed by the wider, secular culture, he will respond to temptations as a secularist, not as a Christian.

He will know that fornication is wrong and that intercourse is a gift reserved for marriage, but he will feel that it is a recreational activity to be enjoyed ... When he brings himself to temptation, his feelings are more likely to move him than his thoughts, and of course once he falls, his thoughts will start to change to fit his feelings.
...
Revulsion is a much better protection from the force of the passions than an intellectual understanding by itself. To feel “This is yucky” is not a final protection from sin, but it is better than thinking “This is wrong” but feeling “This is okay.” Lust offers the paradigmatic case (examples come quickly to mind), but this is true of pride, gluttony, envy, and all the rest, even sloth.

He encoourages avoiding the warped stories which cascade from the television and developing a family culture more oriented to reading. He admits this will be difficult and will set you apart as odd in comparison with others.

But it is worth the effort. Hearing his father or mother read a good story forces the child to hear and begin to imagine stories he would not necessarily read himself, and it gives you another time to talk with him about the deeper things, without being overtly religious in the way that puts off so many children.

He continues:

Good stories read seriously and with enjoyment will help form a child’s imagination, and give it a shape it will never entirely lose, no matter what the child does when he grows older. But we would be foolish to rely on stories to do more than stories can. Wise Christian parents will immerse themselves and their children ever more deeply in the life of the Church, whose worship and teaching and charity and fellowship will be the most profound creator of the Christian imagination.

There they should meet Jesus. The world in which the child knows that Jesus is present is a world he will always live by, even in reaction and even when he convinces himself that it is an illusion. The well-formed imagination is a gift that keeps on giving.

...
As St. James pointed out, even the devils believe, in the sense that they know what the reality is (James 2:19). But they cannot imagine that the reality is good. They may know of God the Father, but to them such Fatherhood feels like domination and oppression, because their imaginations are so completely corrupted. They do not hear “Thus says the Lord” as “Here is the antidote for the poison that is killing you,” but as “Down, vermin slaves.” Think of Uncle Andrew in The Magician’s Nephew, who hears Aslan’s kind words only as a threatening growl.

Temptation

2010-02-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

I am really enjoying reading Boyhood and Beyond: Practical Wisdom for Becoming a Man, by Bob Schultz, to my boys each morning as we begin school. This is an excellent book with good advice for boys about manhood presented in a down-to-earth engaging way. This morning we read the chapter titled, “Temptation.” Here’s a quote:

Temptations are invitations to do evil. Everyone receives them. Each temptation invites you to destroy your life. Every invitation to do evil, no matter how small, is designed to destroy some valuable part of you. Temptations look good, but they always contain a lie. They don’t tell all the truth. (57)

Schultz then gives a good example of a boyish temptation and the various ideas which might come to mind making it attractive. He then points out that these tempting thougth are lies and then re-presents the temptation pointing out what is actually true in each point such as:

You will feel guilty even if you don’t get caught

You will lose your good name, your parents’ confidence, etc.

What you think is funny may actually bring real pain into someone else’s life and you have not paused to think about what is going on in their life.

This is a great book which has prompted many good conversations for us- and we’re not half way though the book yet!

Value of Worship at Home

2010-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

In some of my work on Baptist theology and practice I came across this quote from Gaines Dobbins’s, The churchbook: A treasury of materials and methods (Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1951), a standard text in the 1950’s. His point applies just as well today.

“Children who have learned to worship at home will not find it difficult to worship in the church. Children from worship-less homes cannot be led easily to appreciate the meaning and the value of church worship. A mark of the decadence of our civilization is the decline of family worship. Its revival would be one of the most significant signs of spiritual recovery. The use of one of the popular aids to family devotions, with suggestions for daily Bible readings and prayer, would prove of inestimable value in the promotion of worship in the home, where the best of all training in worship may be received.” (157).

Mountain Born

2010-01-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Mountain Born, Elizabeth Yates

(Troll Books, 1943), pb., 118 pp.
Ages 5+

This book won a Newbery Honor Award in 1944, and it is well deserving of such an honor. I had known nothing about the book, but was looking for a brief simple read for us and found it on our shelves. It is a story about the love of a boy for an animal, growing up, gaining wisdom and responsibility, and realizing the brevity of life. It is nicely done.

The book portrays simple agrarian life with a family raising sheep and crops. The main character, a 7 year old boy named Peter, takes in a weak lamb from their flock and raises it as a pet. Along the way he is encouraged in growing to manhood by his father and an older worker named Benj. In his interaction with the sheep Peter learns responsibility, respect for the land and animals, the necessity of defense, the passing of time, and the value of work. Many good lessons come up in the book, including Benj’s references to the Bible.

This is not fine literature, but is wonderful children’s literature in the tradition of Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows. We warmly commend it.

Good New Year Word from Doug Phillips

2010-01-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

Doug Phillips has a really good exhortation for families concerning reflecting on the past year. Here is his introduction:

“Life moves fast. If we don’t take the time to chronicle the providences of God, we forget them. If we don’t take the time to say thank you to those who have invested in our lives, we actually cultivate a spirit of ingratitude in our own hearts. If we don’t stop and make sure that we have a spirit of forgiveness toward others, we grow bitter, we lose the capacity to move victoriously into the future, and our prayers are hindered.

Here is a little practice that I was taught and would like to share with you. Each year, during the last week of December, I would encourage you to do the following things.”

He lists and discusses three things:

1. Outline and Chronicle the Many Providences of God

2. Say ‘Thank You’ to Those Who Have Invested in Your Life

3. Forgive Those Who Have Wronged You

Good, challenging, realistic ideas. Read the whole thing.

Some Favorite Children’s Quotes from 2009

2009-12-31T13:21:00.000-08:00

Each year at this time I try to reflect over the past year using notes I have kept through the year and discussion with the family. I find it a helpful and meaningful exercise. I also find myself wishing I kept better notes through the year. This year I noticed that I recorded more direct quotes from my children. Here are some favorites from this year which do not require a lot of background to appreciate.

Abigail while looking at one of her Bible story books: “Dad, why did God have to die?”

Matthew while walking behind geese at Pickwick: “I guess geese never do get potty trained”

Matthew after spotting a snake in the pool at Pickwick: “Dad, there’s some sort of reptile in there.”

Nathan, in a discussion of the horrors of war, after a younger brother said he would just play dead in a battle: “But what about your honor!”

Abigail singing: “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy ending!”

Abigail singing: “Silent Night, Holy is come.” Pretty good theology really.

Abigail with her arms around me, to Tammie, “Mama, this is my man!’ :)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

from the Van Nestes

Jonathan Park and the Secret of the Hidden Cave

2009-12-16T19:01:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Park and the Secret of the Hidden Cave, Sandy & Pat Roy
(Master Books, 1999), pb., 110 pp.

This is a fun little story which is intended to teach some points about creationism and the biblical flood. It is not great writing. The plot is obvious and the stereotypes in the characters are so clear that even my boys were amazed. At times even the most obvious things seem to escape notice by the characters. I also found myself editing the children’s responses to their parents, wishing for more respect to be shown

Still, it was a fun read with adventure and a good tie-in with our current discussion of fossils in school. Also points were made about the value of friendship and God’s providential care. It read like a series from Adventures in Odyssey (in fact the villain seemed almost intentionally modeled after Dr. Blaggard).

.A series of radio dramas have been created as sequels to this book, but we have not heard any of them yet.

Our Favorite Advent Book

2009-12-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

It is a little late to be recommending Advent resources, but in case anyone is searching, our favorite resource continues to be Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration. We don’t really use the four main stories by the prominent authors. What we like is simply the daily Scripture readings and the two carols a week. The readings have been well selected touching many of the prophetic passages- more than are typically noticed. Reading these together provide opportunity for rich discussion. Then it is nice to sing two carols each week. Singing the same ones through the week gives enough time to learn or refresh your memory on the song and to let its truths sink in.

Many more advent books have come out in recent years and I am glad for them. Our favorite, though, is still this one.

Value of Family

2009-12-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

“When the Bible paints the picture of the happiest men on Earth with the most far-reaching impact on history, it does so in the context of family life, meal time, and the blessing of children (Psalm 127, 128). . . . Sometimes the most important thing happening in the world is the couple deciding to adopt a baby, or the child honoring his mother, or the daughter repenting to her father. Sometimes it is a little boy who waits patiently down the road for his daddy to return form work so that he can simply hold the hand of the most important man in his life. These are the moments that really matter – the ones that will count in eternity. They are the everyday victories of the Christian life that will one day fill the heart of the old man with joy as he looks back on a life well spent. That is why, when the world has passed away, and the trends of this present culture are long since forgotten, those simple acts of love, done in the name of Christ and for His sake by a mother to her child, or a brother for his sister, will retain value with the saints in eternity.”

Douglas W. Phillips, The Little Boy Down the Road: Short Stories & Essays on the Beauty of Family Life (xxi-xxii)
.

Hugging as Spiritual Warfare

2009-11-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

Last week our denominational state paper ran an artilce of mine by this title. Here is the article:

I am a hugger and come from a line of established huggers. My dad was open with his affection to me and the rest of my family. He was practically an official ‘hugger’ at our church, and I can remember him kidding about that often. I also remember well working with another man in the church on our “Fix-It Squad,” doing household chores for our widows and shut-ins. He was clearly a ‘man’s man’ and was open with his affection and forthright on the value of hugging.

So, with that background it is no surprise that hugging my own children is so common to me that I almost do not notice it. I really never paused to reflect on why I hugged them. When I think of it I realize that primarily I hug them so often because I enjoy it so. I love my children and rejoice to demonstrate that. To give and receive these tangible expressions is for me a natural habit and a great joy.

Over the last year or so, however, I have reflected more on the value of this expression of affection to my children. This was prompted by pastoral work with people who are emotionally damaged. While talking with a dear brother who was struggling deeply with homosexuality, I was struck by his comment that he had never heard his father tell him that he loved him. Another man in the same situation related how he never remembered receiving affection from his father and had practically no positive memories of times with his father. People in other situations, wrestling with different problems, when baring their souls have often referred to the lack of affection in their families.

These negative experiences do not, of course, excuse sinful behavior. But these testimonies have reminded me of the value and importance of the hugs I give my children. One evening, in the midst of a time when I was walking with a church member through some dark days of struggle with homosexuality, I was holding my infant son, hugging him and preparing to lay him down to sleep. In that moment as I prayed for him, I realized afresh, that by hugging him I was investing in his soul. I was preparing him to face the onslaught of the enemy in days ahead. Spiritual warfare is often used to refer to glamorous or even odd things. But, in the truest since, I was at that moment waging war for my boy’s soul by investing in one more incident which is building up a general sense of belonging and strong, pure affection from his father. He will not remember that hug, but all these hugs will shape the general context of his early memories. I was, in however a small way, helping him to have a paradigm for a Father who loves him and also corrects him. In that moment I was making my corrective discipline more effective by reinforcing that it comes from a context of love.

This thought has encouraged and challenged me. It has sent me forth in greater diligence in loving my family. So, fathers, let us take up our ‘arms’, wrap them around our children and wage war for their souls by embracing them.

New Book on Augustine for Children

2009-11-12T14:08:00.000-08:00

Simonetta Carr, whose book on Calvin I have commented on previously, has now completed a similar book on Augustine. It looks good I look forward to seeing it when it is relased later this month.

Hardback, 64 pages

Page size: 8 x 10 inches

Retail Price: $18.00

ISBN 978-1-60178-073-7

Here are some of the endorsements:

“A splendid way to introduce children—and adults too—to one of the most influential Christians who ever lived.”

—Phillip S. Cary, Scholar in Residence at the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University, and author of several books on Augustine

“Few figures in Western history are as important as Augustine. He is one of the early church fathers to whom the Reformers rightly looked as an inspiration for their theology and piety in many respects but he is more than that. He is an old and dear friend. Simonetta Carr has produced a clear, readable introduction to the life and work of this great Christian and our old friend.”

—R. Scott Clark, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California

“Simonetta Carr offers a sympathetic, whirlwind tour of the life, times, and beliefs of Augustine of Hippo, one of the most important and long-loved figures for Western Christianity. Maps, illustrations, timelines, and photos engage the imagination at a pace that will hold the interest of young readers.”

—Brandon and Mindy Withrow, authors of the popular church history series for children, History Lives

Horton on Home & Church

2009-11-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

I just came across this quote posted by my friend Justin Wainscott. I thought it followed well my post on the importance of stories. We parents must orient our lives and families so as to show our children that God’s story is the central realities of our lives thus showing them the way to follow.

Christian
homes and churches are the only institutions in which our children will learn to find themselves in God's story. When they are united more by the trends of pop culture than by the faith and practice of the whole church in all times and places, our youth become victims of our sloth. We should not be surprised that over half of those reared in evangelical homes and churches today do not join or even attend a church regularly when they go off to college. If we are going to see our children grow up into Christ instead of abandoning the church, our
spiritual life at home and in the church must incorporate them into the teaching and fellowship of the apostolic faith. They can find "ministry opportunities" through United Way, the Peace Corps, or Habitat for Humanity. They can find friends at the fraternity or sorority. They can find intellectual stimulation in class. And they can find a sense of meaning and purpose in their vocations. If their home churches exchanged the ministry of preaching and teaching the apostles' doctrine for a variety of ministries and activities that they could find legitimate versions of in the world, then it is difficult to come up with a reasonable answer when they ask, "Why do I need the church?"

--Michael Horton, The Gospel-Driven Life: Being Good News People in a Bad News World

The Fortifying Value of Stories

2009-11-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

I have been quite behind in posting for a number of reasons including the fact that we have been reading the Lord of the Rings books which are taking considerably longer than many others we have read! Just last night we read the following portion from The Two Towers. I am struck by how often in great stories the authors portray their characters drawing strength and wisdom from the stories they have heard since childhood (the same thing occurs in Lewis’ Narnia stories).

Stories are important for life- not just for children but adults as well. It is important to hear and learn good stories in childhood precisely so that you can draw upon them when you are grown. It is important to realize you are a part of a story and to see parallels between your story and the great stories of old. We all crave a narrative to be a part of, a plot to participate in, knowing that it is going somewhere and means something. The Biblical story gives us that, and all the great stories of human creation are great precisely because they mirror that Biblical narrative in some way.

Bolster your soul and the souls of your children by giving them good stories.

“The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for, because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of a sport, as you might say. But that's not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually — their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know, because they'd have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on — and not all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same — like old Mr. Bilbo. But those aren't always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of a tale we've fallen into?'
‘I wonder,' said Frodo. 'But I don't know. And that's the way of a real tale. Take any one that you're fond of. You may know, or guess, what kind of a tale it is, happy-ending or sad-ending, but the people in it don't know. And you don't want them to.’
'No, sir, of course not. …Why, to think of it, we're in the same tale still! It's going on. Don't the great tales never end?'
'No, they never end as tales,' said Frodo. 'But the people in them come, and go when their part's ended. Our part will end later — or sooner.' ...
[Sam speaking] Still, I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We’re in one, of course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, years and years afterwards. And people will say: "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!" And they'll say: "Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave, wasn't he, dad?" "Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that's saying a lot."

Happy Reformation Day!

2009-10-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Reformation Day! I hope you make much of this day and the truths it commemorates with you family and church this weekend. My family gathered around last night to listen to Max McLean’s wonderful rendition of Luther’s defense at Worms, “Martin Luther’s- Here I Stand” (available for free download through tomorrow!). He includes not only Luther’s speech but also sets the scene well and records Luther’s prayer before his defense. It is very well done. Older children can follow well and I was happy for younger ones to catch whatever they could. :)

One impact of the Reformation was renewed attention to the value of family life, as they recovered the truth that all of life (not just explicitly religious things) is valued by God. Luther was a key voice in trumpeting the value and importance of family and the raising of children (as I have noted previously).

Here is another great Luther quote I just came across today:

“Now since we are all duty bound to suffer death, if need be, that we might bring a single soul to God, you can see how rich the estate of marriage is in good works. God has entrusted to its bosom souls begotten of its own body, on whom it can lavish all manner of Christian works. Most certainly father and mother are apostles, bishops, and priests to their children, for it is they who make them acquainted with the gospel.”

What a wonderful ministry we parents have. Let us be faithful in it. And make the most of the opportunity which this Reformation Day gives you.

Here are some other books reviewed previously here that are useful on the Reformation:
Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World,
Reformation Heroes

I Can Read God's Word

2009-09-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

I Can Read God's Word, Phil A. Smouse
(Barbour Publishing, 2008), pb., 256 pp.
Ages 5-7

This book is a collection of Bible passages and stories nicely paraphrased for young children to read on their own. They stay pretty close to the text itself and encourage phonetic recognition. Each story/passage also has a summary with some application thoughts for parents to read with their children. The theology is not particularly deep, but this is a nice tool for early readers especially with parents guiding interpretation and application.

Richard Furman on Teaching Your Children

2009-08-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

While working on a chapter on communion I came across a circular letter written by Richard Furman in 1806. Furman was one of the leading Baptist pastors of the time, serving as pastor of First Baptist Charleston, SC, the first president of the Triennial Convention, and first president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. In this letter he had been asked to address area churches on the issue of communion. As he closed his letter, he moved from his main topic to give a closing exhortation on the parental duty to instruct your children. His words ae still pertinent today.
(Furman writes in the plural here because he writes as the representative of the pastors of the association)

Let us particularly urge attention to the state of your families, a duty which we fear is greatly neglected. The instruction of your children, and especially their religious instruction, is of the utmost importance to them and to yourselves; nor should your servants be forgotten; religious instruction should be given them with care, to bring them to an acquaintance with the holy scriptures, and the things which concern their eternal peace. That you may abound in every good word and work, and be enriched with all the blessings of grace and salvation, is the prayer of
Your affectionate Brethren in the Gospel

The Princess and Curdie

2009-08-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

The Princess and Curdie, by George Macdonald
(J. B. Lippincott, 1908), hb., 305 pp.
Ages 8+

As I have already stated in an earlier post, I think this is an excellent book and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. It will join the ranks of our favorite books (like those by Lewis, French and Bond). I was not overly impressed with the previous book, The Princess and the Goblins, but this one was wonderful in a number of ways.

The Princess and the Goblins struck me as primarily as a book for girls. I think my daughter will enjoy it (when she is a few years older) more than my boys and I did. The Princess and Curdie, however, is a great boys’ book! Curdie is the central character in this book whereas the Princess was in the last book. There is plenty of action and good “rough and tumble.” The quote I posted previously is a good illustration of this as it directly speaks to the issue of the place of fighting in a boy’s life. The book then describes some of the battles in very matter-of-fact, straightforward terms. When wicked dogs attack Curdie and the dog the grandmother sends with him (Lina), Curdie drives the point of his mattock through one dog’s skull and Lina finishes off the other. When the two owners then advance on Curdie and Lina brandishing weapons, Curdie states, “Don’t be afraid Lina. … I’ll kill one- you kill the other.” This may be too much for some, but I appreciated it as a picture of straightforward courage. Violence for its own sake is never endorsed. But when wickedness attacks, Curdie is an example of responding in a firm and measured fashion. Throughout the book, Curdie is an example of fighting wickedness.

Personal responsibility is also a key theme in the book. The chapter where Curdie and Lina first enter the King’s city struck me as a powerful commentary on contemporary society as local businessmen complain that the king (government) has not taken care of their problems. They are not willing to handle their own issues or take responsibility but expect others to care for them. The wicked servants in the palace also are lazy and sloppy. This laziness has led to dishonesty as well. When they are confronted with their sin, rather than repent they abuse the messenger. So much of the story rings true in everyday life. This- along with the lively manner of the story- made it fun to read and discuss.

There are many other great lessons illustrated in the story. Often I paused in reading to ask, “What Bible story does that remind you of?” This made for fun interaction between the story and the Bible.

Also, the language itself is wonderful. Macdonald’s English is older so some phrases would sound archaic today. Some I simply “translated” on the fly, but most of the time I read it as is because it was beautiful and gave great opportunities to ask what my boys understood and what they did not. Hopefully this has expanded their vocabulary and skills of expression as we read.

It seems that our experience with this book was similar to that of the publisher of the edition we read. In the “Publishers’ Note” at the beginning of the book this comment is made:

Few stories for children have afforded greater entertainment than “The Princess and Curdie”- moreover it has made its readers better for their acquaintance with it. Who of us is there who has had the good fortune to know it in childhood, but does not cherish its memory as one of the dearest possessions? It is one of those few perennially fresh and attractive tales that have become the classics of childhood in our language- those tales whose memories remain with us through the years.

There are numerous versions available including two online sources- Google Books and Page by Page Books. The 1908 Lippincott edition is beautiful with very nice illustrations.

Whatever form you can find it in, we heartily commend this book.

The Work of Christ Portrayed by John White

2009-08-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

We have recently finished reading Gaal the Conqueror, volume two of John White’s Archives of Anthropos series. I previously reviewed volume 1, The Sword-Bearer.

I plan to review this book soon, but in the meantime, here is an extended excerpt in which White portrays the work of Christ at the cross. I thought this section was particularly well done. I was moved reading it and could not suppress a wide smile and triumphant gesturing as I read. You probably have to read the whole thing to appreciate this section, but I will try to capture it here in excerpt. A few explanations of characters are needed. Gaal is the Christ-figure- Son of the Emperor, incarnate to redeem creation. The satan figure is here portrayed as a bull (though he changes forms often in the story). John and Eleanor are the children from our world who have been transported to Anthropos. The first Regent (from the previous volume) portrays Adam. Anthropos is inhabited by various creatures, but humans only entered the world once the Regents (Adam and Eve) came. All the humans are thus descendants of the Regents. Pontificater is a winged horse (but if you read the book he is more complicated!).

“ ‘It is true that you will kill me,’ Gaal said. ‘you were a murderer from the beginning, and you are a murderer still. But when you kill me, it will be only as a knife kills a victim, a knife in the hands of a greater executioner. We both serve the interests of a higher justice – I willingly, knowing what I do, you as a fool and a liar.’
The bull roared so suddenly that John and Eleanor both jumped. It was hard to say whether it roared with rage or with laughter.
‘Justice? What is justice? Only power matters now.’ It raised its head and shook it slowly from side to side as though it marveled at Gaal’s stupidity. ‘Even now you fail to grasp reality. You are not the victim of justice but my victim. Do you hear? My victim!’
‘Not so,’ Gaal replied quietly. ‘I am the victim of the One who must be true to himself! He is the real executioner, and his alone is the sacrifice. You are nothing more than an implement in his hand.’”
…
“ ‘Word, words, nothing but words!’ the bull bellowed. ‘Your only weapons are the words that come out of your mouth. Justice is a word – nothing more. What can words do? I have power. You die because I choose to kill you. The game is over. You are between my hoofs. I have won! Do you suppose I do not know you, Son of the Emperor? Ho, ho! The son himself’
‘You are forgetting something,’ Gaal replied quietly.
‘I never forget anything.’
‘You forget that I am also the last Regent. As the Son I do not fight with such as you. You were my servant once. But I am not only the Son.’
The bull’s eyes had narrowed to slits. It had ceased to paw the ground. ‘Well – and what of that?’ it said.
‘You deceived and defeated the first Regent!’
‘Just as I have defeated you.’
‘And so you have ruled his descendants as a tyrant.’
‘Precisely.’
‘So I have come as a Regent. I come to do what the first Regent failed to do – to overcome your tyranny and to undo what the first Regents did.’
The bull dipped its head in mock reverence. ‘And how will you do that, my Lord Last-Regent?’
‘You deceived the first Regent. You have not deceived me.’
‘But I have defeated you. What else matters?’
‘Not so. I am the last Regent, and I will give you a mortal wound. You will live for a time, and you will know you are defeated. It is not you who will defeat me. I am the one who will defeat you. I live forever.’
Then the bull roared yet more loudly, ‘Let us see!’ Lowering his head to the ground he rushed at Gaal. Gaal stood still as the black mass pummeled the ground in its race toward him. John lurched. Eleanor screamed. Suddenly the bull gored Gaal with one of his horns, tossed him high in the air and watched him disdainfully as he fell to the ground, to lie in unnatural stillness like a cursed and broken thing.
…
The bull raised its head and shook it, opening wide its throat and bellowing in triumph, ‘Now let the vultures pick at your bones! Your words were brave, but your strength was feeble. And as I have dealt with the Son, so shall I deal with the Emperor himself!”
…
[Gaal though wounded rises to finish his work by striking down the bull]
The bull had also knelt, and its head fell wearily forward. Sword in hand, Gaal surveyed it. He spoke softly but his words were clear, seeming to float through the still air to the most distant watchers with the greatest clarity. ‘Your time has come,’ he said. ‘Your power has now been broken, and death has lost its sting. For a little while you will make trouble. But your dying is now beginning.’ The bull made no sound.
Gaal placed his sword on the ground, strode to the bull and placed his right foot on the creature’s head. Then seizing the horn nearest him he tugged at it, tearing it
from the bull’s head and flinging it aside. The bull gave a roar of pain. He seized the second horn and tossed it aside too. Then he returned to Pontificater, picking up the sword which he raised above his head. Lifting his head skyward he cried with a loud voice that must have echoed among the invisible stars, ‘The task is accomplished! It is ended – done!’” (239-245)

After this Gaal does and later is resurrected. The Adam Christology, allusions to John’s gospel, and illustration of victory through suffering were great! This was a fun book to read which also was full of good theological and practical lessons.

“There are plenty of bad things that need killing”

2009-08-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

I am well behind in posting on books we have read. I hope in the next few days to at least post some quotes from some books we have recently read. For tonight, here is a good quote from The Princess and Curdie, the sequel to The Princess and the Goblins. So far this sequel, has seemed better suited to boys than the first book.

The author has mentioned that Curdie has made himself a bow and arrows and with practice has become fairly proficient. Along the way he decided to shoot a white pigeon he had been admiring. Those who have read the first book know, as Curdie should, that these white pigeons belong to and work for Princess Irene’s great-great-grandmother. Curdie shot it anyway, and then, overcome with grief, ran to the castle to see if he could find the grandmother, repent and see if the bird could be healed. The grand old Princess does heal the bird and forgive Curdie, simply requiring of Curdie that he improve his ways and never again “kill anything without a good reason for it.” Curdie in excitement over his forgiveness promises to destroy his bow and arrows right away. The Princess’s response is classic and instructive:

“No, no, Curdie. Keep them, and practice with them every day, and grow a good shot. There are plenty of bad things that want [need] killing, and a day will come when they will prove useful.”

This is the real truth, but not very often told in children’s books today. We encourage not pacifism, but restraint and wisdom. For, we know there are bad things which need destroying. I intend to raise sons who can recognize such bad things and are able and willing properly to wield destructive force when necessary.

The Sword Bearer

2009-07-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Sword Bearer, John White
The Archives of Anthropos series
(IVP, 1986), pb., 294
Ages 8 or 9+

When I was in about the fifth grade I had read the Chronicles of Narnia and was ‘hungry’ for more books in that vein. In a church library I stumbled across John White’s The Tower of Geburah. I don’t remember much of the plot now, but I remember that I loved it! I have for some time then looked for that book to read to my boys. Along the way I discovered that it was part of a six volume series. I wish I had known this as a boy. I am sure I would have read them all. The series was out of print for some time so I was delighted a couple of years ago to discover that IVP had reprinted the entire series. For my birthday this year, then, my wife and boys gave me the entire set. Since that time (March) my boys have been eager for me to begin reading them. This summer we finally had the opportunity to read this book, the first volume of the series. I was excited but also nervous or uncertain for a couple of reasons. First, I had not read this particular volume before. Second, books that seemed great as a child sometimes end up having significant flaws when you see them as a result. Nevertheless, we began the journey.

The beginning of the book really made me question it. In fact at one point (one or two days into reading) I considered not continuing. The story started slowly (which is not that unusual) but it also was weird and graphic. The description of the death of the grandmother of John (the main character) was unnecessarily graphic and creepy. I had to do some significant editing in this portion. However, we persevered and were glad we did.

John accidentally finds his way into another world (in a way similar to Narnia) which he discovers in called Anthropos. In fact he finds that the inhabitants of this world believe he is the Sword Bearer, a prophesied and long-expected person who will help to deliver them from the oppression of the Lord Lunacy and his minions. The story as it develops from this point is adventurous and compelling. My boys were engrossed and particularly liked the characters Aguila (a giant eagle) and Oso (a giant bear). These characters and others were joined in an effort to overthrow the powers of evil which were dominating their land. They were led by Mab, a powerful prophet. Mab spoke for and wielded power from the Changer, the God-figure of the story. Several times in the story people would refer to Mab as a wizard, but he would quickly correct them saying he was actually a prophet. He traffics in no secret arts but simply wields the power of the Changer as the Changer sees fit.

The author also makes intriguing plays on words for his names and titles. The allegorical points are typically clear. One fun title was certain ‘magic’ stones which could be used to request help from the Changer. They were called ‘pross’ stones, but we discover that the real name is ‘pross ecomai’ stones. That is basically a transliteration of the Greek verb for “I pray.”

As the story progresses John has to battle his own guilt and the temptations of the Lord Lunacy. He has to deal with his own pride before being willing to drink the "wine of free pardon." John’s struggles resonate clearly and provide good examples of our own struggle with sin. The story provides good examples of the folly of arrogance, stubbornness, the damaging results of sin, the power of forgiveness (as well as the humility needed to receive it), the power of God, and the privilege of playing a part in the advance of his kingdom.

Though the beginning was rough, in the end we really enjoyed this book and are already well into the second volume. It has a number of similarities with the Narnia series but is not simply an imitation. It is not as smooth as Narnia- for example there are times when the characters seem to be unnecessarily slow in figuring out a problem. However, it is a really fun story with good adventure and great illustrations of our own fight with sin, guilt and forgiveness. I think it does a good job as well in tapping into that desire to be a part of a work or fight with cosmic significance. I know my boys sense that longing and books like this help them to see that the kingdom of God is the place to invest themselves and to find such significance. And that that only comes from being made right with God.

Introduction to The Heidelberg Catechism

2009-07-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

This is a great quote on the work of teaching our children the faith. I saw this in Patrick McGill’s work on a catechism for his church. It comes from the original introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism.

“For from the beginning of the Christian church all the godly have been diligent to instruct their children in the fear of the Lord, at home, at school and in the church. They did so undoubtedly for the following reasons which shall induce us also to do the same. In the first place they rightly took into consideration the fact that unborn wickedness would get the upper hand and then pervert churches and civil governments unless it were countered in time by salutary doctrine. In the second place they had the express command of God in Exodus 12 and 13 and in Deut. 4, 6 and 11 where the Lord says, ‘and these words (the Ten Commandments) which I command you this day shall be upon your heart and you shall teach them to your children, . . . Finally, just as the children of Israel, after circumcision and as soon as they were able to understand, were instructed in the mystery of this covenant sign, and also the covenant of God, so our children too are to be instructed.”

The Princess and the Goblin

2009-07-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

The Princess and the Goblin, George Macdonald
Reprint by Wordsworth Classics
pb. 221 pp.
Ages 7+

This was our first Macdonald story to read together. That fact, combined with the estimation by many that this is his best children’s story, led to high expectations- perhaps too high. Even though C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien mention Macdonald as a great inspiration to them, I did not think this story rose to the level of Tolkien or Lewis. The book starts a bit slowly, but in the end the boys and I enjoyed it.

This is a fun tale of a young princess, goblins which conspire to capture her and a common miner boy who rescues her. Along the way Macdonald emphasizes faith in the unseen, graciousness to others, patience wit those who cannot yet believe, and strongly critiques the then common idea that nobility of spirit was only to be found in those of “noble birth.” In spite of the disappointment mentioned above this was a fun story. At various places we laughed out loud or were held in suspense by the action or intrigue. I was particularly interested in how the evil goblins were held at bay by the use of poetry. Very interesting!

There seemed to be loose ends that were never tied up so that a few things remained unclear to me. However, we would commend this book as a fun story to share.

Tolkien's Roverandom

2009-07-04T04:28:00.000-07:00

Roverandom, J. R. R. Tolkien
(Houghton Mifflin, 1998), hb.., 106 pp.
[various editions available]
Ages 7+

This is a fun story to share with your children. It is not a grand epic like Lord of the Rings but a light-hearted story Tolkien spun for his own children. The introduction in this edition is nice because it explains the setting from which this story arose. One of Tolkien’s sons lost a beloved toy dog and to help comfort him Tolkien began telling a story of a real dog who had been turned into a toy by a spell, was found by a boy and then was lost by the boy and went on adventures to the moon, the bottom of the ocean and elsewhere. It is fanciful and fun.

One of the most endearing parts of this story to me was the opportunity to see Tolkien, the father, in action. This story was not originally prepared for publication. Rather it was simply a story told to entertain and comfort his children. You can see Tolkien’s own delight in playing with words, his fascinations with old tales, his wit, critiques of issues in his day and his love for his children.

My boys enjoyed the story with me, and we commend it to you. Perhaps it will encourage you to make up stories for your family as well!

Tolkien, Read Books Above You

2009-06-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a great comment from one of J. R. R. Tolkien’s letters (written in April 1959). Tolkien is advocating reading books with more difficult books to children rather than confining the reading to easier books. Tolkien states:

“A good vocabulary is not acquired by reading books written according to some notion of the vocabulary of one’s age-group. It comes from reading books above one.” (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, cited in Roverandom, xvi).

Great point!

A Father's Wish, by Edgar Guest

2009-06-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

A Father's Wish
By Edgar Guest (in When Day Is Done)

What do I want my boy to be?
Oft is the question asked of me,
And oft I ask it of myself--
What corner, niche or post or shelf
In the great hall of life would I
Select for him to occupy?
Statesman or writer, poet, sage
Or toiler for a weekly wage,
Artist or artisan? Oh, what
Is to become his future lot?
For him I do not dare to plan;
I only hope he'll be a man.

I leave it free for him to choose
The tools of life which he shall use,
Brush, pen or chisel, lathe or wrench,
The desk of commerce or the bench,
And pray that when he makes his choice
In each day's task he shall rejoice.
I know somewhere there is a need
For him to labor and succeed;
Somewhere, if he be clean and true,
Loyal and honest through and through,
He shall be fit for any clan,
And so I hope he'll be a man.

I would not build my hope or ask
That he shall do some certain task,
Or bend his will to suit my own;
He shall select his post alone.
Life needs a thousand kinds of men,
Toilers and masters of the pen,
Doctors, mechanics, sturdy hands
To do the work which it commands,
And wheresoe'er he's pleased to go,
Honor and triumph he may know.
Therefore I must do all I can
To teach my boy to be a man.

In the Time of Noah

2009-06-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

In the Time of Noah, N. D. Wilson
Illustrated by Peter Bentley
The Old Stories Series
(Canon Press, 2007), hb., 33 pp.

This is a nicely told, well illustrated rendering of the story of Noah. Like its series counterpart The Dragon and the Garden, however, it will surprise most readers fairly quickly. The distinctiveness of this series is that the stories are told drawing from interpretations from early church authors. Here is the explanatory paragraph found tucked away with the publication data:

In the Time of Noah uses the version of the Deluge story told by many church fathers from the first several centuries after Christ. Nemesius of Emesa, Ambrose, and Clement of Alexandria are just a few. Augustine believed the giants were true giants, but were not the descendants of angelic beings. Others deny both elements of the story [giants and angelic beings fathering children with human women] and, of course, today it’s not difficult to find theologians who deny the story in its entirety.

The opportunity to see the story played out in this way is fascinating, but this also means that a number of complicated issues are raised. I am not convinced that the reading of these early church fathers are correct (as some of their contemporaries thought as well!). When my boys looked at it, they would say, “Is this really true, Dad?” I would have to say, “Not necessarily.” Some examples include Noah pursuing the animals and taming them, gathering phoenixes and winged serpents. The idea that the animals obeyed Noah in a way unknown since Adam is really interesting, but without clear biblical basis.

In the end, I can’t recommend this for everyone. It seems to be aimed at younger children, but at that stage I want them to get a clear presentation which is solid and not dependent on mere possibilities. Later, older children could read this and discuss possibilities.

Kids' Bible Dictionary

2009-06-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Kids' Bible Dictionary, by Jean Fischer
(Barbour, 2009), pb., 159 pp.
Ages 8-12

This is a colorful and well-illustrated dictionary which aims to define and explain key people places and things which children will encounter as they read the Bible. Each entry ends with scriptural references where you will find the word or concept.

The author is careful in her definitions, knowing she is writing for children. For example, in the entry on Tamar she states that Amnon “behaved badly toward her” (2 Sam 13). I think that is well done.

This will be a fine resource for helping children as they read the Bible. It is not as theologically deep, however. This is tricky with a children’s resource, but I think the notes and information in the ESV Children’s Bible are a good example of more theological depth while still being accessible. For example, the entry for “propitiation” does not refer to God’s wrath. Instead the word is defined as “a way of making things right.” Now, on one level I am just glad they have an entry on propitiation. But, then it would be better if it explained that the reason things needed to be made right is that God, being holy, is angry with sin.

Also, the entry on “salvation” was less than what I hoped for. It focuses on us being “cleaned up” with much less emphasis on our guilt and the punishment we deserve. It is also “decisionistic”, telling children to pray a certain prayer (words given), saying, “Pray this prayer: … Now you have received salvation!” This concerns me because it can suggest to children that salvation is just a mechanical process.

In the end, this is a useful resource, though more is needed in theology.

Sergeant York and the Great War

2009-06-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sergeant York and the Great War: His Own Life Story and War Diary, Alvin York
Originally edited by Tom Skeyhill, 1930
Edited by Richard “Little Bear” Wheeler
(Vision Forum, 2005), hb., 209 pp.

Originally Skeyhill edited York’s diary into publishable form and in this edition Wheeler has included photographs and some history of World War I. I like the story of York and I love introducing my boys to heroic men, so I was excited about this book. However, it was a bit of a disappointment.

Wheeler notes in his introduction that Skeyhill had not corrected York’s grammar or spelling. He felt this authenticity “draws the reader into the life of Sergeant York.” If the errors were limited this might be OK, but they were so great and numerous as to make the reading ponderous. Also this edition is very repetitive which made it boring in several places. My boys often asked, “Haven’t we read this part before?” I would even double check only to discover that the same points and stories were simply repeated in concurrent chapters. Better editing could make this a more useful book.

Concerning editing, it was not always clear what came from the editors and what was from York himself. At several places it clearly noted “Editor’s note:”. But it was often not marked when it returned to York. At other places it seemed certainly to be the editor (based on spelling, etc.) but it was not marked. Again, more careful editing would be helpful.

Parents should also be aware that the doctrinal positions of York at times seem questionable. His discussions of conversion sound works oriented at times. This may in fact be simply due to his lack of training and failing to communicate clearly. But you need to know this as you communicate to your children! Also he seems to suggest that his fellow soldiers who showed no concern for God were spiritually fine because they meant well. Again, my point here is not a critique of York’s beliefs (it may be unclear, etc.) but what we communicate to our children as we read.

The portion describing York’s heroism in the Argonne Forest was good (though still repetitive). A pared down version of this which came some sampling of his earlier life and his war efforts would be more useful. The photos and timelines are good resources. I would recommend this book as a resource to ‘dip into’ rather than a book to read straight through.

Here is the Church

2009-06-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here Is the Church, by Anita Reith Stohs
Illustrated by Kathy Mitter
(Concordia Publishing House, 2009), hb., 32 pp.
Ages 2-5

This simple little book is aimed at young children to encourage their engagement in the worship of the church. It begins with the well-known little children’s rhyme:

Here is the church, and
Here is the steeple,
Open the door to
See all God’s people.

It then continues the rhyme walking through the key parts of a Lutheran worship service. Coming from a Lutheran publishing house it of course reflects that theological understanding. However, most of it will fit orthodox evangelicals in general. Comment is made, for example, on prayer, choir, congregational singing, Bible reading, preaching, communion, baptism, and an offering. I particularly liked the closing bit addressed to parents where the author encourages parents intentional teaching of children about what goes on in corporate worship. She goes on to encourage family worship as well.

In a day when the church is so often minimized or disparaged, it is great to see a children's book like this. The inside cover front and back also have Eph 3:21 printed. This is a very thoughtful, though simple, book for children to help them understand what goes on at church. It will be a good resource.

I would like to see my own denominational publisher produce something similar in a Baptist vein.

The Twelve Ordinary Men

2009-06-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Twelve Ordinary Men 6pk (Arch Books), by Kelly Skipworth
(Arch Books, Concordia Publishing House, 2009), pb., 16 pp.
Ages 4-9

The Arch Books Bible Story Series has been around for more than four decades. I enjoyed some as a child and we still have some older ones. They are typically faithful to the text, tell the story in simple language, and are written in poetic form. This book is one of the latest installments in this series.

This book aims to introduce children to each of the twelve disciples and succeeds. With some disciples there is not much information and the author acknowledges that without stretching to make something up. There are a few quibbles. Thomas’s doubting is the only thing highlighted though he makes some other very positive statements elsewhere in John’s gospel. Then, it si said that Simon the zealot put away his sword to follow Jesus when in fact Jesus told his disciples at one point, “whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one” (Luke 22:36). And certainly Peter still had a sword at the Garden of Gethsemanee.

However, overall these are small quibbles. The book is not intended to give a deep treatment but to provide a brief, catchy overview of these 12 men. In this, the book succeeds well.

Amazing Tales for Making Men Out of Boys

2009-06-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Amazing Tales for Making Men Out of Boys, by Neil Oliver
(William Morrow, 2009; previously published in the UK by Michael Jospeh, 2008)
Hb., 364 pp.
Ages 6+

We just found this book at Sam’s tonight, but I wanted to go ahead and mention it because I love the concept. Just note these lines from the back cover:

Stories of heroism, exploration and sacrifice that will inspire boys to be courageous, honorable and open to adventure. TALES OF BRAVE AND SELFLESS DEEDS used to be part of every boy’s education. We grew up sharing stories with our fathers, uncles and grandfathers of how great men had lived their lives, met their challenges, reached their goals and faced their deaths. Becomign a young man was about comradeship and standing by your friends whatever the circumstances. And it meant that sometimes it was more important to DIE A HERO THAN LIVE A COWARD’S LIFE.

Yeah!! How can a book that says this not be good! This is exactly what I want for my boys. In the book the author recounts D-day and Omaha Beach, the Charge of the Light Brigade, the Alamo, Shackleton’s Journey, Scott in the Antarctic, John Paul Jones, and Thermopylae and other stories.

I think that the cover could be done better, but I am excited about this book and my 7 year old asked on the way home when we would begin reading it.

P.S. The trailer for the book is well done also! Note the comment that morals are handed down through good stories. This is a key point that was well understood in days past but often forgotten today.

The Spy Who Came in From the Sea

2009-06-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Spy Who Came in From the Sea, by Peggy Nolan

(Pineapple Press, 1999), pb., 129 pp.

Ages 8+

This book was a disappointment. It is based on a great idea but fails to deliver in several ways.

First, the idea and setting of the book is great. I did not previously know that during World War II German spies had been dropped off by U-boats on American beaches in New York and Florida for sabotage missions (you can see an official description of this story at the FBI site). This book is built around the landing of one of the spies in Florida. The story is fictional but incorporates some of the facts of the real case. In the story a boy happens to see the spy come ashore and tries to alert authorities. However, due to his tendency to exaggerate no one believes him, except two friends. He and these friends then do their sleuthing alone, risking danger and eventually expose the spy and avert real danger. This is great stuff for story-telling and fun history to learn about.

However, as I noted above, the book itself was disappointing. The writing is only fair. With this sort of material I hoped for a powerhouse! Instead this book limps along. But it is the overall values of the story that made it not a fit for us. Since we found the book in the Veritas Press catalogue we had certain expectations of the book. However, my boys readily picked up that this book did not represent “us” in ways that other books that we have read do. In general this book had the feel of a typical kids’ book one might find today. The book was filled with language we do not approve of- not outright profanity, but "gosh," "darn,' and words like that. The mother is quite flighty and there is a lack of strong adult characters. The main character is a real braggart and while this is eventually shown to be negative, it was more than we would want. Then the dating scene is more prominent in this book than in our family. The 14-year-old main character is pursuing girl friends, dances, and his first kiss. He is proud to have reserved his first kiss for someone special. That is alien to my boys for whom dating is a non-issue, kissing is something married people do, etc. Now, those reading this review may think we are the weird ones, and that is fine. My aim is for you to know where this book is coming from.

There are many better books on the World War II era and we would not particularly recommend this one.

It Began with a Parachute

2009-05-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

It Began With a Parachute, by William R. Rang
(Inheritance Publications, 2000), pb., 93 pp.
Ages 6+

This story takes place in occupied Holland during World War II. Twelve year old Bert takes it upon himself to help an Allied airman who is shot down near his town and in the process discovers that his parents are deeply involved in the Dutch resistance. This is a well told story of courage, suffering, perseverance, hope and faith.

While this book is not as nuanced or rich as one of Douglas Bond’s it has many of the basic staple characteristics, including a strong father who leads his family through difficult times showing how to stand for and risk oneself for what is right. The interaction of the main family, their connection to other involved families and the contrast with the traitors provides good pictures as you read to your children. Also, the faith of the main characters is no mere side issue but an essential element of life.

This book also provides a compelling picture of what it was like to live under Nazi occupation, with the intimidation, the shortages and the yearning for deliverance. It also shows how people had to make difficult choices between capitulating, doing nothing or taking the enormous risk of opposing the evil around them.

We all enjoyed this book and commend it to you.

Missions with Children

2009-05-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday night the children at our church shared with the rest of the congregation what they have been learning on Sunday nights over the last year. On Sunday nights the adults have a prayer meeting. The children then also pray, work on scripture memory and are systematically working through the countries of the world, learning where they are, what life is like there (particularly access to the gospel) and how they can pray for each nation. Over this past year they covered Africa and learned all the countries of Africa using some catchy songs arranged by region. The children sang these songs and college students who worked with the children read of key prayer requests for each region. They also sang a portion of Psalm 119 which they had learned. We concluded by praying for some of those requests.

It was a moving evening hearing all they had learned and being reminded of the needs in other places. To me the most moving part was hearing the children sing, “How Sweet and Awful.” My wife, who organizes our children’s ministry, taught them this powerful hymn and it summarizes well the missions emphasis. One of the parents caught a portion of the singing on video (I could not figure out how to embed it here).

Here are the words of the hymn:
How sweet and awful is the place
With Christ within the doors,
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores.

While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast,
Each of us cry, with thankful tongues,
"Lord, why was I a guest?"

"Why was I made to hear Thy voice,
And enter while there's room,
When thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come?"

'Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly drew us in;
Else we had still refused to taste,
And perished in our sin.

Pity the nations, O our God,
Constrain the earth to come;
Send Thy victorious Word abroad,
And bring the strangers home.

We long to see Thy churches full,
That all the chosen race
May, with one voice and heart and soul,
Sing Thy redeeming grace
- Isaac Watts

(Note: All these photos and the videos were taken by Sarah Ellsworth)

'Twas the Night Before Summer

2009-05-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

‘Twas the Night Before Summer
By Anne Margaret Lewis
Illustrated by Wendy Popko
(Mackinac Island Press)

My mother pointed this book out to me, sending me a web link where the full book could be viewed online. The story is not a deep or theological one, but is a fun tribute to summer and imagination. It is obviously framed in the line of “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and is a poem. It is nicely written and illustrated.

I think my main point in mentioning it here, though, is the web delivery system. By clicking on the page you can turn the page and keep reading. It is well done.

The Lonely Sentinel

2009-05-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Lonely Sentinel, by Piet Prins
The Shadow Series, volume 1
(Inheritance Publications, 2006), pb., 140 pp.

Ages 6+

Since we had previously enjoyed the Struggle for Freedom series by Prins, I eagerly anticipated this book as well. This book is set in the Netherlands during World War II following the efforts of the Dutch resistance. The main characters are the Mulders family, particularly Frans (a sixth grader) and Dirk (a fourth grader). Their father runs a mill with the help of their older brother Dries. The family stumbles into the work of the Dutch resistance and begins helping Jews and others escape the Nazis. Eventually Dries also engages in a raid with other members of the resistance.

The action and suspense is seen primarily from the perspective of the young boys, which makes it all the more appealing to my young boys! It also helps the reader to enter into the risk of helping people in need during this time. It is easy to sense that it would be right to help. It is more helpful to also feel how challenging this must have been knowing you were risking not only your own life, but those of your family as well.

This book shares the same strengths as the other books from Prins which we have read. The Christian faith of the characters is real and integral to their lives (not some occasional “add on”). Also there is good adventure and suspense. It also shares some of the weaknesses of the other books. It is clearly a translation and at places the wording is awkward. At other times the wording is unclear. For example the people fleeing the Nazis are repeatedly referred to as “divers” but I have no idea why.

In the end this is a good book to read while studying World War II. It is good to hear about the event from a perspective outside the US; there is good adventure; and Christian faith features well.

Raising Bible Saturated Kids!

2009-05-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

David and Sally Michael, from Children Desiring God, recently led three breakout sessions on leading children in Bible Study as part of the "Word Within the Word" conference at Union University.

Too often the importance of teaching our children well is missed by both families and churches. The Michael’s passion is to change this. These are well worth listening to for pastors, children’s teachers, parents, grand-parents, and anyone concerned with children.

Session 1- God-Centered Bible Teaching for the Glory of God
Session 2- Raising Bible-Saturated Children
Session 3- Aiming for Application and Response in Teaching Children the Bible

Reformation Heroes

2009-05-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Reformation Heroes, by Diana Kleyn with Joel Beeke
(Reformation Heritage Books, 2007), hb., 240 pp.
Ages 6+

I have been meaning to comment on this book for some time. It is an amazing resource- the most thorough book for children on this topic that I know of. It is based on a 19th century book, The Reformation and Its Heroes, by Richard Newton. I have commented on a number of books on characters from the Reformation here because the Reformation is one key area of history with which I want my children to be well acquainted. If you feel the same, this book is a must have.

It is not difficult to find books on Luther or Calvin, or even Wycliffe, but the comprehensiveness of this book is amazing. It covers precursors to the Reformation, English, German, French, and Dutch Reformers Anabaptists and the Catholic response. Here is a list of the people and events discussed in the book:

Peter Waldo
John Wycliffe
Anne of Bohemia
John Huss
Martin Luther
Philip Melanchthon
The Protest at Speyer
Martin Bucer
Ulrich Zwingli
Heinrich Bullinger
William Tyndale
Edward VI
Thomas Cranmer
Hugh Latimer
Nicholas Ridley
John Foxe
John Knox
Guido de Brès
The Heidelberg Catechism
Caspar Olevianus
Zacharias Ursinus
Frederick III
Peter Martyr Vermigli
John Calvin
Theodore Beza
Jan Laski
The Duke of Alva
William, Prince of Orange
Petrus Dathenus
Quenn Marguerite of Navarre
Queen Jeanne d’Albret of Navarre
Admiral Coligny & the tragedy of St. Bartholomew’s Day
Charlotte, the Nun of Jouarre
William Perkins
William Ames
William Teelnick
Konrad Grebel
Felix Manz
Ludwig Hätzer
Gerog Blaurock
Thomas Müntzer
Jan Mattjis
Jan Beukelssen
Melchior Hoffman
Jakob Hutter
Balthasar Hubmaier
Menno Simons
The Counter Reformation

I consider myself fairly well informed on the Reformation, but there are names on this list that I did now know before this book! The stories are well told and nicely illustrated. I heartily recommend this book.

Guns of the Lion

2009-04-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Guns of the Lion, Douglas Bond

Faith & Freedom Trilogy
(P&R, 2008), pb., 260 pp.
Ages 6+

Readers of this blog will know that the Van Nestes are big fans of Doug Bond. When he visited last month than and began reading to us this latest book on the M’Kethe family, it was a treat. This is book two in the Faith & Freedom Trilogy, which is the continuation of the Crown & Covenant Trilogy.

We loved this book! The story here shifts back to Scotland to pick up what has transpired in the portion of the M’Kethe family which remained there. The bulk of the book is in the form a lengthy letter from Gavin in Scotland which is being read by Ian, the main character of the previous volume, in New England. As always, the story is tied into key historical events of the times. In this case the issue is the attempt of Bonnie Prince Charlie to regain the British throne. Gavin is conscripted into the English army where he finds himself engaged in the naval battle where England sought to stop Charles journey to Scotland as well as in the various battles between the English Redcoats and the Charles’ Scottish Highlanders. This culminates in the fateful Battle of Culloden.

Bond’s characteristic action and compelling story telling are here again. We found ourselves not wanting to stop each night and hurrying to get back to reading the next evening. The new aspect in this story is the reality of ambiguous situations where it is unclear what path is the right path. Gavin struggles with competing claims to his loyalty, stuck between two kings neither of which is particularly inspiring or righteous. This rings true to the historical situation as well as to many situations that arise in our own lives.

Speaking of historical situation, the timeline at the back of the book is a wonderful aid in putting together events that were happening in America and events in Britain. We often fail to see how events in different areas overlap and inform.

The psalms also play a major part once again. This time it is particularly Psalm 100 in the metrical version by William Kethe (“All People that on Earth Do Dwell”). As Gavin sings and reflects on this Psalm, much profitable theological reflection emerges. I was deeply nourished by this Psalm as we read this book and found that Psalm 100 got into my soul! As a result we have begun singing Psalm 100 as a family. This book helped give us context for this Psalm.

We heartily commend this book to you and your family. It is a fun read and beneficial. I have also begun recommending this book and the related series to young men in college as good examples of growing into manhood.

The Bond Blog!

2009-04-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

Bond. Doug Bond- far more beneficial than the sometimes known British cousin James.

Douglas Bond has started a blog where you can see updates on speaking events, forthcoming books and other material from him. You can also find there J. C. Ryle’s Thoughts for Young Men (entire book) read by Bond. This is an exciting development and I encourage you to check it out.

Calvin for Children

2009-03-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

John Calvin, Simonetta Carr
Christian Biographies for Young Readers (Series)
(Reformation Heritage Books, 2008), hb., 63 pp.
Ages 5+

In this 500th year since Calvin’s birth many books about his life are being released. I have already commented on Doug Bond’s forthcoming book on Calvin.

This book is the first in a new series which looks promising. It provides a nice overview of Calvin’s life and work for a younger audience. With nice illustrations, it covers the key points while also making comments on Calvin’s impact and connecting him with the broader historical and Reformation context.

This is a good resource.

Bud & Me- Amazing True Story

2009-03-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Bud & Me : The True Adventures of the Abernathy Boys, Alta Abernathy
(Dove Creek Press, 1998), hb., 162 pp.
Ages 4+

This is a truly amazing book! It relates one of those stories which make me think, “Why have I never heard of this before?” For sheer remarkableness and fun it deserves a wide circulation.

The author, Alta Abernathy, is the wife of Temple Abernathy who is the “Me” of the book’s title. Mrs. Abernathy has put in print the story as told by her husband, and we are deeply in her debt for doing so. The story then comes from the first person perspective of ‘Temp’ Abernathy as he describes the incredible but true adventures that he and his brother ‘Bud’ (Louis) had. The touching dedication of the book captures well the spirit of the book. Mrs. Abernathy writes:

In memory of my loving husband,
Temple, and his brother, Louis, who had
more excitement and adventure in
the short span of four years than most
little boys have during a lifetime.

The book tells the story of 5 main journey/adventures of these two boys. On their first journey, in 1909, when the boys were five and nine years old, the boys rode horseback, alone, from their home in Frederick, OK to Santa Fe and back- a trip of over 1000 miles! The next year, again alone, they rode horseback from their home in OK to New York City! Then, having met up with their father in New York and seen Teddy Roosevelt, they drove a car (a new thing at the time, and before laws about age limits for driving) from NY back to OK. The following year, the boys (now ages 7 & 11) were challenged to make the trip from NY to San Francisco on horseback in 60 days. A prize of $10,000 was offered if they were successful. The boys and their father were drawn by the challenge, but quickly stated they would not ride on Sunday. So, the days would have to be calculated without including Sundays. Also, the boys were not allowed to eat or sleep under a roof on the journey! In the end it took them 62 days! Not a bad “failure.”

This amazing story just left us shaking our heads repeatedly. The matter-of-factness of the boys reporting, their clear faith and their grit were impressive. When 5 year old Temp asked his 9 year old brother, on the first trip, if they would encounter any scorpions, Bud just replied, “Keep your boots on.” Nine year old Temp carried the rifle on their trip and used it well when they were surrounded by coyotes one night. The boys slept through snow storms, forded rivers, encountered bandits (ones who had recently been in a gunfight with their father who was a marshall), lost their horses in a desert, and had many other adventures. The inclusion of a number of photos helps you really grasp that these were little boys doing all these things.

One might wonder what sort of parents allowed such things. Their mother had died, and their father was famous for catching wolves bare-handed- which led to him becoming a friend of Teddy Roosevelt. When they planned their first journey (completely on their own initiative, setting up late studying their father’s maps), they simply saw themselves as following their father’s example. Wow! Oh, to be such an example of boldness and daring.

Reading this book was a real treat. We all enjoyed it, and I think it challenged my boys to take initiative. It challenged me all the more to be sure to encourage my boys to be bold. There is a right level of protection, but if it is overplayed it can be emasculating. The balance can be difficult, but I want to affirm my boys’ attempts in this direction. It was also good to see the clear faith of these boys along the way. There was no concerted effort to share the gospel in the book, but it became clear that faith in Christ was simply part of the way of life of this family as they took their New Testament with them and interacted with others along the way.

Read this book and be amazed, encouraged and challenged.

Family Psalm Singing

2009-03-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

It may seem that I have gone “Psalm-crazy” from my recent posts, and that assessment would not be altogether inaccurate. Over the years as I have discovered how generations of Christians were nurtured on the Psalms and have seen various historical examples of the faith that blossomed from such nurturing, I have longed for this for myself and my children. Oh, to be like those who, having grown up singing the Psalms, know all 150 Psalms by heart! If I did not know of real examples of this I might doubt the possibility.

This, then, is not merely an academic or abstract issue for me. My wife and I took a Trinity Psalter a couple of weeks ago and worked through it looking for Psalms set to tunes we know (a key point of this Psalter is to provide familiar hymn tunes for Psalm settings). In the process we came across Psalm 128 in a version adapted from the Scottish Psalter.

Blessed the man that fears Jehovah
And that walketh in His ways.
Thou shalt eat of thy hands’ labor;
And be prospered all thy days.
Like a vine with fruit abounding
In thy house thy wife is found
And like olive plants, thy children
Compassing thy table ’round

Lo, on him that fears Jehovah
Shall this blessedness attend
For Jehovah, out of Zion,
Shall to thee His blessings send
Thou shalt see Jerus’lem prosper
All thy days ’til life shall cease
Thou shalt see thy children’s children
Unto Isr-a-el be peace.

When I sang these words with my wife, it hit me that this is particularly suited to the family setting. So, for the last two weeks my family has sung this Psalm to the tune of “Come Thou Fount” at meal times. It has been a wonderful experience, and my children have about memorized this Psalm just from our singing. And we all have enjoyed it.

I commend it to you.

Doug Bond on the Psalms

2009-03-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

Regular readers of this site will know that Douglas Bond is one of my family’s favorite authors. We were blessed with the opportunity of having Doug in our house for a few days last week. Doug was here to speak in chapel as part of Union’s Psalms Project. You can read some about his address and get a link to the audio at my other blog.

One of my boys commented, “Daddy, all of Mr. Bond’s books have to do with the Psalms.” He is right! In the Crown & Covenant series as well as the Faith and Freedom series the main characters sing the Psalms and demonstrate that their speech and lifestyles are molded by the Psalms. The Mr. Pipes series is devoted to introducing readers to the singing of the Psalms and hymnody shaped by the Psalms.

I commend to you these books, Bond’s address, and the Psalms!