Exegetical Fallacies, A Brief Review

D.A. Carson's book, Exegetical Fallacies (2005 ed.), exposes word-study fallacies, grammatical fallacies, logical fallacies, presuppositional and historical fallacies that often lurk in exegetical sermons and writing. The purpose of the book is to enable the student of the Word to identify, avoid, and correct such fallacies.

It was a challenging read because I found myself in the dictionary page after page. The book is required reading for a hermeneutics class, so I couldn't just skip over words when the context didn't enlighten me as to possible meaning. In order to write the paper, I needed to thoroughly understand its contents. So it was a pretty slow trudge.

I understand now why pastors engage in devotional reading beyond their study for a sermon. Carson encourages distanciation coupled with caution. Distanciation is defined as: to establish or create a mental or emotional distance. This approach tends to detach us from spiritual interaction with the passage being studied and could be why many scholarly theologians lose sight of their faith. Study can become cerebral with little actual engagement. As Carson states, "It is difficult and sometimes costly."

In realizing the far-reaching impact of fallacies, one could become overly self-critical and discouraged in attempting an exegesis of any passage, becoming concerned with leading listeners or readers into error. However, gaining more awareness and skill is intended to benefit, not harm. Mindfulness should be the approach.

Strengths of the book would be that it presents a vast array of fallacies to be considered so that students of the Bible can handle it more accurately. The book is arranged in such a way that it is easy to locate a type of fallacy according to category: word-study, grammatical, logical, presuppositional, historical. One could run thoughts about a passage through the grid of listed fallacies.

Weaknesses would include the lack of giving definition to many of the terms used throughout the book. Reading was often interrupted by the need to understand what a word meant to the context. If the book had not been required reading, I would have laid it aside early on.

Another weakness is the apparent tone in which the author writes (although I realize that without emojis perceived tone in written work is often surmised). I, personally, found the tone to be rather haughty as he points out examples of fallacies from the works of other authors, pastors, scholars, etc.. The impression I was left with is that Carson considers himself the authority, that these other people are in error, and that caution should be taken in reading their works. This set a negative response reaction in my mind as I read. Far better, in my opinion, would have been examples of fallacies without such negative references.

Nevertheless, Exegetical Fallacies brings to light common fallacies of exegesis and is a ready reference. Carson urges diligence in studying and interpreting the Scriptures. He introduces the book with the hope that the reader will aspire to more correctly interpret the Word of God.

Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to offer brief glimpses of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.

Outside my window...
Living in the South, we don't see it often, but this week we had about a half hour of big, fluffy snowflakes. I was inspired to put a picture on my computer desktop that I had taken a few years back in our backyard in WV when we awoke to a Nania morning.


Noticing the sound of...

Beautiful Christmas music as I write in the glow of the Christmas tree in the quietness of the evening. Occasionally we hear carols in the stores or the restaurants, but as we ate dinner out today, we commented that there was no Christmas music at all. It hasn't been that many years ago that carols were played in the marketplace (even if just to put shoppers in the spirit of giving), and we were wished a "Merry Christmas" as receipts for our purchases were handed to us. Now it's more "Have a good one." 

   

Pondering...

"If the saints were to lose the knowledge of their past misery, how would they "sing the mercies of the Lord for all eternity" as the psalm says? Nothing will give more joy to the City [of God] than this song to the glory of the grace of Christ by whose blood we have been set free."  - Augustine, De civitate Dei, quoted in Augustine on the Christian Life by Gerald Bray. 

It unsettles me a bit to think that we would remember the miseries of days here on the earth, but, yes, that remembrance would be cause for great praise to Christ who has redeemed us from eternal misery.

In the Kitchen...

Hamantaschen cookies.

Today was the last day in our Esther study and we talked a little about Purim. Hamantaschen is a traditional cookie that the Jews make for celebrating, so I found an easy recipe and made some for our Sunday School class. It's a buttery cookie with a fruit or poppy seed filling. I used apricot preserves. 

The cookie is named for Haman, who is the villain of the Book of Esther, and the ending of the word means "purse".  Hamantaschen is symbolic of the money Haman was going to give the king in gaining agreement to annihilate the Jews in the Persian Empire. But it was turned to the contrary, and the Jews destroyed their enemies instead.  Purim is still celebrated today to remember the relief they gained. The recipe I used for Hamantaschen can be found here.

 In the Sewing Room...

Still lying on the cutting table--fabric my little 6-year-old Anna chose from my stash for a dress that she asked me to make for her when she last visited.

Anna has a sense of style--she wants the bodice of the dress to be a different fabric than the skirt, and she wants sleeves this time, with each sleeve being a different fabric. And, oh, yes, a blue bow for it as well. She chose five fabrics for her dress and a bit of ribbon. 

Looking forward to...

Seeing how Anna's dress will come together. I may get to it after Christmas.

Around the house... 

A nativity beneath the tree -- our main focus at Christmas

Thinking...

About our Pastor's comments this morning about Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was not a perfect person because no one is besides Jesus Himself, but she apparently had her heart tuned and turned to God in faith before the angel appeared to her. And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." As a friend and were talking after church, she commented that Mary was already prepared to say, "Yes, Lord." She didn't say, "I'll think about it and get back to you." She already knew in her heart what she should do. 

My take away--be ever ready to do God's bidding. Being saturated with His Word prepares the heart.

Brought a smile...

Watching a couple of tall teenage boys goofing off with a couple of little preschooler friends after church. So it is with true church family. I do hope you have a church family, too, dear one.

The fruit of my hands...

This week my hands were behind the wheel several days helping my mother with her appointments and shopping. She is struggling with not being able to drive and having to depend on family at tlmes when she wants or needs to go somewhere. I tell her that if it was the other way around, she'd be doing the same for us. 

Thankful for...

Where we now live. To have family nearby is a blessing. Even though some days can be difficult, giving of oneself can be a blessing received. Our church family is another blessing. So thankful that God sent us there straightway.

(Recently Finished) Reading...

God and Politics in Esther by Yoram Hazony was a helpful read in preparing the Esther study. He takes a slightly different angle than is typical and examines the political intrigue in the Persian Empire. Hazony sheds light on what Esther and Mordecai were up against and how and why their strategies proved effective. 

The Book of Esther doesn't mention God, yet  the point is that when God seems hidden, He is still most active. The emphasis in God and Politics in Esther is a reminder that God expects us to take initiative in thwarting evil, standing firm in our faith, and identifying with our people.

From the Book Shelf ~ Loss and Grief

A required reading in a biblical counseling Bereavement course that I'm taking this month is All Our Losses All Our Griefs by Kenneth Mitchell and Herbert Anderson. It's one of those books that I wish I had read many years ago. It would have saved me a lot of bewilderment in my grief. I had a significant loss in the past, but I didn't recognize my feelings as grief, and it took me many years to move on. Had I recognized it for what it was, the time of grieving could have been lessened.

The book considers six types of losses that have significant influence on our lives: loss of relationship, material loss, functional loss, loss of social/familial role, systemic loss (loss of that part someone plays in a group rather than the person himself), and intrapsychic loss (death of a hope/dream/purpose/perception of oneself).

All of these losses cause us to grieve to some extent, some more than others. Grief can take on a feeling of emptiness, loneliness, or isolation and can be a sense of loss of self. Recognizing our feelings as grief is essential to being able to move forward. The authors also make the point that administration of calming medication tends to suppress the pain and its necessary expression, which often results in longer, more intense grief. The sooner grieving can begin, the less intense and lengthy it may be.

The authors emphasize the personal ministry of caring, that the Christian community is the primary source of comfort as they care for the grievers. Significant loss can often cause us to question God's goodness in our suffering, and those who come alongside, through their benevolence and words of care, bring comfort and acknowledgement of the faithfulness and goodness of God that brings hope to the bereaved to move forward in life.

Some of the book goes into some psychological explanations of the origin of loss and grief that may not be necessary to understand or agree with; however, the book has great value beyond that, and I highly recommend it. You may find yourself somewhere in the book as I did. I've ordered three more copies for family members. I know it will help them to understand their feelings a little more and strengthen their faith when they face their own times of significant loss.

From the Book Shelf ~ The Art of Aging

Today's post rides on the heels of the last couple of posts that are somewhat along the same vein. I hadn't intended it that way, but we attended Dr. Eyrich's seminar on The Art of Aging today at our church, and I wanted to recommend his book by the same title. We found the seminar to confirm much of what we've experienced in helping to care for my aging parents.

Dr. Eyrich has degrees in gerontology, theology, and has been in the biblical counseling field for many years, holding related positions at colleges, universities and churches. The Eyrichs have additional experience in caring for a parent who had alzheimers, so there was also that aspect to his presentation.

Throughout the seminar, Dr. Eyrich reiterated the need to be today what we want to be in our later years and emphasized that God is active in a person's life and gives purpose as long as we live. In that way, the seminar spoke to all age levels looking forward. This book covers much of what was said today.

From the Book Shelf ~ Running Scared

Recommending Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest by Edward Welch. It was required reading for a biblical counseling class, and I'm ever glad it was! Welch is writing from experience and wisdom. A brief excerpt from the preface:

Like most writing projects, this book is aimed squarely at myself. Although I can be angry or melancholy, I am a fear specialist. In this I have found that I am not alone. Not everyone is a fear specialist, but there is no doubt that every single person who ever lived is personally familiar with fear. It is an inescapable feature of earthly life. To deny it is...well...to deny it.

Welch discusses how natural fear and worry can be and shows us how to recognize it. He says there are themes that run through our fears, and he gives instruction on how to face them. Danger and vulnerability are key aspects, and this is where spiritual realities come to light. Welch shows us how to turn to God when fear and worry prevail, how we can find freedom and have peace reign in our hearts and minds.

I have only one negative about the book--I don't particularly like the cover design. Kind of petty, I realize. I had seen the book before, but I was put off by the cover. That was not a good decision. I would have missed Welch's deep insight. Goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover. I should have looked beyond the cover because anything written by Ed Welch is a treasure trove of wise counsel. However, I would recommend a new cover design on the next edition. :-)

From the Book Shelf ~ Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness

Recommending a book to you today that I read in the past that was a great benefit to me as I was going through a time of struggle. It has recently been updated with more current and relevant examples and retitled just a bit. It was required reading in a class I just completed on depression and anxiety, and it was good to read through and absorb once again, to refresh my mind and heart.

Ed Welch knows depression, and his winsome way of walking us through it, either for ourselves or for understanding someone we love, is rich in the grace of the gospel. The outstanding takeaway for me was that we need to consider the reality of God, because it is at the intersection of one's belief and daily life that responses to trials meet. An understanding of Jesus' compassion, of God's attention to needs, and of His goodness are all essential. Welch builds upon these foundational truths to help those who suffer in this way to look up from the stubborn darkness of depression.

Welch explains the scope of depression and gives direction to those who are caught in its despair, as well as direction to those who want to help them find a way out. He presses the point throughout the book that how one thinks about God is the key issue from moving from hopelessness to hopefulness.

Ed Welch is a licensed psychologist and biblical counselor for Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF). To watch a brief youtube video clip of Welch discussing depression, you can click here.

From the Bookshelf ~ Jesus 365

One of my desires is to know more of Jesus, so for the past few years I've been choosing a book about Him to read as we approach Resurrection Sunday. Our daughter gave My Beloved Jesus 365 a couple years ago for Christmas, and this year I pulled it off the bookshelf to read myself. It's a devotional book compiled by Ed Stewart of the account of Jesus while He was here on earth. I'm not reading it as a daily devotional, but rather reading several entries at a sitting. There are notes along the way with insights into the cultural and historical context of the time.

The subtitle is Experiencing the Four Gospels as One Single Story. It's a chronological blending of the actions of Jesus, written in narrative form that walks with Him through His earthly ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and His ascension back to the Father.

Jesus knows where His path is taking him. The blending and chronology of the book gives broader insight into what His walk has given us.

The Widow's Hope

Thinking this evening about a sister in Christ who very recently lost her husband to death and is now grieving her loss. Tomorrow is one of the 'firsts' that she'll be facing--making a trip alone. She needs prayer in the transition to her aloneness, of making plans and decisions herself that before were shared tasks. There are many 'firsts' that must be faced with prayer and God's enablement, so those who care about her pray for her strength and wisdom, that she will rest her hope and trust in the God of her salvation.

I recalled a discussion a few years back on Revive Our Hearts between Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Margaret Nyman, whose husband had died from cancer. They talked about the struggles a widow faces in those first months and the 'firsts' that one must face alone. Margaret also talks about how others reached out to her and what was helpful. I listened again this week to the discussion, and it helped me to understand a little of how to reach out to my friend. I also gained a glimpse of what may lie ahead for myself someday.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in listening to, you can find the discussion here. It's a 5-part series, about 25 minutes each. Margaret has written a devotional book entitled Hope for an Aching Heart: Uplifting Devotions for Widows. I gave a copy of the book and CD to my friend and pray that God will use Margaret to comfort and encourage her.

Recommending - Forty Autumns

I just finished the book Forty Autumns by Nina Willner. It's the story of her mother's family behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Her mother was able to escape when she was twenty years old, but was separated from her family for forty years afterward. It's a story that shows the harsh reality of life under socialism and communism. It's also a story of a family's love for one another that kept hope alive.

Two thoughts kept drifting through my mind throughout the book. The first was the value of extended family. Had they not stood together, they would have suffered apart. They were each other's loyal support and defense, while many others became informants under the pressure. Children played a necessary part in the midst of oppression as well, for they brought normalcy and joy to the daily drudgery and duties of life.

The other thought that trailed me throughout the book was the power of the media. It controlled what the people thought through messages about how grand and glorious East Germany was in protecting its own people. They had no contact with the outside world to know any different, yet how similar, but paradoxical, it is here in America. We listen to and watch whatever we choose, but are constantly bombarded with messages that shape our thinking. We think we are free to make choices, and we are. Yet we, too, are being socially engineered by the elite who control the media.

The book was recommended to me by a friend, and I recommend it to you and its many sub-themes that run through it. It's a poignant picture of life in a country without God.

The TimeChart of Biblical History

I truly enjoy the Sunday School hour at our church as a variety of different classes are offered each quarter. I'm taking a class this quarter on studying the Bible, and one topic brought up in discussion today was suggested resources for studying the historical context of a book or passage. A friend in the class recommended the Time Chart of Biblical History, which I've also found to be a very helpful resource.

It's handy to keep by my quiet time/study area where I can refer to it as I'm reading. It's 18 inches tall (so it doesn't fit in the bookcase, for sure!) and opens accordion-style to about 17 feet. It provides a visual representation of over 4000 years with charts, maps, lists and chronologies. You can see who's living and what's going on in the known world during the same time period.


If you've wanted to connect the dots in biblical history, the Time Chart of Biblical History would be a great addition to your own home library.

Weekend Daybook

Outside my window....

Hot, muggy days here. The grandchildren were with us for a week or so, but it was too hot to get them outside much.

Thinking…

About Elijah's birthday soon. Going to be 8 years old. Would love to be watching the grandchildren grow up and be a part of just routine life. So far away. 

Thankful....

But thankful, too, that we do get to have them here a few times during the year. Some do not have that privilege, so I am grateful.

 

Learning…

and stumbling over diligence.

The fruit of my hands …

I made Anna a dress while she was visiting, but forgot to get a photo. She chose the fabric from my stash and I sewed while she played in the sewing room. 

I had finished these dresses just before she arrived. One is for my maybe someday Etsy shop or local boutique, and the other is a mission dress for some sweet little girl across the sea. The style is not quickly outgrown, so it will do her for awhile. 

I've been making a mission dress for each Etsy dress that I make to send when a mission team goes from our church. Many times I have enough fabric for the duo, sometimes I don't, but I have plenty of other fabric to choose from.

Noticing the sound of ….

My little Anna's name being called. We just came back from lunch out, and a family across the way has a little Anna, too. :-) 

Looking forward to….

Meeting up at a cabin in the mountains with our daughters and families for My Beloved's birthday celebration soon. Should be much cooler!

Reading.... 

I typically choose some books from the library before the grandchildren arrive and read through them to be sure they're satisfactory. Missing on Superstition Mountain by Elise Broach was one of the books I had read before this last visit.

The main characters in this mystery adventure are three brothers, who had recently moved from Chicago to Arizona, and a new-found friend, fifth-grade Delilah. The adventure is loosely based on real stories that have been told about the mountains, such as people who have gone up the mountain but have not returned. For example, the adventurers find some skulls lined up on a cliff. Who were they? What happened?

Missing on Superstition Mountain was a keeper. In fact, I ordered all three books of the series in hardback for our own library. 

Hoping…

That my dad's radiation therapy goes well for him. Too much sun over the years from working on the railroad. What we know now about sun damage wasn't known back then. My skin is like his, so I try to stay out of the sun as much as possible, now that I know.

 

Pondering…

The death of baby Charlie Gard and the encroachment of government.

In the kitchen…

Orange barbeque chicken today from the crock pot. For 2 or 3 chicken breasts, mix the following and pour over chicken. Cook 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. I use thin cutlets.

   1/2 cup orange marmalade

   1/2 cup BBQ sauce

   2 Tbsp Worchestire sauce

Blessings to you and yours,

  

Vickie

The Incomparable Christ

Settling in this evening with a good book and a cup of peppermint tea after being out in the cold earlier today with an appointment and running errands.

Did I say settling in with a good book? Not a good book. A wonderful book! This book is a re-read for me. I had read The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders a few years ago as a follow-along on ReviveOurHearts.com. Nancy Leigh DeMoss was beginning a 40-day series by the same title, following the outline of the book. She encouraged us to get the book and read through it during the Lenten season leading up to Easter. The book was such a ministry to me in getting to know Jesus in a deeper way, that by the time Resurrection Day came, it was hallelujah for sure! I've given copies to several people over the years. Gave another away just today. It's one of those books that I wish I were rich enough to give everyone.

Nancy is re-running that series again, starting today. I listened in and got an e-book. I thought I had my copy from before, but remembered I had given it to someone and had forgotten to replace it. There are several editions if you look for it online, and Revive Our Hearts has a special edition with a journal. The picture is the hard copy I had before. Be sure that if you purchase the book, that it's the one by Sanders. There are other books by the same title, different authors.

I'm ever-so-eager to listen and go through the study again. Nancy says,

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

So each day over these next weeks, we’re going to look at a different aspect or period of the life and ministry of Christ here on this earth. We’ll look at His birth, His childhood, His baptism, His temptation. We’ll look at the deity of Christ, what that means and why it matters, and the humanity of Christ. We’ll look at His teaching, His humility, His prayer life.
Then as we get closer to Passion Week, we’ll look at the trial of Christ, His atoning work on the cross, what that means for us. We’ll spend a day on each of the seven last words of Christ on the cross. Then we’re actually going to continue this series for a week beyond Easter so that we can consider His resurrection, His ascension, His high priestly ministry in heaven today, and His second coming—the great hope of every child of God.

I do encourage you to listen in at ReviveOurHearts.com and turn your eyes upon Jesus. I know there are days when we just can't fit in the 20 minutes or so, but each day is archived, so we can catch up when there's opportunity. You'll find the transcript there, too, if you have just a brief few minutes.

I blogged a few times about the book back in 2011. If you look in the right column in my "A few thoughts about" list, scroll down to the book title, click, and you'll find some of my thoughts on it. I'm sure to say more about it this time around.

A few introductory words from J. Oswald Sanders:

This volume does not purport to be a theological treatise, but rather a devotional and doctrinal treatment of the great facts of the person and work of Christ, in a form suited to the average reader.... It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit, who delights to reveal the things of Christ to us, will unveil His glory to those who read this book.

 I, too, pray that He does that for you. I'd be delighted to hear what you think about it!

Vickie

From the Bookshelf ~ Jesus Calling

I had been thinking about getting a new daily devotional for the new year, and the best selling book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young was highly recommended to me.

I hadn't done any previewing of the book before purchasing it, and when I began to read the introduction and then read through the first few entries, I was uneasy of spirit. The entries seemed rather mystical. The author was writing as if Jesus himself were saying the words. I was uncomfortable with that, but something more was bothering me.

In the introduction, the author says, "I began to wonder if I could change my prayer times from monologue to dialogue. I had been writing in prayer journals for many years, but this was one-way communication: I did all the talking. Increasingly, I wanted to hear what God might want to communicate to me on a given day. I decided to 'listen' with pen in hand, writing down whatever I 'heard' in my mind." 

Her writing in this book is what she "hears" in her mind, and she equates that with Jesus talking to her. This is his part in the dialogue she seeks to establish. She is still doing all the talking — on both ends of the line. This is cause for caution. 

Scripture alone is God's talking to us. That's the way He communicates with us. We are to meditate on His Word, not on our own thoughts. Our own thoughts very often lead us astray.

God tells us in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts. Nor are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Listening to our own thoughts calling us and saying it's Jesus calling is a dangerous call to make, and to take. 

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. 

Romans 10:17

Both Need Jesus

I'd like to share a book review with you today from my daughter Laura. The book is The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
by Timothy Keller

~~~~~~~~

I read this book recently and wanted to share it. It's a short book that lays out the essentials of the gospel. Keller explains the Parable of the Prodigal Son in a way that illuminates the meaning of the gospel.

The book is laid out in seven brief chapters which aim to uncover the grace of God, as revealed in this parable. Keller shows how the parable describes two kinds of lost people, not just one. Most people can identify the lostness of the "prodigal son," the younger brother in Jesus' story, who takes his inheritance early and squanders it on riotous living. But Keller shows that the "elder brother" in the parable is no less lost. Together, the two brothers are illustrations of two kinds of people in the world. Jesus uses the younger and elder brothers to portray the two basic ways people try to find happiness and fulfillment: the way of moral conformity and the way of self-discovery. Both brothers are in the wrong.

Nearly everyone defines sin as breaking a list of rules. Jesus, though, shows us that a man who has violated nothing on the list of moral misbehaviors may be every bit as spiritually lost as the most profligate, immoral person. Why? Because sin is not just breaking the rules, it is putting yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord and Judge just as each son sought to displace the authority of the father in his own life.

What both brothers, and both types of people, need is Jesus, whom Keller presents as "the true elder brother," the one who comes to our rescue at his own expense.

This book helped me to understand just how amazing and needed God's grace is for me, every day.

When A Mother Chooses to Stay Home

Just finished reading this week's chapter in preparation for our Mom's Discussion Group this evening and want to share a bit with you from The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity by Sally Clarkson. I can say from my own experience as a mother that Sally's assessment of the opportunities for stay-at-home moms and their children far outweigh the call to career.

If a woman chooses to stay at home with her children, she has the opportunity of nursing her baby in peacefulness of her own home, caressing her precious little one, singing sweet lullabies to comfort and please the child's deepest emotional desires. She can offer them the restfulness of long, quiet naps in their own bedrooms. She has time to enrich the home environment with beautiful sights and smells--from aromas of homemade soup bubbling on the stove to the beautiful pictures in books--and arrange outings that foster budding intellects and awaken curiosity. And she has the flexibility to change her schedule to respond to teachable moments--those times when children's natural curiosity leads them to question and learn.

Best of all, when a mother chooses to stay home, she has the time and opportunity to craft the kind of relationship with her young children that only extended time together can foster. And from such a relationship she has a much better chance of building a strong moral and spiritual foundation in the heart of her young child, teaching a system of truth and values without the constant challenge of authorities and peers whose lives are totally different. When these advantages are taken away from a child, how can we not count them as a loss to a whole generation of children who are hungry for direction, love, stability, and individual attention?

Painting ~ Mother and Daughter, George Goodwin Kilburne 1839-1924

Wikigallery public domain

For the Children's Sake

Sharing with you today some September book highlights that I added to our church Book Nook. School is back in session, and minds are being conformed or transformed, depending on the setting and the teacher. A couple of the books highlighted this month focus on the importance of educational choices for our children and how to give them a love for learning and living. Another calls us to examine how we lead our children to the truth of the gospel and the genuineness of their profession, that they might not put their trust in a simple act but rather in the Savior.

For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School 

Susan Shaeffer Macaulay knows that every parent wants the best education for their children. No matter what educational setting they might choose, parents play an important role in helping their children develop a love for learning and living. This is done through the authority structure within the home, freedom within boundaries, respect to the child’s own personality, and time…time to explore and think and read “living books” that breathe life into learning. As Susan says, it’s true education without the “twaddle.”

 How Important Are Educational Choices? CD 

As Christians, we know that educational choices can hold eternal consequences. Not only is what our children learning shaping their minds, but the environment in which they learn and the hearts of those who teach them are equally affecting them. Doug Phillips exams educational philosophies, their consequences, and what we should biblically look for regarding our choices.

 Your Child’s Profession of Faith 

A parent’s greatest concern is the salvation of the children, particularly the genuineness of their profession of faith. How do we bring children along in their understanding of the gospel? How can we know if our children have responded to God’s grace or to an outward pressure? Dennis Gundersen discusses how to recognize the essentials of a genuine profession—for the child’s  eternal welfare. One of the ways is to “fix your child’s eyes on Christ, not on his own profession.” This is a valuable book for all who work with children and desire for them to come to an understanding faith in Christ.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

On Saturdays I reflect on simple thoughts and simple pleasures. My leads are somewhat similar to others in The Simple Woman's Daybook group, yet a bit different as well.

Outside my window...
Getting dark earlier. Autumn is approaching. My favorite season.

Noticing the sound of... 
My Beloved opening his Ott Light box. It will help as he tinkers on his electronics. He likes to buy from Goodwill, fix it up, and sell it on ebay. :-)

Thinking...
I haven't blogged since we went to Chicago for Elijah's 2nd birthday. Getting back into the routine of things.

A Few Pictures to Share...

Elijah's favorite gift. He's a Thomas fan!

Book Love~Anytime's a good time for a book!

Birthday Trip to the Petting Zoo

Thankful...
For interstates to Chicago. Distance is no friend to families.

From the sewing room...
I showed you a dress not long ago that I made for an orphanage in Africa. I've been making more Little Dresses for Africa, getting stations ready for our women's group at church to have a sewing bee. Here's a picture of some that I've just recently finished.

A thought from my Quiet Time...
I've been reading through the passion week in the gospels, and was reminded today how monstrous envy can be. "For He [Jesus] was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy." (Mk. 15:10)

This coming week I'm looking forward to...
Beginning a Mom's Group in my home, discussing The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity by Sally Clarkson.


Learning...
Not to eat a whole Tudor's muffin at one sitting. I thought I learned that the last time.

From the garden...  
Some sort of fungus is among us. It started while we were in Chicago. Had to spray and pinch back the zinnias. A few of the plants died, but they were quite bright and cheery while we had them!

Around the house...
My Beloved is almost finished with the bathroom walls. Got the wallpaper down, but alas, the primer was up to no good. Apparently it froze during storage and revolted at the thought of going on the wall. What did stick had to be sanded off. Argh. Bought new primer and it's lookin' good! Soon to the final coat!

From the kitchen...
I had not heard of pastisio until recently. The cinnamon and nutmeg give it an autumnish aroma. Had some today and sharing the recipe with you.

1 lb. ground beef, browned
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
8 ox. can tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and divided
1/4 cup butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Brown beef, onion and garlic in skillet: heat until onion and garlic are tender. Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, salt and cinnamon; simmer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan; whisk in flour, pepper and nutmeg until smooth. Gradually pour in milk; heat until thickened. Remove from heat; whisk in eggs and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Spread one cup macaroni in a greased 8x8 baking pan. Cover with meat sauce. Top with remaining macaroni. Pour milk mixture over macaroni; bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until top is golden. Serves 4.

Currently reading...
For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. It's one I read many years ago as my own children were growing up. It's recently been reprinted and I'll give to my daughter as she begins her own homeschooling journey with our little Elijah. Sharing a bit as I read.

Where to start? How? Parents need to evaluate their priorities. They need to consider why they respond, "We wouldn't have time to read a book together every day. We don't have time to hike/camp/paint/talk with our children." What is really important? Educational institutions make poor substitute mothers, fathers, and homes. There has never been a generation when children have so desperately needed their parents' time, thoughtful creativity, and friendship. The surrounding culture is deeply out of step with the Word of God. Other pressures threaten to take away sanity, stability, and simple humanity.