The Night Before A Soldier’s Christmas

(photo by taylorhellar)

Apparently, this poem was written by a peace keeping soldier stationed overseas. It’s a good reminder to us at Christmas time that our soldiers deserve our thanks and need our prayers. Read it with your family and then include a prayer for our soldiers in your mealtime prayer.

 

 

 

The Night Before A Soldier’s Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas,
He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house,
Made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney,
With presents to give,
And to see just who,
In this home did live.

I looked all about,
A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures,
Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought,
Came through my mind.

For this house was different,
It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor,
In this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured,
The life of a soldier.

Was this the hero,
Of whom I’d just read?,
Curled up on a poncho,
The floor for a bed?

I realized the families,
That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers,
Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate,
A bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom,
Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers,
Like the one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder,
How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve,
In a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees, and started to cry.

The soldier awakened,
And I heard a rough voice,
‘Santa, don’t cry.
This life is my choice.

I fight for freedom,
I don’t ask for more,
My life is my God’s,
My country, my corps.’

The soldier rolled over,
And drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it,
I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
So silent and still,
And we both shivered,
From the cold night’s chill.

I didn’t want to leave,
On that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor,
So willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
With a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, ‘Carry on Santa,
It’s Christmas Day, all is secure.’

One look at my watch,
And I knew he was right,
‘Merry Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night.’

What do your older kids think about negative Obama church signs?

(Added note: We apologize to readers who have thought that we at Christian Parenting Daily are agreeing with or condoning this sign. We DO NOT agree with this sign or the people who wrote it. Our purpose for posting this blog is to give Christian parents the Biblical framework they need in order to have a thoughtful conversation with their kids about why posting a sign like this DOES NOT agree with what the Bible teaches. The ambiguity comes from the fact that this was not meant to be a blog on the topic but a list of conversation starters. Again we DO NOT AGREE with content of this sign or the posting of this sign.)

We’ve been hearing a lot in the news about churches posting negative signs about President Elect Obama. One reads “Obama, Osama, hmm, are they brothers?” It hit the news and the pastor said that he was just trying to get people thinking. A conversation starter of sorts.

We heard about the latest one from Rick Sanchez on CNN. A church put these words on a large marque sign outside the front of their church, “America we have a Muslim President, this is a sin against the Lord, Ex. 20:3.”

Needless to say, it’s causing a stir. Although we do not and cannot agree with or condone the sign, we at Christian Parenting Daily think that this news story can be a conversation starter for Christian parents and their older kids.

Here are some talking points:

The sign uses the Biblical reference Exodus 20:3 which is the second commandment “Do not worship any other God’s besides me.” Do you think that America has violated this command by electing Obama?

Jesus derided the religious/political leaders of his day because they claimed to be following God but were not. However, he used their own written teachings and a special revelation from God about what their heart’s looked like to confront them, not suspicion and hearsay. Do you see a difference here?

Next, Obama himself has repeatedly said that he is a Christian and not a Muslim. Many Christians feel that the church Obama attended for many years has some funny ideas but it’s still a Christian church. Some people believe that Obama cannot be a Christian because of his stand on issues such as abortion. What do you think?

Did you know that President Lincoln was a Christian when he was elected but it wasn’t until years later during the civil war that he really became passionate about prayer and his Faith in God? Do you think a person can be a Christian but still have wrong ideas or make mistakes?

How do you think this verse should apply to this situation? “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)

The Apostle Paul wrote these words when the wicked emperor Nero was ruling the Roman Empire , “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1 – 4)

No matter who you voted for, Obama is now the President Elect. What do these inspired Bible verses penned by Paul show us that we should do now? Why?

Have a great discussion and remember it’s better and more effective to help your kids think through the issues critically and Biblically then it is tell them how to think.

Here’s the link to the news article and video on CNN.

Study links exposure to sexual content with teen pregnancies

The RAND Health research staff conducted a study and concluded that teens who watched a high level of sexual content on television were twice as likely to experience a teen pregnancy.

As soon as this article hit the street, the media gobbled it up and it seems to be held up as some kind of break through.

While we here at Christian Parenting Daily applaud the study, the conclusions are not new. Solomon taught that we should guard our hearts with all diligence because our life will eventually reflect what we cultivated there. (Proverbs 4:23) One of the key points of Jesus’ teachings was that, who we are on the inside (our thoughts our conclusions, our beliefs) is what’s important because that’s who we are. Our behavior comes out of what’s in our hearts. (Luke 6:45) James taught that our actions are a direct result of the inner desires that we choose to cultivate. (James 1:14 – 16)

Another thing that we applaud the study for is that in it’s conclusion, it recommends that parents watch television with their children so that they can help guide them through what they see.

Here’s the short three step Christian parenting guide to helping your kids wade through the garbage constantly placed before them.

1. Limit your child’s exposure. If the television show or movie in question contains wrong ideas that they are not mature enough to navigate through and make right conclusions about, then they should not be watching it.

2. Take time to intentionally teach your children the Biblical view of sex. Make sure you don’t just tell them what to do and what not to do, but also teach them why God’s way works and the world’s doesn’t. There are a ton of helpful Christian resources out there that can help you with this.

3. As your child matures and is exposed to more, be sure that you’re there watching with them and discussing the content. In this way you help them to think through what they see and they learn to guard their own hearts with God’s truth.

You might want to discuss this study with your older kids, it’s a good way to get the conversation started or to keep it going.

Here’s the link to the Rand study.

CHRISTIAN PARENTING DAILY

Talking to your kids about politics

Now-a-days it’s almost impossible to watch or listen to the news without hearing about politics. Even when we’re not in the middle of an election we’re hearing about another country who is or we’re hearing about political maneuvering or scandals. Politics is a big part of our cultural life and as Christian parents we should be engaging our kids in conversation about it.

Often, when we get into important conversations with our children it’s because of an event that has happen in our lives or around us. When these talks take place, it’s great to bring what the Bible says into each discussion. However, since it’s what the Bible says that’s eternal and most important, it’s even better to start there and bring what’s happening around us into the Biblical discussion.

Here are some Bible verses with political implications to use as discussion starters that you can print out to get the discussion rolling.

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Proverbs 29:2)

(The Bible teaches that God wants leaders and governments to be honest and just. Is there anything we can do to help ensure that our leaders are righteous?)

“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36)

(Many Jews who lived in Jesus’ time didn’t like the Roman government. Can we conclude from Jesus’ words how he felt?)

For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:17, 18)

(John the Baptist spoke out against the bad behavior of one of his political leaders. Is there anything we can do when we see our politicians acting incorrectly?)

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1 – 7)

(What do these verses tell us about not only our political leaders but also the police and the military? Does submitting to authorities mean that we have to go along with them even when they do wrong?)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1, 2)

(According to these verses what is the most powerful thing we can do to change our government? What does the last thirteen words of these verses tell you about what people’s lives should look like when good leaders are in government?)

It’s the economy, mom and dad

Listening to all the news about economy lately has got me thinking about an old friend. Anyone remember the best-seller, ‘The Coming Economic Earthquake’? One Amazon review, written last month, says this about the book, “This book clearly outlines why the recession is here and it was written in 1991 predicting it.”

I had the pleasure of knowing Larry Burkett and being able to call him my friend for several years before he left us to be with our Lord. He was a wonderful person, a faithful friend and an awesome man of God. He studied the Bible and understood perhaps better than anyone what God’s Word says and teaches about money.

I met Larry shortly after he wrote ‘The Coming Economic Earthquake’ and although I didn’t understand all of what he was saying about where the economy was going, we talked about something that was near to my heart. Him and his son Allen Burkett Jr. wanted to help parents teach their kids Biblical financial principles so that Christians and the Church in the generations to come could stand strong during tough times.

Larry showed me the conclusions of a nation wide survey that tested the financial IQ of high school seniors. The director of the report summed up the results by saying that our kids were graduating financially illiterate. He also shared with me statistics that showed that 85% of young couples who divorce site financial issues as the reason for their marital breakdown. That discussion led to Larry and I co-writing the book ‘Financial Parenting.’ I also went on to work with both Larry Sr. and Jr. to develop many resources that help parents teach their children financial principles.

The Bible tells us that as parents we are to bring our children up in the instruction of the Lord. The Bible doesn’t just teach us about God, love and salvation. Moses, Solomon, Jesus, Paul and others were all used by God’s Spirit to teach us about stewardship and proper money management. It’s our job as parents to safeguard our children’s future by intentionally bringing them up in these truths.

I don’t know if the ‘Economic Earthquake’ as Larry saw it is here yet but I do know that if we want our kids to survive financially, now and in the future, we need to spend some time teaching them what God’s Word says about money.

The Coming Economic Earthquake, Financial Parenting and the other resources we developed for kids have been selling well and helping families for years but perhaps they are even more relevant and more important now.

Although Larry Burkett is no longer with us, every book he wrote was based on God’s Word and therefore timeless and very relevant today. I highly recommend the following books and any other’s with my friend’s name on them.

            

 

 

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

Study Shows That A Child’s Spirituality Is The Number One Factor In their Happiness

Dr. Mark Holder, a psychology professor at The University of British Columbia, led a study to determine what factors have the greatest influence on a child’s happiness. He and his team surveyed more than 300 children ages 9 to 12. The researchers also asked the parents and teachers of the children to rate their happiness.

The result? In Dr. Holder’s own words, “The more spiritual the children were, the happier they were.”

Perhaps you’re thinking, “That’s great. We take our children to church and read Bible stories to them”. Yes, that is helpful but it’s not what the survey was focused on. In fact, the Doctor said that religious activities such as going to church didn’t seem to make a difference in a child’s happiness level.

Read more