Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families
Promise and Deliverance
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
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!!
What do we Raise our Children For?
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.
Surprises in the Mail
Recently I checked the mailbox to see if anything came (the snail mail box) and there sat a large box on the porch! My name was on it!! How excited I was as I opened it and found many items from Above Rubies. I had requested several back issues to give away to young mothers. In addition, I received various books, cd’s, and dvd’s to review on this site. So, be watching for reviews of various materials. The website for Above Rubies is http://www.aboverubies.org. The mission statement on the inside cover of the magazine says, ” Above Rubies is a magazine to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers and homemakers. Its purpose is to uphold and strengthen family life and to raise the standard of God’s truth in the nation. The name has been chosen from Proverbs 31:10 AMP, ‘A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman, who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far ABOVE RUBIES or pearls.'”
Here are some of the items that will be reviewed in upcoming weeks:
DVD called “Rejuvenate with Serene” – she gives the 1-2-3’s of healthy eating.
DVD and book named “The Family Meal Table and Hospitality” – stress the importance of the meal table. “It will change your family life…”
Gate-Keepers of the Home – How to Guard Your Home – “This manual studies the twelve gates of Jerusalem that Nehemiah rebuilt, relating it to building, repairing and guarding the gates of your home…”
And more!