©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.
Showing posts with label discipline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label discipline. Show all posts
Friday, May 29, 2009
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 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./
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Parent’s Toolshop
©Millie McNabb
A couple of years ago, I came across the best and most complete parenting resource book I’d ever seen. It’s called The Parent’s Toolshop: The Universal Blueprint for Building a Healthy Family. It is based on Biblical principles, but written for any audience.
The author, Jody Johnston Pawel, has not only brought the resources together, but she has presented them in an effective sequence along with visual ways for parents to remember the tools. The skills she shares are lifelong skills that will be useful to your children throughout their lives.
To learn more, go to www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com/resources.php
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
A couple of years ago, I came across the best and most complete parenting resource book I’d ever seen. It’s called The Parent’s Toolshop: The Universal Blueprint for Building a Healthy Family. It is based on Biblical principles, but written for any audience.
The author, Jody Johnston Pawel, has not only brought the resources together, but she has presented them in an effective sequence along with visual ways for parents to remember the tools. The skills she shares are lifelong skills that will be useful to your children throughout their lives.
To learn more, go to www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com/resources.php
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Health Fair
©Millie McNabb
My daughter participated in a health fair and I helped at her booth. It is always interesting to talk with the people that stop by, and fascinating to watch the people whether they stop or not.
Ours was one of the few holistic booths in a convention hall of traditional medicine. Some people studiously ignored us. They would glance at our display, ignore our greeting, and walk on. If they did stop, their comment was often, “I don’t need that. I’m good.”
There were people who didn’t know that we—or any other display—existed. Usually they were in a group and were walking around the fair talking with each other and not paying attention to the displays. One group of three women reminded me of flight attendants. They walked purposely past all other displays to their destination--a weight loss booth.
There were three groups of preschoolers-on-a-string. I imagine their favorites were the pig lung, the therapy dogs, and the booths with candy and balloons. Cookies were available at the host table, which I thought was incongruous for a health fair.
My favorite people, and the reason we participate in health fairs, are the couples or friend groups who see something on our display, and say to each other, “Maybe they can help you.” We probably can help them.
In Luke 8:1-15 Jesus told a story about the sower who had varying success depending on where the seed fell. The sower was faithful to sow the seed; the results depended on the soil where it fell.
Whether it’s health news, God’s Word, or homeschool lessons we’re sowing, we need to be faithful to scatter the seed. Even the good soil would produce nothing without seed. Do you have any stories of faithful sowing that took root over time?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
My daughter participated in a health fair and I helped at her booth. It is always interesting to talk with the people that stop by, and fascinating to watch the people whether they stop or not.
Ours was one of the few holistic booths in a convention hall of traditional medicine. Some people studiously ignored us. They would glance at our display, ignore our greeting, and walk on. If they did stop, their comment was often, “I don’t need that. I’m good.”
There were people who didn’t know that we—or any other display—existed. Usually they were in a group and were walking around the fair talking with each other and not paying attention to the displays. One group of three women reminded me of flight attendants. They walked purposely past all other displays to their destination--a weight loss booth.
There were three groups of preschoolers-on-a-string. I imagine their favorites were the pig lung, the therapy dogs, and the booths with candy and balloons. Cookies were available at the host table, which I thought was incongruous for a health fair.
My favorite people, and the reason we participate in health fairs, are the couples or friend groups who see something on our display, and say to each other, “Maybe they can help you.” We probably can help them.
In Luke 8:1-15 Jesus told a story about the sower who had varying success depending on where the seed fell. The sower was faithful to sow the seed; the results depended on the soil where it fell.
Whether it’s health news, God’s Word, or homeschool lessons we’re sowing, we need to be faithful to scatter the seed. Even the good soil would produce nothing without seed. Do you have any stories of faithful sowing that took root over time?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
New Digs
©Millie McNabb
There’s a freshly dug hole under our pump house. This marks the beginning of the next episode of “Skunk Wars.” We’ve lived here for 18 years, and have had skunks wander through, but last year they dug in and set up housekeeping under the building. We thought they were gone, and filled around the building last fall.
Sin can be like skunks. We think it’s gone, and then find it’s moved in again. It’s important to keep our confessions up-to-date, and to teach our children be vigilant in keeping ungodly thoughts from moving into their hearts. We can join the Psalmist in His prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if [there is any] wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24.)
How did you teach your children about confession?
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’s a freshly dug hole under our pump house. This marks the beginning of the next episode of “Skunk Wars.” We’ve lived here for 18 years, and have had skunks wander through, but last year they dug in and set up housekeeping under the building. We thought they were gone, and filled around the building last fall.
Sin can be like skunks. We think it’s gone, and then find it’s moved in again. It’s important to keep our confessions up-to-date, and to teach our children be vigilant in keeping ungodly thoughts from moving into their hearts. We can join the Psalmist in His prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if [there is any] wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24.)
How did you teach your children about confession?
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, March 3, 2009
Is Grace Here?
©Millie McNabb
We were at a women’s meeting when we learned that the facility had double-booked our room. One of my friends commented that we needed ‘grace.’ I replied that I didn’t think she was coming.
Grace is when we receive something good we don’t deserve, or when we extend to others a kindness they don’t deserve. (Mercy is when we don’t receive something bad that we do deserve.) II Peter 3:18a admonishes us to “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Graciousness is one of the traits we teach our children.
We grow in grace. We start out crying and pouting anytime we don’t get our way. We learn to manage our anger. Like a fuse in an electrical current, we may be able to handle 5amps before we blow. We work our way through 15 and 20 amps, maybe 30 which are the normal household uses. As we move into church leadership, we need 60amps; community leadership, 200 amps or greater.
A church I attended in the past was having a ministry fair Sunday morning after the worship service. Presumably every ministry was to have a table. I was also on the worship team, and knew my time would be tight, so I went Saturday night, identified my table on their "map" and put out a tablecloth and decorations, but not my materials. The next morning when I arrived, everyone else was set up, and had completely taken over my space. I knew I would cry if I stayed there, so I went into a different room. One of the guys had seen me come in and realized what had happened. He made half a table available, came and got me, and helped me set up. Ironically, my ministry was "Growing in Maturity."
One thing that seems never to be in short supply is opportunities to grow in graciousness. It is those opportunities that help me accomplish my life goal to become a gracious, mature, productive Christian woman.
How’s your “grace fuse”?
God bless….
Millie McNabb--becoming a gracious, mature, productive Christian woman--founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
We were at a women’s meeting when we learned that the facility had double-booked our room. One of my friends commented that we needed ‘grace.’ I replied that I didn’t think she was coming.
Grace is when we receive something good we don’t deserve, or when we extend to others a kindness they don’t deserve. (Mercy is when we don’t receive something bad that we do deserve.) II Peter 3:18a admonishes us to “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Graciousness is one of the traits we teach our children.
We grow in grace. We start out crying and pouting anytime we don’t get our way. We learn to manage our anger. Like a fuse in an electrical current, we may be able to handle 5amps before we blow. We work our way through 15 and 20 amps, maybe 30 which are the normal household uses. As we move into church leadership, we need 60amps; community leadership, 200 amps or greater.
A church I attended in the past was having a ministry fair Sunday morning after the worship service. Presumably every ministry was to have a table. I was also on the worship team, and knew my time would be tight, so I went Saturday night, identified my table on their "map" and put out a tablecloth and decorations, but not my materials. The next morning when I arrived, everyone else was set up, and had completely taken over my space. I knew I would cry if I stayed there, so I went into a different room. One of the guys had seen me come in and realized what had happened. He made half a table available, came and got me, and helped me set up. Ironically, my ministry was "Growing in Maturity."
One thing that seems never to be in short supply is opportunities to grow in graciousness. It is those opportunities that help me accomplish my life goal to become a gracious, mature, productive Christian woman.
How’s your “grace fuse”?
God bless….
Millie McNabb--becoming a gracious, mature, productive Christian woman--founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Spares Living
©Millie McNabb
When my husband and I started married life together, we decided to run our household on the “spares” concept. That is, we would have a spare container of the goods we used regularly. When we started to use the spare, we’d restock it, rather than running out of anything and having to make a panic run to the store.
This was my husband’s idea. By temperament, he is much more of a planner and strategist than I am. I am much more willing to go without or have an unplanned adventure to the store. However, the “spares living” has served us well over the years.
Jesus taught this concept in the Matthew 25 about the virgins and the lamp oil. “…but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:4) The women who failed to bring extra oil missed out on the party. We don’t know what lies ahead, but insofar as we are able, we need to prepare.
There are several practical “preparedness” lessons we teach our children, that we can use to illustrate this biblical principle:
- Go to the bathroom before going on a trip.
- Get a drink of water before going to bed.
- Chores and homework before partying.
What practical applications can you tie to that verse?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
God Upholds Us
I was visiting with a group of women today and we covered a range of topics, but primarily the economy, pregnancy and homeschooling. All the topics had something to do with decisions, and a certain amount of fear because there were so many unknowns. The Bible does not give specific answers for every situation, but it give principles for wisdom. We make decisions based on our best understanding.
Beyond that, we have the responsibility to submit to God for the final outcome. "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
Is pride or fear keeping you from moving out into the unknown?
God bless....
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
Beyond that, we have the responsibility to submit to God for the final outcome. "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
Is pride or fear keeping you from moving out into the unknown?
God bless....
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Laundry, Again?
©Millie McNabb
My laundry verse is Revelation 22:14. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.”
I was thinking the other day about how my laundry schedule has changed over the years, going from single to married, to children, and now empty-nester.
Our goal was to be able to have the children run the household by the time they were twelve. They started early helping with the laundry. Sorting clothes, spraying prewash, measuring soap were all little steps in the learning process.
I marked their clothes with a permanent marker. The oldest one had one dot, the second had two dots, etc. That made it easy to sort the clothes, and then each girl could fold and put away their own things. The dots were also an easy way to change the ownership when the clothes were handed down.
We did laundry nearly every day: permanent press and darks on Monday and Thursday; whites and lights on Tuesday and Friday; sheets and towels on Wednesday. As the girls learned every aspect, it became part of the chore rotation.
Now, I’m back to laundry once, maybe twice a week.
Doing chores together is a great way to teach your children, and it also gives opportunities for talking about life. What responsibilities do you and your children share together?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
My laundry verse is Revelation 22:14. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.”
I was thinking the other day about how my laundry schedule has changed over the years, going from single to married, to children, and now empty-nester.
Our goal was to be able to have the children run the household by the time they were twelve. They started early helping with the laundry. Sorting clothes, spraying prewash, measuring soap were all little steps in the learning process.
I marked their clothes with a permanent marker. The oldest one had one dot, the second had two dots, etc. That made it easy to sort the clothes, and then each girl could fold and put away their own things. The dots were also an easy way to change the ownership when the clothes were handed down.
We did laundry nearly every day: permanent press and darks on Monday and Thursday; whites and lights on Tuesday and Friday; sheets and towels on Wednesday. As the girls learned every aspect, it became part of the chore rotation.
Now, I’m back to laundry once, maybe twice a week.
Doing chores together is a great way to teach your children, and it also gives opportunities for talking about life. What responsibilities do you and your children share together?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Finish the Work
©Millie McNabb
Some things you just have to define as being done. Household chores fall into that category. I remember my mother commenting that inevitably someone would come get a drink of water just as she finished the dishes—and then there would be more dishes to wash.
There will always be more work to be done. It can be a challenge to safeguard our attitudes in the midst of the routines of life. Paul says in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Dividing the work into projects is one way that allows me to define the work as finished and celebrate what is done.
Jesus made an amazing statement in John 17:4b, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” Another attitude saver is making sure you’re doing the work that you’ve been given to do. In the season of homeschooling, that was my work, and I had to guard the time for that purpose.
What is the work that you have been given to do?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Some things you just have to define as being done. Household chores fall into that category. I remember my mother commenting that inevitably someone would come get a drink of water just as she finished the dishes—and then there would be more dishes to wash.
There will always be more work to be done. It can be a challenge to safeguard our attitudes in the midst of the routines of life. Paul says in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Dividing the work into projects is one way that allows me to define the work as finished and celebrate what is done.
Jesus made an amazing statement in John 17:4b, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” Another attitude saver is making sure you’re doing the work that you’ve been given to do. In the season of homeschooling, that was my work, and I had to guard the time for that purpose.
What is the work that you have been given to do?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Friends Again
©Millie McNabb
I stopped by to see how my daughter was doing with the new baby. Her other two daughters who had been with their aunt were at home, too. The middle daughter started climbing on me when I was holding the baby. I told her to wait. She turned and left the room.
A few minutes later I found her in the bathroom, sitting wrapped in a towel, chin in hands. I asked if she was mad at me. She nodded and said, “Yes.” I asked if she was ready to be friends again. She smiled and said, “Yes.” We had a hug and I gave her a “horsey” ride back to the living room.
We teach our children about their attitudes and emotions. This is one of the areas that is easy to overlook, particularly if a child is quietly sulking. We as parents need to intentionally ask our children—maybe at bedtime—about what’s going on in their heart. “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13
Do you have stories of training your child’s heart?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I stopped by to see how my daughter was doing with the new baby. Her other two daughters who had been with their aunt were at home, too. The middle daughter started climbing on me when I was holding the baby. I told her to wait. She turned and left the room.
A few minutes later I found her in the bathroom, sitting wrapped in a towel, chin in hands. I asked if she was mad at me. She nodded and said, “Yes.” I asked if she was ready to be friends again. She smiled and said, “Yes.” We had a hug and I gave her a “horsey” ride back to the living room.
We teach our children about their attitudes and emotions. This is one of the areas that is easy to overlook, particularly if a child is quietly sulking. We as parents need to intentionally ask our children—maybe at bedtime—about what’s going on in their heart. “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13
Do you have stories of training your child’s heart?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Respect Belongings
©Millie McNabb
My daughter and I were talking about my yesterday’s blog. She reminded me of a song that I taught them about respecting other’s belongings. It is to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me.” Change the name, to fit the owner.
This is Millie’s, I won’t touch,
For I love her very much.
I won’t fuss and I won’t whine,
I will play with what is mine.
She told me of a time about a week after I’d taught them this song, when her sister was gone, and she went and got one of her things. A “live” review of the lesson, made a lasting impression on her about respecting things even if the owner is not present.
We tend to focus on the concept of sharing. However, there are important lessons to teach our children about not coveting. The tenth commandment is “Thou shalt not covet…” (Exodus 20:17) and includes people as well as belongings in the list. Paul in Romans 7:7 states the importance of knowing it was wrong to covet. Children need to be taught right from wrong.
Do you remember a “right from wrong” lesson you learned?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
My daughter and I were talking about my yesterday’s blog. She reminded me of a song that I taught them about respecting other’s belongings. It is to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me.” Change the name, to fit the owner.
This is Millie’s, I won’t touch,
For I love her very much.
I won’t fuss and I won’t whine,
I will play with what is mine.
She told me of a time about a week after I’d taught them this song, when her sister was gone, and she went and got one of her things. A “live” review of the lesson, made a lasting impression on her about respecting things even if the owner is not present.
We tend to focus on the concept of sharing. However, there are important lessons to teach our children about not coveting. The tenth commandment is “Thou shalt not covet…” (Exodus 20:17) and includes people as well as belongings in the list. Paul in Romans 7:7 states the importance of knowing it was wrong to covet. Children need to be taught right from wrong.
Do you remember a “right from wrong” lesson you learned?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Forgiveness and Hugs
©Millie McNabb
Today I was taking care of the grandchildren for a couple of hours. We had just finished putting puzzles together. The younger one mixed her pieces up again, and was reaching out to do the same to her sister’s puzzle. I told her, “No. Leave your sister’s puzzle alone.”
After a minute, when I wasn’t looking, she reached over and mixed up the pieces. I disciplined her and then talked to her about it. After several minutes of avoiding making eye contact, wiggling, and requesting a drink, we talked. At the end of the discussion I had her tell me, “I’m sorry I disobeyed you. Will you forgive me?” I said, “Yes, I forgive you. Shall we have a hug now?”
We all have the need to ask others for forgiveness. We need to clear the slate, and affirm our love for each other. We need to teach our children to go through the process, and not just shrug it off saying, “It’s okay,” when it’s not. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
Do you have any stories of teaching children to forgive?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Today I was taking care of the grandchildren for a couple of hours. We had just finished putting puzzles together. The younger one mixed her pieces up again, and was reaching out to do the same to her sister’s puzzle. I told her, “No. Leave your sister’s puzzle alone.”
After a minute, when I wasn’t looking, she reached over and mixed up the pieces. I disciplined her and then talked to her about it. After several minutes of avoiding making eye contact, wiggling, and requesting a drink, we talked. At the end of the discussion I had her tell me, “I’m sorry I disobeyed you. Will you forgive me?” I said, “Yes, I forgive you. Shall we have a hug now?”
We all have the need to ask others for forgiveness. We need to clear the slate, and affirm our love for each other. We need to teach our children to go through the process, and not just shrug it off saying, “It’s okay,” when it’s not. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
Do you have any stories of teaching children to forgive?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Rest of the Story
©Millie McNabb
Today was a travel day for me, so I’m looking forward to getting some rest. When I was growing up, I worked long days on the farm. We typically got started early, took a break around noon for lunch and a rest, and then worked late.
One day I had come in from the field, and was sitting down, when my grandmother who was visiting, leaned down and said to me, “Get up, you lazy girl, and help your mother get the food on the table.” I immediately pointed out, that I had been out working since breakfast and deserved a break AND that she said nothing to my brothers who were also sitting around. Her retort was, “No rest for the wicked,” (a paraphrase of Isaiah 48:22 and 57:21.) I slouched into the kitchen and helped my mother.
(My children know this story, and if I refer to my grandmother, ask if I’m talking about the “He’p yourself” Grandma or the “No rest for the wicked” Grandma.)
We don’t always get to rest, when we need it. In fact, it’s when we need rest, but are called upon to serve others, that our maturity level is revealed. If you look at Mark 6 and Matthew 14 for the greater context of the story of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist. He invited his disciples to get away together for a little rest. Then the crowd showed up, and Jesus had compassion on them, choosing to forsake the private retreat in order to serve the people.
Have you been called upon to serve when you were just getting ready to rest?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Today was a travel day for me, so I’m looking forward to getting some rest. When I was growing up, I worked long days on the farm. We typically got started early, took a break around noon for lunch and a rest, and then worked late.
One day I had come in from the field, and was sitting down, when my grandmother who was visiting, leaned down and said to me, “Get up, you lazy girl, and help your mother get the food on the table.” I immediately pointed out, that I had been out working since breakfast and deserved a break AND that she said nothing to my brothers who were also sitting around. Her retort was, “No rest for the wicked,” (a paraphrase of Isaiah 48:22 and 57:21.) I slouched into the kitchen and helped my mother.
(My children know this story, and if I refer to my grandmother, ask if I’m talking about the “He’p yourself” Grandma or the “No rest for the wicked” Grandma.)
We don’t always get to rest, when we need it. In fact, it’s when we need rest, but are called upon to serve others, that our maturity level is revealed. If you look at Mark 6 and Matthew 14 for the greater context of the story of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist. He invited his disciples to get away together for a little rest. Then the crowd showed up, and Jesus had compassion on them, choosing to forsake the private retreat in order to serve the people.
Have you been called upon to serve when you were just getting ready to rest?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
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.
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.
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
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