I am on a constant search to find the best materials available that will help me to really instill the Word of God into my children. I know that the Word of God can change hearts and lives. I know that my children were born with unconverted hearts. So, the challenge for me as a parent is to present the Word of God in a way that is compelling and relevant to my children. I want them to know their Bible, but know it in a way that truly changes the very essence of who they are. Through our family Bible reading time, I want my children to come to know Christ and to become like Christ. I also want them to enjoy the process! Today, I am excited to be able to share with you a resource that does a fantastic job at meeting those needs…
Over the years I have tried many, many Bible Programs for children. For the past 8 or 9 months we’ve been using Proverbs People in our family’s daily Bible time. Can I just tell you that I am completely in love with these books?
It’s not that Rick and Marilyn Boyer have written anything new and brilliant here… but they have tapped into a book that was written by the wisest man in history (King Solomon) and then made the content relevant and interesting to children. The Boyers present well thought out questions and then send the children to a particular verse in Proverbs to find the answer. Our children just love opening up their Bibles and digging into the Word of God to find the answers! It’s like a treasure hunt to them!
Evening Worship at our house. (Please excuse the Little Farmhands appearing in their pajamas!)
(Even the 2 year old has to have his Bible open on his lap! He just wouldn’t let me take his picture!) When the children find the verse, the question has been phrased in such a way that the answer is obvious. Technically, we selected these books for our children’s spiritual growth, but Papa the Farmer and I have enjoyed (and been convicted by!) these books, too!
The topics in Book #1 are:
- Slothful vs. Diligent
- Righteous vs. Wicked
- The Five Fools
- The Wise Man vs. The Prudent Man
- Liar vs. Faithful Witness
The topics in Book #2 are:
- Virtuous Woman vs. Contentious Woman
- Talebearer
- Proud vs. Humble
- Fearful vs. Trusting
- Angry Man vs. Patient Man
- Content vs. Covetous
- Cruel vs. Merciful
- Flatterer vs. Honest
Also included in the Proverbs People Collection is a set of Flashcards. The flashcards are lots of fun! Simple line drawings illustrate various proverbs in the Bible and ask a question. The children guess the answer to the question based on the drawing!
The set also comes with a series of CD’s called “Uncle Rick Reads the Proverbs.” I play these CD’s in the car or while the children are coloring or washing the dishes. As a special treat I will even play them as the children are going to bed (as an “extra” bedtime story!). The CD’s are simply Rick Boyer reading directly from the book of Proverbs onto the CD. Every few verses he stops and explains to the children what he has just read. He gives examples from his own life to really make the meaning of the proverbs clear to the children. The result sounds very much like “Uncle Rick” is actually in the room reading and explaining to the children!
Our family has enjoyed this set so much that The Learning Parent has offered to issue a discount code for Good Old Days Farm readers! Simply head on over to their site and use the code GOODFARM to receive 20% off at checkout. This code expires Friday, April 13, 2012.
Alternatively, you can find Proverbs People Book one and Proverbs People Book Two on Amazon
Disclaimer: Although this review is not a paid review, the publisher did kindly send me the materials free of charge to review. This is not an affiliate post and what I have written above is my honest opinion. As always, the Amazon links are affiliate links.
Living by God’s word is not always easy. As a child I was faced with many challenges. Many people say I was far too competative as a child and maybe I was. I tried to live the word of God but often found it difficult to do when other children (and in many cases adults would taunt me over what I could not do or say I should not be allowed to do what I wanted to do because I have cerebral palsey.)
As a teenager I faced many challenges with regards to friends, dating and family. Again some were more made complicated due to my limitations. I ept praying that God would show me His plan for me. I often wonder to this day what God’s plan is for me sometimes but I keep reminding myself that He has a plan for me. I try to put God first. I do not always succeed but I do my very best each day. If I sin or make a mistake I do my best not to repeat it.
If we instill this in children then maybe they can learn and grow as well. No one is perfect, each day we must try to live as God wants us too.