Proverbs 31 Woman

Archive for January, 2007

I was checking some of my favorite sites and came across this entry from Amy Scott’s blog. She writes about reading the Bible to one’s children and the importance of that. She also included some catechism questions and answers pertaining to sin, yes, that’s right, SIN. So many people are afraid to mention that word. Kudos to Amy for including this material on her site called http://www.humblemusings.com

I have thoroughly enjoyed going through the Children’s Catechism with each of my 5 children. Right now, with my 12 yr. old we are up to the questions re: the 10 Commandments. I think learning the catechism gives a good theological foundation for children; I learn alot, too, as I go through the questions and answers. This is in addition to reading and studying the Bible together alone and as a family.

Truly, God is merciful to send His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to take the punishment that His people deserved. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be washed white as snow.”

I remember with great joy a few retreats I went to growing up. It’s a time to get away from the regular schedule and the commitments of life. It’s a time to focus spiritually and also have some recreation. Retreats can last a few hours or a day or 2 or so. We are hosting a day retreat for some tween girls. We went rollerskating at Riverside Arena, went sledding at the local sledding hill, ate good food, read Scripture, wrote down Bible verses and talked about them, wrote to a young lady volunteering in South Africa, prayed, played games, and ate some more.

One place I’d like to retreat to is the Machen Retreat Center in Virginia. I’ve read about it in our denominational magazine; sounds like a great place for a retreat.

Well, time to go.

It’s time to announce an essay contest. The rules are simple:

1. Send a 100 or less word essay titled, “Why I Want to Win the Cello.” The cello is a 1/2 size Nagoya Suzuki , model 40 instrument with a soft case and a bow. Children and adults can enter the contest. (Cello value is $689.)
2. Postmarks accepted until May 20, 2008.

3. Send a SASE and a $10 entrance fee made payable to IX Publishing, Inc., PO Box 2578, Dearborn, MI 48123-2578.
Send cash, check or money order.

4. There must be at least 75 entries otherwise funds will be returned in the SASE you provide.

5. Winning entry will be posted on this site by June 1, 2008. (Cello will only be shipped in the continental USA.)

God is to be praised with the harp, the timbrel, the voice. In everything we are to give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.

God has used music tremendously in my life and in the life of my family. God has used music to heal broken hearts, to awaken dead hearts, to give many families an overriding purpose. In our family, music has been part of who we are individually and as a family. The Psalms are laden with references to instruments, praising God, recounting His glorious works.

How has God blessed your life with music? Let me know.

The Family Meal Table and Hospitality is a fantastic manual by Nancy Campbell from Above Rubies. This manual is a workbook, too, with spaces to record observations and Bible study notes. Ladies, do you realize the importance of the Family Meal Table? When we sit around the table, we not only feast on food because we are hungry, but we feast on God’s Word together. Recapture the power of the meal table….fellowship together. The days of child rearing our little ones pass quickly (although it doesn’t seem like it sometimes!) If you need some direction in establishing your family’s meal table, consider reading through this manual.

The subheading to the title says, ” ‘What does God have to say about the table in your home? This study guide will tell you. Be prepared to enlarge your vision!’ ”

We are selling the Family Meal Table DVD; if you want a copy, mail us $18 (cash, money order or check) Send payment to IX Publishing, Inc., PO Box 2578, Dearborn, MI 48123-2578. That includes postage and handling. This DVD is life-changing and very encouraging. Allow a few weeks for delivery.

Promise and Deliverance is a 4 volume set by S. G. De Graaf (available from Westminster Seminary Book Store). This set was published by Paideia Press. On the back cover of volume I are several short recommendations from varied sources. I particularly like this one from Dr. Simon Kistemaker :” ‘ On every page we are directed to see God first and man second.’ ” What more can be said? This is an excellent book to incorporate into personal and/or family study.

Volume I covers From Creation to the Conquest of Canaan

Volume II is titled The Failure of Israel’s Theocracy

Volume III is called Christ’s Ministry and Death

Volume IV is named Christ and the Nations

Let me know what you think of the set.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart is the name of an excellent book by Tedd Tripp. Dr. David Powlison of Westminster Theological Seminary says, ” ‘ Tedd Tripp knows what he is talking about and he knows who he is talking to. He knows children, he knows parents….and he knows the ways of God. This book teaches you what your goals should be and how to pursue these ends practically….It will inspire you to become a different kind of parent.’ ” Rev. John MacArthur says, ” ‘ With the plethora of material on parenting and the family, it is surprising – and distressing – to see how few books are genuinely biblical. Here is a refreshing exception. In Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Tedd Tripp offers solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents.’ ”

So, if your small group is looking for a book to study, especially if your group wants to learn about parenting in a biblical way, definitely check this book out. It’s a great read for a parent or couple to read alone or together. There are questions at the end of the chapters which lead to discussion on the material covered.

We are going to study this in our ABC Group which is a small group for women to mentor new mothers. May God bless the time we spend developing our parenting skills. There is a lot of Scripture given so have your Bibles out and ready to study, as well. The book is available from Books-A-Million and  many other sources.
Celebrate parenting!!

Time marches on. Our children grow up. What do we raise our children for? How do we raise them? We raise them for the glory of the Almighty Lord; He is the One who gave each of our children to us.

So it doesn’t surprise me that one of my children is off on a 6 month missions trip to help at an orphanage in South Africa. Each of my older 4 children has gone on at least one short term missions trip. Places of service have been: Tanzania, Uganda, Mexico, Louisiana (after Hurricane Katrina), the inner city of Chatanooga, and even in our hometown. These opportunities have heightened their awareness of the needs in the world and that the world is much bigger than where we live, go to school, worship, etc.

Going away for 6 months is a very big commitment for a 19 year old. But, it was laid on her heart to get out of her comfort zone and serve the Lord some where for a longer time period. So, she is at TLC near Johannesburg. This ministry seeks to take care of abandoned babies and toddlers. This is putting James 1:27 into action which speaks on pure and undefiled religion is to take care of widows and orphans.

As we train our children to love Jesus and live for Him, as we model His love to others, as we worship and serve in our local churches, we should not be surprised or saddened or ? when our child makes a decision to take a step of faith and put his faith in action. May we be rejoicing, encouraging, and supportive.