Abraham Family Values

I have been really challenged after reading a friend's blog about their effort to create family value statements for their family to live by. Dave Steinbeck is the Community Life/Teaching Pastor at a church in Eureka, IL. Before that, he was an analyst at State Farm and a co-worker of Susan's. For those of that have visited our second house in Bloomington (the one we just sold), Dave is the master carpenter that created that beatiful deck in our backyard.

Susan and I have had the privilege to spend some time with Dave and Heather (his wife) and their children. I can tell you that we have been blessed and challenged by knowing them, and now I have been challenged again.

In case some of you are link-shy, let me summarize a little of what Dave wrote:

• What are the values that your children will take away from living in your household?
• Are there certain phrases and truths that define your family?
• He pointed out Proverbs 6:20-22, which tells us why this is so important: My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

When Susan returns from her trip, and we get some time to just sit and talk, we will create a list of values that we want Isabelle to live by and know. In the meantime, take a look at Dave's post...maybe you'll be inspired to come up with a list of your own.

This doesn't have to be a list of values that you create just because you have kids - if you are engaged or newly married, this would be a great exercise to go through with each other to really establish your relationship and to define the journey you are starting.