We can engineer many things in this world. We can plan and design our home, office building and structures of many kinds. We can engineer our roadways, bridge great divides between roads and design vehicles to travel on those roads. Some vehicles are huge and can go anywhere on or off the highways. Other vehicles are small and designed to get along on very little fuel. We have developed ways to move people around the world in a matter of hours. Airplanes that people have designed, planned and build can now fly several times the speed of sound.
We have a medical industry that is in the business of engineering health. We can send a camera and clippers into the human body and remove many different ailments. This week, I'll spend thousands of dollars to pay and engineer to perfect my daughter's smile. Other engineers develop medication to wipe out all kinds of illnesses, eradicating many of them so they may never infect another human.
We can engineer so many things, but as our engineers succeed, there is not thing that they cannot redesign. That is the human soul, the spirit of a person.
This as so frustrated so many scientists and engineers that many have concluded that the soul must not exist. If it can be measure, seen or touched with an human hand or man-made instrument, it must be a fantasy. Yet it does exist.
People are trying to engineer it. They have developed a whole field to study and try to manipulate the soul. They call that field psychology. Counseling is a great growing field. But in the end, it proves to be inadequate at engineering they perfect human soul. Most counseling techniques leave their subject with a large dependency on crutches. "Six sessions may not be adequate for you. You will need to continue your counseling indefinitely," says a common psychological school.
We can't engineer the perfect human soul, but there is an engineer that can prefect it. That is the Lord Jesus. Through the work the Holy Spirit our souls will be prefect. Let God mold your soul and it will work. Human attempts may offer some relief to temporal problems, but God alone has the ability to truly fix the soul.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Life as a Children's Pastor
It's a somewhat typical day in the church, except today I have a visiting group of Japanese youth coming to speak to my 1st to 4th grade class. In addition to that change, the child's choir was singing in the service so we held our program up for about 15 minutes waiting for their return.
Just as the children flocked into the room, I saw a mother in the door way trying to get my attention. She had noticed the Kindergarten teacher in some stress and came to solicit my help. Because my children were settling in for a few minutes of music (and I'm not musical), I took the opportunity to check on this teacher's need.
It turns out that she was overwhelmed by the extra students that the children's choir had drawn to her class. I made my way down to the junior high class room to call on a last-minute assistant. No problem. As I introduced the assistant to the teach a child ran into my leg with muffled cries.
I looked down. What do you suppose I saw. A boy who had been in the class for less than 3 minutes had a bucket stuck to his head. Not sure what was up, I grabbed the bucket and gave it a tug. It wasn't budging. He, I'm sure with the help of some companions, had wedged the bucket on good. The job took some patience. and a tight grip on his ears, but the bucket did pop off.
Please pray for Kindergarten teachers. If the children don't drive them crazy, the teachers will surely die laughing at their attempts.
Just as the children flocked into the room, I saw a mother in the door way trying to get my attention. She had noticed the Kindergarten teacher in some stress and came to solicit my help. Because my children were settling in for a few minutes of music (and I'm not musical), I took the opportunity to check on this teacher's need.
It turns out that she was overwhelmed by the extra students that the children's choir had drawn to her class. I made my way down to the junior high class room to call on a last-minute assistant. No problem. As I introduced the assistant to the teach a child ran into my leg with muffled cries.
I looked down. What do you suppose I saw. A boy who had been in the class for less than 3 minutes had a bucket stuck to his head. Not sure what was up, I grabbed the bucket and gave it a tug. It wasn't budging. He, I'm sure with the help of some companions, had wedged the bucket on good. The job took some patience. and a tight grip on his ears, but the bucket did pop off.
Please pray for Kindergarten teachers. If the children don't drive them crazy, the teachers will surely die laughing at their attempts.
Attitude
I've just begun coaching a 7th and 8th grade girls lacrosse team. I don't know anything about the sport, but my daughter asked me to volunteer as an assistant. Of course, in reality, that means I volunteered to be the coach.
Not knowing lacrosse is only a minor problem. Most of the girls on the team have an idea what they are doing and my job is to motivate them to do it right. The problem is, it's a junior high girl's team. After two practices of facing every thing from defiant attitudes, lack of desire, comments about the weather, and cliquish behavior, I asked my 12 year old daughter, "Do all junior high girls have an attitude?"
Her response came without hesitation. "Duh!"
The good news is, I can laugh my way through most of that.
Not knowing lacrosse is only a minor problem. Most of the girls on the team have an idea what they are doing and my job is to motivate them to do it right. The problem is, it's a junior high girl's team. After two practices of facing every thing from defiant attitudes, lack of desire, comments about the weather, and cliquish behavior, I asked my 12 year old daughter, "Do all junior high girls have an attitude?"
Her response came without hesitation. "Duh!"
The good news is, I can laugh my way through most of that.
Friday, February 17, 2006
How Not to Influence People - Christianity Today Magazine
Interesting. I haven't read this book yet, but assuming this review is accurate, I makes me wonder when conservatives are going to realize that what we need is less other side bashing and more loving influence. The title is what bothers me. Why take a twist on a much criticized book from 10 years ago. If anything, Santorum has proved Rodham-Clinton's influence with It Takes a Villiage. Did he not have a message of his own that could stand on a title of its own development?
How Not to Influence People - Christianity Today Magazine
How Not to Influence People - Christianity Today Magazine
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Child's quote about change
"The thing I don't like about change is that it is always so different."
-- Elie Johnson, Grade 5
-- Elie Johnson, Grade 5
Quote Details: Josh Billings: A dog is the... - The Quotations Page
Of course, a dog loves to eat is own poop too.
- A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Homes reflect our loss of community
Have you ever noticed that home design over the last 100 years have changed, and with each change the dweller's connection with their neighborhood has been lost? Look at these examples taken from Lincoln, Nebraska. (I chose Lincoln because it is a hearland community that in many ways typifies America.
1900
Notice house is small. Very small when you consider that int 1900 the average size family was much larger than in 2000. The porch is the prominant feature. Both the house and the lot are narrow so on either side, not too far away are the neighbors. With the home being so small, it is easy to imagine that the family used the porch as an extention to the rest of the home.
1950
Post WWII, the house is still small, but now situated parallel to the street. Thus the neibors walls, while still close to the home structure, have a feeling of being further from the living space. Also, look how much deeper the front lawn has become.
1980
This home shows a maturing of some principles started in the post-WWII era. The front yard is deeper and while the two houses are very close in space, one gets the feeling that that isn't space that a person would normally use. There is an active side of the yard and an inactive side. The active side is dominated by concrete. Notice also that the front door is now more difficult to reach for any visitor.
2000
What feature on this house is more noticable than anything else? If you didn't say garage, then you and I are looking at different pictures. Interestingly, several features have re-immerged from the 1900 home. First, the porch. But I get the feeling that this porch is more decorative than useful. Second, the front yard is smaller. But then again, it seems that the yard is completely unusable. In fact, this house is build for people who own garage door openers. They drive up, pull in, and spend 95% of their time inside.
1900
Notice house is small. Very small when you consider that int 1900 the average size family was much larger than in 2000. The porch is the prominant feature. Both the house and the lot are narrow so on either side, not too far away are the neighbors. With the home being so small, it is easy to imagine that the family used the porch as an extention to the rest of the home.1950
Post WWII, the house is still small, but now situated parallel to the street. Thus the neibors walls, while still close to the home structure, have a feeling of being further from the living space. Also, look how much deeper the front lawn has become.1980
This home shows a maturing of some principles started in the post-WWII era. The front yard is deeper and while the two houses are very close in space, one gets the feeling that that isn't space that a person would normally use. There is an active side of the yard and an inactive side. The active side is dominated by concrete. Notice also that the front door is now more difficult to reach for any visitor.2000
What feature on this house is more noticable than anything else? If you didn't say garage, then you and I are looking at different pictures. Interestingly, several features have re-immerged from the 1900 home. First, the porch. But I get the feeling that this porch is more decorative than useful. Second, the front yard is smaller. But then again, it seems that the yard is completely unusable. In fact, this house is build for people who own garage door openers. They drive up, pull in, and spend 95% of their time inside.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Level 5 Leadership
Jim Collins describes a leader that often surpasses all others. He calls this leadership Level 5 Leadership in his book Good to Great. Here are the qualities of a Level 5 Leader:
- Ambition for the organization: Setting up successors for success.
- Compelling modesty.
- Unwavering resolve to do what must be done.
- Looks outward to give credit and inward for responsibility.
What Kind of 'Sound' Is Switchfoot Making?
What Kind of 'Sound' Is Switchfoot Making?
Here's an interesting perspective on the music of Switchfoot. Is it OK to be a band of Christians with out being a "Christian" band? On first glance most Christians would say "no." But I wonder if there isn't some shortsightedness to that answer.
The good news is that Switchfoot is reflecting the same values that Christians uphold. They're doing it in a giant arena. How many times have Christians complained that today's music is too vulgar? Here is a band that is doing something about that.
The complaint is that Switchfoot analyses the problems of the world, but never gives the prescription. Of course, the prescription is Jesus Christ.
I believe that it is important for all Christians to uphold the truth that Salvation is found only in the person of Jesus Christ. However, if Switchfoot were to make this the theme of their music their audience would shrink to fit the Christian community. How many musical groups does the Christian community need preaching the Gospel on Christian radio? I'd say we have plenty of those, and too often the Christian record producers force artist into a "Jesus Jingle" mode with happy little lyrics that water down the real issues that people are dealing with.
Saying that Christian musician must always produce music with explicit references to the Gospel is like saying Christian engineers should only design church buildings, or Christian store owners should only own Bible book store. (You know? The stores that sell all the little plaques with the footprints poem.)
We need more Switchfoots in the music business. We need Switchfoot style movie makers. We need people with Switchfoot's perspective in the news media and in every industry.
As long as Switchfoot continues to write songs that are consistent with the Christian message, the Christian world must acknowledge their benefit to the world and to the message of Jesus Christ, whether or not they ever specifically ask their audiences to "ask Jesus into their hearts."
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Grace Point First Baptist Church of Newtown-Family Life Center
Don't forget to register for the upcoming seminar on youth culture. Tickets are $5 and the speaker, Walt Mueller, is top-notch. Click the link below for more information about the event and how to get tickets.
Grace Point First Baptist Church of Newtown-Family Life Center
Grace Point First Baptist Church of Newtown-Family Life Center
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Good words/quotes for me today
All the Google quotes and the word fit me in different ways today. Let me explain...
I believe that I am either a full fledged quondam conservative or at least a quondam Republican. At any rate, either of these phrases would express the fact that while I used to buy into the respective political philosophies, I don't as much. Still, my old political leanings formed my politics today. Not that I have abandoned these philosophies full scale, but that I now look at them with much more discernment. Certainly, I am still more conservative than liberal and more likely to vote Republican than Democratic, but I would no longer use these terms to define myself.
Of course I'm not a genius intellectually, still I feel that I have a certain way of looking at the world that is different, and in some ways, perhaps more developed than many who just see the easy way to survive or to earn a buck. It is this way of looking at the world that often causes me to say things that are frustrating to others, or to cause me to get down upon myself.
This quote relates to me only as I have been reading about the Basques of late partly of basque heritage. In my reading I've learned that there is good evidence that basques fishermen came to the Americas long before Columbus, but did not share their discovery out of want to keep their new found fishing hole a secret.
Again, not that I'm particularly funny all the time, but when something is funny to me, I can't control the desire to share it, think about it, or do something creative with it. The sense of humor takes me.
Word of the Day
quondam: former; sometime
I believe that I am either a full fledged quondam conservative or at least a quondam Republican. At any rate, either of these phrases would express the fact that while I used to buy into the respective political philosophies, I don't as much. Still, my old political leanings formed my politics today. Not that I have abandoned these philosophies full scale, but that I now look at them with much more discernment. Certainly, I am still more conservative than liberal and more likely to vote Republican than Democratic, but I would no longer use these terms to define myself.
Quote of the Day
Genius might be described as a supreme capacity for getting its possessors into trouble of all kinds.
- Samuel Butler
Of course I'm not a genius intellectually, still I feel that I have a certain way of looking at the world that is different, and in some ways, perhaps more developed than many who just see the easy way to survive or to earn a buck. It is this way of looking at the world that often causes me to say things that are frustrating to others, or to cause me to get down upon myself.
America had often been discovered before Columbus, but it had always been hushed up.
- Oscar Wilde
This quote relates to me only as I have been reading about the Basques of late partly of basque heritage. In my reading I've learned that there is good evidence that basques fishermen came to the Americas long before Columbus, but did not share their discovery out of want to keep their new found fishing hole a secret.
One doesn't have a sense of humor. It has you.
Larry Gelbart
Again, not that I'm particularly funny all the time, but when something is funny to me, I can't control the desire to share it, think about it, or do something creative with it. The sense of humor takes me.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Inside Bay Area - Bay Area Living
Inside Bay Area - Bay Area Living: "DEVELOPMENTAL psychologists have identified four different child-rearing styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and uninvolved. Of these four, the authoritative approach shines above the others, is recommended by most child-care experts, produces self-confident and self-controlled children and is backed by 30 years of conclusive research. But don't confuse this with authoritarian parenting ('My way or the highway!')."
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Prayer for 2006
The following is a prayer that I'd like to pray throughout 2006. My hope is to pray this everyday and occationally update it so by the end of the year, it will be meaningful for my whole life.
Lord, give me a light to show me the way: a pilar of fire that goes before me. May my path be full of godly adventure. May there be many unknowns before me. But guide me each step that I may never feel alone or stumble.
Give me stregth to stand up against sin: my own sinful deeds and thoughts first, and then let me speak out against the sin I see around me.
Renew my love for other people that no one would be a bother in my day.
Lord, bring the most loved one back into the rightful place in my life. Let me be a leader in my family: to Stef and to my girls. Help me to lead them in my love for you through my actions and attitude. Keep my mind and eyes pure and my thoughts directed to Stefanie. Make me an example of a gracefilled man to my Moriah and Elisa. Let me also learn to lead in my greater family and may I have time to spend with them. May I be drawn closer to my parents in their autum years. May I be an example of your wisdom and peace to my brothers and sister, and may I be may I have a renewed relationship.
Make me a man of prayer interceding for those around me: my family, the families of my church, my neighbors, and the missionaries that I love and respect.
Lord, the Body of Christ needs good men-show me the best way to lead it. Make me spiritual enough to lead the church but never one dimentional. Make me one who drives people to serve you and show me how to deligate you work. Let me always be understanding of other's struggles with sin, but always helpful in returning them to their relationship with you.
Strengthen my love for your Word and for prayer. Be my dwelling place. Be my home. Be the one I share first all the experiences of my life. Be the center of all my attention.
Psalm 90
Lord, give me a light to show me the way: a pilar of fire that goes before me. May my path be full of godly adventure. May there be many unknowns before me. But guide me each step that I may never feel alone or stumble.
Give me stregth to stand up against sin: my own sinful deeds and thoughts first, and then let me speak out against the sin I see around me.
Renew my love for other people that no one would be a bother in my day.
Lord, bring the most loved one back into the rightful place in my life. Let me be a leader in my family: to Stef and to my girls. Help me to lead them in my love for you through my actions and attitude. Keep my mind and eyes pure and my thoughts directed to Stefanie. Make me an example of a gracefilled man to my Moriah and Elisa. Let me also learn to lead in my greater family and may I have time to spend with them. May I be drawn closer to my parents in their autum years. May I be an example of your wisdom and peace to my brothers and sister, and may I be may I have a renewed relationship.
Make me a man of prayer interceding for those around me: my family, the families of my church, my neighbors, and the missionaries that I love and respect.
Lord, the Body of Christ needs good men-show me the best way to lead it. Make me spiritual enough to lead the church but never one dimentional. Make me one who drives people to serve you and show me how to deligate you work. Let me always be understanding of other's struggles with sin, but always helpful in returning them to their relationship with you.
Strengthen my love for your Word and for prayer. Be my dwelling place. Be my home. Be the one I share first all the experiences of my life. Be the center of all my attention.
Psalm 90
Sunday, January 01, 2006
"I like world peace"
Did anyone else hear it? The street reporter, whose name escapes me right now, was talking to three police officers about their New Year's resolutions. The first officer spoke of his desire to loose weight. She responded, "Yea, loose weight," as she patted at his stomach.
The second officer intensely stated his resolution. "I'm going to pray for world peace." That was a I nice sentiment from one who see the peaceful-less side of the world so closely. And our reporter's wisest response was....
"I like world peace."
Come one now. What kind of response is that from a reporter? Can't ABC do better than that? "I like world peace." That isn't even the truth. At least, who could know if they like world peace? It has never been experience. "I like the thought of world peace." "I like the idea of praying for world peace." "World peace is something we all desire." Those could have been good responses. "I like world peace only shows that young reporters are either incompetent or it show that this young person has no concept of the true evil that runs wild in this world.
ABC.com - Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2006
The second officer intensely stated his resolution. "I'm going to pray for world peace." That was a I nice sentiment from one who see the peaceful-less side of the world so closely. And our reporter's wisest response was....
"I like world peace."
Come one now. What kind of response is that from a reporter? Can't ABC do better than that? "I like world peace." That isn't even the truth. At least, who could know if they like world peace? It has never been experience. "I like the thought of world peace." "I like the idea of praying for world peace." "World peace is something we all desire." Those could have been good responses. "I like world peace only shows that young reporters are either incompetent or it show that this young person has no concept of the true evil that runs wild in this world.
ABC.com - Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2006
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
My Dream
I had a dream last night that I feel pictures my predicament. It is a little odd, because it is a dream. But if you follow, it makes sense.
My wife and I went to seminary to study to be church leaders. Our home in the seminary appeared livable, but a little old. We were on the 4th floor in a corner apartment. The 4 buildings formed a square with a courtyard between. Everyone knew that the old buildings had some squeaks and rattles, but on the surface they seems good enough.
After a time, officials were called in and all people in the building to our left were asked to leave because it had deteriorated to a point of being uninhabitable. After this many problems throughout all the buildings where uncovered. I left to examine the state of our home and found that the 4th floors throughout the complex were in near immediate danger of collapsing. There were holes in the walls that were hidden with plaster patches. The patches were cosmetic and a person could have easily fallen through to the ground 4 floors below.
As I wandered the ground, I began to realize that they had dismantled the stairway that I would normally use to return to my apartment. I could not find a way back. Certainly they would have left one way, but I was on my own to find it.
While looking, I walked through he hotel mall next door. Of course, this was not the quiet, peaceful place that the seminary was (or had once been). The mall was full of activity. People were buying things and partying. The crowds overwhelmed some. Others laughed as they took money from strangers. Still, I was drawn to the stability of the building, the nicely constructed apartments attached, the sweet treats being sold by the vendors, and the entertainment. This things all distracted me from my search for a way home.
The mall police were quite obvious. They were busy chasing penny thieves and bigger criminals. I witnessed one officer receiving a complaint. At first, she seem to respond quickly, but en route, she stopped to share a quick laugh with her friend about some poor soul who she had arrested in the past. The child she spoke of was the son of a werewolf. Could it be him that she was after again? I was interested, and even chuckled at the joke that she shared.
Then, my phone rang. It was my wife. She was wondering where I was. I told her that I was looking for a way back to the 4th floor. Others had been too. She had been talking to the other people stranded on the floor about how they could get their lost spouses to them, but, at this point, no one was sure. Perhaps the answer would be in the mall. Maybe I should try one of the new Hovercoppers being sold down the way.
Then I awoke. Now what?
My wife and I went to seminary to study to be church leaders. Our home in the seminary appeared livable, but a little old. We were on the 4th floor in a corner apartment. The 4 buildings formed a square with a courtyard between. Everyone knew that the old buildings had some squeaks and rattles, but on the surface they seems good enough.
After a time, officials were called in and all people in the building to our left were asked to leave because it had deteriorated to a point of being uninhabitable. After this many problems throughout all the buildings where uncovered. I left to examine the state of our home and found that the 4th floors throughout the complex were in near immediate danger of collapsing. There were holes in the walls that were hidden with plaster patches. The patches were cosmetic and a person could have easily fallen through to the ground 4 floors below.
As I wandered the ground, I began to realize that they had dismantled the stairway that I would normally use to return to my apartment. I could not find a way back. Certainly they would have left one way, but I was on my own to find it.
While looking, I walked through he hotel mall next door. Of course, this was not the quiet, peaceful place that the seminary was (or had once been). The mall was full of activity. People were buying things and partying. The crowds overwhelmed some. Others laughed as they took money from strangers. Still, I was drawn to the stability of the building, the nicely constructed apartments attached, the sweet treats being sold by the vendors, and the entertainment. This things all distracted me from my search for a way home.
The mall police were quite obvious. They were busy chasing penny thieves and bigger criminals. I witnessed one officer receiving a complaint. At first, she seem to respond quickly, but en route, she stopped to share a quick laugh with her friend about some poor soul who she had arrested in the past. The child she spoke of was the son of a werewolf. Could it be him that she was after again? I was interested, and even chuckled at the joke that she shared.
Then, my phone rang. It was my wife. She was wondering where I was. I told her that I was looking for a way back to the 4th floor. Others had been too. She had been talking to the other people stranded on the floor about how they could get their lost spouses to them, but, at this point, no one was sure. Perhaps the answer would be in the mall. Maybe I should try one of the new Hovercoppers being sold down the way.
Then I awoke. Now what?
Monday, December 19, 2005
Another thought on Christmas
Many have asked me in the last week or so, "Are you ready for Christmas?" My answer has been, "I'm not sure what you mean be 'ready for Christmas'."
It seems that we have confused the celebration of the coming Savior with the accumulation of gifts and the hold of family traditions. You know: the spritiual one's like decorating the house with green, red and gold things and baking copious amounts of sugary snacks.
If that is the Christmas that I'm supposed to be getting ready for, then, no, I'm not ready. Nor do I plan to get ready for that. See, I believe that me and my family would be much better ready for Christmas if we took our minds away from the hoopla that has been made a part of Christmas, and instead spent some time focusing on the Greatness of God that he should send His Son into this world to rescue people from the evil and the greed of this world.
This year, I have an idea about how I'm going to share the Christmas story with my children. In stead of reading the passages normally read on Christmas eve or Christmas morning (usually Luke 2 and Matthew 1 and 2), I'm going to read passages that talk more about the purpose for Jesus coming to this world. I thought that I could start with John 1 and talk about the spiritual reality of Jesus setting aside his glory to dwell amoung people. I think this will help us to move beyond the traditions of the season, into a realization of the great thing that we celebrate on December 25.
Read Cal Thomas' comentary on Christmas. He has an interesting message to the Church about our unwillingness to separate the holy event from the unholy practices of this world.
It seems that we have confused the celebration of the coming Savior with the accumulation of gifts and the hold of family traditions. You know: the spritiual one's like decorating the house with green, red and gold things and baking copious amounts of sugary snacks.
If that is the Christmas that I'm supposed to be getting ready for, then, no, I'm not ready. Nor do I plan to get ready for that. See, I believe that me and my family would be much better ready for Christmas if we took our minds away from the hoopla that has been made a part of Christmas, and instead spent some time focusing on the Greatness of God that he should send His Son into this world to rescue people from the evil and the greed of this world.
This year, I have an idea about how I'm going to share the Christmas story with my children. In stead of reading the passages normally read on Christmas eve or Christmas morning (usually Luke 2 and Matthew 1 and 2), I'm going to read passages that talk more about the purpose for Jesus coming to this world. I thought that I could start with John 1 and talk about the spiritual reality of Jesus setting aside his glory to dwell amoung people. I think this will help us to move beyond the traditions of the season, into a realization of the great thing that we celebrate on December 25.
Read Cal Thomas' comentary on Christmas. He has an interesting message to the Church about our unwillingness to separate the holy event from the unholy practices of this world.
Friday, December 09, 2005
google_circa_1960.jpg (JPEG Image, 726x557 pixels)
Click the link. Need I explain how much things have changed in my life time.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
theGoodSteward.com
Are you saving for retirement? Maybe you shouldn't be. You may be taking valuable resource from things that you need. It is possible that this is hording; taking resources that others could use and saving thme for your own selfish or prideful purpose.
It is also possible that your retirement savings is keeping you from being the best parent you can be. Face it, the most noble purpose of a retirement plan is assure that your late-life needs are not a burden on your children or society. However, if you are witholding valuable resources from your children in the years that they are with you, you may be doing them a bigger dis-service. You only have your children for 18 to 21 years. Use God's provision now for their development and for building family memories.
If your working for a early retirement consider Why you are doing that. God's word calls those who don't provide for themselves "sluggard". One can argue that they worked hard for their early retirement, but if you retire before your working days are over, you have likely done so for selfish reasons. (An exeption would be one who retires from paid employment in order to take a unpaid or underpaid ministry.)
That brings the final point to mind, if your working long days and long weeks to create that nestegg in the days that your family is growing, who's raising your children? In your 30s, your life focus needs to much more on the necessities of the children in your home and your spouse and less on what your life will be like in your 80s.
Retirement sounds like a great idea; defired enjoyment of life until your in your later years. Unfortunately, it isn't a biblical principle and it isn't one that comes without costs to your family. Focus on using God's resources for God's purpose today. If you do this with full faith in God and His purpose in mind, He will provide even as you reach the golden years.
It is also possible that your retirement savings is keeping you from being the best parent you can be. Face it, the most noble purpose of a retirement plan is assure that your late-life needs are not a burden on your children or society. However, if you are witholding valuable resources from your children in the years that they are with you, you may be doing them a bigger dis-service. You only have your children for 18 to 21 years. Use God's provision now for their development and for building family memories.
If your working for a early retirement consider Why you are doing that. God's word calls those who don't provide for themselves "sluggard". One can argue that they worked hard for their early retirement, but if you retire before your working days are over, you have likely done so for selfish reasons. (An exeption would be one who retires from paid employment in order to take a unpaid or underpaid ministry.)
That brings the final point to mind, if your working long days and long weeks to create that nestegg in the days that your family is growing, who's raising your children? In your 30s, your life focus needs to much more on the necessities of the children in your home and your spouse and less on what your life will be like in your 80s.
Retirement sounds like a great idea; defired enjoyment of life until your in your later years. Unfortunately, it isn't a biblical principle and it isn't one that comes without costs to your family. Focus on using God's resources for God's purpose today. If you do this with full faith in God and His purpose in mind, He will provide even as you reach the golden years.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Setting boundaries is a teaching process | IndyStar.com
One of the more difficult aspects of teaching children to become adults is helping children to take ownership of right and wrong. Recently, was was talking to a professional about first year college students. Too many of those student find themselves in trouble because their voice of moral reason has been removed from their lives. Most college students find that they have much more freedom than living at home. How they use that freedom is greatly dependant upon how much they personally own the moral system their parents tried to teach to them.
"Setting boundaries is a teaching process" is an article published on Indystar.com. It offers a helpful guide for developing boundaries in children through different stages of life. If appropriate boundaries are taught at each developmental stage, presumably children will take ownership of the values that the boundaries demonstrate.
[Note: I don't agree fully with the author's corporal punishment analysis. There are still many parenting experts who believe corporal punishment, when used in the right context can be an appropriate expression of love. Dr. Tim Kimmil offers some questions to help the family think through the issue of corporal punishment.]
"Setting boundaries is a teaching process" is an article published on Indystar.com. It offers a helpful guide for developing boundaries in children through different stages of life. If appropriate boundaries are taught at each developmental stage, presumably children will take ownership of the values that the boundaries demonstrate.
How to set boundaries through the stages
Infant
Even babies should be stopped from doing something wrong. Wag your finger and say no, or find another nonviolent way to convey displeasure. Never, ever shake a baby, which can kill, blind or cause brain damage.
Toddler
Toddlers are inherently curious and lack impulse control, so they have to be reigned in often. Encourage their natural inclination toward exploration, but teach them how to do it safely and at appropriate times.
Most parenting experts oppose corporal punishment. Among other things, those who are spanked are more likely to be violent themselves. If you do spank, limit to a few strokes with a bare hand and avoid the face, neck and head. Spanking that leaves bruises, draws blood or breaks bones is illegal and abusive.
Elementary school
Children at this stage are slightly more independent, but still need close supervision. Go over the rules frequently, and remind children of established boundaries when you see violations looming. Punish swiftly after an infraction, and clearly state the reason for punishment. The punishment should fit the crime and be applied consistently.
Tweens
Gradually increase freedom to test adherence to family rules when children are on their own. If the children prove trustworthy, reward them for good behavior. If they do not, decrease freedom. Discuss your position on drinking, drugs and pre-marital sex often, and be sure children are adequately supervised, especially during after-school hours.
Teens
Gradually shift teens to independence, but remain vigilant on such matters as chores, curfews, homework and grades. If you have strong feelings about clothing, piercing and hairstyles, make sure your teenager knows that. Establish clear boundaries related to drinking, driving, dating, drugs and sex, and enforce limits consistently.
-- Compiled by Courtenay Edelhart (Published on Indystar.com)
[Note: I don't agree fully with the author's corporal punishment analysis. There are still many parenting experts who believe corporal punishment, when used in the right context can be an appropriate expression of love. Dr. Tim Kimmil offers some questions to help the family think through the issue of corporal punishment.]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)