We can talk about our blessings all we want. We can make well-designed memes on giving thanks. We can give Texas-sized tributes to God’s gifts, but If we do not end the complaining, we negate the benefits of “thanksgiving.” Worse still, our children mimic the behavior, perpetuating the attitude of ingratitude. Before I correct the grumblings of my children, I should start by curbing my own. If I want my children to live like Christ, I need to model Christ-like behavior.
Category: Christian Living
How to Stop the Complaining Contagion
Complaining is like a virus; if one person starts complaining, the negative sentiments spread like wildfire. Sometimes it’s called grumbling, muttering, or discontent. Whatever we call it, these grumblings have a way of seeping into the very fabric of our personality. Instead of being the joyful lights God intended us to be, our mutterings make us just as gray and gloomy as the rest of the world.
If You Wish You Had a Different Story
In the animated film Cars, Lightning McQueen—a popular rookie race car—does a commercial for his sponsor, Rusteeze, advertising their Medicated Bumper Ointment. He plasters a smile on his face and chimes, “Use Rusteeze… and you too can look like me! Ca-chow!” The humor lies in the irony. It would take a lot more than one… Continue reading If You Wish You Had a Different Story
Avoid Using This Abbreviation
Like most teenagers, I heard plenty of slang in school—some terms were playfully innocuous, some vulgar. I often observed how a word or phrase was used and tried to avoid the inappropriate ones. One day, while having a conversation with my dad, I threw in a seemingly harmless word. I had heard this phrase used… Continue reading Avoid Using This Abbreviation
The Lies of Loneliness
Spring is here, the sky is blue, Birds all sing as if they knew Today's the day we'll say "I do" And we'll never be lonely anymore The Dixie Cups - Chapel Of Love Lyrics | MetroLyrics My friends and I used to break into a hearty rendition of Chapel of Love whenever someone got married.… Continue reading The Lies of Loneliness
When You’re On Sensory Overload
The sink is overflowing with dishes and more have migrated to the countertops. Piles of laundry wait expectantly to be washed, folded or put away. Your kids seem to think that their outdoor behavior works indoors. Suddenly, you hear glass shatter nearby as the dog's tail makes contact with a vase. The phone is pinging.… Continue reading When You’re On Sensory Overload
What Our Children Need Most
"Mom, I need to get a zipper binder and headphones." "Dad, my teacher said my pencil box isn't big enough. I need another one" "Mom, I have to have a zipper binder too." My head was spinning. It was only the first week of school, and on top of the lengthy list of supplies we'd… Continue reading What Our Children Need Most
Remember, Remember
About 3 years ago, I was gifted a 1-year membership to audible.com. I have renewed my membership every year since because I discovered the joy of "reading" again. I could "read" (ok, listen!) while folding laundry, driving down the road, cooking dinner, or washing dishes. I got my kids hooked too. They LOVE audiobooks! One… Continue reading Remember, Remember
It’s okay to feel out of place
All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. J.R.R. Tolkien A few nights ago, as I struggled to get to sleep, I flipped to my Bible App and opened Psalm 90. Earlier in… Continue reading It’s okay to feel out of place
Surviving College… as a Christian
College has always been (and always will be) awash with challenges and temptations. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either blind or deceitful. High stress, binge drinking, drug abuse, mental fatigue, promiscuity, and financial inducements can lead a naive kid to destruction. Even if you put your nose to the grindstone and focus entirely on your studies, you may find yourself idolizing your career and forgetting God somewhere along the way. So how does one survive the testing ground of college?
Elihu's Corner 