©Millie McNabb
My daughter has a natural health clinic and I attended a seminar about minerals with her today. There are so many intricacies to the human body that I once again found myself echoing Psalm 139:14, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.”
One of the most interesting things I learned about is a proposed theory of a connection between iodine and cancer. One of the challenges of cancer is that the body itself does not recognize these cells as abnormal, so lets them continue to grow. It appears that iodine is the main surveillance system for abnormal cells, and will trigger their death.
If you’d like more information, leave me a comment, and I’ll get it to 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.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Corn Flakes ala Crayon
©Millie McNabb
My grand-daughters were having a tea party. They set the table, using their toy dishes and food. They arranged the chairs, and set their stuffed animals in place to enjoy the party. Then they invited me to come taste the “blueberry pie” they were serving.
It was a fun and creative time—but later, left to their own devices, they became even more creative. The climber retrieved the cornflakes from the cupboard and added some to the dishes and water cups. The stronger one opened the supplies drawer and added crayons as a colorful topping for the “pies.”
Their mother was not pleased, but together, the four of us got things cleaned up. It reminded me of my mother paraphrasing Scripture: “When I became a mother, I put away childish things.”
Paul wrote in I Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” As a parent, there’s a balance to letting your children be children, and training them to become grown up.
Are you enjoying tea parties with the children 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.
My grand-daughters were having a tea party. They set the table, using their toy dishes and food. They arranged the chairs, and set their stuffed animals in place to enjoy the party. Then they invited me to come taste the “blueberry pie” they were serving.
It was a fun and creative time—but later, left to their own devices, they became even more creative. The climber retrieved the cornflakes from the cupboard and added some to the dishes and water cups. The stronger one opened the supplies drawer and added crayons as a colorful topping for the “pies.”
Their mother was not pleased, but together, the four of us got things cleaned up. It reminded me of my mother paraphrasing Scripture: “When I became a mother, I put away childish things.”
Paul wrote in I Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” As a parent, there’s a balance to letting your children be children, and training them to become grown up.
Are you enjoying tea parties with the children 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, January 29, 2009
God Gives Knowledge
©Millie McNabb
When we were homeschooling, we went to the public library frequently. One daughter wanted nothing to do with the children’s books. She wanted a real book about Pearl Harbor.
Together we looked up Pearl Harbor in the computerized card file, and located the World War II books in the adult section. My daughter picked out a two-inch thick book, with a gray cover. …And that’s the book she used to learn to read.
Daniel 1:17a says, “As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every {branch of} literature and wisdom….” God gives the knowledge not only for spiritual things, but for all aspects of life. I prayed this verse often for my children, not only while homeschooling, but as they were in college.
How did your children learn to read?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
When we were homeschooling, we went to the public library frequently. One daughter wanted nothing to do with the children’s books. She wanted a real book about Pearl Harbor.
Together we looked up Pearl Harbor in the computerized card file, and located the World War II books in the adult section. My daughter picked out a two-inch thick book, with a gray cover. …And that’s the book she used to learn to read.
Daniel 1:17a says, “As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every {branch of} literature and wisdom….” God gives the knowledge not only for spiritual things, but for all aspects of life. I prayed this verse often for my children, not only while homeschooling, but as they were in college.
How did your children learn to read?
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, January 28, 2009
Following the Footsteps
©Millie McNabb
There was fresh snow in the morning when I walked out to the garage. When I got home in the evening, my footsteps from morning were undisturbed. I was going to walk back in the same steps, but the prints were farther apart than was comfortable. Apparently I had more energy in the morning.
Our Christian walk has varied paces as well. In Isaiah 40:31 it says, “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.” God provides the strength whether we’re flying, running, or walking.
What’s your pace?
God bless…
Is your greatest desire to have your children become gracious, mature, productive Christian adults?Are you concerned that your children might miss, dismiss, or reject your Christian values?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./
There was fresh snow in the morning when I walked out to the garage. When I got home in the evening, my footsteps from morning were undisturbed. I was going to walk back in the same steps, but the prints were farther apart than was comfortable. Apparently I had more energy in the morning.
Our Christian walk has varied paces as well. In Isaiah 40:31 it says, “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.” God provides the strength whether we’re flying, running, or walking.
What’s your pace?
God bless…
Is your greatest desire to have your children become gracious, mature, productive Christian adults?Are you concerned that your children might miss, dismiss, or reject your Christian values?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, January 27, 2009
Slight Alignment
©Millie McNabb
The roads were slick this weekend. I was not traveling fast, but as I was turning left, my car was not responding. My brakes had little effect either, and I slid into the curb, which thankfully stopped me. The next stopping point would have been a light pole.
Although I saw no damage, I took my car in to be checked. They told me it was not bad, but needed a slight alignment. If the wheels are out of alignment, the tires wear more quickly, or can cause the car to pull to one side. The need for alignment may not be noticeable in driving, but over a length of time, will become quite obvious.
Most of parenting is that way: our children need a slight alignment. II Timothy 3:16 says that Scripture is profitable for correction. Correcting our children as soon as we realize they’re sliding, will keep them heading straight in the long run.
Do you have any “pediatrically correct” 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.
The roads were slick this weekend. I was not traveling fast, but as I was turning left, my car was not responding. My brakes had little effect either, and I slid into the curb, which thankfully stopped me. The next stopping point would have been a light pole.
Although I saw no damage, I took my car in to be checked. They told me it was not bad, but needed a slight alignment. If the wheels are out of alignment, the tires wear more quickly, or can cause the car to pull to one side. The need for alignment may not be noticeable in driving, but over a length of time, will become quite obvious.
Most of parenting is that way: our children need a slight alignment. II Timothy 3:16 says that Scripture is profitable for correction. Correcting our children as soon as we realize they’re sliding, will keep them heading straight in the long run.
Do you have any “pediatrically correct” 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.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Overcoming the Dish Pile
©Millie McNabb
There was a time when I was nearly defeated by a pile of dishes. We had three young children and had just moved to a new city. The house we moved into had no dishwasher. Growing up we had no dishwasher—except that my mother claimed to have six of them. With eight people per meal, those dishes added up in a hurry.
I had gotten used to having a dishwasher, but we’d moved. Now here I was in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by a counter full of dirty dishes. The whole thing was starting to overwhelm me.
I caught myself before I went too far that direction. “Glasses! I know how to wash glasses.” I gathered the glasses and got them washed and put away, followed by silverware, plates and bowls. By starting with the little thing, I soon had the whole job done.
When God was bringing the Israelites into the promised land, He used this same principle, as written in Exodus 23:29-30, "I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land.”
Have you had successes in the “little by little” mode?
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./
There was a time when I was nearly defeated by a pile of dishes. We had three young children and had just moved to a new city. The house we moved into had no dishwasher. Growing up we had no dishwasher—except that my mother claimed to have six of them. With eight people per meal, those dishes added up in a hurry.
I had gotten used to having a dishwasher, but we’d moved. Now here I was in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by a counter full of dirty dishes. The whole thing was starting to overwhelm me.
I caught myself before I went too far that direction. “Glasses! I know how to wash glasses.” I gathered the glasses and got them washed and put away, followed by silverware, plates and bowls. By starting with the little thing, I soon had the whole job done.
When God was bringing the Israelites into the promised land, He used this same principle, as written in Exodus 23:29-30, "I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land.”
Have you had successes in the “little by little” mode?
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, January 24, 2009
Chinese New Year
©Millie McNabb
There are several international students attending our local university. Many of the nationalities have a “night” for their country where they serve native food and share entertainment, pictures and costumes from their nation.
Tonight we went to China Night—The Chinese New Year, The Year of the Ox. (When my husband saw the poster, he asked if it was the Year of the Bull, and if so, did they not know about the financial markets.)
Usually the entertainment at these events is all students. Chinese night was different in that they included their children, as well. The show-stealer was a knee-high boy in the fashion show. After making the tour of the runway with his mother, he escaped and went back out on the runway on his own.
In Exodus 10:9-10, Moses told Pharoah that young and old must all join together in a festival to the LORD. Pharaoh response is insightful: "The LORD will certainly need to be with you if you try to take your little ones along!”
Including our children in our activities requires discipline and teaching. It is a challenge that certainly does require that the Lord be included in the process.
Did your children ever upstage the scheduled program?
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.
There are several international students attending our local university. Many of the nationalities have a “night” for their country where they serve native food and share entertainment, pictures and costumes from their nation.
Tonight we went to China Night—The Chinese New Year, The Year of the Ox. (When my husband saw the poster, he asked if it was the Year of the Bull, and if so, did they not know about the financial markets.)
Usually the entertainment at these events is all students. Chinese night was different in that they included their children, as well. The show-stealer was a knee-high boy in the fashion show. After making the tour of the runway with his mother, he escaped and went back out on the runway on his own.
In Exodus 10:9-10, Moses told Pharoah that young and old must all join together in a festival to the LORD. Pharaoh response is insightful: "The LORD will certainly need to be with you if you try to take your little ones along!”
Including our children in our activities requires discipline and teaching. It is a challenge that certainly does require that the Lord be included in the process.
Did your children ever upstage the scheduled program?
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, January 23, 2009
New Songs
©Millie McNabb
I’ve been enjoying the new piano music my daughter gave me for Christmas. Some are hymns written in the style of classical music. Others are arrangements by Dino Kartsonakis. I’m mostly sight-reading for fun, but I’ll choose a couple to practice and play skillfully.
When I was growing up, my piano teacher was the church music director. She was very intentional about training up church organists. She worked with potential students and had someone lined up every two years to become the next organist.
One of the training grounds was the evening church service, which often included a time to “pick a hymn, any hymn.” My dad, bless his heart, would always pick a song he knew I knew. The congregation was tolerant as initially, I scrambled my way through their favorite songs. Over time, I became skilled at sight-reading, and it’s now one of the things I enjoy most.
People often quote a Scripture of, “Sing a new song” or “Make a joyful noise.” As an instrumentalist, I like Psalm 33:3. “Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.”
How did you get involved in church music?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
I’ve been enjoying the new piano music my daughter gave me for Christmas. Some are hymns written in the style of classical music. Others are arrangements by Dino Kartsonakis. I’m mostly sight-reading for fun, but I’ll choose a couple to practice and play skillfully.
When I was growing up, my piano teacher was the church music director. She was very intentional about training up church organists. She worked with potential students and had someone lined up every two years to become the next organist.
One of the training grounds was the evening church service, which often included a time to “pick a hymn, any hymn.” My dad, bless his heart, would always pick a song he knew I knew. The congregation was tolerant as initially, I scrambled my way through their favorite songs. Over time, I became skilled at sight-reading, and it’s now one of the things I enjoy most.
People often quote a Scripture of, “Sing a new song” or “Make a joyful noise.” As an instrumentalist, I like Psalm 33:3. “Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.”
How did you get involved in church music?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Island of Learning
©Millie McNabb
When we started homeschooling, I often felt inadequate. I was always reviewing resources, to see what might be the best fit for our situation. I asked the school district for a list of what they expected at each grade level. (Amazingly, they could not provide such a thing, so I started with the Typical Course of Study that I found from World Book.)
One day my husband said, “So, if we were on a desert island with only a Bible, could you teach the children everything they needed to know?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Well, there you go.”
We weren’t on a desert island, and we did use other resources in addition to the Bible. I still browsed the resources, but I stopped being a resource junkie. I put together our own curriculum, picking and choosing from cast-off textbooks and making great use of the local library.
The best ‘curriculum’ of our homeschool was the fact that we were together and our children were a part of our everyday life and experiences. It was the Deuteronomy 6:7 situation of teaching and talking while we went about the business of each day.
I’d love to hear your stories of looking for that ‘perfect’ teaching resource, or the teaching opportunities that come up because you're home together.
God bless…
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
When we started homeschooling, I often felt inadequate. I was always reviewing resources, to see what might be the best fit for our situation. I asked the school district for a list of what they expected at each grade level. (Amazingly, they could not provide such a thing, so I started with the Typical Course of Study that I found from World Book.)
One day my husband said, “So, if we were on a desert island with only a Bible, could you teach the children everything they needed to know?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Well, there you go.”
We weren’t on a desert island, and we did use other resources in addition to the Bible. I still browsed the resources, but I stopped being a resource junkie. I put together our own curriculum, picking and choosing from cast-off textbooks and making great use of the local library.
The best ‘curriculum’ of our homeschool was the fact that we were together and our children were a part of our everyday life and experiences. It was the Deuteronomy 6:7 situation of teaching and talking while we went about the business of each day.
I’d love to hear your stories of looking for that ‘perfect’ teaching resource, or the teaching opportunities that come up because you're home together.
God bless…
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Raising Christian Children Now
©Millie McNabb
I recently started a facebook group called Raising Christian Children Now. It’s a group for parents who want to intentionally raise their children to become Christian adults. We will share strategies and solutions that will help make the difference for children retaining their Christian heritage.
Titus 2 has many encouragements for the older men and women to teach the younger men and women. One application of that is in the church context. A most significant application of that is in raising our children.
I invite you to join the group on facebook and add your insights to the discussions.
God bless…
Is your greatest desire to have your children become gracious, mature, productive Christian adults?
Are you concerned that your children might miss, dismiss, or reject your Christian values?
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 recently started a facebook group called Raising Christian Children Now. It’s a group for parents who want to intentionally raise their children to become Christian adults. We will share strategies and solutions that will help make the difference for children retaining their Christian heritage.
Titus 2 has many encouragements for the older men and women to teach the younger men and women. One application of that is in the church context. A most significant application of that is in raising our children.
I invite you to join the group on facebook and add your insights to the discussions.
God bless…
Is your greatest desire to have your children become gracious, mature, productive Christian adults?
Are you concerned that your children might miss, dismiss, or reject your Christian values?
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, January 20, 2009
A Novel Idea
©Millie McNabb
I was browsing through a health book I’d read in the past, looking for specific comments that I remembered being in the book. It was frustrating, because there was no index. The table of contents was of some help, but I still had to read much more than material than I had hoped.
One of the things I read was in the preface. I did not remember it from before, but it gave me a chuckle, and took away my frustration. Here’s what it said: “This book is intended to be read as a ‘novel’.… This is the reason why it does not have an index.”
Parenting can be frustrating, too. We can be working with a child and the things we’re saying seem to make no sense to the child. From our perspective, their behavior is making no sense. Often, knowing the “novel” design of your child can open a new chapter in your relationship.
God designed each of us with certain temperament traits. It affects how we process information, why we are touched emotionally, and how we make decisions. We naturally see things from our design; we can intentionally communicate with others according to their design. Paul was willing to “get outside of himself” to reach others as recorded in I Corinthians 9:22. “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.”
Do you have stories to share about intentionally communicating with others according to their design?
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers Temperament Profiles and coaching. Learn more about Temperament Profiles today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I was browsing through a health book I’d read in the past, looking for specific comments that I remembered being in the book. It was frustrating, because there was no index. The table of contents was of some help, but I still had to read much more than material than I had hoped.
One of the things I read was in the preface. I did not remember it from before, but it gave me a chuckle, and took away my frustration. Here’s what it said: “This book is intended to be read as a ‘novel’.… This is the reason why it does not have an index.”
Parenting can be frustrating, too. We can be working with a child and the things we’re saying seem to make no sense to the child. From our perspective, their behavior is making no sense. Often, knowing the “novel” design of your child can open a new chapter in your relationship.
God designed each of us with certain temperament traits. It affects how we process information, why we are touched emotionally, and how we make decisions. We naturally see things from our design; we can intentionally communicate with others according to their design. Paul was willing to “get outside of himself” to reach others as recorded in I Corinthians 9:22. “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.”
Do you have stories to share about intentionally communicating with others according to their design?
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers Temperament Profiles and coaching. Learn more about Temperament Profiles today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Blessing—Don’t Leave Home Without It
©Millie McNabb
Before his death, Israel blessed each of his sons, as recorded in Genesis 49:28. “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him.”
It was a formal “passing of the torch” from one generation to the next.
Our children need some form of blessing as they leave home—something that assures them that they have completed their childhood training, and are ready to be in charge of their own lives. Graduation ceremonies can serve that purpose. Wedding ceremonies have a more formal recognition of becoming separate from the parents, and joined to the spouse.
There are two measures that I use to tell if a person has received the blessing:
1) Is the person a fully functioning adult?
2) Can the person interact with his parents adult to adult?
Did you receive any formal “blessing” when you left home?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Before his death, Israel blessed each of his sons, as recorded in Genesis 49:28. “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him.”
It was a formal “passing of the torch” from one generation to the next.
Our children need some form of blessing as they leave home—something that assures them that they have completed their childhood training, and are ready to be in charge of their own lives. Graduation ceremonies can serve that purpose. Wedding ceremonies have a more formal recognition of becoming separate from the parents, and joined to the spouse.
There are two measures that I use to tell if a person has received the blessing:
1) Is the person a fully functioning adult?
2) Can the person interact with his parents adult to adult?
Did you receive any formal “blessing” when you left home?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Saturday, January 17, 2009
It Could Be Life or Death
©Millie McNabb
What a difference a few letters make! There is an instance in Judges 12:6 where the difference in how a man pronounced “Shibboleth” versus “Sibboleth” was a matter of life or death.
Most language mistakes don’t have a consequence that is that significant. We chuckle over the pronunciation of our city name by people out of the area. We see spelling errors on signs almost daily, but are still able to understand the meaning.
One of my daughters who started in public school was getting A’s in reading. When we started homeschooling, I discovered that she could not read. She was first-letter decoding. For example, if she saw a word that started with a “w” she’d fill in window, or whale, or wheel—any word that started with a “w.” At school, she was reading aloud in groups, so she knew the context, and used the correct words.
I was chagrined that I was oblivious to the situation, and grateful that God brought it to my attention and gave me an opportunity to correct it. Being oblivious to what our children are learning may seem insignificant; more likely, it could be a matter of life and death.
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.
What a difference a few letters make! There is an instance in Judges 12:6 where the difference in how a man pronounced “Shibboleth” versus “Sibboleth” was a matter of life or death.
Most language mistakes don’t have a consequence that is that significant. We chuckle over the pronunciation of our city name by people out of the area. We see spelling errors on signs almost daily, but are still able to understand the meaning.
One of my daughters who started in public school was getting A’s in reading. When we started homeschooling, I discovered that she could not read. She was first-letter decoding. For example, if she saw a word that started with a “w” she’d fill in window, or whale, or wheel—any word that started with a “w.” At school, she was reading aloud in groups, so she knew the context, and used the correct words.
I was chagrined that I was oblivious to the situation, and grateful that God brought it to my attention and gave me an opportunity to correct it. Being oblivious to what our children are learning may seem insignificant; more likely, it could be a matter of life and death.
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, January 15, 2009
Protection in the Fog
©Millie McNabb
It’s been foggy the last few mornings. This evening, the fog came “on little cat feet” and sat down soon after dusk.
When I have to drive in the fog, I think of Psalm 139:5, “You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”
God’s protection is all around us, whether we’re in the midst of a physical fog, or trying to see what lies ahead in uncertain economic times. He cares for us, whatever our anxiety, and His peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Have you had “foggy” times when set aside your anxiety and trusted God?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
It’s been foggy the last few mornings. This evening, the fog came “on little cat feet” and sat down soon after dusk.
When I have to drive in the fog, I think of Psalm 139:5, “You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”
God’s protection is all around us, whether we’re in the midst of a physical fog, or trying to see what lies ahead in uncertain economic times. He cares for us, whatever our anxiety, and His peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Have you had “foggy” times when set aside your anxiety and trusted God?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Follow the Question
©Millie McNabb
We started our homeschool day with “group time.” All the children met together with me and we had our daily Bible reading time and rotating courses of science and social studies. After group time, each child had 5 individual assignments to complete each day. They could choose which of the 25 weekly assignments they completed on any given day, and they could work as far and as fast as they wanted if they cared to do extra work.
One of the guidelines I use for teaching is “Follow the question.” This comes from Deuteronomy 6:20, "When your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What {do} the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments {mean} which the LORD our God commanded you?' This scripture provides a key to some of the best teaching times—when your student asks a question, they’re prepared to learn.
When I organized the group time, I scheduled 15 minutes for Bible reading. However, it was not unusual for this study time to last 45 minutes. Why? Because that was where the questions were, and we followed the questions.
Do you remember any learning adventures from following the questions?
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 started our homeschool day with “group time.” All the children met together with me and we had our daily Bible reading time and rotating courses of science and social studies. After group time, each child had 5 individual assignments to complete each day. They could choose which of the 25 weekly assignments they completed on any given day, and they could work as far and as fast as they wanted if they cared to do extra work.
One of the guidelines I use for teaching is “Follow the question.” This comes from Deuteronomy 6:20, "When your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What {do} the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments {mean} which the LORD our God commanded you?' This scripture provides a key to some of the best teaching times—when your student asks a question, they’re prepared to learn.
When I organized the group time, I scheduled 15 minutes for Bible reading. However, it was not unusual for this study time to last 45 minutes. Why? Because that was where the questions were, and we followed the questions.
Do you remember any learning adventures from following the questions?
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, January 13, 2009
Unclaimed property
©Millie McNabb
I got a call the other day from a man in the town where I grew up. He had seen a notice in the paper for unclaimed property for my deceased aunt. Several years ago, he had recovered $800 when he followed up on a notice that included his name. Now he makes it a practice to help people recover property that may belong to them.
In my aunt’s case, he made several inquiries before discovering that she had attended the Methodist church. Someone there thought she might be a relative of my father. The man making the search knew that my father was no longer living, but vaguely recalled that one of his daughters had married a McNabb from Pocatello. Undaunted, he started calling McNabb’s and found me.
He gave me the information. I called my sister to get the aunt’s daughter’s contact information. Then I called the cousin to let her know about the unclaimed property.
Presumably, she’s filed the claim for the property.
Sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with someone, often takes persistence, as well. We recognize the benefit to us, and make it a practice to share that good news with others. God gives us “notice” of someone who has not claimed His free gift of eternal life, and we make every effort to let them know about the unclaimed gift. (Romans 6:23b, “…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”) Then they have to personally file the claim to accept the free gift.
Do you have any stories of persisting to share God’s free gift with others?
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 got a call the other day from a man in the town where I grew up. He had seen a notice in the paper for unclaimed property for my deceased aunt. Several years ago, he had recovered $800 when he followed up on a notice that included his name. Now he makes it a practice to help people recover property that may belong to them.
In my aunt’s case, he made several inquiries before discovering that she had attended the Methodist church. Someone there thought she might be a relative of my father. The man making the search knew that my father was no longer living, but vaguely recalled that one of his daughters had married a McNabb from Pocatello. Undaunted, he started calling McNabb’s and found me.
He gave me the information. I called my sister to get the aunt’s daughter’s contact information. Then I called the cousin to let her know about the unclaimed property.
Presumably, she’s filed the claim for the property.
Sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with someone, often takes persistence, as well. We recognize the benefit to us, and make it a practice to share that good news with others. God gives us “notice” of someone who has not claimed His free gift of eternal life, and we make every effort to let them know about the unclaimed gift. (Romans 6:23b, “…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”) Then they have to personally file the claim to accept the free gift.
Do you have any stories of persisting to share God’s free gift with others?
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, January 12, 2009
Is your ox in the ditch?
©Millie McNabb
Yesterday on the way to church we saw the power company out working. It is unusual for public utilities work to be done on Sunday, or the weekend, unless it is an emergency.
One of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8 is “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” I remember as a child when Albertsons made the decision to open on Sunday, and the church members were encouraged to boycott the store.
When we lived in the Seattle area, I read a comment about how “heathen” the northwest was, and wasn’t sure what the author was referring to. Soon thereafter, we moved to Maryland, and I was surprised when the realtor was excited that the mall was going to be open on Sundays. I was also surprised that the grocery stores weren’t open 24 hours a day. I guess I’d been with the heathens too long to know.
When Jesus encountered the Pharisees and their rules about the Sabbath, He asked them who wouldn’t rescue their ox if it fell in the ditch on the Sabbath (Luke 14:5.) We need to set aside a day of rest, yet not take that rest on as a burden. I once heard a preacher comment on the passage, “If your ox is in the ditch every Sunday, you need to either sell the ox or fill in the ditch.”
Our family used that phrase, “Is your ox in the ditch?” as a reminder to live an orderly life, taking time for a sabbath rest, rather than planning to do work that could be done during the six days of labor.
Have you had times when your ox was in the ditch every Sunday?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Yesterday on the way to church we saw the power company out working. It is unusual for public utilities work to be done on Sunday, or the weekend, unless it is an emergency.
One of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8 is “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” I remember as a child when Albertsons made the decision to open on Sunday, and the church members were encouraged to boycott the store.
When we lived in the Seattle area, I read a comment about how “heathen” the northwest was, and wasn’t sure what the author was referring to. Soon thereafter, we moved to Maryland, and I was surprised when the realtor was excited that the mall was going to be open on Sundays. I was also surprised that the grocery stores weren’t open 24 hours a day. I guess I’d been with the heathens too long to know.
When Jesus encountered the Pharisees and their rules about the Sabbath, He asked them who wouldn’t rescue their ox if it fell in the ditch on the Sabbath (Luke 14:5.) We need to set aside a day of rest, yet not take that rest on as a burden. I once heard a preacher comment on the passage, “If your ox is in the ditch every Sunday, you need to either sell the ox or fill in the ditch.”
Our family used that phrase, “Is your ox in the ditch?” as a reminder to live an orderly life, taking time for a sabbath rest, rather than planning to do work that could be done during the six days of labor.
Have you had times when your ox was in the ditch every Sunday?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Sound of Marching
©Millie McNabb
As I walked out to get the mail this evening, the air was crisp and the moon was bright. It reminded me of going home from my grandparents’ house.
We lived across the gravel county road from each other, and we each had big country yards. My grandfather would watch from his front porch while I ran the distance to our door. When I arrived safely, I’d wave to him.
He didn’t know this, but many times I imagined being a swift horse galloping across the expanse. I’d read all the Black Stallion books, and could hear the hoofbeats on the frozen ground, and see the shadow of the horse in the moonlight.
Sometimes God prompts us in ways that others do not see or hear. God gave David some very specific directions in II Samuel 5:24 "It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."
How has God prompted you?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
As I walked out to get the mail this evening, the air was crisp and the moon was bright. It reminded me of going home from my grandparents’ house.
We lived across the gravel county road from each other, and we each had big country yards. My grandfather would watch from his front porch while I ran the distance to our door. When I arrived safely, I’d wave to him.
He didn’t know this, but many times I imagined being a swift horse galloping across the expanse. I’d read all the Black Stallion books, and could hear the hoofbeats on the frozen ground, and see the shadow of the horse in the moonlight.
Sometimes God prompts us in ways that others do not see or hear. God gave David some very specific directions in II Samuel 5:24 "It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."
How has God prompted you?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Run to Win
©Millie McNabb
Before I was born my father was the county agent and was responsible for starting a thriving 4-H program in our area. My siblings and I were immersed in 4-H projects, learning many good habits and leadership skills as we completed the requirements of each project.
I found 4-H to be a good addition to our homeschool. The range of topics and quality of instruction books made for practical and challenging lessons. It also provided a reward—a ribbon and cash prize based on the quality of the work.
However, after the first couple of years, the system changed. Everyone got a purple participation ribbon, no matter the quality or even completion of the project. My girls declared that to be stupid and refused to participate. We continued to participate in the fairs, but competed in open class.
We each compete in life. I Corinthians 9:24 poses the challenge: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but {only} one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”
Have you had to change from “just participating” to “running to win” in race of 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.
Before I was born my father was the county agent and was responsible for starting a thriving 4-H program in our area. My siblings and I were immersed in 4-H projects, learning many good habits and leadership skills as we completed the requirements of each project.
I found 4-H to be a good addition to our homeschool. The range of topics and quality of instruction books made for practical and challenging lessons. It also provided a reward—a ribbon and cash prize based on the quality of the work.
However, after the first couple of years, the system changed. Everyone got a purple participation ribbon, no matter the quality or even completion of the project. My girls declared that to be stupid and refused to participate. We continued to participate in the fairs, but competed in open class.
We each compete in life. I Corinthians 9:24 poses the challenge: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but {only} one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”
Have you had to change from “just participating” to “running to win” in race of 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.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Call while He is near
©Millie McNabb
I recently read an article about people being buried with their cell phones. This is apparently now the second most requested item to be included in the casket. Some families continue to pay the monthly fee to keep the phone active. Presumably, it provides some form of comfort to call the deceased, even after the battery has run down, and the message box is full.
There were other interesting dimensions to the cell phone in the memorial service: 1) Friends would call during the service and the personalized ringtones could be heard; 2) At the end of the service, the ring tone would sound, reminiscent of “taps” being played; and 3) The phone has an important place because it represents the person, and is part of their legacy.
God presented a more realistic call to make in Isaiah 55:6. “Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” When we make that call, God is part of our legacy.
What is worthwhile to impart to the next generation as your legacy?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
I recently read an article about people being buried with their cell phones. This is apparently now the second most requested item to be included in the casket. Some families continue to pay the monthly fee to keep the phone active. Presumably, it provides some form of comfort to call the deceased, even after the battery has run down, and the message box is full.
There were other interesting dimensions to the cell phone in the memorial service: 1) Friends would call during the service and the personalized ringtones could be heard; 2) At the end of the service, the ring tone would sound, reminiscent of “taps” being played; and 3) The phone has an important place because it represents the person, and is part of their legacy.
God presented a more realistic call to make in Isaiah 55:6. “Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” When we make that call, God is part of our legacy.
What is worthwhile to impart to the next generation as your legacy?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Skin of your Teeth
©Millie McNabb
I remember my father saying that he had escaped by the “skin of his teeth” and pondering what that might mean. I remember being even more surprised when I found that the phrase was in the Bible in Job 19:20 "My bone clings to my skin and my flesh, And I have escaped {only} by the skin of my teeth.”
We recently visited an exhibit called “Body Worlds.” Human and animal bodies which had been preserved using a polymer plastination process, were on display. The bodies had no skin: some focused on muscles, others were open to reveal the inner anatomy. Each system of the body, with its major organs, was exhibited and explained. There were also examples of diseased organs.
I thought that the most exquisite displays were the ones of the circulation system. The red gossamer image had all the detail of the original animal. It was amazing to see the fine capillaries out to the end of the toenails.
I hope you’ll join me today in giving thanks to God for his design of the body and the intricate interweaving of its systems. “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14
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 remember my father saying that he had escaped by the “skin of his teeth” and pondering what that might mean. I remember being even more surprised when I found that the phrase was in the Bible in Job 19:20 "My bone clings to my skin and my flesh, And I have escaped {only} by the skin of my teeth.”
We recently visited an exhibit called “Body Worlds.” Human and animal bodies which had been preserved using a polymer plastination process, were on display. The bodies had no skin: some focused on muscles, others were open to reveal the inner anatomy. Each system of the body, with its major organs, was exhibited and explained. There were also examples of diseased organs.
I thought that the most exquisite displays were the ones of the circulation system. The red gossamer image had all the detail of the original animal. It was amazing to see the fine capillaries out to the end of the toenails.
I hope you’ll join me today in giving thanks to God for his design of the body and the intricate interweaving of its systems. “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14
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, January 5, 2009
Thirsting After Righteousness
©Millie McNabb
My body gave me a reminder yesterday that I need to be drinking more water. God designed our bodies to protect the major organs. If we don’t have enough water, the veins and arteries become smaller to keep the blood pressure constant for the major organs. An interesting thing about thirst is that it is one of the last signs the body gives that it needs water. How do we cure thirst? We drink water, whether we feel like it or not.
Spiritual thirst can also be like that. How do we cure thirst for righteousness? We drink in God’s word, whether we feel like it or not.
Have you ever experienced a dry spell in your Christian walk? How did you overcome it?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
My body gave me a reminder yesterday that I need to be drinking more water. God designed our bodies to protect the major organs. If we don’t have enough water, the veins and arteries become smaller to keep the blood pressure constant for the major organs. An interesting thing about thirst is that it is one of the last signs the body gives that it needs water. How do we cure thirst? We drink water, whether we feel like it or not.
Spiritual thirst can also be like that. How do we cure thirst for righteousness? We drink in God’s word, whether we feel like it or not.
Have you ever experienced a dry spell in your Christian walk? How did you overcome it?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Friday, January 2, 2009
Vegetable Penance
©Millie McNabb
One of my daughters takes care of her friend’s little boy. My daughter is orderly and consistent in her discipline. The children in her care know that throwing food or utensils from the high chair is not tolerated, and doesn’t get them out of eating their food.
The little boy can mostly feed himself, but won’t feed himself vegetables. He will eat the vegetables without protest if my daughter feeds them to him.
The other day the little boy was in the high chair, dreamily playing with his fork. As he waved it back and forth, it slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor. A look of dismay came over his face. Then he grabbed vegetables by the fistful and started cramming them into his mouth.
Sometimes we dreamily pursue our own agenda, and are brought up short when our efforts clatter to the floor. We turn again to the things that are pleasing to God. God talks to the Israelites in Isaiah 58 about going through the motions, but really living for yourself. The new year is a good time to evaluate the things we’re doing and add “vegetables” as needed.
Have you ever had a child try to “compensate” to stay out of trouble?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
One of my daughters takes care of her friend’s little boy. My daughter is orderly and consistent in her discipline. The children in her care know that throwing food or utensils from the high chair is not tolerated, and doesn’t get them out of eating their food.
The little boy can mostly feed himself, but won’t feed himself vegetables. He will eat the vegetables without protest if my daughter feeds them to him.
The other day the little boy was in the high chair, dreamily playing with his fork. As he waved it back and forth, it slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor. A look of dismay came over his face. Then he grabbed vegetables by the fistful and started cramming them into his mouth.
Sometimes we dreamily pursue our own agenda, and are brought up short when our efforts clatter to the floor. We turn again to the things that are pleasing to God. God talks to the Israelites in Isaiah 58 about going through the motions, but really living for yourself. The new year is a good time to evaluate the things we’re doing and add “vegetables” as needed.
Have you ever had a child try to “compensate” to stay out of trouble?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
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