The ONG family Homeschool

Cell Splitting is Tiring Business!

Word is getting out. Lord willing, next July, we will be holding our baby no. 6. I am reminded not to be presumptious but to say "Lord willing" it will happen.

James 4:14-15  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Hubby and I are truy thankful for the five beautiful children He has bestowed us with. The pregnancies have not all been easy. I was hospitalized for dehydration for the 2nd and the 4th. With the 5th, I even contracted pneumonia in the first trimester. I don't know what this pregnancy will bring but I do know God is in charge, though sometimes He seems far away. 

So, I don't mean to brag, but I've gone through enough pregnancies to note this trend: there is no consistent trend wth pregnancies. lol! Every pregnancy is different. For example, when I was soooo sick with no. 4, it was so similar to no. 2 pregnancy, we were quite certain no. 4 would turn out to be a girl since 1 and 3 were boys. But nope, no. 4 turned out to be a boy (who made his mama really really sick!!)

You won't believe how thick my file at KK Hospital is. lol. And my gynae, Dr Han, (been with him for every birth!) has more than enough reference to plot my progress. Just remembering now... some of those were live birth forms that had to be signed by the doctor after delivering the baby. They are stained with blood and amniotic fluid. 

Eldest son (11yrs) went for a course on stop motion animation recently. He came home and told us he did a short "claymation" that was like cell-splitting. You know, from one ball to two to four to eight to sixteen... I don't know how far he got. He must have been inspired by a "how a baby is formed" video we watched recently..... and his new sibling inside of me. :)

His video got me thinking, cell splitting is tiring business! Even if I'm not doing any of the actual splitting. :p It's gotta take something from me, right? I mean with all that cell division happening somewhere in my inward parts.

So far this pregnancy has been relatively (comparing with five others) good. I'm not sick to the point I can't eat. In fact, I find myself eating and eating coz when the blood sugar drops, the nausea kicks in. I've only actually hurled twice so far. That's really really good.

Most predomiantly, this pregancy has been characterized by my lack of energy. I've been TIRED! I do the smallest of tasks and then I need to nap. Making trips out always ends in a fatigue that invades every muscle of my body with this heaviness that weighs me solidly down. It takes sheer will to fight it and move to get myself home and back in my bed to zzzzzz.

Bloated and gassy? CHECK.

Facial pimples? CHECK.

I'm yawning right now as I type.

I was thinking about the reactions so far from those who know I'm expecting our sixth. There's the usual, I can't even cope with my one/ two/ three, how do you do it??

Some ladies (my Christian friends) even want to make a visit to my place to see how on earth I do it. LOL! Like a field trip! LOL...I'm afraid, they will see our messy, tornado stuck house!

Well, I do not have six little kiddies lah. :) Thankfully, now my older children are older and are more able to do things. Eldest has been baking bread, learning to cook, etc. They help with all the laundry and dish washing and floor cleaning. Ok, granted sometimes, it is not up to standard, but that's all part of the practice and training.

I've said this before, the hardest time as a SAHM was when I had an infant, a 2 plus yr old and a 4 plus yr old. Looking back, that was the hardest time. Once they hit 5, they are a lot more "lucid" (haha) and are bigger, taller to help around the house more.

The key is: train them well.

That's why we resist employing a helper. Sure it's the more troublesome route but the children will miss so many learning opportunities otherwise. But then, that is also our homeschooler lifestyle. We place life skills quite as important as academics. I do imagine many kids out there have so much homework and other classes to attend that they have no time to do the dishes or the laundry.

There have been some not so nice comments. Well, they just don't know what a joy living in a large family really is! Each child is so unique and brings a different dimension into family life that's so enriching and meaningful for everyone.

Some reason that they would need to be financially able to support x no. of children before ever considering another. Well, for us it is purely a matter of faith. Not faith in faih, but faith in God. I am weak, but He is strong.

We have been primarily living on a single income for 11yrs now, and our family has been growing. But you know what? God is faithful! We have NEVER suffered lack.

The key is: Put God and His business first. He will take care of our business.

Matthew 6:30-34  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Malachi 3:10-11  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

We do not give to God's work in order to get rich or have "promotions" (that buzz word "promotions"). We give because we want to honour God and acknowledge Him to be our provider and we rest in Him and trust Him. It may certainly seem foolish in some people's eyes, but I shall not worry over tomorrow. God is more than able to take care of me and my family. :)

Okies. Time to zzzzzzzzzzzz

 

 

 

What a Godly Wife can learn from a Plaster.

 

On Saturday at church, we had a bridal shower for one of our dear young ladies (she has such a heart to please God, bless her!) who will soon be married to one of our godly young men.  So our pastor's wife set us married ladies on a task to come up with a verse or poem or something along the lines of imparting to the bride-to-be some lessons that we have learned on our marriage journey. We were to leave it to her as a keepsake.

I was thinking of a small gift that I could give her which could be some kind of object lesson of what qualities and characteristics a godly wife should posses. I came up with a plaster. lol! I gave her a whole box full tied up in a ribbon.

In thinking about all the design features of a plaster, I came up with the following list of what a godly wife can learn from a plaster. Here goes. Hope you enjoy it. :)

What a Godly Wife can learn from a Plaster.

 1. A Plaster Protects

Proverbs 31:11-12  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

 A Godly Wife protects her husband’s image and reputation by her behavior and actions.

The Example of Abigail:

1 Samuel 25:3  Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.

Here we note the example of Abigail who did all she could to appease King David's wrath against her foolish husband Nabal. Her wise actions saved her husband's life and won the praise of David.

On another note, a Godly Wife also protects the home from any ungodly influences, both preemptively and actively. She helps to meet her husband’s every need so that he will not be in want.

Hebrews 13:4  Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

1 Corinthians 7:4  The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

(Do I sound like the spokesperson for a certain notorious woman's club? ;p )

2. A Plaster is Medicated and is Antiseptic.

 1 Peter 3:1  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (**not just speech but behaviour and actions) of the wives;

 1 Corinthians 7:14-16  For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.  For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

 

Though the above 2 sets of verses apply to a saved wife to an unsaved husband, we can learn that a Godly Wife can affect the spiritual health of her husband by her godly submission.  I would double underline the word submission if I could. Not preaching or nagging or emotional blackmailing. *note to self

 

 

3. A Plaster is Stretchy

 Proverbs 31:27  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

This one verse doesn't explain it very well but if you look at the Proverbs 31 woman, she is an all rounder! She can assume many roles and take on many responsibilities and many different spheres. Consider: she is on top of managing the household's food, clothing- her children and servants have no lack. She does a home business. She can manage finances, buy and sell.. etc. etc. 

A Godly Wife is flexible and well rounded and can stretch to meet any situation. She has learned to work with her hands and keeps learning new skills to expand her repertoire to better serve her household.... Not the boss at the workplace or the company. That's bible.

 

4. A Plaster is Skin Coloured

 (Though I know these days, they have cute and loud coloured plasters for kids, little and big.)

Proverbs 31:23  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

1 Peter 3:1-4  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

A Godly Wife is discreet and blends into the background, not seeking glory of her own but the glory of her husband. In turn, his glory will be her glory and praise as well. How beautiful is that? :)

 

 5. A Plaster is Sticky

 

Ephesians 5:31-32  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12  Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

A Godly Wife is a faithful, covenant wife. She has thrown her lot in together with her husband, through thick or thin.

I'd like to throw in this little tidbit about what I learned about the difference between a contract and a covenant. A Contract is nullified when one party does not uphold their part of the deal. A Covenant still stands even when one party doesn't uphold their part of the deal. 

A Christian marriage is a covenant and not a contract. And God is a covenant keeping God.

 

6. A Plaster is pretty Tough and Durable

Proverbs 31:17  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

A Godly Wife is spiritually, emotionally, and even physically tough to handle the rigors of the day and every trial that she may encounter. By the grace of God she will overcome and have the victory.

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There was another item I wanted to add in for the bridal shower but it's not a "common" use of plasters so I didn't. But after a good laugh with a dear sister, sister V, I decided to include this one.

7. A Plaster can come in handy to Plaster the Mouth

As in when the Godly Wife has moments of, erm, how shall I put it....  disagreement with her husband. :p This is possibly a sub-point under point no. 5.

James 3:5-6  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Psalms 39:1  I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

   

Proverbs 27:15  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 

Proverbs 17:28  Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

LOL!

The Most Vital Link: Your Marriage

I know I probably have a rotting tooth. There's a gap that has the tendency to trap food and despite my efforts to keep it flossed from time to time, I know that it is probably is something big and bad happening in there. BUT I'm avoiding going to the dentist! Scardey cat. I'm living in denial. Well, since there's no pain, i don't need to go and have my tooth (maybe teeth? shudder..) removed. It's just going to bite me back one day.

This post is about how we need to maintain and nurture the most vital relationship in the family. No, not parent child relationship. Though I would suspect most people reading this blog would be most concerned about this, the precious children and how to best care for them.

No. Actually, the most vital lifeline relationship in the family, the one that is the be all and end all of all families:  the husband and wife relationship. I am happily married to my dear, loving husband. I feel often that God was so good and kind to have blessed me with a godly man like him, when I am so undeserving. 

Sadly, most marriage relationships are so often neglected and placed as the last priority. But when it fails, every other thread unravels. The marriage landscape is pretty ugly if you really stop to count the carnage. It's scary how marriages are failing. What went wrong?

Getting away from God's design is what went wrong. The Creator has specific design specifications for His creation Man and Woman to function and work. It can be seen in Genesis when God created Adam to be the one to have dominion over the earth and subdue it and He created Eve to be Adam's perfect helper.

I've been reading a really really great book Created to be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl. What a blessing this book has been. It has been both sobering and enlightening. Hubby and I were laughing while reading pg 155, a segment taken out word for word from a home economics textbook from the 1950s. Some exerpts entitled How to be a Good Wife Today:

*Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home, and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

*Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

.

.

.

Some Don'ts:

*Don't greet him with problems or complaints.

*Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow, and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

etc.

(at this point, hubby sticks out his foot for me to remove his imaginary shoe. :p)

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Did any of you baulk yet? I know I did.... but partly in realization of how far my own standards are short from even this 1950s textbook.

Wow. The man is to be treated like a King??? And the woman is there to SERVE him??? Well, look again to the design of God and you will see, it is the way that God intended for blissful marriage!

Genesis 2:20-23  And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.  And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.  And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

1 Corinthians 11:8-12  For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.  Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.  Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

Stay at home and serve him???

 Titus 2:3-5  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

The Word of God is blasphemed when wives do not perform their duties to their husbands! This is serious stuff. But really, is it soooo serious? You will know it is serious when God's blueprint is not followed and things get all kinds of ugly. That's when the sobering fact that God's word is to be feared really hits home. :(

These days, we live in an equal opportunity society whereby women can rise the ranks and can climb the career ladder, as high as any man can. No body wants to blame failed marriages on this. But consider the real cost to the family of having a working wife. The kind of working hours. Eating on the go. The house is like a hotel to eat sleep and bath only to rush out of the next morning. Can a woman honestly say she is carrying out the commandments of Titus 2 when she compares it to her daily lifestyle?

How much time and energy women these days devote to their careers and leave whatever is left to their children. And they wonder why their ungrateful husbands leave them for another woman! Too many women think that just because her man said "I do" somehow guarantees a marriage made in heaven. It doesn't. Marriage, like any other relationship, takes nurturing to build.

I haven't even talked about the children yet. The baby comes along. Your husband and wife relationship suddenly switch to survival mode. Dear, can you pick up a packet of diapers on the way home, we are out of them. Dear, the baby is sick, can you take leave to bring him to the doctor. Been there, done that. Life went on a while like that when the first and second babies came along in our lives. Hubby did his part to help me in raising the kids. That was my attitude. Until I one day realized that it was completely meaningless if I didn't have our relationship right. I wasn't treating him right! Even though I was a stay home mom!!! The children had become the third party. We made a decision to change.

You know, the kids are a lot happier when they know mommy and daddy love each other and they are not the thing that holds the tenuous ties family together. Such a big burden for children to bear! :( Remember my mantra. The Children are NOT the centre of the universe. Fight the temptation to make them that, tooth and nail.

SO how is your husband wife relationship doing? Can it be said to be healthy? Are you constantly in a meeting of minds, spirit and body? Or has the relationship really become more of a partnership, a co-operation to get things done: you do your part and I do mine?

Don't wait till you are in extreme pain before seeing the dentist. Do what you can before your tooth rots and stinks and eventually have to pull it out. 

 Created to be His Help Meet!! BUY IT!!!

Note to Myself

I started this post on Sunday night, the eve of the start of term 3. Then I got distracted and didn't post it. (Getting distracted seems to be a common thread in my life these days!) But I don't want to let all that good good typing go to waste, so here's it. I'm ending off with a kind of post-recollection, moral of the story thingy that the Lord taught me today.

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The June holidays are over... tomorrow, we start term 3! *screams hysterical fashion like*

Yes, had to get it out of my system and take a deep breadth to collect my thoughts for the task ahead. TERM THREE!!!! *screams hysterically again*

I think I've too enjoyed my June holidays. Perhaps a little too much. And my kids too. Having papa around with us most of the week was really really nice. :)

We had a really great Vacation Bible School and and usual, we got a lot of positive feedback from the children who came.

Haha! This is no. 1 in a Moses' coat that I made this year. I got this material from the curtain section at Spotlight. :) (It's not only Maria who sews clothes from curtains. ;) )

We went to the Rider's Lodge in Johor and enjoyed the two nights there as well.

Coming back, I had agreed to giving interviews to not one but two groups of students for their Project Work. One group was doing a project on the Risks involved in Homeschooling. lol

I told them the title seems rather biased. :) But I answered the questions they had, candidly. Mostly very preliminary kind of questions about homeschooling, general type, fact finding questions.

Homeschooling is still a mysterious thing in the eyes of Singaporeans and it is met with a big dose of curiosity but a dash of skepticism. Of course, how not to treat the unknown with a measure of suspicion?

Well, in explaining to the students about my husband and my decision to homeschool our chidlren, ironically, the more convinced that we are doing right by our children by homeschooling them. :) I am glad that having stepped out of the public schoool system, hubby and I have the greatest autonomy to decide what we feel is best for the development of our children. The WHOLE person development that every parent wants for their child, not just academics. (I mean seriously, which parent wants to raise the equivalent of a robot for a child?)

I'm glad that through homeschooling, we can all grow together as a family instead of being split in as many ways as there are people in the family the way most typical Singaporean families go.

And to be very honest, while academics is important, it is not the most important thing on our list when it comes to raising a human being. Certainly not the PSLE!!!

Having said that, it's now the eve of the third term of the school year. I'm looking ahead to the second half of the year and all my various duties as a wife, mother, teacher etc. etc. etc. And I am half panicking about the prospects of not succeeding in accomplishing all that I want to accomplish.

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I found my answer today, tuesday, the second day of term 3. Here's a little note to myself, a lesson learned from the Lord.

I left the four oldest children at home to do their English exam (paper 2) while I spent about 2 hours this morning to send a missionary couple to the airport, Budget Terminal. Yes, in our Independent Fundamental Baptist circles, it seems I more often than not send our missionaries to the BT and not T3. ;) They needed the use of our church van to transport all their luggage to the airport.

And boy, did they have a lot of luggage! Afterall, they are moving to live in Thailand long term and so they travelled with all their necessities.

It came to pass, they were grossly overweight, luggage-wise. They had bought the excess baggage allowance as allocated by Tiger Airways, that is 30 kgs per passanger and they were not allowed to buy anymore baggage even if they wanted to!

As we were queueing to check in, I spied the sign that read $20 per 1 excess kg and I was pretty sure  that they would be over 15 kg in excess. Singaporean as I am, always thinking of solving the problem with money, I tried to give the missionary wife the $100 in my wallet to try to help offset the cost of the excess baggage. I even told myself I am giving it for the Lord's use, so it should be done.

She told me softly it's ok, we'll see what happens. It's a good time to pray now. And I saw that she was praying as she was watching as the check-in counter lady do the necessary to tell our missionary how they should not be accepting their luggage. She said the supervisor would be coming shortly to talk to them.

So I held on to my $100, as if prepared to produce it again, and watched. The supervisor came and in his most serious voice warned my missionary friends that this is not allowed and not to do this again.... and then, he let their baggage through! What a miracle!

We were all so relieved! The missionary wife told me there were many who were praying about this matter. :) My reaction was this: I am pretty sure, if she had accepted the money I was offering her, God would have allowed them to go through with paying the rest of the excess baggage. Thank God she passed the test! She chose to trust in prayer and wait upon Him for a positive outcome rather than rely on things.

It's like God saying (to me), if you want to use your resources to solve your problems, have it your way. But actually He has a better way, if we would just step back and allow Him. Y'know what I mean?

I was suitably humbled by my lack of faith and prayer and my instinctive action of trusting in my wallet, which was, ironically, insufficient to solve the present situation! :(

And so, unworthy as I am, I do want to meet the second half of this year, remembering to go in God's strength to do what He would have me and my family to do. Because, really, our resources far far pale in comparison to God's infinite wisdom and power.

1 Corinthians 1:25-29  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Amen!

 

 

 

 

The Home Life

The Home Life has been really packed and rewarding. Busy but yet restful. Juggling between the physical up keeping of the house and body, as well as caring for the other aspects of growing young people into good, useful adults. That's how I can presently summarize our daily home life. :) lemme get into today then....

Waking at 7:15 to begin my personal bible reading which today consisted of about 15 chapters or so. (I've started a 90 day read through the Bible program, and I'm on my second round! Hurrah! I believe it has become a habit!! :D )

Prayer to my Heavenly Father. Took up the broom and got a whole dustpan full of stuff off the floor, while waking 3 of my sleepy heads at 8:10. We are actually supposed to be having breakfast at 8 after their own personal bible time.

Continued to sweep the floor, make goat's milk for the 2 yr old. We had ham n bread for brekkie. Hung out the laundry together with the children, proceeded with bible time where we talked this morning about circumcision. The boys went "ouchie".

We are currently reading in the Bible about Abraham. We talked about faith to trust God at His word. I've said before, I count it such a privilege to teach young people on a daily basis to know God and to love Him. Like I get to fill their minds about loving God before the world fills their minds about loving self.

Had a heart to heart talk with my dear no 1 (11 yrs) to hear his heart about things that he has encountered. I've come to really appreciate the importance of hearing the child's heart on matters, allowing them to open up the windows of their hearts to reveal their inner thoughts and then helping them to analyze the situation and guiding them in how they should handle the situation. It takes a healthy parent child relationship, cultivated carefully over the years to be able to do this. Those of us who do not have close relationships with our parents will understand how difficult it is to speak from the heart to our own parents!

Proverbs 23:26  My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Mid-morning, after I set them seat work, I find myself scrubbing the toilet because it NEEDED to be done. You know what I mean? ;) Our house is NOT showcase perfect, not guest ready (anyone wants to come must give me a day head start in cleaning and packing.)

Today was particularly busy because baby (I should call her toddler but it just doesn't have that certain ring to it. Toddler.) baby is one week into toilet training but today, she just decided not to tell me she needed to go pee and wet herself 5 times thoughout the day! urgh. I do pray tomorrow will be better.

Proverbs 29:15  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Yes, she does get a swat (not hard but painful enough) for doing that because I did tell her and she can answer me when I ask her, why did mama have to cane? She says mei mei sheeshee on floor. I ask her where she needs to go? She'll say toilet. And last week she was successfully going to the toilet! And we clap and cheer when she goes to the toilet! :) Don't know what happened today. Sigh. One of those things.

My mom has been so kind to be sending no. 2 for violin lessons. Today, even in the pouring rain.

In between, the kids decided to make a card using their new glitter glue, play rambunctious games, keep the laundry. After cooking dinner and bathing, the kids were playing outdoors. I picked up my Above Rubies magazine that my sis passed to me and was looking forward to a quite read. Then I thought to myself, no, I think I should be with the kids as well. So I brought my magazines out. I only managed to read one article.

I found no 1 teaching no 4 how to swaveboard, holding his hands and encouraging him. No 5, the toddler, was also saying good job! to her brother. No 1 said, meimei is very encouraging. :) No 2 (back from violin) and no 3 were meanwhile roller blading and this evening, they each took off one skate and linked arms and tried to skate around like that. Hilarious. Dear Papa was already back but napping, exhausted from the day at work. He joined us for dinner, listening to no 3 (7yrs)'s latest rhyming sentence "how long does it TAKE for the SNAKE CAKE to BAKE before it BREAKs?" He's our words guy. :) We thoroughly enjoy each other's talents and abilities! The more people in the family, the more to enjoy! 

Psalms 128:1-4  <<A Song of degrees.>> Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

So, that was a slice of today's episode of The Home Life, in the Ong Family Homeschool. I didn't mention about thirty other things....lol! God is so good to give us happy family times like these. I am thankful!

Christian Dressing Standards?

Is there even such a thing? Before I came to biblical Christianity, I didn't know that there even was such a thing as a dress standard, much less a dress standard for Christians! How dare anybody tell me what to wear! I used to dress mainly by my mood. I didn't even think it was an issue to wear mini-skirts or shorts or tight jeans or spaghetti straps etc. etc. etc.. Now I realize how I was too complecent and not understanding the will of the Lord, as expressed in His Word!

The following is attributed to my reading from various sources on the subject matter and is by no means exhaustive. For better context, please do read the entire chapter of the quoted reference.

Godly Dressing vs Worldly Dressing

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The Bible's description of Godly Dressing:

1 Timothy 2:9-10  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;  But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

If you read further in this passage, it is clear that the modest apparel is accompanied or stems from a humble spirit of subjection to authority. So very importantly, the heart of the matter concerning dress standards ultimately is a matter of the heart.

If one has a heart that is humble before God and willing to please him, it will show in the way one dresses.

On the other hand, if one has a rebellious, proud, haughty spirit, it will also show in the way one dresses. Like the harlot in proverbs 7 (see below). She has an impudent spirit. The spirit of rock and pop music is this way too. (I'll do what I want, when I want and the way I want.) Anyone who listens to this kind of music will be affected in their spirit. It is not a coincidence that dressing styles follow music genres.

Proverbs 31:30  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

It is clear, that God would rather have a heart that fears Him and loves Him. The externals, like how one dresses or talks, will follow suit. These days, however, so much emphasis is placed on the way a woman ought to look. But you know, all flesh will one day decay in the grave. Why spend so much time, effort and money?

The Bible's description of Worldly dressing:

Flaunting Sexuality

Proverbs 7:6-12  For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,  Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:  And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

How does a harlot (prostitute) dress? Obviously, in a manner that emphasizes and flaunts her sexuality. Too much of what is common fashion these days do so much to emphasize erotic zones and show off parts of the female body for ALL the WORLD to see, that really ought to be shown only to their husbands. Legs, buttocks, breasts, back, shoulders... either exposed or titillatingly presented. Sadly, so far gone are these standards of modesty that even brides who are supposed to be chaste show too much in their wedding gowns.

The dress standards in churches these days is a crying shame. It is a terrible sin when sisters dress like harlots to go to church and cause the brothers to not be able to concentrate on worshipping God! Church ought to be different from the world out there. Already, we can't walk around shopping malls, or bus stops without be accosted by pictures of naked women, and even people on the street who dress so skimpily. Church ought to be a place of sanctity where our brothers (and sisters!) do not have to avert their eyes to avoid sinful thoughts and freely worship God.

So, it would be reasonable to say that for a Christian, we ought to dress in a way that de-emphasizes our sexuality. But I'll be quick to add, this does not mean we de-emphasize our femininity! There is a difference!

Blurring of the Sexes

The Bible does have something to say about dressing in a way that blurs the distinction between the sexes:

Deuteronomy 22:5  The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Abomination! What we wear can make us an abomination to God! Women who wear pants like men are really in danger of blurring the lines. I am also thinking about unisex hair cuts these days. Guys hair are so long these days, they look like girls. No wonder there is so much (sexual) confusion. (Romans 1:27) Christians ought not be like that. A man must dress manly and a woman must dress, well, womanly. 

Alluring Makeup 

2 Kings 9:30  And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.

What's wrong with wearing makeup? well, in this passage, this is evil queen Jezebel and she was doing it to "gain favour" with Jehu who was arriving to kill her. So we can understand that in some/ many cases, make up is used to allure men. A lot of make up techniques is really to change facial features like make the eyes look bigger, change single eye lids to double, etc. It really stems from a dis-satisfaction of what God made a girl/ lady to be. Makeup, if put on at all, ought to only subtly enhance what features that God has endowed us with. Many from the modest dressing camp feel make up is a complete no-no! (I don't wear makeup because I don't like gunk on my lips and face.) 

Do's and Don'ts? Go by Principles!

Pants? yes or no? shorts? yes or no? t-shirts? yes or no?

I think the list can go on and on and to list every piece of clothing and material combinations is an exercise of futility.

So, for years now, I have been going by principles to decide if a piece of clothing is modest or not. (That plus my husband's final say! I'm glad he is around to help me check. Having 4 sisters and being the only boy must have helped him loads in this department. haha) Again, this is not exhaustive but I hope it might be helpful to some out there reading this.

1) Does this piece of clothing frame my face or frame my body?

In wearing any piece of clothing, a good guideline would be if the beholder's eyes would be only drawn to your beautiful smiling face, or the curves on your body. 

2) Does this piece of clothing hug my body too tightly, thereby showing all the intimate curves?

*jeans, pants, tight t-shirts, most swimsuits

It really isn't about covering the body with cloth because like the current fashion of wearing leggings certainly covers the legs with cloth but shows off all the shape of the legs and leaves nothing to the imagination.

3) Does this piece of clothing show or allude to parts of my body that only my (future?) husband ought to see (eg. breasts, thighs, buttocks, shoulders, etc.) How about when I bend over? Or when I sit down?

*tube dresses, shorts, short skirts, low necklines, low riders, most swimsuits, certainly bikinis!!! etc.

**think how sheer cloths and peek-a-boo holes, prints across the chest or buttocks in clothes also draw the eye to look at the female body.

 Mothers of young children especially need to be careful to make sure their clothes still cover their modesty when they bend over to pick things or carry the children. Mommies do a lot of bending over and sitting on the floor! I have been soooo embarrased by mothers who show me all their clevage unintentionally when they bend forward to tend to their little child.

4) Does this piece of clothing or hairstyle make me look like feminine and womanly? (Speaking to women, of course.)

I am not a dresses/ skirts only person. There are times when wearing skirts are impractical! Actually, those times are rare. I have learned you can play tennis in a long skirt and you can scrub the toilet in a skirt! It is possible to wear modest pants or skirt-like pants or culottes and still fulfill the modest dressing principles I mentioned.  It all depends on the cutting of the cloth or the design of the garment.

This is the reason I want to follow in the footsteps of many dear Christian ladies in my church and Christian circle of friends (online ones too!), my own dear sister being one of them, to learn how to sew!

You know, I really thank God for Christian families who make a stand about their dressing standards. (The way many Muslims make a stand about their dress standards too.) Whenever I see families where the boys are prim and properly dressed and the daughters are modestly dressed, typically their skirts nice and long, I always think of this verse: 

Psalms 144:12  That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:

How expensive, beautiful and polished our daughters ought to be! Our children ought to dress with an attitude that says they are children of a King, and they ought to be different and carry themselves that way. Not rummage through the garbage and filth of this world and put on the look of morally bankrupt sinners.  

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Questions or comments or thoughts? Please DO write~ I'd love to hear from you. apieceofcake.sg@gmail.com

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- related websites and articles:

BBC: Stop sexualising our children

David Cloud: Dressing for the Lord

Google: sites on Christian modest dressing

- Some of my sewing projects since I learned how to sew:

The "little" Black Dress

Rose Pattern Dress

Pinafores

 

Funeral of grandma Mary

Last week, we attended a simple and beautiful funeral service for Agnes' grandma Mary. The dear soul has departed and she is now safe in the arms of Jesus and free from pain and sorrow. Praise God that she had received God's gift of salvation and is dressed in God's own rigtheousness to enter into heaven!

I am told that people do not bring children for funerals. Some because they are "pan tang". Superstitious. Chinese culture is fulll of superstitions. Thank God that because of what I understand from the Word of God, I am free from superstitions because I know God is master over everything and anything that happens in life and death are in His perfect control. 

Leviticus 19:26  Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.

Galatians 4:9-11  But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?  Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Yes, my children did walk around the casket and gaze upon grandma Mary's peacefully reposed body. I'm glad I had the opportunity all through to talk to my younger ones about where is grandma Mary's soul is now in heaven and it is only her body that is here and committed to the ground.  

I think the other reason that people do not bring their children to funerals is because some children do not know how to behave at such occasions! :(  

This was the burial on Friday morning.

As far as possible within our power, we believe in burying our dead and not cremating the body. In land scarce Singapore, cremation is the norm.

In baptism (by immersion) is a picture of the death, burial and ressurrection of the believer, just as Jesus died, was buried and raised the 3rd day. Baptism alludes not only the the death to the sinful old self and rising in the newness of life in Christ, but also to the future fulfillment of prophecy that the power of death will be destroyed. O glorious DAY! Likewise, we believe in burying our dead because it is an act of faith that one day, Jesus will return (before the 7 year tribulation) and the graves will open and those bodies in the graves will be brought up to meet the souls in the air.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?   The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Christians should bury their dead because cremation is not a Christian practice in origin and fire in the Bible is always a picture of judgement.

To bring my children for funerals (this was not their first) is for me, part of their education. It is good for them to learn that the Bible says that all who die in Christ "sleep" only to be awakened in glory and to see it first hand. Children do face death, either their own or their loved ones'. It is good for them to learn from the Bible all they can about what it is to prepare for it. Isn't it a blessed thing that God teaches us in His Word and we don't have to be afraid?

In fact, I was glad when no. 3 (7 yrs) told me after returning home, Mom, I have learned a lot about death. I didn't understand so much at the last funeral when I was younger but now, I understand more.

Dear Lee family, thank you for your wonderful testimony and personally caring for your grandmother through all her health struggles. It is a great lesson to me about sacrifice and love. God bless and comfort you during this time of loss. 

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Agnes' blog: http://finding--myself.blogspot.com/

 

 

Redeeming the Time because the Days are Evil

Psalms 90:12  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

When we were little, my sister used to play a silly "stick 'em up" game with me. She would stick an imaginary gun in my rib and say "money or your life?!??" 

To which, you are supposed to answer "my life" and give up your 'money'. haha... weird memories of my childhood...

"Life" because even as children, we know that life and our time on earth is a limited expendable resource. When (and not if) death comes, that is the absolute end. No u-turns.

"Money" on the other hand can be lost, but it can also be regained. So, by logic, time is more important than money.

Ephesians 5:15-17  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Well, our dear Pastor has been doing a series on Redeeming the Time and it has really gotten us thinking, do we really value our time over our money? This verse is really popping out and becoming very clear. It is helping us prioritize what is truly important and what are distractors. 

Let us not be like the rich man who wanted to build bigger barns only to find he could take it with him in Luke 12.

Luke 12:20-21  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

 We should not live under the illusion that tomorrow we can enjoy the fruits of our labours. We only have the present and cannot know if we will be called home even at the next hour or moment! If we are to labour, let us spend it on things that will count for eternity. Let us be rich toward God and eternal things. Life and even this world will soon pass. EVERYTHING... planet earth will be burnt up one day, the Bible says! Only what is done for Christ will last!

2 Peter 3:10-12  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

It is easy to loose focus. I'll tell you why this series of sermons have been such a wake up call for hubby and I. Because it comes from my pastor who recently got the sad news that his 6 yr old child has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

When a parent learns that time with their child is very limited and short, suddenly, everything comes into sharp focus.

Look at Jochebed, mother of Moses, who knew that she was to give up her son to Pharoah's daughter, taught her young child so diligently, when he grew up, he chose the reproach of Israel rather than the riches of Egypt. Look at Hannah who raised Samuel to love and serve God by the time he was weaned!

We have wept over my pastor's child's "predicament". (Indeed, there is no predicament nor fear that a child of God cannot face when his ever-present God carrying him every step of the journey.) But it has become a loud lesson to us what we need to do for our children. I wrote in my phone to remind myself: for each child to know the Salvation of Christ and to have a personal walk with Him. This is what we need to do because in the end, our child will meet God himelf or herself, not us on behalf of them.  This is to be our daily pre-occupation. Not assessment books and tuition classes.

I write on behalf of my dear husband who is in full agreement with me. :)

What about you, dear reader? money or your life? 

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Matthew 16:26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

James 4:13-15  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Matthew 6:31-34  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

Parenting truly is Heart Work

Some of my thoughts for/from today's real life lessons in parenting.

Actions spring from within the heart. So to fix a problem, aim for the heart.

Matthew 12:34  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Too often we get caught up with correcting the actions of a child or disciplining them for bad behaviour. I have found out since my eldest was young to look more for the attitudes and the motivations behind the actions. It has come a long way now that he is older.

If a child hits his sibling when he's angry, I would discipline the child for not controlling himself when he's angry, more than the actual action of hitting. Because, it is the anger that is the issue the child needs to resolve and not how it is acted out. It may be hitting this time, the next time it would be kicking, when he goes on uncorrected, he may one fine day take up a knife and kill someone. This is something I tell my angry, hitting child with all straight-facedness. 

After the discipline (the rod) the child will apologize. I will explain to the child it is not "I'm sorry mama for hitting mei mei." But rather "I'm sorry mama that I did not control myself when I was angry."

And trust me, this scenario will be played out in the child's life (as well as our own lives) over and over in a multitude of situations. Recognize: Sin is the root problem. Greed, covetousness, discontentment, laziness, idolatry etc etc etc. When we get to the heart of the matter, we are one step closer to tackling the problem.

You know, the very best years to train a child is before the age of 5. That is when they will learn their boundaries, develop their character tendencies and form the sense of right and wrong. 

From 5 to maybe age 9 -  11, (granted they are still following you from the foundation you have set in the earlier years) they can still be corrected and molded.

Beyond that, they will pretty much decide their own path. If they have subscribed to your values (your ways) it will show. If they have not assimilated your values as their own, it will also show. Whether you have a teen who will happily do your will, or if your teen is a compliant rebel, or a outright defiant rebel, it will eventually show. It is hard to hide the things we are really passionate about.

Now, by "train" I do not mean only the negative, deterrent aspects of parenting like disciplining and caning. The Bible says that the rod and reproof work hand in hand in the training up of a child.

Proverbs 29:15  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

So, "training" also entails teachingGod's precepts day in, day out. Developing in them a love for God and His Word, developing godly character in the child. 

Winning the heart of the Child is a Goal and Result of Successful Parenting

Proverbs 23:26  My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

This is the secret formula to the successful passing on of values: the parent must have his child's heart. By that, I believe the Bible would be alluding to the child's affection, adoration, deep respect, and importantly trust that you love him and always have his welfare at heart. 

It is only when we have the heart of the child that the child will happily obey and observe and follow our ways- even when their flesh and sinful desires tell them otherwise. And when a child will be wise to obey his loving parents, therein will he find safety and protection and blessing. It is no coincidence that God also wants His children's hearts.

Mark 12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Keeping and Winning a Child's Heart....Love Love Love and more Love

Jeremiah 31:3  The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

A critical, condemning spirit is never attractive. To think that God set aside His hate for sin to draw us with loving kindness! He didn't condemn us when we were disdainful in His sight but instead pitied us in our hopeless state, sent His Son to redeem us unto Himself. We can do no less for our children but to love them.

Keep the love relationship strong with each child. Yes, I need to remind myself to spend personal time with each child. When you have more than one child, and limited to 24 hours a day it is understandable that you can't spend like one hour with each child uninterrupted to the neglect of the other children. It doesn't make sense to me. Scheduling time with each child is impossible and counter productive for us.

For me, I show I love each child by giving them the attention they want from me. It's not hard. One comes in to show me his drawing. I take time to admire it, note the details he had added in and praise him for his work. I take photos of their other work. Or when one is practicing their instrument, I'll take the time to listen and give feedback, what's sounding nice, what needs more practice.

Importantly, love each child as unique individuals who have different talents and abilities, different weaknesses. Do not fall into the trap of measuring everyone by the same yardstick because not everyone can measure up the same way.

Oh, and I must say, Hugs and kisses go a LOOOONG  way in affirming love. :) I grew up in a non-hugging family, but we're changing that! ;)   

When the relationship is broken, loving kindness is the key to repairing that and win back the heart of the child. Remember again, though Israel was idolatrous and was hence punished severely by God (even that is an expression of His everlasting love), yet He drew them back to Himself with loving kindness.

Heart to Heart talks

Proverbs 23:19  Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

I have been reading about heart to heart talks that (homeschooling moms) spend with their older children. I've been experiencing the increased need for this myself when relating with my oldest child (10 yrs). At that age, it's no more just spank, teach and make up (reaffirm love for the child). It takes a longer route of talking, helping them analyze the situation, access their attitudes and motivations, reminding what God thinks of this issue, how should we then behave in a God pleasing manner the next time this situation happens, etc etc. They need guidance, and reminders. Lots of it. I am humbled by fact that discipling a person takes lots of TIME. It's not a one-off effort. It's for the long haul.  

Again, if the parent has the heart of the child, counsel will yield wisdom in the child's life.

Proverbs 23:24-25  The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Heart Cry

Psalms 126:6  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Have you ever cried over the salvation of your children? Have you ever cried over your failures as a parent? Have you ever cried to God to beg Him for mercy for your children to stand strong in this world of sin and not to fall headlong into many hurts and sorrows?

Have you ever cried for God to teach, guide and give wisdom to parent the child that He has given to you? That this child get saved, grow strong in the faith and will live out his life purposefully for God's use, and not wasted in foolery? 

If you have, and your hand is on the plough, not looking back, thank God for His assurance of fruits for our labours.

Family Bible Notes says of that last verse Psalms 126:6 -

"The most successful undertakings have often been commenced in the midst of great difficulties and with much weeping. The spiritual seed that is abundantly watered with godly tears, will bring forth a rich harvest of golden sheaves."

Parenting: It's Heart Work but somebody's gotta do it. ;)

Thanks for reading. God bless you, dear reader.

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For more thoughts, an excellent read is Tedd Tripp's Shepherding a Child's Heart. You can click on the link on the right hand column there---->

How Long did it Take?

We copied this verse a couple of days back for Bible Time. This verse was written by King David, who grew up as a shepherd boy, caring for his father's sheep. But actually, we were talking more about Moses and this verse came to mind, so I had the children write this one down. :)

So the account of Moses goes that when he was the prince of Egypt, he tried to seek "justice" for an abused Hebrew slave by murdering the Egyptian. Young, impulsive, wanting to take things into his own hands.

As a result, he had to flee from Egypt and God brought him into the wilderness of Paran and he became a shepherd. 

I love to impress upon the children the work of a shepherd. One who is always on the alert for the well being of his flock, making sure none strays, none are injured, none are sick, tending to the ones that are sick to make sure they do not infect the others, giving special attention to pregnant ewes. The list is endless.

When God called Moses at the Burning Bush, it was a very different Moses who answered God! This Moses was afraid to confront Pharaoh, saying he had a stutter, and worried that his people the slaves will not believe him. Humbled and small.

God had to take his servant out and teach him, mold him to be the kind of servant who could be used to lead more than 2 million people out of Egypt to travel to Canaan. He made him a shepherd to hone his skills to make him acutely aware of other's needs, above his own. Indeed, the job of leading 2 million people was far harder than sheep because people can be even more stubborn and difficult!

How long did God's lesson take? 40 years.

I ask the children, what if God looked at the hard life that Moses was leading that He softened and took Moses out after 2 years of being a shepherd? I say he'd still be impulsive and foolhardy.

No no. Must not short cut the learning process. In our disciplining our children, do not short cut the learning process. Go the full way in order for the lesson to be learned effectively. 

Proverbs 19:18  Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

If you are in such a classroom of God right now, (caring for a difficult child? caring for your infirm and aged? being ill and in pain?) thank God! He's probably got wonderful things and bigger jobs planned for you! Just make sure you learn the lesson right and see His sure and loving hand in all of life's trials.

God bless you! :) 

James 1:2-4  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.