Treasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life

038 | Why Bother with History

Hey Fellow Dads!

Why should we bother with history? Isn’t it just facts about dates and dead people? Or is there some actual, as well as practical, value to learning the stories of the past?

In this episode, I share five reasons we as dads should know history ourselves, and then pass it on to our children!

—Nathan

Why bother reading history?

1. Because History is HIS story, reading history gives us a glimpse into how God is bringing His will to fruition amongst mankind.
2. Because knowing history gives us a clearer understanding into our own times.
3. Because history is full of negative examples—people doing things they should not have.
4. Because history is full of positive examples—people doing great and good things for their own generation.
5. Because reading history reminds us that our own lives are very brief; but with God's help, we can accomplish much to bless our own generation and succeeding generations and lay up treasures in heaven!

Scriptures

Psalm 78:1-8
1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: 3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. 5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

Isaiah 46:9-10
9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

1 Corinthians 10:6, 11
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Quotes

"The fate of unborn millions now depends, under God, on the courage and conduct of this Army."
—Gen. George Washington

“America was founded by people who believe that God was their rock of safety. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it’s all right to keep asking if we’re on His side.”
—President Ronald Reagan, in his Second Inaugural Address, January 25, 1984, quoted in America’s God and Country: Encyclopedia of Quotations, by William J. Federer

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
—martyred missionary Jim Elliot

Books

📖  More Than Dates and Dead People, by Stephen Mansfield

📖  Breaking Into Print: Before and After the Invention of the Printing Press, written by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Bonnie Christensen

📖  Under Drake’s Flag: A Tale of the Spanish Main, by G.A. Henty

📖  Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World, by Eric Metaxes

📖  Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice, by David Teems

📖  1820: Grapes of Canaan, by Albertine Loomis (story of the first Christian missionaries to the Hawaiian Islands, told by a granddaughter of one of those first missionaries)

📖  Stephen: A Soldier of the Cross, by Florence Morse Kingsley

📖  The Martyr of the Catacombs, author unknown

📖  Foxe's Book of Martyrs, by John Foxe

📖  My Brother’s Keeper: Christians Who Risked All To Protect Jewish Targets of the Nazi Holocaust, by Rod Gragg

📖  Then Darkness Fled: The Liberating Wisdom of Booker T. Washington, by Stephen Mansfield

📖  The Titanic’s Last Hero, by Moody Adams

📖  These Are My People, by Mildred T. Howard (biography of Missionary Gladys Aylward)

📖  Through Gates of Splendor, by Elisabeth Eliot

📖  America’s God and Country: Encyclopedia of Quotations, by William J. Federer

If you enjoyed this episode,

💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/038-why-bother-with-history

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

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Credits

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

https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/atonement
License code: 1OUL4KYUFURVO6V2

037 | Lead Your Family Even When You're Not Home

Intro

Hey Dads,

Nothing can replace your voice speaking truth and stability into your children’s hearts, and no one can replace you being present in their lives. But is there a way they can continue to hear your voice when you have to be away for a time?

In this episode I discuss one way we can reach out to our children—even from afar—to influence them with truth, bind our hearts together with theirs, and simply show them we’re thinking about them and love them. This small project can be fun for you, meaningful for your family, and easy enough to start today!

--Nathan

What would I talk about?

• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
• Deuteronomy 5
• Psalm 78:1-8
• Read Bible verses. If you are reading a particular passage of scripture each day for the month, maybe read that, or one verse and a short explanation in each episode.
• Read short stories. (Story mentioned in this episode about the “real lone ranger”—https://www.history.com/news/bass-reeves-real-lone-ranger-a-black-man )
• Tell Dad jokes (if you can get away with it)!
• Talk about where you expect to be or special plans for that trip.
• Be sure to tell them that you love them and you’re praying for them and you miss them.

Why should I record my own "dadcasts" for my kids?

• “My sheep hear my voice….” Your children are your flock, and they need to hear your voice.
• To help your little ones go to sleep.
• To help your children memorize Scripture.
• Your children will have a way to listen to your voice even when you're away from home.
• They'll be able to listen to your voice when you're gone (as in, gone-gone).

When?

• Before an upcoming trip.
• During a trip.
• For your unborn baby.
• For your newborn.
• For your child when he or she is about to reach a major milestone: salvation, baptism, graduation from high school, entering manhood ceremony, wedding, birth of a child, etc..

How can I record dadcasts for my children?

• For Mac, GarageBand. https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
• For Mac and Windows, Audacity. https://www.audacityteam.org
• For smartphones, VoiceRecordPro. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voice-record-pro/id546983235

If you enjoyed this episode,

💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/037-lead-your-family-even-when-youre-not-home

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

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Credits

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bloom
License code: CW3RYTALMYHQAW7H

https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/adventure-island
License code: JFGHRMKFD5NVLRU5

036 | Remember Them That Are in Bonds

Hey Dads,

Do you sometimes find yourself or your family becoming self-absorbed, forgetting the suffering of imprisoned and persecuted Christians around the world? Or do you even know how to find out about those who are suffering?

Today’s episode lists books and resources to keep your family informed and gives ways to take your stand for Christ and help them. Let’s follow God’s command to “remember them that are in bonds”—our brothers and sisters in Christ!

--Nathan

Scriptures

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

2 Corinthians 6:9-10 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Books

📖 Foxe’s Book of Christian Martyrs, by John Foxe

📖 By Their Blood: Christian Martyrs of the Twentieth Century, by James and Marti Heffley

📖 Tortured for Christ, by Richard Wurmbrand

📖 Tortured for His Faith, by Haralan Popov

📖 *Bold as a Lamb: Pastor Samuel Lamb and the Underground Church in China,* by Ken Anderson

📖 Morning and Evening, by Charles Haddon Spurgeon (a devotional book quoted in this episode, but not a book about persecution)

Quotes

“I bless you, Father, for judging me worthy of this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ."—the last words of Polycarp of Smyrna

“The best apologists for Christianity in the early days were its martyrs. The anvil breaks a host of hammers by quietly bearing their blows. Did not the silent Lamb of God furnish us with a grand example of wisdom?”—C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, April 2, Morning

If you enjoyed this episode,

💡 See the show notes including main points from today’s episode at https://refreshpublishing.com/036-remember-them-that-are-in-bonds

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

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Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/lay-of-the-land
License code: SA5443SR7ABFUPLS

https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

035 | Rejoice in Jesus' Victory

Hey Dads,

What are your plans for this Resurrection Sunday? Are you helping your family rejoice in Jesus’ victory over death? In this episode, we first explore what Christ’s death and resurrection mean for us today, then list ideas for Scriptures, books, music, and more to help your family celebrate the true meaning of this Easter season.

He is risen—let’s rejoice!

--Nathan

Scriptures

• Hebrews 2:14-15
• John 20:1-2, 11-21
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
• 1 Corinthians 1:18
• Luke 18:31-34
• Colossians 3:16
• Romans 10:13-14

Books

📖 Simple Sermons on the Savior’s Last Words, by W. Herschel Ford

📖 The Incomparable Christ, by J. Oswald Sanders

📖 Addresses on the Gospel of John, by Harry Allen Ironside

📖 (For younger readers) The Story of the Empty Tomb, published by Arch Books

📖 (For teens and up) What Are Christmas and Easter All About? By John Cross, published by Goodseed International

📖 (Hymnal) Bible Truth Hymns, published by Bible Truth Music

📖 (Hymnal) Rejoice, published by Majesty Music

(The next two books are not mentioned in this episode, but they are beneficial to the study of Christ’s resurrection)

📖 The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel

📖 Person of Interest, by J. Warner Wallace

Music Recordings

“Risen”, produced by the Wilds Christian Association

“The Majesty and Glory of the Resurrection” by Billy Ray Hearn and Tom Fettke, available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, etc.

“Worthy of Praise,” released in 1998 by Majesty Music

“Shadow of the Cross,” released in 2009 by Majesty Music

“Can It Be,” released in 2020 by Majesty Music

Suggestions to help lead our families to rejoice in Jesus’ victory

1. Read about the Lord’s death and resurrection.
2. Provide material about the death and resurrection of Christ for our children to look at and read themselves.
3. Regularly take your family to a Bible-preaching and Bible-teaching church where you can expect to hear the word of God faithfully and diligently expounded.
4. Memorize a passage of scripture about Christ’s death and resurrection together.
5. Listen to biblically-sound, Christ-honoring music whose lyrics and music exult in Christ’s finished work and resurrection.
6. Sing songs about Jesus together.
7. Let your family hear you thank the Lord for His victory, with genuine gratitude in your voice.
8. Pray for and look for opportunities to share this life-changing news with someone else.

Gospel tract recommendations

• “He Lives”
• “The Bridge to Life”
• “Canyon Crossing”
• “Illusions”

If you enjoyed this episode,

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

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💡 See the show notes, including quotes from some of the sources mentioned in today's episode, at https://refreshpublishing.com/035-rejoice-in-jesus-victory

Notes

“Jesus Paid It All,” used with permission:
https://greghowlett.com/royalty-free-music-hymns-christian

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

034 | This Is My Father's World - Part 1

Hey Dads,

We believe that God created the natural world . . . but how often do we get out in it? And are we leading our children to learn about nature as a way of growing their faith in the Creator? Tune in today to learn why and how nature stories can be an important part of your family culture and education.

--Nathan

Why should we as Christian dads read nature stories to and with our families?

1. Because the natural world (the creation) gives us real glimpses of God’s wisdom and power.
2. Because the natural world illustrates spiritual truths.
3. Because learning about nature reminds us of the fact that God created us, using great wisdom and lovingkindness.
4. Because hearing a nature story can teach us humility.
5. Because nature stories can show our children (and us) that God’s revealed word does not clash with reality but rather corresponds with reality.

Books

📖 Indescribable, by Louis Giglio

📖 My Listening Ears, by Joanne DeJonge

📖 Did Adam Have a Bellybutton? By Ken Ham

References

• “This is My Father’s World,” hymn lyrics by Maltbie Babcock
• “The Pale Blue Dot” image: https://science.nasa.gov/resource/voyager-1s-pale-blue-dot/

If you enjoyed this episode,

💡 See the show notes, including a list of all Scriptures, books, and quotes mentioned, at www.refreshpublishing.com/034-this-is-my-fathers-world

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

➡️ Take a screenshot or click the "Share" button in your podcast app to let your friends know.

🧑🏻‍💻 Join the Facebook group

📧 Read more and subscribe to our newsletter at treasureboxbooks.com

Notes

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

 

"This Is My Father's World," used with permission
http://greghowlett.com/royalty-free-music-hymns-christian 

033 | Where Do You Find Good Books?

Hey Dads,

You want to stock your family’s bookshelves with great books, but your time (and likely your budget) are limited. With so many millions of books to choose from and seemingly thousands of possible places to buy them, how do you decide where to look? Listen in for twelve of our favorite book sources. I'll also share some of the treasures we’ve found at each!

--Nathan

One Dozen Sources for Books

1. Betterworldbooks.com (Better World Books)

   Free shipping on most books.

2. Thrift stores (Salvation Army, Goodwill, Savers, etc.)

3. Ollies.us (Ollie's Bargain Outlet)

4. Alibris.com

   This site seems to specialize in textbooks.

5. booksamillion.com (Books-A-Million)

6. rainbowresource.com (Rainbow Resource Center for Homes and Schools)

   Described by my wife as having “lots of schoolbooks. Good prices, fast shipping, very informative website.”

7. Christianbook.com

   Good source for inexpensive Bibles.

8. Scripturetruth.com (Scripture Truth Book Company)

   Reliable source for Bible commentaries and study tools.

9. Homeschool conventions/bookfairs

   https://greathomeschoolconventions.com

   Also look for a homeschool co-op or support group in your area.

10. Internetarchive.org

    Out-of-print, copyright-expired books are available to read online.

11. Biblio.com

    Specializes in out-of-print and collectible books, but not limited to these categories.

    Most books reasonably priced and many books have no shipping cost.

12. Local library bookstores

    These might offer books with information about your local area.

And two favorites to visit again someday!

1. Howe, IN—Ark Paws and Claws Bookstore (lots of old, out-of-print books) https://www.arkanimalrescue.net/paws-claws-bookstore
2. Raleigh, NC—Homeschool Gathering Place https://homeschoolgatheringplace.com

If you enjoyed this episode,

💡 See the show notes, including a list of all books mentioned, at www.refreshpublishing.com/033-where-do-you-find-good-books

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

➡️ Take a screenshot or click the "Share" button in your podcast app to let your friends know.

🧑🏻‍💻 Join the Facebook group

📧 Read more and subscribe to our newsletter at treasureboxbooks.com

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/creme-brulee
License code: RPRMNKSZIIQIBMRR

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

032 | Read Interesting and Inspiring Books Together

Hey Dads,

What books might your child (especially those around the preteen years) enjoy reading alone or with the family--books that could both entertain and encourage them in their Christian faith?

In this episode my favorite daughter joined me for a conversation about an inspiring story she read recently, how we have weekly Daddy Times, favorite books, and a few favorite book series we hope you can enjoy, too!

Aloha,

Nathan

Books

📖 Stories of America, by Charles Morris (published by Simply Charlotte Mason)

📖 Amy and Her Brothers, author unknown (published by Lamplighter)

📖 The Peabody Series, by Jeri Massi (Books 1-6 published by BJU Press; Book 7 published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform)

📖 Adventures of An Arctic Missionary Series, by Gloria Repp (published by BJU  Press)

📖 An American Adventure Series, by Lee Roddy (published by Bethany House Publishers)

📖 The Ladd Family Adventure Series, by Lee Roddy (some published by Mott Media, some by Thomas Nelson)

📖 Advent stories, by Arnold Ytreeide (published by Kregel Publications)

📖 Mike Danford Adventures Series, by Arnold Ytreeide (published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)

📖 God of Alaska Series, by Bruce Hamilton (available at GodofAlaska.com)

If you enjoyed this episode,

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

➡️ Take a screenshot or click the "Share" button in your podcast app to let your friends know.

🧑🏻‍💻 Join the Facebook group

📧 Read more and subscribe to our newsletter at treasureboxbooks.com

💡 See the show notes (with lists of books in each series above) at https://refreshpublishing.com/032-read-interesting-and-inspiring-books-together

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/bloom
License code: CW3RYTALMYHQAW7H

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

031 | Read the Old Testament

Hey Fellow Dads,

Have you ever wondered if the Old Testament is really relevant for today? Is it worth studying with and reading to our families, or should we “unhitch” ourselves from the O.T. and focus only on the New? Today we ask ten questions about the Old Testament—and find the answers mostly in the New Testament.

Aloha,

Nathan

Outline

💡 For a full outline including Scriptures for each point below, see the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/031-read-the-old-testament

1. What does the New Testament say about why the Old Testament was written?

2. To the person without knowledge of the O.T., does the N.T. really make sense?

3. According to both O.T. and N.T., what does God use His Law (part of the O.T.) to accomplish?

4. How did Jesus view the O.T.?

5. What does the N.T. instruct Christians to do with the O.T.?

6. How did the apostles view the O.T.?

7. How does God view His word?

8. In what ways is the O.T. useful for Christians?

9. What did Jesus himself say about the words of the O.T.?

10. How important did Jesus say the words of the O.T. are to our lives?

So Should We "Unhitch" from the First 39 Books of the Bible?

Ideas for Reading the Old Testament

1. Read through the Bible with your family, including O.T. passages. (practical suggestions for this in Ep. 24: Lead Your Family to and in the Bible).

2. Use Bible story books to teach your children the stories of the O.T. (check out Episode 19: Use Tools to Teach Your Children the Bible).

3. Sing Psalms. Three practical tools listed below:

   📖 We enjoy using Psalms for Worship, published by Crown and Covenant Publications. (A friend said the Book of Psalms for Singing, same publisher, is better. I’m not familiar with it, so cannot knowledgeably comment.)

   📖 Psalm 119 in Song, by Susie Kimbrough, available on CD, MP3 download, and songbook at ShepardMusic.com. We love singing these very singable tunes.

   📖 A church in NE Florida introduced us to the hymnal called Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs, a hymnal uniquely and intentionally containing all three types of music listed in Ephesians and Colossians—with nearly one thousand selections!

4. When you read O.T. passages, look for the ways the text points to the Lord Jesus Christ, and show that to your family.

5. Read a chapter of Proverbs to correspond with the date. For example, on Feb. 20, 2024, we would read Proverbs 20.

6. When you read the Bible—either from O.T. or N.T.—make this your prayer: "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Psalm 119:18)

If you enjoyed this episode,

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

➡️ Take a screenshot or click the "Share" button in your podcast app to let your friends know.

🧑🏻‍💻 Join the Facebook group

📧 Read more and subscribe to our newsletter at treasureboxbooks.com

Notes

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