Something to think about-- a Proverb

Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith.

(Proverbs 15:16)

If you notice in the side column of many blogs these days are 'Snipets' or Widgets, from a variety of sources. My favorite so far is from Christian Women On-line (CWO). It's cool. I don't have to think, it does the work for me. & it always pulls up a passage that makes me think.

Like todays.

I fear the Lord, not in a cowering sort of way, but in an amazed and reverent sort of way. I have heard that most people have a slant on the Lord, that has alot to do with their own earthly fathers. And I have studied him through the years- as well my Mom too. For better or for worse, I would say, I'm a disciple. A follower, one who has been trained & chastised through the years. Chastised is not a bad term, it's like the term 'discipline'. Through the years, discipline has become a euphamism for corporal punishment. But discipline and chastisement walk hand in hand. It is a learning thing. A teaching thing. A training thing. From someone worth watching and therefore, worth learning the things they teach and do. My parents will be the first to tell you that they are not the standard for all parenting, although they like most loving parents, they did their best. But like most Godly parents, they'll tell you, to look to the Lord, for a perfect example, of who and what a parent should be like and is, and why He is to be feared.

'My dad always used to say...'

When my Mom was growing up, she mentioned that an excellent gague on an activities appropriateness, was the thought of my Nana's reaction. Nana was different when she was a parent. Super strict, but never did she change on her standards. My Mom knew if she felt shame in light of what Nana might think, it was probably not a constructive activity. When we study our parents, and 'know' them, we also gain a sense of what pleases them. The rules aren't always written down, but they don't have to be. Judgment develops in the child, the disciple, the one who is following the leader & teacher. This is what a healthy fear of a parent looks like, in my humble opinion. Nana didn't predict every situation, neither was there a addage for every moment, where it would have been good to know 'what Dad always used to say'. Fear of disappointing, a longing to please in a fundamental learning way. It would be easy for me to get sidetracked into the issue of 'is it healthy to be a people pleaser...' but that's not what this is about. This is about being a follower, a disciple, one who fears, as a child, as a beginning learner.

Back to the Proverb from today's CWO snipet......

'Better is little with fear of the Lord, than treasure and trouble therewith.' It is better to be in step with, be in favor with, be a disciple of the Lord. It is a good thing to have a clear conscience, to know God is looking for us to succeed, not fail. He wants us to fear Him, and look ever for His approval. I'll have to look at part 2, treasure & trouble on another day.

But be sure to check out the snippets, in the side bar. Also the parenting tips. Good stuff.

Movies about love worth watching

Many churches nation wide, including ours, took advantage of a Saturday night Valentines Day, to screen the movie, 'Fireproof'. The movie is the 3rd production from Sherwood Pictures. You may have also seen 'Flywheel', or 'Facing the Giants', produced also by the Sherwood Baptist church through the ministry of this film production effort. These movies are excellent in their effort to encourage persons, in unique and specific ways, to give their lives to Christ. I was warned to bring kleenex, and I was glad I did. It is moving, to see how loving Jesus can transform one's life. I can say it is definitely worth a watch. Watch it with your spouse, but even if you don't, watch it.

Romance has it's twists and turns. Many would never believe how beautiful arranged marriage can be. It's so far from our modern thinking. But if you are sick of magical thinking and rediculous plots including phoneous happily ever after (is that really a word?)-- these are sure bets.

'Loving Leah' -- I watched this as it first aired on CBS, a Hallmark movie. Perhaps I'm just a sucker for the ads in the middle, but it is definately worth a watch on video. The custom of marrying a widow, as seen in the movie is Biblical, in the Hebrew/Jewish world. Modern Jews do not always follow this custom, but as seen in this movie, and I don't doubt this to be true, there are I'm sure Orthodox cultures who do just as seen in the movie.

It is interesting to see the principle played out, how, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.... where you invest your time, you will begin to love and cherish. Much like in 'Fireproof', if you put the effort in, even when there isn't a 'spark', you'll be surprised what the outcome can be. I thought this movie was precious.

'Arranged' This is a much more sophisticated movie, of the independent ilk, although made on, from what I understand, a much smaller budget. It is a beautiful story about 2 very unlikely friends, based on their ethnicity. However, their circumstances and beliefs create a bridge that begins what appears to be a lifelong friendship. The concept of arranged marriage is so foreign in modern culture, at least in America at large, but I see the wisdom. It also is a beautiful story, sophisticated in it s artistic style, and inclusion of more worldly aspects in contrast to the conservative values portrayed. I ordered this from Netflix, and watched it on my laptop.

'Crossing Delancey' This is an oldie but a goodie. You've got to love these folks. The Baba, and the pickle man, and the young, modern,Jewish girl. Another movie including the issue of arranged marriages.

On arranged marriages-- many of the principles of dating & courtship are what are of true value here. Did you watch any of the episodes of 'The Duggars'? This is the family with 18 kids, with very conservative values. They are Godly people to say the least.

While on our recent trip, we watched the episode where Joshua Duggar was married. It is amazing to many how this couple engaged to be married, had not even kissed before they were to be married. Is it impossible to consider and appreciate, that they are using discretion and wisdom to preserve what is intended to be for married persons, for when they are acutally married?

Although there are several friends with children I think are great spousal candidates, I highly doubt, that arrangement will be a part of the equation when our boys marry, if they so choose. But it is something to study on, at least consider the principles.

ONe of he happiest blogs I've seen in a while- Whatever

Several months ago, Meg sent me a blog, written by another Meg. I have enjoyed reading & perusing her writing and artistic ways so much. Some how I lost the link- I don't know how these things happen, aren't laptops supposed to have 'memory'? kigga somethings.... Anyhooo--
I am featuring an entire blog moment to her blog 'Whatever' . Be sure to check out her house photos. The playroom is my favorite. She's an excellent photographer, too!
Cheers!

Works for me Wednesday- My Travel tip...

I mentioned this in a recent blog about our 12 hour trip to Florida, and it did come in handy.
ngs. On the way we did everything, including our old favorite, hide and seek. Yes, we play hide and seek in the car. Its on the honor system. You pick a location, our house, Nana's house, someone's house or building, then you take turns hiding. You have to tell when you are found. It's really quite entertaining. I like it because they do not literally get in closets where I keep stuff I do not want them into. They like hiding under furniture, and in drawers, they never would otherwise. A little imagination is all you need.

Works for me Wednesday's is a regular blog, hosted in the past by 'Rocks in my Dryer'.
However, a new host starts next week, so be sure to read her intro this week. I have learned alot from this list! Check it out.

Resale of children's clothes and toys prohibited? Really?

I have finally done a little homework concerning this recently rumored legislation, and find myself a little stunned. My children would be wandering around in paper bags, if this were to take effect. Sure, we splurge on nice stuff here and there, and we have wonderful family who send an occasional gift of clothing. But mainstream, go out and play in the dirt-pile clothes are straight from the thrift store or a hand-me-down. Why would I put a child outside in clothes that cost $25 per item to promptly ruin, when they could do the same damage wearing slightly worn said item, I purchased from a thrift store, consignment store, yard sale, or e-bay? I have purchased, as I'm sure many of those who will read this, Gap jeans for $1.98 at America's Thrift Store, as well as Levi's, Wrangler, Polo, etc... It astounds me that legislation like this is even out there? Perhaps I get a little steamed about this because it is such an obvious place to save money, in times that are only soon to become more increasingly financially difficult for families.

As many noticed around Christmas, the high end retail stores were 'giving it away.' And perhaps in the changing economy this trend will continue. But I'm flabbergasted. Really.

I know there are bigger issues, like numbers in our 'Changed' economy, but this really hit home with me. What about you?

Check it out at the snope's link here or above.

I would note that I do believe there are some side effects from Pthalates mentioned in the article at snopes. Dr. Leonard Sax talks about these in his book, Boy's Adrift. I believe this. Whether I can remove all the plastic we use, or consistently stop cooking without plastic...that's another matter, but it's genuinely worth a read.

I just don't think a pair of 100% cotton, 2nd hand jeans are going to contain levels of lead or plastic that will render either of my children infertile. Nor will a used copy of Brown Bear render my family in need of dialysis.

I think, really, the most serious treatment necessary when shopping a thrift store would be a good hot load of laundry.

Revisiting the 23rd Psalm

We are on our way to visit family to celebrate a 70th birthday. Eric's 97 year old grandmother will be there, from Michigan, as well as all of his siblings. On the way we did everything, except for our old favorite, hide and seek. Yes, we play hide and seek in the car. Its on the honor system. You pick a location, our house, Nana's house, someone's house or building, then you take turns hiding. You have to tell when you are found. It's really quite entertaining. I'll have to remember that for tomorrow...
We did read the story of David and Goliath aloud. I read it all, even the part when David cuts off the Giant's head. You always read something new or forgotten when reading a favorite story. Today didn't disappoint. Jack asked as we read along, " who did the PHilistines call out to? Who were the gods they worshipped?" So glad Eric was with us, he answered Dagon-- I couldn't remember. But I do remember that Dagon was the statue who's arms fell off when they had stolen the Ark of the Covenant. Love that story. He even falls over. It's really a great illustration to kids about idolatry. Anyway, I had forgotten that they had been calling to their gods, but David called back and said he'd feed their carcasses to the birds, and kill Goliath. He declared that God would deliver him and his people. He didn't need the armor that Saul tried to provide for him, but he used 1 stone in a sling to bring that giant down. He didn't even go with a sword, but picked up the massive one that belonged to Goliath and cut off his head. Remember later that this is the same sword stored in the Ark of the Covenant? And David used it again, when he was hiding from Saul...Ill have to check on that one.
Anyway, we read aloud the 23rd Psalm which we are renewing in our memories or learning for the first time. It is precious to hear Henry say, 'He restores my soul.' and 'No evil'. I am reminded of the many times we learned this in Bible classes as a little child. And how precious it is to know that even in the presence of our enemies or facing calamity, we can look to God as a little child and know He will protect us as a dilligent shepherd. He will lead us beside still water, and restore our souls, if we will only turn to Him.
I hope one day when my kiddos are bigger, and in need they will look back in their memories and this Psalm will be stirred up, and they will find comfort when they need it.