Perhaps that title is a bit misleading, considering the news these days, but it is none the less appropriate. As I’ve shared before, we take our scripture studies seriously and Proverbs is part of our “daily” (i.e. when we actually get around to doing our devotions) homeschool reading time. We take a chapter of Proverbs each “day” (I have to put that in quotes to keep things on an honest level – gotta watch that sanguine tendency to slightly exaggerate) and read it aloud. Each “child” (okay, grownups read as well, not just the children. Boy this honest thing is difficult) reads a verse and then does their best to explain the passage. We are on our second month of studying Proverbs this way and it’s interesting to see how everyone is beginning to recognize the verses and glean some wisdom (I hope and pray!!).
In a moment of pure spiritual mightiness, we even did our family Proverbs reading on Saturday. Do you get extra points for each person who sits down and opens their Bible on Saturday? Do I lose points for even asking such a question? Is anyone actually keeping track of points?
Of course, any moral superiority we might have had went down the tube as a few tense moments came along and the entire thing ended up in a full blown parental conflict.
Is that clear enough while still preserving parental dignity?
There is just something really wrong about having a fight in the middle of Bible devotions. Not surprising, though, as Satan must just HATE having families sit down (on a Saturday no less) and read the Bible.
Thankfully Tim and I are learning mightily from our Love and Respect class (this being a parental conflict moment and not a problem with the progeny). We managed to get off the “crazy cycle” before things went on to ruin our entire Saturday. We found ourselves saying things like, “I think I felt really disrespected when you…” and “Oh, is that why you reacted in such an unloving way?” Yikes! We’re turning into little Dr. Emmerson clones.
Somehow, just using those phrases and recognizing what was going on, ended the tensions and brought us back to a place where we could communicate more lovingly/respectfully. All those opened Bibles helped, I’m sure. Apologies were issued, tensions faded, and the Proverbs study continued. I highly recommend the Love and Respect materials (and Saturday devotions).
Whew! I’d like to think that the children benefit from these little moments (sitting there like quiet dears) in that they can see how conflict can be handled in a positive and godly way. That’s my hope, anyway, otherwise Tim and I really should have gone upstairs and had that whole conversation in private.
What does this have to do with today’s blog? Sigh.
Nothing, I’m easily distracted when I write late at night.
Proverbs. That’s where I was going when I began meandering down this little path. Today’s Project 365 pictures illustrate how carefully the children apply scripture.
A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers. Proverbs 24:5-6
I mean, this girl is playing a game where she has great power and strength. Her brothers know that and thoroughly support her. However, they also know that, in order to wage war, she needs many advisers. Isn’t it great having such godly brothers!
This group definitely looks solemn. They are dealing with serious stuff here. The fate of many lies in their hands. Help her out, boys!
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
We go to great lengths to apply the scriptures here in our home; from Pirates games to diligent chores, sleepless children to Noah’s potential destruction. In silliness, joy and all seriousness, we’re reading the Word, memorizing it and living it!
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Psalm 119:33-35
Kathy
Well, Kath, I’m glad to read this blog just to know that you have ups and downs because your family (and marriage) does sound pretty wonderful almost all the time. And personally, I think some amount of disagreement before children prepares them more adequately for life. Although I think with five children, they probably learn a lot about resolving conflict and dealing with many points of view.
Keep up the Proverbs!