Go Team!

They say that kids need heroes to inspire them to greatness. I can see where that is true, and I also see that it's often kids who are the heroes that inspire me! This blog is dedicated to two of my modern-day heroes: Rachel & Alecia (published with permission)

These two amazing young people made a commitment to cheer for their school. Shortly after "jumping in" to their school year they found themselves at the mercy of an immature, unfair, ridiculing adult -- but they saw it through. Way to go!

It takes tremendous strength of character to see this kind of commitment through! (and for a whole year) You did it, and I'm inspired by you! Thank you! This passage is talking of a different kind of persecution, but the principle remains true that when you put your trust in Jesus, He is your Defender. He will always see you through.

Luke 21:12 "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life.

old fashion dinner time!

When I mentioned having dinner together in my last post it wasn't because that is just my personal preference -- although the more my family has dinner together on a consistent basis the more I like it! I first thought about my family's habbits when a good friend of mine (Kathy G., you know who you are!) got on her soap box about families who don't practice sharing meals together around the table.

At the time I had a weekly committment to a ministry that met every Wednesday night, as well as a meeting sometime during the week to prepare for that ministry. Then there were the sports practices that my young children were already committed to. Everyone was tired, we were moving fast, and I was really annoyed with Kathy G.'s soap box -- by the way, that annoying feeling is what's called "conviction."

Then my other good friend (Jill V., you know who you are too!)challenged me with the idea of saving all that money spent weekly on fast food. Followed by the undeniable fact that nothing beats a home-cooked meal, even mine!

But the real satisfying part of dinner together is the relationship built and supported by sitting down, face to face, and eating Mom's "dinner surprise!" If it seems I'm oversimplifying things, consider this statistic I got from the AWARE program that did a presentation at our church. Institute for Youth Development, 2002:

"Having dinner with your teenager at least 5 times a week can reduce the probability of their having sex by 20percent."

Wow. So if that was in 2002, I wonder what the statistic would be today. In this ever-changing fast paced world we live in, kids need something to count on --I'm talking about time together every day 'cuz those of you who know me well, know it isn't the food I'm talking about!

what's your minimum?

In our "image-conscious" society I hear a lot about minimums for staying healthy. Some people get started the moment they wake up -- you know, drop to the floor and do twenty. I was reading in the book YOU ON A DIET, (Dr. Roizen & Dr. Oz) and they say the very minimum you should do is walk at least 30-min a day -- NO EXCEPTIONS! Yah, well, my dog agrees.

Some say you've got to be disciplined, and dedicated to working out at least 20-min three times a week. Others say no, it's really 30-min three times a week plus 30-minutes/week weightlifting. As soon as I think I've heard the latest, there is some new information out there.

Fact is there are lots of friends, books, shows, & doctors who will give me "expert advice" on minimums for staying healthy...but I've got some different minimums to focus on.

What about the minimum amount of time per day spent with God -- you know, as soon as I wake up, drop to the floor and give the day right back to Him. What about the minimum number of times I hug and affirm my kids? How 'bout we sit down at the table, share a meal and talk over our day.

Face to face, eye to eye...30-min a day (hopefully more!) -- NO EXCEPTIONS. I'm still working on these minimums.

fight!

Don't let that flu bug get you down! Keep on fighting!
(sometimes "fighting" this bug means slow down or stop, you know!)