Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families
Retreat Anyone?
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.
Music in the Home
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
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.
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!!