Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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More truth from Slugs & Bugs

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When I heard Randall Goodgame, who created Slugs & Bugs family music, had two new children’s books, I knew I needed to have them. Randall’s creative work has influenced our family and, at this point, I want whatever he creates to be in my kids’ hands, minds, and hearts. (I’ve shared about Slugs & Bugs music in many other posts around here.)

“Who Will Play with Me?” is a story about fun and friendship and “Are We Still Friends?” is a story of forgiveness. Both incorporate biblical lessons, reference beloved Slugs & Bugs’ songs & characters, and use few words and many pictures to tell stories.

“Are We Still Friends?” is a story that brings to life Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” When Doug the Slug accidentally eats all of Sparky’s flavor-blasted pizza chips, Doug lies to cover it up, and the hilarious search for the chip thief begins! But when Doug admits the truth, he must apologize to Sparky. Come along as the friends learn that friendship is about forgiveness and trust, along with a good dose of shared laughter.

This book is particularly timely for our family as one of our kids’ has had some trouble with lying, which also happens in the story, and this is a good reminder that relationships can be broken but forgiveness is possible.

Philippians 2:3 says, “In humility, value others above yourselves.” That’s the message of “Who Will Play With Me?” That book also brings to mind Slugs & Bugs’ The Wagon song. In this book, Doug the Slug is thrilled to discover an awesome red wagon at the playground, but soon he is feeling pouty because he can’t find a friend to pull him while he rides. But when he decides to think about someone other than himself and pull Sparky the Lightning Bug instead, Doug learns that being a good friend is even more fun.

Now that I’ve given these books to my kids, I’m guessing my 9-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl will read them often in the days to come. Of course, my 12-year-old girl may even pick them up because Slugs & Bugs is certainly part of her childhood too.

About the books

Published by B&H Kids, they’re both 64-page hardback children’s books available on the Slugs & Bugs website, Amazon, and other places books are sold. Learn more about the books and music at slugsandbugs.com.

About the author

Randall Goodgame is a singer/songwriter and the creative force behind the family music brand, Slugs & Bugs. He has recorded eight solo albums and contributed to numerous others. He has written songs for Veggie Tales, Caedmon’s Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips, Eric Peters, and other fine people. He lives with his wife and kids in Nashville.

*****

I bought these books with my own money, thanks to a friend of mine who was at a homeschool conference where they were available in late April. I do recommend them to you and your family, but nobody asked me to say that.

On why you should have Slugs & Bugs’ new CD in your home

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My kids sometimes bust out on the Ten Commandments in silly voices.

I barely notice, really. But this is Randall Goodgame’s influence on my family.

Goodgame is the creative singer/songwriter behind Slugs & Bugs music. And he’s managed to sing scripture in a way that seeps into kids’ hearts once again with “Sing the Bible Vol. 2.” Oh, who am I kidding, this album helps me learn and remember scripture too.

I may have left it playing one morning when the kids weren’t even in the minivan with me. Now that’s a true testimony to how good this music is. Yes, it’s music aimed at children, but it’s so good even adults want to listen. {Tweet that.}

So, yeah, Randall Goodgame has my kids reciting the Ten Commandments in funny voices and saying things like “Honor your parents, Clarence.” But he also has the word of God dwelling in their minds.

Here’s the song list and the corresponding scriptures …

  1. Do You Not Know – Isaiah 40:28-31
  2. Let Your Light Shine – Matthew 5:14, 16
  3. The Ten Commandments
  4. The Love Of Christ – Ephesians 3:16-21
  5. Masterpiece – Ephesians 2:8-10
  6. Whoever Sows – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
  7. Hear, O Israel – Deuteronomy 6:4, 6-7
  8. Stars – Philippians 2:14-16
  9. Raisins – Song of Solomon 2:5
  10. Above Yourselves – Philippians 2:3
  11. In All Things – 1 Peter 4:12-13, Romans 8:28, John 16:33
  12. Do Not Worry – Matthew 6:25-26, 28-33
  13. You Forgave Me – Psalm 32:1-5
  14. By His Wounds – Isaiah 53:5-6

My kids would probably tell you the Ten Commandments song was their favorite, but they also laugh about raisins and recognize truth about things working together for the good and not worrying about tomorrow.

Some of my favorites: “Let Your Light Shine” is an anthem of why our good deeds matter. “The Love of Christ” is a fun, upbeat song that makes includes a gospel choir. “Hear, O Israel” proclaims God’s presence in our everyday lives and makes me want to clap my hands.

Here is more about the CD from Randall Goodgame himself:

“Almost every day, I pray my kids will grow more aware of God’s love for them. Just like you and me, when kids know they are loved, they behave differently. They transform. I’ve been calling ‘Sing the Bible Vol. 2’ a ‘musical handbook for the Christian home’ because the verses give practical instruction for those transforming people. Of course, without God’s love and transforming power, we are left with a bunch of rules we can never fully obey. That’s why this CD also highlights Scriptures which bring to mind God’s presence and power, his limitless love and his ultimate sacrifice. Taken together, listened to (over and over) in the minivan and in the home, these songs provide raw material for the Lord to use to build strong faith in parents and kids. Oh yeah, and it’s really fun and groovy. And there are monsters. And raccoons. And a sharkbug. And raisins.”

Who wouldn’t that for their family? I know we’re glad we’ve let Slugs & Bugs – the music, not the creatures – into our home and hearts.

Head over to the Slugs & Bugs’ website and get your copy. It officially releases March 18, but you can preorder it now. And while you’re there, get the first volume too. (“Sing the Bible Vol. 1” is also available at Amazon.)

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If you’ve been around here long, you know we love Randall Goodgame and his Slugs & Bugs music. Nobody asked me to review this CD. I got some early copies that I’ve already gifted because I supported the album’s Kickstarter campaign before it was even made. I knew it was going to be good!

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 “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, or follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’.

Slugs & Bugs is singing more of the Bible!

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While in Guatemala, someone from our team read Matthew 6:19-21 during an evening devotional:

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

As soon as the verse started, Cate leaned over to me and said, “That’s a song too.”

Honestly, my favorite kind of music speaks truth into our lives. And that’s why I love Slugs & Bugs’ Sing the Bible. The first album has helped my kids learn scriptures – includes those words from Matthew 6 – as the songs are straight from the Bible. You can see a list of verses being considered for the album here.

I’m obviously excited Randall Goodgame has a Kickstarter campaign underway for Sing the Bible Vol. 2 and was happy to throw in my support. Once this project is funded, there will be more good music that speaks truth right into my kids’ lives. Oh, who am I kidding, I like listening too.

The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise $40,000 by Aug. 17. Take a look at the Kickstarter rewards – there are some fabulous deals! You could stock up on Slugs & Bugs goodies. Hello, early Christmas shopping! Plus have plenty of good music for your own house … or minivan, because, hey, let’s be honest, that’s where most of my Slugs & Bugs listening occurs.

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Nobody asked me to write this post. I just wanted to because I didn’t want other families to miss out on this goodness. And, really, I’d recommend all the Slugs & Bugs albums to people. Follow Slugs & Bugs on the web, Facebook and Twitter. You can read some of my previous Slugs & Bugs posts here :: 2011 concert in Murray. 2012 concert in Murray. Sing the Bible Vol. 1 review. 2014 concert in Murray.

Want more insights? “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.”