PREFACE

 

PREFACE

    This book of poetry includes many of the major Old Testament stories and teachings in rhyme. My intention for writing them is to educate people of all ages about the Bible in an entertaining and simplified way. I strive to stay true to each   story. I have kept the poems as close to the original scriptures as possible while condensing the stories to make them rhyme.

    The book would be beneficial as a supplement to sermons, Sunday School lessons, to home schoolers, to students in faith-based schools, and to anyone who is interested in learning the Bible. A couple of them have been used in a Bible College class as reinforcements to the lessons being taught. They would appeal to anyone from grade school age to senior citizens but probably not little ones, with a few exceptions.

    Poetry is a creative way of telling a story in a way that has rhythm and a beat but without music. It makes learning more fun, not only in better understanding the content and concept or moral of the story being told, but also in “playing” with words. An English teacher might ask her students to look for double meanings in a poem or key words that connect to other thoughts within the poem. As a Bible drill, the teacher could have the students play “Name That Story” going only by the title, i.e.: “Sore No More,” “Between the Devil and the Deep Red Sea,” “Dad Always Liked You Best.” (Answers: Job, Moses parting the Red Sea, Joseph betrayed by his brothers).

    Prose has replaced rhyming poetry in popularity, yet rhyming is still used in writing songs or children’s books. I feel there is much more creativity involved in a rhyming poem than in prose, and I look for creativity in any art.

    I truly feel that little of the writing was mine; most was the Lord’s. Certainly I can say most of the  poems were inspired. I get great joy out of the gift that God gave me and that He is using me to tell His stories in a unique way. I praise Him for it to the high heavens.