Preparing for the Future

"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:14,15

Lord, just as we do our best to prepare our children academically for life ahead, we need to prepare them spiritually. Only you know what lies ahead in our uncertain world. Please give us wisdom today.

We're reading a biography of Hudson Taylor. I've found the girls are greatly inspired by stories of missionaries like Amy Carmichael, Gladys Aylward, and George Mueller. The stories are exciting, people living on the edge, trusting wholeheartedly on God's mercy and provision.

We read that Hudson Taylor decided he needed to toughen up before he went to China so he did strenuous exercises outside in the cold. He got rid of his bed and slept on bare boards. He gave away all material things that were not essential. Most of us who adopted from China stayed in luxury hotels, but I readily remember the poverty we saw. Imagine what it was like in the 1800's. Hudson Taylor prepared.

I don't know God's plans for my children when they become adults. We offer opportunity to our kids when they are little, not knowing their talents, interests, and gifts. We want them to have new experiences and explore the world. We give them ballet, gymnastics, or horseback riding. Maybe sports or music and art lessons. The list can go on and on. As homeschooling moms, we teach our kids to read and do math and prepare for careers. We teach them how to learn so they can pursue their own interests later in life. But how do we prepare them to walk with God in such a violent, ungodly society?

Today when I left my girls at church for choir practice, I felt I had to talk with them about what to do if they saw or heard someone shoot a gun. (This right after the Colorado shootings.) How do we teach them caution without instilling fear in them? Maybe we have much to learn from the missionaries.

What's cooking tonight...

Crock-Pot Zesty Beef Soup

1# stew meat, diced

3/4 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)

1 bag frozen corn

1/2 bag frozen french-cut green beans

4 cups Spicy V-8 (or regular)

14 1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. pepper

In a skillet brown the beef, onions and garlic in a little oil. Combine this in the crock-pot with all the other ingredients. Cook on low 8-10 hours or on high for 5 hours.