I was visiting with a group of women today and we covered a range of topics, but primarily the economy, pregnancy and homeschooling. All the topics had something to do with decisions, and a certain amount of fear because there were so many unknowns. The Bible does not give specific answers for every situation, but it give principles for wisdom. We make decisions based on our best understanding.
Beyond that, we have the responsibility to submit to God for the final outcome. "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
Is pride or fear keeping you from moving out into the unknown?
God bless....
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Renew Your Mind
One of the theme verses God gave me in the past was Romans 12:2 "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind." At the time there were variations of transformer toys that you were supposed to manipulate and change from one form to another. Some of the transformers we had at our household got stuck in the process.
We can get stuck in the transformation process as well. We need to be intentional about the renewing of our mind. Bible study, Bible reading and prayer can become mindless routines, instead of mind-changing experiences. We may set a goal to read through the Bible in a year, and find ourselves rushing through the reading without taking it in.
Here's some tips to keep the Bible reading personal and mind-changing:
1. Pray that God would stop you in your reading when He has something for you to consider or apply to your life.
2. Make a note of the most important thing you read today.
3. Write down why that that was important and if there is any action you need to take.
4. Think of Scriptures that you can apply in daily life--when you have a green light, thank God that He has prepared a place for you.
5. Verbally express Scriptures to your children as you go through your day together.
How do you intentionally renew your mind?
God bless....
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
We can get stuck in the transformation process as well. We need to be intentional about the renewing of our mind. Bible study, Bible reading and prayer can become mindless routines, instead of mind-changing experiences. We may set a goal to read through the Bible in a year, and find ourselves rushing through the reading without taking it in.
Here's some tips to keep the Bible reading personal and mind-changing:
1. Pray that God would stop you in your reading when He has something for you to consider or apply to your life.
2. Make a note of the most important thing you read today.
3. Write down why that that was important and if there is any action you need to take.
4. Think of Scriptures that you can apply in daily life--when you have a green light, thank God that He has prepared a place for you.
5. Verbally express Scriptures to your children as you go through your day together.
How do you intentionally renew your mind?
God bless....
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Laundry, Again?
©Millie McNabb
My laundry verse is Revelation 22:14. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.”
I was thinking the other day about how my laundry schedule has changed over the years, going from single to married, to children, and now empty-nester.
Our goal was to be able to have the children run the household by the time they were twelve. They started early helping with the laundry. Sorting clothes, spraying prewash, measuring soap were all little steps in the learning process.
I marked their clothes with a permanent marker. The oldest one had one dot, the second had two dots, etc. That made it easy to sort the clothes, and then each girl could fold and put away their own things. The dots were also an easy way to change the ownership when the clothes were handed down.
We did laundry nearly every day: permanent press and darks on Monday and Thursday; whites and lights on Tuesday and Friday; sheets and towels on Wednesday. As the girls learned every aspect, it became part of the chore rotation.
Now, I’m back to laundry once, maybe twice a week.
Doing chores together is a great way to teach your children, and it also gives opportunities for talking about life. What responsibilities do you and your children share together?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
My laundry verse is Revelation 22:14. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.”
I was thinking the other day about how my laundry schedule has changed over the years, going from single to married, to children, and now empty-nester.
Our goal was to be able to have the children run the household by the time they were twelve. They started early helping with the laundry. Sorting clothes, spraying prewash, measuring soap were all little steps in the learning process.
I marked their clothes with a permanent marker. The oldest one had one dot, the second had two dots, etc. That made it easy to sort the clothes, and then each girl could fold and put away their own things. The dots were also an easy way to change the ownership when the clothes were handed down.
We did laundry nearly every day: permanent press and darks on Monday and Thursday; whites and lights on Tuesday and Friday; sheets and towels on Wednesday. As the girls learned every aspect, it became part of the chore rotation.
Now, I’m back to laundry once, maybe twice a week.
Doing chores together is a great way to teach your children, and it also gives opportunities for talking about life. What responsibilities do you and your children share together?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
It’s melting
©Millie McNabb
Our weather warmed up into the forties. The snow has receded, and now the fields are flooded since the ground underneath is still frozen and can’t absorb the excess water.
Sometimes we hear new information, and we just can’t take it in. Our thoughts are frozen by what we’ve always done, and we can’t absorb what’s being presented to us.
Our children can pick up this attitude very early as well. After the first day of homeschool, my husband asked our kindergarten-aged daughter how school went. She told him we didn’t have school. I asked her about this, and she told me that at school I would sit in the front, and she would sit at a desk. The fact that we did lessons with her sitting on my lap in the rocking chair didn’t count.
The disciples were discussing their lack of physical bread, and Jesus reminded them about the miracle of feeding 5,000 people. The discussion concludes in Mark 8:21, “And He was saying to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’” Even being right there with Jesus, it was more than the disciples could take in.
Who has challenged you to grow in your understanding?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Our weather warmed up into the forties. The snow has receded, and now the fields are flooded since the ground underneath is still frozen and can’t absorb the excess water.
Sometimes we hear new information, and we just can’t take it in. Our thoughts are frozen by what we’ve always done, and we can’t absorb what’s being presented to us.
Our children can pick up this attitude very early as well. After the first day of homeschool, my husband asked our kindergarten-aged daughter how school went. She told him we didn’t have school. I asked her about this, and she told me that at school I would sit in the front, and she would sit at a desk. The fact that we did lessons with her sitting on my lap in the rocking chair didn’t count.
The disciples were discussing their lack of physical bread, and Jesus reminded them about the miracle of feeding 5,000 people. The discussion concludes in Mark 8:21, “And He was saying to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’” Even being right there with Jesus, it was more than the disciples could take in.
Who has challenged you to grow in your understanding?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Clear the View
©Millie McNabb
Yesterday evening was cool, and my daughter told me that she was having difficulty getting the windshield cleared on her drive home. She tried various buttons, switches, and knobs to get some combination of wipers and heating that would clear the view.
When she got home and got out of the car, her view was still clouded. It was her contacts, not the windshield that needed cleaning.
We humans tend to view life that way. If there’s any fuzzy vision, we seldom look at ourselves first, but rather shift the blame elsewhere. Parents can train their children to think about their responsibility in confusing situations by asking questions like Christ did. Jesus asked, "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)
Have you had times when you were the cloud in your vision?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Yesterday evening was cool, and my daughter told me that she was having difficulty getting the windshield cleared on her drive home. She tried various buttons, switches, and knobs to get some combination of wipers and heating that would clear the view.
When she got home and got out of the car, her view was still clouded. It was her contacts, not the windshield that needed cleaning.
We humans tend to view life that way. If there’s any fuzzy vision, we seldom look at ourselves first, but rather shift the blame elsewhere. Parents can train their children to think about their responsibility in confusing situations by asking questions like Christ did. Jesus asked, "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)
Have you had times when you were the cloud in your vision?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Little Mama
©Millie McNabb
When we were homeschooling, there were foundational subjects—the three R’s--that everyone needed to master in order to successfully study anything else. Then there was the “core knowledge” of basic information needed to be able pick up the clues and function well in culture. Lastly there was specialized information—the areas where you went beyond the basics, to help each child become more adept at what interested them.
One of my daughters always wanted to be a mother. God provided three opportunities for her to gain specialized information. When she was about ten, she became a certified sitter as the hospital offered babysitting training. When she was twelve, I was specifically praying about how to incorporate more specialized childcare training in her schooling. A family at church asked her to take care of their two children part-time. At fourteen, the church was looking for a nursery supervisor. They were reluctant to put a teenager in that position, but it turned out to be an ideal situation from both sides.
As a parent, it’s important to help your children see and develop their strengths. God has designed each of us to uniquely serve others. We have been gifted “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12.) It is a privilege to be equipping our children while they are under our care.
What “strength training” are you doing for yourself or children?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
When we were homeschooling, there were foundational subjects—the three R’s--that everyone needed to master in order to successfully study anything else. Then there was the “core knowledge” of basic information needed to be able pick up the clues and function well in culture. Lastly there was specialized information—the areas where you went beyond the basics, to help each child become more adept at what interested them.
One of my daughters always wanted to be a mother. God provided three opportunities for her to gain specialized information. When she was about ten, she became a certified sitter as the hospital offered babysitting training. When she was twelve, I was specifically praying about how to incorporate more specialized childcare training in her schooling. A family at church asked her to take care of their two children part-time. At fourteen, the church was looking for a nursery supervisor. They were reluctant to put a teenager in that position, but it turned out to be an ideal situation from both sides.
As a parent, it’s important to help your children see and develop their strengths. God has designed each of us to uniquely serve others. We have been gifted “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12.) It is a privilege to be equipping our children while they are under our care.
What “strength training” are you doing for yourself or children?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Finish the Work
©Millie McNabb
Some things you just have to define as being done. Household chores fall into that category. I remember my mother commenting that inevitably someone would come get a drink of water just as she finished the dishes—and then there would be more dishes to wash.
There will always be more work to be done. It can be a challenge to safeguard our attitudes in the midst of the routines of life. Paul says in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Dividing the work into projects is one way that allows me to define the work as finished and celebrate what is done.
Jesus made an amazing statement in John 17:4b, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” Another attitude saver is making sure you’re doing the work that you’ve been given to do. In the season of homeschooling, that was my work, and I had to guard the time for that purpose.
What is the work that you have been given to do?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Some things you just have to define as being done. Household chores fall into that category. I remember my mother commenting that inevitably someone would come get a drink of water just as she finished the dishes—and then there would be more dishes to wash.
There will always be more work to be done. It can be a challenge to safeguard our attitudes in the midst of the routines of life. Paul says in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Dividing the work into projects is one way that allows me to define the work as finished and celebrate what is done.
Jesus made an amazing statement in John 17:4b, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” Another attitude saver is making sure you’re doing the work that you’ve been given to do. In the season of homeschooling, that was my work, and I had to guard the time for that purpose.
What is the work that you have been given to do?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Friends Again
©Millie McNabb
I stopped by to see how my daughter was doing with the new baby. Her other two daughters who had been with their aunt were at home, too. The middle daughter started climbing on me when I was holding the baby. I told her to wait. She turned and left the room.
A few minutes later I found her in the bathroom, sitting wrapped in a towel, chin in hands. I asked if she was mad at me. She nodded and said, “Yes.” I asked if she was ready to be friends again. She smiled and said, “Yes.” We had a hug and I gave her a “horsey” ride back to the living room.
We teach our children about their attitudes and emotions. This is one of the areas that is easy to overlook, particularly if a child is quietly sulking. We as parents need to intentionally ask our children—maybe at bedtime—about what’s going on in their heart. “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13
Do you have stories of training your child’s heart?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I stopped by to see how my daughter was doing with the new baby. Her other two daughters who had been with their aunt were at home, too. The middle daughter started climbing on me when I was holding the baby. I told her to wait. She turned and left the room.
A few minutes later I found her in the bathroom, sitting wrapped in a towel, chin in hands. I asked if she was mad at me. She nodded and said, “Yes.” I asked if she was ready to be friends again. She smiled and said, “Yes.” We had a hug and I gave her a “horsey” ride back to the living room.
We teach our children about their attitudes and emotions. This is one of the areas that is easy to overlook, particularly if a child is quietly sulking. We as parents need to intentionally ask our children—maybe at bedtime—about what’s going on in their heart. “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13
Do you have stories of training your child’s heart?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It’s a Girl!
©Millie McNabb
My daughter gave birth to her third daughter at 1:27 this morning, barely an hour after the midwives arrived. We’re giving praise that all are doing well.
"You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down before You.” Nehemiah 9:6
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
My daughter gave birth to her third daughter at 1:27 this morning, barely an hour after the midwives arrived. We’re giving praise that all are doing well.
"You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down before You.” Nehemiah 9:6
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Search Out the Matter, Part II
©Millie McNabb
I was telling my daughter about a woman I met today who said she was attending the church across the street from her because she didn’t know where a church of her denomination was located. My daughter said, “I’m sure glad you taught us how to find things.”
She went on to say that people come to her at work all the time, because they know that she’ll find the information that they need. She is an interior designer and told of a co-worker who complained about having incomplete information about a furnace. She went online and found a complete spec sheet which answered all the questions.
Being a competent worker is a witness to the people with whom you interact. “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe {them,} glorify God in the day of visitation.” (I Peter 2:12)
Have you had any great “finds” recently?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I was telling my daughter about a woman I met today who said she was attending the church across the street from her because she didn’t know where a church of her denomination was located. My daughter said, “I’m sure glad you taught us how to find things.”
She went on to say that people come to her at work all the time, because they know that she’ll find the information that they need. She is an interior designer and told of a co-worker who complained about having incomplete information about a furnace. She went online and found a complete spec sheet which answered all the questions.
Being a competent worker is a witness to the people with whom you interact. “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe {them,} glorify God in the day of visitation.” (I Peter 2:12)
Have you had any great “finds” recently?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Search Out the Matter
©Millie McNabb
At the health conference I attended recently, there were a number of minerals about which the speaker said, “This mineral is essential for health because it affects such and such. We don’t know how it works, but we know we need it.”
Man has been seeking to understand the human body for centuries and still there are aspects that defy explanation. Scientists seek the Unified Field Theory that will explain everything, but it remains an open topic of research. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”
One of the skills to teach our children, whether home-, private-, or public-schooled, is how to search out a matter. At an early age each of our girls learned to use the library. It was a treasure hunt to find your topic in the electronic card file, identify the area of the library where those resources were, and then go get the specific books.
Have you had any adventures searching out a matter?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
At the health conference I attended recently, there were a number of minerals about which the speaker said, “This mineral is essential for health because it affects such and such. We don’t know how it works, but we know we need it.”
Man has been seeking to understand the human body for centuries and still there are aspects that defy explanation. Scientists seek the Unified Field Theory that will explain everything, but it remains an open topic of research. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”
One of the skills to teach our children, whether home-, private-, or public-schooled, is how to search out a matter. At an early age each of our girls learned to use the library. It was a treasure hunt to find your topic in the electronic card file, identify the area of the library where those resources were, and then go get the specific books.
Have you had any adventures searching out a matter?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine’s Date
©Millie McNabb
My husband asked me what I’d like for Valentine’s Day. I mentioned a project that I hoped to finish. He said, “All right…and could we go to the dump, too?”
We’ve been married over thirty-two years, and have spent a lot of time working in business together--including trips to the dump. Now it’s a standing joke between us about having dates at the dump. Today we did work on a project, and we also went out to eat together.
Having a mindset of working together as a family is one of the key factors in passing on family values. “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its {height,} for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6)
Do you have stories of your family working together?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
My husband asked me what I’d like for Valentine’s Day. I mentioned a project that I hoped to finish. He said, “All right…and could we go to the dump, too?”
We’ve been married over thirty-two years, and have spent a lot of time working in business together--including trips to the dump. Now it’s a standing joke between us about having dates at the dump. Today we did work on a project, and we also went out to eat together.
Having a mindset of working together as a family is one of the key factors in passing on family values. “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its {height,} for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6)
Do you have stories of your family working together?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Silhouettes
©Millie McNabb
Today was Lincoln’s birthday. I was remembering the February classroom decorations when I was in elementary school. There were silhouettes of Lincoln and Washington cut out of black construction paper on one bulletin board. Around most of the room were Valentine envelopes that we each made out of butcher paper.
I was fascinated by the silhouettes. I was even more intrigued when my brother came home with a silhouette cutout of himself. The teacher for the older grades had had each student sit while a bright light cast a shadow that another student outlined. Now there’s a fun homeschool art project.
Silhouettes are only the outline. So while they’re recognizable, they don’t give much detail. It’s like Paul described our relationship with Christ in I Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”
Do you know what you don’t know?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Today was Lincoln’s birthday. I was remembering the February classroom decorations when I was in elementary school. There were silhouettes of Lincoln and Washington cut out of black construction paper on one bulletin board. Around most of the room were Valentine envelopes that we each made out of butcher paper.
I was fascinated by the silhouettes. I was even more intrigued when my brother came home with a silhouette cutout of himself. The teacher for the older grades had had each student sit while a bright light cast a shadow that another student outlined. Now there’s a fun homeschool art project.
Silhouettes are only the outline. So while they’re recognizable, they don’t give much detail. It’s like Paul described our relationship with Christ in I Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”
Do you know what you don’t know?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Gracious Mentors
©Millie McNabb
I was thinking of women that influenced my life. I grew up in a close relationship with my mother and paternal grandmother. They were daily models in my life. I had a number of aunts—some who lived close by, and others who came to visit, bringing a touch of the exotic to our farm lives—each of whom had their influence on me. My sister is a special adult friend and influence.
There were also a number of women at church, who invested time teaching me in Sunday School and youth group. Beyond that general influence, there were two women who were very intentional in mentoring me.
Helen Johnson was my first piano teacher, but also groomed me to be the church organist, trained me to lead a volunteer choir, and taught me many good organizational skills in the process. Her home was tastefully decorated, and she made guests feel welcome in her home.
Charlene Schweissing was the pastor’s wife when I was in high school. She started a group for girls and taught me leadership skills as I worked with the younger girls. She encouraged me and broadened my vision of who I might become. The motto of the girls group became our homeschool and my life motto: …becoming gracious, mature Christian women. (I later added “productive” to the description.)
Proverbs 11:16a says, “A gracious woman attains honor.” I honored those women then, and I honor their memory now. The kindness, courtesy, tact, and generosity of spirit shown by these women were the qualities I wanted to characterize my life and pass on to my children.
Who were the gracious women in your life?
God bless….
Is your greatest desire to have your children become gracious, mature, productive Christian adults?
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I was thinking of women that influenced my life. I grew up in a close relationship with my mother and paternal grandmother. They were daily models in my life. I had a number of aunts—some who lived close by, and others who came to visit, bringing a touch of the exotic to our farm lives—each of whom had their influence on me. My sister is a special adult friend and influence.
There were also a number of women at church, who invested time teaching me in Sunday School and youth group. Beyond that general influence, there were two women who were very intentional in mentoring me.
Helen Johnson was my first piano teacher, but also groomed me to be the church organist, trained me to lead a volunteer choir, and taught me many good organizational skills in the process. Her home was tastefully decorated, and she made guests feel welcome in her home.
Charlene Schweissing was the pastor’s wife when I was in high school. She started a group for girls and taught me leadership skills as I worked with the younger girls. She encouraged me and broadened my vision of who I might become. The motto of the girls group became our homeschool and my life motto: …becoming gracious, mature Christian women. (I later added “productive” to the description.)
Proverbs 11:16a says, “A gracious woman attains honor.” I honored those women then, and I honor their memory now. The kindness, courtesy, tact, and generosity of spirit shown by these women were the qualities I wanted to characterize my life and pass on to my children.
Who were the gracious women in your life?
God bless….
Is your greatest desire to have your children become gracious, mature, productive Christian adults?
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Respect Belongings
©Millie McNabb
My daughter and I were talking about my yesterday’s blog. She reminded me of a song that I taught them about respecting other’s belongings. It is to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me.” Change the name, to fit the owner.
This is Millie’s, I won’t touch,
For I love her very much.
I won’t fuss and I won’t whine,
I will play with what is mine.
She told me of a time about a week after I’d taught them this song, when her sister was gone, and she went and got one of her things. A “live” review of the lesson, made a lasting impression on her about respecting things even if the owner is not present.
We tend to focus on the concept of sharing. However, there are important lessons to teach our children about not coveting. The tenth commandment is “Thou shalt not covet…” (Exodus 20:17) and includes people as well as belongings in the list. Paul in Romans 7:7 states the importance of knowing it was wrong to covet. Children need to be taught right from wrong.
Do you remember a “right from wrong” lesson you learned?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
My daughter and I were talking about my yesterday’s blog. She reminded me of a song that I taught them about respecting other’s belongings. It is to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me.” Change the name, to fit the owner.
This is Millie’s, I won’t touch,
For I love her very much.
I won’t fuss and I won’t whine,
I will play with what is mine.
She told me of a time about a week after I’d taught them this song, when her sister was gone, and she went and got one of her things. A “live” review of the lesson, made a lasting impression on her about respecting things even if the owner is not present.
We tend to focus on the concept of sharing. However, there are important lessons to teach our children about not coveting. The tenth commandment is “Thou shalt not covet…” (Exodus 20:17) and includes people as well as belongings in the list. Paul in Romans 7:7 states the importance of knowing it was wrong to covet. Children need to be taught right from wrong.
Do you remember a “right from wrong” lesson you learned?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Forgiveness and Hugs
©Millie McNabb
Today I was taking care of the grandchildren for a couple of hours. We had just finished putting puzzles together. The younger one mixed her pieces up again, and was reaching out to do the same to her sister’s puzzle. I told her, “No. Leave your sister’s puzzle alone.”
After a minute, when I wasn’t looking, she reached over and mixed up the pieces. I disciplined her and then talked to her about it. After several minutes of avoiding making eye contact, wiggling, and requesting a drink, we talked. At the end of the discussion I had her tell me, “I’m sorry I disobeyed you. Will you forgive me?” I said, “Yes, I forgive you. Shall we have a hug now?”
We all have the need to ask others for forgiveness. We need to clear the slate, and affirm our love for each other. We need to teach our children to go through the process, and not just shrug it off saying, “It’s okay,” when it’s not. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
Do you have any stories of teaching children to forgive?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Today I was taking care of the grandchildren for a couple of hours. We had just finished putting puzzles together. The younger one mixed her pieces up again, and was reaching out to do the same to her sister’s puzzle. I told her, “No. Leave your sister’s puzzle alone.”
After a minute, when I wasn’t looking, she reached over and mixed up the pieces. I disciplined her and then talked to her about it. After several minutes of avoiding making eye contact, wiggling, and requesting a drink, we talked. At the end of the discussion I had her tell me, “I’m sorry I disobeyed you. Will you forgive me?” I said, “Yes, I forgive you. Shall we have a hug now?”
We all have the need to ask others for forgiveness. We need to clear the slate, and affirm our love for each other. We need to teach our children to go through the process, and not just shrug it off saying, “It’s okay,” when it’s not. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
Do you have any stories of teaching children to forgive?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Amazing Authority
©Millie McNabb
We often have some repair project going on. The summer we were married we helped my parents remodel their house after flood waters damaged the main floor. I remember our firstborn in her baby seat while we remodeled the bathroom in a Spokane house. In Maryland, we converted the garage into a work room.
When I’ve done wall texturing, I experimented with different techniques, until it looked right. I decided to google wall texturing to learn how to really do it. The first article I read said, “experiment until it looks right.”
Have you ever searched for help with something, only to be disappointed with the advice you got? The people Jesus encountered must have been disappointed with their past experience, for they certainly recognized the difference. Matthew 7:28-29 describes their reaction. “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as {one} having authority, and not as their scribes.”
What teachings of Jesus have amazed you?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
We often have some repair project going on. The summer we were married we helped my parents remodel their house after flood waters damaged the main floor. I remember our firstborn in her baby seat while we remodeled the bathroom in a Spokane house. In Maryland, we converted the garage into a work room.
When I’ve done wall texturing, I experimented with different techniques, until it looked right. I decided to google wall texturing to learn how to really do it. The first article I read said, “experiment until it looks right.”
Have you ever searched for help with something, only to be disappointed with the advice you got? The people Jesus encountered must have been disappointed with their past experience, for they certainly recognized the difference. Matthew 7:28-29 describes their reaction. “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as {one} having authority, and not as their scribes.”
What teachings of Jesus have amazed you?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Friday, February 6, 2009
And the Winner Is…
©Millie McNabb
When my daughter was in college, her philosophy teacher had the class vote on the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 or Deuteronomy 5.) My daughter called me, and reported that people had not only thought that lying should not be on the list, but also many did not think that murder was wrong. “And Mom,” she said, “they’re in the police training course.”
We all like to have our own way, even when it means disagreeing with God. Some of the worst things recorded in the Bible are in Judges. That book of the Bible is summed up with the last verse, “…Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
Jesus, in Matthew 6:33, told his disciples to take a different approach. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
How do you intentionally seek His righteousness?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
When my daughter was in college, her philosophy teacher had the class vote on the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 or Deuteronomy 5.) My daughter called me, and reported that people had not only thought that lying should not be on the list, but also many did not think that murder was wrong. “And Mom,” she said, “they’re in the police training course.”
We all like to have our own way, even when it means disagreeing with God. Some of the worst things recorded in the Bible are in Judges. That book of the Bible is summed up with the last verse, “…Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
Jesus, in Matthew 6:33, told his disciples to take a different approach. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
How do you intentionally seek His righteousness?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Rest of the Story
©Millie McNabb
Today was a travel day for me, so I’m looking forward to getting some rest. When I was growing up, I worked long days on the farm. We typically got started early, took a break around noon for lunch and a rest, and then worked late.
One day I had come in from the field, and was sitting down, when my grandmother who was visiting, leaned down and said to me, “Get up, you lazy girl, and help your mother get the food on the table.” I immediately pointed out, that I had been out working since breakfast and deserved a break AND that she said nothing to my brothers who were also sitting around. Her retort was, “No rest for the wicked,” (a paraphrase of Isaiah 48:22 and 57:21.) I slouched into the kitchen and helped my mother.
(My children know this story, and if I refer to my grandmother, ask if I’m talking about the “He’p yourself” Grandma or the “No rest for the wicked” Grandma.)
We don’t always get to rest, when we need it. In fact, it’s when we need rest, but are called upon to serve others, that our maturity level is revealed. If you look at Mark 6 and Matthew 14 for the greater context of the story of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist. He invited his disciples to get away together for a little rest. Then the crowd showed up, and Jesus had compassion on them, choosing to forsake the private retreat in order to serve the people.
Have you been called upon to serve when you were just getting ready to rest?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Today was a travel day for me, so I’m looking forward to getting some rest. When I was growing up, I worked long days on the farm. We typically got started early, took a break around noon for lunch and a rest, and then worked late.
One day I had come in from the field, and was sitting down, when my grandmother who was visiting, leaned down and said to me, “Get up, you lazy girl, and help your mother get the food on the table.” I immediately pointed out, that I had been out working since breakfast and deserved a break AND that she said nothing to my brothers who were also sitting around. Her retort was, “No rest for the wicked,” (a paraphrase of Isaiah 48:22 and 57:21.) I slouched into the kitchen and helped my mother.
(My children know this story, and if I refer to my grandmother, ask if I’m talking about the “He’p yourself” Grandma or the “No rest for the wicked” Grandma.)
We don’t always get to rest, when we need it. In fact, it’s when we need rest, but are called upon to serve others, that our maturity level is revealed. If you look at Mark 6 and Matthew 14 for the greater context of the story of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist. He invited his disciples to get away together for a little rest. Then the crowd showed up, and Jesus had compassion on them, choosing to forsake the private retreat in order to serve the people.
Have you been called upon to serve when you were just getting ready to rest?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
So What’s Normal?
©Millie McNabb
I was reading about blood tests recently and was struck by the fact that the “normal” range of the test results is determined by the median 95% of the “healthy” population. That explains why those ranges are shifting: the range may not actually be healthy, but if enough people are in that range, it’s considered normal.
Unfortunately, that’s also the way many people decide how to live. If the majority of the population considers it normal, it must be right. Paul expressed this as a desire to please men in Galatians 1:10. “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”
Have you experienced something that was considered normal in our culture, and perhaps been surprised to learn that it was not pleasing to God?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I was reading about blood tests recently and was struck by the fact that the “normal” range of the test results is determined by the median 95% of the “healthy” population. That explains why those ranges are shifting: the range may not actually be healthy, but if enough people are in that range, it’s considered normal.
Unfortunately, that’s also the way many people decide how to live. If the majority of the population considers it normal, it must be right. Paul expressed this as a desire to please men in Galatians 1:10. “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”
Have you experienced something that was considered normal in our culture, and perhaps been surprised to learn that it was not pleasing to God?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Longer Childhood
©Millie McNabb
One of the things I appreciated about homeschooling, was that my children enjoyed children’s games and toys long after their peers were thinking, “That’s for babies.” They derived a certain joy from simple things, saw wonder in the world around them, and rarely complained of boredom.
All of us need to extend our childhood in terms of our relationship with God. We never want to outgrow that special kinship of being a child of God. "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4
What was your favorite childhood game?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
One of the things I appreciated about homeschooling, was that my children enjoyed children’s games and toys long after their peers were thinking, “That’s for babies.” They derived a certain joy from simple things, saw wonder in the world around them, and rarely complained of boredom.
All of us need to extend our childhood in terms of our relationship with God. We never want to outgrow that special kinship of being a child of God. "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4
What was your favorite childhood game?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Blue Letter Bible
©Millie McNabb
I have used www.blueletterbible.org for years. It’s an easy tool to use to look up Scripture and compare different translations. There are also commentaries and Bible dictionaries. They’ve added daily Bible reading plans, morning and evening devotionals, and promises.
I often use the concordance. I have my preferences set for New American Standard, and sometimes there are no references for the word I typed in. However, they have a list on the side that shows if that word is used in a different translation—a most handy feature.
Blue Letter Bible is a good homeschooling resource to not only teach your children the Bible, but to also teach them about using reference sources. Whichever tools you use to study Scripture, the point is to treasure God’s Word, and let it change you. “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11.
What study tools do you find useful for studying Scripture?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I have used www.blueletterbible.org for years. It’s an easy tool to use to look up Scripture and compare different translations. There are also commentaries and Bible dictionaries. They’ve added daily Bible reading plans, morning and evening devotionals, and promises.
I often use the concordance. I have my preferences set for New American Standard, and sometimes there are no references for the word I typed in. However, they have a list on the side that shows if that word is used in a different translation—a most handy feature.
Blue Letter Bible is a good homeschooling resource to not only teach your children the Bible, but to also teach them about using reference sources. Whichever tools you use to study Scripture, the point is to treasure God’s Word, and let it change you. “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11.
What study tools do you find useful for studying Scripture?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
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