Recently a special friend of mine told me that an individual in their church blamed the government for our children's behavior. This is not a new mindset. Many believe that the govenment, through our school systems brainwash our children into believing that their parents are idiots and that they should not have to listen to them or anyone one else in authority.
I would like to prove that myth wrong with a few examples that I have personally witnessed or read about. I am a School Resource Officer at Craig County Middle and High School. That simply means that I am a police officer in the school. Although I love my job and am glad that I have this job I still find it sad that we have came to a point in history that police officers have to be assigned to work in schools on a daily basis.
Why has it come to this? Is it the fault of the government? Is it the fault of the school systems? Is it the fault of the children themselves? I used to be one who blamed the government for everything. A kid goes out and shoots someone down in the street; the government brainwashed them into doing so by not censoring violent movies. A kid becomes a drug addict;the government did not do enough to educate them. A kid becomes pregnant; the government told them sexual promiscuity was ok.
Recently certain situations and events have drastically changed my mind. A teacher recently shared with me that a student told her taha the student's mother told her she did not have to listen to any teacher or anyone else in the school. She could do what she wanted. A school teacher in another county put his hand on a student's chest to prevent him from coming into his classroom due to the student's disruptive behavior. This young man's parents petitioned for charges of assault against the teacher.Thankfully common sense and sound reason prevailed and the charges were dismissed against the teacher.
This would have been a great lesson if the story ended there but the parents of this student have filed a civil lawsuit against the teacher and the school for causing their son emotional stress, embarassment and undue fear for his safety. They stated in the suit that their son has not been able to deal with the stress of being pointed out as a troublemaker in front of his classmates. What the lawsuit does'nt state is that their son is a regular visitor to the principal's office for various unaccepatable behaviors.
I learned of a parent who came to the school to complain about her daughter being bullied by other students. This would have been a legitimate complaint if not for the fact that the student has missed over fifty days of school this year. The parent blamed the abscences on her daughter's fear of coming to school.
Upon close examination of these few short examples I believe that we can safely conclude that one of the biggest contributions to student misbehavior and disrespect is the parents themselves. They have empowered their children by encouraging them to openly defy authority, defending them even when it is clear that they are in the wrong and making excuses for them when they refuse to grow up and deal with the daily pressures of life.
That being said, I would like to conclude by pointing a finger directly at the children themselves. There comes a time in the life of every human being when we must accept responsibility for our own actions and decisions. I know this flies against all that is politically correct but guess what it has been like thsis throughout history and it will never change.
Parents let your children grow up and quit crippling them mentally and emotionally. Children quit making excuses for your WRONG choices and accept the consequences for your WRONG actions. I think that you would see that life would be much better for evryone involved.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
What's really important?
Recently I was in a car wreck. I suffered 3 broken ribs and cracked sternum and torn cartilage in my chest area. When I finally got to go look at my car, I realized how bad the wreck could have been. I also began to think about what is really important in life.
This year has been very stressful due to some people who did not like the way I did my job. They were constantly complaining about something regarding what my duties were as a School Resource Officer. One went as far as complaining to the Sheriff in an attempt to get me fired.I felt angry, frustrated and bitter because I have always believed that if you do your best, no matter what people do or say right will always overcome wrong.
I found out that is not always the case. I know that I don't always have the support that I feel I need and that some will believe anything they hear without facts. I also found out something else; true friends stick by you no matter what. What does this have to do with my car wreck? I am going to explain to you.
During my time of recovery I had plenty of time to think about what is important. I realize that I can only control my conduct and actions. No matter how badly I would like for people to change the way they are, I can't do anything about it. I also found out that the people that mind the way I am don't matter and the people who matter don't mind how I am. I also realized that no matter how hard I may try I can't please everyone, even those who mean so much to me in my life.
I've also learned that life is more than jobs, careers and everyday tasks. There are times we must do the things we enjoy for our health, happiness and overall peace of mind.
My philosophy is serve God to the best of my ability and live life in a much simplier manner.
This year has been very stressful due to some people who did not like the way I did my job. They were constantly complaining about something regarding what my duties were as a School Resource Officer. One went as far as complaining to the Sheriff in an attempt to get me fired.I felt angry, frustrated and bitter because I have always believed that if you do your best, no matter what people do or say right will always overcome wrong.
I found out that is not always the case. I know that I don't always have the support that I feel I need and that some will believe anything they hear without facts. I also found out something else; true friends stick by you no matter what. What does this have to do with my car wreck? I am going to explain to you.
During my time of recovery I had plenty of time to think about what is important. I realize that I can only control my conduct and actions. No matter how badly I would like for people to change the way they are, I can't do anything about it. I also found out that the people that mind the way I am don't matter and the people who matter don't mind how I am. I also realized that no matter how hard I may try I can't please everyone, even those who mean so much to me in my life.
I've also learned that life is more than jobs, careers and everyday tasks. There are times we must do the things we enjoy for our health, happiness and overall peace of mind.
My philosophy is serve God to the best of my ability and live life in a much simplier manner.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thoughts on the styar of Bethlehem.
I could not sleep for some reason so I started watching Christmas movies. In just about every movie I have watched the ending usually is showing the characters putting the star on the Christmas tree. I began to think about the star and why we put the star on the tree every year.What does the star mean?
The star reminds me that men can be led to a relationship with Christ through supernatural means. The wise men followed the star in the east to the birthplace of the Christ child. They would have hoplessly searched for the babe in the manger without the guidance of the heavenly Father. Many are searching today. They are seeking answers to cnfused, cluttered, chaotic lives. They are looking for peace in a viloent world. They can't find answers through self help books. They can't fiond answers through philosophy, and they can't find answers through joining different groups. They must look heavenward to seek the true answer to long lasting peace and security.
The star symbolizes the acceptance of Christ by the people. The wise men studied the stars. They knew that this star was unusal. They followed this star because they knew that something special awaited them. They had heard of the promise of a coming Messiah or Savior and they wanted to see this Savior. When they came upon the child they fell down and worshipped him. Even the most cynical of men or women can come to have faith in the one who was born in a lowly manger.
The star represents the shining hope of mankind. We need that hope. A hope that helps rise up each morning even in the midst of despair and uncertainity and proclaim in our hearts that God has blessed us with another day of joy and comfort.
The star reminds us that Jesus was indeed born and through His birth, life, death, and ressurection those who accept Him as Lord and Savior have an assured promise of salvation. I find joy in the reminder that God can and does lead us in our lives if we but let Him.
Merry Christmas everyone.
The star reminds me that men can be led to a relationship with Christ through supernatural means. The wise men followed the star in the east to the birthplace of the Christ child. They would have hoplessly searched for the babe in the manger without the guidance of the heavenly Father. Many are searching today. They are seeking answers to cnfused, cluttered, chaotic lives. They are looking for peace in a viloent world. They can't find answers through self help books. They can't fiond answers through philosophy, and they can't find answers through joining different groups. They must look heavenward to seek the true answer to long lasting peace and security.
The star symbolizes the acceptance of Christ by the people. The wise men studied the stars. They knew that this star was unusal. They followed this star because they knew that something special awaited them. They had heard of the promise of a coming Messiah or Savior and they wanted to see this Savior. When they came upon the child they fell down and worshipped him. Even the most cynical of men or women can come to have faith in the one who was born in a lowly manger.
The star represents the shining hope of mankind. We need that hope. A hope that helps rise up each morning even in the midst of despair and uncertainity and proclaim in our hearts that God has blessed us with another day of joy and comfort.
The star reminds us that Jesus was indeed born and through His birth, life, death, and ressurection those who accept Him as Lord and Savior have an assured promise of salvation. I find joy in the reminder that God can and does lead us in our lives if we but let Him.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
What does a relationship with Jesus mean to you?
I saw an interesting post on facebook this morning. "I'm going to church to get me Jesus and then coming home and go to bed." I wandered what the individual who posted this meant. Did they mean that Jesus is a temporary fix that they have to have every Sunday? Is a relationship with Jesus like the Lortab that I am currently taking for pain? Does it only work for a few hours or days? Is Jesus just an emotion to some people?
I listened to a sermon by John Piper this morning in which he talked about the true meaning of Christ's coming. In the sermon he pointed out some solid facts regarding a relationship with Christ. John Piper points out that Jesus came to earth that mankind might be saved through a relationship with Him and that through that relationship the sin that separated man from God would be blotted out.
Once man or woman has come into this relationship they turn from the sin that once controlled them to trust fully in Christ. This is not referring to a temporary fix but a lifetime commitment. Christ committing to fulfill the covenant that God established with His people and God's people committing to living within that covenant.
We, as God's people, must bank our hope on Christ's promises. We must stop following the world's example what a relationship with Christ means and turn and start following the commandments Christ put forward. We cannot live our lives through a "got milk' mentality. We must commit wholly and completely to following Christ in every area of our lives. Don't just go to church to "get me Jesus" Go to grow in your relationship with Him that He might truly be able to help you in your daily spiritual walk.
I listened to a sermon by John Piper this morning in which he talked about the true meaning of Christ's coming. In the sermon he pointed out some solid facts regarding a relationship with Christ. John Piper points out that Jesus came to earth that mankind might be saved through a relationship with Him and that through that relationship the sin that separated man from God would be blotted out.
Once man or woman has come into this relationship they turn from the sin that once controlled them to trust fully in Christ. This is not referring to a temporary fix but a lifetime commitment. Christ committing to fulfill the covenant that God established with His people and God's people committing to living within that covenant.
We, as God's people, must bank our hope on Christ's promises. We must stop following the world's example what a relationship with Christ means and turn and start following the commandments Christ put forward. We cannot live our lives through a "got milk' mentality. We must commit wholly and completely to following Christ in every area of our lives. Don't just go to church to "get me Jesus" Go to grow in your relationship with Him that He might truly be able to help you in your daily spiritual walk.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
God's Covenant with Abraham
I have been thinking a lot lately about what is happening in America in regard to the Christmas season. Once Christmas was about remembering the birth of our Savior. It was a time to remember the glorious announcement to the shepherds from the heavenly host. It was about the birth of a tiny babe in a lowly manger built for animals. It was about a hope renewed for a people who had lost hope. It was about the birth of a tiny babe whose birth would affect the lives of people for many generations to come.
Sadly Christmas has become a material obsessed season. Its about shopping. Shopping for thins that you don't need and didn't want until you saw them. Its about stress and tension. Everyone is in a hurry. There is no stopping to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
What we need is some deep, quiet, unshakable truth from God's Holy Word. The scripture comes from Genesis 17:1-8. There are three things that we learn from the scripture found in Genesis.
First of all those who hope in Christ and follow Him in obedient faith are descendants of Abraham and heirs of His covenant promises. Verse 7 tells us that God established His covenant between Abraham and his seed and the seed of generations to come. It was an everlasting covenant.
These promises are sure and lasting unlike the presents that you will receive this Christmas season. A promise from God is a promise kept. A promise from God is a "take it to the bank" assurance that what He said, He will accomplish.
These promises are rooted in God's unchanging truthfulness andand confirmed by Christ's coming. The Christmas Spirit is not found in the wrapped packages under the tree but in the story of the birth of the tiny babe in the manger. This birth changes lives, perspectives about life and brings an assurance of salvation to those who hope and believe in Him.
I hope that everyone will have a blessed and wonderful Christmas, not that you get a lot of gifts but that you receive thae greatest gift, salvation through Jesus Christ.
Sadly Christmas has become a material obsessed season. Its about shopping. Shopping for thins that you don't need and didn't want until you saw them. Its about stress and tension. Everyone is in a hurry. There is no stopping to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
What we need is some deep, quiet, unshakable truth from God's Holy Word. The scripture comes from Genesis 17:1-8. There are three things that we learn from the scripture found in Genesis.
First of all those who hope in Christ and follow Him in obedient faith are descendants of Abraham and heirs of His covenant promises. Verse 7 tells us that God established His covenant between Abraham and his seed and the seed of generations to come. It was an everlasting covenant.
These promises are sure and lasting unlike the presents that you will receive this Christmas season. A promise from God is a promise kept. A promise from God is a "take it to the bank" assurance that what He said, He will accomplish.
These promises are rooted in God's unchanging truthfulness andand confirmed by Christ's coming. The Christmas Spirit is not found in the wrapped packages under the tree but in the story of the birth of the tiny babe in the manger. This birth changes lives, perspectives about life and brings an assurance of salvation to those who hope and believe in Him.
I hope that everyone will have a blessed and wonderful Christmas, not that you get a lot of gifts but that you receive thae greatest gift, salvation through Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Are we a Christian nation.?
Recently I watched YouTube video in which Barak Obama stated that America is no longer a Christian nation. Initially I was offended by what he said until I thought about the state of Christianity in America.
We, as a nation, are moving further and further away from God. We are becoming biblically illiterate, we are growing more and more indifferent toward God's Holy commands, and we are looking toward worldly worship on a regular basis.
An example of this was found during a recent Youth study at the church that I pastor. We were discussing the importance of being an effective witness for Christ. I talked with the youth about the fact that our actions often speak louder than our words.
They strongly agreed and began sharing with me their concerns about other young people who proclaimed to be ChristiansThey talked about the profane language these kids used and said that the kids explained it away by saying that the words were in the bible and okay to use in the context they used them.
They said that these kids openly talked about their sexual promiscuity and the fact that some of them went to parties and drank alcohol.
There is a growing trend among young people and adults alike that superficial Christianity is all that is needed. They also believe that God's Word is not absolute and depends on how each individual interprets it. This is the reason that more and more people are drawn to other, more convenient religions. We must get by to what John MacArthur refers to as "Old Time religion" rather than "Show time religion." Until we do we cannot argue with Barak Obama very much regarding his statement.
We, as a nation, are moving further and further away from God. We are becoming biblically illiterate, we are growing more and more indifferent toward God's Holy commands, and we are looking toward worldly worship on a regular basis.
An example of this was found during a recent Youth study at the church that I pastor. We were discussing the importance of being an effective witness for Christ. I talked with the youth about the fact that our actions often speak louder than our words.
They strongly agreed and began sharing with me their concerns about other young people who proclaimed to be ChristiansThey talked about the profane language these kids used and said that the kids explained it away by saying that the words were in the bible and okay to use in the context they used them.
They said that these kids openly talked about their sexual promiscuity and the fact that some of them went to parties and drank alcohol.
There is a growing trend among young people and adults alike that superficial Christianity is all that is needed. They also believe that God's Word is not absolute and depends on how each individual interprets it. This is the reason that more and more people are drawn to other, more convenient religions. We must get by to what John MacArthur refers to as "Old Time religion" rather than "Show time religion." Until we do we cannot argue with Barak Obama very much regarding his statement.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
What was I thinking?
Several years ago I decided to look for another campground for our annual camping trip. I was tired of going to the same place every year. Without consulting my family, I went online to find the "perfect" camping experience. I found a "wonderful" place in North Carolina called Happy Family Campground. This should have been a clue. I didn't catch on.
I reserved a camping space for the week of vacation. The website described the campground in this manner. Large swimming pool, gameroom with many types of electronic games to enjoy, large shower area, large camping area, and a river running alongside of the camping area to fish in. This was a "little" exaggerated.
We arrived at Happy Family Campground in the afternoon. Imagine our surprise when we saw a swimming pool about the size of a large broom closet covered in pond scum. The game room consisted of a warped pool table with the cover ripped and a broken pinball machine. My son had to use the bathroom so he went to the "spacious" shower area. He came out with a shocked look on his face. "Dad these are Nazi death camp showers." We drove around to the camping area. It was big enough to pull our van into but not big enough for a tent. The river was a large stream with no fish. We left Happy Family Campground .My family has never let me live this error in judgment down.
Fast forward to 2011. I wanted to go visit my daughter in Illinois. The last time we went I drove. I did not want to drive 15 hours agian. "I know, I'll take a train." I reserved the tickets ahead of time. Comfortable seating, nice dining area, let us do the driving while you relax. Perfect. The day arrived. We board the train that is packed full. "I am sorry, we will have to put you in the bulk area." I have reserved seats but it does not matter. "To many walkups" is how it is explained. The seats that you were supposed to be able to lean back in and relax still leave you sitting up. Well at least the dining car will be nice. I stand in line for 30 minutes to get two frozen pizzas zapped in the microwave. What happened to the nice dining area with delicious food. "That is on the longerr runs." is how it is explained. 18 hours is not a long run?
Our "host is a psycho blonde who spends most of her time yelling at the customers, including kids, while making as much of a nusiance of herself as she can. We arrive at Chicago 45 minutes late. We are not given any instructions where we are to go as we leave the train. Thankfully we find the train station without getting mugged in one of the worst cities that has ever been created. I decide to drive back. Wonder if my family will let me live this one down?
I reserved a camping space for the week of vacation. The website described the campground in this manner. Large swimming pool, gameroom with many types of electronic games to enjoy, large shower area, large camping area, and a river running alongside of the camping area to fish in. This was a "little" exaggerated.
We arrived at Happy Family Campground in the afternoon. Imagine our surprise when we saw a swimming pool about the size of a large broom closet covered in pond scum. The game room consisted of a warped pool table with the cover ripped and a broken pinball machine. My son had to use the bathroom so he went to the "spacious" shower area. He came out with a shocked look on his face. "Dad these are Nazi death camp showers." We drove around to the camping area. It was big enough to pull our van into but not big enough for a tent. The river was a large stream with no fish. We left Happy Family Campground .My family has never let me live this error in judgment down.
Fast forward to 2011. I wanted to go visit my daughter in Illinois. The last time we went I drove. I did not want to drive 15 hours agian. "I know, I'll take a train." I reserved the tickets ahead of time. Comfortable seating, nice dining area, let us do the driving while you relax. Perfect. The day arrived. We board the train that is packed full. "I am sorry, we will have to put you in the bulk area." I have reserved seats but it does not matter. "To many walkups" is how it is explained. The seats that you were supposed to be able to lean back in and relax still leave you sitting up. Well at least the dining car will be nice. I stand in line for 30 minutes to get two frozen pizzas zapped in the microwave. What happened to the nice dining area with delicious food. "That is on the longerr runs." is how it is explained. 18 hours is not a long run?
Our "host is a psycho blonde who spends most of her time yelling at the customers, including kids, while making as much of a nusiance of herself as she can. We arrive at Chicago 45 minutes late. We are not given any instructions where we are to go as we leave the train. Thankfully we find the train station without getting mugged in one of the worst cities that has ever been created. I decide to drive back. Wonder if my family will let me live this one down?
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