Books that
Help Build Godly Character
By
Jim Day
There are millions of children’s books on the
market today. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of them are nothing
more than politically correct tools wittingly or unwittingly designed to 
indoctrinate
children with anti-biblical, anti-American, socialistic and humanistic philosophies.
Fiction, non-fiction and particularly children’s
text books overtly or subtly teach: moral relativism (there are no universal
moral truths - only beliefs, perspectives and ethno-centric values and none
are more valid than the other); situational ethics (where situational factors
as opposed to character and moral values determines our behavior, i.e., it’s
OK to lie and steal if the situation merits it); that man has evolved from
lower life forms (Evolution); radical environmentalism (the subjugation of
man to the environment); globalization (anti-national, particularly United
States, sovereignty); and so on.
Children’s books which foster a biblical, Christian
world view or promote traditional biblical values are seldom, if ever, found
on assigned or required reading lists in public schools.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Quite recently one of our readers brought to
my attention the fact that there were indeed books, a series of books actually,
which were wholesome and teach children traditional biblical values and truths.
The series – Lamplighter’s Rare Collector’s
Series - are designed to bring glory to God as they present the truths of
His Word.
In my investigation of these books I
discovered that they are actually meticulous reconstructed reprints of books
that are over 100 years old. With over 90 titles in the series (and more titles
being added all the time) each book contains a biblical theme with a
theologically accurate spiritual message. In addition to being
inspirational, the books are finely crafted hardbacks (some leather bound) with
outstanding illustrations and attention to excellence in their craftsmanship.
Kathy and Steve Mueller, who own ARCO Lawn
Equipment in Ballwin, are local distributors of the books. The Muellers have home schooled their five children for some 13
years and presently utilize the books in their home school curriculum. To find
out more about the Lamplighter books I spoke to Mrs. Mueller. The
following is part of our interview.
Jim
Day (JD): When did you first encounter Lamplighter
books? What made them stand out?
Kathy
Mueller (KM): I first encountered the Lamplighter
books at a conference in St. Louis back in March of 2006. The first one I
read was The Lamplighter. I found
that it was very well written. It kept my attention as it shifted between
different character sets throughout the chapters, along with showing incredible
moral character and values dispersed within the story. It was very
wholesome, captivating material!
JD:
So, what do you see as the greatest benefit of these books versus other fiction
books?
KM:
The benefit of the books, other than just the incredible beauty and quality as
books go, is the snapshot of what true character should look like. In a
world like the one we live in, those values are simply trampled down and
overlooked. Where they actually exist, they are hard to find and it is
certainly a breath of fresh air when you do find them. These books remind
me of what I should be striving for: humility, meekness, gentleness,
contentment, simple happiness, suffering, selflessness, etc. I never have to worry when reading or handing
one of these books to my 12 year old twins. These books are different than
most because they are a call to a higher place not a subtle pull to a lower
place!
JD:
Are the books helpful for home education? How have your kids responded to
them?
KM:
These books have increased my children’s reading speed and comprehension,
not to mention their vocabularies! They amaze me with the words they want
to know. Their desire to read has increased greatly! When I read
one of the books to them, they literally beg me to keep on reading when I’m
done with a chapter. The reading comprehension worksheets that are available
through my 
distribution
make them a great reading curriculum. These books serve any family well,
private schooled, public schooled, or home schooled. If you’re interested
in helping to instill character in your children, these books are a must read!
JD: Are the books directed toward any specific
age group?
KM:
These books meet the needs of every age group, young or old. They will warm
and challenge the youngest and oldest of hearts.
KM:
These books have personally challenged me to think about the depth of my convictions
as a Christian. It’s one thing to say you’re a Christian, but something
quite different to be willing to walk in some of the places that some of the
fiction and non-fiction characters have walked in these books. While
reading I have found myself thinking; “Could I do this? Lord, would you ask
me to do this? If so, what would my heart say? Would I count it all joy?” In
some cases I have experienced something similar to what was in a story which
prompted me to reflect upon my response to that experience and whether or
not my response was the right response. I love these books! Second to
the Bible, I think these books are
the best investment a person could make for their family and home library.
JD:
So, how can readers find out more about the Lamplighter’s
Rare Collector’s Series of books? What titles are available and how might they
go about purchasing a book?
KM:
The best way to learn more about the books is for them to visit our web site,
which is www.timeless-treasures.biz. They can also
call me at (314) 220-6788 or send me an E-mail through the web site and I’ll be
glad to answer any questions they may have.
JD:
Well, Mrs. Mueller, thank you for your time and thank you for sharing with our
readers your story about Lamplighter Books.
I’m sure our readers will appreciate learning about these wonderful books and
visit your web site.
Conclusion
The hearts and minds of our children are the
most sought-after prizes of those who wish to destroy traditional biblical
values, Christianity, and our Republic. Those who wish to capture our children’s
minds know that a constant barrage of their philosophies through the news
media, children’s television programming, movies, school curriculum, text
books, fiction and non-fiction books and other means of influence,
will do just that if parents are not vigilant.
Parents have been charged by the Lord to “...bring
them [their children] up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4) Part of that nurturing includes
helping them to guard their minds against false philosophies and doctrines
wherever they’re found, including what they learn in school and what they
read. God’s Word – the Bible - must
be at the top of the required reading list for our children. It appears that
Lamplighter books would make great
additions to that list in helping to reinforce the Godly character traits
which God desires in our children.
