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.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Seven Ways to Tell if Your Child is Rejecting Your Values
I was shocked when I read that 61% of young adults who were churched as teenagers are now spiritually disengaged. How did this kind of values rejection get past the parents?
Rebellion can be very obvious, such as is expressed in Isaiah 3:8-9:
“…Their speech and their actions are against the LORD…the expression of their faces bears witness against them.”
Rebellion can also be very subtle. Jesus poses the question in Matthew 21:28-32 about a father who asked his two sons to go work in the vineyard. The first son said, “I will, sir”; and he did not go. The second son answered “I will not”; but he reconsidered and went. Jesus asked, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The listeners replied, “The latter.”
My article “Seven Ways to Tell if Your Child is Rejecting Your Values” addresses these more subtle forms of rebellion. Recognizing these signs, is a first step in intercepting a child’s “values rejection.” Read the full article under “resources” at my website.
We had “code words” that we used as reminders to our children to help them keep their attitudes in check. Many times just using those words would be adequate to correct a child. I remember one daughter becoming offended and starting to glare. I said, “Snake eyes,” and smiled, and the little glare melted away.
What parenting techniques have you used to keep attitude in check?
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
Rebellion can be very obvious, such as is expressed in Isaiah 3:8-9:
“…Their speech and their actions are against the LORD…the expression of their faces bears witness against them.”
Rebellion can also be very subtle. Jesus poses the question in Matthew 21:28-32 about a father who asked his two sons to go work in the vineyard. The first son said, “I will, sir”; and he did not go. The second son answered “I will not”; but he reconsidered and went. Jesus asked, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The listeners replied, “The latter.”
My article “Seven Ways to Tell if Your Child is Rejecting Your Values” addresses these more subtle forms of rebellion. Recognizing these signs, is a first step in intercepting a child’s “values rejection.” Read the full article under “resources” at my website.
We had “code words” that we used as reminders to our children to help them keep their attitudes in check. Many times just using those words would be adequate to correct a child. I remember one daughter becoming offended and starting to glare. I said, “Snake eyes,” and smiled, and the little glare melted away.
What parenting techniques have you used to keep attitude in check?
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
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wait on the Lord
As children we used to test the packages under the tree, trying to guess what might be inside them, as we looked forward to Christmas morning. One of my brothers picked up a soft package with his name, and exclaimed, “Clothes? Who’s giving me clothes?” Later, he was delighted with the sweatshirt with the University of Idaho Vandal on it.
Most of my Christmas shopping this year has been online. That adds another level of anticipation, as I await the gifts to arrive. A delivery came to our door after 7pm last night, and I’ve seen different carriers out late throughout December. Then there is the anticipation of others opening the gifts and enjoying what you chose for them.
Someone described this childlike anticipation of Christmas, this “wait” for Christmas, as what it means for us to “wait” on the Lord. The anticipation energizes us.
“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew [their] strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” ( Isaiah 40:31.)
What are you waiting for?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Most of my Christmas shopping this year has been online. That adds another level of anticipation, as I await the gifts to arrive. A delivery came to our door after 7pm last night, and I’ve seen different carriers out late throughout December. Then there is the anticipation of others opening the gifts and enjoying what you chose for them.
Someone described this childlike anticipation of Christmas, this “wait” for Christmas, as what it means for us to “wait” on the Lord. The anticipation energizes us.
“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew [their] strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” ( Isaiah 40:31.)
What are you waiting for?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers parenting seminars that focus on passing on your Christian values. Request your free report “Considerations for Intentionally Raising Children to Become Christian Adults” today at www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Deck the Halls
My daughter and I put up the Christmas tree today. The tree is full of ornaments made by the girls or given to us through the years. The top branches have the honor of holding the breakable items. The lower branches host the more durable décor, as a safeguard for inquisitive grandchildren.
Getting the tree was a family event as I grew up. We lived on a farm that included forested area along the Snake River. The whole family would trek out through the woods, looking for the perfect tree. We’d see one in the distance and then discover as we got closer, that it was two trees growing close together. We also had to be size-sensitive—a tree that looked great out in the open, might not fit in the house at all. My mother always liked a spruce with the little berries on it.
Most often, we’d top a tree. After the top was cut off, my father would leave the nicest looking top branch on the remaining tree, and saw off all other branches three feet below that. The tree would then grow another top from the branch my father left. Eight or so years later, it might be selected again for our Christmas tree.
Back at the house, we’d anchor the tree in a five-gallon bucket of dirt. Sometimes my brother would drill holes in the trunk and cleverly add branches to the inevitable bare spots. Then after the tree was positioned to everyone’s satisfaction in front of the big picture window, the decorating would begin.
The lights and the star went on first under my father’s supervision. My parents were married during World War II. They did not have enough money for tree ornaments and my father made a star out of a tin can to top their tree. That star graced our tree as long as I can remember.
After the lights were strung, my mother sat by the decorations box, putting on hangers and handing out decorations. The six of us kids would go back and forth between her and the tree until all the ornaments were hung. Then with only the tree lights glowing, we’d sit and sing Christmas carols together.
Traditions, songs and festivities go together. The Bible describes such a time for the Israelites. “You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, And gladness of heart as when one marches to {the sound of} the flute, To go to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel” (Isaiah 30:29.)
What Christmas traditions were special to you as a child?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Getting the tree was a family event as I grew up. We lived on a farm that included forested area along the Snake River. The whole family would trek out through the woods, looking for the perfect tree. We’d see one in the distance and then discover as we got closer, that it was two trees growing close together. We also had to be size-sensitive—a tree that looked great out in the open, might not fit in the house at all. My mother always liked a spruce with the little berries on it.
Most often, we’d top a tree. After the top was cut off, my father would leave the nicest looking top branch on the remaining tree, and saw off all other branches three feet below that. The tree would then grow another top from the branch my father left. Eight or so years later, it might be selected again for our Christmas tree.
Back at the house, we’d anchor the tree in a five-gallon bucket of dirt. Sometimes my brother would drill holes in the trunk and cleverly add branches to the inevitable bare spots. Then after the tree was positioned to everyone’s satisfaction in front of the big picture window, the decorating would begin.
The lights and the star went on first under my father’s supervision. My parents were married during World War II. They did not have enough money for tree ornaments and my father made a star out of a tin can to top their tree. That star graced our tree as long as I can remember.
After the lights were strung, my mother sat by the decorations box, putting on hangers and handing out decorations. The six of us kids would go back and forth between her and the tree until all the ornaments were hung. Then with only the tree lights glowing, we’d sit and sing Christmas carols together.
Traditions, songs and festivities go together. The Bible describes such a time for the Israelites. “You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, And gladness of heart as when one marches to {the sound of} the flute, To go to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel” (Isaiah 30:29.)
What Christmas traditions were special to you as a child?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, B.A., B.Mus.
Strategies and support for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Many Counselors
The temperature is hovering just above zero, and we had snow today. It was somewhat surreal driving home after dark. The road was ice-coated with snow over the top. There were ruts in the snow, which were partially filled with drifted snow. The drifts would pull the car to one side or the other, as I encountered them.
It brought to mind a conversation I’d had with my mother-in-law years ago. I was going into town in the wintertime, and she asked me which way I was going. I told her, and she said, “I don’t go that way when it’s slick. You have to stop at that intersection, and then when you turn right, it’s hard to get up that hill.” I hardly noticed the hill in summertime driving, but in the winter, it was significant. I chose a different route.
Whether it’s driving conditions or parenting, it’s good to have someone with experience to advise you. As the Bible says, “With many counselors, plans succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
Who are some of the counselors that you have had in life?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers coaching for individuals, couples, parents, teachers, and homeschoolers. http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
It brought to mind a conversation I’d had with my mother-in-law years ago. I was going into town in the wintertime, and she asked me which way I was going. I told her, and she said, “I don’t go that way when it’s slick. You have to stop at that intersection, and then when you turn right, it’s hard to get up that hill.” I hardly noticed the hill in summertime driving, but in the winter, it was significant. I chose a different route.
Whether it’s driving conditions or parenting, it’s good to have someone with experience to advise you. As the Bible says, “With many counselors, plans succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
Who are some of the counselors that you have had in life?
God bless….
Millie McNabb, founder of Christian Values Legacy, offers coaching for individuals, couples, parents, teachers, and homeschoolers. http://www.christianvalueslegacy.com./
Monday, December 15, 2008
So Choose Life
I was chauffeuring my daughter and grand-daughters to their weekly church kids club. There is a Mexican fast-food restaurant near the church where we sometimes stop for a snack. As we were driving, I said to them, “I know that you girls like to have a snack after kids club. Tonight, if you are pleasant and obedient when I come back to pick you up, we’ll stop and get a snack.”
When I picked them up, the three-year old had her shoes and coat on, along with a big smile on her face. She walked right up to me and said she was ready to go. The two-year-old, however, ran and hid when told to put on her shoes. After we got the girls in the car, my daughter and I decided that the best way to honor my offer was to split forces.
We pulled up to the restaurant, and I got the older one out of the car. I said to the younger one, “I’m sorry that you can’t go with us this time because you disobeyed. I hope that next time you will choose to obey your mother. This time you’ll have to wait here in the car with Mommy.”
God outlined the choice for the Israelites before they went into the promised land. Part of Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “…I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life….”
Share your story about children and choices.
God bless….
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
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 picked them up, the three-year old had her shoes and coat on, along with a big smile on her face. She walked right up to me and said she was ready to go. The two-year-old, however, ran and hid when told to put on her shoes. After we got the girls in the car, my daughter and I decided that the best way to honor my offer was to split forces.
We pulled up to the restaurant, and I got the older one out of the car. I said to the younger one, “I’m sorry that you can’t go with us this time because you disobeyed. I hope that next time you will choose to obey your mother. This time you’ll have to wait here in the car with Mommy.”
God outlined the choice for the Israelites before they went into the promised land. Part of Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “…I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life….”
Share your story about children and choices.
God bless….
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
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.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A Sense of Adventure
There was a prize giveaway at the mall Saturday, and our daughter was chosen to be one of twenty-five contestants. Each contestant had an opportunity to get elbow-deep in mashed potatoes and gravy, searching for numbered golf balls. After all the golf balls had been retrieved, they announced and awarded prizes that had been pre-associated with the numbers. Our daughter won hair cut certificates. The grand winner got a dirt bike, and he was ecstatic.
I remember a church Christmas party when the girls were little. The organizer asked for volunteers to perform “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This same daughter, about age 5, joined the group without hesitation. She has exhibited this sense of adventure in many ways through the years.
From an early age, our children reveal their God-given design or temperament. As parents, we want to recognize those tendencies and encourage our children to grow in the way that they are “strongly inclined” (Proverbs 22:6.)
What traits did you recognize early on in your children, and how did you encourage them in developing those traits?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
Temperament Profiles, strategies and coaching for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
I remember a church Christmas party when the girls were little. The organizer asked for volunteers to perform “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This same daughter, about age 5, joined the group without hesitation. She has exhibited this sense of adventure in many ways through the years.
From an early age, our children reveal their God-given design or temperament. As parents, we want to recognize those tendencies and encourage our children to grow in the way that they are “strongly inclined” (Proverbs 22:6.)
What traits did you recognize early on in your children, and how did you encourage them in developing those traits?
God bless…
Millie McNabb, BA, BMus
Temperament Profiles, strategies and coaching for parents who are intentionally raising children to become Christian adults. www.ChristianValuesLegacy.com
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