1 John 2:7
Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard.
I love reading aloud to my children when they are small. Both pay rapt attention to the words I say as they admire the illustrations on the pages.
Inevitably, when we finish a particularly enchanting story, I can expect to hear,
"Again, Mama! Read it again!"
If it isn't too close to bedtime, I oblige.
Because, I remember I am the same way as a little girl.
If I like a story, I can't get enough of it.
When I am eight-years-old, my parents give me a copy of Charlotte's Web for my birthday. I am enthralled. I can't put it down.
And, I can't read it just once.
"I thought you already read that book," my mom observes. "Why are you reading it again?"
"Because, I love it."
Love being lost in the magical world of Fern and Wilbur. The geese and Templeton.
Charlotte . . .
No matter how many times I read the book, the is story is ever fresh and new. Inviting. Comforting.
I always feel at home . . .
There are only two books besides Charlotte's Web that I've cherished enough in my life time to read more than once: C. S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
In reflecting upon the "why" of this, the common thread is clear.
Woven uniquely in each is the "old message".
The one Christ gave to us when He willingly went to the cross.
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13)
The old message. The true message.
Of friendship. Of love. Of sacrifice.
Of salvation . . .
~
Do you have favorite books you have read more than once?
Will you pray with me?
Thank you, Father, for loving us so much that You sent Your beloved Son to die for our sins. Because of His sacrifice, we can live in freedom, in hope, in faith. Let us love one another as He has loved us. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 97, 99, (100) or 94, 95
Genesis 31:1-14
1 John 2:1-11
John 9:18-41
I've read the Bible over and over but books, NO.
ReplyDeleteHappy day of love, dear Martha.
Joy always,
Susan
I, too, have read and re-read many passages in the Bible, Susan, but never the whole book cover to cover. Shame on me! :)
DeleteA blessed Valentine's to you and thanks for stopping by!
I loved read the Tintin comics and Asterix and Obleix comics often and often.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping in, Janu! And, thanks for sharing your favorite reads here.
DeleteBlessings on this Valentine's Day!
Little Martha snuggled up with Charlotte's Web... what a sweet visual. I believe the Bible is the book I've read most in life, although I was 19 before I dug into it. These days I'm reading and moving on. There are so many books and so little time.
ReplyDeleteJesus's passionate sacrifice was the ultimate act of love, balancing out the scales, keeping me safely in His arms, and knowing that "it is finished" and I never have to worry about the issue of sin again. I can concentrate on love. Love for God, myself, and man. Free indeed!
Happy Valentine's Day Martha. This was a beautifully written post... and right from your heart.
Thanks for stopping by today, Leah, and a very happy Valentine's Day to you, too!
DeleteYes, there are so many books out there . . . I was much older, too, before I began to read my Bible. Doing these devotions truly has me delving deeply into the scriptures and I love it!
And, we are definitely "free indeed" because of Christ's great love for us.
Blessings to you!
I have several favorites especially those of Jane Austen - which tells you what a romantic I am. Then there's 'To Kill A Mockingbird'....I have read all of these over and over. I'm sorry to say I haven't read the Bible cover to cover but prefer to read my favorites over and over again.
ReplyDeleteI love the letters of John so full of heart and they tell of his great love for the Lord.
Oh, Jane Austin is wonderful! I went through a phase where I had to read ALL her books; I loved each one.
DeleteI haven't read the Bible from beginning to end either, but sure read a LOT in doing the devotions. And, yes, the letters of John are marvelous!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Corinne, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Blessings!
Martha you are one after my own heart. I loved The Lord of the Rings, one of my favorites. I was never read to because we were in a boarding school but I remember reading for Ron when he was a kid and how he would love it. Sending you loads of love dear friend. <3
ReplyDeleteYes! Another Tolkien fan! Did you ever see the movies? I really thought they did a great job here, too.
DeleteBoarding school . . . wow . . . I can't imagine.
Glad you have pleasant memories of reading to your own son.
Lots of love and blessings back to you!
There are only a handful of books that I've read more than once. I am always surprised by my choices because they are never what I'd think I like. When I first moved to the UK (years ago) I was so homesick the first year I found reading to be my cure so long as I read books set in the States. I eventually made it to the other side and embraced Charing Cross road.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda, for stopping by today!
DeleteIsn't it amazing the comfort that books can give us? It's funny, but I've always preferred British authors over American - note Lewis and Tolkien. Go figure! :)
Blessings!
I've only read the book once – 5th grade – and never again – I didn't even watch the movie – I just couldn't get past the spider. I've written at least one world-class spider rant on my blogs before. But what you wrote – about the message – about the message of love – I get THAT – and maybe – just maybe – JUST maybe – I'll reconsider now. :) God bless you Martha!
ReplyDeleteOh, Craig, I DO remember your spider post! And, as my stepson is deathly afraid of them, I certainly can identify with you here. Actually, reading this book helped me get over my own phobia about those webby-making creatures. :)
DeleteThanks so much for dropping by today!
Blessings to you!
I was reading a book to my three year old princess last night. She doesn't seem to get enough and would love to hear the stories over again. The same holds true with my other niece :) I oblige because, like them, I also love stories.
ReplyDeleteI love the Song of Songs and the Psalms. I like sharing Bible stories with the children ~ it makes my heart simple.
My favorite book is a compilation of homilies my SD gave to the Sisters of Poor Clares.
I liked your choices but I saw them in movies. I haven't read them.
I also like the Book of Saints, Theophane's The Mysteries of the Magical Monastery, Richard Bach's Jonathan Livingstone Seagull and Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist.
What do they have in common? Perhaps, the 'journey in life'.
I think we are led to lives of holiness if we allow God's grace to work in us.
I pray with you...
Hi, Melissa, and thanks for stopping by and leaving this great comment!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoy reading to your nieces and I'm sure they appreciate every moment of it. Kids do so love hearing stories again and again.
Thanks, too, for sharing some of your favorite reads. I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull many, many years ago and a few years back, I read The Alchemist. I remember enjoying both. And, I think you are right about the common thread - life is a journey and a truly wonderful one when God's grace is at work within us.
Love that you always pray . . . :)
Blessings to you!
The books I seem to cling to are fantasy books, but the message is always very much like what you say. I loved the Lord of The Rings and even Harry Potter for the same reasons. Family and friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan, for stopping by!
DeleteI love fantasy, too, as you can tell by this post. I love going into a whole other world when I read . . .
Blessings to you!
Yup!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte's Web is one of my ALL TIME favorites as well, Martha. The other is Tuck Everlasting. When some young boy or girl comes into the library looking for something to read. These are the first two books I suggest. And over 90% of the time they come bouncing back exhorting my ability to pick books. It's one of the BEST things I LOVE about working in a library. Reading a wonderful book then getting to recommend it to others and have them return looking for more recommendations from me.
--
Chris
Hi, Chris, thanks so much for dropping by today!
DeleteGlad to know Charlotte's Web is one of your favorites, too. I have never read Tuck Everlasting, so will have to give it a shot. I still enjoy reading fiction for young people. :)
Yes, that is a great perk you have - being able to recommend books and seeing the delight on the children's faces when they tell you how much they enjoyed them.
Will be stopping by your post in awhile!
Blessings to you!