Teach Our Children Well

One issue plaguing today's society that I feel so strongly about is the issue of teenage pregnancy, and Troup County has some of the highest rates in the state. There are so many points I could try to make, but recently read an article on Fox News' online opinion section written by Anne Nolte who practices family medicine in Manhattan that says it perfectly.

“Could it be that teens really are capable of self-control, moral decision-making and goal-directed behavior? That teens would adopt healthier behaviors if they got a consistent message from parents, teachers, doctors and the media that risk-avoidance, rather than simply risk-reduction, is possible and would maximize their happiness? Could it be that we -- the adults who discount their potential for acting with integrity and maturity -- are part of the problem? In every other public-health intervention, an ideal is promoted: no-smoking campaigns, no-soda-drinking campaigns. Why not in the area of teen sexuality?I don't believe that this mandate springs from some hidden agenda to increase teen sexual behavior by saturating them with information about sex. It isn't part of some hidden plot to undermine society or the rights of parents or religious organizations. I just believe that it isn't going to work -- and that our teens will continue to pay the price for our lack of courage.”

We choose to educate America’s youth on “safe sex” practices. We show the STD slides. We tell them where babies come from. Then we hand them condoms and pills. In doing so, we show them we have no faith that they can make the wise and truly safe decision. Teenagers today have access to condoms and contraceptives at their fingertips. As Ms. Nolte mentions also in her article, “They know where to get it, when to use it and what can happen if they don't. Yet teen pregnancy rates remain unacceptably high; sexually transmitted diseases in some major cities are epidemic.” Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying that reads, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results." How long will we continue on this path before we realize that something is just not working?

I challenge you to look honestly at teen pregnancy and the astounding rates of STD’s among our youth. How effective is it to say, “You shouldn’t have sex because of the potential health risks….but since I know you will anyway, here’s a condom”? We don’t tell them, “You shouldn’t use drugs, but since you are anyway, here’s a clean needle just to be safe.” If we began to talk to these young adults as adults, showing respect and faith that they could, in fact, choose the wise path, is it possible we may see a shift? Abstinence is the only surefire way to protect our youth against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms and contraceptives are nothing more than a band-aid solution to an ever-growing gaping wound. Please support increased abstinence training in the sex education arena, not having it mentioned as just a possible alternative.

As a former pregnancy center counselor, and new abstinence training volunteer, I am no stranger to seeing many young girls and guys get their life sidetracked. I am saddened by the way society sees this as a problem, yet refuses to give our youth credit enough to make the right decision if educated properly. Abstinence information is barely given any attention, and usually just thrown into a sex education curriculum to pacify. More emphasis should be given rather than explaining how to properly use contraceptives.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog...the children are our future....teach them well, and let them lead the way.

For Ms. Nolte's full article on Fox News online--

click here

Thank you, Sheila.

Today, I sit with a heavy heart. Part of me saddened upon hearing the news of Sheila Richards’ passing, while another rejoices that she is healed and in the arms of the Lord. Sheila was a DJ for J93.3 years ago, and in more recent years, had returned to the Atlanta airwaves. In 2005, through the Emmaus community emails, we learned Sheila had ovarian cancer and were encouraged to drop a card or line with well wishes. I decided to send her a quick note, telling her we would be praying, and that my dad was battling lung cancer at the same time. Within a short time of hitting the send button on the email, I received a response.
My email-
Sheila,
My dad just had his first round of chemo. I had everyone in the world praying for him. Now Day Five and no adverse effects. We will be praying that you receive the same results.
In Christ's Love,
Jennifer
Her reply:
Sheila Richards Harper wrote:
Thank you so much, Jennifer. Everyone has such stories to share, I know God is giving me my own story now. I hope to have a story like your father. I feel great right now, just this big huge stomach wound, trying to heal. I feel this first round is going to make everyone go wow, prayer works, let’s keep it up. I pray God gives me the opportunity when this is all over, to let the world know of His power, His glory, His love. And to help other women know how important it is to stay healthy, not to look good, but for your health. And to be stronger with doctors, to listen to their bodies. I had now warning, that’s the thing with ovarian, it’s silent. As soon as I started symptoms, I went immediately to doctors, within 2 weeks, diagnosed with cancer.
Thanks for sharing with me about your dad. I am so loved by so many, I had no idea. God is just pouring it all out on me at one time. I am very blessed. I shall pray for your dad, what is his name? I’ll ask my friends to pray, too.
Blessings,
Sheila
You might be the only example of Jesus someone sees today...LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!!

This short email thread sparked an ongoing prayer intercession. She prayed for my dad, and we prayed for her. My dad was not a religious, church-going man. However, something changed when I told him about Sheila and her willingness to pray for him. Not a visit or phone call went by that he didn’t ask about her and her progress. I included her on my email updates regarding him also. The day of his funeral, unbeknownst to her (pre-Facebook) he had passed, she called me…just to say she was thinking of me and my dad. When I told her he had died, she prayed. The odd thing is, for the last 6 years, Sheila has been a friend to me, yet I have never met her in person. We talked on the phone, emailed, Facebooked, etc.
I am certain there are others who have similar stories about Sheila. She was a loving and giving person. She looked past her own circumstances to pray for others. She did just as her email tagline says “Let Your Light Shine!!!” She didn’t just say it…she lived it. Sheila Richards shined her light brightly. Hopefully, the world will not darken with her absence, but that her light will continue to shine through those she has touched.
As she entered the gates of Heaven this morning in a complete and new body, free of pain and disease, the angels sang, and Jesus received her with open arms. She has been healed. Our prayers have been answered. She fought the good fight and now has received her reward.
As I close, I imagine my dad being there to hug Sheila and to thank her for her concern and prayers. I imagine there are others standing in line to welcome her. I am sure many that she didn’t even know she touched. As I imagine this meeting, I am reminded of the lyrics in the Ray Boltz’ song "Thank You":

One by one they came
Far as your eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices you made
They were unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed

And I know that up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, my child look around you
For great is your reward

Thank you, Sheila. I am so glad you gave.

The Standard Where I Fall Short

Proverbs 31:10 -31
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

These verses seem to be a common thread among Mother's Day sermons over the years. I know it is not Mother's Day and I don't intend on writing about the holiday. These verses, however, come to mind when I think about my duties as a wife and mother. When weighed against this standard, I always fall short. I find myself throwing a pity party on what a failure as a wife and mother I am. I don't cook every meal, sew our clothes, plant a garden, have a business, etc. I can almost not even relate to the passage at all.
As I read, and I think about what my duties entail, I decide to change a few verses. I dare not do this to toot my own horn, but just to acknowledge to myself that I do in fact measure up pretty well if judged in the right context. Let's check out a few verses again (now paraphrased).

She goes school shopping to make sure her children are thoroughly equipped.
She grocery shops to make sure her pantry and fridge are full.
She gets up while it is still dark;
she reminds her children to eat breakfast, pack lunches, and drink water at practices.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She looks for deals and tries to be frugal, and her lamp does not go out at night.
She does what she can to help the less fortunate thru Camp Viola, Pregnancy Center, Mission Work.
When trouble comes, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in in the Blood of the Lamb.
She makes makes the beds; she does her best to take care of herself, and her home.
Her husband is respected at the county, where he takes his seat among the public officials of the area.
She volunteers in the community to give back as a response to the many blessings she has received.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household, keeps track of everyone’s schedules and transportation needs, and does not eat the bread of idleness, and sometimes not even lunch!
Her children arise and call her blessed (in a way); her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I will always fall short in some area. That is a given! However, isn't it wonderful that our Lord looks to our heart? I do not do what I do out of obligation, but out of love. My house may not be as clean as another family's, or I may not dress as cool as another mom, but my children and husband will never doubt my love for them. Nor will they ever doubt my love for God. So, I guess after pondering just a little more on these verses, and modernizing just a bit, I seem to be doing A-OK! The job is not done yet though! Back to work! :)

Excerpt from Rick Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life:
"It's not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will not make sense."

I am often reminded that my life is not my own. Sometimes, I get caught up in daily activities and extremely frustrated wanting to shout, "What about what I want?!" or "When is it my turn?" Then, I take a step back and remember my blessings. I am faced daily with my responsibilities involved with being a wife, a mother, and a Christian. While I often get loud with my children, or feel inadequate as a wife, and certainly unworthy of God's grace, I rejoice in the fact that I have children, a loving husband, and a Perfect God. And they all love me unconditionally! When I ponder the excerpt above, I am comforted that God has a plan for me. As I continue to seek Him, He will continue to reveal Himself and His plan to me.

In all of this, I am certain I will mess up and fall short. However, I will never fall from the loving arms of Christ. It is not about me, or what I want. It is about a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and continually basking in love! Believe and Receive!

I still want things for myself. I still crave attention. I have tried lately to focus those wants and desires into something that glorifies God. As I remember the Legacy song by Nichole Nordeman, my heart's desires are revealed. I want to glorify the Father with my life. I want my children to love the Lord. I want to share my faith with the world. So I guess I can get what I want sometimes :)

"Let the children come to Me.."

While I don't shelter my children excessively from life's evils, I do not like having them inundated with smut either. A great deal of Hollywood productions are just that...SMUT! I am put off by the way things such as drugs, bullying, profanity, and even suicide seems to be romanticized in many movies. I think it goes without saying that the sexual content and violence are over the top also. Lately, I have seen a few movies lately myself that friends and acquaintences have raved about, and found them to fall under the category of "SMUT."
Here is a great link for parents to use before their children watch movies.

PluggedIn Movie Reviews

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

This verse should be applied to every aspect of our child-rearing from eating habits to personal choices to spiritual growth (and everything in between). We have a tremendous responsibility as parents. As the old saying goes, "The children are our future..."

What LaGrange First UMC Means to Me

"The church is not a building,
The church is not a steeple,
The church is not a resting place,
The church is a people
I am the Church, you are the Church,
We are the Church together.
All who follow Jesus all around the world,
Yes, we’re the Church together.”

August 1996. Fifteen years ago this month we came to LaGrange First. Within the first hour after church, we were visited by Oleeta Aspinwall and Memory Johnson. Such a warm welcome to the three of us at the time, new in town, no family here. These ladies ministered to us through the Andrew Team. They may not have realized the impact they made, but they shared the love of Christ with us. We soon found our place in a wonderful Sunday School class, The Seekers, and joined UMW and UMM. Through these ministries of the church, we were able to meet and fellowship and grow in Christ with others.

July 2004. Seven years ago last month we came back to LaGrange First after having lived in Newnan for four years. Within a very short time, we were encouraged to rejoin the FEAST group rotation. If you have not experienced this ministry of First Methodist, you are missing out on a true blessing. Through this outlet, we have formed lasting friendships and been truly blessed with the connections that may not have been made otherwise. After a few months, I stepped up just as a helper in the children’s choir program. Before long, I was actually leading the choir. This is something I never thought would happen since the only place I can sing on key is in my car, but only alone, because the acoustics are best when I am alone. Nevertheless, I led, then assisted Julianne Lynn for quite some time. You would not believe the blessings I received! My heart was warmed each and every week, and especially on Sundays when the Tuneful Tots performed. I stepped out of the box and took a chance doing something I really wasn’t qualified to do, yet God blessed me in doing it.

Today. I find myself having served on committees, you know-- the behind-the-scenes workers, completed a Disciple 1 bible study (which I highly recommend if you have the opportunity. Make the time to do it), signed up for the Visitation team to spend time with shut-ins and such, and still in a wonderful Sunday School class that challenges me each and every week to grow in Christ.

I want to be here, not because it is expected, or because I want to set a good example. I want to be here so that I can continue to grow in Christ, so that God’s Holy Spirit can grow in me. “Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me, O God.” My spirit is renewed through those, who are many, who have given of themselves. Because they gave, they served, I have been touched by so many ministries of this church. I have been so blessed. As I am blessed, I can go out and share the love of Christ I have received. I can give to the community through other ministries such as Camp Viola and the Pregnancy Center. There is something here for everyone…we just need to find our niche. Had just one person decided it was too much trouble or effort to take part in a ministry of this church, my blessings would have not been as abundant.

My motive is to serve others, to grow in my relationship with Christ, and to live for eternity with God. I cannot do this on my own. I need this church.

"The church is not a building,
The church is not a steeple,
The church is not a resting place,
The church is a people
I am the Church, you are the Church,
We are the Church together.
All who follow Jesus all around the world,
Yes, we’re the Church together.”