The book that I have chosen for this week is not a new one for me.  It was like revisiting an old friend.  It is probably one of my very favorite books ever.  It is a wonderful story, a wealth of information, an inspiring example, and a valued reference that I open again and again.  The book I speak of is The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot.

Elisabeth Elliot is a gifted write and speaker.  She is a former missionary (11 years in Ecuador) and teacher.  She has authored over 20 books and has a radio program: Gateway to Joy.  This is one of her more recent books, published in 1992.

Beginning with the birth of her parents in the late 1800's, the book chronicles their relationship and the shaping of their home.  Elliot talks of the example set for her and her siblings (there were 6 of them), the order and structure that were such an important part of their home, and the devotion of her parents to God and family.  It is packed full of wisdom that can be applied to the shaping of any Christian home.  Some of the book is taken directly from Katherine Howard's journal (Elliot's mother) and some is taken from the editorials written by her father, Philip Howard.  Most is memories and recollections of Elisabeth Elliot and her siblings.

I would like to share with you a few of my favorite passages.  I think you will soon understand why I find this book so valuable.

I offer this story of one man's family.  Some may want to take it as a prescription for theirs, but I do not offer it as such.  It is meant primarily to be a description of how one Christian couple went about ordering their own home.  The Howards sought to apply Godly principles from the Bible, and those principles are worth reviewing often, though their application may differ in other homes.  Our parents prayed every day for God's help.  They made mistakes, and they asked His forgiveness and, on occasion, ours too . . .  their prayers followed me (surely they follow me still), and only Eternity will show how great is the debt I owe them. (preface)

In teaching young children, it is well to remember the words in Isaiah 28:10, "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little."  It is thus our patient God has dealt with us; and so we must deal with our little ones, repeating often the Word of God so that is will be hidden in their hearts so they will "not sin against God."  (page 5 of the introduction)

"Ordinary work, which is what most of us do most of the time, is ordained by God every bit as much as is the extraordinary.  All work done for God is spiritual work and therefore not merely a duty but a holy privilege. (Chapter 25, page 157)

"Called to be a mother, entrusted with the holy task of cooperating with God in shaping the destinies of six people, she knew it was too heavy a burden to carry alone.  She did not try.  She went to Him whose name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father.  She asked His help." (Chapter 27, page 173)

This book is a story - a true story - about a remarkable family and their home.  It reads like a story, but the wisdom that is woven into every page will have you returning over and over as you seek to shape your own Christian family.  The standards set in this book will challenge and guide you in home management, budgeting, prayer, Bible reading, parenting, sacrifice, and devotion.  I highly recommend The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot.