Just Enough and Not Too Much by Kaethe Zemach

This has been a repetitive book for our family! It illustrates a great message. Just because you can buy something doesn't mean you have to have it. Just because culture presses "MORE! MORE!" doesn't mean you have to succumb. Materialism is bungle some! Simple is sweet! It opens room for experience and freedom and if you have, giving is so much sweeter than hoarding! Contentment! Contentment! Contentment!

This was one we read often last summer just for fun and it has been one that has resurfaced through conversations about why make some of the choices we make! The American chant of "Big house, nice car, new everything when you have perfectly good ones that have been proven dependable (backpacks)" is ringing more loudly in their ears.  This is a confidence building story that brings back the value of less.

I Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Philippians 4:11b-13"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to bein need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I CAN DO ALL THIS THROUHG HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH."

Did I Tell You I Love You Today? - by Deloris Jordan

One draw for this book for kids especially boys is that Michael Jordan's mom wrote it. One draw for this book for moms is the prayerfulness that begins it and ends it.  There are so many ways that parents communicate that they love their children and so many ways that God communicates it too his children too. Some of these can be overlooked by kids and parents and this book points them our beautifully!

Katy Duck by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Shy duck who loves to dance! I love to dance! Korwyn loves to dance! We just have to be selective about our dancing situations!  Shyness can overwhelm the things we love to do!  Boldness can bring out our freedom!

"I will praise you,  O LORD,  with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.  I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.  When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted." - Psalm 138:1-3

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time to embrace and a time to refrain..."- Ecclesiastes 3: 1,4b,5b

Bear in Sunshine by Stella Blackstone

Bear is content no matter the circumstance.  Beautifully illustrated board book about seasons that shows this concept come to life.  Can be about actual seasons of the year or seasons of life.

Philipppians 4:12-13 NIV "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,  whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf

This book was also a possible assignment for Dax in 5th.  This historically based fiction unveils the Nazi agenda and beliefs and how strongly it held over the people who followed Hitler as well as those in Czechoslavakia who were not Jewish but who suffered at the hand of Hitler.  A view from those who met the "Aryan ideal " to be raised to be Germany's future.

It made be want to look more into this part of history.  So many perspectives of that time give a whole picture of the turmoil that was present.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

This is one of my favorites! This was a possibility for a novel study in Dax's fifth grade class and so I read it along with a few others out of curiosity.  It is a wondrous collection of life lessons woven in nonsense tapestry to bring some great Truths to life.  The argument between Dictionopolis and Digitopolis has long been in my mind- for my adoration of words long outweighed my opinion of digits. However, they are both helpful to life. One of the most perplexing things to me as an only child are sibling rivalries similar to the one between the two kings.

Answers to questions like "what is the point of this monotonous stuff?" do come out in real life parallel to how they happen in the book.  I have longed for independence and control like Milo did with the symphony.   I have experienced doing something with pure motives as he did with the "BUT" and finding I had made a mess for others.  As my aging wisdom grows, I have become so fond of Rhyme and Reason. Reason's quote, " You must never feel badly about making mistakes...as long as you take the trouble to learn from them. For you often learn more by being wrong for the right reasons than you do my being right for the wrong reasons," in Chapter 18 stirs my heart.

My absolute favorite is Chapter 9 "IT's all in the Way You Look at Things"! I love perspective discussions.  I love seeing things from God's point of view when He makes it possible; I love seeing things from someone else's perspective.  I am no longer afraid of life changing my mind on some things.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  And the LORD's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.  Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 

The Ultimate Guys' Body Book Not So Stupid Questions About Your Body by Dr. Walt Larimore

A great collection of answers to growing guys and their bodies with a good mix of humor to lighten the load a bit.

The boys haven't read all of them but as a mom who is clueless about guy stuff, it was great for me to read. Took away a bit of the anxiety and gave me a resource for when these questions arise.

Don't Push the Button! by Bill Cotter

This book cracks us all up!

It is a great way to introduce to young kids the following concept:

When one rule is broken, often more rules follow.

Like in Eden...

...One rule...(Gen 2:17)

became a few...(Gen 3:21-24)

and  then added Ten...(Exodus 20)

and then many, many more.  (rest of Exodus:)

I love how the character Larry specifically states "there's only one rule"...then he starts guessing at others... finally he consults the book titled "so you've pushed the button" to reconcile the pushing of the button. Don't we as humans do just that: break a rule; guess at others to fix them; and hopefully finally consult The Word (both Scripture and Jesus himself) to reconcile all the buttons we push in this life.

A practical example we have used: I used blue painters tape (can even use long string for each "rule" to show how entangled we get in breaking rules; we think freedom is in breaking rules but really is more freeing to follow if it is right set of rules):
Parents tell you "don't play in this area; it is dangerous". You break rule, play and break your arm. Parents take you to the doctor and the doctor says, "you have to keep arm still for several weeks. (stick on piece of tape)  I am putting you in a cast. You can't play sports. (stick on another piece of tape) You can't get it wet, you can't take bath. (and another)You can't go swimming. (and another). You even have to be careful brushing your teeth. (and another)"

One rule has now become FIVE!

The Blue Day Book for Kids by Bradley Trevor Greive

We so enjoy the pictures in this book! It is great opening into a conversation about the difference between circumstances and choices!

There will be bad days but we can choose to remember WHO has got the day and to maybe look at it in a different way!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - (Jesus) John 16:33

Nothing To Do by Douglas Wood; illus by Wendy Anderson Halperin

We are not "human doings" :) according to this author in the author's note. Love it!! This book is amazing especially illustrating growing through experiences that often are not achieving what the world would acclaim, something it would describe as "nothing".  This is one of those little reminders to look at everything that a book offers especially the illustrator's notes. The message is beautifully communicated and is perfect to bring up:

"Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." -Psalm 46:10

and discussions on how the busy-ness of American culture can rob us of the worship of doing nothing!

In the Fiddle Is a Song by Durga Bernhard

This has rocketed to the front of my top favorites list for ANY age!!!! (even though it is a lift the flap board book)  Intriguing that such a trite thing has as much POTENTIAL as this little gem!

The art is beautiful and the message is amazing truth that easily reminds me of so many of God's Truth. All of the things in the book have amazing potential and there were plans for them that involved much change and transformations.  This book is a narrative of so many things that happen in nature and some of what is crafted by workmen's hands which both reflect the creativity of the Creator.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

"For we are God' workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

"'For I know the plans I have for  you,' declares the LORD. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

"And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Ephesians 2:22

wish, change, friend by Ian Whybrow

Precious book about change in life and meeting new friends!

Change in life is challenging and often hard to say:) The pig in this story learns how wish and experiencing change can hold limitless relational wonders!

Another book, The Bible, holds God's wishes for us, will guide us through much change as He changes us, and will guide us to fellowship with other friends but most importantly the Ultimate Friend in Christ.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight." -Hebrews 4:12-13

"You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last.  Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." - John 15:14-17

Alphabet House by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Korwyn's favorite picture board book to use for learning alphabet.  Adorable bunny family living in the alphabet house with wonderful pictures of so many objects that start with each letter.  Loved the "D" page with "Daddy" and "Daughter" "Dancing".

Toy Boat by Randall de Seve

One of our family favorites!! I have used this for illustrating how encouragement can be so important for girls to do with one another by focusing on the fishing boat circling the toy boat and just being there with him during his struggle to return to the boy.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Upon my latest reading with Dax for a homework assignment, he correlated it to a theme of "freedom within boundaries". As long as the boat stayed within a safe distance of the boy, he could sail freely while being safe also.  So I included in our discussion a reading of 1 Corinthians 10:23 "'Everything is permissible" - but not everything is beneficial.  'Everything is permissible' - but not everything is constructive." (Galatians 5:13) I want to add Matthew 11:29-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

The Duckling Gets a Cookie by Mo Willems

I love Pigeon and Duckling! As a person, I so understand Pigeon's point of view! As a mom, I so get both of them!!

This is a great illustration for prayer (along with Pigeon Wants a Puppy).  I have begun to think that prayers can be affected by personalities. There are some who are completely comfortable with themselves and with their relationships that they can ask for whatever whenever but they do tend to forget the "however".  It seems that these personalities struggle with their motives in prayer and recognizing the authority of the Provider of the answers to prayer.  There are others who never ask for anything because of insecurity with themselves or within whichever relationship a need/desire arises.  These seem to struggle with boldness to be open about their hopes and they emphasize the authority of the Provider over the love.

I particularly love the polite meekness of Duckling in this story that doesn't hold back the request and even more his polite boldness to be more specific about a cookie with "no nuts".

As our ultimate Parent, I think God wants us to ask so He can answer; I think He wants us to give us a "Yes" but it is also in our best interest to be accepting and even thankful for His "No"s.  He wants us to acknowledge His Love, Authority, and Provision move in and through our lives.

Matthew 7:7-12 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened..."

this book can also be used in times when we struggle with sharing and putting others first; (Pigeon Wants a Hot Dog is good for this too)
Philippians 2:2-4 "...consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor

This book surprised me! I was skeptical about bringing all this fanciness into my world;)  I have several friends who are mothers to girls and they have spoken of this book with fondness in their eyes.  I thought it would just be a fun read that Korwyn and I could use as a basis for future fun adventures.  The communication, bond, and interest illustrated between parent and child in this adorable story is priceless! I loved how Nancy wanted so much to share her view with her family, but most of all how they set aside time to be interested in what interested her.  Her gratefulness was wonderful and the ending superb!

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others." -Philippians 2:4

Oops-a-Daisy by Clarie Freedman

Although this is a picture book, it is great for older children and adults because there are lots of words.  Growing up especially in our spiritual lives is hard and requires perseverance!!  Daisy must try again and again to get that hop under control.  Giving up cannot be an option!  Many, many times in life failure and "hippity-hoppity-flop..., slippety-flippity..., whoopsity-oopsity..., crashity-smashity...,and bumpity-thumpity" HAPPENS! But that is all part of the journey!

Right now the fellas are learning golf and they have had to learn this lesson the hard way.  For the present shot, they must through off the past, both the good shots and the sad shots.  The other day they were playing number 10 at Countryland, the hole on which Dax achieved his very first par. Cole had played it well too during the trip before.  They were so stuck in the good memory, they flubbed up the present shots a bit.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." -Hebrews 12:1-3

Tell Me About Your Day Today by Mem Fox

This story has the potential to begin a great tradition in a family! This boy has a special outlook on life as well as special interactions with his "friends". Shows how sharing our adventures and becoming intertwined with one another can make a bigger story and we can be a part of something that is more than ourselves if we use our imagination and engage.

Who Loves the Little Lamb? by Lezlie Evans

...and the hungry beast, the naughty kid, and the noisy bird? Great picture book about unconditional love!!  It is unconditional from parental point of view but explaining the Source of that is such an opening.  Situations and consequences are varied in this adorable story!

I Love You This Much by Lynn Hodges and Sue Buchanan

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge --that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." -Ephesians 3:16-21

For years, before I was blessed in motherhood,  I used these verses as the basis for my main hope and prayers over special young people that God allowed me to meet.  That list that I lift up grows longer and longer and I have now added my biological children's names along with the children of some of those young people.

The words above have such power and depth and the ones in bold print are printed at the beginning of this precious children's book.  It is a "song of God's love" and our copy even has a music CD included. It illustrates just how much a mother bear loves her baby bear, "best...most...high...low...deep...wide."

My mom and I used to jokingly argue about who loved whom the most.  Since I have become a mother myself, I have started to concede to her (just here, of course, not face to face;). The reason:  I am convinced my kids have not one clue of how much I love and adore them, so maybe I have never really understood the extent of my mother's love.  No matter how much I tell them, or hug them, or be silly with them, or correct them, I don't think they will glimpse it until they are parents themselves.

I feel this way about our former students as well.  Unless they experience loving others the way we experienced God loving them in our hearts, they will never know how much we care.  And they nor we could create that.  They just have to surrender their inner beings to Him and "out of his glorious riches" He can strengthen their "power to grasp."

One of my favorite phrases is "this love that surpasses knowledge".  I know my precious Dax is going to wrestle with this.  He really values knowledge right now and I am afraid that he may value it for a long while (like some of his DNA contributors).  It is hard when knowledge gets knocked off its "high horse" but I am praying for all of them (not Dax alone) to accept their "dirt for brains" and be loved "in their inner beings" and for "Christ to dwell in their hearts through faith".