Recently, my husband and I have been subject to a spiritual and character beat-down. It seems as though everyone has it out for us. The people we have been portrayed as are not at all who we are. We have been talked about, put-down, griped at, over-ruled, and finally our character has been attacked.
What have we done to deserve this? We have poured our hearts into our ministry. Given until we have nothing to give. Cared for people that could care less. Taught lessons, opened our home, given our time, and for what? To be assualted on very personal levels by people who claim to think we are "The Bomb."
They don't listen when we teach. They do what they want regardless of anyone else's feelings. They turn our words around and make them something they are not meant to be.
This is not a poor me article. This is a fed-up article. When people tell others who do not know us how bad of people we are and have nothing to base it on, I take that personally. When my character and my job is criticised, I have no other option but to take it personally. Others feel they can do a better job and would rather talk about what they would have done if they were in the position, but when it comes to acting on it, cower.
I am done!! No more am I going to put myself out there to be trampled on and beat down. I have two priorities in my life: making heaven and teaching my children how to make heaven. With the rate that we are being talked about and assaulted, I will be lucky to escape. I am now going to focus on my family because in the past nearly two years they have been put on the back burner. They are now my priority.
So for those of you reading this that are guilty of this brutal beat-down...it is your turn to put your actions behind those words and show us how we should be running things. If you have been taught anything in the past year it should be to respect authority. You have done a really good way of showing your respect. It's your turn now.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Respecting those in authority.
What is it with the young people of today not respecting what older people ask them to do? All over you see children and young adults constantly talking back to their parents, teachers, or others in authority. They do not take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. When something goes wrong, it is always someone else's fault.
I know times have changed, however, I have found that you get a whole lot more things go your way if you are nice and respect the person instead of whining and throwing a fit because they won't let you do something you want. My daughter is trying to pull this with me lately. She asks me repeatedly to do something or have something because she thinks if she asks me enough I will be worn down and let her do it/have it. Sad to say, in the past I have buckled and let this happen. But, more often than not, I do not give in. Which brings on the beginnings of a temper tantrum. Now she is five, so this is still somewhat acceptable because she is testing her limits. But, when you become an adolescent, this is completely not acceptable.
Too many times have I seen young girls in our youth group throw a fit and not listen to their parents or grandparents when they are not allowed to do what they want. Is this really what the world is coming to? I know I always feel better about letting my daughter to something after she has asked and responded nicely when told no than if she were to throw a fit.
When people who have been placed in a postition of authority ask you to do something, there is a reason. Although you may not see the reasoning behind it, that person knows why and, if it arises, that person is capable of taking the blame for having you do whatever they asked. I just wish the young people of today would wake up and learn a little respect for those in authority, but my mind wonders...could this be a learned trait?
What about how we act when we pray about something and God decides that is not really what we need? Do we accept that decision and go on about our day in a joyous attitude? Or do we get a bad attitude and go forth with this request and make our own way to make it happen? I think we all may be guilty of this, however, is this something that we want to keep passing on to the next generation? As we have seen, if there is even the slightest give in any area, the give grows in the next generation and so on and so on. Before we know it, whatever the original circumstance was is completely irrelevant because of the constant need to fulfill our own desires.
Just a peek into the way my mind thinks.
I know times have changed, however, I have found that you get a whole lot more things go your way if you are nice and respect the person instead of whining and throwing a fit because they won't let you do something you want. My daughter is trying to pull this with me lately. She asks me repeatedly to do something or have something because she thinks if she asks me enough I will be worn down and let her do it/have it. Sad to say, in the past I have buckled and let this happen. But, more often than not, I do not give in. Which brings on the beginnings of a temper tantrum. Now she is five, so this is still somewhat acceptable because she is testing her limits. But, when you become an adolescent, this is completely not acceptable.
Too many times have I seen young girls in our youth group throw a fit and not listen to their parents or grandparents when they are not allowed to do what they want. Is this really what the world is coming to? I know I always feel better about letting my daughter to something after she has asked and responded nicely when told no than if she were to throw a fit.
When people who have been placed in a postition of authority ask you to do something, there is a reason. Although you may not see the reasoning behind it, that person knows why and, if it arises, that person is capable of taking the blame for having you do whatever they asked. I just wish the young people of today would wake up and learn a little respect for those in authority, but my mind wonders...could this be a learned trait?
What about how we act when we pray about something and God decides that is not really what we need? Do we accept that decision and go on about our day in a joyous attitude? Or do we get a bad attitude and go forth with this request and make our own way to make it happen? I think we all may be guilty of this, however, is this something that we want to keep passing on to the next generation? As we have seen, if there is even the slightest give in any area, the give grows in the next generation and so on and so on. Before we know it, whatever the original circumstance was is completely irrelevant because of the constant need to fulfill our own desires.
Just a peek into the way my mind thinks.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Out of the mouths of babes...
Today, while taking my children to school the two oldest were bantering back and forth. (As always) I normally don't pay much attention until it gets out of hand. Today the subject was interesting jobs. Tyler (my oldest) said "Well, my best friend's dad is a police officer." Lily fires back, "Well, daddy is a vegetarian!" Tyler says "Nuhuh! Dad eats meat!" As I was getting ready to comment my son says "Lily, you mean dad is a veteran!" She says "I mean he used to be in the navy. You know a vegetarian."
Where else would we get our entertainment than from the young ones in our life.
Where else would we get our entertainment than from the young ones in our life.
My passion
Everyone is passionate about something. There is something in their lives that they have a tendancy to spend their thoughts and time on. But when a passion becomes an obsession, you need to look out.
I have a passion for children. Any age, really. I love being around them and teaching them and just watching their minds process new things. It is an amazing thing to see a child begin to understand a new idea or activity. It really hurts me to see children mistreated and abused. I even cringe when I can tell a child is not getting the attention they need at home.
My husband and I have talked about becoming foster parents in the future, when our kids are a little bigger. We both have a heart for children that need love. I think that we could give the child what they are lacking and help them become who they are meant to be through the care that we could provide.
Here is where I believe my problem will lie. I will not want to let the child go. Even if the parent has shown all adequate proof that they are able to raise that child, I will not want to let go. Then, what if I see that child out and can tell they are still not receiving what they were getting at our home? I hear stories of mistreated children on the news and my heart goes out to them. How can any one take one look into the eyes of a child and possibly have the audacity to harm them? When I hear these stories, I want to go get that child and love them the way they need to be loved. Talk to them, read to them, but most importantly, listen to them. They need to feel important to someone.
I am a mother of three children and yes, they do push me to my limits sometimes. But, never, could I ever hurt them or mistreat them in a way that would warrant DCFS to intervene in the situation. I guess what I am trying to say is that my passion could very easily become an obsession because I would not want to turn away any child that needed a safe, loving environment to live in. The saddest thing, I believe, is seeing a child with a broken spirit when it all could have been prevented if the parent would show them one ounce of love they needed.
I have a passion for children. Any age, really. I love being around them and teaching them and just watching their minds process new things. It is an amazing thing to see a child begin to understand a new idea or activity. It really hurts me to see children mistreated and abused. I even cringe when I can tell a child is not getting the attention they need at home.
My husband and I have talked about becoming foster parents in the future, when our kids are a little bigger. We both have a heart for children that need love. I think that we could give the child what they are lacking and help them become who they are meant to be through the care that we could provide.
Here is where I believe my problem will lie. I will not want to let the child go. Even if the parent has shown all adequate proof that they are able to raise that child, I will not want to let go. Then, what if I see that child out and can tell they are still not receiving what they were getting at our home? I hear stories of mistreated children on the news and my heart goes out to them. How can any one take one look into the eyes of a child and possibly have the audacity to harm them? When I hear these stories, I want to go get that child and love them the way they need to be loved. Talk to them, read to them, but most importantly, listen to them. They need to feel important to someone.
I am a mother of three children and yes, they do push me to my limits sometimes. But, never, could I ever hurt them or mistreat them in a way that would warrant DCFS to intervene in the situation. I guess what I am trying to say is that my passion could very easily become an obsession because I would not want to turn away any child that needed a safe, loving environment to live in. The saddest thing, I believe, is seeing a child with a broken spirit when it all could have been prevented if the parent would show them one ounce of love they needed.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Moms
I know Mother's Day has passed, but it has gotten my thinking process going. (It could also be that I just listened to a sermon about moms.) There are many different types of moms. The definition of a mother in the dictionary is very generic. (Female parent) It takes more than just giving birth to be a mom. Some moms have never experienced the whole birthing process but still posess all the qualities a mother should have. Many women who give birth never develop these qualities, but still qualify as a mother.
To me, a mother figure is one who has had a positive impact on your life. She has given you love and attention and guidance through many bumpy situations. She has never turned her back regardless of the circumstances. The love she shows is unconditional. You know that regardless of what goes on in the world around you, what kind of mess you have gotten into, your mother will still see the potential you have and guide you to undo all the tangles you have created.
Moms leave a legacy in their children without the children realizing what they are learning. I know many women's goals are to not become their mother. However, this is quite inevitable. If your mother has had any input on your upbringing, you will become somewhat like your mother.
In my life, I have many moms. My maternal mother, my mother-in-law, a spiritual mother, and other women that have impacted me one way or another. I have been blessed to have a network of women that have been influential in the woman I am today.
My mom has passed to me her determination. I can be rather bull-headed. But in crisis situations, I get a mind set of the things that need to be done and accomplish them. In daily tasks, I can get more done only with the determination I have gained from her.
I guess my reason for this post is to just make you think about the women in your life that have helped shape you into the person you are now. Although, some characteristics you may not be thankful for right now, they will come in handy at some point throughout your journey in life. Thank your mom for who you are and who you are to become.
To me, a mother figure is one who has had a positive impact on your life. She has given you love and attention and guidance through many bumpy situations. She has never turned her back regardless of the circumstances. The love she shows is unconditional. You know that regardless of what goes on in the world around you, what kind of mess you have gotten into, your mother will still see the potential you have and guide you to undo all the tangles you have created.
Moms leave a legacy in their children without the children realizing what they are learning. I know many women's goals are to not become their mother. However, this is quite inevitable. If your mother has had any input on your upbringing, you will become somewhat like your mother.
In my life, I have many moms. My maternal mother, my mother-in-law, a spiritual mother, and other women that have impacted me one way or another. I have been blessed to have a network of women that have been influential in the woman I am today.
My mom has passed to me her determination. I can be rather bull-headed. But in crisis situations, I get a mind set of the things that need to be done and accomplish them. In daily tasks, I can get more done only with the determination I have gained from her.
I guess my reason for this post is to just make you think about the women in your life that have helped shape you into the person you are now. Although, some characteristics you may not be thankful for right now, they will come in handy at some point throughout your journey in life. Thank your mom for who you are and who you are to become.
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