Archive for Purity
livid in the library
Posted by: | Comments**Added disclaimer: Please note that this post contains material that may be inappropriate for children to read.**
*Note: I originally published this article last year, August 25th, 2008 here at the the brew*crew adventure, but having recently published it over at the HSBA Post, I decided to re-post it here as well, being that it's a good reminder for us to be ever-vigilant as parents.
I just returned home from our local library, where I’d taken the kids this afternoon, to pick up some history tales and biographies. It was a disturbing visit this time, a first for me at this library… I’ve come to expect that we’ll (obviously) sometimes be faced with plenty of contrary opinions in such a public arena of published thoughts, and the ensuing questions that then result from our visits have usually been fodder for great discussions and learning opportunities. It just goes with the territory, right? Fine. and. Dandy. I’m just glad that I didn’t have to discuss this one with the kids, though I did with the librarians… but I’m getting ahead of myself.
So, after I’d stacked the baby’s stroller high with the books on my list, I wandered down past the “Junior Biographies” section, heading over towards where my twelve year old son was, near the children’s computers. I was just passing my nine year old daughter, as she was searching for a book “about Arabian horses”, when, as I strolled along, contentedly enjoying the warm, fuzzy learning vibe the library always brings us, I happened to glance over at the shelf next to me, a bit below my own eye-level, and thereupon: did a double-take. Huh?! What’s that book laying there sideways, where someone else (a child?) has presumably hastily discarded it (in embarrassment, perhaps) SAY?
It glared back at me unapologetically, with bold red letters, reading “Boys and S*x
I am not queasy, nor naive, when it comes to talking about purity, and the opposite s*x issues with our kids… Well, maybe I was a bit woozy at the thought at first, before we broke the ice… Come to think of it, there’s a funny story there I have yet to blog about. But I digress, will have to share that in another post. Anyways, our 12 year old son has had “THE talk”, which has now become more of an on-going dialogue. We’re pretty casual in conversing about the birds and the bees (as well as the enemy’s distortions, debasements and attempted marring of our God-given s*xuality) as necessary and questions are asked openly around here, though always respectfully. Our 9 year old daughter knows as much as she’s interested in and ready for as of yet. S*x is good, it’s a beautiful thing within the Biblical parameters of a loving marriage, life-giving~ literally, as our Creator meant it to be. So, let the record show: I’m not afraid when it comes to parents teaching their children about these matters.
Even so, I was not prepared for what I read, regardless of the fact that I’d knowingly made note of the fact that the author is none other than the co-author of The Kinsey Report
… Kinsey having been a *ahem* shall we say- disturbed, degenerate, pedophile/pseudo-scientist, credited with normalizing the s*xual revolutuion, and legitimizing h*mos*xuality. Yeah, well, apparently, this book I held in my hand, that my son had just walked right by moments before me, is a children’s version of another book Pomeroy had co-authored with Kinsey himself. Um, yeah…
Where was I? Oh yeah, what I read… but I can’t tell you all of it anyways, since this is a family-friendly blog, and I was tainted all day having read it, especially considering its intended audience. Grieved in my spirit… Let it suffice to say that it was quite descriptive, giving detailed directions (more graphic than even a diagram could have been) as to how a “teenaged boy” can m*st*rb*te to find pleasure after “he has been left unfulfilled by his partner”…or if willing, how his partner can give him fulfillment (after explaining that this meant to have *rg*sm) by doing it for him?!
At this point, I was standing there in disbelief, trying to pick my jaw up off the floor. I was just plain stupefied, but not so much that it was there – in print, written to children (as sad and twisted as that is, it’s a sign of the times, I’d given mental assent to that already, one does tend to get desensitized) but more that it was right there, in our library, mere feet away from my children who were innocently perusing the very shelf I’d snatched it from. And I couldn’t believe what I was reading, p*rnographic smut, right there in my kids’ section of the library. Did I say that already, “the children’s section”? Had my son curiously opened it up and read the little snippit I’d just read, his conscience would have surely been violated. That quick.
I was livid. In that moment today, the realization – that the battle for our children’s hearts is being fought every day – was crystallized for me in seeing how close to home this strike was aimed. As I stood there, holding one of the enemy’s weapons of choice in my own hands, I was reminded-once again- that in this world, there is no escaping the darkness that pervades the age, it’s everywhere. The destroyer, the enemy of our children’s souls is alive and well, and his handiwork is peddled as educational- even at our own little town’s library… I had let my guard down… Upon second thought, no, I hadn’t let my guard down, I was very watchfully aware. I just wasn’t sitting on top of my kids, requiring that they let me first examine everything they laid their eyes upon, trusting God to catch my slack. At some point, we have to let our older children move into more freedom. Don’t we? Of course we do. I cannot hold my 12 year old son’s hand in the junior section of our library. *smirk* No, but the Lord can, and does.
Just so happens, I have a case in point that I was reminded of later. On the way to the library, N had popped in a cd that we haven’t listened to in quite awhile, the “Prince of Egypt~ Inspirational
The river flows from the depths of my soul
Save your son from harm and danger
It’s killing me, still I’ve gotta let him go
Trust in You cause You’re not a stranger
You are a spark, Misses joy
Now save my innocent boy
I’ll leave forever in your cradle
I’m talking to ya river
I know you’re able to deliver
Won’t you take him with ya river
Take care of him
That’s my heart, my heart
Familiar friend it’s your hand that he’s in
Carry him with blessed assurance
Don’t let him go til you know that he’s safe
I pray to God the Father for amazing grace
I gave you all that I’ve got now save him
Now save him from Pharaoh’s plot
Of killin’ each child that’s born a man
I’m talking to ya river
You’re able to deliver
Won’t you take him with you river
Take care of him; that’s my heart, he’s my heart
Now that I put him in the water
I pray for you to do what you’ve got to do
With my son, yeah
Let him go, let him go…
Movie Still from The Prince of Egypt
I’m talking to you
I’m talking to ya river
I know you’re able to deliver
Won’t you take him with you river
Take care of him
Take care of him, my baby
I’m talking to ya river
I know you’re able to deliver
Won’t you take him with you river
How could I let my little boy go
Let him go , let him go
My baby boy…
That is my heart’s cry as I homeschool my kids… that He would deliver them to His Promised Land… realizing that I cannot. He IS ABLE to deliver our children from the enemy’s plots to keep them in bondage as slaves to sin and deception. I am praying that His Holy Spirit, that river that’s carrying them where I know not, that I must release them to, would bear them- these little ones- to somewhere that they can and will be free! It is my prayer that He would guide me as I shepherd them, and ultimately that they will look to Him to shepherd them one day, and that they would follow Him, Salvation, who came to deliver us all, to the Promised Land.
I have no doubt that today, as we unsuspectingly walked into the library, our Lord was shepherding my children, even when I could not… guarding their eyes, and thus their hearts… that it was I who picked up that book, and not them. I only pray that the librarians, whom I brought the book to and adamantly shared my concerns with, as I politely pointed out to them the one inappropriate, disturbing page I’d read, along with a bit about the Kinsey report and the author, also feel the fervor to do something about it, like permanently pulling it from the shelves (if they even can). They were surprised, a bit embarrassed as well, and quite apologetic that it was there.
Over the years, I’ve grown more lenient with my kids at the library (though not without prayer and trepidation, well aware of the fact that there’s a lot of falsehoods and alluring twaddle in print), letting them wander the aisles (of the junior/kids section of the library), perusing through the rows of books at will… I’ve surmised that my readers (now 12.5 and 9.5 years old) are pretty well grounded in their faith and strong in their beliefs. We discuss all sorts of topics and I usually welcome opportunities to share with my kids how our Christian worldview applies to opposing opinions and belief systems. I have also been delighted to hear their own thoughtful observations as they critically evaluate what they hear and read. Thus, I have absolutely no problem with them reading about other religions, evolution, mythology, liberal politics, etc. within limits appropriate to their understanding and spiritual maturity levels… However, today, as I was given a strong dose of reminding as to why we homeschool, and what much of our world considers acceptable and normal for a 9-12 year old audience, I was also reminded to stay ever-prayerfully-vigilant… even at the library. I would like to urge you all to do the same, as you venture forth with your charges into the halls of learning this year, as well as in the years to come.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
I would like to end this post by recommending to you of a couple our favorite purity books for the 9-12 year old age range: The Princess and the Kiss for girls and The Squire and the Scroll for boys, both of which I blogged about here. They’re both good for boys and girls though- our daughter loves the latter and our son enjoyed the Princess book for years before we got the Squire book. These truly are living books, as they’re really appealing to all ages. We’ve also enjoyed the Life Lessons devotionals that have since been published to go along with each of these beautiful books.
Update: Click here to read my follow-up post: update concerning *that* book.
Embracing the adventure,
Purity Picture Books we’ve enjoyed~
Posted by: | Comments"Love...comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
~1 Timothy 1.5 (niv)
The Princess & the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity
By Jennie Bishop
Over the past couple of years that we've had and read this book, our now 9yos has enjoyed it's story of waiting and purity as much as has his little sister... It's a timeless story, and a great courtship primer. I gave this lovely book to my 30 yo sister as a gift year before last, after she went through a most heart-wrenching divorce. It's blessed her as well. How I wish that I would have had this type of story read to me as a child, and the inevitably heart-forming discussions that due ensue upon its reading and enjoyment... Also, the illustrations are just captivating!
Summary:
A loving king and queen present their daughter with a gift from God---her first kiss---to keep or give away. The wise girl waits for the man who is worthy of her precious gift. But where is he and how will she ever find him? A marvelous, beautifully illustrated parable for children and parents. 32 pages, hardcover from Warner.
Excerpt:
Long ago, in a wonderful castle on a mountain of splendor, a beautiful princess was born. Her parents were the king and queen of the mountain and all the green valley below.
The king and queen loved the little princess even before she was born. On the day she came into the world, the royal couple gave their daughter a very special gift from God - her first kiss. While the princess was growing up, the king and queen kept this precious gift safe in their care.
When the princess was finally grown, the king and queen called her to their side.
"We have something very special to give you," said the queen.
Up, up, up the royal family went to a secret room in a tower of the castle. On an elegant table in the center of the room was the same gift given to the princess long ago ... the kiss.
Excerpted from Princess & the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity by Jennie Bishop.
Copyright © 2000. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
~Psalm 119.9 (niv)
The Squire and the Scroll
By Jennie Bishop
Nathan and Tabitha have both enjoyed having this book read aloud to them. N was especially excited to receive it, after T's having claimed The Princess and the Kiss as her own... He's read it to himself numerous times, and really does identify with this bravely cunning, chivalrous squire.
Me and my Prince… a meditation
Posted by: | CommentsHer husband has full confidence in herand lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.~ Proverbs 31.11-12
I often just spontaneously pick up different books (from a table or bookshelf, good reads are always strewn throughout our house) and start reading... and it never ceases to amaze me how my Lord does so often, so specifically meet me right where I am, in that moment, lending me such needed, unexpected insights into one of my many "open questions" I've left waiting on the shelf, before Him - nuggets - or words of wisdom to replenish my soul, often confirming an angle, or thought pertaining to some ongoing conversation between us... It truly seems as if He's always bringing in and arranging such nice, NEW furniture... filling up this house of mine with treasures divine... this morning He met me again...
Last night He'd once again drawn my attention to how very critically my mind will tend to work over the doings and speaking of my precious husband... not even extending him the same grace which I do usually have for everyone else, but him - my closest friend... Why is this? And what is scary, and has so grieved my heart, is that usually I don't even see it right off... until it's too late, and the damage is already done... as my husband's frustrated reactions will then *eventually* (if I've let myself go, unchecked, too long) attest to. I don't want him to EVER have to gently try and show me how hurt he's been by my critical eye AGAIN! Uggh, I do so hate that I do what I do NOT want to do...
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
~ Romans 7.15
It's so easy, TOO easy to become overly comfortable, and apathetic with/towards this man that I chose to have and to hold over ten years ago now, to love and to cherish until death do us part.
In His faithfulness, my Lord has once again shown me the error of my ways - just how damaging my words have been to Chris, which then makes him overly sensitive too, and in turn breeds a critical spirit within him, towards me... How very devastating my own thoughts toward him even, and our then mutually critical, and resentfully defensive feelings toward each other are to our relationship. I know that every couple has to go through a degree(s) of disillusionment, and reality checks as to what marriage really IS, versus what we thought it would be like as little boys and girls grown into young men and ladies... awaiting our own fairy-tale days of marital bliss...
My wonderful Prince Charming, my Knight in Shining Armour - Chris - did truly arrive in splendor over 10 yrs. ago, and has, in many ways saved me from myself, patiently helping me fight off the ghosts of my past, and slaying so many dragons in our life - with me - over the years. But yet, arriving at that fabled castle of glorious communion, for a life of living *happily ever after* has turned out to be a bit illusive, and not as short a trip as I'd once thought it would be... I'm beginning to see that it can only happen after the *journey* has been made (you know, with him carrying me off on the back of his great white steed).
I'm learning that this journey - the getting there - is where most of our marriage has thusfar been, and will continue to be taking place... marriage is the long, arduous road through the dangers of the deep, dark forest that I'd never even accounted for in my virgin dreams of romantic bliss... Life at the castle, you know, is more how I'd envisioned marriage would be. I'm finally beginning to realize that the castle we're longing to reach together is really the Kingdom of God within us both... We've shared glimpses of it over the horizon, have seen glints of it reflected in our children's eyes, and even grasped its essence within those precious times of our loving acceptance and contentedness with one another. We will get there, together... and the journey is getting easier, as our focus crystallizes, and our comradery strengthens. I/we continue to shed the weight of extra baggage - burdens - that we MUST let go of, and leave with Jesus...
And so, as I went to sleep last night, I was so filled with sorrow, and hopefully TRUE repentance over the absence of "kind words" in our conversations... in my lately selfishly negligent efforts at building him up... Yes, I do have kind *thoughts* in my heart towards my husband, but they need to more often find their way to my mouth!! I'm often remiss, and do not make the effort to speak them aloud as I should. He needs to KNOW that I love and admire him.
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.~ Proverbs 27.5
Yet, I do tend to manage the words of criticalness that spout out of that unholy abyss of irrationally felt fears within me, the words that nondescriminately lash out at him, and really tear him down... for this I'm so regretful. It inevitably leaves very little room for the very emotional intimacy that I do so crave... that we all need. It's such an ironic tragedy really, the cycle that this process creates... Me feeling insecure (granted - a lot of this has been due to very trialsome, stressful situations in our life over the years, but STILL!
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
I need to be more supportive, more prayerfully considerate of him and what he's going through as well), or fearful, and then becoming critical, and lax in my own self-discipline, lambasting him (nicely, and "meekly" you know...*sly smile*...of course, yeah right...) with subtle accusations, masked in pretenses of "concern", and "just trying to help", etc. What a charade I've lent my own heart to believing in - all those decisive moments of ignoring His ever so s-t-i-l-l, small voice... and instead opening my big, ugly mouth, letting my fleshy tongue have its own, selfishly wagging way - more times than not...
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
~ James 3.8
Oh Father, help me... *sighs* Help me to REALLY love my husband, and even as I do truly long to be loved - ALLOW him to love me... Give me the words of kindness and strength that he needs to hear... HELP me to embrace his companionship with open > contented > abandonment for him, give me the courage to release myself to him, and in so doing >> to YOU. And then, maybe he will trust me more, love me longer, and we will truly become as one...
The tapestry that you've chosen to cover our marriage bed - this most exquisite piece of furniture in my house - is truly a rich one, woven of such fine threads that I would not have known to choose without Your knowing guidance... Lord, help me to weave it aright, and help me to see the pattern you've established, the one that only shows up on the other side - the one you will one day put on display... meanwhile I'm just so overwhelmed with all of these threads and tangles... help me to be faithful, even as You are faithful... Thank you for giving me this Word today... Help me to perform it in sincere humility.
And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
~Proverbs 31.26
In joining two people together as husband and wife, God has arranged that there should be subjection and love in the family. He has not asked the husband and wife to find and correct each other's faults. He has not set up the husbands to be instructors to their wives, or wives to be teachers to their husbands. A husband need not change his wife or a wife her husband. Whatever the manner of person you marry, you must expect to live with that for life. Married people should learn to know when to close their eyes. They should learn to love and not try to correct.
As Christians, we must learn to deny ourselves. To deny oneself means to accomodate oneself to others. Family life requires discipline. It means learning to be willing to lay aside your own opinion, in giving due consideration to the views of others.
~ Watchman Nee, The Joyful Heart ~ Daily Meditations
Years ago, I read Matthew Henry's commentary on the Proverbs 31 woman, and it did so chasten and build me up... I think I shall read it again today...
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
~Proverbs 14.1
I find the following fascinating to ponder.... Yes, this does *in my mind* have something to do with the above post... promise.
Ancient Hebrew Root Word Studies
Introduction: The Hebrew language is based on a root word system. The foundation to the roots are the letters of the alephbet. Each letter in the original alephbet is a pictures which represents something that supplies meaning to the letter. When two letters are put together, a two letter "parent" root is formed where the letters supply the meaning to the root. A "child" root is formed by placing a vowel (al, hey, waw or yad) in front, between or behind the parent root. While the parent root is generic in meaning, the child root is more specific in meaning.
From these roots are formed words. Some words use the same letters as the roots, while others are formed by placing another letter in the word. The words are even more specific in meaning that the roots.
The following examples of Hebrew words will demonstrate the relationship between the letters and the words. When studying these words, it is essential to remember not to interpret the words from our "Western", Greco-Roman cultural minds, but rather develop an understanding of the "Hebraic" meaning of the words. This will allow the student of the Bible a greater understanding of Biblical words which will assist in better Biblical interpretation.
Each page will begin by looking at the individual letters to the word. Then the combination of the letters which form a word will be examined. (Hebrew is written from right to left). Some of the pages will include related words showing the relationship between the various words derived from the same root.
And so, this idea is reflected in the ancient Hebrew word for "Mother", as seen below;
Ancient Hebrew Root Word Study (excerpted from ancienthebrew.org)
Mother
Picture: The head of a bullCulture: A nomad had within his herds and flocks, many types of livestock, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys and cattle. Of all these animals, the bull is the strongest and most powerful. To harness this strength, a yoke would be attached to the bull and a load such as a wagon or plow would be attached to the yoke.
Meaning: A strong and powerful one
Pronunciation: "A" (as in "father")
***************
Picture: Ripples of WaterCulture: Water was a very essential to the nomads life for himself, family, livestock and crops.
Meaning: Water
Pronunciation: "M"
***************
Picture: Strong - WaterCulture: Glue was made by placing the hides of animals in a pot of boiling water. As the hide boiled, a thick sticky substance formed at the surface of the water. This substance was removed and used as a binding agent.
Meaning: One who binds the family together.
Pronunciation: "AM"
Ancient Hebrew Root Word Study
Father (click to see)Picture: The head of a bull
Culture: A nomad had within his herds and flocks, many types of livestock, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys and cattle. Of all these animals, the bull is the strongest and most powerful. To harness this strength, a yoke would be attached to the bull and a load such as a wagon or plow would be attached to the yoke.
Meaning: A strong and powerful one
Pronunciation: "A" (as in "father")
*************
Picture: Floor plan of the tentCulture: This may be a representation of the tent itself, or what is inside the tent (the household) such as the family, servants, possessions, the tent itself and even the livestock. This definition can also be extended to a house or a temple.
Meaning: The tent and what is inside it
Pronunciation: "B" When at the beginning of a syllable. "Bh" ("v"), when at the end of a syllable.
****************
Picture: Strong - TentCulture: The ancient Hebrews understood the "Father" to be the strength of the family, the priest and king.Just as the Ox leads the plow or wagon by his strength, the father's strength leads the family.
Meaning: Strong one of the tent/family
Pronunciation: "ABh"
Heavenly Father, I am keenly reminded of the great responsibility that I have to build up my husband, who is the very strength of our family... and yet what a mystery it is how interwoven my own role is with his. How detrimental and determinate are my own actions and words in strengthening, or weakening this man. What an awesomely privileged and pivotal position I do have in your plan of working in him, and in turn, our life together as a family. Help me to build my home, our home... rather than to tear it/him down... May his home be his castle... Lord, make me his home... help me to be a true help mate to him, my Prince... Teach me to love well.
Ephesians 5
More Ancient Hebrew Root Word Studies
Artwork: Ivan Bilibin's illustration of the Russian fairy tale about Vasilisa the Beautiful.
Knight and Maiden from allposters.com
