The Lord Builds the House: The 127th Psalm

The 127th Psalm has never looked so beautiful. Trivium Pursuit is pleased to announce the release of their newest children's picture book The Lord Builds the House: The 127th Psalm by Johannah Bluedorn. 40 original paintings create stunning, colorful windows on every line of the Psalm, which begins "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."

In Johannah Bluedorn's rich vision, each verse of the Psalm is illustrated with a portrait of "sumptuous simplicity": farm and wild animals celebrate the bounty of nature; the beauty of family; the achievements of builders, bakers, and book authors; and the miracle of God's protection. The book makes the Psalm accessible to very young children, and reminds adults of God's provision for animals as well as for His people.

About the author/illustrator: Johannah Bluedorn has been homeschooled all her life and is self-taught in art. Skilled in the use of a variety of media, Johannah has illustrated several other children's books, including Alphabet for Biblical Hebrew, Alphabet for Biblical Greek, Become a Civil War Re-enactor, My Mommy My Teacher, and the forthcoming book From Dark to Dawn: A Tale of Martin Luther and the Reformation (published by Books on the Path). In her spare time, she designs and sews costumes and raises Jersey cows. Johannah lives with her family in New Boston, Illinois.

 

---

Customer Reviews:

: Review by Rebekah Wilson at hopechestlegacy.com
Johannah has taken the 127th Psalm and created a truly beautiful and deeply inspiring book. The illustrations which follow the verses are exquisite - not just in color and talent, but in the deep sweet love that is found on each page. Father, mother and children are shown on each page as well as domestic animals and wildlife - all in the comforts of their homes. This book is especially dear to my third son who is slowly memorizing this Psalm as we read it through each night. A DEFINATE family favorite.

: Review by Britta McColl at morningstarlearning.com
Bless the Lord: The 103rd Psalm and The Lord Builds the House: The 127th Psalm both richly illustrated by Johannah Bluedorn have become a regular part of our bedtime reading routine.

With several children snuggled next to me I read these Psalms as they enjoyed the inspired watercolor and ink artworks that celebrate God's creation. Miss Bluedorn used vibrant colors to illustrate both texts of these beloved Psalms from the King James translation of the Bible. Each page is a visual feast for the eyes. There is so much intricate detail on each page that we find something new each time. I confess I didn't see the angels in Bless the Lord until my 3rd reading.

My four-year-old daughter has been so taken in by the beauty of the artwork and the poetry of the Psalm that she often spontaneously echoes me as I say each line. At this rate she should have Psalm 103 and Psalm 127 memorized in no time.

Both of these hardcover books are bound with high quality paper and will endure many years. At the back of each book the Psalms have been set to music in the plain song or chant style by Harvey Bluedorn.

I am also reading these books to my Sunday school class at church. So much of the Sunday school literature I am given to teach with is greatly shortened paraphrases of Scripture. While this may be appropriate in part for the 3-5 year old age range, my class is much delighted to hear and see the full text of Psalm 103 and Psalm 127. The detailed illustrations really help this wiggly group of preschoolers to sit still.

As I read Bless the Lord and The Lord Builds the House to my children and to my Sunday school class I am holding onto God's promise from Isaiah 55: 11 -- "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

: Review at midwestbookreview.com
Inspiringly illustrated by Johannah Bluedorn, The Lord Builds The House is a picturebook presentation of the 127th Psalm, showcasing the classic devotional with full-color images of home and family life on every page.

The soft and simple colors bring out scenes that reflect the words and the faith handed down with them. The Lord Builds The House is simple picturebook treasure to read aloud and to share in Christian homes and families.

: Review by Karen Andreola, homeschool author and publisher, owner Charlotte Mason Research & Supply Company
Young children enjoy getting cozy with the same picture books read aloud to them again and again. It builds language and widens knowledge so delightfully. After several weeks of getting cozy with this sweetly illustrated book a child will have learned Psalm 127 by heart.

: Review by Stacy D. McDonald, Editor-in-Chief, Homeschooling Today magazine
Using only the timeless words of Scripture and the delicate strokes of her own paint brush, Johannah Bluedorn brilliantly communicates the truth of the 127th Psalm. With soft hues and rustic familial charm these gentle vignettes depict the blessings of simple family life and make this Psalm a reality.

: Review by Michael J. McHugh, Director, Christian Liberty Press
Young children need to be exposed to the inspired words of Psalm 127, so that they can learn to celebrate God's plan for the family. This fine picture book will help youngsters to see that the family is not only a sanctuary of peace for God's people, but a strategic weapon to pull down the strongholds of Satan. Enjoy!

: Review by Martha Robinson at HomeschoolChristian.com
Johannah Bluedorn provides beautiful illustrations to bring meaning and wonder to the 127th Psalm in her new picture book, The Lord Builds the House. Using charmingly whimsical pictures of human and animal families, she gives parents the opportunity to explore the depth of this Psalm with young children and to reflect upon its wisdom themselves. The Lord Builds the House is a worthy contribution to the young children's book market.

: Review at handsnhearts.com
Unless the Lord Builds the House. I cried when I read this book for the first time. It is illustrated by Johannah Bluedorn, (daughter of Laurie and Harvey Bluedorn, whose book Teaching the Trivium can be found in our classical resources section), but it was written by God. This book is the 127th Psalm put into a picture book format. The 127th Psalm is the Psalm that speaks of children being an heritage from the Lord, and of the Lord building our homes, and so on. Each page of this book contains a line or two of KJV scripture with unspeakable touching pictures. I have never, ever seen a book that affirms the family and the blessing of children as does this one. How often can your children see a book filled with pictures of large, happy families, fathers praying with their children, children rejoicing at the arrival of a new sibling, and more?

We love to collect books that are nothing but illustrated Bible passages. When a child hears a beloved book read over and over, he (and his mommy!) memorize it effortlessly. My children have memorized a number of Bible passages through this sort of book. We are so blessed to be able to add this incredible book to our collection. My children do not want to put it down!

: Review by Clara in Miami
I just received a lovely book that would be inspiring for Poetry Month in April: The Lord Builds the House, the 127th Psalm by Johannah Bluedorn.

It is a slim hardcovered book that is beautiful, the illustrations are so rich, but the most impressive aspect of the artwork is the tenderness and beauty of family life. Johanna's art conveys warmth and innocence. It is also wonderful example for our daughters of the value of nature study and provides an excellent springboard for Poetry month.

Why not get a blank book and choose a couple of Psalms to meditate on and illustrate during poetry month.

: Review at joydekok.com
This beautifully illustrated book is powerful in its simplicity. Using the words of the 127th Psalm, the art engraves them on the reader's heart. While the book is written for children, its beauty and charm make it welcome on any coffee table. At $11 this hard cover, full color book will bless anyone who takes a moment to enjoy it.

: Review at eho.org
The 127th Psalm has been carefully and lovingly depicted by illustrator Johannah Bluedorn. The turn of each page is like a journey into sweet scenes of loving family life. Soft pastel colors and quaint illustrations portray the family surrounded by the beauty of nature. Johannah Bluedorn has done a superb job of bringing out the beauty of the scripture. This Psalm will unfold before your eyes as a Psalm for the family that puts their trust in the Lord.

: Review in Church Libraries (Spring, 2004), the publication of The Evangelical Church Library Association
Psalm 127 comes to life in this beautiful, tender rendering by Johannah Bluedorn. Homeschooled by her parents and a self-taught artist, she wondrously depicts the story of the Lord building our homes and families.

Each page is filled with peaceful, innocent paintings of families, animals, and nature. Glossy pages set off glowing colors, making each page a visual dessert. Love of home and family is evident throughout the book. At the end, the Psalm is set to music by Johannah's father. Highly recommended. JV

: Book Evaluation in the 2004 PMA Benjamin Franklin Awards Contest
A beautiful, accessible introduction to this Psalm to be enjoyed by all ages. The illustrations are beautiful and express the text very well.

: Review at psalms4u.com
A beautifully rendered book on Psalm 127. 40 original paintings take your child through the psalm, line by line.

: Review by Dena Wood of timestales.com
This high quality children's book is a feast for both the eyes and soul. Psalm 127 is brought to life and given meaning for children when associated with the beautifully detailed artwork that depicts its message. Children will enjoy poring over each picture to fully discover the beauty in each scene. Paintings of family and wildlife, God's creation as it was intended to be, show us how the Lord would build His house. This book is the perfect means to cement God's Word in the hearts and minds of your children.

 

: Review by Lorrie Flem at teachmagazine.com
“She drew that,” Kiley, our resident artist gasped! “Look at that horse.” “I love that dress.” “Did you see the animals in their homes?” were a few of the many excited comments and questions pouring from my girls mouths as we opened these books.

Johannah Bluedorn, a homeschooled girl and self-taught artist, has illustrated two lovely hardback books that are overflowing with gorgeously detailed color illustrations. Each page is a delight to the eye and requires a few minutes to savor and take all the loveliness in.

In these pages her artwork serves the purpose of illustrating the Holy word of God. On the page that reads, “Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word,” you see a boy stretched out on some grass with his arm draped across ____. As you look a little more closely you will see in the trees an angel watching over them.

The girls and I spent about 30 minutes the evening these books came. We opened them intending to read them but instead we needed quite a while just to exclaim over the sweet wholesome pictures. After we had carefully looked at each page in both books we were ready to read.

Then we found that the pictures were not just fun to look at. They successful help bring the point of the message across. Each piece of art is carefully done for that portion of scripture.

We love these beautiful books. When I queried the children, “Should we sell these?” there was a chorus of “yes’s!” To order your copies of these, see our website. Go to the bookstore and click on “Children’s Books.”

 

: Review by Beth Brewer at homeschoolblogger.com/beth
This book is simply breathtaking in its creatively detailed drawings and inspired subject matter. Johannah has certainly captured the domestic Godliness of the spirit of a home dedicated to His service and built by the Lord. It is now officially a family treasure here at our house, and sits on one of the revered bookshelves in the living room (ie; not the kids' rooms, nor my own)! When it first arrived, our children simultaneously exclaimed "WOW!" Tabitha asked, "Who drew this?!" When I told them that a fellow homeschooler had done it, Tabitha said, "She must be famous! Does she make lots of these books?" Then, we proceeded to drop everything we were doing and ended up sitting there, spellbound for quite some time, perusing the pages of this lusciously illustrated book, getting lost in its playfully minute details.

Within its pages is a wholesome, vibrantly colorful feast for the eyes and inspiration for the soul. Numerous scenes depict children together, and with their parents, both working and playing, outdoors and in the home, animal families, exquisite flowers, beautifully stippled borders around some of the illustrations, fireflies and paper lanterns. My personal favorite though, is the very first drawing of the little girl swinging outside of her house, which shows the scene under the ground as well, complete with the tree roots and various animal families shown all cozily huddled in their burrows below the ground.

It's somehow, to me, reminiscent of a happy time in my own childhood. One of the few photos I have of myself as a little girl is of me swinging from a tree swing. It also reminds me alot of my own artistic endeavors as a girl. I used to draw countless detailed pictures of animals, as does my own daughter now. I took drawing seriously, and ended up going on to study Fine Art in college for three years.

This book is special in that it made me smile, and brought a genuine joy to my own children's eyes as only a quality picture book can. Johannah has managed to capture within these pages the sweet essence of childhood and family unity, a perfect accompaniment to the 127th Psalm. Yes, we are all temporarily enchanted when we pick up this book... Psalm 127 in particular has very special meaning to me, and to our family, as I know that it does to so many other Christian families alike. Thank you Johannah, for sharing your talent with us all. I do look forward now to collecting all of your children's books eventually. You have a most distinguished style... kid and artsy Mommy approved!

Tabitha (who will be 7 yo next month) says, "I like this book and it's one of my favorite poems. I like how it has animals in it. It has an animal to represent the different ideas. She's really good at drawing horses..."

 

: Review by Kristine Jacobson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
As you turn each page of “The Lord Builds the House” you are first drawn to the beautiful artwork of Johannah Bluedorn that we have come to appreciate and seek out. Your children will be captivated by the stories within each print, while you have the opportunity to share with them the poetry and Godly wisdom of Solomon. This book is timeless as is the scripture upon each page and would be a perfect gift for every child.

A bonus to readers is the sheet music for Psalm 127 as written by Harvey Bluedorn, for use in family worship, or for beginner musicians. The inclusion of this music continues to gives evidence of how the Bluedorn family has taken the beautiful Word of God to heart as a source of training and instruction.