This past week I had the privilege of producing a 3-part series on a new book by Stacy McDonald and Jennie Chancey entitled: Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God, published by Vision Forum Ministries.  Its an encouraging read on recapturing a biblical vision for the home.

If you'd like to take a listen, visit my audio blog.

From Titus 2

 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Waltham Watch Gears, 1904

Waltham Watch Face, 1904

Recently my Grandmother Butler stopped through Chicago on her way to MN.  She came bearing gifts for the kids and a small jewelry box for me.  Upon inspection, the box contained this pocket watch which she said had belonged to her grandfather Andrew F Skinner (b. 1851, d. 1947).  She didn't know how long he owned it, nor did she think that it worked, but she thought I might appreciate it in light of family history.  After a heart-felt expression of gratitude, I set it aside as we talked about other things.  The boys came by, picked it up, inspected it for a moment and wound the mechanism...and it ran!  Three days later, it is still running.

It made me contemplate what in my life can I hand down that will still work 100 years from now?  My first thought was something like "Not much..."

Then my wife reminded me of our vision for our family and our desire for cross generational faithfulness in service to Christ, love of the Father and life from the Spirit.  So that, even if nothing of our current earthly treasure survives the years, God's work--for His glory--will be a testimony to generations to come.

May this watch be a Ebenim that reminds me of what God has called me to for those who follow.

From Psalm 89

1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;
         With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
 2 For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever;
         Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

This is a posting from a year ago.  I have gotten a lot of comments from friends on this so I thought I would post it again as a committment to start it again this fall.

family ties 2006

As Moody is back in the swing of things, I thought I'd try something new this year in regards to what I wear each day.  The dresscode at Moody doesn't require ties (no matter WHAT you may have heard), but I'm wearing one each day anyway (of course this means that Pamela is spending more time ironing for me so that I have pressed shirts to wear with these ties--see her recent blog on this point--and for her service I am TRULY grateful). 

Before you think I'm making unnecessary work for my wife, let me tell you why I am wearing a tie everyday.  Each morning, as I get dressed, I have one of the kids choose which tie I will wear that day so that throughout the day, I'll remember to pray for that particular child.  So...

• While I'm eating lunch and trying to keep my tie out of the vegetarian stir-fry, I think to pray that God would keep Elliot out of evil.
  
• While I am lecturing and my tie gets stuck in my lecture notebook, I pray that God would teach Alesa humilty.
  
• While I walk across the plaza, and the wind nearly hangs me with my necktie, I am reminded to pray that God would keep Robin from the winds of the world.

And in case you're keeping score at home, I also pray for the one keeping my shirts pressed, that God's Spirit would rest on her in the midst of her day as she's "being pressed on every side."

It has really helped keep my heart turned toward home, even in the midst of busy, hectic and discouraging days, to know that tomorrow is a new day, with a new shirt and a new tie.

King for a Day -or- Father's Day, 2006

12 months ago, encouraged and inspired by my wife, I wrote my first blog.  Looking back over the posts, there's nothing particularly profound, but I've enjoyed finding words for my thoughts [though maybe there are a few words I should have kept to myself...].  The best part is the friends that I have made through it.

As I contemplate the year ahead, I found this excerpt from the writings of John Robinson that I thought were appropriate...

From A Briefe Catechism concerning Church Government, by that Revered Divine, Mr. John Robinson, 1642 [from the Online Library of Liberty].

Q. “What things must a Christian man's heart desire?

A. Six things especially.

Q. What are they?

A. 1. That he may glorify God. 2. That God may reign in his heart, and not sin. 3. That he may do God's will, and not the lusts of the flesh. 4. That he may rely himself on God's providence for all the means of his temporal life, 5. That he may be justified, and be at peace with God. 6. That, by the power of God, he may be strengthened against all temptations.

May it be true of me...

From Joshua 4

Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder,

according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites,

to serve as a sign among you.

Dugar Family, 2007 - courtesy of Yahoo! News

Many of us have seen news stories or heard newscasts this morning about the Duggar family in Arkansas who have just had their 17th child.  While the coverage for the most part isn't negative, it seems to be making news for one reason--it is "odd". 

You can almost hear the barker: "Men and women, boys and girls, buy your tickets to see the greatest side show on earth!  We have the child with two heads [oohhh], the bearded lady [yuck], the tatoo man [boring] and a family with 17 children! [Gasp!]"

The article goes on to point out all the other "odd things" about this family: she has been with child for 10.5 years, they have changed 90,000 diapers, all their kids have names that start with "J", they're from Arkansas, and, can you believe it, they homeschool.  [Again, another gasp!].

I know that there are thousands hearing this story today who will shake their heads and wonder .

A few years ago, I too, even as a Christian father, would have gasped and wondered why they didn't just get a television.  Thankfully, God has changed my heart.  Today, I find myself wondering if I would ever be worthy to be entrusted with so much wonderful reward...

Psalm 127

Unless the LORD builds the house,
         They labor in vain who build it;
         Unless the LORD guards the city,
         The watchman stays awake in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early,
         To sit up late,
         To eat the bread of sorrows;
         For so He gives His beloved sleep. 

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
         The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
         So are the children of one’s youth.

 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
         They shall not be ashamed,
         But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Preaching in Ghana, 2006

Tonight Elliot came up to me and thoughtfully declared: "You'd make a good pastor Daddy..."

I was moved to think that my efforts to train up my children was beginning to pay off and began to ponder how soon, my wife and family would be rising up to call me "lord" when my thoughts were interrupted by the rest of the boy's thoughts on the matter:

"...because your sermons are only 15 minutes long."

Hmmm...apparently, I'll have to get back to you on the "lord" thing in a few more years.


From Proverbs 18

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
      And like a high wall in his own esteem. 
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
      And before honor is humility. 
He who answers a matter before he hears it,
      It is folly and shame to him.

Father Days, 2007

Notes, Quotes and Flow Charts, Oh My!  2006

One of the struggles I face in my current teaching ministry is the conflict that arises between the ideal role parents should play in the life-long education of their kids and the reality of overly independent students that sit in my classroom.  Add to that, the number of fellow faculty who see it as their "ministry" to step in and "set these kids straight" in their theology, philosophy and ministry ambition/goals.

While it may be true that many of these students have been woefully prepared by their parents to think biblically and have even less theological training from their father's knee, it is also true that God desires father's to be the faithful instructors of thier children (Deut 6 and 11).  I am becoming more and more convinced that as we drive our students to the Word for correction, we must also encourage them to honor the fifth commandment (after all, the last time I checked the fifth commandment isn't merely a recommendation for children 12 and younger).  As we equip them with knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, we must also turn their hearts toward their fathers.

I remember coming home from my first year in Bible college and challenging my father on "his/our" escatology.  While it may, or may not have been appropriate to discuss the topic, I know that my spirit was not one of humilty or submission to his wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  When the approach is wrong, the discussion is almost always wrong too.  "Knowledge puffs up, but love cast out all fear." 

I believe that this coming year is going to be an important one as I continue to flesh out and apply my personal, family-centered committments to the classroom ministry God has granted, and I pray that God will give me opportunities to bring children and fathers closer together.

From Proverbs 6

My son, keep your father’s command,
      And do not forsake the law of your mother. 
Bind them continually upon your heart;
      Tie them around your neck. 
When you roam, they will lead you;
      When you sleep, they will keep you;
      And when you awake, they will speak with you. 
For the commandment is a lamp,
      And the law a light;
      Reproofs of instruction are the way of life

DL Moody

Last night Pamela was doing some "Chicago research" for a small tour she is giving for a few friends who are in town.  She came across a transcription of a speech given by RA Torrey in 1923 about DL Moody entilted: "Why God Used D.L Moody" (click here for the complete speech).  Torrey identified 7 reasons why D.L. Moody may have been so uniqely used by God.  It is my prayer that at the end of my life, these things can be said of me.

(1) A Fully Surrendered Man

(2) A Man of Prayer

(3) A Deep and Practical Student of the Bible

(4) A Humble Man

(5) His Entire Freedom from the Love of Money

(6) His Consuming Passion for the Salvation of the Lost

(7) Definitely Endued with Power from on High

 Proverb 20:6

Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, 

But who can find a faithful man?