A poet from Indiana named James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916) probably coined the phrase, “When I see a bird that walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck.”

This phrase has been used in numerous different situations to define the actions, practices, and appearances of both people and situations.

This week in our study of Beautiful Girlhood and in The Companion Guide to Beautiful Girlhood you and your daughter are examining what it “looks” like to be a Christian. The author, like a scientist making observations in a notebook, has strolled around the Christian’s existence and scrutinized her every feature, and made note of her characteristics and practices.

While it is a general rule, “if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck” the emphasis in this chapter doesn’t rest on the outward actions or appearances, but rather a sweet, intimate, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Dear mother, this chapter is not to be used with the harsh hand of legalism, rather use this chapter as a sweet, gentle instructive moment. Use it to encourage your daughter in her daily behavior and practices to nurture the New Awakening she has found.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Activity: In preparation for this week’s Journal Topic and a useful tool to know Jesus more.

• Get your daughter (and yourself) a notebook or journal to record your quiet times. Remember to do the following things when you are reading and studying God’s word.
• Remember God’s instructions (Proverbs 4:13)
• Do what God commands (John 14: 23-24)
• Tell others of God’s wondrous works, which you have recorded. (Psalm 78:4)
• Question and Record what you want to understand. Make it a point to ask someone who might know. (Ecclesiastes 7:25 and James 1:5)

Memory Verse: Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.

Post and Ponder:

• Mothers, describe your impression of this chapter. Do you agree with what the author has said? Why?
• Describe an encounter you have had with a stranger where you knew (by the actions, speech, and manner) that they, too, were a Believer.