"People like me are seriously tempted to let our pride attach itself to the teaching and lifestyle that we call biblical patriarchy and make an idol of it. We may try to solve the problem of sin and misery in our families through perfecting our technique and use of the rod, or through the choice of a perfect home school curriculum, or through avoiding church youth groups, or through leading our children to marriage through courtship, or through getting involved in a family-integrated church. We can easily come to rely on these very good lifestyle choices, and the biblical principles we believe lie behind them, as if these things themselves have the power to transform families and assure that they will be followers of Christ. But they can't do that.
The inherent danger of being people with a cause is that we lose sight of our Cause. Biblical patriarchy is not the meaning of life for the Christian. Christ is. "For to me, to live is Christ........" (Phil. 1:21) Biblical patriarchy itself is not the secret for rebuilding families, churches, and nation. Christ is. It is horrible to think while focusing on the ingredients of a wholesome and biblical way of life, we may lose sight of the one who is the only source, guide, and goal of the Christian life, Christ himself." Phil Lancaster, Family Man, Family Leader
The above excerpt from a book my husband has struck me as so true. For several years now we have been watching families that are further down the road of parenting than we are. Sadly, we see so many families losing their children. We don't want that to happen to our family and pray for God's mercy and grace in raising our children. I agree that things like home schooling, family integrated churches, avoiding youth group, etc. are all great things that strengthen the family. I can't imagine not having the support of our church and the reinforcement of biblical standards we have for our children. I can't imagine having our children in school and battling the issues that come with that. So, I ponder why is it that we are seeing some (certainly not all) of these families that appear to be doing the right thing have children that turn their backs on what they have been taught? I don't have all of the answers (I wish I did!) However, I have observed the following.
I have seen families that are so strict and never seem to have any fun. It is those families that the children grow up and seem to turn their backs on everything they were taught. We have learned so much from our pastor. He has raised three boys with very high standards. He always stresses to make home a fun place. If he didn't allow them to go somewhere or do something that everyone else was doing he came up with an alternative. I think some parents become so dogmatic in the "good things" they are doing that they lose sight of what really matters. Our desire for our children is that they learn to love God with all of their hearts. If they love God, I believe they will have a desire to uphold high standards in their life and want to be set apart from the world.
The other thing that I have seen, is that every family I can think of that have rebellion with their children the wife does not follow the husbands leadership. If the house is divided it is bound to affect the children. Also, I have seen mothers that "protect" their children (especially the daughters) from the father. Not supporting the husband in the area of clothing or other things is bound to sow seeds of rebellion in their hearts.
Our prayer is that our children and our children's children love God and follow after His truths, not because of us but because of their own personal relationship with the Lord. We pray that there will be many generations of faithfulness.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 4
It is hard to believe that Matthew is already 14 years old. It seemed like he would always be that sweet little boy. He has really matured in the last year. We can't call him "little" anymore! He is 6 feet tall! Matthew is a good boy and has been easy to raise. We are very thankful that the Lord gave him to us 14 years ago! We love you Matthew!
The rest of these are from the Christmas party. This is "Aunt Donna" loving on Myles.
Our pastor and his family. His oldest son is not in this picture. He is married and serving in the Marines. He is currently in Afghanistan.
Madeline and one of her sweet little friends.
Mr. John reading the Christmas story to the children. Malachi (in the bottom of the picture) lasted about two minutes!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If I close my eyes will she go away?"
"I am really sorry.........."
Uh Oh! There is daddy!
