TUESDAY



Above: The party never ends. We went into town on Tuesday for a combined birthday party with the Driskell's daughter, Ellie. The Driskells also serve with PI and are in intensive language study in their first year in Hungary. We distinguish between our two daughters by Ellie (Ellie belly), and their Ellie (Ellie bean). Kira got to relive her second birthday that was just days ago, with Ellie 'bean' as she celebrated her third.



Above: One toy to rule them all.



Above: Ellie's handy work with the camera in the backseat while we drove home from the party in Budapest.



Above: Ellie and Kira playing dressup in Ben's room.

THURSDAY



Above: Those that came to our Thursday night Marriage focus Bible Study. Tonight, Szabolcs (second from left kneeling) was our guest teacher. Szabolcs taught about how the Bible guided him in the responsibility and blessing of raising his three children. The first foundational verse that he brought our attention to was found in Deut 6:6-9

“These words I am commanding you today must be kept in mind,  and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.  You should tie them as a reminder on your forearm and fasten them as symbols on your forehead.  Inscribe them on the doorframes of your houses and gates.”

Szabolcs encouraged us to see the importance of teaching through the normal course of the day. We can use every opportunity, whether while walking a dog with our child or putting our child down for bed as an opportunity to bless them with the teaching in God's word.

Szabolcs also talked about discipline. We talked about how the majority in this culture have failed to see and failed to practice Biblical discipline. In many cases, it is sinfully practiced out of anger and selfishness instead of love. We looked at Hebrews 12:5-8...

"My son, do not scorn the Lord's discipline or give up when he corrects you.  "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts."  Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?  But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons."

Here we see that discipline is necessary and when done properly is founded in love. According to God's word, when there is no discipline, the father is communicating that the son is illegitimate. Szabolcs taught about the importance of disciplining with a controlled spirit, not out of anger but with a loving heart to teach them for their benefit. He gave practical examples of how to communicate while disciplining, and also challenged us to pray with our children afterwards. From my own personal experience and from his as well, children understand the seriousness of sin and the fullness of our love and acceptance for them through proper discipline.



Above: Teenager Niki (Gabi K.'s sister) watched the multitude of children tonight while we had our study. She did an excellent job keeping the fires from getting out of control and helped the kids have a good time together.



Above: Teenager Gabi K, getting his due after making fun of us for being in the 'retired club'. I was very thankful for Gabi being able to attend tonight's study as God prepares him for living out a Christ-like life.

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