There’s a favorite little person hangout in our home. It’s a raised brick corner that displays our Christmas tree in December. When it came time to undecorate this year, many tears were shed about the tree having to go. We promised a surprise in place of the tree and the Book Nook happened. There are mismatched pillows, a quilt my grandmother sewed, cheerful puppet friends, and baskets of books. A string of lights outlines the perimeter of the Nook. On a daily basis one, two, three or four children can be found snuggling there, lights on, books piled on laps.
Our little ones are too young to read words (although the oldest is on the cusp). Their reading consists of studying minute details of every illustration on every page, discussing the details and retelling the story as it was read to them. They will study the same books over and over and over again until the pictures and basic plot are memorized. They beg to have the stories read again so they can remember more of the details on their own.
And the stories, as well as the characters occupying them, are interwoven in daily conversation and play. Their avid imaginations latch on to the plots and expand upon them, reflect upon them, learn from them and grow. It doesn’t matter if the book is history, science, math, or fiction. As long as it is a book with detailed illustrations it is absorbed.
Yesterday a friend sent me a Polo message and in it she read Psalm 147 aloud to me. This Psalm was filled with descriptions of God and as I listened my heart soared in praise. I realized that my trials and worries are small in light of the nature of God. And as I reflected on the writing of this blog I recognized my need to absorb more details about Jesus. The more I learn about Him the more I will know Him and long to worship Him. He will be interwoven into my day and shape my perception of life. What I pour into my mind shapes my thoughts, attitudes and interactions; just as I’m intentional about cultivating my children’s habits and attitudes, I need to do the same with my own.
How much time do you spend reading each day? What do you like to read?
weeklythoughtexchange 
Love that nook 🙂 Leaning on the Lord and knowing Him more and more helps us to surrender and obey more consistently.
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I love this! From beginning to end! I remember feeling sad when we dismantled our Christmas tree, but what a clever idea to fill that treasured space! A Book Nook! Wow, I wish I had thought of that for my own kids. I love to hear how your children are enjoying each detail and remembering the characters and plots to retell on their own. Such a perfect analogy for us as learners of our Bible – God’s amazing story of redemption and love for His people! You are right, we do need to slow down and soak in the details like a little child. We zip past and gloss over things and miss all the lovely details God has woven in for our joy as we worship Jesus. My favorite book is the Bible. I enjoy some devotional reading, of course, but mostly the Bible. I probably read about 30 minutes per day, but that is embarrassing to admit because I know I should be reading more. How about you?
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Oh yes! I wish I could say I read so much more in my Bible than I do. I strive to read a couple of chapters every day and even that is challenging. I read a chapter with my children after breakfast and we discuss it. I absorb a lot from those morning readings.
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Good evening Shelby, yes the more we know who He is, His character, His actions. When I speak, I tell of falling in love with Jesus. I am leading a group of women on a Jesus Journey, and that is my prayer that they will fall in love with Him. May God bless you and your baby with rest, deep rest tonight.
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I read the Bible and parenting books. When I have extra time, I love to read fictional books.
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What parenting books do you read? I’m always looking for new titles to add to my library.
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Have you ever read Grace Based Parenting? That’s a good one.
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I have heard of it but have yet to read it. Thank you for the recommendation.
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