Healthy Children

Child Health Care
Ouida and I started out following very medically conservative procedures for childbirth and early childhood health procedures. This included Ouida almost being knocked out with gas during delivery and on a later pregnancy she received an epidural. But, as more children came along and our knowledge and experience grew, we discovered that it was not necessary to treat pregnancy, childbirth and every childhood illness as a potential major medical emergency. The following website http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/birth.htm#chems points out some of the possible long term dangers of currently standard medical practices. It also provides alternative ideas for healthy births and babies. Several of the sources listed on this website are doctors who are speaking out. Some of the practices that are standard in the United States are not standard in other countries. Many countries have better health statistics for births, babies and children then the U.S. The reasons behind standard medical protocols can be complex and sometimes have more foundation in legal concerns than in medical issues. The ideas discussed on this website and standard medical practices should both be carefully researched by parents concerned with giving the best in medical care to their children. Gather some questions and quiz your doctor. But, even though it's his responsibility to be knowledgeable on standard procedures, alternative treatments and their related issues and to be able to communicate it to you, his hands may be tied when it comes to any possibility of recommending a treatment outside those recognized as standard protocols.

Child Discipline
A Love and Logic child discipline class will be offered at RE on Tuesday nights beginning in January. We've heard some of the material and highly recommend it.

We live in a complex world but we are promised wisdom if you ask for it in faith. Wisdom is definitely needed in the care and raising of our children.

Housework cuts breast cancer risk

Riding Forth in Tremendous Power

He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. (Revelation 19:13,14)

Too many times, I’ve responded wrong when my authority as a father was challenged by one of our older children. My natural response was to get angry and to demand obedience and respect. Yet, this response will cause a natural reaction on their part of losing respect and, at best, pretending obedience. The opposite approach, when I’ve used it, has yielded much better results. This approach is to calmly try to more fully understand their perspective, pressures and concerns. We may end up still expecting obedience but they should feel like we understand where they are coming from. To not respond naturally, I need a power outside myself.

Anyone who is a follower of Jesus is a warrior in His army. We are to be led by the One who shed His blood for us – the living Word of God. We are to be white and clean with every sin cleansed by His blood, being constantly purified and going into the battle mounted on a white horse. There can be no hidden sin that we carefully keep covered and deny. Hidden sin will eventually bring forth its fruit – weakness and Death. This is not necessarily an early physical death. But, it can often mean death to ministry, death to relationships, and death to faith. Hidden sin will almost always force us into wrong responses.

The image of all Jesus' followers being mounted on white horses speaks of the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. When I respond to circumstances according to what comes naturally, I’ve gotten off the horse and I’m trying to advance in my own strength. This is like using a wet noodle for a sword. I can really mess things up. In contrast, when I pause and pray for God’s way of responding and ask His grace to have the right attitude, I have more of a chance of embracing God’s power and love in my response. His ways are often totally different than my natural response.

If I take time to analyze my natural direction and then consider what the opposite direction is, I often discover a surprising and healing way. Ask God now to remind you the next time you are tempted to immediately react to a situation. Ask Him to remind you to take a few moments to consider the opposite response. Whatever it is, you won’t want to do it. You won’t feel like doing it. But, if you ask for God’s grace and power, you can do it. If you do this, you will be mounted on a white horse and riding forth in the tremendous power of Love.

Gold in the Trashcan

He who gives attention to the word will find good,
And blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. (Proverbs 16:20)

There have been many times when I listened to the Truth but did not hear it and read the Bible without genuine comprehension. A truth is not fully heard and understood until it causes one’s life to change. Sometimes truth is not even recognized when it appears because it might be the answer to a question that we are not yet asking, it may be outside our “box” of what we consider valid possibilities, or we may just be distracted.

But, life in this world has a way of eventually “getting our attention” and making us sensitive to the truths God wants us to hear and apply. Anything that gets us to hearing, changing and walking in the truth of God’s grace, love and rightness is a good thing even if it seems to be a bad circumstance. Deaths, accidents, illness and relationship problems are some painful circumstances that get our focused attention. But, there are easier ways.

One way is to admit our deafness, blindness and cold heart and ask God for ears to hear, eyes to see His light, and the heart of a seeker. A seeker will approach the hearing or reading of God’s Word and truths with the idea that he wants to find a golden nugget that will change his life. These are often little nuggets that cause little but vital changes. It could be something “little” like David writing down his prayers or daily practicing with his sling or his harp. Or, it could be something seemingly bigger as when Daniel decided to stand on a conviction about his diet. The change could be of earthquake magnitude as when Abraham left his county and people to go wherever God led him. The truth became golden nuggets in the life of these boys and men. We know their names and stories because God's Word had an effect in flesh and blood. What are we missing in our own lives?

If we are not daily reading or hearing then we are not particularly interested in looking for God’s gold for our lives and God will work to get our attention refocused. In contrast, committed lottery players may spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars hoping to eventually hit the jackpot. They carefully check the numbers on their tickets and are cautious to not throw away a winning ticket. If we could see with God's eyes the riches that God lays before each of us, we would be shocked and overwhelmed. But, we really are blind and often do not recognize genuine riches until they are lost. When we hear truth without it affecting our life, we are essentially tossing a nugget or even a life-transforming bucket of gold into the trash bin.

Project:

• Daily read Scripture with a notepad to record something that, by God’s grace, you will change in your life.
• Listen to sermons with the diligence aim of getting a truth that you will apply.
• Immediately after sermons or lessons, discuss with others what nuggets were heard and will be applied.
• Pray frequently for God's power to seek, hear, see and do.
  

For with you is the fountain of life: in your light shall we see light. - Psalm 36:9

Lord, grace each of us that read this with desire and ability to become Seekers of Truth and Doers of your Word. Give us a heart thirsting for your ways.

Unconditional Respect???

Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5)

A few years ago, a woman I know at work mentioned that she had said to her husband that he could have a big screen TV once he got some of the rooms in their house painted. Her words and attitude painted a picture of a competent Mom getting her lazy son to help out. In reality, her husband was and is a highly respected engineer.

Many of us live in two types of worlds: a business world where we are competent and move in relationships of respect; and a family world of love based relationships where we often face challenges outside our training and competencies. Often men do not understand how to live and communicate love as well as their wives. On the other hand, some women have difficultly with the command to respect their husband and may, instead, tend to love their husband in a way that communicates that he is just a big child.

Does Respect Trump Love?

It has been said and history seems to confirm that men understand respect and even put a higher priority on being respected than on being loved. Wives are often more competent than their husbands in caring for, understanding and raising the family. Why should they respect their husbands?

Husbands are given responsibility for which they will be held accountable. They are to be providers who give food, shelter and clothing. Fathers are to understand, teach and discipline the children. They are to lead the way in seeking God Kingdom and His righteousness. These are grave and heavy responsibilities for which each of us fathers will be called to give account. Even though no husband completely fulfills these responsibilities, every husband should be respected because of his calling and his efforts to fulfill any of them.

How Can We Show Respect?

While genuine love means laying down our lives, respect means to lift up. Children are not naturally respectful. They learn much about it from their mothers. Wives are called to lift up their husbands before their children and friends. A husband may lacking in many ways and may even seem to be little more than a boy at heart but he should be respected because he is called as a leader toward Jesus, a teacher of future generations, a provider for his family and a warrior against evil.

Being respectful means praying for them, working to help them find success in their responsibilities, and speaking highly of them to friends and children. Our culture tends to make fun of boys and men and to belittle husbands and fathers. Demonstrating respect for husbands and fathers has become counter-cultural. But, it is a key ingredient in a successful marriage and family.

The Cost of Disrespect

A few years ago, I was at retreat for Christian men. We were in a small group where challenges and needs were being shared. One very successful man was almost in tears as he told of how his wife usually expressed disdain for his ideas and goals.

A man who is not respected by his wife will be tempted to find respect outside of his marriage. He may become a workaholic, he may find another woman who seems to respect him, or he may just give up and drop out. Disrespect may undermine the very goals that are most important to a wife. Don’t wait to show respect for your husband or father until he has earned it. Express respect for him because of the position he is in and the responsibility he bears even when things don’t seem to be going well.

Finding Power To Give Respect

From the perspective of a wife's responsibilities, the success of her marriage and family may depend more on respect than love. This does not come naturally from Self. The ability of a man to give unconditional love and the ability of a woman to give unconditional respect depends on them emptying themselves and receiving God's perspective, guidance and power to give love to the unlovely and respect to the incompetent.

Project:

• Consider who is in a position of authority over you.
• Ask God for grace to show respect to them
• Pray for them.
• Pray for and Seek ways to help them achieve their responsibilities
• Find ways to lift them up before others

Hot Dates, Death Spirals and Energy Cycles

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5)

Genuine love always requires death. If we are to sincerely love our wife, husband, children or anyone else then we will be required to lay down “Self” interests. This seems to come a little more naturally to mothers and wives than to husbands. Women seem to be more tuned into the true language of love while men must work to learn it. But, in either case, we can not completely die to Self in our natural ability. To fully empty ourselves, we must find help beyond ourselves. This love is only possible for those who get power from God to move past the barriers and responses of the natural man.

Suppose a husband and wife have arranged a “hot date” and are both looking forward to it. But, when the time comes, the husband or wife is exhausted emotionally or physically or both. To praise God and rejoice in everything is naturally impossible. It can be done only as we admit our weakness, seek God for grace and receive His help for strength. Self interests may cause some men to make unreasonable demands, others may just manifest a bad attitude but we are called to fully die to self-interests and fully love.

Whatever our position in life, we will face disappointment or aggravation. Our natural response will almost certainly be the wrong one. Anyone who neglects his relationship with Jesus will miss out on the ability to respond in ways that go beyond his natural abilities and habits and this will often lead to negative cycles of wrong responses. These cycles can become relationship death spirals. But, if we can empty ourselves and receive God's grace we can respond in genuine love. When this happens we break out of the natural death spiral and enter into a cycle of energy, growth and life.

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15)

'The Pill' causes breast cancer - WHO

If know someone who is using "The Pill", you may want to encourage them to investigate with their doctor whether their prescription has been classified as a "Group 1 carcinogen". The major news outlets do not seem to be spreading the information that oral contraceptives have recently been classified as "group 1" carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which is part of the World Health Organization. This World Health Organization (WHO) information can be accessed here.

"A new study from the Mayo Clinic has concluded that there is 'a measurable and statistically significant' connection between the pill and pre-menopausal breast cancer, re-enforcing the recent classification of oral contraceptives as Type 1 carcinogens."

The study from the Mayo Clinic supports the decision by the IARC to classify oral contraceptives as group 1 carcinogens. The incidence of breast cancer has risen from 1 in 22 in the 1940's to 1 in 7 by 2004. This is in spite of concerted efforts to reduce its occurrence. The widespread usage of "The Pill" may have made a significant contribution to this huge increase in breast cancer. Any husband concerned about the safety of his wife should thoroughly investigate this issue with some trusted doctors before encouraging her to use "The Pill".

In addition to this extremely serious health issue, there are also very important factors to consider regarding the attitudes and values involved in using "The Pill" to prevent successful pregnancy. See here for a discussion on birth-control attitudes.

The American Cancer Society has the following information:

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): The most widely used system for classifying carcinogens comes from the IARC, which is part if the World Health Organization (WHO). In the past 30 years, the IARC has evaluated the cancer-causing potential of about 900 likely candidates, placing them into one of the following groups:

• Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans
• Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
• Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans
• Group 3: Unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans
• Group 4: Probably not carcinogenic to humans

Perhaps not surprisingly, most of the agents are of probable, possible, or unknown risk. Only about 90 are classified as "carcinogenic to humans."

Attack on Family and Faith

This decision by the “European Human Rights” court to uphold a law created by Nazi Germany combined with the anti-family trend in international courts may eventually end up being used by liberal judges in the U.S. against American families who want to home-school. Studies show that over 90% of home educated children of Christian parents retain their faith compared to less than half of public educated children of Christian parents. The powers of darkness can be depended on to work to destroy faith. They are attacking and will continue to attack our current right to home school. Let’s pray, vote and act such that our children, grandchildren and other Christian parents will continue to have the option to home school their children even if many of them choose other alternatives. “Raising children is a prerogative of their fathers and mothers and not of the state.”

As one European official, Belgian Member of Parliament -- and a home-schooling mother -- Alexandra Colen, observed last year in an article on the case in Germany, the parents involved in the matter are Christians who claim the right of mothers and fathers to educate their own children. The MP remarked on the fact that these conscientious Christian parents are not only opposed by their government but also lack the support of the official, state-funded churches in their country.

"Six decades after Hitler," Colen noted, "German politicians and official church leaders still do not seem to understand what true freedom implies: that raising children is a prerogative of their fathers and mothers and not of the state, which is never a benevolent parent and often an enemy."

Public Education Against America

	New Book Exposes Startling Truths About America's Public School System - See the Review Public Education Against America by Marlin Maddoux, Late Founder of USA Radio Network Book Review by James L. Lambert October 13, 2006

Federalization of Education = Wrong Answer

"In this era of globalization, the education debate has taken on new urgency. How are we going to compete globally if our public schools continue to produce poor quality students?" - Michael Smith

Most everyone recognizes that, in general, the public school system is doing a poor job of education and preparation for life. There are currently two major directions of change being advocated: open competition or federally-controlled monopoly. To read more click here.

Powerful Springs

Surely every man walks about as a phantom;
surely they make an uproar for nothing;
he amasses riches and does not know who will gather them. (Ps 39:6)

As I went through college, graduated and started working, I developed bad habits of skipping Bible reading, Sunday school and church services. My level of faith began sinking, the power of temptation seemed to grow, and I began to make wrong decisions. My spirit, thinking and goals became diseased with wrong values and unbelief. When God eventually stirred up new life in my inner being, one of the first changes he brought in my life was a new habit.

Most of us know, from personal experience, how easy it is to fall into bad habits and out of good habits. A bad habit is as easy as laying in your bed, but a good habit requires energy and effort to overcome the natural tendency toward the path of ease. So, in one direction we have short term ease and comfort while in the other direction there is the continuing demand for effort and energy. But, in the long term, a good habit can bring knowledge, advancement, faith and health. Compare this with the potential long term results of a bad habit: ignorance, spoiled character, unbelief and disease. Notice that last word, “dis-ease”? Bad habits based on ease in the short term can lead to disease in the long run.

The foundation of life for anyone is their faith. All the great heroes that we read about in the Bible are called “heroes of faith”. Hebrews 11 gives many examples of such heroes who are known to us only because of how their lives were shaped by their faith. Hebrews 11 also proclaims this truth, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, …”

Without faith it is absolutely impossible to please God. But, what good habits do we have in place to build up our faith? Do we daily seek to know Christ through God’s Word? Do you go to Bible Class or Sunday School? Church leaders have intended and designed these classes to build relationships, knowledge and faith. If they do not do that for you then you should let your church leaders know that you need something different. Sermons and worship services are supposed to encourage right thinking and build faith. There are retreats, small groups, service projects and conferences that are designed to build faith.

Faith building opportunities are all around us but we may have developed bad habits of ease that turn us away from growth in spirit. If our faith shrinks and becomes weak, we will forget that life is a phantom and waste our time making an uproar over nothing. We desperately need habits that build faith. How many faith building habits do you already have? What new habits are you feeling called to develop? Once good activities are habits, they become a tremendous, almost automatic, positive force in our lives. By God’s grace, good habits can be developed that become powerful springs of healing, wisdom and faith.

Projects:

• Consider what habits you feel God is calling you to develop
• Pray for His blessing as you begin to exert yourself to develop a new, good habit
• What faith building habit do you feel you should develop? Choose a new one.

Examples

• Daily prayer
• Daily Bible reading
• Daily Scripture memorization and meditation
• Fasting
• Giving
• Serving
• Bible class participation
• Evangelism
• Join or Lead a small group

Colleges courting home-schoolers

Some colleges are starting to recognize that many homeschooled students may have qualities that go beyond a high school transcript and diploma. See article here.

Whose will rules?

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.(John 5:30)

This verse is amazing. Here we have Jesus, the Son of God, saying that He can do nothing from Himself. His whole goal is to seek and do the will of the Father. He fulfills completely the principle of honoring and obeying his father. But, even more, He reveals that even He can do nothing if His will takes priority of the will of the Father. This priority is shown in the way Jesus rose early or stayed up all night in order to be in harmony with His Father.

In contrast, my business and activities are often so pressing and “important” that I don’t have time to seek God’s will and direction in my own life. In other words, we can demonstrate by our actions (our life language) that we believe our will and judgment to be more important and productive than God’s will and judgment. Then we wonder why our lives get in a twist. We may even end up shaking our fist at God.

It’s easy to give lip service to the idea that we want God’s will as first priority. If children say they want to do God’s will and then disobey their mother, does that mean that their Mom is serving Satan? Or, are the children just doing their own will? If I ignore the priorities of my boss at work, am I actually seeking God’s will? I Peter 2:18 indicates that it’s God’s will for us to be subject to and obey some men.

But, even more, am I daily trying to get God’s perspective on my life and decisions by meditating on Him and His Word? Talk is cheap. The true test comes in whether we will genuinely seek to daily know and follow priorities, judgments and goals other than our own. If not, we will eventually look back and see wasted time, investments and life. In contrast, anything we do in the will of the Father has eternal purpose and everlasting value. Whose will rules in your life?

Project:

• Let's repent of "doing our own thing".
  
• Consider how to seek God’s will more diligently
• Begin a new habit of seeking

I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord--but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me. (John 5:30) (Amplified Version)

College Seniors Know LESS Than Freshman??

What a waste of time and money! See article here.

Organic Foods Are Best for Young Children

This news article indicates a clear increase (5X) of pesticides in the bodies of children who eat conventional foods compared to when the same children ate organic foods. There are an increasing number of major health issues hitting young children - seizures, cancer, liver problems, autism and so on. Could they, at least partly, be due to some children reacting more strongly to the pesticides, mercury and other such toxins in their food, vaccines and environment? See article here and full report from the research study here.

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

This study shows that children's programming not only steals the child's time and creativity but feeds him a diet dangerously high in violence and sexual innuendo. Anyone using TV as a babysitter ought to checkout the character of the babysitter. See report here.

School strip searches mandated by U.S. House

Even with student molestations skyrocketing, U.S. lawmakers demand strip searches in fight against drugs. See article here.

Strategic Romance

by Jim Mueller
10/01/03

When Sheri and I speak publicly, we almost always make the point that our romantic relationship has never been better. Then I cringe when Sheri goes a step further and says, "After twenty-five years, few couples can say their sex life is better than ever!" Click here to learn how.

A Lazy Sluggard

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, And will not even bring it back to his mouth. (Proverbs 19:24)

When I read this verse, I thought, “How lazy can you get?!” But, then I felt a finger pointing at me. How about when I took courses in college and passed without actually learning anything? Following that, I got married and vowed to care for and protect my bride but how often have I diligently tried to genuinely understand her needs and desires? My life has been dedicated to God in baptism. Or, has it? Is this particular day given to Him or am I mainly focused on looking out for Myself? It’s relatively easy to become a father in the flesh – but, am I and have I been a father that in humility understands his children, prays for them, guides them, challenges them and causes them to feel loved and affirmed? Instead, I have sometimes manifested anger coming from pride or, conversely, felt despair and escaped into entertainment or work. I accepted, maybe too casually, the responsibilities of being a leader at home and church – but, rather than doing what is necessary to finish the job, is my hand still buried in the bowl?

But, there is a yet higher standard as a disciple of Jesus -- And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. *

The reality is that we absolutely can not do what we ought without guidance, motivation, and help that comes from beyond ourselves. Too often, I coast along doing what seems good (or easy) without having taken time to try to get God’s perspective and guidance. I can get my hand into the bowl in my own strength but it takes grace from above to properly finish the job. Beginning is easy, properly finishing is another story. We often work hard on the wrong things because of our laziness in prayer, listening and sincerely seeking God's right way. Powerlessness in our life, messed up relationships and unfulfilled responsibilities can all flow out of being a sluggard in our relationship with God. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. **

Project:

• Consider what bowls you have gotten your hand into (what roles and responsibilities do you have)
• Join me in repenting of being lazy in seeking to be ruled by the peace of Christ
• Commit to daily seek God’s direction and strength to properly carry out each responsibility
• Read and meditate on Colossians 3 (the whole chapter)
  

* (Col 3:17)

** (2 Thess 2:17)

Pro-Family Backlash

California Christians urged to take their children out of the public schools.

click here to see article

Become A Hero

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. …. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals;.. (Luke 10)

Over the years, my wife and I have sought God’s direction many times for our schedule and activities so that our children would learn, mature and, in the long run, be blessed. But, many times our children missed out on the intended blessing because they too effectively resisted. Sometimes, the exercise was pretended, carrot juice was flushed, cheating took place and the study was actually a nap. But, whoever and whenever the disciplines, studies and chores were embraced, there eventually were rewards of rich knowledge, stronger character, improved health and valuable self-discipline.

When Jesus said “Go!”, how many of Jesus disciples responded by saying, “I don’t feel like it!”, or “I don’t think that’s a good idea”? Over time, Jesus gradually lost disciples and the crowds got smaller. Those who obeyed the dictates of their comfort lost interest in the challenges of following Jesus. But, they also missed out on the adventure and the incredible blessing of seeing and experiencing God’s provision and power.

Often, our strength will grow the most in the very areas where we must exert the most effort to overcome our natural feelings. In other words, the most growth happens when we get into the discomfort zone. Do you feel like speaking to your neighbor about Christ? Do you feel like conversing with your wife about issues important to her? Is there a home repair that you just don’t feel like working on? Do you feel like reading God’s Word everyday? Did you feel like it today? Boys become men and men become heroes by receiving God's grace to overcome the whispers of fear or the siren call of comfort.

Project:

• Let’s each ask God to remind us of a project or discipline that we don’t feel like confronting.
• Let’s each Ask God for grace to move into the discomfort zone and embrace that discipline or project.
  

Job 33:14 – Why?
Matt 4:4 – How?

Education, Money and Competition

“When a government monopoly limits competition, we can’t know what ideas would bloom if competition were allowed. Surveys show that most American parents are satisfied with their kids’ public schools, but that’s only because they don’t know what their kids might have had!... I bet we’d see cheap and efficient Costco-like schools, virtual schools where you learn at home on your computer, sports schools, music schools, schools that go all year, schools with uniforms, schools that open early and keep kids later, and, who knows what? Every economics textbook says monopolies are bad because they charge high prices for shoddy goods. But it’s government that gives us monopolies. So why do we entrust something as important as our children’s education to a government monopoly?... It’s time to give parents more options. Instead of pouring more money into the failed government monopoly, let’s free parents to control their own education money. Competition is a lot smarter than bureaucrats.” —John Stossel

Molested by the Curriculum

Or, what man is there among you, when his son sall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, will not give him a snake, will he? (Matthew 7:9-10)

Recently, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill which requires even Christian colleges (where students receive state grants) to condone perverse sexual perspectives such as: transsexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality. It is becoming increasingly clear that children of Christian families are being given a "free" education based on how to be a submissive, politically correct atheist. This is a free ride to hell for many children. The fact that a few children retain or acquire faith in Jesus after going through the government education mill reveals that the system has not yet reached its full power. There are still some heroic Christian teachers who find ways to communicate faith. There are still a few parents and churches who can counteract the effect of the atheistic evangelism built into the curriculum of most public school systems. But, the system is constantly working to reduce the effectiveness of these "subversive" elements.

California Christians are being encouraged to pull their children out of the government schools and to educate them in Christian or Home Schools (see news article). Even though the agenda of all government school systems is not as obvious as in California, the results are still pretty uniform. Studies show that for children of Christian families, most (over 90%) believe in Jesus when they graduate from a Home-school, but only a relatively small percent (less than 40%) retain their faith after graduation from the government school system. Somewhere around 80-90% of Christians parents send their children into the government school system. Some are ignorant of the danger, others have conflicting priorities and many just don't think about it. Many Christian parents need to stop acting like a bunch of lemmings who thoughtlessly send their children off to public schools where they can be molested by the curriculum.

Project:

• Diligently seek God's direction for how best to fulfill your responsibility to educate your children.

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." - God (Deut 6)

The Value of Marriage

Vox Day's article on the value of marriage may seem little shocking. But, it highlights the unique value of a Christian woman of noble character who has the priorities of God, family, and self in the proper order.

WorldNetDaily: The value of marriage

One-Stop Shopping

We all know how easy it is to run to the store for an item or two and end up spending $100 or more for several unplanned items that we "need". Just today, I went to pick up the car at the shop and after paying for it, I suddenly remembered a couple of items I "needed" at the auto parts store. Instead of my trip home costing nothing, it cost over $30. Eric and his wife found a solution to this problem. Read this humorous and helpful article "One-Stop Shopping". Click here to read the article.

Weep No More

"The voice of weeping shall be no more heard."-Isaiah 65:19

The glorified weep no more, for all outward a causes of grief are gone. There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in heaven.  Poverty, famine, peril, persecution, and slander, are unknown there. No pain distresses, no thought of death or bereavement saddens.

They weep no more, for they are perfectly sanctified. No "evil heart of unbelief" prompts them to depart from the living God; they are without fault before His throne, and are fully conformed to His image. Well may they cease to mourn who have ceased to sin.

They weep no more, because all fear of change is past. They know that they are eternally secure. Sin is shut out, and they are shut in. They dwell within a city which shall never be stormed; they bask in a sun which shall never set; they drink of a river which shall never dry; they pluck fruit from a tree which shall never wither. Countless cycles may revolve, but eternity shall not be exhausted, and while eternity endures, their immortality and blessedness shall co-exist with it.  They are for ever with the Lord.

They weep no more, because every desire is fulfilled. They cannot wish for anything which they have not in possession. Eye and ear, heart and hand, judgment, imagination, hope, desire, will, all the faculties, are completely satisfied; and imperfect as our present ideas are of the things which God hath prepared for them that love him, yet we know enough, by the revelation of the Spirit, that the saints above are supremely blessed. The joy of Christ, which is an infinite fullness of delight, is in them. They bathe themselves in the bottomless, shoreless sea of infinite beatitude. That same joyful rest remains for us. It may not be far distant. Ere long the weeping willow shall be exchanged for the palm-branch of victory, and sorrow's dewdrops will be transformed into the pearls of everlasting bliss. "Wherefore comfort one another with these words." - C.H. Spurgeon 

Hungry and Thirsty

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. (Matthew 5:1)

My bride and I were married on Valentine's Day and soon we were expecting our first child before the end of the year. As we anticipated his arrival, we began to recognize our spiritual poverty. Our response – let’s go to church. This made us feel better but the reality was that I still had very little interest in hearing the truth or reading the Bible. But, by the grace of God, He eventually stirred up a spiritual hunger which caused us to become true seekers and disciples. One of the first changes we experienced was a desire to know God’s Word and to spend time alone reading and thinking about what it all meant. Gradually, this reading, thinking and praying led to dramatically changed values and goals. We began to see major changes in our lives. God blew up the box we had built around our life and He keeps knocking down any new walls that we put up.

Jesus has wonderful things to speak to each of us and if we follow Him our life will be an adventure. Not many, however, are listening. Many of us would say, “Jesus is my Savior.” But, He wants us to be genuinely able to say, “Jesus is my Lord.” He becomes Lord as we hear, trust and obey. When was the last time you spent even five or ten minutes personally reading the Bible? We are careful to not starve our body but how many of us are starving our spirit? Can you imagine God’s Temple where His Word is not read daily and He is not constantly worshipped? Yet, each of our bodies is to be a Temple of the Holy Spirit. If a person has no hunger for God’s Word, then he should ask himself whether he is even alive spiritually.

Looking at Matthew 5:1-3 from the perspective of relationships and especially our marriage relationship, it seems that the foundation of that relationship must absolutely be based on being Jesus’ disciple and coming to Him for His teaching. This coming to Jesus should be a part of our daily lifestyle not because it is our duty to have such a discipline but because we earnestly hunger, thirst and crave to have Him speak into our personal life. Jesus’ disciples were eager to be with Him. They soaked up His words and puzzled over them. We will be the same way if we are His disciples. God wants us to be Jesus' disciples. All that may be holding us back is our failure to recognize and admit our need to ourselves and to God. Let's ask God to make us hungry and thirsty disciples.

No Lack of Love, Romance or Sex

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. (Philippians 3:1)

Recently, a study was published saying that 20-30% of married couples have an essentially sexless relationship. They defined this as having sex less than 10-12 times each year. They went on to point out that this indicated major problems in the emotional relationship of these couples and opened a major area of temptation to adultery or pornography.

Like most couples, my Bride and I have sometimes had misunderstandings about sex. Many times this was caused by my failure to communicate my concerns or feelings. Sometimes she failed to communicate or I rejected her communication or feelings in some way. Yet, sexual difficulties or miscommunication can often be just another bump in the road of learning to be one in body, soul and spirit and learning to love each other with the love that God gives us. But, consistent, continuing problems relating sexually can be symptom of a deeper problem

There can be many causes of relationships being damaged emotionally and physically but one of the most damaging is a cracked foundation. The short and seemingly simple exhortation in this verse from Phil 3:1 is immensely significant. When it comes down to it, what is it that we genuinely rejoice in or want to rejoice in? What happens when we don’t get what we want from earthly relationships or things? Can we still rejoice and give ourselves to the Lord?

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. – Jesus

When we have persistent serious relationship problems in our marriage, it may be a result of failing to put Jesus’ words into practice. Chapters 5-7 of Matthew lay out the fundamental but revolutionary ways that Jesus followers should interact. These ideas are impossible if we have not received God’s own Spirit of love. But, if we have been spiritually reborn, we have the power to “do” Jesus words.

The foundation is not just belief. It is not just accepting Jesus as our Savior. Jesus said the foundation is putting His words into practice. Jesus said that those who hear them and fail to do them are essentially fools and will get the results or fruit of a fool. This doing of His words must begin with our closest relationships or we will have the outer appearance with the false interior (a hypocrite). So, let’s each individually look at Matthew 5-7 with new eyes and ask this question, “How does this teaching apply to how I personally should respond to my spouse?” Then, let’s repent of our wrong reactions and ask God to give us power to DO His words in our marriage and family. Let's strengthen the foundation of our relationships or lay a brand new foundation based on doing Jesus' words and experience the stability of having our house built on a foundation of solid rock. A house built on the rock of doing Jesus' words will not lack a heart of love, romance or sex.

Project:

• Let’s read Matthew 5-7 for the next week.
• Let’s look for something to change in our marriage (not our spouse).
• Let’s do what Jesus says even if it is different, uncomfortable or revolutionary.
• Repeat the above for 90 days.
• Repeat for 6 months
• If you are going do this project, send me a note letting me know of your commitment. (I will set up a forum where we can share and discuss what we are learning and experiencing).
  

When I was "In Transition" (out of a job)

For by you I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. (Psalm 18:29)

One of the things I learned about the job search process is that it is known as being “in transition.” When I found myself “in transition” with eight children at home being home educated by my wife, I was under a “little” pressure to find an income. The company I left had shut down an entire product line and laid off many people. As part of their parting handshake, they hired a third-party training organization to provide training in how to find a new job. As I sought God for direction and provision, it seemed that I should embrace the situation as an “opportunity” to learn. So, I determined to get all I could out of the training to diligently apply the principles I learned. This was difficult because I had not been a "people person" and did not like selling. Now, I had to learn to sell myself.

There were several valuable things I learned.

Have a goal or direction.
Be ready to present a “one minute commercial” of yourself.
Create a well written resume.
Get educated on the field and potential companies.
Diligently follow your personal network.

I was surprised to learn that 85% of people find a new job based on “who they know”. And, who you know extends to those who are known by those you know. In other words, if I diligently follow my direct and indirect relationships long enough, I will eventually find “the person.” But, I learned that there were some definitely right ways of doing this process and some definitely wrong ways.

I found out that it is vital to know what career or type of job one is seeking. A goal must be determined. When I ask my friends to help me locate a person to talk to, they need to know what or who am I looking for. “I’m looking for a position with a bakery” is much better than “I’m looking for a job.” The book, “What Color is Your Parachute?” is highly recommended to help with goal setting.

Once I had a goal, I needed to be prepared to sell myself. It was important to “dress up” and I needed to be able to speak about my goals, accomplishments and values. So, I needed a suit and a commercial. I bought a suit. And, I began to prepare for the opportunity to give my commercial. This commercial prepared me for this statement, “So, tell me about yourself.” It’s tough to squeeze the most important information into one minute. But, it was emphasized that one minute was the maximum. I practiced on my wife and the mirror. I must have presented my commercial dozens of times as I contacted different companies and individuals.

Another surprise came as I learned about my resume. I was told that I should personally deliver these resumes at the time of my “educational interview”. They should be hand delivered. They should not be mailed or emailed unless someone requests it in that way. This may have changed some since the advent of Internet based job search sites. But, even those sites still point out that the most effective way of finding a job is networking (see the quote below). There is information on the Internet about how to write resumes. But, I learned that it should give basic information about your experience, illustrate how you benefited past employers, and be a good reminder of who you were when they talked to you.

Who is getting interviewed? I found this to be the most empowering principle. I was supposed to follow my contacts out to points of interview. But, I would be going to the meeting to “get educated” about the career and the company in which I was interested. In other words, it was not a job interview. It was an educational interview. I would go to the interview with some questions about my proposed career or job and about the company. One of the most important parts of the interview would be when I asked, “Could you give me the names of a couple of other people that I could talk to about this career?” This question is vital and I also asked it on the phone as I followed my list of contacts. I started with a contact list of 30 people. By the time I found a job, the list had multiplied in size. Almost every educational interview also had this important opening, “Tell me about yourself.” I was taught that the interview was a coin with two sides. It really should be educational; so, take notes during the interview. It is also an opportunity to present yourself as well-dressed, good mannered, competent, diligent, and a generally valuable person. I frequently handed my resume to the person I was interviewing and asked them how it could be improved. Was there some area they thought should be expanded or modified?

I remember handing my resume to a senior VP of a company that I had worked for years before. This VP had been my division manager a decade earlier. I asked him if he thought the resume was accurate. He offered a suggestion for a minor change. But, then he suggested that I should talk with some of his managers. This suggestion turned out to be vitally important because he would not, as a general policy, hire previous employees.

My job search became “my job”. I left “for work” at the usual time and started my phone calls to contacts. If I left a voice mail, I made note of the status of that contact. Everyday I would scan my contacts for potential follow-up. I kept a set of cards with contact names, addresses and phone numbers. I had a day-timer with appointments for educational interviews. I wrote up post-mortem descriptions of the interviews and added contacts to my list. Thank you notes were sent to each person that allowed me an education interview.

The result of my job search education and “job”? At the end of three weeks, I had two job offers and a third was “in the mail”. This was at a time when the average time to find a new job in my career was 3-6 months. The job offer that I accepted was in a company that had an active hiring freeze. I became an exception to their freeze because of my contacts (that Senior VP) and because of the need in the specific part of the organization that hired me. My new boss, who actually hired me, was one of the people who had eventually appeared on my contact list. Another benefit was that my new salary was a significant increase over the old.

Today there is more emphasis on online job search tools. Some of the techniques and presentation may have changed. But, every employer wants to have the best information he can get about a potential employee. The most effective way to find good employees is through personal contacts and recommendations.

Here is what Monster.com says to new college grads about networking:

“Generally the most effective job-hunting approach, networking is simply talking to people to either track down helpful personal contacts or learn about job openings that may not necessarily be widely advertised or advertised at all. Start by talking to your own family, friends and acquaintances. Let everyone in your life know you're looking for a job, and give them an idea of what type of job you want.

If there's a professional organization in your field, join it and start participating in its meetings and other events so you can get to know people in your area of interest. Work with a career counselor at your school to both tap his contacts and learn of alumni from your school who might be able and willing to lend you a hand in your search. Finally, don't forget to tap your professors' connections as well.”

Even if you have a job, you may still be "in transition." I found these principles extremely valuable. So, let me encourage you to define your goals, create a one-minute commercial, generate a clear and selling resume, start doing educational interviews, and follow your contacts. Mix this with prayer and seeking God's priorities and you will inevitably reach your goal. It was by God's grace that I was able to overcome my dislike of selling and could learn to "sell" myself.

Strength To Love

When we lost little Caleb, we felt that the waves of grief would overwhelm us. Then came the incredible jolt of hearing that Mercy was affected by Down Syndrome. Then there were times of hearing a rebellious "No!" Yet, God has not let the waters of sorrow drown us or the fire of bitterness consume us. Jesus keeps calling us to look into His eyes and to receive His Spirit of love. He has heard my selfish "No!" and still His love has captured my heart. His love will empower us to pray, hurt and die for others. It is all too easy to give in, turn away, and sink into Self. May God give each of us strength to love, suffer and die for Him as He has loved, suffered and died for each one of us.

"After that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."-1 Peter 5:10

You have seen the arch of heaven as it spans the plain: glorious are its colours, and rare its hues. It is beautiful, but, alas, it passes away, and lo, it is not. The fair colours give way to the fleecy clouds, and the sky is no longer brilliant with the tints of heaven. It is not established. How can it be? A glorious show made up of transitory sun-beams and passing rain-drops, how can it abide?

The graces of the Christian character must not resemble the rainbow in its transitory beauty, but, on the contrary, must be stablished, settled, abiding. Seek, O believer, that every good thing you have may be an abiding thing. May your character not be a writing upon the sand, but an inscription upon the rock! May your faith be no "baseless fabric of a vision," but may it be built of material able to endure that awful fire which shall consume the wood, hay, and stubble of the hypocrite. May you be rooted and grounded in love. May your convictions be deep, your love real, your desires earnest. May your whole life be so settled and established, that all the blasts of hell, and all the storms of earth shall never be able to remove you.

But notice how this blessing of being "stablished in the faith" is gained. The apostle's words point us to suffering as the means employed-"After that ye have suffered awhile." It is of no use to hope that we shall be well rooted if no rough winds pass over us. Those old gnarlings on the root of the oak tree, and those strange twistings of the branches, all tell of the many storms that have swept over it, and they are also indicators of the depth into which the roots have forced their way. So the Christian is made strong, and firmly rooted by all the trials and storms of life. Shrink not then from the tempestuous winds of trial, but take comfort, believing that by their rough discipline God is fulfilling this benediction to you. - C.H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional - Tuesday July 11

Mud Pies and Alan Bryan

If we have children, we know that it is difficult to take our children somewhere or teach them important things if they insist on their own way, won’t leave their mud pies, or won’t listen. I remember a holiday meal that, as a little child, I spoiled because I would not accept pepper on my potatoes. I remember being carried from the meal by my father. Who knows what blessing we have each missed because we would not listen to our parents and insisted on our own way? In our culture, it can be easy to forget that we are in a spiritual battle. Our work, finances, family and things can all draw our focus away from God and His Words. Our Father desires to help us, guide us and prosper us.

My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings. - Proverbs 4:20-22

If we make no effort to listen but are constantly distracted by other interests how can we hear the Lover of our soul? Today, let’s take some time to turn off the distractions and focus on God’s Word, His love, His nature and His mission for each of us. Let’s do it every day.

Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.

When does God Word come before our eyes? God’s Word should be constantly circulating within our thinking. Let’s chose a bit of God’s Word to memorize and meditate on this week. Let’s put His Word on the walls of our thinking because it will change our thoughts, feelings, and actions. If our thinking moves in better paths, our lives will inevitably begin to move in better paths.

For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their whole body.

Many of us are full to overflowing of knowledge, tidbits of interesting stuff and exciting entertainment while our spirits are dying of starvation. In contrast, if our spirit is well fed, then our emotions will have a steady anchor point, our minds will have a sure guide, our relationships will thrive, and even our bones will be strengthened. Most importantly, our Father can guide us, teach us, bless us and we can bless Him and accomplish His goals if we will give Him our attention and have a heart to obey.

This is exemplified by Alan Bryan who went to be with Father on July 4. As an adult, Alan saw a close friend die after missing opportunities to speak to his friend about Jesus. As a result, Alan turned from an ordinary life of distraction and sought to bring as many as he could into God’s Kingdom. We recently spoke to a young lady who told us that her father repented and became a follower of Jesus at a meeting led by Alan. She said that her whole family had been wonderfully blessed by the change in her father. Who knows what incredible fruit God was able to bring from the seeds planted by Alan. None of us has very much longer to live. Let’s not waste our time on an ordinary life dissipated in meaningless mud pies and worldly distractions.

Chicken-hearted Lambs

“Go your ways; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves” Luke 10:3

Last night, we stopped at a gas station to buy a bottle of juice. As we went to the counter to pay, we found ourselves waiting behind a fellow who was trying to buy a lottery ticket. In fact, he bought several lottery tickets. I was thinking about how he wanted to win millions when it struck me that I should give him a million dollar bill. So, I pulled one out of my wallet and as he started to walk away, I tapped him on the arm and held out the million dollar bill to him. When he saw it, he laughed and started to hand it back to me. I told him that he could keep it and that it was a Gospel tract. We paid for our juice and, as we walked to our car, I saw that the fellow was sitting in his car reading the tract. He looked up and I waved. Then he called out and asked me if I had another of those tracts. I gave him another one and we went on our way praying that God would speak to his heart and water the seed.

We have wonderfully good news. Jesus has paid our penalty to save us from what we deserve. But, the good news can not be genuinely appreciated unless we first comprehend the bad news that, in our inmost being, we are basically sinners and rebels against God. And, as such, we are under judgment and are destined for hell. That's bad news! The good news is that God wants to rescue us from that awful fate. We only need to turn from our rebellious, “I’ll serve myself” attitude, trust that Jesus paid our penalty, and be reborn through the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized, we are declaring that the old man of sin has died and that we are being raised as new men having our sins forgiven and with new natures that desire to seek, serve and obey our God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. That's GOOD NEWS!!

Here is the last sentence on the tract, “Then read your Bible daily and obey it.” This is the key to growth, maturity, right thinking and right doctrine. A person who says they are a Christian but has not read his Bible in days or weeks is either not an actual Christian or has a significant problem in their relationship with the Father. Just as our physical body will get sickly and crippled if we don’t feed it right, so will our spirit. When did you last read your Bible?

I’ve always been chicken-hearted about handing out tracts and witnessing. And, in fact, we are like lambs going out among wolves. I’m still learning to overcome my fears. If you are interested in overcoming similar fears, contact me. Perhaps we can encourage each other or set up a class based on “The Way of The Master” basic training course. Even chicken-hearted lambs can experience God's strength if they learn to depend on Him.

Here’s what the tract says:
The million-dollar question: Will you go to Heaven? Here’s a quick test. Have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God’s name in vain? Jesus said, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Have you looked with lust? Will you be guilty on Judgment Day? If you have done those things, God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer-at-heart. The Bible warns that if you are guilty you will end up in Hell. That’s not God’s will. He sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross for you. Jesus took your punishment upon Himself: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Then He rose from the dead and defeated death. Please, repent (turn from sin) today and trust in Jesus.. Then read your Bible daily and obey it.

I wish I had watched more TV.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Jesus

Recently, I paid one of our sons to do some plumbing related work that will result in savings of around twenty dollars per month. He proposed that he would do the work for free if we would put the savings into getting Direct-TV. He suggested this since we do not have a connection to the world of TV networks, cable channels or satellite reception and he especially misses the ability to easily tune into sporting events. But, we turned him down.

A recent study showed that couples who have a television in their bedroom had a reduced sexual relationship. This demonstrates one of television’s major effects – diminished health of relationships. Instead of looking at each other and talking to one another, we look at the TV and our brief conversations are shaped and guided by its images and messages. One of the most significant hidden costs of TV is its negative effect on relationships. A newly married couple would be wise to avoid it. A family or couple who desires healthy relationships would be wise to avoid it.

We don’t totally avoid television, but it is very inconvenient for us to watch it. Recently, we went to a friend’s house to share in watching the NBA finals. The advertisement for some TV show had a quick image of a woman showing off her body and underwear. If a stranger came to your door and did this, you would call the police. But, on TV, this is considered good, clean fun. The advertised TV show no doubt delivers a message on morality that would have fit well in Sodom and Gomorrah. If you desire holiness, you would be wise to avoid it.

Who can estimate how much of our time is absorbed by the entertainment and interesting information constantly flowing from our TV? In addition, we now have the Internet soaking up our time. There is certainly some benefit but at what cost? How many goals have been missed, plans derailed, and dreams destroyed because of the magnetic and addictive power of TV to absorb our valuable and irreplaceable time? If you have dreams and goals for the future, you would be wise to avoid it.

There is a plentiful harvest but the workers are few. Where are the workers? Their love and compassion may have been drained off, their time absorbed and their spirits damaged by the copious information, demands and false messages of TV. If you want to be a worker for Jesus, you would be wise to avoid it.

How many people on their deathbed will say, "I wish I had watched more TV."

Far More Wonderful

Q: My husband thinks I am too clingy. He thinks that my moods are too dependent on his actions, opinions and feelings. It drives me crazy that nothing seems to frustrate him. I sometimes feel that he doesn't need me as much as I need him. I find myself reacting to him all the time. I thought marriage was about give and take. "You meet my needs, and I'll meet yours." Am I expecting too much out of my mate?

A: It may surprise you to hear that God did not design marriage as a place where we can get all our needs met. In fact, nowhere does he tell us that happiness, a soul mate, companionship, sex, or even love is the purpose of marriage. He created it with something far more wonderful in mind. [click here to learn more]

After you read the article, please comment on it by clicking on the comments section of this post.

What is Truth?

What is Truth? (John 18:38)

One of the problems we have in our society is a constant flow of deception regarding lifestyle. We are all undoubtedly aware of the lies concerning sex, Jesus, and the goals of life in general. Among all the misinformation, there is also a stream of advertising for foods, supplements and drugs which completely distorts the truth about a healthy lifestyle. Drugs have become the answer to every problem and if that doesn't work then cut or burn it out. Whatever power drugs have is negative. They can, at best, only destroy. There is no life or life source in them and healing ultimately depends on the healing power that God has designed into our incredible bodies. Our lifestyles either build up or dissipate the God given strength of our bodies.

Christians sometimes wonder why they get sick. Certainly God does use our physical infirmities to build us up spiritually and to form the character of Christ in us. But, we can also hurt ourselves by violating physical laws such as gravity. If I step off my roof, I will not escape the effect of the law of gravity. Our bodies operate according to physical laws similar to gravity. If we break a physical law like gravity, we will inevitably see the effect. We live in a world of cause and effect. Every single effect has a cause.

The good news is that God gives us grace and power to get out of the negative cause and effect cycle and to begin to plant seeds that will just as inevitably produce a harvest of right, peace, good and health. As in the spiritual realm, this change in results in the physical realm, first of all, depends on knowing, believing and conforming to the Truth. Jesus said that it was better to lose an eye or a limb than to continue in sin and end up in hell. So, Godliness is definitely more important than physical health. But, there is much value in knowing that gravity or other physical laws not only bring blessing but also present the possibility of negative effects and life threatening danger.

I'm babbling away about things of which you are well aware. Yet, I personally find it easy to forget truths in the distractions of life. In addition, some truths have been buried under mountains of misinformation. Unfortunately, many doctors have been buried under mountains of questionable information about the poison it, burn it and cut it culture of our current medical culture. At the same time, they have often had less training in nutrition than veterinarians. As a result, it is necessary for individuals to go beyond putting faith in their doctors and to become diligent seekers of truth about their physical bodies. This bears some resemblance to God's desire for us to each individually be diligent seekers of Him rather than basing our beliefs solely on the word of a priest or a special preacher. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Pilate was a ruler and a judge. Yet, he admitted that he did not know Truth. Searching is better than being like Pilate and blindly getting the consequences of ignorance. Some came to Jesus seeking answers. Others already thought they knew the answers. And, some saw their need for answers but did not seek. Blindly standing before the embodiment of Truth what does Pilate say? He does not say "Help me." Instead, he lazily embraces his ignorance, "What is Truth?" - Pilate

If you were blind, you should have no sin: but now you say, We see; therefore your sin remains. (John 9:41)

60 Years Together

On May 25, my parents will have been married 60 years. Naturally, I have many more memories of our life together than I can write about. But, here are a few thoughts about a wonderful couple.

There are many memories of us camping out on our vacations and on weekend trips. Some of those memories have been made more lasting by the challenges we faced. Of course, there is always the memory of camping by the stream below the lake on a cool evening. As we went to bed, the night continued to get more and more chilly. Finally, Dad and Mom, you moved into the car with Ken, Carol and me. It was a little crowded and we all had to turn over at once - but we were warm. The next morning, the sun was shinning and things at least looked warmer. After breakfast, we went up to the lake where we were shocked to discover that the lake was still covered with ice. The only fishing was ice fishing. I don't remember catching much fish but I did catch some great memories.

Another camping experience happened in some field at some unknown location along our route to somewhere. There was an old corral and acres of ragweed. The morning was chilly but the sun was rising on the seemingly isolated location. Mom was brewing some coffee for Dad and it had a great smell. That was the first time I was offered a swig of coffee or had any desire to taste it.

Our vacations took us out of the hills of Manitou and into the big cities of New York and LA. They took us into fabulous canyons with rocky pinnacles, deep into caves, and across blazing hot deserts (without A/C). My world was expanded many times over because of our annual vacation adventure. Thanks for all your sacrifice, courage and initiative in making these family trips happen.

In addition to our vacations, we also had picnics many places including on the Gold Camp Road, the Rampart Range Road, on the Platte River, and on Mt. Manitou. These were great times for exploring, hiking, and playing in the water. I'm convinced that our family was one of the richest families in town.

After Ouida and I were married and our family began to grow, we inherited the idea of annual family vacation adventures. Our family has been blessed with the sharing many of these times with you. One of those times was a trip up the California coast in an RV. Many other times we found ourselves at a lake (for some reason). Sometimes we played some softball and dodged trees to chase the ball up the hill, other times we had a horseshoe tournament. But, it was a rare event when Papaw lost at horseshoes.

Was it the mountain air or the energy we inherited from our parents that led to the vacations, picnics, hikes, volleyball, badminton and basketball? Maybe it was a little bit of the same energy and drive that powered you Dad as you moved mountains, built walls, constructed houses, became a church leader and fully invested yourself in your business, life and family. Not to be outdone in energy, you're always on the move Mom as you tend the flowers, cook the meals, write hundreds of notes, make a home, witness to everyone around you and encourage us to seek and be our best. You are a great team, wonderful parents and terrific grandparents. I love you.

The Incredible Wonder

And shed innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and their daughters,
Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan;
And the land was polluted with the blood.
(Ps 106:38)

Have you ever experienced the feeling of being hit with a two-by-four when no lumber was involved? In my case, I very distinctly remember that effect on hearing these few words about our new little girl, “She has Down Syndrome.” Until this label was hung on one of our children, we did not know much about what it meant. Personally, I had only superficial and inaccurate information.

So, what is Down syndrome? Its name comes from the British doctor, John Langdon Down, who first clinically identified the condition in 1866. The actual chromosomal nature of Down syndrome did not become documented until 1959 by Dr. Lejeune. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by extra genetic material from the 21st chromosome. Frequently, it is called Trisomy 21 because there is often an extra copy of the 21^st chromosome making three instead of the normal two. There are also other variations depending on where the extra information from the 21^st chromosome appears.

Obviously, this extra genetic material appears in addition to the inherited genetic information. So, a person with this “bonus” genetic information will have characteristics inherited from his parents and also characteristics from the added 21st chromosome. This creates large and small differences in many different ways. It often affects a child’s development before and after birth. For instance, many children with this condition will have heart or digestive system problems. In our case, we went through an open heart surgery to repair a hole in an inner wall of the heart. There are a wide variety of challenges depending on how the extra information is manifest in each individual. In our daughter’s case, she started out with very low muscle tone and, as a result, showed very little interest in moving from one place to another. It is common for brain development to be slowed and a difference in the connections between the hemispheres of the brain can cause communication challenges.

All these potential challenges scare many people. I know I was frightened at the possibilities. Sadly, our technology now allows us to act on such fears to identify and give the death sentence to a child that has committed the crime of being detected with Down syndrome. Their innocent blood cries out. In China, this can happen up to immediately after birth while in our country over 90% of such children are prevented from ever reaching the point of birth. Sometimes there is intense pressure on potential parents to abort the problem. Even more tragically, it is estimated that 40% of the time the prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome is wrong. Fear can cause us to do terrible things.

Beyond the fear, there are other factors that need to be recognized. In reality, every one of us came with our own set of challenges, limitations, talents and abilities. Some of us may be great piano players while others may be like me and not able to keep rhythm with two sticks. Fortunately, musical talent is not required to be allowed to be born and live a more or less normal life. At least, it seems normal to a non-musical person. Others of us enjoy the strange activity of mathematical puzzles. Perhaps math skill, the ability to write poetry or the ability to read should be the criteria for life? In fact, all of us are born extremely handicapped. We all start out deaf, dumb, blind and crippled when it comes to spiritual life and perception.

Increasingly, it seems like everybody must have economic meaning and value or they are considered extra baggage to be tossed aside. A person with Trisomy 21 has tremendous worth but it can not always be translated into dollars and cents. In fact, most of us would be insulted to be evaluated solely in terms of our ability to generate dollars for our family, corporation or government. No, our value is actually realized in our relationships. I’m extremely important and valuable to some people. But, others, such as terrorists would see value in me only as a victim of violence. There are people who have said things like, “No one would want a child with a birth defect.” But, the reality is that there is a backlog of people waiting to adopt such children. And, even if I were totally alone and isolated, I’m incredibly valuable to God. The value of any child can not be determined by looking at a price tag.

Our daughter is now almost 12 years old. And, she is one of the best things that could have happened to our family. As we have invested ourselves in her, we’ve learned the meaning of genuine love – giving of ourselves without expecting anything in return. But, we have received huge blessings from her that are far beyond anything we anticipated. You don’t know what it is to feel welcomed until you’ve walked into a room and heard her shout out, “There he is!!” Every morning, she walks in my office and says, “Hello, Daddy” and something about her spirit infuses me with a sense of her love.

Yes, she has developmental challenges. At the age of two, she could not crawl and I thought it would be a miracle if she ever walked. After she got past the hurtle of crawling, I remember putting her in a harness and holding the straps as we tried to teach her to put one foot in front of the other. But, she did learn to walk and we learned that, for any of us, walking is more of a miracle than we realize. We’ve had help in getting her over the many hurtles. One major help has been prayer and the prayers of our friends and family. Another significant help has been the National Academy of Child Development. This organization has helped ten’s of thousands of children to approach their full potential. Through NACD, we’ve learned about the development of a person’s nervous system and the importance of duration, intensity and frequency in various exercises and learning activities. With God’s grace, the direction of NACD, my bride’s diligence and the support of the family, we’ve seen our daughter blossom and our love grow. There are challenges but there is also plenty of help.

Actually, Mercy Carol is our second angel with this special design. Her older brother, Caleb, also had Down syndrome. But, when we learned that another child was on the way, we never considered prenatal testing. We had already learned what a terrible loss it is to lose a child and it is basically immaterial whether that child has the label of “Down syndrome”. Better to have the shock of being hit with a two-by-four than to miss out on the joy of love, seeing obstacles overcome through prayer and experiencing the incredible wonder of a child.