The Value of What?

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

Pop quiz!  Quickly jot down ten things in nature you are thankful for.  I’m guessing rainbows, puppies and butterflies may be in there somewhere?  Anyone write down lice or fleas?  No???!!  Since October 31, 2019, as part of my devo time, every morning I have written down ten things I’m thankful for.  If I were to glance back through the 1,980 items, I’m pretty sure there would be neither lice nor fleas mentioned.

In 2004, our family had a surprise lice visit.  My husband had just accepted a job transfer and our family moved to Minnesota.  Within days of moving into our new home, one of our children came home from school with the dreaded little bugs jumping around her head.  Still thinking about it makes me cringe and itch my head.  We didn’t have a washer and dryer in our new home yet, so I hauled all the bedding, clothing and stuffed animals to the laundry mat.  Everyone in the family had their hair treated.  This was all in the midst of the chaos of unpacking and the start of a new school year.  It was an interesting way to kick off our new life in a new state.  Had I been asked at the time if I appreciated lice, I wouldn’t have hesitated to say absolutely not- it added a bit of stress to our lives.  However, I believe God did have a reason for the lice, beyond my understanding.  Those little pests caused me to feel quite humble - because it felt like it was something I couldn’t cope with or control.  It’s funny how adversity brings us to our knees.

During the summer of 2017, my husband and I traveled with friends to Amsterdam.  A highlight of the trip was a guided tour through Corrie ten Boom’s home in Haarlem.  Her incredible story of faith, obedience and forgiveness during the Holocaust was recorded in her biography, The Hiding Place.  Seeing every room of the little house made the reality of the events in her book very real.  Corrie and her sister Betsie, daughters of a watchman, worked with their father to help many Jews escape the Nazis from the Holocaust during World War ll by hiding them in their home. They were a strong Christian family who believed that God wanted them to protect Jews.  The entire family was eventually caught and arrested.  The sisters were incarcerated in Ravensbruck concentration camp, where Betsie died at age 59.    

There was a particular flea situation in the book that caused me to have a new perspective on fleas and other “little” things in life that cause distress.  The following is a paraphrased excerpt from the book.  In their barracks, there were a series of platforms stacked three levels high and packed in so tight the women were like human sardines.  Rancid straw placed on top of the platforms served as mattresses.  Not exactly sanitary conditions.  At one point Corrie became exasperated as she was being bitten by fleas.  “Fleas”, she cried.  “Betsie, the place is swarming with them...Betsie, how can we live in such a place?”  And then Betsie did something incredible- she began to pray.  “Show us.  Show us how....Corrie!  He has given us the answer, as He always does!”  In a smuggled, hidden Bible, Betsie asked Corrie to read a passage they had read together earlier that morning.  1 Thessalonians 5:14-18:  “Comfort the frightened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good for one another and to all.  Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”  Betsie had a revelation- to give thanks in all circumstances.  She and Corrie thought of every thing in the barracks that they could be thankful for.  It all sounded great until Betsie thanked God for the fleas.  Corrie went along with this even though she was sure Betsie was wrong.  As time went on, Corrie came to realize that Betsie was, in fact, correct.  There was a purpose for the fleas.  The sisters discovered that the guards were very aware of the infestation and refused to enter the platforms, leaving the Bible undetected, and ultimately protecting the women who were housed there from the abuse of the guards.

As I reflect on the flea affliction, our lice situation, as well as other times in my life that I have had to endure  pain and hardship, I can see that God had a purpose for it.  Beyond what I could see at the time.  And I have always had a choice.  I could choose to become bitter and resentful.  Or I could choose to humble myself and turn to God, and be thankful in all circumstances.

Looking back, I can see numerous blessings that occurred during the two years that we lived in Minnesota, despite the rough patch at the beginning.  When the unwelcome pests invaded our new home, I immediately drew closer to God.  I turned to Him at a time when I could have easily gotten caught up with the “we are in a new place and have to start over with everything” phase.  Our spiritual lives in Minnesota grew immensely and we became closer as a family.  It was like God had hit a re-set button.  It was the first time in our married life we found a church that fit biblically and challenged us to work out our faith.  All of the obligations that had piled up in New York fell away when we moved to Minnesota.  We had redeemed time with our children and they thrived.  Bottom line, I am thankful for the lice as this may have been the pivotal moment when I turned toward God.  Maybe lice will be #1,981 in my gratitude list tomorrow morning...

Corrie & Betsie ten Boom

I pray that our hearts and lips overflow with gratitude as we live life out in this unusual time.  Even when faced with discouraging circumstances, we all can turn to the Lord, who continues to be an ever present help in time of need.  As we focus on God’s blessings, may our hearts be lightened so that we can become more able to serve God, our families and our communities and ultimately spread His light to a world in need.

Family Fun Tips

Family Fun Tips

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

During this unusual time of being quarantined, you may find yourselves wondering what in the world you are going to do at home with the children day in and day out.  I have some suggestions to keep mom and dad sane and your sons and daughters occupied, learning and making memories.  

1. Routine:  As a homeschool mom,  I remember being tempted to sleep in and let the kiddos wear their pj’s all day.  Not a good plan.  Everyone feels better and more productive when they get up at a set time, get dressed and sit down for breakfast.  A prayer and a simple bible verse at the same time every morning is also a great way to fill up spiritually.  Those bible verses can lead to great discussions.  Eat lunch together.  We used to listen to Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey during lunch.  It was a nice diversion.  Try to end your day around the same time.  If your children know there is a set time to finish with something fun to look forward to, they will be more apt to work diligently.  Then be ready when school is done.  Have a snack, game or a little time set aside to let off some steam. 
2. Stay connected:  While isolated, social connections are very challenging.  It’s time to think outside the box and use technology to our advantage.  Set up Zoom, WhatsApp or FaceTime for you and your family so you can connect with loved ones.  Some tech games can be very beneficial in helping your children connect with friends, such as Minecraft.  Have your children draw a picture of a great memory they have had with their grandparents.  Text the picture to them.
3. Physical activity:  It’s time to think of new ways to get the blood flowing.  Work together with your family to set up an obstacle course.  If you have space outside, go for it!  If you don’t, set it up in your house.  Move the furniture around to make tunnels, slides, foam ball targets and hurdles.  Or create a dance playlist and have a dance party.  Form a human train and everyone does what the leader is doing as you follow a set path around your house.  After a couple minutes, change leaders.  For older children who want more traditional exercise, find fitness workouts online.  Fitnessblender is a great resource with a variety of workouts that you can do in your home with or without weights.  Or dust off the treadmill or stationary bike sitting in the corner and put it to use!
4. Positive Distractions:  We are constantly being inundated with dire news.  Try to keep it to an age-appropriate level so that your children don’t become overly anxious or depressed.  Think of things your children love to do and really delve into those interests.  For instance, if you have a baker, get some inspiration by watching “The Great British Baking Show” or go on instagram #cake decorating and spend as much time as you like watching.  Then have your child use their imagination to bake and decorate a masterpiece.  Or watch some Foodnetwork “Chopped” episodes and then have your own “Chopped” competition.
5. House projects:  Now is a great time to check off items on your to-do list.  Get the children involved.  It will get done faster and everyone will feel a great sense of accomplishment.  For instance, your 12 year old son has been asking to change out the dinosaur wallpaper for a neutral coat of paint.  Here’s your chance to tackle that project with him.  And if you have Audible, play a classic book series that you both enjoy, such as The Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings.
6. Set the Tone:  Parents, it’s important for us to lead by example.  Take your anxious thoughts to God and pray blessings on your children.  Use this as a time to grow stronger as a family, despite the challenging situations you may be facing. 

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...” Genesis 50:20.

Refreshment in our Daily Lives

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

We all work hard.  Many of us are up and out of bed by 6:00 and hit the ground running-checking emails, getting children ready for the day, cleaning up last night’s mess, and the list goes on.  So many hats to wear and so little time.  Our fast paced lives can leave us feeling frazzled!  But did you know that you can find refreshment in the midst of the craziness of our lives?  So take a minute, sit back with a cup of jo and prepare to be encouraged with some tips from a mom whose been there.

Spiritual Refreshment

1. Bless someone else.  This may seem counterintuitive, but pouring into someone else actually fills us up.  When my children were young, I would take them with me to deliver meals to people in need.  We did this 2-4 times/month. It would have been easier to keep them at home, or not go at all for that matter.  What was surprising to me about these trips was not how much the people appreciated the meals, but how it made us feel.  There were so many times I left realizing we were the ones that were blessed.  Many times, just taking the focus off our ourselves and pouring into someone else ultimately fills us up.  In Ezekiel 36:26, it says “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh”.  We have the transforming power of Christ living in us.  So the things that break God’s heart should also break ours.  Where is God breaking yours?  Is it bringing meals to needy, volunteering at a refugee center, helping the homeless?  Pursue those areas where you truly have a passion and desire to serve.  Serving others can be a major source of spiritual refreshment.
2. Purposefully Pray.  Intentionally take your desires, needs and struggles to the One who can handle them all.  Cry out to God for those around you.  Again, taking time to focus your attention on needs of others will revive your soul and keep your perspective correct. When He answers prayers, praise Him.  
3. Pray throughout the day.  Talk to Jesus like He really is your best friend.  Have ongoing conversations with Him and keep connected to this lifeline.
4. Designate a weekly day of rest.  The sabbath day was God’s design since the beginning.  For our family, it is Sunday.  It is a day to unwind, reset, and recharge.  The cares of the world can wait.
5. Witness His creation. “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”  Psalm 8:3-4.  Take time to watch the sun rise or set, study a flower, watch a bird.  Appreciating God’s creation can put your focus on Him.  To be in awe of Him and everything He gave you can reinvigorate the desire to fulfill His will in your life.
6. Sing.  Anytime, anywhere and it doesn’t matter how good or bad a voice you think you have.  Worshipping Him can change the atmosphere and mood.
7. Study the word and be doers of the word.  Read His word for understanding and revelation.  Then go share the good news with others.  James says in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”  And further in the passage: “...not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.”

Physical/Mental Refreshment

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own:  you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.  Take time to take care of the temple that God created.  It will keep you going strong after the things that God has called you to.

1. Exercise.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.  There are many benefits of simply taking a  walk.   Getting fresh air, no distractions, sunshine (Vitamin D, my friends:) and enjoying nature are just a few perks of walking.  While you’re at it, grab your kiddos or dog for the fun of it.
2. Eat well.  Nourish and fuel your body with simple, home cooked food.  Drink well -hydrate your body with no sugar drinks.  Water rocks!
3. Get some rest.  A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference.  7-9 hours is the optimum amount.
4. Play.  Turn off screens.  Spend face to face time with those you care about.  Go outside no matter what the weather.  Run around and be silly- grab a child or a dog.  Pull out a board game and gather around.  Have fun - laughter is good for you!
5. Work.  Doing a task that is physically demanding like gardening or painting can actually be invigorating.  When the task is complete, there is a great sense of accomplishment.
6. Take a time out.  Pause and read a good book and take a sip of coffee.
7. Connect with others.  Call a friend or family member.  If you can’t see each other face-to-face, hearing someone’s voice is the next best thing.

Choose a couple of these tips (or maybe all of them:) and try them out.  May they be a help and encouragement to you!

Inexpensive, Quick and Nutritious Foods

*IE put these in your grocery cart

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

Who needs to run to the grocery store?  Are you watching your wallet, watch and waist?  Add the following foods to your cart.

Eggs- Eggs are a cheap source of protein.  They are rich in EPA and DHA (responsible for nervous system health and mental health.)  Also high in leucine, an essential amino acid, helpful in building muscle.  Eggs can be eaten at any meal and any snack.  My favorite way to eat eggs is in a frittata for breakfast:  eggs beaten with a little seasonings, a few sautéed veggies and cheese mixed together and placed in a cast iron pan and baked at high temp in the oven.  Perfect for a Saturday morning.  Leftovers can be easily heated and eaten at any meal.  I like to use boiled  eggs and even pickled eggs in some of my salads and sandwiches.

Leafy Greens- Spinach won’t cost you an arm and leg.  I frequently purchase the large organic containers in Wal-Mart for a very reasonable price.  Frozen chopped spinach costs $1.00/bag.  Already washed, it is a base or addition to a super easy and quick meal. Since Popeye, spinach has been famous for it’s health value.  This nutrient dense food is high in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and versatile in cooking.  I use spinach in any meal of the day.  It can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked in soup, eggs or casseroles.  I love to blend frozen spinach in my smoothies.  Want to create a complete meal salad that boasts of this dark leafy green?  Try this Jamaican jerk Chicken recipe.  Thoroughly coat chicken tenders or fish with spices including: garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, salt, all-spice, black pepper and cinnamon.  Place in a hot skillet coated with oil and cook until done.  In a large bowl, toss together spinach, pineapple, tomatoes, avocado, and toasted coconut.  Add a simple dressing (blend olive oil, lime juice and a little honey) and you’ve got yourself a festive, nourishing meal!

Apple Cider Vinegar- Apple cider vinegar is one of the quickest, cheapest, and easiest ways to add a health and flavor boost to your meals.  A few glugs will brighten up so many of your foods, including home made salad dressings, soups, chilis, and stews.  It’s the perfect tang to round out flavors and satisfy the taste buds.  If you want to up the nutrient value, look for the “mother”, which is a spider-web like growth that usually sits at the bottom of the bottle.  Almost all grocery stores carries this, including Aldi and Wal-Mart.  Apple cider vinegar perks include:  potassium, aids digestion, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, as well as high in many vitamins and minerals.  I love to pickle veggies with my apple cider vinegar and of course I use it in many of my dressings!  How about adding some sweet and tangy pickled onions to your salad, sandwich or burger?  Try making your own pickled veggies:  heat 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup sweetener and 2 tablespoons sea salt until everything is dissolved.  Pour into a quart size canning jar that is full of very thinly sliced red onion.  Cool at room temp.  They will be ready to eat once they’re bright pink and tender- about one hour.

So there ya go!  Some simple, easy ingredients that can cut time and $ as well as add flavor and nutrients to your meals.  Let me know what you did with these super yummy foods!

Hospitality

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

Hospitality is about relationships and making your guests feel welcome.  While the concept may feel a bit overwhelming, it shouldn’t be the case.  With all we have going on, it’s easy to come up with excuses.  If we let excuses get in the way of opening up our home, we miss out on so many opportunities to bless as well as be blessed.  So don’t worry about having everything perfect!  Here are some easy steps to get you started.  

Happy host. Your guests are there for you, not your home.  Don’t stress over trying to make your home Pinterest worthy.  Be kind and welcoming and your guests will have a wonderful time.

Offer.  Have something to offer guests if they are not coming for a meal (you don’t have to host a fancy dinner).  It’s nice to serve something to drink (water or coffee is fine) and a little snack.  A fresh batch of cookies has the added benefit of making the whole house smell good.

Spontaneous.  Being able to welcome surprise guests into your home is a wonderful feeling.  Embrace the sense of adventure in preparing for last minute guests.

Prep your freezer and fridge.  Buy in bulk, so you have something on hand when unexpected company arrives.  Cube chicken breasts or steak and place in a freezer container with some marinade.  These are great for grilled kabobs, stir fries or throwing on a sheet pan and roasting with veggies (fresh or frozen).  When possible, pre-cut fruits or veggies.  They make it easy to pull together a veggie and dip platter or stir fry.

Inviting atmosphere.  Set the tone by adding a few easy welcoming touches.  Pretty and clean dish towels and hand towels, calming music, fresh cut flowers from your yard, and lit candles make guests feel special.

Tidy up.  Take 5 minutes to deal with unattended messes.  Sweep up dirt in a high traffic area, empty stinky garbage, clean the toilet, throw the pile of toys in a closet, fluff up the throw pillows.  This quick clean up can do wonders for making your house inviting.

Alternatives to dinner.  Offer to watch a neighbor’s children for an afternoon, ask a friend over for coffee just to catch up, fellowship over a Saturday morning brunch or after church popcorn, or host a simple tea party.

Listen.  Don’t get so caught up in your to-do list that you forget to just sit and enjoy the conversation.  After eating, linger at the table.  The dishes can wait.

Intentional invitations.  Make an effort to purposefully plan a special meal (or host for a weekend).  Write it in your calendar in advance and plan out your meal(s).

Train your children to be gracious hosts.  Enlist your children in getting ready and welcoming your guests into your home.  Ask them to entertain with a song on their instruments.  Have them help with meal prep or plan a game.

Yes.  Say yes as much as possible.  Be wiling to give of yourself and of what God has given you.  

With Christmas around the corner, I hope you have an opportunity to incorporate some of these tips into your hosting opportunities.  May God bless you as you bless others!

Holiday Survival Guide

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

Halloween always seems to be the turning point from back to school, changing leaves and outdoor activities to all things holiday.  And the holiday season lasts from now until the beginning of January.  That’s two months out of twelve that we go to all kinds of special parties and dinners.  It becomes so easy for our healthy eating lifestyle to get derailed by all the tempting foods available. Let’s decide now that this season will not lead to derailment!  Here are ten tips to help you stay on track.

1. Become very intentional now in telling yourself that you will not be derailed.  You will completely enjoy the holiday season and not feel defeated. For the next two months commit to maintaining your weight.
2. Rest and get exercise.  Both are very important in keeping your metabolism high.  Go for a walk outside with a friend or family member and enjoy all the pretty decorations.
3. Eat well during mealtimes.  Fill your plate with lots of leafy greens and non starchy veggies (such as salads:).  Include protein in your diet to help you feel satiated.  If your blood sugar is regulated, you won’t be headed to parties ready to dive into all the high sugar treats.  They just won’t be as compelling.
4. At a dinner/party, be selective with the food you put on your plate.  To make sure you have at least one healthy item, bring something to add to the table.  Look for raw veggies and other unprocessed options to put on your plate first.  Then add small portions of a couple foods that you absolutely love- even if they aren’t that good for you.  Don’t deprive yourself of enjoying something that you have waited all year for!
5. Cultivate healthy eating habits.  Sit down to eat.  Relax and savor the food.  Take some deep breathes.  Eat slowly and enjoy the conversations around you.
6. Keep foods around your house that are festive and healthy.  When you get a craving, go for these foods first.  Some ideas are:  mixed nuts in the shell, a few varieties of specialty cheese, pomegranates, a new sweet potato dish, or a special, unsweetened holiday tea or coffee.
7. Speaking of drinks, eat your treat don’t drink it.  High sugar drinks hit your system like a flood, causing high blood sugar spikes.  If you are ready to enjoy something sweet, eat it!  It will digest much slower than a sugary drink.
8. Do you have lots of leftover treats after the party that you hosted?  Give them away!  Find a family that has teenage boys with high metabolisms and bless them.  You don’t need all the indulgent food staring at you from the countertops every time you walk in the kitchen.
9. Keep your family traditions but seek healthier alternatives that are delicious.  For example, try something different with your traditional family lasagne.  Use whole wheat noodles, add spinach or sub some of the noodles with thin slices of zucchini or eggplant.
10. The words that you tell yourself are powerful!  If you happen to completely overindulge one night, do not give yourself a guilt trip and convince yourself that you are a failure.  Just get up the next morning, have a great breakfast and don’t look back!!  My favorite reset breakfast is scrambled eggs with non starchy veggies, hold the high carb bagels/breads.  Or I have a big bowl of cooked old fashioned rolled oats, no sugar, with berries or diced apples.

*Bonus tip- complements of my husband.  Don’t watch every football game that is playing.  It’s way too much sitting.  Also, you tend to mindlessly snack while you are sitting which can be a double whammy.

I hope these tips help you to be proactive this holiday season.  I am glad I had a chance to write this and remind myself of these strategies as the holiday season can be challenging for me as well.

If you try any of these tips, let me know how they worked for you.  Looking forward to hearing about your progress between now and January.

Kingdom Minded Obedience

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator 

My husband and I had the honor of traveling to China with Light of the World Ballet this past Spring.  One of the most memorable people I got to know was a Christian mom who has chosen to home school her two girls.  In a Communist country, choosing to educate at home is not only a huge, bold commitment, it is illegal.  She and her husband are doing what seems  impossible-  educating and training up their children, age 8 and 6, with a Biblical worldview.  I was struck by her resolve to continue this path, despite the major obstacles.  They cannot venture out of their home during the school day for fear of being caught, they do not have access to proper curriculum or teaching support, and they lack finances.  Yet they persevere, despite the risks.

The book of Exodus relates an account of a mother defying the odds for her child’s sake. Moses had a determined mother similar to this Chinese mother.  Her people, the Israelites, were living in slavery.  Things became even worse when Pharaoh ordered the murder of  all Israelite babies.  In this oppressive environment, she also chose to risk everything to do the right thing.  She put her baby in a basket and placed him in a river in order to save his life.  What was going through her mind?  Was she thinking about how such an act, if caught, could have cost her her life?  Even though she must have been very scared, she was willing to defy in order do what was right, valuing the long term benefits above short term “safety”.

There has been, and will continue to be, very difficult challenges and situations that require much discernment and calling on the name of the Lord for guidance.  It doesn’t matter the time in history, or where people live.  Do we “give in” to the culture and the pressure surrounding us because it seems like the “easier and safer” thing to do?  Or are we willing to sacrifice and take major risks when confronted with situations that we know are not in alignment with the Bible?

Look at the results of Moses’ mom’s decision to risk both their lives in order to the right thing.  God’s favor was over Moses.  He did not drown.  When Pharaoh’s daughter saw him, she was moved to compassion and rescued him.  His mother was asked to nurse him (with monetary payment) and as a result she did not completely lose contact with him. Over his lifetime Moses was the key figure that God used to deliver the Israelites into the promised land.  Because of one mom’s dedication and drive, the course of history was changed.

Does this Chinese mom know the long term results of her devotion to God through her actions?  Probably not, just as Moses’ mom had no clue what he would someday accomplish.

This devoted Chinese mom is walking forward in faith, knowing that if she is being obedient to God’s calling on her life, He will be faithful.  Maybe her children are being prepared to play a key role in delivering their people.  

I am sharing this story with you in hopes that we, as the body of Christ, can lift this precious family up to God and pray His favor over their lives.  Specifically, that God would be their provider and protector.  

 Beyond that, these two moms can be an inspiration and reminder for us to be long term visionaries and stand firm for our childrens’ sakes.  We live in a crooked generation, but there is hope.  Our children can also stand up against oppression and lead our country out of oppression.  They could very well be the catalyst to change the course of America’s history.  I encourage you to take the pressure from God in your actions and decisions, not from the world.  The health of childrens’ generation hinges on our willingness to obey God above all else, no matter the risk.  

A song that truly speaks this message of God delivering us from whatever bondage we face is “No Longer Slaves.”  I have included the link in order for you to be encouraged and strengthened.

https://youtu.be/f8TkUMJtK5k

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship.  And by Him we cry Abba, Father.”  Romans 8:15