The meaning behind Memorial Day can often get overlooked in the midst of enjoying a day off, BBQing, swimming, etc.

My father-in-law sent this story to me recently and it generated wonderful conversation with my children. 

This would be a wonderful way to spend a moment thanking God for those who have proudly served our country…and “Our Father!”

**Please be aware that it is intense and, depending on the child, most appropriate for upper elementary, middle schoolers, and teens.**

http://www.nationalreview.com/node/227271 –
‘Our Father’ – Praying Like You Have Never Prayed Before by Leo Thorsness

 For teachable moments on a 101 topics, refer to your copy of the easy to use reference, Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments.

My daughter takes horse riding lessons and had a scary incident one day.  The horse was spooked and began acting crazy.  In an effort to avoid being thrown off, she purposely and strategically fell off.  Thankfully, she was fine and her nerves were the only thing bruised.   Her teacher and I told her how proud we were of the way she quickly thought through and handled the situation. 

Late that night, when she was supposed to be asleep, I heard a little tap on our door and saw her sweet head peeking in.  I could tell by her face that something was wrong.  She said that every time she closed her eyes to try to go to sleep, she remembered the frightening moments with the horse.   I wasn’t exactly sure what I could say that could help her, but I knew God had some words!  So, I grabbed Parenting with Scripture and looked up “Fear.”  You’d think I’d have remembered that “Fear” was actually categorized under “Courage,” since I wrote the book!  But I didn’t, so thank goodness I also added a cross-reference index for all of us!  Immediately upon glancing down the page, I knew God’s Word would bring comfort. 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear.  Psalm 46:1-2a

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  Psalm 56:3

We discussed how she would be able to get back up on a horse the following week by remembering this verse on that same page…

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:14

Any my favorite…

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.   Psalm 4:8

What a perfect Word from God to settle her heart and mind as I tucked her back in.  She was able to go right on to sleep that night.  The following week, she got right back up on a horse like a champ!  God’s Word had provided peace and courage all in that one teachable moment.  I’m grateful I was at a loss for words, because God’s were much better than anything I could have come up with!

Do your Sunday mornings look like ours used to? Breakfast for hubby and kids in front of cartoons while I finish getting ready because I’ve slept til the very last minute, a hurry scurry to clean everyone up and scramble out the door, barely making it to church on time (if on time.) Whew! By the time we got in the car we were usually all frazzled and irritable. Not a very reverent or worshipful way to start our Sabbath.

Thus, I was intrigued after hearing Senator Joe Lieberman interviewed several times on the topic of Sabbath rest, relating to his book The Gift of Rest. Though the book is thick with his Jewish tradition, he makes effort to make it applicable for all. Having read his insights, I also now better understand the beauty and blessing behind the ritualism of the Jewish Sabbath. I wanted to incorporate some of the principles, so I appreciate that at the end of each chapter, he gives concrete ideas that anyone can apply to their lives, Jewish, Christian, or neither.

There is much that can be gleaned or applied from his look at honoring the Sabbath, but the main changes our family has made relate to having planned a more calm Sunday morning routine.

My Family’s Sabbath Day Changes –

Timing: First of all, we have committed to being dressed and ready to go and sitting down to breakfast 15 minutes before we need to get ready to head out the door.

Location: I love his suggestion to eat in the dining room. It’s a room we used to only use for bigger family gatherings or holidays. Now, it’s our special place for Sabbath meals, especially breakfast.

Blessing and Verses: We begin our breakfast with blessings similar to the Jewish tradition. Tim lays his hands on the children’s shoulders and says, “May you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself…especially our family.” (Matthew 22:37, 39)

Then he sits down and we say together Lamentations 3:22-23. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

This is followed by –
Parents: God is good,
Children: All the time.
Parents: All the time,
Children: God is good.

Then he asks a short blessing for the food.

Aroma: Senator Lieberman shared how many of the scents of traditional foods lend to setting the scene for their Sabbath. We all know how particular scents trigger feelings within us. How special to have a scent associated with our Sabbath. Instead of the scent being associated with a particular food, we decided upon vanilla scented candles in a beautiful votive holder that we will only use on Sabbath.

On the way to church: We either listen to Christian music or more likely, keep it quiet while we talk. One of us also leads us in a prayer in preparation for the morning at church.

These simple changes have made Sunday mornings such a joy! Now when we head to church, we are already in a calm and worshipful attitude.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8 

Howdy, folks!  Looks like I’m back in business, now that my website has been re-created after the crash.  The most significant thing that was lost was the majority of the e-mail distribution list for my blog.  If any of you had friends who were on it that aren’t getting it, please let them know to go sign up again.  And, if you FB/Twitter folks were also on this, please go sign up again.    Thanks for your help with this.  The weekly ideas for parenting with Scripture will resume either this Monday or next.  Another thing I’m going to be working on is categorizing past blogs.  That way, when you want to find something quickly on a topic, you’ll be able to!  I’ll be sure to let you know when that’s done.