August 8 – Ephesians 6:4 (Amp)

Ephesians 6:4 (Amp) Fathers, so not irritate and provoke your children to anger — do not exasperate them to resentment — but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord. What might provoke a child to anger? Making him do something that he isn’t trained to do. Requiring something of him that you fail to require of yourself. Not having any respect for him as a person or for his plans. This could be a long list.... Read More

August 7 – Hebrews 12:12-13

Hebrews 12:12-13 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. This is the point of all that has gone before in the last several verses in this chapter. And I think it’s a point we need to teach our children: how to respond to discipline. I’ve seen over-reaction on both ends of the spectrum by both children and adults, including myself. Discouragement,... Read More

August 6 – Hebrews 12:11 Proverbs 29:17

Hebrews 12:11 Proverbs 29:17 Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Discipline your son, and he well give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. Here is discipline bringing peace to both giver and receiver. I’ve always wondered about the phrase “to those who have been trained by it.” Can a rebellious heart refuse to be trained, even though God (or us, as parents) is trying to discipline... Read More

Infertility Posts: Index of Posts

This summer and into fall I am writing a series of blog posts telling the story of our infertility journey. (Click here to read more or leave a comment on Infertility Posts: Index of...) Share this:EmailFacebookTwitterPinterest Read More

Infertility Post Two: In the Beginning There Was Silence

Way back when my husband and I started to talk about marriage, we dreamily looked in each other’s eyes and said: “We’re going to have as many children as God gives us!” A few things got changed along the way. (Click here to read more or leave a comment on Infertility Post Two: In the Beginning There...) Share this:EmailFacebookTwitterPinterest Read More

August 5 – Hebrews 12:11 Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15

Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Pretty good jumping-off place to bring in all that the writers of the proverbs say about the rod, which is a “rod, staff, a stick used to assist in walking, discipline, and guidance.” So…a few…with only a little comment. Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Why? Because the father sees farther into the future of that... Read More

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches with Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Macaroons

In the middle of our hectic parties, traveling, and unpacking this month, the kids sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Last week I decided to ignore my mile-long to do list and spend some time baking cookies with my daughters. This oatmeal macaroon recipe has been in the family for ages. My mom made these cookies with her mom. I made them with my mom. Last week my daughters made them with me. My mom’s recipe card is so worn that it looks like leather, unlike the brand-sparkling-new... Read More

August 4 – Hebrews 12:9-10, Proverbs 19:18

Hebrews 12:9-10 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. I see two ideas to gain from this: 1) Children will respect parents who discipline them. 2)The discipline of parents WILL be imperfect, but, still, it should be done... Read More

Summer Evening Reverie

Summer evenings make some of the most nostalgic memories. We’ve been soaking up the evening play time, when the heat has relented a little, bedtime is still an hour or two away, and the light starts looking magical. The kids love it… At least, I think they do. Sometimes I wonder about the littlest. But they all seem to enjoy themselves, in their own ways… even with no specifically planned activities. Like sharing a summertime drink in the soft grass… or... Read More

August 3 – Hebrews 12:5-8

Because a very big percentage of what the Bible has to say about the parent-to-child relationship is about training and discipline, I want to cover it — but it is with some fear and trepidation! I’ll try to just cover what the Bible says, and, when I interject my own opinion, I’ll tell you! Hebrews 12:5-13 is a good section on discipline — mostly how God disciplines us, but it also says a lot about parent to child, too. My son, do not make light of the... Read More