Summer monsters

Children running barefoot through soft grass or squishing their toes in wet sand.

Frosty glasses of sweet tea or lemonade surrounded by a pool of condensation while we stretch out to soak up the sun.

The steady roar of lawn mowers or motorcycles or cardboard taped to the spokes of a bicycle wheel.

That wonderful feeling of true relaxation and sweet love serenaded by singing birds and lilting breezes.

Summer.....what fun....unless.....

There is a summer monster. It's just as big and ferocious as any Christmas monster. It's teeth are ugly and will ruin any child's dream. It's stench will take your breath away and will keep you feeling sick until the Christmas monster arrives. What is this awful thing? How will it destroy the wonderful summer you have planned?

We can be attacked by the Monster of disappointment anytime we forget that special moments just happen.

Special moments come because we allow them to come not because we "orchestrate" them.

Our country has become obsessed with "production". We want to produce more work, more product, a better home, a better company......push... push... push.......rush...rush....rush....always be better than you were yesterday. How are you going to top this has become a national slogan. And parents have the mistaken idea that the summer can only be fun if they top last summer's monster ridden plans.

In all that planning and orchestration we lose moments. We rush to "make" a memory and forget that most wonderful memories aren't of something we planned, but rather are a by-product of the event. For example, have you ever been at a theme park and taken a moment to watch the smiles of your children? Was it the theme park that generated your special moment? Or was it the simple joy of watching your child smile?

The monsters of summer steal our happiness when we forget the real purpose of rest and relaxation. It's not what we are doing at the time - it's who we are with and whether or not we stop and see the beauty of who they are. I always feel sorry for those families who go through summer with the attitude of "we are going to have fun whether you like it or not!" I've watched Dads dragging children across a beach or Moms spanking them at a theme park.

Hello - it's not your job to orchestrate the fun! You can't do that! Everyone loses to the monster of summer. You feel frustrated, your children sense that and everything blows up in your face.

So what can you do? My prescription for killing those monsters is to plan less and enjoy more. Plan more days in the backyard waving to your neighbor and watching your children run through the sprinkler. Plan more days of making homemade ice cream or playing croquet (remember that game?). Plan one big trip if you want, but go one day less. Spend that first day at home sleeping and resting before the big trip so everyone is ready to have fun. And remember to see less of the park or the resort or the town and enjoy the experience. When you are 80 and the children are grown no one will be upset that you didn't ride all the rides. They will only remember the laughter, the fun and that you killed all the summer monsters.

God loves you,

Debbie

Who is a true patriot?

Webster's defines patriot as:

"one who loves and loyally or zealously supports one's own country"

I'm sure we have many American Patriots today. But I'm equally sure that most of them aren't verbally secure and do not work for the media. Most news media would have you believe that the majority of America is upset and frustrated with everything about America. The real truth is that "polls" are derived by taking a sampling of society and making determinations from a small sampling as to what the entire country thinks. (more on that later) I usually don't believe any information derived from a poll.

I believe that there are many patriots in our country. Decent people who live productive lives and want the best for America. People who are willing to sacrifice for the common good. People who shed tears for veterans, give to charities, help a neighbor in need and pray for others. People who understand that everyone deserves respect and that their freedom stops where mine begins ---and vice versa!

I believe there are patriots who display flags and cover their hearts when they sing "Oh, say can you see!" I believe there are good men and women who honor this country with their service and can proudly wear their uniforms knowing that they have performed their duty to the best of their abilities.

So lend a cheer!

Raise a Flag!

Be proud that you are a citizen of the United States. America needs every one of her true patriots. She needs our love and our protection both physically, mentally and with our voice. Investigate the great historical figures and strive to be like them. Don't hide. Get involved. And this memorial day stand strong and sing loud, "I'm proud to be an American!"

The difference between a politician and a statesman is : A politician thinks of the next election, and a statesman thinks of the next generation.

James F. Clark

America: Where there are ten million laws to enforce the Ten Commandments.

It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible

George Washington

The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.

Patrick Henry

That Book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests.

Andrew Jackson

Have a beautiful Memorial Day week-end.

God loves you,

Debbie

Who is a true patriot?

Does God make lists?

I have yellow sticky notes on my computer screen. There's a small notepad in my purse and I have four secretarial notebooks placed all around the house. Each of those notebooks have lists. I am continually adding to the lists but rarely delete. For every item that is crossed off, I usually add at least three items.

Yesterday, I was adding to one of those lists. I stopped to ponder whether or not God might have lists. If He does, I'm sure that we wouldn't find "sunrise" on it. I don't think He would include hurricane or shooting star. What would He include?

Would He write, "talk to Debbie today"?
Maybe He would schedule "answer Ken's prayer".
Would He enter "sweep the golden streets"?

I smiled when I thought that maybe He would just have one entry........"Love".

Wouldn't that cover everything?

What do you think?

God loves you,

Debbie

How is our faith tested?

Most people think that our faith, our character, our morals, our parenting and our goals are all tested by the "big" stuff we face. Things like financial setbacks, cancer, car accidents, affairs or a rebellious child.

I have no problem facing the big stuff. I have worked with a lot of people while they handled the big stuff and though it was difficult - there seemed to be a sort of adrenalin that came along with the fact that it was "the big one". That surge helped them get through it. They may have kicked, screamed and cried - but they accepted the challenge.

The true testing - the really hard ones that topple our tall tree of faith - comes in the form of tiny indentations. I've watched incredibly strong men and women with dedicated families fall apart with the smallest challenge.

Dr. Ken Crocker - my Dad - gave a wonderful sermon called, "Don't let the beetles get you". He wasn't talking about the singing group. It was about how the little irritations in life get under your skin and begin to fester. Before you know it, that irritation has grown into a full blown problem. Do you know how beetles can take down large trees? They simply eat the inside until it is so brittle so lacking in strength that the outside shell can't support the weight of the tree.

While discussing a problem with a friend I also saw God's leading in a different way. I've heard it preached that "we are carved in His image." I have loved that thought. In my mind I imagine a loving God chip... chip... chipping away at my rough exterior. Talking to this friend however, I wondered if there are times when God needs to do some sandblasting.

Maybe God has chipped away the large chunks and we are basically the image He wants. But to be truly in his image he has to remove the smallest edge possible. He not only wants us to be smooth - He wants us to shine. Perhaps when that little beetle has made tiny indentations and God needs to remove only the smallest amount he brings out the sandblaster, the sander or the sand paper.

Be very still.

Don't move.

Hold your breath.

God is changing you.

God is making you better.

God is refining you to walk in His image.

Bend to His will.

Let Him help you shine.

God loves you,

Debbie

Lighten up !

Thanks for all the concern about my hand. It's much better and I'm finally able to type. I'm a little behind on my work - but with the help of four secretaries and twelve maids I should be finished by July 2008.

Humor is wonderful. I don't know how I could possibly get through life without a good laugh. I love the scene in Steel Magnolias where Sally Field is crying over the death of her daughter. She's screaming at her friends trying to express her pain.

M'Lynn: No! No! No! It's not supposed to happen this way! I'm supposed to go first. I've always been ready to go first! I-I don't think I can take this! I-I don't think I can take this! I-I just wanna *hit* somebody 'til they feel as bad as I do! I just wanna *hit* something! I wanna *hit it hard*! [continues sobbing]
Clairee: *Here*! [Grabs Ouiser by the shoulder and positions her in front of M'Lynn]
Clairee: *Hit this*! Go ahead M'Lynn, *slap her*!
Ouiser Boudreaux: [Taken aback and confused] Are you crazy?
Clairee: *Hit her*!
Ouiser Boudreaux: *Are you high, Clairee*?
Ouiser Boudreaux: [In a frightened tone] Clairee, have you lost your mind?
Clairee: We'll sell t-shirts sayin' "I SLAPPED OUISER BOUDREAUX!" Hit her!
Annelle: [in a scared tone] Ms. Clairee, enoough!
Clairee: Ouiser, this is your chance to do something for your fellow man! Knock her lights out, M'Lynn!
Ouiser Boudreaux: [snatches away] Let go o' me!
Clairee: M'LYNN, YOU JUST MISSED THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME! HALF O' CHIQUAPIN PARISH'LL GIVE THEIR EYE-TEETH TO TAKE A WHACK O' OUISER!
Everyone breaks out in laughter.

What a shock. I went from horrible tears to hysterical laughter. (You would have to see the movie to understand.) My point is that even when we are in the grip of deep despair, laughter can catapult us into healing.

I have released a comment by Michael May under the heading of "Happy Family". It was so humorous and filled with good advice that I decided to include most of it here. Thank you Michael.

*********

"The more I learn about being a parent, the harder it gets. Let me explain. Everyone is afraid of different things. It's hard to realize that our fears are not hereditary. Most of the time our children will not share our particular fears.

Take me for example, I am terrified of birds - unless of course it is battered and fried laying on a plate in front of me! Not all birds. Ducks and geese mostly and chickens too. I don't know why. Nothing bad ever happened to me as a child that I recall. But I'm still afraid.

Recently, my wife had some old bread and rather than throw it out she wanted to give it to the ducks. Oh, great. I agreed it was a good idea and I hoped she and the boys would have a great time together. Wrong. She insisted WE were going to take the boys together as a family. "Great", I thought. "She is going to feed ME to the evil ducks." I agreed to go and make the best of it.

Once we got to the pond, I noticed that someone had built a floating dock. Perfect for me to walk out on, fall off of and be eaten by the evil ducks. As the children, bread bags in hand, raced from the car like it was on fire - I took my time, hung back a bit, looking cool, manly man and hoping they wouldn't notice.

Wrong again. They noticed and waited. I caught up to them and opened their bags of bread. My 2-year-old, we call him "Scooter", took my finger and pointed toward the end of the dock. I was frozen in fear until I realized my boys were not afraid of the ducks. They don't break out into a cold sweat thinking that the ducks will jump out of the water and attack them, dragging them under and consuming them whole. My boys appreciated the joy of being outside with Mom and Dad and didn't feel any danger from the sinister quacking of the evil ducks.

This was my fear, not theirs. They were looking to me for assurance. I put on the bravest face I could muster and said as happily as I could, "who wants to feed the ducks?" The boys were none the wiser and I didn't get eaten - not even a finger.

Kenneth and Scooter will have their own fears without me forcing mine on them. Life is hard enough for a young growing mind without taking on my fears. We as parents ought to have a sign tattooed on our forehead, "Keep your fears to yourself, kids have enough of their own."

I will not make my past my children's past. Hopefully, I will leave them a better past than I have had. Isn't that the goal of every good parent? To make the life of their child a little better than their own?"

***********

Thanks Michael! You are exactly right. Parenting and doing the right thing will always put us in uncomfortable places. Children learn far more by watching us overcome our problems than they do with lectures. Children also need to see their parents as heroes. Perhaps next time you feed the ducks you should dress in a superman costume so your boys have a visual as well.....just teasing.....

I've always loved flying. But since 911 I am a walking prayer service when I fly. Hum, maybe a costume would help me too.

God loves you,

Debbie

Happy Belated Mother's Day

I can only write a quick note.

I had a wonderful Mother's day visiting my son Ken. I've been here a week and had a wonderful time. He gave me a dozen roses, a corsage and a fun card. We attended his church where he presented a wonderful mother's day program. (He's music minister) He took me to a fantastic seafood restaurant and then home for a nap.

The nap was necessary because I had taken several Tylenol. Getting ready for church that morning I had a freak accident with my curling iron and severely burnt my hand. I walked around all day holding a baggie full of ice.

It's much better today but it may be a day or so before I can type without sensitivity.

I hope all you mother's had a wonderful day and that your children let you know how vital you are to their success.

Take a bow, MOM - you are the catalyst for your child's success!

God loves you,

Debbie

Practical application for the post "Happy Family"

I am in another state visiting my son for Mother's Day. I'm having a wonderful restful time with him. While he's at work I've spent my days reading and writing. Since he has a pool and hot tub, I've ventured out for some exercise.

On Thursday I wrote about components of The Happy Family. I made the statement that sometimes spoiled children aren't ones that have the most but rather are ones that have been deprived of parents and training. Last night when I went to the pool I saw that very principle in action.

The pool is kidney shaped and at one end there is a connected hot tub. I went to the far end so I could use the steps to ease myself into the cooler pool and do my laps. There were two ladies sitting outside of the hot tub and two dogs tied to a chair. A man and woman sat in the hot tub.

I swam two laps and hung on to the edge of the pool. Two women and two small children were entering the pool area by my end. The little girl (about 3) ran to the side of the pool. The little boy (about 4 - clinging to his mother) screamed and cried. Mom put him down by the gate and began to walk away.

"He's afraid of all dogs." She said for all to hear. She calmly walked to a chair and put down her towel and shoes. He followed screaming all the way.

I turned to see what the people in the hot tub would do. I was sure they would take their dogs back to their apartments and then return. But no, not these selfish people. Instead they reached into a box and pulled out a third furry puppy. They proceeded to talk and look at this obviously traumatized child as if he were somehow stealing their fun.

I turned back to the mother just in time to see her walking away from a still crying child and saying, "Get a grip. They aren't going to hurt you, just come with me." Cold, unfeeling and totally unconcerned for her child, she wandered to the hot tub - made friends with the others and slid into place.

My heart broke for the abandoned child. He stood by his mother's towel, hands reaching for her and cried crocodile tears. I waited a few minutes knowing that stepping into domestic situations can backfire. Finally when I couldn't stand it anymore I swam near the hysterical child.

When he finally made eye contact, in a calm but confident tone I said, "Honey, it's o.k. Trust me. They can't get to you. They are tied to the chair with a strong rope. You are safe back here." Each time I repeated the phrase I waited for him to respond. I had to repeat it three times before he finally approached me. His bloodshot eyes pleading for more information.

"Where's the rope?"

"Look at the little white dog and you'll see a blue and green rope or leash. It's hooked to the chair that big lady is sitting in. Watch him. He pulls on it but he can't get away."

His mother paid no attention as I talked with her son. In fact, she kept her back to us. I talked with him about several things and complimented him whenever I possibly could.

"I like to swim."

"That's great honey, I do too. I bet you are a lot of fun in the water."

He moved closer to the edge of the pool. This bothered me. I was in 5 foot of water and this child was only about 3 foot. "Honey, it's way over your head here. But you could sit on the steps and kick your feet in the water."

He sat for a few minutes and talked. Finally he decided to come in and reached out his arms. I wasn't sure it was safe. The water was up to my shoulders and I wasn't his parent. I couldn't be sure how he would react. He jumped anyway - thank Goodness I was able to catch him and keep him above water as I back up into safer levels. I turned in time to see his mother looking my way and yelling, "He can swim." Then she turned and went back to her conversation.

I swam with this little guy for a bit and then decided I needed to get out of there before I was angry enough to tell the mother how awful she was. He begged me to stay with him. We exchanged names (let's call him John )and I told him maybe I would see him again. As I left I saw this sad little face watching me go. No one came to his rescue.

Why did I tell you this story? I saw the consequences. Did you?

Before I stepped in, John was not taught how to handle a stressful situation. His fears were allowed to overcome his desire for a good time. He felt the frustration of being told to do something without possessing the tools to get the job done. He now has the subconscious knowledge that when he's in trouble his mother will be the first to walk away. He can't trust her for information, help or comfort. He has learned that simply asking or crying in order to let someone know you need help doesn't work. He will be searching for something else that does.

Let's speed little John to age 15. He likes a beautiful young girl in his math class. She is popular and intelligent. He desperately wants her to like him. He has fears about being rejected by her, but is determined to try. His hands shake as he walks toward her. He knows he is not allowed to show fear to those around him. That won't get him noticed and will produce jeers. He valiantly pushes his fear as he walks. He tries to talk to her, but she snoots at him and turns to walk away. Years of watching his mother walk away brings on anger. He tries again. Running up to her he says, "I just want to talk to you." She looks at him in disgust and like the fear of dogs he's never conquered - she barks - "I don't know you and further more I don't want to." Nose in the air she stalks away.

John is devastated, embarrassed and frustrated because he doesn't know the rules of relationships and can't recognized that she is the problem, not him. His anger after years of family rejection is escalating to a high pitch. He wants to resolve the situation but has no idea how to properly handle his emotions or his anger. He yells obscenities and throws his notebook toward her, hitting an unsuspecting student in the face. A fight ensues and he is pushed into the Principal's office and suspended. His life of deviant behavior is set - all because Mom didn't teach him how to handle fear and how to respond properly. When she is called to the Principal's office she whines..."I just don't know what's wrong with him."

PARENTS MUST TRAIN CHILDREN.

LEARNING HOW TO REACT TO LIFE IS TAUGHT BY BUILDING BLOCKS. WHAT HAPPENS AT 3 WILL BUILD TO A FRENZY AT 15.

BY THE SAME TOKEN, WHAT IS TAUGHT AND PROMOTED AT 3 WILL HELP TO BUILD A STRONGER 15.

Dear God, please help this nation of parents to realize how important their job is.

I want to know what you think?

God loves you,

Debbie

Heartfelt Moments

Have you ever felt like the world was buzzing all around you and you just wanted to freeze frame for a few moments and breathe?

Stimulus is defined as :

"any action or agent that causes or changes an activity in an organism, organ, or part, as something that excites an end organ, starts a nerve impulse, activates a muscle, etc.."

In other words, stimulus isn't bad. It's life. But like most of life it must be controlled. Too much of anything can lead to problems. Too little stimulus and we are bored. No stimulus is called "solitary confinement" and you can go crazy. But too much stimulus and you feel overwhelmed.

There have been times in my life when I simply close my eyes, lean my head back and take a deep breath. When I open my eyes, I look for the best part of that moment that will give me the most pleasure.

Once when the children were small I opened my eye only to meet another eye. Amie smiled and said, "Whatcha doing in there?"

Another time I opened my eyes just in time to catch a glimpse of a rainbow. Still another time I saw Ron immersed in thoughts of pride and love as he watched Jamie finish a drawing.

Still another time I sat on the porch - alone - and listened to the quiet coo of a lovebird as I sipped my morning coffee.

Life gets complicated. Schedules are overloaded. World views and problems leave our subconscious with many doubts. The soft touch of a mother's hand, the giggle of a small child and the kiss of a spouse all combine to make our life beautiful. We are loved. We are loved by God. We are loved by our family and friends. And that love sets us free.

What heartfelt moments in your life have centered your day?


God loves you,

Debbie

Your turn to write the article

I'm working on two articles - possibly books. I would like to get as many comments or if you prefer, e-mails as possible. I will use your thoughts as supporting documentation for these articles/books. If you don't want me to mention your name, please include that information.

1. When love is not enough....

Do you believe God requires that a person stay in an abusive marriage?

I'm defining abusive as anything that keeps that person from pursuing God's will for their life. It can be physical abuse or mental abuse. It can be living in such a controlling atmosphere that you aren't allowed to minister to anyone. For example, a person believes God wants them to teach Sunday School. The spouse thinks that will take away from what he/she wants and demands that you not do it. Perhaps it's just such a difficult marriage that the person is totally depressed and doesn't want to do anything.

I welcome any and all comments. I am concerned that churches are filled with good people who can't participate and help because their spouse won't let them or has them complete depressed or scared.


2. Are parents hurting the church by raising spoiled brats?

In other words, do spoiled brats hinder the work of God. Can they hinder the mission or success of the church when they are little? Will they hinder it later on when they can assume an adult role in the church?

Thanks for you help. I will respond to every comment or e-mail. And if you like, if I use your comment you will be given credit in my article.

God loves you,

Debbie

Parenting vs. America

I think that every parent should read Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s book, “Parenthood by Proxy”. It’s a wonderful book that highlights a lot of the reasons our society has so many problems. I agree with her that many problems within society are simply reflections of problems within the home.

I like watching the news, but there are some days it can be extremely discouraging. Many people don’t seem to have the ability to look down the road and see the consequences of today’s decisions. I don’t know why, except that I pray a lot for wisdom, but it’s easy for me to see those consequences and I am very concerned about our future as a country.

For example, there’s a news story today about a Judge who wanted to wear his favorite pants on his first day as a Judge. He goes to the cleaners to pick them up and finds out the mom and pop cleaners has lost them. He rants and raves and they offer to pay him $150 for the pants. He refuses. For days they negotiate and the mentally abused cleaners finds the pants. All the numbers match his ticket but the Judge decides they are not his pants. More negotiating and mom and pop offer this dysfunctional man $3,000 for the unclaimed pants. Again he refused. He filed a lawsuit and is suing these people for $6.5 million. What??? He claims he needs the money to rent a car and drive to another town to find and use another cleaners. Is he driving across country? Is he renting a hummer? Good grief!

Crazy story right? But has anyone thought about what he will be like in a courtroom? Will he be fair? Will he administer justice with mercy and logical thinking? Of course not. He will be even more of a tyrant. And our country will suffer. This man shouldn’t be allowed to practice law. He shouldn’t be allowed to be in any business that deals with people unless he gets major psychological help. How many of you think that’s going to happen?

I also received a story from American Family Association about the hate crimes bill. Thank goodness for this Association. Nothing was on the news. Here’s what Chuck Colson had to say.

The Thought Police

By Chuck Colson5/1/2007

What the Hate Crimes Law Would Do

In George Orwell’s classic novel 1984, the government Thought Police constantly spies on citizens to make sure they are not thinking rebellious thoughts. Thought crimes are severely punished by Big Brother.
1984 was intended as a warning against totalitarian governments that enslave and control their citizens. Never have we needed this warning more urgently than now, because America’s Thought Police are knocking on your door.
Last week the House Judiciary Committee, egged on by radical homosexual groups, passed what can only be called a Thought Crimes bill. It’s called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. But this bill is not about hate. It’s not even about crime. It’s about outlawing peaceful speech—speech that asserts that homosexual behavior is morally wrong.
Some say we need this law to prevent attacks on homosexuals. But we already have laws against assaults on people and property. Moreover, according to the FBI, crimes against homosexuals in the United States have dropped dramatically in recent years. In 2005, out of 863,000 cases of aggravated assault, just 177 cases were crimes of bias against homosexuals—far less than even 1 percent.
Another problem is that in places where hate crimes laws have been passed, hate crimes have been defined to include verbal attacks—and even peaceful speech. The Thought Police have already prosecuted Christians under hate crimes laws in England, Sweden, Canada, and even in some places in the United States.
If this dangerous law passes, pastors who preach sermons giving the biblical view of homosexuality could be prosecuted. Christian businessmen who refuse to print pro-gay literature could be prosecuted. Groups like Exodus International, which offer therapy to those with unwanted same-sex attraction, could be shut down.
In classic 1984 fashion, peaceful speech will be redefined as a violent attack worthy of punishment.
This is the unspoken goal of activist groups. We know this because during the debate over the bill last week, Congressman Mike Pence (R) of Indiana offered a Freedom of Religion amendment to this hate crimes bill. It asked that nothing in this law limit the religious freedom of any person or group under the Constitution. The committee refused to adopt it. It also refused to adopt amendments protecting other groups from hate crimes—like members of the military, who are often targets of verbal attacks and spitting. They also shot down amendments that would protect the homeless and senior citizens, also often targeted by criminals. Nothing doing, the committee said—the only group they wanted to protect: homosexuals.
Clearly, the intent of this law is not to prevent crime, but to shut down freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of thought. Its passage would strike at the very heart of our democracy.
The full Congress may vote on this bill as early as this week. Unless you want Big Brother telling you what to say, what to think, and what to believe, I urge you to contact your congressman immediately, urging him or her to vote against this bill. If you visit the BreakPoint website, you’ll find more information about this radical law.
If we do nothing, 1984 will no longer be fiction, and Big Brother will be watching you and me—ready to punish the “wrong” thoughts.

***

The AMA went on to give a listing of what this law is defining as “sexual orientation”. Be careful, I was appalled and could not stomach to read very far.

This law does not define "sexual orientation," leaving open the definition of the term. To see all the behaviors covered by the term "sexual orientation," please click here. Warning! This listing is offensive.
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and ChairmanAmerican Family Association

***

This makes me wonder if we have already waited too long to take off the blinders and look around at what’s happening in our world. There will be a consequence for allowing this bill to pass. There are already consequences for allowing some groups to get a toe hole in our government. While commenting on the illegal alien riots in California a reporter said, “Maybe there weren’t as many people marching because they have found a way to handle this within the court system.”

And still another news item. The California state legislature is considering a bill that would take the words “Mom” and “Dad” out of the school systems and state offices. The bill states that it is traumatizing to children who come from alternative families (mostly gay families) to hear the words “Mom” or “Dad”. So to prevent discrimination they want the only acceptable word to be “care giver”. Heaven forbid that we encourage young children to learn tolerance, or that we refuse to allow parents to hide behind their children while they manipulate the law.

Does anyone see where that one is leading???

Parenting no longer consist of simply trying to figure out right or wrong within your own family. We must get involved and define the family unit as well as how we define our country. If we don’t stand up for right and protect our freedom to define “wrong” our country will slowly become so diverse that it can be overtaken without much of a fight.

Dr. Laura admits in her book that she often gives in to despair. When she does, she regains her hope by reading an essay from a sixth-grade student, sent by her teacher, Marla Schlatter, in 1997. The assignment was to describe what it would be like to be your own parent.

Love Without Ending

As a parent I must always think of my children before myself. If there is something that I want, but there is something my child needs, I have to get that thing for my child. I must be totally unselfish. Being a parent means that I’ve got to put other people’s needs in front of my own, no matter what. Being a parent is hard work, but I will love it.


Works for me! What do you think?

God loves you,

Debbie