Click on all pictures in the sidebar to get the most from this blog. Pastor's Corner : Submit questions for three pastors - The Christian: Specific traits found in the true Christian - Abuse: An ongoing discussion of all forms of abuse - God's House: A study of God's demands on the church body - and many more.
My book will be ready to send out in 2-3 weeks! Wow!
Discipline Exposed sets the stage for every area of parenting. I explain the specifics that other authors often avoid or merely talk about in generalities. It's important for every parent to know the truth about each form of parenting and where it will lead your child. Too many parents decide to raise their child by a parenting philosophy only to find out later that it caused rebellion or led their child into dysfunctional behaviors.
(You can order your copy on my website by using pay pal.)
Discipline Exposed will also teach parents how to lead their child on a Quest for Truth and eliminate those pesky misbehaviors that cause tension.
While I'm on the subject, do you realize that discipline is the #1 reason government isn't meeting the needs of the people. My e-mail is flooded with Christians asking why we are in such a mess? How did we get here and why is this happening to America.
Of course there are many reasons, but they all center around the fact that too many politicians were raised to be selfish and unconcerned about others. They have learned to talk a good game in order to get the job, but their selfish tendencies run deep.
If a child was raised to be a basically selfish, spoiled brat and only learns to contain himself because he's not liked at school.....what kind of adult will he be? He will learn to "use" the system in order to have his own needs met. He will lie in order to gain favor and will think nothing about changing sides or friends or faith or any other area of his life in order to get what he wants. He won't be concerned about the world. Oh, he'll tell you he is - because it's what you want to hear. In actuality though he won't worry about the pain he causes as long as he reaches his objective. Like Hitler said, "Tell the biggest lie you can as often as possible and the masses will believe it."
Remember - a selfish spoiled brat has only one goal - to get what he wants. That's a dangerous trait for anyone that is supposed to serve others. By the age of 30 he's perfected the art of deception. He can sweet talk his way into any one's life. Like Aunt Sally (an old southern lady) would say...."He can steal the hat off your haid, with you lookin' right at him." She might continue by saying...."He'd rather tell a lie on credit than the truth for cash."
Now, take that kind of person and put them into politics and see what happens. Chances are very good that when they vote on a bill, they won't be thinking about making a government that outshines the world. They also won't be thinking about the little person it might hurt or the damage it will do to your faith. Instead they will think about the money they can pocket or the fact that if they vote "yes" some new group will support their campaign or will pledge to keep them in office. Which, by the way is why associations are so important.
What we need more than anything else is a group of politicians that are willing to fight to keep this country "free" and prosperous - even if it means turning down a huge contribution or standing up to another more powerful politician.
We need discipline in our government. The kind of discipline that says, "I stand for truth. Don't ask me to vote on anything that lies to the American people." The kind of discipline that says, "The American people don't want to spend 2 million dollars for a 10 page study on the mating habits of mountain goats." Sorry....the answer is "no".
Real discipline....the kind only parents can teach is the only hope America has. With real discipline parents can prepare a child's heart for faith and ultimately for a better life and a better world.
I hope you will vote. I hope you will make sure that your vote for president is also a vote for a disciplined person who refuses to lie and will stand by his vow to protect the constitution not revise it for political gains. I hope you will vote for a person who will fight for your right to religious and personal freedom.
As Aunt Sally would say, "Make sure that politician stands fer what's right. You don't want to be fooled and feel like if they put his brains in a jaybird's head, he'd fly backwards."
I do a lot of speaking for Mops - Mother's of Preschoolers. I am energized when I speak to a group of young mothers. Yet, their problems are often contained within the walls of their homes. When a young mom is in the middle of raising three children under the age of 5, it's often difficult for her to see beyond the mound of diapers, macaroni and cheese, Sesame Street and the necessity of measuring equal amounts of treats.
Recently, one of those mothers sent me an e-mail. "I know there's a reason, but I'm just not seeing it. My one goal is to help my toddler grow into a fine young man. I'm doing everything I can to build his character, intelligence and spiritual life. Does it really matter who is going in the White House this time? By the time my little guy is an adult we will have gone through many presidents and so far I haven't seen any of them do a lot. All I want is for them to leave me alone and let me raise my son. I know that's selfish, but I need parenting advice not some sermon on politics. It seems that a lot of the sites that I look to for help are spending more and more time blogging on politics. I just want it to be over so we can get back to parenting."
I understand.
I'm tired of all this too. But there is a reason to be concerned - and that reason will effect your parenting abilities.
First let's look at some history. I'm not relating any of the candidates out there to this section of history - but it's important to find historical data that might help us decide if this is important or not. George Santayana, an American Philosopher, states "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
I am connected with the 30's - 60's. My parents and grandparents had wonderful stories about the war and the lifestyle we had during those times. Stories of courage and strength and a passion for our country and freedom. Because of that connection, I like to study and watch documentaries about those years. I had a hard time understanding how the German people could follow Hitler. He was so ruthless and harsh and yet the German people loved him. How could they do that?
History tells us that Germany was having a terrible financial crisis. They had just been ravaged by WWI and the future looked bleak for their country. They felt defeated, poor and without honor. Hitler seized the opportunity to gain political power based on one promise. He promised the German people "greatness". He promised that he would make their lives better and he would do it because they deserved the best. He would elevate them above all other races and countries. They would become the rulers and the best in the world. They deserved this because they had been oppressed and it was time for them to take back their country.
He promised to take over and do it all. He told them what they wanted to hear. (my words) "I know you are tired. I am the only one in the world that understands the German struggles. Sit back and let me handle everything."
The German people were tired, poor and depressed. They decided to let this man carry all their burdens while they stopped thinking and concentrated on themselves. Once he was in office and it was too late to stop him, his true plan was revealed.
Check out a few of Hitler's personal quotes. "He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future."
"How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don't think."
"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed."
"It is always more difficult to fight against faith than against knowledge."
What makes this bit of history so important is this....."Total power corrupts totally." The reason this country has survived and been free for so long is because our forefathers understood that you just can't believe the promises of a politician. There is a great potential for politicians to lie in order to be elected. So...they set in place a system of checks and balances so no one person or any one office can have complete power. Without complete power, a lying politician would be prevented from doing total damage.
You are probably saying...."Good, then the system will do the work and I can go back to my children."
Hold on....not so fast. The reason Hitler could do what he did, was that he got in the system and changed the rules as he went. He found a way to take little bites until he had consumed the entire political system. We must always be concerned about anyone that wants to change the rules on our freedom.
For the past 20 years liberals have been trying to change the constitution and the way laws are made and enforced. We have already lost many of our religious freedoms. The Christian morals that once guided this country are under constant attack.
If we have a Democrat president and a democratic congress - they can change laws quicker than we ever thought possible because they have a majority and the power of that majority can over ride the will of the people. In other words, there is no limit to the changes that could be made to our conservative lives.
NOW....back to "how does that affect parenting?" If you are trying to raise a Christian young man, he will have a much harder time in a socialistic state than he would in a republic. He will face challenges and evils that you never dreamed of.
Am I saying Democrats are evil? No, not all of them anyway. My son pointed out the other day that he learned how the two parties were organized in his high school history class. When our current two parties were first organized, there was one major difference. Democrats believed in governmental control. They lean to a socialistic way of life. They believe in big government and government involved in all aspects of personal life.
Republicans were first organized on the principles of a republic. They felt that government should be small and stay out of the individuals personal life. These were also the greatest believers in God and faith. The individual citizen was to do his best to make his own life all it should be - without the help of the government. While republicans believe in helping the helpless, they also believe in letting the strong run their own lives.
The problems for your son escalate when he inherits a democratic way of life. With government so involved in the daily lives of it's people, they can dictate what you see on TV, read in books and where you go to school. They can determine if a religion is acceptable or not and how the general public will be exposed to that faith. They can dip into your pocket and force you to support groups you don't believe in.
When your son is 25, McCain may not be alive and Obama may be only a page in history. But the legacy they leave could be one that will entrap your son forever. He could be forced to work at a job he hates. He could be forced to listen to spiritually unhealthy lectures or accept social interactions that he would rather avoid. He may be forced to participate in objectionable classes or associate with people who ridicule his faith.
Your son may never know the peace and joy we experience right now. He could be like the people of Bosnia who run from one building to another because of terrorist or snipers. Your son could find his faith forcing him to meet in basements and caves because even the mention of the name Jesus could mean prison. What about his own son...your grandson....what kind of life will he inherit?
"YIKES Debbie, this sounds so desperate....so crazy....so irrational. That doesn't sound like America - home of religious freedom."
Maybe. But just a quick trip to newspapers across the nation and you will find stories hidden in the back page that talk about Christian persecution -right here, right now. And then....then what about frogs?
Huh?
If you place a frog in a pot of cold water, he will be a happy camper. You can slowly increase the temperature of the water and Mr. Frog will paddle his way to death. No matter how hot the water, as long as it's being increased slowly - he will stay in the water.
I don't want to be a frog. I don't want some politician to sneak up on me and change the freedoms I have because I wasn't thinking or watching. The political division in this country is asking me to choose a path. Do I want religious freedom and a democracy or do I want liberal thinking and a socialistic state?
That's why all the blogs are talking about this. The outcome will affect your ability to parent the way you want. Your ability to instill religious and moral values in your child will be hampered if we choose the wrong president.
I know it's hard. I understand that you just want to stop thinking and talking about it. But this is one of those issues that can literally hurt your child. Listen to the following video. Search the web for more videos and then go to the polls and vote for the freedom of your child.
You can find many resources on the web. Check out www.onenewsnow.com or read the following letter from www.afa.net(American Family Association on line)
Dear Friend,
In my 70 years, I have never seen an election where coverage was so one-sided and biased or where censorship by the liberal media was so widely practiced and where media coverage was so slanted as I have seen in this election process. Their plan is working. The only chance conservatives have is to make sure they care enough to vote.
If the liberals win the upcoming election, America as we have known it will no longer exist. This country that we love, founded on Judeo-Christian values, will cease to exist and will be replaced by a secular state hostile to Christianity. This “city set on a hill” which our forefathers founded, will go dark. The damage will be deep and long lasting. It cannot be turned around in the next election, or the one after that, or by any election in the future. The damage will be permanent. That is why it is so important for you to vote and to encourage friends and family to vote. This is one election where your vote really counts. Sincerely, Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family Association
It's hard, but extremely important for our children that "all" parents take this election seriously.
I am praying every day for our nation - will you join me?
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
If God could send us an e-mail on today's situation in America, I think it would be this passage of scripture. We desperately need to trust him for every moment of our lives.
And yet....I have lived my entire life trying to find truth in all that's around me. I question everything and I understand that even the slightest slip of the tongue or comment can give me insight into a person's heart. For example, if I'm counseling with someone and trying to figure out whether or not he's telling the truth - I'll listen very closely to every word he uses and I'll watch his body language for clues.
For me, this above scripture is a clue into how God looks at our world. Here he is the "Almighty" dealing with stars and planets and huge events in the universe. Yet, Jesus tells us to look at the most insignificant things for a glimpse of the power of God and his ability to take care of us. So in my thinking, God is watching all of us for tiny clues. Of course he can see into our hearts and minds - but perhaps God is suggesting that we use our "detective" resources to determine the "true nature" of those around us.
If you want to practice, look at this comment on the election by a mother concerned about her child's future and the future of this country. What do you think this candidate really meant?
I've started several blogs over the last week. All of them are staring at me - daring me to hit the publish button.
There are huge reasons for me to join the crowd and put this blog in a political debate. I feel this election will change the course of American History. It's vitally important that all voters know exactly what and who they are voting for.
However, the reason my blog drafts are not published is because of all the e-mails and phone calls I've taken over the last 8 days. Mothers are scared. Dads are frightened. Churches are worried their religious freedoms are disappearing. Children are acting out because they feel the pressures of the fear that has invaded their home. Fear is dangerous ground and can lead to making bad decisions.
With stocks going crazy, uncertain politics, job loss, recessions and international wars - it's easy to feel like the world must be coming to an end. One mother expressed it this way, "I can't stop watching the news. I turn it off and try to get busy in my house, but I have this overwhelming thought that I'm missing something. Life is so volatile right now who can be sure of anything. I find myself washing dishes and wondering if someone was killed, or did the stock market totally crash or maybe something happened in Washington that will change my life forever. So....I turn the TV back on and sit there for an hour feeling totally hopeless and depressed."
It's been a wild ride these last few months and I don't blame anyone for wondering how we are going to get through this. My last blog reminded you that "God is still in control and we are going to survive." But I understand that for many that statement is not cutting through the depression and anxiety you feel.
For that reason, I am writing a new booklet called, "How to survive a political and personal turmoil." This booklet will give you tips on how to handle depression, how to manage a family on less money, how to survive losing every financial dream and more. The release date for this booklet is November 3rd.
For now, I have two two suggestions that will get you through the next few weeks.
1. While you may not be able to join a march, give a speech or spend hours on the phone discussing politics - you do live in America and you do have a voice.Make plans to vote. Research the candidates and vote. Pray about your vote. Ask God to guide you in your choice.
Voting is a huge answer to this problem. I personally believe all the polls are geared to the liberal media. There are two things at work here.
A. You can make statistics say anything you want. All you have to do to change the outcome of a poll is to word it slightly different or even give an inflection in your voice and respondents can feel forced to give you the answer you want. Don't believe the media and the polls. Vote your heart and your faith. I believe there are more dedicated people that believe in the original intent of our forefathers than there are radical liberals who want to change this country. All we need is for good men and women to exercise their vote. Your vote is important and will change the course of this country.
B. The media is trying to use "self-fullfilling prophecy". In other words, they are hoping if they can make you believe that one candidate is winning by a landslide, that you won't vote or better yet, you will give up and join their side. Don't let that happen. Vote your beliefs and your heart
If you are still undecided, go to You tube and listen to the Saddleback debates. For me as a Christian, that debate showed who would protect my religious rights. When McCain talked about his experiences in captivity and how his faith became the focus point, something stirred within me.
If you are still concerned about voting for your religious rights because you have always been a democrat, check out the party's website and check your views against their views.
This is so cool. You go on the website "Barack Obama Test" and answer 48 questions. When you are through answering the questions, your submission will show your answers as they are compared to Barack's voting records. In other words, with a click of your mouse you can see how Barack's opinions match your own.
Several friends that were concerned about how to vote have made up their minds based solely on this test. It's a way to allow your good democrat friends to see - on their own - if they really do agree with his policies. FYI - I only agreed on one question. Guess who I'm voting for?
2. Get your head out of the circumstance of today and into the power of God's tomorrow. In other words, if you are like the mother who can't stop looking at biased media, get out and go for a walk. Listen to uplifting music. Take your children to the park. Read a good book. Cook a fantastic meal and sit and laugh with your family. Have a pillow fight.
And while you are doing all this remember that God is in control and no matter what the world does he will provide help to his children. If you are a child of God you have nothing to fear.
That doesn't mean we shouldn't work to change this world for the better. We are required to do all we can to stand for the principles of Christianity.
But.....we must occasionally step back from the fight and enjoy the blessings of our family and understand the great promises of God.
Pray with me that God will keep America safe from religious persecution. I beg you to send me an e-mail and let me know that you will join me for 15 minutes a day to pray for our nation. God can put the right man in as president. Let's pray for God to be part of this election.
I know everyone is concerned about their own personal issues as well as what's going on in the world. As a nation we are facing some terrible problems.
I want to encourage you today that God is still on the Throne. No matter what your personal circumstances or the stresses we may face in our nation - if you are a Christian and a child of God - nothing can hurt you. Oh, we may have to endure tough times and our lives may not be ones of excess or having everything we want. But nothing in this world can hurt us.
I often tell my family that we have security in our home. Yes, we have insurance and a plan that we hope works out. However, because life can take unplanned disastrous turns causing our hopes to disappear like morning dew; our real security comes from God and our family relationships. Think you have enough insurance? What if you need a transplant or cancer treatments? When the insurance company gets a bill for $500,ooo and decides to pay only $300,000 because they don't agree with your doctors - your savings for retirement can be gone in a flash. Lose your job or have your child arrested for drugs and your outlook for a comfortable future can seem pretty dim.
God is still on the Throne. Even during the great depression and WWII, he still answered the prayers of his people. Christians are often confused about the purpose of this life. We are not here just to have a good time. This life is not the prize. Of course we should do our best to be all we can be. Of course, we should strive to make a difference and to achieve all our goals. But if we can't....it's okay. And if we lose our home or our car...it's okay. If you have done all you can to promote the love within your family....you are blessed beyond material wealth.
I have watched documentaries and talked to people who lived in the 40's. Family and friends were everything. Living in in a rundown apartment house was bearable because they had a loving family. Enduring poverty was bearable because they had friends.
So what is my outlook on our bleak futures? I pray and ask God to intervene and continue the blessings we have. But I also ask for the strength to continue to be a beacon of hope and a light that shines in the darkness regardless of the circumstances. I will continue to love God with all my heart. I will accept with grace whatever consequences I must endure. I will continue to love my family and support them in any way I can. And most of all....just like the generation of the 40's, I will find a way to dance and to laugh.
Psalms 36:7 How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
I can't help but laugh at the songs of Ray Stevens. While Ray obviously made this up...it made me think about the power of God. If he can work through a donkey, give lessons through a fig tree and heal blindness with dirt - maybe he could use a squirrel to cause revival. And if he can use all those unlikely things - surely he can get us through the current bad news.
I hope you will find joy in the following clip. I'm sincerely thinking about rewriting this song for congress. Wouldn't it be great if someone let a crazed Mississippi squirrel go during their next session?
I don't think I've ever laughed so hard. Spending the afternoon with Evan Dewall and learning about cows was a hoot! Or maybe I should say a Moo!
In fact, everyone was laughing and having such a good time being silly with me that the still photos didn't turn out. We do have video! It is being edited and will be available soon. Watch for the blog called City Gal meets a Country Cow.
Evan was a little taken back by all the preparation I'd done for the adventure. I took a vest and put pictures of cows on the front. I covered the back with a material that looked like cow hide. I wanted the cow to know I was his (oops - her) friend.
I was going to sing to her as well. I had decided that Moo-o-o-on River would be a nice tune. I also thought I could go with the rhythm of milking by singing "Shine on Harvest Moo-o-o-on". But since I found out that you have to be somewhat quiet or the cows might spook - my moo-ooing concert was cancelled.
Evan runs a huge operation. He has 100 cows that must be milked twice daily. He explained how the milking process is done and the procedure it takes to go from cow to processing plant. He has a nice operation, clean barn(as clean as it can be with cows) and spaces for 40 cows to wait for milking.
The cows weigh from 1,500-1,800 pounds each - and I thought I needed to lose weight. They stand about 4 1/2 to 5 feet tall.
Since all of Evan's cows are milked with a milking machine, he simply stood between two cows and showed me what to do. I thought I might be sitting on a stool with a bucket under the cow, but after seeing the strength of these animals I was glad it was only going to be a short session.
First Evan showed me how to milk and then he parted two cows so I could bend over and reach for an udder. I pulled on one and instantly got milk. I screeched a little and stood up facing Evan. All the cows had jumped and seemed a little nervous. Evan held his hand to his lips and said, "Shhh. Don't do that."
I giggled and cupped my hand to my mouth - until I realized where it had been!
Once again I bent over and began to milk. It didn't feel like I thought it would. It was warm and the udder was dry. It was like holding one of those long water balloons. I tried to do a two handed milk, but the cow had her leg in the way and I couldn't get around it. By this time I could hear Evan laughing. I finally giggled and gave up trying both hands.
I was glad that I didn't get pushy with the cow. When I stood up she decided to let me know how strong she was. She gave me a little rump push and I almost fell in the....well.....um....you know.
Evan showed me the milking apparatus and asked me to put my finger in one of them. I was surprised at the gentle way it massaged. I'm sure cows would much rather have this method than a nervous city gal. I placed them on her udders and I think she relaxed.
Evan took us to another barn where he kept calves. I had a ball feeding a 12 hour old calf. She was sweet and warm and still a little wobbly on her legs. The four day old calf next to her kept grabbing my hand and fingers anytime I moved close. Yes, I let her suck my fingers while I giggled and yelped, "Oh no?!?"
I had a great time on the farm. I hope you will get out there and do something fun with your family. God has put so many wonderful things on this earth.
Experiences without consequences are the best thing you can do with your family.
Keep watching for the video....you don't want to miss it!
