My Family

[-]

All Amazon links help support my church's mission fund.

I have written a response to the election at my other blog. You may read it here if you are interested. I have read some great responses to the election that I wanted to share:

• President Obama
  

• Admonition by John Calvin on the Election
  

• Ligon Duncan on How You Should Pray for President-elect Obama
  

• No Matter Who You Voted For
  

• A United House

~Andrea

This week's Café Chat topic is "What is a positive tradition or godly character trait that you learned from your extended family that you hope to pass down to your own family?"

My husband and I are blessed to have a godly heritage from both of our families. I had a very godly grandfather who had a positive impact on me. One of the character traits that he passed down and that I hope to pass down to my family is his work ethic. He was always a hard, cheerful worker; he truly worked as unto the Lord. My mom is exactly the same way, and my dad and my husband's family are also very hard workers.

Although he worked hard, my grandfather also played hard. Early in our marriage, my husband and I were at my grandparent's home for a visit and a mountain bike excursion in a nearby town. My 70-something year-old grandpa decided that he wanted to try out Rob's bike; he went to get on and jumped right over it to the other side. Not at all deterred, he climbed back on and proceeded to ride down his long, winding gravel driveway. A couple of months later, he bought his own mountain bike.

My mom definitely "inherited" both of these traits, and my husband is quite a bit like my grandpa in these character aspects. We hope to pass down the ability to work and play hard to our family (so far, the kids have the "playing hard" part down). It may seem strange that I chose such dichotomous traits, but I tend to work hard without play, so the balance is important to me.

If you would like to participate in this week's chat, go to the here.

~Andrea

The Internet Café started a brand new meme last week called Café Chat. This week's topic is "What is one habit, negative pattern, or sin that has been passed down your family line from generation to generation that you do not want to pass down to your own family line? What steps are you taking to make sure the habit, pattern or sin is not repeated in your own family?"

One of the generational sins that I struggle with is being critical of those closest to me. Not only is this a sin, but it is a deeply ingrained habit that I have been struggling with for years; unfortunately, my loving and patient husband can attest attest to that fact.

I try to make sure I apologize as soon as I become aware that I am being critical in a way that is not redemptive (different from constructive criticism). I still often need my husband to point this out to me. I also try to make sure I show outward affection to my husband and family, as this is not natural for me and it helps my family know that I am serious about repenting for my sin. I am quite honest in talking about my struggles with my husband and children - they are aware that I am sinning when I am being critical and that I know that I am sinning.

My biggest weapon against this generational sin is prayer. Thank you, Lord, that you are forgiving, merciful and willing to unconditionally dispense grace and love to me in this battle; and thank you for the power to break this sin in my family so that it goes no further.

"Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven." Psalm 85:9-11

If you would like to participate in this week's chat, go to the post for this week's topic.

~Andrea

So He went to her, took her hand and helped her up. Mark 1:31a

This snippet of Scripture denotes complete trust in Jesus to me. I picture Peter's mother-in-law looking trustfully up at Jesus as he gently takes her hand and helps her stand up from her sick bed. Our culture of independence makes it very difficult to trust others, even God. We say that we trust Him, yet we refuse to relinquish control over so many areas of our lives.

How much do we trust Him with our finances, for instance? I do not mean that we should be poor stewards, but do we really trust Him when there is the potential of severe financial difficulties? Or do we make our best laid plans and falter or panic when it seems that they are failing?

What about our children? Do we really trust our Lord with them? We tend to search for formulas that we believe will turn out well-mannered, responsible, godly children. Do we trust our formulas more than we trust our God and Savior, Who loves our children more than we do?

What would it be like to abandon control of all worries, plans, fears, hurts, ______; and look up into His eyes and allow Him help us up and see our circumstances through His perfect love and shelter, and sometimes even through His loving discipline; to be so full of His grace and love that we have no time to worry about our own circumstances, but are compelled look about for ways to serve others?

I want to truly say and mean the words "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21); meaning death to my flesh so that I am always available for His work.

~Andrea

If you would like to participate in this week's Tuesdays in "Other" Words, go to Beloved MaMa's blog.

Friends at HSB

[-]

Tapestry Blogroll

[-]

HOTM Blogroll

[-]

Family Friendly Blogroll

[-]