Two years ago, my family and I got hooked on the TLC show “Jon and Kate plus 8.” We loved to watch the kids. We were amused at all they were growing into and getting into. Having raised four children, my wife and I knew what it was like to pack like an overseas trip just to go grocery shopping. As we watched the show, we got where we had favorites. We could even predict their behavior in certain situations.
The show and kids were unbearably cute.
Sadly, those delightful days may be over.
It is hard to separate fact from fiction, but it is certain there is trouble between Ma & Pa Gosselin.
Jon has grown weary and withdrawn. Kate has become a diva.
When someone keeps telling you how you can trust them, what does that make you think? Right-they can not be trusted.
When Kate continually talks about how everything she does is for the kids- suspicions arise. I have a hard time seeing how her kids “deserve” the expense paid trips, great vacations and million dollar house.
Deserve? I don’t think so.
I just watched the opening episode for season 5 and it was a tragedy on video. Jon & Kate barely acknowledged one another at their sextuplet’s 5th birthday party. Oh sure, she yelled at him to light candles on the cake the way SHE wanted. She yelled at him NOT to tear open a piñata with his bare hands. She wanted to do it herself. She made him take two trips home to get cakes she had forgotten and her cell phone.
There were some special moments. The most touching was Jon talking to one of his younger daughters. There was real tenderness between them. She hugged his neck and whispered in his ear she did not want him going away again. He said sometimes Daddies got called away to work. That is true if you work offshore or have tours of duty in Iraq.
Jon just seems to want to get away from the media attention and the continuous berating by wife.
There is a need for an intervention.
I pray that someone will guide them into good, godly counseling. Perhaps Kate’s estranged father, who is a minister. She shunned him when his church did not provide cash for baby gifts. She says that her parents are not a part of the kids’ by choice. It is apparently Kate's choice.
For those who watched the 5th birthday party, did you notice ANY family members in attendance?
For someone who treasures family above all else, Kate has insulated her kids from the rest of their blood relatives.
Kate, when you tire of the Prodigal lifestyle, head home.
Both your earthly and heavenly Fathers are waiting for your return with mercy, grace and open arms.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Pulse Pounding Parenting
Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves 99 safe sheep to find the one that is lost. He will search beyond the point of weariness to find the stray and bring him back safely.
I have never been a shepherd, but I have a parenting experience that parallels.
In Washington Parish, (a parish is what Louisianans call their counties) is the largest free parish fair in the state. Probably the largest free fair in the nation.
One year, when we were still homeschooling our children, we decided to attend the fair with another family. Our entourage was 4 parents and 6 children. The children being between 6 months and 6 years in age.
This was the busiest day of the fair with over 10,000 in attendance. It was bright and beautiful that day. The picture of a great day for family and fun.
All went well during most of the day, but then it happened.
As we were walking along the midway, Diana, my wife, asked me where Grace was.
Grace being our 3 year old daughter. Grace has always been easy going, quick to grin and easily distracted.
I told Diana I thought Grace was with her.
Pure panic.
Suddenly the 4 parents were in rescue mode and trying to remember to breathe. We were not sure how long she had been missing, which way she could have gone or would she find safety in the arms of a stranger. Our most unimaginable fears were cascading on us every moment and our mouths were cotton dry.
In the midst of all this there was a carnival barker who kept calling out to me, “Mister, hey Mister. Come here.” I ignored his call for about 2-3 minutes and finally turned in anger and frustration and told him to quit bothering me!
He was undeterred and asked a life changing questions, “Is this your little girl?”
There she was. Grace was at a baby pool filled with water and little rubber ducks. You were supposed to pay 50 cent to pick up a duck and see the number on the bottom. The number matched a prize. By the time we got to Grace she had collected about 17 ducks and the barker was contemplating an early retirement!
I was glad to pay the price. You see. This child who once was lost, now was found. No price for her safety and security was too steep.
We called her to us and embraced her with fears and tears both melting away!
I tried to scold her and ask her if she knew how dangerous it was to wander away from me.
She just smiled and with childlike faith said, “Daddy, I knew you would find me!”
Such is the relationship with God’s children. We get drawn away with amusements, enticed by our own desires and into trouble before we realize it.
God being the good shepherd, pursues us to bring us back to Himself.
I have never been a shepherd, but I have a parenting experience that parallels.
In Washington Parish, (a parish is what Louisianans call their counties) is the largest free parish fair in the state. Probably the largest free fair in the nation.
One year, when we were still homeschooling our children, we decided to attend the fair with another family. Our entourage was 4 parents and 6 children. The children being between 6 months and 6 years in age.
This was the busiest day of the fair with over 10,000 in attendance. It was bright and beautiful that day. The picture of a great day for family and fun.
All went well during most of the day, but then it happened.
As we were walking along the midway, Diana, my wife, asked me where Grace was.
Grace being our 3 year old daughter. Grace has always been easy going, quick to grin and easily distracted.
I told Diana I thought Grace was with her.
Pure panic.
Suddenly the 4 parents were in rescue mode and trying to remember to breathe. We were not sure how long she had been missing, which way she could have gone or would she find safety in the arms of a stranger. Our most unimaginable fears were cascading on us every moment and our mouths were cotton dry.
In the midst of all this there was a carnival barker who kept calling out to me, “Mister, hey Mister. Come here.” I ignored his call for about 2-3 minutes and finally turned in anger and frustration and told him to quit bothering me!
He was undeterred and asked a life changing questions, “Is this your little girl?”
There she was. Grace was at a baby pool filled with water and little rubber ducks. You were supposed to pay 50 cent to pick up a duck and see the number on the bottom. The number matched a prize. By the time we got to Grace she had collected about 17 ducks and the barker was contemplating an early retirement!
I was glad to pay the price. You see. This child who once was lost, now was found. No price for her safety and security was too steep.
We called her to us and embraced her with fears and tears both melting away!
I tried to scold her and ask her if she knew how dangerous it was to wander away from me.
She just smiled and with childlike faith said, “Daddy, I knew you would find me!”
Such is the relationship with God’s children. We get drawn away with amusements, enticed by our own desires and into trouble before we realize it.
God being the good shepherd, pursues us to bring us back to Himself.
Not his home.
Not Heaven.
But to the only place of safety and security: in His arms, near to His heart.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Time to Draw Aside
I have a journaling program on my PC and this was the assignment today. Hope it is a blessing to you.
Prose Prompt - Write a story about or tribute to an author, poet or musician (fictional or nonfictional).
He began his career in obscurity. He was the runt of the family and the "baby".. His brothers were fine, strapping kids who looked to be future warriors and leaders of men. he was relegated to prodding stupid, smelly sheep.
He was set aside for special times of quiet contemplation. He knew that sometimes strength came from stillness. Sometimes perspective came from being out of the hurried life.
We need the time when the distractions are diminished, the amusements absent and the clutter cleared away. This man-child, with a heart for God looked inward and upward for ways to occupy his heart and soul.
His sheep knew the comfort, courage and calm of his voice.
They knew he used the simple sling to defeat the bear and the lion. The bear- fierce and loud and intimidating, except to a boy who saw the Creator and feared not the creature.
The lion regal and intimidating. I lay in wait and pounced on those not paying attention. In a flash, the helpless pitiful bleating of the sheep as it realized too late, it's focused, fleshly desires had led it too quickly and subtlety into the range of the lion.
The lion, who lay in wait of the opportunity was about to drown in it's own saliva contemplating the tasty lamb.
There was however and unexpected factor.
The heart of the shepherd.
You see, it may have seemed like the stone from the sling did him in, but the lion was defeated by one with a greater heart. The shepherd king. David. Singer, Musician, Poet, King.
One of the greatest embodiments of a man's man in history. He could slay the giant or shed a tear for a lamb. John Wayne, Rambo and Chuck Norris are sissies compared to him.
Yet. he is an imperfect shadow of He who was to come-the Lamb of God, the Lion, the Good Shepherd, the King.
What troubles you today. The bears are growling and the economy is in the tank? Stay close to the Shepherd and hear His voice.
Being attacked by sin crouching at the door to your heart and home? Submit yourself to the King and the lion who prowls will have to flee.
Then, feel yourself, being lifted off the secure, stable earth. You are being raised up into the arms of the Good Shepherd and instead of standing on your own two feet, you are being held close to His heart. He is whispering in your ear, "I love you. I died for you. Why would you want to wander?"
Prose Prompt - Write a story about or tribute to an author, poet or musician (fictional or nonfictional).
He began his career in obscurity. He was the runt of the family and the "baby".. His brothers were fine, strapping kids who looked to be future warriors and leaders of men. he was relegated to prodding stupid, smelly sheep.
He was set aside for special times of quiet contemplation. He knew that sometimes strength came from stillness. Sometimes perspective came from being out of the hurried life.
We need the time when the distractions are diminished, the amusements absent and the clutter cleared away. This man-child, with a heart for God looked inward and upward for ways to occupy his heart and soul.
His sheep knew the comfort, courage and calm of his voice.
They knew he used the simple sling to defeat the bear and the lion. The bear- fierce and loud and intimidating, except to a boy who saw the Creator and feared not the creature.
The lion regal and intimidating. I lay in wait and pounced on those not paying attention. In a flash, the helpless pitiful bleating of the sheep as it realized too late, it's focused, fleshly desires had led it too quickly and subtlety into the range of the lion.
The lion, who lay in wait of the opportunity was about to drown in it's own saliva contemplating the tasty lamb.
There was however and unexpected factor.
The heart of the shepherd.
You see, it may have seemed like the stone from the sling did him in, but the lion was defeated by one with a greater heart. The shepherd king. David. Singer, Musician, Poet, King.
One of the greatest embodiments of a man's man in history. He could slay the giant or shed a tear for a lamb. John Wayne, Rambo and Chuck Norris are sissies compared to him.
Yet. he is an imperfect shadow of He who was to come-the Lamb of God, the Lion, the Good Shepherd, the King.
What troubles you today. The bears are growling and the economy is in the tank? Stay close to the Shepherd and hear His voice.
Being attacked by sin crouching at the door to your heart and home? Submit yourself to the King and the lion who prowls will have to flee.
Then, feel yourself, being lifted off the secure, stable earth. You are being raised up into the arms of the Good Shepherd and instead of standing on your own two feet, you are being held close to His heart. He is whispering in your ear, "I love you. I died for you. Why would you want to wander?"
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thigns I learned...on my First Cruise!
It has been a whirlwind 4+ days on the water.
As I took some quiet time to reflect this morning looking out over the Gulf, several things came to mind:
1 Don't wait so long to take a cruise. It has been probably the best,most refreshing vacation and time away Diana and I have EVER had. We enjoyed san Antonio for our 5th anniversary and Alabama for our 10th, but shi tops them all.
2 Take some time daily to slow down and mdeitate on the goodness fo God adn nto wait until the 4th day of beiong the middle of the Gulf. It is hard for many us to quiet our minds and hearts before God.
3 Set your own pace...make new friends... enter the corny contests. I have won 3 of 4 tyrivia contests I enetered adn have 3 medalions I can bring home to my trophies...my 3 girls! The final medal was won in a a tiebreakder between me and another contestant. we both got 6 of 10 song right and had to stand back to back to here the opening notes of another song. As soon as we could recognize it, we hollered STOP. I heard about 2 seconds adn hollered STOP. I wrotemy anser and was right...Dust in the Wind.
4 Bring you r kids on a cruise soon after yo do one by yourself. Girls, start saving your money and preapre to packlight.!
more next blog.
As I took some quiet time to reflect this morning looking out over the Gulf, several things came to mind:
1 Don't wait so long to take a cruise. It has been probably the best,most refreshing vacation and time away Diana and I have EVER had. We enjoyed san Antonio for our 5th anniversary and Alabama for our 10th, but shi tops them all.
2 Take some time daily to slow down and mdeitate on the goodness fo God adn nto wait until the 4th day of beiong the middle of the Gulf. It is hard for many us to quiet our minds and hearts before God.
3 Set your own pace...make new friends... enter the corny contests. I have won 3 of 4 tyrivia contests I enetered adn have 3 medalions I can bring home to my trophies...my 3 girls! The final medal was won in a a tiebreakder between me and another contestant. we both got 6 of 10 song right and had to stand back to back to here the opening notes of another song. As soon as we could recognize it, we hollered STOP. I heard about 2 seconds adn hollered STOP. I wrotemy anser and was right...Dust in the Wind.
4 Bring you r kids on a cruise soon after yo do one by yourself. Girls, start saving your money and preapre to packlight.!
more next blog.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Great day...on dry land.
We went to Cozumel this morning after the ship docked. Diana was so excited she woke at 4 this morning adn watched the lights of the Yucatan until the sun came up.
e are so glad we got an Oceanview room. Many veterans of crusing say theylike interior due to less costsand they don't spend thatnuch time in room. With me beign claustrophoci adn Diana wanting to see what is goingon, the Oceanview worksfor us.
We caught a cab into town adnthen walekdaroudnthe plaza awhile We foudn a quaint little dafe adn had nachos adn bottled Coke. It was nice litlerepoat.
Got back on boat at noon and had lunch on the ship.
Enjoyed the Serenity dekc on the backof the bot. Dina worked on her tanand I read for hour or so.
Went to Promenade deck whereI won some trivia contests they had for passengers.
We watched the leaving from the peir at 5. It was fascinating ballet with 100,000 ton oa backing adn pivoting out of our dock position.
The most amazing thisn gtody has been the turquoise water. It's color and clairyt are inspiration. They remind us God is a marvelous Creator worhty of our every praise adn worship.
I thanks Him forthe first 25 years of marriage adn all thaqt it hs meant to me.
e are so glad we got an Oceanview room. Many veterans of crusing say theylike interior due to less costsand they don't spend thatnuch time in room. With me beign claustrophoci adn Diana wanting to see what is goingon, the Oceanview worksfor us.
We caught a cab into town adnthen walekdaroudnthe plaza awhile We foudn a quaint little dafe adn had nachos adn bottled Coke. It was nice litlerepoat.
Got back on boat at noon and had lunch on the ship.
Enjoyed the Serenity dekc on the backof the bot. Dina worked on her tanand I read for hour or so.
Went to Promenade deck whereI won some trivia contests they had for passengers.
We watched the leaving from the peir at 5. It was fascinating ballet with 100,000 ton oa backing adn pivoting out of our dock position.
The most amazing thisn gtody has been the turquoise water. It's color and clairyt are inspiration. They remind us God is a marvelous Creator worhty of our every praise adn worship.
I thanks Him forthe first 25 years of marriage adn all thaqt it hs meant to me.
Monday, April 20, 2009
First Port of Call...Progresoo, Mexico
Second moring to wakeup on the Fantasy. We are now docked until 4 this afternoon at Progreso. It is a small port anf town on the Yucatan. We are going to stay aboard today and then go ashore in Cozumel tomorrow.
Secodn day in a row we had breakfast in the dining room as oppose to "Shoneys by the Sea" upstairs on the Lido deck. Lunch today will be in Windows on the sea becasue the dining rooms re closed until supper.
I am going to enter the passenger talent show but will have to sneak in as a singing act as oppposed to comedian.
The show in the Universe Lounge was nice song adnd dacne review and was nice after supper diversion. The constant karaoke in the different lounges with passengers is some of the best entertainment. I think I heard William Hung from AI.
WE WON WE WON~~
Diana and I won an additiona 3hours of internet time in a raffle onthe boat. At curretn speeds we cn send out 3 more emails.
Secodn day in a row we had breakfast in the dining room as oppose to "Shoneys by the Sea" upstairs on the Lido deck. Lunch today will be in Windows on the sea becasue the dining rooms re closed until supper.
I am going to enter the passenger talent show but will have to sneak in as a singing act as oppposed to comedian.
The show in the Universe Lounge was nice song adnd dacne review and was nice after supper diversion. The constant karaoke in the different lounges with passengers is some of the best entertainment. I think I heard William Hung from AI.
WE WON WE WON~~
Diana and I won an additiona 3hours of internet time in a raffle onthe boat. At curretn speeds we cn send out 3 more emails.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Greetings from the Gulf!!
As I write this, Diana and I are on a Carnival Cruise heading toward Mexico. We are celebrating our 25th annivrsary.
It is a relaxing enjoyable time. I am using this time to be on a spiritual retreat, refocus on my multiple careers and make plans with Diana for the next 25 years.
We have made good friends with Bruno the internet manager. He is from South Africa and very helpful. He speaks 4 languages and has great perspective about being member of the global comunity and not so parochial that we Yanks tend to be.
Our Matre Di, head dinimg room guy, is from India. He has been with Carnival 17 years and lives in Mumbai. He is on the water 7 months at a time amd then gets back to his wife and son for two months.
More updates tomorrow.
It is a relaxing enjoyable time. I am using this time to be on a spiritual retreat, refocus on my multiple careers and make plans with Diana for the next 25 years.
We have made good friends with Bruno the internet manager. He is from South Africa and very helpful. He speaks 4 languages and has great perspective about being member of the global comunity and not so parochial that we Yanks tend to be.
Our Matre Di, head dinimg room guy, is from India. He has been with Carnival 17 years and lives in Mumbai. He is on the water 7 months at a time amd then gets back to his wife and son for two months.
More updates tomorrow.
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