Reflections at Home The Morning Star Series: Relevant Daily Scriptures For the Informed Christian
112
Reflections at Home The Morning Star Series: Relevant Daily Scriptures For the Informed Christian
112eBook
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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781467870139 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 12/09/2011 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 112 |
| File size: | 4 MB |
Read an Excerpt
Reflections at Home the morning star series
Relevant Daily Scriptures For the Informed ChristianBy CRYSTAL V. HENRY
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Crystal V. HenryAll right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4678-7010-8
Chapter One
JANUARY 1STREFLECTIONS AT HOME EXODUS 21: 12-26
PARENT: THE FIRST TEACHER
Many people have heard the scripture "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, but vengeance is mine," saith the Lord. However in Exodus, this rule was instituted as a guide for judges and parents, and not as a rule for personal relationships. When this was written, the punishment for various crimes was extremely cruel which may still exist in some countries today, such as stoning only the woman in adultery or cutting off the hand of a thief.
In Exodus, death was the punishment for cursing or attacking one's parents. As in this instance, the rule suggested that this would be too harsh a punishment.
Parents must make wise decisions in order for discipline to be effective. Likewise the classroom teacher. Too many times in education those who never taught in an urban high school are the ones who make the decisions on how to run a classroom. One cannot learn how to discipline effectively with only paper credentials at the end of her name. The best lesson plans mean very little if the teacher cannot control the class. Parents, take the time at least once every year to visit the classroom of every teacher on your child's roster. 'Too often, one's job becomes an excuse. It is a crime that most parents do not meet the teachers of their children in high school and the punishment is when they find out too late the child is not graduating which may have been prevented.
Ask God for wisdom.
JANUARY 2ND
REFLECTIONS AT HOME JOB 3: 11-19
ACCEPTED AT THE KNEE
In many African nations when a baby is born, he is immediately placed on the knee of the father or mother. At this time, the child is "accepted" as their responsibility and their kin. Today there is an expectation in many young mothers for the government to feed, shelter, educate, and provide free childcare. The practice to accept immediate "ownership" of this little person has somehow gotten lost. The young father has already moved on to another lady in many cases, and the pride he has in creating children he has no intention of taking care of, is dysfunctional at best.
Is there any wonder why so many of our children regret having been born? Why type of home welcomed them? Did you read bedtime stories to them? Did you teach them social skills and manners. Did you check their homework at night? Were they left alone while you worked? Did you take them places to expose them to different cultures and customs? Do you take them to church?
The world will challenge your child. What have you instilled in them that will help them withstand adversity? Jesus is the rock. It is never too late to become a better parent.
JANUARY 3RD
REFLECTIONS AT HOME JOB 10: 13-22
"HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS"
One of the worst things enacted when trouble comes along is to isolate oneself with the belief that no one else has similar problems. Self-condemnation and shame usually will keep the individual from receiving the help that is needed at this time, be it financial, heartache, or educational. Unfortunately, many families teach their children to besilent about family matters when if someone else had known about a problem, assistance could have prevented the festering before the tragic ending. Children learn how to handle problems by watching how their parents handle their problems: discussions, fighting, yelling, or pretending that there is no problem.
The key is not to be silent but one must talk to the right person when seeking help. When times are hard, the first one to talk with is Jesus. He can give you peace of mind over any earthly problem that is destroying your sleep. One's sounding board should not automatically be your best friend. If there is a problem in the marriage, perhaps one should not seek advice from someone who has never been married, nor advice from someone on a third marriage. There is no problem too small or too large that cannot be shared with Jesus.
Job says, "changes and war are ever with me." This may indicate that one is enveloped in self-pity or perhaps one's priorities need changing. Living in a constant state of high-alert can and will bring about health issues such as ulcers or high blood pressure. My mother used to say that "Everyone needs a reason to get up in the morning". This was her way of saying that if your whole life is centered on only you, this will lead to an empty life in the end. If you are lonely, don't settle for just anyone. Adopt a dog or cat. You will both benefit. If you are under fifty and alone, adopt a child. What greater gift can one give than to save a life?
PLOT STRUCTURE
EXPOSITION — THE OPENING WHICH INTRODUCES THE CHARACTERS
COMPLICATION — THE MAIN CHARACTER TAKES ACTION TO RESOLVE THE CONFLICT
CLIMAX — WHEN EMOTIONS ARE THE GREATEST
DENOUEMENT OR RESOLUTION — WHEN THE STRUGGLES ARE OVER AND A GRADUAL BRINGING DOWN OF THE CLIMAX
JANUARY 4TH
REFLECTIONS AT HOME PLOT STRUCTURE
What happens when an eleven year-old is in the care of a parent who is mentally unstable?
PLOT STORY MAP
________________________________________________________________
CHARACTERS:
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
CONFLICT: WHAT DO THE CHARACTERS WANT, AND WHAT PROBLEMS DO THEY FACE?
MAIN EVENTS:
1.______________________________________________________________ 2.______________________________________________________________ 3.______________________________________________________________
DENOUEMENT: ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
#1: Cheese store in South Philly
Talking Points:
1. "If you stay in it for any length of time, like anyplace else, a cafe becomes a world". (pg 5) Most urban high school students lack exposure beyond their own communities. What are the negatives and positives of one's whole world being a radius of less than 10 miles?
2. Clare says that her mother is a cross between a fairytale princess and an exotic animal like a peacock. Have each daughter tell what her mother is a cross between and the same for the mother telling about her mother (the grandmother). Are any surprised at the answers? Tell why they picked what they did for the comparisons.
3. Why is Cornelia surprised to discover that she is in love with Teo? Were you surprised? Why or why not? Is what ways is he exactly what she was looking for? In what ways is he not? What do you make of his relationship with Ollie? Do you think he and Cornelia have a chance? Why or why not?
#2: Rittenhouse Square at Christmastime
Talking Points:
1. Clare's friend, Josie, tells her that daughters aren't responsible for their mothers' behavior". Even though this may be true, how can a mothers' negative behavior affect the daughter in high school? What are some of the behaviors of the mother that may embarrass a daughter? (pg 61) 2. "I lived inside the four grim walls of my failure". (pg 92) Go around in a circle and let each mother and daughter state what that quote means to her. Is there any significance in the names of the women in this novel: Ollie? Audie? Linny? (Facilitator will read "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes) Discuss the difference in missed opportunities and opportunities missed. 3. In the end, do you think Cornelia makes the right decision to leave Clare with Viviana? How is leaving them at Mrs. Goldberg's different than them returning to their own home? Why does it seem safer to all of them? Do you think Clare will really forgive Cornelia for leaving her?
#3: Café Dora
Talking Points:
1. "When I say I'm a coffee-bar manager, instantly everyone around me just thinks I'm an under-achiever". Do you believe that society judges one based on her occupation? How is this connected to self-worth? Why are so many high school students perceived as under-achievers today? What practical changes should be made? (pg 137) 2. Shakespeare and Santos talk about a "sea change", the alteration of one's life into something rich and strange. (pg 210) Daughters tell your mothers what college you plan on attending and how it will change your life. Mothers of experience, tell your daughters about a "sea change" in your life they perhaps do not know about. 3. What does Mrs. Goldberg represent to Cornelia? How do her memories of Mrs. Goldberg help her through difficult situations? How do her stories about Mrs. Goldberg help Clare? What does Goldberg's house represent to Cornelia? To Clare? Why does Clare want so badly to stay there? Daughters tell what your house represents to you and why.
JANUARY 5TH
REFLECTIONS AT HOME ISAIAH 44: 1-5
TO POUR: TO CAUSE TO FLOW IN A STEADY STREAM
We live in a time when civil rights seem to be going back to a time of shame for the United States. The outwardly, in your face, arrogant racists have taken off their sheets for the world to see. Sadly, misguided, people have placed these instruments of Hell into the orchestra of the Congress. There has been a steady stream of hate since the election of the first Black President, Barack Obama.
How do you fight this abhorrent, peculiar institution? By letting everyone know about your relationship with Christ by the way you live. "For I will pour water upon Him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed ..." When Gwendolyn Foster, a gifted vocalist, would sing, "Ho, Everyone That Thirsteth", and hold that high note, it brought tears to my eyes and made my heart feel like it was about to burst. Christ is the Living Water. When the world seems crazy, remember the life-giving power of water not only for your sake, but for the sake of your children.
During the time of slavery, it was a common practice to brand the back of the slave's hand to indicate who owned him. "One shall say, I am the Lord's ... and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord ... (verse 5). The world should know that you are a child of God and belong to him. As parents and churches, we must teach our "seed" the lessons of the Bible to increase their understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.
When we visited Egypt, we spent time in a Nubian Village where they painted the hands of the women and the arms of the men in an effort to share their culture. This presents an excellent and fun way to learn about religious symbols such as the peacock, the symbol for immortality or the butterfly, the symbol for the resurrection. A henna/mehndi artist can be invited to attend a church fair or a party in your home and paint the Christian symbol of your choice on the back of your hand signifying that you are owned by God. Make the Bible relevant to your children until their knowledge flows like a steady stream.
JANUARY 6TH
REFLECTIONS AT HOME JEREMIAH 20: 10-18
MOOD SWINGS
Whenever someone sets out to defame someone else by attacking his good name or reputation, look to see what he expects to gain from it. Just as Jeremiah was compelled to share the word about Christ because it was like "fire within his bones", he was ridiculed, had an unpopular ministry, and put in stocks. Unlike the so-called friends of Jeremiah, as Christians we should not be a silent crowd when an injustice has occurred. Ignorance is not a character trait one should strive for as a Christian. Today's person of faith must be informed, intelligent, and take action at the ballot box to remove the hate-filled, racists from office. Do what you can and trust God to take care of the rest.
"But the Lord is with me as a mighty, terrible one: Therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: They shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: Their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten." Jeremiah 20: 11
Like Jeremiah, feel the injustice as if it was "fire in your bones" and help get out the vote. Take a friend to get a driver's license or a state photo I.D. card. They are counting on you not having "your papers"!
JANUARY 7TH
REFLECTIONS AT HOME PSALM 139: 13-24
ALWAYS
Morning Prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting Verses 23, 24
It is very comforting to be loved. God tells us to have respect for ourselves and realize that because we are wonderfully-made, we cannot be worthless. God expects loyalty to Him as one would expect loyalty from a spouse. He is always near and therefore we must constantly search our hearts and be aware not to act in a manner based on wrong motives. Many times couples will have a special sentiment written on the inside of their wedding rings to remind each other of their enduring affection over a lifetime. You must belong to Christ for a lifetime.
Some people have a habit of saying exactly the opposite of what is in their hearts and then try to justify the act if caught: cheating on one's spouse, participating in inhumane animal cruelty, lying about someone for personal gain. Too often these actions are sanctioned by society with the excuse that "Everyone does it". As Christians, we cannot and should not turn a blind eye. Without being didactic or condescending, anywhere we see injustice being done, ask God to lead them in the way everlasting.
JANUARY 8TH
REFLECTIONS AT HOME ECCLESIASTES 11: 1-6
WAITING FOR GODOT
To The Graduates Everywhere:
As you begin the next phase of life leaving the safe cocoon of your parents, understand that life involves both risk and opportunity. If you want to find the perfect college, you won't go beyond a high school diploma; if you want to find the perfect church, you will never join; if you search for the perfect ministry, you will never serve. To be a diligent or assiduous person, one must be a hard-working individual, not someone who just shows up for work and leaves at the end of the day. It's the person who is always trying to improve the way something is done by asking questions; offering solutions; and is cognizant of how others before them have achieved success.
"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days ... Give a portion to seven or eight ..." 11: 1,2
To be diligent also means to be careful and steady. In Biblical times when the weather was not predicted as it is today, one would send grain on seven or eight different trading ships in case the weather capsized one of the ships. Today we say "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket". With your college degree in hand, and with the acceptance of your new job—from the very first paycheck, diversify!
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Reflections at Home the morning star series by CRYSTAL V. HENRY Copyright © 2011 by Crystal V. Henry. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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