Crave - A documentary

Have you ever been judged by a someone who calls themselves a Christian?  I have.  As a Christian it upsets me.  

Recently I had the opportunity to see the documentary Crave.  Crave is a look at how people are open to spirituality but not as open to Jesus Christ.  It was interesting to see that many times it was the delivery not the message that turned people off.  In the end it was suggested that Christian's take a new approach - start by listening to other people's stories.

For me this is nothing new.  I have always struggled with the ability to create opportunities to share my faith.  Often I have been put off myself by people who need to always preach at others.  This just made me feel that they were judging me, which is in conflict with loving others and loving one another is truly what Christ is all about.

Often times religion seems to pop up in a conversation.  Many people seem shocked to discover that I am a Christian.  Mostly because I'm not a bible thumping, finger pointing kind of person.  I firmly believe that we are to be in the world, loving each other.  

Doesn't mean we have to condone lifestyles that don't line up with biblical principles.  However it is not our job to judge.  Only God has the right to determine who goes to heaven and who goes to hell.  It's just our job to love them and demonstrate our faith in the way we live.

In my opinion, judging others because they don't know Christ or live a lifestyle contrary to biblical principles demonstrates a lack of knowledge of what Christ was all about.  Christ hung with the lowest of the low in his day.  He broke bread with them.  Healed them.  Shared His life with them.  Yet today, many Christians are no better than the Sadduccees or Pharisees who missed the point.  They got hung up in the rules.  The very rules that Christ came to save them from.

When challenged on what commandment was most important Christ responded "Love your neighbour as yourself and love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind."  Think about it, if you do these two things could you really break one of the ten commandments?  Furthermore, aren't the ten commandments really common sense?  Some of them are even laws!

If you're a Christian I challenge you to think about how you react to people that don't believe in God.  Do you shun them?  Do you listen to their story?  Do you ask what they believe in?  Do you try to understand them and the objections they may have to Christianity?

If you're not a Christian, contact me.  I'd like to hear what you believe and why.  I promise not to preach at you.  I would like to share with you my story if you're willing to listen.

I am a Soccer Mom

Last week I became a soccer mom.  Something I had joked with my friends about never becoming but I did.  My son is two years old now and one bundle full of energy.  Typical toddler he is testing his limits. He doesn't always listen well.  However he does enjoy kicking a ball around and running.

The first class did not go so well.  Not because of the coaching; Coach Meagan rocks!  The problem was Byron had decided he didn't want to take a nap that afternoon.  I had one cranky boy on my hands!  And the mood swings!  I did not know a little boy could have so many mood swings in 45 minutes.  One minute he would be screaming to keep playing the last game, then run off to join the current game.  But I was determined to make it through the whole practice.  We did and Byron was exhausted.

Second class went much better.  B did not always want to stop playing the game but he recovered and joined the next game quicker.  Then with 10 minutes left in the class he just laid down on the grass and rubbed his eye.  His fun threshold had been temporarily maxed out.  It was too cute.  

Now some people may think that I'm insane for starting B in soccer at only two years of age.  To them I say that Sportball starts at 16 months!  Sportball isn't just soccer either.  It's also volleyball, basketball, tennis, hockey, golf and football.  What better way to introduce young children to a variety of sports so that they can make a solid decision on which one(s) they want to continue playing.

The other defence to the sanity claim I have is simple - if children are ready to participate in pre-school, why not sports?  Why just limit learning to colouring, counting, and the alphabet?  Why not also teach them other skills, get them moving, having fun?  As parents we do need to strike a balance between over scheduling our child and giving them opportunities to grow.

My choice for soccer was based on two simple facts.  B likes to kick and run after a ball; soccer is a logical sport to try.  Soccer is also a shorter program letting me test the waters as to whether B was even ready for organized sports.

When I was growing up I don't remember starting sports until grade 5 but I also realize that my parents sacrificed to put me through the best school they could afford.  Within that school I was exposed to high quality education, music and competitive sports.  I attribute my successes to my coaches as much as my band and choir director as I do all the teachers I had at that school.  

My goal is to ensure B has those same lessons that are not as obvious at first glance.  Two year olds are asserting their independence, learning to listen and follow instructions.  Soccer is offering B a fun way of developing those skills but at the same time he is also learning that he cannot always do what he wants, when he wants.  He's learning boundaries.  For example, there is a playground at the end of the soccer field.  B is always torn between the playground and a chance to kick a ball.  Throughout practice I can be heard saying "We can play on the playground after soccer."  He sometimes whines but sometimes he will go back to the skill lesson.

Honestly I would encourage parents to consider sports at this age where ever it is available.  It's good wholesome fun all while learning valuable life lessons.  At the very least encouraging sports at a young age is also instilling in a child the importance of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle.

Secretly, I'm really hoping B doesn't decide to be a hockey player.  I'm not a morning person, nor do I like cold arenas.  On the other hand, I do like coffee and chatting with other parents...

Who could you Honour?

This post is long overdue...

The current series being shared at my church is on "Lost Virtues" and the first in the series was Honour. Check out the podcasts at (a)dore Victoria.  This prompted me to honour a friend who has and continues to impact my life with her strength and determination (Read "Brought to you by the letter J"

Since the message, and Jo's overwhelming response to my post I have done a lot of thinking. The message shared by Andy Moore needs to be spread like wildfire. Shifting virtues could very well be held responsible for the various negative trends occurring in the behaviour of young adults, youth and children in today's age.

Daily I face the false sense of entitlement. I work in the legal department of a collection agency. No I'm not the bad guy. I'm just the one using extreme measures to force you to honour your financial commitment to whom you received goods or services from. Yes I realize that some people hit hard times and are unable to pay as they intend but honestly, is it honourable to then simply try to hide from the situation? Credit counselors first advise to make contact with creditors and try to work out a deal when unexpected hard times hit.

Another part of my life that lacked honour was in my marriages. Yes, it's plural. I've been married twice. First marriage ended when my then husband ran out without so much as an explanation. It was nine years later through Facebook that I was told of rumours that I was having an affair with my personal trainer. I'm not sure which hurt more, the thought that my ex thought I could dishonour him so severely by breaking my wedding vows or that he dishonoured me by not talking to me about the rumours first.

My second marriage truly tested my ability to honour my marriage vows. In the end my then husband's extreme lack of honour was the root of the marriage breakdown. His behaviour has been categorized by counselors as "abusive" however I was never physically harmed however I am still recovering from the mental and emotional damage that was done by the horrible words spoken.

Now I realize that honouring someone is not always easy but it is highly beneficial. While indulging in Tara Banks talk show one day she shared how Demi Moore retaliates negative comments on her Twitter stream by sending that tweep back an overly positive message. VERY difficult but highly rewarding action.

Since hearing Andy's message I have tried to be more conscious about honouring those I love in my life and attempting to curb my unconscious ability to dishonour people in hopes that I can stop such a negative destructive behaviour. I hope those that read this can do the same.

My question to you is: Who could you honour today?