As parents, we encourage our children to “court” their future mate, simply, seeking their affections, getting to know them, with the intention of marriage. The “dating game,” sifting through humans and discarding them along the way, is not one we play.
I recently “met” author Gary Bower and his wife, Jan, when I read their book, The Person I Marry – Things I’ll Think About Long Before Saying I Do, and I recognize kindred spirits. There’s a glimpse of their hearts on every page. Gary’s is shared through the sweet rhythm of his poetry and Jan’s, through the expressive brush strokes of her oil paintings. He is the author and she is the illustrator. Just as they made 12 beautiful children together, they now make beautiful children’s books, together.
Gary writes, “It’s ‘who’, not ‘what’ that makes a great wedding.” “What makes a princess? What makes a prince?” “Something that’s inside, something much deeper, will help me determine which one is a ‘keeper’.”
Each page prompts a thoughtful consideration, and possible discussion on what to look for in a potential spouse.
Kindness, Tenderness, Graciousness, Generosity, Friendship, Determination, Joyfulness, Tolerance, Respectfulness, Devotion, Commitment, Modesty, Moral Purity, Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, Contrition, True Love and more.
“The vows I’ll say I mean to keep, so I’ll look hard before I leap,” reminds Gary.
The Person I Marry from Bower Books.
The Person I Marry won the 2010 Christian Small Publisher of the Year award. It has an appeal to all ages. It is a comfortable, snuggled-on-the-couch lap book, 32 pages, hard bound. From educational tool, conversation starter to lovely gift idea – birthday, engagement, wedding and anniversary, it is worth the $11.99 retail and has the potential to become a family treasure.
You’ll find other wholesome books in the “Bright Future Book” collection, by the Bowers:
There’s a Party in Heaven – hope of a future; comfort for those who face the loss of a loved one.
The Jingle in My Pocket – practical ideas and healthy attitudes about money.
What Do Heroes Wear? – finding purpose by serving others.
And poster-size, stunning art prints of Jan’s illustrations with verses of Gary’s poetry, when you browse the Bower Family Books website. (Please, follow the links I’ve included throughout this post.)
You can contact Gary and Jan Bower at:
Bower Books & Fine Art
7700 Timbers Trail
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
Call ~
888.898.3207
or
231.941.0899
Email ~
garybower@charter.net
I’m grateful for the “introduction” to Gary & Jan, through The Person I Marry. I look forward to getting to know them better.
Gary blogs @
“Daddy Says…”
Thoughts from the Heart of a Father of Twelve
and I can follow
on facebook
Many of my crew mates have known the Bower’s for years, while some have just met them, but you can read all of their reviews by clicking on the TOS graphic below.
I appreciate the Godly direction, inspiration and quiet affirmation of The Person I Marry. It’s been a joy to read it to my children. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too.
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Callie says
Sounds like a ‘keeper” to have on hand. Thanks for the great intro, I will make sure to pick this up to have ready.
LaRee says
Great review. I met Gary a few years ago at a homeschool convention, but enjoyed getting to know him better as I read this book to my girls!