Worldviews in Children's Literature

 

We often recognize stories as having a beginning, middle, and end but do we recognize the smaller points of the Gospel, the pointing to God in literature and storytelling?

The Beginning: What happens in the beginning? The characters are introduced so we know who to look for in the story. The Main Character is introduced with flaws. This character's flaw(s) will lead us to the conflict, the struggle in the story. Fairy tales, picture books, children's books, and novels all contain the flaws of the main character. We relate to this character because we too are not without flaws.

• Red Riding Hood - disobedient to mom, talks to stranger
• Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle- poor diet, overeating
• Owl Moon by Jane Yolen - immaturity is implied
• Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder - disobedient to parents, sneaking breaking cultural norms
• Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker - lies
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The Middle: Here in the middle the consequences of the flaw begin to show themselves. The turmoil and struggle to overcome those consequences.

• Little Red Riding Hood - confronted by the wolf in Grandma's bed
• Very Hungry Caterpillar - becomes sick and tries to fix his problem by eating well
• Owl Moon - child puts a hand over mouth to keep any noise from escaping.
• Little House in the Big Woods - spanking
• Code of Silence - teens are confronted with life-threatening consequences if the truth is told.
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The End: In the end the main character has overcome the struggle. There is a new person with new vision in the end.

• Red Riding Hood - the woodcutter (Jesus) enters the scene to kill the wolf (Satan) with Red's realization implying that disobeying and talking to strangers can cause her and others to become entangled in dire consequences. She and Grandma are thankful for the woodcutter.
• Very Hungry Caterpillar - the caterpillar must become a cocoon (die to self) and become a new creature never to return to its old way of life (salvation).
• Owl Moon - the child receives a slight shush from the father but is warmly invited into a conversation after the "hunt" signifying the child has matured, has become "grown-up" like brothers.
• Little House in the Big Woods - Father tans his own jacket as well as that of the boys. A picture that we all suffer the consequences of our sins, sometimes because we choose to impose legalism instead of God's love.
• Code of Silence - there is far less consequences when we tell the truth.

Perhaps as we read to our children beginning at that very young age we can begin to point out more than just the beginning, middle, and end. There is so much more to the story, so many twists and turns just as there is in our lives. It takes a dire consequence to wake up the characters in the books to make a change. Even if that consequence is just missing out on a hunting trip until they are mature enough to follow the rules. It takes a wake-up call to our sins for us to see the need to change and let Jesus have charge. Beginning to show an author's purpose opens the doors to our children's understanding of the gospel.

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalms 119:160

Heavenly Father, please teach me to view everything through the eyes of the gospel so I am not deceived by the ideas of man. Let my mind be renewed with the truth of your word. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

What's your favorite story? It doesn't have to be a kid's story. Maybe you like reading middle grade books or young adult. The author of any story includes a worldview regardless of the storyline itself. The stories mentioned above do have a Christian worldview but there are many that support a secular worldview. We need to be aware not just of a cool story but of what the story is imprinting in our hearts and minds. 

What book are you currently reading? Try finding the flaw in the main character shown at the beginning of the story.

Next, find the conflict the flaw creates in the middle of the story.

Finally, how does the main character resolve the problem? Does the character regret the flaw? Is he selfish and trying to justify his actions because his lifestyle is worth it. (as in Trumpet of the Swans)?. 

What do you feel the author is trying to teach? Why?

The Gospel in a 'Mater Sandwich

Image by Pam Carter from Pixabay

I love a 'mater sandwich. There are three necessary ingredients. You will need your favorite bread, a homegrown tomato, and Dukes mayonnaise. I don't toast my sandwich like the picture and I don't put cheese on it. Just the three ingredients and a little salt and pepper will satisfy a hungry soul. Go ahead and make your sandwich before you finish this post. I know your mouth is watering.  

As you put that first bite in your mouth, think about the first thing on your pallet - the bread. 

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. ~John 6:35 NKJV

The next taste is the pure white Dukes mayonnaise, spread on both pieces of bread. Jesus wasn't a duke but he is the King. 

Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth  ~Peter 2:22 NKJV

Between the bread and the mayonnaise is that big slice of homegrown tomato, red and juicy and full of seeds.

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. ~I John 1:7 KKJV

If you forgot to put the salt and pepper on the sandwich, it's still pretty good, but to be the best it needs that extra touch of flavor.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.     ~Matthew 5:13

It's not just good enough for us to savor the flavor of the sandwich. A sandwich is so much better when you can make one to share. While you share that 'mater sandwich this week, don't forget to share the gospel. The seeds of the tomato you just ate are like the seeds of the gospel that has been planted in your heart. Seeds are made for planting. 

But others (seeds) fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! ~Matthew 13:8,9 NKJV

Heavenly Father, help me see you in the creation around me whether a tree, a bird, or a 'mater sandwich. Help me make the effort to share your gospel with those I come in contact with this week. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Do you have a favorite recipe you enjoy sharing with others? How could you use your recipes to share the gospel with friends? Here are a few ideas.

Make a lemonade stand. (The sweet sugar changes sour lemons into the best drink) 

Cookies (The ingredients by themselves may not be tasty but mixed together they make a great treat)

Identifying how ingredients are like the gospel can be a fun conversation with siblings and/or friends. Sharing the treats with others makes the activity even more special. You might even think about sharing the treats with elderly neighbors or a nearby nursing home. Everyone is sure to reap the benefits.

 

Singing to the Lord

 

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

~Ephesians 5:19,20

We sang to the radio as we drove past old barns

We hummed familiar tunes as we roasted chicken packets on the grill.

We listened to cattle lowing as they crossed the pasture to the barn.

Quietly we stared into the dying embers of the campfire.

 We thanked God for times of refreshing

As we curled up under the quilts 

On a chilly mountain night.

We traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway, camping at Rocky Knob, VA. No electricity, no water, no wifi. We spent most of our time riding the backroads, taking pictures of old barns, and farmhouses, and hiking through a pasture to the ridge to gaze in awe at ridges, upon ridges, upon ridges. I worshipped in those times sometimes singing in my head, sometimes out loud, sometimes just a hum but the words resounded in my mind;  How Great is Our God. As we drove we sang to the radio like teens. We sang Keep Me in the Moment, Confidence, and No Scars in Heaven along with a lot of other songs. 

The Lord wants us to live our lives in joyful song, worshipping and praising him. And what better place to do it than on the quiet drives through the Blue Ridge? We came home with souls refreshed, ready to take on the next moment with confidence, knowing whatever the moment holds heaven awaits with no scars but the scars in the hands that are holding me. 

Psalms 96 

O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.

Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Father God, keep us in the moment. Show us what you have for us. Help us find times for refreshing. Keep us focused and praising you. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

I'm sure many of you have already attended at least one VBS in your area. For me, VBS was always a time to learn new songs and be reminded of others I'd let slip. 

What was your favorite new song? Do you know why it is a favorite? 

Write down the words and just examine what they say. 

How is the song helping you stay focused on the goodness of God?

How will the song help you when you face hard new challenges?

How will remembering this song give you confidence in your daily walk with the Lord? 

A Place in the Shade

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

~Psalms 91:1-2 NKJV

 The heat and humidity have been almost unbearable but for the shade trees. On the edge of my garden is a huge sweet gum. I can find a gentle breeze there when everywhere else is hot and still. I need that tree. It's cooling and comforting. It reminds me of the tree at Grandma's back when no one had air conditioning. We'd bring peaches in out of the orchard and make a churn of fresh peach ice cream. In the fall we'd peel apples to make applesauce and jelly under that big tree. Folks don't do much sitting under trees nowadays but that tree on the edge of my garden is a sweet cooling reminder of those earlier times. 

I wondered why it is that there is almost a totally different ecosystem under the tree. The temperature drops. There's a sense of refreshing. So my got-a-know mentality took over and I did a little research. The roots of the trees take up water and then transport it to the leaves. The sun draws water from the leaves causing a cooling effect like when we perspire. The cells of the leaves that allow evaporation are on the underside of the leaves. So the water vapor is just over our heads, not on the top of the canopy of leaves. 

Those few moments of rest under the sweet gum tree refresh me. A cool drink of water and I'm ready to return to the garden for a few more beans and a tomato or two. 

Jesus, The Water of Life is not in some distant universe. Like the leaves transpiring just over our heads, He is close, covering us with His love and His refreshing spirit. We can safely dwell under His shadow while all the world is a hot mess around us. We can draw close to Him and He will draw close to us, calming us, filling us with His refreshing spirit to return to the fields of this world, white and ready for harvest (John 4:35). 

Heavenly Father, we ask you to cover us with your peace and tranquility. May our minds set themselves on you and know that you are in charge of all that goes on. Refresh our spirits to return to the fields that are ripe and ready. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Do you have a favorite place to rest from the heat? No, not inside in the air conditioning. I'm talking about a favorite place outside. What makes it a good spot to rest? My guess is it's under a tree and the temperature is cooler. Just how much cooler? How about a little research? You'll need:

• 2 outdoor thermometers
• a watch
• a notepad and pencil

Write down the time and check the temperature under a tree and on the grass out from under the tree.

In a couple of hours check the temperature again taking note of the difference in both places. 

In which place has the temperature risen the most? 

Do this several times throughout the day. Does the shadow of the tree eventually cover the grassy spot you first checked? Has the temperature risen or lowered as the shade progressed over the grassy spot? 

Where do you want to spend these lazy days of summer? Save me a spot in the shade. 

Watch out for Snakes

 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. ~ Matthew 10:16 NKJV

I've picked blackberries since I was a small child. It's worth the scratches for the jam and blackberry cobbler. Every season someone will admonish me to watch out for snakes, even neighbors driving by will stop and say, "Watch out for snakes."  Maybe your experience is different but me, I've never seen a snake in a blackberry patch. I've seen a snake skin hanging in a sapling but never a live snake. So my wandering mind began to wonder as I picked as to just why in all the brush and pine needles, poison oak and briars have I never seen a snake. It seems like the perfect habitat. 

I thought; I'm not posing a threat gently easing into the berry patch. I pick the berries on the outside then step gently a little at a time to the next sticky cane. Then pick and step again. I'm not rushing in like a wild bull stomping and crushing. If there is a snake, he's likely slithering out the other direction as I'm creeping in from the front side. I gather every ripe berry I can reach, turn and go back out the same way I went in gingerly picking my way through the briars that have closed in behind me. 

I think that's the way Jesus wants our witnessing to be. Gentle, one step at a time, getting to know the person, not charging into their space with accusations of sin that will send them to hell if they don't repent this minute. Charging in will cause them to throw up a defense and you might be "bitten". 

James 4:7 says, "resist the devil and he will flee from you." How do we resist? Easing into the devil's territory. Gently witnessing with kindness and sympathy. You know, we're sinners too. Your story can have a profound effect on others when given in a harmless dove-like manner. And be wise, know when it's time to turn and ease out. You may have the opportunity to return to that "berry patch", that conversation on another day. 

Heavenly Father, help us to love others well. Help us show them we care about their lives, their circumstances, as well as their souls. Help us witness the way you would witness, as wise as serpents but harmless as doves. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

My dad always told us he picked enough blackberries for twenty-five cents a gallon to buy his shotgun shells for the winter. I'm sure he saved some for Grandma's blackberry cobbler. 

Blackberries sell for far more than twenty-five cents a gallon nowadays, but I'm not sure I'd pick them to sell. I enjoy making jam for the winter and cobblers for Sunday dinner. Both are easier to make than most people think. 

For Jam just have mom buy a bag of sugar and a box of pectin (Surejell). Follow the directions for making jam. You can use canning jars or recycled glass jars with lids that fit. The jam doesn't need to be pressure canned. If mom doesn't have a water bath canner, place a few table knives in the bottom of a large pot so the jars don't touch the bottom. Fill the pot with water to cover the jars and bring to a boil. Boiling for five minutes should keep your jam through the winter months. 

For a cobbler, add a little sugar and sprinkle a tablespoon of cornstarch or a 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum over the berries. Bring to a boil and pour into a pie dish. Make a little dough and place by spoonfuls on top of the berries. Bake at the same temperature as biscuits for the same amount of time. Bisquik is an easy way to make the topping. 

Even if you just pick a few berries to eat out of hand, be sure to "Watch out for snakes!" Just thought I'd add that in for good measure.