Our family was recently helping the in-laws clear out some things that have built up in their home over time. As I was going through boxes of belongings that we had brought home to sort through, I came across stacks of cards that have been sitting in drawers and filing cabinets for years. There were cards for various holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays as well as get well wishes, thank you’s, and a smattering of congratulations and cards just for “thinking of you.”. Many were store bought; some were handmade. Most included at least a brief note, and a large number had a letter enclosed. I spread some of them out on the table—selecting especially from those given within my husband’s immediate family when he was growing up—and took a photo because I wanted to remind us all that sharing our heart in words (whether written or spoken) is important. You might think very highly of someone, but if you never tell him so, he will likely never know. You might be praying for someone, but if you never mention it to her, she will go on feeling alone. Is there someone you know who could use a card or a letter this week? It only takes a few minutes to write a paragraph or two, choose an appropriate Scripture verse to copy, and address an envelope. Who knows—the recipient may value your words and your thoughtfulness so much that he or she keeps your missive for decades! Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” A few well-chosen words can capture an otherwise fleeting sentiment and greatly encourage the heart of a family member or friend. Even as I was just rereading this before publishing it, the Lord brought the name of a friend to mind whom I know could use a reminder that regardless of the fact that “everything” seems to be going wrong in the world, God is still very much in control. Time to take up a pen and follow my own advice!

p.s. Another nugget I found when sorting through boxes of papers was “A Parent’s Prayer.” It was originally written by Gary C. Meyers, founder of Highlights for Children magazine, and it had impacted my mother-in-law enough when she came across it that she had taken time to copy it out longhand on a sheet of school paper so to have a copy of her own. You can read it here. Whether we pray through this prayer, pray the Scriptures, or pray words that are entirely our own, let us be diligent in praying for our children, whether little or grown.

On a more serious note, we discovered a book last year that we think is well worth recommending – Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents by Rod Dreher. The first half of the book is challenging reading, focused largely on historical events abroad (and why we should care) as well as the rise of soft totalitarianism here; the second half is challenging in its own way but is full of practical advice for living in perilous times. Our country is not what it used to be – hasn’t been for a long time – and we need to be prepared to stand in the days to come. This book will give you a picture of how other families have survived and thrived through hard times and how you can be equipped to do the same.

Here are a few brief quotes to whet your appetite for this important work:

• “The ordinary man may not be able to overturn the kingdom of lies, but he can at least say that he is not going to be its loyal subject.”


• “You can destroy as much by failing to build as by actively wrecking.”


• “[S]imply by staying sane when everyone else is mad, we may hope to convey the human heritage.”


• “Christians should stop taking family life for granted, instead approaching it in a more thoughtful, disciplined way. We cannot simply live as all other families live, except that we go to church on Sunday.”

The title of Dreher’s book comes from an essay by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn of the same title. If you’re interested, you can find that here. Geoff Botkin walks through the letter in this recent episode from his series Stand Up and Lead.

Image from the picture book They Were Strong and Good
by Robert Lawson, winner of the Caldecott medal in 1941

We want to challenge you to incorporate education into your Thanksgiving celebration. Please don’t let the day go by without reminding your children and grandchildren why we celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place.  Let’s make sure that in our homes at least it’s about more than turkey and football.  Our forefathers and mothers sacrificed so much to come here and give us the gift of religious liberty. What better time to share some Scripture, some history, some encouragement for the next generation to carry the torch than when everyone’s gathered around the dining room table?
 
If you are looking for something to share but aren’t sure where to begin, here are links to a few excellent selections: Five Kernels of Corn, The Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789.

For a happy Christmas, prioritize these three things:
 

Merry Christmas from Roots by the River!

Encouragement for Dedicated Parents

I see your perfect hearts toward Me;
  I see your tender love.
I’ve watched you guide your children in
  The path that leads above.

The hours, the days, the months, the years
  You pour into their souls
Are not in vain; still train them in
  The way they ought to go.

Your work shall be rewarded
  Though in sowing time you weep.
Weed and water; persevere.
  With great gladness you shall reap.

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”   Psalm 126:5-6

As we begin the new homeschool year, we wanted to take the opportunity to encourage you with two important Scriptures.  The first is a good reminder for us as parents and the second for our children:
 
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33
 
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – II Timothy 2:15