Educating Leaders - No Conveyor Belt Education Here!

July 5, 2008 - On the road to Texas

I was surprised how fast Chipman Movers loaded the truck. They were finished by 1:45pm. By 2:30 we had signed all our papers and we were ready to go. Well, almost! We had to say good-bye to our next-door neighbors and get one last hug from their 3-year old son.

By 3:00 we were on the road, headed for Montana. Tomorrow, we plan to stop in Cody, Wyoming. Did you know they have the largest gun collection in the states? Steve's excited to see that collection. I'm excited to see the original Remingtons & Russells. I like any & all art. (Well, except for modern, "look" art)

I'll try and post some pics later.

One last note...if you ever need to hire movers in the northwest, be sure to call Chipman United Moving. We've had the best experience with their company, from the sales person and office assistant to the packers/loaders and the truck driver. They are extremely professional, courteous and clean.

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June 10, 2008 - For the Sake of Summer Fun, Let's End Boredom, Here and Now!

Ahhh.... I'm so bored. You'll never hear that in your house, right?

Tried reading the work of Peter Spier, Bored, Nothing to Do? It talks about two siblings who were so bored to the point their mother takes them outside to quit playing video games and watching TV. While in their garage, they build an full-size airplane and male it fly. Didn't read the book yet? Pick up a copy today. Whether your 7, 17, 47, it doesn't matter, you'll still enjoy it. That also means I'm reading it again.

Boredom brought about the airplane project in Spier's book. Boredom is a problem among most young people today. I want to share two solutions to boredom that can offer help you through these summer months. Feel free to share these with other parents..

Last fall, I came across an article by our local librarian. She said that if a child gets bored it produces creativity. Ponder this for a moment! If they are bored, they will definitely look for something to do. This is where creativity comes in and becomes necessary for your kids to conjure up their own creative projects. The 2 siblings in Spier's books were so bored that soon creativity set in to enable them to build and fly their airplane project.

From this, you can see the importance of providing an environment that stirs up their senses and imagination. Look for items to stimulate creativity. These may include simple items like play doh or complicated craft kits that build marshmallow guns. I tell you boredom will drive them to do something!

If you let them overcome boredom on their own and allow them to come up with creative ideas, you are on your way to solving the summer boredom blues.

Another solution is to let your kids know where you keep all these cool blocks, kits or art supplies. If all your son does is sit in front of the computer, remind him where your digital camera is. Encourage him to make a list of pictures he wants to take and let him loose. Then, show your daughter where the scrapbooking supplies are. She can make a scrapbook of her brother's pictures. It's just that simple.

Since moms are so busy, I want to help you this summer. I have a list which could prove to be successful summer activities for kids. Usually, I share them with my subscribers, but I want to share it with you, too. You can get your copy of 206 summer fun activites right here: LINK

Now, you can print it and put it up on the refrigerator door. Send your child to the frig when they are bored. Have them choose a number between 1 and 206. Look up that activity and get started having summer fun. On a final note, this particular list was sent to me a couple of years ago and even I can't figure out who gave it to me.

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February 1, 2008 - Win Some Valentine Stuff

On my other blog, I'm giving away 4 Valentines & February ebooks. You can win them.

Read all about it by clicking here: Valentine Ideas

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February 21, 2006 - Wisdom as you Age

Wisdom is with aged men,
And with length of days, understanding.
Job 12:12

This verse struck me this morning that there is no substitute for aging when it comes to wisdom and understanding. We can teach our children wisdom and understanding, but it truly comes with time. After many bumps on the road of life and turning to God to survive, we gain His wisdom and understanding.

Kerry

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February 19, 2006 - Education = Reading ???

I would have everybody able to read, and write, and cipher; indeed I don't think a man can know too much; but mark you, the knowing of these things is not edeucation; and there are millions of your reading and writing people who are as ignorant as neighbor Norton's calf.
Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)

Well said, Mr. Spurgeon!!!

Kerry

Reading

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February 9, 2006 - Husbands & Wives

I re-listened to this terrific tape series, Husbands & Wives. Douglas Wilson gets down to business as he addresses married couples and their responsiblities to each other and to God. I was quickly reminded of my Biblical duties as a wife. Sometimes, I hear the rest of our culture telling me how to act as a wife (usually in a disrepsectful & non-submissive way). After listening to these tapes, I was greatly encouraged to follow my husband and support him in his endeavors (everyday & long-term). These tapes offer you an opportunity to look at yourself in your own marriage and compare it to the Bible, not some Christian author. Although there is an entire tape on the Biblical Responsibilities of a Husband, I spent more time contemplating what it takes for me to follow God's commands as a wufe- not keeping a list of all the things that my husband may or may not do.

The next series, Biblical Courtship, is one I have begun with my 2 teenaged daughters. On our way to a fun-filled day at the Houston Quilt Festival, we listened to the first tape about Parental Authority. It helped set the stage for a young man to approach the father before approaching a young lady. My girls have heard this before, but there was ample discussion afterwards. Sometimes it is good for our kids to hear messages from those outside our family-just to give a little reinforcement.

The BIGGEST STRENGTH of both these series is the fact that Wilson continually goes to the Scriptures to draw conclusions about these two hot topics. he uses Scriptures to state what the role of a wife is or whether or not dating is appropriate. Both of these tape series are available for purchase.

Kerry

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February 9, 2006 - Teaching Life Skills for Leaders

As many of you know, we have offered Life Skills Camps to young men & women in Texas. This was a chance for children to learn hands-on skills that are often not taught elsewhere. We have had several parents tell us that they know how to use a table saw or nail on shingles, but they just do not have the time to teach their children these skills. Life Skills attempts to meet that need for kids to learn everyday skills in building. What we have seen is that the kids are extremely proud of these new skills and want to show their parents the project they have completed. One young man believes he could add on to his house, after attending the carpentry camp which built a play house. Kids today want to be successful at projects outside the academic realm. We spend so much time in academics that we very often neglect those day-to-day skills that are useful for the rest of your life. Too often we are consumed by the academics of our homeschool that we neglect skills our children will need for the rest of their lives. In addition to the hands-on skills, those who attend lLife Skills Camp learn about valuable character traits. Work is not always easy, especially in the hot, August sun. Continuing to work, despite the outside conditions, is important in building your sons into young men. Life Skills Camps serve a variety of life-long purposes as it endeavors to teach young people building skills and work ethic.

Sitting at church one Sunday, I was reminded it is also important to train our children in all aspects of their walk with the Lord. The cares of everyday life and "doing school/academics" often crowd out the training of our children in spiritual issues. When we do make the time to discuss spiritual issues, it is usually just that, a discussion or teaching on God's Word. As parents, we have Biblical principles we want to pass along to our childen so we talk about them during a meal time or devotional time. Those discussions are quite important, but should not be the ONLY times we talk to our children about Christ. I am reminded that I need to be talking to my children about spiritual things on a daily, moment-by-moment basis. Only then do we grow in Jesus Christ.

I spent some time meditating on Ephesians 5:18-19 and was encouraged to train my children in all ways of the Lord, even the sometimes neglected area of singing.

...speaking to one another in psalms and humns and spirtual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19

I need to spend time every day making a melody in my heart to the Lord. As we do sing as a family in our home, I am confident that my children will then begin to make their own melody in their own heart. Martin Luther wrote songs for the church of that day and encouraged fathers to always close family devotions with a song. Personally, we sing a hymn every morning before we begin school. This past month we learned "A Mighty Fortress is our God". Of course, I had to draw it into "regular school" by having the kids copy one verse of the hymn each week. Now, they know this hymn and understand its meaning. I have even heard them humming it as they walk through the house. It is my hope and prayer that my heart's melody, my Biblical convictions, and my desire to glorify God will be seen by my children and they will want this for themselves.

Finally, Ephesians 5:18, be filled with the Spirit, gives us the only way to actually pull this off. It is not in my own strength that I can pass these ideas on to my children. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit, His filling in our lives, and spending time in God's Word that my children will ever have their own deep and abiding relationship with God, singing a melody to their Lord. What a joy it is for a parent to see their child rejoicing in the Lord and desiring to serve and glorify Him.

A few questions I have asked myself that you might ponder as well:

Do my kids have their own desire to read, study, pray, praise, sing to God?

Is it only because I (as their parent) do these things, that my kids "go through the motions"?

Do I sing & make music daily, or only on Sunday?

Do I talk about my relationship with God on a daily, moment-by-moment basis?

Do I pray with my children throughout the day, or just at mealtimes and bedtime?

What type of example am I setting for my children to watch?

Kerry

Training Hearts

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February 9, 2006 - Friendship with the World

As Jehu marched toward the capital city of Samaria, he encountered 42 men from the house of David. Jehu took them alive, killed them at a pit at a place called Beth-eked, and then continued on toward Samaria.

This incident gives us pause. Jehu was anointed to be the avenger against the house of Ahab, the royal house of Israel. But these 42 men were members of a different royal house. Did Jehu overstep his bounds? Did Jehu get over-zealous with bloodlust?

Jehu was justified in slaughtering members of the royal house of Judah because the royal house of Judah and the royal house of Israel had become indistinguishable.

Though generally faithful, Jehoshaphat of Judah permitted his son to marry a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and as a result the house of David had become a branch on the family tree of Ahab, and when the tree of Ahab was chopped down, the branch of David fell with it.

There is a lesson in that. We frequently believe that we can get away with flirting with the world. We can spend our free time with fools and not become a fool. We can form a business partnership with dishonest men and maintain our reputation for honesty. We can fill our minds with pop culture insanity and still think straight.

This is foolish. As the Proverbs say, He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. And John warns that friendship with the world is enmity toward God. So, keep your distance. You may be a son of David, but if you marry into the house of Ahab, you will not escape when fire fall from heaven.

from Peter Leithart's Blog

Kerry

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February 3, 2006 - Rationalizing Our Sin

As we read 1 Samuel yesterday, we had an excellent discussion about God's standard and our rationalization of sin. When asked why he didn't kill all the Amelekites animals, Saul told Samuel that he saved the best to sacrifice to God. He made a spiritual excuse for his disobedience. God told Saul to destroy all people (women & children included) and all animals, totally wiping them out. Saul didn't kill the king or the best animals. He disobeyed God.

Samuel's response is it is better to obey than sacrifice for God. We can apply this so well to our own lives because we often rationalize our disobedience by saying we were making a sacrifice of our time, money, efforts for God. We are still in sin and need to confess...a great reminder for our kids, as well.

Kerry

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January 10, 2006 - Spiritual Strength at Home

No abounding of material prosperity shall avail us if our spiritual senses atrophy. The foes of our own household will surely prevail against us unless there be in our people an inner life which finds its outer expression in a morality like unto that preached by the seers and prophets of God when the grandeur that was Greece and the glory that was Rome still lay in the future.
-Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

Kerry

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January 10, 2006 - Parish Life - Domesticity

The smiling cottage, where at eve
He meets his rosy children at the door,
Prattling their welcomes, and his honest wife,
With good brown cade and bacon slice, intent
To cheer his hunger after labor hard:
Such is the heart, the soul, the very essence,
Of parish life: the hearth, the home, domesticity.
-Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847)

Kerry

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January 9, 2006 - Sundays - A Celebration

BEST DAY OF THE WEEK IN 2005

Sundays . . .

We all love Sundays because it has become a day of rest and worship. We usually get to sleep-in and then get ready for church. After a time of worship at church, we spend the day with another family or with college kids. Our kids love to have people over for lunch and hang out for the afternoon. Since we now have a pool table, there is usually some sort of pool challenge going on. Sure, this takes time & effort to have guests for Sunday lunch…but it is well worth every minute of preparation! Our kids love the Lord’s Day now!

For several years, we wanted our kids to think that Sunday was the best day of the week. We were tired of them dreading Sunday and the ritual of going to church. God has blessed us as we strive to make the Lord’s Day a day of rest, relaxation and worship of His Son.

Kerry

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January 9, 2006 - Extraordinary

The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children.

G. K. Chesterton (1874-1916)

Kerry

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January 4, 2006 - God's Covenantal Faithfulness

As I read through 2 Kings and the descriptions of all the wicket kings, I am in awe of God's faithfulness to the Israelites.

But the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them or cast them from His presence. 2 Kings 13:23

I need to thank God for his faithfulness and his mercy! Remember to show faithfulness and mercy to my own family.

Kerry

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January 2, 2006 - God Blesses Faithful Generations

I am reading 2 Kings during my devotions. For several years I have known that God punishes the sins of fathers to the third and fourth generations, but he blesses to a thousand generations. What a merciful God we have!

As I read about the kings after David & Solomon, I am reminded how God does bless for fathers' faithfulness. Read these verses to see what I mean.

And to his son I will give one tribe, that My servant David may always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for Myself, to put My name there. I Kings 11:36

Nevertheless for David's sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, by setting up his son after him and by establishing Jerusalem; because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. I Kings 15:4-5

Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah, for the sake of his servant David, as He promised him to give a lamp to him and his sons forever. 2 Kings 8:19

Since David was faithful to God, his family is blessed through his future generations. God wipes away the families of Jeroboam, Ahab and others because they were wicked and evil leaders.

As parents, we should strive to be faithful and righteous. Our children will be blessed in the end.

Kerry
Christian Parenting

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December 21, 2005 - How Do Dads Juggle It All???

After reading 2 Kings 2 and finishing my last entry, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you a book for Dads....A Father's Stew.

As Christian dads, are you trying to juggle all of the areas of a your life by squeezing them into separate compartments, but the slippery rascals just won't cooperate?

And what happens when something is sealed up and you add a little pressure to it?

Can we be terribly surprised when an area in our life explodes and makes a mess on all the others?

Finally, someone has written a book that that teaches dads to NOT compartmentalize their lives, but to carefully BLEND the areas of family, work and ministry. Don't settle for a TV dinner, make a stew! A stew for fathers that is described in Philippians 4:18 as a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

To read more about blending your life as a dad, click here

A Father's Stew : Biblical Integration of Family, Work & Ministry would be the perfect Christmas gift for dads!

A Father's Stew is available in paperback, audiobook or e-book. That means you can choose which format is best for you. If you buy the e-book, you can print the book on your own printer immediately after you purchase...no shipping, no waiting for it to arrive!

Kerry

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December 21, 2005 - Fathers Should Be Men

After David died, Solomon had some pieces of David's rule to clean up. David allowed some of his leaders to act in unrighteous ways, without punishment. Before David dies, he charges Solomon to take care of Joab and Shimei. Joab shed blood during peacetime and lived war on a daily basis. But, David appears to not be man enough to take care of Joab during his own rule; he leaves judgment to his son, Solomon.

Solomon is faithful to take care of several messes that David leaves. When you read 2 Kings 2, you see bodies dying everywhere, even in the tabernacle. Solomon executes great judgment as he establishes his kingdom in righteousness.

This reminds me that parents should not leave messes for our children to clean up when we are not around. For most of us, myself included, the day that we are not with our children seems far away. But we should live with our eyes focused on the future, allowing our children the opportunities to lead for God's kingdom, without having to take care of messes we leave behind. My husband tells dads that they need to be men themselves, so they can be a role model for their sons.

Kerry
A Father's Stew: Biblical Integration of Family, Work, Ministry

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November 17, 2005 - Why Have Standards For Our Teens?

Often our kids may wonder why we have certain rules in our home. We continually try to teach our children that rules and standards are a good thing. Without standards, we are left unprotected. If our teenagers know the standards they should be able to apply them when they are away from home. In order to do this well, our kids must know the difference between God's Rules and House Rules.

God's Rules are those standards specifically stated in His Word. Do not lie. Do not cheat. Do not commit adultery. Our kids should be grounded in God's Word so much that they know these standards like the back of their hand. Not only should they be able to quote those standards, they should know how to apply these standards. This takes wisdom, training and talking with them on a regular basis.

Our kids should have a high view of the Scripture, so they desire to obey God's Word. A high view of the Scripture leads to a high view of parental authority. When our kids obey God's Word, they will ultimately obey their parents. As parents we should not take advantage of this situation. Instead, we should be in awe of the responsibility we have in teaching our kids what God's Rules are and how they differ from House Rules.

House Rules are those standards that our family follows. They are the application of God's Word in our life. For instance, the movies we let our kids watch are usually different from the ones other kids can watch. We have been very particular about what they can watch as they grow up. Where we draw the line is simply a House Rule, not God's Rule. Our House Rules will look different than other family's House Rules.

House Rules cover a large variety of topics, including movies, tv, books, clothing, curfew, friends, sleep-overs, snacks, courtship, and so on. You get the idea, I'm sure.

It is important to iron out those House Rules early on. Communicate faithfully what is expected of your kids so they have an understanding of God's Rules and House Rules.

One problem many Christian kids have is they don't know the difference between God's Rules and the House Rules in their own family. Their parents have not taught them the difference and often the House Rules are enforced as strongly as God's Rules. This leads to legalism and pietism. When kids from these homes leave, they have a tendency to rebel against the "rules". One way to avoid that rebellion is talking to your kids, over and over and over again. I'm not talking about the talks after disobedience. These are talks around the dinner table, in the car, on a walk. Casual talks are the best time to discuss House Rules and God's Rules. Those are the times your kids will remember.

Standards are great when your teens understand them. Standards protect our kids. Standards will produce leaders when properly understood. Be sure to teach your kids why you have such standards. After they understand, begin to let them have some freedom in decision making. Older teens should learn to apply God's Rules while they are at home with their parent's guidance. As they make right decisions, encourage more wisdom in their life. As they make wrong decisions, gently teach them to what God would want them to do in that situation. It is better for them to fall a few times at home, rather than when they are out of the house.

Teens that have opportunities to make their own decisions (with guidance, support and encouragement from their parents) grow up to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Kerry

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November 1, 2005 - Teach Your Children to be Thankful

Oftentimes, we try to teach our kids to be thankful the week before Thanksgiving because this is the time of year to show our thanks. True thanks cannot be taught one week at a time, but needs to be taught and modeled year-round. To get you started over the month of November, try some of the ideas in the article below.

http://www.flc.org/hfl/parenting/ptg-flm08.htm

Kerry

Christian Parenting

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October 29, 2005 - Moms & Teenaged Daughters

My girls and I attended our first of four Bible studies for moms & teenage daughters. Our pastor's wife is leading it and I'd like to share a few thoughts we discussed.

That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;
   That our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style
            Psalm 144:12   NKJV

The King James translates it as such:
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;
     that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of     a palace:

Wow! Our daughters are to be cornerstones, the foundational stone of the building. Think about that...cornerstones are suppose to bear the weight of the building so our daughters should be growing up to bear a great weight. Not only is she to bear much weight, she is a cornerstone in a palace where kings & queens reside. She is polished for much glory. What a beautiful picture for us to consider as we raise our daughters. Sometimes I think moms consider this picture, but don't talk to their daughters about where they should be headed - the goal of glory for a future husband, the ability to bear much through both good & bad times, and a desire to be part of a beautiful home, a palace of our own.

As you think about raising a "polished cornerstone", consider the following character qualities.

Noble - In I Timothy 5 we read that widows who are worthy of support are to be of a very high reputation and character. In verse 10 we see that she is to be "well reported of good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work." In other words she is a very active woman before her husband dies. Good works are character of her life throughout. Think about this one for a moment - she has raised children and been quite the hostesss. Showing hospitality is second nature to her. These days we undervalue the power of gracious hospitality to others. She ministers to those around her in a way that is truly helpful to others. As she lived her life she pursued good works. What a high calling for our daughters (& ourselves).
Gracious - A gracious woman retains honor (Proverbs 11:6). Our daughters should be gracious to those around them. Kindness should be evident both in the way a mom treats her daughter and the way a daughter treats her mom. In addition to be kind, a gracious woman has an elegance about her. Elegance is evident in the way she takes care of her home so we should be training our daughters in the ways of having an elegant home and the ability to care for it well. Now, this does not mean you have to spend lots of money to have an elegant home; elegance comes from the inside and we should teach our daughters how to be elegant. Sometimes I think we can spend time teaching our daughters domestic skills, but not in an elegant way. When the woman of a home is gracious, kind and elegant, she makes those who enter her home comfortable while they are there. Are you teaching your daughters how to make others feel comfortable as you teach her those domestic skills?
Refinement - Modesty should be an authority in our lives and our daughters' lives. We should embrace feminity, even though the world does not truly embrace the idea of being feminine. Biblical feminity is at war with the world. Our daughters should be polished in manners, know what is appropriate in situations and have a stately air about them (not a snobby air). In other words, we should teach our daughters that it is not good to be an airhead, ditzy or Barbie-like. Those are qualities the world embraces, but not qualities the Christian should embrace.
Rejects Idleness - Our daughters should be serious about their lives and not a busy body in other people's lives.
Good Spiritual Discipline - Are you and your daughter in the Word on a daily basis? It is only through God's Word that we will grow to Christian maturity and transform the world around us.

Moms, encourage your daughters as you train them. Don't overload them emotionally, emotionally or domestically. You know, they need to raise a family - but not yours.

Daughters, receive teaching humbly from your mom. Watch your moms and embrace your parents' standards. If you don't understand your parents' standards, then ask them.

Much of this entry came from Nancy Wilson at her Bible study for moms & teen daughters. Books by Nancy include Fruit of Her Hands, Praise Her in the Gates, and Our Mother Tongue

Kerry

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A place to interact about teaching our kids without following the conveyor belt model of the government schools. Think outside the box and provide a leadership education for your children. Other musings are included on a regular basis :-)

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