I changed my mine for this weeks discussions. Instead, you get pot luck!
WHERE IS YOUR SAFE HARBOR?
I learned at a very young age to never let my Mother hear me grumble and complain. I had a short fuse and often when it was lit, it was a sure bet I would be in trouble. You would have thought I would have learned my lessons. Even though I didn’t get spankings anymore, I still felt the impact of her look and knew I was in hot water. It doesn’t take a person long to realize when they are in over their head, but I have always had an inquisitive and argumentative nature. If I didn’t want to do something I would grumble under my breath. I didn’t slam drawers or doors because that would be to obvious. However, everyone knew I was angry or upset. I suppose most people have a discontent and deal with it in their own personal way. Eventually, control is reached, whether by counting to 10 or by shear will power. Jim was my control!
During the time I was teaching the SS highschool class and leading the Youth Group, I remember a brother and sister. The girl was beautiful with long dark hair, dark eyes with thick lashes and nicely shaped eye brows. Her brother was fairly quiet compared to her and he was not filled with as much anger as she was. However both of them expressed their dislike of their mother and father. The sister didn’t care who heard her verbal tirades about how awful the parents were and how much she hated them. I tried to talk with her but she couldn’t listen because her hatred filled her whole being. One evening she was killed by running into moving traffic. She was killed instantly!
Jim and I were on our way home from church and happened upon the situation and took the youngest of the family to a friend while the parents went to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. We went to be with this devastated Mom and Dad. We found them sitting beside their beautiful daughter stroking her hair, caressing her arm and with tears dried on their cheeks talking lovingly to her as only now they could because she couldn’t yell back at them. During the short time we knew this family, it was difficult for us to see why the teenagers hated their parents so and how devastated the parents were at her death. We attended three different services for this girl not to mention the day long visit at the mortuary. I often thought they did this because they could shower love and attention on her and she couldn’t run away anymore.
We are all familiar with the story of the Israelites and how they would grumble and complain and how God continually supplied all their needs. We remember how they would praise and thank Him and would turn against Him with more grumbling and complaining. God would send disease and trouble amongst them to get their attention and then they would repent and come back to Him. Over and over again God would be patient, but in the long run, they were no longer His chosen people, except to bring Christ into this world. This happens to us today when we complain about what God allows in our lives. It begins to affect us physically and then we begin to spiritually decay. Conversely, when we continue to praise and rejoice in the Lord during troubled times we grow spiritually because we have put our trust in Jesus which develops in us a grateful spirit towards God and others.
When we forget about ourselves we can let ourselves lie in green pastures because the Lord is our Shepherd. Read Psalms 23 and replace the personal pronouns like "my, I, me etc" with your name and re-read it again. It becomes far more personal! This passage is read at most memorial services because it is comforting. However, this is a happy passage! Take this chapter with you daily and see if it doesn’t bring the assurance that you are loved and cared for all the days of your life. Just think; "you can dwell in the house of the Lord forever". This is our safe harbor! It is filled with peace and green pastures! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/12/08
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
DADDY, COME SEE; WATCH ME!
This week we are going to look at how we treat one another in the Spirit. Hang on, this could be rough!
DADDY, COME SEE. WATCH ME!
When my children were small, every Saturday morning we cleaned our whole house. They would do one small thing and would come and beg Jim or me to come and see. As they got older, this never stopped. We still were to come and see! Danny loved to moved the furniture. Once he came and wanted me to come and see, even though I was cleaning the toilet. Brush in hand, towel in the other. I had to leave my important job to go and see! It is important to them to get an approval each step of the way. The truth is, no matter how old we are, we are still saying, "Come and see! Watch me!" We seek out those people who will acknowledge us with a look of love and approval. Faye, my daughter-in-law has always given her three boys a look of ‘doing good’ with a thumbs up. I have seen her do this at ball games, in church when they are participating up front during worship! The boys are always seeking that look from their Mom & Dad that says you are on the right track, keep going.
When I was 17 or so, it was my turn to clean the living room. I started out hanging clothes on the line; Washing them and putting them away; Making beds; Ironing clothes; Always doing dishes etc. Well, now I got to clean the living room! On Saturday mornings my mother usually went grocery shopping. The living room was sort of on the order of a theater so that everyone could see the TV. Well my first time on the job, I changed it! It now looked like a living room. I was pretty pleased with myself! Mom came home and took one look in the living room and said; "Who cleaned the living room"? I was excited, so I said; "I did"! Mom turned to me and gave me one of her stern looks and said; "put it back the way it was"! I did! As I grew older, I began to understand my Mom. She didn’t have time for incidentals. Having to deal with so many living in her home didn’t give time for explanations. But her response hurt me just the same. I guess that is why I never minded Danny moving the furniture! I wish he was still arranging my furniture.
Can you recall a time when somebody turned on you and spoke in a way that made you leave the room with your tail between your legs? By the same token, can you remember a time when someone spoke words of approval, or encouragement? I remember when Jim first said; "I love you". I do! He brought me home after a Sing at a neighboring church. He stopped the engine and he turned towards me and said, I LOVE YOU! All I could say was; "THANK YOU! But I remember! I was amazed that somebody could feel that way about me. When we hear words that make us happy, we keep them ready to replay often, especially as we get older.
God gave us His Word to build us up. To encourage us! His word also shows us how we are to lift up and encourage one another. Gods Word is very important and so is our word! To love one another is a commandment! It doesn’t leave room for negativity! Showing our appreciation is important for our spouse and our children. Our response is important!
When we are loving God, we can’t help but show approval, appreciation, encouragement and affirmation to others. Matthew 22:37-39 says; "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself"! We know when God gives us His approval! We know when we have done well! We feel it in our souls and when it is appreciated by others. Keeping God’s commandments are necessary for us because it helps us to remember what pleases Him. Receiving approval and encouragement not only makes us feel good about ourselves, but it helps us to know what it can do for those we show appreciation and encouragement to. With our Heavenly Father, we don’t have to say; "Come and see! Watch me"! What satisfaction. Love Rules! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/25/08
DADDY, COME SEE. WATCH ME!
When my children were small, every Saturday morning we cleaned our whole house. They would do one small thing and would come and beg Jim or me to come and see. As they got older, this never stopped. We still were to come and see! Danny loved to moved the furniture. Once he came and wanted me to come and see, even though I was cleaning the toilet. Brush in hand, towel in the other. I had to leave my important job to go and see! It is important to them to get an approval each step of the way. The truth is, no matter how old we are, we are still saying, "Come and see! Watch me!" We seek out those people who will acknowledge us with a look of love and approval. Faye, my daughter-in-law has always given her three boys a look of ‘doing good’ with a thumbs up. I have seen her do this at ball games, in church when they are participating up front during worship! The boys are always seeking that look from their Mom & Dad that says you are on the right track, keep going.
When I was 17 or so, it was my turn to clean the living room. I started out hanging clothes on the line; Washing them and putting them away; Making beds; Ironing clothes; Always doing dishes etc. Well, now I got to clean the living room! On Saturday mornings my mother usually went grocery shopping. The living room was sort of on the order of a theater so that everyone could see the TV. Well my first time on the job, I changed it! It now looked like a living room. I was pretty pleased with myself! Mom came home and took one look in the living room and said; "Who cleaned the living room"? I was excited, so I said; "I did"! Mom turned to me and gave me one of her stern looks and said; "put it back the way it was"! I did! As I grew older, I began to understand my Mom. She didn’t have time for incidentals. Having to deal with so many living in her home didn’t give time for explanations. But her response hurt me just the same. I guess that is why I never minded Danny moving the furniture! I wish he was still arranging my furniture.
Can you recall a time when somebody turned on you and spoke in a way that made you leave the room with your tail between your legs? By the same token, can you remember a time when someone spoke words of approval, or encouragement? I remember when Jim first said; "I love you". I do! He brought me home after a Sing at a neighboring church. He stopped the engine and he turned towards me and said, I LOVE YOU! All I could say was; "THANK YOU! But I remember! I was amazed that somebody could feel that way about me. When we hear words that make us happy, we keep them ready to replay often, especially as we get older.
God gave us His Word to build us up. To encourage us! His word also shows us how we are to lift up and encourage one another. Gods Word is very important and so is our word! To love one another is a commandment! It doesn’t leave room for negativity! Showing our appreciation is important for our spouse and our children. Our response is important!
When we are loving God, we can’t help but show approval, appreciation, encouragement and affirmation to others. Matthew 22:37-39 says; "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself"! We know when God gives us His approval! We know when we have done well! We feel it in our souls and when it is appreciated by others. Keeping God’s commandments are necessary for us because it helps us to remember what pleases Him. Receiving approval and encouragement not only makes us feel good about ourselves, but it helps us to know what it can do for those we show appreciation and encouragement to. With our Heavenly Father, we don’t have to say; "Come and see! Watch me"! What satisfaction. Love Rules! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/25/08
Friday, June 5, 2009
IDEALISTIC OR FORGIVENESS!
It is easy for us to look at life through rose colored glasses. It is easy for me to tell you how it should be because I was able to do something’s right. It is easy to look at God’s word and say this is what God asks and this is what we should do. The preacher of my youth preached a sermon on sex and abstinence, every year. Most preachers, cover the ideal Christian walk but it always come down to God’s promise of forgiveness. WOW!
Being chaste is no easy task! One of the things God told Eve in the garden just before He asked Adam and Eve to leave, was that Eve would desire her husband. Of course it was in the context of having pain multiplied in childbirth. However, the inner workings of a woman is the desire that can come up by a smile, the touch of a hand, the smell of cologne and even by the attention that is paid to her. I am talking as a woman because even though I know how quick a man can respond to some of the same things, I am not a man therefore I cannot speak for them.
When we walk with Christ we know that sexual intercourse is wrong before marriage. We know, if we do not stop, we lose control and eat of the forbidden fruit. When that happens and it does, God has promised us forgiveness. Our God loves us so much that he has given us a lot of rope. You have heard; "Give him enough rope and he will hang himself!" In reality, we certainly can hang ourselves, but being unchaste by fornication and/or committing adultery is not the unforgivable sin. Praise God!
In my youth most things were kept hush, hush. If a girl became pregnant while still in school and unmarried, she would just be gone for a while. If a girl became pregnant and married, which were very few, she left school and sometimes would have a tutor so she could complete her education. But pregnancies were not allow in the public schools. There were many girls that were looked upon as being easy and you could readily recognize the boys that sought out these girls.
At my 50th high school reunion I saw that the easy girls could change. One in particular who Christ made a difference in. Praise the Lord for His promise of forgiveness! Being idealistic keeps us from looking inside ourselves and cleaning out the closets. Being filled with self righteousness keeps us from reaching our potential in Jesus Christ. We must examine ourselves and discover what path we want to follow and begin anew.
Today, we have learned to have compassion on these that find themselves in the family way. We need to help them not abuse them, because you can’t turn back the clock and make it not to have happened. Abortion is not the way out, because there is a life involved. A beautiful, new life regardless as to how it began.
Being forgiven gives us a new lease on life! Being forgiven tells us that God is not through with us yet! Being forgiven keeps us on the narrow path which goes through the narrow gate! Being forgiven helps us to realize that the ideal is the best way, but through God, perfection is always ahead of us. Remember; "pbpwmginfwmy"? It says; "Please be patient with me, God is not finished with me yet!" Hallelujah !
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness". 1 John 1:9 "My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; He is the atonement for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
1 John 2:1-2
Let’s take God’s offer and see how He can clean up our act! Let’s learn to walk in Christ and become the children of the Father. Our lives will be much happier and fulfilling! To be forgiven is what this is all about! Jane Ann
It is easy for us to look at life through rose colored glasses. It is easy for me to tell you how it should be because I was able to do something’s right. It is easy to look at God’s word and say this is what God asks and this is what we should do. The preacher of my youth preached a sermon on sex and abstinence, every year. Most preachers, cover the ideal Christian walk but it always come down to God’s promise of forgiveness. WOW!
Being chaste is no easy task! One of the things God told Eve in the garden just before He asked Adam and Eve to leave, was that Eve would desire her husband. Of course it was in the context of having pain multiplied in childbirth. However, the inner workings of a woman is the desire that can come up by a smile, the touch of a hand, the smell of cologne and even by the attention that is paid to her. I am talking as a woman because even though I know how quick a man can respond to some of the same things, I am not a man therefore I cannot speak for them.
When we walk with Christ we know that sexual intercourse is wrong before marriage. We know, if we do not stop, we lose control and eat of the forbidden fruit. When that happens and it does, God has promised us forgiveness. Our God loves us so much that he has given us a lot of rope. You have heard; "Give him enough rope and he will hang himself!" In reality, we certainly can hang ourselves, but being unchaste by fornication and/or committing adultery is not the unforgivable sin. Praise God!
In my youth most things were kept hush, hush. If a girl became pregnant while still in school and unmarried, she would just be gone for a while. If a girl became pregnant and married, which were very few, she left school and sometimes would have a tutor so she could complete her education. But pregnancies were not allow in the public schools. There were many girls that were looked upon as being easy and you could readily recognize the boys that sought out these girls.
At my 50th high school reunion I saw that the easy girls could change. One in particular who Christ made a difference in. Praise the Lord for His promise of forgiveness! Being idealistic keeps us from looking inside ourselves and cleaning out the closets. Being filled with self righteousness keeps us from reaching our potential in Jesus Christ. We must examine ourselves and discover what path we want to follow and begin anew.
Today, we have learned to have compassion on these that find themselves in the family way. We need to help them not abuse them, because you can’t turn back the clock and make it not to have happened. Abortion is not the way out, because there is a life involved. A beautiful, new life regardless as to how it began.
Being forgiven gives us a new lease on life! Being forgiven tells us that God is not through with us yet! Being forgiven keeps us on the narrow path which goes through the narrow gate! Being forgiven helps us to realize that the ideal is the best way, but through God, perfection is always ahead of us. Remember; "pbpwmginfwmy"? It says; "Please be patient with me, God is not finished with me yet!" Hallelujah !
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness". 1 John 1:9 "My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; He is the atonement for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
1 John 2:1-2
Let’s take God’s offer and see how He can clean up our act! Let’s learn to walk in Christ and become the children of the Father. Our lives will be much happier and fulfilling! To be forgiven is what this is all about! Jane Ann
Thursday, June 4, 2009
WHO’S LAW ARE WE UNDER?
Growing up we were to live by the rules. We had rules at home which said; obey the rules! They could be anything from picking up your clothes, clean your plate, be home at a decent hour (of course we had to be old enough for that one), do your chores etc. etc.
At school the rules were also; obey the rules! They could be hand in your paper at the end of the day, do not run in the halls, no hitting one another on the play grounds and of course when you were in high school there were the dress codes.
In the community the rules were also; obey the rules or in this case the laws. No loitering, littering, cross only in the cross walk. When old enough to drive we were to obey the traffic laws. We all know what red, yellow and green mean, but do we obey them?
Rules, rules everywhere and no leniency anywhere! God set up the law in the Old Testament so the people would learn right from wrong. So they would understand that sin was wrong and to be obedient was good and right. God set up the law so we would know and understand human behavior in such a way that to be obedient to God would give them a better life. "To obey is better than sacrifice!" 1 Samuel 15:22b
"Thus says the Lord, learn not the way of the nations!" Jeremiah 10:2a In reading 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul is telling the people to learn how to live to please God. Paul says that we are to abstain from unchastity because God has not called us to uncleanness but holiness. If we disregard this, we are not disregarding man but God who gives us His Holy Spirit.
We are to teach our children to know God and to be able to differentiate between God and man’s laws. We are not to teach our children to disobey man’s law because Romans 13:1a says; "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." That sounds a little ominous doesn’t it? A little more inclusive than we would like but in that same verse Paul tells us; "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." That sounds better, doesn’t it?
"Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good and you will receive his approval." Romans 13:3 It is apparent to me that when we are obedient to God’s word and are teaching our children His statutes then God will use those in authority for our good. However, if we are doing wrong then we should be afraid.
I am concerned about what is being taught in our schools and the lengths that have been taken to keep the parents out of the decisions regarding the liberal handing out of condoms and not notifying the parent regarding abortions. However, if we are training our child up in the way he/she should go we need to put our trust in the Lord. His word is true and just! Mistakes happen but with God, we can live justly and do the right things.
Once the Vice Principal at the High School called me because Danny and Jennifer arrived late to school. He said; "Your son tells me he was late because his truck wouldn’t start!" I replied; "If Danny told you his truck wouldn’t start, then his truck wouldn’t start!" The VP said he was just checking because he felt I should know. I was a little angry that they would check up on Danny and Jennifer’s excuse when they were not children with social or disciplinary problems. They never called me again!
Parents need to know where their children are at all times. Parents need to let their children know where they are at all times. Children need to know they can trust their parents and in doing so, parents know they can trust their children. This is trusting in God! This is God’s law! Jane Ann
Growing up we were to live by the rules. We had rules at home which said; obey the rules! They could be anything from picking up your clothes, clean your plate, be home at a decent hour (of course we had to be old enough for that one), do your chores etc. etc.
At school the rules were also; obey the rules! They could be hand in your paper at the end of the day, do not run in the halls, no hitting one another on the play grounds and of course when you were in high school there were the dress codes.
In the community the rules were also; obey the rules or in this case the laws. No loitering, littering, cross only in the cross walk. When old enough to drive we were to obey the traffic laws. We all know what red, yellow and green mean, but do we obey them?
Rules, rules everywhere and no leniency anywhere! God set up the law in the Old Testament so the people would learn right from wrong. So they would understand that sin was wrong and to be obedient was good and right. God set up the law so we would know and understand human behavior in such a way that to be obedient to God would give them a better life. "To obey is better than sacrifice!" 1 Samuel 15:22b
"Thus says the Lord, learn not the way of the nations!" Jeremiah 10:2a In reading 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul is telling the people to learn how to live to please God. Paul says that we are to abstain from unchastity because God has not called us to uncleanness but holiness. If we disregard this, we are not disregarding man but God who gives us His Holy Spirit.
We are to teach our children to know God and to be able to differentiate between God and man’s laws. We are not to teach our children to disobey man’s law because Romans 13:1a says; "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." That sounds a little ominous doesn’t it? A little more inclusive than we would like but in that same verse Paul tells us; "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." That sounds better, doesn’t it?
"Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good and you will receive his approval." Romans 13:3 It is apparent to me that when we are obedient to God’s word and are teaching our children His statutes then God will use those in authority for our good. However, if we are doing wrong then we should be afraid.
I am concerned about what is being taught in our schools and the lengths that have been taken to keep the parents out of the decisions regarding the liberal handing out of condoms and not notifying the parent regarding abortions. However, if we are training our child up in the way he/she should go we need to put our trust in the Lord. His word is true and just! Mistakes happen but with God, we can live justly and do the right things.
Once the Vice Principal at the High School called me because Danny and Jennifer arrived late to school. He said; "Your son tells me he was late because his truck wouldn’t start!" I replied; "If Danny told you his truck wouldn’t start, then his truck wouldn’t start!" The VP said he was just checking because he felt I should know. I was a little angry that they would check up on Danny and Jennifer’s excuse when they were not children with social or disciplinary problems. They never called me again!
Parents need to know where their children are at all times. Parents need to let their children know where they are at all times. Children need to know they can trust their parents and in doing so, parents know they can trust their children. This is trusting in God! This is God’s law! Jane Ann
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
THE LAW
When Jennifer was preparing to attend summer school I went with her to get her enrolled and to sign some papers. When the enrollment was completed I was given two more papers to sign. I glanced at them and then asked; "Exactly what are these papers?" The clerk informed me that these papers were acknowledgment of my having received a copy of my rights as parent of my child. "My Rights"?; I responded! More like, I exploded! She told me that according to the law the child has more rights than the parent does in regards to how the school teaches, what they teach and what information is given to the parent.
I refused to sign the papers! I was informed that under the law, unless I signed these papers they would not be able to allow Jennifer to attend summer school. I thought about it for a few minutes and I told her I would sign the papers only because Jennifer needed summer school to help her to retain what she had already learned and wouldn’t regress during the summer. However, as far as my rights were concerned, I was still her parent and if the school did anything that was contrary to what I considered right or necessary , they would hear from me.
For quite some time the law has been on the side of the child, which in some cases is a good thing. To unify the law for all children is not a good thing. It takes parenting out of the hands of the good parent as well as overseeing the good of the child in homes where bad parenting is going on.
In 1996 The Christian Coalition and its political allies were campaigning to establish the right to raise one’s child, free of outside interference. Parents, in their view, can no longer spank a child without being harassed by a government agency, while schools are constantly subjecting children to offensive sexual materials or anti-religious teachings. However, establishing parental rights would make it easier for parents to file lawsuits against everything from sex education to the teaching of evolution and certain works of literature by Mark Twain or Shakespeare. The consensus also felt that this would give parents the right to bring litigation to harass local school boards and authorities into withdrawing controversial courses.
According to Bob Unruh, posted April 09; "Supporters of a plan to amend the U.S. Constitution to include parental rights are warning moms and dads across the United States they already are losing their rights to make decisions regarding their children’s health, education, welfare, finances, sex education, access to abortion and even leisure time". It has become apparent that even though the parent is still the parent the term; "what is best for the child" can override a good parents decision. I ask; "Who determines what is best for the child?"
I agree with the ‘Parental Rights in Education’ a statement by Focus on the Family which says; "We steadfastly oppose any and all domestic and international efforts of social parenting movements that would define children as wards of the state." I believe that the school is to teach the 3 R’s and other academic instruction and leave morality and religion up to the parents.
According to the Alliance Defense Fund statement; "The US Supreme Court has ruled that parents have the right to ‘direct the moral upbringing of their children." That right extends to the rights of parents to have their children ‘opt-out’ of explicit sex education programs that contradict and undermine the family’s sincere religious and moral beliefs."
Family Research Council says; "Parents play a major role in whether or not their teen will have sex". Chastity is taught in the home! "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does right is righteous, as He is righteous. He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning". 1 John 3:7-8 Just because some parents are not in the know doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be. Teaching our children is the key! Jane Ann
When Jennifer was preparing to attend summer school I went with her to get her enrolled and to sign some papers. When the enrollment was completed I was given two more papers to sign. I glanced at them and then asked; "Exactly what are these papers?" The clerk informed me that these papers were acknowledgment of my having received a copy of my rights as parent of my child. "My Rights"?; I responded! More like, I exploded! She told me that according to the law the child has more rights than the parent does in regards to how the school teaches, what they teach and what information is given to the parent.
I refused to sign the papers! I was informed that under the law, unless I signed these papers they would not be able to allow Jennifer to attend summer school. I thought about it for a few minutes and I told her I would sign the papers only because Jennifer needed summer school to help her to retain what she had already learned and wouldn’t regress during the summer. However, as far as my rights were concerned, I was still her parent and if the school did anything that was contrary to what I considered right or necessary , they would hear from me.
For quite some time the law has been on the side of the child, which in some cases is a good thing. To unify the law for all children is not a good thing. It takes parenting out of the hands of the good parent as well as overseeing the good of the child in homes where bad parenting is going on.
In 1996 The Christian Coalition and its political allies were campaigning to establish the right to raise one’s child, free of outside interference. Parents, in their view, can no longer spank a child without being harassed by a government agency, while schools are constantly subjecting children to offensive sexual materials or anti-religious teachings. However, establishing parental rights would make it easier for parents to file lawsuits against everything from sex education to the teaching of evolution and certain works of literature by Mark Twain or Shakespeare. The consensus also felt that this would give parents the right to bring litigation to harass local school boards and authorities into withdrawing controversial courses.
According to Bob Unruh, posted April 09; "Supporters of a plan to amend the U.S. Constitution to include parental rights are warning moms and dads across the United States they already are losing their rights to make decisions regarding their children’s health, education, welfare, finances, sex education, access to abortion and even leisure time". It has become apparent that even though the parent is still the parent the term; "what is best for the child" can override a good parents decision. I ask; "Who determines what is best for the child?"
I agree with the ‘Parental Rights in Education’ a statement by Focus on the Family which says; "We steadfastly oppose any and all domestic and international efforts of social parenting movements that would define children as wards of the state." I believe that the school is to teach the 3 R’s and other academic instruction and leave morality and religion up to the parents.
According to the Alliance Defense Fund statement; "The US Supreme Court has ruled that parents have the right to ‘direct the moral upbringing of their children." That right extends to the rights of parents to have their children ‘opt-out’ of explicit sex education programs that contradict and undermine the family’s sincere religious and moral beliefs."
Family Research Council says; "Parents play a major role in whether or not their teen will have sex". Chastity is taught in the home! "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does right is righteous, as He is righteous. He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning". 1 John 3:7-8 Just because some parents are not in the know doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be. Teaching our children is the key! Jane Ann
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
THE DOCTOR’S
Recently I discovered a new favorite TV show; The Doctor’s. Of course it is entertaining but it also had some good sound information/advice regarding many questions most people have on moles, warts, vaccinations different surgeries and many other chronic conditions that you can take care of at home. The Doctor’s are very personable and seem to have a good ra por’ with one another. Needless to say, I was enjoying my new favorite.
Yesterday, I was checking to see what the topic for their time slot would be and the whole show fell down the slippery slope of disappointment. The topic for the day was sex! Not just the purpose of this activity but how to and what enhancements are best to use for both men and women. In our world today, anything is fair game in books, movies and on TV.
Oh yes, we are given a certified rating so that we will be circumspect in our choices if children will be watching. I personally classify myself as one of the children. We have a new cliche’, new because it parallels the advent of TV and computers. "Garbage in, garbage out!"
Early movies would depict a married couple sleeping in twin beds. Never under the same sheets! Kisses were more casual and not the passionate ones you now witness! Somewhere in the 50's more and more was not left up to your own imagination but instead became something of an embarrassment, especially if you were sitting next to the opposite sex.
TV commercials and advertisements in magazines and newspapers have taken being discreet, out of the picture and have become blatant in the exposure of their products. So much so that we are bombarded with birth control/prevention methods along with pills, ointments and salves for arousal and enhancement sprays for men and women. Not to mention the advertisement of under garments and the use of sexual innuendos in every other product on the earth, that have nothing to do with the sexual nature of man. Our TV’s, movies, books and the computer have inundated our humanity with sexual overtures and we continue to allow it by watching what is on our electronic devices and wonder; "What has our world come to"!
I am not comfortable with what is happening, nor am I comfortable watching it at the theater nor on my TV. We either mute the commercial or scene or we turn the station on the TV. It is a rarity if we stay longer than 10 to 15 minutes at the movie theater. Movies are not cheap but knowing that Jim is more than willing to walk out with me makes it all worth the cost of the popcorn.
We were standing in line for a movie, wondering what we were going to see and the lady behind us recommended; "The Cider House Rules". She knew we would just love it! Okay! We hated it! I have often wondered why this woman thought we would just love it! Was it because we are old or because it had abortions, illicit sex and took you down an imaginary road where you, the Christian, wouldn’t travel in real life? Jim did get his popcorn and shortly after, we left!
I am not a prude but I am a Christian! I am not a perfect example of Christianity but I have put my trust in the Lord and am persuaded that the Holy Spirit will help me through it all.
In 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 Paul says that we are not to associate with immoral men; true believers are to have no fellowship with the wicked works of darkness. He is not talking about the world because the world is already judged by God but he is talking about the church, for we are to judge one another. Watch where you walk! Watch what you think! Watch what you do!
"If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; It is better to lose one of your members than your whole body be thrown into hell." Matthew 5:29-30 Jane Ann
Recently I discovered a new favorite TV show; The Doctor’s. Of course it is entertaining but it also had some good sound information/advice regarding many questions most people have on moles, warts, vaccinations different surgeries and many other chronic conditions that you can take care of at home. The Doctor’s are very personable and seem to have a good ra por’ with one another. Needless to say, I was enjoying my new favorite.
Yesterday, I was checking to see what the topic for their time slot would be and the whole show fell down the slippery slope of disappointment. The topic for the day was sex! Not just the purpose of this activity but how to and what enhancements are best to use for both men and women. In our world today, anything is fair game in books, movies and on TV.
Oh yes, we are given a certified rating so that we will be circumspect in our choices if children will be watching. I personally classify myself as one of the children. We have a new cliche’, new because it parallels the advent of TV and computers. "Garbage in, garbage out!"
Early movies would depict a married couple sleeping in twin beds. Never under the same sheets! Kisses were more casual and not the passionate ones you now witness! Somewhere in the 50's more and more was not left up to your own imagination but instead became something of an embarrassment, especially if you were sitting next to the opposite sex.
TV commercials and advertisements in magazines and newspapers have taken being discreet, out of the picture and have become blatant in the exposure of their products. So much so that we are bombarded with birth control/prevention methods along with pills, ointments and salves for arousal and enhancement sprays for men and women. Not to mention the advertisement of under garments and the use of sexual innuendos in every other product on the earth, that have nothing to do with the sexual nature of man. Our TV’s, movies, books and the computer have inundated our humanity with sexual overtures and we continue to allow it by watching what is on our electronic devices and wonder; "What has our world come to"!
I am not comfortable with what is happening, nor am I comfortable watching it at the theater nor on my TV. We either mute the commercial or scene or we turn the station on the TV. It is a rarity if we stay longer than 10 to 15 minutes at the movie theater. Movies are not cheap but knowing that Jim is more than willing to walk out with me makes it all worth the cost of the popcorn.
We were standing in line for a movie, wondering what we were going to see and the lady behind us recommended; "The Cider House Rules". She knew we would just love it! Okay! We hated it! I have often wondered why this woman thought we would just love it! Was it because we are old or because it had abortions, illicit sex and took you down an imaginary road where you, the Christian, wouldn’t travel in real life? Jim did get his popcorn and shortly after, we left!
I am not a prude but I am a Christian! I am not a perfect example of Christianity but I have put my trust in the Lord and am persuaded that the Holy Spirit will help me through it all.
In 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 Paul says that we are not to associate with immoral men; true believers are to have no fellowship with the wicked works of darkness. He is not talking about the world because the world is already judged by God but he is talking about the church, for we are to judge one another. Watch where you walk! Watch what you think! Watch what you do!
"If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; It is better to lose one of your members than your whole body be thrown into hell." Matthew 5:29-30 Jane Ann
Monday, June 1, 2009
THE BIRDS AND THE BEE'S! 6/1/09
This week our subject use to be hush hush, however, today anything goes. It is subject that even in the Christian world we don't want to discuss, but it is a subject that needs to be considered.
THE BIRDS AND THE BEE’S
Today it is called "sex education" and by the School Board authority, you receive it in school. When I was 10, it was no longer, more than I needed to know. When I told my Mom of the issue I was experiencing, she handed me a little book called "The Birds and the Bee’s" along with some other things, with instructions on how to use them. She told me to read the book thoroughly! I read the first few pages which was all about the habits of birds and how bee’s got the nectar/pollen from one plant and deposited it into another. I was soon bored, but I told Mom I read it!
Sometimes I would go with my friend to her grandparents house in Redlands and play amongst the orchards. I told her what had happened to me and she said it hasn’t happened to her but she knew all about it. After all, her Dad was the preacher and he knew everything and had talked to her about it. I didn’t have to coax her, because she was more than willing to share what she knew. Some of what she told me, I already suspected, but now, I had the facts, Now I understood, or I thought I did. But then, I was very young and naive!
As I grew older we had a class where the boys were separated from the girls and both classes were given instructions on the development of our bodies which took us through awareness and puberty. Now, that was an eye opener! All of the girls and boys went around for a few days after that whispering to each other about our new found identities and information.
My brother Lloyd always said that I lived in my own little world and most things just went over my head at the speed of lightning. When I got married, I finally understood what he meant. However, I married a man who knew a lot more than me, but not as much as he thought he did. We learned together and what a blessing that was and has been throughout our marriage. We have no comparable’s, except each other. He is the most patient of men and has always been wonderful to me. Experience is not always the best teacher! It depends upon what you need experience for. Many life situations require some experience. Being a virgin was considered ideal for girls only. I suggest that being a virgin for the young woman and man is the ideal. I believe that every young girl deserves a chaste man as well as he deserves a chaste woman.
I have often wondered why Mary, the mother of Jesus, was dressed in blue. I saw a movie once that told about it and decided that was as good an answer as any. In Judaism during biblical times blue was considered pure and was worn to show virginity in young girls. That makes it sound like they wore a badge of sorts. Today, in our world, it is no longer a disgrace to be sexually active but looked upon as normal. No wonder marriages don’t last and love is a word to describe desire. To love means far more than that! No wonder there is so much unhappiness!
"Fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. Let there be no filthiness or silly talk which is not fitting. Those that do this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Ephesians 5:3-5 He says that we should not even associate with those who do these things. In verse 12 it says that it is even shameful to speak of these sinful things that they do in secret. "We are to look carefully how we walk for we are to be wise. We are not to be foolish or drink wine, but understand the will of God and be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:15 We are to be pleasing to God even in our sexual activities.
Defilement of the marriage bed is common today. Either before marriage or even after marriage! Marriage use to hold mysteries and surprises but today it is mostly full of comparable’s and being unfulfilled; constantly seeking a fulfillment that could have been if you had only waited for that special one. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/6/08
THE BIRDS AND THE BEE’S
Today it is called "sex education" and by the School Board authority, you receive it in school. When I was 10, it was no longer, more than I needed to know. When I told my Mom of the issue I was experiencing, she handed me a little book called "The Birds and the Bee’s" along with some other things, with instructions on how to use them. She told me to read the book thoroughly! I read the first few pages which was all about the habits of birds and how bee’s got the nectar/pollen from one plant and deposited it into another. I was soon bored, but I told Mom I read it!
Sometimes I would go with my friend to her grandparents house in Redlands and play amongst the orchards. I told her what had happened to me and she said it hasn’t happened to her but she knew all about it. After all, her Dad was the preacher and he knew everything and had talked to her about it. I didn’t have to coax her, because she was more than willing to share what she knew. Some of what she told me, I already suspected, but now, I had the facts, Now I understood, or I thought I did. But then, I was very young and naive!
As I grew older we had a class where the boys were separated from the girls and both classes were given instructions on the development of our bodies which took us through awareness and puberty. Now, that was an eye opener! All of the girls and boys went around for a few days after that whispering to each other about our new found identities and information.
My brother Lloyd always said that I lived in my own little world and most things just went over my head at the speed of lightning. When I got married, I finally understood what he meant. However, I married a man who knew a lot more than me, but not as much as he thought he did. We learned together and what a blessing that was and has been throughout our marriage. We have no comparable’s, except each other. He is the most patient of men and has always been wonderful to me. Experience is not always the best teacher! It depends upon what you need experience for. Many life situations require some experience. Being a virgin was considered ideal for girls only. I suggest that being a virgin for the young woman and man is the ideal. I believe that every young girl deserves a chaste man as well as he deserves a chaste woman.
I have often wondered why Mary, the mother of Jesus, was dressed in blue. I saw a movie once that told about it and decided that was as good an answer as any. In Judaism during biblical times blue was considered pure and was worn to show virginity in young girls. That makes it sound like they wore a badge of sorts. Today, in our world, it is no longer a disgrace to be sexually active but looked upon as normal. No wonder marriages don’t last and love is a word to describe desire. To love means far more than that! No wonder there is so much unhappiness!
"Fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. Let there be no filthiness or silly talk which is not fitting. Those that do this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Ephesians 5:3-5 He says that we should not even associate with those who do these things. In verse 12 it says that it is even shameful to speak of these sinful things that they do in secret. "We are to look carefully how we walk for we are to be wise. We are not to be foolish or drink wine, but understand the will of God and be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:15 We are to be pleasing to God even in our sexual activities.
Defilement of the marriage bed is common today. Either before marriage or even after marriage! Marriage use to hold mysteries and surprises but today it is mostly full of comparable’s and being unfulfilled; constantly seeking a fulfillment that could have been if you had only waited for that special one. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/6/08
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