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by Sally Matheny
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| Bible Basics |
My last book review and giveaway in November is a board book for toddlers. The content in Bible Basics is just as robust as its construction.
The author, Danielle Hitchen, and the illustrator, Jessica Blanchard, are mothers who care about the spiritual formation of little ones. Hitchen’s book grew out of her need to find books that teach theological basics of the Christian faith to the youngest members of the family.
Bible Basics “teaches the Bible and core tenets of Christianity” using quotations mostly from the Bible (ESV) and (NIV). Also included is a quotation from St. Augustine and one from the hymn, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”
This is a meaty book. Babies and toddlers will enjoy the bright pastel illustrations while being exposed to theological concepts and six passages of scripture.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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Adoption
(Pixabay Photo) |
What's the adoption process like? I’d compare it to riding your first-ever roller coaster ride. While waiting in line, you see the process. Your desire to do it is beyond measure. But the excitement and eagerness mingles with an ever-increasing anxiety in the pit of your stomach.
In honor of Adoption Awareness Month, I shared the first part of our adoption story in my last post.
Today, I'm sharing the rest of our adoption adventure.
Just like waiting in line for a roller coaster, it helps to hear the excitement of others’ as they finish. However, ultimately, there’s no way to prepare fully for your first experience. When it’s time, you simply take a step forward, and away you go!
The First Call
Eighteen-months of waiting on a call from the adoption agency left me with ample time to wonder. Wondering how our lives would change with a new addition to the family. Wondering if we would measure up to birthparents’ expectations. Wondering if anyone would ever choose our family for their child.
The home study required for adoption is only valid for eighteen months. After our initial home study expired, we questioned if we were doing the right thing. The agency told us the eighteen months was the world’s timeline, not God’s. After much prayer, we felt at peace. We began the process of renewing the home study.
Within three weeks, a call came from the adoption agency. A birthmother wanted to meet us! The baby’s due date was only a month away. And it was a boy!
What if we had given up and not renewed our home study? The adoption agency was right. It had been the world’s timeline—not God’s.
Our meeting with the birthmother was indescribably beautiful. At first, we were all nervous, but as we began to talk, an overwhelming peace and joy filled our hearts. We shared our story with the birthmother, what led us to adoption, and how God was working through it all.
The birthmother cried as she told us we were the answer to her prayers. Life had not turned out as she’d hoped. She had made unwise decisions but was working at getting back on track.
She said the baby’s father was also struggling. She spoke with love and compassion as she spoke about him. He never had a chance to witness what a good husband or father looked like.
Even though his life was tough as a kid, he “never chose to turn things around, to work, or show responsibility” as an adult. His choices in life continued to spiral downward until, for the safety of her and the baby, she finally had to leave.
She loved the baby but there was no way she could take care of him. More than anything, she said she wanted him to have a good daddy. He would not get that if she kept him. She wanted to protect her son from negative influences, from possible harm, and place him in a loving home. Her greatest fear was that the baby would grow up resenting her. Through my tears, I assured her that as he grew, he would hear how much she loved him.
My heart was totally unprepared for this part of the adoption journey. I had been praying in general for all birthmothers making tough decisions. Up until then, my perception of our child’s birthmother had been very abstract. Now, she had a face, a name, and a personality. Best of all, she had an enormous heart of love.
As we all sat in a circle, the adoption counselor asked my husband to close our meeting in prayer. I was sitting beside the birthmother. I asked if we could all hold hands. I desperately wanted to hold the hand of this precious woman. A woman who loved her son so much she would part with him in order to provide for him.
As my husband prayed aloud, I prayed additional, silent prayers for this woman. I prayed for God to protect her health, her mind, and her heart in the days ahead.
We hugged and cried some more before leaving. But the smiles on our faces showed the evidence of God’s presence.
There was still the challenge of getting the birthfather’s consent. With every passing week, I continually asked God to calm my nerves. There was nothing we could do but trust God with the outcome.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| Students with Bibles |
The effect of supporting “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” is greater than you think.
There are 195 independent countries in the world, plus approximately 60 dependent areas and five disputed territories.
According to Open Doors USA, the following countries are where Christians endure the most severe persecution for their faith:
1. North Korea
2. Iraq
3. Eritrea
4. Afghanistan
5. Syria
6. Pakistan
7. Somalia
8. Sudan
9. Iran
10. Libya
Bibles in their native languages are banned in many of these countries. Persecution includes oppression, imprisonment, and death. While we sympathize, many of us choose to isolate ourselves from the terrors abroad. Those countries are far away from us.
Guess which country ranked #40 on the list for persecuting Christians?
Our next-door neighbor, Mexico.
But, what does all that have to do with our country and Bring Your Bible to School Day?
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| Book Review: All Due Respect |
Nina Roesner, the executive director of Greater Impact Ministries, Inc. has teamed up with co-worker, Debbie Hitchcock, to write With All Due Respect:40 Days to a More Fulfilling Relationship with Your Teens & Tweens.
I’ll be giving away a copy to one of you readers this week!
There's something for everyone for a variety of topics are covered. A sampling of the forty chapter titles are:
Communicate Respect Early
Take Care of the Temple
Use Humor When Things Get Hot
Be True to Your Word
Coach Your Kids on Navigating Conflict
Separate Your Identity
Two of my favorites are Talk Your Kids Through Disappointment, and Deal With the Person Before the Issue.
While I appreciate the one or two scriptures at the beginning of each chapter, I don’t think the overall content is “scripturally saturated” as stated in the beginning of the book.
However, the content is good, and written with a Christian worldview.
Each chapter opens up with a scene illustrating some type of situation or problem. The authors use the dialogue between characters as a tool to teach parents how to respond in certain situations. In some parts, the dialogue sounds like it’s coming from a Christian psychologist more than a parent, but nonetheless, it’s helpful. Each chapter closes with a prayer for the parent.
This book is not a Bible study. But rather a resource for parents, specifically moms, on how to communicate effectively with their tweens and teens during life’s stressful moments.
During those difficult times, if you struggle with controlling your emotions, speaking before thinking, or acting rashly, this book will challenge you to pause and pray first. Then, it gives you a springboard of ideas on how to offer guidance as you begin a healthy conversation.
Want to win this book?
Every person who has subscribed to this blog, or is following it by email, will have their name entered into the drawing. If you’re already doing one of those, you don’t need to do anything at all.
Otherwise, you can find the “Subscribe to” button and the “Follow by Email” section over there to your right. Thanks and I can’t wait to see who wins. I’ll announce the winner on Oct. 3, 2016.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
by Sally Matheny
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| photo by Sally Matheny |
Martin Luther King, Jr. gave an intriguing perspective on the story of the Good Samaritan. He said, “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was, ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But the Good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”
Have you ever considered the Good Samaritan as a first responder? He wasn’t certified, emergency personnel. The priest in the story certainly wasn’t like NYFD chaplain, Father Mychal Judge, who went to assist those in need when the World Trade Center was attacked.
Due to the terrorists’ assaults on September 11, 2001, almost 3,000 people died. That death toll included over 400 first responders, including Father Judge, who came to the rescue.
While people poured out to escape the towers, the first responders charged in. Pushing through heavy smoke and ash, they sought out those in need.
Why?
Why would anyone risk their life for a stranger? Why endanger your future with your spouse, your children, and your life dreams in order to preserve the future of a stranger?
Intense training helps America’s emergency personnel, fire fighters, police officers and military service members. They are the best first responders when physical danger looms. They have my utmost respect and appreciation.
However, we hear about other kinds of first responders, when rare moments arise and an immediate action is necessary. People pull victims to safety and thwart evil schemes.They step up and speak up.
Some people bravely spring into action while others hang back. Why?
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Practice compassion.
Pixabay photo |
Are certain people born with a natural tendency towards empathy? I’m sure a thousand scientific studies have already been conducted concerning the topic.
One thing for sure, we’re all born with a selfish nature.
And we all experience fear.
So, why do some people stop and help, like the Good Samaritan, and others pass by?
It’s obvious when we hang back, it‘s due to some type of fear. Fear of pain, rejection, or the cost of time, money, and emotional involvement.
Some researchers suggest the ones who act, usually grew up taking part in activities which involved empathy. As children, they may have had opportunities to serve in the community, work at shelters, or watched parents be a voice for the oppressed.
If children are encouraged to do the right thing, and to help those less fortunate, then they are more likely to continue to do those things as adults.
On the other hand, if children grow up where everything is centered on their desires and comfort, then it makes sense that they will avoid anything contrary to that.
Sometimes, to do the right thing as a parent, we have to face our own fears of pain, rejection, time & emotional involvement.
Are we willing stop and tend to our children’s hearts, instead of gliding by, hoping they pick up assistance from someone else? Because someone else may teach how to do good things without adding the Reason why we do them. Someone else may add agendas to pollute the heart instead of allowing God’s Word to purify it. Even worse, there may not be anyone willing to stop at all. Too late, we realize what we had hoped would happen “naturally,” or under someone else’s care, did not happen at all.
Are we brave enough to set an example for our kids by lovingly speaking the truth of God’s Word rather than agreeing with a world that contradicts it?
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| photo by Sally Matheny |
God, help us to be the first responders to our children’s spiritual training. Strengthen us to stand firm on your perfect, Holy Word. By Your grace and mercy, help us raise our children to be God-fearing, yet fearless of the world. Help us instill in them a love for all your people. To be first responders for those in need, especially those in need of You. Amen.
Have you ever had a child who wanted to do something, but he was just too shy or scared to do it?
Our family decided to participate in a one-day community outreach event at a local laundry facility. Our eleven-year-old son expressed apprehension about his involvement. Although amiable, he’s shy with strangers—especially adults.
At first, he eagerly looked forward to the event. Then, as the event drew near, he tried to find reasons to be excused.
Unfortunately, there have been too many times when I’ve kept him within his comfort zone. It was time to do brave things. Since he is a Christian, I appealed to his heart.
I reminded him how lost people are without Jesus, and how Jesus wants us to share His love with others. I assured him it’s normal to be nervous. Even adults are a little uneasy when encountering new situations. Together, we prayed for God to give us courage and wisdom.
Then, we talked about things he could do that did not require a lot of talking.
Smile, make eye contact, and say “hi."
Open the door for people.
Offer to help carry laundry.
Offer a Christian magazine, Bible, or gospel tract to someone.
Suggest quietly playing with young children while waiting on their laundry.
Offer a bottle of cold water to someone.
After we practiced how we would say and do these things, our son felt more comfortable.
Once we arrived at the laundry facility, I didn't push him, but simply allowed him to observe how the mission team members interacted with the patrons. I was proud of him for just being there and showing support. He was the only team member under the age of 45.
However, he quickly caught the purpose-driven enthusiasm from the others, and set in doing everything we had practiced. He even helped children to and from their cars by holding an umbrella for them in pouring rain.
At the end of the night, my heart melted when he asked if our family could continue a monthly ministry at the laundry facility.
I’m thankful we had a good experience that night. While our son is capable of showing God’s love through service, he is not quite ready to share the gospel with someone. But he’ll get there. It takes time and practice—, which means we need to continue creating opportunities for him to watch and learn.
To be honest, there are many times, I’m not comfortable sharing Christ with strangers, either. I like building a relationship with someone first and then having those important conversations. Yet, there are many people whom we only meet once.
Not every experience will be a good one. We may encounter indifference, resentment, or anger. However, each time, we will learn how to express more effectively, what we believe. All we can do is share what Jesus means to us. The rest is in God’s hands.
Sadly, I’ve missed a multitude of opportunities to share the hope of Christ because I’ve stayed within my comfort zone. Not even sharing Jesus with some friends and family.
But I can’t bear to think of anyone suffering through this life without Him, someone not living an abundant life full of joy, or drawing strength and true peace from the only One who can give them.
My husband and I want to grow stronger and more courageous in the Lord. We want to raise our kids to be strong and courageous Christians boldly sharing the love of Jesus.
The funny thing is it scares me to ask for God's help to grow strong and courageous! I’m afraid what opportunities He will provide to stretch me out of my comfort zone. I like easy comfort. He may ask me to do hard things—things I know I can’t do.
Ah. And there it is.
Strength and courage will not come when we always stick to the things we know we can do. The only way to grow strong and courageous is to stretch beyond our perceived capabilities, and have faith in His.
by Sally Matheny
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Do your Sunday mornings roll in with waves of whines
and crashes of grumbles? |
If you’re one of those parents who has it altogether on Sunday mornings, whose kids eagerly jump out of bed, and sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy” all the way to church—this post is not for you.
However, if your Sunday mornings roll in with waves of whines and crashes of grumbles—read on, dear friend.
Like grains of sand swirling about in the ocean, parents long for peace. But are we encouraging our families to settle for less than they should?
Here are three things parents should avoid, followed by some tips to help you get more out of your Sundays.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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Want to Know How to Be a Great Dad?
Pull Up a Chair. |
You wouldn’t think something as simple as a chair would have a profound effect on parenting. But it does.
A well-placed and well-used chair can make all the difference. At least, it did for us. In our home, there was a special chair where my husband hung out and learned to be a great dad.
After our second daughter came along, he earned the title, “Bedtime Miester.” Each night, the girls shouted over the hair dryer, “Daddy, pretend we…” and the evening’s adventure plan unfolded.
They giggled at their Daddy’s funny antics and became mesmerized by his bedtime stories. Until finally he said, “enough is enough. Time to go to sleep.”
But it wasn’t enough.
They had to be rocked. Yes. Yes, they did.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| How Should We Prepare Our Children for War? |
Regardless of where we stand on the issue of the military draft, it is the law that our sons, and possibly soon, even our daughters, register with the Selective Service when they turn eighteen years old.
Very few want or expect a military draft to occur. But what if…
What if a time came when we were informed that our children would definitely serve in the military? Some of us would have years to prepare, some would have only days.
My son is a few years shy of becoming a teenager. One day he will have to register with the Selective Service. It’s something I prefer not to think about. And yet, if I knew for a fact he would be called up in less than ten years, how would I prepare him for war?
Read more »
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| Jesus Today |
Our eleven-year-old son enjoys reading from this book for his morning devotion. However, my husband and I receive refreshing encouragement from this adaptation of Sarah Young’s ECPA 2013 Christian Book of the Year, Jesus Today.
The 368-page book contains 150 devotions. Each devotion, approximately 200 words in length, is presented on a left page followed by three or four corresponding scriptures on the right page.
I love the way Young writes—as if Jesus is talking to the reader. I have to give credit to Tama Fortner who adapted the book for younger readers. She does a great job presenting the devotions in a simple and easy to understand manner. Yet, the devotions are not watered down. They remain quite meaty.
An example of this is in the following excerpt from devotion #141, Leave Room for Mystery.
“… My ways are often a mystery to you—like why bad things happen to good people, or good things happen to bad people. You wish you could always know what I’m thinking, but your knowledge only goes so far.”
“… When there is something you can’t make sense of, trust Me—and trust that there are some things too wonderful for you to know.”
This devotion is followed by 1 Timothy 3:16, Job 1:20-22, and Job 42:3. These are wonderful things to ponder and discuss, right?
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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Pretending to be a Princess Bride
Photo by Pixaby |
Is there a little princess twirling through your home? Perhaps she has difficulty choosing a wedding gown from the half-dozen glittering dresses in her closet. Days are filled with delightful giggles bubbling out as she waves from the top of the sofa...I mean, her horse-drawn, glass carriage. And you breathe in the moments.
Then reality hits. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you wonder if you'll be able to make that future fairy tale wedding come true. Whether she's two or twelve, begin preparing your daughter now for her wedding day.
The average cost of a wedding in the United States is around $30,000 according to valuepenguin.com. Manhattan, New York weddings average a skyrocketing $88,000 and Mississippi marriages glide around $13,000. Weddings in my home state of North Carolina typically fly around $28,000 but not so for my family.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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Strong and Courageous
Photo by pixaby.com |
Often, we hear heartbreaking stories of youth, raised in Christian homes, choosing to walk away from the Truth of Jesus Christ.
It’s frightening.
As Christian parents, we find it difficult to contemplate the possibility of our children living, and dying, without the hope, the peace, and the eternal joy that comes only through Christ.
What can parents do when the Enemy silently creeps into our children’s lives and captivates their attention with lies and deception? What can we do to help them avoid unnecessary distress in their futures?
Read more »
by Andrea Merrell
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| How Do I Prodigal-Proof My Child? |
The number of prodigals in our society has risen to epidemic proportions. According to recent statistics, eighty-eight percent of children raised in an evangelical Christian home will leave the church by the age of eighteen. Most will turn away from authority, parental values, and biblical teaching, losing their potential, their health, and their destiny—sometimes even their life.
Without exception, everywhere I go I meet someone in the middle of a crisis with either one or more of their children. These are the questions I am most often asked:
* Is there hope?
* What can I do in the meantime?
* Is there a way to prevent this from happening to my younger children?
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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Praying for the Prodigal
by Andrea Merrell |
Do you have a wayward child? Perhaps one that grew up attending church, yet later walked away from his faith? Praying for the Prodigal is a book that offers spiritual encouragement as well as practical advice. And, who better to write this book than the mother of a prodigal son and a prodigal daughter.
Andrea Merrell shares heartbreaking stories of her teens spiraling down dangerous paths. They became distant, not sharing where they were or whom they were with, even to the point of not coming home at all. Between the time spent in the magistrate’s office and the hospitals, Andrea and her husband were carrying heavy burdens—financial, emotional, and spiritual.
She also shares the difficulties she and her husband had of carrying those burdens alone--secretly from friends. Andrea says, “If I learned anything in those dark days, it is that God is loving and faithful. His Word is true and prayer works.”
Thirty prayers, accompanied by scripture, provide parents a guide to get them started. Practical advice is offered, including how to set boundaries, how to stay calm, as well as a helpful parent-survival checklist.
At the end of the book, the prodigals, who finally returned home and to the Lord, share their thoughts and suggestions.
This is a book that every parent would benefit from reading. It will impart wisdom to those just beginning their parenting journey and offer hope to those who are waiting on their prodigals to return.
This week, I have a special, two-part post. Andrea Merrell, the author of Praying for the Prodigal, kindly accepted my invitation to guest post on my blog. Please be sure to check back tomorrow to read Andrea's wonderful post, "How Can I Prodigal-Proof my Child?"
by Sally Matheny
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| Believe Book Review |
My husband and I recently finished reading with our eleven-year-old son the kids’ edition of Believe, edited by Randy Frazee. We read one of the thirty chapters each night. The first ten chapters are about key beliefs of the Christian life. The second ten chapters talk about key practices of the Christian life. And the final ten chapters contain the key virtues of the Christian life.
Each chapter begins by asking the reader a key question to ponder. It then presents a key idea and a key verse. Also, there is a Think About It section before the introduction. Then, actual scripture (NIV) from the Old and New Testaments, present the core truths, followed by three discussion questions.
We truly enjoyed reading this book together. It held my son’s attention with its short excerpts from the Bible. There are blue and white illustrations on almost every other page. The book isn't watered down or fluffed up! It was pure scripture, with a thought to ponder before reading, followed by three great discussion questions. These questions often generated further conversations with our son.
There are versions of this book for ages 4-8, 8-12 (which is the one we read), 13- 18, and one for adults. In a year or two, I’d love to get the teen version for our son. Several years ago, he made a decision to follow Jesus Christ. We aim to train, nurture and equip him for his journey. Believe is an ironclad tool that will enhance his understanding of the Sword of Truth and how to apply it.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| Does Homeschooling Produce Super Kids? |
When I first considered homeschooling over sixteen years ago, the only homeschoolers I knew were the ones I saw on television or read about in newspapers. They won National Spelling Bees, Geography Bees, and Science Exhibitions. They were musical geniuses and artistic prodigies.
I panicked. If I homeschooled, would I be expected to produce a Super-Kid? Me? The one who struggled with math from kindergarten through college? Even though I earned a Master’s degree in Education, I figured I was capable of teaching my children through fifth grade—sixth grade, tops.
It’s thrilling to see homeschoolers win national competitions. You may not recognize the winners’ names of the spelling and geography bees but you may recognize these former homeschoolers: Claude Monet, C.S. Lewis, Carl Sandburg, Beatrix Potter, Noah Webster, Booker T. Washington, Amelia Earhart, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Andrew Carnegie, Dave Thomas, Bethany Hamilton, Tim Tebow, Verena and Serena Williams. This is just a small sampling. You can find an extensive list of well-known people who were homeschooled at some point at http://www.famoushomeschoolers.net/.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| Homeschooling: Answering Your Questions |
Almost 2 million students were homeschooled in the United States during 2002-2003.*
Home education has constantly grown over the last two decades. The growth rate is 7% to 15% per year, according to Dr. Brian Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute (Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling).
Are you considering homeschooling?
After sixteen years of homeschooling, I meet a great deal of people who have concerns. Many people long to teach their children (and even grandchildren) at home but they have fears of inadequacy.
I want to encourage you today by answering more of your questions and providing you with a list of helpful resources.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| Homeschooling |
All parents are teachers. Every day we teach our children through the choices we make with our words, actions, and attitudes. God gives us golden opportunities every day.
Some parents recognize certain needs in their children. We want to guide and equip them to successfully find answers for those needs. We see mountains of magnificent knowledge and breathtaking journeys to discover. We need more time to do that so we choose to homeschool.
The purpose of this blog is to offer encouragement for Christian living—as we reflect on ordinary life under God’s extraordinary Light. I don’t usually blog about homeschooling. However, many of you send me questions. Some are seriously considering homeschooling but are apprehensive. You are the ones I want to encourage today.
In addition, perhaps this post will enlighten those who think homeschooling is for weird people. No worries—that’s what I used to think.
This is part one of a three part series. Below are a few questions I receive on a regular basis. If you have additional questions, I’d love to hear from you.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
A perfect mother has never existed.Nonetheless, God has the ability to use mothers, through their strengths and their weaknesses. There are valuable life lessons to learn, if we are willing.
Take Eve, for example. She was the first woman and the first mother. There are pros and cons to that. She didn’t have anyone to compare herself to, but also she didn’t have a mother or a mother-in-law she could call on for help or advice.
Eve gave birth without the help of a doctor or even a mid-wife. Can you imagine what the very first birth must have been like?
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| A Father's Love |
It's time for a book review and giveaway! Be sure to read below how to enter for the drawing.
I’m so glad Zonderkidz is publishing I Can Read! books like A Father’s Love, part of the NIV Adventure Bible series.
A Father’s Loveis a level 2 book, which means it is a high interest story for developing readers.
The full-page, colorful illustrations are beautiful. Most of the thirty-two pages contain thirty words or less. Sentences are broken up into about ten words per line. The print is large and easy to read.
Of course, this is the familiar story Jesus told about a father and his sons. One son leaves his father and squanders his inheritance until he is eating with pigs. He decides to go home and ask for his father’s forgiveness. If you haven’t heard the story, I’ll not tell you the ending, but I will tell you that not everyone is happy to see the prodigal son.
This is a great story to share with youngsters. Most first – third grade students will find the text within their reading range.
A Father’s Love will open up discussions on responsibility, forgiveness, jealousy, and acceptance.
I highly recommend this well-written and beautifully illustrated book.
In fact, I plan to give a copy of this book away this week. Everyone who leaves a comment below will have their name placed in a drawing for the book. We’ll announce the winner at 3:00 p.m. (EST) March 7, 2015.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
by Sally Matheny
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| Bullies Are No Longer Sweethearts |
What happened to the sweetheart bullies? No, they’re not a famous gang of outlaws from the wild, Wild West. Nor are they a rock band from the sixties.
While doing research about bullies, I ran across the origin and history of the word, bully.
Apparently, bullyoriginated in the early 1500’s and was another term for sweetheart. Wow. Either pickings were slim back in the 1500’s or the meaning of the word depreciated.
Indeed, the word bullyhas traveled the rendition roller coaster from positive to negative on several occasions.
In the year 2015, Dictionary.com defines a bully as a "blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people."
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people worked together to bring about a change of heart in those bullies?
Ministry-to-Children.com offers three great posts dealing with this topic from a Christian worldview:
and Ten Ways Your [Children’s] Ministry Can Help
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Ethan Blecher Braves a Bully
by Chris Pedersen |
One book that should be added to these lists is the recently published book, Ethan Blecher Braves a Bully, by Chris Pedersen. It is a charming book, written
with a Christian worldview, about a young boy and his dilemmas with a bully at school. Opportunities arise throughout the story for Ethan’s growth in wisdom, courage, and faith.
The author, Chris Pedersen, has kindly donated a book to give away to one of my blog readers. Enter the giveaway (begins 1/13/15) and Rafflecopter will randomly choose a winner next week.
Bullymay never mean "sweetheart" again. But you can be a sweetheart by helping to put a stop to bullying.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
by Sally Matheny
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| Celebrating the Top 2014 Blog Posts |
First, I pray you all have a joyful and blessed new year.
Have you spent time pondering on this past year?
It helps me to reflect on blog posts of the past year. I check out the stats to see what topics readers connected with the most.
Here is a countdown of the ten most popular blog posts written in 2014:
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
Once upon a time, there were parents who wished upon every shooting star for their kids to turn out okay. Shiny pennies were tossed into fountains and wishbones pulled, in hopes that their children would grow up to be joyful and productive citizens of the land. Imagine the parents’ sorrow and dismay when they did not.
Is this your family’s philosophy? Are you sure? Check out these 10 clues to see if your family’s faith is like a fairy tale:
1. Your children have no idea where the location of their Bibles. However, you keep your copy under the seat in the car, just in case you need it one Sunday.
2. A Bible isn’t used at home for individual study or for a family time of devotions.
3. Someone says a blessing before meals, but only when company is present.
4. The only time you pray with your kids is at bedtime—when you remember—and actually, that’s your child praying her usual list.
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| Is Your Family's Faith Like a Fairy Tale? |
5. At Christmas, discussions are mainly about being good for Santa and about presents. At Easter, the focus is more about emptying a plastic egg than the miracle of Christ’s empty tomb.
6. Quite often, your family chooses to attend to many things on Sunday, except church.
7. When you do attend church, you focus more on what’s in it for you than how you can serve others.
8. At home, there is more talk about reality shows than the reality of God, His love, and His will for your lives.
9. When sin occurs in your home it is often justified rather than dealt with it in a just manner.
10. Family members’ speech and behaviors are vastly different outside the church walls.
The true story is families are not living in a fairy tale world. God is real. And so is Satan. We can’t live out our days haphazardly, hoping our sons eventually turn into knightly men and our daughters don’t become damsels in distress.
We live in a sinful world. How are you strengthening your family for spiritual battle? A fairy godmother is not going to show up and make your troubles disappear with the wave of a wand. It requires standing firmly on faith and living by the Sword of Truth. Gather your family and get back to basic training. Actively participate in a church that teaches and practices God’s Holy Word. Make your testimony real to your children.
You either make-believe or you do believe in Jesus Christ. One belief leads to chaos and the other leads to a joyfully ever after.
by Sally Matheny
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| Take Your Family on a Mission Trip! |
In making your summer plans, have you considered a family mission trip?
A trip planned for serving others, rather than ourselves, puts our faith into action. When we practice sacrificial giving and serving, our faith grows. Flexibility and working as a team strengthens the family. Leaning to trust God with the details, and most of all, the results of our efforts, trains us for further service.
If you choose to adventure on a mission trip, here are a few helpful tips on how to prepare your children.
Prayer
Essential for a successful trip, with all its details and decisions, is earnest prayer. Through prayer and discussion, focus on the purpose of the trip. Remind one another of the Great Commission and everyone’s need for Christ. Pray continually for the people your family will serve. Every detail—the victories and the snags—are entrusted to God.
Bible Study
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Share scriptures on serving
others. |
During family devotion times, include scriptures on serving others. Regularly share with one another how God is working in your life and it will become easier to conduct these same conversations with those outside of your home. Give older children opportunities to practice sharing their faith in a comfortable environment before stretching beyond their comfort zones. Remind the family of how God works through our weaknesses. Recall Moses, Paul, and people of today who have reached others through the power of God. God enables ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Destination
Whether it is within or outside the United States, research the culture of the area you will serve. Host a special family night. Serve foods commonly served there. Watch a movie or read a book about the area.
Show your children the destination on a map. If possible, let them highlight your travel route and allow them to take this map on the trip.
Discuss how this is not a vacation. It’s not all about our comfort and pleasure. While there will be fun moments, the focus is on the mission.
Packing
Allow children to help with some of the packing. If there is a required packing list, let children help check off items. Give them choices, when possible—even if it’s between two colors of shirts. This will be another opportunity for children (and parents!) to practice flexibility and sacrifice.
Will you be taking items to the people you will be serving? This may be Bibles, VBS materials, candy, or other supplies. Enlist the help of your children in collecting and packing the items.
Traveling
Pack a backpack of items to keep your child entertained during travel. Consider small toys, card games, art supplies and snacks. Pull out that map with the highlighted travel route. Allow children to trace over the line as the trip progresses, circling areas of interest.
Help them collect mementos at each stop. Collect items such as tree leaves, area information from free brochures, and camera shots. When you return home, these can be transferred to a scrapbook or lap book.
Encourage children to share these with family and friends as a way of testifying to God’s goodness on the trip.
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| Befriending another child is ministry. |
Serving
If possible, plan service opportunities that include each member of your family. Running errands, assisting with laundry or just befriending another child are areas of ministry. Stress how God uses all things (big and little) for His glory.
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| Serve with a humble spirit. |
Remind your children they are there to serve others and how to do that in a way pleasing to God. Perhaps role-play appropriate and inappropriate ways (ex. with humbleness and with haughtiness). Also, remember to include Jesus. Repairing a roof for someone benefits him now, but sharing Jesus Christ with him offers eternal rewards. Be intentional and pray for opportunities to witness about Christ’s love.
Spiritual Warfare
If your children are old enough to understand good and evil, then they will understand that obstacles and difficulties will arise. Discuss the importance of prayer, staying in the Word, and not giving in when difficulties arise. Before the trip, talk about possible trials and temptations and how the family can help each other.
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Testing comes when the unexpected
occurs. |
Testing comes when the unexpected occurs. Understand that the spiritually maturity levels vary in each family. Teach by example by showing the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Although no one wants difficulties, they produce a wonderful time to grow in our faith.
Zeal
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| Never lacking in zeal. |
Let your love and enthusiasm for the Lord overflow to your children. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:10-12 (NIV)
Excited about planning your next family trip? Below are a few links to get you started!
Has your family ventured on a mission trip together? Share with us your helpful tips!
by Sally Matheny Many women long for their husbands to lead their families spiritually. Although they are Christians, many men struggle in this area. Perhaps they are new Christians or did not have a Christian father role model when they were younger.
Whatever the reason, moms should not assume the full responsibility of the spiritual training of their children. What are moms to do, then? Here are three ways to help Dad become the spiritual leader of the home.
Dub Him as the Bedtime Chieftain
If you have young children, ask your husband if he’ll be in charge of reading one or two stories to the children each night. Buy or borrow age appropriate books depicting truths from the Bible. These are often found inexpensively at dollar stores, thrift stores, and yard sales. As your children’s attention spans grow, gradually move to Christian devotion books and children’s Bibles with easy to understand language. The earlier you start this bedtime tradition the better. The books will spur conversations about God and your children will treasure this special time with Dad.
Promote Popcorn Prayers
Perhaps your husband isn’t comfortable praying aloud. At meal times, why not suggest a popcorn prayer. This is a great way to involve the whole family. Each person will say one word or sentence. It may begin by each person thanking God for one thing. After each member has “popped” up and prayed, another topic may begin such as asking for God’s help with a certain matter. Over time, family members grow more comfortable with praying—including Dad, and prayers flow more freely. Direct Them to Dad’s Counsel
Family dynamics vary. Sometimes children seek out Mom more than Dad on things close to their hearts—whether it’s fears, disappointments, or loves. It’s an honor when children seek out and trust their moms with their deepest thoughts. It’s good to have those special times; however, these are also great opportunities for you to direct them to Dad’s counsel.
Mom, look for occasions when you can direct your child towards his father for guidance. Even if you know an appropriate response, perhaps say something like, “I know how much this meant to you. Something similar happened to your dad once. Let’s go talk to him and see what he says.”
Or, counsel your child if the need is immediate but later share with your husband what took place. Suggest he talk with the child and vice versa. Provide opportunities for your husband to encourage the children.
Will he get it right every time? No. Like everything else, spiritual leadership improves with practice.
One of the best things a wife can do for her husband is to pray for him. Show respect and appreciation as he learns from God and grows into his role. Cheer your husband on to be strong and courageous as he pursues God’s will.
As a bonus, here are two websites listing helpful books for dads on Christian parenting:
Two Websites with lists of helpful books for dads on Christian parenting are
Also, Focus on the Family has a blog for dads by dads:
Share with us. How do you encourage your husband as the spiritual leader of your family?
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