©Millie McNabb
My friend used to say, “It’s better to burn the candle at both ends than to go out half lit.” As a person who tends to get up early and also stay up late (and not get drunk), I appreciated the saying.
I also like to apply the saying to our Christian walk. We need to shine our light in the material world as well as the spiritual world. The way we do our physical work impacts the spiritual effect we can have on our co-workers. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Our Christian values should be very apparent in all that we do. At a church we attended in the past, there was a man whose prayers were inspiring. I was looking forward to what I might learn from him. However, I encountered him in a business situation, and found him to be rude and inconsiderate. As far as his Christian walk, he was going out half lit.
Whether it’s passing on our values to our children, interacting with our fellow Christians, or rubbing elbows with the community at large, that consistent “light shining” reveals God at work in our lives. Our living witness then brings glory to God.
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Showing posts with label living well. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living well. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
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.
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./
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Smiles
©Millie McNabb
You may remember the old joke which asks, “What’s the longest word in the dictionary?” “Smiles, because there’s a mile between the two s’s.”
According to an article I read today, smiles go a long way in predicting marriage success. The researchers asked people who were over sixty-five to provide childhood photos of themselves. The results indicated that those who frown in photos were five times more likely to get a divorce than those who smiled.
The researchers stressed that they can’t conclude anything about the cause of the connection, but did speculate about some possibilities. Some had to do with the benefits associated with a generally happier disposition. One suggestion was that the people who smiled were obedient to the photographer, and were also more compliant in marriage.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.” Proverbs 31:25
Were you a smiling child?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
You may remember the old joke which asks, “What’s the longest word in the dictionary?” “Smiles, because there’s a mile between the two s’s.”
According to an article I read today, smiles go a long way in predicting marriage success. The researchers asked people who were over sixty-five to provide childhood photos of themselves. The results indicated that those who frown in photos were five times more likely to get a divorce than those who smiled.
The researchers stressed that they can’t conclude anything about the cause of the connection, but did speculate about some possibilities. Some had to do with the benefits associated with a generally happier disposition. One suggestion was that the people who smiled were obedient to the photographer, and were also more compliant in marriage.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.” Proverbs 31:25
Were you a smiling child?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wearing of the Green
©Millie McNabb
When I was in elementary school, the kids were serious about pinching anyone who didn’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. The first grade teacher always had a bunch of green construction paper shamrocks prepared to pin on any student who forgot to wear something green. She was kind in a practical way.
We model kindness for our children. We teach them to be aware of others who may be getting “pinched” by others, and help them out. We can’t leave it to luck; we have to be intentional. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
What kind acts do you remember?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
When I was in elementary school, the kids were serious about pinching anyone who didn’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. The first grade teacher always had a bunch of green construction paper shamrocks prepared to pin on any student who forgot to wear something green. She was kind in a practical way.
We model kindness for our children. We teach them to be aware of others who may be getting “pinched” by others, and help them out. We can’t leave it to luck; we have to be intentional. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
What kind acts do you remember?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
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 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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Search Out the Matter, Part II
©Millie McNabb
I was telling my daughter about a woman I met today who said she was attending the church across the street from her because she didn’t know where a church of her denomination was located. My daughter said, “I’m sure glad you taught us how to find things.”
She went on to say that people come to her at work all the time, because they know that she’ll find the information that they need. She is an interior designer and told of a co-worker who complained about having incomplete information about a furnace. She went online and found a complete spec sheet which answered all the questions.
Being a competent worker is a witness to the people with whom you interact. “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe {them,} glorify God in the day of visitation.” (I Peter 2:12)
Have you had any great “finds” recently?
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 telling my daughter about a woman I met today who said she was attending the church across the street from her because she didn’t know where a church of her denomination was located. My daughter said, “I’m sure glad you taught us how to find things.”
She went on to say that people come to her at work all the time, because they know that she’ll find the information that they need. She is an interior designer and told of a co-worker who complained about having incomplete information about a furnace. She went online and found a complete spec sheet which answered all the questions.
Being a competent worker is a witness to the people with whom you interact. “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe {them,} glorify God in the day of visitation.” (I Peter 2:12)
Have you had any great “finds” recently?
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 14, 2009
Valentine’s Date
©Millie McNabb
My husband asked me what I’d like for Valentine’s Day. I mentioned a project that I hoped to finish. He said, “All right…and could we go to the dump, too?”
We’ve been married over thirty-two years, and have spent a lot of time working in business together--including trips to the dump. Now it’s a standing joke between us about having dates at the dump. Today we did work on a project, and we also went out to eat together.
Having a mindset of working together as a family is one of the key factors in passing on family values. “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its {height,} for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6)
Do you have stories of your family working 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 husband asked me what I’d like for Valentine’s Day. I mentioned a project that I hoped to finish. He said, “All right…and could we go to the dump, too?”
We’ve been married over thirty-two years, and have spent a lot of time working in business together--including trips to the dump. Now it’s a standing joke between us about having dates at the dump. Today we did work on a project, and we also went out to eat together.
Having a mindset of working together as a family is one of the key factors in passing on family values. “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its {height,} for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6)
Do you have stories of your family working 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 7, 2009
Amazing Authority
©Millie McNabb
We often have some repair project going on. The summer we were married we helped my parents remodel their house after flood waters damaged the main floor. I remember our firstborn in her baby seat while we remodeled the bathroom in a Spokane house. In Maryland, we converted the garage into a work room.
When I’ve done wall texturing, I experimented with different techniques, until it looked right. I decided to google wall texturing to learn how to really do it. The first article I read said, “experiment until it looks right.”
Have you ever searched for help with something, only to be disappointed with the advice you got? The people Jesus encountered must have been disappointed with their past experience, for they certainly recognized the difference. Matthew 7:28-29 describes their reaction. “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as {one} having authority, and not as their scribes.”
What teachings of Jesus have amazed 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.
We often have some repair project going on. The summer we were married we helped my parents remodel their house after flood waters damaged the main floor. I remember our firstborn in her baby seat while we remodeled the bathroom in a Spokane house. In Maryland, we converted the garage into a work room.
When I’ve done wall texturing, I experimented with different techniques, until it looked right. I decided to google wall texturing to learn how to really do it. The first article I read said, “experiment until it looks right.”
Have you ever searched for help with something, only to be disappointed with the advice you got? The people Jesus encountered must have been disappointed with their past experience, for they certainly recognized the difference. Matthew 7:28-29 describes their reaction. “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as {one} having authority, and not as their scribes.”
What teachings of Jesus have amazed you?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
So What’s Normal?
©Millie McNabb
I was reading about blood tests recently and was struck by the fact that the “normal” range of the test results is determined by the median 95% of the “healthy” population. That explains why those ranges are shifting: the range may not actually be healthy, but if enough people are in that range, it’s considered normal.
Unfortunately, that’s also the way many people decide how to live. If the majority of the population considers it normal, it must be right. Paul expressed this as a desire to please men in Galatians 1:10. “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”
Have you experienced something that was considered normal in our culture, and perhaps been surprised to learn that it was not pleasing to God?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I was reading about blood tests recently and was struck by the fact that the “normal” range of the test results is determined by the median 95% of the “healthy” population. That explains why those ranges are shifting: the range may not actually be healthy, but if enough people are in that range, it’s considered normal.
Unfortunately, that’s also the way many people decide how to live. If the majority of the population considers it normal, it must be right. Paul expressed this as a desire to please men in Galatians 1:10. “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”
Have you experienced something that was considered normal in our culture, and perhaps been surprised to learn that it was not pleasing to God?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Protection in the Fog
©Millie McNabb
It’s been foggy the last few mornings. This evening, the fog came “on little cat feet” and sat down soon after dusk.
When I have to drive in the fog, I think of Psalm 139:5, “You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”
God’s protection is all around us, whether we’re in the midst of a physical fog, or trying to see what lies ahead in uncertain economic times. He cares for us, whatever our anxiety, and His peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Have you had “foggy” times when set aside your anxiety and trusted God?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
It’s been foggy the last few mornings. This evening, the fog came “on little cat feet” and sat down soon after dusk.
When I have to drive in the fog, I think of Psalm 139:5, “You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”
God’s protection is all around us, whether we’re in the midst of a physical fog, or trying to see what lies ahead in uncertain economic times. He cares for us, whatever our anxiety, and His peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Have you had “foggy” times when set aside your anxiety and trusted God?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Unclaimed property
©Millie McNabb
I got a call the other day from a man in the town where I grew up. He had seen a notice in the paper for unclaimed property for my deceased aunt. Several years ago, he had recovered $800 when he followed up on a notice that included his name. Now he makes it a practice to help people recover property that may belong to them.
In my aunt’s case, he made several inquiries before discovering that she had attended the Methodist church. Someone there thought she might be a relative of my father. The man making the search knew that my father was no longer living, but vaguely recalled that one of his daughters had married a McNabb from Pocatello. Undaunted, he started calling McNabb’s and found me.
He gave me the information. I called my sister to get the aunt’s daughter’s contact information. Then I called the cousin to let her know about the unclaimed property.
Presumably, she’s filed the claim for the property.
Sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with someone, often takes persistence, as well. We recognize the benefit to us, and make it a practice to share that good news with others. God gives us “notice” of someone who has not claimed His free gift of eternal life, and we make every effort to let them know about the unclaimed gift. (Romans 6:23b, “…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”) Then they have to personally file the claim to accept the free gift.
Do you have any stories of persisting to share God’s free gift with others?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I got a call the other day from a man in the town where I grew up. He had seen a notice in the paper for unclaimed property for my deceased aunt. Several years ago, he had recovered $800 when he followed up on a notice that included his name. Now he makes it a practice to help people recover property that may belong to them.
In my aunt’s case, he made several inquiries before discovering that she had attended the Methodist church. Someone there thought she might be a relative of my father. The man making the search knew that my father was no longer living, but vaguely recalled that one of his daughters had married a McNabb from Pocatello. Undaunted, he started calling McNabb’s and found me.
He gave me the information. I called my sister to get the aunt’s daughter’s contact information. Then I called the cousin to let her know about the unclaimed property.
Presumably, she’s filed the claim for the property.
Sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with someone, often takes persistence, as well. We recognize the benefit to us, and make it a practice to share that good news with others. God gives us “notice” of someone who has not claimed His free gift of eternal life, and we make every effort to let them know about the unclaimed gift. (Romans 6:23b, “…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”) Then they have to personally file the claim to accept the free gift.
Do you have any stories of persisting to share God’s free gift with others?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Is your ox in the ditch?
©Millie McNabb
Yesterday on the way to church we saw the power company out working. It is unusual for public utilities work to be done on Sunday, or the weekend, unless it is an emergency.
One of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8 is “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” I remember as a child when Albertsons made the decision to open on Sunday, and the church members were encouraged to boycott the store.
When we lived in the Seattle area, I read a comment about how “heathen” the northwest was, and wasn’t sure what the author was referring to. Soon thereafter, we moved to Maryland, and I was surprised when the realtor was excited that the mall was going to be open on Sundays. I was also surprised that the grocery stores weren’t open 24 hours a day. I guess I’d been with the heathens too long to know.
When Jesus encountered the Pharisees and their rules about the Sabbath, He asked them who wouldn’t rescue their ox if it fell in the ditch on the Sabbath (Luke 14:5.) We need to set aside a day of rest, yet not take that rest on as a burden. I once heard a preacher comment on the passage, “If your ox is in the ditch every Sunday, you need to either sell the ox or fill in the ditch.”
Our family used that phrase, “Is your ox in the ditch?” as a reminder to live an orderly life, taking time for a sabbath rest, rather than planning to do work that could be done during the six days of labor.
Have you had times when your ox was in the ditch every Sunday?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Yesterday on the way to church we saw the power company out working. It is unusual for public utilities work to be done on Sunday, or the weekend, unless it is an emergency.
One of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8 is “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” I remember as a child when Albertsons made the decision to open on Sunday, and the church members were encouraged to boycott the store.
When we lived in the Seattle area, I read a comment about how “heathen” the northwest was, and wasn’t sure what the author was referring to. Soon thereafter, we moved to Maryland, and I was surprised when the realtor was excited that the mall was going to be open on Sundays. I was also surprised that the grocery stores weren’t open 24 hours a day. I guess I’d been with the heathens too long to know.
When Jesus encountered the Pharisees and their rules about the Sabbath, He asked them who wouldn’t rescue their ox if it fell in the ditch on the Sabbath (Luke 14:5.) We need to set aside a day of rest, yet not take that rest on as a burden. I once heard a preacher comment on the passage, “If your ox is in the ditch every Sunday, you need to either sell the ox or fill in the ditch.”
Our family used that phrase, “Is your ox in the ditch?” as a reminder to live an orderly life, taking time for a sabbath rest, rather than planning to do work that could be done during the six days of labor.
Have you had times when your ox was in the ditch every Sunday?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Monday, January 5, 2009
Thirsting After Righteousness
©Millie McNabb
My body gave me a reminder yesterday that I need to be drinking more water. God designed our bodies to protect the major organs. If we don’t have enough water, the veins and arteries become smaller to keep the blood pressure constant for the major organs. An interesting thing about thirst is that it is one of the last signs the body gives that it needs water. How do we cure thirst? We drink water, whether we feel like it or not.
Spiritual thirst can also be like that. How do we cure thirst for righteousness? We drink in God’s word, whether we feel like it or not.
Have you ever experienced a dry spell in your Christian walk? How did you overcome it?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
My body gave me a reminder yesterday that I need to be drinking more water. God designed our bodies to protect the major organs. If we don’t have enough water, the veins and arteries become smaller to keep the blood pressure constant for the major organs. An interesting thing about thirst is that it is one of the last signs the body gives that it needs water. How do we cure thirst? We drink water, whether we feel like it or not.
Spiritual thirst can also be like that. How do we cure thirst for righteousness? We drink in God’s word, whether we feel like it or not.
Have you ever experienced a dry spell in your Christian walk? How did you overcome it?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
End of Year Reflections
One of my goals in life is to age gracefully. As I do a little “end of the year” reflection on this goal, I see in the mirror, that God is providing the aging; I choose graceful.
I had my youngest daughter when I was thirty-six. The first Sunday I took her to church, a visitor came up and admired my cute “grandchild.” It was probably good that I was exhausted. It gave me time to go from “stunned” to “gracious” without becoming offended.
When I was a teenager with long blonde hair, I read Proverbs 16:31, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” I was attracted to that concept and made a commitment at that time to not dye my hair, as well as live a righteous life. Over the years, I watched the “gray-headed” women at church gatherings, and appreciated their wisdom. When I was in my forties, God sent me a little test as my hair started to gray. In the course of one week, three people—my hairdresser, my husband, and my mother-in-law--independently asked me if I’d ever considered dying my hair. I kept to my youthful commitment and have never dyed my hair.
Gray hair does have its advantages in the “senior discount” area. I would tell the clerk that I didn’t qualify, and they’d be so embarrassed at their error, that they’d give me the discount anyway.
I was also inspired by Deuteronomy 34:7, “Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.” I do not believe that you have to be diseased, just because you are getting older. After much reading about being healthy, I came to the conclusion that I should not waste my time on changing philosophies, but rather rely on what the Bible says about how to eat.
One other goal I have for a fulfilling life is in Matthew 6:34, paraphrased, “Live each day for its own.” Although I do many things, my goal is to be present in each current situation. Many years ago I heard Zig Ziglar talk about people at work wishing they were home, and people at home thinking about their work, and he concluded, “they ain’t never nowhere.”
What are your life goals and what “end of year” reflections do you have?
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
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 www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I had my youngest daughter when I was thirty-six. The first Sunday I took her to church, a visitor came up and admired my cute “grandchild.” It was probably good that I was exhausted. It gave me time to go from “stunned” to “gracious” without becoming offended.
When I was a teenager with long blonde hair, I read Proverbs 16:31, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” I was attracted to that concept and made a commitment at that time to not dye my hair, as well as live a righteous life. Over the years, I watched the “gray-headed” women at church gatherings, and appreciated their wisdom. When I was in my forties, God sent me a little test as my hair started to gray. In the course of one week, three people—my hairdresser, my husband, and my mother-in-law--independently asked me if I’d ever considered dying my hair. I kept to my youthful commitment and have never dyed my hair.
Gray hair does have its advantages in the “senior discount” area. I would tell the clerk that I didn’t qualify, and they’d be so embarrassed at their error, that they’d give me the discount anyway.
I was also inspired by Deuteronomy 34:7, “Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.” I do not believe that you have to be diseased, just because you are getting older. After much reading about being healthy, I came to the conclusion that I should not waste my time on changing philosophies, but rather rely on what the Bible says about how to eat.
One other goal I have for a fulfilling life is in Matthew 6:34, paraphrased, “Live each day for its own.” Although I do many things, my goal is to be present in each current situation. Many years ago I heard Zig Ziglar talk about people at work wishing they were home, and people at home thinking about their work, and he concluded, “they ain’t never nowhere.”
What are your life goals and what “end of year” reflections do you have?
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
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 www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Temperamental Adjustment
Brrr! I was just taking a shower to warm up after being out in the cold weather. (We have snow on the ground.) I was “bonding” with the water, as my daughter says, and reached down to warm it up a bit. Suddenly, the water went cold. I overcame the shock, and quickly readjusted the temperature.
The cold water is temperamental. The valve has a spot near shut-off, where it lets a greater volume of cold water through. Usually I remember to compensate for that spot, but tonight I forgot.
We all have, and know people who have, “temperamental” spots. We get to know those spots, and compensate for those idiosyncrasies. That’s part of temperament coaching. That’s part of a love relationship. “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8.)
Have you had to make temperamental adjustments in your relationships?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Temperament coaching for individuals, couples, parents, teachers and homeschoolers. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
The cold water is temperamental. The valve has a spot near shut-off, where it lets a greater volume of cold water through. Usually I remember to compensate for that spot, but tonight I forgot.
We all have, and know people who have, “temperamental” spots. We get to know those spots, and compensate for those idiosyncrasies. That’s part of temperament coaching. That’s part of a love relationship. “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8.)
Have you had to make temperamental adjustments in your relationships?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Temperament coaching for individuals, couples, parents, teachers and homeschoolers. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Serve God in Your Generation
Today we attended the funeral of a great-Aunt. She lived to be 99, close to her goal of 100. She was the last one of her generation, and had out-lived several in the following generation. She was a people person with a broad range of interests and a positive attitude.
We’re fascinated by those who live a long life. The current oldest living person in the world is 115. Both of my grandmothers lived into their 90’s. The real question is not how long you live, but do you live well in the time you have.
King David lived about 80 years. I’ve always liked his epitaph: "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep….” Acts 13:36
How are you serving God in your generation?
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
We’re fascinated by those who live a long life. The current oldest living person in the world is 115. Both of my grandmothers lived into their 90’s. The real question is not how long you live, but do you live well in the time you have.
King David lived about 80 years. I’ve always liked his epitaph: "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep….” Acts 13:36
How are you serving God in your generation?
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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