Jennifer Lambert

A Sacred Balance

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Reformation Unit Study

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I wish we had the time and resources to travel all over Europe to study the Protestant Reformation.

We’ve traveled to Prague to view the statue of Jan Huß.

Jan Huß was a Czech priest, philosopher, early Christian reformer and Master at Charles University in Prague. After John Wycliffe, the theorist of ecclesiastical Reformation, Hus is considered the first Church reformer, as he lived before Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli.

Hus was a key predecessor to Protestantism, and his teachings had a strong influence on the states of Western Europe, most immediately in the approval of a reformist Bohemian religious denomination, and, more than a century later, on Martin Luther himself. He was burned at the stake for heresy against the doctrines of the Catholic Church, including those on ecclesiology, the Eucharist, and other theological topics.

After Huß was executed in 1415, the followers of his religious teachings (known as Hußites) rebelled against their Roman Catholic rulers and defeated five consecutive papal crusades between 1420 and 1431, in what became known as the Hußite Wars. A century later, as many as 90% of inhabitants of the Czech lands were Hußites.

This was almost 100 years before Martin Luther nailed his 95 These to the church door.

JanHussMonument.jpg

We really love the humongous statue to Martin Luther and other Protestant Reformers in Worms, Germany.

Most of us are familiar with Martin Luther and his 95 Theses.

Luther focused on the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Martin Luther’s story is fascinating, involving legal tangles with the Catholic church and government authorities, excommunication, kidnapping, hiding away in a castle where he translated the Bible, then he married an ex-nun. They had six children. He wrote and taught and composed hymns until his death.

luther-statue-in-worms

It is legend that Luther said the words: “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.”
here-i-stand

What Luther really said:
“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.”

The monument is quite massive.

Luther stands in the center and the four seated on the base are Girolamo Savonarola, Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, and Jan Hus.

The two men standing on either side in front are Frederick III, Elector of Saxony and Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse.

The two standing in the back are Johannes Reuchlin and Philipp Melanchthon.

Three seated women on the sides and back center represent the first German cities to adopt Protestantism: Augsburg, Speyer, and Magdeburg.

flowers-and-luther-monument

This map of the monument shows more info and where everyone is.

Where I’d like to go:

The city of Wittenberg, Germany, has a 500-year anniversary celebration of the 95 Theses!

There’s a John Calvin Museum in Geneva, Switzerland. But Switzerland is sooo expensive to eat and stay.

We’ve been reading lots.

I love these series: Christian Biographies for Young Readers by Simonetta Carr and Historical Biblical Fiction by Louise A. Vernon.

Resources:

The Reformation is a fascinating time in history and helped to usher in the Renaissance!

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Summer Bible Studies

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I always get super excited for Lent and Advent because it’s SO EASY to study the Bible with a plethora of choices during those times of the year.

It’s often difficult to find good Bible studies during the summer months when schedules so often go out the window.

The kids took a break from their Bible workbooks for the summer.

Summer is for slowing down and enjoying the outdoors, re-evaluating our homeschool and family priorities, having lazy late suppers and staying up late with the sunshine.

Churches often put Sunday school on hold since so many people are traveling and attendance is down and it saves on costs of materials.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t read or study any Bible at all.

Summer Bible Studies

Our summer Bible studies:

Each morning, the younger three kids read a chapter or section in Sword Fighting, What the Bible is All About, and Window on the World. These are their choices.

My middle girls are continuing with the History Lives series, reading Courage and Conviction.

I’ve been writing through scripture with FREE monthly plans from Sweet Blessings.

My teen and I just finished I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist and now we read a section of Manual of Christian Doctrine each day.

Every evening, we use the Pray Now app and read scripture, writings of church fathers, and a section from The Book of Concord. I like the format. My grandmother was Lutheran, but we don’t really adhere to a denomination.

We also have a morning basket with lots of resources on missionaries, martyrs, prayer, memorization, and different Bibles. We utilize these most mornings.

Other fun Bible studies we’ve done in our homeschool:

We’re not into Bible journaling or Bible coloring books. I feel that these activities take away from reading, studying, and learning scripture.

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Observing Lent

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I look forward to Lent every year for all the reading we do as a family.

There was a lapse in our Sunday school curriculum at the church we attended in Germany due to an ordering issue and the adults were discussing what to do during the interim while we waited on the new books. The Concordia Lenten curriculum is themed across all levels – preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, adults – so we can discuss it as a family all week long.

One mom actually said out loud: “Who actually discusses the lessons with their kids? Does it even matter?”

My husband spoke up (bless him): “We do! We talk about the Sunday school lessons after church with the kids every week and we read the Bible together every night. Jennifer teaches the kids all sorts of Bible lessons every morning with our homeschool.”

It’s very important to me that we read the Bible at home every day and reinforce or even refute what our kids learn in church.

These last few years not attending church has really helped us learn and grow.

I don’t want the Bible to be just a book on a shelf or pew, never looked at except on Sundays.

We want to learn all we can.

Lent is a traditional time of fasting and social media is all abuzz with people discussing what they’re giving up for the next 40 days.

While we all have faults and even addictions to things we could pare from our daily lives, I don’t feel the need to give up Facebook, TV, sugar, or coffee or even the occasional glass of wine or beer.

Giving up a food for 40 days doesn’t make me more holy.

I try to be thoughtful during this time, reading more and often different selections than usual.

I try to put on more grace, love, and kindness.

I curb my speech and tone and try even harder to be aware of language that excludes or is harsh to little ears.

Forming a new habit or releasing a bad habit takes time. Forty days is enough for it to take effect. This should be a time for resolutions and personal and spiritual growth.

Reading during Lent:

We love reading Amon’s Adventure: A Family Story for Easter. The kids almost have all those books memorized, but we still enjoy them!

We read The Bronze Bow one year at bedtime, which was a title listed in our history curriculum. We love historical fiction!

Every morning and evening, we read passages from the Bible. This doesn’t change much during Lent.

We just finished The Radical Book for Kids: Exploring the Roots and Shoots of Faith by Champ Thornton. It was more for very young kids but it was nice.

The younger kids worked through Sword Fighting and What the Bible is All About Handbook for Kids.

We use the Pray Now app on our iPads every evening to guide us through readings in Psalms, Old Testament, New Testament, hymns, writings from or about the church fathers, and a selection from the Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. Everyone reads a passage: Tori reads the Psalm; Katie reads the Old Testament; Liz reads the New Testament; Alex reads the Hymn; Liz or I read the writings; Tori reads the prayer; I read the Concordia selection.

I’ve read Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter, a compilation of several spiritual authors.

Last year, I read Grounded: Finding God in the World-A Spiritual Revolution by Diana Butler Bass.

My littlest one worked through Bible Treasures when he was very young. It’s a great scripture workbook trilogy for young kids. I read the Bible story aloud to him and we worked through the questions and catechism together each day.

My son is now working through Studying God’s Word. He is almost completely independent with this, reading their Bibles and answering the comprehension, thinking questions, and activities for each lesson. I often help and do review.

My eldest completed Manual of Christian Doctrine, Second Edition, Grades 11-12. She did a lesson each week and we discussed it.

My girls read Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church. It coincided with our history studies.

The Mother of the Reformation: The Amazing Life and Story of Katharine Luther was interesting.

I’ve read Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art – which is very autobiographical, written by Madeleine L’Engle. I highly recommend this book to all creatives.

Each evening, I read aloud selections from the Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions as listed on our Pray Now app.

My teens read Broken: 7 ”Christian” Rules That Every Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible. Also, This Faith Is Mine and Starting at the End.

My eldest and I read I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. It’s so intelligent and well-written. We loved discussing the points the authors bring up to refute atheism.

We enjoyed reading the What We Believe series as a family a few years ago.

We change up and add to our studies each year as the kids grow and I learn about and find new resources for myself, the kids, and our family.

Other Resources:

What Lenten traditions does your family celebrate?

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Is It Idolatry?

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Sometimes too much of a good thing can be an idol.

What is an idol? What is idolatry?

Some definitions of an idol:

  • Blind or excessive devotion to something.
  • Great devotion or reverence.
  • Immoderate attachment to something.
  • Anything that replaces God.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity,passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. Colossians 3:5-6

Are we troubled because of the idolatry of our culture?

Is It Idolatry? Are we troubled because of the idolatry of our culture?

Idolatry is when we worship at an altar of the god of self.

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:25

I have been guilty of idolatry. I pray all our eyes are opened.

We worship our self.

We buy the newest fads in clothing, makeup, hair care. We work out and track our steps on a FitBit, linked to our iPhones and social media (otherwise it doesn’t count, right, if the world doesn’t see how good we are?), diet, track calories on apps on our smart phones, nip, tuck, shimmy into Spanx and skinny jeans.

I’m almost 40 and I do not want to look 15.

Then there is the other side of the coin that makes Stacy from What Not to Wear cringe.

Some people seem to care nothing at all about how they are perceived.

I’m not judging. I understand that stage: sleepless newborns and cranky toddlers with nothing that fits that post-pregnancy body and no time or money for anything new. But my mama always told me to look my best, even when going out to the grocery store. It’s ingrained in me to put real clothes on and brush my hair and put on some lip gloss. I just wouldn’t be caught dead without it.

We are bombarded with information about how we must take care of ourselves. Because moms need to be reminded. Everyone else comes first. We are told we are selfish for being selfless.

We worship our spouse.

Of course it is a good thing to love our spouse. But it is problematic when we hinge our very existence on a relationship with someone of the opposite sex.

Modern culture is permeated with worship of love, sex, the conquest of a boyfriend or girlfriend. Songs and movies perpetuate this idolatry. When we ignore the seemingly innocent pop song lyrics of music artists like Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Hozier, we’re teaching that casual relationships and casual sex is the norm, the expectation.

When we encourage our kids to find their worth in a significant other, we invite a foothold for the devil to teach our children that their very existence hinges on whether or not they have a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Even Christians use spiritual ideas like the purity movement and courtship to teach the idolatry of marriage.

What about the poor, poor boys and girls who sit at home and pine for a spouse who never shows up? Are they less-than because they are still single when others think they should marry?

We worship our children.

Of course we’re supposed to love our children.

But do they rule over us? I’ve been to some homes where the children were in power, all but sitting on little thrones, lording over their parents who gave in to their every whim. That’s just not healthy.

Will we forever known as “Jane and John’s mom”? I hardly have an identity apart from being a mom. I am often introduced to others by and through my children. It used to bother me, but now I shrug it off. It makes me proud to be the cool mom whom my children want their friends and coaches to meet.

Do we spend all our time planning and executing the ultimate childhood with crafts, activities, educational games, events, field trips, vacations, educational courses, etc.?

Let kids be kids. Let them rest and experience free play and not have every moment of their lives scheduled. Let them fail and fall and skin their knees and get dirty.

We worship our pets.

We have two cats. We love them. I get it. Pets are like babies. We must care for out pets and be good stewards. Pets bring us great enjoyment and reduce stress.

But I know people who spend more money on their pets than I spend on my children! It makes me want to be their pet.

There should be balance. Animal lives are not equal to human lives.

We worship our church/denomination/pastor/ministry.

Should it be a competition about whose church is better?

Some denominations claim they’re the only ones getting into heaven.

Too many churches compromise biblical beliefs for membership numbers. They would rather be a little worldly than offend anyone.

Some pastors are worshiped as celebrities and have the houses, cars, toys, etc. that prove their elite status.

Are you a ministry leader who is exhausted, but must keep going because it could all fall apart if you’re not there to make sure it runs smoothly? I’ve been there. I’m a control freak. I had to take a break from serving to reconnect with my family.

We worship celebrity.

We rush to view reality TV shows and vote online for singing contestants who might have a bit of talent and the right look.

Hollywood and Disney offer a sweet, happy-ever-after that is so appealing. We all want a happy ending with no work involved. When this fantasy is taught as a potential reality, it becomes a problem. I want my children to realize they have to work and happiness is never a promise nor a guarantee.

Too many of the famous people in our media lately aren’t actually famous…they’re infamous. They’re cited as heroes for sexual antics, gender issues, drug and alcohol problems, relationship fails.

Then there’s the Christian celebrity.

They take the stage to the applause of men and women.

We read and watch false prophets with their self-help books and seminars, disguised as Christian guides. They promise get-rich-quick schemes, instant-weight-loss, shortcuts to eternal life that twist and warp biblical teachings. They market pretty packages to the ignorant and blind. They offer emotion and excitement with their charismatic messages. We flock to conventions and conferences and special services featuring “teachers” to hear a “better” way: scripture taken out of context to show us an easy path to greatness during this life. We watch for their sleight of hand and can’t even notice the bait-and-switch when they lie: you can read between the lines of the Bible and find Truth…elsewhere, apart from Jesus. They come up with cute catchphrases as a mantra they teach their followers to breathe and meditate in prayer. They practice and teach mysticism, pragmatism, moralism, rationalism, prosperity…and call it the real path to salvation. They’re so slick we don’t even realize they’re false.

What about Network Marketing leaders? 

They’re salespeople, first and foremost. They’re the stars at the conventions. They may pray on stage to make the Christians comfortable. They may quote some mystics to make the New Agers comfortable. They cite some science to appease the intellectuals. They preach success with their tried and true formula. They sell books, CDs, DVDs, seminars, webinars…all promising you the same success!

And then there are bloggers.

They were in the right place at the right time and went viral online with an old idea packaged Pinterest pretty.

They were just moms and wives last week.

This week, they’re businesspeople. They’re professionals.

They’re adored at conferences. They have fans and groupies. They’re hiring staff to homeschool their kids, clean their house, manage their ads, track their appointments, appearances, book signings, and speaking engagements. I’m so happy for them.

And they forget who put them there on the blogosphere. The readers, the followers…the other bloggers who supported and shared posts and prayed.

Who are now left wondering why we’re no longer friends.

We worship prosperity.

In Sunday school, we were asked to share our dreams. Most of us mentioned success for our children. One man got to the point and said: happiness.

All of the dreams really boiled down to prosperity. We want money to be happy.

We join MLMs to get rich quick with a great product and bug all our friends with our life-changing products.

We adore debt-free teachers and prosperity preachers alike. It’s the great dichotomy. We worship money. We are controlled by money.

We worship work(s).

Whether our work is blogging, mothering, housework, volunteering, or something else outside the home…

How much time do you take away from your relationship with God by sitting at the computer or attending conferences? Do you stress over the analytics and numbers of followers and affiliate programs?

Do you mark off your spiritual checklist by volunteering for a good cause? Do you feel better about your spiritual life for keeping your house organized and spotless?

I worried too long about the tidiness of my home and couldn’t pull myself together after the birth of our third child. I had to realize that I couldn’t do it all.

Idolatry is sneaky.

It often starts out as a good thing, a right thing. We’re supposed to love this and respect that.

When it replaces or outshines our love and respect for God, then it’s sinful. It’s idolatry.

Linking up: Modest Mom, ABC Creative Learning, A Life in Balance, Growing Hands on Kids, Rich Faith Rising, Life of Faith, Time Warp Wife, 3GLOL, Cornerstone Confessions, Moms Morning Coffee, Adventures of Mel, True Aim Education, The Natural Homeschool, Hip Homeschool Moms, Graced Simplicity, Imparting Grace, Raising Homemakers, The Deliberate Mom, Frog’s Lilypad, Milk and Cuddles, Wondermom Wannabe, Christian Mommy Blogger, Blessed Learners, Happy and Blessed Home,

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Should We Focus on Fun?

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Play is so important to children.

Somehow, we lose our fun-loving attitudes as we grow up and become responsible adults’.

Vacations are exciting. Celebrations are wonderful. But there is often a letdown afterwards.

If we make every moment a search for more fun, we lose the virtue of learning to be content in all things.

I have seen my generation and younger people focus so much on seeking fun that they are so dissatisfied with life they can barely function with the mundane.

Everything isn’t fun and we should seek balance.

We certainly can try to make chores a game or play music if it’s not too distracting. We can work together because many hands make light work and it’s nice to be companionable.

But we shouldn’t procrastinate because some things just are not fun – doctor appointments, dentist visits, car taxes, or drivers license renewals.

It’s immature to think every moment can be fun. Life is full of ups and downs.

Focusing on fun all the time is detrimental to our social development and spiritual health.

Should we focus on fun?

As a parent, I teach my children to learn to accept the boring without complaint. I want them to be content, not constantly seeking highs and avoiding all the lows. I don’t want them to be disappointed when every event, situation, or task isn’t perpetual fun and excitement.

So many have been raised on the Disney and Hollywood ideals that we can’t accept anything less than a fun, happy ending or constant exhilaration.

We can’t love God or our neighbor if we lose sight of certain ideals because we seek after fun all the time.

Life isn’t always fun.

We don’t always win.

Everyone shouldn’t get a trophy or award just for existing or participating. I’m not about rewards or punishments anyway.

It’s not fun to lose, but it’s an important life skill to learn how to be a gracious loser and learn from it.

We as parents can be the shoulder they cry on when they tried their best and it wasn’t good enough.

Parents want to save their children from sadness and disappointment, of course. It’s better to be empathetic and offer a hug and say, “Maybe next time.” Use this as an opportunity to learn about oneself.

  • Did you sincerely congratulate the winner?
  • Never, ever cheat.
  • It’s ok to lose.
  • Can you improve?
  • What can you do differently?
  • Check your attitude.

Not everybody can be the fastest or the best. It’s important to have fun in sports and activities. We’re not about that competition attitude.

There are many circumstances in life that we don’t understand.

We can help our children navigate life’s ups and downs in a healthy way, by explaining our experiences, by teaching what the Bible says, and seeking godly counsel.

School isn’t always fun.

Every moment of school time is not fun.

Every subject is not a favorite. Some love math and others love history. Every lesson doesn’t have to be fun and games.

Some of my best school memories were the hard tasks and the toughest teachers were my favorites because they didn’t back down. They challenged me and wouldn’t let me fail, even when I wanted to quit.

We need to teach our kids to love learning and they can always seek out fun ways to learn on their own. We shouldn’t have to provide entertainment to our kids all along the way.

It’s important for children to trudge through some unpleasant, challenging tasks. We don’t have to rescue our kids from every negative experience. We can hold her hand while she cries through algebra. We can encourage him during the hard research essay.

We need to teach responsibility and integrity, study skills and time management.

We should not do the science project for our daughter the night before it’s due. We should not rescue our son when he forgets his homework folder on the counter. We should not ask the teacher for special concession if the child isn’t ready for the test.

Kids need to have opportunities to learn responsbility and develop a good work ethic.

Natural consequences build character.

Church isn’t always fun.

Most church services are not fun. They’re not exciting. Many are convicting.

It is unpleasant to be faced with our human failings.

For kids, it’s tiresome to sit with adults on a hard pew bench and listen to a pastor drone on in churchese. They just want to get to the fellowship time for a cookie and Capri Sun.

The past 25 years or so, church has become a rock concert in an effort to make church more fun. They call it “Contemporary” or “Relevant.”

If I wanted to attend a rock concert, I would cough up $75+ dollars to sit (or stand) in a stuffy, overcrowded pot-smelling arena with thousands of my closest friends to see an overpaid, egotistical, vaguely talented musician lip sync to his CD, choreographed with pyrotechnics and laser lights.

But we want to attend almost the same sort of environment and call it “praise and worship.”

Jesus Christ Superstar, eh?

I want my children to worship Jesus of the Bible, not church or a pastor or a music director.

It’s OK for church to be boring.

Jesus didn’t come to entertain.

Friends aren’t always fun.

Having friends isn’t always fun.

People are difficult. People are sinful. People make mistakes.

We live in a world of disposable relationships.

We don’t have to be friends with everyone. We don’t have to like everyone.

We do have to be kind.

Too often, people end a friendship for a petty reason, without even attempting reconciliation.

In a time of the most communication opportunities in history, we often don’t keep in touch with our friends.

Many of us feel it’s too much effort to maintain friendships. We’re selfish.

And we’re teaching our kids that it’s ok to throw away people who offend us.

Teaching healthy boundaries is important. Learning forgiveness (and the language of apology) is necessary to maintain healthy relationships.

Marriage isn’t always fun.

Just like friendships, we live in a world of disposable marriages.

We live in a country that isn’t even really quite sure what marriage should be.

The actual divorce rate is about 40%.

The divorce rate among Christians is rising.

I know at least 5 Christian mommy bloggers who have divorced in the last couple years for various reasons. I know at least 2 pastors (of two different denominations) whose wives left them and they divorced.

Divorce is hard. I should know.

Marriage is hard work.

Marriage takes 100% effort from both the husband and wife. When there is an imbalance, one or the other becomes resentful.

Parenting isn’t always fun.

The media portrays parenting as a fun game or absolute hell.

There are reality shows that exploit teen moms as glamourous or weak parents with out-of-control kids.

Parenting is hard.

There is a plethora of conflicting information bombarding new parents on how to eat best for a healthy pregnancy, how to get baby to sleep through the night in a month, how to get the toddler to toilet train in a weekend, how to teach blind obedience to your preschooler, what is the best schooling method, how to get your kids to sit still in church, which chores to expect your tween to do, how to talk with your teen…

It’s exhausting. It’s depressing.

Most parents just wing it, swinging back and forth, desperately seeking a solution to whichever problem rears its ugly head at any given moment.

There is no parenting guidebook.

Kids shouldn’t be forced to grow up too soon.

Where did we get the idea that if we’re having fun, we are wasting our time, irresponsible, lazy, unproductive? Who fed us the lie that our purpose is to toil away and grind; that fun is only for the weekends or used as a reward after we’ve put in our work? Who benefits from this? Not us. This really only serves those who would exploit us for our labor, who want to keep us subservient to their agenda so that THEY can go out and have fun. That’s why fun, rest, and joy are so radically counter-cultural and liberatory in a world that wants to keep us hustling. “Having fun is not a waste of time.” Let’s shift our thinking and resist judging our children when they are pursuing things that they love. Fun is meaningful and purposeful and valuable.

UnTigering
@andreavorrath on IG

Parenting offers extreme highs when we are proud of our kid’s accomplishments and milestone achievements.

Parenting offers extreme lows when we don’t know where to turn for help or what to do other than fall on our knees and pray.

Parents have to consider what is best for each child in every situation. We shouldn’t take the easy way out. We shouldn’t do what is best for ourselves. We shouldn’t save our child from the consequence if she can learn a great lesson from her mistake.

Love isn’t easy.

Choose your hard.

We need to offer character building opportunities. We should offer more and more responsibility as the child can handle well until he can fly the nest.

We should strive for balance in every aspect of our lives. Fun should not be the ultimate goal.

By all means, have fun and show your kids a joyful countenance. But teach children the difference between good fun and seeking after no-responsibility “fun.”

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Why I Don’t Teach Purity

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I don’t teach purity to my children.

I have three daughters and one son. Of course I want them to have healthy sexual values.

But some Christians aren’t even really sure what healthy sexual values should be.

I didn’t grow up with any moral compass. Appearances mattered more than my heart and soul. I made lots of mistakes.

I don’t think the Christian purity movement is the answer. I don’t think old-fashioned courting is the answer. I’m not fond of any of these terms or “spiritual movements.”

What is purity?

  • Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements
  • Containing nothing inappropriate or extraneous
  • Having no moral failing or guilt

None of us is ever pure.

Children are often (and should be) innocent in the ways of the world, but eventually, the world seeps in despite all our parental efforts to protect.

I don’t want my children to grow up with no knowledge of the world, to fall into the trusting trap that all people are inherently good. I want them to be wise and have the ability to discern.

All sorts of dysfunction arise when you preach against something natural as bad and evil but offer no alternatives and don’t teach discernment.

Only Jesus is without sin.

To teach that we are ever pure is just wrong.

I teach my child that purity is found only through conforming our minds to Christ. I make sure they understand the central and biblical idea of purity and not just conforming outwardly to a spirtual idea without knowing why we should.

Most Christians say “purity,” but they really mean modesty and virginity.

And why isn’t there anything out there to teach BOYS modesty?

To teach we should remain untouched by the opposite sex until a pretty ceremony magically and suddenly removes an invisible cloak on our purity is just wrong.

And if we teach our kids that they are pure until they lose their virginity, what are they afterwards? Impure? That idea doesn’t go away just because a white dress ceremony happened.

Too many Christians I knew in my teens and youth stretched all the limits when it came to their “purity.” They would do everything and anything except go all the way. Even though I didn’t consider myself a Christian, they didn’t make any sense to me with their compromises. I was disgusted. Hot or cold, never lukewarm. Have some conviction.

Virtue is so much more than virginity. It should be a way of life. Modesty should be a mindset and it shouldn’t matter so much how long a hemline is or if shoulders show instead of how courteous and compassionate someone is.

In light of so much sexual misconduct and confusion in the media, I must address the purity topic with my family. My kids ask questions. They know the trends.

Teaching purity isn’t the answer.

I don’t want to set my children up for failure.

Since purity is an unreachable goal for man to pursue in his own strength, it doesn’t make sense to teach anyone can attain it. The purity movement doesn’t allow for failure, stumbles, or regret. It doesn’t teach grace or how to handle any social situations with the opposite sex.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

When we strive for an unreachable goal:

  • We feel less-than, hopeless, worthless.
  • We give up.
  • We become depressed.
  • We become stressed.
  • We think: what does it matter then?
  • We become frustrated.
  • We rebel.

 

Why I won’t teach my kids purity:

My teen has no desire for a “purity weekend.”

I know many parents with tweens or teens enjoy the purity weekend stuff. There’s a huge market for all sorts of books, DVDs, jewelry, and whatnot to the Christian population for purity talks.

I have ongoing conversations with my children about all sorts of hard topics and difficult issues.

My teen feels her behavior and values should stand alone, without outward symbols that could invite ridicule or uncomfortable questions from peers. She decided mostly on her own that it’s not the right time for dating now. Her friends all know and respect this.

We don’t feel the need to buy purity rings to symbolize virginity.

If she loses or damages the ring, what then?

If she makes mistakes and loses her “purity,” what then?

I want her to feel comfortable in her own skin, not constantly terrified of having an impure thought, word, or touch.

I want her to guard her heart as well as her body from harm.

It’s more than rules.

I don’t want to be just a rule enforcer with my kids. This is more about their hearts than their hemlines or how far they can go and still maintain their “purity.”

Drilling my kids in purity rules is legalism and doesn’t teach them anything useful. I could mandate when hand holding is appropriate, teach to never kiss a boy, and to refrain from any physical touch with someone of the opposite sex.

It will just instill a feeling of rebellion and create feelings of less-than.

I want them to follow the teachings of Christ, not some “spiritual movement.”

I’m concerned about the patriarchal fundamentalist stay-at-home-daughter cult ideals.

I’ve read a lot of this propaganda and it teaches that girls are only worthwhile and attractive when they are 110% to their fathers, brothers, pastors, and eventually to their husbands. It’s all about control.

I want more for my daughters.

Purity is an idol.

Too many Christians worship the idea of purity. Abstinence of all sexual ideas until marriage. They don’t even want to teach the science or facts to their children.

Ignorance isn’t bliss.

What if “purity” isn’t maintained?

What if a child is exposed to pornography?

What if a teen or youth stumbles?

It’s better to teach the ideas behind modesty and abstinence. Of course, kids need to know what the Bible says about relationships, sexual and otherwise.

I think the issue is about intimacy.

Intimacy:

  • having a very close relationship : very warm and friendly
  • very personal or private
  • involving sex or sexual relations

Children and teens should not seek to be intimate with another of the opposite sex. There is no reason for it. They don’t need practice dating. They should not be encouraged to have boyfriends or girlfriends while they are in middle school or high school. Children should not have private relationships. They need guidance from parents about how to navigate relationships. Intimate relationships very often lead to sexual relationships.

The purity idol doesn’t teach consent.

What if abuse, assault, rape occurs? Is that child no longer pure? What does that say to them as victims? This is just furthering rape culture that girls are “dirty” if they’ve been “ruined.”

What happens when a happy young couple does get married? Does that idea that sex is bad and dirty just magically lift?

I know many parents mean well by limiting music and movies and books with anything sexually tempting. But there is so much great literature and film out there. Instead of forbidding it, why not teach maturity and use it as a lesson? (And no, I’m not advocating 50 Shades of Grey!)

There are still rampant double standards out there:

It is not a mistake when women are compared to objects…
– Greener grass
– Flower that lost it’s petals
– Chewed gum
– Cow (“Why buy the cow when you get the milk for free?”)
– Fine china
– Precious cargo

…and men are the humans with agency in the scenario.
– The human gardener watering the grass
– The human plucking the petals
– The human chewing the gum
– The human buying/using the cow
– The human owning/placing the china
– The human protecting/carrying the cargo

This is an attack (though subtle) on the very humanity of girls.

~Ashley Easter

What will I teach my kids instead of purity?

The ultimate goal is healthy relationships…not just abstinence of all sexual relations until marriage. Our society scoffs that this is impossible. Certainly it is a difficult path, and most people would find a thirty-year-old virgin laughable. One argument would be to marry younger rather than later. Our culture expects teens to have sex, and certainly promotes sexual activity for college-age and young adults.

How can I equip my kids to protect good personal and moral values?

I will keep an open conversation.

The idea of abstinence until marriage is counter-cultural. The older my children get, the harder it will be on them to maintain those values in a culture that ridicules this “old-fashioned” idea and teaches its opposite, often as a double standard.

I want to be a sounding board, helping them to navigate social interactions and giving them tips to escape from uncomfortable advances, and avoiding difficult situations.

They need practical advice, from learning slang to inappropriate gestures and body language. If they’re clueless, they are potential victims.

I want to be here for my kids. I want to be the one to answer the hard questions.

How far is too far?

If they think it’s disgusting to see their parents or grandparents doing it, then that’s a good warning.

I want to be open-minded and I want my kids to talk to me about their relationships with friends and potential significant others.

What can they do if they’re in {whatever} situation?

Being up front and honest with people should prevent any misunderstanding. I hope that I’m just a phone call away to help if I’m needed.

Having a code word to alert to danger quickly so I can pick her up without explanation is a plan to implement soon.

Always sticking with a trusted friend for safety in numbers is another good idea.

Self defense lessons might be a goal.

I will point them to the Bible.

The Bible is clear that we are not to engage in sexual relationships outside of marriage. It has clear teachings on what marriage should be.

In light of recent events, marriage is a huge topic in the media, church, and in our household.

Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:13-14

We should honor God with our bodies: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

It is better to marry than to burn with passion: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 1 Corinthians 10:8

Ephesians 5 has a great explanation of godly marriage.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Hebrews 13:4

We discuss Scripture and how we can follow it despite what the world teaches. Yes, sometimes, it’s hard. Yes, there is opposition from even other lukewarm or liberal Christians.

The Bible shouldn’t be used as a weapon. I want my kids to hide its words in their hearts. We start very young, before they even understand what marriage, sex, or relationships are. We revisit the verses and concepts over and over, expanding on their teachings and meanings as they get older and understand more.

I will point out examples from history and society, both good and bad.

There are plenty of examples warning of the consequences of sexual sin in history, literature, movies, and our society.

I will never teach my kids that anyone is beyond hope.

Mistakes are made and anyone can be forgiven. We read of historical figures who made poor choices but redeemed their past with a 180* and learned the errors of their ways.

We discuss how the Holy Spirit and godly counsel can help us stay strong in our convictions and what to do if we stumble.

The media offers up lots of fodder for conversation and we discuss what’s going on with celebrities frankly. I have discussions with my kids about what’s popular.

I ask what they think and I share my views. Children don’t mince words. They know what’s right and wrong and that is typically absolute. The world compromises and deals in shades of gray.

We’ve also been discussing popular music a lot lately. Taylor Swift’s new songs have terrible messages for tweens and teens and I explain to my kids why her lyrics are bad. We also joke about most songs on the radio having to do with sex.

It gets more difficult when we grow up and are influenced by peers with different views, especially compromising Christians who have a foot on both sides of the line.

I will pray.

As a parent, I need to step up my prayer time the older my children get. They need more spiritual help as they become independent.

It’s very, very hard to maintain our convictions. It’s much more difficult for children with less life experience to stand firm in their beliefs.

I will pray for my kids to have strength.

I will pray for their friends and relationships. I will pray they will be good influences. I will pray my kids are good examples to others.

I will pray for their safety.

I will pray for their spiritual growth. I will pray they can stay busy learning and growing in Christ.

I will pray for their success as adults, that they will discover their talents and gifts and hone them and use them for the good of society and to the glory of God.

I will pray for future spouses.

I will pray for their hearts to be protected from false or damaging or broken relationships. Dating and intimate relationships for young adults (for anyone!) can be treacherous to hearts and minds.

Anyone can have physical sex. Yes, there can be physical consequences. The emotional scars and psychological trauma from casual relationships can often be worse than any physical effects.

The language of the purity movement concerns me.

I’m sure there are many fine couples who successfully maneuvered the purity movement and are happily married.

I don’t want to take my chances with the potential negatives I see.

I want to teach my kids a better way.

I want them to be safe and have healthy relationships – emotionally and physically. I want them to grow up and enjoy everything that a godly marriage has to offer.

Another good article: Why Courtship is Fundamentally Flawed


Linking up: Burlap and Babies, A Life in Balance, Simple Life of a Fire Wife, Rich Faith Rising, The Modest Mom Blog, Time-Warp Wife, Hip Homeschooling, The Stay at Home Mom Survival Guide, True Aim Education, Moms Morning Coffee, Holly Gerth, Wondermom Wannabe, Wife Mom Geek, Adventures of Mel, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Happy and Blessed Home, The Jenny Evolution, Imparting Grace, xoxo Rebecca, Frog’s Lilypad, Hip Homeschooling, Mommy Crusader, My Life Abundant


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Raising AntiRacist Kids

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I don’t like to watch the news.

Honestly, most of what I know about current events comes from people posting their outrage and ignorance on social media about situations they don’t even understand nor have an invested interest in. People just want interaction and pageviews.

White people use hashtags like #AllLivesMatter and even #BlueLiveMatter but they don’t want to share a meal with Black people. They cross the street so as to not walk by Black people. They grip their purses a little tighter when they see Black people.

The real issue is intolerance.

Hatred.

Anger.

Fear.

My heart hurts.

I’m embarrassed to be an American these days.

I think we understand even more what should mean to be American now that we live in a foreign country.

We watch how the world reacts to the hate spewed by Donald Trump and his supporters. We see the reports of Black kids and men being gunned down in the streets, in front of their families.

We’re dismayed.

Some of my Black friends share articles about how “White People Have No Place in Black Liberation.”

I see their point, but I’m torn.

We are not going to pray racism away.

We are not going to hug racism away.

We are not going to vote racism away.

How can I teach my children a better way than our history?

I grew up in a suburb south of Atlanta. I’m White. Most of our neighbors were White until I reached my teens. By the time I was sixteen, most of our neighbors were Black.

The schools I attended had a vast mix of White, Black, Mexican, Latino, Asian, Indian, Pakistani, everything. It was very diverse.

Lunchtime showed segregated tables – Blacks sat together; the Latinos sat together; the Asians sat together…some kids on the fringes of skintones or culture or whatever had nowhere to fit in so they gravitated towards the shade and attitude they blended best with.

This would have been an interesting read for me then and it sure is now:

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum

One friend of mine had a Black father and a Korean mother. I only saw him at school. We had an art class together one semester.

My father didn’t like me socializing with anyone browner in skintone than I was.

I didn’t have many friends.

My biggest thought about that is if he were so concerned about racial mixing, why didn’t he make sure I lived in some exclusive gated community like some country club Rapunzel?

My parents have moved twice in the last 12 years or so and still complain they have some Black neighbors. My parents still exhibit their prejudice with ignorant comments and labels that I struggle to ignore. It angers me when they say things in front of my kids.

Some of my classmates (both Black and White ones) who had moved down South from up North didn’t understand the racial tension. They said the discrimination ideas were a Southern mentality. They didn’t see color like Southerners had been to trained to do.

My high school had violent gangs – The Rock Boys were a neo-Nazi White gang and there were Asian and Black gangs. I was mostly oblivious to this; I was too busy studying for biology and algebra.

There were also great class differences in my town. Rich and poor and most in-between. I grew up with my family and friends labeling some people “White trash” for various reasons.

Children are a product of their environment.

They believe what their parents tell them, up to a certain point.

I had students who believed they were less than because they had no money and an absent father.

I had students whose families were immigrants and were disadvantaged due to a language barrier. Her parents worked as janitors in the school but had been professionals in their country. Their credentials didn’t transfer over. It saddened me.

I had students who persevered and refused to settle and have become amazing, successful, hard-working, productive adults, despite-all-odds.

I had students who had every advantage – supportive parents, wealth, beauty, you-name-it…and threw it away for sex or drugs.

You might be surprised which students were which races because many of us still have preconceived notions despite trying to be unbiased.

Unfortunately, we’re not so far removed from the hatred of our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Their memories of segregation, Jim Crow laws, the fight for Civil Rights have tainted too many aspects of our society.

This is where Christians need to lead the way in love.

We need to show the world what love is. Too many Christians look the other way, throughout history, not getting their hands dirty, not helping or offering an opinion.

How are we going to make history?

Remaining silent in the face of injustice is the same as supporting it.

My young son played catch with an older boy at the park. He mentioned it the other day when we were in the car, remembering that he had played with a boy who had darker skin than he does. He didn’t catch the boy’s name and we haven’t seen him since. We remember his kindness. He made my son’s day when he asked him to play catch. I didn’t fear my son playing with a Black boy. He didn’t notice anything other than joy of playing with a new friend.

But I know some parents who would discourage that interaction.

My teen daughter has a Black male friend and they communicate on Facebook because his family PCS’ed. But, he created a secret account to hide his friendship from his mother. Racial tension goes both ways. I don’t fear this friendship. But his evangelical Black mother fears for her son on multiple levels.

We can learn from each other’s differences. We need more kindness. We need to be more approachable. We need to make someone’s day.

Jesus doesn’t notice skin color. I train my children to see people. But I also teach them about racism so we can actively combat racism.

My kids see skin color the same way they notice someone’s hair color or texture, the color of their eyes, or how tall they are.

Attitudes are so different in other parts of the world. Travel and teaching about diversity is important. Teaching about BIPOC during Black history month shouldn’t be isolated to just thirty days a year.

White parents need to begin by educating ourselves.

I found these books rather tone deaf:

Better Resources:

How do you teach your kids to be antiracist?

Famous African Americans Notebooking Pages
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Statement of Faith

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I recently was asked for my statement of faith.

In a homeschool Facebook group.

I laughed.

Did they really want me to go there?

Most of the others in the group just replied benignly with “non-denominational.”

Really?!

I’m not sure that answers much of anything at all.

I don’t want to know what kind of church people go to. That tells me very little other than how far they wish to drive on Sunday mornings. That they prefer a vanilla service to anything convicting. That they probably like the contemporary Jesus-is-my-boyfriend rock and roll concerts with lasers, screens, and a sick beat rather than hymns and organs.

To each her own.

And linking to a church website with a watered-down creed tells me what that church’s leadership puts out there for the world to see so no one gets offended, but it doesn’t reveal anyone’s real heart decisions.

That they care about numbers more than social justice.

There are only 357,000,000+ hits of the search “statement of faith” on Google.

I’ve never understood the denominational wars.

What is a statement of faith or belief?

Let’s look at definitions.

Faith:

1. confidence or trust in a person or thing
2. belief that is not based on proof
3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion
4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.
5. a system of religious belief
6. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement,etc.
7. the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one’s promise, oath, allegiance, etc.

Belief:

1. an opinion or conviction
2. confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof
3. confidence; faith; trust
4. a religious tenet or tenets; religious creed or faith

So, the conversation about statements of faith irritated me.

It opens up a platform for exclusion.

Blind faith and true faith are two very different things. Blind faith is a way of saying, “Everything will work out,” and then waiting for something to change. True faith requires that we put our faith in ourselves and our abilities, and use our knowledge about how money works to make sure we can move forward in a more positive direction.

Ken Honda

My story of faith is so much more complicated than most people’s.

I didn’t grow up in church. My first tastes of church were tainted by abuse. I wasn’t allowed to ask questions or learn.

We’ve attended several denominations in different communities since we move around so frequently with the military. Some churches, we loved the pastor; others we loved the congregation or music. Too many church denominations compromise on really big, important issues in lieu of numbers.

There’s not one denomination that I can say I prefer over others, but there are certainly some I wouldn’t ever attend for various reasons, such as the rampant patriarchy, white supremacy, racism, childism, exclusion, dumbing down everything.

woman talking with sound waves coming out of mouth
I cannot stand the intolerance and legalism of “Christian” bloggers.

I don’t want to be a Christian Blogger.

When the blog and social media platform doesn’t align with someone’s personal conversation, then there’s a problem with integrity.

Too many bloggers only show the pretty plastered-on smile on their blog and public social media while spewing hatred on their personal feeds.

What is their real platform? Does having a blog give anyone the right to spew hatred anywhere? Especially if they claim to be a Christian…

But you know what? Christ forgives even if Christian bloggers get their hate on.

Often, I just scroll on by. Commenting on hate doesn’t usually help anyone and just furthers an argument. It doesn’t change anything. There’s no convincing them when they’re all righteous.

But lately, some bloggers have really overstepped on their personal and professional social media. Friends, peers, and brands are watching. Followers are reading. Jesus knows.

Why does the Christian blogging world have to be so competitive and hateful? There is room for all.

According to some Christian bloggers, divorce is not forgiven. One even goes so far as to say: being a successful blogger has some correlation to marital separation. Sucks to be me and a number of people I know who were unfortunate enough to have made a mistake (or two) and imagine ourselves forgiven and washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Sometimes, there are no right choices. What if there’s abuse or infidelity? What if he just leaves? I know several bloggers who are courageously writing about their stories of abuse in the patriarchal fundamentalist church movement. I am so proud of them for teaching and helping others.

A blogger on a site I used to write for asked for affirmation to not attend her sister’s wedding…to another woman. I get it: the fear and distaste many Christians have for the gay community and their civil rights. But if I have a family member or friend getting married, I would attend to show my love to her rather than boycott the event and create further strife. Isn’t it more about relationship and being a peacemaker? I am commanded to love my neighbor. What would Jesus say?

Another Christian blogger states that those on the fringe of Christianity (specifically Mormons, Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Catholics) are not people with whom real Christians (Protestants?) should ever fraternize. She essentially calls for a BLOGGER HOLOCAUST and I wonder if there’s a WASP BLOGGER KKK out there and if she’s a card-carryin’ member. Maybe she reads a different Bible than I do? Because the Jesus I know hung out and ate with sinners and the fringes of society on a regular basis. I wonder if she’s seen the movie Footloose? I read and love many bloggers of all faiths, denominations, and backgrounds. They all have something to offer and teach. We should be educated in apologetics. Too many “Christians” are so scared and uneducated in Bible history or doctrine that they are legalistic. Not everyone is the enemy. I love learning and being curious.

Another Christian blogger complains about Christians on her social media feeds who share from celebrities’ pages who are openly gay and supportive of questionable organizations that don’t agree with her ultra-conservative worldview. Instead of scrolling by, unfollowing, or clicking “I don’t want to see this,” in the top righthand corner of the status, she had to publicly denounce the character and personal life choices of anyone sharing anything from any sites with vulgar language or questionable ideals. Some pages are crass and others are just funny. I am absolutely one of those! I prefer the honesty of those sites to the fake and watered-down posts of others. I am seldom shocked. They are truth speakers and the truth is uncomfortable.

Some bloggers accept any and every sponsor that comes their way, no matter if it’s a good fit for their family or readers or perhaps even doesn’t align with their self-proclaimed worldview. It was free or made them a dime or acquired them a few pageviews, so that post is going up for all the world to see while they sell their souls to improve their network and analytics. Good for them. And I hope they claim all that on their taxes? I struggle with maintaining integrity in this area. I have overstretched with reviews before and sometimes it’s so hard to say no. I’m limiting reviews and giveaways more and more.

Many Christian bloggers just want to fit in and feel better and bigger by keeping others out… all the while quoting Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer and other prosperity preachers. And out-of-context scripture references are my favorite. Post a random Bible verse! Stab where it hurts. They recommend popular authors that twist scripture and weave in weird beliefs. They claim mom gospel or adoption gospel is the only or best way to heaven. They are holier than thou. Too many readers don’t know how to discern truth and just love these books with dangerous ideologies. Just because it’s published by a conservative or even proclaimed Christian publisher, doesn’t mean it’s good or right.

Some bloggers nonchalantly remark (braggy) that they only make $xx on this affiliate program or with that sponsor and it is hardly worth their time while some of us would be thrilled to only make that, ever, on anything! Some of us aren’t rich or successful in the blogging world – by any standards. I’m excited to get each and every penny. With integrity. I don’t post what I earn or don’t earn. Most of the time if I use #ad on a post, I never actually make money. Often, no one clicks the link or makes a purchase. Sometimes, I just want to share a product  we use and love.

Some bloggers even steal intellectual property and claim it as their own.  I guess celebrity bloggers don’t have to abide by any rules. They crop watermarks off images or copy/paste text or hotlink images on their own sites and social media.

I see Facebook pages and groups where bloggers delete any comments that disagree with their thoughts. If they share something controversial, they should expect some flak from it, ya know? Instead of spouting that their view is the only view, perhaps they could invite intelligent, respectful debate and learn from others? I welcome other views. I learn so much. But they want only shiny happy comments. Some people are just mean, but I leave comments on my blog and social media for others to see. Why are we scared of honest debate and curiosity?

These wolves in sheep’s clothing hide behind their keyboards while their personal testimonies fall apart.

They have smoking keyboards and razor tongues.

Before you get your Bible verse weapons ready, ask yourself: who taught you what you think believe?

Too many people look to Christian bloggers as leaders but I don’t see enough leadership material there.

That worries me.

Most days, I would rather not be considered a Christian blogger because I don’t want to be associated with so many of these bloggers.

It’s the cleverest bullies who disguise their hatefulness and ostracism with Bible verses.

So, to answer the question of my statement of faith, I replied with the Apostles’ Creed. And then I left that group. I didn’t want to align myself with them in any way. I don’t write for other blogs anymore either.

My faith evolves as I learn, read, pray, and commune with nature.

I would rather err on the side of love.

What more do I need to say?

What is your statement of faith? How do you answer that?

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Reasons Why People Become Loyal to a Place of Worship

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Generally, someone who is a regular attendee of a particular church has several reasons why he or she returns to the same place of worship each week. One of the most common reasons is that the person feels comfortable. He or she feels welcome there and that makes it a pleasant place to worship. The church or other place of worship may not be large or have a lot of elaborate decorations, but it possesses an inviting atmosphere. Whether it’s a simple chapel, an annex building or an expansive auditorium, it’s the tone of the atmosphere that matters. Take a look at some other typical reasons why a person returns to the same place of worship each week.

Worshippers Who Share Beliefs

Many people are loyal to one place of worship because they like spending time with others who share their own beliefs. It’s not likely that everyone in a place of worship shares exactly the same thinking, but they share the same fundamental beliefs. This can be very appealing to those who like to have discussions about faith and ask questions about the experiences of others.

A Relaxed Atmosphere

Most people return to a place of worship because they feel at ease there. For instance, they don’t feel like they are being pressured to think a certain way. Instead, they are invited to listen to the sermon or the lesson to make their own decisions about it. They freely believe what they want to. One example of a person who creates a relaxed atmosphere for attendees is Ed Young, Jr.

Friendly Worshippers

People who encounter friendly people at a place of worship are likely to return each week. They may be unsure about attending a service, but find that they feel at ease due to the greetings they get from fellow attendees. Sometimes churches put volunteers at the entrances so every person will receive a greeting as they enter. This helps people who are uncertain about the place to know they are always welcome.

The Choice to Give Money

Another reason why people attend a particular place of worship is because they don’t feel pressured to make a financial offering every week. They can make one if they’d like to support a certain undertaking or project, but they don’t feel that they will be looked down upon if they don’t contribute an offering each week. In fact, many people attend a place of worship for several weeks before they decide to make a financial offering on a regular basis. They want to see the sort of work that is done by the place of worship before they put aside a portion of their income to donate.

Finally, most people stick with a place of worship that offers activities that are appealing to them. For instance, they may love the weekly dinners hosted by their church or perhaps there is a particular discussion group they like to attend. Some churches arrange for bus tours to historical places or host vacation Bible school for young children. Many people look at the activities offered by a church to get a feel for what they can get involved in.

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Bible Studies for the New Year

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I love the Advent and Lent Bible studies we read through each and every year. I feel so close to God and my family as we snuggle on the sofa and read these stories and Scripture.

What do we do for Bible studies the rest of the year?

I’m at a loss.

I Googled and searched for studies recommended for the rest of the church year.

I guess there’s a reason the liturgy is called “Ordinary Time.”

It can be pretty disappointing and boring after Christmas and Easter Bible studies.

But God is never ordinary. He is extraordinary!

I plan to use this ordinary time to focus on Bible stories, Scripture memorization, and worldview studies.

Here are some of our family’s favorite Bible studies and resources.

Some great Bible reading plans:

Some great Scriptures series, devotionals, and worldview curricula:

We don’t do Bible journaling or draw all over our Bibles. We read them and learn Scripture. We’re not into coloring book Bibles. The Word of God is sacred. It’s not entertainment. I have a scripture and prayer journal.

And we don’t feel the need to post every little thing we do online to receive praise from other people. Our faith is private.

What do you study during this time between Advent and Lent?

Here’s a funny:

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