This morning S sent me an article he'd run across. This one made me mad. (Not at S!) I spoke yesterday about how we need to guard against the lies that are out there and stick with what God's Word teaches. It's true. But in light of that article, I think we need to be even more purposeful about guarding our children.
This is subtle, and yet, not so subtle. I guess it depends on how much you are paying attention. While it may appear to just be "two days out of the whole school year", you have to know this is being taught/promoted more than just on these scheduled days. And only 3 children were kept home that day. Three. Out of 350 students. And it isn't like those 3 students aren't going to get filled in by their friends.
We need more than just teaching our children, "God made 2 distinct sexes." This is all being taught to our children (it's NOT just California....and it WILL be in many other places in a few years) in the name of "acceptance" and "anti-bullying." That word acceptance is a buzz word. Watch for it. See what things fall under the word acceptance. (That book was part of the 2 days of lessons.)
I wrote about this trend in public schools a long time ago. (The first year I blogged actually.) We used to do a "multi-cultural" unit in December when I taught 3rd grade. We studied Christmas Around the World and each child was put in a group and assigned a country and at the end of 2 weeks they had to give a presentation on how people in that country celebrated the holidays, complete with food, costumes, etc. Multi-cultural was a big, big thing in the early 90s when i was a teacher. The music teacher had the 3rd graders do a multi-cultural musical. A preacher friend of ours was at the performance because his wife was a teacher and his son was in 3rd grade. After it was over, I remember him muttering about how he was sick of this "one world thing." I remember being totally clueless about what he meant. I got it later.
Community. Acceptance. Diversity. Anti-bullying. Differences. Non-discrimination. Safe schools. Oh people, SO MUCH is being slid under the door under these names. If your child goes to public school, please investigate. Pay attention. I would like to believe, like many seem to, that your children are JUST learning math, reading, writing, etc. at school. But it isn't true. They are parenting your children. And it might not jive with your beliefs. (And even if it DOES jive with your beliefs, I do not think it is their place to teach.)
How can Kindergarten students be expected to see this teaching for what it is? How can elementary students hear this from their teachers and not begin to believe it? How can homeschooled students be prepared to deal with this when they are out from under our care?
How much teaching is required of us in the home to counter-act this? To prepare our children for a world where this is normal? What do we do?
Showing posts with label lies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lies. Show all posts
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Something to Guard Against
I read an article on yahoo yesterday that I could not get off of my mind all evening. You may have seen it. It was about some parents who are not revealing the sex of their 4 month old baby. They are attempting to raise the child in a gender neutral (GN) fashion.
I don't know why that article stayed on my mind so much. Are they radical? Yes. Many people would not go so far as to do what they are doing--or to allow their sons (they have 2 other children) to shop from either the boys or girls section in clothing stores and decide if they want their hair long or short. But that doesn't mean that many people do not agree with these parents at some level.
So I kept reading and googling. Apparently, some folks think a GN world would be just about perfect. They can't wait for the day when society stops placing biases and limits on people and when others stop drawing a line and saying "choose." I don't think they just want a "third category".....I think they'd like there to BE no categories.
Anyway, as a Christian this topic gets my attention and it should yours too if you are a Christian. I'll tell you why in a minute.
As I googled and read, I began to see some major categories popping up where GN is becoming main stream. In case you haven't thought much about this, perhaps these links will be eye opening.
Fashion. I already have thought about this several years ago. Children go to school wearing standardized dress of khaki or blue bottoms and a polo style shirt on top all their lives. Then, they get a job at Target, or the bank, or wherever and guess what? They wear khaki pants and a polo style shirt! There is precious little difference in how the men and women look at many places of business. The styles of military uniforms have also changed. I spoke about all this here.
But it seems to be going a step further now. Fashion designers are actually designing clothing that is intentionally GN. This means it is designed to be for EITHER sex to wear. Especially where children are concerned as there isn't as much difference in their bodies. Check out the store sign on this article. Here is a slide show that was interesting. If you need help figuring it all out, there is help available.
Dorm rooms. I don't remember which college started it, but it has caught on. Now it is PC to offer GN living arrangements. Many colleges are offering this type of dorm. And if you are going to offer living arrangements that are GN, then of course restrooms will follow suit. High schools are already dealing with this. As well as prom situations, homecoming situations, etc. All this is being done in the name of anti-bullying. These students must have a "safe" place. So, we must offer these arrangements. Oh, and they cannot be discriminated against.
Can you follow this path further down the road in your mind? Where does this lead? What will your local elementary school look like in a few years? What will be taught? It's already being taught in many places.
Which reminds me: children's books. Be careful at the library because there are a lot of children's books being written to address these issues. They are also being read to classes in many elementary schools.
Another major category is GN language. You know, we must say actor instead of actor/actress, etc. This, of course, moves us into GN Bible translations. Oh, don't even get me started. Read. Be aware. Be informed. The version you love may have been edited recently. Research before you buy because this one is serious. Altering the Word of God to be more "inclusive" and PC??? Not good.
So it seems this is the way our world is going. I cannot even imagine how things will be in 20 or 30 years. Obviously, we must teach about this to our children. God's word says:
"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27
God created two sexes. Distinct and different from one another. Plain and simple. And because my Lord did this, and said that it was good, I will continue to believe that there should be a distinction. Especially among Christians because if the world is going GN, then we should stand apart from that. What does this mean? It means my girls and I will be wearing a lot more skirts and even when we wear other things, we will make sure to look as feminine as we can. As much NOT GN as possible. It means men should look like men. I know this varies from culture to culture, but there should be a distinction--both in our dress and our behavior!
And I will pray. I do not hate people who are confused about their gender, but I do hate that it is common in our world. Children are hurting, they are committing suicide. They are miserable. They have been lied to and the Liar is deceptively confusing many people. God is not a God of confusion. These people need to know the Lord and Savior. They need prayer.
So as a Christian, I will guard against the rising tide of GN in our world, I will teach my children the truth, and I will continue to speak the truth. God did not mess up. He did not make a mistake.
What do you say about all of it? What should our reaction as Christians be?
I don't know why that article stayed on my mind so much. Are they radical? Yes. Many people would not go so far as to do what they are doing--or to allow their sons (they have 2 other children) to shop from either the boys or girls section in clothing stores and decide if they want their hair long or short. But that doesn't mean that many people do not agree with these parents at some level.
So I kept reading and googling. Apparently, some folks think a GN world would be just about perfect. They can't wait for the day when society stops placing biases and limits on people and when others stop drawing a line and saying "choose." I don't think they just want a "third category".....I think they'd like there to BE no categories.
Anyway, as a Christian this topic gets my attention and it should yours too if you are a Christian. I'll tell you why in a minute.
As I googled and read, I began to see some major categories popping up where GN is becoming main stream. In case you haven't thought much about this, perhaps these links will be eye opening.
Fashion. I already have thought about this several years ago. Children go to school wearing standardized dress of khaki or blue bottoms and a polo style shirt on top all their lives. Then, they get a job at Target, or the bank, or wherever and guess what? They wear khaki pants and a polo style shirt! There is precious little difference in how the men and women look at many places of business. The styles of military uniforms have also changed. I spoke about all this here.
But it seems to be going a step further now. Fashion designers are actually designing clothing that is intentionally GN. This means it is designed to be for EITHER sex to wear. Especially where children are concerned as there isn't as much difference in their bodies. Check out the store sign on this article. Here is a slide show that was interesting. If you need help figuring it all out, there is help available.
Dorm rooms. I don't remember which college started it, but it has caught on. Now it is PC to offer GN living arrangements. Many colleges are offering this type of dorm. And if you are going to offer living arrangements that are GN, then of course restrooms will follow suit. High schools are already dealing with this. As well as prom situations, homecoming situations, etc. All this is being done in the name of anti-bullying. These students must have a "safe" place. So, we must offer these arrangements. Oh, and they cannot be discriminated against.
Can you follow this path further down the road in your mind? Where does this lead? What will your local elementary school look like in a few years? What will be taught? It's already being taught in many places.
Which reminds me: children's books. Be careful at the library because there are a lot of children's books being written to address these issues. They are also being read to classes in many elementary schools.
Another major category is GN language. You know, we must say actor instead of actor/actress, etc. This, of course, moves us into GN Bible translations. Oh, don't even get me started. Read. Be aware. Be informed. The version you love may have been edited recently. Research before you buy because this one is serious. Altering the Word of God to be more "inclusive" and PC??? Not good.
So it seems this is the way our world is going. I cannot even imagine how things will be in 20 or 30 years. Obviously, we must teach about this to our children. God's word says:
"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27
God created two sexes. Distinct and different from one another. Plain and simple. And because my Lord did this, and said that it was good, I will continue to believe that there should be a distinction. Especially among Christians because if the world is going GN, then we should stand apart from that. What does this mean? It means my girls and I will be wearing a lot more skirts and even when we wear other things, we will make sure to look as feminine as we can. As much NOT GN as possible. It means men should look like men. I know this varies from culture to culture, but there should be a distinction--both in our dress and our behavior!
And I will pray. I do not hate people who are confused about their gender, but I do hate that it is common in our world. Children are hurting, they are committing suicide. They are miserable. They have been lied to and the Liar is deceptively confusing many people. God is not a God of confusion. These people need to know the Lord and Savior. They need prayer.
So as a Christian, I will guard against the rising tide of GN in our world, I will teach my children the truth, and I will continue to speak the truth. God did not mess up. He did not make a mistake.
What do you say about all of it? What should our reaction as Christians be?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Dictionary According To Me
There are a few words I am considering taking out of our vocabulary here at our house. Are you ready?
They are:
tween
teen
teenager
adolescent
and now I'm even thinking of removing this word:
single
because of this post. It got me thinking. I'm only proposing these changes. What do you think? Can we live without these words (concepts)?
They are:
tween
teen
teenager
adolescent
and now I'm even thinking of removing this word:
single
because of this post. It got me thinking. I'm only proposing these changes. What do you think? Can we live without these words (concepts)?
Friday, November 2, 2007
Lookin' For Success in All The Wrong Places
When I first became a teacher around 14 years ago I was determined to be good at my job. I was fresh out of college and had all kinds of ideas for my classroom. I know KNOW I was not a perfect teacher (even years later), but I really enjoyed it and put a lot of energy and time into teaching. When I won the "Rookie of the Year" award for our school I was understandably proud.
What do you suppose things would be like today if I had put that much time and energy into my home? I'm not just talking about housework here either. (Seeing as how we had a tiny one bedroom apartment that if I got really serious took me all of 30 minutes to clean!) We did have sort of an odd start to our marriage with S. being stationed in California and me being in Texas for the first 6 months. I wanted to go to California with him so much but there was a real possibility his ship would leave for up to 6 months I would have been left alone in a state where I knew no one and more than likely would not have had a job either. Come to think of it, I kind of wish I had gone now. I can't believe we decided on being apart. It did give sort of a strange start to our marriage. So, 6 months later he came home and I was overjoyed. But was being "successful" at being his wife one of my goals?
Um, no. I spent more time than I care to recall at school working on stuff. I was career-minded, let me tell you. I was just a dedicated teacher and I had two other teacher friends who were newly married with no kids and we all just stayed late working on things for our classrooms. I was always home before S. was, but still---didn't I have anything to do at home?
Apparently not. At least I couldn't think of anything. My concept of being a wife was so non-existent. I didn't become a "wife" we had become a "married couple." So, I expected us to cook dinner together, do the shopping together, do everything together and enjoy it! I had no idea that men and women had different roles! No idea.
I remember reading about a friend of the author's in this book who said something about how she intended to be succesful at being her husband's wife! What if I had been determined to be a great wife for my husband from the beginning? I think things would be very different today.
I was so ingrained with lies in my thinking that it wasn't even funny. And we went to church every single Sunday and I heard nothing to counter what I was believing either. We have to teach our children the truth of God's word in ALL areas...or the world will teach it's truth instead. And the effects can go on for years.
We are fine now. I am finally understanding how this whole marriage and family and Christian household thing is supposed to work. I highly recommend reading the book Homemaking. It's not about keeping house, by the way, but about the Christian household in general. I have been completely amazed as I read that it is all applicable today even though it was written over 100 years ago. It's freaky. I guess the truths of God don't change?
I wish I could go back in time about 14 years and start over with my new understanding. (I wouldn't mind having my old figure back either!!!) But since that's not possible, I will just have to start where I am. I think this is what it means to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, by the way! And it's very good.
What do you suppose things would be like today if I had put that much time and energy into my home? I'm not just talking about housework here either. (Seeing as how we had a tiny one bedroom apartment that if I got really serious took me all of 30 minutes to clean!) We did have sort of an odd start to our marriage with S. being stationed in California and me being in Texas for the first 6 months. I wanted to go to California with him so much but there was a real possibility his ship would leave for up to 6 months I would have been left alone in a state where I knew no one and more than likely would not have had a job either. Come to think of it, I kind of wish I had gone now. I can't believe we decided on being apart. It did give sort of a strange start to our marriage. So, 6 months later he came home and I was overjoyed. But was being "successful" at being his wife one of my goals?
Um, no. I spent more time than I care to recall at school working on stuff. I was career-minded, let me tell you. I was just a dedicated teacher and I had two other teacher friends who were newly married with no kids and we all just stayed late working on things for our classrooms. I was always home before S. was, but still---didn't I have anything to do at home?
Apparently not. At least I couldn't think of anything. My concept of being a wife was so non-existent. I didn't become a "wife" we had become a "married couple." So, I expected us to cook dinner together, do the shopping together, do everything together and enjoy it! I had no idea that men and women had different roles! No idea.
I remember reading about a friend of the author's in this book who said something about how she intended to be succesful at being her husband's wife! What if I had been determined to be a great wife for my husband from the beginning? I think things would be very different today.
I was so ingrained with lies in my thinking that it wasn't even funny. And we went to church every single Sunday and I heard nothing to counter what I was believing either. We have to teach our children the truth of God's word in ALL areas...or the world will teach it's truth instead. And the effects can go on for years.
We are fine now. I am finally understanding how this whole marriage and family and Christian household thing is supposed to work. I highly recommend reading the book Homemaking. It's not about keeping house, by the way, but about the Christian household in general. I have been completely amazed as I read that it is all applicable today even though it was written over 100 years ago. It's freaky. I guess the truths of God don't change?
I wish I could go back in time about 14 years and start over with my new understanding. (I wouldn't mind having my old figure back either!!!) But since that's not possible, I will just have to start where I am. I think this is what it means to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, by the way! And it's very good.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Is Your Mind Starting To Go?
It had better! If you want a new life, if you want to become a godly person, if you desire to be more like Christ...then your mind has to go.
I don't mean that your mind has to go the way of senility or insanity. I mean that your current mind--and the way you think--has to go. Let me explain.
God began transforming our family in a big way several years ago. We began studying the Bible very hard, and were convicted of many things in our lives that needed to change. Let us take, for want of a better example, me helping my husband. Now, I've told you before about my former attitude toward helping my husband. It was not so good. I grew up believing that marriage was to be 50/50. I truly did. That was one of those lies that we hear so much from the world we believe it. So now I read and understand that I am to be my husband's helper.
Fine. I will go implement that now, Lord.
Yeah, it doesn't work like that, come to find out.
You can try to just "implement" what you read in scripture. Go ahead. Put it on your "to do" list. Make it a "goal." It is not going to happen. You may have some success at first--but this new thing will not become a part of who you are. When stress hits--you will more than likely return to your old attitudes.
How do I know this? Experience. Pure experience, folks.
So how do you change? How do you become more godly or more Christ like? Well, my first response a few years ago would have been, "I can't. God has to change me." That is true, you know. But I don't think we are just puppets for Him to move around and change. We play a part in this, too. Check out this verse...
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2-NIV)
Be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind. Your mind must be made new. Really, you must get rid of your old mind and start thinking with a new mind. When S. and I were in high school we heard a speaker talking about this passage. He said, (now don't laugh, I'm about to show my age), "you must take out the old tape and put in a new one." Yes folks, he meant CASSETTE tapes. OK, I know. If you are too young for that one, feel free to substitute "CD" if it makes you feel better.
The point was good. Whenever you come across a situation, your mind starts working. With my old mind the situation would go like this:
Husband: Can you come outside and help me for a minute?
Wife: Sure.
Wife's mind: GAAH! Does he think I'm just sitting around? It's not like I'M not in the middle of something! You know, I could use some help here too. But NOOOOO, let me drop everything and run to help you. No problem!
Not pretty, huh? I'm ashamed to say those used to be my thoughts. That is NOT the mind of Christ. How can I change that? By the renewal of my mind.
Great. So how do we renew our minds? How do we make them new? Well, I'm still thinking about that one. All this just "came together" for me today. I haven't had much time to study it. I suspect it is a mixture of prayer, time spent in His word, and the power of the Holy Spirit. But this much I know--I have to be transformed and it does not happen by my effort to be a better person--but by the renewing of my mind. We must renew our minds in order to truly change.
I don't mean that your mind has to go the way of senility or insanity. I mean that your current mind--and the way you think--has to go. Let me explain.
God began transforming our family in a big way several years ago. We began studying the Bible very hard, and were convicted of many things in our lives that needed to change. Let us take, for want of a better example, me helping my husband. Now, I've told you before about my former attitude toward helping my husband. It was not so good. I grew up believing that marriage was to be 50/50. I truly did. That was one of those lies that we hear so much from the world we believe it. So now I read and understand that I am to be my husband's helper.
Fine. I will go implement that now, Lord.
Yeah, it doesn't work like that, come to find out.
You can try to just "implement" what you read in scripture. Go ahead. Put it on your "to do" list. Make it a "goal." It is not going to happen. You may have some success at first--but this new thing will not become a part of who you are. When stress hits--you will more than likely return to your old attitudes.
How do I know this? Experience. Pure experience, folks.
So how do you change? How do you become more godly or more Christ like? Well, my first response a few years ago would have been, "I can't. God has to change me." That is true, you know. But I don't think we are just puppets for Him to move around and change. We play a part in this, too. Check out this verse...
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2-NIV)
Be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind. Your mind must be made new. Really, you must get rid of your old mind and start thinking with a new mind. When S. and I were in high school we heard a speaker talking about this passage. He said, (now don't laugh, I'm about to show my age), "you must take out the old tape and put in a new one." Yes folks, he meant CASSETTE tapes. OK, I know. If you are too young for that one, feel free to substitute "CD" if it makes you feel better.
The point was good. Whenever you come across a situation, your mind starts working. With my old mind the situation would go like this:
Husband: Can you come outside and help me for a minute?
Wife: Sure.
Wife's mind: GAAH! Does he think I'm just sitting around? It's not like I'M not in the middle of something! You know, I could use some help here too. But NOOOOO, let me drop everything and run to help you. No problem!
Not pretty, huh? I'm ashamed to say those used to be my thoughts. That is NOT the mind of Christ. How can I change that? By the renewal of my mind.
Great. So how do we renew our minds? How do we make them new? Well, I'm still thinking about that one. All this just "came together" for me today. I haven't had much time to study it. I suspect it is a mixture of prayer, time spent in His word, and the power of the Holy Spirit. But this much I know--I have to be transformed and it does not happen by my effort to be a better person--but by the renewing of my mind. We must renew our minds in order to truly change.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Waiting For Perfect
I realized yesterday that I have been putting off a lot of things. There are several little projects around the house that I think about doing all the time...and then put them off again. Why? Because the time is not perfect.
Here's what I mean: I have one more section of a valance to sew for my kitchen window. When I finish it, the kitchen will be complete. The window has been sitting there without a valance for months. It looks like it's missing a tooth. Why don't I just go do it then? Well, my sewing room has a lot of junk in it right now so that I can't get to the sewing machine very easily. One thing in the way is the ironing board. And there's no sense putting the ironing board away until I'm done with the laundry. (Brenda exits to do laundry--valance forgotten.) Another thing in the way is art supplies/school supplies. I need to do some work in our home office so I will have a place to store those items and then my sewing room will be ready to use. (Brenda exits to go work on home office--valance forgotten.) That's how it happens. That is also why I have one light fixture that is antique gold and one that is painted silver in the bathroom. (It's so much trouble to get the paint out and then I would probably get interrupted and then wouldn't have time to wash out the brush.)
But what if I just jumped in and did it? Do I really have to wait for the perfect time/circumstance/place? So today I marked one project off my list. I put wallpaper border up in Sweetheart's room. I just got everything ready, called my dad to come help and did it. It all took less than an hour. I could have found a lot of excuses for not doing this project today, but now it's already done.
We hear a lot about perfection. People are very fond of saying things about perfection. Here are a few:
"They are just perfect for each other."
"In a perfect world..."
And the big one..."Nobody's Perfect!"
If you Google the phrase "nobody's perfect" you will get over 2 million results! There are songs with this title, movies, even books. It's one of those little lies we hear so much that we believe it. I've even read about this church with a sign on their door with the same message. But is this true? As Christians, should we just throw up our hands and say, "Oh well, nobody's perfect." (Therefore I am not perfect. Therefore I have a built-in excuse for why I have or have not done things.) If Satan can keep all Christians believing this lie, then we will stay like we are always.
What does God have to say about this?
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)
I get tired of hearing about how we can't expect much more than we see around us. The Lord is Perfect. I will put myself (and my family and my house) in His hands.
What a perfect place to be!
Here's what I mean: I have one more section of a valance to sew for my kitchen window. When I finish it, the kitchen will be complete. The window has been sitting there without a valance for months. It looks like it's missing a tooth. Why don't I just go do it then? Well, my sewing room has a lot of junk in it right now so that I can't get to the sewing machine very easily. One thing in the way is the ironing board. And there's no sense putting the ironing board away until I'm done with the laundry. (Brenda exits to do laundry--valance forgotten.) Another thing in the way is art supplies/school supplies. I need to do some work in our home office so I will have a place to store those items and then my sewing room will be ready to use. (Brenda exits to go work on home office--valance forgotten.) That's how it happens. That is also why I have one light fixture that is antique gold and one that is painted silver in the bathroom. (It's so much trouble to get the paint out and then I would probably get interrupted and then wouldn't have time to wash out the brush.)
But what if I just jumped in and did it? Do I really have to wait for the perfect time/circumstance/place? So today I marked one project off my list. I put wallpaper border up in Sweetheart's room. I just got everything ready, called my dad to come help and did it. It all took less than an hour. I could have found a lot of excuses for not doing this project today, but now it's already done.
We hear a lot about perfection. People are very fond of saying things about perfection. Here are a few:
"They are just perfect for each other."
"In a perfect world..."
And the big one..."Nobody's Perfect!"
If you Google the phrase "nobody's perfect" you will get over 2 million results! There are songs with this title, movies, even books. It's one of those little lies we hear so much that we believe it. I've even read about this church with a sign on their door with the same message. But is this true? As Christians, should we just throw up our hands and say, "Oh well, nobody's perfect." (Therefore I am not perfect. Therefore I have a built-in excuse for why I have or have not done things.) If Satan can keep all Christians believing this lie, then we will stay like we are always.
What does God have to say about this?
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)
I get tired of hearing about how we can't expect much more than we see around us. The Lord is Perfect. I will put myself (and my family and my house) in His hands.
What a perfect place to be!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Today I Am Home
Thankfulness comes at the strangest times.
This morning I was pulling the trash to the curb. As I did, I noticed several cars with women driving, speeding down our street. They looked to be in a terrible hurry. I don't know where they were going, but I can imagine. If you are ever on the road in the mornings, notice how many cars have empty car seats in the back. How many women are rushing off to work this morning who have just dropped their kids off somewhere, hoping that they will be taken care of?
But today I am home.
I am so thankful for this blessing! Today I don't have to wonder what my kids are doing or if they liked what was for lunch or if they are feeling kind of bad and want me, or if someone is making fun of them, or if they got pushed in line, or if they needed something and the teacher didn't notice...today I know where they are. They are in bed sleeping. And when they get up, we will go to the library together. I will fix their meals. I will listen to their requests. I will hug them and read to them. I will make sure they are taken care of. I will be a MOM today.
And my husband needs me to take care of a few things. I will make time to do those things for him. Then he will have more time to relax this evening. More time to enjoy his family. More peace to think about work while he's at work (instead of these things that need to be done.) Today I will be a WIFE.
Other people are facing the tasks of being a wife and mother today, but not with joy. Why? I think this is part of the lies we have been fed. Growing up, I was fed the message of "what do you want to be when you grow up?" As if what I WANT is the deciding factor.
After I was grown, I was fed the message of "what are your gifts/talents?" As if God has given me a very specific thing to do that no one else could ever do and that would determine my course in life.
Now I know God has given me talents. There are things I am good at doing. And of course there are things I wanted to do when I grew up. But these have nothing to do with the big picture. When I got married, I became my husband's helper. My love for him makes this task a joy. Knowing that I am doing what God wants me to do makes it a joy, too. My love for my children makes being a mother a joy. Knowing that what I am doing pleases the Lord and is important to my husband makes it a joy, too.
No one EVER told me, growing up, that being a wife and mother was all I needed to worry about. I thought everyone had to spend their time trying to find out what they were "supposed" to be. It isn't about what you want. It isn't about what you have been gifted to do. It's about fulfilling the roles the Lord has already blessed you with. And when you figure that out--there is joy.
This morning I was pulling the trash to the curb. As I did, I noticed several cars with women driving, speeding down our street. They looked to be in a terrible hurry. I don't know where they were going, but I can imagine. If you are ever on the road in the mornings, notice how many cars have empty car seats in the back. How many women are rushing off to work this morning who have just dropped their kids off somewhere, hoping that they will be taken care of?
But today I am home.
I am so thankful for this blessing! Today I don't have to wonder what my kids are doing or if they liked what was for lunch or if they are feeling kind of bad and want me, or if someone is making fun of them, or if they got pushed in line, or if they needed something and the teacher didn't notice...today I know where they are. They are in bed sleeping. And when they get up, we will go to the library together. I will fix their meals. I will listen to their requests. I will hug them and read to them. I will make sure they are taken care of. I will be a MOM today.
And my husband needs me to take care of a few things. I will make time to do those things for him. Then he will have more time to relax this evening. More time to enjoy his family. More peace to think about work while he's at work (instead of these things that need to be done.) Today I will be a WIFE.
Other people are facing the tasks of being a wife and mother today, but not with joy. Why? I think this is part of the lies we have been fed. Growing up, I was fed the message of "what do you want to be when you grow up?" As if what I WANT is the deciding factor.
After I was grown, I was fed the message of "what are your gifts/talents?" As if God has given me a very specific thing to do that no one else could ever do and that would determine my course in life.
Now I know God has given me talents. There are things I am good at doing. And of course there are things I wanted to do when I grew up. But these have nothing to do with the big picture. When I got married, I became my husband's helper. My love for him makes this task a joy. Knowing that I am doing what God wants me to do makes it a joy, too. My love for my children makes being a mother a joy. Knowing that what I am doing pleases the Lord and is important to my husband makes it a joy, too.
No one EVER told me, growing up, that being a wife and mother was all I needed to worry about. I thought everyone had to spend their time trying to find out what they were "supposed" to be. It isn't about what you want. It isn't about what you have been gifted to do. It's about fulfilling the roles the Lord has already blessed you with. And when you figure that out--there is joy.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Destination: LUBY'S!
Folks, our girls have bad table manners. I am really ashamed to admit that. They do pretty well with other manners, such as saying "please" and "thank you" and "excuse me." But table manners? Well, they are what you would call....lacking.
Regularly at our table someone:
1. breaks into song
2. talks or laughs with food in their mouth
3. uses their hands to eat that which is not considered finger food (such as mashed potatoes!)
4. slumps down in their chair and drags the food to their mouth via the huge gap between themselves and the table, showering crumbs onto the table and into their lap
Now, I know it could be worse. But I really want children who I can take out in public. And, I would like to sweep the kitchen floor less. One of the things my husband is looking forward to about me being home is the expected improvement in table manners. We try to model these things, but I'm not sure the lessons are sinking in. I plan to take a more direct approach called: Mommy will now give you a lesson in good manners at the table. It can be part of our homeschool curriculum. I'm serious about that.
We told the girls that we were going to work on manners this summer. If they learned to use good manners at the table, at the end of the summer we promised we would take them "somewhere fancy" to eat.
"Like Luby's?" Sweetheart wanted to know.
I'm thinking it's time to broaden their horizons just a bit. But honestly, I would settle for good manners at Luby's. That is just about as fancy as we get, after all.
Time to stop listening to the "they're just kids" lie and get busy! We will now raise our expectations at the table. Do you find yourself comparing your children to other people's kids in order to gauge where yours stand? Yeah, me too. But this time I am going to pray about it, make a decision about what we want to expect at their different ages--and go from there. I just think we expect far too little of our children these days. And they are capable of much, much more.
Oh, and NOT eating 2 meals a day at daycare with 25 other children their age should help, too.
Regularly at our table someone:
1. breaks into song
2. talks or laughs with food in their mouth
3. uses their hands to eat that which is not considered finger food (such as mashed potatoes!)
4. slumps down in their chair and drags the food to their mouth via the huge gap between themselves and the table, showering crumbs onto the table and into their lap
Now, I know it could be worse. But I really want children who I can take out in public. And, I would like to sweep the kitchen floor less. One of the things my husband is looking forward to about me being home is the expected improvement in table manners. We try to model these things, but I'm not sure the lessons are sinking in. I plan to take a more direct approach called: Mommy will now give you a lesson in good manners at the table. It can be part of our homeschool curriculum. I'm serious about that.
We told the girls that we were going to work on manners this summer. If they learned to use good manners at the table, at the end of the summer we promised we would take them "somewhere fancy" to eat.
"Like Luby's?" Sweetheart wanted to know.
I'm thinking it's time to broaden their horizons just a bit. But honestly, I would settle for good manners at Luby's. That is just about as fancy as we get, after all.
Time to stop listening to the "they're just kids" lie and get busy! We will now raise our expectations at the table. Do you find yourself comparing your children to other people's kids in order to gauge where yours stand? Yeah, me too. But this time I am going to pray about it, make a decision about what we want to expect at their different ages--and go from there. I just think we expect far too little of our children these days. And they are capable of much, much more.
Oh, and NOT eating 2 meals a day at daycare with 25 other children their age should help, too.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Attention: I Am Not A SAHM
My mom has every church directory from our church since the sixties. I like looking at the old black and white pictures and seeing how the old folks at church used to look back when they were young parents. I have always been intrigued by the information on the pages as well. Next to most of the women's names it says, "Occupation: Homemaker." I remember asking my mom what that meant when I was little.
It means much more to me than today's title of "Stay At Home Mom." I know, I know. The SAHM title came about as women returned home from the work-force. So, we are divided into two camps: SAHMS and Working Mothers. Oh, and then you have the WAHMS. And those of us who work part time and stay home part time and don't really know where we fit in. There is even a magazine devoted to working mothers. I hate looking at it. It's all designed to make you not feel guilty about being away from your kids all day. No, it's more than that. It's designed to make you believe that what you are doing is actually GOOD for your kids! They constantly have articles with titles like, "How I Make It All Work," "What Worked For Our Family," or "The Benefits of Daycare." It makes me sick.
I even notice ads these days. You can have an innocent ad for juice and the picture will be of a mom in heels and pants with her briefcase beside her on the floor, lovingly handing a juice box to her toddler on their way out the door in the morning. The ad will say something about how you work hard to give your kids the best of everything (including nutritious juice!). You are such a great mom.
I am NOT getting down on moms who work. I have been one for a long time. I AM sick of the lies that we women are fed. I am sick of the implied messages we recieve all day. I am sick of no one being a homemaker anymore.
When I think of the older ladies at my church when I was growing up, I think of their wonderful homes. Everything was neat and tidy. They cooked and sewed clothes. They worked hard in the garden and put up food in cans. I'm not talking about 1 or 2 women I knew either. These ladies made their homes. They didn't just stay home with kids.
I think that's the difference for me. I don't want to just be a stay at home mom. I used to just stay home in the summers and my house never looked much better than it did during the school year. I just stayed home and nothing got organized. I just stayed home and then when school started my husband was on his own for clothes and food.
I want to be a homemaker. Raising the children is part of that. But so is making this home a great place for my family. I would be proud to have that next to "Occupation."
It means much more to me than today's title of "Stay At Home Mom." I know, I know. The SAHM title came about as women returned home from the work-force. So, we are divided into two camps: SAHMS and Working Mothers. Oh, and then you have the WAHMS. And those of us who work part time and stay home part time and don't really know where we fit in. There is even a magazine devoted to working mothers. I hate looking at it. It's all designed to make you not feel guilty about being away from your kids all day. No, it's more than that. It's designed to make you believe that what you are doing is actually GOOD for your kids! They constantly have articles with titles like, "How I Make It All Work," "What Worked For Our Family," or "The Benefits of Daycare." It makes me sick.
I even notice ads these days. You can have an innocent ad for juice and the picture will be of a mom in heels and pants with her briefcase beside her on the floor, lovingly handing a juice box to her toddler on their way out the door in the morning. The ad will say something about how you work hard to give your kids the best of everything (including nutritious juice!). You are such a great mom.
I am NOT getting down on moms who work. I have been one for a long time. I AM sick of the lies that we women are fed. I am sick of the implied messages we recieve all day. I am sick of no one being a homemaker anymore.
When I think of the older ladies at my church when I was growing up, I think of their wonderful homes. Everything was neat and tidy. They cooked and sewed clothes. They worked hard in the garden and put up food in cans. I'm not talking about 1 or 2 women I knew either. These ladies made their homes. They didn't just stay home with kids.
I think that's the difference for me. I don't want to just be a stay at home mom. I used to just stay home in the summers and my house never looked much better than it did during the school year. I just stayed home and nothing got organized. I just stayed home and then when school started my husband was on his own for clothes and food.
I want to be a homemaker. Raising the children is part of that. But so is making this home a great place for my family. I would be proud to have that next to "Occupation."
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
There is a Black and White
I grew up in church. Attended my first Sunday service when I was probably around 2 weeks old. My husband grew up at the same church. We go there today. (I know, we are pretty boring people.) Both of our daughters began attending church within their first month of life. We rarely miss.
But that doesn't mean we are going to heaven. Lots of people attend church. We also are regularly nice to people. We use our best manners in public. I have helped many lost children find their mothers in stores. That doesn't mean I am going to heaven. Lots of people are nice.
I was amazed this evening to read the comments from this post. I am amazed by how many different, but very wrong, perceptions people have about God. And about their salvation. I was amazed, but saddened too.
Folks, there is a right and wrong. There is a heaven and a hell. There is black and white. We are going to heaven because we have accepted the awesome gift that is God's grace. Only because of the sacrifice of His Son are we able to have hope.
Maybe instead of whispering that message, my life needs to start shouting it. Apparently a lot of people still need to know.
The lies are rampant folks....absolutely rampant.
What you feel doesn't matter.
How nice you are doesn't matter.
Yes, your children would be better off with faith.
I forget there are many types of unbelievers: those who think they don't need God, those who don't think there is a God, those who think people can choose the type of god they want, and those who think I am an unenlightened southerner who blindly follows what I've been taught my whole life.
The harvest is indeed plentiful.
But that doesn't mean we are going to heaven. Lots of people attend church. We also are regularly nice to people. We use our best manners in public. I have helped many lost children find their mothers in stores. That doesn't mean I am going to heaven. Lots of people are nice.
I was amazed this evening to read the comments from this post. I am amazed by how many different, but very wrong, perceptions people have about God. And about their salvation. I was amazed, but saddened too.
Folks, there is a right and wrong. There is a heaven and a hell. There is black and white. We are going to heaven because we have accepted the awesome gift that is God's grace. Only because of the sacrifice of His Son are we able to have hope.
Maybe instead of whispering that message, my life needs to start shouting it. Apparently a lot of people still need to know.
The lies are rampant folks....absolutely rampant.
What you feel doesn't matter.
How nice you are doesn't matter.
Yes, your children would be better off with faith.
I forget there are many types of unbelievers: those who think they don't need God, those who don't think there is a God, those who think people can choose the type of god they want, and those who think I am an unenlightened southerner who blindly follows what I've been taught my whole life.
The harvest is indeed plentiful.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
So Much To Do Part 2
OK, so we've established that when I get interested in something, I tend to really get into it. We came back to the church where we grew up in the summer of 2004. Our children's minister was on the way out the door and I saw a need for some work to be done in our children's Bible classes. So, I asked him if I could work with the younger children and I dove in. Well, pretty soon I was not only decorating and rearranging classrooms, I was writing curriculum and gathering materials for teachers, shopping for needed stuff, teaching on both Sundays and Wednesday evenings, organizing parent meetings, helping launch children's church, painting a puppet stage, supervising VBS, the list goes on. I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
Why? Why would I get so busy? Well, I was good at it. After 11 years of teaching school, surely I was qualified to make these types of decisions and had a good background in education. It needed to be done. It was for my daughters' good. I've talked about this before. I really thought that I was doing the "Lord's work." How could serving in your church NOT be good? I have been taught to use my talents for God. Right?
But oh, how it grieves my heart to think of all the hours I spent with my back to my husband and children while I typed away on Bible lessons and VBS schedules. I see other women doing this same thing nearly every day. Oh, it might be scouts, or their bunco group, or the ladies' ministry, or any number of things that take their time and attention away from their family. BECAUSE THEY ENJOY IT AND WE HAVE A RIGHT TO DO SOMETHING THAT FULLFILLS US, RIGHT? Are you going to argue with me on this? Ladies, it's a lie of Satan. He wins if we turn our backs on our families, no matter how "good" the deeds are that we are doing.
Now I'm not saying that we can only concentrate on those activities which take place behind the doors of our homes. Certainly not. Just look at the Proverbs 31 woman. This ficticious lady is held in high regard as an example of a godly woman. I read somewhere that this section of scripture would have been read in Jewish homes often as a poem. Their girls grew up with this picture of a godly woman in their minds. And she was certainly a busy lady. Even outside the home. But every activity she is involved in revolves around her home and family. When you begin to get interested in something and think "I would like to do this" spend some time in prayer. Ask God if this activity is going to take too much time away from your family. Ask your husband what he prefers you to do. Because our place in the home and family is a very valuable one. And not just "right now" valuable, but eternally valuable.
Why? Why would I get so busy? Well, I was good at it. After 11 years of teaching school, surely I was qualified to make these types of decisions and had a good background in education. It needed to be done. It was for my daughters' good. I've talked about this before. I really thought that I was doing the "Lord's work." How could serving in your church NOT be good? I have been taught to use my talents for God. Right?
But oh, how it grieves my heart to think of all the hours I spent with my back to my husband and children while I typed away on Bible lessons and VBS schedules. I see other women doing this same thing nearly every day. Oh, it might be scouts, or their bunco group, or the ladies' ministry, or any number of things that take their time and attention away from their family. BECAUSE THEY ENJOY IT AND WE HAVE A RIGHT TO DO SOMETHING THAT FULLFILLS US, RIGHT? Are you going to argue with me on this? Ladies, it's a lie of Satan. He wins if we turn our backs on our families, no matter how "good" the deeds are that we are doing.
Now I'm not saying that we can only concentrate on those activities which take place behind the doors of our homes. Certainly not. Just look at the Proverbs 31 woman. This ficticious lady is held in high regard as an example of a godly woman. I read somewhere that this section of scripture would have been read in Jewish homes often as a poem. Their girls grew up with this picture of a godly woman in their minds. And she was certainly a busy lady. Even outside the home. But every activity she is involved in revolves around her home and family. When you begin to get interested in something and think "I would like to do this" spend some time in prayer. Ask God if this activity is going to take too much time away from your family. Ask your husband what he prefers you to do. Because our place in the home and family is a very valuable one. And not just "right now" valuable, but eternally valuable.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
My Newest Project
OK. I'm ready. I've been thinking about doing this for months and now I'm going to.
I am going to go through some popular women's magazines and pay attention to the message being sent to the reader (us women). Then, I'm going to compare what I read to what the Bible has to say.
This should be good.
I've shown this video around to a lot of people lately. Everyone is amazed by it. It makes me want to never let another magazine in the house. But then there's the TV. And billboards. Etc. How can I protect my daughters from these images?
First, we have to know what to protect them from. So, I will now go buy some magazines. For research purposes, of course.
I am going to go through some popular women's magazines and pay attention to the message being sent to the reader (us women). Then, I'm going to compare what I read to what the Bible has to say.
This should be good.
I've shown this video around to a lot of people lately. Everyone is amazed by it. It makes me want to never let another magazine in the house. But then there's the TV. And billboards. Etc. How can I protect my daughters from these images?
First, we have to know what to protect them from. So, I will now go buy some magazines. For research purposes, of course.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Some Lies We Listen To
Recently my eyes have been opened to how many lies of Satan we Christians, women specifically, believe. I wondered why the families in our church didn't stand out from the world more. I believe it is because we have bought some of the same lies that any other person on the street has believed.
The first lie I wrote about is the concept of "Me Time." See my thoughts on Me Time here. The lie I'm thinking about today is called "That's Just How I Am." This is a great, clever trick used by Satan to keep us being mediocre or just downright unsuccessful. I'll give you an example. I stayed home for a year. I couldn't believe my good fortune to be able to finally be a SAHM!!! I had been a working mother for 5 years and couldn't wait to be a housewife. Well, it wasn't a very successful year in my estimation. My priorities were way out of whack (spent all my free time doing "ministry" and neglecting my family--more on this lie another day!) But the bigger failure is that my house was always a mess, the finances were not organized or taken care of like they should have been, my husband often did not have clothes to wear to work, etc. Why? Because...you guessed it..."That's Just How I Am." I just told myself that I was disorganized, so how could I possibly expect myself to keep up with everything that needed to be done? I am not good at paperwork, never have been, so this is as good as it's going to get. I am not a good housekeeper, so I don't expect my house to look like so-and-so's.
So that's the lie we've been told. You hear it all the time. Especially when people are describing a weakness they have. "I just wasn't born that way." "It doesn't come naturally to me." "That's just how I am." But is this what scripture teaches us?
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
I do NOT believe for one minute that God would ask me to be a helper for my husband and a keeper of our home and not equip me with what I needed to do the job. "Sorry, God. I can't really run a household because..." you get the idea. Maybe some things don't come as easily to me as they do others. Maybe I don't know the first thing about cooking or canning or budgeting. But guess what? I do know that God can help me learn whatever it is I need to learn. I do not have to listen to the lie that will keep me doing a poor job for the rest of my life. His grace is enough for me.
I DO believe that if I am successful at being a helper to my husband, and keeping our home that our family will be a greater threat to the enemy. That's why this lie is so good.
Lord, please help me learn those things that will help my husband and family the most. I want to serve you in this home to your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
The first lie I wrote about is the concept of "Me Time." See my thoughts on Me Time here. The lie I'm thinking about today is called "That's Just How I Am." This is a great, clever trick used by Satan to keep us being mediocre or just downright unsuccessful. I'll give you an example. I stayed home for a year. I couldn't believe my good fortune to be able to finally be a SAHM!!! I had been a working mother for 5 years and couldn't wait to be a housewife. Well, it wasn't a very successful year in my estimation. My priorities were way out of whack (spent all my free time doing "ministry" and neglecting my family--more on this lie another day!) But the bigger failure is that my house was always a mess, the finances were not organized or taken care of like they should have been, my husband often did not have clothes to wear to work, etc. Why? Because...you guessed it..."That's Just How I Am." I just told myself that I was disorganized, so how could I possibly expect myself to keep up with everything that needed to be done? I am not good at paperwork, never have been, so this is as good as it's going to get. I am not a good housekeeper, so I don't expect my house to look like so-and-so's.
So that's the lie we've been told. You hear it all the time. Especially when people are describing a weakness they have. "I just wasn't born that way." "It doesn't come naturally to me." "That's just how I am." But is this what scripture teaches us?
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
I do NOT believe for one minute that God would ask me to be a helper for my husband and a keeper of our home and not equip me with what I needed to do the job. "Sorry, God. I can't really run a household because..." you get the idea. Maybe some things don't come as easily to me as they do others. Maybe I don't know the first thing about cooking or canning or budgeting. But guess what? I do know that God can help me learn whatever it is I need to learn. I do not have to listen to the lie that will keep me doing a poor job for the rest of my life. His grace is enough for me.
I DO believe that if I am successful at being a helper to my husband, and keeping our home that our family will be a greater threat to the enemy. That's why this lie is so good.
Lord, please help me learn those things that will help my husband and family the most. I want to serve you in this home to your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
I Love.....Me!
I was at the doctor yesterday flipping through magazines. I picked up a popular ladies' magazine and read the "Letter from the Editor" section at the beginning. The question she posed was WHO DO YOU LOVE THE MOST? I immediately thought, "Ooo! I know! The answer is God!" Well, it turns out I was wrong. The editor sincerely hoped that the reader had answered, "ME." That's right--ourselves. She went on to explain, as I have heard over and over again, that you need to love yourself more than anyone else. You know, women tend to be giving and nurturing and we do too much for others and not enough for ourselves, blah, blah, blah. You have to love yourself first in order to be able to take care of others...it goes something like that.
Well, I never thought anything about "me time" as I hear it referred to. Of course it is logical to think that we all need to shut the door and take a bath sometimes without little ones coming in to drop things in the water with us. (Anyone been there?) Of course we all need to take care of our health and rest when needed. Doesn't everyone need to "get away" sometimes? But the whole issue of loving myself more than anyone else did not sit right with me.
Teri Maxwell has some great things to say about this. I could not even begin to say it any better. Here's a link to get you started (there are 5 posts) (http://www.titus2.com/corners/10-05-m.htm) She searched scripture to find verses that proved she deserved time for herself. You may be surprised at what she found.
I really, really want ladies to read those posts! The world's way of thinking has crept into churches and godly homes alike. We don't even recognize it as being "worldly thinking." Just take a look at any women's magazine out today and you will see a reoccurring theme of "loving yourself first." But is this a godly theme?
I think it would be interesting to read a women's magazine and compare every article with scripture. What is the world saying? What does God say?
I guess the point of all this is I am learning to see things with new eyes. Things I have always accepted because I hear them all the time, such as the concept of "me time," I'm trying to look at with spiritual eyes. Is this really what God wants? As Christians, we accept many of the world's ideas without a second thought. I don't want to do this anymore.
I'm sure there are other messages we are being fed that I haven't clued in on yet. Can anyone think of other examples?
Well, I never thought anything about "me time" as I hear it referred to. Of course it is logical to think that we all need to shut the door and take a bath sometimes without little ones coming in to drop things in the water with us. (Anyone been there?) Of course we all need to take care of our health and rest when needed. Doesn't everyone need to "get away" sometimes? But the whole issue of loving myself more than anyone else did not sit right with me.
Teri Maxwell has some great things to say about this. I could not even begin to say it any better. Here's a link to get you started (there are 5 posts) (http://www.titus2.com/corners/10-05-m.htm) She searched scripture to find verses that proved she deserved time for herself. You may be surprised at what she found.
I really, really want ladies to read those posts! The world's way of thinking has crept into churches and godly homes alike. We don't even recognize it as being "worldly thinking." Just take a look at any women's magazine out today and you will see a reoccurring theme of "loving yourself first." But is this a godly theme?
I think it would be interesting to read a women's magazine and compare every article with scripture. What is the world saying? What does God say?
I guess the point of all this is I am learning to see things with new eyes. Things I have always accepted because I hear them all the time, such as the concept of "me time," I'm trying to look at with spiritual eyes. Is this really what God wants? As Christians, we accept many of the world's ideas without a second thought. I don't want to do this anymore.
I'm sure there are other messages we are being fed that I haven't clued in on yet. Can anyone think of other examples?
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