May 31 – Respect for the Lord

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 

Respect – fear of the Lord is so important that it is mentioned 85 times in the Bible (NASB translation). People don’t need to fear—as in be afraid of—the Lord, but to respect Him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7. The verse below from Psalms describes some of how the Lord expects us to respect Him.

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

Depart from evil and do good;

Seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.

The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. Psalm 34:11-16

Respect is in actions, words, and attitudes. 

Training Tip – Do you show respect for the Lord? Have you ever said a swear word in front of your children—and then regretted it? Taming your own tongue is essential in order to be a good example to your children or grandchildren. Reward yourself either monetarily or with just some time away when you can go for a week, and then a month without saying a cuss word. If your tongue is not a problem for you, then seek to change some other thing, like a particular thought that reoccurs, or an attitude that may be displeasing to the Lord.   

Prayer - Lord Jesus, we praise your name for you alone are worthy—Son of God, Savior, Creator, Protector and Friend. May you receive the respect that is due to you—as well as to our Father God and the Holy Spirit. Holy, Holy, Holy. Lord God Almighty. Early in the morning, our praise we give to you. Fill us with your knowledge that we would know you more clearly and dearly. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

My husband Jerry’s favorite place to visit for special meals is his hometown, Omaha, Nebraska. Home of good steaks, La Casa’s pizza, Joe Tess’ fried carp or catfish, and most beloved—The Bohemian Café—where they serve up large portions of boiled beef with dill gravy, bread dumplings, sauerkraut, and sweet and sour cabbage. For dessert…how about some plum dumplings? He always starts with liver dumpling soup—to which most people really turn up their noses. Liver is disgusting to them—but not to Jerry. Another of his favorites is Santee Stew which he discovered when he was stationed in the Air Force in South Carolina twenty some years ago. We recently visited South Carolina again and he had his Santee Stew—by some other name now. Good memories—great food. It is a family favorite for us and we enjoy it year around—at home or camping. 

Santee Stew

1 large onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

3 celery stalks, chopped

2 Tb. seafood seasoning

salt & pepper to taste

Turkey kielbasa - 6“ per person, cut into 1 1/2” pieces

Corn on the cob - 1/2 ear per person

Raw shrimp in the shells - 1/2# per person

Optional additions:

Fresh crab in the shell – ¼  lb per person

Fresh mussels in the shell – ¼ lb per person

Other seafood in small amounts as desired by those around the table –

large sea scallops

chunks of raw flounder, salmon or halibut  

Baby red potatoes - 1 to 2 per person

 

Cook onion, pepper, celery, potatoes, & seasonings in enough water to cover; boil 15 minutes. Add sausage; boil 10 minutes. Add corn; boil 5-10 minutes. Add additional seafood to suit the taste of your guests, cook briefly. Add shrimp; boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat; wait 5 minutes; drain & serve with cocktail sauce for the shrimp and butter for the corn. It is a casual meal and takes time peeling the shrimp as you eat. Be sure to provide bowls for the shrimp shells and corn cobs and lots of napkins or even a small towel for each guest. 

Serve with a simple tossed green salad and some crusty Italian style bread or rolls.

Light lemon sorbet is good for dessert. Enjoy!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 30 – Respect

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14  

Respect – esteem. Respect others by being polite and courteous to others and authorities in our lives. Paul instructs the people at the church at Thessalonica about the end times. The important part of this passage is to always respect those who teach us—and as some translations say “admonish” us. Admonish is beyond teaching—but to correcting us. Paul directs them…and us…to encourage and help each other. There are always those in a group who are weak spiritually or physically. We just need to watch out for each other—and be patient. How can we apply that to our families? Children are usually teachable—and it is amazing that sometimes we learn things from them. But kids can be stubborn and need to be admonished when they are “unruly.” It takes patience and peace to teach your children well.  

Training Tip – Teach by being a good example—show respect for others within and beyond your family. It is amazing how children pick up on small things like comments that are made at home about other people. Have you ever spoken respectfully to someone and then told your spouse what you really feel about some person for whom you have no respect? Your children hear what you say…and will imitate you. How are you going to teach them to be respectful? Begin by showing your respect for them and requiring them to be respectful of your spouse and of other in the family..  

Lord Jesus, help us to live at peace with one another, to show respect, esteem, for those who teach us and for whom we are responsible to teach.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 29 – Providing Dependably

The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer…. Proverbs 30:25

 

The ants are such a good example of dependability. They gather their food…as in Proverbs 6:6-8 …Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. They collect what they need for their “family” or “community” ant hill to survive the winter. Are you like the ant? Out of necessity we all work to provide the food, clothes and shelter that are essential to life. Do you have a supply of food and water on hand for emergencies—or for use during a long winter when you are snowed in for several days? Be someone your family can depend on by planning ahead. Even just making menus for the month can be stress relieving. With a planned menu you can shop, knowing just what you need, and thus have everything on hand so you aren’t anxious during meal preparation time. Be like the ant—plan ahead.

 

There is a Philippine folklore that a Nuno, a hobgoblin, will curse a person, including children, if they disturb or destroy an anthill. We know that this is just a superstition—but it can be very real to those who believe is such tales and this is a way to teach children to be respectful. Who wants to have a swollen foot for kicking an ant hill? They very likely could get a lot of ant bites that would make their foot swell.

 

Training Tip – Are you familiar with the Aesop’s fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper? Similar to the verse about the ant being a hard worker, this ant has stored up food for the winter while the grasshopper sings away the summer. Then in the winter the grasshopper is hungry and asks the ant for food. Read that story to your family and discuss how we need to be like the ant—hard workers who dependably provide for their family. But unlike the ant in Aesop’s fable we need to share our bounty with others. By planning ahead we can be sure of having enough food prepared for ourselves and guests or for the needy.

 

Lord, help us to follow Your example of the busy ant, providing for the needs of our family. May our children be respectful—without being superstitious—of things in the environment—like the anthills.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 28 – Dependable Truth

A trustworthy witness will not lie, but a false witness utters lies. Proverbs 14:5

A dependable person will not lie. God abhors lying.  There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 

This is a pretty specific list and all of them are bad. Common sense would keep most people from committing any of those acts, but then not everyone has a lot of common sense.

Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight. Proverbs 15:21  

Training Tip – With your family make a list of the things that God hates. Next to that list make another list of things that God loves—those just opposite of the things He hates. Discuss this list with your family and post it where they can refer to it often. 

Lord God, fill us with understanding that we would walk straight and do what is pleasing in Your eyes.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 27 – Trustworthy and Dependable

In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 4:2

This is Memorial Day. It is a day to remember those military troops who gave their lives for our country, as well as veterans and those who currently serve. We depend upon them to protect our great nation. Dependable—that is what our military personal are for this nation. Where would we be without them? Dependability is a characteristic that we all want to have in our children and grandchildren. I’ve known several people who have gone into military service in hopes of developing that characteristic of dependability—in addition to work skills and educational or travel opportunities. To be dependable is a great asset in our society. Being dependable may make a difference in whether a person is hired for a particular job. Are you dependable? Do you provide a “dependable” example for your children and grandchildren? 

Training Tip – Play a game of Follow the Leader with your young children. Take them somewhere that they can walk on a board as a balance beam…or across a log. Do risky things but in a safe way that they can depend on you to be there for them—to catch them if they are close to falling. Show them that you are dependable and talk with them that you want them to be dependable, too.

Lord  Jesus, create in my children and grandchildren a heart that desires to be dependable for themselves and for each other within our family. In addition, I  thank you for being part of my husband Jerry’s life, allowing him to have such a dependable character. I ask that You would continue to guide and direct him, giving him wisdom for all the days of his long life ahead of him. 

Happy Birthday, Jerry—Love and Blessings

Happy Memorial Day – to our veterans and their families.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 26 – Dependable and Reliable Workmen

In charge of the storehouses I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and in addition to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were considered reliable, and it was their task to distribute to their kinsmen. Nehemiah 13:13 

Here’s some recorded history of the Jewish people. Jerusalem was conquered and destroyed by Babylonian in 586 BC and Nehemiah who was in exile in Susa is called back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall. Nehemiah is named governor of Judah. It took a lot of people and resources to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem and the people mentioned by Nehemiah in this passage were reliable, dependable people in whom he could place his trust to take care of the Jews who were working to reestablish a strong wall around the city. To be found worthy of such efforts at a time when Jerusalem was in shambles and continued to be attacked is noteworthy enough for these men to be remembered in history. Will your name be remembered for centuries? Consider how many of your ancestors you know. Unless you are into genealogy you probably only know the names of those back two or three generations. How dependable were those folks? Have your ancestors been good examples to you? 

Training Tip – As a family activity make a family tree of those ancestors that you know and list not only their birth and death dates but also their characteristics. Were they men and women of God? Were they dependable? How about kind, good, true, gentle, patient, faithful or loving? What characteristics will you list for yourself and your children?  

Lord Jesus, help us to be known for good characteristics as seen in the fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) By these traits may we be recognized as dependable.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 25 – Dependable

...so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…. Colossians 1:10

 

To be dependable is to be constantly reliable and trustworthy, allowing us to continue in our commitments even if it means personal sacrifice. Constantly reliable. Who do you know that is constantly reliable? Jesus had such a characteristic. He could be counted on to heal, feed, and otherwise minister to His followers and others on a regular basis. He didn’t refuse or turn any away. People did reject Him..or wanted to wait to follow Him—but He didn’t reject them. He was constantly reliable.

 

Can we be constantly reliable? We can choose to be reliable and to be constantly so. We all have choices everyday about the way we react to things that happen. Chuck Swindoll captured this so eloquently in his short essay on Attitude. 

 

ATTITUDE

by: Charles Swindoll 

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

 

Training Tip – Can you teach your children to walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord? The first thing they need to know is—what pleases the Lord? Loving Him. Have your children memorize the verse:

…You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27

 

Discuss and impress on your children that they have choices about their behavior. Give them some examples of choices they make and how they can choose to have a good attitude, to be happy, to be kind to others, and to be dependable or reliable.

 

Lord Jesus, we love You with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Please continue to bless and guide us that we would be consistently reliable and pleasing to You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 24 – Sow and Reap

Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, oh hold them back. If you say, "See, we did not know this." Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? Proverbs 24:11-12

 

You get what you deserve…be responsible, work hard and then you’ll reap what you sow. Actually, you may think that you "reap what you sow" in scriptural…but I don’t think that is written anywhere. Here are a couple of verses that talk about reaping and sowing:  

…for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow. Luke 19:21

 

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! Luke 12:24

There are several other verses in the Old and New Testament dealing with sowing and reaping. One that is good about reaping is:

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT

Being responsible for our actions isn’t so hard when we are doing good…so let’s not get tired of doing what is right—that which is good. Keep thinking… And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT

 

Training Tip – Ask your children if they can grow watermelons from corn seeds, or tomatoes from apple seeds? We harvest what we plant. Plant some garden seeds with your children—something they like to eat, or that you would like them to learn to eat. Maybe as they “grow” the desired vegetable they’ll have the desire to eat it, too.

 

What kinds of “seeds” are you planting in your children’s lives? Harvest kindness from kindness, goodness from goodness, patience from patience, and integrity from integrity.

 

Lord Jesus, help my family and me to keep focused on that which is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and things that are worthy of Your praise.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Sweet Iced Tea

Hot days of summer are here…or close at hand. Make sure you have plenty of refreshing iced tea on hand for your guests and yourself. One of my favorites is Earl Gray…and for warm summer evenings, a tall cool glass of herbal caffeine free Passion tea is rejuvenating.

 

Types of tea to use depends on individual tastes. Green tea, black tea, or herbal tea.

Specific brands of tea are also an individual taste, including popular brands in the United State:

Luzianne

            Lipton

            Tazo

            Bigelow

            Celestial Seasonings

            Stash   

            Teavana

            Mighty Tea

            Red Rose Tea 

            Tetley 

4 pitcher-size cold brew tea bags (or 8 tea bags or equivalent loose tea)

1 quart water, bring to boil then pour over tea bags. Steep about 20 minutes. Discard tea bags (compost). You can brew cold for several hours in the refridgerator or in a jar in the sunshine.

2 quarts cold water, add to brewed tea.

Add sugar syrup, stir and chill. Serve over ice. For additional flavor, add sliced fruit to ice cube trays before freezing ice.

Simple Sugar Syrup

1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar

Bring water to boil and stir in sugar. Cool. For variety, add mashed fruit to simple syrup. If you like your tea less sweet, add less sugar, or try using ½ cup of honey.

Garnishes:

Lemon slices
Fresh mint sprigs

Sliced fruit – peaches, raspberries, strawberries

Fresh basil

Cucumber slices

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 23 – Faithful to Responsibility

Parable of the faithful servant Matthew 25:14-30

His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'  Matthew 25:21 

Well done good and faithful servant (verse 23). That is a phrase used in Matthew 25 and Luke 19 when Jesus tells parables about giving servants responsibilities and how they handled them. The servants who did as well or better than expected received praise of “well done” from their master. That is what those who are obedient will hear when they enter heaven. A good motivation to be faithful to the responsibility that God has given us—to love the Lord as Jesus taught at the beginning of the parable of the Good Samaritan.

And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE." Luke 10:25-28

Beyond the message of this parable, we know that in loving Jesus, we believe in Him as our Savior. Do this and you will live eternally.

Training Tip – Read the parable of the faithful servant to your family. Talk about what it means to be faithful. Then role play this parable using gold coins (those filled with chocolate) for the children to represent the talents given to each servant.  

Lord, bless Zander and my other grandchildren today and always. Give them wisdom to help them to make good decisions, a value of responsibility to develop in them a strong work ethic, and a desire to respect and to know You more deeply every day.

Happy Birthday, Zander

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 22 – Responsibly Faithful to Family

When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. John 19:26-27 

Jesus cared for his mother—and likewise expects us to care for our parents. Jesus assigned John to be Mary’s “son” as he was dying on the cross. Paul gives teachings on taking care of family members.

…but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. ... But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:4, 8

There is nothing more basic or specific that the Ten Commandments where we are told to honor our parents…

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you. Exodus 20:12

The Jewish custom of caring for elderly parents is based on the direction of this fifth commandment. Even today Jews, whether they are Reformed, Orthodox or Conservative, all view caring for parents as a responsibility mandated by God. There is no higher authority giving us direction in our lives…and in that manner that is how Jesus treated Mary, his mother. We should honor and revere our parents like that, too, taking care of them physically, spiritually, and monetarily as necessary. It is our responsibility. If our parents are no longer living, we can honor their memory. For ourselves, we need to train up our children to care for us, too.   

Training Tip – In your family time, read the Ten Commandments again to your children and the verse where Jesus assigns John the responsibility of caring for Mary. Instruct them that we are to care for our parents, our elders like Jesus taught. Discuss what it means to honor. Being “devoted” or “giving preference” to others honors them. Putting their needs above our own.  

     Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor…Romans 12:10. (See March 18, 2013 blog.) 

Lord Jesus, help us to be responsible for honoring our parents in a loving way—for as we love others, we love You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 21 – Blameless

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

I was convinced thirty some years ago that I am responsible for my own actions—not my husband—nor my parents or children, but just me. That was a real eye opening revelation. I couldn’t blame anyone else—I was accountable for my own actions—good or bad. It feels good to do something right—and to take credit for it. On the flip side, it doesn’t feel so good to be responsible for some mistake or failure—and know that it can’t be blamed on anyone. Jesus took on our blame—my blame—my sins—and yours.   God offers us sanctification—setting us apart from others as we live a holy life for Him. My life is holy only because Jesus provided that entire forgiveness. Where do you stand with Jesus? Are you ready for His return? 

Training Tip – Can you explain justification and sanctification to your children? Sin came into the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. That disobedience fell on all humans—and was removed only by Jesus obedience and death on the cross. This is taught in Romans. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19. Discuss this with your family. Justification—just as if we’d never sinned. Sanctification—set apart—an ongoing process resulting in holiness. That scripture passage in Romans is a great explanation of Jesus’ obedience and an example of Him showing a depth of responsibility that we can barely grasp. Jesus’ life was blameless—yet He took our sins to the cross.

 

Lord Jesus, You are awesome. How can we thank you enough for what You have done for us? You took our sins and we became blameless. Preserve our body, soul and spirit completely as we look forward to Your return.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 20 – Responsible

So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:12

To be responsible is to know and do what God and others expect. Sometimes when we look at an opposite connotation, it shows us just what we really consider of value in that characteristic.  Irresponsible is the opposite of responsible. How many times do we look at actions of our kids or grandkids and think—that was just irresponsible. How will they know what it is to be responsible unless they are taught? We are responsible to train our children. “A mother (or parent) expresses love and concern for her children by warning them about the unpleasant consequences of wrong behavior. To do less would be irresponsible.” from Mastering Motherhood by Barbara Bush, p. 56. Do our children learn irresponsibility from us? Like other virtues of course some people have more or less of this characteristic than others. How do you rate your own level of responsibility—in training your children…in your own work ethic…in your devotion to the Lord…His work and His ways? We will have to answer to God one day for our attitude and actions in terms of our response what God expects of us.

 

Training Tip – What do you expect of your children in meeting your expectations? Do you let them know your expectations of them? Do you follow through consistently in providing consequences for their behavior? If necessary, make lists for them, and for you.  

Lord God, we praise You for who You are---our all knowing, ever present creator, protector, and savior. Please give us wisdom that we would be responsible for raising children who are devoted to You and that we would all do what You expect us to do.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

 

May 19 – Discipline Yourself - Listen

He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. Proverbs 15:32

Don’t neglect to discipline yourself. For me it started with just not kicking my foot while I was sitting—you know that bouncing thing people do. Stop it—control yourself. Then I decided that I needed to look people in the eye when I talked to them, or they talked to me. It makes a difference in relationships. Try it. It does take self control to not only pay attention to what someone is saying—but to actually look at them the whole time. I’m easily distracted—so it’s been a good challenge for me. What do you need to discipline yourself to do? Are you spending quality time with God every day? Do you need to put down your iphone and actually interact with others around you? Can you respectfully accept correction in your spiritual life…or even in the way you are raising your children? Listen to those around you and gain understanding—that is what the Bible verse today from Proverbs 15:32 is telling us. Listen. Listen to God. Listen to God speaking through His word and through fellow Christians around you. Don’t despise yourself. Listen. 

Training Tip – That old game of “Mother, May I?” is useful again in teaching discipline and the art of listening and obeying. Play that game with your young children. Change the game up a bit and give them rewards of more steps. If they listen closely and respond correctly the game could go very quickly. Be sure to discuss with them, after the game, that part of that game—sending them back to the beginning for not listening—is a kind of discipline. 

Lord, please again, give us deeper understanding of Your word and how we can apply it to our lives so that we may be self disciplined and bring honor to You in our thoughts, words and actions.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 18 – Wisdom and Hope

Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death. ...Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Proverbs 19:18, 20 

Discipline your son or daughter. There is lots of advice for parents to spank their children…spare the rod and spoil the child. An undisciplined child will become a fool and bring shame to his family, as illustrated in Proverbs. A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother. Proverbs 10:1.  A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. Proverbs 17:25. From a young age we want to please our parents more than anyone else…and that usually continues as long as they are living. So to do something that displeases them…or brings humiliation to the family…can be devastating or at least discouraging. Did you bring honor or humiliation to your family? Are you teaching your children to bring honor to themselves, your family…and even to God through their actions?  

Training Tip – Share these verses with your family and discuss the fact that discipline isn’t always punishment, but can simply be training in the right way to act, think or speak. Have your children suggest ways that they should be disciplined for their actions or attitudes. Can you actually use their ideas? Can they listen to your counsel and accept discipline in a respectful manner? Praise your children for accepting discipline if they are respectful and obedient. 

Lord God, thank you for the hope that You put within each of us… And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You…from Psalm 39:7. Please give us wisdom in counseling and disciplining our children as You guide and direct our lives in ways that are pleasing to You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

May 17 – Enduring Discipline

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ... All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:7, 11

Discipline is as essential part of life—whether it is self imposed or done by some higher authority…parents, teachers, government officials, or God. Self control is part of self discipline. That is something that we want to instill in our children or grandchildren—but first we have to have it in ourselves. The verse above should encourage and give us hope. God only disciplines those who He considers “sons”—and daughters. And although discipline isn’t always pleasant, it is necessary and will develop in us and our children a better character and give us that peace of God that makes life worth living.

Training Tip – A wise son accepts his father's discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1. Did you accept your parents’ discipline with respect and honor to them? Maybe you need to have a discussion about respect with your parents if they are still living? Your children need to see that you respect your parents. By example, once again, they will see that you are worthy of their respect. Children tend to love their parents, no matter what—even in cases of abuse—but respect is an element that more difficult to achieve in the parent-child relationship. It is worth your efforts to respect your children—and expect them to respect you and your spouse. You must teach them to respect their mother/father and require that they show respect. One example of this is to have them thank their mother for the meal that she has prepared—verbally and with a hug. It is a great way to end a meal. A final prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord is also a custom that is worthy of our attention. It is not common, but it is a Jewish custom that we would do well to emulate. Consider adding it to your next meal. 

Lord God, help parents not to provoke their children to anger, but help them to raise their children in your discipline and instruction, as you taught in Ephesians 6:4.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

A TV program, “Dives, Diners and Drive-ins” featured a restaurant in Summerville, SC, Perfectly Franks. I had a chance to actually go there when visiting family nearby and discovered a really great place for unusual hot dogs. Their menu included one that my grandchildren just loved: Elvis—with banana, with melted peanut butter and honey, topped with crumpled bacon. I had the Aretha Franklin hot dog with BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw and crispy onion on the dog. Yum! My favorite foods. They had a huge selection (29) of specialties dogs with a variety of toppings—a few of which are described below:

            Frank Legare - smoked sausage, cocktail sauce, grilled shrimp, and sweet-corn relish

            Franky Luv – coleslaw, Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce and crispy onions

            Frank Cuda - chili, cheese, blue cheese slaw, bacon, and crispy onions

            Frank Chicago - Relish, sauerkraut, mustard, hot peppers, mustard, celery salt and tomato slices

            Frank Morgan – creamy macaroni and cheese sauce

            French Toast Frank – scrambled eggs and bacon over a French Toasted bun

            Franko Columbo – grilled onions, black peppered bacon, and bleu cheese crumbles

            Frank Lloyd Wright – sauerkraut, drizzled with spicy yellow mustard

            Franklin Roosevelt – mustard, onion, relish

            Frankie Vali - fried spinach, Caesar dressing, bacon and crispy onion.

We tried to duplicate a few of these at home—and found it to be a great group activity to let everyone top their own grilled hot dogs with a variety of toppings. Nothing beats the experience of Perfectly Franks with their sweet potato fries, beverage bar and local art displayed on the walls, but for an unusually fun evening with family or friends try creating your own loaded hot dogs served at home with some sweet iced tea and favorite sodas.  

The grandkids asked if we’d eat in heaven—and who would cook the food? I’m sure we’ll enjoy feasts fit for the King and His family. Whether it is heavenly manna or loaded hot dogs it will be a Banquet With The King.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.