Spoiled Rotten babies: a product of the 80's "Me" generation....

I have contemplated for some time how to write this next blog. I am afraid of sounding too harsh, but I think its time someone just called this socio-economic crisis what it is.

It is the product of the "me" generation: those of us who were "raised" in the 70s and 80s by latch key society, MTV, and day care.


(There I said it. Now for the barrage of hate email to follow.)

But really- let's think about this:

I am one of those kids that was born in the 70's and graduated from High School in the eighties. At that time we were considered the most self-centered, self-conscious, self-aware, self -esteemed generation there was. And we had someone to blame: our flower-child parents who grew up and taught us - as best they could- and tried to give us everything they didn't have as children: and I mean literally everything!

This "ME" generation was the one that experienced the onset of branding: Jordache, Cabbage Patch, "boom boxes" you name it there was "the" brand, and as soon as one hit their height of value and prestige: the next one would raise up alongside it: Gloria Vanderbilt, Garbage Can Kids, and MTV, MTV2, MTV3 etc (you get the point there)DeLorian, Miami Vice, Reebok, LA Gear, Guess, Esprit, Sony Walkmans the list can go on and on. Bigger, better, faster, sleeker. All for free just like the free love and adoration from our flower children parents.


Where did all this stuff come from? The media. The advertising agencies. Our Parents.

Our parents became the dual income society. Our parents worked and gave us everything we could want and then some so that we would never "do without". In addition, they gave us independence and the freedom they craved from their youth. The two became quite a personal sacrifice for our parents, but also in our worldview as we in the "me" generation grew up. We came home to empty homes with no parents, turned on the newly marketed cable channel "Nickelodeon" or MTV or VH1 and waited for our parents to come home and give us attention, run us to activities, and meet our every need and whim.


Then the "Me" generation "grew up" (and I say that using a very loosely held definition). We became known as the "slackers". We wanted everything handed to us on a silver platter. Life was our adventure: the world was our footstool, and we were waiting for our parents to come home and take care of whatever we wanted. Except now we were on our own. Eighteen figurative years of self-serving selfishness is a hard habit to break.

This may sound like I am blaming our parents. When one is a child they are the product of their parents, but once adulthood sets in, one needs to make their choices with their own consequences and parents are no longer an acceptable scapegoat for what we are today.

What are we today? Overextended in our finances and our time. Overworked- and tired.
Stressed. Imbalanced.

Why?

Well, once again, as happens with many adults, we have all become our parents, but still refused to grow up in the process. You see, our parents ideology was that we should have opportunity, so they got their acts together and provided for us- almost to their own demise as well as our own self-righteous self indulgent detriment. They did it out of love for us. We could possibly say the same thing about what we are doing with our children as well.

Every day, I talk to people who are struggling. Their lives are taxing them to their very limits. Financially they have overextended themselves with unnecessary credit, excessively large homes, and cars that are beyond believable. Their children are in every activity known to mankind so they can be rounded (and break the bank at 2-4 dollars a gallon for gas)so that every minute can be maximize (or over scheduled). I know people who actually pride themselves on how BUSY they are.

Much of what we adults (ages 30-45) "own" today is suspended in unrealistic credit lines. Again, as adults, we have been sucked into the entitlement mentality of our childhood and teen years.

I spoke with someone recently who has been struggling with financial issues in their family. This person spoke of getting a new job, relocating to a smaller home, and the devastating affects this may have on their children and family. There is serious financial risk in the home. The I was told about their holiday cruise and new 9+ foot pre-lit Christmas tree they bought because the other one was a few years old.

Another person recently confided in me that after the marriage split up and the person was forced to move out on their own with their children, that there was a danger of the family losing their new home due to financial restraints. As the conversation progressed, as all conversations do, the person told me about advice that was given to him by the family's cleaning lady followed by plans to visit an American beach as their children had only ever been to foreign beaches.

What is wrong with this picture?

Imbalance. The basics of simple money management. One could even say common sense.

and we wonder why we are in the socio-economic quandary we are in as a country....

Grow up Slackers.

Or as the famous line from the 80's would put it: "get real!"




Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19



Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? Job 34:33

What in the world is going on?

I don't mean to sound like Henny Penny. You know the one: the confused chick who was hit in the head with an acorn and thought the sky was falling. Scared and concerned for her friends at the farm she ran around to each one exclaiming, "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!"

Given the recent situation in the world the biblical Christian is forced to ask, "What, Lord?" and "How long, Lord?"

The financial state of the USA is in disarray. People in our community are losing their homes, two (potentially 3) on the cul-de-sac of 8 homes where I live. Between the adjustable rate mortgages, gas prices and the general cost of living are presenting serious decision issues regarding their spending.

Generosity in America is dropping. Normal giving has become a perceived sacrifice. People who serving in the ministry are feeling this crunch as well. Pastors and ministry staff know all too well the pains of this economy. When everything you have is subsidized by the generosity of the tithers of your church, and when giving is down, so goes the income level of the pastorate as well. Our church leaders are given less and yet still more is expected. Everyday, calls pour into the church I serve with distressing news: someone has lost a job, a home, or a marriage has come to ruin, or the rebellion of their children.

The world has recently applauded one of the largest Buddhist religious demonstrations in the world's history, in the presence of key world leaders, including our own President. Meanwhile, nearby neighboring countries attack one another as the rest of the "civilized" world continues on silently, wide-eyed and awestruck by the display of homage to a culture that is in antithesis to Biblical Christianity.


War has broken out in strategic areas of the world. Starvation is rampant. There are "natural disasters" reported nearly every week, often everyday. Crime is rising.

There is outcry for change. Yet our sinful hearts demand the same things.

For me, watching the evening news has become a comparison of what is now and is to come. World events all point to the end of the age, and the Second coming of the Messiah. I am not so presumptuous to claim to know that is here, or when it will occur, however, the word of God is clear that it is inevitable. There will come a day when all prophecy will be fulfilled and we will be with our Lord for eternity. Keep watch. God keeps His promises. His return is imminent.



Words: Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick
Music: Michael W. Smith

(Tell me) How long will we
grovel at the feet of wealth
and power
(Tell me) How long will we bow
down to that golden calf
How long will be too long
(Tell me) How long will we
curtsy to the whims of new
religion
How long will we water down the truth
'Til truth is no more
How long will be too long
Chorus:
The power of faith and love
Can change the stuff we're made of
But still we wait
(Tell me) How long will be too long

(Tell me) How long will we
drink from the chalice of
indifference
Neither be hot or be cold
Can a sober soul know
How long will be too long

Chorus:
Is there not more to us
Than cursed dust to dust
I feel my hope fading
How long will be too long

How long will be too long

(Tell me) How long will we
travel from the ways that
God intended
Won't it all tumble down if
His holy wrath comes
How long will be too long

Chorus:
The power of faith and love
Can change the stuff we're made of
When will it be too late
How long will be too long
How long will be too long
How long will be too long

Wisdom from Chocolate

Anyone one who knows me, knows my affinity for all things chocolate. Recently I purchased a package of Dove milk chocolate Promises.

When you open a Dove promise, inside is a little anecdote, kind of like a fortune cookie.

What I read in that little package of chocolate was profound. It read, "Treat every day as if it were Sunday."

I started to contemplate that statement. What if we all really did? You know, treat every day like it was Sunday. What would that look like?

Well I imagine if it were anything like my house, there would be a tremendous rustling of people who aren't quite ready to get out of bed. Being that I work for our church and we live 35 minutes away, our Sunday mornings often start earlier than many of our weekdays.

So we would all pack into the car. We would turn on our favorite Christian stations and head up the road to God's house. Along the way, we may prep our lesson one more time (or for the first time) and think about all the things that need our attention upon our arrival, and all the people who would require our attention.

We would do all the tasks, guide all the people,and pray that all of the volunteers show up. But then, the excitement begins because Sunday school is about to begin.

Prayers are given up in corporate spirit by children, teens and adults. Some for the sick. Some for the needy. Some for the heavy laden. Some for a child's pet. All to the same God. All at the same time from His children all gathered together in one acord. Then teaching begins, and God's word is read and divided and blessed. People are nurtured in Christ, hearts are convicted and drawn to the grace of God. Lives are Changed. Bonds are broken.

After sunday school there is a great fellowshiping of believers. Some over fruit bowls, some over donuts and coffee. All making the beautiful connections that human communication and interaction creates during a 20 mission intermission.

As the Worship service begins, more and more people file into the rows of chairs, sign in their kids to children's ministry to prepare their hearts for one of the most precious times in a Christian's life here on Earth: Corporate praise and worship of our Most Holy and Heavenly Father. Voices join together in unison that span the horizons as across the nation God's people glorify, praise and worship their Creator and Saviour. What a beautiful noise of praise to our wonderful Saviour.

"all this from a small piece of chocolate?"

"Yes," I can almost hear our Lord saying, "my dear children, live everyday as if it were Sunday."

His eye is on the Sparrow

When I was a little girl I can remember the Pastor of our church, pastor David Cowles, would occasionally sing a special song. He had a beautiful voice that might remind one of George Beverly Shea. There was a gentleness and strength to his voice that commanded the room.

There was a time I can remember him singing that song, "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and there was either a bird in the church or just outside the door and as he paused at that point in the song, a chirping was heard. I cant remember for sure if I remember this happening or if it is a recording my parents had of the service. But I have never forgotten nontheless.

I dont know about you but I am prone to pity parties. There have been several times in my life when either by circumstances or self pity I have been in a very dark place. One period in my life in particular, I felt so alone and unredemptive. I questioned God and His timing, His plan and perfect will. I was very frustrated with so many questions and seemingly no answers.

As I went for a walk one evening, I found a small bird. I picked the bird up and carried it as I walked. I petted the bird and talked to the bird. I prayed for this bird. I wondered if there was something wrong with it since it had not flown away when I bent to pick it up.

When I came back to the place where I had found the bird, I set it on the ground and it hopped off under a shrub. I knew the bird would die if I kept it, as wild things usually do, and hoped that its fate would be better if it were free.

Then I felt the Lord speak to me in a way I'd not heard before. The Lord reminded me that just as He provides for that little bird, He would do immeasurably more for me.

Today as I watch finches, cardinals and sparrows at the bird feeder outside my kitchen window, I am faced with new and numerous challenges. But I am reminded of the verses that Pastor Cowles sang, and the little feathered friend God gave me when I most needed it.




Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely?
And long for heaven and home

When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches over me
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches me

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches (I know He watches)
I know He watches me

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know, He watches me
He watches me
He watches
I know
He watches me.






Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

ARE YOU NOT OF MORE VALUE THAN THEY?
- Matthew 6:26

thankfulness

Yesterday I gave up the notion of being on sabbatical and went in to church. I spent time cleaning up after summer programs and planning for fall. Like most churches in America, our church is feeling the pinch of the economic stress. Giving is down and expenses are up. New families are pouring into our church every week.Some seeking family stability and support, some seeking Jesus. More than ever it is crucial for us as the body to adequately use the resources that God has given to us in our times of plenty.

I have managed to find enough resources on my shelf for the fall quarter. We won't have to buy anything new. I am very thankful for that.

Thank you God for always giving us what we need when we need it, and please us wisdom to be wise stewards of the gifts you give.

Have you ever...

Had to move all this stuff that we "need" for ministry???

I have. About every 2-4 years. There is a tremendous weeding out of puppets, musical instruments, magic tricks, craft supplies and recycled easter eggs.
So much meaningless stuff. So many memories of ministry to go along with each item. So many touched lives and happy kids. So many doggone plastic easter eggs!!!

I am about to embark on this again only this time my basement is also full of items gathered for the Christian school my husband and I were wanting to start. Desks, books, tables, chairs. Teaching stuff and ministry stuff. SO much stuff.

I plan to start to list this stuff on ebay. But I am having a hard time separating from it all. I guess I am a educator/ministry director/pastor horder of stuff.

The extra sets of dishes are easy to part with even though we might actually have company someday again after we move. Someday when we make friends and ministry partners again.

The house we live in is rather large. The house we're moving to could fit in the downstairs of the house we're in. We have to get rid of stuff. Why is the school stuff and the church stuff so hard to part with?

a pile toys...

so we're at another car dealership. my kids are restless. it is amazing to me how a mere pile of toys can manipulate the perspective of children. complete strangers become old friends.

sunday mornings can have the same effect. I wonder what could transpire if we let our kids just spend some time just connecting with each other.

Daily Devotions

This is not to say that it is so important to do your devotions. Or to say to you that I myself do devotions each day. I maybe do them twice a week in a good week. (see my next edition of chronicles of the crazed children's pastor) :)

I was reading Oswald Chambers this morning, My Utmost for His Highest. If you don't realize it already, today is Leap Day, The only February 29th that we will have for another 4 years. Needless to say, given my inconsistent patterns of "daily devotions" and the likelihood of having done them on February 29, I found something that was simply profound in my reading.

I read with interest the devotion of the day in Chambers' book, "What Do You Want The Lord to Do for You?" In this segment, he reference Luke 18, where Jesus healed a blind man. The author referenced the limitations that we put on Christ based on our own presupposed ideas of what God may find as a priority or significant enough to consider.


One sentence however, really jumped out on me:

The agony we suffer is only the result of the deliberate shallowness of our
own heart.

WOW, I really hadn't considered that. In our limited finite being of self we are truly incapable to put those kinds of limits on God. We have not be cause we ask not. (James 4:2)

Just think what could happen in our lives and our minsitries if we simply let God be God and remained solely an instrument of His choosing. The results could be astounding.

The best things in life....

are never free.... they take dedication, sweat, tears. Fears of failure, and faith in God to surpass the fear.

Today I have had some of the most rewarding and hard experiences of my life in children's ministry. Both of which really didnt involve the children I work with. It involved parents.


There is a girl I sponsor in a christian program. I love her like she was a part of my own family. She isnt a child. She is a young adult. I have known her as a teenager, college student and now a young adult. Her parents have served in our church. I recently had the priviledge in supporting her as she shared with her parents some of the growth she has experienced in the program, and tonite I received such a beautiful email from her mother today thanking me. The truth was, that was one of the most nerve wracking things I have ever done in ministry service. I was scared out of my skin the whole time. But God went before us and carried us the distance that we needed to span. To Him be all the Glory.

Today I also had the opportunity to support a parent with a child who is ill. I was not sure how I could offer any support. I am not a pastor: merely a children's director but somehow God gave me the words she needed to hear and we cryed and prayed together. God is so faithful to us.


The best things in life are never free, but God is there in all of it. I surely felt that today as I served my church family. Thank you God for always being there when we need you, and also when we think we don't.

I was just thinking about how blessed I am to be able to serve in such a way that uses so many teaching styles and is so much fun. Despite so many hurdles to jump, I can't think of a better thing to do or a better place to be. Children's ministry is the thing to be do on Sunday morning.

the Hard Work and Heart Work of Children's Ministry

I thought to myself recently how things that happen in Children's Ministry to children's ministry leaders are SO unique to children's ministry experience, that I thought it might be good to find others to share in it with me. Sometimes the humor in it all is so funny that no one else could really even believe it unless they too were in children's ministry. Sometimes the responsiblity of reaching kids and families for Christ is so embattled by the circumstances, it feels overwhelming.

I had a friend once say that children's ministry is the hardest ministry in the church, and I would agree with that. Keeping track of wiggly kids with food allergies and special needs, and volunteers that come and go, parents who depend on us for the spiritual upbringing of their kids (whether or not that is good is another discussion) and then the simple business of running such a detail focused ministry can all become so burdensome.

On the other hand, children's ministry is so rewarding. The free smiles and hugs that come with each Sunday. Hearing the fervent prayer of a child. Seeing the fruit of a changed life. Experiencing the beauty of a child's tender heart. Seeing God change families through the children. The miracles of Children's Ministry are too many to count.

Does God take joy in Children's Ministry? Does He value what so many individuals pour their heart and soul into? I would say a certain "YES". Jesus left what he was doing to heal the daughter of Jairus. God spoke breath into the Shunammite's son. He allowed children to come to Him when the disciples turned them away. God called to Samuel in the night. Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. Yes, God does delight in the hearts of children.

Tomorrow, delight in the hearts of the children that God brings to you. He knows the plans that He has for each of them, their families, and He has ordained you for that moment to share in a part of that plan.