Parent Resources

When you hear the term catechism, what do you think of? My mind immediately thinks of a Catholic structured and disciplined approach to instructing children & youth. It is sometimes described as "a summary of principles, often in question-and-answer format." The term ironically seems to have arisen out of the reformation with Martin Luther in 1529.

Anyway, today I heard of a Baptist version both in text and audio. Although most parents might not attempt this approach to structured teaching of the Bible and God's truths to their children it is encouraging to think of the level of investment that can occur in laying a foundation of spiritual beliefs.

Although I have no children of my own, I hope to one day...two encouraging books I have on my shelves (I have yet to finish, but these are highly recommended by many!) are:

Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis (check out the connection to Men's Fraternity)

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp (also nationally known, good articles and other books on website)

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

Proverbs 13:24 "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. "

Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

p.s. a proverb is not a promise/guarantee, but a general truth/observance about life...especially relevant when looking at Pro 22:6

O For a Thousand Tongues

I arrived in chapel today and was somewhat disappointed to find that there would be no sermon, just singing. I am no musician. I cannot carry a tune. I cannot read music. I enjoy worship, but at the same time hesitated at the thought of an hour of straight singing...old hymns at that.

My initial dismay was overcome by the reminder of the riches of the songs of Charles Wesley. I was especially moved at the depths of 'O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing' and surprised that it has 18 verses (no, we did not sing them all). The lyrics and sincerity of thought, praise, and desire to share Christ were awesome to remember.

These songs brought back memories of my college days. Despite my relative disinterest and inability to sing or play music, I sang in a chapel choir and played large bells (Quasimodo-style) for all four years. Those memories and amazing times of worshiping and praising Christ both corporately and individually are something I will never forget. Today was a reminder of the need and privilege to worship Jesus in song and music!

The photos attached are of me and my Quasimodo bells during my college days...our chapel is in the center...beautiful, huh?

Easter calendar - why so early?

Copied from an email I received....

Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox , which is March 20.

This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used Easter moves around on our Roman calendar. Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is very rare.Only the most elderly of our population (95 years old and above) have ever seen Easter this early before. The last time it was this early was 1913.

For the most of us this year will be the earliest that we will ever see Easter, and none of us will ever see Easter a day earlier!The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (that's 220 years from now). The next time Easter will be a day earlier March 22, will be in the year 2285 (that's 277 years from now). The last time Easter was on March 22 was 1818. So no one alive today has seen or will ever see Easter any earlier than this year! I would say that makes this Easter special (as it always is)!

He is Risen!!
John 20:1-9

To the right...a picture of me in front of the "garden tomb"...more info on this and pictures as we approach Easter!