Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families

Celebrations

Cello, Anyone?

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.)

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.

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.