PEGGY McCRACKEN - "Journal News"
Thursday, August 26, 2004

A Fairfield woman's book, "Scripture to Grow On", may have been written in the 21st Century; but, its message dates more than 2,000 years back to the days of Moses.

Cheryl Cook says her new release is geared to help children, ages 7 to 11, develop positive character traits such as honesty, obedience, diligence and courage. The Hamilton native says she hopes children will achieve those traits through scripture memorization and other activities.

The writers of Deuteronomy and Proverbs suggested the same. Many people place their hope today that seeds of good example will flourish into children with strong character. The Hamilton High School 1984 graduate says she believes character development may require more than that.

"A lot of people think you can just catch a thing by example", says Cook. "This (the book) is teaching something they will get in their heart. ..Give them real simple exercises to use what they are learning."

The book offers 10 character-building lessons with four lessons on each topic. Academic skills are developed in the process as children use reading and writing to apply scripture to various activities.

The words of Moses likewise instructed teaching God's ways to children should be a concerted effort.

"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 11:19).

Cook, who entertained as a member of the Brown Sisters, recalls her father "Moving Melvin" Brown teaching scripture to herself and sisters Denise and Audrey.

"My father would pull out the Bible and start teaching us through the Bible. I'll never forget, we would have a mini circle", says the former New Hope Baptist Church member.

Cook's decision to author the children's book is in keeping with her service-oriented nature.

"It's always been my heart's desire to minister and encourage people. Now I have the opportunity to build and encourage children", says Cook, who earned a degree in psychology at Miami University.

Cook says her children, Felisha, 12, and Markus, 9, were her test subjects for the project. She has home-schooled them for five years.

"They were my test. As I would write each part they would go through it", she says.

Felisha had an extended role in the project which started in June 2003. The 12-year-old designed the book cover and clip art.

The artwork, Cook says, has a special meeting with the star shining in the window reminding readers "a star lives in everyone's house" and the rainbow, God's covenant with his people.

Cook says "Scripture to Grow On" will serve more than home-schooling families.

"My mission is to get it into the hands of parents, into hands of children and ultimately into their hearts.

It's for every family who wants to see their kids grow in wisdom."

The graduate of William Morgan James Bible Institute is actively involved in children and youth ministries at James Temple Church of God in Christ where her husband, Jeffery Cook serves as a church elder and youth leader.

"Scripture to Grow On" is available locally at Heaven's Cupboard Christian bookstore and online at http://www.heavenlycpublishing.com/. Cook plans a book signing from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Brighter Day Christian Bookstore, 5941 Hamilton Avenue, College Hill.

Contact Peggy McCracken at (513) 820-2169, or e-mail her at pmccracken@coxohio.com.