I can't believe I didn't think of this before, but I just saw a link to some Vision Forum resources that discuss the very things I've been thinking on. Doug Phillips has a CD set titled "How to Evaluate a Suitor". In the description it used this phrase regarding an evaluation for suitors: "minimal threshold requirements must be met".
You know, even though I've made a list, this really isn't a list issue. It has to do with the training we intend to instill in our children's hearts. And as they used to say at Cedarville, some rules are Biblical issues and some are preference issues. The same would be true with our little "list".
Here are a few more I've thought of:
No participants in any evil sports
(just for you Bobbi)
Abstain from the use of alcohol - I know Biblically speaking it is "being drunk" that is the sin, but I had an alcohlic grandfather, so I'm a total abstainer (along with for Biblical reasons I would consider "wisdom").
Understand the value of homeschooling - Obviously I think homeschooling is best, I wouldn't be doing it otherwise, but I guess that would have to be something each parent would have to decide - but I certainly want them to be open to the idea.
Understand the value of breastfeeding - I've spent 7 years breastfeeding and I certainly expect my grandkids to be breastfed as well
. It's a normal part of our lives, so bottles are "wierd" to us around here (I dont' think my last three have ever had a bottle). Although, Steve was never around a breastfeeder before, and he adjusted well.
Open to the blessing of children - Not necessarily "quiver full", but definitely understanding that children are God's natural design for married couples and a reward from Him. If I ever hear one of my children say they "got fixed" one child too late or hearing they were still sterile was the best news they ever heard (sorry sisters if you read this), I will absolutely cry!!
