Legally Justified

Consistency in discipline means that children can trust the boundaries we establish. They should not have to wonder, “Will my guide correct me today, or will she let it pass?” When expectations are clear and responses are predictable, the child experiences the environment as secure and just.

But consistency must be accompanied by integrity. It is possible to be consistent yet harsh, or consistent yet mechanical. Christian shepherding calls us to discipline with both truth and grace. We uphold the standard because the child is capable of growth, while remembering that the child is not merely a behavior that needs correcting, but a person who needs guidance.

I also need to examine whether I apply standards fairly. My response should not depend on my mood, how busy I am, how much I like a particular behavior, or which child is involved. Integrity asks me to be impartial and to correct privately and respectfully whenever possible.

In Montessori, discipline is ultimately directed toward self-discipline. The goal is not simply to make the child comply with the adult. We want the child gradually to understand why a boundary exists, recognize the effect of his actions on others, make amends when necessary, and eventually choose what is right without external enforcement.

As a Christian guide, I am also reminded that I cannot shepherd children well if I am unwilling to examine my own heart. I cannot consistently call children to self-control while excusing my own impatience. My manner of correction becomes part of the lesson. When I lose patience, I must be willing to acknowledge it, apologize, and begin again. This does not weaken my authority; it demonstrates integrity.

The question, therefore, is not only, “Did I correct the child?” but:

* Was I faithful to the standard?

* Was I fair and consistent?

* Did I correct the behavior without diminishing the child?

* Did I seek restoration rather than merely compliance?

* Did my response reflect self-control?

* Did I point the child toward responsibility and self-discipline?

* Was my shepherding consistent with the grace and truth I want the children to understand?

In today’s world, many women feel burdened or even trapped when they hear phrases like “women belong at home.” It can sound restrictive, as though our gifts, capacities, and callings are being diminished or erased. For those of us in Christ, however, the Bible gives a deeper and more liberating view: our worth is not measured by marriage, motherhood, or the workforce—but by our union with Christ.

In Scripture, womanhood is rooted first in being an image-bearer of God (Genesis 1:27). Before marriage, motherhood, or any earthly vocation, a woman is a child of the covenant, a daughter of the King, a part of the body of Christ, and a citizen of the heavenly kingdom. She is called to glorify and enjoy God in whatever season or station He ordains.

The home is indeed a sphere of honor, influence, and dominion for women. To say a woman “belongs” at home is not a pronouncement of imprisonment, but a recognition of her fitting place in the story God is writing. Belonging does not erase personhood; it amplifies it. It is about harmony, flourishing, and fruitfulness—where her strength, beauty, wisdom, and nurturing spirit have their fullest, richest expression.

The Proverbs 31 woman is a queen in her domain, exercising wisdom, strength, industry, and care. Titus 2 calls women to be “workers at home” not to belittle them, but to crown them with the stewardship of shaping hearts, homes, and generations for the glory of God. This is not a trivial or lesser calling—it is exalted, eternal work.

However, a woman’s worth is not tied to whether she is married, or whether she is bearing children, or whether she works outside the home. In Christ, she is already a part of the Bride—the Church. Her identity is complete in Him. Whether single or married, with or without children, a woman belongs first and foremost to Christ.

Therefore, we submit our gifts, our longings, and our paths to the sovereign hand of God. Whether He calls a woman to serve primarily in the home, in the church, in the workplace, or in a mix of these, she is to be faithful where He plants her.

To live is Christ, to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

The ultimate calling of every woman (and every man) is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

1.—I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s Will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.

2.—Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

3.—I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.

4.—Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s Will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5.—I ask God in prayer to reveal His Will to me aright.

Dear God,

You know me, Lord. You know everything I need. You know it even before I ask. I am writing this letter to humbly ask you of him:

I ask for a Great-Heart, Lord. Everything John Bunyan has described him, Great-heart acts as a loyal companion and protector to Christiana on her pilgrimage. He fulfills a vital function in Part II, providing physical defense as well as spiritual guidance. Also, he seems to have an uncanny ability to sense Christiana’s needs (his sensitivity is shown by his name). When Christiana stays in the House Beautiful, Great-heart shows up to accompany her farther on her pilgrimage. Great-heart arrives instinctively, as if knowing she is ready to continue the journey. The closeness between Great-heart and Christiana is almost marital. In a symbolic way, he functions as a surrogate husband to Christiana on her journey, standing in for Christian as Christiana’s soul mate and travel companion on the road of life.

As a compassionate protector of weak pilgrims, Great-heart displays a mercy that even Christian himself did not show. When Feeble-mind declines the offer to accompany Christiana’s group, he touchingly explains that he is too weak and dull witted to be among their ranks. But Great-heart shows the compassion that he is named for, and he insists that his obligation as a spiritual guide is to protect and serve those weaker than he. His mercy toward the handicapped pilgrim Ready-to-halt displays a similar generosity. Great-heart’s example of benevolence toward the physically or mentally limited expands the model of Christianity put forth by Christian in Part I. Christian was noble and heroic, but he was focused primarily on himself and his own salvation. Great-heart demonstrates that a hero can focus on others as well.

LTP Non-negotiables–

1. A man.

2. A man with a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ manifested in all areas of his life.

3. One with a family who loves Jesus, one who will make me feel like I am one of their own. One that value walking in this pilgrimage together.

4. One who maturely handles his finances. Not prodigal.

5. One who is ministry/mission minded/dreamer. Not lazy.

Bonus–:P

1. One who knows math, appreciates art, knows how to cook.

2. One who knows how to play a musical instrument and can pleasantly sing.

3. One who is willing to show love through action and words.

4. One who is organized and clean.

5. One who can control his temper.

Addendum. (As of Jan. 29, 2024)

1. He must not be younger or older than me for more than two years.

2. Except when tested by the Spirit. Confirmed by my bio fam, current church fam, and former church fam.