Tag Archives: parenting

Jul19

First Love

Posted on July 19, 2012 by sagescenery

My husband and I love Siberian Huskies!

We’re melted by their distinctive faces, their jovial dispositions, their fluffy, up-right, wagging tails, and their regal walk. They’re always happy to see you, and they’ll show you their friendliness by licking your face all over.

When our third Siberian Husky was born, we carried photos, we showed a video of him romping with the other puppies, we invited people over to see him, we brought him with us to our friends’ houses, we told everyone about his every move, trick, bark, howl, and eating habits.

We moved to Florida, and after awhile, our dear Siberian died. There was a time of mourning, we had our memories, and our new friends were sympathetic, but they didn’t know how close we were to our dog. We got distracted by our move and hadn’t shared with them all the stories, photos, or videos of his birth and his growing-up years, as we had back in NJ.

In our walk with the Lord, do we still think constantly of Him, love Him, talk about Him, share stories about His goodness, share our testimonies of His faithfulness?

Is He still our first love?

Do we invite our friends to know Him as we do?

When we move to a new situation do we bring Him with us?

Do our friends and family know how close we are to our Lord?

Or are we distracted?

When we got our puppy, we weren’t satisfied for friends and family to simply know we had a dog, we wanted them to see, feel, sense, touch, hear everything for themselves, so they would love our dog as much as we did. We felt it wasn’t enough to just know about him, but we wanted everyone to know him personally.

That’s how it is with Jesus. It’s good that you know who He is, but I want you to know Him like I know Him…personally.

When our beloved dog died we replayed every fond memory of his life, and also every heart-wrenching moment of his death.

Jesus lived and died to prepare a place for you in Heaven, because you have no other way to get there yourself.

We as Christians should be able to make you see, and feel, the joy and peace we have because of Jesus.

We should share with you the memories of His life.

You should feel the piercing nails in his hands and the anguish of His death.

We should explain that He did that for you. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Have I introduced you to my first love…Jesus?

Jul19

Empty

Posted on July 19, 2012 by sagescenery

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I don’t know who you are, where you are, where you’ve been, or what you’re doing, but I do know we all have an empty hole only Jesus can fill.

You may be a professional who’s desperate, a teacher who’s overwhelmed, or a parent who’s exhausted.

You may be homeless and in despair, you may be wealthy, but life is futile.

It doesn’t matter, without Jesus, you’re a person running on empty.

Why would God fill the empty hole in me and others, but not in you?

Are we better than you, more educated, more perfect?

No. The Bible says, “All have sinned…”

It has nothing to do with us, it has everything to do with Him.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…”

Jesus died to save us from the empty hole within us, and the empty hole of an eternity in Hell separated from Him.

Let Him fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Nothing else can fill the spot that’s reserved for Him.

Sin tries to fill it up, but you’re still left empty.

Empty and guilty.

Only you can ask for the empty hole to be filled with what will truly satisfies.

You can try other things: Money, love relationships, fast cars, parties, drugs, alcohol, etc.

You’re just wasting time, and losing time that could be spent in JOY, PEACE, and LOVE.

Better than what you now feel: despair, overwhelmed, desperate, and discouraged.

How do I know? I’ve been there.

Even with all you desire from this world, you can feel unsatisfied. We all need Jesus.

Here’s what to do: Bow down to Jesus. Call out to Him. Look up to God.

He’ll hear your sincere cry for help, even if you simply breathe a whisper “Help me!”

Jesus wants to live in your heart and fill you with His Holy Spirit.

To dwell in you. For you to abide in Him.

It’s a gift. It’s yours for the asking. You don’t need to beg.

God’s listening.

Read His Word…the Bible.

Talk to any Christian…a strong believer in the full Gospel…a follower of Christ. I know you know who they are.

I dare you! Go find one. Question them. Ask them the important questions you really want to know about God.

I’m praying for every non-believer to have a Christian believer near them. Share your doubts.

Discuss God’s word with the ones you know have God’s Joy in their lives. In every circumstance, even when the circumstance is a difficult one.

Don’t let anyone, or anything, stand in your way, or cause you to think God’s not real. He is!

Or, that what Jesus did for others..He can’t do for you. He can!

No matter who you are, where you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done, Jesus wants to be your Savior and the Lord of your life.

Be sincere. Be sorry. Be free.

Ask the Lord to help you allow His Holy Spirit to lead you into all Truth. Not the world’s truth, but God’s Truth..

Ask that Christian friend of yours more questians. Dive into your Bible.

A good place to start is the Book of John in the New Testament, “In the beginning was the Word…and the Word became flesh.” Pray for understanding while reading.

Find a Bible -believing church, go there, fellowship with other Christians, feed on the Word.

Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and show you a ministry you can do to glorify His Name.

Keep praying. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill the empty hole, and constantly keep it filled to overflowing. To be able to help others, and lead them to Christ.

So they will no longer be running on empty either!

You may think you’re really ok, you’re not on drugs, you’re not suicidal, you’re not planning on killing anyone.

And in the eyes of the world you may be ok.

But in God’s eyes “…all are as filthy rags…”

If you don’t know Jesus personally (which means you alone, not what your family or friends believe, just
you), you’re not ok.

It’s not enough. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father but through Me…”

Only complete trust in Jesus and what He’s already done for us at the Cross will give us eternal life in Heaven. With equal satisfaction and fullfillment for us here on earth.

Let Him take you from wherever you are to wherever He wants you to be.

He’ll change you, fill the empty hole inside you.

And you’ll be whole.

Jul19

Thanks For The Memories, Charley!!

Posted on July 19, 2012 by sagescenery

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I WONDER IF IN A YEAR FROM NOW I WILL REMEMBER •••

…How inadequate we felt the day before the hurricane hit.

…What do New Jerseyeans know about preparing for a major tropical hurricane? ..

…Floridians told us not to worry, we’ll be “fine.” We were alive, Thank God, but we were not fine!

…That storm preparation is such hard work and continues until the last minute.

…If you’re going evacuate, you need to make that decision BEFORE the last minute.

…My annoyance that all this “preparation” was messing up my brand new beautiful house.

…How my priorities have changed since then.

…Your “treasures” just become stuff you have to move.

…My husband in “crisis mode.”

…Me in “melt-down mode.”

…The shock when Charley picked up speed with winds of 145 mph, becoming a category 4 hurricane and heading right for us.

…Thinking we should have gotten hurricane shutters.

…Feeling scared when the power went out.

…Hailing the newscasters who kept us informed day by day on our little transistor radio.

…Praying the roof would not fall in on us.

…My son, praying, “Dear Jesus, please forgive us for all our sins, so we will be ready to go to Heaven with you.”

…Feeling God’s ASSURANCE of protection from the storm.

…Experiencing how hot it is when you’re under a mattress with no air-conditioning.

…It’s true…it SOUNDS LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN.

…Praying for the safety of our family, friends, and neighbors.

…Hearing our house being pelted by projectiles.

…Feeling our house shaking and hearing our garage door rumbling.

…Crying when my husband sees our lanai screen rip off our house.

…The sound of glass breaking, knowing the storm was in our house and our stuff was getting wet and damaged.

…When we ventured out, a police officer told us to go inside, there could be tornadoes.

…Hearing on the radio that one tornado may have touched down near-by. Right where our church is.

…The shocking, heart-wrenching sight outside our house the next day.

…Finding it hard to believe, but many others were far worse off than we were.

…FEELING THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE!!

…Grateful to God for the safety of family, friends, and neighbors.

…The joy of helpful neighbors with a grill.

…I thought we’d just go on as usual the next day, but seeing that it looks like a bomb hit here.

…Seeing the destruction everywhere, like a war zone.

…Wondering where to start cleaning up this mess and rebuilding.

…Learning that “replacement of landscaping” is not covered in our insurance policies.

…All mature trees in the neighbor fell, thankful that we didn’t have any.

…Palms trees were bent, but not broken.

…Believing God’s gift to Florida is air conditioning and missing it!.

…The days and days of debris pick-up were exhausting, it’s so hot, and no relief in sight.

…I had no idea we could be so needy, and I’m so thankful for those from everywhere who met our needs so fast.

…Piles of dirty, stinky laundry are just in the way, when you have no way to wash them.

…Frustrated to have no way to communicate with loved ones, we felt cut off from the world.

…Frantic family and friends who couldn’t reach us by phone, while watching the photos of the devastation on TV, and sending us money.

…Food spoils in the refrigerator and freezer with no power to keep it cold…there must be a better time to clean them out than after a hurricane.

…Realize that food doesn’t mean as much as a refreshing shower, even one just a little trickle of water.

…Letting friends use our shower, in exchange for a trip to a working laundromat for clean clothes.

…It’s 95 degrees, all the windows in the house are open, and the neighbor’s generator is so loud, but it’s too hot to get a good night’s sleep anyway.

…Finally found some battery operated fans, Amen!!

…Noticing that pickuping up debris in the hot sun, day after day, gave me the best tan I’ve ever had, but lots of bug bites, too.

…Driving is dangerous when six-lane highways have no traffic lights.

…It’s hard to find anyone when there are no street signs.

…Seeing blue tarps on every roof, and huge mounds of debris everywhere is very depressing.

…Our pool looks like a septic tank filled with all our lanai screen debris in it.

…Garbage will smell after it’s been outside along the roadside for days when there’s no garbage pick-up.

…You’ll want to kiss the feet of the garbage man, and the guys who pick up all the aluminum from the lanai screens, when they finally come.

…You’ll rejoice when Publix opens, even when you need to bring your flashlight.

…Ice is a precious commodity.

…But, ice in a cooler is a messy replacement for your refrigerator/freezer.

…I really appreciate a clean house, and I can’t remember anymore when I had one.

…The threat of mold can make you crazy.

…Interesting to know what’s in a Red Cross “disaster kit,” and so appreciative.

…The concern and love from family and friends, Thank God they know how to pray.

…Sensing after seven days of this, it was time to get out of town.

…My sister was an angel who carne to our rescue with the offer of her condo.

…We’ve corne to think of it fondly as “The Land of Plenty.”

…Found a church to get spiritually refueled.

…The kindness of a friend who provided pampering at a beauty salon, and rest and relaxation at the beach

…We returned home when power was restored, because my husband was too exhausted to cook dinner and was eating SPAM.

…Fooled into thinking the hurricane season was over.

…Bolting everything down again, and again, and again.

…Moving furniture back and forth, inside and outside many times is frustrating and exhausting.

…My plants out on the lanai seemed to get pretty heavy after moving them in and out of the garage
so many times.

…Strong winds blowing. Chance of flooding. Tarps flying. Cabin fever.

…Worried the debris that’s still in huge piles by the curb, will blow around and create more damage.

…Shell-shocked. Got to get out of here. Another hurricane is coming.

…Thank God for another angel who let us visit in California to hide from this next storm.

…Teens do not dwell on hurricanes, “Yeah, we had a hurricane, what game are you playing on GameCube?”

…Still finding roof tiles in my landscaping two months after all the storms.

…Will we be decorating the debris this Christmas? Putting tinsel on the trash?

…I know I won’t be thinking about costly gifts this Christmas, but only of the gift of God’s love and protection for us! Amen!

I WONDER IF IN A YEAR FROM NOW I WILL REMEMBER CHARLEY…

I PRAY I NEVER FORGET…

Jul17

Straight To The Gate

Posted on July 17, 2012 by sagescenery

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Rev. 7: 13-17 “And one of the elders answered, saying to me, who are these which are clothed in white robes? And where did they come from? And I said to him, sir, you know. And he said to me, they came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they stand before the throne of God, and serve Him day & night in His temple: and He that sits on the throne will live among them. They will hunger no more. Neither thirst any more; neither will the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Where are we on the road from “hell” to “Heaven”? Are we so close to the enemy that all we can hear are his lies?

Are we so far from Jesus that we have to strain to hear Him? Are there so many obstacles in our way? Who do we listen to? The enemy strikes dedicated Christians all the time, but don’t you think it’s easier for us to live for Jesus the closer we are to Him? Instead of being one step away from serving satan?

See the fence in the middle of this road? Sitting on the fence hurts. It hurts us, and it hurts others. We can’t help or disciple people from the fence. Satan keeps us bound to it. We can only help others from a position of total freedom, of true liberty in Jesus from a position at the foot of the Cross.

Our position, young or old, is to be as close as we can be to God through Jesus, then we’ll never leave people un-discipled & lost to satan. Are we playing too close to the fence? Are we too eager to climb over the fence to get to hell? Or, are we too complacent to make an effort to get off the fence?

What separates us from Jesus?

Rebellion? Lack of commitment? The way we dress? Our language? Our attitude? Our friends? Our heart? Our mind? Lack of prayer? Lack of Bible reading? Lack of obedience? Bad habits? Disinterest? Spending too much time on ourselves? Laziness? Lack of dedication? Lust? Immorality?

Lack of focus on Jesus? Is it always about us!??????

Do we ask Him for help??

How can we get closer to Heaven?

We need to care enough to get into the right position. We all know people around us in our schools, at our jobs, and in our neighborhoods, who have left the path to Heaven and taken a detour! Do we care? Satan is laughing…does that bother us?

There‘s a battle for our soul & the souls of our friends! Do we hunger and thirst for more of Jesus!! Do we cry out to Him to help them…to help us help them?

How can we help/disciple others?

We need to be spotless by being covered with the blood of Jesus. Are we stained with the dirt of this world? How?

And how can we get clean? Here’s the answer! A sin stained person, needs to be covered by Jesus’ blood and receive His pure white robe of righteousness. Move closer to God…where nothing separates you from His glory.

What does it take to move us closer to God?

More church programs? More fun activities? More food, snacks, candy, and ice cream? More “Slurpies!!?” More people? More leaders? A new pastor? More pot-luck dinners? A new gym? Or, do we agree that what the church really needs is more of God…more focus on Jesus!!

Coming to Jesus, repenting, changing, being filled with His Holy Spirit, and moving into the right position in Christ. Where we kneel at the foot of the Cross, admit we’re a sinner, so Jesus will cover us with His blood, cleanse us, forgive us, & forget all our sins. Then, our Almighty God sees only the blood of Jesus when He sees us with Jesus’ robe of righteousness on us. Then He says, “Stand up My child, I have Kingdom work for you to do.”

“Me? But…”

“Yes, you!!” He will say, “Go! And I will go before you. Then, people will see only Me and hear Me when you speak!”

Isn’t that awesome!! What a relief…it’s not what we do, but what Jesus already did for us! It’s not us people see, but Jesus in us!! That’s liberating!! That’s freedom!

What are we waiting for? For people to force us to serve Jesus? For God to make us love Him & serve Him?

We know it doesn’t work that way, right?! It’s got to be our decision…our free-will choice! Our hunger!! Our thirst for Christ, and our relationship with Him personally!

How can we disciple others when we’re struggling ourselves? How can we show Christ to others when He’s not visible in us?

Is it all about us? God has this idea that it’s all about Him…it is!!! Where’s our focus? Are we preoccupied? Thinking of other things?

Are our thoughts on yourselves? On our friends? Girlfriends or boyfriends? On money? On computers? On games? On fun? On getting away with things? On Facebook? On texting? Stay focused on God!!

Are we properly positioned? Is our prayer to the Lord…”Position me, Lord!!”? Are we reflecting Jesus to others? Are we pointing the way to Heaven? Do we shout that Jesus is the Way?

Only satan should be in hell!! He’s there…and he’s having a party. He’s invited everyone he knows. Are we at his party? Let’s leave his party!! And take everyone we know with us. Pulling them out of the fiery pit!! Lead the way to the 180 degree turn around. So they’re facing Heaven and not hell.

Jesus whispers…start a youth band…join the drama team…ask someone to church… pray for someone’s healing…show love, show compassion…can you hear Him? Do you obey?

Encourage people to get off the fence. Help them see Jesus’ glorious face at the gate ahead in Heaven. Show them His love in you. Point them to Heaven, so they can turn their back on hell. It’s the right direction for the abundant blessings of our Lord and Savior.

Ask for more from Jesus…get quieter…get closer to the Lord. Stay on the path—“straight to the gate.” of Heaven. Bring as many people with you that you can. Don’t compromise. It leads you to satan’s lair. Where he’s celebrating every lost soul that wandered off the path.. Gently encourage others to follow the path with you, fervently pray. Intercede. Help them endure. Help them recognize all the enemy’s tricks. Ask God to respond from His throne, and to step into every situation. The lost only need one glimpse of Him. One whisper from Jesus changes their entire situation! It changes their whole life!!

Christ is pushing us to new levels. He’s encouraging our obedience, He’s encouraging us to trust Him and His plan for our lives each moment of every day. He’s asking us to reach up to Him, and to reach out to others.

To be purified. We can’t show someone else how to live for God, if we’re not clean enough to reflect Him! Are we a ROCK…a Reflection Of Christ your King?

Live to glorify Him, and Him only!. It’s all about Jesus. Get what we need from God…and be free to come and go to the fountain He provides! Get God’s joy, then splash joy on someone else! It’s fun! It’s joyful!

Where were we two years ago on this road? Where do we want to be two years from now? We’re in this picture of the road from hell to Heaven, even if we’re sitting on the sidelines. Don’t just sit on the sidelines. Let’s immerse ourselves in His Love. Be in love. Crazy in love with Jesus!

If not…we won’t come out unscathed in the judgement. Maybe we just serve God because our parents make us! Or it’s expected of us. That’s not good enough!

Jesus is here, seeking, and saving the lost. But satan sees us also, and he’s out to steal, kill, & destroy. Are we just going to stand back and let satan destroy our lives? Our dreams? Our families? Our friends?

If we’re not where we should be, or want to be…Jesus is right here…tell Him…we need to ask Him to help us and to strengthen us. To make us more determined to stay focused on Him!!

Don’t take a detour. A detour takes us away from God back through satan’s territory. And when we finally “come to ourselves” and get back on the right road, we will be farther away from God than when we left. Is that really where we want to be??

Pray more about what God wants us to do, think less about what we want to do…more about what’s right in our life, less about what’s wrong. Look for more good in others, instead of pointing out what’s bad. There’s so much potential in all of us…not because we’re good, but because God is good!!

Please, I ask you to consider what God wants to do in your life!! Where God wants you to be on this road…

Always facing Jesus and walking “straight to the gate.”

Proverbs 4: 14 & 15 “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”

Proverbs 4: 25-27 “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

Jul17

Living In The Stable

Posted on July 17, 2012 by sagescenery

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“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means, least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.” Matthew 2:6

From Pastor Ron Gray’s Christmas Newsletter: “One of the great truths concerning Christmas is that Christ came to us. So many times we tend to think that we came to Him. It was the love of God for His creation that caused Him to send His Son. He came to redeem us. He came to bring us abundant life. He came to be our Savior, Lord, & King. Today…Jesus comes and brings light, hope, & a future…I believe that God will come to you today in the middle of whatever you are going through. You may think He is not interested, but I believe He cares, & knows what you are dealing with. Jesus is making Himself real to you today. Give Him an opportunity to work. Stop for just a moment and talk to Him. He has come to you to bring you joy. I trust Him today to work a miracle in your life.”

Part of the glorious Christmas Story involves living in the stable! So how do we go from “Living in the Stable” to “Sitting in the Heavenly Throne Room with Christ?” How do we get from the hardship of the stable to the glory of the throne? We trust & wait!

What do we do when there’s no room in the Inn? We give birth in a stable!

(My definition of a stable) A Stable is a place we find ourselves physically, emotionally, or spiritually, where we don’t want to be!” Mary & Joseph wanted to be back in their home in Nazareth in Galilee, or at least in the Inn in Bethlehem, especially when Mary was ready to give birth!! But, they found themselves in the stable!

It’s a mistake to label someone in a “stable” situation as: A transient, a fugitive, a drifter, an orphan, etc. Often a gradual process of circumstances got us there. I know my All-Powerful God could have delivered Jesus, Mary, & Joseph out of the stable, kept them in Nazareth in Galilee, and not sent them to Bethlehem in Judea, but there was a purpose & a prophecy that had to be fulfilled!

What is the prophecy concerning us & our families? What is our promise from God that needs to be fulfilled because we’re in a stable right now?

Are we, like Jesus, headed for the throne room? We are, if we know Christ! How did baby Jesus get from the stable to the throne? Through suffering & trials…’til He went back to the Father. True for us, too! Suffering & trials, ‘til we return to our Father in Heaven. But, we can bless the Lord through our trials…Jesus did.

How long did Jesus, Mary, & Joseph stay in the stable? One day, two days? A while!

What were the conditions? Stables are smelly, loud with animal sounds, uncomfortable, lacking the simplest comforts, lacking family support, & it’s a lifestyle that is at the mercy of strangers. Have we ever found ourselves in a stable?

Was there stress? Mary glorified God, even after submitting to a pregnancy she could never explain, months of village criticism, & all God’s requirements for bearing the Son of God. Our belief & obedience is what magnifies God! From The Fruit Of The Spirit Bible, we read: “It is always the heaviness of the burden that teaches us the best song.”

Mary was faithful…which is defined as, “always doing what God tells us to do, exactly when He tells us to do it!” Amen!!

Patience never argues with God, and it has a habit of praising God while it waits for miracles to take place. There’s never any reason to hurry God! “May it be to me as God has said!” Mary said, and then she sang as she waited.

Who was there with them in the stable? No family. But God knew where they were. And He blessed Mary & Joseph with the birth of their son, Jesus..in the stable! And support (&worship) came to the stable from everywhere… Even Shepherds need a Savior!

He knows where we are, too, even if we’re in a stable. And, He will bless us with birth, too! Perhaps, the birth of a job, the birth of a house, the birth of a dream, the birth of a vision, and the birth of a purpose.

What was the result of Mary & Joseph’s stable experience?

Christmas! Jesus’ birth in a stable brought joy, brought faith, brought vision, & brought a promise for us. It got the attention of angels, kings, magi, & shepherds.

In our stable experience, we can’t discount the enemy at work, but don’t give him any glory either! Satan’s a liar! We shouldn’t ask, “Why are we here in this stable, Lord??” We need to ask, “What are You trying to birth in us, Lord, right here in this stable?”

We must know that God plans to take us from the stable to the throne, just as He did for His son, Jesus. But, we’ve got to let Him! Hope is here! We’re children of God! And, this is the season when God reminds us of His Love. Christmas is for those of us in the stable…So God can show us that His purpose is to bring us out of the stable to His throne!

We’ve got to go to God, & want everything He wants for us!! We need to be faithful to God’s favor & guidance, even in the stable of small beginnings to get to the glorious ending…the throne!!

Even if we’re in a “stable” situation right now, we must accept the gift of Jesus…because even in the stable, God’s right there with us!! His Son was born there!

And, once we’re out of the stable, don’t look back; just look up to where the throne is! Amen!!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself RESTORE you & make you strong, firm, & steadfast.” I Peter 5:10

You can’t have Christmas without Christ! Christ is the heart of Christmas! Merry Christmas & God’s Abundant Peace to all of you!

Jul17

Corrupt Generation

Posted on July 17, 2012 by sagescenery

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“With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourself from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:40 & 41 NIV

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15,16 “Take a moment to assess your priorities. Just like a car needs its wheels aligned on a regular basis in order to drive properly, so might we.” (“The Daily Verse” by Kat Davis)

If you’re a germophobic…close your ears! If you have 20/20 vision, you’re going to get grossed out!! This is an ugly story about my shower! I wear contacts to see, & glasses, when I take my contacts out at night! So, normally when I’m in my shower…I can’t see! Everything looks a little blurry to me, so, I happily think everything’s clean! And, I ignore it! On rare occasions when I need to get ready, & my contacts are already in…I’m shocked beyond all reason how dirty, disgusting, & full of gunk my shower floor & walls are! My dog’s cage is in the bathroom, & furry dog hair adds to the gunk…I have to wear shower shoes to protect my feet, but really, the gunk just needs to be cleaned up & washed away…there’s no way to just cover it up, or tip-toe around it!

Why is it so dirty??? It’s not that I love dirty, disgusting gunk…quite the opposite, I hate it! But, normally, I just can’t see it! I love my shower, but not the gunk! When you can’t see gunk, it’s easy to ignore it!

When I finally do see it, what do I do about it? I call out to my son…he’s my dirty shower scrubber!! He does a great job! He uses Tilex to scrub the grout lines on the floor & walls, ‘til it shines! Then he wipes away the residue with clean, fresh water! He’s a savior! He saved me from my dirty, disgusting shower! Praise God for hard working teens! Amen! Want him to help you, too?? Once he saves you from your dirty shower, you’ll want to tell others about him!

Well, our Spiritual eyes are the same way…if something’s corrupt, dirty, & evil…without our Spiritual eyes open, we can’t see it! It’s not that we love dirty, disgusting sin…but if our Spiritual eyes are closed, it’s just that we can’t see it clearly! We may love our life, but not the dirty, disgusting sin that plagues us. This corrupt generation can’t see it…they just don’t know. (I just heard a sermon the other night preached by a former Hindu, who had never heard the name of Jesus! How awed he was to realize that all his gods could never do the miracles that Jesus did when he walked the Earth! Good to see it from that perspective once in a while, right?) Some people don’t want to live in “gunk,” they just haven’t seen Jesus yet…their eyes are blind. But we, who are “Born Again” with the new Spiritual eyes God gave us, can see! We must see! You need to help them see…point them to Jesus. Don’t try to cover up, or fix their mess…let Jesus wash it clean!! He’s their Savior! He cleaned you up…He can clean them up, too! Then, they can see clearly & point someone else to Jesus. Once Jesus saves you from sin, you want to tell others, too!

I was reading Bill Wilson’s “Transformation Station” Lesson Plans that our children’s pastor gave us for our new “Wednesdays Nights at the Warehouse” outreach to our neighborhood kids!! He founded Metro Ministries in Brooklyn, NY and runs the largest Sunday School in the world. Pastor Wilson was explaining changes that have taken place in our kids’ conduct in the last 60 years, from 1951 to now. Everything escalated since 1963: Births to unwed mothers, sexually transmitted diseases, and the divorce rate, but…SAT scores have declined! Wow! He says, “This is the first time in the history of America that a generation of students is graduating knowing less than their parents did!!!!” Oh, my!

I was listening to Nichole Nordeman’s song “I Am” and someone commented about the words of the song, The writer said, “I’m about to turn 16, and a few days ago, I decided to let Jesus into my life because ‘life is so mean.’” Wow! I’ve heard people say “life is hard,” “life is difficult,” or “life is short,” but “mean”??? Life IS really mean in this corrupt generation.

So what happened in 1963??? Pastor Wilson says, “The government of the United States officially removed God from the public school system. They took mandatory prayer out of our schools-and the rest is history. We now have a generation of kids who have no Judeo-Christian background taught to them. Our whole society is without the foundation of the Word of God. The parents of these kids do not teach them that foundation. Statistics show that: Eighty percent of people, who do not accept Christ Jesus by the age of 18, never will!”

Think about that! Kids at school see it all the time…many in this corrupt generation are clueless when it comes to the things of God! Pastor Wilson says, “We must help today’s kids to know, trust, & love God. The church cannot be just another influence for kids. We have to get to the place where the church is the major influence. It’s a difference between (Spiritual) life & death!” At Sidewalk Sunday School, he believes, “It’s easier to build a child than repair an adult!” Amen! I agree!

We can’t afford to walk around bind, or blindfolded! Souls are at risk of going to hell without Jesus! Are we too lazy to put on our Spiritual glasses?? How can we participate, or lead, if we’re blind? Who can we help? Don’t just ignore it! See sin, & turn from it!

Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'” ”Your service toward those in need is your service unto God Himself. Don’t endeavor to preach the Gospel; be the Gospel! (“The Daily Verse” by Kat Davis)

What should we do? Call out to Jesus…He’s our “Clean-Up The Corrupt Generation Scrubber.” He does a fantastic job…To those who repent…He uses His blood to wash away all our sins & stains, ‘til we shine!

Awhile ago, Joel Osteen (a leading Pastor in Texas) & his wife Victoria, were guests on CNN’s Piers Morgan‘s Show. It was interesting to me, that Piers Morgan mentioned Joel’s “squeaky-clean” reputation…like it was somehow strange, or not normal. Wow, that goes to show what this corrupt generation is really used to…corruption, evil, & darkness everywhere…that “squeaky-clean” is so foreign to them!! He didn’t understand, of course, that when we have Jesus open our Spiritual eyes, we don’t desire the foul things of this world. If we can’t take Jesus with us, we don’t go there!

I Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” “It is wise to take regular assessment of the people with whom you choose to spend the majority of your time. Are they pointing you toward the ways of God and life and choices that edify you? If not, seriously consider being more intentional about surrounding yourself with those who are going to be a part of cheering you onward in your journey toward freedom and the fulfillment of your calling.” (“The Daily Verse” by Kat Davis)

The teens, I work with are great. I see all of them as clean, pure, & fresh examples of teens hungry for more of God; teens who have learned to stay close to Jesus, so they can serve Him! Their parents & churches have realized that they’re like “sponges,” & they’ve poured into them Spiritual truths, & not filth! I thank them for that! When they’re with friends, they can follow that example. Especially when they’re parents, too, in the future!

Always ask, “What do people see that’s different about me? Do they see Christ???

Turn your back on sin! What exactly does that mean to you? Watch carefully what you say, what you see, what you hear, what you do! Stay close to the heart of Jesus!!

Romans 8:7 “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” “Having our minds set on material things could be part of our inherent human resistance to intimacy with God. Let us be reminded, first and foremost, to set our minds on the things of the Spirit. From that will come blessings more valuable than anything for which our flesh can long.” (“The Daily Verse” by Kat Davis)

There’s a popular phrase you’ve all heard…”What Would Jesus Do?” And now, there’s a TV show, I like, called, “What Would You Do?” Boy, does that live out the love of Christ? It shows people who will stand up for right, & speak out against the wrong (& it also shows people who won’t!). Love the people, but hate the sin! When a life is a mess…only God can clean it up, & Jesus’ blood will wash away the gunk! Point everyone to Jesus…all those that have messy lives…They need to see Jesus. Whatever the question…Jesus is always the answer!

Colossians 3:12 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” “It’s not always easy to display a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Then again, we’re not called to have it easy, we’re called to love God & love each other. It might not be the inclination your emotions drive you toward, but you have the choice & the ability to act like one of God’s chosen ones. Do that, and be a vessel for others experiencing the kind of unconditional love that God shows you.” (“The Daily Verse” by Kat Davis)

He takes a messy life, scrubs it clean, & washes away all the residue. Their attitudes & situations change…’til the life is new & “squeaky-clean!” Jesus can do that! Pray for your friends…I know you can see that Jesus needs to clean up some messes, some gunk in their lives! Put on your Spiritual glasses to see what Jesus sees…love them…share God’s love, & let Him wash their dirt down the drain, like He did for you.

I John 2:5B, 6 “By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way he walked.” “Actions speak louder than words. Take an assessment of your behavior today and intentionally consider your response. If your talk says more about Christ than your walk, make an adjustment so that you can be a more effective witness of Him, who lives in you.” (“The Daily Verse” by Kat Davis)

Close your eyes for a moment! Think about your life…your habits, your likes, your dislikes. You don’t need to beg God to take over your mind & heart…just DECIDE to give all you are to Him. If He’s speaking to you about something…obey! It might be giving up something that displeases Him, or it might be adding something that would please Him! The blessings are always in obeying God. Then you’ll be in a position to point others to Jesus!

John 13:5 “Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with a towel that was wrapped around him.” “Think of the people in your life who follow you, look up to you, and hang on to your every word. Do you treat them like they are beneath you, or do you serve them? Do you wash their feet, as Jesus did? You can learn & teach just as much by following as you can by leading. Give it a try today. (“The Daily Verse” by Kat Davis)

Save yourself from this corrupt generation by having your Spiritual eyes open & focused on Jesus!

Jul17

Girls…Let’s Be Blunt!

Posted on July 17, 2012 by sagescenery

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Girls, Please Don’t Expect A Teenager To Be A Father!

He plays GameBoy all day. He can’t remember to brush his teeth unless told to do so. He doesn’t see the need for a shower until his parents tell him it’s necessary. He has a slight problem with acne breakouts on his forehead and upper back…doesn’t care. He stopped wearing his retainer one summer, because he thought he remembered that the orthodontist said he could stop when he was in H.S. Never bothered to tell us. What he was remembering was that the guy at the pet store who sold us his California King snake said he’d have this snake through high school. His $4700, straight teeth are now slightly crooked again on the bottom.

Don’t get me wrong; this kid is the love of my life. My husband and I prayed for this child. He’s our only one, because it took us 10 years and countless infertility tests and procedures to have him. We had him after 14 years of marriage. He was a preemie, with a double hernia, and a patent ductus heart murmur. He was on medication for the first year of his life…and we spent endless hours at the doctors offices, therapists offices, or in hospitals.

We’ve spoiled him. We love him, protect him; do things with him and for him…he’s a great kid. We love spending time with him, and so will you. When he goes away to college, or moves out on his own, our nest will be very empty. We’ll look forward to having grandchildren, then. But speaking of college, there’s a plan. He’s headed there, and we’ve agreed to pay for the 5^th year for him to get his Master’s Degree. You’ll thank us, when you’re married to him, because he can support you and a family…and won’t need to take time away from his family to return to school.

I just want to tell you, he’s not ready at this time in his life, by any stretch of the imagination, to be in charge of someone else…he can barely take care of himself. Don’t be fooled by his outward appearance. He’s very handsome, tall, and lean with dark brown hair and eyes. He’s adorable, and expressive, with dark eyebrows and long eyelashes which he inherited from my husband. Which certainly attracted me when I was 15 years old, and in high school.

He’s on the golf team at school, gets straight A’s, he’s very active in all areas of church ministry, very personable, friendly, and funny. To be quite frank, he’s really good husband material, he’s got enormous potential. He’s strong and he’ll help you do anything, as long as you tell him what to do. He’s great in Math and Science, great with kids, kind, and housebroken. But he’s not a puppy to take home and train. Allow God the time he needs to mature my son, so that he’s ready, willing, and able to be a father to someone…someday.

Don’t be in a hurry. Growing up takes time.

While you’re waiting for my son to grow up, prepare yourself also. Pray for God’s plan for you. Children should not raise children. Enjoy your childhood, as our son is enjoying his. Gather as many skills along the way as you can, for your career, and for your family. Develop your talents, follow your dreams, and know yourself and your passions for life. Bring them with you into your marriage, when the Lord says the time is right, and then ask God together to help you grow a new generation, your children.

Get support along the way, also. Don’t depend so heavily upon my son to meet your every need. Just as he needs to be a whole person before he enters into marriage, so do you. It’s a lifetime commitment and should be taken very seriously. You’re both so important to the Lord apart, and even more so when you become one!

I’ve been praying for both of you since he was born! When God sends him “The One,” believe me, I’ll love her with all my heart! And finally have a daughter!

Jul17

Dog Lovers

Posted on July 17, 2012 by sagescenery

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Have you ever gone to a “doggie beach”?! You know, where dogs are allowed to roam free and romp and play in the sand and water?

It’s a real hoot!!

There are big dogs, little dogs, passive dogs, aggressive dogs, friendly dogs, playful dogs, mischievous dogs, young dogs, and old dogs. All kinds of dogs…all shapes and sizes. It’s a haven for dogs and “dog lovers.” You have to be a dog lover to go there, because as soon as you get on the beach the other dogs sniff you out, and the new canine you brought to the scene. They attack you, your stuff, your dog, and your gear. Don’t bring any food…they can smell it a mile away!

The most fun part is that all the “Dog Lovers” are so welcoming…they’re just as friendly as their dogs. They come over, introduce themselves, welcome you to the beach, and ask all about you and your dog. There’s lots of: “OOH, AHH,” and “How Cute!!” They give you pointers and helpful tips to make your trip “a day at the beach”. They’re like one big happy family… “The Family of Dog-Lovers.” There’s instant rapport. You feel like you’ve known these folks forever.

My husband and I traveled to the doggie beach in Venice, Florida soon after we got our black and white Siberian Husky puppy, Onyx. She was about 3 months old and probably weighed about 10 pounds at the time (one of the tiniest dogs on the beach) and most likely the only puppy! We had to keep her on her leash because Siberians will bolt, the beach was long, we’re old, and we didn’t want to have to run her down when she decided it was more fun to run away with a Great Dane! She has no fear of other dogs no matter what their size and stood up to all of them, even the Rottweiler. Also, the beach was lined with overgrowth, and the walkways that connected the fenced in areas from the beach were not enclosed. Signs everywhere read, “Beware of Alligators.”

The trip from the parking lot to the beach was the longest trek I’ve ever had to make to get to water. Honestly, what are they thinking? Let’s see, we had a beach umbrella, a beach bag, a beach blanket, a bogey board, a noodle, a cooler, a bag with puppy toys, and a puppy on a leash flailing, jumping, pulling, twisting, jerking, and trying desperately to get away from us. All this while we’re trying to get through a series of gated enclosures.

From the car there’s a great big gate to open with all this stuff in our hands, and the dog. Then, another great big gate to shut real quickly, so the dogs won’t get out. We’re now in a huge playground area with twenty, or so, dogs playing and running free, and begging our puppy to join in.

After we get to another great big gate at the other end of the huge playground, I’m about ready to faint. My right arm is now several inches longer than my left, which is numb from the weight of all my gear. I still need to get through another great big gate real quick to keep the dogs from getting out this end, so I can be home free! Now, I’m at the walkways with the “Beware of Alligators” signs, and my husband has forgotten something and is returning to the car. Oh my, I’m all alone and ready to faint. I gathered all my strength and trudged on, trying not to drop anything, or God forbid, let go of the dog’s leash.

Finally, I was at the beach. When my husband arrived, he was hyperventilating, too!

Ahhh…we though, we’re finally, at the beach. Welcoming, relaxing, inviting, calming.

Are you kidding?! Once the other dogs saw us, sand was flying, and we were covered in it until we got home and finally showered it off!! I’ve never had that much sand on every inch of my body before.

Onyx loved the Gulf water and the waves. We held her on the bogey board, and let her “surf” the waves. When she was all tired out, she started whimpering to get out, and then she had to contend with the dogs on the beach again, constantly chasing her. Onyx and I got hungry, so I had to “sneak” food under the umbrella, so the bloodhounds wouldn’t know. Not easy. All this fun was exhausting for all of us!!

I was marveling at how wonderful it was that the other “Dog Lovers” could let their dogs run free to play with such abandon, until the giant Rottweiler suddenly saw a jet skier race by through the waves. He suddenly split. He charged down the beach so fast trying to out run the machine that his owner, who really was not having a relaxing day anyway, had to sprint off after him. Some twenty minutes later, she came back, panting hard, with a leashed Big Boy tugging to get free. So much for doggie freedom!

Church, are we a family of “Jesus Lovers?”

Do we realize how much baggage people are carrying when they’re really just looking for some real freedom from it all?

Do we realize what people have to go through in this world to get through every gate on their own..without God to carry them?

Do we make their trek to Jesus longer than it needs to be, ’til they’re about ready to faint?

Do they even want to keep trying to get to the water?

Do we really welcome them…sniff them out!! Get excited to see them and help them reach the water…the Living Water of Jesus?

Can we teach them how to “surf” the waves of joy Jesus brings?

Or, do they see a lot of “Beware Of The Christians” signs blocking their way, putting obstacles in their paths?

Are we treating them like part of our big happy family…”The Family Of Jesus Lovers?”

Do they see our Jesus as: Welcoming. Relaxing. Inviting. Calming.

Do we show them how to, “Run. Play. Get free from the world.”

Yes, it can be exhausting. Yes, they’re covered in sand and it will get all over you, too!

But you have the food for the hungry…don’t sneak to eat it…give it away…welcome them to Jesus…where there is so much freedom!

Yes, Freedom!! Go!! Charge down the beach…the water’s just ahead!

Jul17

How To Raise A Godly Child?

Posted on July 17, 2012 by sagescenery

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“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 KJV

“Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.” Proverbs 22:6 CEV

When God gives you a child, it’s a gift and a blessing…and it’s your job to teach and train your child. Teaching and training a child is hard work. Have you ever been taught something? Have you ever been trained in a special skill? How about the first time you tried to learn how to use the computer?! Whew!! It takes time…it takes practice.

What’s the key to raising a Godly child? Ask God, our Creator, for instructions. Ask God for His plan for this particular child. For most people, having a child when they want to, is easy. It wasn’t for my husband and I…it took lots of time and effort. But really, the most difficult, time-consuming part is after the child arrives..the training part. It means the child isn’t raising himself. It takes giving him/her back to God, so people can see the beautiful child God gave you to raise for Him. Pray ahead of time, so you anticipate “prevention of problems,” rather than “crisis control.” Train him to give his heart and life to the Lord, not his habits to the enemy.

Dedicate this child to the Lord. This child, God’s gift to you, needs to be given back to Him. When you do, He returns the child to you, and then gives you the wisdom to raise him to love the Lord, praise Him, and serve Him. Amen!

Since we had to put such great effort into having our son, my family prayed. And I attribute this constant, continuous prayer year after year, for the precious gift of this Godly child. I don’t attribute it to myself, or what we did to deserve it.

As your child grows, always look to see God’s plan in your child’s life. Expand your child’s horizons and aspirations, with what God begins to show you about this child. Be sensitive to God’s leading. Every child’s God-given gifts and talents are different and unique. But kids are not normally confident in their abilities. Point your child’s talents out to him early in life. Let him know you love him and you’re proud of his successes. Use God’s manual-His Holy Word, to gather wisdom. Read the Bible, let it change your life, and put its teachings into practice to help change your child’s life in amazing ways. Pray that your child will stay close to God. Pray the verse in Proverbs: That your child will be “trained in the way he should go, AND that he will not depart from it.” This is your unique opportunity to disciple someone to live close to the Lord. You can’t raise your spouse, your parents, your siblings, or your friends. It’s your job from God to raise your child…to help him develop a tender heart for the Lord. To be pliable and on fire for God. You can’t live his life, but you can help him live his life for the Lord.

Be determined that this child will not grow up without faith in God: How?

1. Introduce him to Jesus immediately. Prepare your heart and home before the baby’s born. Everything you do and say should point that child to Jesus. Storybooks, music, nature, relationships, good habits, etc.

2. Let Jesus draw him and give him a tender heart towards the things of God. Pray that the Lord will guide his paths. Keep your mind, and your child’s mind, on spiritual things.

3. Teach him that to be saved is to serve…and lead by example. Look at it as if you’re being raised together in the Lord. Encourage your spouse to develop wholesome hobbies with your child. Utilize grandparents to look for the best in him. You can never have enough people who love your child. There could never be too many people praying for your child to be all he’s meant to be in the Lord.

4. Love your child the way Christ loves us. Let others love their children this way, too! You should love your child with all your heart..and they should love their child that way, too. They don’t need to feel the same way you do about your child, they should feel strongly about their child! But, pray for other people’s children, also. Mentor others. Allow Godly mentors to enter your child’s life. Encourage your child’s interests, and help them find ways for those interests to glorify God. Know their friends. Invite your child to bring Jesus with you wherever you go.

5. Establish a strong spiritual background surrounding your child through family, friends, church, etc. Establish wholesome, Godly habits and practices. Encourage spiritual awareness. Read the Bible with your children…make sure they understand the passages they’re reading, not just memorizing it.

6. Teach them to pray, and give them lots of opportunities to do it. And when they’re ready, encourage Water Baptism and Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Guide them into activities offered at your Bible-believing church and encourage outreach into your community. Sunday School, Kids Church, Youth Groups, Christian Camps, Bible Quiz Groups, Kids Quest Programs, Church Plays, and Christian Music are ways to immerse your child in God’s Plan for his life, and to eliminate the enemy’s plan to hold your child back and destroy him.

7. Pray, fast, and anoint with oil. Ask for the Lord’s guidance, blessings, direction, compassion, mercy, etc. Cry out, plead the blood, ask for Jesus’ blood to cover your child, ask for a hedge of protection around him. Let your child see you praying for his healing before he hears you calling the Dr., and asking for medicine.

8. Volunteer your child in the work of the Lord. Give your child a gentle push in God’s direction with lots of praise, lots of encouragement, and lots of faith in the goodness of God to use him in His Kingdom. Establish a habit of service.

9. See your child as a leader in God’s Kingdom…always looking for the talents and gifts that God gave him to use in the Body of Christ. Remember your child needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit to be filled to overflowing. To lead, instead of following every whim of society. Especially at school.

What are some practical applications?

1. Never say “NO!” when you can say “YES!” Never say “YES!” when you should say “NO!” Never say “MAYBE!” when you mean “NO!” Be consistent, be assertive…you’re the parent. It’s your job to raise the child. Anticipate the issues. Pray about them ahead of time. Remember “prevention,” not “crisis control,” whenever possible. Discuss with your child your views on drugs, drinking, smoking, dating, etc. while they’re young, before it’s an issue. Make your “NO!” absolute, set boundaries, talk about limits, curfews, etc.

1. Never seem shocked at what they want to talk about…be matter-of-fact. Be positive. Always, under all circumstances encourage your child to come to you and discuss anything. If they can’t discuss everything with you, even something embarrassing, they’ll go somewhere else for advice. You should be the one who determines if the issue needs another’s input. You’re the adult in charge of this child. God gave him to you. Care for your special gift. It takes God’s special wisdom and love.

2. Offer easy choices along the way with few consequences, so your child can gain confidence in making good choices and right decisions. Start asking him at a young age: “Do you want to play with the ball or with your teddy bear?” “Do you want the red shirt or the blue shirt?” “Do you want vanilla or chocolate ice cream for dessert?” If, on the other hand, the choice is yours, don’t give the child a choice. For instance, “Please brush your teeth now!” Not, “Would you like to brush your teeth?” Pray for wisdom between the two! When your child cooperates, thank him, to encourage cooperation the next time.

3. Make everything you want your child to do seem like a good idea to him. For instance: “Tomorrow is Sunday. On Sundays, we get to go to God’s house to sing and worship Him and you’ll be playing and learning about some awesome Bible adventures! I can’t wait!” Instead of, “Tomorrow’s church and I want you up early, so we won’t be late!” Positive presentation is everything! It increases the likelihood of cooperation, agreement, and acceptance of our plans.

4. Don’t argue with a child. Be the adult. Think ahead…ask God for wisdom. Choose the wisdom God gives you, and stick with it. Do not allow whining. Carrying-on by your child should not change your decision, if it’s a good one. If it’s a difficult choice, tell your child you’ll pray about it, discuss it with your spouse, and get back to him. Don’t be pressured by the wants of a child. They can take “NO!” for an answer. They can also understand, “Wait!” Say, “I can’t help you right now, but I can help you in 10 minutes.” This is a good answer to stop constant badgering, nagging, and interrupting.

5. Discipline should be appropriate to the age of the child and should start as early as possible. A forceful “NO!” and removing the child from the danger may stop a baby or toddler from touching something hot. Removing a fragile object will prevent breakage, and substituting another object for the fragile one may change the child’s destructive focus. Giving time-out is effective (but, not in his room with toys and TV!). We used “the bottom of the stairs” with nothing to stare at, but the wall. It produced a change in attitude pretty quickly! Taking away privileges (we used “The 3 T’s”–TV, Toys, and Treats), works well, even in the most stubborn years! It encourages an older child to think about his actions and to decide to follow the rules. Explain that the child always has the choice to behave and do right, or to disobey, but that disobedience has certain consequences. Then, explain the specific consequences. God does the same for us…He always gives us a choice, and also explains the consequences of disobedience in His Word. Many children will only obey when they are clear on what the consequences of misbehavior are.

6. Encourage the behavior you like and want to continue. If your child offers you a cookie and you don’t want it at this time, say “No thank you, but thank you for asking!” It encourages kind behavior rather than, “No, you know I don’t like those cookies!” Believe me, after a few times of hearing that comment, and other negative feedback, what child will keep offering to share things with anyone?

Teaching and training…it’s not magic. It’s only possible to raise a Godly child with the power of God. Pray! Because, “God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good!!” Instill in them God’s confidence and the love of helping others. Teach them He can be trusted in every situation in life. Show your love of God and display your awesome reverence of God. Don’t teach him to be fearful of a cruel, punishing God. Telling a child, “God’s going to punish you!” without speaking about the love and mercy of God will make a child want to run and hide his sinful wrongdoings, instead of simply asking forgiveness from a loving, merciful Creator. A loving God embraces our weaknesses, hurts, failures, and mistakes. He forgives us, when we ask, and takes us back. Train them to see this God.

Pray with them. Ask for their prayer requests. Children’s prayers are powerful…children are innocent and bring so little baggage in with their faith. They still believe, “For with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27 KJV Let Jesus look inside their hearts for faith to believe Him for their miracle. And with faith, their prayers will be answered. Encourage prayer, acknowledge answers, and praise God. Give Jesus all the credit.

Teach your child that being a Christian is fun! Don’t make it a hard thing, or drudgery. Are YOU having fun? Get more involved yourself. Your love of Christ and service to His Kingdom is contagious. Let your child catch it from you. Shine Jesus’ light all around you to your family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and in the Body of Christ. Your child will bask in the glow, and grow in the Lord to be all he should be according to God’s perfect plan for his life.

Raising a child who loves the Lord is the best gift you can give yourself, and it makes for a healthy, happy child (you can’t pray for anything better than that!). And God’s Kingdom will profit from your efforts. Your child should know your best friend-Jesus.

Disciple your child. It won’t always be easy. He may have your disposition, but maybe not. He may be easy to mold, maybe not. He may be defiant, argumentative, disobedient, and whiny. Discipline, lead, guide, teach, and train as young as possible. “NO!” if necessary. Divert attention, if possible. “Let’s play this!” instead of with something dangerous. It’s the same when they get older; guide them towards Godly activities instead of worldly ones. Never dwell on what they can’t do or are not allowed to do, but be enthusiastic about what they can do and will be allowed to do. Allow your child to find a place to lead. We need more young Christian leaders, children of faith with strong convictions that are not swayed by society.

Years ago, I had a vision: My cousin’s daughter had just had her first child. God showed me He would need the children of her age in His Kingdom in the end times, and He would raise them up for His glory. That child is now 13 years old. This is the end-time generation the Lord will use. It’s your job, with God’s help, to instill those Godly qualities in your child that He can use in His Plan for His Kingdom. Since it’s His Plan…we need to follow it! Teach perseverance, endurance, achievement, excellence, and accomplishment for the things of God.

Raise up children of integrity in all situations…when you’re watching them, but also when you’re not nearby. People notice. Encourage your child to respect authority, but not to be intimidated by adults…for their safety, they must have a healthy questioning and discernment, too! Train them to speak up and speak out against something that doesn’t feel right.

What’s my advice to those of you who are leaders of our children and youth…in churches, schools, sports, and clubs? Train, teach, and disciple. Enjoy their energy and channel it towards service to the Lord. Build upon what their parents have already done. Reinforce the training they’ve received at home. Parents are giving you their best offering. Their child, their gift from God! What a treasure! What an awesome responsibility for you!

But, what if parents haven’t done their jobs, and children come to you untrained and even unteachable…not ready to learn and not tenderhearted to the Lord. Then, it’s your job to be aware that these children are raising themselves. They’re undisciplined, and perhaps unloved or neglected. So God in His ultimate wisdom has raised you up with His anointing for such a time as this. Step up to the plate, in the place where He has planted you, to touch the children around you. Even the unlovable. Especially the unlovable!

Sometimes after an evening of teaching in kid’s club, I ask God, “Why can’t you give me only good little church kids to teach?” And on other, even more difficult evenings, I ask God, “Why can’t even ‘the good little church kids’ be good?” Some days or nights you’ll go home tired and frustrated, too. You’ll want to give-up. You’ll wonder, “What’s the use?” It’s hard work. Truly rewarding work, with awesome eternal value, but definitely not for the faint-hearted. Be patient, persevere, pray (a lot!), fast, and ask God for direction. He’ll help you with creative discipline for each individual child and each unique situation. These are your children…God gave them to you in this ministry, at this time. It’s an awesome job to help raise a Godly child.

What are your qualifications to help them? You’re only qualified through the love and wisdom of God. Seek it out! And then, spread the “Good News” around. Because, only God can raise a Godly child.

Jul16

What’s Up With Those Kids?

Posted on July 16, 2012 by sagescenery

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What’s YOUR passion? What makes you feel complete, satisfied, and fills you with joy? God wants us to discover and pursue our own passion in His Kingdom. The unique passion He’s given us. Our passion will not be exactly the same as anyone else’s. That’s what makes it so special and worth pursuing! If you do find someone with a similar passion from God, enthusiastically get on the bandwagon by praying about your similar passionate pursuits for the Kingdom of God!!

As a teacher, my passion is teaching kids! Big kids, little kids, my kid, your kids, a stranger’s kids, anyone’s kids!! Doesn’t matter to me. I can find something worth nurturing in any of them.

So let me speak about kids! So I can speak from my heart.

I believe broken adults are just hurting kids who haven’t found the One who can fix them!! So I ask you, why should we wait until the hurting kids become broken adults…why not encourage kids to know the One who can fix them as soon as possible? Why not raise kids that can stand in the winds and storms of life? Kids that can bend, but not break. After going through Hurricane Charley in FL, I love what Proverbs 11:28 says,”…the righteous flourish like the palm tree.” My palm trees are still standing after the storm, how about yours? Right?

Let’s face it, kids can just stand there…and look so cute! Right? But, I don’t believe kids “should be seen and not heard.” I believe if they have something to offer to the Kingdom of God, they should be heard. If the confidence they receive in Christ is evident, they should be encouraged to speak up and speak out. We should be looking for God-given gifts and talents in them. Encouraging and inspiring them to use those gifts in the church. We should give them opportunities to rise up and lead in areas where the Holy Spirit has gifted them.

I haven’t been as excited about a ministry in my life, as I am about the kids/teens I work with in the Drama Ministry my & I direct at church!! The Lord blesses me through their dedication, and their love of Christ. God uses those kids to speak volumes for His Kingdom, and I’m just sitting back, and lovin’ it. Okay, really my son and I are working really hard, but that’s beside the point!! We see the results as we outreach into our community through praying behind the scenes, not just by me, but also thankfully by the kids themselves.

What you’re seeing is the foundation that their parents, church members, pastors Sunday school teachers, etc., have built on year after year, and the impact that’s been made in their lives. The Holy Spirit controls our direction, which is the only way it can be done. If God’s not in it, we can’t do anything, and the kids know this. Our prayer is to do our best for the Lord in this ministry, but more importantly, the kids pray that any message we act out in a drama, will change hearts for the Lord.

What did God give me to lead this ministry?

First, He gave me my son. Here’s where I’m talking to you about being your children’s advocate…joining in, and enjoying them. I love what my kid loves. Love me, love my kid! When he started loving snakes, I started loving snakes. The Drama Team ministry started with the songs he loved, and I learned to love, and the acting out of the songs came, because he loves drama. God literally chooses a song and gives my son and I and the other members the vision for acting out the song. We can see the whole thing acted out in our minds. We’ll all get together, listen to the music over and over, talk about it, brainstorm, tweak it, and practice ’til it’s perfect. It’s a beautiful thing!!

Second, He gave me the confidence needed to be a leader. At a conference, I heard the Lord ask, “Are you ready?” I had been praying for some time to be a leader for the Lord, and I was thinking of a writing or speaking ministry, two other things I love to do. So when I said, “Yes, I’m ready Lord!” I felt His confidence and His anointing set in like never before. “I need for you to step out and be a leader for Me,” He said. For what, I didn’t know yet, at this point. That’s why I’m encouraging you to step out in faith, too!!

Third, He gave me a vision. At a meeting, after my son’s songs and dramas had been playing and playing in my mind, the sermon message was, “The sound from God you hear in your heart will come to pass within a year!” Wow! What a powerful message! I didn’t care if anyone else heard the same sound in their heart that I did, because I heard it as clear as a bell: “Our kids can do this,” I thought. “I can ‘see’ it, they can minister by acting out these songs and messages for hurting people…for those who are broken and need to find the One who can fix them. Our kids can be a mighty force in the Kingdom of God.”

Notice, I didn’t tell you that God gave me the gift of music for this ministry. I have no musical background. He didn’t give me any background in drama or dance, either. What He gave me was my son, confidence to lead in the Holy Spirit, the ministry vision from the Lord, and my 26-year public school teaching career based on encouraging children. It seemed to be enough of a resume for the Lord!! Amen!!

When our children’s pastor mentioned that she had been praying about ministries that could be used in Children’s Church, that’s the resume I gave her!! And off we went!

Who was the first person to believe in you? Think about that. (In my case, it was my Aunt Margaret. My Uncle Angelo was my Pastor, and she was my Sunday school teacher.) Can you see the power of that influence of someone believing in you? God puts certain children in our care, or in our charge, so we can believe in them!

I was shy as a child and afraid of people outside my church. How can you witness like that? The reason my son’s not shy, is that I told him being shy is a waste of time, very self-centered, especially when it comes to spiritual things. Be bold! We have something valuable to say! Be a person who believes in and encourages a child early in their life. Don’t let hurts set in, it only leads to broken adults, and broken adults lead very broken lives. There’s no need for that since we know the One who can fix them.

If we look briefly at some children from the Bible, we can see how they started out:

Moses (Exodus 2:2) KJV “His mother saw ‘that he was a goodly child.’” CEV-says, “beautiful.”

(Exodus 2:6) KJV “The daughter of Pharaoh had ‘compassion’ on him because he was crying.” CEV-says, “she felt ‘sorry’ for him.”

(Exodus 2:11) KJV “When Moses was grown, he went out to his brethren, and looked on their burdens.” CEV-says, “Moses went out to where his own people were hard at work.”

Is there a correlation between what Moses’ natural mother thought about him, how his adopted mother felt about him, and the character of the grownup Moses? Yes!

Let’s talk about this! My son looked like an “alien” when he was born. Really! He was a 3 lbs. 4 oz. preemie, so tiny! But, because of all we went through to have him, I thought he was the most beautiful baby I’d ever seen in my whole life. My husband did, too! Everyone should feel this way about a child God has given them.

Joseph (Genesis 37:3) KJV “Israel loved Joseph more than all his children…” CEV-says, “Jacob loved Joseph more than he did any of his other sons…”

(Genesis 37:10) KJV “…his Father rebuked him.” CEV says, “…his father became angry with him…”

Can you love a child and still rebuke him and be angry with him? Yes!

Let’s talk about this! My son’s “terrible-two-temper-tantrums” were horrendous from the age of two and a half to around 3 years old, I battled his sometimes 45 minute temper tantrums, perhaps 2-3 times a day. I found out that I was more stubborn than he was. Amen!! And, I love and adore him!!

Samuel (I Samuel 1:10) KJV Hannah was “in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.” CEV says, “Hannah was brokenhearted and was crying as she prayed.”

(I Samuel 3:1,4) KJV “And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord…that the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.” CEV says, “Samuel served the Lord…and the Lord called out his name and he answered, ‘Here I am’!”

Can the child you fervently prayed for, answer the call to serve the Almighty God? Yes!

Let’s talk about this! I prayed so long for my son, first my way, then God’s way. Originally told God I only wanted a girl, but God was not in the mood to do things my way! My precious son was immersed in so much prayer in the 10 years it took us to have him, I knew he was a gift from the Lord and that he would be used by the Lord, and used mightily!!

Esther (Esther 2:7) JKV Mordecai “brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father or mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.” CEV says, “Mordecai had a very beautiful cousin named Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah. He had raised her as his own daughter, after her father and mother died.”

(Esther 4:14) KJV “…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” CEV says, “…It could be that you were made queen for a time like this!”

Does this mean that raising children properly is more important to God than just birthing them and letting them raise themselves? Yes!

Let’s talk about this! If God places a child in your care, He means for you, the adult, to raise them. Kids do not raise themselves. Seek the Lord’s guidance, be confident, pray for wisdom, give them back to the Lord to use in His Kingdom, and then encourage them every step of the way.

David (I Samuel 16:11,12) KJV “…There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep…Now he was ruddy {of a lively, reddish flesh color}, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look at…Arise, anoint him: for this is he…And the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.” CEV says, “…My youngest son David is out taking care of the sheep…He was a healthy, good-looking boy with a sparkle in his eyes…He’s the one! …at that moment, the spirit of the Lord took control of David and stayed with him from then on.”

Can even your youngest child allow the Holy Spirit to control his life? Yes!

Let’s talk about this! There’s really no other way. As our friend’s kids are entering their pre-teen and teen years, I’m starting to hear stories of problems and issues between the parents and the kids, or issues of drugs, etc. The world is too enticing to a child, to be controlled by anything else beside the Holy Spirit. Nothing else can guide them into all truth.

Are there examples of “unruly” kids in the Bible? Plenty! Many “did evil in the sight of the Lord.” But, we’re here to talk about our kids, and to see that they don’t grow up hurting and broken. Both our natural kids, and those God has placed in our care.

Raising a child with no faith is just cruel. What can we do to raise balanced children…those who are less likely to hold onto hurts, and then to continue carrying those hurts into becoming broken adults?

Pray for a good sense of humor! You’ll need it!

Widen your circle of influence over as many kids as you can…with care and love.

Be real with them! Be sincere! Pour out your life, pour out your passion. Pour your love of Christ out on them.

Show a genuine interest in what they’re interested in. Ask, “What’s up with you?” “What’s going on in your life?” “So, how ya been?” Get into their lives.

Extend your compassion to all kids, not just your own. Encourage them, lift them up, and lighten their load. Direct them. Point them to Jesus!

Here’s an Acrostic Poem to help you remember: LEAD, BY POINTING TO JESUS

L ift them up

E ncourage them

A ccept them, and then give advice

D irect their focus to the Lord and to spiritual things

Be there for them and be their advocate (Over the years, I have volunteered my son for so many things, he’s begging me to stop!!)

Y es! (This is your answer whenever possible, or give an alternative)

P ray, pray, pray!

O bey the Lord’s plan for THEM (You have to ask God to reveal this to you!)

I nvestigate Godly options with them

N ever give up trying to connect with them

T rain them (Like with a puppy…over and over and over again!) and teach them God’s ways

I nitiate conversation, so they can talk about themselves and their relationship to the Lord

N o! (Say this whenever needed and mean it, or don’t say it!!)

G o wherever necessary to follow God’s plans for this child

T alk about anything with them, in a matter-of-fact way

O ffer assistance, then step back and let them try it themselves

J oin in their fun

E njoy them!

S erve the Lord gladly, then show them how it’s done

U nderstand their hurts

S implify their lives, make it easy for them to find God (If something’s not an option, don’t give them a choice)

So, what’s God’s vision? To encourage and inspire kids, teens, and young adults to be all God wants them to be in His Kingdom. To encourage the church to give them the tools needed to equip them to overflow with God’s love. To use their Holy Spirit overflow to help others meet the One who can fix all hurts and areas of brokenness. There’s no limit to what God will do to see His Kingdom grow! Parents and church, we need to prepare them to reach out with their faith to help others. Please encourage each other, sometimes we’re guilty of not seeing our own potential! If God shows you potential in someone, tell them, so God’s plan can be fulfilled. So, we can see clearly…“What’s Up With Those Kids!”

Take time to ask yourself what YOUR passion is. If you don’t know, ask the Lord to reveal it to you. Then be patient and obey each step He shows you. If you’re one of those broken adults (or you’re praying with and helping someone who’s broken), and the brokenness is from past hurts as a child, let’s pray that the Lord will finally heal those areas once and for all, through the Power of His Holy Spirit. That way, we won’t need to revisit those hurts again and you can be free to pursue the passion the Lord’s given you.