I sometimes wonder if anything is getting through to Davis when we read the Bible stories at night. Keeping a two year old still for even one page of text, regardless of how colorful the pictures are, is no small feat. I've taken to reading while lying on the bed as a means of keeping him at least semi-contained. However, two nights ago I had an epiphany. Much more is getting through than I ever imagined.
We have just started reading through The Jesus Storybook Bible again (for the 6th or 7th time). I have blogged about it before and with repeated exposure I believe even more firmly that it is the most theologically-sound, Christ-centered, fully-engaging Bible storybook on the market today. It uses a number of repetitive devices to help children remember the over-arching theme of the book -- that every story whispers his name. The author speaks about the Rescuer, the One who will come and restore a right relationship between God and His people. She talks about God's great love for his children, which has never failed even when they repeatedly sinned and walked away from Him. That love surpasses our understanding and is what sent God's son to earth, what held Him on the cross. It is God's "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love." This phrase resounds throughout many of the chapters.
I've been trying to get Addison to remember these words, never dreaming that Davis was paying close enough attention to remember it. But then two nights ago as we read about "The Terrible Lie," the fall in the Garden of Eden, and the aforementioned phrase is introduced for the first time, I paused to give Addison opportunity to repeat the words when to my great surprise and complete delight Davis piped in and rattled off without skipping a beat "God's Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love." He's been listening all this time, listening disguised as completely distracted.
Apparently, when you are two, you can memorize weighty biblical material while running circles on the carpet at the same time.
Update: If you've found me from the Jesus Storybook Bible site, click the link for today's post where I'm Sharing the Love and you could win your very own copy of the deluxe edition!
4 comments:
I think the Lord sends us these priceless gems to encourage us in the endless process of parenting. Kudos to Davis, and you, too.
Love,
Mom
This is so encouraging -- thank you! We LOVE the Jesus Bible Storybook Bible but have wondered if it is too "weighty" for our own tilt-a-whirl two-year old to absorb. He does fine with his other little rhyming Bible storybooks, but we've had trouble with him sitting still for this one. No longer! Beginning tonight at bedtime we're going to read a story from it every night and see what happens. Thanks for sharing. Hope you're having fun with the family!
Awesome! My daughter is 3 and surprised me w/quoting the same thing. I've reallly been thinking about printing out that phrase and hanging it in their room.
SUch an awesome book! (Found you via that JSBB website!)
a
Congratulations! Just popping over from JSBB.
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