©Millie McNabb
The doctor recently recommended some dietary changes for my husband. Philosophically, I agree with the changes, but psychologically and physically it takes effort to establish new habits. The two most significant changes impact my time: no more cold cereal for breakfast and avoid preservatives (i.e. restaurant food.) I’m back in the kitchen again.
Over the years I have read many books on healthy eating. I remember a thought in one book that the research was always showing new things, but you couldn’t wait for all the results before deciding what to eat, or you’d starve to death. That inspired me to look at the Bible, since what it said wasn’t subject to changing research.
I eliminated pork and shrimp from our diets at that time. I consider them to be in the “lawful, but not profitable” category. What about the land “flowing with milk and honey” and Jesus being “The Bread of Life”? How did that square with the natural health advice of avoiding dairy and breads? More research revealed that our modern methods of preparing flour and pasteurizing/homogenizing milk had created products that little resembled the Biblical mainstays.
I have found it relatively easier to eliminate the “bad” foods, than to add new “good” foods. So when I made changes in the past, our diet became very narrow. This time, I’m purposefully adding something new each week.
It hasn’t taken long to see the benefits of the changes we’ve made, but that shouldn’t be surprising--that’s in the Bible, too. “At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king.” (Daniel 1:15)
What experiences have you had with dietary changes?
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 parenting tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenting tips. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Terribly Boring
©Millie McNabb
Her aunt was talking to my three-year-old grand-daughter. She asked how Sunday School was. My grand-daughter answered dramatically, “Terribly boring.” I thought, “Bring out the oxygen. We’re losing her.”
I remember being the substitute teacher for a Sunday School class of third-graders. I started with the pre-prepared lesson, but a boy asked a question, and we “followed the question.” I became aware of the children drawing closer to me, as we wended our way through various topics and what Scripture had to say about them.
The “magic” of the moment was suddenly broken, when a latecomer burst into the room, loudly inquiring, “What’s the craft? What’s the craft?”
Prepared materials can be wonderful resources for teaching children and adults. As a teacher we need to add the reality of God to each lesson. We need to share what the lesson means to us. "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall say to them….” Joshua 4:6-7a
What's the most impactful Sunday School class 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.
Her aunt was talking to my three-year-old grand-daughter. She asked how Sunday School was. My grand-daughter answered dramatically, “Terribly boring.” I thought, “Bring out the oxygen. We’re losing her.”
I remember being the substitute teacher for a Sunday School class of third-graders. I started with the pre-prepared lesson, but a boy asked a question, and we “followed the question.” I became aware of the children drawing closer to me, as we wended our way through various topics and what Scripture had to say about them.
The “magic” of the moment was suddenly broken, when a latecomer burst into the room, loudly inquiring, “What’s the craft? What’s the craft?”
Prepared materials can be wonderful resources for teaching children and adults. As a teacher we need to add the reality of God to each lesson. We need to share what the lesson means to us. "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall say to them….” Joshua 4:6-7a
What's the most impactful Sunday School class 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.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Inevitable Stumbling Blocks
©Millie McNabb
We humans have a hope that life will in some sense be easy. We like things to go our way. We expect real life challenges to be solved like an hour-long television program, with all the stumbling blocks neatly taken out of the picture.
Jesus had a different word. He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!” Luke 17:1
Inevitable! Stumbling blocks cannot be avoided or evaded.
As a parent there are two facets to teach our children:
1) How to deal with stumbling blocks;
2) How to avoid being a stumbling block to someone else.
What stumbling blocks have you encountered?
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 humans have a hope that life will in some sense be easy. We like things to go our way. We expect real life challenges to be solved like an hour-long television program, with all the stumbling blocks neatly taken out of the picture.
Jesus had a different word. He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!” Luke 17:1
Inevitable! Stumbling blocks cannot be avoided or evaded.
As a parent there are two facets to teach our children:
1) How to deal with stumbling blocks;
2) How to avoid being a stumbling block to someone else.
What stumbling blocks have you encountered?
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, June 9, 2009
Half Lit
©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.
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.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Spiritually Disengaged
©Millie McNabb
My daughter and I were traveling together and enjoyed visiting in the car. One of the topics that came up was the church youth group. There were six people her age attending Sunday School when she was a teenager. She is the only one that as an adult is spiritually engaged.
I often quote a George Barna report that 61% of young adults who attended church as teenagers, are no longer spiritually engaged. That number was shocking to me, but the reality set in as the math for my daughter’s class came out at 83%.
We talked further about what made the difference. Was their experience at church relevant to them? Was God a reality even if church meant little? Which had the greater influence—church or parents?
In terms of time, the church had limited influence. At most their time in church was 3 hours out of 168 hours in a week—about 1.5%. This was basically true of both those who rejected or retained Godly values. Compared to all the other activities in their lives, this was their primary exposure to spiritual things.
We talked about the parents. How spiritually engaged were the parents? What part did church play in the life of the parents?
My daughter concluded that for each of her contemporaries, the parents relied on the church to provide all the spiritual training; whereas, in her case, the primary spiritual training took place in the home.
In this discussion we noted that sometimes people reject the formal church, but remain spiritually engaged. This did not appear to be the case with her contemporaries. They seemed to be ignoring or rejecting God, as well. "They say to God, 'Depart from us! We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways’.” Job 21:14
George Barna stated in his book, Revolutionary Parenting, that the most important role for the church in influencing children is to train the parents. I passionately believe that, and offer resources and support to churches for parents who are intentionally raising their children to become Christian adults.
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 traveling together and enjoyed visiting in the car. One of the topics that came up was the church youth group. There were six people her age attending Sunday School when she was a teenager. She is the only one that as an adult is spiritually engaged.
I often quote a George Barna report that 61% of young adults who attended church as teenagers, are no longer spiritually engaged. That number was shocking to me, but the reality set in as the math for my daughter’s class came out at 83%.
We talked further about what made the difference. Was their experience at church relevant to them? Was God a reality even if church meant little? Which had the greater influence—church or parents?
In terms of time, the church had limited influence. At most their time in church was 3 hours out of 168 hours in a week—about 1.5%. This was basically true of both those who rejected or retained Godly values. Compared to all the other activities in their lives, this was their primary exposure to spiritual things.
We talked about the parents. How spiritually engaged were the parents? What part did church play in the life of the parents?
My daughter concluded that for each of her contemporaries, the parents relied on the church to provide all the spiritual training; whereas, in her case, the primary spiritual training took place in the home.
In this discussion we noted that sometimes people reject the formal church, but remain spiritually engaged. This did not appear to be the case with her contemporaries. They seemed to be ignoring or rejecting God, as well. "They say to God, 'Depart from us! We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways’.” Job 21:14
George Barna stated in his book, Revolutionary Parenting, that the most important role for the church in influencing children is to train the parents. I passionately believe that, and offer resources and support to churches for parents who are intentionally raising their children to become Christian adults.
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, June 4, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Talking Heads
©Millie McNabb
I remember my father visiting the Legislature. As they debated the topic, my father said the first speaker was very convincing. Then the next speaker presented the other side of the issue. Again, my father thought the speaker was very convincing.
Watching economic news can be very much that way. Each guest is very earnest about the view they are presenting, and are very convincing. One speaker recited several negative economic events, and then stated, “The government is the only one that can get us out of this.”
The Bible has something to say about that kind of thinking in Isaiah 31:1. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help {And} rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!”
Where do you place your trust?
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 remember my father visiting the Legislature. As they debated the topic, my father said the first speaker was very convincing. Then the next speaker presented the other side of the issue. Again, my father thought the speaker was very convincing.
Watching economic news can be very much that way. Each guest is very earnest about the view they are presenting, and are very convincing. One speaker recited several negative economic events, and then stated, “The government is the only one that can get us out of this.”
The Bible has something to say about that kind of thinking in Isaiah 31:1. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help {And} rely on horses, And trust in chariots because they are many And in horsemen because they are very strong, But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!”
Where do you place your trust?
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, June 1, 2009
Job One
©Millie McNabb
I started reading Job today in my daily Bible reading. I was once challenged by someone to read 40 chapters a day in the Bible. So, I did—for one day. I read the 42 chapters of Job in one day. At that pace, you would read the entire Bible in a month.
There are different paces of effective Bible reading. Sometimes we read large sections for content, context and knowledge. At times we pray Scripture and meditate. Chronological or blended gospel reading adds new perspective. Whatever our pace, our “Job One” is to bless and glorify the Lord.
He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21)
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 started reading Job today in my daily Bible reading. I was once challenged by someone to read 40 chapters a day in the Bible. So, I did—for one day. I read the 42 chapters of Job in one day. At that pace, you would read the entire Bible in a month.
There are different paces of effective Bible reading. Sometimes we read large sections for content, context and knowledge. At times we pray Scripture and meditate. Chronological or blended gospel reading adds new perspective. Whatever our pace, our “Job One” is to bless and glorify the Lord.
He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21)
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A Time to Plant
©Millie McNabb
We planted most of our garden a week ago, and today, the grandchildren and I discovered lettuce and pumpkins peeking up through the soil. I overheard my daughter saying something to her niece about helping plant, so I had this expectation that they were going to be going outside.
They hadn’t gone outside and naptime was approaching, so I asked my daughter what the plan was. I was surprised to learn they had finished--they had planted grapes on Facebook FarmTown.
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
What are you planting this season?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
We planted most of our garden a week ago, and today, the grandchildren and I discovered lettuce and pumpkins peeking up through the soil. I overheard my daughter saying something to her niece about helping plant, so I had this expectation that they were going to be going outside.
They hadn’t gone outside and naptime was approaching, so I asked my daughter what the plan was. I was surprised to learn they had finished--they had planted grapes on Facebook FarmTown.
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
What are you planting this season?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Mosquitoes
©Millie McNabb
We have had a bunch of mosquitoes this year, which is quite unusual. The difference is that a neighbor of ours started raising cattle, and has some stagnant ponds where there used to be cropland. We now have to protect ourselves from getting bitten, and discipline ourselves not to scratch.
I have a scar on my left hand where I incessantly scratched a bite when I was a child. Shortly after that, I read a fiction-based-on-fact book about Queen Esther which noted that Mordecai would not let her scratch her mosquito bites. When the king’s men were looking for queen candidates, they selected women without scar or blemish.
“He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.” Esther 2:7
What childhood disciplines have had significant consequences in your adult life?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
We have had a bunch of mosquitoes this year, which is quite unusual. The difference is that a neighbor of ours started raising cattle, and has some stagnant ponds where there used to be cropland. We now have to protect ourselves from getting bitten, and discipline ourselves not to scratch.
I have a scar on my left hand where I incessantly scratched a bite when I was a child. Shortly after that, I read a fiction-based-on-fact book about Queen Esther which noted that Mordecai would not let her scratch her mosquito bites. When the king’s men were looking for queen candidates, they selected women without scar or blemish.
“He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.” Esther 2:7
What childhood disciplines have had significant consequences in your adult life?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Got your scarf?
©Millie McNabb
One of my husband’s grandmothers always went through a verbal checklist with her children and grandchildren before they left the house. Do you have your gloves? Do you have your purse? Have you got your scarf?
Our children knew the story, and we used the phrase, “Got your scarf?” as a reminder for each child to go through their own mental list of what they needed to be prepared for the day.
We have many options and distractions in life. Teaching our children to be prepared for each outing, also gives them the skills to think about what they need for life. Having a list—written, verbal or mental—can keep life from getting chaotic. “And the disciples came to the other side {of the sea,} but they had forgotten to bring {any} bread.” (Matthew 16:5)
What routines are you teaching your children?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
One of my husband’s grandmothers always went through a verbal checklist with her children and grandchildren before they left the house. Do you have your gloves? Do you have your purse? Have you got your scarf?
Our children knew the story, and we used the phrase, “Got your scarf?” as a reminder for each child to go through their own mental list of what they needed to be prepared for the day.
We have many options and distractions in life. Teaching our children to be prepared for each outing, also gives them the skills to think about what they need for life. Having a list—written, verbal or mental—can keep life from getting chaotic. “And the disciples came to the other side {of the sea,} but they had forgotten to bring {any} bread.” (Matthew 16:5)
What routines are you teaching your children?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: The Science
©Millie McNabb
I watched “The Science of Sex Appeal” on the Discovery channel. There are many fascinating attractions going on that we are not consciously aware of. In one experiment, men rated pictures of women for how attractive they were. When the experiment was repeated in the presence of copulins (female pheromones), every woman was deemed more highly attractive.
The program attributed things to evolution, but I believe these subtle attractions are part of God’s design to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28 and 9:7) When a woman is ovulating, her facial features are more radiant, she shows more skin, and wiggles more on the dance floor. There are also subtle safeguards--there is an odor that is repelling to relatives—God’s guard against inbreeding.
These attractions are so strong that we would be naïve to think we and our children are not subject to them. Passing on our Christian values includes educating our children about the realities of being attracted to or being found attractive by others.
What “chemistry” of attraction are you including in your child’s education?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I watched “The Science of Sex Appeal” on the Discovery channel. There are many fascinating attractions going on that we are not consciously aware of. In one experiment, men rated pictures of women for how attractive they were. When the experiment was repeated in the presence of copulins (female pheromones), every woman was deemed more highly attractive.
The program attributed things to evolution, but I believe these subtle attractions are part of God’s design to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28 and 9:7) When a woman is ovulating, her facial features are more radiant, she shows more skin, and wiggles more on the dance floor. There are also subtle safeguards--there is an odor that is repelling to relatives—God’s guard against inbreeding.
These attractions are so strong that we would be naïve to think we and our children are not subject to them. Passing on our Christian values includes educating our children about the realities of being attracted to or being found attractive by others.
What “chemistry” of attraction are you including in your child’s education?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Suitable Friends
©Millie McNabb
One of the most challenging aspects of raising children was developing suitable friends. Before we started homeschooling, the girls were around more children in public school, but many times efforts to get together were one-sided. One daughter evaluated the situation and decided there wasn’t anyone she wanted to spend that much time with—and I agreed with her decision.
There’s a difference between being surrounded by others, and having a relationship with someone suitable. “The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:20)
Lack of “socialization” is one of the charges leveled at homeschoolers. We teach our children within our homes to develop relationships. We teach our task-oriented children how to interact with others. (An effective technique for them is to “interview” others.) We teach them discernment about choosing suitable friends. We teach them love and compassion for others, even if they are not suitable friends.
Church and other homeschool families generally provided more like-minded relationships. As teenagers, the girls tended to develop relationships with adults in the church, rather than their “silly” contemporaries. Now as adults, they have one or two close friends, and relate well to a number of people.
Do you have any “suitable friends” stories to share?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
One of the most challenging aspects of raising children was developing suitable friends. Before we started homeschooling, the girls were around more children in public school, but many times efforts to get together were one-sided. One daughter evaluated the situation and decided there wasn’t anyone she wanted to spend that much time with—and I agreed with her decision.
There’s a difference between being surrounded by others, and having a relationship with someone suitable. “The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:20)
Lack of “socialization” is one of the charges leveled at homeschoolers. We teach our children within our homes to develop relationships. We teach our task-oriented children how to interact with others. (An effective technique for them is to “interview” others.) We teach them discernment about choosing suitable friends. We teach them love and compassion for others, even if they are not suitable friends.
Church and other homeschool families generally provided more like-minded relationships. As teenagers, the girls tended to develop relationships with adults in the church, rather than their “silly” contemporaries. Now as adults, they have one or two close friends, and relate well to a number of people.
Do you have any “suitable friends” stories to share?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Gardening
©Millie McNabb
We planted the garden today. I haven’t had a garden for the past few years, but two of my daughters wanted to use the space. The grandchildren were in on the adventure, too, although their interest was short-lived. They did, however, gather several rocks from the driveway.
Sometimes people think that work came about as a result of “The Fall.” However, Genesis 2:15 says that Adam was placed in the garden to work. “Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it” but the food was provided. In Genesis 3:17-19, after “The Fall” Adam had to toil and sweat to eat—and the cursed ground now produced thistles and thorns.
Are you a gardener?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
We planted the garden today. I haven’t had a garden for the past few years, but two of my daughters wanted to use the space. The grandchildren were in on the adventure, too, although their interest was short-lived. They did, however, gather several rocks from the driveway.
Sometimes people think that work came about as a result of “The Fall.” However, Genesis 2:15 says that Adam was placed in the garden to work. “Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it” but the food was provided. In Genesis 3:17-19, after “The Fall” Adam had to toil and sweat to eat—and the cursed ground now produced thistles and thorns.
Are you a gardener?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Just Say “Go”
©Millie McNabb
When we moved to Maryland, the church we attended had a desire to have an afterschool ministry for children in the neighborhood. As I looked at the situation, God had all the resources in place; they just needed someone to say, “Go.” So I said, “Go.” Years later when we visited there, I was somewhat surprised when I was introduced as the person who started their afterschool ministry.
God placed a passion in the heart of Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He prayed, assessed the situation, saw the resources were available, and then said, “Go” as related in Nehemiah 2:17-18. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.’ I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, ‘Let us arise and build.’ So they put their hands to the good {work.}“
Is there a good work that God has prepared just waiting for you to say, “Go.”
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
When we moved to Maryland, the church we attended had a desire to have an afterschool ministry for children in the neighborhood. As I looked at the situation, God had all the resources in place; they just needed someone to say, “Go.” So I said, “Go.” Years later when we visited there, I was somewhat surprised when I was introduced as the person who started their afterschool ministry.
God placed a passion in the heart of Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He prayed, assessed the situation, saw the resources were available, and then said, “Go” as related in Nehemiah 2:17-18. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.’ I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, ‘Let us arise and build.’ So they put their hands to the good {work.}“
Is there a good work that God has prepared just waiting for you to say, “Go.”
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Money and Wisdom
©Millie McNabb
I was thinking about the Indiana Jones movie The Last Crusade. Near the end of the movie Indiana had to make a choice between saving the treasure or saving his life. Wisdom prevailed and he let the treasure go.
A Christian value we want to pass on is understanding both money and wisdom as treasures. God has given us the material world to learn how to be a good steward. The principles we learn then apply to being a good steward of the spiritual gifts we are given. We teach our children to handle money wisely, and also that wisdom is a greater treasure than the money.
“For wisdom is protection {just as} money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.” Ecclesiastes 7:12
What money lessons prepared you for handling spiritual things?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I was thinking about the Indiana Jones movie The Last Crusade. Near the end of the movie Indiana had to make a choice between saving the treasure or saving his life. Wisdom prevailed and he let the treasure go.
A Christian value we want to pass on is understanding both money and wisdom as treasures. God has given us the material world to learn how to be a good steward. The principles we learn then apply to being a good steward of the spiritual gifts we are given. We teach our children to handle money wisely, and also that wisdom is a greater treasure than the money.
“For wisdom is protection {just as} money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.” Ecclesiastes 7:12
What money lessons prepared you for handling spiritual things?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Choosing a Spouse: Toads, moles and kings
©Millie McNabb
I read Thumbelina to the girls tonight at bedtime. It’s about a “thumb-sized” little girl who is stolen by a toad who wants to marry her. The fish help her escape, and then she is out on her own. When it gets cold, a mouse takes her in and his friend the mole wants to marry her. We assume he’s nice as far as moles go, but his home is underground. He allows her to go see the sunlight one last time before they marry. A swallow she had nursed back to health carries her away, where she finds other little people and marries the king.
When I finished the story, my daughter said she read the story to herself the other day, and wondered why as a child she thought it was so fascinating. She went on to say, that hearing me read it with the different voices brought it to life.
In real life there will be toads and moles who want to marry our daughters. There will be those who tell the tale in voices that make it sound more fascinating than the reality will be.
Passing on our Christian values includes warning and protecting our children. Studies show that when women are ovulating they are more attracted to the “bad boys.” Talk about that when it is age appropriate, and develop a plan for built-in safeguards, since logic may go out the window when the toads come a-stealing.
Another caution to give our children is about the moles. Women have a strong desire for security. The mole could provide food and shelter, but it was only on his underground terms. While a husband should be the protector and provider, he is also to cherish and nourish his wife.
For Thumbelina, there was an excellent match—a like-sized king. We need to teach our children to pray and prepare for that excellence.
“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also {does} the church, because we are members of His body.” (Ephesians 5:28-30)
Have you prepared your children for the toads, moles and kings that come a-courting?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
I read Thumbelina to the girls tonight at bedtime. It’s about a “thumb-sized” little girl who is stolen by a toad who wants to marry her. The fish help her escape, and then she is out on her own. When it gets cold, a mouse takes her in and his friend the mole wants to marry her. We assume he’s nice as far as moles go, but his home is underground. He allows her to go see the sunlight one last time before they marry. A swallow she had nursed back to health carries her away, where she finds other little people and marries the king.
When I finished the story, my daughter said she read the story to herself the other day, and wondered why as a child she thought it was so fascinating. She went on to say, that hearing me read it with the different voices brought it to life.
In real life there will be toads and moles who want to marry our daughters. There will be those who tell the tale in voices that make it sound more fascinating than the reality will be.
Passing on our Christian values includes warning and protecting our children. Studies show that when women are ovulating they are more attracted to the “bad boys.” Talk about that when it is age appropriate, and develop a plan for built-in safeguards, since logic may go out the window when the toads come a-stealing.
Another caution to give our children is about the moles. Women have a strong desire for security. The mole could provide food and shelter, but it was only on his underground terms. While a husband should be the protector and provider, he is also to cherish and nourish his wife.
For Thumbelina, there was an excellent match—a like-sized king. We need to teach our children to pray and prepare for that excellence.
“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also {does} the church, because we are members of His body.” (Ephesians 5:28-30)
Have you prepared your children for the toads, moles and kings that come a-courting?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, has been married over thirty years. She offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Routine
©Millie McNabb
Some days it’s a challenge to get the routine done--you know, the little things that nobody notices, unless they’re not done. After a weekend with the family here, I had run the dishwasher twice, and was just finishing pots and pans, when I noticed water on the floor. The drain in my kitchen sink had failed, so now I really couldn’t finish the dishes. Fortunately, my husband is a handyman and got the sink repaired the next day.
Parenting involves teaching our children to be productive workers. This is a Christian value we can pass on by example. Although we may grow weary of doing the routine, our daily work patterns give us a wonderful opportunity to model, teach, and share with our children. Paul talks about this his second letter to the Thessalonians:
“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good."
(II Thessalonians 3:13)
What routines have given you opportunities to lead your children?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Some days it’s a challenge to get the routine done--you know, the little things that nobody notices, unless they’re not done. After a weekend with the family here, I had run the dishwasher twice, and was just finishing pots and pans, when I noticed water on the floor. The drain in my kitchen sink had failed, so now I really couldn’t finish the dishes. Fortunately, my husband is a handyman and got the sink repaired the next day.
Parenting involves teaching our children to be productive workers. This is a Christian value we can pass on by example. Although we may grow weary of doing the routine, our daily work patterns give us a wonderful opportunity to model, teach, and share with our children. Paul talks about this his second letter to the Thessalonians:
“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good."
(II Thessalonians 3:13)
What routines have given you opportunities to lead your children?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Monday, May 11, 2009
Prepared
©Millie McNabb
I’m going to be taking a driving trip with my daughter and her three young girls. I’m hoping they know the lesson about using the bathroom when one’s available.
I remember sharing a lesson about that with my girls. I put water in a balloon and showed how when it’s full, it’s like the bladder letting you know to empty. I then partially filled a balloon, and told them that they could also choose to go to the bathroom. We talked about that being one way to be prepared.
Jesus also shared a parable about being prepared and how some young ladies missed out. "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:10)
Are you ready?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I’m going to be taking a driving trip with my daughter and her three young girls. I’m hoping they know the lesson about using the bathroom when one’s available.
I remember sharing a lesson about that with my girls. I put water in a balloon and showed how when it’s full, it’s like the bladder letting you know to empty. I then partially filled a balloon, and told them that they could also choose to go to the bathroom. We talked about that being one way to be prepared.
Jesus also shared a parable about being prepared and how some young ladies missed out. "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:10)
Are you ready?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Mother’s Day
©Millie McNabb
Our children were here helping clean out my mother-in-law’s house. While the adults were moving things, I prepared food and took care of the grandchildren (four girls all under the age of four.)
The two older grand-daughters like to help me cook. They wash vegetables, stir mixtures, and get things out of the refrigerator for me. Later, while those two were napping, the younger two were both awake and thinking they needed their mothers. I propped the two-month-old up on the couch with a pacifier, and wrapped the ten-month-old burrito-style in her blanket and rocked her to sleep.
Part of being a mother is serving. It’s a Christian value that we pass on to our children. Recognizing and appreciating our children as blessings, is part of celebrating Mother’s Day. “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Our children were here helping clean out my mother-in-law’s house. While the adults were moving things, I prepared food and took care of the grandchildren (four girls all under the age of four.)
The two older grand-daughters like to help me cook. They wash vegetables, stir mixtures, and get things out of the refrigerator for me. Later, while those two were napping, the younger two were both awake and thinking they needed their mothers. I propped the two-month-old up on the couch with a pacifier, and wrapped the ten-month-old burrito-style in her blanket and rocked her to sleep.
Part of being a mother is serving. It’s a Christian value that we pass on to our children. Recognizing and appreciating our children as blessings, is part of celebrating Mother’s Day. “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Christian Values in Economics: Good Steward
©Millie McNabb
I grew up on a farm, and each of us six children had household responsibilities, as well as farm chores to do. My household chore was to gather the trash, and burn it in the incinerator barrel. I liked seeing the flame catch hold and spread throughout the barrel, so it was a good match (pun intended.)
All in all, housekeeping is not my strong suit. My college roommate once told me the only thing domestic about me was that I was born in the country. However, that did not excuse me from being a good steward and training my children to be good stewards.
Our goal was to have our children be able to run the household by the time they were twelve (Jewish age of accountability.) I organized the work in two different ways:
1) By task such as dusting, cleaning sinks, vacuuming, laundry
2) By room
I made up laminated checklists that included everything that needed to be done and what cleaning product to use.
After everyone knew how to do everything, we divided the work up according to what each child liked to do best. We continued to rotate the chores that nobody was excited about.
“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’” (Luke 12:42)
I invite you to share your stewardship plan.
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
I grew up on a farm, and each of us six children had household responsibilities, as well as farm chores to do. My household chore was to gather the trash, and burn it in the incinerator barrel. I liked seeing the flame catch hold and spread throughout the barrel, so it was a good match (pun intended.)
All in all, housekeeping is not my strong suit. My college roommate once told me the only thing domestic about me was that I was born in the country. However, that did not excuse me from being a good steward and training my children to be good stewards.
Our goal was to have our children be able to run the household by the time they were twelve (Jewish age of accountability.) I organized the work in two different ways:
1) By task such as dusting, cleaning sinks, vacuuming, laundry
2) By room
I made up laminated checklists that included everything that needed to be done and what cleaning product to use.
After everyone knew how to do everything, we divided the work up according to what each child liked to do best. We continued to rotate the chores that nobody was excited about.
“And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’” (Luke 12:42)
I invite you to share your stewardship plan.
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
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