This piece, this is a purely speculation piece. A piece formed of opinion. Maybe there are facts to support such an opinion. Maybe I can be educated or debated to learn how my opinion is wrong. This is an open forum for those at Plymouth and those that just read along.

The idea of separating church from state was first introduced by Thomas Jefferson in 1802. This idea was used to write the first amendment rights which provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ….” and Article VI specifies that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”

Sometime in the last two decades (the exact year I am struggling to find) it was determined by a bunch of guys, in suits, sitting in their little offices, being paid way too much money, and with obviously nothing better to do, to remove religion from public schools. Since then there has been talk about removing “in God we trust” from our currency, taking “God” out of our Pledge of Allegiance, and absolutely no prayer or other forms of religious talk is permitted by any staff or students publicly.

I think, personally, this was a huge mistake. And here is where I might ruffle some feathers, but to be a child of God we must understand (not necessarily accept) that there are people that just do not believe in God, or any higher power for that matter. They believe in the Earth, the air, the ocean, but they just don’t ever think it was created by one man in seven days. What about those that do believe? What about those that want to learn more? And most importantly the values that come with the educating on God and religion?

Bringing God back to school, back to the daily lives of all our citizens, will bring back traditional values that are missing in our society today. Honoring one another. Kindness. Giving and forgiving. Just because a person doesn’t believe today doesn’t mean that they would not understand and learn to accept the values, and once they’ve learned to accept and practice the values than their hearts can be more open to accepting God. Right?

So, we bring God back to school. We allow our teachers to teach values. We educate not on a particular religion but about religious concept and provide a path, a doorway, to students who will grow up having higher morals and standards. Who will have the ability to look at life’s culture in a broader scope.

Taking God out is like removing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because some students have allergies. We are a society that is catering to the one squeaky wheel instead of teaching how to work with the whole car. It’s time to stop. Bring back Leave it to Beaver, and I Love Lucy. Teach real ethics, real values, and see how we can save our next generation before they end up an angry, gun blazing society. Just think, these are the future of our nation – our doctors, lawyers, politicians, parents, teachers, and care givers to the elderly.

What would God want you to do? Can you change the world? Can you change the future of our nation? Are you willing to try?

I believe that everyone needs to have HOPE that the future has bigger and brighter days ahead..

If this doesn’t make you cry I don’t know what will!!!

I still believe in Santa Clause, Don’t you??

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa

at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin . The child climbed up on his lap, holding

a picture of a little girl. “Who is this?” asked Santa, smiling.

“Your friend?” Your sister?

“Yes, Santa,” he replied. “My sister, Sarah, who is very sick,” he

said sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her

dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

“She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!”

the child exclaimed. “She misses you,” he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy’s face,

asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.

When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the

child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.

“What is it?” Santa asked warmly.

“Well, I know it’s really too much to ask you, Santa, but …” the

old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa’s elves to

collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors.

“The girl in the photograph .. my granddaughter .. well, you see ..

she has leukemia and isn’t expected to make it even through the

holidays,” she said through tear-filled eyes. “Is there any way, Santa

… any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That’s all she’s

asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa.”

Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave

information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see

what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon.

He knew what he had to do. “What if it were MY child lying in that

hospital bed, dying,” he thought with a sinking heart, “this is the

least I can do.”

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening,

he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was

staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children’s

Hospital.

“Why?” Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face.

Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah’s grandmother earlier

that day. “C’mon …. I’ll take you there,” Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa.

They found out which room Sarah was in.

A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.

Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and

saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be

her family; there was the Grandmother an d the girl’s brother he had

met earlier that day.

A woman whom he guessed was Sarah’s mother stood

by the bed, gently pushing Sarah’s thin hair off her forehead.

And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah’s aunt, sat in a

chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face. They were talking

quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family,

and their love and concern for Sarah. Taking a deep breath, and

forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty,

“Ho, ho, ho!”

“Santa!” shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed

to run to him, IV tubes intact.

Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender

age of his own son — 9 years old — gazed up at him with wonder and

excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald

patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he s a w when he

looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he

had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted

upon Sarah’s face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the

women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept

quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa’s shoulder or his

hand gratefully, whispering “thank you” as they gazed sincerely at him

with shining eyes. Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him

excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she’d

been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled,

Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for

permission from the girl’s mother. She nodded in agreement and the

entire family circled around Sarah’s bed, holding hands. Santa looked

intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels.

“Oh , yes, S anta … I do!” she exclaimed.

“Well, I’m going to ask that angels watch over you, “he said.

Laying one hand on the child’s head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed.

He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease.

He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he

finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly,

“Silent Night, Holy Night – all is calm, all is bright.”

The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and

crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed

at them all. When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed

again and held Sarah’s frail, small hands in his own.

“Now, Sarah,” he said authoritatively, “you have a job to do, and

that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing

with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at

Mayfair Mall this time next year!” He knew it was risky proclaiming

that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he “had” to.

He had to give her the greatest gift he could — not dolls or games or

toys — but the gift of HOPE.

“Yes, Santa!” Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.

He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

Out in the hall, the minute Santa’s eyes met Rick’s, a look passed

between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah’s mother and

grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa’s

side to thank him.

“My only child is the same age as Sarah,” he explained quietly.

“This is the least I could do.” They nodded with understanding

and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for

his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went

by and then one day a child came u p to sit on his lap.

“Hi, Santa! Remember me?!”

“Of course, I do,” Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at

her. After all, the secret to being a “good” Santa is to always make each

child feel as if they are the “only” child in the world at that moment.

“You came to see me in the hospital last year!” Santa’s jaw dropped.

Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little

miracle and held her to his chest. “Sarah!” he exclaimed. He scarcely

recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were

rosy — much different from the little girl he had visited just a year

before. He looked over and saw Sarah’s mother and grandmother in the

sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus.

He had witnessed –and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing

about — this miracle of hope. This precious little child was healed.

Cancer-free. Alive and well.

He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, “Thank you,

Father. ‘ Tis a very, Merry Christmas!”

LIFE IS GOD’S GIFT TO YOU …

HOW YOU LIVE IT IS YOUR GIFT TO GOD, YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES.

I cried & am not ashamed of it…….

Many Christian’s denounce Judaism and many Jewish followers denounce Jesus. Is there a right or wrong answer here? Yes. If we are to believe the Bible, and accept it as the ultimate guide of truths than we shall accept that Judaism lead to Christianity (and many other religious practices) and that Jesus was born to save us, the average person. If in accepting the Bible, we are also accepting many differences as well as similarities, all based on what God has presented to us. If we were to adopt such a belief in today’s society, such an acceptance, would the cause and effect be positive or negative?

[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Great celebration and joy…

[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Great gifts….

[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And another dream…

[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Cause and effect

[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

The first great massacre to be recorded and retold. How many times will such a story be played out? Hitler? The African genocide? Even here on our home territory when a parent choses to murder their own children? Was it Herod that created the underlaying evil back in the days of creating the most holy of books that would be the light for many of faith to create such a harsh act?

Cause and effect

[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

The story of Christmas presented by http://dltk-bible.com/guides/christmas-index.htm

John 3:16,17

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

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We all have a choice, and in our choice will be cause and effect. We can walk with God and accept his story through the Bible. What other options are there? We can sort of believe, we can not believe, we can pick and chose what we want to believe. In the end our actions, our choices, will have a cause and effect on everyone around us.

As we stand in that grocery store aisle shopping for our next meal, pinching our own pennies, struggling in our own lives, get a little more uncomfortable and reach out to that person who seems to be struggling just a little more. Give them a coupon to save money, buy them that ready made meal for $20, or just say “hi” with a smile. Lay down your own gold, myrrh, and frankincense to a complete stranger even if it means a little greater burden upon yourself.

You never know what another person’s journey has been or is in the moment. You only know your own journey. And in that you can realize that someone else may be suffering, or have suffered along the way to today, and in your kindness the effect will be the result of your actions. And God’s sacrifice, Mary’s and Joseph’s beliefs, will live on as Jesus laid down the greatest gift of all… Cause and Effect.

[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

A savior was born. What did they need to be saved from? Why did the shepherds not turn their backs and call the angel a vision of the Devil himself? What if they had?

Cause and effect

And what if, in this day and age, of terrible taxation, overburdening of the people, there were many babes laid to rest in mangers wrapped in swaddling cloth (not so unlike what we have in our present society)? How do we know that this isn’t true? Yet, the shepherds believed and they found Mary, Joseph and Jesus, as the Bible so tells us.

Cause and effect

[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Cause and effect

The Christmas story, as presented by http://dltk-bible.com/guides/christmas-index.htm

Book of Matthew:  Chapter 2:1-23
King James Version

[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
[3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
[5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
[7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
[9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
[13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
[19] But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
[20] Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
[21] And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
[22] But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
[23] And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

I had asked about cause and effect? In today’s society religion is suppose to be “open” and diversity is mandated to be acceptable, yet religion is not allowed in public places such as school. If you want religious teachings you can only get that in the privacy of home or a religious building. In the Bible, in the story of Christmas, from the very onset of events, it is said that Jesus will be great, he’ll be called the Son of the Highest, and that his kingdom shall have no end.

Cause and effect

And Mary, who questioned, did so without doubt. She believed the unbelievable. She welcomed instead of feared the improbable. She opened her heart and allowed all the good and holy to fill her life and that of Elisabeth.

Cause and effect

What if Joseph woke the next morning, discounting God’s message as just a dream? And he chose to turn his back on Mary?

Cause and effect

Joseph, thankfully, was truly a man of the Holy Spirit. He trusted in his God. He trusted in his dreams. He opened his mind in his most vulnerable state to receive God’s message and in his most thoughtful state carried it forth.

Cause and effect

The story of Christmas continues, as presented by http://dltk-bible.com/guides/christmas-index.htm

Book of Luke:  Chapter 2:1-20

King James Version

[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Why am I posting this here, on a Christian blog, for a Christian church? Because it is not just a Buddhist question. It is a question we should all be considering each time we open our mouths, or move our hands. It is a question about our spirit and soul. It is a question that can be encompassed within a one word answer – thanks.

How many of you gave thanks this Thanksgiving? What did you give thanks for? That new car, the roof over your head, the new clothes, not having to drive to work. With today’s economy at an utter failing point how many people were giving thanks for having one meal in their stomach, heat, shelter of any nature? Thousands. Cause and effect.

How many of you were grocery shopping the day before Thanksgiving for all those last minute items you forgot for your spread of food? In your rush to take care of your needs did you ever stop to look at those shopping around you? That one person, pushing a tiny cart, looking a little laden in the face, picking up a small item here and there. Evaluating their purchase closely and carefully. Hesitantly putting the item back and walking sheepishly to the checkout lane. Cause and Effect.

Can you help? Yes.

Should you help? If it won’t burden you?

I’ve been thinking a lot about the story of Christmas the last few days, as we’ve begun our annual decorating. And really how much of that story involves giving thanks, cause and effect?

The beginning of the story of Christmas as presented by http://www.dltk-bible.com/kjv/luke_chapter_1.htm

Luke:  Chapter 1:26-45 & 2:1-12

Matthew: Chapter 1:18-24

King James Version

Luke 1:26-45

[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
[40] And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
[43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Matthew 1:18-25

[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
[24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 2:1-7

[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

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To learn the answers, as I would present them from my own perspective, keep tuned to this blog as the story of Christmas unfolds. Questions are asked. And a family is brought ever closer together.

There are hundreds of websites devoted to the power of words. Try googling “words of affirmation”, “power words”, “positive poetry”, “the bible”, “God”, “scripture”, or any bible verse that comes to mind (for me I am fixated on Exodus 20…), and you will see that there is great power in words. That words mean more than sticks and stones or fluffy pillows under our heads. Words change the character of people. Words change the meaning of a situation. Words can alter the course of a conversation. Words can alter the course of a war. Sticks and stones hurt but we know exactly what it is going to feel like when they hit, the message is clearly that to cause physical pain, but words, even one word can change so much more.

Have you ever sat down and tried to have a conversation with yourself? Try it. And then try to have that same conversation, start it the exact same way, with someone else. Everything changes in your words. The tone of your voice, your posture, your words will even begin to alter as the conversation progresses.

Words change like the weather.

The Bible is all about words. God is all about words. God’s values are all about words. We read. We write. Words. And daily we all need these words to lift us up and carry us into the next day. Words such as…

These words exist in so many formats, and are plastered in offices, schools, now cropping up on Facebook as though a new fashion statement. And it’s good. These words are wonderful. God would rejoice to see so much positive influence.

The ultimate question remains… How to take these words and apply them to our daily lives?

The Lord gave us many words in the Bible. These words are the direction we are to walk, to think, to breath, to believe as our holy grail of life. And in these words we are to lift spirits to heaven, not stomp them into the ground.

Today’s society is a tough marker for our Lord King, but one person can change all of that. You can change all of that. Use God’s words, make them your own, and share their wealth with those around you.

Dealing with a non-believer? That’s okay too. God understands and will place his loving hand upon your shoulder to give you strength to share your words in a manner which they will be heard for their truest intentions and meanings. God knows what words to use and he’ll bless you by standing with you as you share your heart and his love. It is in this that honest and humbly used words can provide comfort, even change another’s heart, to acceptance and growth.

I try to always remember Mother Teresa’s words, ”I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.”

I am sure that when you read the title of this blog, you will wonder if on this warm sunny autumn afternoon, I have gotten into my bottle of pain pills leftover from my knee surgery. I haven’t. I will explain:

When I have to play the organ for any event which promises to be emotionally moving and cause me to either cry or have tears in my eyes, I put on what’s known as my “funeral face.” Call it a game face, a stone face, a stiff upper lip, a Scarlett O’Hara way of thinking, whatever – it just means that you focus away from what’s going on so it doesn’t affect you.

I have to do this – not because I am ashamed or afraid to cry; but because if I do, I can’t see to play the music for the service. I’ve been doing this for 40-plus years.

This morning, for Plymouth’s worship service, I had to do it again. Any time my grandson Brendan plays the cornet or participates in the youth service at church, it makes me cry. I am so proud of him – proud of the young man he is turning out to be and proud of his talents and that he is willing to share them. I send up a prayer of thanks to God every time he does this. So today, I had on my “funeral face” as he played for the praise hymn, served as lay leader, and participated in one of the skits. But out of every pore of my skin came smiles of pride, and gratitude to God.

But then came the unexpected. My granddaughter, Jenna, who perpetually does the “deer in the headlights” imitation for every school program since daycare, calmly walked to the podium and read, flawlessly, the call to worship.

I realize Jenna is almost five years younger, and has yet to “bloom” with her talents (although she shows a lot of promise!), but it blew me away. The reading had a lot of difficult words in it, and she too is growing up and choosing to share her talents in church. I had to bite my lip nearly in half to keep my “funeral face” intact. My pride doubled in that moment. I praised God not once, but twice.

Both of my grandchildren, participating willingly in the youth service. What more could a grandmother ask for?

These children, knowingly or unknowingly, are preparing for their time of serving the Lord as adults. They have seen their grandfather (Rick) and me both play the organ in church for many years. They have seen their other set of grandparents (Doug’s mom and dad) serve the Lord in their church in Joliet. They have seen their mother and father praising the Lord by singing in the choir, participating in worship, and being members of committees. Beth and Doug are faithful about bringing them to church. Whether they know it or not, they are acquiring a thirst for being a part of the body of Christ. They have attended other churches, but as Brendan has always said, “I’d rather be at Plymouth.” They have grown up here from tiny babies. Plymouth is their second home.

Guided by their parents, by Pastor Bill, by their Sunday School teachers and by the example of the members of Plymouth, their faith will grow as they learn of God and Jesus Christ. Eventually they will be confirmed, and even as they go off to college and their adult lives, it is my prayer that the experiences they have had at Plymouth and the Holy Spirit in their hearts and minds will cause them to want to be a part of a church family wherever they are. That is and always will be part of my prayers for Brendan and Jenna.

And then one day, when I am too old to play the organ, I will be able to sit in a pew and hear a great-grandchild say: “Welcome to our church! This is Youth Sunday, and I will be your lay leader today.”

And on that day, I won’t have to wear my “funeral face.” Pass the Kleenex, please.

When I was a child my responsibility was to do well in school, do my homework, do my chores.

When I was a young adult my responsibility was to do well in school, be responsible at work, and maintain integrity in both fields.

When I was an adult my responsibility was to do well at work, become successful, and tend to my obligations.

When I became a wife my responsibility is to make sure I am serving my relationship with respect, integrity, honesty, and to put forth the time necessary to make things work.

When I became a Mom my responsibility is to make sure I am there to support my children, offer protection, guidance, love, patience and understanding. It is to be their number one teacher and defender. It is to raise them well so they can be adults serving a positive purpose in their lives and those they will influence, including their children.

When I was born, I was born with faults. Some faults were derived from my nurturing, too. And in these faults I have ebbed, flowed, grown, and fallen backwards down a slippery slope. In my faults I suffer, but in this suffering I will learn. Will I make the same mistakes again? In some yes, and in others no. It is in the suffering of poor choices that we change based upon intent. When I yell at the children, or argue with my husband, I will learn from those moments and attempt to not repeat for the intentions are to be stronger and more humble of my relationships. When I extract my talons on those that pray upon my children, I will make mistakes and suffer for those but I will also repeat them with the intention of protection.

But when do we go too far in protecting our children?

When do we step back and allow God to take over? 

When are our kids ready to face a bully without you?

Each year I try to let go a little more and give more power to the kids. I backslide, a lot sometimes, in the loosening of the umbilical cord, but more so with one over another based on personality more than maturity. So, here I must learn and grow as a student of God. I won’t get this right, and much of it has to do with my own background, but if I fail in being protective and maintaining my kids trust as well as exceeding knowledge of how much I love them, I rather that than to fail for not being there.

In thinking of this blog post I, as I typically attempt to do, did some research and found this wonderful website pitting God vs. The Bully.

http://www.wahm-articles.com/Article/What-Does-God-Have-to-Say-About-Bullying-/3153

Devotional for Kids

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to be patient.

“And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.

“Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5: 3-5 The Living Bible

Everyone in the world has some kind of problem. Rich people, people in powerful positions, like the president of the United States, the popular athletic kid in your school, and even the person who’s bullying you.

In fact, the person who tries to bully you may have bigger problems than you do. Because he doesn’t know how to handle them, he takes his anger out on you. Sometimes bullies look so big and strong, but underneath all that show, they can be scared wimps with poor self esteem.

What can you do to protect yourself from bullies and to help other kids who are being bullied? Praying about it is always the first step. I’ve learned prayer works. Prayer helped me as a kid and as an adult, prayer is my first line of defense. It’s through prayer and reading your Bible that God can tell you how to deal with your problems – like being bullied.

There are lots of stories about bullying in the Bible, but the one that comes to my mind right now is about David and Goliath. Goliath thought he had it all together. There was no way could an ordinary soldier, or kid like David, could conquer him. Were he and his army in for a big surprise!

David had God on his side and it was God who gave him the idea of using his slingshot and five small stones. It was God who gave the Israelites the victory that day by making that little stone hit that small unprotected spot on Goliath’s forehead.

Don’t ever underestimate the power and ability that come from having God on your side. In the Bible in 2 Chronicles chapter 16 verse 9, God says that His eyes search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward Him, so He can show His great power by helping them. If you are God’s child, this means you! You may not always be perfect, but God sees you through Jesus, who died for your sin.

You should always tell your parents or teacher or leader of the group where you are being bullied what’s going on. Sometimes they can stop it; other times they can teach you how to handle it. Bullying that hurts you physically should always be stopped immediately.

It isn’t good for your parents or even your teacher to fix all your problems for you because then you will never learn how to deal with people. This is all part of learning people skills too. And it’s as you learn to handle your difficulties that you grow confident and knowledgeable in all things of life; that’s what makes you mature and capable.

Sometimes bullies pick on kids that don’t have a lot of friends, or look like they won’t fight back. You don’t need to be popular, or extra good looking, or be funny or tough to win over bullies. The Bible says, “My strength comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” [Psalm 121: 2]

You can be strong and confident because you know God loves you unconditionally. In the morning as you pray, ask God to prepare your day and give you wisdom so you know how to handle each situation and problem. You have a big God – the same one who helped David conquer Goliath. He can handle your bully too.

Going deeper for parents

We need to be available for our children and sensitive to their needs. Talk with your child; ask him how things are in his world. Bullied kids can be so intimidated they won’t even tell their fears to their parent or teacher. Ask their siblings or classmates how your child is getting along with others.

If your child is being bullied, try to talk to the bully’s parents. Most parents want to stop undesirable behavior in their kids and will seek help for their child. But sometimes a parent will be in denial and become angry with you for even suggesting that their “sweet” child is a bully. Sometimes they will say your child deserves to be bulled, and needs to grow up.

We can’t fix every problem for our children but we can help them avoid them and handle them in the best way possible. Sometimes the bullying only ends with a move or when the school year ends, no matter what we do.

Build a strong relationship with your children. I It’s important to teach your children life skills and people skills so they feel competent and confident. Spend time with them and know them. Know their friends and how they spend their time.

Pray with your children. Read to them how God was faithful to biblical heroes and gave them strategies to deal with their problems. Your children will find new strength in your and God’s unconditional love.

Role play strategies with your child on how to handle bullies without escalating the conflict so he doesn’t get hurt. Tell your child to avoid being alone with the other child. Teach him how to get support from the other kids to use peer pressure against the bully’s behavior.

Be your child’s advocate. Learn all the information you can by talking with your child and with his teacher and friends and other students who observed the bullying. Ask the teacher and principle for adult intervention. If they don’t become involved, contact your school’s superintendent. Don’t tolerate bullying and don’t teach your child to tolerate it.

What about you? Do you feel like you can’t help your child because you are being bullied too? Yes, adults can also be bullied.

The strategies I’ve written about also apply to you. Find a counselor or mentor to help you look at the situation from God’s perspective. God says we are to acknowledge Him, put Him first, in all our ways and He will direct our paths. The action and responsibility falls on us but He is faithful as we obey. He works it out.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Want to know more about how God can help you every day? Check out my new book The Lion Tree at RuthWillms.com

This article may be reprinted for free so long as the author’s resource box is kept intact and all links remain live and clickable. The Article Source must also be included. All rights are reserved by the author.

So, you step in, and you advocate for your child… Then what happens? 

I’ve done this and the response from the outside world, the judgment, the criticism, the looks, and the comments can cause doubt. Ask yourself the following:

• Were your intentions to hurt the bully? or to protect your child?
• Did you attempt to contact the parents? In some cases contacting the parents only opens you up to being bullied. In some situations the children are acting on the parents displayed behavior. You will know if this step is even worth the effort by history.
• Did you threaten the bully unkindly, unjustly, or in an illegal manner? You can absolutely threaten to file a report against them, or take further, proper, action if they continue to hurt your child. It would be wrong to go against God’s values and teachings, in addition to the law, to do anything beyond following proper protocol.
• Has your child done everything possible to remove themselves from these situations, or to deal on their own to no avail?

Ultimately the final answer is yours, and the only one you need to answer to is God.

Would God respect your choices?

Are you holding the values with which God has asked you to live your life?

Would you be willing to do this if it were for God?

If you can answer “yes” than you should hold your head high, hug God, hug your child, and walk away from remorse, regret, and doubt.

I am borrowing this post from: http://www.thedailybibleverse.org/

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. – Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)

The mystery of Jesus is great – He is fully God and fully man. His Divinity has the power to deliver us, His humanity brings Him to our side when we need His help. Because Jesus experienced the same suffering that we do when we face temptation, He is aware of the anxiety and fear that we face. Therefore run to Jesus when you are tempted – for He has the power and the compassion to help.Today’s commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.orgWhat do you think? Discuss at
http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse