Prophet Sharing, Part Two
by Charles R. Swindoll
Romans 10:13-14
Are you what we might call a modern-day prophet, a tomorrow-thinker in a world of yesterday-dwellers? Or do you know somebody like that? Though often unpopular and unthanked, these people perform a vital role in society. They look at the future and issue precious warnings.
A legend dated around AD 89 states that the apostle John lost the first transcription of his apocalyptic vision. The account was preserved only by word of mouth, since the document was lost during the persecution of Domitian. In it a fifth horseman emerged. This rider actually led the other four, says the legend. You remember the other four: War, Pestilence, Famine, and Death. As the lead rider became nauseated by the deeds of his fellows, he pressed far ahead of them. He entered every village, every city, with a great cry and terrifying predictions. To the rulers of each place he warned of those who came hard behind him, and as proof, he showed them the blood on his own horse's hooves. Then, as always, he went on, for his urgency was great.
Behind him citizens fell into profound arguments. Some called him a liar. They said the blood was that of goats, not humans. Others considered him insane . . . and a few claimed he had not passed that way at all; they merely imagined him there. Theological, philosophical, and political debate abounded. In the end, no one said, "A prophet has been among us," so his warnings did not prevail. The four horsemen ultimately arrived, and as predicted, slew their three times tens of thousands.
Meanwhile, the legendary fifth horseman came to the outermost reaches of the earth and turned about, satisfied with his work. However, as he revisited one city after another---all now destroyed and desolate---he realized nothing he had said had made one bit of difference. Unrepentant, arrogant, indifferent, and disobedient, they had refused to act upon the truth they had been told. The legend concludes with the fifth horseman rejoining his companions. Together they slew all mankind and destroyed their cities.
And the identity of him who led? The name of him who warned, according to the legend?
Reality.
Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Modern Day Prophets
I got this in my mailbox today from a dear friend who knows my spiritual gifting, personality and some of my struggles. This is a good read from Swindoll. It comes from his "Insight for Today" and I assume that I have permission to reprint it becasue he emails it out to lots of folks. Modern day Prophets are forth tellers as opposed to fore-tellers...not Old testament Prophets. If you're reading this blog, you know at least one here's a good little lesson:
May 29, 2009
Prophet Sharing, Part Oneby Charles R. Swindoll
Amos 3:7-8
Have you noticed? Some people have the uncanny ability to see so far into tomorrow, you feel like you're operating in the shadows of yesterday. While you and I are evaluating where we've been, those forward-thinking people are forever exploring where we're going. Instead of reacting, they're on the offense . . . probing, innovating, analyzing, and warning---always warning. While we search for ways to settle in and find comfort on our sofa-like surroundings, they are confronting the consequences of reality, facing the music before we even realize the prelude has begun.
Prophets, I suppose we could call them . . . seers who frown while others yawn . . . restless, troubled, contemplative souls. They're not unlike the characters in a thought-jabbing cartoon published years ago. The whole message is contained in a single frame as the figures of a man and a woman are falling upside down through space.
"Gertrude," says the man, "we can't go on living like this!"
Those who slumber in the sleepy, warm twilight of sundown, finding a great deal of security in the mediocrity and predictability of sameness, cannot bring themselves to see either potential danger or possible tragedy. But those who see their world adrift, moving all too rapidly toward a bleak and disastrous dawn, shout across the chasm of complacency, "We can't go on living like this!"
Perhaps they are not upside down after all. They just seem that way. Thinking ahead keeps them topsy-turvy in their heads. While chatty, laughing tourists are taking snapshots of the lowlands with rose-colored filters, those lean, tough-minded climbers have scaled the rugged peaks. It gives them a stark view of what's ahead. Tomorrow's storm keeps them from enjoying today's lull. They're hard to live with, sometimes impossible to understand.
Robert Greenleaf, in his classic book Servant Leadership, recalls a story which grew out of Beethoven's composition, the C# Minor Quartet, Opus 131. When first played in the composer's lifetime, it appeared to be unlike anything the master had ever written before. "Ludwig," a friend asked, "what has happened? We don't understand you anymore." It is reported that Beethoven, with a sigh, replied, "I have said all that I have to say to my contemporaries; now I am speaking to the future."
If you are one of those seers, a tomorrow-thinker in a world of yesterday-dwellers, take heart. Realize that you must be true to yourself. While you may not be applauded for your warnings, you will be rewarded for your efforts. Just be patient with those who lack your zest and zeal. Say your piece, make your contribution, shout, if you must . . . but keep in mind that prophets were seldom heeded, rarely thanked, and never popular.
We'll talk more about this topic tomorrow.
Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
May 29, 2009
Prophet Sharing, Part Oneby Charles R. Swindoll
Amos 3:7-8
Have you noticed? Some people have the uncanny ability to see so far into tomorrow, you feel like you're operating in the shadows of yesterday. While you and I are evaluating where we've been, those forward-thinking people are forever exploring where we're going. Instead of reacting, they're on the offense . . . probing, innovating, analyzing, and warning---always warning. While we search for ways to settle in and find comfort on our sofa-like surroundings, they are confronting the consequences of reality, facing the music before we even realize the prelude has begun.
Prophets, I suppose we could call them . . . seers who frown while others yawn . . . restless, troubled, contemplative souls. They're not unlike the characters in a thought-jabbing cartoon published years ago. The whole message is contained in a single frame as the figures of a man and a woman are falling upside down through space.
"Gertrude," says the man, "we can't go on living like this!"
Those who slumber in the sleepy, warm twilight of sundown, finding a great deal of security in the mediocrity and predictability of sameness, cannot bring themselves to see either potential danger or possible tragedy. But those who see their world adrift, moving all too rapidly toward a bleak and disastrous dawn, shout across the chasm of complacency, "We can't go on living like this!"
Perhaps they are not upside down after all. They just seem that way. Thinking ahead keeps them topsy-turvy in their heads. While chatty, laughing tourists are taking snapshots of the lowlands with rose-colored filters, those lean, tough-minded climbers have scaled the rugged peaks. It gives them a stark view of what's ahead. Tomorrow's storm keeps them from enjoying today's lull. They're hard to live with, sometimes impossible to understand.
Robert Greenleaf, in his classic book Servant Leadership, recalls a story which grew out of Beethoven's composition, the C# Minor Quartet, Opus 131. When first played in the composer's lifetime, it appeared to be unlike anything the master had ever written before. "Ludwig," a friend asked, "what has happened? We don't understand you anymore." It is reported that Beethoven, with a sigh, replied, "I have said all that I have to say to my contemporaries; now I am speaking to the future."
If you are one of those seers, a tomorrow-thinker in a world of yesterday-dwellers, take heart. Realize that you must be true to yourself. While you may not be applauded for your warnings, you will be rewarded for your efforts. Just be patient with those who lack your zest and zeal. Say your piece, make your contribution, shout, if you must . . . but keep in mind that prophets were seldom heeded, rarely thanked, and never popular.
We'll talk more about this topic tomorrow.
Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Dainty Hymnal Sniffing Live Christmas Tree Singer
If you've taken one too many spiritual gifts inventories (SGI) and you don't feel the SGI makers understand you, I assure you this will be the last inventory you ever need. My shero, Stacy from Louisville has made the definitive guide and all you need to know are your initials.
http://stacyfromlouisville.blogspot.com/2009/05/stacy-from-louisville-get-off-your-duff.html
The above was my calling before I got married. Mr. Perfect says it just about sums me up. My married calling is: Dainty Casserole Burning Hymn Yodeler. I think this is perfect and I don't even have to do much work to get there. Just got to work on the "dainty" part. What? Stop laughing! I can too be dainty!
http://stacyfromlouisville.blogspot.com/2009/05/stacy-from-louisville-get-off-your-duff.html
The above was my calling before I got married. Mr. Perfect says it just about sums me up. My married calling is: Dainty Casserole Burning Hymn Yodeler. I think this is perfect and I don't even have to do much work to get there. Just got to work on the "dainty" part. What? Stop laughing! I can too be dainty!
Monday, May 4, 2009
God has reminded me today....
God has reminded me today that the same grace and forgiveness that I desire to receive from others when I fall or fail, I must offer to others when they fall or fail. None of us are perfect. We're sinners saved by grace. I never forget that I want to be given a lot of room for mistakes and I want a large learning curve. I often forget that others are plodding along also and require the same room for mistakes and need the same learning curve.
Why God chooses to use humans to accomplish His work is beyond me, but I'm grateful that he does. If I were Him, I'd be done with us and I would have gone on and let the rocks cry out.
I am thankful for forgiveness. I'm thankful for imperfect men in scripture like Peter, Paul and David. I know God loved them, forgave them and used them mightily. I hope to be used of God in some small way to make a difference here on Earth. I find that the more I learn, the less I know.
In the interest of the grace and forgiveness message of this post, I'm not going to put any person on notice. However, the world press is not a person. So, I'm putting the hysterical press of the entire world ON NOTICE for attempting to create a world panic over the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) causing unnecessary worries. The flu is dangerous and this appears to be no more dangerous than the generic flu... but I forgive you. Now stop it.
Why God chooses to use humans to accomplish His work is beyond me, but I'm grateful that he does. If I were Him, I'd be done with us and I would have gone on and let the rocks cry out.
I am thankful for forgiveness. I'm thankful for imperfect men in scripture like Peter, Paul and David. I know God loved them, forgave them and used them mightily. I hope to be used of God in some small way to make a difference here on Earth. I find that the more I learn, the less I know.
In the interest of the grace and forgiveness message of this post, I'm not going to put any person on notice. However, the world press is not a person. So, I'm putting the hysterical press of the entire world ON NOTICE for attempting to create a world panic over the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) causing unnecessary worries. The flu is dangerous and this appears to be no more dangerous than the generic flu... but I forgive you. Now stop it.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Church discipline...Oh my!
Church discipline has always been an interesting idea for me. Churches used to be very serious about it. I remember the first time I read about the punishment stool used for members under discipline. I thought, "I'm not showing up to church to sit on the naughty stool and wear a dunce hat or whatever...who does that???"
I know several people who've been disciplined by their modern church. In every instance they've been tossed out of their church without any of the Matthew 18 protocol attempted. They've all been guilty of the same offense, disagreeing with their Pastor. In every instance I have personal knowledge of, the Pastor just punted them. There was never a chance of reconciliation. I have personally disagreed with my Pastors several times over the years. I've always tried to be very respectful to the person who is my spiritual leader. On at least one occasion I failed, and was shown love and mercy...not a punt. So while, I totally understand biblical discipline, I haven't seen it well done. I think for the most part, it is not done...especially not for biblical reasons.
This new series of posts being done by the iMonk should be interesting. I don't know where he's going with it, but I'm interested and I thought you might be too.
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/where-is-church-discipline-when-you-need-it-part-1-a-better-approach
I know several people who've been disciplined by their modern church. In every instance they've been tossed out of their church without any of the Matthew 18 protocol attempted. They've all been guilty of the same offense, disagreeing with their Pastor. In every instance I have personal knowledge of, the Pastor just punted them. There was never a chance of reconciliation. I have personally disagreed with my Pastors several times over the years. I've always tried to be very respectful to the person who is my spiritual leader. On at least one occasion I failed, and was shown love and mercy...not a punt. So while, I totally understand biblical discipline, I haven't seen it well done. I think for the most part, it is not done...especially not for biblical reasons.
This new series of posts being done by the iMonk should be interesting. I don't know where he's going with it, but I'm interested and I thought you might be too.
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/where-is-church-discipline-when-you-need-it-part-1-a-better-approach
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rants...Easter Circus...rant...regenerate membership
You know I've been concerned about the state of the church for a long time. I've written about it very vaguely and not specifically because there are a lot of places you can read about statistics and churchy stuff and if you look at what is happening to some of our denominations, you might be surprised. I don't get into theology and doctrine here because there are so many others out there doing a great job of it. Trust me, while I love this stuff, I'm not qualified to be a "theology" blogger. I'm a "question-asking-tell-it-like-it-is, strong-warrior-woman, stream-of-consciousness-blogger for Jesus." I don't think this makes me worthless to the kingdom. I am about as conservative in my understanding on women in ministry as you can get, or so I thought. More on that a little later.
***Note: I'm going to talk to the church here. If you're not a member of "the body" I'm going to politely ask you to close your eyes and hit the X . Thank you. I'm talking about the "SBC church universal" not necessarily my local church, so if you are reading this and getting huffy, ask yourself if your local body could be a bit guilty. The SBC is all I know, so I can only speak on it and not other denominations. Some of them go too far the other way. There is also much more good than bad, I believe, but this isn't a post about the good. But I defend them, ask anyone.***
Mr.Perfect is constantly telling me that just because I have something to say doesn't mean anyone wants to hear it. He's right 99.3% of the time (the other .7% is when he disagrees with me.) So I've been making a concerted effort to keep the majority of my concerns to myself. I think this is giving me an ulcer, and making me cranky and frowny. I never know who reads this so I have in the past been very careful what I say so as not to offend anyone. If you know me well, you know that offending people is one of my spiritual gifts (I'm kidding, don't get offended.) It is never my intention to offend anyone but sometimes being "plain-spoken" is offensive. I think being purposely offensive and mean is wrong. So I am truly not trying to offend you but I think the following needs to be said. I was hoping someone else would say it for me, but it looks like it's gonna be me. (Of course.)
CHURCH, FOR REALS? WAKE UP!
1) We seem to be mostly concerned with how many butts are in the seats and on the rolls. The Southern Baptist Church (my people) are very proud that they are a body of churches with a regenerate membership, yet many of those believers can't be found. We keep them on the rolls forever, whether we've seen them in 20 years or not. Some of them we see the day we dunk 'em and not again until we plant 'em. This keeps our numbers up. Does Jesus care if we are the largest denomination? We like to make mega-churches that are full of pastor worshipping people. Because some of our churches are personality driven, not Word driven, we can have a dunk 'em and ditch 'em mentality. The thought at those churches is that there is no need for discipleship other than the preaching because a) only the pastor can be trusted to know the Word well enough to teach it and b) we can't ask people to give their time to come to church and learn the Word, they are too busy these days. I call foul!
2) We call ourselves New Testament churches. The New Testament church (correct me if I'm wrong) was a church of believers. It was a tough time for believers, but the church (body not fabulous building) was their home. We've become more concerned with being sure that the unbeliever is at home and comfortable in our buildings than making a home of any kind for believers. The unbeliever should always be welcome (not in leadership...I can't believe I have to mention that) but never comfortable! If I hear one more time that the church is "a haven (or hospital) for sinners NOT a home for saints" my head just might explode!!
3) The Holy Spirit doesn't need us to throw a circus for Him to be able to do His job. Did your church have a (figurative) circus for Easter? Did you hire (figurative) clowns and(figurative) tight rope walkers to come? Did you have the Easter bunny come out and hide eggs so that the "lost" will come and bring their children... so then you can sneak up behind them with a pool of water and dunk em? OK, admittedly that's a little extreme. But how far is too far? Is paying $100 to the church member who brings the most visitors going too far? Is giving a gift to everyone who comes to your church going to far? Is paying people $10 per hour to attend your church going too far? I wonder how churches survived before they discovered the "seeker" model?
4) Women are precious to Jesus. They seem to be less precious as leaders to the SBC. I don't believe women should be pastors. I feel the Word is clear about that. I struggled with having a woman as worship leader and one of my dearest friends is one...kind of. Because she's in a SBC church, she does all the work of a worship leader. She has more musical talent than the rest of her church all combined, but she isn't allowed to be called staff or even have the title "Worship Leader." Her ministry has no input when plans are being shaped. She has a whole lot of responsibility but no authority. Men in her position are staff.
5) No one ministers to women like another woman. I believe that it is a very specific and God-called ministry. In the past 14 years this is where I spent the majority of my time. I've noticed a trend. If you feel God has called you to be a Women's Ministry Leader and your husband is not in ministry you will likely have a hard time. I suppose God only calls people to ministry in pairs. I've witnessed this several times now personally and so I did a little research. There is a feeling among some Pastors that only women who have a "quiet and gentle spirit" are fit to serve. I wonder if this is because if you're a meek and mild mouse you will just do as told and not make any waves or ask any questions? If you are a "question-asking-tell-it-like-it-is, strong-warrior woman for Jesus" you may be feeling like a heathen headed for hell because of your personality. This has been true for me, but it's also true for many others. Jesus sure seemed to have a different attitude toward women than many churches.
I have more to say, but this seems like a good stopping point. If you're offended, please leave me a comment and give me some insight. I'd love to have some understanding of the "why" or some scriptural backup for any of it. I'm that cranky old man and I'm tired of all this junk on my lawn! And, reluctantly, because of all this and the fact that being frowny makes wrinkles, I must put my beloved SBC ON NOTICE! (I'm sure other denominations are on notice too, but I don't have first hand knowledge and this was family business.)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Is America a Christian Nation?
I'm asking the question because it's in the news today. Our President (who's ON NOTICE with me, you might remember) is in Turkey, a Muslim nation, telling them that we are NOT a Christian Nation. " And I've said before that one of the great strengths of the United States is -- although as I mentioned, we have a very large Christian population, we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation; we consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/04/obama_and_president_gul_of_tur.html
This quote is from a Newsweek article that came out Saturday
"It was a small detail, a point of comparison buried in the fifth paragraph on the 17th page of a 24-page summary of the 2009 American Religious Identification Survey. But as R. Albert Mohler Jr.—president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the largest on earth—read over the document after its release in March, he was struck by a single sentence. For a believer like Mohler—a starched, unflinchingly conservative Christian, steeped in the theology of his particular province of the faith, devoted to producing ministers who will preach the inerrancy of the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the only means to eternal life—the central news of the survey was troubling enough: the number of Americans who claim no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 1990, rising from 8 to 15 percent. Then came the point he could not get out of his mind: while the unaffiliated have historically been concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, the report said, "this pattern has now changed, and the Northeast emerged in 2008 as the new stronghold of the religiously unidentified." As Mohler saw it, the historic foundation of America's religious culture was cracking." http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583
I believe that we are a country founded on Judeo-Christian principles. I believe we have been in the past and are now a Christian Nation. I believe that we need to do all we can to hold on to that before we are just a country who used to be a Christian nation before we became "enlightened." This does not mean I believe we should be a theocracy. Evangelism, anyone? What do you think?
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/04/obama_and_president_gul_of_tur.html
This quote is from a Newsweek article that came out Saturday
"It was a small detail, a point of comparison buried in the fifth paragraph on the 17th page of a 24-page summary of the 2009 American Religious Identification Survey. But as R. Albert Mohler Jr.—president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the largest on earth—read over the document after its release in March, he was struck by a single sentence. For a believer like Mohler—a starched, unflinchingly conservative Christian, steeped in the theology of his particular province of the faith, devoted to producing ministers who will preach the inerrancy of the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the only means to eternal life—the central news of the survey was troubling enough: the number of Americans who claim no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 1990, rising from 8 to 15 percent. Then came the point he could not get out of his mind: while the unaffiliated have historically been concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, the report said, "this pattern has now changed, and the Northeast emerged in 2008 as the new stronghold of the religiously unidentified." As Mohler saw it, the historic foundation of America's religious culture was cracking." http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583
I believe that we are a country founded on Judeo-Christian principles. I believe we have been in the past and are now a Christian Nation. I believe that we need to do all we can to hold on to that before we are just a country who used to be a Christian nation before we became "enlightened." This does not mean I believe we should be a theocracy. Evangelism, anyone? What do you think?
Inspiration Network "inspires" you to make them rich!
If you are still on the fence about the "Prosperity Gospel," here's a news piece on the "Inspiration Network." It's 6 minutes 45 seconds long and worth a watch.
http://www.wcnc.com/video/?nvid=308987&shu=1 Shouldn't these people be spending their time in False Teachers Anonymous? Somebody is not listening to the Queen of Nonsense!
Also, here's a blog post by Wade Burleson. He's a Southern Baptist Pastor who differs with me on several things, but we agree on many too. Here's his post calling on Southern Baptists to be careful where they broadcast their services and to ask for financial accountability from those with whom they do "business." Well, it sorta says that, I just put the Donna "no bull" spin on how he said it.
http://kerussocharis.blogspot.com/2009/04/seed-faith-giving-makes-some-people.html
As far as I know there is no television station that has truly Christian values. I'd love to hear about one if you know of one. Until then, all "Christian" stations stay blocked in Casa Lawson.
http://www.wcnc.com/video/?nvid=308987&shu=1 Shouldn't these people be spending their time in False Teachers Anonymous? Somebody is not listening to the Queen of Nonsense!
Also, here's a blog post by Wade Burleson. He's a Southern Baptist Pastor who differs with me on several things, but we agree on many too. Here's his post calling on Southern Baptists to be careful where they broadcast their services and to ask for financial accountability from those with whom they do "business." Well, it sorta says that, I just put the Donna "no bull" spin on how he said it.
http://kerussocharis.blogspot.com/2009/04/seed-faith-giving-makes-some-people.html
As far as I know there is no television station that has truly Christian values. I'd love to hear about one if you know of one. Until then, all "Christian" stations stay blocked in Casa Lawson.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Repost: God says leave and cleave!!! Today's Nonsense winner is...
****Back in September, my friend Dalia asked me to write out her story as a warning to everyone. I did and she was able to remedy the situation once she saw it in print. Now, I''m re posting it because she is in need of a reminder and I thought it might be a good reminder for us all. ****
Dalia! So before you get all over me for spreading my friends business all over the entire www, she asked me to tell her story. Let this serve as a warning for all of you parents, soon to be parents, and grandparents. If you have babies or toddlers, I know they are cute now, but start setting those boundaries today. This could be you in a few years. Our Bible passage of the day comes from Genesis 2: 24. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."(NIV) In the King James it says, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." In other words, LEAVE AND CLEAVE! You can't learn to cleave if you won't leave. Why would you ever need to learn to weather the storms of life together if there are never any storms?
As you know, I can be just a teeny bit bossy. If I know that you are breaking the law, I will turn you in. Then I will visit you in jail...maybe. As a rule, I don't put up with nonsense, except for my own...even if I am the Queen of Nonsense. People generally don't call me if they are doing something foolish and ask me what I think, because if you ask me...I will tell you. My friend Dalia can't seem to learn this, so occasionally she calls me in the middle of her foolishness. Now you need to understand that God only made a few hearts like Dalia's. She is one of the sweetest, most beautiful people I have ever met. She reminds me a lot of my Mom. She is a loyal friend and I believe she loves Jesus with all her heart. She is also a doormat. A beautiful doormat, but a doormat nonetheless.
Dalia is the Mommy to 3 grown sons. I use the word "Mommy," because she still babies them all. I have seen her leave an adult party to drive home and cook them a meal from scratch because they called and told her to. THEY WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND ALL HAD DRIVER'S LICENSES, JOBS AND CARS! They are now all adults. The youngest two still live at home, but one goes to college and they both have jobs.
The oldest one recently married and inherited an instant family. He lived at home until he got married. He has his own home now, but apparently, even so, they keep temporarily moving into Dalia's house without asking. She would rather be liked than happy, so she is letting them just live in her house. She is cooking for them, watching their kids and not asking one thing in return. She hasn't asked them why they are there because she doesn't want her son mad at her. She also won't tell them to leave. AAAGGGHHHH!!!I remember telling my Daddy I was mad at him one time. He was unconcerned with whether I was angry or not. He didn't stop to worry that I might not like him. He told me that I could "get glad in the same pants I got mad in." That is country speak for, "Watch your mouth. I don't care if you are mad. Get over it."
When Ashley was a baby I developed my parenting "mission statement." I didn't call it that, but I have quoted it enough over the years that both kids know it by heart. Mr. Perfect and I have set this standard, and I think it has worked. It goes like this: "It is not my job to be your friend. It is my God-given job and responsibility to be your parent. You will grow up to be a God-fearing, law-abiding, tax paying citizen of Earth. You may choose only whether you do it the easy way or the hard way. Either way, I'll go with you. I'm up to it. I love you!"
One of the things I first loved about Mr.Perfect is that he treated his mother like a queen. I wanted to be a queen, and I knew that he knew how to treat a woman because I witnessed it in them. They both think the other is perfect. She loves to spoil him and do special nice things for him. He loves to do nice things for her. It makes them both all happy inside. However, it is a treat and not an every day occurrence. He would never, ever take advantage of his mother. To him, she is a gift from God and should be revered as such. He would put her on the throne and meet her every need before she thinks of it, if he had the means. She would do the same for him, but she knows solving all his problems would keep him from being independent. I love their relationship. She is available for him any time he needs her, but she never meddles or butts in. They are an example I think everyone should follow.
Here is the Rant of the Day: It is not loving or kind to your children to set no boundaries and to let them just run all over you. It is not loving to never cut the cord when they are adults. It is not loving to allow adult children to take advantage of your kindness. It is not loving to allow your son to teach your grand babies to run all over you. It is not kind to allow your Grandsons to grow up thinking women are nothing more than their servants. It is not loving to "baby" your adult children and meet their every need before they have a chance to be independent and work things out on their own. It is not loving to let your adult offspring be children! It is abusive and a strong godly woman will not allow herself to be treated in such a manner by anyone, much less her son. She is setting an example and she will not want her daughter in law to be treated this way. Your adult children cannot learn how to have a successful marriage if they have a "mommy" in the middle.
So, obviously I had to put Dalia ON NOTICE! She is a fearfully and wonderfully made woman of God who needs to grow a backbone. She wants you all to comment and give her some ideas as to how to get her son and his family out of the house. (OK, she thought you would all tell her how sorry you felt for her, but I told her this audience would probably not come to the pity party.)
Here is my suggestion: On a large fluorescent pink poster board, write the following in large letters and attach it to your front door. Then there can be no confusion.
HOUSE RULES FOR ADULT CHILD WITH HIS OWN APARTMENT:
1) Love you. Mean it!
2) GO HOME NOW.
3) Call next time before you VISIT.
4) GO Home NOW! You should have left before you got to this line. Now GO!!!
Dalia! So before you get all over me for spreading my friends business all over the entire www, she asked me to tell her story. Let this serve as a warning for all of you parents, soon to be parents, and grandparents. If you have babies or toddlers, I know they are cute now, but start setting those boundaries today. This could be you in a few years. Our Bible passage of the day comes from Genesis 2: 24. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."(NIV) In the King James it says, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." In other words, LEAVE AND CLEAVE! You can't learn to cleave if you won't leave. Why would you ever need to learn to weather the storms of life together if there are never any storms?
As you know, I can be just a teeny bit bossy. If I know that you are breaking the law, I will turn you in. Then I will visit you in jail...maybe. As a rule, I don't put up with nonsense, except for my own...even if I am the Queen of Nonsense. People generally don't call me if they are doing something foolish and ask me what I think, because if you ask me...I will tell you. My friend Dalia can't seem to learn this, so occasionally she calls me in the middle of her foolishness. Now you need to understand that God only made a few hearts like Dalia's. She is one of the sweetest, most beautiful people I have ever met. She reminds me a lot of my Mom. She is a loyal friend and I believe she loves Jesus with all her heart. She is also a doormat. A beautiful doormat, but a doormat nonetheless.
Dalia is the Mommy to 3 grown sons. I use the word "Mommy," because she still babies them all. I have seen her leave an adult party to drive home and cook them a meal from scratch because they called and told her to. THEY WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND ALL HAD DRIVER'S LICENSES, JOBS AND CARS! They are now all adults. The youngest two still live at home, but one goes to college and they both have jobs.
The oldest one recently married and inherited an instant family. He lived at home until he got married. He has his own home now, but apparently, even so, they keep temporarily moving into Dalia's house without asking. She would rather be liked than happy, so she is letting them just live in her house. She is cooking for them, watching their kids and not asking one thing in return. She hasn't asked them why they are there because she doesn't want her son mad at her. She also won't tell them to leave. AAAGGGHHHH!!!I remember telling my Daddy I was mad at him one time. He was unconcerned with whether I was angry or not. He didn't stop to worry that I might not like him. He told me that I could "get glad in the same pants I got mad in." That is country speak for, "Watch your mouth. I don't care if you are mad. Get over it."
When Ashley was a baby I developed my parenting "mission statement." I didn't call it that, but I have quoted it enough over the years that both kids know it by heart. Mr. Perfect and I have set this standard, and I think it has worked. It goes like this: "It is not my job to be your friend. It is my God-given job and responsibility to be your parent. You will grow up to be a God-fearing, law-abiding, tax paying citizen of Earth. You may choose only whether you do it the easy way or the hard way. Either way, I'll go with you. I'm up to it. I love you!"
One of the things I first loved about Mr.Perfect is that he treated his mother like a queen. I wanted to be a queen, and I knew that he knew how to treat a woman because I witnessed it in them. They both think the other is perfect. She loves to spoil him and do special nice things for him. He loves to do nice things for her. It makes them both all happy inside. However, it is a treat and not an every day occurrence. He would never, ever take advantage of his mother. To him, she is a gift from God and should be revered as such. He would put her on the throne and meet her every need before she thinks of it, if he had the means. She would do the same for him, but she knows solving all his problems would keep him from being independent. I love their relationship. She is available for him any time he needs her, but she never meddles or butts in. They are an example I think everyone should follow.
Here is the Rant of the Day: It is not loving or kind to your children to set no boundaries and to let them just run all over you. It is not loving to never cut the cord when they are adults. It is not loving to allow adult children to take advantage of your kindness. It is not loving to allow your son to teach your grand babies to run all over you. It is not kind to allow your Grandsons to grow up thinking women are nothing more than their servants. It is not loving to "baby" your adult children and meet their every need before they have a chance to be independent and work things out on their own. It is not loving to let your adult offspring be children! It is abusive and a strong godly woman will not allow herself to be treated in such a manner by anyone, much less her son. She is setting an example and she will not want her daughter in law to be treated this way. Your adult children cannot learn how to have a successful marriage if they have a "mommy" in the middle.
So, obviously I had to put Dalia ON NOTICE! She is a fearfully and wonderfully made woman of God who needs to grow a backbone. She wants you all to comment and give her some ideas as to how to get her son and his family out of the house. (OK, she thought you would all tell her how sorry you felt for her, but I told her this audience would probably not come to the pity party.)
Here is my suggestion: On a large fluorescent pink poster board, write the following in large letters and attach it to your front door. Then there can be no confusion.
HOUSE RULES FOR ADULT CHILD WITH HIS OWN APARTMENT:
1) Love you. Mean it!
2) GO HOME NOW.
3) Call next time before you VISIT.
4) GO Home NOW! You should have left before you got to this line. Now GO!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Dear President Obama,
Dear President Obama,
You are forcing me to spend time considering civil disobedience. I love America, Mr. President, and I love that we have freedom of EVERYTHING! The fact that I can sit down and write this is just one freedom I'm grateful for. I didn't vote for you, Mr. President. I don't expect you to be my biggest fan. However, as a God-fearing, law-abiding, tax-paying, rule-following citizen, I must take you to task. There are MANY places where I have issue with your political decisions, but today I am going to focus on the sanctity of life.
I knew you were the most radically liberal, pro-death candidate that we have ever seen. I tried to warn my friends, Mr. President, but some of them told me I was wrong. I, myself am as radically pro-life as you are pro-death. I believe life begins at conception in EVERY case. I believe we should protect every life. Old life, deformed life, unwanted life and inconvenient life. Every life is precious to the One who created it and He alone has the power over it. I am even pro life in my belief that supporting capital punishment is supporting life. You, Mr. President, know the reasons and I don't need to explain them.
I have refused to be a member of a Baptist General Convention of Texas church because their abortion stance was that they believed abortion is wrong except in cases where there is rape, incest or where the health of the mother is a consideration. In those cases they believe that abortion may be the lesser of two evils. (I guess that would make the baby the other evil .) They have recently gotten bolder in their pro-abortion statements and are getting pretty radical themselves. (They've been "ON NOTICE" for the last 9 years with me.) I know that those are babies!
Now you have made two executive orders that are causing my tax dollars to not only end life in OTHER countries, but to create life with the PURPOSE of ending it. Did you consider the lives of those babies while you were signing those orders? Did you feel their heartbeats with every stroke of your presidential pen? Did you even study the science on adult, placental and cord stem cells? You have turned my country into a country that now values death! Shame on you, Mr. President.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/International/story?id=6716958&page=1
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/us/politics/10stem.html
So, I would like to respectfully request (demand!) that since our taxes for last year are already paid, that you not spend ONE PENNY of my money either creating a baby to be killed or killing babies. We are in a financial "situation" here in this country, in case you haven't heard, Mr. President. Why are we spending money overseas to kill babies? Foolishness. Foolishness.
Unfortunately, I can't ask you to check in at "False Teachers Anonymous," Mr. President, because you are proving to be exactly what you advertised yourself to be. Oh, and yes, this letter is much less "strongly worded" than I really wanted to make it. Mr. Perfect will be cranky if he has to pay to feed and house the Secret Serice Agents that would be moving in if I wrote it in the tone I really feel.
Sincerely,
Donna Lawson,
God-fearing, law-abiding, tax-paying, rule-following citizen
PS. You, President Barak Obama are ON NOTICE!
You are forcing me to spend time considering civil disobedience. I love America, Mr. President, and I love that we have freedom of EVERYTHING! The fact that I can sit down and write this is just one freedom I'm grateful for. I didn't vote for you, Mr. President. I don't expect you to be my biggest fan. However, as a God-fearing, law-abiding, tax-paying, rule-following citizen, I must take you to task. There are MANY places where I have issue with your political decisions, but today I am going to focus on the sanctity of life.
I knew you were the most radically liberal, pro-death candidate that we have ever seen. I tried to warn my friends, Mr. President, but some of them told me I was wrong. I, myself am as radically pro-life as you are pro-death. I believe life begins at conception in EVERY case. I believe we should protect every life. Old life, deformed life, unwanted life and inconvenient life. Every life is precious to the One who created it and He alone has the power over it. I am even pro life in my belief that supporting capital punishment is supporting life. You, Mr. President, know the reasons and I don't need to explain them.
I have refused to be a member of a Baptist General Convention of Texas church because their abortion stance was that they believed abortion is wrong except in cases where there is rape, incest or where the health of the mother is a consideration. In those cases they believe that abortion may be the lesser of two evils. (I guess that would make the baby the other evil .) They have recently gotten bolder in their pro-abortion statements and are getting pretty radical themselves. (They've been "ON NOTICE" for the last 9 years with me.) I know that those are babies!
Now you have made two executive orders that are causing my tax dollars to not only end life in OTHER countries, but to create life with the PURPOSE of ending it. Did you consider the lives of those babies while you were signing those orders? Did you feel their heartbeats with every stroke of your presidential pen? Did you even study the science on adult, placental and cord stem cells? You have turned my country into a country that now values death! Shame on you, Mr. President.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/International/story?id=6716958&page=1
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/us/politics/10stem.html
So, I would like to respectfully request (demand!) that since our taxes for last year are already paid, that you not spend ONE PENNY of my money either creating a baby to be killed or killing babies. We are in a financial "situation" here in this country, in case you haven't heard, Mr. President. Why are we spending money overseas to kill babies? Foolishness. Foolishness.
Unfortunately, I can't ask you to check in at "False Teachers Anonymous," Mr. President, because you are proving to be exactly what you advertised yourself to be. Oh, and yes, this letter is much less "strongly worded" than I really wanted to make it. Mr. Perfect will be cranky if he has to pay to feed and house the Secret Serice Agents that would be moving in if I wrote it in the tone I really feel.
Sincerely,
Donna Lawson,
God-fearing, law-abiding, tax-paying, rule-following citizen
PS. You, President Barak Obama are ON NOTICE!
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