Why are parents so unwilling to encourage--is "force" to strong a word--their kids to do hard things? I'm talking about everything from cleaning a room, to eating vegetables, to dealing with a painful social encounter.
I fear the answer stares back at us from the mirror. I don't expect my kids to do anything hard, because I'm not willing to do anything that measures beyond a "3" on the diff-i-cult-o-meter. Hebrews 12: 4-11 gives the perfect example of parenting. It comes from the perfect Father.
Read it. The text is full of hard things. Our heavenly Father brings the difficult into our lives because He loves us.
When we say we aren't going to make our child do something that he or she ought to do, because it is hard, can we really say we are doing it because we love them? Or is it possible that we don't make our kids do the hard-but-right because it is hard for us to do so?
I fear that an honest--and therefore painful, another hard thing we tend to avoid--examination may reveal that the reason we are not willing to require the difficult but right in the life of our child is because we have abandoned that in our own life long ago.
Child discipline begins with self-discipline.
It's STTA.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
It's The Economy, Stupid!
As I type and you read, I hope, our representatives in Washington DC are discussing and dealing with the fact--I have to take their word on this--that in a few weeks the money our nation owes will pass the limit of the amount we can legally borrow. I'm told, that when that occurs somebody won't get paid. As a guy who tries hard to pay his bills, I find that problematic, to say the least.
It is inevitable that discussions of our Federal budget bring up memories of $500 claw-hammers, and $600 toilet-seats, as well as studies on methane emissions from dairy cattle. (http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/government-waste-20-of-the-craziest-things-that-the-u-s-government-is-spending-money-on) There is no doubt, it's a mess.
The real problem is not in DC, though. The heart of the problem is found in places like Covington VA, or (fill-in the name of your home town). We have come to expect government, especially the Federal government to pay for about everything. In my area everything from baby-sitting to medical care, education to law enforcement, dirt-preservation to air-watching, highway maintenance, to low emission enforcement are paid for by money that comes from the great fount in Washington. It is not uncommon to hear comments at local governmental meetings like, "It is all covered by a grant. It won't cost us a thing."
Really?
I'm not railing against school teachers or road builders who gain their livelihood from these programs. Full disclosure: My wife's job is funded by a grant. What I am encouraging is an evaluation of our expectations. We tend to vote based on what a candidate promises to give us, or based on the bacon she/he has brought home in the past. That thought-paradigm needs to change.
Here is an example of what I'm talking about. In a few days a group of dedicated volunteers will pull off an incredible series of events for young people called TEENWEEK. They will use some public facilities, but the program would go on even without them. The bottom line is TEENWEEK is funded not from Washington but from the offerings of local people who love teenagers and are passionate about the need to make a difference in their lives. If you look at their budget you'll find that the whole program is being carried out for less than it would likely cost to purchase coffee for the planning meetings for a government run program for teens. (OK, that is an exaggeration, but you know what I mean.)
I hope my people in DC act like adults and actually address the looming crisis in our National budget. When it comes to looking for real solutions, though, I have more hope in what my friends are doing at TEENWEEK.
It's STTA.
It is inevitable that discussions of our Federal budget bring up memories of $500 claw-hammers, and $600 toilet-seats, as well as studies on methane emissions from dairy cattle. (http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/government-waste-20-of-the-craziest-things-that-the-u-s-government-is-spending-money-on) There is no doubt, it's a mess.
The real problem is not in DC, though. The heart of the problem is found in places like Covington VA, or (fill-in the name of your home town). We have come to expect government, especially the Federal government to pay for about everything. In my area everything from baby-sitting to medical care, education to law enforcement, dirt-preservation to air-watching, highway maintenance, to low emission enforcement are paid for by money that comes from the great fount in Washington. It is not uncommon to hear comments at local governmental meetings like, "It is all covered by a grant. It won't cost us a thing."
Really?
I'm not railing against school teachers or road builders who gain their livelihood from these programs. Full disclosure: My wife's job is funded by a grant. What I am encouraging is an evaluation of our expectations. We tend to vote based on what a candidate promises to give us, or based on the bacon she/he has brought home in the past. That thought-paradigm needs to change.
Here is an example of what I'm talking about. In a few days a group of dedicated volunteers will pull off an incredible series of events for young people called TEENWEEK. They will use some public facilities, but the program would go on even without them. The bottom line is TEENWEEK is funded not from Washington but from the offerings of local people who love teenagers and are passionate about the need to make a difference in their lives. If you look at their budget you'll find that the whole program is being carried out for less than it would likely cost to purchase coffee for the planning meetings for a government run program for teens. (OK, that is an exaggeration, but you know what I mean.)
I hope my people in DC act like adults and actually address the looming crisis in our National budget. When it comes to looking for real solutions, though, I have more hope in what my friends are doing at TEENWEEK.
It's STTA.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
THE ELIJAH SYNDROME:
Right now, I am watching a series of prayers being answered in an incredibly powerful manner. Though what is happening is literally stunning, it is the kind of thing that we often miss. This answer is unfolding over a period of time, through a series of events, involving decisions and actions by a number of people--no explosion, or bright light from the heavens, or storm ripping up the landscape. Yet when all is said and done--probably not until eternity--the landscape will have been radically changed, and there will be light where there was darkness. (Now that I have raised your curiosity, let me say that I'll give specifics when I can.)
Remember Elijah?
He had fled from the wrath of Jezebel. He was out in the wilderness, desperately in need of a word from God. (1 Kings 19)
There was a wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but Elijah did not hear from the Lord in any of these impressive phenomena. Then there was "a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice [The voice] came to him and said . . ." (1 Kings 19:12-13)
Could it be we often miss what God is doing because we are awaiting the storm, while the busy-ness of our lives drowns out the "sound of a gentle blowing"?
It's STTA.
Remember Elijah?
He had fled from the wrath of Jezebel. He was out in the wilderness, desperately in need of a word from God. (1 Kings 19)
There was a wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but Elijah did not hear from the Lord in any of these impressive phenomena. Then there was "a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice [The voice] came to him and said . . ." (1 Kings 19:12-13)
Could it be we often miss what God is doing because we are awaiting the storm, while the busy-ness of our lives drowns out the "sound of a gentle blowing"?
It's STTA.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
JUSTICE?
The talking heads are working overtime in the aftermath of the Casey/Kaylee Anthony trial. Instinctively, we feel that when a little girl's body is left to rot in a swamp that someone ought to pay. This morning the chief suspect, the mom, has been found not guilty. Many people feel that justice was not done. With no reflection on the jury, clearly justice was not done--often in this world justice is a very rare commodity.
Justice is a major theme of the book of Job. Job accused God of injustice. His three friends accused Job of denying the fact that God is just. As outside observers, given a view into the heavenly scene, as well as Divine perspective on the beginning and end, we can see things differently than those submerged in the events as they happened, yet we still wonder about the questions of right and wrong, and balancing the scales.
Rightly, or wrongly, the case in Florida, in many ways, came down to: "Do I know enough?" Our law, quite reasonably, requires a standard of "Beyond reasonable doubt." (We may question whether the juror's doubts were reasonable, but we cast away that standard at our own risk. Another post, another time.) As believers in the Word of God, we know that justice is often not served down here. We look forward to a time when God will bring flawless judgments to bear.
Elihu, the young spokesman in the book of Job comments on this toward the end of the book. With God there is never a lack of knowledge, never a foundation for doubt. It's STTA.
"His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
he sees their every step.
There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness,
where evildoers can hide.
God has no need to examine people further,
that they should come before him for judgment.
Without inquiry he shatters the mighty
and sets up others in their place.
Because he takes note of their deeds." (Job 34:21-25)
In a world where we often don't know--even can't know--for sure, it is inevitable that justice will not be served.
When we deal with the Lord of the Universe there is no such lack.
It's STTA.
Justice is a major theme of the book of Job. Job accused God of injustice. His three friends accused Job of denying the fact that God is just. As outside observers, given a view into the heavenly scene, as well as Divine perspective on the beginning and end, we can see things differently than those submerged in the events as they happened, yet we still wonder about the questions of right and wrong, and balancing the scales.
Rightly, or wrongly, the case in Florida, in many ways, came down to: "Do I know enough?" Our law, quite reasonably, requires a standard of "Beyond reasonable doubt." (We may question whether the juror's doubts were reasonable, but we cast away that standard at our own risk. Another post, another time.) As believers in the Word of God, we know that justice is often not served down here. We look forward to a time when God will bring flawless judgments to bear.
Elihu, the young spokesman in the book of Job comments on this toward the end of the book. With God there is never a lack of knowledge, never a foundation for doubt. It's STTA.
"His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
he sees their every step.
There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness,
where evildoers can hide.
God has no need to examine people further,
that they should come before him for judgment.
Without inquiry he shatters the mighty
and sets up others in their place.
Because he takes note of their deeds." (Job 34:21-25)
In a world where we often don't know--even can't know--for sure, it is inevitable that justice will not be served.
When we deal with the Lord of the Universe there is no such lack.
It's STTA.
FREEDOM!
I still haven't watched the fireworks.
The local display was delayed because of threatening weather. I plan to watch tonight.
I did spend part of the American holiday celebrating freedom doing something I didn't want to do.
Wait. I thought I was free from that.
I do have liberty, but I can't absolve myself of having to deal with the consequences of my choices.
Yesterday morning, my lovely wife decided that it would be a good investment of part of our day off to clean the garage. Any of you who have a "box for cars (That's what a Russian guy with limited English called a horseless-carriage house.) know the routine. Garages seem to magically attract an eclectic accumulation of stuff--otherwise known as junk. In my case there were tools that haven't been put away, leftover construction and decorating materials--not to mention materials for projects yet to come--sporting goods, toys for the grandkids, and a few "what-in-the-world-is-that"s. To complete the picture sprinkle liberally with leaves and debri that blow in the door, a liberal helping of dust and dirt from refinishing projects, and you'll kinda-sorta get the picture. I figured both cars would still fit in, so what's the big deal? Kathy can explain the BIG-DEAL.
So, in the interest of domestic tranquility, I helped her clean the garage. (By the way, be watching, a yard sale is coming.) Though I admit I am pleased with the result, and I did find some stuff that I haven't been able to locate for months, at the time I didn't really want to spend my Fourth toting junk and pushing a broom.
My better half--and she is a blessedly better half--was operating from a superior understanding of freedom. I was thinking about what I have the freedom to do--or in this case not do. She was wisely considering what no amount of freedom can prevent--eventual suffocation by the accumulation of stuff. She is right. Freedom always brings responsibility.
Let me change the picture for a moment. Your metabolism might be different than mine, but concerning me: I have the freedom to eat sugar, french-fries, and ice-cream three times a day, but if I do, I am not free from the consequence of becoming so big that I can't fit into the newly cleaned garage.
When we cry "Freedom!" the inevitable echo says "responsibility and consequences." We can't have the first without the latter.
While Liberty is on our minds, it's STTA.
The local display was delayed because of threatening weather. I plan to watch tonight.
I did spend part of the American holiday celebrating freedom doing something I didn't want to do.
Wait. I thought I was free from that.
I do have liberty, but I can't absolve myself of having to deal with the consequences of my choices.
Yesterday morning, my lovely wife decided that it would be a good investment of part of our day off to clean the garage. Any of you who have a "box for cars (That's what a Russian guy with limited English called a horseless-carriage house.) know the routine. Garages seem to magically attract an eclectic accumulation of stuff--otherwise known as junk. In my case there were tools that haven't been put away, leftover construction and decorating materials--not to mention materials for projects yet to come--sporting goods, toys for the grandkids, and a few "what-in-the-world-is-that"s. To complete the picture sprinkle liberally with leaves and debri that blow in the door, a liberal helping of dust and dirt from refinishing projects, and you'll kinda-sorta get the picture. I figured both cars would still fit in, so what's the big deal? Kathy can explain the BIG-DEAL.
So, in the interest of domestic tranquility, I helped her clean the garage. (By the way, be watching, a yard sale is coming.) Though I admit I am pleased with the result, and I did find some stuff that I haven't been able to locate for months, at the time I didn't really want to spend my Fourth toting junk and pushing a broom.
My better half--and she is a blessedly better half--was operating from a superior understanding of freedom. I was thinking about what I have the freedom to do--or in this case not do. She was wisely considering what no amount of freedom can prevent--eventual suffocation by the accumulation of stuff. She is right. Freedom always brings responsibility.
Let me change the picture for a moment. Your metabolism might be different than mine, but concerning me: I have the freedom to eat sugar, french-fries, and ice-cream three times a day, but if I do, I am not free from the consequence of becoming so big that I can't fit into the newly cleaned garage.
When we cry "Freedom!" the inevitable echo says "responsibility and consequences." We can't have the first without the latter.
While Liberty is on our minds, it's STTA.
Some Nonexplosive Thoughts on the Fourth of July:
I'll likely watch the fireworks this weekend. I can "Ooh" and "Ahh" with the best.
I remember several years ago landing a Dulles Airport on the evening of the Fourth. As the plane descended it was interesting to see various communities' displays blossoming below. They look a lot bigger from down here.
Though the cumulative force of patriotism is a powerful force, it can become an evil power, or it can devolve into weakness, unless it is imbued with a far greater might--that of a people whose collective will is to do what is right.
In short, as important as our armed forces are, our ultimate strength will not be seen on the battle fields, or political campaigns, this weekend, but in our pulpits and pews.
Let's band together to pray for our nation. I'll be talking about that this Sunday at CBC.
Here are three websites, two mine and one from a cyber-friend I respect, that take this thought further.
http://hoggback.blogspot.com/
http://hoggback.blogspot.com/
http://thinkpoint.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/before-we-celebrate-freedom/
On the Birthday of our Nation it's STTA.
I remember several years ago landing a Dulles Airport on the evening of the Fourth. As the plane descended it was interesting to see various communities' displays blossoming below. They look a lot bigger from down here.
Though the cumulative force of patriotism is a powerful force, it can become an evil power, or it can devolve into weakness, unless it is imbued with a far greater might--that of a people whose collective will is to do what is right.
In short, as important as our armed forces are, our ultimate strength will not be seen on the battle fields, or political campaigns, this weekend, but in our pulpits and pews.
Let's band together to pray for our nation. I'll be talking about that this Sunday at CBC.
Here are three websites, two mine and one from a cyber-friend I respect, that take this thought further.
http://hoggback.blogspot.com/
http://hoggback.blogspot.com/
http://thinkpoint.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/before-we-celebrate-freedom/
On the Birthday of our Nation it's STTA.
The Power of the Willing:
A friend of mine often comments that there is a lot to be said for those who simply show up. I'm not denying that finding the right person for the right position is very valuable. I was reminded last night that most of what gets done in God's kingdom is not accomplished by folk carefully matched with the positions in which they work most effectively. It get's done by those who show up.
It's trite, but true. The best ability is availability.
I've found over the years that if we are willing, God makes the way for us get into doing what we do best. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT) The picture is that the Lord himself is out in front preparing the way for us.
People ask, "What should I do to serve the Lord? How can I make a difference?"
Just show up. The Lord will make sure there is a path you can follow.
Lord, help me remember that worry is always uncalled for.
It's STTA.
It's trite, but true. The best ability is availability.
I've found over the years that if we are willing, God makes the way for us get into doing what we do best. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT) The picture is that the Lord himself is out in front preparing the way for us.
People ask, "What should I do to serve the Lord? How can I make a difference?"
Just show up. The Lord will make sure there is a path you can follow.
Lord, help me remember that worry is always uncalled for.
It's STTA.
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