1 Know the Facts
2. Believe the Facts
3. Apply the Facts
I would only add one more to that as number 4, OR it could be tied in with number 1 as a precursor to it: Share the Facts.
You should be asking some questions and hoping that I will expand on this a bit………..nope. You’re on your own for a while. Think about it and then come back and share your thoughts and comments. I’ll be back later, perhaps even today with more on it. If I do, please leave your comments anyway.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Strange Parents
Anyone else thinking the same thing right now about their parents? Only in the jovial sense of course.
This writers parents and in-laws are absolutely the opposite of stereotypical parents when it comes to Christmas and other major holidays.
First, what is the stereotype? For we young couples and families we are typically pulled in both directions by our respective families of origin, that is, typically both sets of parents want to have us at their house for the given holiday. And we are forced into a very uncomfortable position. We must choose either whom to spend the actual holiday with OR whom to visit first if all are close by. And then guilt is heaped upon us like coals on the fire by the side of the family who "plays second fiddle".
Now I don't recall how this subject was brought up with our parents but we are very grateful for the arrangement we have. Thanks to the insight and memory of our parents they all wanted to make our lives easier and realistic. They of course all want to have us for the given holiday but they know due to the distance and how that we have given them grandchildren that it's more difficult and stressful to get to both families on the same day.
Therefore, thanks to their overcoming semi-reasonable selfishness, the following arrangement/agreement was reached. Wait a second! How is it selfish to want to have your children with you for a holiday? That is rather harsh to say don't you think? Is it? When you boil it down, selfishness is left. When we want so badly to have our kids (married or in a serious dating relationship) with us that the other side of the family doesn't get to have their kids with them, AND we could care less, that is selfishness and therefore sin.
Never thought of it that much before? Hence the reason and title of this entire blog. It's amazing how much one can think about and think through while on 3rd shift....the quiet nights anyway:-)
Ok, enough suspense, here is what our strange parents and we have set up for holiday scheduling. We'll use this year as the example. We spent Thanksgiving Day with my in-laws and will spend Christmas morning and day with my parents. Next year we will do the opposite, Thanksgiving day with my parents and Christmas morning and day with the in-laws. This is pretty well set in stone as the only things that can alter it are horrible travel-hindering weather conditions, illness, or the birth of a child......but we are due in June so not a problem this year :-)
Early in our marriage we were often able to travel easily to both parents in the same day if we were up to it. Currently one set is 15 minutes away and the other is only 3 hours away. HOWEVER, while they were always gracious to us they constantly remind us not to do too much or feel pressured to do so. Pressure on us is the last thing they want us to feel from them. AND THEY MEANT IT, an aspect of our relationship we are so grateful for.
Yes, they are strange.
They are also impossible....to shop for!! But that's another thought :-)
Blessings and thanks to both sides of the family for handling this area of family life so well. May we do the same for our kids when the time comes.
This writers parents and in-laws are absolutely the opposite of stereotypical parents when it comes to Christmas and other major holidays.
First, what is the stereotype? For we young couples and families we are typically pulled in both directions by our respective families of origin, that is, typically both sets of parents want to have us at their house for the given holiday. And we are forced into a very uncomfortable position. We must choose either whom to spend the actual holiday with OR whom to visit first if all are close by. And then guilt is heaped upon us like coals on the fire by the side of the family who "plays second fiddle".
Now I don't recall how this subject was brought up with our parents but we are very grateful for the arrangement we have. Thanks to the insight and memory of our parents they all wanted to make our lives easier and realistic. They of course all want to have us for the given holiday but they know due to the distance and how that we have given them grandchildren that it's more difficult and stressful to get to both families on the same day.
Therefore, thanks to their overcoming semi-reasonable selfishness, the following arrangement/agreement was reached. Wait a second! How is it selfish to want to have your children with you for a holiday? That is rather harsh to say don't you think? Is it? When you boil it down, selfishness is left. When we want so badly to have our kids (married or in a serious dating relationship) with us that the other side of the family doesn't get to have their kids with them, AND we could care less, that is selfishness and therefore sin.
Never thought of it that much before? Hence the reason and title of this entire blog. It's amazing how much one can think about and think through while on 3rd shift....the quiet nights anyway:-)
Ok, enough suspense, here is what our strange parents and we have set up for holiday scheduling. We'll use this year as the example. We spent Thanksgiving Day with my in-laws and will spend Christmas morning and day with my parents. Next year we will do the opposite, Thanksgiving day with my parents and Christmas morning and day with the in-laws. This is pretty well set in stone as the only things that can alter it are horrible travel-hindering weather conditions, illness, or the birth of a child......but we are due in June so not a problem this year :-)
Early in our marriage we were often able to travel easily to both parents in the same day if we were up to it. Currently one set is 15 minutes away and the other is only 3 hours away. HOWEVER, while they were always gracious to us they constantly remind us not to do too much or feel pressured to do so. Pressure on us is the last thing they want us to feel from them. AND THEY MEANT IT, an aspect of our relationship we are so grateful for.
Yes, they are strange.
They are also impossible....to shop for!! But that's another thought :-)
Blessings and thanks to both sides of the family for handling this area of family life so well. May we do the same for our kids when the time comes.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Hurting Families
Ok, I am venting here just a bit. I was absolutely livid today when I was informed that my place of employment would be getting a few more children to protect and care for in the next couple of days. IT'S CHRISTMAS, WHY CAN'T PEOPLE STOP BEING SO SELFISH AND ABUSIVE OR NEGLECTFUL AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR KIDS THE RIGHT WAY SO WE DON'T HAVE TO STEP IN AND DO IT FOR THEM. Oh that's right, back to my senses now, it's because of SIN.
The majority of kids I have the opportunity and yes, privilege to work with come to us from abusive OR neglectful homes. The cases all bother me and give me lots to pray for each night at work. But the ones that cut deepest are the real young ones. The ones where there is still that sense of innocence and wonder about them. And around these big holidays especially, it is so much harder. People that treat kids in such ways make me furious!!!!
I could go on much more but just lets just leave it at a reminder to please pray for these kids who are away from their families of origin. Some will act out in bitterness and anger, other stay real quiet and you don't know what they're thinking or feeling. The need the comfort and peace that only God can give them even if they don't yet personally have a relationship with Him.
Pray for their families that have been turned upside down that they will want to change and do whatever it takes to get their kids back AND provide them with a safe, loving, happy home.
Lastly, please pray for us in child care. In my particular department we are working together in the role of very temporary parents/big brothers and sisters. On the lighter way of looking at it, we are similar to sleep-away camp counselors who provided temporary 24-7 care to our kids. We are providing these kids with examples of how adults are SUPPOSED to treat them and each other in a great variety of situations. Teaching life-skills to kids who are with us for anywhere from a few hours to 3 months is a tall order for each of us because each day can seem like we're back a square 1. but we night staff have it fairly easy. Pray for the day staff more because it's they who have the most time with the kids and have the most impact on them....that's a lot of pressure and they need all the support they can get.
Some kids can look back at a Christmas when they were taken from their families or origin and hate the whole season out of anger and bitterness. These need our prayer the most.
But there are some that can actually look back and say it was one of their favorite Christmas's because it was at that point when healing began in their family. it was at that point when their own lives began to get better and their families heeded the wake up call and began to work hard to heal and grow to become what a family should be.
Family - safe, loving, protective, teaching, comforting, encouraging, uplifting, admonishing, rebuking, correcting, growing,........together.
The majority of kids I have the opportunity and yes, privilege to work with come to us from abusive OR neglectful homes. The cases all bother me and give me lots to pray for each night at work. But the ones that cut deepest are the real young ones. The ones where there is still that sense of innocence and wonder about them. And around these big holidays especially, it is so much harder. People that treat kids in such ways make me furious!!!!
I could go on much more but just lets just leave it at a reminder to please pray for these kids who are away from their families of origin. Some will act out in bitterness and anger, other stay real quiet and you don't know what they're thinking or feeling. The need the comfort and peace that only God can give them even if they don't yet personally have a relationship with Him.
Pray for their families that have been turned upside down that they will want to change and do whatever it takes to get their kids back AND provide them with a safe, loving, happy home.
Lastly, please pray for us in child care. In my particular department we are working together in the role of very temporary parents/big brothers and sisters. On the lighter way of looking at it, we are similar to sleep-away camp counselors who provided temporary 24-7 care to our kids. We are providing these kids with examples of how adults are SUPPOSED to treat them and each other in a great variety of situations. Teaching life-skills to kids who are with us for anywhere from a few hours to 3 months is a tall order for each of us because each day can seem like we're back a square 1. but we night staff have it fairly easy. Pray for the day staff more because it's they who have the most time with the kids and have the most impact on them....that's a lot of pressure and they need all the support they can get.
Some kids can look back at a Christmas when they were taken from their families or origin and hate the whole season out of anger and bitterness. These need our prayer the most.
But there are some that can actually look back and say it was one of their favorite Christmas's because it was at that point when healing began in their family. it was at that point when their own lives began to get better and their families heeded the wake up call and began to work hard to heal and grow to become what a family should be.
Family - safe, loving, protective, teaching, comforting, encouraging, uplifting, admonishing, rebuking, correcting, growing,........together.
Touched By An Angel
It is absolutely amazing how a mere child can have a large man such as myself wrapped around that tiny little finger. Equally amazing is how the world has stopped in my mind when that child cries.
What prompted this thinking? A simple phone call.
I was basically rushing out the door and my wife was in the bedroom (ooh lala :-), sorry honey, working while our child was playing in the living room. I walked out the door and started to pull away when I got a call from my wife saying how utterly distraught our daughter was and in tears that daddy left without saying goodbye or giving her a hug and kiss.
Let me tell you that everything in me wanted to whip that car around and race back home to console her and then leave only after following proper departure procedure. However, due to the time I simply had to press on and do all I could to comfort her over the phone.......no easy task for any loving Daddy :-)
When I got home, I got and gave the biggest nearly going unconscious hug and kiss.
This little angel of ours simply melted me faster than the wicked witch of the west would be if she took a bath. That she was nearly heartbroken over me leaving for a little while says volumes about her view and love for her daddy!!
So to all the Dad's and those that have become fathers but haven't stepped up to the role of Dad yet......quit being such wimps. That's right, YOU'RE A WET NOODLE WIMP. MAN UP ALREADY!!!! NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR IMPACT ON YOUR KIDS! STEP UP AND BE A DAD. Take an active caring loving role in their lives and in the lives of their mothers. I don't care if you had a rotten or all but non-existent dad, be to your kids what he wasn't to you.
If God took me tonight I would go as a very happy daddy/hubby. Please don't call me home yet Lord :-) I would much rather go with everyone else in the rapture if that would fit within Your will.
What prompted this thinking? A simple phone call.
I was basically rushing out the door and my wife was in the bedroom (ooh lala :-), sorry honey, working while our child was playing in the living room. I walked out the door and started to pull away when I got a call from my wife saying how utterly distraught our daughter was and in tears that daddy left without saying goodbye or giving her a hug and kiss.
Let me tell you that everything in me wanted to whip that car around and race back home to console her and then leave only after following proper departure procedure. However, due to the time I simply had to press on and do all I could to comfort her over the phone.......no easy task for any loving Daddy :-)
When I got home, I got and gave the biggest nearly going unconscious hug and kiss.
This little angel of ours simply melted me faster than the wicked witch of the west would be if she took a bath. That she was nearly heartbroken over me leaving for a little while says volumes about her view and love for her daddy!!
So to all the Dad's and those that have become fathers but haven't stepped up to the role of Dad yet......quit being such wimps. That's right, YOU'RE A WET NOODLE WIMP. MAN UP ALREADY!!!! NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR IMPACT ON YOUR KIDS! STEP UP AND BE A DAD. Take an active caring loving role in their lives and in the lives of their mothers. I don't care if you had a rotten or all but non-existent dad, be to your kids what he wasn't to you.
If God took me tonight I would go as a very happy daddy/hubby. Please don't call me home yet Lord :-) I would much rather go with everyone else in the rapture if that would fit within Your will.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A Woman's Heart
Sometimes when we get to experience an immediate answer to prayer, we dismiss it as mere coincidence. Other times we have an illuminating moment when we can easily attribute the answer to the One Who sent it. This is just one of the seemingly everlasting battles raging on within us between the Old and the New.
The Old's basis is that of experience and doubt because it knows and remembers that it's fallen and not remotely worthy of the King's ears, much less submitting a petition or deserving of an answer.
Enter the NEW. The New has an entirely different look and approach; a certain confidence yet humbleness. You see, the New is very much aware of it's standing with the King of Kings. Along with the New are it's Counselor's. These Counselor's are none other than the Son of the King and the Spirit of the King. These Counselors have a difficult task in constantly reminding the New that it's been granted a full pardon and adoption into the King's family as a full fledged son. This means unlimited thanks and accolades to the King; unlimited petitions and audiences with the King simply because of it's NEW relationship with it's Counselors and King.
So why do we side so often with Old's way of thinking?
PHOOEY ON OLD!!!
There is a dear Christian lady who is a forever young wife and mother. She and her family are not rich by America's standards today. However, to the majority of the world's population and demographics, they are rich. A dear friend of hers is experiencing one of those times in her family's life of a seemingly endless struggle. They haven't been there long but we all know how it feels when in the midst of it, how overwhelming it can seem.
Unbeknownst to this lady's husband, she had just recently been praying for a specific way to help her friend out. But the supply simply had to come from the King however He wanted to send it if He would just allow her to be the delivery agent somehow.
The King heard the burdened requests of this woman on her friend's behalf and set things in motion. Her husband went to the mailbox and they opened an anonymous card with a great Christmas gift enclosed. While vainly attempting to figure out who may have sent it, the husband was already trying to figure out how to most wisely use it. Perhaps sensing this, the wife spoke up and informed her husband of her recent prayers.
Sensing that unmistakable cueing from the Spirit and the heart of his wife, with a great smile and in no uncertain terms he declared the next destination of this gift. They both quickly and very peacefully agreed this was the Kings granting the request of one of His adopted children who approached Him in the Spirit of the New rather than the Old.
So remember this small example of faith as you are being blessed and when life is going well, or when you are struggling.
While we may trip or even take a dive, THE KING REMAINS STEADFAST!
And if you're wondering about the friend....when the lady and her friend talked next, she knew who gave it to them due to the delivery method, but shared this in their conversation, "this is the way the body of Christ is supposed to work."
She gets it.
Do you?
The Old's basis is that of experience and doubt because it knows and remembers that it's fallen and not remotely worthy of the King's ears, much less submitting a petition or deserving of an answer.
Enter the NEW. The New has an entirely different look and approach; a certain confidence yet humbleness. You see, the New is very much aware of it's standing with the King of Kings. Along with the New are it's Counselor's. These Counselor's are none other than the Son of the King and the Spirit of the King. These Counselors have a difficult task in constantly reminding the New that it's been granted a full pardon and adoption into the King's family as a full fledged son. This means unlimited thanks and accolades to the King; unlimited petitions and audiences with the King simply because of it's NEW relationship with it's Counselors and King.
So why do we side so often with Old's way of thinking?
PHOOEY ON OLD!!!
There is a dear Christian lady who is a forever young wife and mother. She and her family are not rich by America's standards today. However, to the majority of the world's population and demographics, they are rich. A dear friend of hers is experiencing one of those times in her family's life of a seemingly endless struggle. They haven't been there long but we all know how it feels when in the midst of it, how overwhelming it can seem.
Unbeknownst to this lady's husband, she had just recently been praying for a specific way to help her friend out. But the supply simply had to come from the King however He wanted to send it if He would just allow her to be the delivery agent somehow.
The King heard the burdened requests of this woman on her friend's behalf and set things in motion. Her husband went to the mailbox and they opened an anonymous card with a great Christmas gift enclosed. While vainly attempting to figure out who may have sent it, the husband was already trying to figure out how to most wisely use it. Perhaps sensing this, the wife spoke up and informed her husband of her recent prayers.
Sensing that unmistakable cueing from the Spirit and the heart of his wife, with a great smile and in no uncertain terms he declared the next destination of this gift. They both quickly and very peacefully agreed this was the Kings granting the request of one of His adopted children who approached Him in the Spirit of the New rather than the Old.
So remember this small example of faith as you are being blessed and when life is going well, or when you are struggling.
While we may trip or even take a dive, THE KING REMAINS STEADFAST!
And if you're wondering about the friend....when the lady and her friend talked next, she knew who gave it to them due to the delivery method, but shared this in their conversation, "this is the way the body of Christ is supposed to work."
She gets it.
Do you?
Friday, December 19, 2008
New Look
Yes this is a new look to this blog. Now there are more than 2 columns. There is more space for things to post as well as more space for the links and ads that I select to be displayed on my site. Please be patient as I need to re-post many of these items. Thanks to all.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Grandparent Questionnaire Christmas Gift
Below is a set of questions that my wife found as a very unique Christmas present to give to our parents or grandparents or even great-grandparents. It was designed more for grandparents but certainly this can be done for any of the older generations (even if you have young children and have the time over the year to work on it for them, you could fill it out as well). This is a gift that serves several purposes:
1) An interest in the eldest generation’s life,
2) a unique thought out gift for the elder generations,
3) when they do complete it, they have a very cool gift to give the following Christmas and lot’s of surely interesting things to talk about for quite a long time.
Here is the link to the specific page:
http://www.cheapskatemonthly.com//mary_webdesk.asp?ID=39322
My wife went through the nearly 365 questions (1 per day is the idea) and edited out some as they were repeats. Here is the list of SOME of the questions that we will be using, feel free to copy and paste or ask for them by email or whatever, there were about 3 pages worth so that is why only a portion appears below (Sorry to blow the surprise for you Babchie, but if you didn’t read this confounded offensive to liberal thinking blog, you would still be surprised :-) :
Why was your name chosen for you?
What was happening in the world when you were born?
What is your earliest memory of home?
What was your favorite hiding place as a child?
What was your favorite store and why did you like to go there?
What were your chores as a child?
What did your mother do during the day?
What did you do on summer days?
What did you enjoy in the winter?
What was your favorite fairy tale or bedtime story?
What was your favorite doll or toy?
Lord willing we will see our Grandparents and parents another year and will have LOTS to talk about with them as we learn so much more than we think we already know (though we are all praying for the Rapture to happen soon, so to all meet in Heaven and spend the first Christmas actually seeing Jesus and laying our crowns at His feet…..oh that will be the best Christmas of all).
1) An interest in the eldest generation’s life,
2) a unique thought out gift for the elder generations,
3) when they do complete it, they have a very cool gift to give the following Christmas and lot’s of surely interesting things to talk about for quite a long time.
Here is the link to the specific page:
http://www.cheapskatemonthly.com//mary_webdesk.asp?ID=39322
My wife went through the nearly 365 questions (1 per day is the idea) and edited out some as they were repeats. Here is the list of SOME of the questions that we will be using, feel free to copy and paste or ask for them by email or whatever, there were about 3 pages worth so that is why only a portion appears below (Sorry to blow the surprise for you Babchie, but if you didn’t read this confounded offensive to liberal thinking blog, you would still be surprised :-) :
Why was your name chosen for you?
What was happening in the world when you were born?
What is your earliest memory of home?
What was your favorite hiding place as a child?
What was your favorite store and why did you like to go there?
What were your chores as a child?
What did your mother do during the day?
What did you do on summer days?
What did you enjoy in the winter?
What was your favorite fairy tale or bedtime story?
What was your favorite doll or toy?
Lord willing we will see our Grandparents and parents another year and will have LOTS to talk about with them as we learn so much more than we think we already know (though we are all praying for the Rapture to happen soon, so to all meet in Heaven and spend the first Christmas actually seeing Jesus and laying our crowns at His feet…..oh that will be the best Christmas of all).
“Desperate Consumerism”……..”IT IS TIME”
Surely you have heard about the people that were tragically trampled to death over SALE ITEMS on Black Friday. There was an analyst on Bill’s show on Fox that actually had the stupidity to say that even though this was a tragic accident, this type of stampede over TVs only happens in extremely wealthy economies, it’s not people desperate for food and shelter and water, No its “desperate consumerism”.
This is truly a Black Friday for those families and at the least that baby that was killed in the pregnant woman is in the arms of Jesus this Christmas.
It’s hard enough to be a kid these days, but when kids are given the message so often and especially at this time of year that they aren’t cool enough or worth enough if they don’t have the hottest phone, game system, car, doll, sneakers, media player, computer, or clothes, it just makes life that much harder for the vast majority of kids in this kind of materialistic driven society. We are such a selfish, prideful, arrogant, greedy, gluttonous, people in America and in economies and societies such as ours that it’s amazing to me God the Father hasn’t told Christ Jesus the 4 words Jesus is longing to hear…….”SON, IT IS TIME”.
I used to be amazed at the deals that some members of my extended family would get when they would go out on Black Friday. I started to get into it a little bit. Now I will admit that there are some great sales to be seen on this day and during this season of the year, but over the past 2 years I have been thinking about it more. I have come up with a few questions to ask myself when I see what appears to be a great deal on something desirable.
1 – Do I have the money to be able to get this item? If I am thinking of buying it on big sale and then resell it on ebay or something, is it reselling for enough to make a profit?
2 - Will I actually use this item or will the person I am thinking of buying this for actually use it or enjoy having it?
3 – Why is this item on such a large sale? Discontinued, too many negative user reviews, etc?
4 – Is this really worth my sleep time and possibly family time to be part of crowded stores with other selfish people?
5 – Can I get this any other time of the year for the same price or close to it?
6 – Is this the best use of my time and money?
7 – Do I really NEED this item or does the person I am thinking of buying this for really NEED this item?
8 – God, please grant me wisdom in this item.
What are the results lately?
Well the last 2 years, I have only gone out for a very few items if at all. Normally we are visiting family in PA so I may go out to do some Christmas shopping anyway and if I can save money just by shopping on a particular day, OK, but I am not going to go stand in line just to TRY to be sure to be one of the few FIRST people to get a given item in limited quantity. But usually my shopping is done during the last few weeks or even days before Christmas, prices are down, I don’t mind the crowds, and just mosey on through a store, find my items, and get out.
I don’t see this Christmas shopping thing as a competition. Our friends and family remember what Christmas is all about. We (a general we here) have lost sight of the significance of gift giving at Christmas.
There are a couple reasons we give gifts at Christmas. The first and foremost reason is that the gift of salvation was given to us starting with the birth of Jesus Christ which we celebrate on December 25th.
The second reason is to show each other that we love each other in the unique manner of gift giving. Now the second reason is quite lame actually compared to the first but it holds true nonetheless. It’s in that second reason that we get so lost and caught up. Too many people are so desperate for unconditional love, Godly love, that they are willing to go into deep debt to attempt to buy that love from someone by getting them an expensive gift or as many gifts as their credit cards will allow. My friends, are we really that prideful that we judge the depth of our love for one another based on the $$ of the gift they give us or compare with what we gave them?? Or how about a simple card or letter in the mail with some pictures from the last year or something like that? I am sorry, but every time I use or look at a THING that I was given for a birthday or Christmas my first thought is not about the person that gave it to me and how much or how little they must love me. NO, actually the first thought is usually along the lines of….”hmmm now where is that thing??” J I know those that care about me and am very thankful for them. You know who you are. But this knowledge isn’t based on a yearly check up at Christmas time.
I am glad that it’s not based on that because if it were, there a lot of people who would think I could care less about them or have totally forgotten they even exist. No, this knowledge is based on happenings and communications at various points ALL YEAR LONG.
So in going back to the main thought of our time together here, whatever happened to the saying “Tis better to give than to receive” ? I am grateful that my wife and I come from families that value each other’s time together more than anything and that even though we ask each other for ideas for Christmas, each family remembers and is outspokenly grateful for WHY we are able to give each other gifts at Christmas in celebration of the birth of the One and ONLY LIVING SAVIOUR.
Desperate Consumerism, huh!?! Fancy new name for complete selfishness. I just wonder how long it will take for there to be a medically accepted Disorder for this too. Perhaps Defiant Consumerism Disorder where the patient exhibits aggressive behavior in defiance of previously held traditions when making purchases. The patient shoves other shoppers out of the way regardless of their age, cursing and bribing their way to the front of the line only to sprint out the door clutching their purchase tightly and foaming at the mouth as they cautiously approach their vehicle ever on the lookout for approaching predators that may seek to steal their package. No one is to be trusted, not even the infant in the carriage approaching with mother in tow. Don’t be laughing now……ok go ahead……..so am I!!! But if you really think about it, since we are getting further and further away from any resemblance of personal accountability in the medical/psychological fields, how many other disorders can we make up and then actually pass off as real?? Another thought for another time.
For this time, just think on this. Cliché-ish yes, but absolutely true…JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. Without the birth of Christ, this “religious holiday” wouldn’t even exist. There is a question to ask your atheist friend, how did this “holiday” get started….if it weren’t for Jesus? If they cite the guy that St. Nick is related to, ask them to explain the “Saint” title and then good ole Nick’s motivation for being such a generous man in his day.
Keep Christ the focus of Christmas…..not money and things which will all pass away when this earth is renewed by the Creator.
This is truly a Black Friday for those families and at the least that baby that was killed in the pregnant woman is in the arms of Jesus this Christmas.
It’s hard enough to be a kid these days, but when kids are given the message so often and especially at this time of year that they aren’t cool enough or worth enough if they don’t have the hottest phone, game system, car, doll, sneakers, media player, computer, or clothes, it just makes life that much harder for the vast majority of kids in this kind of materialistic driven society. We are such a selfish, prideful, arrogant, greedy, gluttonous, people in America and in economies and societies such as ours that it’s amazing to me God the Father hasn’t told Christ Jesus the 4 words Jesus is longing to hear…….”SON, IT IS TIME”.
I used to be amazed at the deals that some members of my extended family would get when they would go out on Black Friday. I started to get into it a little bit. Now I will admit that there are some great sales to be seen on this day and during this season of the year, but over the past 2 years I have been thinking about it more. I have come up with a few questions to ask myself when I see what appears to be a great deal on something desirable.
1 – Do I have the money to be able to get this item? If I am thinking of buying it on big sale and then resell it on ebay or something, is it reselling for enough to make a profit?
2 - Will I actually use this item or will the person I am thinking of buying this for actually use it or enjoy having it?
3 – Why is this item on such a large sale? Discontinued, too many negative user reviews, etc?
4 – Is this really worth my sleep time and possibly family time to be part of crowded stores with other selfish people?
5 – Can I get this any other time of the year for the same price or close to it?
6 – Is this the best use of my time and money?
7 – Do I really NEED this item or does the person I am thinking of buying this for really NEED this item?
8 – God, please grant me wisdom in this item.
What are the results lately?
Well the last 2 years, I have only gone out for a very few items if at all. Normally we are visiting family in PA so I may go out to do some Christmas shopping anyway and if I can save money just by shopping on a particular day, OK, but I am not going to go stand in line just to TRY to be sure to be one of the few FIRST people to get a given item in limited quantity. But usually my shopping is done during the last few weeks or even days before Christmas, prices are down, I don’t mind the crowds, and just mosey on through a store, find my items, and get out.
I don’t see this Christmas shopping thing as a competition. Our friends and family remember what Christmas is all about. We (a general we here) have lost sight of the significance of gift giving at Christmas.
There are a couple reasons we give gifts at Christmas. The first and foremost reason is that the gift of salvation was given to us starting with the birth of Jesus Christ which we celebrate on December 25th.
The second reason is to show each other that we love each other in the unique manner of gift giving. Now the second reason is quite lame actually compared to the first but it holds true nonetheless. It’s in that second reason that we get so lost and caught up. Too many people are so desperate for unconditional love, Godly love, that they are willing to go into deep debt to attempt to buy that love from someone by getting them an expensive gift or as many gifts as their credit cards will allow. My friends, are we really that prideful that we judge the depth of our love for one another based on the $$ of the gift they give us or compare with what we gave them?? Or how about a simple card or letter in the mail with some pictures from the last year or something like that? I am sorry, but every time I use or look at a THING that I was given for a birthday or Christmas my first thought is not about the person that gave it to me and how much or how little they must love me. NO, actually the first thought is usually along the lines of….”hmmm now where is that thing??” J I know those that care about me and am very thankful for them. You know who you are. But this knowledge isn’t based on a yearly check up at Christmas time.
I am glad that it’s not based on that because if it were, there a lot of people who would think I could care less about them or have totally forgotten they even exist. No, this knowledge is based on happenings and communications at various points ALL YEAR LONG.
So in going back to the main thought of our time together here, whatever happened to the saying “Tis better to give than to receive” ? I am grateful that my wife and I come from families that value each other’s time together more than anything and that even though we ask each other for ideas for Christmas, each family remembers and is outspokenly grateful for WHY we are able to give each other gifts at Christmas in celebration of the birth of the One and ONLY LIVING SAVIOUR.
Desperate Consumerism, huh!?! Fancy new name for complete selfishness. I just wonder how long it will take for there to be a medically accepted Disorder for this too. Perhaps Defiant Consumerism Disorder where the patient exhibits aggressive behavior in defiance of previously held traditions when making purchases. The patient shoves other shoppers out of the way regardless of their age, cursing and bribing their way to the front of the line only to sprint out the door clutching their purchase tightly and foaming at the mouth as they cautiously approach their vehicle ever on the lookout for approaching predators that may seek to steal their package. No one is to be trusted, not even the infant in the carriage approaching with mother in tow. Don’t be laughing now……ok go ahead……..so am I!!! But if you really think about it, since we are getting further and further away from any resemblance of personal accountability in the medical/psychological fields, how many other disorders can we make up and then actually pass off as real?? Another thought for another time.
For this time, just think on this. Cliché-ish yes, but absolutely true…JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. Without the birth of Christ, this “religious holiday” wouldn’t even exist. There is a question to ask your atheist friend, how did this “holiday” get started….if it weren’t for Jesus? If they cite the guy that St. Nick is related to, ask them to explain the “Saint” title and then good ole Nick’s motivation for being such a generous man in his day.
Keep Christ the focus of Christmas…..not money and things which will all pass away when this earth is renewed by the Creator.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Computer Vacation
Well this will just be a short vacation but I may go nuts......more so than I am already :-) being off of the computer til next Wednesday night. I have basically been glued to it, even bringing it to the table, even though I was reading emails from family and friends to my wife as we were eating. It just doesn't belong there.
We do enjoy being on FaceBook and emailing but there is so much else to do with each other and at home that I have neglected these things. Therefore, after thinking about for as long as it took to type the first word of this post, I have promised my wife that I would not get on the computer for anything this week when at home. Now the only problem is that this will mean that I won't be on AIM or FB, HOWEVER, if she gets on and I just happen to be by her side, it won't count against me, right?? So for emails related to this blog, I will be back sometime Wednesday or Thursday night. C-ya next week. I'll have lots to post as I write my thoughts out first and then type them up here if I think they are worthy of sharing.
Merry CHRISTmas to all.
We do enjoy being on FaceBook and emailing but there is so much else to do with each other and at home that I have neglected these things. Therefore, after thinking about for as long as it took to type the first word of this post, I have promised my wife that I would not get on the computer for anything this week when at home. Now the only problem is that this will mean that I won't be on AIM or FB, HOWEVER, if she gets on and I just happen to be by her side, it won't count against me, right?? So for emails related to this blog, I will be back sometime Wednesday or Thursday night. C-ya next week. I'll have lots to post as I write my thoughts out first and then type them up here if I think they are worthy of sharing.
Merry CHRISTmas to all.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Child Like Faith
A picture on a friends blog, missmalu30.blogspot.com (aka: heart prints), pulls at my heart and mind each time I visit it. It is a portrait of their two boys, the elder holding the younger, and the younger has a look of complete safety and contentment in his brother's arms.
After the moments of thinking, I wonder if they were threatened with no more of mommy's cookies for a month if they didn't pose well for pictures, and how amazing cute that is, were over came the parallels of that single moment captured til the end of time with our entire lives and relationship with our "friend Who sticks closer than a brother" Saviour.
For those of you who aren't able to adequately understand this, please start that needed relationship with Jesus Christ right now. To learn how and why this part is vitally important please click on the Way of the Master link at the bottom of this page or the "Are you a good person?" link to the right somewhere and let God draw you to Himself. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT, EVER!!
Back to the picture. We, as Christians, desperately need to get to or return to the point of such trust and contentment as is seen in this younger brother and just rest our heads, our lives on Jesus Christ. The same as the elder brother, Christ promises, I love you and "am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Your turn to think on this more.......
After the moments of thinking, I wonder if they were threatened with no more of mommy's cookies for a month if they didn't pose well for pictures, and how amazing cute that is, were over came the parallels of that single moment captured til the end of time with our entire lives and relationship with our "friend Who sticks closer than a brother" Saviour.
For those of you who aren't able to adequately understand this, please start that needed relationship with Jesus Christ right now. To learn how and why this part is vitally important please click on the Way of the Master link at the bottom of this page or the "Are you a good person?" link to the right somewhere and let God draw you to Himself. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT, EVER!!
Back to the picture. We, as Christians, desperately need to get to or return to the point of such trust and contentment as is seen in this younger brother and just rest our heads, our lives on Jesus Christ. The same as the elder brother, Christ promises, I love you and "am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Your turn to think on this more.......
Thursday, December 11, 2008
What is the purpose of the law????
Here is a thought. Some teach that we are no longer under the law of the Old Testament but under the divine grace and mercy of the New Testament. Therefore, we don’t need to be concerned about satisfying the O.T. law.
Here are the basics of this based on my studies so far. We are clearly under the grace and mercy of faith in our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ as derived from the clearness of the New Testament. HOWEVER, Christ did not do away with the laws of the Old Testament laws, only the salvation purpose that they filled at their time.
So since Christ didn’t put down the law, what purpose could they serve today? In a nutshell, perhaps a seed shell, a mustard seed shell, here it is for your consideration: Christ fulfilled the law and expects us to use the laws of both the Old Testament and the New Testament to live our lives by.
Salvation is through Christ alone. But a life fill of God honoring living (sanctification, progressive sanctification) is achieved through rightly dividing and applying God’s laws, the Bible, all of it.
Now take that to the next level on your own…..
Here are the basics of this based on my studies so far. We are clearly under the grace and mercy of faith in our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ as derived from the clearness of the New Testament. HOWEVER, Christ did not do away with the laws of the Old Testament laws, only the salvation purpose that they filled at their time.
So since Christ didn’t put down the law, what purpose could they serve today? In a nutshell, perhaps a seed shell, a mustard seed shell, here it is for your consideration: Christ fulfilled the law and expects us to use the laws of both the Old Testament and the New Testament to live our lives by.
Salvation is through Christ alone. But a life fill of God honoring living (sanctification, progressive sanctification) is achieved through rightly dividing and applying God’s laws, the Bible, all of it.
Now take that to the next level on your own…..
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Remembering Pearl
“Thank God for dead soldiers” is what a crack pot of a “Christian church” that has taken parts of the Bible so far out of context it’s enough for Christendom to disown them. One of their phrases of insanity is “Thank God for dead soldiers.” While the context in which they tote that message around is to be abhorred and is repulsive and basically just makes me want to puke and smack them all, stuff their mouths with lemon juiced cotton balls and ducktape and then show them what the Bible REALLY says in plain black, white, and red…….I am going to take their phrase out of their context and give it a new context.
I actually AM thankful for soldiers that have sacrificed their lives for us. It’s because they are dead that we can still enjoy our freedom today and that millions of other people in other countries are enjoying the winds of freedom in their lands, some for a long time, others are just getting a taste of it now and are still fighting for it. While I don’t know the original reason for the color red to be in our flag, it sure seems appropriate to think that it could represent the shed blood of those that have died for the preservation and progress of that flag.
The level of humble gratitude is even higher to the God-man, Jesus Christ for His volunteered (as a soldier) sacrificial giving of His precious blood to free all those who will believe on Him. But the best part is this, Christ didn’t stay dead. It’s because HE is the Son of the One true living God who raised Christ from the dead that we have anything more to stand on than the muslims, bhuddists, pagans, or atheists.
That crazy cult is so far from the truth of God’s word. They have one thing right but then they take it farther than the Bible says. Both the OT and the NT state clearly that homosexuality along with most other forms of sex, is wrong. It’s sinful. So is any kind of sex outside of the commitment of marriage. God made it that way to protect the fun of it, the preciousness of it, the responsibility of it and to protect us from all the diseases and nasty things that are direct results of not keeping to God’s way of living life, AIDS, abortions, STDS, all sorts of abuses, etc.
The problem comes in when they leave the New Testament teaching out of their thinking. Yes OT law stated that gay sex partners had to die as their punishment or fine so to speak. That was true of many offenses. Why? Because that is how serious God was about following His rules. If Adam and Eve could have handled just 2 simple rules back when things were perfect, we’d still be there, perfect. But NOOOOOO they couldn’t handle 2 rules. So God had to add more. We can’t even keep the 10 Commandments. God gave us those to keep us pure and to keep us living a good life, one without any trouble. But NOOOOOOO we started seeing them not for what their purpose was, but as restrictions on us and we wanted to do our own thing anyway. OOOOOOOOKKKKKKK we just have to learn our lessons the hard way don’t we????
Anyway, the change and impact of Christ on us is that the penalty of death for breaking the law is now null and void. The only exception is that of murder. Not talking about warfare. But premeditated homicide. We are under grace now and not the law…..as far as the penalty is concerned, that is the key right there. The penalty has been changed, not the majority of the law itself, only one aspect of it, the penalty.
To try to tie dead soldiers to the sins of homosexuality and the homosexual agenda, is like trying to chain down the wind. It just can’t be done and shouldn’t even be attempted.
My deepest apologies for those that are so misguided into thinking this way. And my praise and thankfulness to the motorcycle group that was and may still be attending funerals of soldiers and providing the grieving families with some privacy and protection from the idiot protestors.
Yes, I could say “Thank God for dead soldiers” BUT KNOW THIS WITH ALL CERTAINTY, I WILL ALWAYS add, “Because they died protecting our freedom and for that we are forever grateful”.
It’s amazing how different something so ugly can be when given the proper placing and lighting.
Think about it some more…..
I actually AM thankful for soldiers that have sacrificed their lives for us. It’s because they are dead that we can still enjoy our freedom today and that millions of other people in other countries are enjoying the winds of freedom in their lands, some for a long time, others are just getting a taste of it now and are still fighting for it. While I don’t know the original reason for the color red to be in our flag, it sure seems appropriate to think that it could represent the shed blood of those that have died for the preservation and progress of that flag.
The level of humble gratitude is even higher to the God-man, Jesus Christ for His volunteered (as a soldier) sacrificial giving of His precious blood to free all those who will believe on Him. But the best part is this, Christ didn’t stay dead. It’s because HE is the Son of the One true living God who raised Christ from the dead that we have anything more to stand on than the muslims, bhuddists, pagans, or atheists.
That crazy cult is so far from the truth of God’s word. They have one thing right but then they take it farther than the Bible says. Both the OT and the NT state clearly that homosexuality along with most other forms of sex, is wrong. It’s sinful. So is any kind of sex outside of the commitment of marriage. God made it that way to protect the fun of it, the preciousness of it, the responsibility of it and to protect us from all the diseases and nasty things that are direct results of not keeping to God’s way of living life, AIDS, abortions, STDS, all sorts of abuses, etc.
The problem comes in when they leave the New Testament teaching out of their thinking. Yes OT law stated that gay sex partners had to die as their punishment or fine so to speak. That was true of many offenses. Why? Because that is how serious God was about following His rules. If Adam and Eve could have handled just 2 simple rules back when things were perfect, we’d still be there, perfect. But NOOOOOO they couldn’t handle 2 rules. So God had to add more. We can’t even keep the 10 Commandments. God gave us those to keep us pure and to keep us living a good life, one without any trouble. But NOOOOOOO we started seeing them not for what their purpose was, but as restrictions on us and we wanted to do our own thing anyway. OOOOOOOOKKKKKKK we just have to learn our lessons the hard way don’t we????
Anyway, the change and impact of Christ on us is that the penalty of death for breaking the law is now null and void. The only exception is that of murder. Not talking about warfare. But premeditated homicide. We are under grace now and not the law…..as far as the penalty is concerned, that is the key right there. The penalty has been changed, not the majority of the law itself, only one aspect of it, the penalty.
To try to tie dead soldiers to the sins of homosexuality and the homosexual agenda, is like trying to chain down the wind. It just can’t be done and shouldn’t even be attempted.
My deepest apologies for those that are so misguided into thinking this way. And my praise and thankfulness to the motorcycle group that was and may still be attending funerals of soldiers and providing the grieving families with some privacy and protection from the idiot protestors.
Yes, I could say “Thank God for dead soldiers” BUT KNOW THIS WITH ALL CERTAINTY, I WILL ALWAYS add, “Because they died protecting our freedom and for that we are forever grateful”.
It’s amazing how different something so ugly can be when given the proper placing and lighting.
Think about it some more…..
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Who's 29.......again???
Yes thank you to all who expressed their care and jovial concern for me as they pushed me deeper into the murky water of old age. Most know that my memory has not been as it was years ago, so apparently everyone took it upon themselves to remind me that I am getting older……thanks. I have been saying this for some time now, I will never pass 29 and I refuse to allow another number to take over the “tens” position.
Ok, enough of the sad abyss of elderly truth. I did have a good day today. I was afforded the opportunity to join an affordable and very family friendly fitness center. And this morning after work I did my first work out. Due to the fat rubbing too much and nearly blistering up, it was only a 30 minute 140 beats per minute walk. But I felt great after that and am still excited about this. I then went home and played Dora memory game (ironic I know) with my wife and 3 yr old daughter. They went shopping and to visit grandma and I went to bed. My wonderful yet comical family is forcing a caring loving fun poking celebration on Sunday after church to which I actually am looking forward to…….YAWN…..AFTER SOME SLEEP FIRST J
Just remember sis, you are 60% of the way here and thanks to my meds for AADD, my memory has improved enough to allow me to remember how you treat me now, for either payback or sympathetic celebration with you at your crowning of the hill. As you said, it’s all downhill from here. Um, that means it gets easier and that the hardest part of life is over right??? cough cough.
In all seriousness, a gracious and humble thank you to all. It’s always wonderful to be reminded that you have friends and family that care enough to still say Happy Birthday, 30 years in a row and counting…I hope……………….Lord, You can come back anytime now. At least before I hit 40?
Love and thanks to all. I will get each and every one of you back.
Be afraid. LoL :-)
Ok, enough of the sad abyss of elderly truth. I did have a good day today. I was afforded the opportunity to join an affordable and very family friendly fitness center. And this morning after work I did my first work out. Due to the fat rubbing too much and nearly blistering up, it was only a 30 minute 140 beats per minute walk. But I felt great after that and am still excited about this. I then went home and played Dora memory game (ironic I know) with my wife and 3 yr old daughter. They went shopping and to visit grandma and I went to bed. My wonderful yet comical family is forcing a caring loving fun poking celebration on Sunday after church to which I actually am looking forward to…….YAWN…..AFTER SOME SLEEP FIRST J
Just remember sis, you are 60% of the way here and thanks to my meds for AADD, my memory has improved enough to allow me to remember how you treat me now, for either payback or sympathetic celebration with you at your crowning of the hill. As you said, it’s all downhill from here. Um, that means it gets easier and that the hardest part of life is over right??? cough cough.
In all seriousness, a gracious and humble thank you to all. It’s always wonderful to be reminded that you have friends and family that care enough to still say Happy Birthday, 30 years in a row and counting…I hope……………….Lord, You can come back anytime now. At least before I hit 40?
Love and thanks to all. I will get each and every one of you back.
Be afraid. LoL :-)
Oreck Air Purifier and Products
I just wanted to say that we are thrilled with our Oreck air purifier. It works very well. It’s very easy to clean. It’s very quiet. It does a great job keeping our air clean. And it is still running which is more than some others in our family can say. They are also much harder on their units than we are. But we really like ours and are grateful for it. We only have one regret and that is it works so well that there is no Christmas tree aroma from our freshly cut tree. We have a vacuum already and it does a good job on the entire 32 square feet of carpet we have in our house. However, if we didn’t have a vacuum already, and thanks again to the person (won’t mention the name) that gave us that as our wedding present, we would probably seriously look into buying an Oreck vacuum. With the guarantee David Oreck offers with it, you can’t really go wrong. So if you are interested in either of these types of items, please look for the links at the right and bottom of this site as I am an official affiliate website for Oreck. You’ll be glad you did.
Farewell Fat Friend
Well Friday, December 5th, I did it. I took the plunge and joined a fitness center. It is called Planet Fitness and it is very affordable. Thank you very much Babchie for the Christmas money as it was a small part of that I used to do this. I am starting later this morning after work and even though my body will be in rebellion and will be very very VERY mad at me over the next few days/weeks, I am excited about this and the results. It also helps that it will be basically paid for through our health insurance incentives. We have BSBC Excellus, please look into your health insurance if you have it and see if yours does something like our does. It's incredible the program they have offered.
So I will be weekly reporting on my progress. Here are my stats, currently 310 pounds. I was up to 335 at one point. Yeah......for real. Anyway my goal, not necessarily unrealistic based on my history, is 225 by our anniversary June 9th, OR by the time the baby is born...due date June 10th. I will be reporting weekly weight checks. My own version of Weight Watchers. I have tons of support and encouragement from family and friends and even co-workers so I won't be able to slack off...much. I am even thinking of taking weekly pictures (with shirt at first of course...don't need to barf.......much later will consider modeling for magazine covers and making money on selling my story :-) ) each week so I can go back and see the progress when I just don't feel it or feel like to doing it anymore.
What is my motivation?? Here are the reasons for this: longer life with my family - all I can do to lower my risk for weight related death I will do, be able to enjoy being in family pictures as much as being the one taking them, be able to physically do more with my family, fit in my clothes and bring back my wardrobe rather than searching for big clothes, be physically attractive to my wife, be able to ride amusement rides easily without having the workers work hard to harness me in, (haven't gone on rides in 2 years), be able to rumble with the teens and play the games I used to play easily with them, be able to serve Christ effectively without the hindrance of the seeming non-discipline of becoming this large (our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and the HS deserves a smooth luxurious ride, not a bus). That's about it. Oh yeah, money......I want to prove that no specialized diet or expensive program or shakes or pills are needed for the vast majority of large people. Just some discipline and a regular workout time. Slow life down a bit, eat better, simplify your life, learn to say no to things and we can be a much happier longer living people. So maybe I won't get anything for my weight loss story, but who knows right? LOL. That would just be bonus.
Well say goodbye to the old fat Tim :-)
So I will be weekly reporting on my progress. Here are my stats, currently 310 pounds. I was up to 335 at one point. Yeah......for real. Anyway my goal, not necessarily unrealistic based on my history, is 225 by our anniversary June 9th, OR by the time the baby is born...due date June 10th. I will be reporting weekly weight checks. My own version of Weight Watchers. I have tons of support and encouragement from family and friends and even co-workers so I won't be able to slack off...much. I am even thinking of taking weekly pictures (with shirt at first of course...don't need to barf.......much later will consider modeling for magazine covers and making money on selling my story :-) ) each week so I can go back and see the progress when I just don't feel it or feel like to doing it anymore.
What is my motivation?? Here are the reasons for this: longer life with my family - all I can do to lower my risk for weight related death I will do, be able to enjoy being in family pictures as much as being the one taking them, be able to physically do more with my family, fit in my clothes and bring back my wardrobe rather than searching for big clothes, be physically attractive to my wife, be able to ride amusement rides easily without having the workers work hard to harness me in, (haven't gone on rides in 2 years), be able to rumble with the teens and play the games I used to play easily with them, be able to serve Christ effectively without the hindrance of the seeming non-discipline of becoming this large (our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and the HS deserves a smooth luxurious ride, not a bus). That's about it. Oh yeah, money......I want to prove that no specialized diet or expensive program or shakes or pills are needed for the vast majority of large people. Just some discipline and a regular workout time. Slow life down a bit, eat better, simplify your life, learn to say no to things and we can be a much happier longer living people. So maybe I won't get anything for my weight loss story, but who knows right? LOL. That would just be bonus.
Well say goodbye to the old fat Tim :-)
Braggin on the WIFE
I just have to brag on my wife for a minute. Neither of us ever thought we would ever be comfortable working with teens or speaking or anything. Yet God has made it very clear that is what He has called me to do. My wife has more than verified this as well as teens, family, friends, colleagues and church leaders. For this I am very grateful. I have been told that if I could be happy doing anything else, to go do that instead of youth ministry. I can’t think of anything else that would make me happy than youth ministry. Yes, even in the messy parts of it, when lives are hurt, wrecked, families are torn apart, etc. Because I know that God is always there and because of His strength I can come alongside a hurting teen or family and help them see God’s light and His hands when they are blinded by the fog and darkness surrounding them.
Now moving to my wife, SHE IS SIMPLY AWESOME. God has been doing so much work in her heart and mind over the last few years. I am not even going to talk about how great a wife she is because that would take you, reader, all day and night for the next 60 years to read. What I am going to talk about is the ways in which God is using her to impact others. Don’t worry sweetie, no details shared.
She has not always been sure that youth ministry was for her and at first I didn’t like that. that was my own immaturity. Over the last 2 years I have been taught well by youth ministry veterans. And as soon as I learned to let go of her not being as excited about youth ministry as I was, that is when I could see clearly how God was using her and how she was thinking, what a tremendous change that has brought to our marriage and our effectiveness as a couple to the teens we minister too.
For a while she was very insecure about her place/role in our youth ministry and basically felt forgotten about. Granted she had our baby with her and therefore her focus was on our child. DUH TIM!! Well I kept telling her to not underestimate her teaching the teen girls by example. While most of the time the teens would give her a hello and then ask, where’s Tim, she would feel like they didn’t care about her. In fact, they did. On nights when she wasn’t able to come, the first question I would get was, where’s Steph….even before a hello Tim. And over the last few months especially I have seen her realize more of a focused ministry in our teen ministry. Due to confidentiality I can’t go into it much more than this, but I can say one of our teens, felt like they had to ask another staff member to talk to my wife because the teen was afraid my wife would be upset with the teen. THAT IS A HUGE INDICATOR of her impact and relationship with our teens. I haven’t experienced anything like that and am ashamed to admit that I am sort of jealous in a way. It would be great to know that a teen you work with looks up to you that much, yet it’s equally as frustrating to us both because we care about these teens so much that it hurts us when we see them fall even though we, along with others, gave them so much warning.
Now this focus that my wife seems to becoming more involved in, is something that she would strongly rather not have to even think about. BUT despite our best efforts to teach teens that don’t come from Christian homes for the most part, we don’t have the biggest influence on their lives. THEIR PARENTS AND FAMILIES DO. But she is so passionate about this particular slice of ministry that it’s really taking root and in ways, it seems that word is getting out about what she is doing. It may become more than just my wife coming along side a hurting teen and helping where she can, it may have to grow to an actual set ministry of our church. We are praying it won’t get to that point given the nature of it. Most of our teens are “unchurched” teens and most of their families don’t come or go to any church. But she is doing what she can to help hurting teens. She even opened up our couch to a teen, after consulting me and giving it very careful thought. She is finally starting to see just some of the impact, the fruit, that she has had on the teens we have been around and I am so proud of her for keeping on and for praying for me, our family, our friends, and our teens. She is truly a shining example of a Godly child, sister, woman, wife, mother, youth worker.
AND SHE’S SO HOT AND COOKS AND BAKES SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD TOO ! ! !
Love you Sweetie XOXOXOXOXO
Now moving to my wife, SHE IS SIMPLY AWESOME. God has been doing so much work in her heart and mind over the last few years. I am not even going to talk about how great a wife she is because that would take you, reader, all day and night for the next 60 years to read. What I am going to talk about is the ways in which God is using her to impact others. Don’t worry sweetie, no details shared.
She has not always been sure that youth ministry was for her and at first I didn’t like that. that was my own immaturity. Over the last 2 years I have been taught well by youth ministry veterans. And as soon as I learned to let go of her not being as excited about youth ministry as I was, that is when I could see clearly how God was using her and how she was thinking, what a tremendous change that has brought to our marriage and our effectiveness as a couple to the teens we minister too.
For a while she was very insecure about her place/role in our youth ministry and basically felt forgotten about. Granted she had our baby with her and therefore her focus was on our child. DUH TIM!! Well I kept telling her to not underestimate her teaching the teen girls by example. While most of the time the teens would give her a hello and then ask, where’s Tim, she would feel like they didn’t care about her. In fact, they did. On nights when she wasn’t able to come, the first question I would get was, where’s Steph….even before a hello Tim. And over the last few months especially I have seen her realize more of a focused ministry in our teen ministry. Due to confidentiality I can’t go into it much more than this, but I can say one of our teens, felt like they had to ask another staff member to talk to my wife because the teen was afraid my wife would be upset with the teen. THAT IS A HUGE INDICATOR of her impact and relationship with our teens. I haven’t experienced anything like that and am ashamed to admit that I am sort of jealous in a way. It would be great to know that a teen you work with looks up to you that much, yet it’s equally as frustrating to us both because we care about these teens so much that it hurts us when we see them fall even though we, along with others, gave them so much warning.
Now this focus that my wife seems to becoming more involved in, is something that she would strongly rather not have to even think about. BUT despite our best efforts to teach teens that don’t come from Christian homes for the most part, we don’t have the biggest influence on their lives. THEIR PARENTS AND FAMILIES DO. But she is so passionate about this particular slice of ministry that it’s really taking root and in ways, it seems that word is getting out about what she is doing. It may become more than just my wife coming along side a hurting teen and helping where she can, it may have to grow to an actual set ministry of our church. We are praying it won’t get to that point given the nature of it. Most of our teens are “unchurched” teens and most of their families don’t come or go to any church. But she is doing what she can to help hurting teens. She even opened up our couch to a teen, after consulting me and giving it very careful thought. She is finally starting to see just some of the impact, the fruit, that she has had on the teens we have been around and I am so proud of her for keeping on and for praying for me, our family, our friends, and our teens. She is truly a shining example of a Godly child, sister, woman, wife, mother, youth worker.
AND SHE’S SO HOT AND COOKS AND BAKES SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD TOO ! ! !
Love you Sweetie XOXOXOXOXO
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