I have just had two two days at a Conference called “Engaging Children with Engaging Stories” run by Youthworks.  It was a wonderfully inspiring time. They key note speaker was Sally Lloyd-Jones who is a gifted story-teller.  Sally has written many books for children and also the Jesus Story Book Bible.  A thoroughly readable bible for children and adults.  I wish it had been written when my children had been little.  I have been reading it myself and enjoying it immensely.

Today I attended a Growing Faith Conference being run by Growing Faith.  It was a day for families to gather and be encouraged and challenged.  Sally was there and I attended her workshop on storytelling.  She had us enthralled with the power of a good story – we laughed and entered an imaginary world – it was fun and inspiring.  Again, how I wish I had attended this conference as a new mother – she gave us many tips for telling a story well and engaging children.  I was captivated.  Sally read us this story that she has written on How to Get Married by Me the Bride.  The words are clever and funny and the illustrator Sue Heap has done a magnificent job illustrating this entertaining book.  I bought a copy yesterday and my family loved it.  Susannah said it was the funniest book she had ever read.  The boys were similarly amused. They are at an age when this is a topic of some interest. My young neighbour Bella was in the garden with a friend this afternoon, so I accosted them and asked if they would like to read this book.  They sat down together and I watched as they pored over its pages, giggling together, looking at the illustrations and enjoying the antics of the baby, the bride and her friends.  They found a hidden monster, and appreciated the details and humour.

I had a lovely time with the girls in the garden as we then shared this story together and they told me what they had enjoyed.   They both said “this is a really great book” and it is.

My busy August is at an end. I am hopeful I can return to my quilts, the gym, my family, my friends…maybe even this blog? and maybe, just maybe some other writing?