Posts
What if God asked you to drop everything and move? Change everything you know and are familiar with to follow God's will. Only a few would say yes. Matt and I have had that same discussion this week. I wish we were financially stable enough to go to Massachusetts's with Ryan and Christy, is what he said. My stomach turned a few times, because I love being around my family. They are good to my kids, they are always there if we need them, we are always there for them if they need us. We are 8 years into a 30 year mortgage, and well on our way to owning our house. I know it's not a big house, but it is our house and almost 1/3 of the way into owning it. I kept asking myself could I really make that sacrifice? Would I truly be able to pack up everything, and move hours away from a place I have lived in for 34 years? I find myself truly thinking about this.
Here is the kicker, I had just finished reading a chapter in Francis Chan's book, asking that very same question. How deep is your love for Christ? Going to church or reading your bible should not be a chore. Helping people in need should not be a chore. The bible explains that what you do for someone, even if you give them a drink of water, it is like you are reaching out and giving a drink to Christ. How many times have we looked Christ in the face, and turned our heads, unwilling to share what we own, unwilling to feed the hungry, unwilling to move if God asked you to do so. How much do you truly love Christ? Anyway, that evening, my husband asked if I had read Ryan's blog. I said no, I will read it right now. Ryan's dream life would be that Matt and I would serve with them in the ministry, along with a long list of friends. You can read his blog if you like (mercyhouseryan). How crazy is that, I just read the book a few hours before, now there is a blog mentioning what life would be like if we are in Massachussete's with Ryan and Christy.
I found myself at a stand still. I think I love Christ with all of my heart, but would I be able to show my love for him by moving if he asked me to? It truly humbled me to stop and think about all that I had just taken in. I know lately I have been thinking about that very idea. My problem is that I am so set on God using me right here, so that I can be comfortable, in my nice comfortable home, around all of the comforts of family and friends, around everything that I am familiar with. Where is my faith? I don't believe that it is something I need as much in my very familiar surroundings.
Our friends Ryan and Christy, wow, what love you have for Christ? For so many years I thought you were running from life, but instead you are embracing your love for Christ. Your willingness to go where comfort is not, it blessed my heart. I admire the depth of your love for Christ. I admire your willingness to follow God's will, no matter how far it takes you, no matter what obstacles stand in your way. I have such a great understanding of what you guys do, and pray that I too will be more open to God's will in my life. I never realized what a brick wall I had set before God. My desire is to open all doors before Christ, to be willing to follow his will at all costs.
Our prayers are with our friends as they journey to Massachusetts's. Be in prayer, they need to sell their house in Virginia very quickly. Also pray, that any brick walls you have set before God will fall. How will you express your love for Christ this year, or even this week?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Strip away your pride and die to yourself......
I too have been reading the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. There is so much to absorb. I have just completed chapter 2, and I just want to dig deeper in. You can go to this website (http://crazylovebook.com/) to find out more about this book. There is a video that goes with every chapter of the book.
I just want to say, where is our humbleness? How much do we truly care about other people or reaching people for Christ. I sat down with my kids last night and asked them this question, what have you done to help someone else today? Not that I want them to brag or be prideful, but I want to change their way of thinking. Tonight when I ask them this same question, they will probably say they forgot. If continue to ask them and encourage them to be servants to other people, I hope that their stories about what they did for someone today will ever increase. We are only promised now, we are not promised tomorrow, we can't change yesterday, but I can focus on one day at time. If I ask them this question and I expect them to answer in a servant hearted manner, I need to be prepared to share my own stories. I need to be prepared to be a good example to my kids.
If someone came up to you right now and said, what can you do to help someone else, what would your answer be? Better yet, what if you were in neeed, and everyone else was more wrapped up in nice clothes, cable tv, new cars, and video games. What if your child was starving, and the people around you abounded in much and never took the time, or was willing to give up their luxieries to help you with the necessities. It's time to stop thinking you are something, and become nothing. God does not care about your social status. God does not care if you think you have finally arrived.
He does care if you shed your pride, God hates pride, and if it's in you, you need to get rid of it. Pride is having fancy phones, more of a house than what we need, expensive clothes, and just thinking that you are more important than anyone else. God does not care if you are the Pastor of 5000, or if you are a homeless guy on the side of the road. If you are not humble and seeking his will, and doing whatever you can do to change lives and show the love of Christ, then what is the purpose of what you are doing?
When are we as a church going to become all things to all people? When are we as Christ followers going to shed our pride and quit caring about being tired, and start focusing on meeting the needs of the people around us. Lazy people are my pet peeve. Every church has a list of things people can do, but too many people want to just sit in the pew. The church will never become all that God needs it to be, unless we get up off our behinds, and make it our home (as my dad would say).
We need more fuel cells. We cannot meet the needs of 150 people in five fuel cells. It doesn't matter who you are, but your goal should be to become disciples of Christ. So if you are going to fuel church, I pray that first you pray about whether or not fuel church is your home, if it is I pray that you join. If you are a member of fuel church, the first need you need to meet, is that of your family. They need to be in a fuel cell. This is the place where we truly become family and begin to meet the needs of each other. If you are a member and in a fuel cell, be in prayer about starting one at your home. If you can at least open up the doors to your home, we can have someone come and teach the class in your home until you are comfortable to do it on your own.
Like Ryan said on Sunday, it's time to start planning your life around a fuel cell. My husband and I both have a 40 hour a week work schedule, and we truly understand being tired. But being a part of a fuel cell or teaching a fuel cell, should not be a chore, it should a time of refreshing. A time to get together with other christ followers, who become a family to you. Being able to open up and have people open up to you. I miss people when they don't show up, we call each other in the middle of the week, we babysit for each other, we check on each other when things are going on in our lives. (being all things to all people) They are such an important part of our lives, and I am blessed to be able to share my life with these people. If you are teaching a fuel cell or you are thinking about teaching a fuel cell, and your schedule is pretty open, pick a night that best fits the people your fuel cell may attract. Be all things to all people. Josh's group has about 40 people on Sunday Nights. We have several people in our church that work nights in the week, or travel out of town for work and Sunday Night is the only night they can attend a fuel cell. Be in prayer for our fuel cells.
We love you all, and we are so blessed to have an awesome church family. You have stepped up in so many ways. I can't begin to tell you how much everything seen and unseen is appreciated, and you are touching lives in everything you do.
Have a blessed week.
I just want to say, where is our humbleness? How much do we truly care about other people or reaching people for Christ. I sat down with my kids last night and asked them this question, what have you done to help someone else today? Not that I want them to brag or be prideful, but I want to change their way of thinking. Tonight when I ask them this same question, they will probably say they forgot. If continue to ask them and encourage them to be servants to other people, I hope that their stories about what they did for someone today will ever increase. We are only promised now, we are not promised tomorrow, we can't change yesterday, but I can focus on one day at time. If I ask them this question and I expect them to answer in a servant hearted manner, I need to be prepared to share my own stories. I need to be prepared to be a good example to my kids.
If someone came up to you right now and said, what can you do to help someone else, what would your answer be? Better yet, what if you were in neeed, and everyone else was more wrapped up in nice clothes, cable tv, new cars, and video games. What if your child was starving, and the people around you abounded in much and never took the time, or was willing to give up their luxieries to help you with the necessities. It's time to stop thinking you are something, and become nothing. God does not care about your social status. God does not care if you think you have finally arrived.
He does care if you shed your pride, God hates pride, and if it's in you, you need to get rid of it. Pride is having fancy phones, more of a house than what we need, expensive clothes, and just thinking that you are more important than anyone else. God does not care if you are the Pastor of 5000, or if you are a homeless guy on the side of the road. If you are not humble and seeking his will, and doing whatever you can do to change lives and show the love of Christ, then what is the purpose of what you are doing?
When are we as a church going to become all things to all people? When are we as Christ followers going to shed our pride and quit caring about being tired, and start focusing on meeting the needs of the people around us. Lazy people are my pet peeve. Every church has a list of things people can do, but too many people want to just sit in the pew. The church will never become all that God needs it to be, unless we get up off our behinds, and make it our home (as my dad would say).
We need more fuel cells. We cannot meet the needs of 150 people in five fuel cells. It doesn't matter who you are, but your goal should be to become disciples of Christ. So if you are going to fuel church, I pray that first you pray about whether or not fuel church is your home, if it is I pray that you join. If you are a member of fuel church, the first need you need to meet, is that of your family. They need to be in a fuel cell. This is the place where we truly become family and begin to meet the needs of each other. If you are a member and in a fuel cell, be in prayer about starting one at your home. If you can at least open up the doors to your home, we can have someone come and teach the class in your home until you are comfortable to do it on your own.
Like Ryan said on Sunday, it's time to start planning your life around a fuel cell. My husband and I both have a 40 hour a week work schedule, and we truly understand being tired. But being a part of a fuel cell or teaching a fuel cell, should not be a chore, it should a time of refreshing. A time to get together with other christ followers, who become a family to you. Being able to open up and have people open up to you. I miss people when they don't show up, we call each other in the middle of the week, we babysit for each other, we check on each other when things are going on in our lives. (being all things to all people) They are such an important part of our lives, and I am blessed to be able to share my life with these people. If you are teaching a fuel cell or you are thinking about teaching a fuel cell, and your schedule is pretty open, pick a night that best fits the people your fuel cell may attract. Be all things to all people. Josh's group has about 40 people on Sunday Nights. We have several people in our church that work nights in the week, or travel out of town for work and Sunday Night is the only night they can attend a fuel cell. Be in prayer for our fuel cells.
We love you all, and we are so blessed to have an awesome church family. You have stepped up in so many ways. I can't begin to tell you how much everything seen and unseen is appreciated, and you are touching lives in everything you do.
Have a blessed week.
Monday, July 14, 2008
This is for my friend....
Sometimes there are not enough words to comfort those who are hurting or to help someone find peace about the road they are about to follow. Sometimes life just sucks. This isn't new, it is life. As you read through the bible, time and time again there is hurt, sorrow, and death. But there is also, comfort, hope, peace, love,and vision. The first person I always think of is Job. I can't imagine losing everything I have and still being able to stand strong.
During a bible study a friend once stated, I don't know if I could still go to church if my wife was taken from me. I remember looking at him and saying, how could you not? I would never want to endure search a hurt, or loss in my life without Christ. I have close friends that lost a child in a car accident, it literally tore apart their family because they did not seek the comfort of Christ. If you have read my blogs, you know my Aunt lost her husband a few months ago. The hurt is deep and the pain is almost unbearable, but she gives glory to God for seeing her through each and every day.
Life is short, I don't care how old you are, Life is short. I just spent the week, on vacation with my family. We did not have money to take a nice vacation somewhere, with little cash in our pockets, we had the most wonderful time together. I caught myself staring my children, and my husband and a big smile would come across my face. I felt so blessed to have that time with them.
If you have lost someone, don't give up hope on yourself. Enjoy the family and friendships that surround you. If someone you know is hanging from a thread, don't give up hope and enjoy every second that God has given you with them. As my husband and I stood in a hospital room, we watched our friend Jerry as he stood beside his wife. His hand was holding tightly to hers, and he gently wiped the tears from both their faces. He continously told her over and over how much he loved her, and to hold on and keep fighting. As long as we have breath in our lungs their is hope. But if she was to die today, it would not be without knowing how much her husband truly loved her.
Jerry, I know you are reading this, one of my favorite verses is "To live is Christ, to die is gain." Your beautiful wife lived as Christ wanted her to live, and when she goes home to be with him, she has gained a home far more beautiful than you and I could ever imagine. But as long as she breathes, we will continue to believe that God can touch her. No matter what happens, remain close to Christ.
Cara, it has been a rough week for you, but look what God has shown you this week. Wow. You have come a long way from that little baby in a hospital. Could you have ever imagined having so many people that surround you and smother you with love. God is good. He will guide you through getting to know your sisters, and helping you with the loss of one.
Christy, the journey ahead is not easy. But God is going to bless you and your family. I am amazed at your faithfulness to follow Gods will at all cost. I admire you with all of my heart. It's OK to be scared, just know that God will provide all of your needs.
Matt, I just want to say, I love you more than anything. My time spent with you and the kids this week was simply amazing. I feel so blessed to have someone like you in my life. Someone who is humble, seeks God, and leads his family in the way they should go. You are an amazing person.
During a bible study a friend once stated, I don't know if I could still go to church if my wife was taken from me. I remember looking at him and saying, how could you not? I would never want to endure search a hurt, or loss in my life without Christ. I have close friends that lost a child in a car accident, it literally tore apart their family because they did not seek the comfort of Christ. If you have read my blogs, you know my Aunt lost her husband a few months ago. The hurt is deep and the pain is almost unbearable, but she gives glory to God for seeing her through each and every day.
Life is short, I don't care how old you are, Life is short. I just spent the week, on vacation with my family. We did not have money to take a nice vacation somewhere, with little cash in our pockets, we had the most wonderful time together. I caught myself staring my children, and my husband and a big smile would come across my face. I felt so blessed to have that time with them.
If you have lost someone, don't give up hope on yourself. Enjoy the family and friendships that surround you. If someone you know is hanging from a thread, don't give up hope and enjoy every second that God has given you with them. As my husband and I stood in a hospital room, we watched our friend Jerry as he stood beside his wife. His hand was holding tightly to hers, and he gently wiped the tears from both their faces. He continously told her over and over how much he loved her, and to hold on and keep fighting. As long as we have breath in our lungs their is hope. But if she was to die today, it would not be without knowing how much her husband truly loved her.
Jerry, I know you are reading this, one of my favorite verses is "To live is Christ, to die is gain." Your beautiful wife lived as Christ wanted her to live, and when she goes home to be with him, she has gained a home far more beautiful than you and I could ever imagine. But as long as she breathes, we will continue to believe that God can touch her. No matter what happens, remain close to Christ.
Cara, it has been a rough week for you, but look what God has shown you this week. Wow. You have come a long way from that little baby in a hospital. Could you have ever imagined having so many people that surround you and smother you with love. God is good. He will guide you through getting to know your sisters, and helping you with the loss of one.
Christy, the journey ahead is not easy. But God is going to bless you and your family. I am amazed at your faithfulness to follow Gods will at all cost. I admire you with all of my heart. It's OK to be scared, just know that God will provide all of your needs.
Matt, I just want to say, I love you more than anything. My time spent with you and the kids this week was simply amazing. I feel so blessed to have someone like you in my life. Someone who is humble, seeks God, and leads his family in the way they should go. You are an amazing person.
Monday, June 30, 2008
"WHAT! you drink coffee during church?"
My pastor is going to love this one. I was sitting in the break room today, having a discussion about our move to the civic center. I am really not sure how we got into the discussion, but the a comment was made, " I suppose you eat donuts during church as well." I said, "We do have crystal light, coffee, and nutrigrain bars, and the occaisional muffins." The person replied, "WHAT! you drink coffee during church?" I replied, "yes, is that a problem? Is there a scripture in the bible that states Thou Shalt Not Drink Coffee while the Pastor Preaches?" They laughed and said no, but drinking coffee during church just isn't right. Once again, I began to search for the reasoning behind his statement and of course demanded scripture to back that up. My pastor has taught me well, demand scripture reference to any unreasonable answer someone may give. Surprisingly enough, no scripture was quoted.
Next question that came about, I suppose you drink alcohol at church as well. I said we are not Catholic, Alcohol is not permitted during church or fuel cells.
Next question that came about, What is a Fuel Cell? Bible Study groups at home, I replied.
It simply amazed me how many questions came about from the
The problem with todays society is that we spend more time on crap like whether or not it is OK to drink a cup of coffee while the pastor preaches, and not enough time asking what can we do to win more souls for Christ. I say, if we can drink coffee and win souls for Christ at once, all the more better.
Next question that came about, I suppose you drink alcohol at church as well. I said we are not Catholic, Alcohol is not permitted during church or fuel cells.
Next question that came about, What is a Fuel Cell? Bible Study groups at home, I replied.
It simply amazed me how many questions came about from the
concernsthat we drink coffee during church. Our concerns should be whether or not Johnny and Sally have food in their cabinets, does that co-worker know Christ, not whether or not we drink coffee during church. It's not like we are smoking Marijuana and handling snakes. Gee Whiz.... :)
The problem with todays society is that we spend more time on crap like whether or not it is OK to drink a cup of coffee while the pastor preaches, and not enough time asking what can we do to win more souls for Christ. I say, if we can drink coffee and win souls for Christ at once, all the more better.
To my amazing church family....
I want to thank all of you for your concerns about me. I know more than one person this past week has asked if I am doing OK. I want to thank you for your love and concern. I know I have not been myself lately, and my poor husband surely knows I have not been myself lately, and I want to apologize.
Life has changed so much for us in the last 4 months. My husband is now a pastor, and taking on the role of being a pastor's wife is far greater than I thought. I am by no means complaining, because I am truly blessed to have a husband that is following God's will and working diligently to MAN UP, and do what God is calling him to do. Along with the new found commitments of a new church, and if you have read my blogs, you will know that some personal family things have come about, I think I have been emotionally tired and physically drained. But we are fully committed to this ministry and what ever role that God is calling us to take on in this ministry.
What I want to thank you all mostly for, is realizing that I needed your thoughts and prayers, and you have lifted me up without anyone asking you to do so. It is simply amazing to be in a church full of people that show so much care and concern for one another. You will never know how much every one of you mean to me. Yes I know that I still have not learned all of your names, but that makes it all the more meaningful to me, because even though I may not "yet" have your names down, your care for me is still the same. I feel your prayers, and I have felt completely uplifted today.
I was so amazed and blessed by everyone that showed up Saturday Night and stayed until 12:30 or 1 am to help set up and then got up and came to church and stayed to take everything back down. That is so awesome and totally what it means to MAN UP. There are so many roles that need to be filled, and as we grow and new ministry area's start to form, we will need even more worker's. I pray for each of you as grow strong in the Lord, that you seek his will and that you will fulfill your role.
I was just talking to a friend on the phone, and God has revealed so much to her and her husband this weekend. They are so excited about what God is showing them, and what their role will be in Fuel Church. I love the fire that God is placing in this home, and everything that he is restoring within them. I shared with her a story that I read in the bible about how something that needed to be rebuilt, and they chose some Godly people who were not quite living their Godly ways to do the rebuilding. Isn't that awesome, that God still has plans for you even when you are completely screwed up. That he can still share those plans with you, cradle you in his arms and say, OK, it's time to start doing things right again. The bible is full of imperfect people that God used often. To my friends, I want to say that I am so excited to see how you both have grown and that you can hear God speaking to you audibly. Be patient, and know that God will show you the time those things will happen in your family.
The song that inspired my husband while we were hanging out and not living the way God wanted us to, is "Move Along" by All American Rejects. It's time to forget about the past, and just get up and move forward. We can't erase the past, but we can start building a better future. I don't know about you, but the devil can have my past, and I want to lay my future in God's hands. I stand amazed everyday to see what God is doing in Fuel Church.
Everyday you wake up, you get a chance to witness to someone, you get a chance to love your kids, you get a chance to do something for the cause of Christ, you get another chance to show your spouse how much you love them. The only past we need to focus on, is the fact that Christ died on the cross to erase our sin. Grace is good. Gods grace is the most amazing thing ever. Quit letting the Devil tell you that you are not worthy, quit letting the Devil tell you that God can't use you. He used Noah to save every living creature on the earth, knowing that Noah was going to screw up when it was all over. He called his disciples, knowing that they would not all be faithful and committed to him. Why would you think he cannot use you?
Something my husband has been reminding me of all week, is the fact that you do not feel worthy, probably confirms the fact that you are the man for the job. Because if we ever felt worthy of anything Christ has for us, we would make it about ourselves and not about the cause of Christ. Christ loves you as much as your parents love you or you love your kids. Actually his love is far greater than that. I know that if my kids mess up, I still encourage them to get back up and do better.
I love all of you at Fuel Church, I appreciate every e-mail, text, phone call, fixing our car, inviting us over for dinner, watching our kids, fixing our bikes, and for all of your prayers and overall love you show to our family.
Ryan and Christy, you might as well be a part of Fuel Church, you totally have put forth so many prayers for our church and listened to my husband on a weekly basis. You guys are awesome and I know you both will never know how much your friendship means to us.
To my husband, I thank you for putting up with me, even when I'm moody and completely wrong. You are my Boaz. You love me and respect me more than anyone ever has in my entire life. I am so proud of you, and your commitment to our family and to this church. You truly live a life that our kids can mimic. Also, to our kids who sometimes must stay up late and wake up early while we are taking care of church things, they are awesome. I love them very much and theexcitement they have for church and the people in the church.
Life has changed so much for us in the last 4 months. My husband is now a pastor, and taking on the role of being a pastor's wife is far greater than I thought. I am by no means complaining, because I am truly blessed to have a husband that is following God's will and working diligently to MAN UP, and do what God is calling him to do. Along with the new found commitments of a new church, and if you have read my blogs, you will know that some personal family things have come about, I think I have been emotionally tired and physically drained. But we are fully committed to this ministry and what ever role that God is calling us to take on in this ministry.
What I want to thank you all mostly for, is realizing that I needed your thoughts and prayers, and you have lifted me up without anyone asking you to do so. It is simply amazing to be in a church full of people that show so much care and concern for one another. You will never know how much every one of you mean to me. Yes I know that I still have not learned all of your names, but that makes it all the more meaningful to me, because even though I may not "yet" have your names down, your care for me is still the same. I feel your prayers, and I have felt completely uplifted today.
I was so amazed and blessed by everyone that showed up Saturday Night and stayed until 12:30 or 1 am to help set up and then got up and came to church and stayed to take everything back down. That is so awesome and totally what it means to MAN UP. There are so many roles that need to be filled, and as we grow and new ministry area's start to form, we will need even more worker's. I pray for each of you as grow strong in the Lord, that you seek his will and that you will fulfill your role.
I was just talking to a friend on the phone, and God has revealed so much to her and her husband this weekend. They are so excited about what God is showing them, and what their role will be in Fuel Church. I love the fire that God is placing in this home, and everything that he is restoring within them. I shared with her a story that I read in the bible about how something that needed to be rebuilt, and they chose some Godly people who were not quite living their Godly ways to do the rebuilding. Isn't that awesome, that God still has plans for you even when you are completely screwed up. That he can still share those plans with you, cradle you in his arms and say, OK, it's time to start doing things right again. The bible is full of imperfect people that God used often. To my friends, I want to say that I am so excited to see how you both have grown and that you can hear God speaking to you audibly. Be patient, and know that God will show you the time those things will happen in your family.
The song that inspired my husband while we were hanging out and not living the way God wanted us to, is "Move Along" by All American Rejects. It's time to forget about the past, and just get up and move forward. We can't erase the past, but we can start building a better future. I don't know about you, but the devil can have my past, and I want to lay my future in God's hands. I stand amazed everyday to see what God is doing in Fuel Church.
Everyday you wake up, you get a chance to witness to someone, you get a chance to love your kids, you get a chance to do something for the cause of Christ, you get another chance to show your spouse how much you love them. The only past we need to focus on, is the fact that Christ died on the cross to erase our sin. Grace is good. Gods grace is the most amazing thing ever. Quit letting the Devil tell you that you are not worthy, quit letting the Devil tell you that God can't use you. He used Noah to save every living creature on the earth, knowing that Noah was going to screw up when it was all over. He called his disciples, knowing that they would not all be faithful and committed to him. Why would you think he cannot use you?
Something my husband has been reminding me of all week, is the fact that you do not feel worthy, probably confirms the fact that you are the man for the job. Because if we ever felt worthy of anything Christ has for us, we would make it about ourselves and not about the cause of Christ. Christ loves you as much as your parents love you or you love your kids. Actually his love is far greater than that. I know that if my kids mess up, I still encourage them to get back up and do better.
I love all of you at Fuel Church, I appreciate every e-mail, text, phone call, fixing our car, inviting us over for dinner, watching our kids, fixing our bikes, and for all of your prayers and overall love you show to our family.
Ryan and Christy, you might as well be a part of Fuel Church, you totally have put forth so many prayers for our church and listened to my husband on a weekly basis. You guys are awesome and I know you both will never know how much your friendship means to us.
To my husband, I thank you for putting up with me, even when I'm moody and completely wrong. You are my Boaz. You love me and respect me more than anyone ever has in my entire life. I am so proud of you, and your commitment to our family and to this church. You truly live a life that our kids can mimic. Also, to our kids who sometimes must stay up late and wake up early while we are taking care of church things, they are awesome. I love them very much and theexcitement they have for church and the people in the church.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Parenting
When does a parent finally get to feel like they don't have to be a parent anymore? The answer to that question is "never". But there comes a time in all parents lives that we must let our kids spread their wings and fly. My son is only 8 and my daughter is 6, and I have already experienced times when I have had to say, "you are going to have to deal with this on your own. If I do it for you it is only going to make the problem worse, and you will not learn how to fight your own battles." Is it hard having to say that to your kid, of course it is. One of the most difficult things about being a parent is watching your kid suffer. But when you can see them stand up for themselves and fight back, while momma and daddy are doing some serious praying at home, it is the most amazing feeling in the world.
I believe in teaching my kids how to live a christian life, in a world that is going to hell. Yeah, I could shelter them and keep them tied up in my house for 18 years, but I feel that I would have done a huge disservice to my kids. I can't suddenly shove them into a world at the age of 18 that they have never been in. Will they have tempations and things thrown up in their face, of course they will. But that is where my job as a parent comes in.
I have to teach them what is right and wrong. I have to live the right, and throw out the wrong in my own life. So if I feel it is important to go to church every Sunday and read my bible and pray, I must make sure that my children are following my life examples. My kids are not allowed to stay the night at someone's house on Saturday Night, unless they are going to church on Sunday morning. One of the 10 commandments is to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. We choose to honor the Sabbath on Sunday, and our kids will honor it with us. We can't let them think that anything else is OK.
We are the parents, we only have 18 years to teach our children how to live the rest of their lives. When they get married, they then belong to their spouse. I look at my son and realize that we have already gone through almost 9 of those 18 years. What have I done that teaches him to live for Christ? What things do I do that hinders him from living for Christ?
Are we faithful to Church, faithful to tithes, faithful to God, faithful to each other, faithful in reaching souls for Christ? Do you know the older your child gets, the harder it becomes to instill Christ in their lives. It kind of goes along with the saying, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I'm not saying that a person cannot get saved once they have reached adulthood, but if they have never been taught the love of Christ and what it means to live a christian life, the road to coming to Christ is going to be much harder.
A few last things to add, parents you have to quit bailing your kids out at sometime or another. Sometimes it is going to take some hard life lessons to get your kid on the right track. Sometimes a child has to touch that hot stove, before they realize why you are telling them not to touch it. Does that mean you don't love your kids, of course not. I love my kids with all of my heart. If kids think there are no consequences to their actions, they will probably continue their actions. I am not a firm believer in time out. Do I spank my kids all of the time, of course not. But if I feel that a spanking is what it takes to make them realize they cannot act out, then that's what it takes.
I believe in teaching my kids how to live a christian life, in a world that is going to hell. Yeah, I could shelter them and keep them tied up in my house for 18 years, but I feel that I would have done a huge disservice to my kids. I can't suddenly shove them into a world at the age of 18 that they have never been in. Will they have tempations and things thrown up in their face, of course they will. But that is where my job as a parent comes in.
I have to teach them what is right and wrong. I have to live the right, and throw out the wrong in my own life. So if I feel it is important to go to church every Sunday and read my bible and pray, I must make sure that my children are following my life examples. My kids are not allowed to stay the night at someone's house on Saturday Night, unless they are going to church on Sunday morning. One of the 10 commandments is to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. We choose to honor the Sabbath on Sunday, and our kids will honor it with us. We can't let them think that anything else is OK.
We are the parents, we only have 18 years to teach our children how to live the rest of their lives. When they get married, they then belong to their spouse. I look at my son and realize that we have already gone through almost 9 of those 18 years. What have I done that teaches him to live for Christ? What things do I do that hinders him from living for Christ?
Are we faithful to Church, faithful to tithes, faithful to God, faithful to each other, faithful in reaching souls for Christ? Do you know the older your child gets, the harder it becomes to instill Christ in their lives. It kind of goes along with the saying, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I'm not saying that a person cannot get saved once they have reached adulthood, but if they have never been taught the love of Christ and what it means to live a christian life, the road to coming to Christ is going to be much harder.
A few last things to add, parents you have to quit bailing your kids out at sometime or another. Sometimes it is going to take some hard life lessons to get your kid on the right track. Sometimes a child has to touch that hot stove, before they realize why you are telling them not to touch it. Does that mean you don't love your kids, of course not. I love my kids with all of my heart. If kids think there are no consequences to their actions, they will probably continue their actions. I am not a firm believer in time out. Do I spank my kids all of the time, of course not. But if I feel that a spanking is what it takes to make them realize they cannot act out, then that's what it takes.
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