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Nathan Ching

A redeemed child of God, happy husband, homeschooling dad of nine, and lifelong lover of good books.

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015 | Why Stories Matter – Reasons to Read

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Hi, Fellow Dad!

It’s time to make sure we’re ready for the season with stories to read with our families…but are Christmas stories (or other stories) simply for the purpose of checking off a box on our to-do list? Sure, reading helps us build warm, fuzzy, enjoyable memories together . . . but are there other reasons to read, reasons that make it worth our while even when we’re busy or stressed? Listen while we give a quick run-through of six reasons to read stories together as a family.

—Nathan

Scriptures

  • Proverbs 24:3-4
  • Genesis 1:1
  • Mark 1:16-18
  • Matthew 21:28
  • Luke 10:30
  • Proverbs 24:5, 6

Books

  • Then Darkness Fled: The Liberating Wisdom of Booker T. Washington, by Stephen Mansfield.
  • From This Verse: 365 Inspiring Stories About the Power of God’s Word, by Robert J. Morgan.
  • The Cruelest Miles, by Gay Salisbury and Laney Salisbury
  • God of the Aurora: the Holy Spirit’s Call to the Asian People, by Bruce Hamilton
  • This Country of Ours, by H.E. Marshall
  • Brighty of the Grand Canyon, by Marguerite Henry
  • Plutarch’s Lives [chapters on Demosthenes & Pompey], by Plutarch (Thomas North translation)

Why read stories together as a family?

  1. Because stories provide opportunities to talk about situations and ideas that would not otherwise come up in everyday conversation.
  2. Because stories expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us–especially how God has worked in people’s lives throughout history.
  3. Because stories introduce us to people whose lives challenge and inspire us to do great things in our own generation.
  4. Because stories provide common points of reference for each member of the family.
  5. Because stories draw us together emotionally
  6. Because a good portion of the Bible is presented in the form of story.   How did Jesus teach? In most cases, He told stories!   As we read stories to our children–and retell stories worth retelling–we weave truths into the fabric of their thinking, making the truth stronger and stronger for them.   As this knowledge in their minds grows, they are able to better make wise choices for life, as the characters in the stories become their counsellors–their guides for life.

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Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/benjamin-botkin/hope-deferred
License code: HAF9GBAZKPYPLA71

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