I was thinking about Jesus last night. Jesus was flesh and blood, yet He had the ability to understand God and submit to God's plan. How did He do that?
I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, a miracle mix of a human egg fertilized by the Spirit. He had God's chromosomes. I imagined Jesus standing, and a bolt of light was filling His head. It may seem kind of simple, but as I thought of this I thought of Jesus' sacrifice and the strength it took to submit to the nails, the cross, and death. I remembered He did that for me.
Jesus sacrifice enables me to have a bolt of light entering my head, overcoming the struggles with unbelief, pride, and selfishness. As the light enters my body, I am changed: I received God's chromosomes. Since I am just a little lady, I shake at the thought.
What in the world can I do to be worthy of this? I understand there is nothing I can do but let the light fill me up, listen attentively, and be willing. It's a simple thing.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Doomsday preppers: How ready are they
I have been watching the National Geographic show “Doomsday Preppers.” I wonder how ready they really are. The individuals stockpile food, water and other supplies, practice shooting at gun ranges, and have bug-out drills. Some plan for an economic collapse, others for extreme natural disasters, but rarely do I see them plan for a real future after the event they dread occurs.
What happens after they survive? Most individuals are making isolation plans with a few friends or family members. I am intrigued with the combat drills, and wonder whom they plan to fight. Most mention marauding motorcycle gangs and wild thieves. But are they prepared to shoot a mother with an infant and a toddler looking for food and shelter, or the family with young children who have run out of their stockpiles, and are looking for shelter and other survivors.
What kind of world will they build in the aftermath? From what I can tell, it is one where the prepper’s family survives by shooting everyone else. So what kind of life is that?
I do believe the families do need to prepare for natural disasters by developing a plan to be self-sufficient during a crisis. We have seen the lack of planning and preparedness that occurred during Katrina. People should keep a supply of canned goods (which also contain drinkable liquid), dried foods, flashlights, batteries, a heat source that can be safely operated, medical supplies, etc. Families should have a plan to stay in touch, or meet up locations and safe words.
But if people are really so concerned about mass prepping, it is best to establish a survival community that includes carpenters, nurses, hunters, and others with contributing talents. The community should not be implosive or exclusive, and it’s best to have a contingency plan to include at least 50 to 100 folks who did not plan. After all, what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?
For the earth to continue it will take a community of survivors working together, not locked down in a bug-out location.
What happens after they survive? Most individuals are making isolation plans with a few friends or family members. I am intrigued with the combat drills, and wonder whom they plan to fight. Most mention marauding motorcycle gangs and wild thieves. But are they prepared to shoot a mother with an infant and a toddler looking for food and shelter, or the family with young children who have run out of their stockpiles, and are looking for shelter and other survivors.
What kind of world will they build in the aftermath? From what I can tell, it is one where the prepper’s family survives by shooting everyone else. So what kind of life is that?
I do believe the families do need to prepare for natural disasters by developing a plan to be self-sufficient during a crisis. We have seen the lack of planning and preparedness that occurred during Katrina. People should keep a supply of canned goods (which also contain drinkable liquid), dried foods, flashlights, batteries, a heat source that can be safely operated, medical supplies, etc. Families should have a plan to stay in touch, or meet up locations and safe words.
But if people are really so concerned about mass prepping, it is best to establish a survival community that includes carpenters, nurses, hunters, and others with contributing talents. The community should not be implosive or exclusive, and it’s best to have a contingency plan to include at least 50 to 100 folks who did not plan. After all, what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?
For the earth to continue it will take a community of survivors working together, not locked down in a bug-out location.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
What happens when I receive Jesus as my Lord?
I was talking with my brother about what it means to follow God. Following Jesus is like living parallel to the reasoning and attitude of current society. It's similar to walking in an alternate dimension while walking through life.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." (2 Cor. 5:17) But, therein lies the rub. "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matt 9:16-17)
When we willingly acknowledge and accept Christ, we are born again. Yet, we still have the thoughts and attitudes from out upbringing. The next thing is to submit to Christ. We let God work in us to teach us how to live and operate in our new reality.
The best way I can describe the journey:
When settlers came to a new country, their vision was a large farmland with fruitful crops. The land they chose was filled with trees, rocks, grass, and weeds. The land had to be formed into the field. This was not a quick process; it required a lot of work. The trees and stumps had to removed, the rocks cleared, and the grasses and weeds uprooted.
First, the farmer felled the trees and dug up the stumps. As this happened, more rocks appeared. The rocks were gathered off the fields. Then the farmer used the plough, beginning to till the land. This unearthed more rocks, and clumps of grasses. As he cleared the tilled rocks and pulled the weeds, more rocks and ground debris. The farmer continued the process until the land was smooth enough to begin planting the new crop.
But that was not the end. Each day, the farmer walked his field, pulling out new weeds and grasses. Sometimes this meant pulling out some of the plant seedlings and replanting.
Learning to follow God is a process. The good thing is we are the field, and He is the farmer. In the analogy of the settlers, the only thing that didn't "work" was the land. The land didn't fight the farmer; rather it yielded to the farmer's will.
This is the Christian's part in the process.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." (2 Cor. 5:17) But, therein lies the rub. "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matt 9:16-17)
When we willingly acknowledge and accept Christ, we are born again. Yet, we still have the thoughts and attitudes from out upbringing. The next thing is to submit to Christ. We let God work in us to teach us how to live and operate in our new reality.
The best way I can describe the journey:
When settlers came to a new country, their vision was a large farmland with fruitful crops. The land they chose was filled with trees, rocks, grass, and weeds. The land had to be formed into the field. This was not a quick process; it required a lot of work. The trees and stumps had to removed, the rocks cleared, and the grasses and weeds uprooted.
First, the farmer felled the trees and dug up the stumps. As this happened, more rocks appeared. The rocks were gathered off the fields. Then the farmer used the plough, beginning to till the land. This unearthed more rocks, and clumps of grasses. As he cleared the tilled rocks and pulled the weeds, more rocks and ground debris. The farmer continued the process until the land was smooth enough to begin planting the new crop.
But that was not the end. Each day, the farmer walked his field, pulling out new weeds and grasses. Sometimes this meant pulling out some of the plant seedlings and replanting.
Learning to follow God is a process. The good thing is we are the field, and He is the farmer. In the analogy of the settlers, the only thing that didn't "work" was the land. The land didn't fight the farmer; rather it yielded to the farmer's will.
This is the Christian's part in the process.
- Acknowledge your sins and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
- Choose one book from the Bible to read.
- Before you begin reading, ask God to teach you, and help you listen.
- Ask God to bring some older Christians into your life to help you learn.
- Listen to instruction. However, after hearing, find the same thing in the Word of God. If what you heard isn't there, tell God, and just tuck away the information.
- Remember, you are the land, not the farmer. Yield to God. Seek Him to discover the areas of your life that He wants to change.
- Guard your salvation, and rely on God. Men always fail, but God never does.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Following God is Not for Sissies
Many people think of Christians as sweet loving folk who turn the other cheek. In truth following God is not for sissies. While it's wonderful to talk about God and His goodness, it is harder to walk the talk. Christians walk the Word daily and it takes fortitude, humility and character.
Champions in the Old Testament followed God by faith. Faith is not an abstract concept. It requires trust and dedication. When God asked Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt there was a discourse between Moses and God where Moses pointed out all the reasons he couldn't do it. God listened, acknowledged Moses' concerns, and told Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. I imagine Moses thought "okay fine" and thought "how the heck am I going to do this." However, Moses also thought, "well, God told me to do this, so I will just do it and trust God that it all works out." And it did all work out.
Everyday, Christians are faced with the same challenges as everyone else: unemployment, over inflated mortgages, health issues and raising kids. Yet Christians carry an additional challenge: how to be peaceful and patient. This means understanding that all things work for the good of those who trust God and using everyday circumstances to learn to control tempers, avoid depression, and treat people with kindness.
Everyday living isn't necessarily easier for Christians. However, trusting God provides guidance, peace and a sense of hope that sustains Christians.
Champions in the Old Testament followed God by faith. Faith is not an abstract concept. It requires trust and dedication. When God asked Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt there was a discourse between Moses and God where Moses pointed out all the reasons he couldn't do it. God listened, acknowledged Moses' concerns, and told Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. I imagine Moses thought "okay fine" and thought "how the heck am I going to do this." However, Moses also thought, "well, God told me to do this, so I will just do it and trust God that it all works out." And it did all work out.
Everyday, Christians are faced with the same challenges as everyone else: unemployment, over inflated mortgages, health issues and raising kids. Yet Christians carry an additional challenge: how to be peaceful and patient. This means understanding that all things work for the good of those who trust God and using everyday circumstances to learn to control tempers, avoid depression, and treat people with kindness.
Everyday living isn't necessarily easier for Christians. However, trusting God provides guidance, peace and a sense of hope that sustains Christians.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Faith Keeps Us Strong
Sometimes faith is all we have to keep us strong. As I reflected on my job prospects and my future, all I saw was a black wall. I could not see beyond even to tomorrow. My thoughts went dark and I began to ponder the usefulness of living. I felt as if I was a camper at the foot of a high dark mountain. The side rose slick and insurmountable. The past had trapped me here in this present.
I thought of proverbs "Without hope the people perish." As I searched for hope to help me climb this mountain, I found within my heart another Word: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."
I quickly wrapped this around me like a warm cloak, and realized that even in the darkness, the hopelessness, the fear, God's Word is fruitful and sustaining. I don't know how long I will dwell in this camp. Yet I rest, assured that God is good, and His faithfulness will provide the means to scale this mountain.
I thought of proverbs "Without hope the people perish." As I searched for hope to help me climb this mountain, I found within my heart another Word: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."
I quickly wrapped this around me like a warm cloak, and realized that even in the darkness, the hopelessness, the fear, God's Word is fruitful and sustaining. I don't know how long I will dwell in this camp. Yet I rest, assured that God is good, and His faithfulness will provide the means to scale this mountain.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
New Year New Dreams
Do you have a vision, dream or revelation for your life? Goals and dreams are important to our well-being. Without some kind of aim or direction, we lack focus. Life becomes stale, routine and something to be endured. Without a dream we sometimes fail to enjoy the life that God has given us. Without vision, people perish (Prov. 29:18).
Dreams can be as simple as a New Year's resolution to lose weight, read six books, learn to play an instrument, or paint a room. Take a little time to think about what you would like to do. Make a list, no matter how much of a stretch your dreams may be write them down.
Dreams can be as simple as a New Year's resolution to lose weight, read six books, learn to play an instrument, or paint a room. Take a little time to think about what you would like to do. Make a list, no matter how much of a stretch your dreams may be write them down.
Let yourself imagine the end result. Is it satisfying, worth the struggle. Then plan backwards how you can achieve the goal, and begin to achieve your dream.
For example, learn to play a guitar:
- Buy an inexpensive guitar
- Sign up for lessons
- Practice each lesson daily
- Choose a song you love and learn to play it
- Keep at it.
- Start bowling each week.
- Use house balls until you find the weight that it right for you.
- Take some bowling lessons.
- Learn to find your mark and consistently throw the ball on the marks.
- Buy your own ball and have it drilled for your grip.
- Practice weekly.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Remember To Be Kind
Remember to be kind at all times. Actively look for ways to be kind to other people.
With Christmas around the corner, I find myself remembering. When we lost our infant a young woman reached out to give me comfort. She gave me four mint condition copies of Vogue magazines wrapped with a gold ribbon.
It may seem odd, but it wasn't. Those magazines are still in my magazine rack and each time I see them I have chills in my spine. But not in a bad way. It is like a surge of comfort flooding my body all over again. These were beautiful items to her, an antique dealer, and she reached out to comfort me in the best way she knew.
Don't pass up the opportunity to be kind. It means more than you think.
With Christmas around the corner, I find myself remembering. When we lost our infant a young woman reached out to give me comfort. She gave me four mint condition copies of Vogue magazines wrapped with a gold ribbon.
It may seem odd, but it wasn't. Those magazines are still in my magazine rack and each time I see them I have chills in my spine. But not in a bad way. It is like a surge of comfort flooding my body all over again. These were beautiful items to her, an antique dealer, and she reached out to comfort me in the best way she knew.
Don't pass up the opportunity to be kind. It means more than you think.
Brain Eating Amoebas
Brain eating amoebas. That's what I woke up to as I turned on the morning news. I signed onto my computer and found out a woman in Illinois shot herself and her three children in the head. And I wonder why I am so sad sometimes.
I grew up in the 50s and 60s when there were only four television channels and computers were only for big business. There was certain innocence in the world. Now everywhere I look I am bombarded with the most incredibly bad information.
Its no wonder so many people need medicine for depression. I tried not watching the news, but that seemed foolish to not be informed. I cannot escape the Internet. I remember God is good, and I look to Him for direction and wisdom.
In the early 1900's, swine flu wiped out entire towns. Infant death rates were high. I found out that antibiotics were not even around until the end of the 1800's and the polio vaccine didn't arrive until the 1950s. So, it's always been hard.
As I prayed this morning, I read Psalm 97:5: The hills melt like was in the presence of the Lord. In my mind's eye I saw that the mountainous obstacles that surround us, the perilous terrain we tread, all become smooth as we rely on and trust in God. Life is hard but God is good.
I grew up in the 50s and 60s when there were only four television channels and computers were only for big business. There was certain innocence in the world. Now everywhere I look I am bombarded with the most incredibly bad information.
Its no wonder so many people need medicine for depression. I tried not watching the news, but that seemed foolish to not be informed. I cannot escape the Internet. I remember God is good, and I look to Him for direction and wisdom.
In the early 1900's, swine flu wiped out entire towns. Infant death rates were high. I found out that antibiotics were not even around until the end of the 1800's and the polio vaccine didn't arrive until the 1950s. So, it's always been hard.
As I prayed this morning, I read Psalm 97:5: The hills melt like was in the presence of the Lord. In my mind's eye I saw that the mountainous obstacles that surround us, the perilous terrain we tread, all become smooth as we rely on and trust in God. Life is hard but God is good.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Going Through Trials With Grace
As I read Psalm 77 this morning, I could see the tight and lonely space where David was residing. He was hemmed in on all sides, and felt abandoned by God. "You hold my eyes from closing; I am so troubled I cannot speak" Amplified, Psalm 77:4. I understood this and I am moving through this same solitary spot.
But God is good, and as I continued to read verse 10 says "And I (David) say, this [apparent desertion of Israel by God} is my appointed lot and trial". I smiled because I admire the humility of this. David choose to accept that this is where God wanted him now, and he choose, he purposed in his heart, to praise God and remember all the good things God had done for him.
I understand that trials and hard times pass. How they pass is up to us. When God has made up His mind that I have to go through something, it does me no good to fuss. I do open my heart to God and through myself on His mercy, don't get me wrong. But I purposely call to mind how good God has been to me, and how I have seen Him act in other trials. It keeps me.
But God is good, and as I continued to read verse 10 says "And I (David) say, this [apparent desertion of Israel by God} is my appointed lot and trial". I smiled because I admire the humility of this. David choose to accept that this is where God wanted him now, and he choose, he purposed in his heart, to praise God and remember all the good things God had done for him.
I understand that trials and hard times pass. How they pass is up to us. When God has made up His mind that I have to go through something, it does me no good to fuss. I do open my heart to God and through myself on His mercy, don't get me wrong. But I purposely call to mind how good God has been to me, and how I have seen Him act in other trials. It keeps me.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Will God Give Me A Million Dollars
For a long time I have been praying that God would give me a million dollars. I am very open about this, and some people think I am crazy, selfish, proud or self absorbed. Yet I pray in hope and I rest knowing that God knows my heart.
I learned a long time ago that I do not stand against God. Am I perfect in this? No, there are many times when I have fallen, and have to belly crawl like a dog to the throne of grace.
Praying for a million dollars is so outside my control, and easier than praying for the everyday needs. Easier because the everyday needs are more emotional, more immediate, and I desire to control the outcome of the prayer. I have to purpose in my heart to pray and let go, knowing that God will do what God will do. This is where the trust and faith come into play, because God loves me, and somehow things will work out, even if the events unfold differently than I had planned.
I was drawn to Job this morning as I prayed. These words make my heart shake, but fill me with confidence in God at the same time. God says "Brace yourself like a man." Well, that takes the little girl right out of my mind. God says, "Who has a claim against me that I must pay?" Even with the blood of Jesus covering me, I owe God my life. And I say with Job, "I know that You can do all things, no plan of Yours can be thwarted."
So when I pray, I ask God. At the same time, I understand that it's not my will but His that will be done. It's scary sometimes, but I have seen that even in death God is faithful, kind and merciful.
Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Job (38:1-5)
Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Job 40:(6-7)
Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me. Job 41:11
Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42 (1-6)
I learned a long time ago that I do not stand against God. Am I perfect in this? No, there are many times when I have fallen, and have to belly crawl like a dog to the throne of grace.
Praying for a million dollars is so outside my control, and easier than praying for the everyday needs. Easier because the everyday needs are more emotional, more immediate, and I desire to control the outcome of the prayer. I have to purpose in my heart to pray and let go, knowing that God will do what God will do. This is where the trust and faith come into play, because God loves me, and somehow things will work out, even if the events unfold differently than I had planned.
I was drawn to Job this morning as I prayed. These words make my heart shake, but fill me with confidence in God at the same time. God says "Brace yourself like a man." Well, that takes the little girl right out of my mind. God says, "Who has a claim against me that I must pay?" Even with the blood of Jesus covering me, I owe God my life. And I say with Job, "I know that You can do all things, no plan of Yours can be thwarted."
So when I pray, I ask God. At the same time, I understand that it's not my will but His that will be done. It's scary sometimes, but I have seen that even in death God is faithful, kind and merciful.
Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Job (38:1-5)
Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Job 40:(6-7)
Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me. Job 41:11
Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42 (1-6)
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Hope in Hard Times
Hope in hard times is our shield and strength. In hope we look to God, our ever-present hope in hard times. The truth is that in life there will be trouble, some small, some great, but God will hear us and help us. Even when I shake with fear and fight despair I know this to be true.
When I think on the Word of God, when I remind myself that God is faithful, I smile at the words "but God…" However, God is the light of hope and hope does not fail.
- The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. (Prov 10:22)
- The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:9-10)
- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
- In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. (Psalm 86:7)
- A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; (Psalm 34:19)
Hope
"Believe Me one more day,
I'm on your side, I'm in your heart, I won't turn you away.
Pick up the laughter, hold the joy,
Embrace the dream, and stay. Grab hold the hope, protect your heart.
For now I make the way.
Like streams where none have been before,
Like desert roses bloom,
I am Creator, pure and good.
The way will be clear soon."
Do not give up.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Being Christian in Hard Times
Being a Christian doesn't mean we won't face hard times. I am facing hard times. But I know God will help me. I have to laugh. The Word says "ask, and keep on asking, seek, and keep on seek, knock and keep on knocking." So I ask a lot. Sometimes I wonder if God gets tired of me asking, but I remember that God is good all the time.
I have been trying to get Bank of America to work with me on my house payments. I practice the Word. I ask and keep on asking. I wondered if others were going through the same thing, but not being as tenacious as me. I advise anyone going through this to be diligent.
I wrote a letter to the White House explaining the situation. Guess what? The President wrote back. My case has been assigned to the homeownership prevention office. I spoke with the homeownership prevention office, discovered they will speak with Bank of America and escalate a resolution.
I praise God for His Word, "ask and keep on asking."
You can read my diary of my dealings with Bank of America:
Bank of America-The President Listened
Bank of America: Who's Home is It
Bank of America Remains Unbending
Bank of America: Ensuring Individuals Enter Default
Bank of America: Here to Make You Homeless
I have been trying to get Bank of America to work with me on my house payments. I practice the Word. I ask and keep on asking. I wondered if others were going through the same thing, but not being as tenacious as me. I advise anyone going through this to be diligent.
I wrote a letter to the White House explaining the situation. Guess what? The President wrote back. My case has been assigned to the homeownership prevention office. I spoke with the homeownership prevention office, discovered they will speak with Bank of America and escalate a resolution.
I praise God for His Word, "ask and keep on asking."
You can read my diary of my dealings with Bank of America:
Bank of America-The President Listened
Bank of America: Who's Home is It
Bank of America Remains Unbending
Bank of America: Ensuring Individuals Enter Default
Bank of America: Here to Make You Homeless
Monday, November 7, 2011
Will Beating Your Child Bring Results
Can beating your child really bring results? The recent case of the Texas judge beating his child because the teen consistently defied the father's request to stop downloading music and movies from the internet, I wonder why the dad didn't just take the computer away. It certainly is a more effective way to make the child realize the consequences of disobedience.
When I think of parents beating their children in the hopes of making them behave, I wonder what the parent is thinking. Perhaps the beating arises from pent up frustrations because other methods have not worked. But I question the parents' ability to apply consistent discipline.
Spanking a child is not beating a child. Spanking is most appropriate for young children. The older the child, the more discipline aids the parent has at his or her disposal. Restricting the activities of an older child usually brings compliance more quickly because an older child can realize that certain behaviors will result in loss of privilege.
Good parenting involves consistent reasonable discipline. God teaches us not to discipline our children with anger that only fuels the rebellion. Rather to apply discipline in a consistent, loving manner:
When Spanking is Beating: Parental Bullies
When I think of parents beating their children in the hopes of making them behave, I wonder what the parent is thinking. Perhaps the beating arises from pent up frustrations because other methods have not worked. But I question the parents' ability to apply consistent discipline.
Spanking a child is not beating a child. Spanking is most appropriate for young children. The older the child, the more discipline aids the parent has at his or her disposal. Restricting the activities of an older child usually brings compliance more quickly because an older child can realize that certain behaviors will result in loss of privilege.
Good parenting involves consistent reasonable discipline. God teaches us not to discipline our children with anger that only fuels the rebellion. Rather to apply discipline in a consistent, loving manner:
- Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. (Prov. 19:18)
- Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. (Prov. 29:17)
- The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. (Prov 29:15)
- He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. (Prov 13.24)
- Time-out
- No television
- No computer
- No social event
When Spanking is Beating: Parental Bullies
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