October 22
Then Shaphan the secretary informed the King, “Hilkiah the priest
has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence
of the King. 2 Kings 22:10
Over the years, each member of our family, from the youngest infant to the eldest senior citizen has been given gifts of books by a special relative. A woman of deep faith and devoted to her family, she is a talented writer and editor and has had an affinity with books since she was very small. Whether they are pictures books illustrating first words, old-fashioned stories of bygone days, books highlighting the current interests of children, prayer books, inspirational books, unique as well as traditional story book assortments, or statistical and non-fiction books involving her beloved Red Sox; Auntie Deb always manages to find the perfect book for each person to enjoy. Every household has a collection of these special books from her in their library, and everyone looks forward to receiving another one of these treasures, for the door of learning they open up, the enlightenment that follows, or for the sheer joy of being immersed in a story. It is a rare occasion to go into anyone’s home and not see one of her presents either on the coffee table, quickly left opened on a chair, or in the hands of one of the little ones. Following bedtime prayers, her grandnieces and grandnephews are lulled to sleep as their parents quietly read to them from one of her thoughtful gifts.
Unlike watching a movie, the written word is tangible; there to be savored, mulled over and thought about at our own pace; so important for children, perhaps even more so for adults, for in our busyness the art of unhurried appreciation can easily be disregarded. How relaxing also and what an indulgence, to listen as someone reads to us the written word – a piece of fiction or history that takes us to another place!
God’s word in Scripture - the most important of all books is our Book of Life. Through inspired words by God, we have been gifted with these works of the prophets; there for us to listen to, to turn to for answers to our questions and to contemplate slowly. In these books are God's laws; laws for us to live by, as well as stories to inspire us and enjoy - enlightening and encouraging us and giving us hope for tomorrow.
God has gifted us with special people in our lives who reflect the Love behind all good things that come our way. Like a good book, each page in life we turn with them, draws us closer into them in love and understanding, just like the Good Book God has given us! In His Written Word, we will find the knowledge of how He wants us to live each day, as well as an understanding of the depth of His constant, unchanging love for us - for it is God’s story for His children, young and old.
Dear Father, thank you for your Holy Word in Scripture. Help us to share the stories of Your goodness to us with others, especially the children in our lives!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A .Matson
Then Shaphan the secretary informed the King, “Hilkiah the priest
has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence
of the King. 2 Kings 22:10
Over the years, each member of our family, from the youngest infant to the eldest senior citizen has been given gifts of books by a special relative. A woman of deep faith and devoted to her family, she is a talented writer and editor and has had an affinity with books since she was very small. Whether they are pictures books illustrating first words, old-fashioned stories of bygone days, books highlighting the current interests of children, prayer books, inspirational books, unique as well as traditional story book assortments, or statistical and non-fiction books involving her beloved Red Sox; Auntie Deb always manages to find the perfect book for each person to enjoy. Every household has a collection of these special books from her in their library, and everyone looks forward to receiving another one of these treasures, for the door of learning they open up, the enlightenment that follows, or for the sheer joy of being immersed in a story. It is a rare occasion to go into anyone’s home and not see one of her presents either on the coffee table, quickly left opened on a chair, or in the hands of one of the little ones. Following bedtime prayers, her grandnieces and grandnephews are lulled to sleep as their parents quietly read to them from one of her thoughtful gifts.
Unlike watching a movie, the written word is tangible; there to be savored, mulled over and thought about at our own pace; so important for children, perhaps even more so for adults, for in our busyness the art of unhurried appreciation can easily be disregarded. How relaxing also and what an indulgence, to listen as someone reads to us the written word – a piece of fiction or history that takes us to another place!
God’s word in Scripture - the most important of all books is our Book of Life. Through inspired words by God, we have been gifted with these works of the prophets; there for us to listen to, to turn to for answers to our questions and to contemplate slowly. In these books are God's laws; laws for us to live by, as well as stories to inspire us and enjoy - enlightening and encouraging us and giving us hope for tomorrow.
God has gifted us with special people in our lives who reflect the Love behind all good things that come our way. Like a good book, each page in life we turn with them, draws us closer into them in love and understanding, just like the Good Book God has given us! In His Written Word, we will find the knowledge of how He wants us to live each day, as well as an understanding of the depth of His constant, unchanging love for us - for it is God’s story for His children, young and old.
Dear Father, thank you for your Holy Word in Scripture. Help us to share the stories of Your goodness to us with others, especially the children in our lives!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A .Matson