GOT POWER?

The Lord recently showed me a remarkable vision pertaining to His power. This vision showed me that His power would establish everything that needed to be established for my future. It was incredible! Even more, I became very aware that nothing in the universe would be able to stop His power from going forth and producing everything He has purposed in His heart to do. This was a huge revelation for me. I knew it in my head, but it was not established in my heart. This catapulted me into a completely different mindset.

My focus was shifted from a defensive position to an offensive position. I began to understand the power my team carried. The power of knowing who you are and who is on your side backing you up is an incredible place to stand in. There is no adversity on the earth powerful enough, no bondage strong enough, no temptation enticing enough to cause a single-minded individual who relies upon the power of God to fall or be held back.

I wake up everyday looking for the Lord to reveal more truth about who He is and why I am here on Earth. The more I learn, the more I grow. The more I grow the more I understand as He establishes the purposes for which I was created. When you allow Him to establish your ways on a daily basis you won't miss a beat. You will always be at the right place at the right time. Even if it seems like you're driving in the worst storm of your life know that He is in control. You can not fail. You will not fall because the revealed truth in you can not die and it will carry you through every storm or battle.

May the Lord empower you to know the truth and stand in it!

by crazytallblond

It's Not About Me - Diary of a teenager

My life.Myspace.My room. My bed.My dreams. My hopes. My aspirations. My destiny. It's amazing to me how many things in this life I claimed to be my own. I mean, sure, I acknowledge that God is the creator and that everything in heaven and on earth is His, but do I really get it? It wasn't until recently that I could honestly say yes to that question.

You see, I had this issue with control that I'm sure others could relate to. I had a plan for my life. Notice the I. From the age of eight, I just knew that God wanted me to be a famous singer and take over Hollywood for God. I mean, it sounded good. I could do what I want and help enhance the kingdom. My prayers went something like this:

Hey God?It's me, Raven. Sooooo any luck finding me an agent? No? Well, you know this was Your idea.....if You don't want me to do this, Lord, just close all the doors....but if it is You, send me a sign..............ha! I blinked! Thanks God! Good night!

It took me a while to realize that I wasn't really trying to follow God's will for my life. I was trying to follow my own. I figured that since I knew I could sing and I was pretty good at writing songs, this must be what He wanted me to do. But if so, why was I not going anywhere, getting noticed? That was my problem right there. Not only was I trying to do God's job of ruling over my life, I wasn't making it about Him at all. It was about me. I wanted to be seen. I wanted to be noticed. I wanted to do some big thing and be seen for the great Christian that I was.

It wasn't until I started to make it about God, when I started to live out the song by Steven Curtis Chapman "God is God", that I realized the real reason why I tried to run my own life. I didn't trust God. I figured He couldn't possibly come up with a plan for my life that would be half as cool as the one that I did. I was scared to let Him really sit on the throne of my life. And why was I scared? I asked myself. It's in His Word. Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That plan may be a radical passionate singer for Christ in Hollywood or it may not. It doesn't really matter to me anymore.Why? Because it's His plan, not mine.

So, just to encourage you guys. Where ever you are, whatever you're doing, remember who you live for. Remember who loves you more than you could ever comprehend. Remember who has a plan for you that's so great, you'll wonder why you didn't think of it:) Remember that it's God, creator of the universe, of you and me. Remember that it's His life, not yours, so let Him use it and live through you. Just remember these four little words. It's not about me.

photo by JeremyHall

My Little Token of Gratitude

Break time!

Today's post is not about me or you. It is written to honor my Redeemer.

My Lord, my Savior:

I thank You for saving me everyday from my vain thoughts and wrongful attitudes of the heart. I thank You for not allowing me to treat holy things common. Nothing common can originate from a Holy God. I thank You for anointing my eyes to know the difference. I thank You for ordering my steps and interceding for me. I thank You for demonstrating Your love and counting me worthy of a call. Why You chose me? I'll never really know; but I receive all that You have for me.

Where else can I go? For You are the Way; besides You there is no other. What can I do? Absolutely nothing without You. Considering that all power on , above and below the earth is Yours. Who can cause my desert to bloom? Only You. For You have words of life. Let me drink of Your spirit and I shall not be thirsty.

Now I place my life in Your hands acknowledging that the All-Knowing one knows best since You're the one that formed me in my mother's womb. You are my author and finisher. I trust the blueprint You desinged for me. You are well able to raise up a standard when my enemies come in like a flood. You raised the waters for Israel to cross over and You'll do the same for me. Lord, I thank You. I trust You. I love You. Amen

Earthly Stressors

Everyday we wake up with one more thing to do. Another thing always leads to another situation and another situation always leads to a little more stress. After a while, this becomes very exasperating. Parents have to tend their own needs, as well as their kids' and employer's. The kids have to maintain their chores, after-school activites and grade point average in school. Does the rollercoaster ever stop?

Before I answer that question lets look at something else.

In Luke 21, the bible speaks of a time where we will have hatred, persecution, wars, commotions, betrayals, great naturals disasters, plagues, famines and very frightening events. This is already happening. These things have been added to our "normal" daily cares of life. So, how are we suppose to deal with all this and keep our sanity? What are we supposed to do?

Well, I have good news and not so good news. Actually, it depends on how you look at it. The bible tells us in that same chapter that these things must happen in the earth according to the will of God. So, the not so good news is that these things are happening now and will continue to intensify, but the good news is we have a way of escape! YEA!

Right now? Yes, right now. Can somebody say hallelujah?

Luke 21:34, 36 -And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts are weighed down with headaches and drinking and anxieties of this life... Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Here's our key! Keeping watch in the kingdom is the most powerful position we have. This will keep us when chaos is all around us on every side. If we seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, then everything we need will be given to us. We will have complete access to the King, His riches, His weapons and His hosts.

Do not allow yourself to be weighed down with stress. Reject it! Like Shaquille O'neal! This is a strategy of the enemy of God (Dan 7:25). He comes to wear us out the saints with many afflictions. Hoping we'll throw in the towel. But still, as God's people we will stand firmly on His Word and see Him surely deliver us from every affliction. (Psalms 34:19) As we commune with Him in prayer, step by step the Lord will deliver us from every stressor in our lives.

With all sincerity, these are serious times, people. We cannot act like the world and parade around like God does not consider the ways of men. We must stay awake and guard our hearts. As we keep our minds on things above, we will gain the ground we need in the earth and overcome all its pressures as we stand on the mountain of the Lord emanating His glory.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you.

photo by ENoStress

What's Your Status? - Diary of a teenager

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if the poor were treated the same as the rich, the geeks as the jocks, the superpowers with third-world countries, and the important people like politicians as every day citizens? If you haven't, maybe its time you should. I have recently begun to do this and have gained much more insight than I ever thought was possible. In stopping my busy life and looking at people differently around me, I have come across a threat to mankind's well being. Everyday someone or something in the world is being categorized or put into a box by someone's criticism or opinion; restricting and blocking them so they can not reach their potential. There is a word for this. This word is what I call "status".

Another thing to wonder about is who thought up the word "status"? And what defines importance? What is the "standard"? After all, we're all one race....human. Did an Englishman from the Renaissance era just up and decide to create castes or classes? Did the Chinese Emperor from the the Samurai period find it a joy to separate a nation? Or I wonder if it was the fifty-sixth Pharaoh who just couldn't stand to see equality among a people so he divided them. I'm sure you get my point. I guess you could say this mindset of upper class/lower class is one of my greatest pet peeves. This is the same mindset that puts a people or nation into hardships. Think about slavery in America, the Holocaust in Europe, the raw attitudes of every superpower towards third-world countries,and the existing women in the Middle East who don't exist (if you get my drift).

As I observed everyone around me and saw them not as upper class and lower class, geek versus popular, or poor and the rich, I began to realize how many of those boxes and standards were put on people by me. I think sometimes we don't even realize that we're doing it. It's just something we do because we live in a world that has made it natural. These limitations we put on ourselves and others may be because we may feel superior or inferior to others. Either way we influence each other everyday. This is where we find balance and we humble ourselves if we feel like we're superior to others, so we can see who we really are. We are valuable, even when we feel inferior to others. Once we realize this, then the word "status" will be dethroned and all of mankind will finally be able to take a step forward TOGETHER.

Write me back with your comments.

photo by LaoWai Kevin

Got Change?

One of my church leaders recently said, "there are 3 types of people in the world; those who are willing to change, those who resist change, and those who cause change. Now ask Holy Spirit which one are you."

This really poked me. It seemed that I really had to come clean with myself in an instant. As I allowed Holy Spirit to search my heart, I was reminded that in the past there were many, many, many times where I had difficulty moving into something new or unfamiliar, but that was not the case this time. I thanked God that He was now able to move anyway He wanted to. During that time, I also was able to see that there is never a time that growth or promotion can come without CHANGE taking place. So ultimately, the Lord had brought some CHANGE into my heart which brought me from that old place to where I am now.

We must not waste our times of trial and testing. We must obtain spiritual wisdom. When Our God can trust us to walk with a submissive heart (which is a changeable heart), then He will open heaven over us and nothing will be able to stop the kingdom of God from advancing in our lives. If we resist Him and the change He's bringing to our lives, we will find ourselves ensnared by our own desires and vain thoughts.

After reading the types of people I mentioned earlier, tell me which person are you and which one do you want to become more like. I would love to hear some feedback so leave me a comment. Hint: I hope you pick the one that matches the image of Christ.

photo by kayakeverywhere

Friends or Cliques?

Friendship is normal and healthy. It's always good to feel like you have a place. It's good to know you have people to hang out with. Having friends can help teens learn how to develop communication skills, get and give support, share their thoughts and beliefs, discover what really matters to them, and have fun.

Teens normally choose friends by looking at what they have in common with others. This is how most groups are formed. Naturally they are drawn together because they share similar interests. Well, the Lord does the same thing. He gathers those who are called according to His purpose. 2Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

This is why Christian teenagers should pray that Father God gives them the friends they need, because only He knows the entire blueprint of their future. Do not waste time trying to pursue those the Spirit of God hasn't told you to pursue. Save your self from the heartache and battle of trying to make something fit that really doesn't. He knows we need friends and that it is not good for us to be alone. So, He will provide friends. Let Him lead you and show you who they are.

We must also remember that certain people are in our lives for a season and others are there long-term. Some stay, some go. That is a part of life. Every person on the earth has a different destiny path. This an important concept, so I'll give you an example to help you understand.

Your best friend Tina says the Lord is moving her from cheerleading to soccer, but you are still on the cheerleading squad. This is not a personal attack on you. It just means that your friend is moving forward to follow God's purpose for her life. She had a season with you on the squad, but now God is doing something new on her path. Also, this doesn't have to mean that you've been left behind. You can keep advancing as a cheerleader too. Do not allow rejection to tear you down. Again I say, this is all part of life. It has nothing to do with people liking others more than you or not liking you. Please understand this.

Teens can move in and out of different groups and can even be part of several at the same time. Even within a group, people often have one or two friends they feel closest to and enjoy the most. If you feel like the people you are with don't want just anyone in their group then you are part of a clique. Cliques are restrictive. They always limit freedom. The best way to keep your identity in Christ is to surround yourself with Christian friends that center their attention on Jesus. This way, it's not about you or your friends; all of you remain free to carry out the plan of God for your lives in the earth. Yea, God!

photo by Adam Foster Codefor

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

Alrighty parents. Let's try something. Close your eyes. Now, walk in a straight line. Kinda hard, huh? We do this all the time. It doesn't seem as "obvious" as the experiment we just did.

Lately, I have had a lot of moments where the same situation has been occuring. Everywhere I go, the continual theme seems to be about me or someone I know not seeing clearly or not seeing at all; when I use the word see, I'm speaking of perception or understanding. Recently, I have seen many cases with heightened levels of fear, worry, anxiety, anger, and control because the perception was all wrong.

As parents, we have got to understand this concept. We can not be "the blind leading the blind." This generation deserves more than a bunch of blind leaders trying to tell them what to do, when they really aren't sure themselves which road is the right road.

Well, I feel like the Lord is saying, "do you see what I see and do you hear what I hear?" I really can't stress this enough because I have been seeing powers of darkness laying out traps for those who aren't willing to hear what the Spirit of God is saying. We must take our stand and say I will see what you see. We have to lay down what we think, what we need or want, and what we feel, so we can gain prophetic insight for our situations. We must remember that no one on earth knows like God knows. He is our Rock and Refuge. He is sure ground. All other ground is sinking sand.

I recently told my husband that when voices of doubt and fear come to weaken my knees, I'm going to turn the Lord and say, "I believe it because you said it." Fear would love to blind you and keep you in the dark, but God wants you in the Light so you'll see the end of the tunnel and come out on the other side.

Let's agree today that we will turn from our own way, which ultimately brings a snare; and we'll begin to ask Him to show us where we're at and to help us understand where we're going.

I Need Answers!

There are so many things going on right now; especially, during this time of the year. People are having proms, graduations, going away parties, holiday events, and everything else you can think of. On top of all of that, we're constantly dealing with rising gas prices, a horrible economy, and debt to our ears. Is it just me or does it sometimes seem like there's no time to even catch a breath?

Thank God we have an answer.

As parents, we have to walk in a stable manner to keep our kids afloat. So how do escape the madness? We must come unto Jesus. He is our Shepherd and the anchor of our souls. He will give us rest, peace and joy in the midst of the storm. Like Peter, He will even cause us to walk on the water if we just keep listening for His voice.

In the day we are presently living in there will be voice after voice bidding us to go this way and that way. Well-meaning people will continue to keep us on "wild goose chases" to produce some sort of answer for the confusion that swirls all around us. At this time, we will have to know which way the Lord is telling us to move forward in. We must walk closely with God to know exactly what He is saying to us, about everything concerning us and our household. No man will be able to tell you what the Lord himself can tell you. It is only in that time with God that you will find His peace, power, and presence among you. We need these three like air in our lungs.

Do not allow the cares of the world to choke the life out of you. Run to Jesus and say I need You...The Answer to everything.

photo by PatrickSmithPhotography

DO I NEED YOU?

Hi people. Hope ya missed me.

Thought I'd let you in on something I've been pondering over a week. Lately I've been thinking about "LIFE." Particularly, community. One definition of the word "community" says sharing, participation, and fellowship.

Ever think to yourself "how in the world am I ever going to get to that place I want to be in my career, with my spouse, spiritually, etc.?" Well I've got a pretty big hunch that it has to do with other people in our lives.

Let certain people into your life. Let others out. Shall I name names? Just kidding. The point is that there is always someone faster, smarter, wiser, and bigger than you who can help you get to the next place you need to be. Don't be a "lone ranger" and think that it's all going to work itself out because it's not. Look for those who are willing to be a part of your life and let them become your support for the entrance into your future.

CELEBRATE!!!

Yesterday I was thanking God for the body of believers that He has surrounded me and my family with. I feel so privileged to be connected with real people. I did not say real Christians(which they are), I said real people. I feel like everyday that I'm connected to them, I become more real.

Many places I had gone before always seemed to require me to be something that I couldn't. I never knew how to do it their way or forsake my way. I always seemed to be running after a new method. It was extremely hard for a person like me because I've never been good at faking anything. The person on the inside of me would not let me conform to this mold or form that was trying to shape me.

So, one day I was out walking around the bayou and I heard this still, small voice say "Did I ever tell you that you were not good enough for me?" I said, "No, my Lord. You have never ever said anything like that to me." That day started me on a whole new journey; a completely different path than I would have ever picked for myself. But God, my Father knows who I am and what I needed.

Now I'm at this place physically and spiritually that is allowing all of me to come forth in a whole new way. That doesn't mean I've reached perfecetion. Honestly, not everything that's coming forth is good; but I'm now at a safe place where my transparency won't be an offense, it will be a stepping stone. I am a work in progress, allowing the Master Potter to shape me into the great design He intended me to be from the beginning.

The people he has placed around me are the best people on earth. They make me feel free and safe when I make mistakes; they don't make me feel like a dunce. What a change!

So my advice today is celebrate who you are(weaknesses and strengths), celebrate who God the Father is to you, and celebrate those who celebrate you!

If you know someone who is in the same boat I was in, PASS THIS ON.

by jonSpotphotography.com

Time to Take a Good Look

I'm going to make this as quick as possible.

Calling all Christians to prayer...prayer for this nation, our President and other governing authorities. As Christians in the United States, we are in a crucial time. We are in the most danger we've ever been of losing all of our religious freedoms.

Think about this. We can now be thrown in jail for stating our beliefs. For goodness sake, pastors are being thrown in jail for speaking against sin in their own pulpit. A pastor in California was thrown in jail because he peacefully wore a sign that stated "God loves you and your baby. Let us help you", within 100 yds of an abortion clinic. This is a direct violation of his First Amendment rights. He never approached or harassed anyone, but today he is sitting behind bars.

As a sleeping giant, we must awaken. This is a pivotal season. If we don't pray and stand like never before, our generation and generations to come may suffer severe repercussions.

PLEASE VIEW THE VIDEO TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


photo by yesukai

Keeping Christian Kids Christians

Many times over the past fifteen years I have been asked the question "how do yo keep your kids so balanced or how do you get them to behave so honorably?" My answer has always remained the same to parents. My husband and I set the standard and never let our kids pull it down. This actually works for Christians and non-Christians.

In our home, we have always let the Bible be our standard and we have made every adjustment needed to keep that standard. This is how you maintain a Christian environment in your home.

In my experience, I have mostly found that many parents and children are simply not willing to adjust their lifestyles and behavior to live as Christ; and that's how families find theirselves off balance. The Bible is filled with principles and values that keep our lives balanced but if these values are continually compromised then you really don't have a standard or value to live by. As a result, the family unit becomes more individually-focused. It becomes every man or woman for himself because each individual in the home now has their own way of living. At this point, most Christian children becomes extremely rebellious. They begin to turn to the world for guidance, support, and identity. Why? Because the world has a standard to live by.

Ever thought about that? Most Christians will tell you that the world has no standards, because of the lawlessness that is so prevalent in today's society. I beg to differ. I say that lawlessness is a standard. I say liberalism is a standard. I say rebellion is a standard because a standard is defined as a rule or principle that is used as a basis for comparison or judgment. Hollywood may seem immoral but there are plenty of standards in place; this leads me to my next thought.

The only other thing that seems to be worse than having no standard, is having more too many. That is confusing for any human being, especially children. They need to have consistent moral support and guidance which gives a strong sense of identity in Christ. The Bible is the only thing needed to produce strong morals for a family to soundly grow together.

photo by Akuman1

Good Seeds...Produce Good Produce

A while back, I was having a conversation with a teenage girl. She was expressing to me that when she would ask her mom for certain privileges, her mom would always give her a negative reaction. She went on to say that her mom never listens to her and is always yelling at her for no reason. I interjected by saying, "is there something you may be doing to bring this on?" She guiltlessly responded, "no." Well, I told her that I knew the truth, which was far from her side of the story. I knew about all the negative patterns of behavior she evoked inside the home as well. So I lovingly confronted her and said, "do you really expect good fruit from bad seeds?" After a little conviction set in, she responded "no, I guess not." She understood the point I was trying to make and thankfully, she is now on a much better path than she was back then. Not because of me; but because she has considered her ways.

The Bible says it this way in Matthew. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? A good tree can not bring forth bad fruit, nor can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

It doesn't matter if you're a teenager or a parent, I think we all tend to expect good things when we're sowing negative attitudes. So, let's take a quick test to see if we're reacting or responding wrongly because of bad seeds that may have been sown in us.

1. If we have a negative thought, there's a bad seed.
2. If we have a negative expectation, there's a bad seed lurking.
3. If we are prone to try to control things or people, there's a bad seed somewhere.

Honestly, it doesn't matter how many there are or how they got there; what matters most is that they be uprooted so strong, ripe fruit can come forth.

Concentrate on making your life the most beautiful garden it can possibly be with strong, healthy relationships.

I pray that you and your family will consider your seeds and grow together bountifully.

photo by Chris Inside

Transparent Reality

There is one thing, more than anything that has helped me establish healthy relationships. Not just with my kids, but with my family and friends as well. Want to know what it is? It's called transparent reality.

Transparent reality is putting yourself in a vulnerable spot of transparency so that others will connect with the person you really are at the core of your being, not the artificial person that you have grown more comfortable with people seeing on the surface. Years ago, this concept deeply changed me and my relationships.

See, I was one of those who was always striving after perfection and this made it very difficult for me to ever be seen less than flawless. I would go days and nights arguing about how other people were always wrong; after all, there was no way I could ever be wrong. In my mind, I was the standard. At that time, I was actually believing a lie which led me to living a lie. Everything I had ever known up to this point was very artificial.

Now let's fast forward a bit.

One day I went to my Christian women's group and the most life-changing lesson is being taught. I was introduced to the notion of being completely transparent so that I can live a life of complete freedom. This is exactly what Jesus did when He was on the earth. When He was hungry, He expressed it. When He needed help, He said so. He was the picture of Truth. Truth is transparent and it always brings more freedom to enjoy your life fully. I'm talking about freedom in every area of your life; freedom from people's opinions, freedom from self-hatred and condemnation, and freedom from all types of fear. What about this one? The most important of all...freedom to be exactly who God created you to be. I grabbed hold of this concept and I never let go.

We, as parents, have to be able to relate to our kids in this world. 9 out of 10 times their going through things we've already gone through. Well, guess what? We have to be willing to say so. We have to allow them to see the good, bad and the UGLY. Why? Because, this is the place where we become real people to them. They need real examples that they can look to and say, "they're not perfect, but they are still standing strong. So can I."

Parents should always exercise authority and set boundaries, but even more importantly, they should lead by example. Being a transparent example before your children will build strong healthy relationships. As you admit some things and apologize for some other things you will feel the weights falling off and your kids drawing closer.

This changed my life. Let it change yours.




photo by Michele Cantania

Surrender Wins the Battle

Hey people! Up for some real talk? Thought I'd share about some personal stuff. Lately, the Lord has really been dealing with me about more humility and obedience.

See, I'm at this place where I see the beautiful handiwork of God, but at the same time, I see counterfeits of the enemy that are planted in the same field. So if I'm not in a position of surrender and humility, I'll be deceived by one of the counterfeits. Scary, huh?

On top of that, there is a really intense battle...I mean "an all out war" from the devil and his gang waging against us to take everything that God is saying is ours. Our freedom, our prosperity, our redemption, our authority in high places, or our kids. So what are we supposed to do? I say, surrender.

I know you're saying... "did she just say what I think she said?"; well, I did. Surrender is the place of powerlessness and the place of power. I know it sounds strange. You don't have to tell me that: I already got that revelation on my own. The truth of the matter is when we surrender what we know, feel, or want then God gives us what we need to gain the wisdom to overcome.
Surrender is the place of gain. If you lose your life, you will gain it. If you let certain things die, certain things will come alive.

Surrender is also one of the best strategies of battle...whether it's with those you love or with those you "don't quite love". Surrender and transparency always strips the power of your adversary. For instance, if your kids are standing there pointing there finger saying what a horrible parent you are and your response is "you're right and everyday I'm asking God for more wisdom,", what do you think that is going to do to them? Think about it? That would completely mess up their arguement and take down the entire battle.

Now I'm not saying always agree with your adversary. That's not winning the war. That's kissing up to gain some kind of false peace or comfort. What I'm simply saying is surrender to the Lord. He is God. Only He can give us the wisdom and strength we need to avail in our relationships, careers, or spiritual journey through life.

photo by Forgiven

Beautiful Today

Ever think about what your children will walk away with after you've released them into the jungle of life by themselves? I do. I have thoughts that constantly confront me about my children going "solo". Thoughts like this: "have I really taught them how to clean or will they live like pigs"; or "have we done the best job we possibly could at showing them how important it is to manage money wisely." The one that really drives me is "have I stressed the importance of finding the right mate enough or will they settle for any Jill/Joe Blow that shows interest.

Normally after I've worked myself into a frenzy, I take a look at my kids and thank God for the "know how" to produce something beautiful in the world.

Let's face it. Nobody on the planet is perfect. Our kids may not ever have all the skills we think they need to be functional, but the fact that they are able to leave home everyday and return in one piece is something to be celebrated.

So my advice for today is this...

When looking toward the future seems overwhelming; look for "the beauty" in today and embrace it with every thing you've got. Who know's if he/she will be there tomorrow?

Parenting Advice - Build Upward

These days "parenting" is such a broad term. Who can really define it when today's culture is continuously trying to redefine it on a daily basis? Interestingly, if you look up the word parenting in any dictionary you will find words like rearing, raising, nurturing, or guiding to describe the action. Although it's a fascinating study, let's zone in on a common unseen perspective.

While all those words are pretty accurate concerning parenting, lately I've been thinking about a more common expression we often use which is "raising kids." What's really cool is while I was on my spirited excursion to gain more insight, I found some really extraordinary synonyms for the word parent like architect, creator, author and entrepreneur. Ever thought of it in that fashion? Tell me, what do all of these words have in common? They all have the ability to design and bring forth. They all are able to raise or erect. Kinda cool, huh?

So this led me to this far out concept of thinking what if children were actually raised and not just shuffled. I mean raised in the sense of taking time to bring forth someone beautiful, strong, and influential. Could that be more beneficial than having them be a part of every fleeting activity known to mankind just to have them babysat until they go off to college? Hmmm, interesting thought.

Being a parent of four, I must say that the most rewarding part is that I actually get to play a part in molding them into something beautiful for the world to see. The second most rewarding part is when I see that my kids enjoy me doing it. It's very clear to me that a lot of parents in today's society feel that they have to keep up with the Jones' to be a good parent. This is so far from the truth. Kids don't need clothes, video games, cell phones, or mp3 players to make them feel like they have a place in this world. Those things can give a temporal fascination, but they will never take the place of that deep groan inside a child's heart for their parent's love, support, time and affirmation. These are the factors that build radiant creations of purpose and destiny.

So my words to every parent that reads this blog are...build upward. Raise them up now and they'll thank you later.

Comfortable in Your Own Skin

Ever wondered why everybody is always striving to be somebody they're not? Me, too. So let's talk about it.

If you're a teenage boy, you have to have the latest haircut like the Jonas Brothers. If you're a teenage girl, you have to find out what's Miley's latest fashion trend? If you're a single woman trying to get a man, you have to watch the latest episode of Desperate Housewives, right?

Where does it end? Even more scary, how far will we go?

I think it's time for the identity crisis in American culture to be addressed. When pre-teens are getting everything from fake "boobs" to facelifts. I say that we have a widespread epidemic going on and no one wants to see it for what it really is because it's one of the biggest money-making industries in our country. After all, everybody gets what they want in the end, huh?

NOT!

We never hear about the people who went back to the plastic surgeon time and time again to have more work done because now there's some weird psychotic addiction with "improving" themselves. Or do we ever hear the suicidal stories where people just couldn't bear to live with the person they were born as? No, because that would mess with a whole lot of peoples' pockets.

I have only one question. What happened to "America the Beautiful", a community and country that supported who you are, not who you can be for a few bucks?

Hopefully with the dreadful conditions of the economy, as a community, we will step back and examine the things that are most important; and give guidance, support and nourishment to those things that really matter...our loved ones. We Can Do It!

photo by ANDIFOTO