Being a homeschool family, we are always on the look out of ways to combine learning with the everyday. Because really for us, school is 365 days of the year.  My thoughts on homeschooling are ever-changing as a result to find what works best for our kids and our lifestyle.  In searching for good books that inspired the kiddos to enjoy reading and develop a love for reading I ran across something wonderful…  The Action Bible 

After several trips through the bookstore I began to notice what seemed to really grab Will’s attention.  I had purchased many books that he quickly lost interest in and set to the side never returning.  I was slowly becoming discouraged till I made up my mind we would find what interest him and not me…  

I realize this is about the Bible and engaging in the Word but, I have a side note…  Comic books are written for all ages on all sorts of things and can be VERY inappropriate for little eyes.  I quickly, but not soon enough, realized the broad audience and the “rating” of each comic book. Apparently, there is a little more being offered than the Archie comic book of my day.  The rating is a good start, but taking the time to read through and really look at pictures is a great idea. Thankfully finding the comic book section for kids made a huge difference in Will’s interest in reading.  I am sure there would be many mothers who disagreed at the style of reading, but it has made a book lover of Will after all!  And this momma is thrilled!

After learning of Will’s love of comic books, you can imagine my excitement when I came across The Action Bible.  It was a super surprise for Will and honestly don’t think he has put it down since the moment I gave it to him.  He always grabs it on the way out the door whether it be a haul across town or an overnight trip.  It thrills my soul.  Seeds are being planted as he learns to  love the stories and scriptures inspired by God.

How to engage your children with the WORD of God…

Discover their interest…

For us, for Will, it was The Action Bible.  There are many different Bibles out there for children of all ages.  Here are a few other selections we have enjoyed as a family: The Action Bible Devotional: 52 Weeks of God-Inspired Adventure, The Action Bible Handbook: A Dictionary of People, Places, and Things, The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name and BIBLE DEVOTIONS FOR BEDTIME (Bedtime Bible Stories).  These are all great story book versions and devotionals to get your children interested in learning to engage the Bible.

Direct a beginning…

I think children as much as adults can become overwhelmed with what to read in the Bible.  Trying to decide where to begin or what stories to choose can lead to disinterest and worse, procrastination of engaging in the Word.  I think I would choose a story which they might have heard previously.  Encouraging them to find out if there was more to the story.

You could even suggest a specific book of the Bible that you knew included a really interesting story.  Their discovery of God’s miracles could leave to a real love and understanding of God’s promises and faithfulness.

Show excitement…

I remember Will slapping The Action Bible shut, jumping up and running over to me at the kitchen table.  He was just amazed at the story of Paul and the snake bite.  I listened as if for the first time asking questions {see next suggestion…} and thrilled as he explained and told the story he had just read.  Then totally excited I replied, “No!  you gotta show me…” and as you can visual the scene…  It was a fun moment for the both of us and one that blessed me so!

Ask questions…

Asking questions about what he had just read not only shows interest in what they are doing, but it encourages their memory of the stories.

Be a model…

A picture is worth a thousand words.  My actions to my children are more of an example than me continuing to ask them to read their Bible.  If they see Andy and I taking time to read in our Bibles each day they are going to follow in our footsteps.  I really believe this to be true.  Actions almost always speak louder than words.  We need to be an example, living out Jesus in front of them daily.

Engaging in the Word is LIFE changing.  I encourage you to take time, make time, and if necessary sacrifice the time to read the greatest love story ever written.  Today, make a decision to invest in your children’s lives.  We will never be able to tell them or teach them what they will learn between Genesis and Revelations.

engaging in HIS Word,