In thinking and praying about our trip to Ghana, I never once considered that I would have time to read a book...but I did have time to read a book. But since I didn't consider having time to read a book, I didn't bring a book to read (but wouldn't the wise person never leave home without a good book?). HOWEVER, Nick brought quite the collection of books (he's wise, that's for sure!) - we had to bring all of his textbooks for this semester of seminary in our luggage (we weren't confident that the shipping container would make it to Guinea before his classes started)(good thing...his classes start tomorrow and we've not seen the shipping container!)
Among his textbooks was one called "Discipleship in the Home" by a guy named Matt Friedeman (I think it's pretty incredible that one of his TEXTBOOKS has that title!). It sounded good so I picked it up and read it (mainly during Emma's naps)(when I wasn't napping with her).
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| You can get the book on amazon if you're so inclined. Apparently there's a dvd, too. You're welcome, Matt, for the free advertising. |
I really enjoyed reading the book and the Cash family has been applying some of the suggestions/ideas in it -- we've been memorizing Psalm 24 and John Wesley's Covenant Prayer together during "Cash Family Church." (I think Philippians 2:5-11 and the St. Francis Prayer will be the next ones we tackle).
Nick and I have also started helping our children learn a catechism called "Hidden in the Heart" (it's 126 questions and answers about the Bible and Biblical Truths). God is using this book to help provide a significant part of our foundation as a family. I like it! (and, therefore, I highly recommend the book!)
Thought I'd share some of my favorite quotes from the book (all are from Friedeman except the first one):
“Darling, you
are not here in this world for yourself.
You have been sent for others.
The world is waiting for you.” – Catharine Booth
The
commitments of our children at any point of their lives in Christ should exceed
all other commitments (e.g. tv, sports, grades, internet, friends…)
Carve or cut
into your children’s minds the oneness of, the love of and the law of God.
It is nice to
have a community of people you know, love and trust that are investing in your
children with generous helpings of affection and a sense of holy
responsibility.
What we do in
the discipleship of our children will impact loved ones we will never see in
this life (he was talking about the importance of praying for the generations that
will come after us)
If you want an
apple orchard, the best time to have planted was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.
Do the best
you can by the grace of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and rest in
God knowing that you have done what you could.
It is our
primary task – not the church’s- to ensure that our family life contains the
crucial elements of spiritual and liturgical understanding.
Our children need encouragement and a vision of excellence, but they also need to be reminded to “deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus.”
A love of God
makes you love your family optimally; a love of His kingdom means that your
spouse and children get much more in a mother & wife, for instance, than
they ever would if you love them first and best.
While you're thinking about discipleship, there's this really incredible guy I know who has started a really fabulous blog on discipleship. Check it out...jump in the conversation. He's my favorite.
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