Skype Baby Shower

Here is an interesting way to have a ladies meeting.  A Skype Baby Shower!   Below is basically what we did at our church to get this idea rolling before the actual meeting.

Surprise Skype Shower

For our first ladies meeting of this year we will be doing something a little different. One of our missionary ladies is expecting her first child in November and we would like to have a surprise shower for her. Here is more information-

**Please read before purchasing a gift. **

How:    1) This will be a unique shower because Joanna will actually be in France when we have the shower. We are planning on collecting the gifts by August 21st so we will have time to prepare the package for shipping and have the “shower in a box” delivered to her before the shower. Then the day of the shower we will have the computers ready and we will be using skype for her to be a part of the shower. She will be able to open her gifts in front of everyone and she will be able to see/hear everything going on at the shower, i.e.: games, devotional, etc. In the event that something goes wrong with skype or computers, we will still go ahead with the shower and video it for her.

    2) If you would like to purchase her a gift, we ask that you use the registry we have created for her at Wal-Mart. We have talked with her husband to see what some of their needs would be and also we have calculated the size and weight of various items to make sure the box is the right size for shipping. After you have purchased the gift, please wrap tightly with paper (no gift bags please to conserve space) and place the gift in the bin marked “Skype shower” by Sunday, August 21, 2011. *Also, if you feel there is a lot of unnecessary packaging/hangers/boxes, please remove extra packaging/cardboard to conserve weight and space in the box we will be shipping-you can still cut out and include care instructions, etc.

3) If there happens to be nothing left on the registry, cash is a welcome gift. It is fine also if you would just prefer to give cash. *If you do give cash in a card, please give it to E. L. or S. E. personally-please do not place cards with cash in the gift bin. Also, do not seal the envelope. We will note on the card how much was given and all cash will be sent directly to BIMI. This will enable them to receive the money through their account and they will not have to exchange the money.

When:     September 10, 2001 @ 10:00 A.M.
Where:    Maranatha Baptist Church
        413 Polkville Road
        Shelby, NC     28150
Questions:     If you have any questions, please call E. L. . or S. E.

This ideas actually went very well.  The ladies were very cooperative,  shopped for their gifts from the list,  and gave their money gifts to be sent to the mission.  We had a volunteer to pack the box, who likes to do that sort of thing.  The box was packed and shipped in time to get to France before the shower.  Since this was a surprise, it was told the guest of honor that she would be skyping with a friend and that the box was from this friend who wanted to watch her open it.  So they set up a time to Skype which was actually the time we had set for the actual shower. 

We were blessed to have some techie people in our church who were able to get us some equipment for seeing and hearing Joanna better.  So we as an audience could all see and hear her at the same time.  One of our techie people spend quite a bit of time setting things up to make sure we had a good connection.  This in itself was a great blessing. 

The order of our shower was very similar to a regular baby shower:

• Connect with our friends on line.  At first she was only aware of one friend talking to her and then the camera was turned on the audience.
• As we talked with Joanna, we had someone in charge of games who led the games just as in a normal shower while Joanna watched an chatted with us.
• A devotional was also given and addressed to Joanna
• Joanna then opened her box and unwrapped all her gifts in front of the camera
• At the end, anyone who wanted, could face the camera and talk to Joanna personally
• A light lunch was served and video was taken of this part to be sent to Joanna.  We also included a few goodies and favors in Joanna’s box.

It was really a blessed time and such and encouragement to Joanna who was far away in another country, expecting her first baby, learning a new language and getting over culture shock.  She too in turn was a great blessing to us.

Below is a copy of the devotional given by Michelle Beal, wife of the president of Ambassador Baptist College. After that is a video and a slide show of the shower.  This is a great idea for anyone and could be adapted for just about any theme.

SHEPERDING AS PARENTS

When I was expecting Karis, we were in a revival meeting in Tennessee.  A really sweet lady in the church took A. Smith and myself out to a Tea Room for lunch.  We had a great time with her.  Upon leaving the meeting, she gave us a basket full of gifts for our family.  she even included a gift for our unborn baby, which was a little stuffed lamb that played Jesus Loves Me.  I immediately fell in love with it.  A short time later one of our sons was playing with it and broke the wind up part.  I was not too happy about it, but there was nothing I could do to fix it.  I tried to find another one just like it but to no avail.

Have you ever noticed in gift shops when you come to the baby section there is usually a lamb somewhere in the mix?  I wonder if it has to do with the connection of the Bible referring to us as sheep. Isaiah 53:6 says  All we like sheep have gone astray;  Throughout Scripture we will find different verses where the Lord makes references to us as being His sheep and He the great Shepherd.  The Lord has blessed you, Joanna (the one this devotional was referring to, since we were doing the Skype shower for her), with a little lady lamb.  You and Brenson, as parents will be playing a role as shepherd in her life.  After preparing this devotion, the Lord brought to mind a book written called Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp.  As a parent our role is like that of a shepherd so here are some thoughts on shepherding.

One of the very first things that you will do as a mother if not the first thing, is FEED your little lamb.  If you are planning to nurse, this is one of the very first things that the doctor will encourage you to do right away.  In those first few weeks you will feel like that is all that you are getting done, but as she gets older it will take less of your time.  You will find it important to feed her what is healthy and what is the best thing for her.  As she grows and matures, you will not only give her physical food but also spiritual food.  As mothers we need to be careful about what we let our children graze on.

When I was in college I did a research paper on sheep and found some interesting facts about their make up.  Psalm 23, The Great Shepherd Psalm tells us that He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; It is almost impossible to make a sheep lie down.  They must be free from fear, friction with others, pest, and hunger.  The same is true of us as Christians.  Do you find it hard to lie down and sleep if you are afraid,  or you are at odds with someone, if you have a pest zizzing around your room, or if you are hungry?  Your little lamb will not want to sleep if she is hungry.

Another aspect of your shepherding will involve LEADING.  The shepherd leads beside still waters and in the paths of righteousness.  The shepherd understands the needs of His sheep.  When thirsty they become restless and search for water.  He knows that rushing water scares them.  He will make sure that they get early morning grazing because the dew is the best source.  He also leads in paths of righteousness.  How are you as the parent going to know how to lead?   By being in the Bible. Joshua 1:8  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

As shepherd your role will also involve DISCIPLINING.  The shepherd carried a rod and a staff.  These instruments were used for authority, defense, governing, and ruling.  The shepherd must sometimes shear the sheep which is not a pleasant process.  Your little lamb must know who her authority is.  She must be taught to obey at an early age.  A great deal of your time in the early years will be spent in disciplining.  Proverbs tells us to chasten our son while there is hope, to not withhold correction, to spare not the rod, but that the rod and reproof give wisdom.  They need to know up front what results in an automatic punishment, such as lying, disrespect, and direct disobedience.  As your children grow there will be other methods of discipline.  Part of disciplining is knowing your child.  Jesus said in  John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: What may work for one child may not work for another.  Just as sheep know the voice of their shepherd your baby girl probably already know your voice and Brenson’s voice, for that matter.  Not only will she know your voice, but she will also follow you.  Much of what they learn is by example and that can be scary.  Our children are really little imitations of us.

Another role of your shepherding involves PROTECTING.  There are wolves out there that would like to snatch our little lambs up.  We have to protect them by TEACHING them.  Deuteronomy 6:7  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  When you are busy with all your daily tasks of cooking, cleaning, laundering, bathing, shopping, and whatever else the Lord puts in your path, teaching should be at the core of everyone of them.  Talk to them, listen to them, and teach them at every given opportunity.

And lastly, your role as shepherd involves loving and caring for your little lamb.  Bumps and bruises are all a part of growing up.  When a child gets hurt or they are sick, most of the time they want Mommy.  Mommy knows how to give that loving touch, and the kiss that makes it all better.  They will fall down and get hurt and sometimes these falls are worse than others, and we have to be there for our children to pick them up and comfort them.  Sometimes, a shepherd would have to carry a sheep back to the sheepfold, over his shoulders.  As your children grown and mature, their hurts become very real to them.  Aren’t you glad that we have a Great Shepherd that loves and cares for us, picks us up when we fall and heals all those wounds?  1 Peter 5:7  … He careth for you.

When you are feeling overwhelmed with your shepherding, and there will be days you will feel that way, take heart and look to our Great Shepherd and Lamb of God.

Five Principles of Discipline

Five Principles of Discipline

1. Be an example of what you intend to teach.  I Tim. 4:12; I Cor. 11:1
2. Demonstrate love before correction.  do not combine praise and blame.  The more you praise your sons and daughters the less you need to discipline them.  Heb. 12:6
3. Train your child to seek your approval and to delight in wisdom.  Prov. 10:1
4. Establish goals and limitations.  Heb. 12:8

• Limitations will be tested for security.
• No limitation implies rejection of child.  Young people want to be conquered.
• Teach obedience by the word "NO!"
• Teach reverence for God, parents, property.
• Set goals:  personal disciplines, finances, friends, music, skills character, ministry.

        5.  Clarify the consequences of disobedience.
Example:  Adam - avoid bitterness.  Satan's major attack on the church comes through deception.

First Offense:

1. Get alone with the child.  I Thess. 2:11
2. Clarify instruction (was it understood?)
3. Convey grief eye-to-eye (for repentance) Ezra 9:3
4. Give only one warning
5. Be prepared to follow through on discipline.
6. Make sure punishment is scriptural

Second Offense:

1. Act "in the day you hear of it." Num. 30:5
2. Bind Satan before confrontation. Mark 3:27
3. Get alone for correction
4. Establish personal responsibility. I John 1:9
5. Appeal to his conscience.  "Could I ask you some very personal questions?  You do not have to answer these questions, but if you do, will you be honest?  Romans 2:15
6. Emphasize your responsibility to God.  Proverbs 13:24
7. Reflect grief --- wait for repentance.
8. Associate correction with love.  Hebrews 12:6
9. Win his will without breaking his spirit.  Hebrews 12:15
10. Know the causes of a broken spirit --- anger, inconsistency, or injustice by parents.  "meekness---my energy under God's control."
11. Purpose of crying --- clear conscience.  Rod is a symbol of authority.
12. Signs of willfulness --- temper tantrums, no crying, threats of retaliation, resentment.
13. In difficult cases --- express more grief, examine your life for similar failures or God's reproof.
14. Give comfort after repentance (word, affection, understanding) same parent.  Hebrews 12:11
15. Encourage restitution.  Ephesians 4:28
16. Evaluate results --- ask forgiveness for anger.

-copied

Dress up your Table

Why not practice and use a few of these napkin folds to dress up your table for a special day or holiday?

These are scans of pictures that were given to us as complimentary instructions from the Broadway Party Rental in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  My scans are not too great, but you can still get the picture.

Setting the Scene


Where does the dessert fork go? And what about the spoon, knife and napkin? Set an elegant table for a special holiday such as  Thanksgiving and Christmas with the help of this place setting example. 

taken from Kraft Food and Family Holiday 2003

Gossip, "Fair-Weather" Friendships: NIP THEM IN THE BUD EARLY!

Gossip, "Fair-Weather" Friendships: NIP THEM IN THE BUD EARLY!

Teach your Children well
GOSSIP AND "FAIR-WEATHER' FRIENDSHIPS: "NIPPING THEM IN THE BUD" OF CHILDHOOD
by Sarah Eppes
Aug 9, 2005


Today, the cockles of my heart were warmed at church by the sight of an older girl walking up to my daughter and welcoming her with a hug. Oh, what joy to see young girls--no matter the different ages--showing affection and care for each other!


From unfortunate experience I know that this kindness between girls is not always the case,nor is it always the case between young ladies or older women! In fact, it is all too common to witness women of all ages acting in ways that are unkind to each other and unbecoming of the Lord.


Perhaps this is why the Lord spoke in His Word about how women are to act towards one another. He must have fully know the propensity of our gender to feel most comfortable when we have someone close to us who is like us, who likes us, and who may join us in what we dislike. It is so human to want to be wanted, to want to belong, and to want to be comfortable with those around us. It is heartbreaking that this desire to belong often manifests itself in leaving others out, talking about them, or treating them
unkindly. It seems that ungodly desires in friendships can lead straight to gossip and slander.


My mother and I were recently chatting about my eight year old niece. She attends a private school, and my mother often picks her up from school. Mom was disheartened that on most "pick-up" days, this kind-hearted little girl clambers into the car disappointed and sad. The trouble is not the schoolwork, but, invariably, it is because she has been left out by friends and experiences the ache of watching several little girls who exclude her from the playground games.


In reassuring my niece, my mom tells stories about my very own childhood experiences with "fair-weather" friends. "Fair-weather" friends are those who can best be described as those who are kind when it is convenient and beneficial to the circumstance--very often when other friends are not around. My mother taught me to handle these friends by being kind in return. She advised me to see other friends and different activities. She also taught me that my worth was based upon their opinions of me, their unkind treament, or whispers and giggles behind upheld hands. Instead, my worth was found as a child of God.


My mother was surprised to hear that my daughter has had her own experiences with "fair-weather friends of many ages. Mom was under the impression that because we homeschool, these "socialization" problems would be minimal. Sadly, this is not the case. It seems that exclusionary tactics and gossip seem to transcend every activity, despite the educational method.


While Mom and I do not often see boys excluding each other, we have found that when more than two little girls from different families gather, the likelihood is exceedingly high that at least one will be left out by some grouping of the others. However, friendships do not have to be this way. And I know that the Lord does not want it to be this way. In the Word, the Lord has given us excellent instructions on navigating the waters of friendship without hurting one another and sinking into gossip.


Actively Nipping It in the Bud
One good place to start in understanding appropriate friendships is in the article on LAF entitled "Conducting Friendships". This is a lovely article which gently discusses friendships. It is replete with Bible study references.


A second positive step is to remember some sage advice from Elisabeth Elliot. Mrs. Elliot has advised that as women, we are all "Titus 2" some to someone younger than us. We as young ladies or women are to set an example to others in our speech and relations. "The ages women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness..." (Titus 2:3)


In the same way that I saw the little girl at church hug and greet my daughter, I have seen the women at church tenderly greet one another. As we older women model appropriate and kind relationships, hopefully those younger than us will seek to treat others in the same way. If we mothers teach our daughters to look to the interests of others, then we are being proactive in training and building a hedge of protection against behavior that leads to gossip or unloving friendships.


We mothers especially need to guard against the tendency to overlook any inappropriate behavior towards others. In parenting, it can be easy to see the sweetness in our children at home, but not to see the reality of their behavior in public. It can also be easy to accept the explanation and excuse of a child rather than getting to the heart of the matter. This unfortunately fosters and perpetuates a negative tendency in our children.


Third, and most important, we women must be steeped in the Word and what the Lord says about behavior. We should desire to have behavior that glorifies the Lord and shows that we love Him above all. Most likely, all of us have made mistakes in this area. but the plumb line of our behavior is to be the Word of God.


It is written...
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. I Peter 2:1-3


We are to lay aside all "fair-weather" behavior toward others. We are not to be hypocritical and show feigned kindness toward others at one moment, only to be unkind or distant at another time. We are not to be envious of others, and so find ourselves speaking evil. We are to earnestly love people as we have first been loved by the Lord.


But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; I Peter 1:15


As we love the Lord and desire to be more like Him, we will seek to have all that we say be glorifying to Him. It is never glorifying to speak ill of others or to slander them in any way.


The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5


As we have behavior that becometh holiness, it will be shown in our soberness, our love, and our discretion. Our behavior will glorify the Lord and will not be blasphemous.


And when we are sinned against, what are we to do? We are to love. We will best show our love of the Lord in a manner that glorifies Him. we will use speech that edifies, coupled with tender-hearted behavior. we are to teach our daughters to love the sinner and forgive, even if the person who hurt them does not seek forgiveness.


When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25


When treated in a hurtful way, we women will do best to follow the Lord's wise words in Romans 12, "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not... Be of the same mind one toward another...Recompense to no man evil for evil...If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves...Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" :(Romans12:14, 16-21).


As we dwell in the Word, we will be blessed with a full knowledge of the Lord. This knowledge will instruct us in how to treat others. In turn, we women can instruct and model godly behavior for those younger than us, especially our daughters. Most importantly of all, we should seek reconciliation when something inappropriate happens in a friendship. Man's reconciliation with God is why Jesus came to us. Our reconciliation with others should be a priority.

~copied

The Brat

"The Brat"
by Dr. Richard Flanders
Juniata Baptist Church
Vassar, Michigan

“ A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.” (Pr 10:1 )

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” (Pr 13:24 )

“Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Pr 22:15 )

“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.” (Pr 29:15 )

The Book of Proverbs is the main "wisdom" book of the Bible.  In it, among many other wonderful things, men have found great wisdom about bringing up children.  Without question, Proverbs recommends, even commands,the use of corporal punishment by parents in the character-training of their children.  This wisdom is not popular at the dawn of the twenty-first century in America, but it is profoundly important.  The spanking enjoined by the Bible is neither cruel nor abusive.  It is to be administered with love, purpose, and restraint.  Spanking is only a part of the biblical formula of effective child-rearing, but it is an essential part.  Sadly, the sparing of the rod has produced much heartache in our country, and has populated this land with a multitude of troubled and troublesome brats!

The term "brat" has an interesting origin.  It is an Old English word for a child, based on the word for a rough or trashy garment.  Dictionaries say that "brat" has come to be a contemptuous word for child.  Why would a child be regarded with contempt?  The answer is obvious.  A child is a brat when he is selfish, obnoxious, and out of control.  Any child will be a brat unless he is trained to control himself.  Self-control is learned through a training program at home that includes loving discipline.  Because so few children have been growing up in a disciplining family, many Americans become brats.  Their lack of self-control and discipline creates serious problems in their lives, problems of which we all have become very aware.

Childish self centeredness is the reason for many adult problems.  It is behind "road rage," domestic violence, and even much suicide!  When a brat gets angry, he must act it out.  When a brat doesn't get what he wants right now, he throws a tantrum.  When a brat is disappointed with life, he can't handle it.  Brats make people miserable, but the most miserable of all is the brat himself.  Highly selfish people are prone to get divorces, lose jobs, and hurt others.  Selfishness is inborn, and will ruin a life unless "the rod of correction" is applied to "drive it far from him" in childhood.

A properly spanked child learns to control his offensive and harmful impulses, to subject his desires to the best interests of all, and to behave in a mature manner.  A big problem in our country today is immaturity in adults!  It's the cause of the irresponsible bahavior that disrupts decent society: drug and alcohol abuse, marital cruelty and infidelity, as well as all kinds of criminal activity.  The brats are ruining the country!

Some say that spanking in childhood produces violent adults, but nothing could be farther from the truth!  Most irrational or violent acts are committed by brats, kids who never got a spanking!  One difficulty we are having is in understanding what a spanking is.  A swat on the hand or the face is not a spanking.  To be administered Biblically, the rod must be used in association with intense parental love and clear parental teaching.  Spankings must be purposeful and controlled, given with tears and prayers, in order to be effective.

The brat has not been served well by his parents or by the others that have spoiled him.  He cannot cope with life without unreasonable reaction, unbearable disappointment, and unsolvable problems.  Self-discipline produced by parental discipline is of inestimable value in the lving of lfie.  To withhodl discipline form children is to harm them immensely.  The brat is not funny; he is pitialbe and sad.  It is hard for a grown-up brat to learn self-control later in life, but he can do ti.  It is better however, for his parents to teach him as a child.

Twenty Common Ways Parent Provoke Children to Anger

1. By modeling anger.     Proverbs 22:24-25
2. By not having marital harmony.     Genesis 2:24 (repeated 4 times in the Bible); Hebrews 12:15
3. By consistently disciplining in anger     Psalm 6:1; 38:1
4. By being inconsistent with discipline.     Eccl. 8:11
5. By having double standards.     Matt. 23:1-4; Phil. 4:9
6. By not admitting when wrong.     Matt. 5:23-26; Job 32:2; James 5:16
7. By constantly finding fault.  Job 32:2-3
8. By reversing God-given roles.  Eph. 5:22-24;  Gen. 3:16
9. By not listening to the child's side of the story.      Proverbs 18:13,17
10. By comparing them to others.  II Cor. 10:12
11. by not having time to talk with them.    Eph. 5:18
12. By not praising the child.  II Cor. 2:6-8; Rev. 2:3
13. By failing to keep promises.   Matt. 5:37; Col 3:9; Psalm 15:4
14. By scolding him/her in front of others.  Matt. 18:15; John 21:15-17
15. By giving too much freedom.  Proverbs 29:15; Gal. 4:1,2
16. By being too strict.   James 3:17
17. By making fun of the child.   Job 17:1,2
18. By abusing them physically.   I Tim. 3:3;  Titus 1:7; Numbers 22
19. By calling him names.   Eph. 4:29
20. By having unrealistic expectations.  I Cor. 13:11

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Fifty Rules for Parenting

1. Parents, be accountable to each other.
2. Each child is different.  They each require different training methods.
3. Don't let your child split mom and dad. ( ask one if the other said no)
4. Discipline/Punishment (Punish the action/discipline the child)  If you punish the child, the child feels emotionally beat up.  never make their negative action about you (You make..., Your hurt me..., etc.).  Tell them what God thinks about their action good or bad.
5. Reward vs. Pacifier (rewards are good.  Giving something to shut them up is not).  Short -term rewards are more effective than long term rewards.
6. Child actions usually reflect what they have been taught.  Whining and fits usually get more response than soft request.)
7. Parents need to be able to say; "I am sorry", "I was wrong".
8. when children say, "I'm sorry" or "forgive me", reply "you're forgiven", not "It's OK".
9. Be consistent with love, rules, discipline and punishment.
10. Love them enough to discipline them.
11. It is always easier to ignore than to address.
12. make your children wait and not interrupt you.
13. Give more yes's than no's
14. Don' criticize your children, especially in front of others.
15. meet their love language need. (touch, quality time, acts of service, gift giving, affirmations)
16. Try to identify what they are really saying, not what they are screaming.
17. Speak truth.  Don't make up lies to often issues.
18. Too much TV or computer games equal brain cloud (grumpy, sassy, etc.)
19. Be forgiving.
20. Be gracious.
21. Play with them.
22. Hold them.
23. Your teenage daughter will get love from some man, somehow.  Let it be fdad for now.
24. Take your kids on dates.
25. Boys need their dad's time.
26. Girls need their dad's time.
27. Don't overpressure for performance.  You will create perfectionist, pretender, or a sloth.
28. The first few years are critical for bonding.  Many life long traits are formed here.
29. Never raise your voice in anger to your child.
30. Give your child quality time.
31. Stop, look and listen to your child.
32. First time obedience is a must .  Teach them this concept.
33. Yes is yes and No is no.
34. Never argue with your child.
35. Allow your child a voice and an appeal, but not an argument.
36. Dads to no let your sons speak disrespectful to their mother!
37. Place your child's need above your own.  Don't be selfish with them.
38. Take appropriate time for yourself.  Set boundaries.
39. Your spouse come first then the children.  (Don't put them in the center of your marriage)
40. Have fun with your kids.
41. Be creative with your kids.
42. Teach them the value of money.
43. Stand firm on biblical mandates, but be very careful with rules and convictions that are your own, not necessarily mandates from God.
44. Love your child unconditionally.  Don't place stipulations on your love.
45. Forgive, love and grant mercy the way God does it, generously.
46. Allow your children to practice flying so that when they leave the nest they soar.
47. Children view God the way they view their dad.
48. Children will view the church the way they view their mom.
49. Show your children how God views the church.
50. The best gift a dad can give his children is to love their mother.

- copied

Home and Ministry

This discussion was taken from the Sara's Daughters group at Ambassador Baptist College on April 19, 2005.

Home and Ministry

Introductory Thoughts:  "Every wise woman buildeth her house..." Proverbs 14:1

There is no greater joy in life than that of serving the Lord.  Giving of our time and talents is rewarding and brings tremendous blessing.  As we give our lives in service, indeed, our life is richer, and we realize fulfillment.  In Psalms 17:11, David says, "In they presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore."  The world seeks for joy in all the wrong places, but as a christian, we know that joy comes from a right relationship with the Lord.  It is important that we prayerfully seek God's will for our lives, in the big things and in the little things.  As women in a cosmopolitan world, it can be difficult to keep a "scriptural focus"  on exactly what our responsibilities should be.  However, the Lord is not confused at all.  His desire is that we keep a right relationship with Him, be a godly wife, a loving mother, a creative homemaker, and be a blessing in our local church.  Each responsibility is to be kept in balance.  Each responsibility is to be done with, "...our reasonable service...proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12;1b and 2b.

Thoughts About the Home:

• Our home is the very "special" place where our family is refreshed.
• From our homes come the spiritual leaders for tomorrow.
• We have the privilege of raising missionaries, pastors, evangelists, Sunday School teachers, etc.
• Being married, taking care of children, and organizing a home is a full time job, and requires tons of energy and creativity.
• Being a great mom requires time, patience, and lots of prayer.
• Being a great homemaker requires energy, hard work, and lots of creativity.
• If you accomplish all three of these, your family will, "...arise and call you blesses," and heaven will rejoice."

Proverbs 31:31 "Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her own works praise her in the gates."

Thoughts About the Ministry:

• Ladies, we live in a world that makes u think we need to have careers, put our children in day care and order supper "in" every evening.  The worldly idea is promoted that we should be tough, in charge, and as capable as any man.
• As a husband enters the ministry, worldly thinking will cause us to ignore our God given responsibilities.
• Don't be duped with having to have "glory and glitz" in the ministry.
• The church hires the husband, not the wife or the children.
• A wife, who forgets her place, will cause unneeded stress in the home and many times in the church.
• We are not to become the assistant pastor, or head of the deacons, or a mouthpiece for the pastor.
• To be involved in activities at church that the duties of the home and children are neglected is sin.
• To be involved with the home and children that there is not time for serving at church is sin.

God expects, "...our reasonable service,..." Romans 12:1-2

General Thoughts:

• Keep a balance.
• Enjoy what you are doing.
• Remember that time moves on very quickly.
• Cherish the moments with your children.
• Be a gentle, sweet, mom.
• Make home a fun place.
• Have regular, "special times" with your husband.
• Work hard at keeping a close relationship with the Lord.
• Allow the Lord to use your talents and abilities.
• Always remember that "...'I' must decrease and 'He' must increase," John 3:30
• We are to have the attitude of a servant, no matter how big the task.

Never forget that "...For whomsoever much is given,
of him shall be much required..." Luke 12:48

-copied

More Household Tips

Here are some things that can be great tools when doing housework:

• 
  
  Microfiber clothes-great for dusting and washing windows

• 
  
  White vinegar-great for whitening clothes,  taking mud out, using as a spray for all purpose cleaner

• 
  
  Magic eraser-great for smudge marks on floors and walls

• 
  
  Sponge mop-great tool for cleaning the bathtub- able to stand up and clean

• 
  
  Lightweight vacuum cleaner-If you have back or neck trouble as I do this is one of the best tools to use.  It is bagless, so you just empty it and clean the filter.  It is so light and easy to push.

• 
  
  Clean dust mop-great for running over the ceilings in order to dust them and to get all those icky cob webs.

• 
  
  Water spray bottle- Keep near ironing and dryer.  If clothes are in dryer a little too long just spray and hang.  More wrinkles will fall out. 

• 
  
  Spray laundry stain remover.  Treat clothes as soon as they get stained.  Spray on collars and cuffs.  Usually does the trick for regular stains
  
  
  

House Rules

HOUSE RULES

1. If you open it, close it.
2. If you turn it on, turn it off
3. If you break it, repair it.
4. If you can't fix it, report it.
5. If you unlock it, lock it.
6. If you borrow it, return it.
7. If you use it,don't abuse it.
8. If you make a mess, clean it up.
9. If you move it, put it back.
10. If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.
11. If it belongs to somebody else, get permission to use it.
12. If it doesn't concern you, don't mess with it.

Ten Commandments for Wives

Ten Commandments for Wives

-author unknown

1. Carefully guard thine health so thou canst always greet thy husband with a smile.
2. Never nag or complain.
3. Do not worry about things which thou canst not change.
4. Do not spend all they time scrubbing, cleaning, and dusting the house.
5. Love thine husband and children more than thy house.
6. Know how to prepare good,nutritious food and keep it on the table.
7. Know the limitations of they husband's income and do not try to keep up with the Jones's or others.
8. Do not buy a hat or hairdo, wig, or outfit that makes thy husband unhappy.
9. Remember that at times silence is golden.
10. Do not drive the automobile from back or side seat.

_____________________________________________________________________

I just thought the following video was pretty funny.  She is not exactly a back seat driver but...

Household Hints

Here are some things that can be great tools when doing housework

• Microfiber clothes-great for dusting and washing windows 
• White vinegar is great for whitening clothes, taking mud out, using as a spray for all purpose cleaner.
  

• Magic eraser-great for smudge marks on floors and walls
  

• Sponge mop-great tool for cleaning the bathtub- able to stand up and clean
  

• Lightweight vacuum cleaner-If you have back or neck trouble as I do this is one of the best tools to use.  It is bagless, so you just empty it and clean the filter.  It is so light and easy to push.
  

• Clean dust mop-great for running over the ceilings in order to dust them and to get all those icky cob webs.
  

• Water spray bottle- Keep near ironing and dryer.  If clothes are in dryer a little too long just spray and hang.  More wrinkles will fall out. 
  

• Spray laundry stain remover.  Treat clothes as soon as they get stained.  Spray on collars and cuffs.  Usually does the trick for regular stains.
  
  Feel Free to Add some More.