Some Random Thoughts on Parenting

From time to time I grow a bit reflective. In those moments, I often think about parenting.  Now I admit I have not been a parent as long as some – but I have been at it longer than many (almost 34 years!).  Sharon and I have been blessed to parent three of our own (and now we have five grandkids with another on the way!). And for a little over a year (some 33 years ago) we also had the chance to parent a group of nine who were not our own. So I guess you can say we’ve had some experience.

Now just what have I learned about parenting across the years? Hmm.  That’s a good question.  I think I have learned a lot.  I learned that my own mom and dad were a lot smarter than I ever gave them credit for.  I learned that parenting is a lot more demanding than I ever dreamed.  I learned that the joys of parenting far outstrip the heartaches.  And I have learned that parenting never ends.  It changes – but it does go on and on and on.  Sharon and I like the stage of parenting in which we find ourselves.  Our children are adults. They are all married, gainfully employed and raising their children. They all live near by and we get to see our grandchildren on a consistent basis.

It has been gratifying to see our children move on to establish their own households. But even now, my wife and I realize (as I have already mentioned) that our parenting will continue, primarily by way of example.  With this in mind, Sharon and my prayer is that when our children (and their children) look at us – they will see Jesus!  Let me ask YOU this – when your children and grandchildren look at you – do they see Jesus (check out Romans 8:28-29).

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

Thursday A La Carte

Somewhat busy this week ... so here is an abbreviated a la carte offering ... enjoy!

1. Tim Challies writes on the reality that Facebook makes us miserable. 

2. R.C. Sproul weighs on whether Christians should or should not boycott companies that support unbiblical practices.  

3. A thought-provoking and brief article for parents who struggle with how much technology is too much in our digital age. 

4. On the lighter side . . . 

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

It's All Relative ... Or Is It?

Here we are ... moving toward the end of January and mired in a good old fashioned cold snap. Our temperature this morning just before sunup was 9 degrees (F.). Even now at midday, we have yet to crack into the twenties! Now ... there are some up in Minnesota who would probably scoff at these temps being considered "cold." For example, at International Falls, MN it is currently -9 degrees (F.) after bottoming out at -30 degrees overnight. But even these temperatures fail to compete with the conditions at the summit of New Hampshire's Mt. Washington where right now it is a frigid -30 degrees. Add the 53 mph winds and the wind chill is a down right frightening 75 degrees BELOW ZERO! Now that ... without argument is COLD!

So ... when I say it's cold here ... compared to what's happening elsewhere .. it might not be very cold at all to someone else (especially if that "someone else" lives in south Florida, where a temperature below fifty is considered "cold!").

And so .. our perception of the weather is relative, dependent upon our perspective. I have no problem with this. But what I do have a problem with is when we take this view of "relativity" and start applying it in the arena of sin. In doing so, we tend to categorize our sin. The sins of adultery, murder and child abuse we view as horrible. On the other hand, the sins of gossip, greed and impatience are sins that we can live with. After all, we are humans ... and to err is human!

But is this how God views sin? Does he group our sin into unacceptable vs. acceptable sins? Is there such a thing as an "acceptable" sin? Before you answer that last question with an emphatic "no!" (which is, by the way, the correct answer according to the Bible), you may want to take a long hard look at your own life. Author Jerry Bridges a few years ago came out with the book, Respectable Sins. As you take that "long hard look" at your life, use his list of "respectable" sins as guide. If you find any of these in your life (which I would guess that you will), then repent ... confess ... and ask God to help you get rid of them! You will be better for it!

Bridges' list: frustration, anxiety, impatience, irritability, anger, discontentment, pride, unthankfulness, selfishness, lack of self control, judgmentalism, envy, jealousy, worldliness. 

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

You Can Run but You Can't Hide!

Megan Lee Musser recently learned that "you can run, but you can't hide." Last July Musser was charged by police with stealing over $20,000 from the housing authority for which she worked. She appeared for her arraignment and then disappeared. For the past six months, authorities have been looking for her. This past weekend she was arrested by U.S. Marshals at her home in New York. She is awaiting extradition to Lancaster County.

What Musser did is not all that unusual. Frequently the media reports on people who steal from their employers. In addition, accounts of people jumping bail and eluding law enforcement authorities are also not all that uncommon. Sometimes these individuals manage to seemingly disappear into thin air. But often, as in the case of Musser, they are eventually found.

With God, this is ALWAYS the case. We can run ... we can hide ... we can flee to the most remote spot on the planet. But even there, God will see us (Psalm 139:7-12; Proverbs 15:3).  So the next time temptation comes knocking at the door of  your mind and your heart, remember that God is watching. And if you are tempted to give in (which you will be - that is what temptation is all about!) - keep in mind that when it comes to God ... "you can run but you can't hide!"

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

What Do You Say When You Encounter Someone Who's Hurting?

We've all had the experience. We are sitting in church waiting for the service to start and we notice the woman next to us is quietly crying. You sit there paralyzed, not knowing what to do . . . what to say. Or you are walking in the office door and you encounter a co-worker who has been off for a couple of weeks. He lost his young daughter in a tragic car accident. You want to say something ... but what?

I could go on with additional examples ... but if your experience is any thing like mine ... you know exactly what I am talking about. All too often when faced with human pain and grief, we do little if anything. Not because we do not care. But rather because we don't want to do or say the wrong thing. None of us want to add to anyone's pain. And so we choose to do/say nothing.

Of course ... this is quite the wrong thing to do (or not do!). Scripture is clear that we are to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2) and "encourage the fainthearted" (1 Thessalonians 5:14). So ... what do we need to do? I recently read an article by counselor Ed Welch. He hit the proverbial nail on the head. He states that when we encounter suffering people, we need to do what God does with us ... MOVE TOWARD THEM. Here's what he writes:

"As his (God's) servants, we are called to do the same (i.e. "move toward others in love."). Because we are relentlessly pursued, especially when we are not worthy of such pursuit, we become pursuers. We turn toward others and move in their direction. That is how the kingdom of heaven works. Sin scatters people; grace draws us toward each other . . . If God gives you grace to move toward others, he will also give you a few words that will be more precious to the grieving person than you think. (Welch gives the example of saying to a hurting person, "I just want you to know that you are on my heart. I'm very sorry!"). 

So .... the next time the person sitting next to you in a worship service or a small group setting breaks out in tears. Don't shut down. Don't move away. But in God's grace, move toward them. And allow God the opportunity to work through you to bring some comfort and encouragement that is sorely needed.

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

Thursday A La Carte

Here are this week's offerings. Enjoy! Be challenged! Be encouraged!

1. Ever been accused of worshiping the Bible? Tim Challies has some great insights on this! 

2. If you struggle with meeting God in his word and prayer, here are five promises God gives us for our Bible reading and prayer   and John Piper states, You can never ask too much from God (from Desiring God Ministries).

3. Louie Giglio, mega church pastor from Atlanta, made the news last week when it came to light that he had preached some anti-homosexual messages back in the 1990's.  Why did this make the news? Because he had been selected to offer the benediction at next week's presidential inaugaration. You can just imagine how the gay activists went after him! Here is a collection of articles about the situation. 

4. Here's a moving music video by Andrew Peterson ... worth a watch and listen! (especially for dads of young sons!).

5. On a lighter note. . 

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj

Step #5 toward Failure in the Christian Life

We finally come to the fifth and final step that will surely guarantee your failure at this thing we call the Christian Life (please go back and read the intro to the first step).

Step #5 Be accountable to NO ONE for ANYTHING! 

One truth that is quite clear in the Bible (especially the New Testament) is that Christianity was never meant to be lived in isolation (Proverbs 27:6; 17; Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25). Over and over again the NT mandates that Christians do this or that for "one another!" Christians are to be involved in one another's lives for encouragement and accountability. For without these, a Christian will only flounder in his faith.

Therefore, stay away from involvement in any kind of small group. And if someone ever approaches you about becoming his or her "accountability partner," run the other way just as fast as you can! Seek to be a loner as much as you can. Avoid anything that smacks of "community!" The last thing you want is someone to speak the life-changing truth of God's Word into your life!

So there you have it my friend ... five steps toward failure. But ... tongue-in-cheek now aside ... I really hope you do just the opposite ... that is IF you really want to grow in your faith!

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj