In the wake of our current financial crisis, the most popular scapegoat is quickly becoming the wealthy in America, inspiring class warfare reminiscent of Marxist socialism. One popular blog writer expressed this sentiment, probably more clearly than intended, when he wrote:
The super rich can only be that way for so long, before the masses reach the critical point and take the wealth back. Our founders knew that Revolutions are needed from time to time, and that time has long past. The anger is palpable; the formerly comfortable middle classes are being pushed over the edge. … I won't be suprised [sic] when the fires start, and the blood starts to flow. Robbery is becoming the only chance to eat, and the rich flaunt themselves at every opportunity (my TPM Blog, Feb 3, 2009).
Family matters, and makes a difference. Baptist Press reported that “Children living with both biological parents or adoptive parents who attend religious services regularly are less likely to exhibit problems at school or at home” according to a 2008 analysis of national data.
“The study by psychologist Nicholas Zill, the founder of Child Trends, and statistician Philip Fletcher found that children in such a situation -- when compared to children not living with both parents and not attending religious services regularly -- are 5.5 times less likely to have repeated a grade and 2.5 less likely to have had their parents contacted by the school because of a conduct or achievement problem. Additionally, intact families who have regular religious participation (defined as at least weekly or monthly) are less likely to report parental stress and more likely to report a ‘better parent-child relationship.” Further, “The authors said that children in an intact religious family ‘are more likely to exhibit positive social behavior, including showing respect for teachers and neighbors, getting along with other children, understanding other people's feelings, and trying to resolve conflicts with classmates, family, or friends.’” Write Comment (1 Comments)
Let Us Resolve: A New Year, A Renewed Faith - by Michael Craven
Written by Michael Craven
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
The holidays have ended and it is time once again to leave behind the festivities and fellowship so unique to this wonderful time of year. I confess that for me this is difficult. I love the Christmas season and everything about it—the weather, the carols, the gatherings with family and friends; it is simply my favorite time of year. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about Christmas (at least for me) that produces a potent mixture of good feelings. Christmas offers a time of intimacy and fellowship with family and neighbor that restores my soul in so many ways but sadly it is a time that passes quickly and so I find myself once again in the pull of everyday life with all of its pressures and challenges. Write Comment (13 Comments)
This post is from last Christmas, but I pray it will be a blessing to your and your family.
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
They will be a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
Proverbs 1:8&9
Little children are dependent upon their parents for everything. This includes more than food, clothing and shelter. Children are dependent upon you, parent, for how they view the world around them. The way you live in front of them is the most powerful teaching tool that God gives you. This is teaching in the milieu. God designed families to demonstrate what it means to have a relationship with Him. If you love God, if you sincerely attempt to live your life by His Word, if you recognize that every moment is given to you so that you will glorify and honor God, then you will teach your children these same truths without even thinking about it. Your children observe you, everything about you. They see when you are sleeping, they know when you have been good or bad, they know when you pout and when you shout. In the midst of the turmoil of life your children know whom you delight in. Your kids know this without your ever having to say a word. When you stumble and ask God for help -- they learn. When you stumble and snap or make excuses -- they learn from that, too. If you value your relationship with God above all else, your children will know this, even when you fall short of your calling as a Christian parent.
Last week my family and I spent another Thanksgiving at my wife’s ancestral farm, a beautiful spot located between Navasota and Brenham in historic Washington County, known as the birthplace of the Republic of Texas in 1836. The land, possessing rolling hills, tranquil ponds, and a plethora of bluebonnets (in the spring) has been in my wife’s family since the mid-nineteenth century. It is a wonderful place, rich in beauty and nostalgia. I confess: it is one of our favorite places on earth.
From the story: More people have been killed this year than at the same time last year. And for community leaders, the numbers are alarming. According to FBI (web) crime reports, more than 50 percent of the homicide victims and perpetrators are black. And many are not even out of high school. A group called Cover to Cover believes the answer lies in self-esteem. So, they are reaching out to four Birmingham neighborhoods where violence often occurs. A team of adults did a few simple deeds by giving haircuts to boys and makeovers to girls while repeating three simple words. "We love you," said George W. Stewart, coordinator of Cover to Cover. The event called I am your brothers- sisters keeper, touched nearly 100 kids and teenagers ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old.
"They care and they want to give us a chance," said Shelby Wilson, an eighth grader. Wilson got the chance to be pampered and respected for a day.
