I found this book at salvation army the other day, and almost put it back. It was marked a little over $3, when the rest of the books were 49 cents, plus... it was super noisy! It is "Sing along Bible songs". The employees at salvation army were thankful that I was purchasing the book due to the many children constantly pushing it's buttons.( It is available on Amazon for $4.74 -including shipping!!).
Since I have gotten it home and opened it up, the children and I have fallen in love!!! They let me sing to them and read them the song lyrics, they are learning about Jesus and they enjoy it!!! (priceless), but the most surprising thing is that this stinkin' little kid's book is changing us!!
It is hard to tell just what changes the children are experiencing. I can only know the changes in their behavior, but I can tell you that it is changing my whole attitude! Today when I picked up the littles from "preschool" at the YMCA (childcare while I work out) they said that Willow had been singing the whole time! She was singing, "This little light of mine". How cute is that?
The kids never let me sing with them normally, or read them books! They usually don't sit still long enough or pay attention, and shush me if I sing... but this is something we enjoy doing together. Even when they are off on their own, if I push a button.. they come running and beg for more!
I have noticed an increase in gratefulness and calm within myself and a constant attitude of praise. A little cheezy, I know... but it's true. It is really helping me keep God in the forefront and give him the praise he deserves, and changes are following. Between recently reading about Mother Teresa, and the book "Radical", I have come to realize the need to focus more on God. I have been wanting to change my behavior and been unsuccessful for the most part, besides a nagging feeling of guilt... but since I have been singing these songs with the kids it has come naturally. I am naturally throwing money into every counter-top jar I see at the stores I go to. I find myself naturally talking about about God and Jesus in natural conversation. It just happens to come up, and not in a preachy way. I have a great desire to use money more efficiently and give as much as I can, and when I can't give money.. offer my time (which is often much more valuable), and when I don't have time, work it into my daily routine... as I should any way. Optimally, do all three! I have been shopping at thrift shops, which is less expensive and the money is used for charitable goals... which is awesome! Our VCR broke the other day and I found two of them at Goodwill for $11!!! Plus great Children's books, 4 for 99 cents! Sweet!!!
How have I missed this? The behaviors that Jesus described his true followers acting out may not be commands and much as plain truth. A natural reaction when we put God first and give Him the praise he demands....
I want to buy cases of this book for everyone I know!! I just bought one for the YMCA (After I told them about the book they wanted me to bring it in), and I am ordering one for the Church nursery, because the kids need something to do to keep them busy in there. They get bored of coloring pretty quickly and resort to begging for crackers and crying the whole time. If we are singing Bible songs, my theory is that it will be a much happier place for the kids, plus we can bring Jesus into church childcare (which for now is lacking outside of the prayer of thanks for the crackers). ~D
