Tell Me a Story, and Then I’Ll Go to Bed . . .: Faith-Building Stories for Boys and Girls

By Paula Oltman and Darla Hanson

At the time of the authors retirement a few years ago, writing a childrens storybook for her grandchildren was one of the top items on her bucket list. However, it wasnt far into the project that she realized that these stories, based on her familys real-life experiences and her most cherished tales from childhood, begged to be shared. The collection represents a legacy for future generations, and each story is just too precious to be forgotten.

The twelve stories, appropriate for bedtime, are introduced by scripture texts that can be memorized by even young children. Lessons of Gods protection, answered prayers, the care of angels, thankfulness, and Gods direction in our lives are but a few of the faith-building topics covered. Each story is beautifully illustrated by the watercolor-and-colored-pen artistry of the authors good friend, Darla Hanson.

The authors purpose in writing this book is to provide yet another avenue for children to know Jesus in their formative years and develop a growing and lifelong relationship with him. Her prayer is that one of these stories might linger in your childs memory as a reminder of Gods love and care in trying circumstances.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543465105

Book preview

TELL ME A STORY, AND THEN I’LL GO TO BED …

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Faith-Building Stories for Boys and Girls

BY

PAULA OLTMAN

ILLUSTRATED BY

DARLA HANSON

Copyright © 2017 by Paula Oltman. 769192

ISBN:   Softcover   978-1-5434-6511-2

Hardcover    978-1-5434-6512-9

EBook    978-1-5434-6510-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Rev. date: 11/17/2017

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

CONTENTS

BROWN BEAR IN CAMP

A GIRL NAMED MOSES

ARMY BOOTS AND A FLASHLIGHT

AN AFRICAN SAFARI

FRANCES

LOST AT THE FAIR

MOM’S REALLY BAD DAY

POOR LOST SKIPPY

ANGEL ON TUNNELS BEACH

EINSTEIN’S FIRE ESCAPE

A FAMILY OF FAITH

LITTLE BURNT ALL OVER

This book is lovingly

dedicated to . …

My Heavenly Father, Who so graciously has given me a story to tell and a song to sing.

My daddy, who often sang me to sleep with Tell Me a Story, and Then I’ll Go to Bed.

My mother, who instilled in me a love for writing. At age eighty-nine she remains one of the sharpest editors of the written word that a daughter could ever hope for.

My husband, who has always been my tireless supporter and encourager. After forty-two years, I still haven’t found a fault in him. I’m beginning to think I never will! What a blessing He is.

My children and grandchildren—it is for you that these stories have been put into writing. What a beautiful heritage of faith is ours as we remember how God has led and preserved our family through many generations. Meeting you in heaven will be an eternal reward for those family members whose long-ago decisions have so influenced all of our lives.

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BROWN BEAR IN CAMP

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8: 28, NKJV

Time to get up, boys! Dad shouted at each bedroom door. Or there’ll be cold, clear water that sparkles so bright, he added playfully. The boys all knew by now that although it was a bit of a family joke, sprinkles of cold water would follow if they weren’t up and at it before the third warning.

Leo—age ten, Guy—eight, and Marlin—then four, all scrambled out of bed after the second warning. They had been looking forward to this morning all week. Suitcases had been packed, bedding laid out, and Mom had prepared their favorite foods for this special week-end of camping at Yellowstone National Park, some three-and-a-half hours away.

It didn’t take long for kids and supplies to be loaded into Dad and Mom’s 1957 Chrysler sedan, and they were off. The boys talked along the way about the animals they were sure to see that week-end. Leo hoped to see a buffalo, and Guy could think of nothing else than all the bears he would scare away. Little brother Marlin was content to dream of moose and chipmunks.

There was a lot of pent-up energy waiting to be run off when the Chrysler finally stopped at a Yellowstone campground. Everyone set up their sleeping bags in the open air, and there was just enough time before dark for a short hike to the nearby spring to gather drinking water for the next day.

After Dad’s bedtime story and Mom’s prayer, everyone happily crawled into their sleeping bags to warm up from the cold night air. The full moon and star-filled sky added a little light to the still-burning campfire.

Sometime after midnight, Dad awakened with a start when he felt something on top of him. At first he thought one of the younger