Traveling with kids is a needlessly scary idea. For the average American family with kids, especially lots of kids the thought might even seem out of the question. The now nearly iconic chant of “Are we there yet?”www.youtube.com/watchstirs such a nervous sweat and chuckle in most parents that we have a series of movies built around that title.www.youtube.com/watch Nevertheless, breathe deeply, embrace hope and put down the panic button as I share The Quadfathers Trip Tested Tips for Fun Family Travel.
First, you need to have a purpose behind your choice of destination or destinations. Consider the ages and interests of your crew, including you and your mate. Two year olds will probably get little from a trip to Gettysburg National Park. Yet a tour of Hershey Park they might find most sweet. If you have, mixed ages say a fifth-grader that just finished studying the Civil War and some toddlers or even toddler triplets well, this little Pennsylvania get away might be just right for you.travelwithkids.about.com/b/2005/04/04/top-family-destination.htm
Taking off for the 33rd annual gathering at Grandma and Grandpa’s might be great for some folks. Yet, rote travel can be as sour as Grandma’s canned pickled cauliflower. Solicit ideas; look for central locations that afford day trips to meet different inclinations. Bundle your trip, think Multi do not be static and single-minded. Seeing the folks for a day or two and moving on has many advantages and appeals. Make sure your plan suits you and your family and not others expectations of you and your family.
Secondly, choose a season and book well in advance. Resort areas have busy seasons and not so busy seasons. If you are planning, your travel at high traffic times set up your dates as close to a year or more in advance if possible. If you want to save money, travel off-season but still book in advance. The trick is in matching your likes and time frame to their off times and amenities.
Last year we took a great trip by customized van to Maine in the summer. www.visitmaine.com/Now consider we start in Virginia and have seven kids and you will understand why our van is customized. We stayed at a top-flight resort near the New Hampshire boarder that you could not get close to when the ski-slopes are running. We enjoyed full amenities, a full staff and maybe a dozen families were there at this time of year.www.sundayriver.com/summer.html
We day tripped to Bar Harbor were we chased whales and ate lobsters.www.barharborinfo.com/ We went to a State Animal Refuge and saw elk, moose, mountain lions and several birds of prey not all of which grace our beloved Blue Ridge. No crowds anywhere and the folks were glad to see us there. Compare that to a two-hour line for the “Death Coaster” in 90-degree heat with wilting twins in tow and take note. Think out of the box and you will not be caught in one.
Check back soon fo more Trip Tested Tips for Fun Family Travel
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Don't Run in the House
As a boy in the days of black & white, my best friends were identical twins. Most kids got them mixed up but I could tell the difference. Matching clothes, hair cuts or not I knew Mike from Mark. At puberty and beyond many of us drifted apart but not this pair. To this day, decades later, they speak and see each other weekly where I have not seen them for a good decade now. I guess it’s no accident that some relationships have built in connection and staying power.parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bmultiples/0,,43wt-p,00.html
So, it was not much surprise when my Quad-son Matthew, after recently sitting in the waiting area of our local “Doc in the Box “ for a long, long time (by five-year-old standards) sighed and said “ I miss Jonathan, Franchesca and Nathaniel, when can we go home to them?” No mention of Mom, neither older nor toddler sisters and not much comfort from my presence. The other three were missing and this, not his impending medical procedure, was his growing concern.
Now a scant hour before, Matthew was in the car with a compress to his head demanding justice. Jonathan had knocked him down. “When we get home Jonathan’s gotta get a spanking daddy!?!” was his refrain. Of course there was no mention of the multiple times their mother had just asked them to not run in the house, pleaded for them to slow down and sagely predicted dire result should her warning not be heeded.
You see, I had just come in the front door with our oldest; the self-described “band-geek” when Franchesca met me with news that Matthew was bleeding “all over his face.” www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-cuts/FA00042Years of parenting with advanced Graduate work as a quad-father has left me with iron nerves. Though you might expect I’d have none left at all. Still this type of information gets rapid response, quick reaction and top priority but no panic.
While running in multiple orders, two or more, in this case four, when in the lead and you are the smallest do not make a sudden stop. Commuters know this. Camry’s and Kia’s do not lock em up in front of Suburban’s and Mack trucks. Matthew stopped, Jonathan did not. The resulting transfer of energy put Matthew on the floor soundly. www.lifespy.com/2007/how-to-prevent-accidents-indoors/The blow must have been evenly distributed like a square shot from a boxer’s glove. There was no growing bump or bruise just a clean split, 3 quarters inch long, 3 eighths inch wide just above the right ear. kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/falls_sheet.html
Mom had the situation in hand but...
(Check back soon to see how Mom & the crew handled the drama)
So, it was not much surprise when my Quad-son Matthew, after recently sitting in the waiting area of our local “Doc in the Box “ for a long, long time (by five-year-old standards) sighed and said “ I miss Jonathan, Franchesca and Nathaniel, when can we go home to them?” No mention of Mom, neither older nor toddler sisters and not much comfort from my presence. The other three were missing and this, not his impending medical procedure, was his growing concern.
Now a scant hour before, Matthew was in the car with a compress to his head demanding justice. Jonathan had knocked him down. “When we get home Jonathan’s gotta get a spanking daddy!?!” was his refrain. Of course there was no mention of the multiple times their mother had just asked them to not run in the house, pleaded for them to slow down and sagely predicted dire result should her warning not be heeded.
You see, I had just come in the front door with our oldest; the self-described “band-geek” when Franchesca met me with news that Matthew was bleeding “all over his face.” www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-cuts/FA00042Years of parenting with advanced Graduate work as a quad-father has left me with iron nerves. Though you might expect I’d have none left at all. Still this type of information gets rapid response, quick reaction and top priority but no panic.
While running in multiple orders, two or more, in this case four, when in the lead and you are the smallest do not make a sudden stop. Commuters know this. Camry’s and Kia’s do not lock em up in front of Suburban’s and Mack trucks. Matthew stopped, Jonathan did not. The resulting transfer of energy put Matthew on the floor soundly. www.lifespy.com/2007/how-to-prevent-accidents-indoors/The blow must have been evenly distributed like a square shot from a boxer’s glove. There was no growing bump or bruise just a clean split, 3 quarters inch long, 3 eighths inch wide just above the right ear. kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/falls_sheet.html
Mom had the situation in hand but...
(Check back soon to see how Mom & the crew handled the drama)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Love and Logistics
Love and Logistics
Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
As the next few weeks came we began to get a picture of the potentialities that this multi-¬bundle of joy might bring to pass. No one at that time had held their quad-pregnancy past 34 and half weeks. Hospitalization could be expected to begin anywhere after 14 weeks and we were at week 10! Detailed lists of complications due to prematurity were laid before us. We began to quantify percentages and statistics against love and logistics, planning and prayer became the order of the day!
Still, it was a heady and exciting time. My wife and I are nearly opposite personalities. The reality is that this seemingly potential weakness is actually a tremendous strength when we are on the same page and relating correctly. We relate our best when we are God focused and not just dually dedicated to an outcome. In this four faceted instance we were convinced that God had made a multi-miracle and the timing was such as to save us from our own plans and noble intents and to bless and refine our family.
My wife "P", is a gifted, goal oriented administrator, planning and proper execution to her are like sunlight and rain to petunias. Details and multi-tasking draw her in and give her focus. I am, well I am not that way. No not at all. I'm relational, gifted to gab, driven to serve, observe, explain, opine and encourage. The greatest blessings and anchor in my life has been "P" my other and better half. Overall we were in Faith that God had a plan here and we had been fashioned and fit amazingly well for it.
Most folk might have panicked if placed at the juncture we were straddling. For us we felt a sense of challenge and privilege as we plotted and prayed out a plan. Having had two children already we were not novices. The amount of time and effort that would be required was not a blind abstract. Yet the first hurdle was getting them all here with everyone's' health, especially "mom" intact.
We were looking at travel restrictions where our church was 35 minutes away and my wife traveled the East Coast extensively with her partner marketing and managing their company. Weekly sonograms and Doctors visits, stress tests, home treatment and monitoring of blood-pressure and contractions all became part of the average day and night at our home. We were as compliant as possible which means I was hard pressed to keep the throttle down on "P" and her instinct to out perform.
We began going to a church close by, marketing went telephonic and we both learned to practice supervised Perinatology at-home. All the balls stayed in the air sort of like juggling Jell-O. Even with everything on an even keel we knew that when they came home someone would have to be home fulltime. So with prayerful consideration of incomes and temperaments we concluded God's wisdom and circumstance had elected me as the at-home father of quadruplets.
Prayer and Ponderance
Proverbs 21:5
James 5:11
Job 12:13
Proverbs 8:14-16
How well do you plan out your endeavors?
How often do you plan at all?
How much does planning allow us to keep in the game?
How often do you seek God’s input?
How much of His word goes into your plans?
How do we take scripture and make modern applications?
Regardless of some opinions the Bible is a relevant guide even to day. Listen for God’s
heart and approach to different matters and His priorities. Inject these into your
planning and you are going to find great success!
Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
As the next few weeks came we began to get a picture of the potentialities that this multi-¬bundle of joy might bring to pass. No one at that time had held their quad-pregnancy past 34 and half weeks. Hospitalization could be expected to begin anywhere after 14 weeks and we were at week 10! Detailed lists of complications due to prematurity were laid before us. We began to quantify percentages and statistics against love and logistics, planning and prayer became the order of the day!
Still, it was a heady and exciting time. My wife and I are nearly opposite personalities. The reality is that this seemingly potential weakness is actually a tremendous strength when we are on the same page and relating correctly. We relate our best when we are God focused and not just dually dedicated to an outcome. In this four faceted instance we were convinced that God had made a multi-miracle and the timing was such as to save us from our own plans and noble intents and to bless and refine our family.
My wife "P", is a gifted, goal oriented administrator, planning and proper execution to her are like sunlight and rain to petunias. Details and multi-tasking draw her in and give her focus. I am, well I am not that way. No not at all. I'm relational, gifted to gab, driven to serve, observe, explain, opine and encourage. The greatest blessings and anchor in my life has been "P" my other and better half. Overall we were in Faith that God had a plan here and we had been fashioned and fit amazingly well for it.
Most folk might have panicked if placed at the juncture we were straddling. For us we felt a sense of challenge and privilege as we plotted and prayed out a plan. Having had two children already we were not novices. The amount of time and effort that would be required was not a blind abstract. Yet the first hurdle was getting them all here with everyone's' health, especially "mom" intact.
We were looking at travel restrictions where our church was 35 minutes away and my wife traveled the East Coast extensively with her partner marketing and managing their company. Weekly sonograms and Doctors visits, stress tests, home treatment and monitoring of blood-pressure and contractions all became part of the average day and night at our home. We were as compliant as possible which means I was hard pressed to keep the throttle down on "P" and her instinct to out perform.
We began going to a church close by, marketing went telephonic and we both learned to practice supervised Perinatology at-home. All the balls stayed in the air sort of like juggling Jell-O. Even with everything on an even keel we knew that when they came home someone would have to be home fulltime. So with prayerful consideration of incomes and temperaments we concluded God's wisdom and circumstance had elected me as the at-home father of quadruplets.
Prayer and Ponderance
Proverbs 21:5
James 5:11
Job 12:13
Proverbs 8:14-16
How well do you plan out your endeavors?
How often do you plan at all?
How much does planning allow us to keep in the game?
How often do you seek God’s input?
How much of His word goes into your plans?
How do we take scripture and make modern applications?
Regardless of some opinions the Bible is a relevant guide even to day. Listen for God’s
heart and approach to different matters and His priorities. Inject these into your
planning and you are going to find great success!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Unexpected Expectancy
Unexpected Expectancy
Luke 6:38
“…A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap…”
Quadruplets! What a large odd word that seemed to bode tremendous uncertainty. We had always enjoyed being parents, especially of infants. We worked well together and I made sure to do all I could to not leave “mommy” as the sole comforter and custodian. In our discussions about twins we had concluded that with our older daughters help we would manage fine but quadruplets were another league all together. I mean up to this point we had never even seen triplets let alone bring home quads!
Much happened in my prayer time that morning that will wait for another venue to be fully discussed. The gist was that we, and especially I, needed to change priorities. The desire to be affirmed had blended into the desire to help others. Compromise had crept too far into our motives for ministering; approval had eclipsed obedience, maintaining the program was preventing the meeting of genuine needs.
This was all taking place around 8am on a Saturday that was supposed to see around fifty parents and teens coming to our home at 3pm for a meal and the unveiling of our one year schedule for youth group curriculum and activities.
My wife and I began our discussion with her telling me she had been hurt but was forgiving me for last night’s in-action. I apologized profusely and insisted that the news though mind blowing was exciting for me. God had already begun to stir up a sense of expectancy in both of us. Who had ever heard of such a thing let alone been blessed to live it!
I explained that we had to lay down our plans. My time with God had convinced me of this; she agreed but cried all the same. We had been impacting these kids. The group had grown; anticipation was aroused in the entire congregation that we would make a change. Yet they had no idea of the adversity and constrictions that were on us. Kids whose parents did not come to our church could not be in the group. Our group could not be a part of out side activities held by any other Para-church or Christian out reach other than those inside our “Apostolic Covering”. All along we had known these were not really biblically sound practices and hoped to bring new freedom and fellowship into these kids “Christian Experience” but for all of our compromising and detailed planning an undeniable call had come that we had to answer.
Friends and family were amazed at our news. Most were tossed for a loop as we explained the little we knew about the demands of quad-pregnancy and at home care. All seemed to confirm our need to make this our primary priority. The remainder of the day was spent making disappointing call to disappointed parents who ranged from ecstatic and understanding to angry and annoyed at our news. With that sad chore done we were left trying to fathom the uncertain void of this oddly unexpected expectancy.
Prayer and Ponderance
Mark 4:8
Proverbs 16:9
Psalm 127:3-5
Proverbs 16:25
Is more of something always better?
What would your reaction be to news about Quads coming?
Does God have your permission to change your plans?
Does He need permission?
How do you view children, blessings, burdens or what?
Can we always be assured our plan is right?
How willing are you to lay down your dreams or plans for God’s?
God is always sifting and refining us, building us in our stewardship and trust of Him. Sometimes He will interject majorly our reaction will say much about our walks.
Luke 6:38
“…A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap…”
Quadruplets! What a large odd word that seemed to bode tremendous uncertainty. We had always enjoyed being parents, especially of infants. We worked well together and I made sure to do all I could to not leave “mommy” as the sole comforter and custodian. In our discussions about twins we had concluded that with our older daughters help we would manage fine but quadruplets were another league all together. I mean up to this point we had never even seen triplets let alone bring home quads!
Much happened in my prayer time that morning that will wait for another venue to be fully discussed. The gist was that we, and especially I, needed to change priorities. The desire to be affirmed had blended into the desire to help others. Compromise had crept too far into our motives for ministering; approval had eclipsed obedience, maintaining the program was preventing the meeting of genuine needs.
This was all taking place around 8am on a Saturday that was supposed to see around fifty parents and teens coming to our home at 3pm for a meal and the unveiling of our one year schedule for youth group curriculum and activities.
My wife and I began our discussion with her telling me she had been hurt but was forgiving me for last night’s in-action. I apologized profusely and insisted that the news though mind blowing was exciting for me. God had already begun to stir up a sense of expectancy in both of us. Who had ever heard of such a thing let alone been blessed to live it!
I explained that we had to lay down our plans. My time with God had convinced me of this; she agreed but cried all the same. We had been impacting these kids. The group had grown; anticipation was aroused in the entire congregation that we would make a change. Yet they had no idea of the adversity and constrictions that were on us. Kids whose parents did not come to our church could not be in the group. Our group could not be a part of out side activities held by any other Para-church or Christian out reach other than those inside our “Apostolic Covering”. All along we had known these were not really biblically sound practices and hoped to bring new freedom and fellowship into these kids “Christian Experience” but for all of our compromising and detailed planning an undeniable call had come that we had to answer.
Friends and family were amazed at our news. Most were tossed for a loop as we explained the little we knew about the demands of quad-pregnancy and at home care. All seemed to confirm our need to make this our primary priority. The remainder of the day was spent making disappointing call to disappointed parents who ranged from ecstatic and understanding to angry and annoyed at our news. With that sad chore done we were left trying to fathom the uncertain void of this oddly unexpected expectancy.
Prayer and Ponderance
Mark 4:8
Proverbs 16:9
Psalm 127:3-5
Proverbs 16:25
Is more of something always better?
What would your reaction be to news about Quads coming?
Does God have your permission to change your plans?
Does He need permission?
How do you view children, blessings, burdens or what?
Can we always be assured our plan is right?
How willing are you to lay down your dreams or plans for God’s?
God is always sifting and refining us, building us in our stewardship and trust of Him. Sometimes He will interject majorly our reaction will say much about our walks.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
In the Beginning A Q.D.D.D.D.
In the Beginning
Jeremiah 29:11
“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”
In the beginning we were told we were having twins! This news was taken with joy as we had wanted another child for some time. Still twins required some review of our plans. At the time I was a purchasing agent for the maintenance of the world’s largest industrial bakery. My days started at 5 Am., ordering from Germany or France, ending at 3:30pm with queries to the orient. My wife was a successful entrepreneur supervising multiple employees in a multi state endeavor.
I was to become Youth Pastor and we the Youth Leaders at our church in just a few weeks with ordination following two months later. My position as Elder and my wife and my work with youth were eating up some 30 plus hours weekly. Still with careful consideration of our situation we decided we could do it all with twins and our 9 and 6 year old daughters in tow!
Truth be told we were stretched too thin but we knew we could perform at the highest level and we were not going to disappoint our audience. Then the truth hit us and our world went sideways.
Around 2:30am on a Friday scantly two weeks after we had been informed about a double delivery my wife woke me up in a panic! She was bleeding and did not feel well. I was zonked. Running on five hours sleep or less was taking me down. Friday was the only night I could really rest. She could not roust me. Fortunately we lived only 5 minutes from a hospital so off she went into the night panicked and alone. I laid there drowsily pondering if we would loose our twins, too tired to do little else.
Now I know these do not sound like the actions of a loving husband and father. You would be right to make that assessment. This was also not indicative of my personality or parenting style. I was woefully spent from months of putting on a façade. Running a rat’s race in a stained-glass maze. Winking and nodding at doctrines I did not truly accept. Leaving my family to attend meetings where nothing was accomplished and much was left undone.
My wife returned a little before 5am and gave me news that did get my attention. We had not lost two babies we had gained two! She was fine but hers was a quadruplet pregnancy and in the morning we had to make some serious decisions. I told her I was glad she was ok and that God was in control and took advantage of few more hours of rest.
About 7am I got my coffee and honestly prayed for the first time in months. It was as if God had been wryly waiting for this conversation. In short time I received peace, release and purpose. Peace from realizing He really was in control. Release from my performance efforts to serve Him. Purpose in seeing His plan and lying mine down in exchange.
Prayer and Ponderance
Isaiah 55:8:11
Acts 16:6-7
Psalm 86:11
Samuel 15:22-23
Have your plans ever been up rooted suddenly?
How easy was it to let go of your plans?
When this happened did it turn out better or worse than you had first planned?
Have you ever felt you had been part of a “Divine Intervention”?
How can we determine if God is rocking your world or just circumstance?
Has stubbornness ever foiled your obedience?
I had been stubborn about my plan to serve God. When I humbly prayed I saw how compromised I’d become. I embraced His plan happily!
Jeremiah 29:11
“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”
In the beginning we were told we were having twins! This news was taken with joy as we had wanted another child for some time. Still twins required some review of our plans. At the time I was a purchasing agent for the maintenance of the world’s largest industrial bakery. My days started at 5 Am., ordering from Germany or France, ending at 3:30pm with queries to the orient. My wife was a successful entrepreneur supervising multiple employees in a multi state endeavor.
I was to become Youth Pastor and we the Youth Leaders at our church in just a few weeks with ordination following two months later. My position as Elder and my wife and my work with youth were eating up some 30 plus hours weekly. Still with careful consideration of our situation we decided we could do it all with twins and our 9 and 6 year old daughters in tow!
Truth be told we were stretched too thin but we knew we could perform at the highest level and we were not going to disappoint our audience. Then the truth hit us and our world went sideways.
Around 2:30am on a Friday scantly two weeks after we had been informed about a double delivery my wife woke me up in a panic! She was bleeding and did not feel well. I was zonked. Running on five hours sleep or less was taking me down. Friday was the only night I could really rest. She could not roust me. Fortunately we lived only 5 minutes from a hospital so off she went into the night panicked and alone. I laid there drowsily pondering if we would loose our twins, too tired to do little else.
Now I know these do not sound like the actions of a loving husband and father. You would be right to make that assessment. This was also not indicative of my personality or parenting style. I was woefully spent from months of putting on a façade. Running a rat’s race in a stained-glass maze. Winking and nodding at doctrines I did not truly accept. Leaving my family to attend meetings where nothing was accomplished and much was left undone.
My wife returned a little before 5am and gave me news that did get my attention. We had not lost two babies we had gained two! She was fine but hers was a quadruplet pregnancy and in the morning we had to make some serious decisions. I told her I was glad she was ok and that God was in control and took advantage of few more hours of rest.
About 7am I got my coffee and honestly prayed for the first time in months. It was as if God had been wryly waiting for this conversation. In short time I received peace, release and purpose. Peace from realizing He really was in control. Release from my performance efforts to serve Him. Purpose in seeing His plan and lying mine down in exchange.
Prayer and Ponderance
Isaiah 55:8:11
Acts 16:6-7
Psalm 86:11
Samuel 15:22-23
Have your plans ever been up rooted suddenly?
How easy was it to let go of your plans?
When this happened did it turn out better or worse than you had first planned?
Have you ever felt you had been part of a “Divine Intervention”?
How can we determine if God is rocking your world or just circumstance?
Has stubbornness ever foiled your obedience?
I had been stubborn about my plan to serve God. When I humbly prayed I saw how compromised I’d become. I embraced His plan happily!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Boycott the Octomom Show
These seem to be the movers and shakers that control access to air waves and audience gathering for much of what we see. The Office, Biggest Loser, on and on. Find one you might like to stop watching if the octomom makes it to the tube.
Stand up and shout this down!
3Ball Productions1600 Rosecrans Ave.Bldg. 7 2nd Flr.Manhattan Beach, Ca 90266310-727-3337 P310-727-3339 www.3ballproductions.comJ D Roth
Reveille LLC100 Universal City Plaza, Bungalow 5180Universal City, CA 91608CA Tel. 818-733-1218Fax 818-733-3303PR@MayoCommunications.com Howard T Owens
Stand up and shout this down!
3Ball Productions1600 Rosecrans Ave.Bldg. 7 2nd Flr.Manhattan Beach, Ca 90266310-727-3337 P310-727-3339 www.3ballproductions.comJ D Roth
Reveille LLC100 Universal City Plaza, Bungalow 5180Universal City, CA 91608CA Tel. 818-733-1218Fax 818-733-3303PR@MayoCommunications.com Howard T Owens
Octomom on Reality TV: Gas on the Fire
The lady who insists her 14 kids do not need a father will be having a show to prove her point. http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/us_world/Octomom-Gets-Reality-Show.html
Nadja Suleman the Octomom has a deal with the same group that brings us The Biggest Loser. Indeed it is the 14 kids that are to be the losers, joining the Gosselin septuplets and twins as the latest make-believe and exploit them while their cute crew on TV’s multi-family train wreck and circus sideshow revue.
Here is the only person more able to degrade family, fatherhood, multi-parenting and the culture more than Jon and Kate. At least Nadja is not writing a book with Zondervan or some other “Christian” cash-in group doing the real writing. Perhaps that will be coming later.
I for one am sick and tired of having faith, family, fatherhood and multi-parenting spat upon by money hungry and maladjusted attention seekers and hypocrites. Christians, dads, moms and all that hold family and the protection of children dear need to rise up against this junk.
If we do not more girls will think having a child without a dad in the mix is cool. More whack-jobs will seek IVF and other fertility seeking 9’s 10’s or more in one pregnancy. I mean $75K a show, free Disney trips, Hawaiian resorts gratis, big house, big car come on what’s stopping them!
Time to make an outcry, start a boycott, write the publishers, advertisers, networks and others who surf along on the profits generated by the lies, neglect and abuse these kids are suffering.
As time allows I will offer up contact info for those mentioned until then …
Be Bold, step up and speak out against this or sit back and get a chuckle or two at their expense. Be an advocate for kids and family or be part of the audience that drives it all along. You choose. I say thumbs down and TVs off!!!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Morning Mail: Jon & Kate Update
On and on it goes in my E-mail every morning. A new make-over, new hairdo, hunky bodyguard innuendos, open marriage contracts and an all new season full of guest celebs! I suppose that is what I get for setting up a Jon & Kate tracker to my account.
None of this would be a surprise for any A list Hollywood couple. Or B listers flailing about for some notoriety. For those who market themselves as church speakers, Christian authors, parenting experts and America's premier multi-family this is just unacceptable and very sad.
We folks of faith just do not need another black-eye but I guess that is just one of the "Multiple Blessing" we get from the Gosslin's and their "for hire expertise and side show revue". This is an old story with a new twist just Google up Swaggard, Haggard, Baker or a list of other "Sheep-Fleecer's" with naughty propensities.
Faith, family & marriage are being weighed in the balance of our society. Hollywood and an out of touch media have set themselves up as the fulcrum and hope we do not see their big ugly thumb on the scales. Jon & Kate are now painted on the nail of said appendage. To not embrace the redefinition of family and marriage makes one a "Hater". To voice these opinions is hate speech. What a weak argument and load of Bio-fertilizer. We are even asked to swallow a watering down of the fundamental beliefs in our faith as loving acceptance of others. So sorry to say that we can love and speak the truth at the same time! To be really hateful we should do it while chewing gum as well. This should annoy the "Hate Police" tremendously.
Jon & Kate are the poster kids for hypocrisy right now. Many others have been there many will follow. All we can do is not patronize the "family business" as Kate calls this circus. While doing so we must pray for them all and speak truth in their direction. Even if we know they are not listening.
As the scales swing wildly we need every voice and petition aimed at the culture and Heaven to stop the madness. Perhaps then people can just go back to working on their own shortcomings rather than being marketed and entertained by someone else's. Oh excuse me; I have a new update...
None of this would be a surprise for any A list Hollywood couple. Or B listers flailing about for some notoriety. For those who market themselves as church speakers, Christian authors, parenting experts and America's premier multi-family this is just unacceptable and very sad.
We folks of faith just do not need another black-eye but I guess that is just one of the "Multiple Blessing" we get from the Gosslin's and their "for hire expertise and side show revue". This is an old story with a new twist just Google up Swaggard, Haggard, Baker or a list of other "Sheep-Fleecer's" with naughty propensities.
Faith, family & marriage are being weighed in the balance of our society. Hollywood and an out of touch media have set themselves up as the fulcrum and hope we do not see their big ugly thumb on the scales. Jon & Kate are now painted on the nail of said appendage. To not embrace the redefinition of family and marriage makes one a "Hater". To voice these opinions is hate speech. What a weak argument and load of Bio-fertilizer. We are even asked to swallow a watering down of the fundamental beliefs in our faith as loving acceptance of others. So sorry to say that we can love and speak the truth at the same time! To be really hateful we should do it while chewing gum as well. This should annoy the "Hate Police" tremendously.
Jon & Kate are the poster kids for hypocrisy right now. Many others have been there many will follow. All we can do is not patronize the "family business" as Kate calls this circus. While doing so we must pray for them all and speak truth in their direction. Even if we know they are not listening.
As the scales swing wildly we need every voice and petition aimed at the culture and Heaven to stop the madness. Perhaps then people can just go back to working on their own shortcomings rather than being marketed and entertained by someone else's. Oh excuse me; I have a new update...
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Beauty for Ashes
Beauty for Ashes
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud”.
Beautifully exuberant is the best way I can describe my children at full frolic on a frozen hill top behind our home. Sleds in flight, framed by miles of icy spectacle sets a snowy scene you must see to fully enjoy. Any effort to describe the snowy splendor of the Poffarosa lacks without mention of our four footed entourage. The Poffarosa is what we call our forty acres of Blue Ridge Beauty. Its’ placement affords us what have been called “million dollar views”. Here we have eight horses, seven cats, six dogs, one Cockatiel and a Guinea Pig named Nibbles. These add greatly to my work schedule and recompense as at-home-dad and neo-gentleman farmer, though I am a hobbyist when compared to my hardworking ranching neighbors.
To complete the picture add our two German Shepard’s silently establishing the parameter where they instinctively contain and protect, our pound-puppy mix trailing each sledding sortie, our Papillion content to watch from a warm window, our two mongrel sisters, probing for affection and an assortment of amused cats and horses which watch but have more sense than to pass the lines of tobogganing fire.
Of all our pets my favorite has come to be Ashes the dog. This was not always the case. Ashes when younger was a hunting machine. She would capture ducks, geese and groundhogs. She once snatched a bat out of mid-air. After one incident of snarling and lunging at my daughter Roo then aged two I established my position as alpha male and pack patriarch. This she never challenged but Ashes remained Nasty Ashes. As she aged she became diabetic. She lost her sight and became dependant upon insulin, extra care and concern.
For two years this was my starting and ending daily routine. High protein chow, one shot and let out or bring in Ashes. She became a different dog. She knew she needed help and appreciated it. She became loving and patient. The Fab Four never knew Nasty Ashes, only the slow cautious Loving Ashes. Watching them pet and hug as she rolled over to revel in the attention contrasted so much with the snarling Nasty that went after Roo.
Ashes end began that beautiful exuberant day. I went out twice in the dark and snow all around the Pofferosa but she could not be found. That morning she appeared on the porch. I took her inside and laid her on her bed. She waged her tail and breathed roughly. In a short while she was gone.
The impact of the loss surprised me. I have lost both parents, all grandparents, a couple cousins and pets a plenty. Still, something about how only by being humbled in her strength she was taught fear and controlled and only by loosing her natural prowess she could find trust and become a loving creature. Sadly sometimes it is only by loss and limitations that we become humble enough to love. In this I find my beauty for Ashes
Prayer and Ponderance.
Proverbs 16:18-19
Proverbs 29:23
James 4:6
Romans 1:18-20
Do you think pets will go to heaven?
Can you tell much about some one by the way they treat an animal?
Can you tell much about an animal by how they treat people?
Do we sometime let our perceived or real strengths make us aloof, proud or haughty?
What about animals can they get caught up in themselves and their abilities too?
Anthropomorphically speaking I believe we can observe some biblical principals at work in their lives!
Give Romans 1:18-20 a good read then watch your pets closely!
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud”.
Beautifully exuberant is the best way I can describe my children at full frolic on a frozen hill top behind our home. Sleds in flight, framed by miles of icy spectacle sets a snowy scene you must see to fully enjoy. Any effort to describe the snowy splendor of the Poffarosa lacks without mention of our four footed entourage. The Poffarosa is what we call our forty acres of Blue Ridge Beauty. Its’ placement affords us what have been called “million dollar views”. Here we have eight horses, seven cats, six dogs, one Cockatiel and a Guinea Pig named Nibbles. These add greatly to my work schedule and recompense as at-home-dad and neo-gentleman farmer, though I am a hobbyist when compared to my hardworking ranching neighbors.
To complete the picture add our two German Shepard’s silently establishing the parameter where they instinctively contain and protect, our pound-puppy mix trailing each sledding sortie, our Papillion content to watch from a warm window, our two mongrel sisters, probing for affection and an assortment of amused cats and horses which watch but have more sense than to pass the lines of tobogganing fire.
Of all our pets my favorite has come to be Ashes the dog. This was not always the case. Ashes when younger was a hunting machine. She would capture ducks, geese and groundhogs. She once snatched a bat out of mid-air. After one incident of snarling and lunging at my daughter Roo then aged two I established my position as alpha male and pack patriarch. This she never challenged but Ashes remained Nasty Ashes. As she aged she became diabetic. She lost her sight and became dependant upon insulin, extra care and concern.
For two years this was my starting and ending daily routine. High protein chow, one shot and let out or bring in Ashes. She became a different dog. She knew she needed help and appreciated it. She became loving and patient. The Fab Four never knew Nasty Ashes, only the slow cautious Loving Ashes. Watching them pet and hug as she rolled over to revel in the attention contrasted so much with the snarling Nasty that went after Roo.
Ashes end began that beautiful exuberant day. I went out twice in the dark and snow all around the Pofferosa but she could not be found. That morning she appeared on the porch. I took her inside and laid her on her bed. She waged her tail and breathed roughly. In a short while she was gone.
The impact of the loss surprised me. I have lost both parents, all grandparents, a couple cousins and pets a plenty. Still, something about how only by being humbled in her strength she was taught fear and controlled and only by loosing her natural prowess she could find trust and become a loving creature. Sadly sometimes it is only by loss and limitations that we become humble enough to love. In this I find my beauty for Ashes
Prayer and Ponderance.
Proverbs 16:18-19
Proverbs 29:23
James 4:6
Romans 1:18-20
Do you think pets will go to heaven?
Can you tell much about some one by the way they treat an animal?
Can you tell much about an animal by how they treat people?
Do we sometime let our perceived or real strengths make us aloof, proud or haughty?
What about animals can they get caught up in themselves and their abilities too?
Anthropomorphically speaking I believe we can observe some biblical principals at work in their lives!
Give Romans 1:18-20 a good read then watch your pets closely!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Sew and Reap
Sew and Reap
Job 4:8-9
“As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.
At the breath of God they are destroyed; at the blast of his anger they perish”.
Suddenly these insanely sad attacks were inside my head. I franticly called her phone but only got her message. She was transferring in D.C. What flight did they say hit the Pentagon? I called her partner’s phone only the prerecorded message came on. Emotions and the need for mental clarity were conflicting greatly in my mind.
Being a veteran from Virginia married to a girl from New York was not mixing well with the smoldering scenes of the twin Towers now tumbling down on themselves in south Manhattan as hundreds fled the smoldering five-sided command center of all the military that sits proudly in Arlington Va. Simply place my wife in the air lost to my communication and all this was too close to home and way too personal.
My mind reeled at the thought of thousands if not tens of thousands being crushed, burned and suffocated to death. Surely they did not take “P’s” plane. Perhaps she was just landing or stranded at the airport in D.C. No scenario was a comfort. I needed data, to know where she was.
In my Navy days I worked in the Combat Information Center. I operated a missile control system. All information flowed into that red and green lit black painted space. Radar and sonar data converged from all available ships, planes and subs. What was out there, how fast it was going, where it was heading, its threat assessment and engagement envelope was the mission. Data and decisions focus and adrenaline all combined to make C.I.C a solemn, daunting but highly exciting place to be. This beautiful almost fall day found me wishing I was back. Where you knew what was out there and it had to worry about you too.
I called the conference center they were going to and paged “P”, no response. I left messages, watched the news and wondered. Surely God would not put such a blow or burden on me? Then again what about all those that just died? Their wives, husbands, children, friends and family were as dear to Him as me and mine. Finally my phone rang, it was “P”. I was majorly relived. She was as shell shocked as I. “What was all this insanity about? Who could do this and what was our response likely to be?” It seems that “P’s” plane had trouble on the ground in Roanoke. Her partner and she decided to drive any way.
There at my desk wired into the world by phone, radio, fax and internet. I turned to an old and trusted method to give thanks for my family’s safety and comfort for those who bore the brunt of hatred and horror that day. Slowly it dawned on me, all the fear and anger that was rising up was exactly what these sad deceived soul had died to bring upon us this beautiful almost fall day. I left for home secure that what had been sewn in evil glee would be reaped in great regret.
Prayer and Ponderance
Proverbs 3:25-26
Mark 4:39-40
Romans 12:19-21
Romans 13:3-4
Psalm 146:9
How hard is it for you to remember Faith and God inside and outside of a crisis or perceived crisis?
In Romans 12 compels us to not indulge in personal vengeance, we are assured that acts of kindness will be heaping coals on our enemy’s heads.
How does this contrast with Romans 13 letting us know that Nations will be used to punish the wicked by God?
Wherever we stand on war and retribution we must never forget the widowed and orphaned because God says He won’t.
Job 4:8-9
“As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.
At the breath of God they are destroyed; at the blast of his anger they perish”.
Suddenly these insanely sad attacks were inside my head. I franticly called her phone but only got her message. She was transferring in D.C. What flight did they say hit the Pentagon? I called her partner’s phone only the prerecorded message came on. Emotions and the need for mental clarity were conflicting greatly in my mind.
Being a veteran from Virginia married to a girl from New York was not mixing well with the smoldering scenes of the twin Towers now tumbling down on themselves in south Manhattan as hundreds fled the smoldering five-sided command center of all the military that sits proudly in Arlington Va. Simply place my wife in the air lost to my communication and all this was too close to home and way too personal.
My mind reeled at the thought of thousands if not tens of thousands being crushed, burned and suffocated to death. Surely they did not take “P’s” plane. Perhaps she was just landing or stranded at the airport in D.C. No scenario was a comfort. I needed data, to know where she was.
In my Navy days I worked in the Combat Information Center. I operated a missile control system. All information flowed into that red and green lit black painted space. Radar and sonar data converged from all available ships, planes and subs. What was out there, how fast it was going, where it was heading, its threat assessment and engagement envelope was the mission. Data and decisions focus and adrenaline all combined to make C.I.C a solemn, daunting but highly exciting place to be. This beautiful almost fall day found me wishing I was back. Where you knew what was out there and it had to worry about you too.
I called the conference center they were going to and paged “P”, no response. I left messages, watched the news and wondered. Surely God would not put such a blow or burden on me? Then again what about all those that just died? Their wives, husbands, children, friends and family were as dear to Him as me and mine. Finally my phone rang, it was “P”. I was majorly relived. She was as shell shocked as I. “What was all this insanity about? Who could do this and what was our response likely to be?” It seems that “P’s” plane had trouble on the ground in Roanoke. Her partner and she decided to drive any way.
There at my desk wired into the world by phone, radio, fax and internet. I turned to an old and trusted method to give thanks for my family’s safety and comfort for those who bore the brunt of hatred and horror that day. Slowly it dawned on me, all the fear and anger that was rising up was exactly what these sad deceived soul had died to bring upon us this beautiful almost fall day. I left for home secure that what had been sewn in evil glee would be reaped in great regret.
Prayer and Ponderance
Proverbs 3:25-26
Mark 4:39-40
Romans 12:19-21
Romans 13:3-4
Psalm 146:9
How hard is it for you to remember Faith and God inside and outside of a crisis or perceived crisis?
In Romans 12 compels us to not indulge in personal vengeance, we are assured that acts of kindness will be heaping coals on our enemy’s heads.
How does this contrast with Romans 13 letting us know that Nations will be used to punish the wicked by God?
Wherever we stand on war and retribution we must never forget the widowed and orphaned because God says He won’t.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Almost Fall: A Devotional from the QDDDD
Almost Fall
Job 9:23-24
“When a scourge brings sudden death, he mocks the despair of the innocent.
When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges.
If it is not he, then who is it?”
After what seemed a frantic first couple of months a welcome sense of normalcy returned to our family. School was back in session. Fall, my favorite season was just a few weeks away We had made plans; logistics were in place, change was accepted and expected. “P” was working from home I was working outside of it. “P” was scheduled to go to one more seminar with her partner. It was an adjuster’s conference and the high point of that years marketing effort. Her Doctor was ok with the trip as they flew instead of drove to Richmond. So off she went that morning at around 4:30 Am., just after I left for work.
I enjoyed my job. There was something about spending other people’s money that appealed to me. The early hours were not as bad as I had cleared my slate. It afforded me the chance to be home by 3:30pm. I knew I was going to have to leave but I just had a hard time admitting it to my boss Mike who had learned to depend on my ability to ferret out needed resources and stock up special parts.
“P’s” mom stayed over to get the girls off to school so I settled into my day counting and entering stock levels, placing requests for prices and generating P.O. numbers for purchase. In the world’s largest bread plant with ovens suitable for any style of loaf to be produced in the tens of thousands each shift finding a cool spot was hard. I was blessed. I was in the office in the air conditioning on my computer married to my phone. Plants across Canada and the United States e-mailed back and forth checking each others inventories for suddenly important parts. It was cozy and friendly and then the line supervisor burst into the office roaring about the radio. I had a radio on top my computer where I would indulge my right-wing propensities at lunch time. After all I had worked in A.M. radio years back and the Talk Radio resurrection of A.M. was close to my heart.
He shouted “Someone flew a plane into the world trade center! Turn on your radio!” The radio overflowed with rehashes of the news. I ran for the conference room where we had a cable TV hook up. I joined about six Department heads and corporate types standing there slack jawed. There on the screen was the smoldering tower. Not sixty seconds later the second plane slammed into the other tower.
Now I had been a in the Navy as a missile fire control tech. I had more than a passing interest in air defense. I knew where a bunch of the bases were and who NORAD was. I knew a snowball was rolling that would soon be a coast to coast sky wide crackdown. Then I remembered “P” was in the air this clear nearly fall day. Richmond Virginia via Washington D.C. Suddenly the screen shifted to the Pentagon.
Prayer and Ponderance
Find a minute or two to remember.
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12
Mark 4:37-38
1 Thessalonians 5:3
Psalm 48:4-6
Where were you that sad morning?
In the midst of sudden tragedy who gets the blame?
Was God on vacation that day?
Did a false assurance of military strength and a staunch stance of pacifism conflict and combine in the U.S. to help make 911 so unexpectedly shocking?
Has the world changed personally, politically or emotionally for you?
Can you express how?
What was birthed that day?
Do you have an assured view of eternity?
Would you like to have one?
Job 9:23-24
“When a scourge brings sudden death, he mocks the despair of the innocent.
When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges.
If it is not he, then who is it?”
After what seemed a frantic first couple of months a welcome sense of normalcy returned to our family. School was back in session. Fall, my favorite season was just a few weeks away We had made plans; logistics were in place, change was accepted and expected. “P” was working from home I was working outside of it. “P” was scheduled to go to one more seminar with her partner. It was an adjuster’s conference and the high point of that years marketing effort. Her Doctor was ok with the trip as they flew instead of drove to Richmond. So off she went that morning at around 4:30 Am., just after I left for work.
I enjoyed my job. There was something about spending other people’s money that appealed to me. The early hours were not as bad as I had cleared my slate. It afforded me the chance to be home by 3:30pm. I knew I was going to have to leave but I just had a hard time admitting it to my boss Mike who had learned to depend on my ability to ferret out needed resources and stock up special parts.
“P’s” mom stayed over to get the girls off to school so I settled into my day counting and entering stock levels, placing requests for prices and generating P.O. numbers for purchase. In the world’s largest bread plant with ovens suitable for any style of loaf to be produced in the tens of thousands each shift finding a cool spot was hard. I was blessed. I was in the office in the air conditioning on my computer married to my phone. Plants across Canada and the United States e-mailed back and forth checking each others inventories for suddenly important parts. It was cozy and friendly and then the line supervisor burst into the office roaring about the radio. I had a radio on top my computer where I would indulge my right-wing propensities at lunch time. After all I had worked in A.M. radio years back and the Talk Radio resurrection of A.M. was close to my heart.
He shouted “Someone flew a plane into the world trade center! Turn on your radio!” The radio overflowed with rehashes of the news. I ran for the conference room where we had a cable TV hook up. I joined about six Department heads and corporate types standing there slack jawed. There on the screen was the smoldering tower. Not sixty seconds later the second plane slammed into the other tower.
Now I had been a in the Navy as a missile fire control tech. I had more than a passing interest in air defense. I knew where a bunch of the bases were and who NORAD was. I knew a snowball was rolling that would soon be a coast to coast sky wide crackdown. Then I remembered “P” was in the air this clear nearly fall day. Richmond Virginia via Washington D.C. Suddenly the screen shifted to the Pentagon.
Prayer and Ponderance
Find a minute or two to remember.
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12
Mark 4:37-38
1 Thessalonians 5:3
Psalm 48:4-6
Where were you that sad morning?
In the midst of sudden tragedy who gets the blame?
Was God on vacation that day?
Did a false assurance of military strength and a staunch stance of pacifism conflict and combine in the U.S. to help make 911 so unexpectedly shocking?
Has the world changed personally, politically or emotionally for you?
Can you express how?
What was birthed that day?
Do you have an assured view of eternity?
Would you like to have one?
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Where is your Love Ya’ll: Tolerating the Intolerant
The standard accusatory and stinging cry flung in the face of Christians and other social traditionalists is that we must be tolerant, inclusive and accepting. A quick look at the recent eruptions around and vile attacks upon Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009, and one must ask, “Where is your love Ya’ll”? (Ya’ll), being those demanding our kind consideration of beliefs other than our own.
Perez Hilton is not tolerant, inclusive nor accepting. Indeed, he is close-minded, vindictive and downright hateful. We must try to understand Perez. The poor soul seems a bit immature and glory-houndish. He would probably dry up and blow away without garnering extra attention one pouty tantrum at a time. We must endeavor to turn the other cheek and join Carrie Prejean in praying for him.
Add in the recent broadcast assault on corrupt pseudo-newsman Keith Olbermann’s MSNBC show by one Michael Musto, Gossip Columnist and mean-spirited hetro-phobe extraordinaire and again one must reach down deeply to turn that other cheek. However, as foul these folk’s failings, slanders and hypocritical cries are they are just a trap set by our true adversary to cause us to attack and not intercede.
The truth in love is what we are called to. We cannot allow these straw men to provoke us to anger and retribution. Still, we must also not retreat in fear from supporting our beliefs about life, love, marriage and God’s pivotal place in all these.
More of us need to stand up for marriage as a God centered covenant between one man and one woman. We need to do it openly and practice what we preach as well. In our efforts, we walk on the water of truth in love or sink into the brine of hateful retort. All the while expecting to be slapped up side our head by those that hate our ability to pull it off as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus.
Carrie Prejean deserves our support and encouragement as she steps out of the boat onto the raging seas of social debate. More of us need to speak up and out, in love. It may be the only place most of these deceived souls find real love in their life.
In our willingness to insist on their tolerance, inclusiveness and acceptance, we do not offer a slap back. We offer a mirror that shows clearly what the hate looks like. As long as we hold it steadily, boldly and lovingly perhaps they will see and loath the ugly image they portray. Perhaps not but the world needs to see just who the haters really are. We at the same time must go beyond tolerating the intolerant and attempt to love them as they are. This is a true challenge and our true calling. Lets begin!
Blessings,
Perez Hilton is not tolerant, inclusive nor accepting. Indeed, he is close-minded, vindictive and downright hateful. We must try to understand Perez. The poor soul seems a bit immature and glory-houndish. He would probably dry up and blow away without garnering extra attention one pouty tantrum at a time. We must endeavor to turn the other cheek and join Carrie Prejean in praying for him.
Add in the recent broadcast assault on corrupt pseudo-newsman Keith Olbermann’s MSNBC show by one Michael Musto, Gossip Columnist and mean-spirited hetro-phobe extraordinaire and again one must reach down deeply to turn that other cheek. However, as foul these folk’s failings, slanders and hypocritical cries are they are just a trap set by our true adversary to cause us to attack and not intercede.
The truth in love is what we are called to. We cannot allow these straw men to provoke us to anger and retribution. Still, we must also not retreat in fear from supporting our beliefs about life, love, marriage and God’s pivotal place in all these.
More of us need to stand up for marriage as a God centered covenant between one man and one woman. We need to do it openly and practice what we preach as well. In our efforts, we walk on the water of truth in love or sink into the brine of hateful retort. All the while expecting to be slapped up side our head by those that hate our ability to pull it off as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus.
Carrie Prejean deserves our support and encouragement as she steps out of the boat onto the raging seas of social debate. More of us need to speak up and out, in love. It may be the only place most of these deceived souls find real love in their life.
In our willingness to insist on their tolerance, inclusiveness and acceptance, we do not offer a slap back. We offer a mirror that shows clearly what the hate looks like. As long as we hold it steadily, boldly and lovingly perhaps they will see and loath the ugly image they portray. Perhaps not but the world needs to see just who the haters really are. We at the same time must go beyond tolerating the intolerant and attempt to love them as they are. This is a true challenge and our true calling. Lets begin!
Blessings,
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Jon & Kate Aren’t Doing Great
Jon & Kate Aren’t Doing Great
Yesterday it was “Octomom the Musical” and today the made for TV Multi-family meltdown circus and sideshow revue continues. Kate is out of town on a book tour and Jon is allegedly out on the town partying down (at least he is leaving the coeds alone this time they say).
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/jon-and-kate-plus-8-dad-caught-with-other-woman/21893
I go out of my way not to watch most of the blather put out about Mega-families. However, over the years producers and shows have contacted me via my writings on the internet and Twins magazine. Let’s just say me and mine are a wee bit too normal, lacking in certain dysfunctions and a desire to exploit and be exploited on the tube.
My heart bleeds for some of these families and their kids. I have heard and seen Jon Gosslin belittled and beaten by his wife Kate. I take fathering seriously and Jon has been setup to fail and now he is. To bring it up riles their fans and brings charges of jealousy. They need help just as Nadja Suleman does and from someone other than Dr. Phil or a resort looking to be highlighted on an episode.
When the Gosslins ghostwritten Christian book “Multiple Blessings” came out I began to speak out. Zondervan, their publisher really wrote and planted this one on the bestsellers list by making it up. Where are they as their marriage implodes. Counting the cash, I presume.
I understand the pressures financially, relationally and emotionally that lots of kids and a whole lot at once can bring. Adding a film crew and the vanity trap of fame are only bringing added and new pressures. Jon and Kate need help.
Pray for these people as I am. Family, faith, marriage and children, are being bruised and abused here. Prayer is the answer along with turning of the made for TV multi-family circus one TV set at a time.
Blessings,
Yesterday it was “Octomom the Musical” and today the made for TV Multi-family meltdown circus and sideshow revue continues. Kate is out of town on a book tour and Jon is allegedly out on the town partying down (at least he is leaving the coeds alone this time they say).
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/jon-and-kate-plus-8-dad-caught-with-other-woman/21893
I go out of my way not to watch most of the blather put out about Mega-families. However, over the years producers and shows have contacted me via my writings on the internet and Twins magazine. Let’s just say me and mine are a wee bit too normal, lacking in certain dysfunctions and a desire to exploit and be exploited on the tube.
My heart bleeds for some of these families and their kids. I have heard and seen Jon Gosslin belittled and beaten by his wife Kate. I take fathering seriously and Jon has been setup to fail and now he is. To bring it up riles their fans and brings charges of jealousy. They need help just as Nadja Suleman does and from someone other than Dr. Phil or a resort looking to be highlighted on an episode.
When the Gosslins ghostwritten Christian book “Multiple Blessings” came out I began to speak out. Zondervan, their publisher really wrote and planted this one on the bestsellers list by making it up. Where are they as their marriage implodes. Counting the cash, I presume.
I understand the pressures financially, relationally and emotionally that lots of kids and a whole lot at once can bring. Adding a film crew and the vanity trap of fame are only bringing added and new pressures. Jon and Kate need help.
Pray for these people as I am. Family, faith, marriage and children, are being bruised and abused here. Prayer is the answer along with turning of the made for TV multi-family circus one TV set at a time.
Blessings,
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Mega Mama Drama: Octomom the Musical
As a son of a single mother. A dad of higher order multiples (At Home Dad even). An advocate of fathers being, hands on, present and important. As well as a one-dad one-mom kind of guy, the Octomom debacle flies in the face of all I hold as good, right and sound for the raising of children, health of our culture and precedent for others.
If you do not believe me, go here: http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/197974
In addition, here:
http://forum.twinsmagazine.com/showthread.php?t=153659
Now I have compassion for Nadja. She is in a pickle. Sadly, she wanted to be there and is bent on taking full selfish and exploitative advantage of her kids and position as the main Drama Mama of the Moment.
I do have some insight into what she is facing and I am fearful for her kids. Still as it is all out of my control, Nadja’s control and just generally out of control. Let the circus continue.
Octomom the musical is a parody.
http://octomomthemusical.com/News_and_Events.html
I will have to miss the opening but I trust it will be a hoot and a hollar. Sad really but that is showbiz and The octomama eats this up with a spoon. The same spoon I am gagging on.
Agrrgahh…..
That’s better.
Blessings,
If you do not believe me, go here: http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/197974
In addition, here:
http://forum.twinsmagazine.com/showthread.php?t=153659
Now I have compassion for Nadja. She is in a pickle. Sadly, she wanted to be there and is bent on taking full selfish and exploitative advantage of her kids and position as the main Drama Mama of the Moment.
I do have some insight into what she is facing and I am fearful for her kids. Still as it is all out of my control, Nadja’s control and just generally out of control. Let the circus continue.
Octomom the musical is a parody.
http://octomomthemusical.com/News_and_Events.html
I will have to miss the opening but I trust it will be a hoot and a hollar. Sad really but that is showbiz and The octomama eats this up with a spoon. The same spoon I am gagging on.
Agrrgahh…..
That’s better.
Blessings,
Monday, April 27, 2009
You Should Be Committed!!!
In such a self-serving hedonistic time as ours how do folks make, manage and maintain a health marriage? Interestingly, this is one area where following Christ’s example might find us a bit stumped. Jesus never married. I do not care what Tom Hanks says. The apostle Paul was married back in his hometown of Tarsus. However, he could not even get his ministry going until both Tarsus and the wife were behind him. His advice basically on marriage was “if you don’t have to, don’t”.
Now we could lay out a good Christian comedy routine about here but marriage is not a joke, nor is divorce a laughing matter. Paul valued marriage but was committed to the ministry. It had to be his priority. He had learned that priorities mattered and will take us places. Indeed this is my first point. Marriage must be a priority that we are committed to in order to make it a trip worth taking.
I can hear you saying,”Well DUH Mike”! Just stick with me. Commitments are really about goals. This is where any couple can completely blow it. Trips can be nice but if we disagree on the destination, we have troubles. Too many couples, including the Christian ones, take off on their little train trip of life long love with rosy feeling, warm hearts and good intentions. Some soon find themselves disappointed and going back to the conductor because they did not have tickets to the same locale.
Goals, mutual goals must be in place if we are committed to reaching them. Having no mutual goals means, you have no real commitment. Mutual goals must also be more than wanting to have children and raising them from the same page but this is a good start. Sadly, you would be surprised how many folks even overlook this before signing the papers.
Here is my advice. Sit down together and talk about each others wants, needs, hopes and dreams. List them out, then begin to plan the short, middle, and long term plans to get to those relational destinations. In the effort, you will create mutual goals and mutual understanding. Even if the wants, hopes and dreams do not all come true. You will be fulfilling more than a few serious needs for a good and Godly marriage. Even if you do not like making lists JUST SIT DOWN AND TALK!
Take this advice and apply just half of what Jesus walked and talked about concerning, forgiveness, meekness, kindness and self-sacrifice. That is the example that will smooth out all of life’s travels. Then use those tickets for two on a trip well worth taking with a destination that is mutual and truly heavenly for those committed to getting there together.
Blessings,
Now we could lay out a good Christian comedy routine about here but marriage is not a joke, nor is divorce a laughing matter. Paul valued marriage but was committed to the ministry. It had to be his priority. He had learned that priorities mattered and will take us places. Indeed this is my first point. Marriage must be a priority that we are committed to in order to make it a trip worth taking.
I can hear you saying,”Well DUH Mike”! Just stick with me. Commitments are really about goals. This is where any couple can completely blow it. Trips can be nice but if we disagree on the destination, we have troubles. Too many couples, including the Christian ones, take off on their little train trip of life long love with rosy feeling, warm hearts and good intentions. Some soon find themselves disappointed and going back to the conductor because they did not have tickets to the same locale.
Goals, mutual goals must be in place if we are committed to reaching them. Having no mutual goals means, you have no real commitment. Mutual goals must also be more than wanting to have children and raising them from the same page but this is a good start. Sadly, you would be surprised how many folks even overlook this before signing the papers.
Here is my advice. Sit down together and talk about each others wants, needs, hopes and dreams. List them out, then begin to plan the short, middle, and long term plans to get to those relational destinations. In the effort, you will create mutual goals and mutual understanding. Even if the wants, hopes and dreams do not all come true. You will be fulfilling more than a few serious needs for a good and Godly marriage. Even if you do not like making lists JUST SIT DOWN AND TALK!
Take this advice and apply just half of what Jesus walked and talked about concerning, forgiveness, meekness, kindness and self-sacrifice. That is the example that will smooth out all of life’s travels. Then use those tickets for two on a trip well worth taking with a destination that is mutual and truly heavenly for those committed to getting there together.
Blessings,
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Marriage for Christians: Look out behind you!
Marriage is easier to get into than getting a drivers license. That is; marriage the institution and legal contract. This is what makes marriage vulnerable to all the efforts to redefine and broaden its definition. If all marriage means is a government recognized contract with certain government granted tax and legal consideration well, marriage does not mean much at all. Indeed the government gets to make, broaden or change the definition based on legislation, lobbying or judicial whim.
The God centered relationship between man and woman first mentioned in Genesis is a whole other thing. We, us “Christians” have let marriage become undermined in the public’s eye. We have not prioritized, nurtured or stewarded it as individuals or as a group. Indeed, we may see the day soon when we loose the institution or at least its definition, all together.
Sounds dire and dreaded you say? Here is the silver lining. From the eternal perspective how society defines something does not matter a hill of beans. We are called to personal accountability and stewardship of what is placed in our hands. The more we are drawn into some type of societal showdown and media war the less impact we have where it really counts.
To date, brethren we do not have the goods to win the argument. Christians are just as prone to divorce as anyone else is. Some sects and cults have better records than we do.
We will not be held accountable for the bad laws passed and sad societal trends of a corrupted culture. We will be rewarded for our faithfulness, our stewardship and our responsibility over what we were given and called to protect, love and nurture. In this, we are the salt and light that preserves and guides lost souls looking for answers.
If our fist is in the air railing at our precieved adversaries all the lost see is our fist in the air. In this, our eyes are misdirected as well. These are not our adversaries. As we rage on at the straw man with an agenda, our true adversary is sneaking in behind us. Stealing our passions, strength and purpose from our very own pockets.
So how do we fix this? Stay tuned I have a few ideas.
Blessings
The God centered relationship between man and woman first mentioned in Genesis is a whole other thing. We, us “Christians” have let marriage become undermined in the public’s eye. We have not prioritized, nurtured or stewarded it as individuals or as a group. Indeed, we may see the day soon when we loose the institution or at least its definition, all together.
Sounds dire and dreaded you say? Here is the silver lining. From the eternal perspective how society defines something does not matter a hill of beans. We are called to personal accountability and stewardship of what is placed in our hands. The more we are drawn into some type of societal showdown and media war the less impact we have where it really counts.
To date, brethren we do not have the goods to win the argument. Christians are just as prone to divorce as anyone else is. Some sects and cults have better records than we do.
We will not be held accountable for the bad laws passed and sad societal trends of a corrupted culture. We will be rewarded for our faithfulness, our stewardship and our responsibility over what we were given and called to protect, love and nurture. In this, we are the salt and light that preserves and guides lost souls looking for answers.
If our fist is in the air railing at our precieved adversaries all the lost see is our fist in the air. In this, our eyes are misdirected as well. These are not our adversaries. As we rage on at the straw man with an agenda, our true adversary is sneaking in behind us. Stealing our passions, strength and purpose from our very own pockets.
So how do we fix this? Stay tuned I have a few ideas.
Blessings
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