Welcome to Marriage Monday!

How to Celebrate February 14

Every Day of the Year

Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Welcome to the Valentine's edition of Marriage Monday. Today, our group topic is "How to Celebrate February 14 Every Day of the Year." Please join us!

In case you missed it, click here for an introduction to this month's topic and some ideas to help you get started. You're free to add your permalink to MckLinky (below) until midnight of Wednesday this week.

Did you know that my husband is a strong supporter of our meme? He loves it! He has a big heart for ministry and understands the value of strong marriages. This month my personal entry, "It's Marriage Monday: Kiss Me!"
is dedicated to e-Dad.

Next Month's Topic: Prayer

Let's gather here at Chrysalis for Marriage Monday once again on March 1, 2010. A few of you have requested "Prayer in Marriage" as a future topic. Shall we try tackling this important subject together next month?

Since prayer is so personal and vital to our Christian walk, I'd like to offer a wide open approach. Please choose your own angle and title, and handle it whatever way the Spirit leads. This is a topic that will benefit all of our marriages. Agreed?

Marriage Monday Blogroll

The current Marriage Monday 2010 Blogroll is here. If you would like to be added to the blogroll, it's easy to join. Follow these simple steps, and voila you're on!

1. Copy the button code in my sidebar and post it in your sidebar.

2. Email me at: marriagemonday [at] gmail [dot] com.

3. Include your name, your email address, your blog's name, and your blog's URL.

In case you're wondering, you do not need to contribute to the meme to be a member of the blogroll. That means you can be a silent reader if you want. I also know a few sisters who simply prefer to visit other bloggers on Marriage Mondays and leave their uplifting comments. That's quite alright!


Information for Newcomers

You may be brand new to Chrysalis, so let me cover a few of the basics. I'm e-Mom, your hostess for this meme. Generally, our Marriage Monday community meets here the first Monday of every month. This is your meme, and your opportunity to share what you've learned about Christian marriage.

I invite you to power up your laptop, post your thoughts on today's topic, and then come back here and leave your permalink in Mister Linky. Afterward, take a few minutes to visit some of the other bloggers. Remember to be generous with your comments! Have some fun, and introduce yourself so we can get to know you.

Photos: Muffet & BillGracey (Flickr)



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Relationships: How to Celebrate February 14 Every Day of the Year

It's Marriage Monday: Kiss Me!

Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Blessed beyond measure.

We are the best of friends, e-Dad and I. We work at home together and we play together. And because we’re empty nesters, we’re not pre-occupied with precious little people any more. (Yes it will happen for you too… some day. Meanwhile, savor every minute of your parenting adventure.)

After 30-plus years of marriage, e-Dad and I have developed a Culture of Us that would be impossible to duplicate with anyone else. We’re like one.

But The Us Factor didn’t just happen by itself. We’ve really worked at it. And we still do.

Code Phrases

For instance, thirty minutes of conversation after dinner keeps us current with each other. e-Dad’s rehearsed phrase, “Do you miss me?” blows off tension when I’m upset about something. Instead of mistakenly feeling blamed for my bad mood, he remembers that he’s needed. That's my cue to say, "It's not your fault." Then e-Dad is free to give me the sympathy and understanding that I crave. We've repeated these important code phrases over and over.

But The Us Factor didn’t just happen by itself. We’ve really worked at it. And we still do.

One of the things I love about e-Dad is his affectionate nature. Without fail, whenever I head out the door, he immediately stops what he’s doing and stands up to kiss me good-bye. (Must be my lip gloss.)

I return the favor by kissing him as he walks in through the front door after a long day of meetings. Like the suave leading man in some foreign film sometimes he calls out “Dahlingk, I’m home!” (That usually means he has a paycheck in his pocket.)

Of course, we smooch and snuggle at other times throughout the day. After thoroughly analyzing this delightful custom of lips-pressed-on-lips, I came up with ten kissing styles. What’s yours?


Ten (Bible Sanctioned) Kisses to Keep the Temp Up
...all… year… long! *Fanning self*

1. The slobbery kiss…

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. (Gen 33:4)

2. The cheek peck…

“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (Rom 16:16)

3. The passionate kiss…

"She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said…" (Prov 7:13)

4. The woodpecker…

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Prov 27:6)

5. The tender kiss…

"Then Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud."

6. The grab 'em by the beard (but no biting) kiss…

“Joab said to Amasa, ‘How are you, my brother?’ Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.”
(2 Sam 20:9)

7. The kiss of humility…

As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. (Luke 7:38)

8. The “Dahlingk, I’m home!” kiss…

"Greet one another with a kiss of love." (1 Pet 5:14)

9. Blowing kisses…

"And my heart became secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth." (Job 21:27)

10. Kissing in the dark…

“Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth, for your love is more delightful than wine.” (Song of Songs 1:2-4)


Related

• For more Marriage Monday posts on this topic, please scroll up or click here.

• "20 Ways to Please Your Lover" by Chrysalis


Photos: drurydrama, richardmasoner & malavoda (Flickr)

Up Next—New Movie Review: "Letters to God"


What's your kissing style?

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Marriage Monday is Coming!

Seeking Your Submission

Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Please join us for Marriage Monday on Feb. 1, 2010.
By majority vote this month's topic is, "How to Celebrate February 14 Every Day of the Year."

February is the official month of love. Thousands of couples will be celebrating their romantic relationship with pizzazz and flourish. Bouquets of red roses, gourmet chocolates, expensive perfume, and exotic getaways never go out of style. Men do their dashing best to satisfy their wives on Feb. 14, and most women really appreciate the special attention. I certainly do.

Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful way to rev up our love and really “pop the cork.” But all of us know that a satisfying day-to-day relationship needs more of our creative energy and consistency than a once-a-year budget-busting bonanza does.


The “Us” Factor

This month, your challenge is to share how you and your husband make each and every day of your marriage special. What are your daily relationship rituals? How do you nurture the “us” factor? Tell us the big or little things that make your marriage sing like a fine-tuned violin. A few examples:

• Casual chats
• Kissing
• Private jokes
• Rehearsed phrases
• Body language
• Shared activities
• Favorite foods
• Division of chores
• Intimacy signals

You get my drift. (You certainly don’t need to cover every area listed. Just use them to prime the pump.) By sharing your ideas, you’ll motivate the precious women in our Marriage Monday community to make a few improvements.

I’m sure you agree that it’s much better for our marriages to heading toward the bedroom and not boredom on a day-to-day basis!

Who needs February 14 when every day is Valentine’s Day?


Please Bring a Friend

Feel free to copy any part of this invitation and post it on your blog. As always, the more participants we have, the better.

For Newcomers

Our community of Marriage Monday bloggers is a diverse group of joyful, Godly women. We are young, old, seasoned, and newlywed. For the past 2-1/2 years, we've been meeting at Chrysalis the first Monday of every month. Please join us! You definitely don't want to miss out. You'll meet some amazing women and gain a little wisdom along the way.

Your entry doesn't need to be fancy, clever, or very long. Just speak from your heart. Once you've posted, come back here and add your permalink to MckLinky. Then, take a few minutes to visit a few of the other Marriage Monday contributors.

Related: Visit I Heart Faces Weekly Photo Challenge. Feb. 8's theme will be We ♥ Kisses

Photo: raceytoy & tlindenbaum (Flickr)



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Up Next—Marriage Monday

From the photos, can you guess what my Marriage Monday post will be about?

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In the Spotlight: "Over the Top" Awards

Six Deserving Honorees
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Back in the good ol’ days—say, about two years ago—bloggers used to hand out awards like candy. It was a lot of fun, and a dandy way to introduce your readers to your cyber pals. Remember?

You might have thought that social networks like Facebook and Twitter had rendered bloggy award-giving obsolete. Evidently, not so. Bobbi at Blogging Along has passed a lovely award my direction. Go visit. She's a keeper! (Thank you so much my friend.)

Now I have the privilege of passing on this "Over the Top" Award to six more deserving honorees. Take a minute to sample these high quality weblogs.

• Simple Mom
A group blog whose tagline sums it up: “Live simply, stay sane. Life hacks for Home Managers.”


• Going Beyond Ministries
Co-teacher with Beth Moore, this is author and speaker Priscilla Shirer’s inspiring new blog. She's a dynamo!


• Home Sanctuary
Entertaining blog posts and prizes to encourage home organization. Join Rachel Ann for Company Girls events and Today’s Small Thing.

• Clutch
This is a terrific “Blog for ministry wives, clutching to God-ordained identities, while supporting our husbands in service, and ministering on our own, too.”


• Parchment and Pen
Group blog that aims at “Making theology accessible.”


• Christian History Blog
A ministry of Christianity Today International, this blog "seeks to connect contemporary Christians to their spiritual heritage by communicating church history in an engaging, accurate, and visual way."


Award Rules

Here are the rules for passing on this award. Use only one word to answer the 35 interview questions, pass along to six favorite bloggers, and then tell 'em you did so.

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse

2. Your hair? Blonde

3. Your mother? MIA

4. Your father? Smart

5. Your favorite food? Limes

6. Your dream last night? Forgotten

7. Your favorite drink? Frozen

8. Your dream/goal? Centenarian

9. What room are you in? Dining

10. Your hobby? Gourmet

11. Your fear? Loss

12. Where do you want to be in six years? Seaside

13. Where were you last night? Reading

14. Something that you aren't? Audiophile

15. Muffins? Buttered

16. Wish list item? Car

17. Where did you grow up? Drizzle

18. Last thing you did? Dishes

19. What are you wearing? Sweats

20. Your TV? HG-TV

21. Your pets? Tabby

22. Friends? Cyber

23. Your life? Blessed

24. Your mood? Patience

25. Missing someone? Daughter

26. Vehicle? Broken

27. Something you're not wearing? Pearls

28. Your favorite store? Aprons

29. Your favorite color? Coral

30. When was the last time you laughed? Tonight

31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

32. Your best friend?(s) e-Dad

33. One place that I could go over and over? Tropics

34. One person who emails you regularly? Advertisers

35. Favorite place to eat? Seafood

Photo: Wallyg (Flickr)

Coming Soon—Marriage Monday (Valentine's Edition)

Can you recommend a blog (or two) that you really like?

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Autobiography: "I am From..."

Poetry Contest Reminder
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Have you written your poem? Several readers have submitted their links, and others have told me they're still working on it. This post is a friendly reminder that there's a "mystery prize" waiting for the winner of my poetry writing contest.

The deadline for entry is midnight Tues. Feb 9, 2010.

Easy Schmeezy Instructions

Why not give it a try? Even if you're not a poet, you'll really enjoy re-living your childhood when you write your poem. Just plug a few special memories into this template, and voila! you're done. C'mon, it's easy!

After you post your poem, leave your poem link in the comment box on this post, "Autobiography: Template for "I am From..." If you don't have a blog, simply copy and paste your entire poem into the comments.

My example is here. And here is another.

For your inspiration, enjoy this delightful version submitted by Cindy Jasmine at This Little Light of Mine.


I am From…
by Cindy Jasmine

I am from snow, from Salsa Valentina and El Milagro tortillas.

I am from the red cement stairs cracking in front of the glass door that slams every night as I walk in from my adventures.

I am from the roses, the red falling petals sent with Love straight from Afghanistan.

I am from Sunday dinners for lunch and round bellies, from Vanessa and Teresa and Aishah Nunez.

I am from running-to-Grandpa-when-he-walks-in-the-door hugs and tearful telephone conversations.

From annoying know it all responses and want-it-all childhood visits to the store.

I am from Independent Reformed Baptists. From sweetly loving God’s Sovereignty and embracing the five Solas.

I'm from Chicago, from Mexico, from wherever the U.S. Army says I am from, I am from tacos Al Pastor and Pozole.

From 12 months in a foreign country fighting for our nation, from my husbands sacrifices and hard work to ensure a nations security. I am from Mom, from giving up my pleasures to wash dirty dishes and loads of laundry, from the dolphins that lost their mouths in our park, and the choice to keep the first baby boy of the family.

I am from an over-sized box underneath the television stand that holds an eternity of truths in its glossy paper, which have been embedded in my heart.


Image: Fabric by Rep Depot via Mixed Plate Blog

Coming Soon—Marriage Monday (Valentine's Edition)

Are you planning to submit your poem?

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Earthquakes & Eschatology

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him.” (1 Thes 5:9-10 NIV)

On Wednesdays, please consider posting a photo and a verse and linking up with our WFW group. The meme's coordinator is Amydeanne at The 160 Acre Woods. This week our guest hostess is Susan at Forever His.


God Has Not Destined Us for Wrath
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Earthquakes are apocalyptic. Intuitively, those of us living in earthquake country know this.

When an earthquake shakes the Pacific Northwest, we wonder if it will be the “Big One” that seismologists have predicted for decades. At the beginning, no one knows if it’s going to be a 3.0 or a 7.0 magnitude, or worse. And we don’t know if it’s going to last for a few seconds or a few minutes.

Mid-morning on Feb. 28, 2001 my entire Bible study group dove nose first under our meeting table like a pod of harbor seals. We clung to the wheeled legs and each other as our church building swayed under the effects of a significant 6.8 magnitude quake. For 40 long seconds the floor was liquid. We rolled back and forth atop the waves—eight shipwrecked lady sailors all tethered together for survival.

We dispersed quickly as soon as the tremors were over. At home, I found
e-Dad as white as a sheet. Up in the attic when the quake hit, he rode it out in X formation. Straddling his legs for balance, he hung on for dear life to two of the rafters above his head.

That experience was unnerving. But the damage from Seattle’s Nisqually quake was nothing like the tragedy that's been unfolding in Haiti.

The Haiti news has really been upsetting, hasn’t it?

Shadows of End Times Events

Every time a devastating natural disaster occurs, I wake up from my slumber and run to the Bible. Scripture is clear that God has promised to pour out his wrath toward sinners in a fearsome way during the end times.
In the Old Testament Isaiah says,

See, the day of the LORD is coming—a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger—to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. (Isaiah 13:9-10 NIV)

In the New Testament, Jesus quotes from this Isaiah passage and offers his own dire warning: “There will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.” (Matt 24:21 NIV)

The Mother of All Quakes is Coming

The Book of Revelation prophesies that the “mother of all earthquakes” will be unleashed upon the earth during this terrible time.

Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city [Jerusalem] split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. (Rev 16:18-20 NIV)

God's Ultimate Search & Rescue Operation

Theologians debate the sequence of various events, but we do know for certain that during the last days of history, Christians will be tested in severe ways (Matt 24:9-14). However, the very good news is that believers will be spared or “saved” from the final phase of extreme wrath which Jesus and Isaiah warn about above. The Apostle Paul assures the Thessalonians with these encouraging words:

They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
(1 Thes 1:9-10 NIV. See also 1 Thes 5:9-10 & Rom 5:9.)

The Most Amazing Airlift Ever

Paul says that Jesus will return, and a glorious ascension of believers will occur. We will be raised from the earth to meet our Lord in the air before these calamitous wrath-filled events begin. Those who have passed away before this time will also be raised (1 Thes 4:16-17).

Keep Watch! And know what to look for...

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, our Lord Jesus admonishes believers to “keep watch” for his return. Since “no one knows the day or the hour,” Christians are responsible to know the signposts of our bridegroom’s impending arrival. One major signpost is mentioned in Matt 24:15 and
2 Thes 2:1-4. (What is it?)

How to Become a Christian

Are you a believer? The Bible is clear: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” However, “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom 10:9)

I urge you to confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today.

Related

1. Four Views on the Book of Revelation by Gundry & Pate (Zondervan). An understandable discussion of the four major theological positions.

2. “God’s Deliverance from God is the Foundation of God’s Deliverance from Satan” by John Piper

3. “Does God Hate Haiti?” by Albert Mohler

Consider contributing your "thinkful" article to the next edition of the Christian Carnival.

Photos: Tidewater Muse, dsearl, Ayres, ghatistini, bingisser (Flickr)

Do you have an earthquake story to share?

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News: Hope After Haiti Earthquake

Friday Fave Five

Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Yesterday, a Haiti missionary @troylivesay tweeted:

#whosincharge in #haiti let's start a trend. supplies are not getting to the ppl who need them PLS RT

Today, @troylivesay tweeted:

#whoisincharge #haiti - we figured it out... God is. His people are getting things done.

For your encouragement, here are five of the best blog posts and tweets I’ve encountered about the Haiti earthquake this week. God is at work and He’s most certainly in charge.

1. "Day Eight" by Tara Livesay at the Livesay [Haiti] Weblog

“We waited for our miracle. All of a sudden out of nowhere a helicopter circled over a time or two ... then swooped in. It landed right out in front of us. Two studly helicopter military guys walked over and said they could take four people. We chose the four worst. They said "We'll be back in ten minutes for more." We could not believe what was happening. They came back ... and back. Three trips to the ship for the people of Simon Pele. I asked a couple of the patients that I had connected with if they were afraid. They seemed to know that something big was about to happen. How humbling it was to watch the poorest of the poor ... forgotten by most ... be some of the very first patients to arrive by helicopter to a US Navy Hospital floating in the Port. I stood there weeping as they took the last group up.”

2. Troy Livesay via Twitter

“Paper plate kites soar above the tarps and sheets that are housing thousands.”

3. Barbara Curtis at MommyLife

Video Clip: “Haiti Hope: Dad survives 65 hours under rubble, gives glory to God”

4. “God is Now Real” from Samaritan’s Purse

“…a woman at the far end of the ward started singing, ‘What a Friend We have in Jesus.’ Before long, nearly all the patients and visitors on the ward had joined in, singing in harmony and raising their hands in praise. ‘Many people now realize that only God can save, and many are inviting Christ into their hearts as Lord and Savior…They now have a personal faith in God.’”

5. “Does God Hate Haiti?” by Albert Mohler

“Does God hate Haiti? God hates sin, and will punish both individual sinners and nations. But that means that every individual and every nation will be found guilty when measured by the standard of God's perfect righteousness. God does hate sin, but if God merely hated Haiti, there would be no missionaries there; there would be no aid streaming to the nation; there would be no rescue efforts -- there would be no hope…

Everything about the tragedy in Haiti points to our need for redemption. This tragedy may lead to a new openness to the Gospel among the Haitian people. That will be to the glory of God. In the meantime, Christ's people must do everything we can to alleviate the suffering, bind up the wounded, and comfort the grieving. If Christ's people are called to do this, how can we say that God hates Haiti?”

Related: Please visit the friendly folk at Susanne's blog, Living to Tell the Story for Friday Fave Five.

Photo: UN Development Programme & ZOOPMON (Flickr)

Up Next—Word-Filled-Wednesday: Earthquakes & Eschatology

Do you have any encouraging Haiti links to share?

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Autobiography: Template for "I am From..."

How to Write Your Own Poem

Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Some time ago, there was a clever writing exercise going around the blogosphere that was designed to help bloggers get acquainted. Started by an Appalachian author and poet, George Ella Lyon she began her version this way:

"I am from clothespins, from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.
I am from the dirt under the black porch. (Black, glistening, it tasted like beets.)"

Each of us is from a place that is more than a dot on the map. Nobody is from Clorox, but can't you smell the laundry room as the poet's house as a little girl? You can read the rest of George Ella Lyon's poem, "Where I'm From" here.

Writing Contest with Mystery Prize!

Today I have a writing challenge for you, if you would like to play along. Copy and paste the template below into your word processor and work on it over a few days. You might be surprised by what you find as you rummage around in the cobwebs of your memories—your personality, your family history, and the places you've called home.

Once you've filled in the blanks to your satisfaction, post your own version of the poem. Come back and leave your link in my comment box below. (Any time in the next two weeks is fine.) I'll be awarding a "mystery prize" to the poet who writes the most compelling piece.

Sounds easy? Here's my example (or scroll down) and another one to get you started.

Poem Template

I am from _______ (specific ordinary item), from _______ (product name) and _______.

I am from the _______ (home description... adjective, adjective, sensory detail).

I am from the _______ (plant, flower, natural item), the _______ (plant, flower, natural detail).

I am from _______ (family tradition) and _______ (family trait), from _______ (name of family member) and _______ (another family name) and _______ (family name).

I am from the _______ (description of family tendency)
and _______ (another one).

From _______ (something you were told as a child) and _______ (another).

I am from (representation of religion, or lack of it). Further description.

I'm from _______ (place of birth and family ancestry), _______ (two food items representing your family).

From the _______ (specific family story about a specific person and detail), the _______ (another detail), and the _______ (another detail about another family member).

I am from _______ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives and several more lines indicating their worth).

Via My Home Sweet Home

Related: "How to Write Your Autobiography" by Chrysalis

Image: Fabric from Rep Depot via Mixed Plate Blog

Coming Soon—Marriage: Does Divorce Make People Happy?

If you could be from anywhere, where would you rather be from?

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Poetry: "I am From..."

I am From...
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

I am from thick poster paint, from Oreos, and drippy Kool Aid popsicles.

I am from backyard tree forts and carved initials—hidden from my parents.

I am from my father's shiney chestnuts and the fragrance
of my mother's purple lilacs.

I am from swaying ski lifts and flying hockey pucks. I'm from playing school with Dick, Jane, and Sally.

I am from white Go Go boots, flower power, and jasmine cone incense.

From "Say Cheese!" and "Did you write your Thank You notes?"

I am from German pipe organs, Brownies, and summers
at YMCA camp.

I am from parlez-vous, milky Earl Grey tea and raisin butter tarts. I am from black sausage with scrambled eggs at breakfast.

From Sonny & Cher and The Mamas & The Papas.
(And I'm still California Dreamin'...)

I am from Super 8mm film projectors and black photo corners. I am from stamp collections, locking diaries,
and wax-sealed letters.

I'm from silver loonies and two-toned toonies.

Where are you from?

Image: Fabric from Rep Depot via Mixed Plate Blog

Up Next—Autobiography: How to Write Your Own Poem. Template for "I am From..."

Where are you from?

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Marriage Monday Poll Winner

Winter Giveaway

Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

We have a winner! I'm pleased to announce that Faith at Gold in the Clouds is the random recipient of this cute Tea Forte sampler.

Faith, do you want chamomile, mint, Earl Grey or green?

My warm thanks go to all of you who voted in my Marriage Monday Poll. Out of 32 voters, the majority of you agreed that February's topic should be, "How to Celebrate February 14 Every Day of the Year." Smart choice sistas! Thank you for the additional feedback you left in the comments on this post.

I'm really looking forward to Marriage Monday on February 1, 2010. See you then... if not before!

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Family Life: Top 100 Books for Kids

100 Books Every Child Should Read
Posted by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

The UK's Telegraph newspaper has compiled a list of the top 100 books every child should read. Short descriptions of each book are included. The list is divided into 3 age groups: Early Years, Middle Years, Early Teens. Here are approximately half the selections…

Early Years

● The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
● Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
● The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, by Beatrix Potter
● Yertle the Turtle, by Dr Seuss
● The Cat in the Hat, by Dr Seuss
● Charlotte's Web, by EB White
● The Story of Babar, by Jean de Brunhoff
● Winnie-the-Pooh, by AA Milne, illustrated by EH Shepard
View the complete list here…


Middle Years

● Ballet Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild
● Just So Stories, by Rudyard Kipling
● The Borrowers, by Mary Norton
● Tintin in Tibet, by Hergé
● Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
● Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, by TS Eliot
● The Owl and the Pussycat,
by Edward Lear
● Wind in the Willows, by K Grahame
● Peter Pan, by JM Barrie

● The Water Babies, by C Kinglsey
● A Little Princess, by FH Burnett
● Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren
● Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl
● The Sword in the Stone, by TH White
● The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set, by CS Lewis
● The Railway Children, by E Nesbit
● The Selfish Giant, by Oscar Wilde
● Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell
View the complete list here…


Early Teens

● The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Twain
● Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll
● Wolves of Willoughby Chase, by J Aiken
● To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
● Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens
● The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Doyle
● Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte
● The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank
● Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry, by MD Taylor

● The Hobbit, by JRR Tolkien
● Beowulf, by Michael Morpurgo
● Treasure Island, by RL Stevenson
● Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
● Anne of Green Gables, by L M Montgomery
● The Song of Hiawatha, by H W Longfellow
● Watership Down, by Richard Adams
● Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
View the complete list here…

Naturally—considering the source—this comprehensive list has an English flavor that our British and Canadian sisters will enjoy. An American version, "100 Best Books" compiled by the NEA comes with useful links for teachers.

Bonus Video (For Your Young Readers)

I'm posting this animated version of the American classic, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown to share with your children or grandchildren. One of our family's favorites, the story is narrated by Susan Sarandon.

Related

1. 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know
2. 100 FREE Online Books Everyone Should Know
3. The Truth About Harry (Potter) by Blue Cotton Memory

Note: This is a popular Chrysalis repost. Visit Works-For-Me-Wednesday and the Carnival of Homeschooling for more family-friendly posts.

Photos: amazon.com

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Bible Study: Peter's Second Letter

Knowledge, but Not Gu... uh... Nosticism?
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Pop Quiz

A good definition of gnosticism is …

a) A philosophy built upon the premise that spirit is superior
to matter.
b) The medical term for common nasal congestion.
c) A ghostly sect within first century Judaism.
d) The name of Microsoft’s latest software encyclopedia.

If you picked a) you’re correct. Ten points! Gnosticism was a philosophy of religion built upon the premise that spirit is superior to matter. To the Gnostics, death proves that the two cannot endure together indefinitely, so the spirit must escape this base mortal realm to find salvation.

In Gnostic thought, the chief means of escape for the human spirit was gnosis, or knowledge. As you might imagine, the Christian doctrine of the incarnation—that Christ was fully man and fully God—was completely inconceivable in Gnostic thought. The idea of a bodily resurrection was also foreign to Gnostic thinkers.

Second Peter: Knowledge is King

Considered by some interpreters to be his last will and testament (1:14), Peter’s second epistle expounds the theme of true knowledge versus false knowledge (1:12). A quick count reveals that the Apostle Peter used the words know, knowing, known, and knowledge of Christ over a dozen times.

The Gnostics advanced their philosophy of salvation through man’s upward pursuit of knowledge. Peter’s second epistle advances the same theme—but with a surprising twist. True knowledge says Peter, descends from above. It is a gift from God and salvation centers in his incarnate Son, Jesus Christ.

According to Peter, personal knowledge of Christ brings:

• conformity to his character
• usefulness for his service
• a secure hope for eternity

Peter's Theme: Relationship With Christ

In this epistle, Peter gives his readers a compelling eye-witness account of Christ’s transfiguration—perhaps the apostle’s most significant memory of Jesus’ earthly ministry (1:16-18).

Based on this sure testimony, Peter states that men can know God personally through the gift of his beloved Son, Jesus Christ (1:2). Peter also says that knowledge of the Savior is fully sufficient to produce Christ-like character in the life of each believer (1:3).

Peter reminds his readers that each person will be productive in his relationship with Christ if he demonstrates growth in several qualities (1:8). Peter’s list includes faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (1:5-7).

The apostle warns that if believers terminate their relationship with the Lord, they will end up in a worse state than they were before they knew him (2:20). According to Peter, it would be much better for apostates if they had not tasted salvation in the first place (2:21).

Finally, Peter reminds his readers to be on their guard against false teachers who will arise in their midst (3:2-43). Believers are not to be seduced, but are to remain steadfast in their secure position of grace and knowledge of the Lord (3:17).

Peter Echos Paul

To summarize, the language of Peter’s second epistle reveals a recurrent theme: knowledge. Since he was acquainted with the learned Apostle Paul’s writings (3:15-16), perhaps he intended to echo Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God” (1 Cor 8:1-3 NIV).

How to Know God

According to this final testament of Peter’s, the knowledge of God has been made possible through a personal relationship with God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. A pure gift, the knowledge of Christ produces the abundant fruit of salvation including holiness, service, and a sure hope for the world to come.

Just three short chapters, you can read 2 Peter online.

I'm indebted to Craig S. Keener's The IVP Bible Background Commentary "New Testament" and Merril C. Tenney's The New Testament Survey, Revised for the information above.

Related

1. Meet Peter, the man. “The Apostle Peter: A Fragile Stone”
2. "Why I Think Women Should Study Theology"
by Parchment & Pen
3. You can find more food for thought at this week's Christian Carnival

Photos: Prio & Sacred Destinations (Flickr)

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