Picture Book Ministry

When I was eaten up with regret yesterday morning remembering an ungodly way in which I had behaved, I was surprised to have a familiar verse brought to mind: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9). A new thing to consider is that even in past mistakes, things we want to change but can't, Christ indeed can bring redemption. His grace and strength are the answer in our issues, present, future, as well as past.

The Holy Spirit enabled me to see the connection between this verse and another, one that I mull over when faced with reminders of other incidents I wish I could change. That verse is also in 2 Corinthians, 8:12: "If there is a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have."

My eyes and heart are opened to a direct link! What Paul expresses in one verse, he says with different words in another: When we are helpless, Christ is able. This refers to every moment of every day, past, present, and future, by the way! May we be still enough to hear His quiet, powerful instruction. 

Speaking of powerful instruction....

A wonderful memory I have is that of my dad reading to me as a little girl. I loved the voices he'd use for the characters in picture books. A collection of my books were destroyed by a water leak. I recalled a Babar one that had been a favorite, although I could never remember the title.

A month ago, coming back from a Pens hockey game in Raleigh, we stopped by a massive antiques store in Burlington. Guess what I found...(and in an antiques store!!!!)? 

Immediately I recognized it! I had to have it! And would you believe there were actually two copies in this store?! I took pictures and sent them to my dad, asking if he remembered. Of course he did! I can still hear him changing his voice to fit the characters. Guess who else does that when she reads to her children? 

Woe to the individual past age 8 who discards his or her picture books! May we never, ever grow weary of the richness of these treasures. All too soon, it seems that educators (traditional and home alike) rush to put away the "little kid" books and usher kids into something that seems more "grown-up." Christ Himself states that we are not truly portraying His kingdom unless we demonstrate the innocence of children (Matthew 18:3). 

To quote Charlotte Mason, "...the answer cannot be given in the form of 'Do' this and that, but rather as an invitation to 'Consider' this and that: action follows when we have thought duly. The life of the mind is sustained upon ideas; there is no intellectual vitality in the mind to which ideas are not presented several times...every day." (A Philosophy of Education). So, does that mean that children's books are full of "ideas" and things to "consider"? YES!!!!

How can they not be, if the Creator of the universe tells us to humble ourselves like children, because His kingdom belongs to "such as these"? We sell children short. Mason has much more to say on the subject: 

"But the children ask for bread and we give them a stone...Our business is to give them mind-stuff...for the best thought the world possesses is stored in books; we must open books to children...every modern educational movement tends to belittle them intellectually."

"So," you say, "my kids are eight and nine; shouldn't we be focusing more on chapter books than the skinny ones with pictures?" NO!!!!! Rather, focus on every bit of it! Take your bag to the library and fill it up! Never, never, never fall into the trap of being too "old" for a picture book! All of America needs more doses of good, rich children's literature!

In fact, a few weeks ago, I checked a picture book out specifically for myself, for the "little girl" who so loves to be read to. She still deserves a "mind sustained upon ideas," and "open books" that provide "mind-stuff." That mind-stuff can come out of anything from Charles Spurgeon to Marc Brown's Arthur! Sometimes I check out picture books just for myself!

The other day, one of my children was late getting down to breakfast. I decided to pull out a library book and read aloud while we lingered at the table. The next thing I knew, it was over an hour later, and we'd gone through all the books in the bag! It's a ritual I hope to repeat often.

Here are some that we enjoyed that day:

Earl is a lovable squirrel who can't figure out how to get his own acorns. He cleverly surprises his mother and readers with his smarts, and delights with his innocent charm!



Remember the poem "Casey at the Bat," which you probably read at some point in high school? Endear yourself to it anew with Patricia Polacco's version! This is a wonderful way to introduce a classic to kids.

It hasn't taken much to make me a Polacco fan! Thunder Cake is the creative tale of a girl whose grandmother uses her resources to end the child's fear of thunderstorms. As in Casey, Polacco's illustrations mesmerize.




And who can resist the animals of Jan Brett? She puts great love into her work. The Turnip is the funny story of some animals who aren't sure how their turnip is going to come out of the ground...until they receive unexpected help from some other animal friends!  




Finally, do you remember Mike Mulligan? I had always heard of it, but had never actually read this classic. Boy, had I been missing out! I felt like a kid who, upon the story's ending, wanted to say, "Read it again!" Yeah, that's what picture books do, even to adults.




One adult in my life has alluded to me several times about not being read to as a child, not once. Not once. God has wisdom in this, as in everything else: "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten...You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied" (Joel 2:25-26). Well, the way the Lord spoke to me about helping this individual get back those years is to sit down and read him a picture book! I'm learning to be obedient to God's direction, even if it seems downright crazy. His ways aren't mine, after all. 

Anyway, as I mulled over this idea for a few days and had pushed it aside, I came across the perfect book: 

That little child was finally read to! I don't know who enjoyed it more; the "kid" (who is actually an adult), or me! How wonderful to be used by God for His redemptive plan. Never underestimate the power of a book, or anything else, to be used by God to bring joy, healing, and restoration in any situation. I wonder how many more adults out there yearn to be read a good children's book, to be shown that they matter? How many children want to throw standardized testing and "Common Core" out the window and just hear a solid story with "voices," not to spit out the information, but just because? Do it...for yourself, and your children! 

Another bit of "literature"...
I have a copy of the Spartanburg (SC) High School student handbook from when my mom was in school. Believe it or not, this comes from a version revised in 1962: 

We have swung too far in a mere fifty-six years. I'm grateful for the freedom to model my own school after a code more like this than after those that have kicked God out. His way will never go out of style.

Finally....

I had a dream about my grandfather, "PeepEye," last night. I don't recall details, but what was important was his presence, and his gladness to see me. There was joy in the fact that we were going to spend time together. I'm glad that twenty-five years after his death, I'm still allowed vivid glimpses of him. The Lord is gracious to me in many, many examples such as this. 

Don't be afraid to "feel," even with tenderhearted tears and lament. Our enemy hates for God's people to feel love, empathy, and beauty. He is out to crush it. I strongly encourage crushed adults to get back what has been stolen, to take back those years the locusts have eaten. Fight! (1 Timothy 6:12).

2017 Book List

I wrote in my last post about the books my children and I have read together in 2017. I've been encouraged by other Charlotte Mason moms to keep several books "going": one easy, one medium, and one hard. When I attempt only one book at a time, it can become tedious; I'm not always in the mood for the same reading. It's like being before a banquet; it's better to have a variety of food than to try to eat the same thing for days on end.

It's important that we feed our minds. I have a book bag that I carry around, a canvas bag that was mine as a kid. In it are all the books I'm reading at the moment. I take it upstairs at night and bring it down in the morning. I take it in my car when I think I'll have to wait somewhere. My book bag has become a fun, welcome friend. All the books I have "going" are in one place, easy to access. When people ask what I'm reading, I tell them, "It's my professional development." Charlotte Mason called it "Mother Culture." At any rate, we all need mind food.

I publish my lists for several reasons. One is to demonstrate that any mother or person can read a lot in a year. I do not spend hours on end reading every day. However, minutes here and there each day add up to a long list of books read! Another reason is to share examples of the wide feast. I read many old, rare, unheard-of titles that I like to resurrect. It's important to keep these titles in circulation. A third reason is simply to encourage others and myself to read as much as we can.  

Here is my personal list of books completed in 2017:

Little Rosebud by Beatrice Harraden
This 1895 book was presented to me in 1984 by my grandmother, to her in 1934 by her grandmother, and to her grandmother in 1906 by her grandmother! One day I will follow suit and hopefully have a granddaughter to whom it will pass. Thirty-three years after receiving it, I finally read it. The story is a simple, charming one, about a little girl and a pet store owner pal.

Allison’s Girl by Theodore Acland Harper
This, too, belonged to my same grandmother as a teenager. It was boring in places; overall an okay, non-compelling story.

The Diseasing of America’s Children by John Rosemond and Bose Ravenel
Eye-opening and packed with research, Rosemond and Ravenel argue the legitimacy of many "syndromes" that have overtaken today's children, including ADD. 

The Mystery of the Vanishing Lady by Helen Wells
This is part of the Vicki Barr series about a young lady who flies planes and solves mysteries. I found it uninteresting except for the mysterious aspect, which dragged a little too long.

The Horse and Buggy Doctor by Arthur E. Hertzler
The fascinating point of view of a "modern" (1930's) doctor looking back at his early years as a young horse-and-buggy traveling doctor. The information stood alone as interesting, but the author's arrogance got too much in the way.

Openness Unhindered by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

Written for Christians by a former lesbian atheist, an interesting look at how believers can love the homosexual population as image-bearers without condoning the lifestyle.

Parnassus On Wheels by Christopher Morley
Many thanks to Nancy Kelly for introducing me to this gem about a bookstore on wheels! A must-read for all book-lovers.

Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins
The story of a Charlotte Mason mom and her homeschooling journey that began in the early 1980's. Very encouraging to those of us who are doing it in these modern times!

The Brand New Parson by Sara Jenkins
Hardback 1940's book bought at the library for a quarter, this is the story of a new Methodist preacher who is unsure of himself as well as of God's truth. It's fun to see him grow more confident in his faith through challenges and uncertainty.

Breaking Free by Beth Moore
This is a 12-week study the ladies of our community group and I did together. The topic is identifying and healing from wounds and generational curses. Like any Moore study, the work was lengthy, but I enjoyed digging into the Word and facing this challenging subject with ladies close to me. 

Laurel’s Choices by Exie Wilde Henson
Based on real experiences of her parents, Henson (our cousin) describes life in a primitive Pisgah Forest, NC logging camp in the 1930's. 

Samuel Skinker and His Descendants by Thomas Keith Skinker
This is a family treasure for descendants of the Skinker family. It's jammed with personal accounts of ancestors: descriptions of their lives, wills, letters, diary entries, and family trees. I'm amazed at the tremendous amount of work that Skinker did over twenty years to complete this book in 1923. It's a personal book divided into chapters, rather than pages of impersonal pedigrees.

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
The heartbreaking story of McCourt's childhood as the son of a lazy Irishman and his neglectful, depressed wife. As hard as some parts were to read, I loved McCourt's style. His transparency gives insight into the wounds that many contend with into adulthood.

A Turtle on a Fencepost by Allan C. Emery, Jr. 
I read this book over the course of about a year in bits and pieces. Emery shares delightful, rich tales about his life and growth as a Christian.

How to Keep Well by Albert Blaisdell, M.D.
An 1890's book designed as an instruction manual for young people. Blaisdell gives vivid descriptions of organs and systems, as well as sometimes funny advice about staying healthy.

Mary on Horseback by Rosemary Wells

A short work that reminds me of Hertzler's Horse and Buggy Doctor, about a female nurse and her rounds on horseback. A good story also for children that can be read in one sitting.

Six Ways to Keep the “Little” in Your Girl by Dannah Gresh 
Gresh addresses the fact that if we don't speak to our daughters about their bodies, the culture will do it for us. She supplies examples of scenarios and questions, giving parents confidence to tackle tough topics.

William Henry Harrison: Young Tippecanoe by Howard Peckham
Simple book for children about the childhood of President William H. Harrison. Good for history and narration, although I read it to myself.

A Chicken’s Guide to Talking Turkey With Your Kids About Sex by Dr. Kevin Leman & Kathy Flores Bell
The title explains it thoroughly! This was an easy read that will give parents confidence and relief. As with Gresh's book, the authors lay out the importance (from a Christian point of view) of having these challenging discussions, beginning in the pre-teen years.

Miracles by Eric Metaxis 

Not my favorite Metaxis book, but an okay read. Overall an interesting account of various miracles in the lives of ordinary people, once I made it through the scientific talk in the beginning. I prefer his biographies, and enjoy his radio podcast.

A Book of Curious Advice: Most Unusual Manners, Morals, Medicine From Days of Yore Edited by Ruth Pepper Summers
Worth picking up for the humorous and sometimes ghastly old home remedies! 

Candy Stripers by Lee Wyndham
This was a 1950's paperback I saw on Pinterest, and the cute, vintage cover compelled me to buy it on Amazon. It's a typical cheesy teenage story mixed with romance about a girl facing a boring summer, so she volunteers as a candy striper at the local hospital. It's an easy, mindless read for those nights when you want to pick up a book but aren't up to much.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Ah...the book that's referenced in culture, but that I hadn't read until now. The rich vocabulary and prose made up for the fact that I already knew what was going to happen. It's a fairly easy read, and not long.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer 
This book took me an entire year to read. Bonhoeffer is worth the journey, but cannot be hurried. Reading his works is like eating chocolate mousse; you savor one small bit and have to go back to it later. Keep it handy and take in a little a few times a week.

Mentoring: Confidence in Finding a Mentor and Becoming One by Bobb Biehl 
I usually can't stand books like this, and began it half-heartedly as a recommendation from a pastor at church. This is one time I was wrong! Biehl's likable style kept me interested in what it means to be a mentor, what to look for in one, and what it doesn't entail. It can be read in a few sittings, and is valuable for everyone.

The Old Peabody Pew by Kate Douglas Wiggin
This is a beautiful book from 1906 that I bought at a library sale. It's a light, simple tale about several generations of church members and a long-lost love. Each page of this Christmas tale is adorned with holly and berries around the text, enhancing its attractiveness. 


He’s Gonna Toot and I’m Gonna Scoot by Barbara Johnson

Barbara Johnson is a mentor I'll never meet till heaven, but her outlook on life has been medicine to me over the years. Her books are easy to recognize, and the stories often repeat, but I love her jokes, quotes, and anecdotes. Barbara took the pain from many life tragedies and turned it into good for uplifting others. Keep her books handy for a daily dose of humor and God's love.

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon

I attempted to read this book years ago in an immature stage of life when I was unable to appreciate it. How glad I am to revisit Mitford with new eyes! Pastor Tim, Cynthia, and the gang become like treasured friends. The simplicity of their small-town lives isn't without trials. When I finish the series, I want to read it again and again!

The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke
A short, small old book I also got at the library sale, one that can be read in a day or two. Okay but not compelling, it's the tale of a young man and his strained relationship with his father. The physical beauty of the book remains more impressive to me than the story.

Bo’s Cafe by John Lynch, Bill Thrall, and Bruce McNicol
Recommended by a mentor and friend, this is a must-read for anyone wanting to live and grow in community with fellow Christians. It's a fictional description of what "doing life" looks like with messy, broken people.

Why Johnny Can’t Read by Rudolf Flesch 
I wrote a blog post about this book, the impressive research done by Flesh regarding teaching reading with sight (whole) words versus a phonetic approach. His argument against the whole word method is compelling.

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks
Tim Keller mentioned this in a sermon. A rich treasure trove to make us aware of the devil's lies and how to combat them, this book was written in the 1600's and is still every bit relevant today. It took several months to get through because of its weighty nature, but what a weapon! 

Surprised By Joy by C.S. Lewis
This is the autobiography of Lewis, mainly describing his upbringing and conversion to Christianity. True to Lewis, there are many quotes to ponder, sentences to re-read for their richness, and a lot of explanation of his love for fantasy and science fiction. I enjoyed getting to know "Jack" the person, and found that I surprisingly have a lot in common with him.

Fraulein Schmidt and Mr. Anstruther by Elizabeth von Armin
Another library sale book written in 1906, this is written as a series of letters from Rosemarie Schmidt to Roger Anstruther. I never knew what turns her writing or their relationship would take. At times it was hilarious and easy to read, and other parts are hard to get through. Fraulein tends to enjoy finding vent with her pen! I liked it for all the German vocabulary, which I had fun looking up on my German app. 

A Light in the Window by Jan Karon 
The second book of the Mitford series, and as charming and fun as the first. These books have me wanting to live in Mitford and be a part of their crew!

How Should We Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer

This famous work eerily foreshadows life today in our culture. I think of this book as "Culture 101," with "Professor" Schaeffer as my guide into the nuts and bolts of life from Ancient Rome to the 1970's, when it was written. It's a survey of famous names, events, and ideas, just enough information to leave me wanting to look up more about everything. I took about six months with this book, because the information is so vast and rich, I often had to stop after each sentence and chew on the idea. I imagine how wonderful it would be to stop the author and ask countless questions, soaking in his own wisdom about the topics. I'd call it a textbook that's not a textbook!

Selections From:
The Bible
Essential every day, I desire it like food or air. John Piper says, "I love the Bible. It's not a superficial book; it's a deeply profound book." How else will we grow in Christ, and understand God and his love for us more deeply? I prefer NKJV in the morning, KJV at night, ESV at church, NIV audio on my Bible app, and MSG when I'm curious about Peterson's translation!

Charlotte Mason's series
I confess, although I follow the methods of Charlotte, her essays are not easy. However, I must stay in them for professional and personal development. There is much to learn from her wisdom, although it sometimes feels that her tough love borders on self-righteousness. What I do appreciate is her legacy of love for God and all children, and her challenges to raise the bar. Her methods work for everyone, and are revolutionary to education.

The Optimist's Good Morning and The Cloud of Witness
I make reference to these works throughout my blog, especially The Cloud, which was Charlotte Mason's gift to graduating students. They are easy to pick up and read daily, or to pick back up after a hiatus. Both are books with poems, prayers, verses, etc. set aside for each day. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Here's to a 2018 be full of riveting reading!