Browsing Tag

Rebekah Colley

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

Exciting New Additions to the HOPE Set for Kids!

Posted on November 24, 2023

The HOPE series just got better and just in time for holiday gift-giving! Moms and grandmas are telling me that the HOPE series for Family Bible time (and for Bible classes for kids) is accomplishing what it was meant to do. Kids are learning facts about Bible characters faster than parents thought possible and they are acquiring application skills that will help them to grow into faithful Christians. That’s THE goal for all Christian parents. The full name of this tangible and foundational gift for kids is “That We May Have Hope.” In that name is the purpose of the set. This HOPE series is born of Family Bible time at the Colley house. It’s already been tried at their house and it’s put an awful lot of Scripture in Maggie and Ellis.

Now, the application part of these character studies just got even better. Rebekah Colley has developed the “Virtues and Vices Pack,” a card set that teaches virtues and vices that are associated with each of the 52 characters in the yearlong study. They are beautiful, but most importantly they are conversation starters that launch your family Bible time into teachable minutes of the day, helping your kids to make early decisions about spirituality, faith, ethics and character. Using the Bible characters of the HOPE series, these colorful and durable card sets can be used for additional memorization, spiritual discussions, or even to launch a unit study on topics like honesty, humility, selfishness or greed. Here’s a couple  of sample cards:

In addition, Rebekah has also made the ever-popular classic matching game from the characters your kids are studying. Your object may be to simply take turns trying to find the matching pairs of cards. But I’d suggest having your child answer a question about the character he’s matched prior to putting the matched cards in his pile. You might even want your children to name four facts about the character before taking the matched set from the playing surface. Here’s the matching game:

 

Do you know a family who needs the Family Bible Time jump-start that the HOPE series can give? My grandchildren have circled lots of items in the Amazon catalog already this year, but there is nothing they can receive this year from Amazon that could bless their lives even a fraction as much as this soul-shaping tool. My grandchildren (the ones who don’t already have it) are getting the HOPE set for Christmas this year. They thrive on competition and I can think of a whole bunch of ways they can “win” using these tools for Family game time.

So now there are five—Five HOPE tools: There’s (1) a family study guide, (2) a set of “flash” cards that elicit memorization of four facts about each character, (3) a timeline that places the characters in their historical perspectives, (4) a set of virtues and vices cards, and (5) a matching game using the characters from the HOPE series.

Each item is priced separately here: www.thecolleyhouse.org/store, but for the holidays, we’re bundling the set for a limited-time price of $60.00. This is not the only way, of course, to put the Word in little hearts. But, it’s one grandmother-approved way! Be watching for the annual Colley House Holiday Contest, too, and you can win the entire set for the little people you love!

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

THIS!…New book in Rebekah Colley’s series: TRACING HIM

Posted on August 10, 2018

Tracing Him, the second book in Rebekah Colley’s series for teen girls, has arrived and is ready for distribution for His glory. Those of you who have already seen the growth of girls who studied Finding Him last year, will not be disappointed by this second book in the series, designed to give girls, not merely a glimpse of what holiness looks like in young lives, but why we should desire a relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This one gives girls a picture of God working through all of history to give them the anchor of hope that they so desperately need in a society gone awry in subjectivism and outright rebellion against authority. 

Tracing Him walks readers through history—His story—beginning with Genesis 1:1 and picking up redemption’s thread in the history of His people through which came the Messiah. It proceeds, then, into the best part of the story, His incarnation and its profound effect on the world since that time when God walked among men in human form. In a powerful way, then, Rebekah traces God’s power in lives through the Christian age, to our present day and gives young readers great hope for living forever with their heavenly Father. This is what you want for your teen girls in a world in which the devil is stripping teens of purpose and contentment.  By the time the girls get to this part, having read, reacted and reflected, as Rebekah leads them to think systematically, yet with emotion, about God, I believe they will want to study His word for themselves. In short, I believe Tracing Him is a needed catalyst for the  desire for study. Somewhere, along the line, my generation largely lost the fervor to know God’s Word. Rebekah is intent on putting that desire in young girls who read this volume.  No matter what your girls intend to do in future years, this basic knowledge of God’s work for their souls, in all eras of time, will be foundational to faithfulness. It will bless your grandchildren! Best of all, the profound truths in Tracing Him are just what God intended: simple enough to understand, and yet, profound enough to save their  souls. That’s what every mom is looking for in a book for teen girls!

I am so thankful for faith tools for our girls today. This is one I can recommend without reservation. It’s best for groups, but, if you don’t have a group, don’t miss out on the personal growth that’s in this volume. 

This book will be available at PTP and it will appear on the website next Tuesday afternoon. It will be available in a Digging Deep bundle or for purchasing separately. 

I’m praying for daughters around the throne as a result of this book. 

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

For Maggie

Posted on August 3, 2018

Written a couple of years ago, to Caleb, when we first knew who would be the wise and godly mother of our Colley grandchildren, I run this again today in honor of Maggie, who is healthy and strong (and stubborn!). Come on, Maggie. I love you and can’t wait to put a kiss on your sweet face, fresh from God. He is still writing this story.

The Answer

God is so good to your parents tonight

He’s  answered the details of prayer.

It wasn’t our wisdom, but Providence

Not our work, but His steady care.

 

He gave you the songs you’ve been singing

He gave you the voice that you raise

He gave you the music that’s deep in your soul

And the skill to lead Christians in praise.

.

You’ve excelled in conviction and conscience.

You’re courageous, yet kind and forbearing.

Confident in truth, introspective,

Consistent, hard-working, and caring.

 

He’s answered our prayer for His daughter, too.

More completely than parents could plead.

Immeasurably more than we ask or think.

She’s everything He knows you need.

 

So we thank our Father each night for her;

For the path that brought her to your life.

For her honor, her humor, her love for our Lord

And that she said, “yes”…she’d be your wife.

 

So you both can go ahead and start praying now

For the sons who will fill up your lives.

For their safety in coming, their bruises and scrapes

For the ones who will raise up their wives.

 

And, Son, pray for daughters, for you know how to teach

A little boy to be the best kind of brother.

She’ll be holy and His and so pretty, to boot…

She’ll grow up to be just like her mother.

 

When the years and the tasks loomed so large, Son,

We prayed for this hour in your life.

We prayed that your heart and your hands would be strong

When they first held the heart of your wife.

 

And all through the years, Son, you’ve taught us.

But the greatest thing you helped us see

Was the extreme sacrifice of the Father

To give His one Son on a tree.

 

We know that He brought you together

That the Father is writing your story.

So glad for this moment when you’ll vow to give

Him a lifetime…as one…for His glory.

cc

PS. Your cousins, Ezra, Colleyanna and James are pretty excited, too, Maggie!

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

…And I Thought the Smile Was Just for the Camera

Posted on January 26, 2018

Tonight I get to attend the annual West Huntsville Women’s Retreat. It’s a time that yields closer relationships among sisters and it’s a spiritual focus sharpener. It’s a very temporary get-away that helps us ultimately win the eternal get-away from the sinful world. It makes us know we were meant for heaven and it makes us want to diligently set our affections there. I hope you Huntsville friends are coming!

This year, I’m especially excited that I get to hear Christian speaker/author Rebekah Colley talk about “Knowing God.” I love that she’s so knowledgeable at the very young and energetic age of 22. I love that she focuses on the Word and throws in an illustration here and there, rather than the other way around. I love that she knows Koine Greek, the language of the original New Testament. I love that I got to pick her up at the airport and spend a little time with her. And I love, love, love that she is carrying my grand baby! 

In case you missed the Facebook posts, I’m over-the-moon excited to tell you that  next July 20th is the due date for our first grandchild that will wear the last name “Colley”. If Ezra and Colleyanna have taught this grandmother anything, it’s that there is infinite love in my heart for every grandchild. I cannot wait to meet this baby that’s already very much alive and very active and already has my heart! I am not dealing as well with the eight-or- so hours that separate Huntsville from Jacksonville, Florida, where this baby has taken up residence, but I’m saving every frequent flyer mile from this Samoa trip to try and keep me… and them, frequent Florida/Alabama travelers in the future.

It was very sweet of my Rebekah to give me a family photo shoot for Christmas. I was busy, but I knew it would be worth it to pick out those clothes in the right color scheme and assemble down at the cabin. I knew I’d love the 16 x 20 canvas that Rebekah was having made for me of my favorite photo from the session. The photographer came over to shoot the photos. We posed and posed on that porch and then we rearranged and posed some more. We moved to other spots. We bribed Ezra and Colleyanna to be patient and keep smiling.  We held them for some of the shots and then put them down for others. Ezra even managed to get on Ben’s shoulders for a few of the shots. We moved back to the porch again. Then, as the camera  was just clicking away, Caleb just casually (and out of the blue) said “We’re having a baby.” 

I know you’re thinking that they were very clever to have that camera clicking as they spilled those beans. And you’re right. So today, in case you missed it, I’m sharing just a fraction of the photos. It’s really not for you, though. It’s so I’ll have this moment—the most unexpected, fun surprise of my year–on this blog which has evolved into the chronicling of my ordinary, but blessed life. 

Thank you for catching this on film, Caleb and Rebekah. I’m so glad this loved child will call two of the most godly people I know “Mama” and “Daddy.” (And I can’t wait to hear him say “Mammy”! ) I’m glad for your strong desire to transfer faith into her. I’m blessed above teeming billions of people on the planet because all of my children are seeking Him and are determined to pass down a legacy of righteousness; never self-righteousness, but holiness because of Calvary. It’s not what I deserve, but it surely is what I desire: a little tribe of Colley and Giselbach children who love books and who love THE Book most of all, little boys who love super-heroes, but who supremely love THE Hero who conquered death that we might have life. I long for little imaginations that conjure up castles and queens, knights in armor and tiny animated other-worlds. But I want them to firmly plant their dreams in THE other world where THE King is preparing a forever-after for them. Did I ever mention that MY fondest dream is being around the throne with them? I’m so thankful for my portrait, Rebekah Colley.  I’m most thankful that you and Caleb share the big dream!

Here are a few of the bajillion  photos. You can definitely find the exciting revelation moment. (It’s fun to watch Ezra disappear into a hug, too…and then watch the progression of Hannah’s hands. OK…maybe not as much fun for you as for me!) 

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

“Finding Him”…One More Thing

Posted on September 14, 2017

One more thing about Rebekah Colley’s new book “Finding Him”. It’s truly great preparation for baptism for your 11-13 year olds. I’m not presumptuous enough to assume that you do not know when your girls are mature enough for that step that takes them from the world and into the kingdom of Christ. But, as someone who lived through that precarious time in my kids’ lives, I know we are thankful for every tool that helps us and, most of all, helps our children to know when obedience to the gospel is truly obedience, rather than the fulfillment of a parental expectation, a conformity to a group of peers or an emotional response that’s largely void of understanding.

This book is about the foundational appreciation for the sacrifice of our God and the building of a real relationship with Him that is the construct of true devotion that lasts a lifetime. It’s not too lofty for your 11-year-old, though.

Maybe best of all is the availability of a chatroom where girls can discuss any questions and concerns with the author. She is studied and, best of all, has the eternal interests of your daughters in her soul. She is unassuming and humble. She just wants girls to know, in her words, “what she wishes she had fully appreciated, at their ages.” Her degree is in Bible, but, more importantly, her heart is in that great Book and in its exposure to as many as will listen in her lifetime. I’m glad she is ours, but even if she wasn’t, I’d recommend this material. It can make a difference for good that the devil just cannot unravel.  I hope she’ll write the sequel soon. I think that’s the plan.

I hope there will be a small legion (at least) of girls who get the whole series in their teen years (as well as “GIFTS” and “Pure on Purpose” and “Seeking Spiritual Beauty” and “Everyday Princess”.) I think their families and congregations in the year 2030 will be stronger and better for it. It’s just a little part of a parental insurance plan for a future that doesn’t end. I know that’s forward thinking, but moms have to be about that!

I’m finding that the market is not saturated with truly good materials for teen girls and even less saturated with those materials for boys, though The Colley House is trying to remedy that.  I’m happy to see new and sound books for those who still have the important decisions, for the most part, in front of them. Let’s help them “find HIM”  before they go about finding that other “him”. 

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

Moms of Teens and Teen Girls: Don’t Miss this Post!

Posted on August 3, 2017

I couldn’t be more excited to tell you about a new site you will want to follow (especially if you are or are mom to a teen girl) and about a brand new book authored by Rebekah Colley. She is the most evangelistic 22-year-old that I personally know and this heart immerses the new work “Finding Him.” She’s already taught the class to the teen girls at Macland Road, in Marietta, Georgia, tweaking it all along to try and make it the most influential tool she can produce. Her heart is for teen girls to serve the Lord—not just because they are in a youth group, have an assignment, or have parents who are urging (although these are all good things)—but because they love God. Her goal is that they might naturally carry the gospel to others because they know and love its Author. 

The book will be released at the end of August and it will be a great study book for classes, homeschool settings or for individual use in any season of any upcoming year. But the very best time to study this book is between the months of September and November of this fall (2017). The reason for this timing is that, during these months, there will be live chat rooms at specified times with the author present for discussion and each month there will be a fun online contest related to the study. 

Our teen girls are living in the face of an enormous and aggressive push by the devil to abandon faith in God. They are further influenced by way too many examples, even in the church, of older women who are lukewarm or passive in their attitudes toward the One who paid the ultimate price that we might have hope. Every ounce of our will and wisdom should be employed as mothers and grandmothers to suit them up to do battle with both of these dragons. This is one of the best tools I’ve seen to do just that. I hope, if your congregation does not do the study, that you will take the time to personally do it with your daughter in your study time together. I know she will be better equipped to retain faith for a lifetime; and the bonus of your doing it with her is that your relationship with each other will naturally be stronger and more spiritually focused. 

Here’s the link to this exciting chapter in your life, your daughter’s life, or your grand-daughter’s life. Wow! That’s what I want to do one day with Colleyanna! Just imagine a study with mother, daughter and grand-daughter coming to better know Him together!

pastedGraphic.png

Finding Him – Sanctify.

Trying to accomplish what God wants you to do—without knowing Him and having a relationship with Him—is like using your phone or computer without charging it. It’s similar to starting on a trip without properly charging your phone, only to realize that when you most need it, it’s just a blank screen…

REBEKAHCOLLEY.COM