A Menace Next Door

I'm starting to understand how Mr. Wilson felt about his neighbor, Dennis.  (You remember Dennis the Menace, right?)  Well, Mr. Wilson was just a law-abiding, minding-his-own business sort of guy who was constantly getting a migraine due to Dennis, the boy next door.  I'm learning that Dennises come in all shapes and sizes.  And now I have a whole family of Dennis-type children living next door.  Talk about your worst nightmare. 

We've had new neighbors for all of 1 week, and I've already been searching for a new house online.  I'm seriously conflicted.  I know that the good, Christian thing to do would be to love on and engage the new family next door.  But I'm really struggling with my attitude this week.  Maybe pregnancy is getting to me; maybe I'm an overly protective parent; or maybe I just believe that children should be taught manners.  Whatever it is, my head and my heart are really at war over this issue.

Let me just start be explaining that the family next door has 3 children--2 boys who are older than mine by a few years and a girl who can't be more than 4 years old.  For whatever reason, the parents of these 3 kids feel that it's acceptable to let one or all of their children play in the front yard, the street, the neighbors' yards, the neighbors' garages, or the grassy area in our cul-de-sac unattended.  (And I'm talking, the 4 year old girl is literally wandering by herself through peoples' yards during the day).  Despite the fact that I've never been introduced to the children or their parents, the children felt that it was acceptable to come talk to me the other day and to ask to get in my garage and play with my boys' motorized police car when we were not home.  (Seriously? My 2 year old is going to have to fend off a 7 year old in order to ride in his car?)  This family is such a nuisance that I've actually considered putting a lock on the inside of my fence to keep them out of my backyard.  Because clearly, this family has no boundaries.  (Yet, they, themselves do have a HUGE backyard to play in.)

Am I being ridiculous here?  Should I expect that a 10 year old child should know not to walk behind my car when I'm pulling out of the driveway?  Should I expect that a 7 year old knows not to talk to strangers?  Should I expect that a 4 year old girl is not going to be allowed to roam the neighborhood by herself during the day?

I have learned a huge lesson from this ordeal.  I've learned that my children are going to learn manners.  They are going to learn NOT to take what isn't theirs.  They are going to learn that in the interest of safety, they are never allowed out front without supervision.  And they are going to learn not to talk to strangers. 

And for those of you who might think that your quiet neighbors next door are being rude or unfriendly, just remember that sometimes being a good neighbor means minding your own business and watching your own children. Sometimes the best neighbors are the ones you never see...

Spanking: The Newest Felony

In many places, Texans are viewed as being a little old-fashion or rough around the edges.  After all, our state has legalized hunting, prayers in public, and spankings.  Last week, there was a huge uproar in the news about a school district not far from here that had a policy allowing the district to spank students.  While there were many questionable aspects to this story (like why was a grown man spanking a high school aged girl?) the fact that the district revised it's spanking policy and did not do away with it altogether just proves how traditional values still exist in this state.  And while 49 other states do allow corporal punishment for the purpose of parental discipline of children, one state has decided to make it a felony for a parent to inflict pain on their child.  No joke...

ParentalRights.org just published this news story:

...And on September 12 Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed into law Senate Bill 234, making Delaware the first state to outlaw corporal discipline of children by their parents.

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Patricia Blevins (District 7), SB 234 adds the infliction of “pain” to the definition of “physical injury.” While physical injury is understandably prohibited under Delaware law, now any parent who knowingly causes their child pain can face up to a year in prison – two years for a felony if the child is aged three or under.

A 2010 Zogby poll found that 85.1% of Americans agree with “parents having the legal option to give their child a modest spanking.” However, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, which oversees implementation of the eponymous convention, has interpreted that treaty to outlaw all corporal discipline. Still, many of the nations who drafted and ratified the treaty continue to disagree with that interpretation, instead honoring the same standard recognized here in the United States.

Except that now Delaware parents who exercise that right will be breaking the law.

It's easy for me to read a story like this and be both appalled and surprised that a law like this could pass in the USA, a country known for its freedom.  But when I start discussing politics with most people, I realize that these types of laws should not be shocking to anyone.  Why?  Because we, as Americans, take it for granted that our elected officials are going to pass good and reasonable laws.  And most Americans are just plain dumb when it comes to politics (Have you ever watched the "Waters' World" segment on The O'Reilly Factor?).  Many Americans vote on personality and good looks instead of on policy.  And most Americans don't have a clue what is going on at their state level, let alone who their local representatives are.

The good news is that it's never to late to make a difference.  Maybe we should all do a better job keeping track of our local politics.  Or else we could all fall into the felon category for doing what is best for our children.

The Grace Effect--A Must Read

For the last 2 weeks, there have been some rather disturbing stories coming from the Middle East.  There have been assassinations of Americans, protests in the name of religion, and violence.  Of course, this should not come as a shock to anyone--especially evangelical Christians. 

I'm surprised that in light of these events, we haven't heard more from our local atheists.  It's likely that atheists would use these events to demonstrate to us how organized religion is the problem with politics and societies.  After all, aren't all these protests supposedly about a movie insulting another religion?  If there wasn't conflict between religions, would this violence still be occurring?  Yes.  In fact, the violence is indicative of what happens to nations with little evangelical Christian influence.

A few weeks ago, I heard Larry Taunton on the radio discussing the concept of "common grace" and it's effect on a society.  In his recently written book, The Grace Effect, Taunton explains that common grace is "the idea that when there is a significant Christian presence in a given society, it brings tangible benefits not just to the Christian, but to society as a whole."  For example, in the United States, it's not uncommon to see people marching in protest.  But it's rare for these protests to turn violent, bloody, and literally explosive like they do elsewhere in the world.  Taunton points out that the moral sensibilities of our culture stem from a strong tradition of Judeo-Christian values that do not promote violence or chaos.  Instead, he says that our entire country and culture has benefited from the influence of Christianity.

This conversation was enough to peak my interest so that I bought his book.  But when I read it, I literally couldn't put it down.  Mr. Taunton used his family's experience trying to adopt a Ukranian child as the illustration for his contrast of a godless society versus a society that has been touched by "the grace effect."  This book made me laugh. It made me cry.  It gave me a whole other view of Communist Russia.  And it made me take a serious look at the international adoption process (which legally speaking is very fascinating).  But more importantly, it made me realize what an amazing impact that we, as Christ-following Christians can have on our communities and culture and why we should take a true interest in fighting the anti-religious left that seeks to turn our nation in to the next godless regime. 

The Grace Effect is a must read.  To learn more or to order your own copy, visit http://graceeffect.com/.  I promise that you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy the Work Week

I heard an interesting conversation on the radio recently while I was sorting through medical records for work (yes I can multitask).  It was a conversation between a radio talk show host and his guest, who was a friend of the late President Reagan.  The guest (whose name has completely slipped my mind) is apparently known as being a very strong Christian and also a wise economist.  The guest was discussing America's economic crisis, but he also addressed a huge problem that he sees in our country.  That problem is the concept of RETIREMENT.  He said that we create our own problems when we view work as something that we do until the ages of 60-65 and then retire.  Mainly, because we were created to work.

I guess I had never considered the truth that we, as humans, were created to work.  But if you go back to the garden of Eden in Genesis chapter 2, it clearly states that "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."  This was before sin.  In God's perfect creation, man was made to work the garden and name the creatures in it.  There's never any mention of the concept that man was created to sleep in, play golf, or to indulge in Creation.  Instead, he had a job to do--and he was given a helper to assist him with that job.  It wasn't until after the fall of man in Genesis 3 that the work became toilsome and hard. 

This point about us as humans being created to work is interesting to me in light of the John Piper book I just finished reading entitled, Don't Waste Your Life.  In it, John encourages believers to not waste their lives working so that they can spend the last 30 years in stagnation and personal serenity.  Instead, he encourages all believers to view their lives as tools for the ministry at all stages of life.  He specifically calls out to those in the workplace and retirees to stay busy doing kingdom work.

As I reflected on the radio conversation I heard and the book I read, it occurred to me that I have been blessed by examples of godly men in my life.  Both of my grandfathers have stayed busy post-retirement working and making a difference in the lives of others.  One actually went oversees on short terms missions and has faithfully led Bible studies in his local nursing homes for years.  The other has worked in a variety of jobs--including a funeral home--and has been not only a glowing example of a godly father and husband, but has also been an encourager to others.  As if on cue, when my own father retired from 30+ years with one company, he went back to school and took a new job handling financial auditing for lots of local churches and faith-based non-profits.  And despite years of hard work, these men all seem happy.  It's because they're doing what they were created to do--WORK.  And not only that, but they're all doing God-honoring, kingdom work!

I used to think that I was a sick person because I like to work (this includes Mommy work).  But maybe I'm just experiencing the satisfaction of doing what I was created to do.  What an awesome truth to consider this week as I am mopping my floors, doing the laundry, bathing my toddlers, answering emails and meeting my professional work deadlines.  I can be filled with joy and contentment knowing that I am doing what I was created to do: to glorify God in my work! 

And to all you fellow kingdom workers in whatever vocation or household role that you fill, have a great week too, knowing that as you work, you are obeying your Creator!!!

Family Football--The First Home Game

Saturday night we enjoyed our first family outing as college football season ticket holders.  Everyone but our 2 year old dressed up in the required white attire (white dresses, dress shirts, and cowboy boots) for the first home game of the season. 

As is typical at these types of outings, you never know how 2 little boys are going to do.  Sometimes the experience is enchanting and exciting to them, and sometimes they're bored to tears.  But this outing turned out to be a blast for our 4 year old.  Mainly, because Daddy has been teaching him football (via the X-box) and also because we allowed him to bring his camera.

A few months ago, my little guy got his hands on my camera and took about 80 pictures of himself and his trains.  So, for his 4th birthday, Grandma and Grandpa bought our little guy his first REAL camera.  Then Grandma taught him how to use it.  Since that time, he has been honing his skills.  And I must say that seeing life through the lens of a 4 year old (literally) is quite interesting. 

So enjoy some ballgame photos courtesy of my 4 year old...

Ok, so he really like the band more than the football team.  And he really like the pony (who was too blurry in the pics to post).  And he was super excited by the fireworks that went off after each touchdown (didn't quite get the camera out in time).  And he was absolutely intrigued by the tailgating sorority/fraternity students who were slightly intoxicated and dancing everywhere (we kept the camera in the bag when we saw them).  And he was super excited by the famous SMU Boulevard Tailgate festivities (It's like a huge red, white, and blue festival in the middle of campus where thousands of people are dressed in dresses, shirts & ties, and  cowboy boots and are enjoying Texas' finest foods--it's a rather unusual form of tailgating). 

He was really bummed when we decided to leave a little early.  But we promised him that he can enjoy more college football at the home game on the 15th.  As it turns out, season tickets have been a great success already!  Thanks Dear Husband for the brilliant idea!

Sing Like Never Before

Sometimes it's a blessing when a song gets stuck in your head.  This week I've been singing the words to Matt Redman's 10,000 Reasons.  I just wanted to share this song of praise...

Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name.

The sun comes up its a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again.

Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes.

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger

Your name is great, and Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forever more.

 Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name.

To listen to Matt Redman's original version, please check out the You tube link below:

When Worldly Wisdom is Wrong

"And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, 'Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.'"  

Mark 12:41-44

I love the story of the widow and her offering as described in Mark 12.  Oftentimes this story is used to explain to us how we don't give enough; how we ought to be willing to give all we have instead of a percentage of what we think we should give.  But I took away another lesson from reading this story this week.  That being: the widow did something incredibly right, yet incredibly stupid from a worldly standpoint.  She was being obedient to God, even if it didn't make practical sense.

I can only imagine what would happen if a widow approached me as a lawyer and asked me to give her wise counsel.  Can you imagine how fast her family would go after my license if I recommended that she give all of her income into the church offering plate?  Or better yet, what if I recommended that she give away her husband's life insurance money to a charity?  I'm betting that even Dave Ramsey would think that I'm a terrible person.  And of course, I could never tell someone else to do that from a financially prudent standpoint.  

But when the widow in Mark 12 gave everything away, she was being obedient to God's call on her life.  She was literally giving God all she had and trusting Him for her provision.  Despite doing something that was financially risky, Jesus commended this woman for her faith and obedience to Him.

I was really challenged today.  Have I been obedient to God's call on my life, or am I hesitant to follow His call because it doesn't seem prudent from a worldly standpoint?  Or, have I wrongfully judged another person for doing something risky, when it was their response to God's call on their life?  It's so easy to see life through a worldly lens.  But I've been called to have a renewed and transformed mind in Christ--a mind that isn't constrained by worldly wisdom.

The Desire of My Soul

"In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul." Isaiah 26:8

I've been feeling rather convicted lately.  For the past 18+ weeks, I've been physically ill, tired, and rather miserable.  I have allowed my physical misery to permeate my life and to affect my attitude, my housework, and my relationships.  I have been consciously aware of my bad attitude and have been struggling in my heart and mind with the knowledge that this is sin.  As a result, I haven't really shared much this summer on my blog about what's going on in my head.  Instead, it's just been so much easier to vent out the frustrations of a typical pregnant woman.  I'm sorry.  That is not the intent of this blog.

This week, I hit a wall when I confronted my bad attitude as sin and as completely contrary to what God wants for me.  I'm supposed to be rejoicing in Him and in the amazing gift of life that He has placed inside of me.  I have no idea why God has allowed me to experience 3 yucky pregnancies, but who am I to question His plan for me?  When I came across Isaiah 26:8 this week, I was reminded that my attitude has been so completely opposite of what it should be.  Instead of focusing on my earthly misery (which we're supposed to expect anyway), I should be passionate about Jesus and should be focusing on His greatness.  After all, I would be anticipating eternal suffering if it were not for the redemptive act of Jesus' sacrifice for me on the cross.

Despite my woes and gripes over the past few months, I must say that I'm slightly surprised and discouraged that only one person called me out on my bad attitude.  (Thanks for the verse mom--I did read and appreciate it even though I never said anything.)  Instead, people have sympathized with me, joined me in my complaining, or have avoided me as much as possible.  While this might be socially appropriate, I'm pretty confident that it's not the tactic that the Apostle Paul would have used if he were around.  Instead, he would have told me to quit sinning and to rejoice in all that God has done!  

God has been good to me.  God gave up the life of His only Son for me.  God redeemed me from eternal suffering and punishment.  And God has given me bountiful gifts and blessings like my sweet children.  How can his name not be the desire of my soul?  And how can we not encourage each other to focus on the the greatness of God?!

A Sense of Mission: What We Can Learn From Paul Ryan

 "The disarming thing is his sense of mission is greater than his sense of ambition," says Ryan adviser David Smick, a Washington economic consultant. "This is disconcerting to his critics." 

~ excerpt from Fred Barnes: How Ryan Recasts the Race (Wall Street Journal, Aug. 20, 2012). 

I know that a lot of Christians (and people in general) think that following politics is a huge waste of time.  But I feel that we can learn a lot from politicians, and we can better preserve morality in our society if we pay attention to the nauseating world of politics.  

This morning, I heard Fred Barnes (an opinion writer for the Wall Street Journal) say something about Paul Ryan, the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate that really made me think.  He quoted David Smick, who said that Paul Ryan's appeal to people is that "his sense of mission is greater than his sense of ambition."  This missional attitude to serving our country is extremely appealing to the everyday person who is naturally distrustful of government officials who focus on polls and public appeal rather than public good.  Not only that, but it is threatening to critics who have committed their life's work to serving ambitious politicians.  The critics are finding it hard to cut down someone who is truly committed to doing what is best for others--not himself.  I guess Paul Ryan just represents the concept that sometimes the cause is greater than the man.  And the man who understands this and still fights for the cause, is truly hard to overcome.

As I contemplated the impact that Paul Ryan is having on politics, it occurred to me that if Christians had this same missional approach to life, we too could have an astounding impact on society.  If we truly lived our lives so that our sense of mission was greater than our personal ambition, the world would likely look very different.  If, instead of striving for material success in our jobs, Christians worked with a commitment to excellence and ethics, we could really change the workplace.  If, instead of striving to build mega churches and hit attendance quotas, our churches took their task of serving their communities and reaching out to the needy seriously, our churches might see healthy growth.  And if, Christian families aimed to raise godly children instead of "well-adjusted" individuals who can survive in this world, maybe our young people would be less tempted to cave into worldly pressure.

I think we all have personal ambitions that we have had to deal with in our lives.  For me, I had to understand that my professional success is meaningless if I'm not fulfilling my duty to be a submissive wife and a committed mother (following the example of the Prov 31 wife).  And yet still, I have ambitious ideas that I am understanding will have to be sacrificed if I'm going to truly live a missional life for the glory of God. 

It is my hope and prayer that someday people will say about me, "her sense of mission (for God's work) was greater than her sense of ambition."

The Smart Mommy

I heard something the other night that made me smile...

My oldest son was having a discussion with his father about building a train track in the living room.  I didn't hear all of the conversation, but at some point my husband told my son to go ask Mommy if it was ok.  Usually this happens when our little guy is negotiating really hard and my husband doesn't want to be the bad guy.  Although on occasion, Dear Husband does punt the ball on these kinds of questions when he's too wrapped up in a ballgame while working on his laptop.  (Who says men can't multitask?)  Anyway, my son didn't seem too happy about having to go ask mom. So he asked our favorite three letter word--"Why?"

Since we have informed him that most educated questions begin with 4 letters, he followed up this "why" with "is it because Mommy's really smart and is a nurse?"  I'm not sure what Dear Husband said in response, because I was too busy laughing to hear the rest of the talk.  I just figured I needed to absorb the moment when my son thinks I'm smart.  Unfortunately, I'm sure that this too shall pass.