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.

Calving

©Millie McNabb

Our neighbor across the road has started a cow-calf herd. This is calving season, and there’s new life each day as I drive by.

I grew up on a farm, and I remember how exciting it was to discover the newest litter of kittens. Also in the barn were the orphan calves that became my pets as I hung around helping my father milk the cows. My uncle, who was usually somewhat brusque, would tenderly nurse the sick ones back to health in my grandmother’s basement.

As Christians, whatever the season, we can enjoy that new life. “When you send your Spirit, new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth.” (Psalm 104:30)

What new life do you see around you?

God bless….

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.

Christian Values in Economics: Cycles

©Millie McNabb

Over the course of ten days, we’ve had snow storms and now warming expected to go into the seventies. That is springtime in Idaho—a transition from winter to summer. We are affected by larger climatic cycles, such as El Nino which shift weather patterns over the course of years. “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven….” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

There are also cycles in other facets of life. Jesus asked the religious leaders, “Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot {discern} the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:3b) A Christian value that you want to teach your children is discernment.

Someone has described luck as preparation meeting opportunity. Discerning the cycles of life, lets you see the opportunity. Shakespeare described this in his play, Julius Caesar.
“There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.”

There are people who have invested much time in identifying cycles. As humans, their predications have not always been accurate. (Biblical prophets are 100% correct.) Nonetheless, they provide valuable insights about what to look for in our times. Harry S. Dent, Jr. has done extensive studies of demographic cycles and their correlation to economic cycles. His website is www.hsdent.com. Strauss and Howe have traced and predicted the patterns of America in their book Generations.

We are affected by cycles that are longer than our lifetime. The sequence of a 200-year cycle of civilizations was conceptualized by Dr. Alexander Tytler, a Scot professor, in the mid-1700’s:
"From bondage to spiritual faith;
from spiritual faith to great courage;
from courage to liberty;
from liberty to abundance;
from abundance to selfishness;
from selfishness to apathy;
from apathy to dependence;
from dependency back again into bondage."

You would not live long enough to see that complete cycle. The Christian worldview is long term. In Genesis 15 God makes a promise to Abraham that won’t be fulfilled for four hundred years. That inheritance came to his offspring because of Abraham’s faithfulness to God, who is always faithful.

What Christian heritage did you receive from your parents? What legacy are you passing on to the generations that come after you?

God bless….

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.

Good Friday

©Millie McNabb

When I was growing up, the schools were closed in observance of Good Friday. There was usually a special church service, often centered on the seven last words of Christ. Now Good Friday is more of a “business as usual” day. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the stock market was closed to observe the day.

It used to be that there was a foundational Christian understanding that was a part of our culture. That is no longer the case. That is why we must be intentional about passing on our Christian values to our children. It may mean a commitment to homeschool. It will cause us to examine our own lives to see how much the culture has influenced us. It will require discernment about the parenting tips we take in.

We hope that there is an intergenerational Christian influence in your household. These relationships can reinforce your beliefs as you teach your children. Take some time this weekend to contemplate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and the sacrifice He became in order to reconcile mankind to God.

“When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” Luke 23:33-34

How do you observe Good Friday?

God bless….

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.

Birthday Remembrances

©Millie McNabb

Today is my birthday. We did most of the celebrating this past weekend, since that was more convenient for us. Thanks to my Facebook friends for their greetings. Thanks for the snail-mail cards and phone calls.

I was thinking about my birthdays growing up. My grandfather who lived across the road from us had a birthday on March 31. He always teased me that I was a day older than he was. My mother always had us take a bath the night before our birthday to wash off “that 9-year-old dirt,” or whichever year it was. One of my aunts that lived in another state always remembered to send a card, and had a source for fascinating cards that we all loved.

We usually had an intergenerational family gathering which included the four families that farmed together. Mama let us pick out the kind of cake we wanted. One year I requested banana cake. My youngest brother added to the décor by sticking a real banana in the middle of it.

God gave instructions for celebrations—the Feasts described in Exodus. As we celebrate our birthdays, we can use this as an example to teach our children about the importance of pausing, recognizing milestones and thanking God for His many blessings. It’s an important part of passing on our Christian values.

How do you make birthday celebrations special?

God bless….

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.

Mark it with a “B”

©Millie McNabb

Our grand-daughters came to visit today. We have some stools given to our daughters by their grandparents. The stools have a letter on the bottom to identify who the owner is. The three-year-old recognized that one of the letters was the same as her initial, and made sure she sat on that stool. Someday, she may ask who the letter “B” stool belongs to.

I smiled as I thought about marking the stools when we first got them. One of our daughters was going through a phase where she wanted to be called “Becky.” The phase was short-lived, but at her insistence, the stool was marked with a “B.”

Names and their meanings seem to be important in the Bible. God even stepped in and changed people’s names. In Genesis 17:5 He changed “high father” to “father of multitudes.” "No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.” In Genesis 32:28 He changed “Supplanter, held by the heel” with “God wrestler.” “He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed’."

How did you choose your children’s names?

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./

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.

Gracious Mentors

©Millie McNabb

I was thinking of women that influenced my life. I grew up in a close relationship with my mother and paternal grandmother. They were daily models in my life. I had a number of aunts—some who lived close by, and others who came to visit, bringing a touch of the exotic to our farm lives—each of whom had their influence on me. My sister is a special adult friend and influence.

There were also a number of women at church, who invested time teaching me in Sunday School and youth group. Beyond that general influence, there were two women who were very intentional in mentoring me.

Helen Johnson was my first piano teacher, but also groomed me to be the church organist, trained me to lead a volunteer choir, and taught me many good organizational skills in the process. Her home was tastefully decorated, and she made guests feel welcome in her home.

Charlene Schweissing was the pastor’s wife when I was in high school. She started a group for girls and taught me leadership skills as I worked with the younger girls. She encouraged me and broadened my vision of who I might become. The motto of the girls group became our homeschool and my life motto: …becoming gracious, mature Christian women. (I later added “productive” to the description.)

Proverbs 11:16a says, “A gracious woman attains honor.” I honored those women then, and I honor their memory now. The kindness, courtesy, tact, and generosity of spirit shown by these women were the qualities I wanted to characterize my life and pass on to my children.

Who were the gracious women in your life?

God bless….

Is your greatest desire to have your children become gracious, mature, productive Christian adults?

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.

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.

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.

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.

Raising Christian Children Now

©Millie McNabb

I recently started a facebook group called Raising Christian Children Now. It’s a group for parents who want to intentionally raise their children to become Christian adults. We will share strategies and solutions that will help make the difference for children retaining their Christian heritage.

Titus 2 has many encouragements for the older men and women to teach the younger men and women. One application of that is in the church context. A most significant application of that is in raising our children.

I invite you to join the group on facebook and add your insights to the discussions.

God bless…

Is your greatest desire to have your children become gracious, mature, productive Christian adults?

Are you concerned that your children might miss, dismiss, or reject your Christian values?

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./

The Blessing—Don’t Leave Home Without It

©Millie McNabb

Before his death, Israel blessed each of his sons, as recorded in Genesis 49:28. “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him.”
It was a formal “passing of the torch” from one generation to the next.

Our children need some form of blessing as they leave home—something that assures them that they have completed their childhood training, and are ready to be in charge of their own lives. Graduation ceremonies can serve that purpose. Wedding ceremonies have a more formal recognition of becoming separate from the parents, and joined to the spouse.

There are two measures that I use to tell if a person has received the blessing:
1) Is the person a fully functioning adult?
2) Can the person interact with his parents adult to adult?

Did you receive any formal “blessing” when you left home?

God bless…

Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.

Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com

Unclaimed property

©Millie McNabb

I got a call the other day from a man in the town where I grew up. He had seen a notice in the paper for unclaimed property for my deceased aunt. Several years ago, he had recovered $800 when he followed up on a notice that included his name. Now he makes it a practice to help people recover property that may belong to them.

In my aunt’s case, he made several inquiries before discovering that she had attended the Methodist church. Someone there thought she might be a relative of my father. The man making the search knew that my father was no longer living, but vaguely recalled that one of his daughters had married a McNabb from Pocatello. Undaunted, he started calling McNabb’s and found me.

He gave me the information. I called my sister to get the aunt’s daughter’s contact information. Then I called the cousin to let her know about the unclaimed property.
Presumably, she’s filed the claim for the property.

Sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with someone, often takes persistence, as well. We recognize the benefit to us, and make it a practice to share that good news with others. God gives us “notice” of someone who has not claimed His free gift of eternal life, and we make every effort to let them know about the unclaimed gift. (Romans 6:23b, “…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”) Then they have to personally file the claim to accept the free gift.

Do you have any stories of persisting to share God’s free gift with others?

God bless…

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.

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

The Sound of Marching

©Millie McNabb

As I walked out to get the mail this evening, the air was crisp and the moon was bright. It reminded me of going home from my grandparents’ house.

We lived across the gravel county road from each other, and we each had big country yards. My grandfather would watch from his front porch while I ran the distance to our door. When I arrived safely, I’d wave to him.

He didn’t know this, but many times I imagined being a swift horse galloping across the expanse. I’d read all the Black Stallion books, and could hear the hoofbeats on the frozen ground, and see the shadow of the horse in the moonlight.

Sometimes God prompts us in ways that others do not see or hear. God gave David some very specific directions in II Samuel 5:24 "It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the LORD will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."

How has God prompted you?

God bless…

Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.

Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com

Run to Win

©Millie McNabb

Before I was born my father was the county agent and was responsible for starting a thriving 4-H program in our area. My siblings and I were immersed in 4-H projects, learning many good habits and leadership skills as we completed the requirements of each project.

I found 4-H to be a good addition to our homeschool. The range of topics and quality of instruction books made for practical and challenging lessons. It also provided a reward—a ribbon and cash prize based on the quality of the work.

However, after the first couple of years, the system changed. Everyone got a purple participation ribbon, no matter the quality or even completion of the project. My girls declared that to be stupid and refused to participate. We continued to participate in the fairs, but competed in open class.

We each compete in life. I Corinthians 9:24 poses the challenge: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but {only} one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”

Have you had to change from “just participating” to “running to win” in race of life?

God bless…

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.

Call while He is near

©Millie McNabb

I recently read an article about people being buried with their cell phones. This is apparently now the second most requested item to be included in the casket. Some families continue to pay the monthly fee to keep the phone active. Presumably, it provides some form of comfort to call the deceased, even after the battery has run down, and the message box is full.

There were other interesting dimensions to the cell phone in the memorial service: 1) Friends would call during the service and the personalized ringtones could be heard; 2) At the end of the service, the ring tone would sound, reminiscent of “taps” being played; and 3) The phone has an important place because it represents the person, and is part of their legacy.

God presented a more realistic call to make in Isaiah 55:6. “Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” When we make that call, God is part of our legacy.

What is worthwhile to impart to the next generation as your legacy?

God bless…

Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.

Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com

Wait on the Lord

As children we used to test the packages under the tree, trying to guess what might be inside them, as we looked forward to Christmas morning. One of my brothers picked up a soft package with his name, and exclaimed, “Clothes? Who’s giving me clothes?” Later, he was delighted with the sweatshirt with the University of Idaho Vandal on it.

Most of my Christmas shopping this year has been online. That adds another level of anticipation, as I await the gifts to arrive. A delivery came to our door after 7pm last night, and I’ve seen different carriers out late throughout December. Then there is the anticipation of others opening the gifts and enjoying what you chose for them.

Someone described this childlike anticipation of Christmas, this “wait” for Christmas, as what it means for us to “wait” on the Lord. The anticipation energizes us.
“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew [their] strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” ( Isaiah 40:31.)

What are you waiting for?

God bless….

Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.

Deck the Halls

My daughter and I put up the Christmas tree today. The tree is full of ornaments made by the girls or given to us through the years. The top branches have the honor of holding the breakable items. The lower branches host the more durable décor, as a safeguard for inquisitive grandchildren.

Getting the tree was a family event as I grew up. We lived on a farm that included forested area along the Snake River. The whole family would trek out through the woods, looking for the perfect tree. We’d see one in the distance and then discover as we got closer, that it was two trees growing close together. We also had to be size-sensitive—a tree that looked great out in the open, might not fit in the house at all. My mother always liked a spruce with the little berries on it.

Most often, we’d top a tree. After the top was cut off, my father would leave the nicest looking top branch on the remaining tree, and saw off all other branches three feet below that. The tree would then grow another top from the branch my father left. Eight or so years later, it might be selected again for our Christmas tree.

Back at the house, we’d anchor the tree in a five-gallon bucket of dirt. Sometimes my brother would drill holes in the trunk and cleverly add branches to the inevitable bare spots. Then after the tree was positioned to everyone’s satisfaction in front of the big picture window, the decorating would begin.
The lights and the star went on first under my father’s supervision. My parents were married during World War II. They did not have enough money for tree ornaments and my father made a star out of a tin can to top their tree. That star graced our tree as long as I can remember.

After the lights were strung, my mother sat by the decorations box, putting on hangers and handing out decorations. The six of us kids would go back and forth between her and the tree until all the ornaments were hung. Then with only the tree lights glowing, we’d sit and sing Christmas carols together.

Traditions, songs and festivities go together. The Bible describes such a time for the Israelites. “You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, And gladness of heart as when one marches to {the sound of} the flute, To go to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel” (Isaiah 30:29.)

What Christmas traditions were special to you as a child?

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