Joyful Heart

Over at Good Morning Girls, they have organized and begun a 12 week study on The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson.

As part of the study, the leaders have chosen Scriptures that pertain to mothering, children, and raising the next generation that correlate well for participants to read and meditate on each day.  For instance, this first week, we have studied Psalm 127:1, John 15:4-5, Matthew 6:33, 2 Timothy 1:5, and Proverbs 6:20-22.  The format for studying the verses is pretty simple – but impactful.  They are using the S.O.A.P. method.

S. – Write out the Scripture passage for the day.
O. – Write down 1-2  Observations from the daily reading.
A. – Write down 1-2 Applications from the Scripture reading.
P. – Pray over what you learned from the day’s passage.

Each day, I have been amazed at what God has shown me in these verses – just one or two verses each day!  As the week went on, I found myself more and more excited and eager to meet with my Lord and have Him teach me from His Word.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.
Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing.
(John 15:4-5)

For those of us who speak and read the English language fluently, there are thousands of Bibles available to us.  In our home alone, we have at least one children’s Bible for each child, a handful of smaller sized Bibles for quick reference, and many full size Bibles – in various versions such as NIV, NKJ, and ESV.  But what about other cultures and languages?

A blank page.  That is what John 3:16 looks like in many languages.

I’ve recently blogged about our experiences with the My Father’s World Exploring Countries and Cultures curriculum.  I mentioned that we have been enjoying reading the YWAM biographies on missionaries (from the Christian Heroes Then and Now series) that MFW has chosen to use within ECC.  The very first YWAM biography used in the curriculum was on Cameron Townsend.  The kids were intrigued by his life and how God had placed it upon his heart to translate the Bible into every language.

A few weeks ago, in our Hero Tale readings, the focus was on William Tyndale.  I was also able to find a Torchlighter video on Tyndale at the library.  After viewing the video,  we completed a related worksheet on translating for kids.  The kids began making connections to Cameron Townsend and his start of Wycliffe Bible Translators.  All of the kids were interested in learning more, especially our five year old son.  I then remembered that, earlier in the school year, I had come across free online lessons from Wycliffe on Bible translation.  So, in an attempt to encourage our son in his new interest and to expose all of our children to the important work of Bible translation, we took a two week hiatus from MFW ECC to devote to learning about the Steps to Bible Translation.

The online downloadable lessons are free and easy to follow.  The only thing that I was missing was their recommended resource called ‘My Volcano Adventure Resource CD‘.  Fortunately, we were able to borrow it from a friend of ours.  The CD had audio of John 3:16 in other languages, audio samples of a language that uses both speaking and whistling, short video clips with true stories of the impact of Bible translation, etc.  Our friend also let us borrow the accompanying leader’s guide.  It had a LOT more ideas.  I incorporated a few ideas from the guide for Bible memory and additional activities, but I ended up mostly following the online lessons.  In my opinion, the online lessons seemed more focused and centered on the translation aspect.

(Above: ‘Alphabeti Spaghetti’ from lesson 5
in Wycliffe’s Steps to Bible Translation)

So, what did we do?  We planted seeds and learned how Bible translation is a long process.  It takes much time and prayer.  We were reminded of the 10/40 window and how there are over 2,000 language groups that do not have John 3:16 or any other portion of Scripture in their own language.  We prayed for Bible translators and for those still waiting for the Bible in their own heart language.  We learned about the International Phonetic Alphabet and caught a glimpse of how difficult creating an alphabet and translating languages might be.  We saw the importance of learning to read and of hiding God’s Word in our hearts.  We became more grateful for the access we have to God’s Word in our own language.  We memorized Hebrews 4:12 and had ‘sword drills’.  We caught a vision for the need for everyone to have the Bible in their own heart language.

Wycliffe Bible Translators have launched the Last Languages Campaign.  Their goal is to have a Bible translation project started for every language that needs it by the year 2025.

Please pray for Bible translation around the world.  

“Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will never pass away.”
(Matthew 24:35)

On Sunday mornings, we have been doing a verse by verse study through the book of Matthew.  We recently came to a section (chapters 24-25) in which our pastor has titled ‘The End is Near’.  This was the topic at our small group one evening as well.  One question that I am still pondering from that evening is, ‘What would you do differently if you truly believed that the end was near?’

My first response was ‘Nothing.’  I am already home with our children, keeping them close, and training them.  I am already working with the children to hide God’s Word in their hearts.  I’m not trying to say that I have it all together and am doing things perfectly – I know that I am not!  However, I would need to continue to prepare food, wash dishes, and tend to the daily physical needs of our family.    I couldn’t stop being a mom and being faithful in the role and tasks He has given me to do.   What more could I do?

Then, another mom mentioned that she wouldn’t teach American history because it wouldn’t matter.  Now, that may sound strange, but that one small statement is something that struck me.   Right then and there, it hit me – the tension, the burden, the feeling of being bound each day to the academics…

If Christ were to return in a month (which, yes, I know the Bible specifically states no one will know the day or time of His return) or the doctors were to tell me that I had only one month to live (which, no, I am feeling quite well  and this is not the case mom), the academics would, without guilt, quickly and easily be set aside. Oh, the freedom!  There would be no more concern over how fluently my children read, whether they had all of their math facts solidly memorized, whether they could spell words correctly, nor any concern regarding whether they could form a well thought out and grammatically correct paragraph.

So, where would my focus lie?  I would like to think my focus would turn more toward worshipping Christ as a family through praise, thanksgiving, and song.  I would hope that we would be delving deep into His Word, fervently praying together, encouraging each other to stand strong in the Truth of His Word, and seeking ways to actively serve others.  I think we would gain a renewed sense of urgency to share the Gospel –our hope in Christ with others.  Even with a baby, toddler, and preschooler in tow, I think we would make a much more concerted effort to step out in faith.

(As a side note, if the situation was knowing that just I would die soon, I would seek out more one on one time with each of my children, play more games, sing and laugh more, and take time to write letters to them in order to encourage them to continue their walk of faith and to trust fully in our sovereign God.)

Although we accomplish a very small fraction of this while currently homeschooling, it is not at the forefront.  Sadly, the academics take precedence.  For example, if we are running behind or pressed for time, what is the first part of our day to be squeezed out?  Answer: our Bible reading and memorization time.  Another example is when our small group has a service project.  I often think what a great opportunity it would be to serve as a family.  Shortly after though, almost within the next breath, I experience difficulty figuring out the logistics and get frustrated.  I think ‘How do we make this work with a baby and his needs?’ (instead of just strapping him to my back and saying ‘Let’s go!’.)

How, as a homeschooling mom of young children, can I strike a balance between instilling a spiritual watchfulness and a life of faith in action with meeting the expectations for raising children who are more than competent to be an integral part of society, to work, and to lead the next generation?   There is a responsibility to educate our children to the standards and expectations of the society that we live in – to be in the world.  However, there is also a need to train them in our Lord’s ways – to not be of the world and focused solely on things in this present age.  There is a definite tension.  I have felt it for quite some time, but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was until now.

I don’t have any answers….still praying and pondering…

So, what would you do differently in the day to day if you truly believed Christ’s return was eminent?   How does this affect what you do now, specifically in regards to your family and homeschooling?

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.  (1 Peter 4:7-11)

I’ve recently posted about our family memorizing Luke 2 and the birth of Christ which are great ways to look past the shopping, the gifts, and the food to prepare, in order to just slow down and focus our hearts and mind on the true meaning of Christmas.  However, it seems as though the older I get, the more I see Christmas not so much as the miraculous birth of Christ (which it definitely is), but more of the unfolding of God’s great plan and His deep love for us.

At this time of year, the question begs to be asked, ‘Why did God send His Son into the world?’  This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  (1 John 4:9-10)

Yes, Jesus had a miraculous coming into this world, but He was born to die…for us.  Christmas is so much more than the birth of the baby.  It is about the cross that Christ grew up to carry.  His obedience to the Father.  His deep love for us, even while we were still sinners.  Jesus willingly left His heavenly throne to redeem His people.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David…  (Luke 1:68-69)

When we celebrate Christmas — the birth of Christ and God’s great love for us, I can’t help but also reflect upon Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  At Christmas, we are truly rejoicing in the birth of our Savior – the One who has come to save us from our sins,  the Almighty, All powerful, King of  Kings, eternal God.  To Him belongs all glory, honor, and praise.

Wonderful Cross
Lyrics and song by Michael W. Smith

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My Richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
and the beauty and the shame
in the glory of His name

I saw this video shared on Facebook the other day and hesitantly clicked on the link.  I was skeptical at first, but as I watched I began to get goose bumps.  It is based off of the accounts in Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2 from the Bible.  It was very creatively done, taking the account of the birth of Christ and all the related events -bringing them to life with the likely real emotions  that accompanied each.  The joy at the end with the typing of  “It’s a Boy!” and “His name shall be Jesus.” are overpowering. 

Rejoice!  For our Savior has come!

This is just one of several Christmas videos that Igniter Media has created.  The ‘Paradox of Christmas’ and ‘Retooning the Nativity’ are two others that I thought were well done also.