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:
CHrist — | “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6a) Remember it’s His birthday. Put Christ first in your heart and in your holiday plans. |
CHildren — | “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD.” (Psalm 127:3a) Spend more time with your children than money on them. Worry more about making memories than piling up presents. |
CHarity — | “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:17a) Look beyond your own walls. See who needs a meal, a gift, a call, an invitation to join the festivities, encouragement. Do what you can to meet the need, and pray for God to supply the rest. |
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