Tea and Oxen

Up at 6:00 a.m., attempting to jump in the shower before the little ones open their eyes.  You wonder if they can hear when you open your eyes, because so often they begin their fussing as soon as you peek at the new day.  So often your day begins before you are spiritually, mentally, or physically prepared.  Once again you feel slightly out of control and a little cheated of that hope for the morning peace, maybe even that short devotional time.  Once again you’re moving at the speed of light, similar to running in front of a fast moving train! If you don’t get them breakfast fast enough, you have fits and tears until the food hits their tongues.  The laundry sits in piles in the hallway, and you can’t seem to get near enough to it to deposit it into the washer because of diaper changes, storybook time and the play dough set-up squeezing out all the tasks that are so vital to keeping your world turning.  You feel discouraged, depressed and defeated!  Has it ever crossed your mind that if only you didn’t have these little ones demanding so many of your designated daily minutes, that your house would feel warm, fresh and inviting?  You’re table would be ready to receive your friends for a slightly sweet cup of tea and the smell of freshly baked coffeecake would sift through the air and fill your home with the invitation for fellowship?  Hmmm….

Have you ever heard or actually stopped to think about Proverbs 14:4?  I love this verse.  As is often true of God’s Word, it has the ability to set my mind straight, comfort me, encourage me and give me the determination to push on for the prize!

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,

but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

Proverbs 14:4

As we long for that “manger” that is in order and the sweet fellowship around our dining room table, truly what is valuable is the precious task that God has ordained for our lives, to bring up our little “oxen” in the admonition of the Lord.  We have to keep our eyes on what’s to come, not on this present day.  Our manger could be empty and would be peaceful, but what could that do for the Kingdom of God that would be as much a privilege for us as having those little lives trained up to become the next generation’s Christian workers, bringing in the harvest for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom?

Mom, be encouraged!  The hand that rocks the cradle, truly rules the world.  Say “yes” to God and allow Him to use you to impact the lives in your home!  Only then will they make the difference for those who will grow up in homes and schools with no God.  Work to bring your children to the place that their knowledge of the love of Christ will spill out as an offering to the future adults in America, that they may know the living God, and the life of transforming grace. Teach your children to Love God with all their heart, soul and mind, and love their neighbor as themselves (Matt. 22: 37-39) and watch the fruit that will be gathered as a result!

You missed your morning devotions?  After breakfast, sit down with your little ones and share a morning devotional with them.  I have sometimes been more effected by the children’s devotionals than some of my favorites.  Purchase small little baskets, so when it’s time to do the laundry, your little one is by your side helping with his own little basket of laundry.  Allow him to empty the dishwasher (of course previously removing sharp knives or easily breakable items first :0)).  That’s when you have the opportunity to pour into his heart with your words of wisdom, instead of promoting the worldly wisdom of some foolish stranger on television.  If you involve them in the duties of the day, instead of being a distraction, they become a part of the family team.  They will feel so productive, as if they are part of the solution instead of the problem.  Kids love to be an important part of the family!!  They won’t be getting into trouble, just to get your attention.  It will take a little more time and patience for you to get the duties of your day completed, but it beats not doing them at all.  And in the long run, your little ox is growing into the strong ox that will till the fields and gather the fruit for Heaven.  Your investment, your joy, your treasures! It’s so much better than a cup of tea!

Sharon Cannavo

Cornerstone in Zimbabwe???

It’s a NEW update from our sweet missionary, Regina!! How exciting! At this rate, there may be a Cornerstone Community School in Zimbabwe soon! Wow!! So Cool!

Hi Sharon!
So sorry that it’s been so long since I’ve emailed! It has been so crazy busy, and everytime I have had free time there have either been power cuts or the internet has been down. I love having internet on my phone, but its not easy to send real emails from that!
I hope things are going well with your family and with Cornerstone! It sounds like (from Facebook) that things are going well!
Our Training Hearts For Jesus class in Highfields is going so well! I just love it… I look so forward to Monday and Friday! The parents are so into the class, they love what they are learning and are actually putting what they are learning in to practice, it is so encouraging! I feel so good about what is happening, and with our next class we are going to implement parent support groups, and I am going to have some of our fabulous students facilitating the conversations. Because our classes now are mostly “lecture” style (because of the language barriers)it will be good to increase the amount of time that the parents can share their experiences and questions. For the first few classes (the whole 14 week sessions) I will be with them in case there are things that come up that they need help with, but I am so confident that they will be able to handle it!
LEAD, the school that we offer the classes at right now just has a preschool and a Bible college, but they are hoping to open a grade 1 in January (grade 2 and 3 if they can get funding) and then each year after that, they will add a grade. They want to have Training Hearts classes running throughout the year and they will require the parents to come to the class! The pastor and director have been so impressed with the changes they have seen in the families!
One of the mothers in the class, has a child in the preschool and another child in grade 3. Her child in grade 3 was really misbehaving. She was really at her wits end and her marriage was really falling apart. She has thrown herself into the class AND since then, church. Her older son is now one of the most excited and helpful kids in Sunday School. I love watching what is happening in their family. The mother has been elected Secretary of the women’s ministry and has signed up at the college for computer classes. She is so full of joy! She is so thankful for Training Hearts, it makes my heart so happy!
Please keep the babies on your prayer list. We have had a difficult meeting regarding social welfare this week and I really need your prayer regarding God’s direction through the government beaurocracy. There is a new baby that was abandoned last Thursday. She was found on the edge of a river in the biggest high density in Harare. She is so beautiful. They have named her Natalie, she was born probably last Wednesday or Thursday. Please keep all of them in your prayers: Evans, Peterson, Kelsey, Panashe, Mary and Tinotenda. They are all such precious gifts from God.
I really want to find a way to have your parents praying for our parents. I need to be able to send you a picture. Its such a bummer, my camera completely broke- we can’t get anyone to fix it- the repair people think that it’s the gears, so when ROCK sends a team in October I am going to send it back with them to get it fixed, and most of the time my internet is SOOOO slow that it’s hard to upload from my camera, but I will try to make it a point to try this weekend when I have more time to spend on the internet!
Please send prayer requests from your class as well… our students here have been requesting them!!

I love you and am so grateful for the opportunity to teach this curriculum here!

Sarah’s Testimony

I receive emails from Dads and Moms that have taken or are currently enrolled in the Training Hearts for Jesus biblical parenting class.  It is such an encouragement to read how the lives of these families are being transformed with the application of God’s Word through this class.  Here’s a peek at one of the emails I received recently.  I hope you are as encouraged as I was :0).

Sarah's Group

Hi Sharon,

I wrote a little story about my day today on my blog and linked it to the Training Hearts for Jesus website. I hope that’s alright with you. If you’d like to read it you’re more than welcome to. www.fitzlife.com

Also, just a little testimony here… A few months ago Ben spent the night at his cousin’s house and it was not the best evening for my sister-in-law. It wasn’t awful, but it was a lot of work. Last week Ben was invited to go to Legoland for his cousin’s birthday. I was a little nervous because I wouldn’t be there to help (read: micro manage) Ben’s behavior and the last thing I wanted was for him to be a burden for my brother and sis-in-law during Gavin’s special day. Mark and I have really been working on training Ben’s heart in certain areas (think first-born traits) so it was with a lot of prayer and conversations with Ben that I sent him off on this really fun day. I talked at length with Carrie (sis-in-law) after they got home and these words about brought tears to my eyes; she said, “Ben was a joy, really, a delight. He was completely different from the boy who spent the night a few months ago. He was compliant and agreeable, even when he didn’t get his way. When Gavin chose to do an activity Ben went along with it without complaining or trying to be the boss.” Praise the Lord! God is so good, and so faithful. I just wanted to share that with you so you and Mario can be encouraged that your time serving through THFJ is not in vain and He is absolutely using your wisdom to build His kingdom.

Blessings to you…

Sarah

P.S. This is by no means saying our work is done… I think we will be training hearts in our house, unless Jesus returns, for at least 18 more years. 🙂

Training Hearts is Touching Little Hearts

The babies that Regina speaks of in this following email are healed and healthy, thanks to many of your prayers.  I thought you would enjoy hearing how Training Hearts played a part in the divine intervention for the welfare of these little ones.  In the mean time, Regina and I, and so many others, are still praying that these babies will receive a permanent home with a mommy and daddy who will love them.  Please read on:

Email Update:

Ok Sharon, this is the story of how I met these special babies!! You are going to love this one!

One of the ladies in out Training Hearts class came to our one on one sessio very distraught.  Her 18 year old daughter was pregnant and miscarrying.  This family was on the verge of being evicted from their home because neither this woman nor her husband are working (remember zim has a 90% unemployment rate) and couldn’t afford medical care for her daughter who claimed to be  2-3 months pregnant and miscarrying.  We helped with the medical needs of the daughter (dr visit and medicines) and a couple of weeks later this mother called me and asked if I would come to Harare Hospital with her after class because her daughter Florence had given birth to a premature baby, she had actually been 7 months pregnant and the baby weighed 1.1kg!!

I went with her to the hospital and while I was awaiting permission to go into the room with the incubators I made friends with the nurses.

I asked about the babies across the hall and she told me they were dumped babies and took me in to see them. There were 5 gorgeous babies at that time! The youngest was a 3 days old (left for adoption he was the product of incest and rape) the oldest is Evans. He 10 months old and had never been outside the hospital since the day he was born and dumped on the side of the road.  He still sleeps in The plastic tray that newborns are brought to their mothers in, except he’s getting so big that now he likes to lounge with his legs over the sides!

Each of them had a heartbreaking story that so speaks to the desperation and lack of hope in this nation. I loved them all instantly, but all four of us that were there that day (myself, Nyasha and 2 pastors) agreed that little Kelsey (2 months old, HIV +) was the most beautiful thing we had ever seen. She is so special.  She was found dumped in a maize field and brought to the hospital by social welfare.  She is always happy and smiling and just brings joy to everyone.  She is very light skinned and because she was found in a neighborhood that is known for being “colored” (what mixed raced people are called in zim) they assume that she is probably colored as well.

I came daily to pray with Florence and her premature baby boy (she named him Nyasha and they are doing so well health wise) and would stop in to hold the babies in that room as the nurses from NICU are so busy.

All of the babies are amazing and I have grown to love all of them.  They all light up now when they are held (before it was not that way) and they love to be loved on.

Last weekend the 2 big boys (Evans 10 months and Edward 6 months) had been retested for HIV because they both tested positive at birth and 6 months. This 3rd test cameback negative for both of them! We all celbrated last Sunday when the nurses read the results. But, even as we were celebrating we noticed the babies weren’t feeling well. Edward had a fever of 40 and Evans had a temp of 39. The doctor came to see them and started them on antibiotics. 4 days after having his HIV status changed to negative Edward went home to be with Jesus. He was so very lovely. He laughed all the time and was so proud of himself when we would hold him up in a sitting position, these babies are so developmentally delayed because they lay flat on their backs all day.  I was so shocked and devastated by the news, because he literally died from lack of medical treatment, and yet he has lives his entire life in a hospital.

Evans was still presenting similar symptoms and Kelsey began to as well. Thursday when Edward died I finally threw a temper tantrum with social welfare and demanded that the babies receive medical treamtment or allow us to take them somewhere so that they could be properly treated.  I have kind of filled you in on the rest of the battles with the healthcare.

I just love the way God works. Most people dont realize That there are so many abandoned babies. I am just so grateful that because of training hearts we have met these babies and can stand in the gap for them and fight for them!!!  God is so good. I have several familieswho are interested in adopting and are going to come and visit!! A family who wants to adopt Kelsey was supposed to come see her on Sunday, but we have to postpone until she’s feeling better. Please continue to pray for her and all the babies. We meet more and more of them each day.

Love, Regina Jones, Rock of Africa

Training Hearts for Zimbabwe!

Gigi in Zimbabwe

Regina Jones is one of the most incredible missionaries I have ever met.  She is young, single and gave up everything to serve the Lord in His call for her to reach the people of Zimbabwe, Africa for Christ.  Knowing that the knowledge of Christ must continue through a life of learning God’s Word and sanctification, Regina began looking for a biblically driven parenting curriculum that would bring the necessary discipleship into the homes of these hurting families.  That’s when she contacted us at Training Hearts for Jesus.  Here are two very exciting email updates that will give you a glimpse into the impact that Training Hearts for Jesus, as orchestrated by Regina, is having on these precious families in Zimbabwe.  Before you read, I want you to know that you can help provide Regina with the necessary curriculum.  If you will consider doing this, please email me at ContactUs@traininghearts.org.

Email 1:

Email 2:

Families of Zimbabwe

Plans and Hopes

I once heard a man verbalize his impatience with those who quote Jeremiah 29:11.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,

He declared it was not a quote for us today, but was directed specifically at the Jewish exiles in Babylon, who had been exiled due to their rebellion against the Lord. These Jews, who at the time were being encouraged to accept their consequence, settle in, stop listening to the lies and promises of the false prophets, plant gardens, marry and increase, and basically  bloom where they were planted.  Was all that true?  Yes.  But, is that the end of the history lesson? Absolutely not!

I said nothing at the time because I wanted to think it through and figure out why his declaration so saddened my heart.  I felt he was a representative of many believers who tend to forget what the point of God’s Word is all about.  There can almost be a sense of egotism, belittling others who rely on the hope that comes from verses like this.  These scoffers become overly scholastic about the scriptures, forgetting the very reason God taught holy men to write the Bible.  Please, don’t misunderstand me.  I am all for studying the Word of God, and being a good berean, correctly dividing His Word through proper interpretation, but that should be on the heels of remembering that God’s purpose for us is to know Him.  The only revelation of God’s character that we have is His Holy Word.  The Bible is filled with history from the creation of the World into the 90’s.  Why doesn’t the Bible go beyond that?  Because God was satisfied with the Scripture’s revelation of who He is and His plan for salvation at that point.  Everything that God wants us to know about Him is found in the 66 books of the Bible.  From that point on, the degree of intimacy we have with the person of God will depend on the intimacy we have with His Auto-(written by God, the Holy Spirit)-biography.  Do we spend time with God, through His Word on a daily basis?  If not, how can we possibly know Him or the plans He has for us?

Interestingly enough, I have often gained encouragement through Jeremiah 29:11, not because I think God is going to do in my life exactly what he declares to the exiles in this passage, but because I take a huge amount of hope in the revelation of His compassion and love that he pours out on these very disobedient children.  As I have spent hours walking through the Old Testament, I have been both frustrated by those “stiff necked” people of God, and at the same time, humbly convicted in the knowledge that without the power of His Holy Spirit in my life, I would have done no better.

As a mom I have desired the very best for my children.  I have done everything I can to raise them up according to the admonition of the Lord and I have failed at so many points.  No matter how hard I try, I can’t do it perfectly.  That is where knowing the precious, loving, compassionate character of my God and Savior, through His History Book becomes so impacting!  I do believe that God knows the plans He has for me and for my family.  I do believe He has specific plans for my children, and in my frailty I cannot thwart His plans.  He is God!  In God’s gentleness and love, I do believe His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us.  Does that mean there will be no trials, no illness, no poverty in our lives?  Absolutely not!  Hardships will be a part of His good plan (I know that because I read that as a pattern in His Word), but I have the opportunity to accept that as His good plan and to trust the outcome in the hands of my loving and compassionate God.  Even David, when conscience stricken regarding sin, repenting and asking for relief from his guilt, was given three options for consequence:

So Gad went to David and said to him, “Shall there come upon you three years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should answer the one who sent me.” (2 Sam. 24:13)

and in response:

David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.”(2 Sam. 24:14)

“His mercy is great”!  Will God prosper us? Yes, spiritually.  And He will keep us safe eternally.  That is where my confident hope lies as He has provided us with the firm truth of Salvation through the blood of His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, who is our propitiation.  One cannot have this promise of hope for the future and the avoidance of harm if that one has not submitted her life under the authority of King Jesus.  My children will have to go through their trials in life.  As they make their decisions to be submitted Christians, they will spend the rest of their lives being refined in the fires that are their sanctification.  I would worry for them more if they did not go through the hardships, for God chastens those He loves.  His character, as seen in His Word, is that of the perfect Father.  One who knows the plans He has for us.  Plans to prosper them/us and not to harm them/us.  Plans to give us a hope and a future.  The question is not whether this scripture is for us today… but whether we trust Him with the Truth of His Words to us.  I am so grateful that my children sit in His hands, and not my own.  As their mom, I will be committed to continue to direct them to the relationship that saves, as found between the covers of the Bible, that they may glorify God their Father, and enjoy Him forever!

Sharon Cannavo

Backwards Obedience

John 14:15  If you love me you will keep my commandments.

Many times this verse is read and understood in reverse.  We are so conditioned in this world to think that we must do in order to get. So, we read this verse like this:

If you keep my commandments, then I will know that you love Me.

In reality, we cannot possibly do enough of anything to give anything to God.  That was the whole point of Him sending His precious Son to the earth to die for our sins.  If we could do (in this case, work) in order to get (in this case, salvation), then Christ’s death was in vain and we have no need for a Savior.  Of course, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we desperately know we need Him to be our Savior!  Therefore, it is our complete reliance on our Savior, and our humble acceptance of Jesus that prompts us to respond in joyful gratitude and good works for the redemption, forgiveness, and salvation that is freely given to us through Christ’s work on the cross.

So, while it is important to teach our children obedience to the Lord and to daddy and mommy, it is imperative that we are not confused.  We do not want to inadvertently mislead our children into the misconception that their relationship with Christ can be earned through works.  When we are training the hearts of our children to be obedient to Jesus, we must be very careful not to imply or send the message to our children that their obedience or good works is what they do to prove to themselves and those around them that they love Jesus.  Amazingly, this could promote pride…the very sin that could harden their hearts and keep them from a relationship with God.  Instead, we must help them understand that when they do something good or make an obedient choice, it came as a result of the fruit of the love of Christ in them, as we are not able to do good in and of ourselves.  We want them to be God-reliant, not self-reliant.

Phil 2:13  For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.

This gives us cause to rejoice with our children when they do good, thanking God for His perfect grace and love in us.  His goodness in us becomes our blessing both for ourselves and for those around us.  When we see our children obey and do good, let’s help them to give glory to God!  Let’s be happy for them as they learn that goodness is a reflection of the love of Christ.  Sometimes….once in a while….it is even fun to celebrate obedience and goodness with an ice cream.  Cherish the simple times and moments of celebrating God’s love with your children and watch how they fall in love with Jesus!

John 14:12  Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do.

Sharon Cannavo

Let’s Chat!

Being a parent can certainly bring some challenges, but it is also such a joy!  I invite you to join me on this blog and let’s chat about both the joys and the challenges.  Let’s discover what God’s Word says about our parenting and be encouraged and edified as we journey through our years of parenting.  I hope you will be further inspired to glorify God in your parenting, as we train hearts for Jesus!  ~Sharon Cannavo