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Posted by quietcajun

As a former Sunday School teacher, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the difficulty one might have in truly “judging” the character of a child based on their attentive and pious answers in a classroom setting. How true I know this to be. There are children I know that other adults think are the sweetest and most agreeable things they have ever met, but I know them better because of a closer relationship with their families and have seen other parts of their character that can remain well-hidden in such settings! This spurns me to watch diligently for my own parental blind-spots and to pray that God will reveal that which requires training and correction.

The mother in this story seemed to be too harried to really take note of Helen’s shortcomings and so they skimmed in under the “radar” and while undetected grew to a point where not only Helen was hurt, but her younger sister and the sweet, unfortunate Louisa that they “chanced to meet”.

On a side note, let me just say that I pondered the very thought as to their presumably chance meeting with Louisa and thought out nothing is really random and how much I hope I can teach my children to watch for every opportunity as one brought by God to be a blessing and encouragement to those around us. I pray with them everyday that we will not be a stumblingblock, but do I reinforce to them to see each circumstance as brought by God? These opening chapters really caused me to examine that idea. God surely, in His providence, allows situations much like this to occur maybe even DAILY! How carefully we must watch for chances to shine His truth to those we meet.

I am afraid, that to a small extent I was a bit like Helen as a child. I don’t think I would pass up a hurting stranger, regardless of what others might say or think (I’ve always been very compassionate), but I specifically remembering giving my sister the same sort of angry push that Helen bestowed liberally on Betty in this story. My sister and I were often asked to sing duets and she sometimes, in her shyness, would become stage shy. Being that I enjoyed the accolades of the congregation I would be enraged by her stubborn quietness. I would elbow her and pout when she did not perform her part to my liking. I can recall three instances of just such a thing without really trying. I don’t remember being corrected for my vanity. I hope I was.

Even though our family no longer participates in Sunday School, I love the imagery here of a woman so passionate for the Lord and for children that she patiently instructs her charges. That is what I hope others would see everyday if they could peek in on our family devotions, but sadly it is a lot more frustrating and a lot less pleasant than the scene described in the book.

I wondered at what a blessing it was that Betty was a child of her word. I could just imagine Louisa that second Sunday, dressed in her mother’s gown, waiting for Betty to arrive. What if she had not. Can you imagine how crushed her spirit might have been? Can you imagine how that might have effected her ability to trust anyone who claimed to know Jesus in the future? How very important keeping our word is and how certainly we must not be dissuaded from good by those who have other motives.

I am anxious to see what happens next. I know Helen has more to learn, but I am curious if the physical hungers and trials of Louisa’s families might be helped or if the spiritual need met is just what they need for now to get them through. I actually caught myself thinking, for just a split second, of how I could give some clothing to this dear family. I will make a point of donating some of my children’s nicest outgrown things to someone in need at the first possible chance! I challenge you to find a way to bless someone this month too!

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Posted by schomeschoolmommy

I finally got a chance to sit down and read the first 3 chapters in Helen's Temper. It was very sad to read of how Helen truly was when adults weren't around. I have seen that same trait in some children. Super sweet and helpful around adults. But just stand outside the door when they don't know you are around, and listen to how they speak to the younger children that they interact with. I think you can tell a lot about a child by watching how they interact with younger children. Are they patient, helpful, kind? Or are they selfish, critical and harsh?

Helen's behavior is all about "reputation". But Betty's behavior is all about "character". I am impressed that the grandfather sees into their hearts. I am hoping that the mother takes the time to also deal with the heart issues.

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Posted by andijeane

I forgot to check for the reading schedule, so I'm quite late. Everyone has already made such insightful comments that I really don't have much to add.

I was a little bit surprised that Miss Herne was that deceived after watching Helen call her sister stupid. This is definitely a good lesson of appearances being deceitful: "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

After reading Miss Herne's private thoughts about Helen, I was a little bit worried about how Louisa would be received. I breathed a sigh of relief that she was treated lovingly and kindly. I think that Miss Herne's opinion of Helen had more to do with the fact that students like Helen make her job easier than Helen's true character, and she probably would have realized this if she thought about it a little bit. It was refreshing to see how careful Miss Herne was to show love to all of the children despite her personal opinions.

I agree with Amanda that Helen is probably headed for some kind of fall. It will be interesting to read how and if she changes.

~Andrea

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Posted by Jeannie

I too didnt know the reading schedule until I returned from our vacation, but I did catch up last night on the reading (I even read by candle light to my hubby :). My heart ached at the thought of Helens behavior, and was pleased to see/ read that Betty seemed more intuitive to the needs of others than that of some of the girls that have been described in the first 3 chapters. I have found this time and time and just as Jesus always said there will be those that know but do nothing, even in his name. I am reminded of the pharisees in the way Helen treats the child in need, and even her own sister. Pharisees in the Bible were so quick to condemn Jesus for restoring the health of those in need on the Sabbath than they were, and yet they claimed to know so much about the bible, yet really had no clue. Almost like an episode of Wife Swap I happend to watch were the one couple knew so much of the bible and theology that they almost diffuted it, and the couple that felt the love of the LORD may not of known so many bible verses but they sure did understand the Love GOD has for all......

There were several things in the 1-3 chapters that tugged at my heart and I know for certain it was the Lord showing me somthing I may need to apply to my self


on a side note< You can know all about Jesus all you want and still not KNOW HIM

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