©Millie McNabb
The doctor recently recommended some dietary changes for my husband. Philosophically, I agree with the changes, but psychologically and physically it takes effort to establish new habits. The two most significant changes impact my time: no more cold cereal for breakfast and avoid preservatives (i.e. restaurant food.) I’m back in the kitchen again.
Over the years I have read many books on healthy eating. I remember a thought in one book that the research was always showing new things, but you couldn’t wait for all the results before deciding what to eat, or you’d starve to death. That inspired me to look at the Bible, since what it said wasn’t subject to changing research.
I eliminated pork and shrimp from our diets at that time. I consider them to be in the “lawful, but not profitable” category. What about the land “flowing with milk and honey” and Jesus being “The Bread of Life”? How did that square with the natural health advice of avoiding dairy and breads? More research revealed that our modern methods of preparing flour and pasteurizing/homogenizing milk had created products that little resembled the Biblical mainstays.
I have found it relatively easier to eliminate the “bad” foods, than to add new “good” foods. So when I made changes in the past, our diet became very narrow. This time, I’m purposefully adding something new each week.
It hasn’t taken long to see the benefits of the changes we’ve made, but that shouldn’t be surprising--that’s in the Bible, too. “At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king.” (Daniel 1:15)
What experiences have you had with dietary changes?
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, July 7, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Terribly Boring
©Millie McNabb
Her aunt was talking to my three-year-old grand-daughter. She asked how Sunday School was. My grand-daughter answered dramatically, “Terribly boring.” I thought, “Bring out the oxygen. We’re losing her.”
I remember being the substitute teacher for a Sunday School class of third-graders. I started with the pre-prepared lesson, but a boy asked a question, and we “followed the question.” I became aware of the children drawing closer to me, as we wended our way through various topics and what Scripture had to say about them.
The “magic” of the moment was suddenly broken, when a latecomer burst into the room, loudly inquiring, “What’s the craft? What’s the craft?”
Prepared materials can be wonderful resources for teaching children and adults. As a teacher we need to add the reality of God to each lesson. We need to share what the lesson means to us. "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall say to them….” Joshua 4:6-7a
What's the most impactful Sunday School class you remember?
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.
Her aunt was talking to my three-year-old grand-daughter. She asked how Sunday School was. My grand-daughter answered dramatically, “Terribly boring.” I thought, “Bring out the oxygen. We’re losing her.”
I remember being the substitute teacher for a Sunday School class of third-graders. I started with the pre-prepared lesson, but a boy asked a question, and we “followed the question.” I became aware of the children drawing closer to me, as we wended our way through various topics and what Scripture had to say about them.
The “magic” of the moment was suddenly broken, when a latecomer burst into the room, loudly inquiring, “What’s the craft? What’s the craft?”
Prepared materials can be wonderful resources for teaching children and adults. As a teacher we need to add the reality of God to each lesson. We need to share what the lesson means to us. "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall say to them….” Joshua 4:6-7a
What's the most impactful Sunday School class you remember?
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, June 13, 2009
Inevitable Stumbling Blocks
©Millie McNabb
We humans have a hope that life will in some sense be easy. We like things to go our way. We expect real life challenges to be solved like an hour-long television program, with all the stumbling blocks neatly taken out of the picture.
Jesus had a different word. He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!” Luke 17:1
Inevitable! Stumbling blocks cannot be avoided or evaded.
As a parent there are two facets to teach our children:
1) How to deal with stumbling blocks;
2) How to avoid being a stumbling block to someone else.
What stumbling blocks have you encountered?
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 humans have a hope that life will in some sense be easy. We like things to go our way. We expect real life challenges to be solved like an hour-long television program, with all the stumbling blocks neatly taken out of the picture.
Jesus had a different word. He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!” Luke 17:1
Inevitable! Stumbling blocks cannot be avoided or evaded.
As a parent there are two facets to teach our children:
1) How to deal with stumbling blocks;
2) How to avoid being a stumbling block to someone else.
What stumbling blocks have you encountered?
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, June 11, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: Covenant Eyes
©Millie McNabb
We have remodeled some houses, and in the process discovered pornographic magazines stashed away. This secret addiction can destroy a marriage. When choosing a spouse, be on guard for signs of this addiction.
The internet has given easy access to pornographic sites. An article I read reported that surveys show at least 70 percent of men and 21 percent of women struggle with online pornography. There are accountability sites such as www.covenanteyes.com to help people. That site takes its name from Job 31:1. "I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?”
Our culture tends to minimize pornography as a problem. From a Christian perspective, pornography poses at least two significant problems. One is that of adultery. A spouse who is devoted to multiple pornography partners is not being true to the one they married.
A second problem is that pornography is often only a symptom of a deeper issue. David Powlison is an author and teacher who wants to help Christians dig deep into their souls and find the root of the sins. I recommend Powlison’s article, “Sexual Sin and the Wilder, Deeper Battle” for greater understanding of those who struggle with pornography temptations.
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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 have remodeled some houses, and in the process discovered pornographic magazines stashed away. This secret addiction can destroy a marriage. When choosing a spouse, be on guard for signs of this addiction.
The internet has given easy access to pornographic sites. An article I read reported that surveys show at least 70 percent of men and 21 percent of women struggle with online pornography. There are accountability sites such as www.covenanteyes.com to help people. That site takes its name from Job 31:1. "I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?”
Our culture tends to minimize pornography as a problem. From a Christian perspective, pornography poses at least two significant problems. One is that of adultery. A spouse who is devoted to multiple pornography partners is not being true to the one they married.
A second problem is that pornography is often only a symptom of a deeper issue. David Powlison is an author and teacher who wants to help Christians dig deep into their souls and find the root of the sins. I recommend Powlison’s article, “Sexual Sin and the Wilder, Deeper Battle” for greater understanding of those who struggle with pornography temptations.
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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, June 9, 2009
Half Lit
©Millie McNabb
My friend used to say, “It’s better to burn the candle at both ends than to go out half lit.” As a person who tends to get up early and also stay up late (and not get drunk), I appreciated the saying.
I also like to apply the saying to our Christian walk. We need to shine our light in the material world as well as the spiritual world. The way we do our physical work impacts the spiritual effect we can have on our co-workers. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Our Christian values should be very apparent in all that we do. At a church we attended in the past, there was a man whose prayers were inspiring. I was looking forward to what I might learn from him. However, I encountered him in a business situation, and found him to be rude and inconsiderate. As far as his Christian walk, he was going out half lit.
Whether it’s passing on our values to our children, interacting with our fellow Christians, or rubbing elbows with the community at large, that consistent “light shining” reveals God at work in our lives. Our living witness then brings glory 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.
My friend used to say, “It’s better to burn the candle at both ends than to go out half lit.” As a person who tends to get up early and also stay up late (and not get drunk), I appreciated the saying.
I also like to apply the saying to our Christian walk. We need to shine our light in the material world as well as the spiritual world. The way we do our physical work impacts the spiritual effect we can have on our co-workers. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Our Christian values should be very apparent in all that we do. At a church we attended in the past, there was a man whose prayers were inspiring. I was looking forward to what I might learn from him. However, I encountered him in a business situation, and found him to be rude and inconsiderate. As far as his Christian walk, he was going out half lit.
Whether it’s passing on our values to our children, interacting with our fellow Christians, or rubbing elbows with the community at large, that consistent “light shining” reveals God at work in our lives. Our living witness then brings glory 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.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Spiritually Disengaged
©Millie McNabb
My daughter and I were traveling together and enjoyed visiting in the car. One of the topics that came up was the church youth group. There were six people her age attending Sunday School when she was a teenager. She is the only one that as an adult is spiritually engaged.
I often quote a George Barna report that 61% of young adults who attended church as teenagers, are no longer spiritually engaged. That number was shocking to me, but the reality set in as the math for my daughter’s class came out at 83%.
We talked further about what made the difference. Was their experience at church relevant to them? Was God a reality even if church meant little? Which had the greater influence—church or parents?
In terms of time, the church had limited influence. At most their time in church was 3 hours out of 168 hours in a week—about 1.5%. This was basically true of both those who rejected or retained Godly values. Compared to all the other activities in their lives, this was their primary exposure to spiritual things.
We talked about the parents. How spiritually engaged were the parents? What part did church play in the life of the parents?
My daughter concluded that for each of her contemporaries, the parents relied on the church to provide all the spiritual training; whereas, in her case, the primary spiritual training took place in the home.
In this discussion we noted that sometimes people reject the formal church, but remain spiritually engaged. This did not appear to be the case with her contemporaries. They seemed to be ignoring or rejecting God, as well. "They say to God, 'Depart from us! We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways’.” Job 21:14
George Barna stated in his book, Revolutionary Parenting, that the most important role for the church in influencing children is to train the parents. I passionately believe that, and offer resources and support to churches for parents who are intentionally raising their children to become Christian adults.
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 traveling together and enjoyed visiting in the car. One of the topics that came up was the church youth group. There were six people her age attending Sunday School when she was a teenager. She is the only one that as an adult is spiritually engaged.
I often quote a George Barna report that 61% of young adults who attended church as teenagers, are no longer spiritually engaged. That number was shocking to me, but the reality set in as the math for my daughter’s class came out at 83%.
We talked further about what made the difference. Was their experience at church relevant to them? Was God a reality even if church meant little? Which had the greater influence—church or parents?
In terms of time, the church had limited influence. At most their time in church was 3 hours out of 168 hours in a week—about 1.5%. This was basically true of both those who rejected or retained Godly values. Compared to all the other activities in their lives, this was their primary exposure to spiritual things.
We talked about the parents. How spiritually engaged were the parents? What part did church play in the life of the parents?
My daughter concluded that for each of her contemporaries, the parents relied on the church to provide all the spiritual training; whereas, in her case, the primary spiritual training took place in the home.
In this discussion we noted that sometimes people reject the formal church, but remain spiritually engaged. This did not appear to be the case with her contemporaries. They seemed to be ignoring or rejecting God, as well. "They say to God, 'Depart from us! We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways’.” Job 21:14
George Barna stated in his book, Revolutionary Parenting, that the most important role for the church in influencing children is to train the parents. I passionately believe that, and offer resources and support to churches for parents who are intentionally raising their children to become Christian adults.
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, June 6, 2009
Anniversary
©Millie McNabb
Yesterday was our thirty-third anniversary. We went out for steak dinner together. I went online looking for what gift was recommended to mark the year. They only listed gifts by every five years after the fifteenth anniversary. The twenty-fifth anniversary is marked by silver. Being practical, we got a three-in-one printer—it was silver in color, however.
The year my oldest brother got married was my parents silver (25th) anniversary and my grandparents golden (50th) anniversary. We had a triple celebration combined with family reunion for them.
The day we got married, the Teton Dam broke upstream from us. We debated whether or not to cancel the ceremony, but decided to go ahead.
My grandmother was at home by herself, when the Civil Defense folks came by and told her she had to get out because there was a twenty-foot wall of water headed her way. The water did arrive at her house two days later, and left it uninhabitable.
My sister, the matron of honor, came to the wedding, but did not stay for the reception. She needed to get back across a bridge before it was cut off by the flood water.
We left on our honeymoon, and my parents took the gifts to their house, which was about a mile from the river. The next day, neighbors moved all the gifts upstairs, and moved their furniture out to prepare for the coming flood waters. They had about six inches of muddy water in their house the next day. We spent the summer helping them recover from the mess that was left.
There were other stories, too. I made my wedding dress, and the zipper was somewhat fragile at the waist where all the layers of fabric came together. I told the girl who was helping me, that if it didn’t want to zip past that spot, to stop, and I would do it. She tugged instead, which broke the zipper. My aunt sewed me into my dress.
Weddings involve much preparation, and celebrate an institution ordained by God. Jesus even drew comparisons between the kingdom of God and a wedding feast. "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” (Matthew 22:2)
What wedding stories do you have?
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 was our thirty-third anniversary. We went out for steak dinner together. I went online looking for what gift was recommended to mark the year. They only listed gifts by every five years after the fifteenth anniversary. The twenty-fifth anniversary is marked by silver. Being practical, we got a three-in-one printer—it was silver in color, however.
The year my oldest brother got married was my parents silver (25th) anniversary and my grandparents golden (50th) anniversary. We had a triple celebration combined with family reunion for them.
The day we got married, the Teton Dam broke upstream from us. We debated whether or not to cancel the ceremony, but decided to go ahead.
My grandmother was at home by herself, when the Civil Defense folks came by and told her she had to get out because there was a twenty-foot wall of water headed her way. The water did arrive at her house two days later, and left it uninhabitable.
My sister, the matron of honor, came to the wedding, but did not stay for the reception. She needed to get back across a bridge before it was cut off by the flood water.
We left on our honeymoon, and my parents took the gifts to their house, which was about a mile from the river. The next day, neighbors moved all the gifts upstairs, and moved their furniture out to prepare for the coming flood waters. They had about six inches of muddy water in their house the next day. We spent the summer helping them recover from the mess that was left.
There were other stories, too. I made my wedding dress, and the zipper was somewhat fragile at the waist where all the layers of fabric came together. I told the girl who was helping me, that if it didn’t want to zip past that spot, to stop, and I would do it. She tugged instead, which broke the zipper. My aunt sewed me into my dress.
Weddings involve much preparation, and celebrate an institution ordained by God. Jesus even drew comparisons between the kingdom of God and a wedding feast. "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” (Matthew 22:2)
What wedding stories do you have?
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, June 4, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Talking Heads
©Millie McNabb
I remember my father visiting the Legislature. As they debated the topic, my father said the first speaker was very convincing. Then the next speaker presented the other side of the issue. Again, my father thought the speaker was very convincing.
Watching economic news can be very much that way. Each guest is very earnest about the view they are presenting, and are very convincing. One speaker recited several negative economic events, and then stated, “The government is the only one that can get us out of this.”
The Bible has something to say about that kind of thinking in Isaiah 31:1. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help {And} rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!”
Where do you place your trust?
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 remember my father visiting the Legislature. As they debated the topic, my father said the first speaker was very convincing. Then the next speaker presented the other side of the issue. Again, my father thought the speaker was very convincing.
Watching economic news can be very much that way. Each guest is very earnest about the view they are presenting, and are very convincing. One speaker recited several negative economic events, and then stated, “The government is the only one that can get us out of this.”
The Bible has something to say about that kind of thinking in Isaiah 31:1. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help {And} rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!”
Where do you place your trust?
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, June 3, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Job One
©Millie McNabb
I started reading Job today in my daily Bible reading. I was once challenged by someone to read 40 chapters a day in the Bible. So, I did—for one day. I read the 42 chapters of Job in one day. At that pace, you would read the entire Bible in a month.
There are different paces of effective Bible reading. Sometimes we read large sections for content, context and knowledge. At times we pray Scripture and meditate. Chronological or blended gospel reading adds new perspective. Whatever our pace, our “Job One” is to bless and glorify the Lord.
He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21)
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 started reading Job today in my daily Bible reading. I was once challenged by someone to read 40 chapters a day in the Bible. So, I did—for one day. I read the 42 chapters of Job in one day. At that pace, you would read the entire Bible in a month.
There are different paces of effective Bible reading. Sometimes we read large sections for content, context and knowledge. At times we pray Scripture and meditate. Chronological or blended gospel reading adds new perspective. Whatever our pace, our “Job One” is to bless and glorify the Lord.
He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21)
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, May 30, 2009
A Time to Plant
©Millie McNabb
We planted most of our garden a week ago, and today, the grandchildren and I discovered lettuce and pumpkins peeking up through the soil. I overheard my daughter saying something to her niece about helping plant, so I had this expectation that they were going to be going outside.
They hadn’t gone outside and naptime was approaching, so I asked my daughter what the plan was. I was surprised to learn they had finished--they had planted grapes on Facebook FarmTown.
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
What are you planting this season?
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 planted most of our garden a week ago, and today, the grandchildren and I discovered lettuce and pumpkins peeking up through the soil. I overheard my daughter saying something to her niece about helping plant, so I had this expectation that they were going to be going outside.
They hadn’t gone outside and naptime was approaching, so I asked my daughter what the plan was. I was surprised to learn they had finished--they had planted grapes on Facebook FarmTown.
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
What are you planting this season?
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, May 29, 2009
Mosquitoes
©Millie McNabb
We have had a bunch of mosquitoes this year, which is quite unusual. The difference is that a neighbor of ours started raising cattle, and has some stagnant ponds where there used to be cropland. We now have to protect ourselves from getting bitten, and discipline ourselves not to scratch.
I have a scar on my left hand where I incessantly scratched a bite when I was a child. Shortly after that, I read a fiction-based-on-fact book about Queen Esther which noted that Mordecai would not let her scratch her mosquito bites. When the king’s men were looking for queen candidates, they selected women without scar or blemish.
“He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.” Esther 2:7
What childhood disciplines have had significant consequences in your adult life?
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 have had a bunch of mosquitoes this year, which is quite unusual. The difference is that a neighbor of ours started raising cattle, and has some stagnant ponds where there used to be cropland. We now have to protect ourselves from getting bitten, and discipline ourselves not to scratch.
I have a scar on my left hand where I incessantly scratched a bite when I was a child. Shortly after that, I read a fiction-based-on-fact book about Queen Esther which noted that Mordecai would not let her scratch her mosquito bites. When the king’s men were looking for queen candidates, they selected women without scar or blemish.
“He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.” Esther 2:7
What childhood disciplines have had significant consequences in your adult life?
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, May 28, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Got your scarf?
©Millie McNabb
One of my husband’s grandmothers always went through a verbal checklist with her children and grandchildren before they left the house. Do you have your gloves? Do you have your purse? Have you got your scarf?
Our children knew the story, and we used the phrase, “Got your scarf?” as a reminder for each child to go through their own mental list of what they needed to be prepared for the day.
We have many options and distractions in life. Teaching our children to be prepared for each outing, also gives them the skills to think about what they need for life. Having a list—written, verbal or mental—can keep life from getting chaotic. “And the disciples came to the other side {of the sea,} but they had forgotten to bring {any} bread.” (Matthew 16:5)
What routines are you teaching your 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.
One of my husband’s grandmothers always went through a verbal checklist with her children and grandchildren before they left the house. Do you have your gloves? Do you have your purse? Have you got your scarf?
Our children knew the story, and we used the phrase, “Got your scarf?” as a reminder for each child to go through their own mental list of what they needed to be prepared for the day.
We have many options and distractions in life. Teaching our children to be prepared for each outing, also gives them the skills to think about what they need for life. Having a list—written, verbal or mental—can keep life from getting chaotic. “And the disciples came to the other side {of the sea,} but they had forgotten to bring {any} bread.” (Matthew 16:5)
What routines are you teaching your 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.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: The Science
©Millie McNabb
I watched “The Science of Sex Appeal” on the Discovery channel. There are many fascinating attractions going on that we are not consciously aware of. In one experiment, men rated pictures of women for how attractive they were. When the experiment was repeated in the presence of copulins (female pheromones), every woman was deemed more highly attractive.
The program attributed things to evolution, but I believe these subtle attractions are part of God’s design to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28 and 9:7) When a woman is ovulating, her facial features are more radiant, she shows more skin, and wiggles more on the dance floor. There are also subtle safeguards--there is an odor that is repelling to relatives—God’s guard against inbreeding.
These attractions are so strong that we would be naïve to think we and our children are not subject to them. Passing on our Christian values includes educating our children about the realities of being attracted to or being found attractive by others.
What “chemistry” of attraction are you including in your child’s education?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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 watched “The Science of Sex Appeal” on the Discovery channel. There are many fascinating attractions going on that we are not consciously aware of. In one experiment, men rated pictures of women for how attractive they were. When the experiment was repeated in the presence of copulins (female pheromones), every woman was deemed more highly attractive.
The program attributed things to evolution, but I believe these subtle attractions are part of God’s design to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28 and 9:7) When a woman is ovulating, her facial features are more radiant, she shows more skin, and wiggles more on the dance floor. There are also subtle safeguards--there is an odor that is repelling to relatives—God’s guard against inbreeding.
These attractions are so strong that we would be naïve to think we and our children are not subject to them. Passing on our Christian values includes educating our children about the realities of being attracted to or being found attractive by others.
What “chemistry” of attraction are you including in your child’s education?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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, May 26, 2009
Suitable Friends
©Millie McNabb
One of the most challenging aspects of raising children was developing suitable friends. Before we started homeschooling, the girls were around more children in public school, but many times efforts to get together were one-sided. One daughter evaluated the situation and decided there wasn’t anyone she wanted to spend that much time with—and I agreed with her decision.
There’s a difference between being surrounded by others, and having a relationship with someone suitable. “The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:20)
Lack of “socialization” is one of the charges leveled at homeschoolers. We teach our children within our homes to develop relationships. We teach our task-oriented children how to interact with others. (An effective technique for them is to “interview” others.) We teach them discernment about choosing suitable friends. We teach them love and compassion for others, even if they are not suitable friends.
Church and other homeschool families generally provided more like-minded relationships. As teenagers, the girls tended to develop relationships with adults in the church, rather than their “silly” contemporaries. Now as adults, they have one or two close friends, and relate well to a number of people.
Do you have any “suitable friends” stories to share?
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 most challenging aspects of raising children was developing suitable friends. Before we started homeschooling, the girls were around more children in public school, but many times efforts to get together were one-sided. One daughter evaluated the situation and decided there wasn’t anyone she wanted to spend that much time with—and I agreed with her decision.
There’s a difference between being surrounded by others, and having a relationship with someone suitable. “The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:20)
Lack of “socialization” is one of the charges leveled at homeschoolers. We teach our children within our homes to develop relationships. We teach our task-oriented children how to interact with others. (An effective technique for them is to “interview” others.) We teach them discernment about choosing suitable friends. We teach them love and compassion for others, even if they are not suitable friends.
Church and other homeschool families generally provided more like-minded relationships. As teenagers, the girls tended to develop relationships with adults in the church, rather than their “silly” contemporaries. Now as adults, they have one or two close friends, and relate well to a number of people.
Do you have any “suitable friends” stories to share?
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, May 23, 2009
Gardening
©Millie McNabb
We planted the garden today. I haven’t had a garden for the past few years, but two of my daughters wanted to use the space. The grandchildren were in on the adventure, too, although their interest was short-lived. They did, however, gather several rocks from the driveway.
Sometimes people think that work came about as a result of “The Fall.” However, Genesis 2:15 says that Adam was placed in the garden to work. “Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it” but the food was provided. In Genesis 3:17-19, after “The Fall” Adam had to toil and sweat to eat—and the cursed ground now produced thistles and thorns.
Are you a gardener?
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 planted the garden today. I haven’t had a garden for the past few years, but two of my daughters wanted to use the space. The grandchildren were in on the adventure, too, although their interest was short-lived. They did, however, gather several rocks from the driveway.
Sometimes people think that work came about as a result of “The Fall.” However, Genesis 2:15 says that Adam was placed in the garden to work. “Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it” but the food was provided. In Genesis 3:17-19, after “The Fall” Adam had to toil and sweat to eat—and the cursed ground now produced thistles and thorns.
Are you a gardener?
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, May 22, 2009
Just Say “Go”
©Millie McNabb
When we moved to Maryland, the church we attended had a desire to have an afterschool ministry for children in the neighborhood. As I looked at the situation, God had all the resources in place; they just needed someone to say, “Go.” So I said, “Go.” Years later when we visited there, I was somewhat surprised when I was introduced as the person who started their afterschool ministry.
God placed a passion in the heart of Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He prayed, assessed the situation, saw the resources were available, and then said, “Go” as related in Nehemiah 2:17-18. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.’ I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, ‘Let us arise and build.’ So they put their hands to the good {work.}“
Is there a good work that God has prepared just waiting for you to say, “Go.”
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 moved to Maryland, the church we attended had a desire to have an afterschool ministry for children in the neighborhood. As I looked at the situation, God had all the resources in place; they just needed someone to say, “Go.” So I said, “Go.” Years later when we visited there, I was somewhat surprised when I was introduced as the person who started their afterschool ministry.
God placed a passion in the heart of Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He prayed, assessed the situation, saw the resources were available, and then said, “Go” as related in Nehemiah 2:17-18. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.’ I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, ‘Let us arise and build.’ So they put their hands to the good {work.}“
Is there a good work that God has prepared just waiting for you to say, “Go.”
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, May 21, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Money and Wisdom
©Millie McNabb
I was thinking about the Indiana Jones movie The Last Crusade. Near the end of the movie Indiana had to make a choice between saving the treasure or saving his life. Wisdom prevailed and he let the treasure go.
A Christian value we want to pass on is understanding both money and wisdom as treasures. God has given us the material world to learn how to be a good steward. The principles we learn then apply to being a good steward of the spiritual gifts we are given. We teach our children to handle money wisely, and also that wisdom is a greater treasure than the money.
“For wisdom is protection {just as} money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.” Ecclesiastes 7:12
What money lessons prepared you for handling spiritual things?
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 thinking about the Indiana Jones movie The Last Crusade. Near the end of the movie Indiana had to make a choice between saving the treasure or saving his life. Wisdom prevailed and he let the treasure go.
A Christian value we want to pass on is understanding both money and wisdom as treasures. God has given us the material world to learn how to be a good steward. The principles we learn then apply to being a good steward of the spiritual gifts we are given. We teach our children to handle money wisely, and also that wisdom is a greater treasure than the money.
“For wisdom is protection {just as} money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.” Ecclesiastes 7:12
What money lessons prepared you for handling spiritual things?
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, May 20, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: Toads, moles and kings
©Millie McNabb
I read Thumbelina to the girls tonight at bedtime. It’s about a “thumb-sized” little girl who is stolen by a toad who wants to marry her. The fish help her escape, and then she is out on her own. When it gets cold, a mouse takes her in and his friend the mole wants to marry her. We assume he’s nice as far as moles go, but his home is underground. He allows her to go see the sunlight one last time before they marry. A swallow she had nursed back to health carries her away, where she finds other little people and marries the king.
When I finished the story, my daughter said she read the story to herself the other day, and wondered why as a child she thought it was so fascinating. She went on to say, that hearing me read it with the different voices brought it to life.
In real life there will be toads and moles who want to marry our daughters. There will be those who tell the tale in voices that make it sound more fascinating than the reality will be.
Passing on our Christian values includes warning and protecting our children. Studies show that when women are ovulating they are more attracted to the “bad boys.” Talk about that when it is age appropriate, and develop a plan for built-in safeguards, since logic may go out the window when the toads come a-stealing.
Another caution to give our children is about the moles. Women have a strong desire for security. The mole could provide food and shelter, but it was only on his underground terms. While a husband should be the protector and provider, he is also to cherish and nourish his wife.
For Thumbelina, there was an excellent match—a like-sized king. We need to teach our children to pray and prepare for that excellence.
“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also {does} the church, because we are members of His body.” (Ephesians 5:28-30)
Have you prepared your children for the toads, moles and kings that come a-courting?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
I read Thumbelina to the girls tonight at bedtime. It’s about a “thumb-sized” little girl who is stolen by a toad who wants to marry her. The fish help her escape, and then she is out on her own. When it gets cold, a mouse takes her in and his friend the mole wants to marry her. We assume he’s nice as far as moles go, but his home is underground. He allows her to go see the sunlight one last time before they marry. A swallow she had nursed back to health carries her away, where she finds other little people and marries the king.
When I finished the story, my daughter said she read the story to herself the other day, and wondered why as a child she thought it was so fascinating. She went on to say, that hearing me read it with the different voices brought it to life.
In real life there will be toads and moles who want to marry our daughters. There will be those who tell the tale in voices that make it sound more fascinating than the reality will be.
Passing on our Christian values includes warning and protecting our children. Studies show that when women are ovulating they are more attracted to the “bad boys.” Talk about that when it is age appropriate, and develop a plan for built-in safeguards, since logic may go out the window when the toads come a-stealing.
Another caution to give our children is about the moles. Women have a strong desire for security. The mole could provide food and shelter, but it was only on his underground terms. While a husband should be the protector and provider, he is also to cherish and nourish his wife.
For Thumbelina, there was an excellent match—a like-sized king. We need to teach our children to pray and prepare for that excellence.
“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also {does} the church, because we are members of His body.” (Ephesians 5:28-30)
Have you prepared your children for the toads, moles and kings that come a-courting?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Routine
©Millie McNabb
Some days it’s a challenge to get the routine done--you know, the little things that nobody notices, unless they’re not done. After a weekend with the family here, I had run the dishwasher twice, and was just finishing pots and pans, when I noticed water on the floor. The drain in my kitchen sink had failed, so now I really couldn’t finish the dishes. Fortunately, my husband is a handyman and got the sink repaired the next day.
Parenting involves teaching our children to be productive workers. This is a Christian value we can pass on by example. Although we may grow weary of doing the routine, our daily work patterns give us a wonderful opportunity to model, teach, and share with our children. Paul talks about this his second letter to the Thessalonians:
“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good."
(II Thessalonians 3:13)
What routines have given you opportunities to lead your 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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Some days it’s a challenge to get the routine done--you know, the little things that nobody notices, unless they’re not done. After a weekend with the family here, I had run the dishwasher twice, and was just finishing pots and pans, when I noticed water on the floor. The drain in my kitchen sink had failed, so now I really couldn’t finish the dishes. Fortunately, my husband is a handyman and got the sink repaired the next day.
Parenting involves teaching our children to be productive workers. This is a Christian value we can pass on by example. Although we may grow weary of doing the routine, our daily work patterns give us a wonderful opportunity to model, teach, and share with our children. Paul talks about this his second letter to the Thessalonians:
“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good."
(II Thessalonians 3:13)
What routines have given you opportunities to lead your 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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Monday, May 11, 2009
Prepared
©Millie McNabb
I’m going to be taking a driving trip with my daughter and her three young girls. I’m hoping they know the lesson about using the bathroom when one’s available.
I remember sharing a lesson about that with my girls. I put water in a balloon and showed how when it’s full, it’s like the bladder letting you know to empty. I then partially filled a balloon, and told them that they could also choose to go to the bathroom. We talked about that being one way to be prepared.
Jesus also shared a parable about being prepared and how some young ladies missed out. "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:10)
Are you ready?
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’m going to be taking a driving trip with my daughter and her three young girls. I’m hoping they know the lesson about using the bathroom when one’s available.
I remember sharing a lesson about that with my girls. I put water in a balloon and showed how when it’s full, it’s like the bladder letting you know to empty. I then partially filled a balloon, and told them that they could also choose to go to the bathroom. We talked about that being one way to be prepared.
Jesus also shared a parable about being prepared and how some young ladies missed out. "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:10)
Are you ready?
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, May 9, 2009
Mother’s Day
©Millie McNabb
Our children were here helping clean out my mother-in-law’s house. While the adults were moving things, I prepared food and took care of the grandchildren (four girls all under the age of four.)
The two older grand-daughters like to help me cook. They wash vegetables, stir mixtures, and get things out of the refrigerator for me. Later, while those two were napping, the younger two were both awake and thinking they needed their mothers. I propped the two-month-old up on the couch with a pacifier, and wrapped the ten-month-old burrito-style in her blanket and rocked her to sleep.
Part of being a mother is serving. It’s a Christian value that we pass on to our children. Recognizing and appreciating our children as blessings, is part of celebrating Mother’s Day. “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?
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 children were here helping clean out my mother-in-law’s house. While the adults were moving things, I prepared food and took care of the grandchildren (four girls all under the age of four.)
The two older grand-daughters like to help me cook. They wash vegetables, stir mixtures, and get things out of the refrigerator for me. Later, while those two were napping, the younger two were both awake and thinking they needed their mothers. I propped the two-month-old up on the couch with a pacifier, and wrapped the ten-month-old burrito-style in her blanket and rocked her to sleep.
Part of being a mother is serving. It’s a Christian value that we pass on to our children. Recognizing and appreciating our children as blessings, is part of celebrating Mother’s Day. “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?
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, May 8, 2009
An Inheritance
©Millie McNabb
We’re cleaning out the house where my mother-in-law lived for over 60 years. As you might imagine, there’s an accumulation of things with varying degrees of value. There are the practical, usable items. There are collectibles. There are antiques. Beyond their intrinsic value, anything could have sentimental value to someone.
Over the past twelve years, I’ve been involved in settling six estates. As I was discarding financial records, I found myself saving the paper clips. The thought came to me that for all the time the person had invested in careful book-keeping, now the most valuable thing was the paper clip. I decided to redeem my time wisely and toss the paper clips, too.
Our earthly work and possessions are not our inheritance. Part of being a good steward is good record keeping. It is also our civic responsibility for tax purposes. My mother-in-law honored God as she did her work well. By example, she passed on her Christian values as she was living.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
(Colossians 3:23-24.)
What will your children inherit?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
We’re cleaning out the house where my mother-in-law lived for over 60 years. As you might imagine, there’s an accumulation of things with varying degrees of value. There are the practical, usable items. There are collectibles. There are antiques. Beyond their intrinsic value, anything could have sentimental value to someone.
Over the past twelve years, I’ve been involved in settling six estates. As I was discarding financial records, I found myself saving the paper clips. The thought came to me that for all the time the person had invested in careful book-keeping, now the most valuable thing was the paper clip. I decided to redeem my time wisely and toss the paper clips, too.
Our earthly work and possessions are not our inheritance. Part of being a good steward is good record keeping. It is also our civic responsibility for tax purposes. My mother-in-law honored God as she did her work well. By example, she passed on her Christian values as she was living.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
(Colossians 3:23-24.)
What will your children inherit?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Good Steward
©Millie McNabb
I grew up on a farm, and each of us six children had household responsibilities, as well as farm chores to do. My household chore was to gather the trash, and burn it in the incinerator barrel. I liked seeing the flame catch hold and spread throughout the barrel, so it was a good match (pun intended.)
All in all, housekeeping is not my strong suit. My college roommate once told me the only thing domestic about me was that I was born in the country. However, that did not excuse me from being a good steward and training my children to be good stewards.
Our goal was to have our children be able to run the household by the time they were twelve (Jewish age of accountability.) I organized the work in two different ways:
1) By task such as dusting, cleaning sinks, vacuuming, laundry
2) By room
I made up laminated checklists that included everything that needed to be done and what cleaning product to use.
After everyone knew how to do everything, we divided the work up according to what each child liked to do best. We continued to rotate the chores that nobody was excited about.
“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’” (Luke 12:42)
I invite you to share your stewardship plan.
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 grew up on a farm, and each of us six children had household responsibilities, as well as farm chores to do. My household chore was to gather the trash, and burn it in the incinerator barrel. I liked seeing the flame catch hold and spread throughout the barrel, so it was a good match (pun intended.)
All in all, housekeeping is not my strong suit. My college roommate once told me the only thing domestic about me was that I was born in the country. However, that did not excuse me from being a good steward and training my children to be good stewards.
Our goal was to have our children be able to run the household by the time they were twelve (Jewish age of accountability.) I organized the work in two different ways:
1) By task such as dusting, cleaning sinks, vacuuming, laundry
2) By room
I made up laminated checklists that included everything that needed to be done and what cleaning product to use.
After everyone knew how to do everything, we divided the work up according to what each child liked to do best. We continued to rotate the chores that nobody was excited about.
“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’” (Luke 12:42)
I invite you to share your stewardship plan.
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, May 6, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: Purity
©Millie McNabb
One of our daughter’s has a birthday today. Her first kiss was at her marriage ceremony. When we were homeschooling, my girls discovered I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris, which influenced their thinking about courtship and marriage versus casual dating.
Making a commitment to purity is counter to the prevalence of casual sex in today’s youthful dating culture. Rutgers University publishes an annual “State of our Unions” report about the attitudes and trends for marriage in the United States. They report a widespread acceptance of sex just for fun without any expectation of commitment. An intentional parent cannot afford to overlook talking with their children about sexual purity.
There are two foundational challenges that couples face if they live together first, and then get married.
The first challenge is Trust. They absolutely know that they do not honor the marriage vows, because they had sex with each other outside of marriage. This plants the seeds of distrust, and when one spouse is late at work, or gone too long shopping, there will be a nagging question of “Are they cheating on me?”
The second challenge is Boundaries. God designed sexual intimacy for pleasure and reproduction, but within the boundary of marriage. To ignore that boundary, opens the door to ignoring other critical boundaries within the marriage partnership. Financial choices are made based on fun, not commitment, so finances are out of control. Disciplining children is challenging because it means enforcing a boundary, so the children are out of control.
Fortunately, God’s grace is abundant. If you were out of bounds, you can confess to each other, ask for and give forgiveness, and enjoy a new beginning.
Have you talked with your children about this important commitment?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
One of our daughter’s has a birthday today. Her first kiss was at her marriage ceremony. When we were homeschooling, my girls discovered I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris, which influenced their thinking about courtship and marriage versus casual dating.
Making a commitment to purity is counter to the prevalence of casual sex in today’s youthful dating culture. Rutgers University publishes an annual “State of our Unions” report about the attitudes and trends for marriage in the United States. They report a widespread acceptance of sex just for fun without any expectation of commitment. An intentional parent cannot afford to overlook talking with their children about sexual purity.
There are two foundational challenges that couples face if they live together first, and then get married.
The first challenge is Trust. They absolutely know that they do not honor the marriage vows, because they had sex with each other outside of marriage. This plants the seeds of distrust, and when one spouse is late at work, or gone too long shopping, there will be a nagging question of “Are they cheating on me?”
The second challenge is Boundaries. God designed sexual intimacy for pleasure and reproduction, but within the boundary of marriage. To ignore that boundary, opens the door to ignoring other critical boundaries within the marriage partnership. Financial choices are made based on fun, not commitment, so finances are out of control. Disciplining children is challenging because it means enforcing a boundary, so the children are out of control.
Fortunately, God’s grace is abundant. If you were out of bounds, you can confess to each other, ask for and give forgiveness, and enjoy a new beginning.
Have you talked with your children about this important commitment?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Becoming Skillful
©Millie McNabb
All of our children were here with us this weekend. As they shared in conversation what was going on in their lives, it was apparent that each of them had favor at their workplace. Having skill in their work, gives them credibility with co-workers and opportunities to share their beliefs.
Passing on our Christian values includes preparing them to impact this world in practical ways. I remember my father asking a Sunday School gathering what they thought would be valuable to send to some third-world country. The children were suggesting Bibles and missionaries. He went on to show the impact of sending calves that over time improved the food source—a practical ministry.
In King David’s time, there was a great celebration when the ark was brought back to Jerusalem. “Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was {in charge of} the singing; he gave instruction in singing because he was skillful.” (I Chronicles 15:22)
What opportunities have you had to glorify God because you were skillful?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
All of our children were here with us this weekend. As they shared in conversation what was going on in their lives, it was apparent that each of them had favor at their workplace. Having skill in their work, gives them credibility with co-workers and opportunities to share their beliefs.
Passing on our Christian values includes preparing them to impact this world in practical ways. I remember my father asking a Sunday School gathering what they thought would be valuable to send to some third-world country. The children were suggesting Bibles and missionaries. He went on to show the impact of sending calves that over time improved the food source—a practical ministry.
In King David’s time, there was a great celebration when the ark was brought back to Jerusalem. “Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was {in charge of} the singing; he gave instruction in singing because he was skillful.” (I Chronicles 15:22)
What opportunities have you had to glorify God because you were skillful?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Monday, May 4, 2009
Raising Spiritual Champions
©Millie McNabb
I recently re-read Revolutionary Parenting by George Barna. The Barna Group surveyed and interviewed thousands of young adults and their parents. They discovered some common denominators to parenting in such a way that children become Christian adults—spiritual champions, as Barna calls them.
I remember being so excited the first time I read the book. I had just launched my website and each of the seminars that I featured, was directly in line with the Barna Group research.
Although I speak to varied audiences, the people I most want to reach are parents with children age 12 or younger. This is because of the impact of this statement from the Barna research:
“…our national surveys of thirteen-year-olds reveal that most of them think they already know everything of significance in the Bible (hence, they are no longer open to learning or actively studying the Scriptures.) Also, most of them have no intention of continuing to attend a church when they are in their twenties and living on their own.”
Interestingly, in Jewish law, this is the age of majority, when children become responsible for their own actions and decisions. Boys “come of age” at age 13 and girls at age 12. Prior to this, the child's parents are responsible for the child's adherence to Jewish law and tradition.
It is when Jesus is 12 that we get the only view into Jesus’ youth in Luke 2:42-52. “And when He [Jesus] became twelve, they went up {there} according to the custom of the Feast…” Luke 2:43
You can find more about The Barna Group on the resource page of my website http://www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
At what age do you think children should be responsible for their own actions and decisions?
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 recently re-read Revolutionary Parenting by George Barna. The Barna Group surveyed and interviewed thousands of young adults and their parents. They discovered some common denominators to parenting in such a way that children become Christian adults—spiritual champions, as Barna calls them.
I remember being so excited the first time I read the book. I had just launched my website and each of the seminars that I featured, was directly in line with the Barna Group research.
Although I speak to varied audiences, the people I most want to reach are parents with children age 12 or younger. This is because of the impact of this statement from the Barna research:
“…our national surveys of thirteen-year-olds reveal that most of them think they already know everything of significance in the Bible (hence, they are no longer open to learning or actively studying the Scriptures.) Also, most of them have no intention of continuing to attend a church when they are in their twenties and living on their own.”
Interestingly, in Jewish law, this is the age of majority, when children become responsible for their own actions and decisions. Boys “come of age” at age 13 and girls at age 12. Prior to this, the child's parents are responsible for the child's adherence to Jewish law and tradition.
It is when Jesus is 12 that we get the only view into Jesus’ youth in Luke 2:42-52. “And when He [Jesus] became twelve, they went up {there} according to the custom of the Feast…” Luke 2:43
You can find more about The Barna Group on the resource page of my website http://www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
At what age do you think children should be responsible for their own actions and decisions?
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, April 30, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Misplaced Trust
©Millie McNabb
In a roundtable discussion of America’s economic condition, one of the comments was something like, “The government has got to save us.”
The Bible has a different perspective of who will save us. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help {And} rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1)
Are you intentionally teaching a Christian worldview to your 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.
In a roundtable discussion of America’s economic condition, one of the comments was something like, “The government has got to save us.”
The Bible has a different perspective of who will save us. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help {And} rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1)
Are you intentionally teaching a Christian worldview to your 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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: The College Shop
©Millie McNabb
I remember my mother commenting that many women go to college to find the perfect man, and pick up a good husband along the way. Getting married may not be the goal when you go to college, but it is a meeting place for many couples.
Your list of desirable traits may include “likes to learn new things.” People who attend college may have that trait. If they graduate, they also exhibit perseverance, a hallmark trait for success. …Perseverance [brings about] proven character… (Romans 5:4a)
Many of our colleges promote a tolerance and mixing of religious values. Students who are unsure of their Christian foundation, may unwittingly adopt other religions into their thinking. “So while these nations feared the LORD, they also served their idols; their children likewise and their grandchildren, as their fathers did, so they do to this day.” (II Kings 17:41)
If you’re shopping in the college market, make sure you’re equally yoked with another believer, and not just enamored with a college degree. Ask, "Will this person intentionally raise our children to become Christian adults?"
Where did you meet your spouse?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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 remember my mother commenting that many women go to college to find the perfect man, and pick up a good husband along the way. Getting married may not be the goal when you go to college, but it is a meeting place for many couples.
Your list of desirable traits may include “likes to learn new things.” People who attend college may have that trait. If they graduate, they also exhibit perseverance, a hallmark trait for success. …Perseverance [brings about] proven character… (Romans 5:4a)
Many of our colleges promote a tolerance and mixing of religious values. Students who are unsure of their Christian foundation, may unwittingly adopt other religions into their thinking. “So while these nations feared the LORD, they also served their idols; their children likewise and their grandchildren, as their fathers did, so they do to this day.” (II Kings 17:41)
If you’re shopping in the college market, make sure you’re equally yoked with another believer, and not just enamored with a college degree. Ask, "Will this person intentionally raise our children to become Christian adults?"
Where did you meet your spouse?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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, April 28, 2009
Salt Restricted
©Millie McNabb
We were talking about salt at my daughter’s natural health clinic. Part of the discussion centered around the benefits of sea salt. Another aspect of the discussion was the balance between water and salt.
Our physical bodies require a balance between water and salt. It is not unusual to hear of someone going on a salt-restricted diet. The balance could also be restored by increasing water.
In our spiritual lives, we are to be salt to the world around us. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13a) Salt both preserves food and brings out the flavor. We are to preserve God’s values and share the freshness of His mercies in our culture.
Are we as Christians on a salt-restricted diet? Are Christian values having less of an impact in our culture?
The key to restoration is to increase water--living water. Jesus said, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." (John 4:10)
How are you teaching your children to be salt?
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 were talking about salt at my daughter’s natural health clinic. Part of the discussion centered around the benefits of sea salt. Another aspect of the discussion was the balance between water and salt.
Our physical bodies require a balance between water and salt. It is not unusual to hear of someone going on a salt-restricted diet. The balance could also be restored by increasing water.
In our spiritual lives, we are to be salt to the world around us. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13a) Salt both preserves food and brings out the flavor. We are to preserve God’s values and share the freshness of His mercies in our culture.
Are we as Christians on a salt-restricted diet? Are Christian values having less of an impact in our culture?
The key to restoration is to increase water--living water. Jesus said, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." (John 4:10)
How are you teaching your children to be salt?
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, April 27, 2009
The Parent’s Toolshop
©Millie McNabb
A couple of years ago, I came across the best and most complete parenting resource book I’d ever seen. It’s called The Parent’s Toolshop: The Universal Blueprint for Building a Healthy Family. It is based on Biblical principles, but written for any audience.
The author, Jody Johnston Pawel, has not only brought the resources together, but she has presented them in an effective sequence along with visual ways for parents to remember the tools. The skills she shares are lifelong skills that will be useful to your children throughout their lives.
To learn more, go to www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com/resources.php
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.
A couple of years ago, I came across the best and most complete parenting resource book I’d ever seen. It’s called The Parent’s Toolshop: The Universal Blueprint for Building a Healthy Family. It is based on Biblical principles, but written for any audience.
The author, Jody Johnston Pawel, has not only brought the resources together, but she has presented them in an effective sequence along with visual ways for parents to remember the tools. The skills she shares are lifelong skills that will be useful to your children throughout their lives.
To learn more, go to www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com/resources.php
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, April 25, 2009
Five Keys
©Millie McNabb
My daughter was telling me the story of a woman who was distraught in the mall parking lot. A man came over to see if he could help. The woman explained that the battery had run down in her car “clicker” and she didn’t know how she was going to get into her car. The man took her key, put it in the door lock, and opened the car for her.
There are keys for passing on our Christian Values to our children. Some of these keys used to be commonly used in our culture, but now have been unconsciously set aside in favor of the conveniences society offers.
Do you want every piece of information you can get that will increase your success in passing on your Christian values? I invite you to attend “Five Keys to Intentionally Raising Your Children to Become Christian Adults and How to Use Them to Enhance Your Parenting.” This teleseminar is a week from today, Saturday morning, May 2, 2009. Get more details and register at http://www.fivekeys.eventbrite.com.
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 was telling me the story of a woman who was distraught in the mall parking lot. A man came over to see if he could help. The woman explained that the battery had run down in her car “clicker” and she didn’t know how she was going to get into her car. The man took her key, put it in the door lock, and opened the car for her.
There are keys for passing on our Christian Values to our children. Some of these keys used to be commonly used in our culture, but now have been unconsciously set aside in favor of the conveniences society offers.
Do you want every piece of information you can get that will increase your success in passing on your Christian values? I invite you to attend “Five Keys to Intentionally Raising Your Children to Become Christian Adults and How to Use Them to Enhance Your Parenting.” This teleseminar is a week from today, Saturday morning, May 2, 2009. Get more details and register at http://www.fivekeys.eventbrite.com.
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, April 24, 2009
Calving
©Millie McNabb
Our neighbor across the road has started a cow-calf herd. This is calving season, and there’s new life each day as I drive by.
I grew up on a farm, and I remember how exciting it was to discover the newest litter of kittens. Also in the barn were the orphan calves that became my pets as I hung around helping my father milk the cows. My uncle, who was usually somewhat brusque, would tenderly nurse the sick ones back to health in my grandmother’s basement.
As Christians, whatever the season, we can enjoy that new life. “When you send your Spirit, new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth.” (Psalm 104:30)
What new life do you see around 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.
Our neighbor across the road has started a cow-calf herd. This is calving season, and there’s new life each day as I drive by.
I grew up on a farm, and I remember how exciting it was to discover the newest litter of kittens. Also in the barn were the orphan calves that became my pets as I hung around helping my father milk the cows. My uncle, who was usually somewhat brusque, would tenderly nurse the sick ones back to health in my grandmother’s basement.
As Christians, whatever the season, we can enjoy that new life. “When you send your Spirit, new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth.” (Psalm 104:30)
What new life do you see around 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.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Shake ups
©Millie McNabb
When I was in elementary school, my sister had friends over for a slumber party at our house. My mother was awakened to the bathroom mirror banging on the wall, and wondered, “What are those girls up to now?” We were having an Idaho earthquake.
I don’t think of Idaho as being earthquake-prone, but I just read that it’s the sixth most likely state to have an earthquake. To my knowledge, there are no visible fault lines like those along California’s San Andreas fault. The earthquake I described above was one of the largest in recent US history, yet only 28 people died as it was in a rural area.
There are some similarities between earthquakes and the economy. Sometimes the risk of an investment is obvious, like the San Andreas fault. There is constant shifting that reveals the risk. If we choose high risk, it means the opportunity both for spectacular gain and for spectacular loss. Although there may not be a specific word in Scripture about an investment, we are to be wise. “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.” (Proverbs 14:16)
The earthquakes in Idaho are few and far between, but they tend to be significant when they happen. This is similar to the economic situation where we become complacent, not being as careful as we might be. Our country has enjoyed prosperity which has allowed us to recover more easily from financial mistakes.
"But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and laws.”
Deuteronomy 8:11
Earthquakes are quite localized, although they may be felt at some distance. Economic downturns can also be quite localized, although the media gives them a flavor of being widespread. Currently, for example, 60% of the home foreclosures are in 5 states. If you are in one of those five states, or if it’s your house, it has significant impact. The temptation is to take in fear whether the danger is real or not. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7
Our children pick up on our perspective by how we act in the face of the current shaking of the economy. Are we passing on fear or Christian values to our 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 I was in elementary school, my sister had friends over for a slumber party at our house. My mother was awakened to the bathroom mirror banging on the wall, and wondered, “What are those girls up to now?” We were having an Idaho earthquake.
I don’t think of Idaho as being earthquake-prone, but I just read that it’s the sixth most likely state to have an earthquake. To my knowledge, there are no visible fault lines like those along California’s San Andreas fault. The earthquake I described above was one of the largest in recent US history, yet only 28 people died as it was in a rural area.
There are some similarities between earthquakes and the economy. Sometimes the risk of an investment is obvious, like the San Andreas fault. There is constant shifting that reveals the risk. If we choose high risk, it means the opportunity both for spectacular gain and for spectacular loss. Although there may not be a specific word in Scripture about an investment, we are to be wise. “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.” (Proverbs 14:16)
The earthquakes in Idaho are few and far between, but they tend to be significant when they happen. This is similar to the economic situation where we become complacent, not being as careful as we might be. Our country has enjoyed prosperity which has allowed us to recover more easily from financial mistakes.
"But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and laws.”
Deuteronomy 8:11
Earthquakes are quite localized, although they may be felt at some distance. Economic downturns can also be quite localized, although the media gives them a flavor of being widespread. Currently, for example, 60% of the home foreclosures are in 5 states. If you are in one of those five states, or if it’s your house, it has significant impact. The temptation is to take in fear whether the danger is real or not. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7
Our children pick up on our perspective by how we act in the face of the current shaking of the economy. Are we passing on fear or Christian values to our 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.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Choose a Spouse: Love is...
©Millie McNabb
I recently read in I Samuel 25 the interaction of Nabal and his wife Abigail. Nabal was rude and ungrateful to David, and David was about to come destroy Nabal’s household. Abigail interceded and saved their lives. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died. David proposed to Abigail and she became his wife. It’s a wonderful Cinderella story.
When we choose a spouse, we want to look for the Abigail characteristics. Can you imagine living out a lifelong commitment to a Nabal? My experience has been that God is more likely to let us live with the consequences of our choices than to strike fools dead. Our choice of spouse is serious business.
Nabal and Abigail probably had an arranged marriage. Abigail was beautiful and intelligent. Nabal was very rich, but harsh and evil in his doings. When push came to shove, Abigail put her own life in danger, to shield her husband and household from destruction. That was love in action.
I Corinithians 13:4-8a describes love and can serve as a checklist for the qualities to look for in a spouse.
- "Love is patient,
- love is kind {and}
- is not jealous;
- love does not brag {and}
- is not arrogant,
- does not act unbecomingly;
- it does not seek its own,
- is not provoked,
- does not take into account a wrong {suffered,}
- does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
- bears all things,
- believes all things,
- hopes all things,
- endures all things.
- Love never fails.”
What “love in action” qualities attracted you to your spouse?
God bless….
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tired and No Cookies
©Millie McNabb
My daughter was changing her nine-month-old daughter’s diaper, and her daughter started twisting and wiggling. A quick swat to the exposed bare cheek reminded her daughter that she needed to stay still. It makes parenting easier if you teach the lessons when the children are young.
People can generally behave themselves when they’re well-rested and have had enough to eat. Part of character training is to teach our children to also behave when they’re tired and hungry.
We also need to warn our children that we are most vulnerable to the devil’s attacks when we are tired and hungry. Jesus was led out in the wilderness, and while going without food for forty days, was tempted by the devil. (Luke 4:1-14)
How did your parents train you to behave when you were hungry?
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 was changing her nine-month-old daughter’s diaper, and her daughter started twisting and wiggling. A quick swat to the exposed bare cheek reminded her daughter that she needed to stay still. It makes parenting easier if you teach the lessons when the children are young.
People can generally behave themselves when they’re well-rested and have had enough to eat. Part of character training is to teach our children to also behave when they’re tired and hungry.
We also need to warn our children that we are most vulnerable to the devil’s attacks when we are tired and hungry. Jesus was led out in the wilderness, and while going without food for forty days, was tempted by the devil. (Luke 4:1-14)
How did your parents train you to behave when you were hungry?
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, April 20, 2009
Nap and a Cookie
©Millie McNabb
My daily Bible reading was in Kings today. Elijah has just orchestrated this amazing demonstration of God’s power. He proposed a contest between God and the false god Baal. The prophets are each to prepare a sacrifice, but not light the fire with human means—they are to pray to their god to come light the fire. After much todo by the prophets of Baal with no result, Elijah prepares his sacrifice, gets it soaking wet, and offers a humble prayer. God responds with fire which consumes the sacrifice, the wood, the water and the stones.
Jumping ahead in the story, Elijah is threatened by the queen and runs away and hides in the wilderness. He requests to die. Then he sleeps and is fed. “The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you’." (I Kings 19:7)
There are days when the journey seems too great for us. Sometimes, the answer is that we need a nap and a cookie.
Part of Christian parenting is to physically nurture our children so the journey doesn’t overwhelm them. Most of us have experienced at least once the disastrous results of going grocery shopping with tired and hungry children. Children with sensory issues or autism do noticeably better when they’re rested and fed nutritiously. Be intentional. Make consistent snacks and naps part of your parenting plan.
What “child needs a nap” experience could you have charged admission for?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
My daily Bible reading was in Kings today. Elijah has just orchestrated this amazing demonstration of God’s power. He proposed a contest between God and the false god Baal. The prophets are each to prepare a sacrifice, but not light the fire with human means—they are to pray to their god to come light the fire. After much todo by the prophets of Baal with no result, Elijah prepares his sacrifice, gets it soaking wet, and offers a humble prayer. God responds with fire which consumes the sacrifice, the wood, the water and the stones.
Jumping ahead in the story, Elijah is threatened by the queen and runs away and hides in the wilderness. He requests to die. Then he sleeps and is fed. “The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you’." (I Kings 19:7)
There are days when the journey seems too great for us. Sometimes, the answer is that we need a nap and a cookie.
Part of Christian parenting is to physically nurture our children so the journey doesn’t overwhelm them. Most of us have experienced at least once the disastrous results of going grocery shopping with tired and hungry children. Children with sensory issues or autism do noticeably better when they’re rested and fed nutritiously. Be intentional. Make consistent snacks and naps part of your parenting plan.
What “child needs a nap” experience could you have charged admission for?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Sticker Shock
©Millie McNabb
Recently I got a parking lot ding on my car door. The scratch actually started in the fender and went across the door, then dipped down into the trim color. I got sticker shock when the body shop gave me the repair estimate.
I remember being a mother of four young children and hearing a speaker say that it took $200,000 to raise a child to the age of 18. It was difficult to imagine that it would take that much.
Jesus asks us to consider what it takes to be His disciple. "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28
What things have given you sticker shock?
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.
Recently I got a parking lot ding on my car door. The scratch actually started in the fender and went across the door, then dipped down into the trim color. I got sticker shock when the body shop gave me the repair estimate.
I remember being a mother of four young children and hearing a speaker say that it took $200,000 to raise a child to the age of 18. It was difficult to imagine that it would take that much.
Jesus asks us to consider what it takes to be His disciple. "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28
What things have given you sticker shock?
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, April 17, 2009
In an Instant
©Millie McNabb
A couple of days ago a friend forwarded an email with the subject “Britain’s Got Talent.” It was a clip of an unlikely looking woman who was met with scorn by an audience. That audience was turned in an instant into an adoring crowd when they heard her voice. Last night on Larry King Live he was interviewing Susan Boyle who has gone from obscurity to worldwide acclaim in—get this—FIVE DAYS.
Paul tells of a change that will happen to us even faster. “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
(I Corinthians 15:51-52)
Are you ready for change?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
A couple of days ago a friend forwarded an email with the subject “Britain’s Got Talent.” It was a clip of an unlikely looking woman who was met with scorn by an audience. That audience was turned in an instant into an adoring crowd when they heard her voice. Last night on Larry King Live he was interviewing Susan Boyle who has gone from obscurity to worldwide acclaim in—get this—FIVE DAYS.
Paul tells of a change that will happen to us even faster. “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
(I Corinthians 15:51-52)
Are you ready for change?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Cycles
©Millie McNabb
Over the course of ten days, we’ve had snow storms and now warming expected to go into the seventies. That is springtime in Idaho—a transition from winter to summer. We are affected by larger climatic cycles, such as El Nino which shift weather patterns over the course of years. “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven….” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
There are also cycles in other facets of life. Jesus asked the religious leaders, “Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot {discern} the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:3b) A Christian value that you want to teach your children is discernment.
Someone has described luck as preparation meeting opportunity. Discerning the cycles of life, lets you see the opportunity. Shakespeare described this in his play, Julius Caesar.
“There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.”
There are people who have invested much time in identifying cycles. As humans, their predications have not always been accurate. (Biblical prophets are 100% correct.) Nonetheless, they provide valuable insights about what to look for in our times. Harry S. Dent, Jr. has done extensive studies of demographic cycles and their correlation to economic cycles. His website is www.hsdent.com. Strauss and Howe have traced and predicted the patterns of America in their book Generations.
We are affected by cycles that are longer than our lifetime. The sequence of a 200-year cycle of civilizations was conceptualized by Dr. Alexander Tytler, a Scot professor, in the mid-1700’s:
"From bondage to spiritual faith;
from spiritual faith to great courage;
from courage to liberty;
from liberty to abundance;
from abundance to selfishness;
from selfishness to apathy;
from apathy to dependence;
from dependency back again into bondage."
You would not live long enough to see that complete cycle. The Christian worldview is long term. In Genesis 15 God makes a promise to Abraham that won’t be fulfilled for four hundred years. That inheritance came to his offspring because of Abraham’s faithfulness to God, who is always faithful.
What Christian heritage did you receive from your parents? What legacy are you passing on to the generations that come after 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.
Over the course of ten days, we’ve had snow storms and now warming expected to go into the seventies. That is springtime in Idaho—a transition from winter to summer. We are affected by larger climatic cycles, such as El Nino which shift weather patterns over the course of years. “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven….” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
There are also cycles in other facets of life. Jesus asked the religious leaders, “Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot {discern} the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:3b) A Christian value that you want to teach your children is discernment.
Someone has described luck as preparation meeting opportunity. Discerning the cycles of life, lets you see the opportunity. Shakespeare described this in his play, Julius Caesar.
“There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.”
There are people who have invested much time in identifying cycles. As humans, their predications have not always been accurate. (Biblical prophets are 100% correct.) Nonetheless, they provide valuable insights about what to look for in our times. Harry S. Dent, Jr. has done extensive studies of demographic cycles and their correlation to economic cycles. His website is www.hsdent.com. Strauss and Howe have traced and predicted the patterns of America in their book Generations.
We are affected by cycles that are longer than our lifetime. The sequence of a 200-year cycle of civilizations was conceptualized by Dr. Alexander Tytler, a Scot professor, in the mid-1700’s:
"From bondage to spiritual faith;
from spiritual faith to great courage;
from courage to liberty;
from liberty to abundance;
from abundance to selfishness;
from selfishness to apathy;
from apathy to dependence;
from dependency back again into bondage."
You would not live long enough to see that complete cycle. The Christian worldview is long term. In Genesis 15 God makes a promise to Abraham that won’t be fulfilled for four hundred years. That inheritance came to his offspring because of Abraham’s faithfulness to God, who is always faithful.
What Christian heritage did you receive from your parents? What legacy are you passing on to the generations that come after 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.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: Adding the details
©Millie McNabb
I was playing with my two-and-a-half-year-old grand-daughter today. We were putting shaped blocks into their container. As we looked for each right spot, I started adding detail to the names of the shapes. She already knew triangle, but I added isosceles and equilateral. She knew square, but I added parallelogram and diamond.
At her age, she is absorbing lots of information—including concepts of family. As parents we model what a man is and what a woman is, and what a man and a woman in relationship is. It is part of intentionally passing on our Christian values. “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you….” (II Thessalonians 3:7)
As parents and teachers, we are not perfect in what we model, so we need to verbally fill in the details. For example, sometimes a child will see a disagreement, but not see the resolution between parents. Take the child aside after the fact, and say something like:
“Do you remember when Dad and I were disagreeing last night? You looked concerned. Were you concerned? (Explore the concerns.) I wanted to let you know that Dad and I continued to talk after you went to bed, and we reached an agreement and forgave each other. You know the Bible says to take care of your anger by the end of the day, (Ephesians 4:26) and to forgive one another (Mark 11:25.) Those are important things to do throughout life, even when you grow up and get married.”
When you’re choosing a spouse, look for how they deal with anger and stressful situations. Observe how they treat you and others when they are angry. See if they resolve anger by the end of the day. See if they offer and receive forgiveness.
How are you equipping your children to deal with anger and resolve differences?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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 playing with my two-and-a-half-year-old grand-daughter today. We were putting shaped blocks into their container. As we looked for each right spot, I started adding detail to the names of the shapes. She already knew triangle, but I added isosceles and equilateral. She knew square, but I added parallelogram and diamond.
At her age, she is absorbing lots of information—including concepts of family. As parents we model what a man is and what a woman is, and what a man and a woman in relationship is. It is part of intentionally passing on our Christian values. “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you….” (II Thessalonians 3:7)
As parents and teachers, we are not perfect in what we model, so we need to verbally fill in the details. For example, sometimes a child will see a disagreement, but not see the resolution between parents. Take the child aside after the fact, and say something like:
“Do you remember when Dad and I were disagreeing last night? You looked concerned. Were you concerned? (Explore the concerns.) I wanted to let you know that Dad and I continued to talk after you went to bed, and we reached an agreement and forgave each other. You know the Bible says to take care of your anger by the end of the day, (Ephesians 4:26) and to forgive one another (Mark 11:25.) Those are important things to do throughout life, even when you grow up and get married.”
When you’re choosing a spouse, look for how they deal with anger and stressful situations. Observe how they treat you and others when they are angry. See if they resolve anger by the end of the day. See if they offer and receive forgiveness.
How are you equipping your children to deal with anger and resolve differences?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She 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, April 14, 2009
Smiles
©Millie McNabb
You may remember the old joke which asks, “What’s the longest word in the dictionary?” “Smiles, because there’s a mile between the two s’s.”
According to an article I read today, smiles go a long way in predicting marriage success. The researchers asked people who were over sixty-five to provide childhood photos of themselves. The results indicated that those who frown in photos were five times more likely to get a divorce than those who smiled.
The researchers stressed that they can’t conclude anything about the cause of the connection, but did speculate about some possibilities. Some had to do with the benefits associated with a generally happier disposition. One suggestion was that the people who smiled were obedient to the photographer, and were also more compliant in marriage.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.” Proverbs 31:25
Were you a smiling child?
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.
You may remember the old joke which asks, “What’s the longest word in the dictionary?” “Smiles, because there’s a mile between the two s’s.”
According to an article I read today, smiles go a long way in predicting marriage success. The researchers asked people who were over sixty-five to provide childhood photos of themselves. The results indicated that those who frown in photos were five times more likely to get a divorce than those who smiled.
The researchers stressed that they can’t conclude anything about the cause of the connection, but did speculate about some possibilities. Some had to do with the benefits associated with a generally happier disposition. One suggestion was that the people who smiled were obedient to the photographer, and were also more compliant in marriage.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.” Proverbs 31:25
Were you a smiling child?
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, April 13, 2009
Draw Close
©Millie McNabb
My nine-month-old grand-daughter was getting close to nap time. She had been happily entertaining herself sitting on the floor, but now was starting to intermix singing with “Aheh, aheh” sounds. Her mother went and sat next to her, and immediately the anxiety disappeared from her voice.
As we impart comfort to our children, they learn about God's comfort. We're passing on our Christian values. We get tired, too, and although perhaps nothing has changed in our situation, we grow anxious and cry out. God responds and draws near to us. We are comforted. A parenting tip is to verbalize this to your children to help them make the connection between what they observe and what you are experiencing.
“Answer me, O Lord, for Thy lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Thy compassion, turn to me, and do not hide Thy face from Thy servant, for I am in distress; answer me quickly. O draw near to my soul and redeem it….” (Psalm 69:16-18a)
Do you have a story to share of God’s comforting presence?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
My nine-month-old grand-daughter was getting close to nap time. She had been happily entertaining herself sitting on the floor, but now was starting to intermix singing with “Aheh, aheh” sounds. Her mother went and sat next to her, and immediately the anxiety disappeared from her voice.
As we impart comfort to our children, they learn about God's comfort. We're passing on our Christian values. We get tired, too, and although perhaps nothing has changed in our situation, we grow anxious and cry out. God responds and draws near to us. We are comforted. A parenting tip is to verbalize this to your children to help them make the connection between what they observe and what you are experiencing.
“Answer me, O Lord, for Thy lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Thy compassion, turn to me, and do not hide Thy face from Thy servant, for I am in distress; answer me quickly. O draw near to my soul and redeem it….” (Psalm 69:16-18a)
Do you have a story to share of God’s comforting presence?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Lord Is Risen!
©Millie McNabb
The Lord is risen!
“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as {the women} were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, {the men} said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.” Luke 24:1-9.
The Lord is risen indeed.
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.
The Lord is risen!
“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as {the women} were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, {the men} said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.” Luke 24:1-9.
The Lord is risen indeed.
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, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
©Millie McNabb
When I was growing up, the schools were closed in observance of Good Friday. There was usually a special church service, often centered on the seven last words of Christ. Now Good Friday is more of a “business as usual” day. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the stock market was closed to observe the day.
It used to be that there was a foundational Christian understanding that was a part of our culture. That is no longer the case. That is why we must be intentional about passing on our Christian values to our children. It may mean a commitment to homeschool. It will cause us to examine our own lives to see how much the culture has influenced us. It will require discernment about the parenting tips we take in.
We hope that there is an intergenerational Christian influence in your household. These relationships can reinforce your beliefs as you teach your children. Take some time this weekend to contemplate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and the sacrifice He became in order to reconcile mankind to God.
“When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” Luke 23:33-34
How do you observe Good Friday?
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 I was growing up, the schools were closed in observance of Good Friday. There was usually a special church service, often centered on the seven last words of Christ. Now Good Friday is more of a “business as usual” day. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the stock market was closed to observe the day.
It used to be that there was a foundational Christian understanding that was a part of our culture. That is no longer the case. That is why we must be intentional about passing on our Christian values to our children. It may mean a commitment to homeschool. It will cause us to examine our own lives to see how much the culture has influenced us. It will require discernment about the parenting tips we take in.
We hope that there is an intergenerational Christian influence in your household. These relationships can reinforce your beliefs as you teach your children. Take some time this weekend to contemplate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and the sacrifice He became in order to reconcile mankind to God.
“When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” Luke 23:33-34
How do you observe Good Friday?
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, April 9, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: The Gold Standard
©Millie McNabb
The Bible is full of examples about money. Scripture has nearly 400 references to gold. If you’re serious about passing on your Christian values, money stewardship will play an important part. Our children observe us using money, and learn our attitudes, whether we intentionally teach them about money or not. Money is a training ground for being able to handle spiritual matters. "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10)
Someone sent me a clip of a Glenn Beck program where he was showing a graph of the astounding amount of money that is being printed by the government. The graph was essentially flat while the United States was on the gold standard through 1971. Then the line wiggled its way slightly higher in response to wars and emergencies until 2008, when it took a sharp upward turn that has not stopped.
Gold is recognized worldwide as having value, and the price is subject to market fluctuations, supply and demand as are other commodities. This was not always the case, as highlighted in this brief outline:
--In the early history of the United States gold was unofficially the standard money.
--In 1900 the Gold Standard Act passed and gold became the official standard of our money. You could carry paper gold certificates for convenience, but exchange them at the bank for gold.
--In 1933 the established price for gold was $20.67 per ounce.
--In 1933 Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive order forbidding the private ownership of gold. Deposit boxes were sealed, and within fourteen days the owners had to turn their gold over to a federal agent. They were paid in paper dollars for the gold.
--In 1934 the Gold Reserve Act changed the price of gold to $35 per ounce. This effectively cut the value of the paper dollars people had received in 1933 in half.
--In 1946 the Britton Woods system established international trade and exchanges using gold as the standard at $35 per ounce.
--In 1971 Richard Nixon ended the standard of trading of gold at $35 per ounce. The international markets were no longer tied together by any standard of a real commodity.
--In 1975 a bill signed by Gerald Ford made it legal to again privately buy and own gold.
What is our money based on, if not gold? We, and most countries, operate on a fiat system. (No relation to the car.) This is paper that has no real value of its own; its value is based on what it can purchase. For example, the $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills are all the same size and of very similar appearance. It costs no more to print $100’s than $1’s, yet they have a much greater purchasing power.
The gold standard maintains discipline with the money; the fiat system can fluctuate wildly and is subject to the market. The spiritual parallel is God’s truth. It is absolute and maintains a standard and a discipline in our spiritual and moral lives. Other systems are relative and are always subject to the winds of change.
When we teach our children to be faithful with their money, we have taught them about the “little things.” It is a picture that teaches our children to also be faithful with God’s Word. With our faithfulness, we have taught them about “much.” “Therefore I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold.” (Psalm 119:127)
What examples have you seen between the spiritual gold standard and a spiritual fiat system?
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.
The Bible is full of examples about money. Scripture has nearly 400 references to gold. If you’re serious about passing on your Christian values, money stewardship will play an important part. Our children observe us using money, and learn our attitudes, whether we intentionally teach them about money or not. Money is a training ground for being able to handle spiritual matters. "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10)
Someone sent me a clip of a Glenn Beck program where he was showing a graph of the astounding amount of money that is being printed by the government. The graph was essentially flat while the United States was on the gold standard through 1971. Then the line wiggled its way slightly higher in response to wars and emergencies until 2008, when it took a sharp upward turn that has not stopped.
Gold is recognized worldwide as having value, and the price is subject to market fluctuations, supply and demand as are other commodities. This was not always the case, as highlighted in this brief outline:
--In the early history of the United States gold was unofficially the standard money.
--In 1900 the Gold Standard Act passed and gold became the official standard of our money. You could carry paper gold certificates for convenience, but exchange them at the bank for gold.
--In 1933 the established price for gold was $20.67 per ounce.
--In 1933 Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive order forbidding the private ownership of gold. Deposit boxes were sealed, and within fourteen days the owners had to turn their gold over to a federal agent. They were paid in paper dollars for the gold.
--In 1934 the Gold Reserve Act changed the price of gold to $35 per ounce. This effectively cut the value of the paper dollars people had received in 1933 in half.
--In 1946 the Britton Woods system established international trade and exchanges using gold as the standard at $35 per ounce.
--In 1971 Richard Nixon ended the standard of trading of gold at $35 per ounce. The international markets were no longer tied together by any standard of a real commodity.
--In 1975 a bill signed by Gerald Ford made it legal to again privately buy and own gold.
What is our money based on, if not gold? We, and most countries, operate on a fiat system. (No relation to the car.) This is paper that has no real value of its own; its value is based on what it can purchase. For example, the $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills are all the same size and of very similar appearance. It costs no more to print $100’s than $1’s, yet they have a much greater purchasing power.
The gold standard maintains discipline with the money; the fiat system can fluctuate wildly and is subject to the market. The spiritual parallel is God’s truth. It is absolute and maintains a standard and a discipline in our spiritual and moral lives. Other systems are relative and are always subject to the winds of change.
When we teach our children to be faithful with their money, we have taught them about the “little things.” It is a picture that teaches our children to also be faithful with God’s Word. With our faithfulness, we have taught them about “much.” “Therefore I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold.” (Psalm 119:127)
What examples have you seen between the spiritual gold standard and a spiritual fiat system?
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, April 8, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: Becoming the Right Mate
©Millie McNabb
Some people are concerned that qualified spouse candidates with Christian values are in short supply. I broke off a relationship when I was 23 and remember being surprised by my aunt’s comment that not everyone got married.
Proverbs 19:14 says that “a prudent wife [or husband] is from the Lord.” May I suggest two things as you wait for the Lord: 1) Continue to become a godly person yourself, and 2) Write down the qualities of the Christian spouse you desire and make it a matter of prayer.
So what does it mean to become a godly person? As you look at your list of qualities you want in a spouse, would you fit the description? In I Timothy 4:7-8 Scripture says, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
In practical terms, have nothing to do with the godless myths about living together before getting married. Ask “What Would Jesus Do?” as you consider a godly life, and read Matthew 5-7 for advice directly from Jesus. Paul writes in Titus about the godly life. Proverbs 31 gives a picture of a godly woman.
What advice do you have for becoming the right mate?
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 people are concerned that qualified spouse candidates with Christian values are in short supply. I broke off a relationship when I was 23 and remember being surprised by my aunt’s comment that not everyone got married.
Proverbs 19:14 says that “a prudent wife [or husband] is from the Lord.” May I suggest two things as you wait for the Lord: 1) Continue to become a godly person yourself, and 2) Write down the qualities of the Christian spouse you desire and make it a matter of prayer.
So what does it mean to become a godly person? As you look at your list of qualities you want in a spouse, would you fit the description? In I Timothy 4:7-8 Scripture says, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
In practical terms, have nothing to do with the godless myths about living together before getting married. Ask “What Would Jesus Do?” as you consider a godly life, and read Matthew 5-7 for advice directly from Jesus. Paul writes in Titus about the godly life. Proverbs 31 gives a picture of a godly woman.
What advice do you have for becoming the right mate?
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, April 7, 2009
Look! It’s New
©Millie McNabb
When I saw my nearly nine-month-old granddaughter this evening, I could tell there was something new. There was a definite light of recognition in her eyes when she saw me and smiled. She kept smiling, and reached out for me.
Her mother saw it, too. “There was something different about her eyes and her head when she woke up from her nap today.”
As our children grow, we expect to see differences. As we grow in Christ and teach our children to follow Christ, we should expect to see differences. II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, {he is} a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
I like that word “Behold.” Sometimes, we forget to expect a new creature. I heard a pastor say, “The deacons are living up to my expectations. I just didn’t expect enough.”
I encourage you to take a moment today and appreciate the new creature you are.
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 I saw my nearly nine-month-old granddaughter this evening, I could tell there was something new. There was a definite light of recognition in her eyes when she saw me and smiled. She kept smiling, and reached out for me.
Her mother saw it, too. “There was something different about her eyes and her head when she woke up from her nap today.”
As our children grow, we expect to see differences. As we grow in Christ and teach our children to follow Christ, we should expect to see differences. II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, {he is} a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
I like that word “Behold.” Sometimes, we forget to expect a new creature. I heard a pastor say, “The deacons are living up to my expectations. I just didn’t expect enough.”
I encourage you to take a moment today and appreciate the new creature you are.
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, April 6, 2009
Roots and Wings
©Millie McNabb
At the memorial service I went to today, one of the children said that their mother had given her children “roots and wings.” I was thinking of how parenting involves a dynamic tension between those two goals. We intentionally make home a place to be nurtured and grow, and yet a place to leave.
When we pass on our Christian values, the roots are established in Christ Jesus. The wings come as we wait on the Lord.
“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, {so} walk in Him, having been firmly rooted {and now} being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, {and} overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7.
“Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up {with} wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31.
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 memorial service I went to today, one of the children said that their mother had given her children “roots and wings.” I was thinking of how parenting involves a dynamic tension between those two goals. We intentionally make home a place to be nurtured and grow, and yet a place to leave.
When we pass on our Christian values, the roots are established in Christ Jesus. The wings come as we wait on the Lord.
“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, {so} walk in Him, having been firmly rooted {and now} being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, {and} overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7.
“Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up {with} wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31.
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, April 4, 2009
Deep in the Heart of Taxes
©Millie McNabb
I’ve been working on taxes today. What better place to practice your Christian values?
Jesus used many illustrations about money, and some involved taxes. The religious leaders were trying to trick Him and asked if it was lawful for them to pay taxes. Jesus had one of those answers you wish you had every time. He had them look at a coin and tell him whose picture was on it. “And He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's’." (Luke 20:25)
However, there is no need to pay Caesar more than his due. With careful planning and good recordkeeping, there are taxes you can avoid. Here’s an illustration about tax avoidance (which is legal) and tax evasion (which is against the law) to keep in mind as you prepare your taxes.
If you were traveling and the shortest road to your destination was a toll road, you could choose to pay the toll and take that road. If you drove past the toll booth without paying, that would be against the law, as is tax evasion. However, if you choose instead to take a different road that does not have a toll, but gets you to the same destination, that is entirely lawful, as is tax avoidance.
As you do your taxes, you have Christian parenting opportunities to model your attitude. As your children get older, you can involve them in sorting receipts. Your homeschool could include lessons between what is or is not a deductible expense. If you also have a home business, involve your children in identifying business expenses.
Did you get your taxes done early or you down to the wire?
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’ve been working on taxes today. What better place to practice your Christian values?
Jesus used many illustrations about money, and some involved taxes. The religious leaders were trying to trick Him and asked if it was lawful for them to pay taxes. Jesus had one of those answers you wish you had every time. He had them look at a coin and tell him whose picture was on it. “And He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's’." (Luke 20:25)
However, there is no need to pay Caesar more than his due. With careful planning and good recordkeeping, there are taxes you can avoid. Here’s an illustration about tax avoidance (which is legal) and tax evasion (which is against the law) to keep in mind as you prepare your taxes.
If you were traveling and the shortest road to your destination was a toll road, you could choose to pay the toll and take that road. If you drove past the toll booth without paying, that would be against the law, as is tax evasion. However, if you choose instead to take a different road that does not have a toll, but gets you to the same destination, that is entirely lawful, as is tax avoidance.
As you do your taxes, you have Christian parenting opportunities to model your attitude. As your children get older, you can involve them in sorting receipts. Your homeschool could include lessons between what is or is not a deductible expense. If you also have a home business, involve your children in identifying business expenses.
Did you get your taxes done early or you down to the wire?
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, April 3, 2009
Temperaments and Teamwork
©Millie McNabb
“The efficient person gets the job done right.The effective person gets the right job done.”
When I came across that quote today it reminded me about a leadership book I read in the past. (If I come across the title, I’ll post it later.) The point of the book was making the distinction between a leader and a manager. Both have necessary skills and abilities for the task at hand, but they serve different functions.
Each person has strengths. The purpose of a temperament profile is to identify those strengths. Part of temperament coaching, is to help people build teams that enhance their strengths and fill in for their weaknesses.
As parents, it’s easy to focus on a child’s weaknesses and spend our time in that area. This may prove frustrating for both parties. As a temperament coach, I suggest establishing an acceptable minimal level for “weakness” areas, and focus on developing the child’s strengths.
Here’s another parenting tip: Family is the training ground for the real life. Teach your children how to work as a team, letting each member do what they do best.
“The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work.”
(I Corinthians 3:8)
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Order your Temperament Profile today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
“The efficient person gets the job done right.The effective person gets the right job done.”
When I came across that quote today it reminded me about a leadership book I read in the past. (If I come across the title, I’ll post it later.) The point of the book was making the distinction between a leader and a manager. Both have necessary skills and abilities for the task at hand, but they serve different functions.
Each person has strengths. The purpose of a temperament profile is to identify those strengths. Part of temperament coaching, is to help people build teams that enhance their strengths and fill in for their weaknesses.
As parents, it’s easy to focus on a child’s weaknesses and spend our time in that area. This may prove frustrating for both parties. As a temperament coach, I suggest establishing an acceptable minimal level for “weakness” areas, and focus on developing the child’s strengths.
Here’s another parenting tip: Family is the training ground for the real life. Teach your children how to work as a team, letting each member do what they do best.
“The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work.”
(I Corinthians 3:8)
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Order your Temperament Profile today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: The Wrong Prayer
©Millie McNabb
Shortly after the 9-11, 2001 destruction of the Twin Towers, I was in a prayer group. I requested prayer for the economy of our country. The next morning, I had the distinct impression that I had prayed the wrong prayer, as God directed me to this passage in Deuteronomy 30:8-9a. "And you shall again obey the LORD, and observe all His commandments which I command you today. Then the LORD your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand….”
The prosperity of the country is connected to the obedience of the people to God. In his book, America: To Pray, or Not to Pray, David Barton shows the decline in various segments of our society since the Supreme Court decision to remove prayer and Bible reading from the schools in 1962.
When Solomon dedicated the temple, God answered his prayer with these words in II Chronicles 7:13-14. "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Our national economy is facing uncertain times as various “bubbles” deflate. We need to pray that “we who are called by His name” will humble ourselves. We need to prepare ourselves for the possibility that God is at work to burst our bubble of self-sufficiency to cause us to return to Him.
As you teach children Christian values, include lessons about the economy. As you pray with your children, approach God humbly and acknowledge your dependence upon Him. As you make decisions about the family finances, include your children, as appropriate, in the discussions. If you homeschool, make Godly economics a part of your studies.
I invite you to share your stories of lessons from the changing economy, and how you see God at work.
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Shortly after the 9-11, 2001 destruction of the Twin Towers, I was in a prayer group. I requested prayer for the economy of our country. The next morning, I had the distinct impression that I had prayed the wrong prayer, as God directed me to this passage in Deuteronomy 30:8-9a. "And you shall again obey the LORD, and observe all His commandments which I command you today. Then the LORD your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand….”
The prosperity of the country is connected to the obedience of the people to God. In his book, America: To Pray, or Not to Pray, David Barton shows the decline in various segments of our society since the Supreme Court decision to remove prayer and Bible reading from the schools in 1962.
When Solomon dedicated the temple, God answered his prayer with these words in II Chronicles 7:13-14. "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Our national economy is facing uncertain times as various “bubbles” deflate. We need to pray that “we who are called by His name” will humble ourselves. We need to prepare ourselves for the possibility that God is at work to burst our bubble of self-sufficiency to cause us to return to Him.
As you teach children Christian values, include lessons about the economy. As you pray with your children, approach God humbly and acknowledge your dependence upon Him. As you make decisions about the family finances, include your children, as appropriate, in the discussions. If you homeschool, make Godly economics a part of your studies.
I invite you to share your stories of lessons from the changing economy, and how you see God at work.
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Choose a Spouse: Character vs. Characters
©Millie McNabb
I was talking with a newlywed wife and she exclaimed, “I am so mad at his mother.
Why didn’t she train him better?”
God does expect parents to train their children. For example, Moses in Deuteronomy 4:10 reminds the people of the day they received the Ten Commandments. "{Remember} the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, 'Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children'.” The people are to learn themselves and teach their children.
I recall seeing a classroom bulletin board which read, “I said develop character, not be a character.” When you’re looking for a spouse, look for one who has developed character. Look for the one who has been trained with Christian values, and shows respect in public and in private.
When my grandmother met the man who is now my husband, she observed that he opened the doors for me. A banker commented to me that my father always removed his overshoes or wiped his feet when he entered the building. A teenager who worked on our farm commented in amazement that he had never heard my father swear. These are signs of developed character.
What signs of developed character did you see in your spouse?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
I was talking with a newlywed wife and she exclaimed, “I am so mad at his mother.
Why didn’t she train him better?”
God does expect parents to train their children. For example, Moses in Deuteronomy 4:10 reminds the people of the day they received the Ten Commandments. "{Remember} the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, 'Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children'.” The people are to learn themselves and teach their children.
I recall seeing a classroom bulletin board which read, “I said develop character, not be a character.” When you’re looking for a spouse, look for one who has developed character. Look for the one who has been trained with Christian values, and shows respect in public and in private.
When my grandmother met the man who is now my husband, she observed that he opened the doors for me. A banker commented to me that my father always removed his overshoes or wiped his feet when he entered the building. A teenager who worked on our farm commented in amazement that he had never heard my father swear. These are signs of developed character.
What signs of developed character did you see in your spouse?
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Homeschool: Time well spent
©Millie McNabb
Sometimes I meet mothers who are overwhelmed with the thought of homeschooling. They make comments like, “You’re so brave,” “You’re so organized,” or “You’re so patient.” Perhaps I have become some of those things, but none of them are requisites for homeschooling. What is required is your decision to do it.
The question is, "Do you want to pass on your Christian values to your children?" This is “why” of my homeschooling. Since I knew the “why”, I figured out the “how.”
The truth is that your children will likely become like those they spend the most time with. I thank God that I was introduced to the concept of homeschooling, which provided me an opportunity to spend lots of time with my children. It was indeed time well spent.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” God appointed me a season of homeschooling and now a season of reaping those benefits.
What thoughts do you have about homeschooling?
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.
Sometimes I meet mothers who are overwhelmed with the thought of homeschooling. They make comments like, “You’re so brave,” “You’re so organized,” or “You’re so patient.” Perhaps I have become some of those things, but none of them are requisites for homeschooling. What is required is your decision to do it.
The question is, "Do you want to pass on your Christian values to your children?" This is “why” of my homeschooling. Since I knew the “why”, I figured out the “how.”
The truth is that your children will likely become like those they spend the most time with. I thank God that I was introduced to the concept of homeschooling, which provided me an opportunity to spend lots of time with my children. It was indeed time well spent.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” God appointed me a season of homeschooling and now a season of reaping those benefits.
What thoughts do you have about homeschooling?
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, March 30, 2009
Birthday Remembrances
©Millie McNabb
Today is my birthday. We did most of the celebrating this past weekend, since that was more convenient for us. Thanks to my Facebook friends for their greetings. Thanks for the snail-mail cards and phone calls.
I was thinking about my birthdays growing up. My grandfather who lived across the road from us had a birthday on March 31. He always teased me that I was a day older than he was. My mother always had us take a bath the night before our birthday to wash off “that 9-year-old dirt,” or whichever year it was. One of my aunts that lived in another state always remembered to send a card, and had a source for fascinating cards that we all loved.
We usually had an intergenerational family gathering which included the four families that farmed together. Mama let us pick out the kind of cake we wanted. One year I requested banana cake. My youngest brother added to the décor by sticking a real banana in the middle of it.
God gave instructions for celebrations—the Feasts described in Exodus. As we celebrate our birthdays, we can use this as an example to teach our children about the importance of pausing, recognizing milestones and thanking God for His many blessings. It’s an important part of passing on our Christian values.
How do you make birthday celebrations special?
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 is my birthday. We did most of the celebrating this past weekend, since that was more convenient for us. Thanks to my Facebook friends for their greetings. Thanks for the snail-mail cards and phone calls.
I was thinking about my birthdays growing up. My grandfather who lived across the road from us had a birthday on March 31. He always teased me that I was a day older than he was. My mother always had us take a bath the night before our birthday to wash off “that 9-year-old dirt,” or whichever year it was. One of my aunts that lived in another state always remembered to send a card, and had a source for fascinating cards that we all loved.
We usually had an intergenerational family gathering which included the four families that farmed together. Mama let us pick out the kind of cake we wanted. One year I requested banana cake. My youngest brother added to the décor by sticking a real banana in the middle of it.
God gave instructions for celebrations—the Feasts described in Exodus. As we celebrate our birthdays, we can use this as an example to teach our children about the importance of pausing, recognizing milestones and thanking God for His many blessings. It’s an important part of passing on our Christian values.
How do you make birthday celebrations special?
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, March 27, 2009
Birthday Surprise
My two youngest daughters orchestrated a birthday surprise for me tonight. While my husband (he's a thoughtful guy who likes to make special days special) took me to dinner and a movie, they cleaned house and did my laundry for me. They also had a bouquet of sunflowers on the coffee table.
One of my goals in life has been to enjoy my children at every age. They are easy to enjoy and are my good friends as adults.
Psalm 127:3 "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward."
I love you, Ladies.
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
One of my goals in life has been to enjoy my children at every age. They are easy to enjoy and are my good friends as adults.
Psalm 127:3 "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward."
I love you, Ladies.
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Stewardship & Household Chores
©Millie McNabb
I was talking with some moms about household chores, allowances and teaching children about economy. When our children were young, we kept household chores separate from allowances. We paid a small allowance, created other opportunities for them to earn money, and encouraged entrepreneurship.
One of the key Christian values to teach our children is that everything belongs to God and we are stewards of all that He has given us. “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’” (Luke 12:42)
What’s the first thing your child has stewardship over? Himself. I used 3x5 cards and drew pictures on them for each thing the child need to complete to get himself ready for the day (or for bed.) They included such things as brushing teeth, combing hair, using the bathroom, getting dressed. As they got older (by age 2) they also participated in maintaining the family household.
Household chores give a mini-picture of God’s economy. Everything in the child’s world belongs to the parents, and the parents are providing things for the child’s use. We intentionally taught the girls to be good stewards of what they had been given. I remember them coming home absolutely shocked that other kids at youth group were writing on their clothes with markers.
As stewards, we maintain the work according to God’s standard, not our own. Part of intentional parenting is to work with your children as you teach them. Doing meaningful work together grows deep relationships. When your child understands the task, purposefully hand it over to the child to do themselves, inspect the work when it’s done, and compliment the child. If appropriate, have an older child teach a younger one.
My Thursday blogs for the next few weeks will be focused on teaching your children Christian Values in economy. I’d love to have you share your stories about teaching your child stewardship.
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 talking with some moms about household chores, allowances and teaching children about economy. When our children were young, we kept household chores separate from allowances. We paid a small allowance, created other opportunities for them to earn money, and encouraged entrepreneurship.
One of the key Christian values to teach our children is that everything belongs to God and we are stewards of all that He has given us. “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’” (Luke 12:42)
What’s the first thing your child has stewardship over? Himself. I used 3x5 cards and drew pictures on them for each thing the child need to complete to get himself ready for the day (or for bed.) They included such things as brushing teeth, combing hair, using the bathroom, getting dressed. As they got older (by age 2) they also participated in maintaining the family household.
Household chores give a mini-picture of God’s economy. Everything in the child’s world belongs to the parents, and the parents are providing things for the child’s use. We intentionally taught the girls to be good stewards of what they had been given. I remember them coming home absolutely shocked that other kids at youth group were writing on their clothes with markers.
As stewards, we maintain the work according to God’s standard, not our own. Part of intentional parenting is to work with your children as you teach them. Doing meaningful work together grows deep relationships. When your child understands the task, purposefully hand it over to the child to do themselves, inspect the work when it’s done, and compliment the child. If appropriate, have an older child teach a younger one.
My Thursday blogs for the next few weeks will be focused on teaching your children Christian Values in economy. I’d love to have you share your stories about teaching your child stewardship.
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, March 25, 2009
Choose a Spouse: Belief Plus
©Millie McNabb
I got four packages of socks of the same brand from the same rack, and yet when I was matching them up after they were washed, the lengths were different by as much as two inches. It did not occur to me to compare lengths before I purchased them. Toe to heel seemed pretty consistent, so I don’t think I mistakenly got different sizes. Yet the fact remains—they’re unequally matched.
I have met some Christians who seem genuinely surprised that they are “unequally yoked” when they married a professing Christian. Just as I could have been a little more diligent in my shopping, Christian values require us to be diligent in choosing our spouse. Remember, God considers this to be a lifelong choice, so over the next few weeks, we’ll look at what Scripture says to help us choose well for a strong Christian marriage.
Belief Plus—1. You’re both Christians, but are you both ready to leave your parents? God sets this tone for marriage in Genesis 2:24. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”
The classic caricature of the “Mama’s Boy” or the wife who is always “going home to mother” depicts spouses who haven’t yet emotionally left their parents. In the courtship stages, it can be hard to spot because they probably treat their parents well, so you assume they’ll treat you the same way.
The truth is more likely that there is a combination of fear of leaving the parent and anger that they’re not able to go out and be independent. When you marry, you may discover that you’re receiving all the pent-up anger; your spouse will defend the parent, but not you, and; you will be expected to take care of them more like a parent than a spouse.
What characteristics did you look for in a spouse? Follow my blog next Wednesday for more thoughts on teaching our children how to Choose a Spouse.
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
I got four packages of socks of the same brand from the same rack, and yet when I was matching them up after they were washed, the lengths were different by as much as two inches. It did not occur to me to compare lengths before I purchased them. Toe to heel seemed pretty consistent, so I don’t think I mistakenly got different sizes. Yet the fact remains—they’re unequally matched.
I have met some Christians who seem genuinely surprised that they are “unequally yoked” when they married a professing Christian. Just as I could have been a little more diligent in my shopping, Christian values require us to be diligent in choosing our spouse. Remember, God considers this to be a lifelong choice, so over the next few weeks, we’ll look at what Scripture says to help us choose well for a strong Christian marriage.
Belief Plus—1. You’re both Christians, but are you both ready to leave your parents? God sets this tone for marriage in Genesis 2:24. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”
The classic caricature of the “Mama’s Boy” or the wife who is always “going home to mother” depicts spouses who haven’t yet emotionally left their parents. In the courtship stages, it can be hard to spot because they probably treat their parents well, so you assume they’ll treat you the same way.
The truth is more likely that there is a combination of fear of leaving the parent and anger that they’re not able to go out and be independent. When you marry, you may discover that you’re receiving all the pent-up anger; your spouse will defend the parent, but not you, and; you will be expected to take care of them more like a parent than a spouse.
What characteristics did you look for in a spouse? Follow my blog next Wednesday for more thoughts on teaching our children how to Choose a Spouse.
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 http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Follow That Blog
©Millie McNabb
Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I’ve heard back from parents, grandparents and teachers that they are appreciating the examples of sharing Godly perspectives through everyday living that they find on this blog.
I invite you to not only read the blog, but to become an official follower of the blog. It's easy and convenient to become a blog follower. On the right sidebar, select "Follow." You'll get notices of new posts on your dashboard, and be able to comment and discuss entries.
I am also interested to know what kinds of things you enjoy and what things you’d like to see on the blog. If there’s a topic that’s on your mind or that you hear others wondering about, please let me know.
We are excited about our current Wednesday series on "match making." I hope you’ll consider coming along to this wonderful series, and our new Thursday series "your children and Christian perspectives on the economy," starting this week.
Would you do me a favor? Take a moment to share your thoughts and feedback here. That would be truly helpful. Of course, the very best feedback would be to have you as a follower.
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.
Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. I’ve heard back from parents, grandparents and teachers that they are appreciating the examples of sharing Godly perspectives through everyday living that they find on this blog.
I invite you to not only read the blog, but to become an official follower of the blog. It's easy and convenient to become a blog follower. On the right sidebar, select "Follow." You'll get notices of new posts on your dashboard, and be able to comment and discuss entries.
I am also interested to know what kinds of things you enjoy and what things you’d like to see on the blog. If there’s a topic that’s on your mind or that you hear others wondering about, please let me know.
We are excited about our current Wednesday series on "match making." I hope you’ll consider coming along to this wonderful series, and our new Thursday series "your children and Christian perspectives on the economy," starting this week.
Would you do me a favor? Take a moment to share your thoughts and feedback here. That would be truly helpful. Of course, the very best feedback would be to have you as a follower.
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, March 23, 2009
Snow Day Footsteps
©Millie McNabb
We woke up to snow again today after enjoying a few days of warmer weather. I noticed as I drove into town that the weather pattern was varied. There was a mile of slush and rough ruts, followed by a stretch that was only wet, then another piece of road that slushy snow.
Later on, I was walking into the house with my grand-daughters. Although the walk had been shoveled, they preferred to walk in the snow along the side. Their little footprints revealed the path they had taken.
The path we follow as adults has its roots in what we were taught as children. As we teach our children, imparting God’s Word is foundational, though not a guarantee, to them following a Godly path. “Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133.
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 woke up to snow again today after enjoying a few days of warmer weather. I noticed as I drove into town that the weather pattern was varied. There was a mile of slush and rough ruts, followed by a stretch that was only wet, then another piece of road that slushy snow.
Later on, I was walking into the house with my grand-daughters. Although the walk had been shoveled, they preferred to walk in the snow along the side. Their little footprints revealed the path they had taken.
The path we follow as adults has its roots in what we were taught as children. As we teach our children, imparting God’s Word is foundational, though not a guarantee, to them following a Godly path. “Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133.
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, March 21, 2009
Health Fair
©Millie McNabb
My daughter participated in a health fair and I helped at her booth. It is always interesting to talk with the people that stop by, and fascinating to watch the people whether they stop or not.
Ours was one of the few holistic booths in a convention hall of traditional medicine. Some people studiously ignored us. They would glance at our display, ignore our greeting, and walk on. If they did stop, their comment was often, “I don’t need that. I’m good.”
There were people who didn’t know that we—or any other display—existed. Usually they were in a group and were walking around the fair talking with each other and not paying attention to the displays. One group of three women reminded me of flight attendants. They walked purposely past all other displays to their destination--a weight loss booth.
There were three groups of preschoolers-on-a-string. I imagine their favorites were the pig lung, the therapy dogs, and the booths with candy and balloons. Cookies were available at the host table, which I thought was incongruous for a health fair.
My favorite people, and the reason we participate in health fairs, are the couples or friend groups who see something on our display, and say to each other, “Maybe they can help you.” We probably can help them.
In Luke 8:1-15 Jesus told a story about the sower who had varying success depending on where the seed fell. The sower was faithful to sow the seed; the results depended on the soil where it fell.
Whether it’s health news, God’s Word, or homeschool lessons we’re sowing, we need to be faithful to scatter the seed. Even the good soil would produce nothing without seed. Do you have any stories of faithful sowing that took root over time?
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 participated in a health fair and I helped at her booth. It is always interesting to talk with the people that stop by, and fascinating to watch the people whether they stop or not.
Ours was one of the few holistic booths in a convention hall of traditional medicine. Some people studiously ignored us. They would glance at our display, ignore our greeting, and walk on. If they did stop, their comment was often, “I don’t need that. I’m good.”
There were people who didn’t know that we—or any other display—existed. Usually they were in a group and were walking around the fair talking with each other and not paying attention to the displays. One group of three women reminded me of flight attendants. They walked purposely past all other displays to their destination--a weight loss booth.
There were three groups of preschoolers-on-a-string. I imagine their favorites were the pig lung, the therapy dogs, and the booths with candy and balloons. Cookies were available at the host table, which I thought was incongruous for a health fair.
My favorite people, and the reason we participate in health fairs, are the couples or friend groups who see something on our display, and say to each other, “Maybe they can help you.” We probably can help them.
In Luke 8:1-15 Jesus told a story about the sower who had varying success depending on where the seed fell. The sower was faithful to sow the seed; the results depended on the soil where it fell.
Whether it’s health news, God’s Word, or homeschool lessons we’re sowing, we need to be faithful to scatter the seed. Even the good soil would produce nothing without seed. Do you have any stories of faithful sowing that took root over time?
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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