Parenting and Religion

Using wisdom in raising our children is every parents ideal- but where does the heart take over?
Is tough parenting called for at times- regardless of what the heart might say?
I know someone who is in a difficault parenting position right now.
One of her children was arrested ( I won’t say what for, but I will say it seems to be slightly manipulated charges), and she is struggling with whether or not to bail him out, or let him sit there for a few days- hopefully to think about his actions and cool down.
Her heart tells her that she needs to get him out as soon as possible; and the advice from those around her (wisdom) says let him sit. Not too long though, just long enough to let him stew over his mistakes.
As a mom, I can sympathize with the heart. As a parent wanting to raise children to respect others, and live a life that is upright in God’s eyes, I can understand the wisdom of letting him sit.
If only we could have a concept of the consequences from either decision- but that only comes with hindsight.
Here is where prayer comes in.
Praying for the peace and understanding to do what is right in God’s eyes is key. If we get His leading and His peace- we will be less apt to act on emotion or hardness. Instead we will be acting in love and peace.
I will pray for this family. When kids (even adult kids) get into trouble, they need love and support, without us condoning the behavior.
God’s heart on the matter is what I will pray for.

As Christmas approaches, I am noticing more and more people trying to be politically correct- and failing miserably in their attempts to sound enlightened and tolerant. Instead they come across as being unsure of themselves and wishy-washy.
“Happy Holiday’s”. or “Seasons Greeting’s” are the new norm. “Merry Christmas” is almost a thing of the past- as if people are afraid to admit what this season is supposed to represent: the birth of the Savior, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. The only begotten son of God, the one who made a way for us to be reconciled to the Father.
Why are people afraid of this? Because if they show their loyalty to Christ, by saying “Merry Christmas”, they may offend someone?
I say, let the world be offended. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Working in a toy store, I have seen many different cultures, and people from other religions buying gifts to celebrate their Holiday.
I still say “Merry Christmas!”
Most often people get a huge smile on their face, and reply with “Merry Christmas!”
Being politically correct is not in my blood (thanks mom and dad!), and I refuse to bow down in fear of being thought religious or non tolerant. After all, I am not tolerant of the world telling Christians how we should express our faith, but I am not religious either.
I am in a relationship with the one whose birth we celebrate next week. He made a way for me to go to heaven and be with my Father- God.
So, in appreciation of having a right relationship with God- I sincerely wish you a “MERRY CHRISTMAS”, and a Healthy Prosperous New Year.

I was watching a movie with Katie (19), and Shawn (16) the other night. There was a scene where the mom in the movie was angry because her son was told by a librarian that a certain book would be too hard for him to read. The mom got angry, marched into the Library and told the Librarian off. The boy came out with the book.
Katie looked at me and said “I love angry moms!”
That statement made me think of some times I have gotten angry at people for not treating my kids fairly, or taking advantage of them in one way or another. I don’t consider it being an angry mom though- I consider it being passionate about my kids and expecting people to be fair, nice, and decent to them.
Whenever there is conflict with someone, they want me to go with them. If they need to bring peace to a situation, they want Dan to go with them.
I am passionate and it shows as assertive. Dan is passionate, and it appears as being in control of his emotions, and bringing peace to a situation that is full of conflict. We are opposites, but displaying the same emotions in different ways.
Standing up for what is right on behalf of our kids is important.
I guess when Katie said “I love angry moms!”, she was really saying “I love you mom, for standing up for what is important on my behalf.”
Passion- showing up in ways we would never expect- is a wonderful thing.

My daughter called me last night. She told me she received a wonderful compliment from one of her college Professors about an essay she is in the process of finishing. He read the second draft, and told her the first paragraph was the best he had ever read in an essay.
How exciting!
I agree with him. I read it and it is humorous, makes quality points, and had the effect of making me want to read more.
That’s what good writing does, it makes you want to read more.
It is also what living a good life does, it makes you want to live more.
I don’t mean a rich life, or a life where everything is going right. I mean the good life of enjoying the little things, doing good to others, forgiving and letting go of things that have hurt, reaching out and helping someone else, having a heart that is right with God- knowing Jesus as not only your savior, but your Lord. Being used by Him in ways unimaginable.
Living the good life- it means living the life of a servant of God and knowing He is in control.
It is even better than reading a good book.

Once again, I am reminded of how blessed I am. And I am thankful.
My children are all healthy,
They actually like each other-rare among a lot of siblings.
They show Dan and I respect and love.
And above all, they all love the Lord, and are committed to serving Him- with joy.