This sunrise greeted us today – so much beauty by God’s hand.On Jan. 1st our family rebooted our daily Bible reading. Russ and I encouraged everyone who had gotten behind to begin again with the new year. While I think reading the entire Bible is a great goal, reading daily is even more important to me. So although some of us had fallen behind on our reading, we took the opportunity to begin again. God is big into “do-overs” and fresh beginnings, so I think He is fine with this. [...]
The older crew is reading The NKJV Daily Bible. Last summer when we got our Daily Bibles, Ladybug (11) tried her best to keep up, but found it very burdensome. When Honeybee was in Ethiopia, Ladybug borrowed her Day by Day Kid’s Bible. She asked if I would get one for her because she enjoyed it so much more. I’m all for doing “hard” things, but I’m much more interested in my kids loving the Word of God, so you can bet I jumped right on Amazon and ordered it for her. Little Boo overheard the conversation and said that she wanted one too, so I ordered two and got free shipping. Amazon and I have a very close relationship – Russ can attest to that.
At the dinner table we end the meal each night by reading the daily passage from the One Year Bible for Children. Last August I splurged and bought four copies, so when the meal is done we pass them out to Honeybee, Dimples, Boo, and Eby, who all take turns reading aloud (except for Eby, but he likes to hold the Bible). It is short, which is good because the big kids are always ready to jump up and move on, and includes short questions that the little kids love to answer.
If reading the Bible with your children is new to you, I encourage you to start small, keep it simple, and make it a happy time. Most of all, make it regular and create a habit that they will keep for life.
~Lisa
Thanks for the Bible recommendations. I'm so glad you shared, because we're planning on homeschooling. Another homeschooler told us in no uncertain language to read only out loud out of the KJV to your kids so they aren't intimidated by thee's and thou's later on. My husband and I have been trying the old KJV for our family devotions and sometimes snort and chuckle at the language. It just doesn't read as naturally out loud as it does silently in our heads. Glad you were open and transparent!
Heather, I'm glad this was helpful to you! When our children are young, we want to fill their minds with the basic truths of scripture and lots of great Bible stories. This gives them a foundation to build on as they grow and mature.
I'm pretty interested to check these out…We've gone through The New Bible in Pictures for LIttle Eyes….LOVE it….but need something for elementary ages…..I'm glad for the suggestions!
Lisa, let me know what you think if you try any of these or if you have something else to recommend. I just looked at The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes and it looks sweet. I may get it for Eby's birthday so he can carry it to church – he would love that.
Here is a link for anyone how wants to take a look:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802430783?ie=UT…
Here's the Daily Bible that I use and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! It's produced by Walk Thru the Bible and has a VERY short devotional, commentary if there is something really noteworthy in the days' reading, and sometimes a pithy thought to rememeber…It helped me enjoy Leviticus and Numbers! :o)
Thanks Lisa!