It happened again. I shared one of my worst fears about David's peanut allergy and I got a death story in response. Sharing some kind of terrible story isn't helpful. If someone ever tells you that something frightens them, don't share something to back up their fears. It is ridiculous!
Here's the gist of the conversation. I ended up talking to an acquaintance the other night about David having a peanut allergy. This friend was not aware that he had the allergy and she began to share that a child in her child's preschool was allergic to nuts. I told her that sending him to school scares me because it is a difficult environment to protect him in. She said, oh, well you know a kid died a couple of years ago in Seattle on a field trip. What? He was on the bus with the kids and when they were to have lunch he was given a peanut butter cookie. He died right there on the bus.
Wow- now that's absolutely devastating to hear about... especially when I am already trying to imagine how I will handle all sorts of situations when David gets older...AND especially when I just expressed that his allergy frightens me.
I am not controlled by my fear of not being able to protect David. I am annoyed by people who respond to my fear with a worst case scenario.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
Holidays Highlights
The holidays are over and we are on to a new year. I cannot hardly believe it is 2007. The last 3 months of 2006 sure went a lot faster than the rest of the year!! Our holidays were wonderful. It was a joy to be together as a family. We soaked in every moment of family time. Last Christmas wasn't far from my mind and it made everything even sweeter. Christmas 2005 wasn't bad but it wasn't complete. With Seth home from Iraq, our family traditions were whole again. I could go on and on but I would just get cheesier and cheesier. Some highlights of the season: *) A week or so before Christmas, we went up to a mountain and played in the snow. *) We made our Gingerbread House on Christmas Eve and then ate it off an on Christmas day *) Seth and I fondued on Christmas Eve after the kids were in bed. *) The boys decided a few days before Christmas that Jesus was having a "paper airplane birthday" and they made piles of paper airplanes to fly on Christmas *)Throughout the days leading up to Christmas, Thomas was constantly sneaking a small present taking it off to a corner and trying to open it. (I had to really watch him! It as adorable) *)Christmas day the boys were so excited about all of the new stuff that they shared everything without fighting (it only lasted that day but it was really, really nice) *) I had someone over the age of 5 to kiss on New Year's Eve
These are just a few holiday highlights. I am out of time for the moment.
Here's a picture of the family on New Year's Day (The morning after staying up until midnight - all of us except Thomas.)
These are just a few holiday highlights. I am out of time for the moment.
Here's a picture of the family on New Year's Day (The morning after staying up until midnight - all of us except Thomas.)
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Agree to Disagree?
Has Christianity gone wrong? Are Christians sharing their heart or what is on their mind? I just read an interesting commentary by Jay Bakker, minister of Revolution Church (and son of former Praise The Lord leaders Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Messner) and Marc Brown, a Revolution staff member. Here’s a link to the article: "What the hell happened to Christianity?" Here are my thoughts on their commentary.
I do believe that the conservative movement can turn people away from Christ. Most people are not drawn to religion when it pushes rules or moral standards. We are free in Christ- not bound by rules. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
I also believe that people should not politicize Christianity. Christians are not democratic or republican. I have found a stereotype exists that if you are a Christian then you are a conservative. That isn’t always true, whether it be on moral grounds or government (state control vs. national control). It certainly isn’t so that if you are a conservative you are a Christian. Why would anyone presume that all Christians would take a conservative view?
I struggle to see the validity of the suggestion that Christians should agree to disagree on issues. I do believe that no one makes progress on issues by being hostile. There is a fundamental error with the suggestion to agree to disagree. Who determines which issues are ethically right or wrong? The authors assume that there are some issues that are morally debatable. This assumes there are no ultimate moral standards or that some we have defined as a society as absolute and some we haven’t. No one disagrees that rape and child molestation are abhorrent. Murder seems simple and most Murderers are punished but what about euthanasia? What about abortion?
Bakker and Brown suggest, “Christians should look past their differences and agree to disagree.” I’d suggest, Christians should look past their differences and agree to read their Bible. If they disagree on the Biblical principles or on how to apply them to daily life, then they should pray. Pray apart or pray together. We are called to love each other. We are called to be patient and kind. We are told to not be rude or proud. We can and should love people that do not believe what we believe. However, we are not called to accept opinions that contradict the Bible. As Christians we are called to pray. We should not choose complacency over hostility, we should choose prayer.
I do believe that the conservative movement can turn people away from Christ. Most people are not drawn to religion when it pushes rules or moral standards. We are free in Christ- not bound by rules. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
I also believe that people should not politicize Christianity. Christians are not democratic or republican. I have found a stereotype exists that if you are a Christian then you are a conservative. That isn’t always true, whether it be on moral grounds or government (state control vs. national control). It certainly isn’t so that if you are a conservative you are a Christian. Why would anyone presume that all Christians would take a conservative view?
I struggle to see the validity of the suggestion that Christians should agree to disagree on issues. I do believe that no one makes progress on issues by being hostile. There is a fundamental error with the suggestion to agree to disagree. Who determines which issues are ethically right or wrong? The authors assume that there are some issues that are morally debatable. This assumes there are no ultimate moral standards or that some we have defined as a society as absolute and some we haven’t. No one disagrees that rape and child molestation are abhorrent. Murder seems simple and most Murderers are punished but what about euthanasia? What about abortion?
Bakker and Brown suggest, “Christians should look past their differences and agree to disagree.” I’d suggest, Christians should look past their differences and agree to read their Bible. If they disagree on the Biblical principles or on how to apply them to daily life, then they should pray. Pray apart or pray together. We are called to love each other. We are called to be patient and kind. We are told to not be rude or proud. We can and should love people that do not believe what we believe. However, we are not called to accept opinions that contradict the Bible. As Christians we are called to pray. We should not choose complacency over hostility, we should choose prayer.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
What am I looking forward to?
Have you ever thought, “I have nothing to look forward to?” I started thinking about it…a lot. Today, I asked myself, “What am I looking forward to today?” I found that there are quite an abundance of answers even on the most ordinary day. This morning when I asked myself that question, I came up with only 2 quick answers. I was looking forward to Seth coming home from work. I was also looking forward to my next kiss from Seth (yes, I know that is cheesy but it is the truth). Now it is mid-afternoon. This question has generated quite an appreciative attitude in my heart. I have found myself spending more time thinking about God and how many blessings he lays out before me each day. I am still looking forward to seeing my husband. I am also looking forward to so much more. I am looking forward to making my children giggle. I am looking forward to little things like seeing how my new crock-pot recipe turns out. Mostly, though, I am looking forward to the creative way God will show me knew truths because I am recognizing his presence. I am looking forward to time with the Creator. Just in this little exercise today I am reminded that nothing gives me more peace or more joy than drawing close to God.
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