©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.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
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.
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