I found this to be an interesting article by Phil Cooke. Regardless of where you find yourself on the Christian landscape, these thoughts and ideas impact us--because they influence the way the world views Christians as a whole. Although Phil is talking about ministry organizations in particular, I think his points apply to the local church and the Body of Christ at large.
Four Conversations:
1) The Prosperity Gospel is done.
2) The luxury life of TV Evangelists* is over. (*and may I add pastors and ministers in general)
3) Fundraising is undergoing a dramatic change.
4) We're seeing a dramatic shift from a first generation leadership style (confrontation) to a second generation leadership style (engagement).
Read rest of article here...
Nov 28, 2007
Not in our schools??
This article reminded me of the time I spoke on a panel at a MOPS group. We were discussing educational options, and I was representing homeschooling. One of our discussions was centered around the idea that the local Denver schools weren't "that bad." That's a common line of reasoning for opponents of homeschooling. One woman stated that the climate in our local schools wasn't bad at all, not like if we were in "Berkley." I'm not sure what that meant exactly, but I understand the reasoning. She needed to defend her choice to send her child to public school and at the same time convince herself that there was not a problem with what was being taught.
This brings me to today's article! A midwestern junior high school in Des Moines, Iowa, promoted a "Gender-Bender" Day as part of their Homecoming Week. Outraged parents have begun to pull their kids out of that school. The point is, if this sort of thing is happening in Iowa, you can bet there are questionable things happening in schools across America.
Perhaps, as the story unfolds, some may feel these parents overreacted. Yet, the fact remains, parents have less and less control over what their kids are being taught and exposed to. It is our responsibility to keep our eyes wide open to what is going on out there and to respond accordingly.
This brings me to today's article! A midwestern junior high school in Des Moines, Iowa, promoted a "Gender-Bender" Day as part of their Homecoming Week. Outraged parents have begun to pull their kids out of that school. The point is, if this sort of thing is happening in Iowa, you can bet there are questionable things happening in schools across America.
Perhaps, as the story unfolds, some may feel these parents overreacted. Yet, the fact remains, parents have less and less control over what their kids are being taught and exposed to. It is our responsibility to keep our eyes wide open to what is going on out there and to respond accordingly.
Nov 21, 2007
Thoughts for Thanksgiving
from the Homeschool Encourager
One thing I've learned as a parent and a homeschooling mother, is that regret is inevitable. I'm sorry to start with such a melancholy thought. But it is true. I used to think that regret meant I did something wrong...or that if I was spiritual enough I would never make mistakes that carried the sting of regret. I have learned, its just not true. Life carries with it a risk and reward system. (My kids grew up hearing this from their father.) You must weigh every decision against its possible risk or reward.
That means the nature of life brings the possibility of failure and regret. The bigger question is how will we respond to and deal with life's risks and the inevitable regrets?
First, we must recognize that, at times, we will be disappointed: in ourselves, in our children, in our spouses, even in God. We will look back at events or conversations and feel the sting of regret. As a mom whose been there, I promise: you will live through it.
The second thing I've learned about regret is: Some of the sweetest comfort comes in those times when the damage has already been done. The hardest thing may be knowing there is nothing you can do to change a situation! That's the time to rest in the grace of God and trust that in His providence He will work all things together for your good. When you turn you regret and disappointment over to God, He can begin to heal your memories and remove the sting from those disappointments.
Even the death of a dream can hurt less when we allow God access to it. When we lose something precious, or are forced to face a reality we would prefer not to, God can give us the strength. He will help us move past failure, regret, and replace the pain with His peace that passes all understanding. If that is where you find yourself today, I pray these words will encourage you.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to move from regret to grace, and from fear to faith! I thank God for each one of you and for your commitment and faithfulness to your families. I pray you have a special time of thanksgiving, free from the sting of regret and overflowing with the awareness of Gods goodness, amen.
"Don't always be asking, Where are the good old days? Wise folks don't ask questions like that. On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted. "
Ecclesiastes 7:10,14
Ecclesiastes 7:10,14
One thing I've learned as a parent and a homeschooling mother, is that regret is inevitable. I'm sorry to start with such a melancholy thought. But it is true. I used to think that regret meant I did something wrong...or that if I was spiritual enough I would never make mistakes that carried the sting of regret. I have learned, its just not true. Life carries with it a risk and reward system. (My kids grew up hearing this from their father.) You must weigh every decision against its possible risk or reward.
That means the nature of life brings the possibility of failure and regret. The bigger question is how will we respond to and deal with life's risks and the inevitable regrets?
First, we must recognize that, at times, we will be disappointed: in ourselves, in our children, in our spouses, even in God. We will look back at events or conversations and feel the sting of regret. As a mom whose been there, I promise: you will live through it.
The second thing I've learned about regret is: Some of the sweetest comfort comes in those times when the damage has already been done. The hardest thing may be knowing there is nothing you can do to change a situation! That's the time to rest in the grace of God and trust that in His providence He will work all things together for your good. When you turn you regret and disappointment over to God, He can begin to heal your memories and remove the sting from those disappointments.
Death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
(I Corinthians 15:55)
(I Corinthians 15:55)
Even the death of a dream can hurt less when we allow God access to it. When we lose something precious, or are forced to face a reality we would prefer not to, God can give us the strength. He will help us move past failure, regret, and replace the pain with His peace that passes all understanding. If that is where you find yourself today, I pray these words will encourage you.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to move from regret to grace, and from fear to faith! I thank God for each one of you and for your commitment and faithfulness to your families. I pray you have a special time of thanksgiving, free from the sting of regret and overflowing with the awareness of Gods goodness, amen.
Nov 13, 2007
Thought for the Week
I've seen many hard-working, faith-filled parents drop the baton and walk away from homeschooling because of discouragement, fear, and frustration. Most of them struggle with issues that stem from unrealistic expectations. It becomes a mental and spiritual battle to keep homeschooling. Even mature believers may begin to think that homeschooling is just too hard or the problems they are dealing with are somehow caused by homeschooling. They are lured into believing that if they just quit homeschooling, their problems would be solved.
Does your experience as a homeschooler bear this statement out? Or am I overexagerrating the struggle homeschooling can be?
Please comment...
Does your experience as a homeschooler bear this statement out? Or am I overexagerrating the struggle homeschooling can be?
Please comment...
Nov 2, 2007
Are you smiling today?
"Strength and honor are her clothing, she shall rejoice in times to come. She smiles at the future."(Proverbs 31:25)
As you consider the future…are you filled with excitement or trepidation? Are you facing it head on, with a smile? If you've ever tempted to give up or tested to doubt God's call and your ability to follow—you are not alone.
Today we can take a cue from our dear friend, the Proverbs 31 woman! It says she smiles at the future. Maybe she didn't have to worry about her children's education or perhaps she did. Maybe she didn't even feel like smiling, but she did anyway. She faced her family's future head on with a faith-filled, childlike smile…and so can you!
You don't have to have all the answers to smile. You don't have to understand life all the time to be joyful. God has a purpose and a plan for you, your children, and your homeschooling efforts. He will show you what you need to know, when you need to know it; until then leave the details up to Him and just smile!
As you consider the future…are you filled with excitement or trepidation? Are you facing it head on, with a smile? If you've ever tempted to give up or tested to doubt God's call and your ability to follow—you are not alone.
Today we can take a cue from our dear friend, the Proverbs 31 woman! It says she smiles at the future. Maybe she didn't have to worry about her children's education or perhaps she did. Maybe she didn't even feel like smiling, but she did anyway. She faced her family's future head on with a faith-filled, childlike smile…and so can you!
You don't have to have all the answers to smile. You don't have to understand life all the time to be joyful. God has a purpose and a plan for you, your children, and your homeschooling efforts. He will show you what you need to know, when you need to know it; until then leave the details up to Him and just smile!
Utterly Overwhelmed?
"Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it…"(I Thess 5:24 AMP)
Have you ever felt totally unqualified and overwhelmed by a task that lies before you? Like educating your children, being a wise parent, cleaning a house, helping at church? I know I have.
When I was a busy mother of young children, managing my home, caring for five children not my own, I was many times utterly overwhelmed. Yet, every time, God was utterly trustworthy to give me strength and fill in the gaps where I was spread too thin.I have learned over the years that when God 'calls' us to do something, He will be the One to carry us through.
Remember David facing down Goliath? He could have felt overwhelmed and under qualified, yet he knew God would equip him to defeat the giant. Remembering God's faithfulness helped him to rise to the challenge.
Consider on the other hand, the Israelites in the wilderness. The spies (military leaders) all went into Canaan to spy out the land. The report was terrifying. Giants, mountainous terrain, obstacles and opposition as far as the eye could see. That was all the Israelites needed to hear! They forgot completely about the miracles they had seen and the deliverance they had experienced. Instead they cried and complained because the task before them was too big.
Can any of you relate? I know I can. Just this morning I was bemoaning the facts of my life. The full-time job, the tiredness, the messy house…and on it went. Until God brought me up short and reminded me that He is big enough. His faithfulness will be more than enough to get me through this rough patch...and He's big enough for whatever you may be facing today, too!
I want to remind you (and myself) that He Who called you is faithful. He will enable you to meet your giants and to defeat them.
Have you ever felt totally unqualified and overwhelmed by a task that lies before you? Like educating your children, being a wise parent, cleaning a house, helping at church? I know I have.
When I was a busy mother of young children, managing my home, caring for five children not my own, I was many times utterly overwhelmed. Yet, every time, God was utterly trustworthy to give me strength and fill in the gaps where I was spread too thin.I have learned over the years that when God 'calls' us to do something, He will be the One to carry us through.
Remember David facing down Goliath? He could have felt overwhelmed and under qualified, yet he knew God would equip him to defeat the giant. Remembering God's faithfulness helped him to rise to the challenge.
Consider on the other hand, the Israelites in the wilderness. The spies (military leaders) all went into Canaan to spy out the land. The report was terrifying. Giants, mountainous terrain, obstacles and opposition as far as the eye could see. That was all the Israelites needed to hear! They forgot completely about the miracles they had seen and the deliverance they had experienced. Instead they cried and complained because the task before them was too big.
Can any of you relate? I know I can. Just this morning I was bemoaning the facts of my life. The full-time job, the tiredness, the messy house…and on it went. Until God brought me up short and reminded me that He is big enough. His faithfulness will be more than enough to get me through this rough patch...and He's big enough for whatever you may be facing today, too!
I want to remind you (and myself) that He Who called you is faithful. He will enable you to meet your giants and to defeat them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
