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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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| (The Fears and Joys of Adopting) |
Our son was nine days old when we first met him. As soon as I entered the room, I saw a large, white basket on the sofa. Like a strong magnet, it pulled my heart.
My husband said, “Wait. Let me get the camera.” I shook my head replying, “I have waited for years, and I cannot wait a moment longer!”
Gently, I scooped up the tiny miracle and nuzzled him in for a kiss. In that moment, an amazing peace and overwhelming love swaddled us together. Every previous concern, every fear melted away.
In honor of Adoption Awareness Month, I'd like to share with you a few of our adoption fears and joys. Perhaps they'll encourage you if you're considering adoption.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| (The Fears and Joys of Adopting) |
Our son was nine days old when we first met him. As soon as I entered the room, I saw a large, white basket on the sofa. Like a strong magnet, it pulled my heart.
My husband said, “Wait. Let me get the camera.” I shook my head replying, “I have waited for years, and I cannot wait a moment longer!”
Gently, I scooped up the tiny miracle and nuzzled him in for a kiss. In that moment, an amazing peace and overwhelming love swaddled us together. Every previous concern, every fear melted away.
In honor of Adoption Awareness Month, I'd like to share with you a few of our adoption fears and joys. Perhaps they'll encourage you if you're considering adoption.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. In my last post, I shared with you the excitement of my third pregnancy, and the devastation of a miscarriage.
Today, I want to encourage you by sharing another portion of my miscarriage journey.
If you’re dealing with an infant or pregnancy loss, you already know some days are hard. Really hard. I promise you, it will get better. I hope you'll find encouragement here, and in a resource I've included at the bottom of the post.
And, if you’re someone who has never experienced a miscarriage, and are at a loss of knowing how to help someone who has, there’s something here for you as well.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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Photo: Operation Birthday Celebration--
A Journey to the Manger |
I stumbled upon a gem for you all while reading Vonda Skelton’s blog the other week.
She was interviewing author/illustrator, Angelika Martin, about her Christian children’s book, Operation Birthday Celebration—A Journey to the Manger.
I knew I wanted to review this book when the author said,
“Christian parents want creative resources that capture a child’s imagination and fuel curiosity while staying true to biblical teaching. Operation Birthday Celebration is entertaining while supporting Christian values and doctrine.”
Martin initially wrote the book for her grandchildren because she “didn’t want Christmas hijacked by an elf.”
Soon, however, other families, and writing professionals, were reading her book. They highly recommended she offer it to the public. I think many Christian families will be glad to hear Martin has Operation Birthday Celebration ready to go for Christmas 2016.
So many things make this book special.
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 Pixabay |
Why are some Christians afraid to speak the truth of Jesus Christ when they are at school, at work, or even at church?
I believe it boils down to three fears. Fear of rejection, fear of persecution, and fear of inadequacy. How do I know? A few of them have crept up on me, too.
Let’s consider our “what if” fears and talk about ways to squash them.
Fear of Rejection
You’ve heard these—maybe even said a few.
“What if kids stop talking to me, because I’m talking about Jesus?”
“I could be ostracized in the group.”
“If I talk about God, won’t people say I think I’m better than everyone else?”
We may see eyes roll, hear snide remarks, or feel as if we’re invisible. We may be denied access to the popular group at school. Overlooked for a job promotion.
Former friends now
keep
their
d i s t a n c e.
Rejection may lead to persecution.
Fear of Persecution
“The kids will make fun of me if they know I’m a Christian.”
“If I speak the whole Truth, they’ll say its hate speech.”
“No one will respect me. They’ll think I’m a fanatic. I might even lose my job.”
Persecution to most American Christians means being singled out, harassed, perhaps bullied.
Persecution to Pakistani, Asia Bibi, meant a beating for sharing her faith to Muslim women. Imprisoned for violating subsection C of Pakistan’s 295 blasphemy law - blasphemy against the prophet Muhammad, she was sentenced to death. The death sentence was not carried out, but she’s been imprisoned since 2009. Even though she is sick and misses her family, she will not renounce her faith.
Asia's story takes our perception of persecution to another level.
Read more »
Hi Friends!
It's been ages since I mixed up pancake art batter but I finally did after a long summer break! Cool Miniature Berry Pies are coming up in pancake art...stay tuned on my
YouTube channel (and here on my blog too!).
For fun, I thought I would share with you some of my recent favorites in Christian music and books.
For books, I would highly recommend David Wilkerson's "The Cross and the Switchblade." I got mine from the library but amazon also sells it
here.
This is a powerful book that really encouraged my faith and the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit! This book is for an older audience though as it has some hard life situations so just keep that in mind.
God used David's "apparent ministry failure" to reach teenagers accused of murder to open doors to minister to other youth for Christ. He really had to step out in faith in many ways, including purchasing the first Teen Challenge ministry house without the funds to afford it (with his wife's encouragement) and how Jesus kept providing along the way.
I love how the Lord really orchestrated his ministry and I hope you're faith will be encouraged like mine was when I read this book to trust in Christ and to step out in faith when you feel led by the Lord to do something. David Wilkerson didn't have a ministry vision when he started out but God led him along the way. Sometimes I think we feel as if we need to have everything figured out and an action plan but I believe that God often works one step at a time...especially for us "scaredy squirrel" types.
I also felt that the "Cross and the Switchblade" encouraged my spirit to love those that hate us. He was threatened by a teen gang member, yet he offered Christ's love in return.
I Peter 3:14-15
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
I also read David Wilkerson's son's book, "David Wilkerson: The Cross, the Switchblade and the Man Who Believed," which again I got at my library but it's also on Amazon
here. I enjoyed reading this book to find out more on how the Lord worked in David's life after he wrote the "The Cross and the Switchblade."
Have you read one or both of these books? If so, how did they impact your life?
As for music, here are my top 3 favorites from the summer... Hollyn:
Nothin' on YouNatalie Grant:
Good DayHillsongs:
Alive (Studio) Blessings,
Jenni
by Sally Matheny
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| Enthusiasm fresh as the morning |
My enthusiasm was fresh the morning we began serving a meal at the project. People slowly filtered into the commons area. My cheerful greetings were not returned. Instantly, I sensed a divide greater than the table of food between us. They had come for the food. Nothing else.
An unexplainable heaviness stifled conversations. Icy silence, as well as sharp tongues, sliced my attempts to interact. It was obvious. We were not welcome.
After helping distribute the food, I retreated under the outstretched branches of a tree, thankful that I’d thought to bring a lawn chair. It provided a secure place to perch and watch the crowd. Most of the missions team stayed under the shady tent. Two or three pastors mingled and tried to chisel out conversations.
Then I saw her.
A young woman, probably in her early twenties, stood off to the side, alone. She was looking around as if searching for something, or someone.
I hesitated. The last woman I had approached, gruffly informed me she was waiting on someone. Perhaps this young woman was waiting as well.
Yet, she continued to stand there, sweat flowing down her face. She hugged her drink and chips in one arm and her hamburger in the other. What was she looking for?
Seating was limited. Most people grabbed their food and hustled back to their homes. Could this woman possibly be one of the few who wanted to sit and stay awhile?
Slowly, I eased out from under the tree’s protection. Would she be like the others and berate me for being there? I was an outsider—different ethnicity, different economic level, different worldview.
“Hi. Are you looking for someone?”
She shyly shook her head no. I didn’t recognize any anger in her face. It appeared to be more like discomfort.
“Would you like to sit down to eat?”
A simple nod yes.
I look around at the few tables provided. No empty seats. I scan the grassy area under the trees. An empty chair sits beside mine.
“Would you like to sit under the tree? It’s cooler.”
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| Sharing the Son Means Leaving the Shade |
She nods and follows me to the tree. The distance is short, but we don’t arrive in time to claim both chairs. Only my chair is left.
“Here. You can have my chair.”
As she sits down, I introduce myself. She tells me her name. But I could not hear her well over someone yelling. I did not ask her to repeat it.
I smile, trying hard not to be insincerely cheery. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope you like your burger.” I motion toward the tent. “I’ve got to go help serve.”
She smiled with another silent nod.
As I stood under the shade of the tent, I kept looking back over at the tree. The woman ate silently. A young man, with a mental illness, chattered away beside her but she wasn’t responding.
Something inside told me to go tell her why we were there. We weren’t just giving away free meals. We were sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
But the earlier rejections of the crowd stifled my response.
The crowd dwindled. Only a few remained in line. I decided handing out napkins to folks would be helpful.
“Would you like a napkin?”
A few minutes passed. Another expressionless face approached.
“Would you like a napkin?”
Another five minutes passed before anyone needed my valuable napkin distribution service. This is ridiculous. I should just go talk to her.
I neatly stack the napkins on the corner of the table and turn back towards the tree.
She is gone.
As quietly as she slipped into my life, she slipped out. As well as my opportunity to tell her how much God loves her. And how He gives a joy so great, that she’d have a hard time staying so quiet.
 |
| Plant a seed of hope. |
And for my silence, I am sorry.
Perhaps she already had a relationship with Christ. I hope so.
I understand when we first meet someone, it’s not always the best time to share Christ.
Although often,
it is.
”But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared
to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have.
But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
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
 |
| Honoring True Freedom |
In my youth, I did not realize the full value of my freedom. My understanding only went as far as my own limitations.
“Why can’t I watch that T.V. show?”
“When will I get to drive a car?"
“Where can I go with my friends?”
As I grew, so did my perception of freedom.
I learned people sacrificed their own freedom for mine.
I may never fully comprehend the price some have paid, or adequately appreciate those who are still hammering out ways to preserve my freedom.
One reason for my ignorance is because someone, for some reason, cared enough to protect me from that knowledge. I once heard a special agent say if an evil event didn’t make the news, because his team prevented it from happening, then their mission was accomplished.
by Sally Matheny
 |
| Strangers in Our Homes |
If a stranger shows up at my front door, 9 times out of 10, I’m not letting him in. I may not even go to the door. I suppose I’ve listened to too many horror stories. Some were fictional. Some were real.
Maybe you’re brave and open your door every time. The Bible does say,
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:1-2(NIV)
However, you could be like me. You listened to the school presentations on stranger danger. Crime stories in the news made an impression. Let’s not forget the numerous scriptures mentioning the necessity of posting guards.
So, should we allow strangers into their homes?
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 »
by Sally Matheny
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| A Mother's Work is Never Done--Or is It? |
Has your child ever called you an insulting name? One Saturday morning, after eliciting my eleven-year-old’s help with cleaning, he spewed the words, “You’re a Danny Tanner!”
For those of you not familiar with the family television show, Full House, Danny Tanner is the parent obsessive with cleaning.
At first, I was insulted. I am notobsessed with cleaning. Danny Tanner uses a Dust Buster to clean his vacuum cleaner! He doesn’t allow anything out of its place. I vacuum once a week, and if we’re lucky, we may get the main pieces of furniture dusted. Also, I’m a stacker. I have little stacks of mail, magazines, and numerous slips of paper filled with writing ideas all throughout the house. Danny Tanner would go spastic in my house.
It only took a few minutes of comparing myself to Danny Tanner that I found the whole thing hilarious. I can overlook a messy house for almost five whole days before it begins to annoy me. And I prefer to do a multitude of other things instead of cleaning! But I feel responsible for maintaining a peaceful haven for my family. And let’s face it. An unorganized, messy home does not induce an atmosphere of serenity. Even my little name-caller will admit he likes the house better after all the work is done. I do, too. And so, for the next five to six days, we enjoy ourselves—before it’s time to clean again.
However, relaxing and having fun appear to come more easily for my husband and children. Seems like I have to be more thoughtful and intentional to stop doing whatever I think is "necessary" in order to join in the fun.
It’s a fact, a mother's work is never done. Truly. Never.
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 Sally Matheny
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| When Life Isn't Going the Way You Expected |
Are you discouraged because you thought things would be different by now? While many people reflect on their accomplishments of the past year, we also may focus on our unmet goals. How do we avoid disheartenment when life events didn’t go the way we expected?
Perhaps we thought we’d be farther along in our work. Or we wonder why we can’t go back to the way things used to be. We expected barriers in relationships lowered, and our incomes increased. Our physical health, emotional condition, or social status are not anywhere near the levels of what we had hoped. Like the 1970’s singers in the cornfield on The Hee Haw Show we sing, “Gloom, despair, and agony on me…oh!”
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| The Best Gift for Baby's First Christmas |
If God has blessed you with a precious, new life this year, I’m sure Christmas morning will be extra sweet! Your little one already may have a cute stocking hung and brightly wrapped gifts under the tree. Or, perhaps due to his adventurous spirit, all the gifts are well out of reach!
No matter what gifts you’ve chosen, I hope you've considered one spectacular gift you can give your baby, especially for his first Christmas.
You have the power to give your baby the best gift and the positive effects of this gift will last a lifetime. The only thing it will cost you is wisdom and courage.
Besides love, the best gift a parent can give a baby for his first Christmas is the truth. Godly parents want to teach their children about the importance of honesty. Teaching by example is always best.
We want our children to know they can always come to us and can trust us. We build a relationship of trust on a foundation of consistent and reliable truth.
We learned the hard way that it’s much easier to begin with your baby’s first Christmas than when she’s older.
As young Christian parents, my husband and I knew we didn’t want to play up the whole Santa Claus thing. We never said, “You better be good, Santa is watching you.” We even tried to make subtle hints by saying, “Santa is a fun thing people do at Christmas.” We emphasized the birth of Jesus through our speech and actions. Yet, we still took our little one to see Santa, we put milk and cookies out for him, and there were always gifts under the tree with tags signed by Santa. We thought we could have a nice blend of Jesus and Santa, with the heavier emphasis on Jesus.
Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| Blessed by an Act of Christian Kindess |
Kindness breaks through barriers. One act of kindness can turn a person's day around. Just one thoughtful deed has the potential to open up a whole, new life for someone.
This week I'm reposting an article I wrote about this time last year. It prompted an overflowing of two-way blessings. I thought it would be beneficial to post it again. There are many stories about random acts of kindness. One account is of a family waiting until their neighbors went to work. Then, they secretly placed a festive welcome mat at their front door. The children especially liked giving in secret; much like that St. Nicholas fellow did long ago.
Not expecting anything in return, not even recognition, keeps the giver humble, and focused on the giving.
Kind deeds are a great way to help us concentrate on other people rather than ourselves. Children, who are constantly adding to their wish lists, are prime candidates for this type of family project.
You can find free downloads of cards and tags on the internet to print and leave for the recipients of your random acts of kindness.
However, for my family's secret giving, I wanted to create a different kind of tag. I desired to add a twist of faith—something that told about the ultimate act of kindness—that of Jesus Christ. The result is a card that begins: “You’re B.A.C.K.! (Blessed by an Act of Christian Kindness). The card ends by sharing about God's greatest act of kindness and how it isn't random at all, but intentional.
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by Sally Matheny
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| Attic Stairwell by Van Gogh, courtesy of wikimedia |
I’m thankful for many things, however, I have too many things.Are you a collector? I’ve reduced my collections. My Santa figurines are long gone, and my angel assembly has reduced to three or four—if you include the one that sits on top of the Christmas tree. Although I’ve held onto my collection of teacups, I no longer scour second-hand shops for another lovely addition. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized these things take up too much room and too much time dusting. So, I stopped collecting these things. Sounds liberating, doesn’t it? It sounds like it. Yet, I still cringe when I look in my attic. I’d die if you saw my attic right now. Even though, I stopped collecting items years ago, I still have too much stuff. I’m not a hoarder, but maybe I’m holding onto some things which I need to let go. This week I went to the attic and considered long and hard why I’ve saved the items I have. Perhaps what I am learning will help you determine what the items you’re saving say about you.Read more »
by Sally Matheny
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| Couple Made a Wise Decision Before Engagement |
One time, I wrote a post encouraging young couples to seek godly counsel, or work through a Biblical workbook, before setting a wedding date.
Since my husband is a pastor, we have several copies of a Bible study workbook titled, Before You Say I Do, by Norman Wright. He uses this book when counseling young, engaged couples.
Much to our delight, several months before our daughter became engaged; she and her boyfriend, Samuel, asked if they could have a copy. Even though they both regularly talk to their pastors, they wanted to work through the workbook together while they were away at college. It took some finagling, but they squeezed the study in between their classes and work schedules.
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by Sally Matheny
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| Best Gifts for Pastor Appreciation Month |
My husband answered the call to pastor his first church in 2004. Eleven years later, we’re still serving the Lord alongside the same sweet family of believers. Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina, you’ll find our little church bursting at the seams with some of the most compassionate and generous people.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Perhaps some of you are contemplating ways to bless your minister. Be sure to post a comment at the end to enter the drawing for a gift card for your pastor. And just in case you don't win, I’ll share some suggestions including the absolute, best gift my husband ever received for Pastor Appreciation Month.
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by Sally Matheny
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| Nan Jones |
I am delighted to share with you an interview with Nan Jones, the author of The Perils of a Pastor’s Wife. I first met Nan at a Christian Devotions writers’ conference in 2012. Immediately, I sensed a beautiful aroma of Christ about her.
Over the years, Nan has experienced sunny days and hailstorms. Through it all, Nan has learned to cling tightly to her spiritual roots in Jesus Christ. She continues to offer a beautiful, fragrant offering to Christ, as she encourages others who are struggling to find God’s presence.
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