Catching up on Reading

Sometimes a forced rest is good--I've been able to curl up today with a heating pad and read through magazines that have been piling up.

I just finished TEACH magazine's Summer Issue and decided to post a little bit about it here. TEACH is an acronym for To Encourage and Challenge Homemakers, and each time I read an issue I find it does exactly that!

The theme of this issue was PURITY. Yes, it did cover modesty, and as a mom of 4 teenagers (well 3 teens and 1 almost teen) that's a big subject around here. But the magazine goes far beyond that one subject. I especially enjoyed an article by Marilyn Boyer about the key to purity; the internalizing of scripture. "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11. That's really where it begins, isn't it?

I found some much needed help in an article by Cindy Rushton on realistic scheduling, and was really blessed by an article by Lorrie Flem about broken hearts. I found this paragraph moving, almost poetic, and yet challenging too. "Let the wail of an ambulance, police car or firetruck call you to prayer. Let the displays of immodesty on billboards and in stores remind you to pray for protection for those struggling with sin. Let the cry of a child call you to pray for parents around the world. Let the hurts of the world pierce your heart for the needs of others." It's a sad and broken world we live in, and I appreciate Mrs. Flem's challenge to use these triggers that we are confronted with daily as reminders to pray.

TEACH is a practical magazine -- clearly bringing theology and Christian living into the very center of the ordinary lives that most of us lead. Once again To Encourage And Challenge Homemakers has encouraged and challenged me!