This my my favorite poem; May we raise our children up with hearts for home!
Song
Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
Are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.
Weary and homesick and distressed,
They wander east, they wander west,
And are baffled and beaten and blown about
By the winds of the wilderness of doubt;
To stay at home is best.
Then stay at home, my heart, and rest;
The bird is safest in its nest;
O'er all that flutter their wings and fly
A hawk is hovering in the sky;
To stay at home is best.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1878
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Parenting
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The Ezzos Have courses on every stage and age of parenting...but are especially good finds in the begining! Why? Becasue they build on what you have learned as your child grows. They have much wisdom to offer. We have learned so much from them! It is a very methodic approach of parenting from a Biblical perspective.
No Greater Joy This ministry has had a profound effect on our family. We found them when we were new parents and we really needed help in this walk. Having not been raised in believeing homes...we knew that HOW we were going to raise our children was going to be very differnt than how we were raised...yet we didn't know HOW! The Pearls were the Titus two couple we needed! We do not agree with much or their theology...but we have been blessed by their family ministry!
Sheparding a Childs Heart I was blessed to see Ted Trip speak live and read (and listend to many of his books). While the above resources, speak alot about the nuts and bolts of parenting...and yes the spiritual connections, Ted Tripp really helped me see that it was thier heart I was after and want to keep all of their days. Without their hearts we do not have thier obediance and they will not walk in The Way. I can be a real task master, I love projects! But Mr. Trip keeps me mindful to smell the roses and take the time to be tender and make sure they know they are safe loves and secure...Never assume they know!
Character Journal -Tools to help train in character
Bright Lights - Descipling our Daughters
Hope Chest Legacy - This discusses the old tradition of keeping and building a hope chest. It is very inspiring for those young maidens (their parents) who have chosen to remain pure for marriage.
Five Love Languages A great way to help reach your children (and spouses) heart