Parenting and Religion

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Not the book in the Bible kind of Revalation, but the “I suddenly realized something” kind of Revelation:
My kids are growing up!
I know, they all do, and that’s good. But it is happening too fast.
With my oldest being 22, and my youngest being 6 next month, and five in between, the time is going too fast.
The good thing is, I know I have done the best with the time I have had so far with them, that I knew how to do.
I spend time with them, teach them, play with them, love them, have fun with them, and discipline them. The most important thing I do, is teach them about God.
About the Lord who loves them so much, even more than I do.
About the way of salvation, which is only through Christ Jesus.
About the grace and forgiveness that God offers them when they mess up.
And about how to get up when they fall.
I have tried to show them my humanness, without messing up my witness. I have allowed them to see me when I am not at my best, and how I can strive to do my best even when I don’t feel like it.
I have shown them the love of God in demonstation, and yet they have seen the wrath of mom when angered. They know I am not God, and that they are blessed because I am not God.
They know that I know I am not God, and that I also know how to go on when I make mistakes.
Dan and I have shown them how to have an awesome marriage, and keep the relationship alive. We have shown them how to treat others with respect and how to talk it out, even when not happy.
We have shown them honesty, we have shown them openness. We have shown them love.
The most important thing we have tried to do in everything else, is show them Jesus. When they need something, we show them Jesus. When they want something, we show them Jesus. When they need to change, we show them Jesus. When they need correction, we show them Jesus.
There is nothing better that parents can do, than to show their kids the way to the cross, and the risen Savior.
My kids are growing up.
I hope they all got it, and that they still look for Jesus when there is a need of any kind.
My kids are growing up.
I will keep doing my job. Parenting never ends. Showing them Jesus will go on. Being mom is a forever thing, and I am thankful.

There are so many things in life that can make us wonder how we will get through it all. So often, we need to talk to someone,speak what is on our minds, get some input into our situations, and maybe even find some wisdom in what another might offer us.
I have a suggestion that is not a new one, one that might actually be the answer to getting help every time we need it, getting the answers that sometimes seem to be difficult to find, and put our lives on the right track…
Take it to the Lord.
Before you say, ”now wait a minute, when I need to talk, I need to talk”, let me say this-
Only God knows all the answers, and you can find them by pouring your heart out to Him.
Only God has the words you need to satisfy your longing for comfort, truth, and peace, read His word.
Only God has a way of wrapping His arms around you, and making everything that you worry about fall away, when you pour your heart out to Him, and let Him be your comfort, that is how you receive His hug.
There is nothing like having the need meeter, meet all of your needs, all of your innermost longings, all of your desires.
Take it to the Lord, before you take it to your friends.
Take it to the Lord, before you take it to your counselor.
Take it to the Lord, before you take it to your doctor.
Whatever the need is, God is the answer, and he holds to key to giving you what you need.

Some may trust in horses, some may trust in chariots, but we will trust in the name of our God!
(Psalm 20:7)
or, in modern language:
Some may trust in wallstreet, some may trust in Government, but we will trust in the name of our Lord, Jesus.

Keeping the financial crisis in perspective of scripture can be challenging, especially when the media is totally faithless in their presentation of what to expect. With money invested in retirement plans, what should we, as Christians, expect?
Keeping our eyes on the Lord, and what His word says, we can expect to have everything be ok.
We can even expect more, with our faith out to see what He is going to do i these times.
My oldest daughter is married, and she asked me what I think about it all the other day. My first reaction was, anger.
Honestly, knowing that our small retirement 401K plan may be going down the drain, made me angry. But, the more I think about it, and the more I remind myself of all the ways we have seen the hand of God move in our lives, the more my faith has been out to see a miracle in the future.
With God, there is no losing everything. As long as we have Him, all of our needs are met. As long as we keep His will in the center of our lives, and our lives in the center of His will, we wil be alright. We will be provided for, in one way or another.
Economic Crisis? No.
Another way for God to show His provision to His children? Yes!

With the upcoming Presidential Election, there has been a lot of talk in our house about voting, and how to decide who would be the best to vote for. My husband and I are very strong in our beliefs about who we should vote for, but some of our relatives have expressed that there is no really good choice, so maybe they won’t vote at all. This is not the answer. I thought I would give some tips to help with knowing how to decide who to vote for, take them or leave them, it’s just my two cents.

1. Consider what topics mean the most to you as an American Citizen. Look at the position all the candidates have taken on those particular topics, and give the one who agrees with your stand a point.

2. Consider the record that each candidate holds for voting on concerns you might have. Examples of things to consider are Abortion, public services (such as welfare, medical coverage, and social security), Homosexual Marriage and rights, educational issues, taxes, and any other issues you might be concerned with.

3. Consider your belief system. Not that you will find one who agrees with everything you believe, but that you look for one who will stand for your right to believe, and your right to worship as you desire and believe is right.

4. Consider the things you see and hear them say. Is there steadfastness in their speech? Has it been proven that they do what they say they’ll do by their past history? Are they degrading or coming down on particular groups of people?

5. Pray about it! This is by far the most important thing to do when deciding who to vote for. Pray for wisdom, and for the guidance of the Lord when you cast your vote. And if your candidate doesn’t win, remember that God is still in control, and He is the one who holds your future; not the President of the USA.

A friend of mine recently told me that someone had asked her if she is political. She is married to a minister, expecting her fifth child, and homeschools like I do.
I thought it a funny question, after all, how can you not be political with the way our country is today?
We are seeing the predictions of 2 Timothy 2:1-5 come to pass:

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them

. (NIV)
When anyone, politician or not, says they are a Christian (definition: follower of Christ), but in the next breath can say that they don’t believe that Christ is the only way to heaven, they are lying. Either they aren’t really Christian (follower of Christ, believing in Him for their salvation), or they are lying about believing there is one way to heaven….hmmm…..
Any way you look at it, they are not really a Christian.
Christians believe the Bible to be the Word of God, and that Jesus was the only begotten son of God, who died to make a way for us to the Father (and Heaven because that’s where the Father lives), and they confesss such with their mouth. According to Romans 10:9, that is the way to be saved.
If you are really a Christian, you will not be open minded to any other way of thinking, teaching, or religion. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father.
Now, am I political?
How can I not be?
I am political, but I am first a Christian. We are told in the Bible to judge by the fruit we see in the lives of those who claim to believe in Christ (Matthew 7:15-20). If anyone says they are a Christian, yet denies that Jesus is who He said He is, they lie. He said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father (or heaven), but by me (John 14:6).
Isn’t it amazing how deceived people can be; the way imost of us are do willing to accept that someone is what they say they are, without looking at their fruit, or their example to back it up?
Let’s look closely at those who are running in this election, and if we see things that should serve to warn us, let’s look even closer.
Jesus is the only way to the Father. If you are really a Christian, you must agree.

I thought I would give all you latecomers (those who are chronically running late) a head’s up about tomorrow- “National Be Late for Something Day” (September 5th).
That is fitting for me about one third of the time. If I am going somewhere alone (which is rare), I am almost always on time. If Dan or the kids are going with me, we are late more often. I guess that goes to show that it isn’t all me.
Sunday mornings are the worst, and that is bad. Being late for church isn’t good, when you are the Pastor’s family. (Not that it’s good anyhow, but you know what I mean!)
Anyhow, I am going to try to celebrate tomorrow by being on time for something- rather than late.
Maybe that will be the beginning of a new thing, being on time more often….maybe more than two thirds of the time?
We’ll see.

With all the media focus on Sarah Palin, and her ‘problems’, I wanted to write about her from a little different slant.
Being a mom, always has the potential to present ‘problems’.
Any decision we (moms or parents in general) make is scrutinized by everyone who knows us, and now the whole world knows Sarah Palin.
I am sure that when my parents let me get married at 17, they were judged by many people; but that is part of being parents.
That decision was most likely the best one they ever made on my behalf. I am still married, and happily so, 28 years later. But the key to letting me get married was, they prayed.
They had peace, they knew it was right. But the conflict with others may have made them doubt their decision at times.
I can’t imagine what the Palin family might be going through with all the negative attention placed on them.
Here’s how I see it:
Sarah Palin has a baby, another in her place may have decided not to have that baby. She is blessed because of her stance that life matters, no matter what difficulties it may offer. She is blessed because children are the blessing of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward (Psalm 127:3). That is not conditional, it is all inclusive.
Sarah Palin has a 17 year old daughter who is pregnant, and the media is trying to use that against her.
The fact is, every decision anyone makes, has consequences. Her daughter made the decision to have sex, and she is now pregnant. Children are still the blessing of the Lord, and the family still believes that, and are living examples of how Christians should react to an unexpected teen pregnancy.
I have seen a few examples that were the opposite. Parents insisting on an abortion, or even going so far as to throw the daughter out of the house- just because she was pregnant.
I wonder what kind of a party the media would have if they could throw something that is bad parenting, such as not supporting your almost adult daughter with an unexpected pregnancy, at Sarah Palin?
That option is out, so they are trying to bring her down with making what I consider good parenting, by pointing fingers at her and saying it’s her fault for the type of teaching she gave her daughter.
In reality, the Palin family is doing what the church should do.
They are embracing their daughter in the midst of what could be either a crisis or a blessing, depending on their response to her. They are helping turn it into a blessing, and the baby will be welcomed into a family that upholds the values they preach and believe.
Mistakes are made by all of us, but how we respond to them determines what they turn into.
Sarah Palin is a mom. She loves her husband and kids.
She will love her grandchild.
And she will make a wonderful VP for the USA.

Sarah Palin, John McCain’s running mate, is a mom. But she isn’t just any mom. She is a mom who stepped in to help the world change for the better, and I believe that in part she did it because of her kids.
Her beliefs, her strength, and her determination to see change in Government, make her a wonderful choice for VP.
Her personality that has been shown through her speech and the things that have been publicized about the changes she worked for in Alaska, make me think that if I knew her, we would be friends. She seems very down to earth, and personable.
I am impressed with the things she has accomplished, and the fact that she is not a political player. She may be republican, and she may have strong ideals, but she is friends with and offers respect to others who see things differently. Right down to even appointing people from other parties to work with her staff.
I like the idea of someone coming into office, who will actually try to downsize Government, rather than increase Governmental power. John McCain and Sarah Palin will do that.
I know this isn’t a political blog, but I am so impressed with what I know about her, and what I have seen so far, I had to blog about it.
I guess I am impressed mostly because when I look at her, I see a mom like me. Her family comes first, she shops for her own groceries. She is a hockey mom, and I am a soccer mom. We both Govern, but my Governing is only within my family.
She has the guts to Govern the people, and to do it with real Integrity.
Hockey mom, soccer mom, not much difference; as long as we both stand for what is right, and try to make the world a better place for our kids.
Sarah Palin, I hope you win. I kinda feel like if you win, I win.
From one mom to another, doing the best we can from where we stand.

Last night we went to the calling hours for my son’s friend. I have never seen anything like it.
We waited in a line that wrapped around to the back of the funeral home, for an hour and a half. When we came out to leave, there were as many people in line as when we got there.
One of the funeral directors told Joe (my son) that he had never seen anything like it. He estimated that there were between 1500 and 2000 people who came through the doors.
It amazes me the amount of support and love of this young man that has been shown.
When we greeted his mother, my husband told her we were praying for her and the family and friends. She grasped our hands and said “Please keep praying. God’s grace is what is getting us through this.”
It stands out to me that God is there, as whatever we need when we need it.
When we need forgiveness, He is there.
When we need hope, He is there.
When we need encouragement, He is there.
When we need a reason to go on, He is there.
When we need strength, He is there.
When we need mercy, He is there.
When we need love, He is there.
When we need comfort, He is there.
When we need grace, He is there.

Whatever we need, when we need it, whether for ourselves or to offer to someone else, He is there for us.
What a mighty God we serve! Everything we need, and just when we need it most.
I thank God, He is there.

Death of a friend is never easy to deal with. When the one doing the dealing is young, and the friend was also young, even more difficulty can arise.
Questioning God is a big thing.
My son lost a friend yesterday. He is hurting.
This friend was one of those kids who has hung out with for about 10 years.
Once in the party scene, now not, my son tried to still be a good friend.
He tried to show his partying friends the love of God, and sometimes was mocked by them because of his beliefs.
The friend who died was one of the mockers.
What does a true friend do when someone they really care about won’t respect their right to their own beliefs, and actually mocks them outrightly?
This true friend still stuck by him, and told him the truth; drugs, drinking, partying will end up taking you somewhere you don’t want to go.
Self medicating won’t give you peace.
Jesus loves you no matter what you have done or where you have gone.
God accepts you no matter what condition you are when you come to him- after all, he did accept a dead man named Lazarus, who stunk and was still in his grave clothes. He even helped him get cleaned up. He still helps us get cleaned up, from where we are when we call on His name, the only name that will bring salvation, healing, eternal life, and yes, peace to live on this earth and deal with everything that comes our way.
Now, a friend is dead, a son is hurting, and love says believe the best.
Love tells me to believe that even in those last moments, the friend could have called on the the name above all names, the name of JESUS.
Right now, I would rather do what love says, than what my observation says.
I choose to believe love, and I pray for my son, and his friends family and other friends.
Death is hard.
24 is too young to die.

We are preparing to go on our annual Kingdom Bound Festival trip. We have only missed 2 out of 22 kingdom bound festivals. We have been blessed by Kingdom Bound, year after year.
And it never fails, something always trys to stop us from going.
This year it is sickness, boo-boos, and financial stuff.
My two oldest boys have been sick for almost two weeks, and are both on antibiotics.
My 14 year old daughter, stepped on a stick, and it was lodged in her foot. I numbed her foot with ice, and yanked it out. She is ok, up to date on her tetnus shot, and taking it easy…..but it does hurt for her to put much pressure on it. Walking is not fun so far.
Now, finances….. what more can I say?
With the prices of food and gas increasing so much, financial pressure is at an all time high, and finances themselves are pretty low.
But God…..
He always provides what we need in one way or another.
With so much oposition, it makes me think that this year, Kingdom Bound is going to be extra special.
Third Day, here I come…. Delirious, get ready for Worship!
We are some serious Kingdom Bounders, and we are on our way!!!

You know how little boys are. They carry things around in their pockets, like frogs and leaves. They are constantly bringing things in the house to show me, and I always say the same thing “TAKE IT OUTSIDE!!”
Well, one thing must have gotten by me.
My boys have a couple of ‘bug catcher’ type things. A little carry around cage, screened so you can see the critters, and they can breathe. About two weeks ago, my 8 year old had it, and said “Mom, look what I got!”
I looked, and it was full of worms. YUCK!!!
I told him the usual, to take it outside.
Now, I am not a spoil sport, I just don’t want worms in my house.
Well, over the weekend, my 11 year old son came downstairs and said, “You are never going to guess what I found crawling under my bed- A WORM!”
I told him to throw it away.
Then he came back and said he had found two little worms under there too.
Now I was feeling sick.
Worms had reproduced in my house.
I kind of panicked, and told the boys that they had to throw away all the books, and stuffed animals that were stored in boxes under their bed.
Now, the eight year old says it couldn’t have been his worms. After all, they were in the bug catcher. Well, the bug catcher has a gapp between the door and the wall…..so……
Anyhow, the worms are gone (At least they had better be!!), the room is cleaner than ever, and I am paranoid now, about worms.
Kind of reminds me of when my little brothers used to chase me with them. I felt like there was no getting away from them, so I just ran around and screamed.
SO, off I go to inspect their room again, running around in circles…but this time I am only screaming on the inside.

National Gogeous Grandma Day.
My mom fits that description, as does my sister. I on the other hand don’t.
Now don’t get me wrong, it isn’t because I am extremely ugly, or have a self image problem.
It’s because I am not yet a grandma.
The gorgeous grandma status has to be achieved by being a grandma, and being gorgeous.
I miss it by at least the first qualification.
Whenever people who know me meet my mom, I get compliments. First they say “Your mother is beautiful!”
Then they say “You know, you look a lot like your mom.”
I can only say thanks.
I also have a gorgeous grandma of my own.
When my grandpa was alive, he took me in his living room, shoed me some pictures, and said \, “I am one lucky man. Not many men end up with a beauty like I have.”
He was right, my grandma was and is gorgeous.
So, to all you gorgeous grandma’s… Have a gorgeous day.

Today should be named boo-boo day. My 14 year old daughter accidentally sliced her thumb with a knife, and I punctured my middle finger with a piece of glass while washing dishes.
Life is full of such mishaps, but when a few happen in one day, I feel like I should start the day over again.
Today is also my oldest child’s birthday. He is 22, and still my baby.
Having adult children offers a different perspective on parenting. Being involved without being involved. Giving advice without being pushy, and also only when asked.
Being mom, without babying them.
Not always easy, but good none the less.
Parenting will never end, no matter how old they get.
But it does change.
Change is good, when we embrace it in what it is meant to be, finding a new way to coninue that precious relationship, of parent and adult child.
I guess it’s a good thing I have great examples of how to do that.
My mom and dad, and my inlaws…..the best examples possible, and I am thankful.