I'm struggling with an issue and would love to hear from anyone who has thoughts on the best way to handle. It may simply be that I just need to stay out of it, but I just feel the need to share some wisdom with this young lady.
A teen girl (graduating this year) is planning a cruise with her boyfriend (graduated last year)following her graduation. It will be just the two of them alone - no adults, no chaperones. Her mom is apparently okay with this! She has been a dedicated Christian young lady until about the last year - okay I'm not saying she's not still Christian, just that circumstances have caused her to fall away from the church and she seems to be straying from her moral "line". I've tried really hard to reach out to her, but she's put up quite a wall. Her family life is not the best and I'm not sure if she's just rebelling or if she is trying to find a quick way out of her home after graduation. Either way, I think this trip is a BAD idea, but I don't really know what to say to her in light of the fact that she has the okay from her parents. Thoughts?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Mean Mom!!
I found this article on a youth worker’s website that I frequent.
It made me giggle!! It also made me very proud of this mom who held her teen accountable to the rules that she set for him. It’s a bit of a harsh punishment, admittedly, but if more of us held our kids accountable to this level, I suspect they would disobey us far less frequently!!
It reminds me of parent I once knew (I won’t name names to protect the innocent!) who held his son similarly accountable when he was directly defiant to the parent’s direction. The young man, who was about 16 at the time, had asked to get his ear pierced and the parent said a definite “No!” The young man went ahead and got his ear pierced anyway. The parent said, “No problem—but I’m taking your car keys until that hole in your ear grows back!” Needless to say, the young man immediately removed the earring, but still he had to live without his car for several weeks! That would definitely be a lesson the young man would remember on obeying his parents!!
It’s tough to punish our kids and to take things they love from them—we want them to be happy and to have the things they want. However, it is in our children’s best interest and it is following God’s word (Proverbs 22:6; 29:15) for parents to be tough on our children when they are in our homes. If we hold them accountable to following our rules, then they will grow into disciplined young men and women who understand what it means to obey the rules and laws set down before them.
It made me giggle!! It also made me very proud of this mom who held her teen accountable to the rules that she set for him. It’s a bit of a harsh punishment, admittedly, but if more of us held our kids accountable to this level, I suspect they would disobey us far less frequently!!
It reminds me of parent I once knew (I won’t name names to protect the innocent!) who held his son similarly accountable when he was directly defiant to the parent’s direction. The young man, who was about 16 at the time, had asked to get his ear pierced and the parent said a definite “No!” The young man went ahead and got his ear pierced anyway. The parent said, “No problem—but I’m taking your car keys until that hole in your ear grows back!” Needless to say, the young man immediately removed the earring, but still he had to live without his car for several weeks! That would definitely be a lesson the young man would remember on obeying his parents!!
It’s tough to punish our kids and to take things they love from them—we want them to be happy and to have the things they want. However, it is in our children’s best interest and it is following God’s word (Proverbs 22:6; 29:15) for parents to be tough on our children when they are in our homes. If we hold them accountable to following our rules, then they will grow into disciplined young men and women who understand what it means to obey the rules and laws set down before them.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Not now...don't leave me!!
Do you see that beautiful baby in the entry below? My brand new niece! I just found out this week that I may have to watch her (and her 3 year old sister) grow up from a distance. My sister found out this week that her husband’s job is being eliminated and they have offered him a transfer to Savannah, GA. Talk about devastating…I can’t stand the thoughts of her being that far away from us – not to mention her girls, and even her husband (he's a pretty cool guy!).
We are an amazingly close family - almost sickeningly so! Deb and I have always been close - we're very different and we've certainly had our differences (remind me to tell you about her wedding day sometime!), but she's my best friend. Our girls are really close, too - especially her oldest and my youngest...Kayla was Caroline's hero almost from the time Caroline could talk. Kayla could do no wrong in her book and she drove her mom crazy constantly asking, "Where is Kayla?" I can give Caroline a gift and she'll always say - "Kayla gave me that!" We hand down a lot of clothes and all Deb has to say is "that used to be Kayla's" and Caroline is ready to put it on and wear it for days! Kayla loves Caroline just as much - they're really like sisters - yes, they fight like it, but they love each other a whole lot!
And then there's that beautiful new niece of mine. We are bonding and I'm so in love with her - the whole family is! She told me the other day that I'm her favorite aunt...really, she did - only I could understand it, but I'm certain that's what she said! ;) I can't stand the thoughts of missing her grow up - especially these first few years when they change so quickly.
I haven’t told my girls yet – after Cassie’s reaction when our other friends were going to move, I can’t imagine how she’ll react to this news. Kayla, too...she's not quite as sensitive as Cassie, but this one might just throw her for a loop. Anyway, it’s not 100% certain yet – he’s looking to see if he can find an alternative job here, but they can’t afford for him not to be employed, even for a short period, so if he doesn’t find something quickly they’ll have to take the transfer. You prayer warriors pray, please pray that something works out. I guess at least if she does move, it’s a beautiful area that I’ve never had the opportunity to visit, so that’s a good thing – about the only good thing!
We are an amazingly close family - almost sickeningly so! Deb and I have always been close - we're very different and we've certainly had our differences (remind me to tell you about her wedding day sometime!), but she's my best friend. Our girls are really close, too - especially her oldest and my youngest...Kayla was Caroline's hero almost from the time Caroline could talk. Kayla could do no wrong in her book and she drove her mom crazy constantly asking, "Where is Kayla?" I can give Caroline a gift and she'll always say - "Kayla gave me that!" We hand down a lot of clothes and all Deb has to say is "that used to be Kayla's" and Caroline is ready to put it on and wear it for days! Kayla loves Caroline just as much - they're really like sisters - yes, they fight like it, but they love each other a whole lot!
And then there's that beautiful new niece of mine. We are bonding and I'm so in love with her - the whole family is! She told me the other day that I'm her favorite aunt...really, she did - only I could understand it, but I'm certain that's what she said! ;) I can't stand the thoughts of missing her grow up - especially these first few years when they change so quickly.
I haven’t told my girls yet – after Cassie’s reaction when our other friends were going to move, I can’t imagine how she’ll react to this news. Kayla, too...she's not quite as sensitive as Cassie, but this one might just throw her for a loop. Anyway, it’s not 100% certain yet – he’s looking to see if he can find an alternative job here, but they can’t afford for him not to be employed, even for a short period, so if he doesn’t find something quickly they’ll have to take the transfer. You prayer warriors pray, please pray that something works out. I guess at least if she does move, it’s a beautiful area that I’ve never had the opportunity to visit, so that’s a good thing – about the only good thing!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A Mother's Christmas Story
My family got a very special Christmas present this year...a brand new baby! My sister had her 2nd daughter this morning at 7:40 am and she is a beauty - don't you think!?!?
I taught the kids in our church about the Nativity Story this past week and it hit especially close to home with my sister being so close to delivering her own little bundle of joy! What an amazing sacrifice Mary made to bring Jesus to earth for all of us! I don't believe that Mary is one that we should worship - that should be reserved for our God and our Savior. I do, however, believe that she is most worthy of our great respect and appreciation. I mean - not only did she risk her reputation, but she risked her life to bring this little one into the world! Most women in her situation - pregnant and unmarried - were stoned to death in that time. In fact, Joseph deserves a great deal of our thanks and respect, as well, because all it would have taken would have been a word from him and the community would have quickly stoned Mary without a second thought!
In addition - Mary and Joseph made the trek to Bethlehem which would not have been an easy one in the most ideal circumstances - much less with a woman who was 9 months pregnant! I mean - she rode a donkey for heavens sake! I can remember riding in a car being a bit miserable at that point in pregnancy...a donkey had to be nearly unbearable. She slept on the hard ground in the elements throughout the trip. I had an awesome quilted mattress during both of my pregnancies, but comfort was not easy to find even so! And then forget any cravings...she ate what they could carry and cook on a campfire - no midnight milkshake runs for her! To top it all off, she went through the toughest thing a woman can do - labor and delivery in a CAVE! I know some women insist on a natural birth, but Mary was the realest of the real women!! :)
Anyway, I'm thrilled to be a new aunt and so happy for my sister. The whole experience here at Christmas time really gave me a new understanding and respect for Jesus' mother - pretty cool!!
Hope everyone had a very blessed Christmas - I know we did!! :)
Monday, December 17, 2007
A CHRISTmas Story!
http://www.citizenlink.org/Stoplight/A000006125.cfm
Check out this short video...totally in the spirit of Christ's birthday !:)
Friday, December 14, 2007
This makes me happy!! :) Merry Christmas!
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth,and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted..."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat,and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.
"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store,the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.
"Take this money," she said,"and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough;
he didn't have a good coat.
I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly,
as I laid my ten dollars down.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front
door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were, ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth,and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted..."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat,and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.
"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store,the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.
"Take this money," she said,"and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough;
he didn't have a good coat.
I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly,
as I laid my ten dollars down.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front
door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were, ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Atheists' Holiday...
Love this!! :)
In Florida , an atheist became incensed over the preparation of Easter and Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while atheists had no holiday to celebrate.
The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the long passionate presentation by the lawyer, the Judge banged his gavel and declared, 'Case dismissed!'
The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah...yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!"
The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, "Obviously your client is too confused to even know about, much less celebrate his own atheists' holiday!"
The lawyer pompously said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?"
The judge Said, "Well it comes every year on exactly the same date---April 1st! Since our calendar sets April 1st as 'April Fools Day,' consider that Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, in my opinion, if your client says there is no God, then by scripture, he is a fool, and April 1st is his holiday! Now have a good day and get out of my courtroom!!"
In Florida , an atheist became incensed over the preparation of Easter and Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while atheists had no holiday to celebrate.
The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the long passionate presentation by the lawyer, the Judge banged his gavel and declared, 'Case dismissed!'
The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah...yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!"
The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, "Obviously your client is too confused to even know about, much less celebrate his own atheists' holiday!"
The lawyer pompously said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?"
The judge Said, "Well it comes every year on exactly the same date---April 1st! Since our calendar sets April 1st as 'April Fools Day,' consider that Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, in my opinion, if your client says there is no God, then by scripture, he is a fool, and April 1st is his holiday! Now have a good day and get out of my courtroom!!"
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