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

021 | How to Keep Christmas Well

Hey Dads,

Even old Ebenezer Scrooge learned to "keep Christmas well." Have you? And are you passing that on to your children? This episode lists six suggestions for keeping Christmas well and leading our children to do the same. Enjoy!

—Nathan

Outline

1. Know the message yourself.
   The five essential truths about Jesus:
       •     Jesus' pre-incarnate existence
       •     Jesus' perfection
       •     Jesus' payment for our sins
       •    Jesus' power over death
       •    Jesus' promise of everlasting life for those who believe on Him
2. Teach this message to your kids!
3. Read stories that engage your children's interest in the story of Jesus' birth.
4. Become familiar with Christmas carols (and help your children do the same).
5. As a family, share the message of Christ's birth with others.
6. Pray that your children will truly worship the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.

For Scripture References

• Matthew 1-2
• Luke 1-2
• Isaiah 7, 9, and 53
• Micah 5
• Hebrews 1
• John 1
• Psalm 78
• Psalm 127:1

Books

📖 A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

📖 Jotham's Journey, by Arnold Ytreeide

📖 Bartholomew's Passage, by Arnold Ytreeide

📖 Ishtar's Odyssey, by Arnold Ytreeide

📖 Come Let Us Adore Him: Stories Behind the Most Cherished Christmas Hymns, by Robert Morgan

📖 Stories of Christmas Carols, by Ernest Emurian

📖 A gospel tract we're using this year: https://mwtb.org/collections/gospel-tracts/products/the-best-gift?variant=2200983489

If you enjoyed this episode,

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💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/021-how-to-keep-christmas-well

Notes

Music in this episode:
https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/deck-the-halls
License code: 2JE74P1CCKKJXGTP

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

020 | Entertain to Educate with Stories

Hey Dads,

Our English word amuse comes from an old French word amuser, which meant—are you ready for this? "To to stupefy, waste time, or deceive by distracting."

Often, our children’s entertainment is merely that kind of amusing—concerned only with keeping them occupied and out of trouble, even if it is a waste of time. But to entertain (which Webster defined as “to engage the attention and retain the company of one, by agreeable conversation, discourse or argument”) can actually have a redeeming quality—we as parents can use entertainment to educate our children. How?

This episode won't give you a set of steps, but it will you just a taste of two stories that are both highly entertaining and deeply educational . . . for the rest of the stories, head over to refreshpublishing.com/shop and get your own copy of the 50 Famous Stories Retold audiobook. The stories sampled in today’s episode are

• ch. 42 The Endless Tale
• ch. 46 Whittington and His Cat

We hope you enjoy them!

Nathan

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 at https://refreshpublishing.com/020-entertain-to-educate-with-stories

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-easton/iron-horse
License code: N0R26D97FEXRIPUN  

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

https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/the-east-wind
License code: EGCOKDSDOOM1FHKD  

https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/baroque-joke
License code: ZEVVDDQUI3EKZMW8

. . . and “Paradise” from our album Looking Unto Jesus.

 

019 | Use Tools to Teach Your Children the Bible

Hey Dads,

We have to wear many hats as dads, but what is the one essential responsibility God has given us? In this episode, we’ll see what God said about this question, and I’ll mention some practical tools we can use to carry out that one essential responsibility for our children.

Whether you’ve yet to get started in teaching your children the Bible, or you’ve been doing it for years, this episode probably has at least a few treasures you’ll want to share with your family!  

--Nathan

Main Ideas / Quotes

"If it keeps me from my Bible it’s not good for me."

While it's true that the Bible seems to clearly imply that we can and should read other books, God did not command us to read any other book. God did not promise to bless us for reading any other book. God did not promise to bless us for obeying any other book. And God did not command the fathers of His chosen people to diligently teach their children any other book.

Scriptures

• Deut.6:6-9
  6  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
  7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
  8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
  9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
• Eph. 6:4
  ”And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

For more notes and a complete list of books, see the show notes!

1.  

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 at https://refreshpublishing.com/019-use-tools-to-teach-your-children-the-bible

🛒 Shop our store RefreshPublishing.com/shop (IT'S LIVE! Sale through 12/18/23)

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/augustine/his-plan
License code: V2HHRLGR83OKWXT6  

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

018 | Tell Time-Tested Stories

Hey Dads,

Do you enjoy telling your children time-tested stories, classics that families have enjoyed for centuries? Even if you never heard these stories growing up, you can be the one to pass them on to the next generation.

Listen in today as we share two fun stories from centuries past, with nuggets of wisdom hidden in each.

Let’s go find the treasures in books!

Nathan

Stories told in this episode

Bruce and the Spider

Other Wise Men of Gotham

Buy the Audiobook

RefreshPublishing.com/shop

(Coming soon! Still working through the last technical details to get our shop perfectly ready for you.)

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 at https://refreshpublishing.com/018-tell-time-tested-stories

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/canon-pachelbel
License code: T7DI8PYKPSUS6TJF  

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/kevin-macleod/hidden-past
License code: AFOHYXQDACOGZ5TW

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-easton/noble-guild
License code: GHZ7RUATXUH4NPF1

017 | Launch Out into Real Life Adventures

Hey Dads,

What are some adventures you've had with your children? Have books played a part in those experiences?

This summer, my six-year-old son and I embarked on a 2000-mile road trip, and a good part of the ideas for that trip came from a book.

Come sit for a little while as my son and I discuss that trip and the book that helped launch us out into the adventure!

--Nathan

Books

📖 Paddle-to-the-Sea, by Holling Clancy Holling

Main Ideas

What do I mean when I say "look for the treasures in books?"

Well, essentially, I'm encouraging you to do three things:

1. To seek out and use books whose content will instruct you and your family in truth and righteousness.
2. To read books that will inspire you and your family to trust and love God and one another.
3. To enjoy books that will get you and your family involved in serving God together and building a joy-filled family together.

We can think of book a like a dock, where ideas--like boats--are launched out into adventures.

Every time you step into a book, you have the potential of launching out into exciting, unforgettable memories with your family.

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 at https://refreshpublishing.com/017-launch-out-into-real-life-adventures

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-easton/the-messenger
License code: OAJIXAABB3C1V1OY  

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

016 | Visit Many Books But Live in the Bible

Hi, Dad,

Do you want to spend more time in the Bible, but find it difficult to be consistent in this habit? Do you want to give your children a heritage of honoring and studying God’s word, but you easily forget where you were reading, or don’t feel like you’re getting anything out of it?

Today I have a few simple, practical tips to help you live in God’s word by building little routines that will help you make Bible reading a habit. Enjoy!

—Nathan

P.S. We’ve been facing some technical difficulties with Refresh Publishing Store and are still working through all the details to make sure everything is perfect for you at our store launch (mentioned in this episode). Please head to https://refreshpublishing.com/subscribe/ to sign up for email updates and be notified when the shop is live!

Quote

“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” —attributed to Charles Spurgeon

Tips to help you LIVE in your Bible:

1. Get a printed (not digital) Bible.

   My favorite for under $15 (currently on sale): KJV Personal Size Giant Print Reference Bible, imitation leather, black/tan

2. Use quality pens to mark your Bible.

   This the kind of pen I have used for the past 25 years or so:

   Sakura micron pigment ink pens

3. Tab the passage(s) you are reading.

4. Keep a notebook or journal close by to jot down your observations.

5. Keep a place and time to read each day.

6. Write the date and location you read a passage.

7. READ YOUR BIBLE!!!

Scriptures Referenced

• 2 Timothy 4:13 
• Revelation 1:3 

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 at https://refreshpublishing.com/016-visit-many-books-live-in-the-Bible

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-phillipson/making-progress
License code: IDLGDVBE2MERYENR

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

015 | Why Stories Matter - Reasons to Read to Your Family

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 [includes some objectionable elements that we skipped over when reading aloud]
• 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.   

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 at https://refreshpublishing.com/015-why-reading-matters-reasons-to-read

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

014 | Give Thanks unto the LORD - Scriptures and Songs for Thanksgiving

It's our American holiday, and it's a Christian holiday, and yet in our increasingly secular age, most of us seem to be forgetting the historic American roots and even more so the biblical Christian roots of this festival.

Now, in 2023, we're looking back over 400 years since the saga of our American Thanksgiving began; and, for all our faults and failures as Americans, we have so very, very much for which to give thanks to God.

So this week, as you gather with your family and friends to feast together, let me encourage you, fellow dad, to keep both the biblical Christian roots and the historical American roots of our festival before your family's mind.

We hope these simple songs and Scriptures on Thanksgiving are a blessing to your family and an encouragement to "Come, ye thankful people," come give thanks to God with us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Scripture References

• Colossians 2:11-17
• Exodus 34:22
• Leviticus 22:29
• 2 Samuel 22:47-51
• 1 Chronicles 16:8-14
• Psalm 69:30-36
• Psalm 95:1-6
• Psalm 98
• Psalm 100
• 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
• Ephesians 1:15-23
• Philippians 4:4-7
• Colossians 2:6-7
• Revelation 7:9-13

 

Hymns

• Come, Ye Thankful People Come (instrumental)
• Be Thou My Vision
• Now Thank We All Our God
• Come, Thou Fount
• The LORD’s My Shepherd

 

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 at https://refreshpublishing.com/014-give-thanks-unto-the-Lord-scriptures-and-songs-for-thanksgiving

Notes

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