Vitafamiliae

Many moons ago, we used to have something in the sidebar that showed what we were reading. But we took it down when we weren’t updating it. Well, okay, we weren’t really reading much, either. Correction: I was not reading much. Andrew always has a book in tow. I go through stages of Reading Rebellion, where I refuse to crack a book. Then I get a book I want to read and I check out for twelve hours until I’ve got the thing conquered. I like to blame it on all the reading I did in college, but since those days are getting farther and farther behind me, that excuse is wearing thin.

I digress.

What I was trying to do is answer a question. Jen in Al asked : What are your children’s favorite books?

They have many favorites, of course. A few of our “must haves” include :

The Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

The Little Red Train Storybook by Benedict Blathwayt

But the current favorite, of both grown-ups and kids, is The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. I first read about this book on several different blogs. I was skeptical about all the high praise it received until I saw a copy in a bookstore. The drawings are first-rate. Really fascinating for little kids and big kids. Different perspectives, bright colors, and friendly faces are all captivating for our children. But the words… those are the real scene-stealers. The author begins and ends each story from the Bible with a look at the bigger picture, the bigger story, and ultimately, pointing to Jesus. She breaks down complicated aspects of theology and sanctification and makes them easy to understand, without removing the beauty and awe.

The story of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden is told with such sadness and heartbreak over the broken relationship, the broken creation. I had tears in my eyes while we read. Jacob’s story is told through Leah’s eyes, a perspective I’d never thought much about. The author describes her as the girl “no one wanted.” At the end of the story, she points out that it was through the line of Judah, Leah’s son, that God would send the The Prince. “This Prince would love God’s people. They wouldn’t need to be beautiful for Him to love them. He would love them with all of His heart. And they would be beautiful because He loved them. Like Leah.”

I could go on with the examples, but this book is really exciting to read as a family. As the children are grasping the meaning of the familiar stories, our conversations are getting deeper and more interesting. And even when we’re not reading the book, if they’re sitting still, one of them always has it and is poring over the pictures, or telling his brothers the story he remembers.

While I’m on the subject of books, and since this blog isn’t only about the kids, I thought I’d give you a book or two that Andrew and I are working through. The first is Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. Great, practical thoughts about how to use the Scripture as a blueprint for raising our children “in the fear and admonition of the Lord.” A good read no matter how big or small your family is. We’re reading it as a couple and are enjoying some good conversation because of it.

Finally, from our own personal devotions, we highly recommend The Valley of Vision. We have a leather bound copy that sits between our two stuffed chairs. The kids know that it belongs with the family Bible. It’s a collection of prayers written by the Puritans. They are timeless and full of rich depth, humility, and passion that is so missing from our lives and culture. They’re also easy to read to the children, who may not understand everything, but they can sit still while one of us reads.

These are just a few of our current faves. I’d love to hear some of yours. Leave me your top three in the comments!