Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families

Finance

Venture Academy Available from Franklin Springs Media

This 16 DVD set with 38 sessions features Wade Myers, Harvard MBA.? More importantly, though, Mr. Myers is a godly man.? This set , offered by Franklin Springs Media, contains 38 sessions, 6 workbooks, and a preloaded USB drive.? Have you wanted to become an entrepreneur?? Are looking for sound teaching on this subject from a Biblical perspective?? Are you at a crossroads in your vocation?? Take a few moments to check out this resource.? www.franklinsprings.com

Just a few areas you’ll learn about are:

**Entrepreneurship

**Stewardship

**Deuteronomy 8:18

**Productivity and Creativity

**Matthew 25 – Parable of the Talents

**Success : is it really the one with the most toys who wins?? Or is it obedience to God’s commands?

Have you considered what it means to be fruitful?? We are here on the earth to advance the Kingdom; it’s not about us.? When we bear fruit, we are glorifying our Lord.? Fruitfulness is a consequence of obedience.

There is so much more that could be said; be sure to check Venture Academy out today.

Learning Patience

It’s been said that if one prays for patience he/she better be ready to go through (or is it grow through?) some trying times.? Back in the early days of my marriage, I prayed for patience….God gave me 5 children!!? This past week we’ve been learning more about patience as we await the official final word of the Ford Fiesta Contest.? A 100 winners will be chosen to be Fiesta Agents for 6 months, going on one monthly special secret assignment.? The winners will get to use the Fiesta , free fuel and insurance, too!? My husband submitted his video entry several days ago now and we expectantly await news.? We naturally think his video was one of the best and he would be an asset to the team of Agents.? My husband actually compared this week to being in labor and giving birth……….hmmm…………I don’t think he really knows what we womenfolk go through in our labors and deliveries.? But, it’s a good analogy and I hope the birth is soon!

Could this be God’s provision for our auto needs til Fall?!? We hope so!

Another Wedding Coming Up!

Yes, our home is a flurry of activity as we prepare for another child to be married – this time, a daughter.? Being a traditional family, we are putting on the event, and with great joy!? We are preparing to release our daughter, in a sense, giving the responsibility of protection and provision to her beloved.

So what advice would I give to a family with lots of children, especially several daughters?? Since some have asked, I would say to begin the conversation now, between husband and wife, regarding courtship (what is it?), budget, expectations and more.?? Some have lumped dating and courtship together.? But the big difference is that a man and a woman in a courtship are heading towards marriage.? Dating, however, seems to imply a lack of commitment.? Yes, some who “date around” end up marrying that one, but dating around can leave great wounds.

Why talk about the budget when your children are young or teens?? Because this is a big issue.? We know folks who have gone into debt to put on their child’s wedding.? We know folks who spent $40,000 on the wedding only to be divorced a couple years later.? A wedding is a wonderful celebration, but it can be lovely and memorable even on a modest budget.? So, set a budget now, while you are thinking clearly, and when the time comes, make every effort to stick to it.? Pray, be creative, do some research.

In our case, our daughter wanted lots of guests, 100’s in fact.? So, the sit down dinner option was nixed.? But we will have delicious food for the guests:? fruits, vegeys, crackers, cheeses, shrimp, desserts, hors de voures, etc.? The setting is our home church for the ceremony and reception.? Since children are very important to the bride to be the wedding party includes 2 ring bearers and 4 flower girls, in addition to 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen, ushers, musicians, and 2 ministers presiding.

This is also a time to let go……….to realize that the couple is establishing a new home.? It’s time to say, “I’ve raised you and love you and will continue to love you.? But if you want advice from now on, you will need to come to me and ask.”? That can be a very hard thing to grasp for a parent, especially a controlling parent.? But do you really want to treat your 20 something child like he/she still has a diaper on?? Cut the apron strings, in fact, start to loosen them little by little as the years roll on from ages, let’s say 1 , until the late teens.

Rejoice with us at this time!!