Desensitized?

Recently, I have been dealing with quite a few different things, but one thing on my mind quite a bit lately is what have be been desensitized too?  Never before in our society has so much material been at the tips of our fingers.  There is so much on tv now that was deemed unacceptable not too many years ago.  It's amazing what we actually see on tv and what we are bombarded with everyday via billboards/internet.  The question is, do you even notice?

I ask because I have began to pay attention to what I am actually taking in, I have found that it is everywhere and a real challenge to steer away from.

Recently, my wife and I have given up almost all tv watching unless it is with our boys.  When we began to really see what was on tv, it was disheartening to know that I have been subjecting myself and my family to such material.

Many believe that what they watch is ok and that it doesn't really affect them.  I beg to differ.

While pornography isn't allowed on national channels yet, it seems as if we are headed that way.  A lot of what is on tv is borderline or pushing the limits to see how close they can get and still be allowed on to be broadcast.  Studies show that pornography is just like a drug.  It releases chemicals in the brain to what some equate to that of cocaine.  No one just randomly decides to start viewing porn, they are fed bits and pieces until they become addicted and start searching for it.  When I put this in the front of my mind and actually paid attention to what I was watching or seeing, it was astounding. 

Challenge for you.  Next time you sit down to watch your favorite show, turn it off at the first sign of sexual immorality or a woman wearing clothes that are too revealing.  Next time you check out youtube, close your browser at the first sign of something inappropriate on the suggested videos.  I guarantee if you are watching anything on a national television show you will have the tv turned off within 10 min.  Regardless of what you are looking at on youtube (even a christian comedian) you will have your browser closed in less than 5 videos.

This is all just one aspect of what we have become desensitized too, but its a big one.  Sex sells because its like a drug.  I know you don't want to be a drug dealer, but are you dealing drugs to your kids?

For more information check out this link:
http://www.fightthenewdrug.org/Science/physical/?blog_post_id=1054

What are we missing?

As I have mentioned before, part of this blog is for me to express what my changes in view are.  Today however, will be a little different.  In my efforts to see things differently, I have began to read through Genesis to really see what it is that I have always overlooked...read through / grazed over....or just plain hadn't learned much about.

I began today reading through chapter 27 and ready through chapter 30.  Its the story of Jacob, who's son most of us have heard about Joseph.

I found it interesting how many things took place in their lives that would be considered so wrong in our day-in-age.  Jacob worked 7 years for his first wife (which he didn't really want and was tricked into), worked an additional 7 years for his second wife (whom he did want), then not only did he end up having kids with both of them, but they both also gave them their servants to him to have kids with as well.  I know there is a lot of societal differences between now and then and we view things so much differently, but this is just something I can't understand.  Hence, why I am wanting to learn more.  I want to learn what God is trying to teach me through this.

Jacob even goes on to basically steal from his Wives father by tricking him and God ends up helping Jacob leave the current circumstances and go on with all the wealth he has accumulated.

This is all so confusing. It is all so wrong in my American eyes. Which ultimately brings me to my point for today.  I am just glad God can see the big picture.  I am glad He is in control.  I am glad that vengence is His and that His ways are not my ways.  So much came out of the Joseph. Without all of what Jacob went through and delt with, Joseph wouldn't have been in the situation he was put in (which by the way I can see why there was so much sibling rivalry here) and then save so many from dieing.  All I can say is WOW!

Now, just because I accept this doesn't mean I shouldn't try to view the story from a different way to.  I will be doing my research and trying to find what else God is sharing through this story.  I know I am missing so much just because I know God wouldn't put it in the bible if it wasn't important to His story.

Oh how I wish I could see as HE sees!  We are so blind sometimes.

Parenting

I write todays post after hearing so many bothersom storries or occurances over the last few weeks.  Now, I know I don't have all the answers, but having  3 kids I have some experience. 

It seems as though so many parents have become so selfish and self centered.  I say this knowing that so many kids out there dont have both parents at home because one has decided they didn't want to be a parent anymore or have that responsibility.  It is an ever growing issue.  Have you ever wondered what it would be like if more fathers were at home and boys didn't have to learn what it was like to be a man from their mothers. 

I feel like I had good parents.  Parents who to this day are still helping me in one way or another.  However, I hear about parents who don't want to spend time with their kids... parents who don't want to get along with their kids...parents who think they are done being a parent when their kid turns 18. 

This all breaks my heart.  Kids have so much to deal with already. 

I look at my relationship with my kids and what it used to be compared to what it is now.  When I was a youth pastor I missed almost a year of my kids life in which I didn't have much time for them.  Looking at it now makes me realize how much I missed.  I love getting the opportunity to hold them in the morning, play with them in the evenings and just have fun everyday conversations with them.  Sure there are a lot of things in life that I want to do and want to have...but I can't do it at the expense of my kids.  I just don't understand how parents can be so selfish. 

I look at so many of our problems in the world today and wonder how many would be fixed if a parent would stand up and be the parent they were meant to be.  The movie "Courageous" is a great example.  Sometimes it takes being more than a "good enough father."  Sometimes it takes just spending time with them....getting to know them....forgetting your desires and putting their needs before your own.

It's hard being a parent.  Probably the hardest job in the world.  It is also a responsibility, not a choice.  If you are a parent and reading this....stand up and do the right thing.  Spend time getting to know your kid...teaching your kid...loving your kid.  Life is too short to say, "I'll do it later."

 

PS. Step Parents...your are a parents too whether you like it or not.  They are now your kids, treat them like your kids, love them like they are your own, and give them the respect they deserve (not earned).  What?  They arn't treating you right...tough... you are the one called to set the example.  Step up and be the man or woman God called you to be.

Abraham

In my quest to find clarity, I have began to read through the bible...starting with Genesis.  Yes, I know most people don't recommend this, but I want to see God in a new way.  I want to see Him as the scriptures say, rather than others interpretations.  Which is rather hard seing as a lot of what it says needs to be put in a Jewish filter just to understand what the significance really is.

Today, however, is not necissarily one of those times.  In reading the stories of Abraham, it is easy to identify with him.  He is often scared of death, what others might do, believing what God tells him, and being willing to be patient.  I think we all deal with that from time to time.  Yet, it never ceases to amaze me that God never leaves him.  He comes back to him time and time again even in the midst of trying to do things his own way, God is still there.  One thing is evident though, they do have a relationship. 

I believe this portion of Genesis paints a beautiful picture of how deep our relationship with God really should be.  He is able to openly speak to God about how he cares for people and begs God not to kill those who happen to live in the wrong place and the wrong time.  He laughs when God tells him he is going to have a son through Sarah.  Yet, through his relationship he continues to learn more about who God is and eventually gets to where he believes so much in God's justice that he is willing to sacrifice his son to stay in relationship with him. 

This story is ever so comforting to me, just knowing that even though I might sometimes question God, find it hard to believe what He is telling me, or commit a sin against Him, that ultimatly what is important is that I have a relationship with Him.  

I challenge you to read through the story of Abraham and really look for how many times he commits what we consider to be a sin against God and yet, there God is, talking to him, challenging him, teaching him how to change.