12.15.2010

Halfway Herbert learns about the Holy Spirit






Recently one of the children in my class gave me a gift card to Barnes & Noble. As I use my journal weekly, the pages are once again getting low. So I thought I’d save the card for a new journal. But who am I kidding? After I found a cute journal, I headed straight for the children’s section. I figured there wouldn’t be a huge selection of “religious” books, so I browsed some of my faves like “Goodnight Moon”, “If you give a mouse a cookie” or “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

Out of curiosity I also looked at the “religious” children’s books. Sadly, there were not very many quality books (then again I wasn't there for hours or anything). They had a slew of different bibles and things like that so when I saw a book by Francis Chan I was so surprised! I’d known about this book since it’s release in October, but I’d never seen a copy of it before! 

Notice the half done hair & teeth! Love it!
The book is about little Herbert that did only half of everything he was supposed to do. He only tied one shoe, brushed only half his teeth, and eventually only told half the truth. Telling only a half-truth eventually got him into trouble. His dad explained that half a truth is a whole lie. He explains to Halfway-Herbert that Jesus wants his people to love him WHOLE-hearted and live WHOLE lives out for God. Herbert’s dad tells him “When we decide to follow Jesus all the way, God’s spirit fills up our hearts and helps us obey God.” Herbert understands that it is hard to do things all the way but with the Holy Spirit we can be helped to obey God. Herbert prays a prayer of repentance for not obeying God and asks for the Holy Spirit so he can know how to follow Jesus. Now Herbert tries to finish things. Chan writes, “He isn’t perfect, but God’s spirit helps him.”

After reading the story of Half-way Herbert, I figured my journal could wait. So I bought the book and I can’t wait to read it to the kiddos!


*If you are interested in quality children's books, stop by each week. Every Wednesday I will be featuring a children's/teen book that I believe is quality material. *

4 comments:

  1. I almost bought this book for Nunkins... but she's still a little young. I do plan to when she's a little older! Umm... he has another boog. Something about a tractor- i dont remember the name! :)

    p.s. LOVE the new picture. You look so different in it! Beautiful- but different! ;)

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  2. Yea, it's called "The Big Red Tractor & the Little Village". I'm going to feature it another time. Oh yea, we get a free professional picture at work each year when they do the kids. Haha yea this one's really different b/c the last pic my hair was super black and short. I miss you! Thanks for the comment!

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  3. I love halfway herbert! Have you seen Sproul's "The Prince's Poison Cup"? they have it at evangelical.. the illustration is fantastic but it is much more extensive than herbert..
    i'm excited to read these featured kids book blogs! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Yes! I want all of his children's books! James and I love that book!

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