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Posts tagged ‘General Thoughts’

Journey of Faith: From Child to Adulthood

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, I watched Rev. Charles Stanley on television. At that time, my family only had three channels. Many times, I would wake up on Sunday mornings and watch television while eating peanut butter sandwiches or peanut butter and crackers.  Two of the channels only had news on it. The other channel had preaching. Therefore, the preaching was more interesting to me. I have never liked watching news.One memorable Sunday, I was sitting in the recliner eating peanut butter sandwiches while listening to Rev. Charles Stanley. He must have been preaching a sermon about repentance because I remember that he gave an analogy concerning heaven and hell. I do not remember it word for word, but the main idea has stuck with me. According to the analogy, people are on a journey. They can only go two directions. One direction is hell. The other direction is heaven. When you are born, you start out facing the direction of hell because of Adam’s sin. When you get older you can decide to continue towards hell, or you can repent and ask Jesus into your heart. As soon as you repent and ask Jesus into your heart, you turn around and start going towards heaven.  After you turn towards heaven, you stop doing those things that Jesus does not like. At that time, I “played” with the idea. I likened hell to the back of the armrest on the recliner and heaven was the front. The back of the armrest looked dark, and the front was light. I started walking my fingers in the middle. In my mind, everyone starts in the middle. At first, I started “walking” my fingers towards “hell”. Then I thought, “I want to go to heaven; therefore, I need to turn around.” So, I started “walking” my fingers towards heaven. Thinking back on this, I believe this is called child-like faith. Now that I am an adult, I liken this journey to a number line. If you keep going towards one direction, you are heading towards negative infinity or “hell”. The other direction is positive infinity or “heaven”. Everyone will live forever. You will be in either negative infinity or positive infinity. The chose is yours. To continue this analogy, when you are born you are at zero. In mathematics zero is neutral. A baby does not yet have the knowledge to know right from wrong. Therefore, they are neutral. As a baby grows up, either they learn about Jesus and heaven, or they learn evil. I watched preaching on television as a child. What are your children watching? Remember they learn what they see and hear. If they watch violent shows, they learn violence. If the watch good shows, they learn to be good. This also shows that children can understand the basic message of the gospel.
Thank you, Dr. Charles Stanley, for preaching the word of God so  plainly that a child could understand.

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Lessons from Ants: Teaching Kids Biblical Wisdom
I have often read my Bible aloud with my son in the same room. I have been doing this since he was born. Now, I am wondering if he understood more than I thought. He has started going outside to look at ants. The Bible says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” (Proverbs 6:6). Every day he walks around and observes the ants. He does not touch the ants. He normally hands me a stick and ask me to poke the ant bed so that he can see the ants run around rebuilding their home. Apparently, he took the words go to the ant to heart. However, I do not think just looking at the ants was the original idea. I believe that the original idea was to help people learn to work hard to provide for yourself and your family. Time will tell what my son is learning from watching the ants.

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Bloopers From Church: Laughter in Faith

 

Grandpa told stories about bloopers that happened inside the church. Here are a couple of them.

  1. Announcement Blooper: The pastor was telling what was going on in the coming up week. He said, “A fun outing will be a taffy party. There will be a peter pulling at Brother Candy Smith’s house on Tuesday night.” A man in the back of the church stands up and says, “I don’t know about you, but I will be there.” This man’s nickname is Buck.
    The pastor was supposed to say, “There will be a candy pulling at Brother Peter Smith’s house on Tuesday night.
  2. Revival Blooper: One night in a revival the power of God was falling. Many people were being to stand up. Now this was a new church in the 1960’s. The pews were made of small, long slats. All over the church people were standing. On a certain pew a large lady, who was very well dressed and very well to do, was still sitting. Many people were sitting on this pew with her. Suddenly everyone but her stands up. The slats close. The Lady goes to yelling and waving her arms. The other people around her starts yelling, “Come on Sister, you are getting it.”
 
Exploring Family Stories of Faith and Life Lessons

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The Bible: A Best-Seller That’s Often Unread

The Bible is the best-selling book in America, yet it remains one of the least read. This presents a paradox as one might expect the most popular book to be the most read. It raises the question: why do so many own multiple Bibles but seldom read them? Bibles are ubiquitous, found in hospitals, waiting rooms, nursing homes, and hotels. Many display a large family Bible prominently in their homes. This leads to the query: do people believe that mere possession of a Bible garners favor with God? If so, they may be greatly mistaken.
The Bible does not claim that ownership leads to salvation. It states that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. Thus, it is advisable to become acquainted with Jesus, which involves spending time with Him daily. In doing so, He desires communication and deeper understanding, which can be achieved by reading the Bible. Hence, it is time to move beyond merely showcasing the Bible to actively reading and understanding it.

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Children’s Safety in Schools: A Growing Concern

It is sad that we are seeing more and more violence in the schools. School should be the safest place for a child. Unfortunately, in today’s world it could possibly be the most dangerous place. Parents send their children to school expecting them to learn reading, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, and P.E. Instead, they are learning how to hide from bullies or run from bullets. They are learning various theories. Many reach high school without ever learning to read. 
I have talked with some teachers. They all agree that teachers should receive hazard pay. Teachers are there to teach. However, more and more they are having to breakup fights. They never know when a student is going to pull a knife or a gun out of their backpack. 
I am not one that normally likes to place blame. However, let’s consider who is to blame for the shape of education in America. A teacher’s job is to teach the academic subjects. The parent’s job is to raise the child. Some how children are growing up with the belief that fighting solves problems. 
I personally have seen kindergartners behave cruelly to each other. In one kindergarten class that I visited, one child hit another child in the nose with a small building block. Another child lost her shoe as she was walking. One of her classmates run over, got the shoe, threw it onto the roof of the school building. I visited this classroom in August. It was only the second week of school. I am asking you to decide who should have done a better job of teaching the children, the teacher or the parent? 

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The Power of Fine Print: Trusting God in Tough Times

Many times, I look around and it seems to me that non-Christians are doing better than Christians are. I do not understand why my husband fails to be able to get contract painting work. I ask God why this other family-owned painting company can find work, yet they are not Christians. God reminds me that I cannot see what he sees or know what is going on with that family. He also reminds me that he can use the ungodly to bless the godly.
I then thank God while suppressing a laugh as I remember that when Satan wants to do something he must first get permission from God. Satan must present his plans to God and get permission. God then decides. Then God can either deny access or grant access. However, the fine print is always added when permission is granted. This fine print is kind of like the small print at the bottom of a contract.
 
 A great example of this is found in Job. In chapter 1, Satan asks for permission to tempt Job. The interesting thing is that Satan must get permission.
 
God answers and says, “…Behold all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand…” (Job 1:12).  Therefore, I can still rejoice even though Satan does not want our painting company to prosper. I rejoice because I know that at this time, he cannot prevent my husband from getting subcontract work.
All Christians can rejoice because God always adds in fine print. This limits what Satan can do.Satan has a plan, but the fine print stops him from being completely successful, unless we stop trusting God.
Overcoming Challenges: Faith in Modern Society

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Choosing Between Education and Survival: A True Story

A few ago, I came face to face with how ungrateful many people really are including me. Even now when I think about it, tears come to my eyes. I came to know a fourteen-year-old boy. His dad is in jail. The boy lives with his mother in Mexico. The boy is given a choice every weekday. He can go to school, or he can go to work. The boy, who I am going to call Sam, knows that if he goes to school his mother will only be able to eat one bowl of beans that day. He knows that if he goes to work, they will both be able to eat two bowls of beans that day. Therefore, Sam goes to work with his uncle. Sam’s Uncle is my brother-n-law. My brother-n-law asked my husband for some help because he cannot find any work. My brother-n-law is a bricklayer by trade. Because of the help that we gave, they have both been able to find work in a restaurant.

This got me to thinking. Here in America most of the people do not have to choose between getting a high school education and eating. Here in America, we complain about many things that are not important. Most teenagers want the newest in electronics or clothing. Sam is excited over a new toothbrush, a pillow, and a new blanket. The blanket is only plain green and twin size. He is not concerned about name brand shoes or name brand blue jeans. We complain because the light bill is higher than normal. They do not have electricity because they cannot afford it. That means that not only does Sam and his mother work from daylight to dark 6 to 7 days a week, but they also cook their food on a wood stove and wash their clothes on a scrub board or by hand. Why are we complaining? We access to a microwave, a stove, washer and dryer, a computer, and a couple of televisions. God help us all to be more thankful.

Inspiring Family Stories That Uplift Your Spirit

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Creating a Better World: Lessons from Major Religions

The population of this world is about 7,000,000,000 people. About 33% are Christians, about 21% are Islam, and about 14% are Hinduism. That covers over half of the people on earth. Most people would love to leave a better world for their children and grandchildren. This got me to thinking about what these three religions may have in common that could help everyone accomplish the goal of leaving a better world for the next generation. Therefore, I have done a little bit of research to see what some of the basic beliefs are of Islam and Hinduism. I already know the beliefs of Christians since I am a Christian.


I discovered that Islam is combination of various beliefs including Judaism and Christianity. They share many of the same prophets. However, they believe that Jesus was only a prophet. They believe that the Bible has been corrupted, but they do have something that is similar to the Ten Commandments. Here are their commandments.

  • Say, come, I will recite what God has made a sacred duty for you: Ascribe nothing as equal with God;
  • Be good to your parents;
  • You shall not kill your children on a plea of want; we provide sustenance for you and for them;
  • You shall not approach lewd (obscene) behavior whether open or in secret,
  • You shall not take life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus does God command you, that you may learn wisdom.
  • And you shall not approach the property of the orphan, except to improve it, until he attains the age of maturity.
  • Give full measure and weight, in justice; no burden should be placed on any soul but that which it can bear.
  • And if you give your word, do it justice, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfill your obligations before God. Thus does God command you, that you may remember. Verily, this is my straight path: follow it, and do not follow other paths which will separate you from God’s path. Thus does God command you, that you may be righteous. (6:151-153)
    I took note that they have a commandment against killing and lying.

I also looked up to see what Hinduism beliefs are. I discovered that they belief in Karma and reincarnation. That means that if you do good and develop good Karma, you will be reincarnated into a better position. If you do evil and develop bad Karma, you will be reincarnated into a lower position. In there belief it is possible to come back as animals. They also teach that everyone needs to take responsibility for their own actions and learn from past mistakes.

For those who may not know, Christians all believe in the Ten Commandments. Which are

  • ‘You shall have no other gods before Me.‘
  • ‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image–any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.‘
  • ‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.‘
  • ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.‘
  • ‘Honor your father and your mother.‘
  • ‘You shall not murder.‘
  • ‘You shall not commit adultery.‘
  • ‘You shall not steal.‘
  • ‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.‘
  • ‘You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.‘

From what I have learned, it would seem that about 68% of the population claims to believe that killing is wrong. When I listen to the news I hear about this shooting and that stabbing. In 2011 there was about 16,200 people killed in the United States of America alone. That is very disturbing considering the number of people who openly say they are Christian, Islam, or Hinduism. Maybe if everyone that claims to believe in one of these three religions would stand up and tell the other 32% of the world population to stop and think about what they are doing, the majority could create a better world for our children. I know that there are so many differences in these three beliefs that we could never agree on everything. However, is it not possible to set aside all of those differences for a few moments and come together on the common ground that killing is wrong? If we stop shooting at each other and stop bombing each other, it is possible that we could create a better world for the future generations.

I am sure that some of the other religions have a commandment against killing. It is amazing how many people say that they believe that killing is wrong for us to have some many killings. 












Common Ground
How to make the world better for our children

 

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Is Football Becoming an Idol in Our Lives?

The other day I was in Wal-Mart and saw something very disturbing. It was a cross with the NFL logo on it. They had used two different types of drink boxes to make the cross with the logo.
I often wonder if Football has not become and idol for many people. They talk about football more than Jesus. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (Matthew 12:35). Therefore, you are going to talk about that which you love. Anything that you place about God is an idol. Some people would rather stay home from church on Superbowl Sunday. That sounds an awful lot like they are placing football before God.  I do not think it is wrong to play football or watch football. However, we need to be careful that football does not come between God and us. It would be a shame to miss out on the blessings of God because we are too busy watching football to go to church, witness, or read the Bible. 

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Teaching Kids to Pray: A Journey of Faith

“… Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Jesus knows that children have a child like faith that is often lost as we get older. Therefore, it is our job as parents to teach them about Jesus or bring them to him. Sometimes we really have no way of knowing if they are understanding. Other times they do little things that show you that in their own way and as much as it is possible for them at that time, they really understand. Such is the case with my 17-month-old son, Brando.
I had been trying to set a good example for my son concerning prayer especially before meals. For several days, before every meal and snack I held my son’s hands in an attempt to get him to fold his hands and bow his head. I was not sure if he was catching on or not until one night. I had already fixed Brando’s plate and was getting my husband’s plate. My husband, Concho, was going to try to help Brando eat when suddenly Brando put both arms straight up in the air. Concho told me to look at Brando. I did and told him the only thing that I could think of. I said, “I have been trying to teach him to pray before eating.” Brando had apparently caught on to the idea of praying before meals and snacks. However, I am still not sure how or where he gets the idea to raise both hands up in the air. I guess he saw people praying at church.
Brando has starting to remind me to pray. He has such faith that it does not matter to him who is watching or where he is. He will raise both hands straight up into the air and hold them their until you have finished praying. He does not yet understand the concept of one person saying the blessing for everyone. Therefore, we have all started thinking God for something at mealtime and at snack time.
This has caused my whole family to express thankfulness and praise to God throughout the day. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein (Mark 10:15).
It is wise to continually set a good example because you never know when it will affect a child’s life.

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