Episode 11: Hey parents! Wake up!

In the restroom at my office is a radio. Why the powers that be decided to place said radio in the restroom remains a mystery to me. Maybe some people need the inspiration.

As I was using the facility today, I overheard one of those radio ads that is sponsored by an organization dedicated to helping keep kids off of drugs. The ad encouraged parents to talk to their kids, and in doing so, they would be less likely to ever try drugs in the first place. This "ad" set off an alarm in my head, hence the rant you currently read.

What the heck has happened in our society that parents have to be reminded by an anti-drug campaign to talk to their kids? They are YOUR kids! YOU should be talking to them because they ARE your kids. It isn’t up to the government, or the school systems, or radio ads to police their activities, it up to the parents.

In the last few years I have seen a disturbing trend taking place. One where it seems that telling your kids no or handing out discipline, will somehow damage them. I have heard statements along this thought process like "I don’t want them to hate me" or "I'm just trying to be their friend".

Earth to parents! Your kid has plenty of friends, and you don’t even know who they are half the time, they need a PARENT not a friend! Your kid NEEDS somebody to train them, to correct them, and someone who isn’t afraid to discipline them. It short, kids need parents who love them enough to stay all up in their business. If you don’t do that, they WILL hate you, and they will have no respect for any kind of authority EVER!

I am so thankful that I was raised by loving parents who stayed in my business. They knew who my friends were; they knew where I was, where I was going, and who I was going with. They told me no, but they also told me yes. They talked to me, and they listened. And by their blood, sweat, tears, and a LOT of prayers, I have become who I am today.

Joy and I have the same resolve that mine, and her parents, did. We will strive to raise two competent and healthy adults who will become contributing members of society. Adults who will respect authority and live by the law, be polite, have basic manners, say “Yes Sir” and “Yes Ma’am”, and most importantly to love and follow Jesus Christ with heart, soul, and mind. The only way for that to happen is if we are diligent in setting boundaries and letting them face the full weight of the consequences when they step outside those boundaries. It isn’t always easy, but that is our goal. And by the Grace of God we will reach it.

Episode 10: The sky is falling!...or is it?

A wiser man than I once said "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it"

This has been extremely evident to me as I have watched the current economic "crisis" unfold. All I can think as I see and hear the dismay and fear is; This isn't new! The US economy goes up and goes down, and it has done so since the dawn of this wonderful nation. If it's down today it will go up again tomorrow. We have bought into the sensationalism of the media and the over zealousness of politicians, and a Chicken Little "the sky is falling" fear has seemed to envelop our nation.

Here is the truth. Despite who is in the White House, despite who is in Congress, despite what the news media has to say, GOD is still on His throne. He hasn't forsaken us, left us, or changed since the day He created this world. Nothing happens that He hasn't preconceived.

When the next president is voted in, God isn't going to wake up, look at the morning edition, and proclaim surprise. He knew, He knows, all that is, was, and is to come.

So while this chaos goes on, I hope that you will turn off the TV, put down the Blackberry and the newspaper, and read the only constant Truth there is. Here is a part of that Truth that has resounded with me over the last few days.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7

Episode 9: Jesus is a Friend of Mine

A lot has been said in my world lately about progress. I think this is prime example of why progressing is so important.



I think I can safely say that barring an act of God, or alien abduction in which my brain is vacuumed out and replaced with steel wool, you will not hear this song at NewLife any time in the future.

Episode 8: Something good on TV.

I don't think it is too much of a stretch to say that it's hard to find wholesome programming on TV these days. While I know that not everything I watch could hold the label of "wholesome", there is one show that I think fits the bill.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a show that I find myself watching from time to time, and thinking "that is so cool." The show takes a family that is deserving and builds them, in 7 days with the help of hundreds of volunteers, a brand new dream home. I am blessed to come from a heritage that taught me to be a giver and this show really personifies that ideal.

If you have never seen the show, I would recommend giving it a try. The ladies will get all emotional(and maybe some of you guys too) when the big "reveal" takes place, and I admit there is something electric that happens when a family sees, for the first time, a new house that has been built by so much love and sacrifice.

This brings me to wonder what my reaction will be when someday I see the place that has been "prepared" for me. I may not shout "move that bus", but I guarantee there will be some shouting going on!

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Cor. 2:9

Episode 7: Dear Abby preaches.

I have a confession to make... I read Dear Abby. (Man it feels good to get that out in the open.) I have been reading Abby's popular advice column for several years though I'm not really sure when, or even why, I started reading it. Maybe it's just a way for me to be reminded of how blessed my life really is, and that there are so many who have it way worse than me and my "problems."

I am sharing an excerpt from one of her recent columns because it really holds a powerful truth. As someone in a leadership role in a growing church, I am always looking for ideas and ways to make things more welcoming for those who attend our weekend services. So when I read this, it really grabbed my attention. I love Abby's answer.

DEAR ABBY: I am writing about a change I have seen in church. I accept the loud guitar music and informal settings, although I do miss the traditional hymns and formal altars.
What I cannot get used to is the forced "friendly" greeting and handshaking. I attend church to meditate and worship with my family. I do not go to shake hands with strangers and give them a greeting dictated by a pastor.

I like people. I am naturally caring, outgoing and friendly. However, I believe that a greeting or handshake should come from my own heart.

I have mentioned this to friends and family from all faiths, ages and walks of life. None of them like this scheduled "greeting" either. Many say they head for the restroom at that time, turn their backs or just shake hands with the people they came with, come to church late to avoid it, or don't come at all. Others feel the practice is unsanitary.

I suggest that church leaders take an anonymous poll and ask how many in their congregations agree with me. What do you think, Abby? -- MINISTER'S DAUGHTER, CAYUCOS, CALIF.


DEAR DAUGHTER: Thank you for asking my opinion. Here it is: Something is wrong in our fragmented society if, for one moment in a house of God, people cannot find it in their hearts to reach out and make sure that everyone feels included and welcome. And for those who fear it is unsanitary -- bring small bottles of hand sanitizer.

I think Abby has a little preacher in her. What a great reminder that it's not about what we like or what makes us comfortable. Let's get outside of ourselves and make people feel welcome, even when it's a bit "unsanitary."

Episode 6: Legalized murder?

When I became a parent I had a laundry list of things that I said "I will never..." to. Lately a lot of those immature wisecracks have been coming home to roost. It seems that kids go through "phases" in life, where the preconceived notions we have about the way they should act, and the things they do, make you think about murder.

I have two boys. One is three, the other is four. To say the least, it’s crazy around my house at times. From the fighting, to the nights they don’t sleep well and I end up with a foot in my face, there is never a dull moment.

Sometimes these "phases" are enough that, like any parent, I wonder if I would be justified in murder. Now, before you start sending me rude emails, let me clarify that I would never harm my children. I'm simply saying if murder was legal they might have cause to worry a little.

I was venting some of my thoughts on this subject to my Dad the other day. After another sleepless night, and the 47th fight of the day, I said "It's a good thing, for their sake, that murder isn't legal." My father, full of Godly Wisdom, replied to me in a way that only someone with his maturity and experience could, and his reply is still ringing in my ears.

He said "If murder were legal son, you wouldn't be having this conversation with me right now."

If that doesn't deflate your pride, I don't know what will.

Episode 5: The answer(s) to my prayer.

I once heard it said that God answers prayers with one of three answers. Yes, no, and wait.

He often answers with a “yes”. God knows how to give good things to his children.

He sometimes answers “no”. God, who is a parent like me, also knows that I don’t need everything I think I do. I may want it, but that doesn’t mean I need it. So my natural response to an answer of “no” usually resembles my kids response when I tell them “no”. I throw a little tantrum, or ask “why” repeatedly thinking I will some how change the mind of a loving parent (God) who knows what is best for me. It never works by the way. I know none of your kids, or any of you, act that way. It’s only me and my kids.

In my life though, I have discovered that “no” is not the hardest answer to take. I think it is “wait”. In a culture that is all about instant gratification (See: drive-through windows and credit card debt), “wait” is not something that is easy to deal with. It seems to me it would just be easier to get a “no”. At least then I could throw my tantrum and be done with it. When I have to wait it causes me to be patient. (something I have never been good at)

I am going through a “wait” time in my life right now. There is something that I have prayed, begged, and pleaded with God to give me. He hasn’t said “no”, but “wait”. It isn’t easy waiting, but when the time comes I will see why He has chosen to make me wait, and it will be better than anything I could have come up with.

I can’t wait!