Jim absolutely. Also, if I may ask, what stage of faith has your father been in? Was he a Christian before? Because if he has trouble with the divinity of Christ, there is a book called More than a Carpenter that would probably be very useful. Or does he struggle with the idea of God loving him? Because I can recommend lots of resources-just let me know what he is struggling with. Maybe the Lord just wants him to study about Him right now. I know how your father feels, and the Lord helped me overcome it about 20 years ago. So you have my full sympathy.

Love in Christ,
Whitehorse

Well to answer the question.... He believes with his mind, but doubts in his heart. He confuses me sometimes, one day he will be thanking God for what he has, the next day he just wants it to be over with. It has me really worried. I can't really explain it in words. I simply pray every morning when I wake up the Christ will wrap his arms around him, and ease his heart. I love my Dad so much it hurts me tremendously to see him so worn down.

Thank you for the prayers I know they are helping.

Love,

Jim

Glad to see I put the topic in the right place he he he he


I was spanked as a child. The method of spanking depended on the infraction. Fibbing was an automatic belt across the bottom, back talk was a hickory switch, not doin my chores was a paddle... I never hated my Dad for instilling the logic of actions/reactions. I didn't like it cause it hurt, but I learned to do what was right. My oldest 2 understand the resposibilities of making their decisions. Usually a look from me or a quick bark and all inappropriate behavior stops. They tell me up front when they screwed up, and I respect them for having that integrity at such a young age.

I use either the open hand across an underwear clad bottom, or a leather moccasian (it sounds loud when it smacks but with a sting). I do not beat them, or curse them when it is being administered. I let them count out the licks, and tell me why they are getting a spanking. I involve them during the whole process. Of course that is the maximum punishment and rarely used anymore.

I have found that when they blame each other and won't confess to something, that the simple law of gravity works great. I place an encyclopedia book in each ones hands and simply have them hold the book out. I have found stuff out I didn't know anything about. The truth comes quickly, and it is all cleared up. (Mind you I know the truth before we even start, that just ensures that one doesn't admit guilt when innocent) When it is something that impacts the entire familiy, then the entire familiy is present.

We are a very loving familiy, and we are all close. We tackle everything together, from yard work to finances (I want them to see how much money is spent just to live, and why we can't eat out every night). The only way we are going to make it in this world is through Love, Honesty, Fellowship, and our unshakable faith in Christ.


Sorry ranted a bit again


Love,

Coyote

Who besides me watches Veggie Tales?

i pretty much like it all except for most country and blue grass

No Bluegrass!???! Well I'll be, some of the best Gospel I've heard was Bluegrass.

I like most genres of music Christian and secular. Pop and Rap I can't tolerate, but Metal, classical, folk, country, rock, etc I love. Every morning I listen to some good Bluegrass Gospel and sing to my 2 yr old son. He loves it even though Daddy sounds like a mix between Alfalfa and Dwight Yokum.

Its just a good wat to start the day.


I think you've given me the inspiration to start learning the Banjo again.


Love in Christ,

Coyote

I have 3 young uns. They love to push the limits (just like their Momma ). I have found diffrent forms work best on each kid. Time out is the least effective. Lecture works on my daughter, but not on my sons. Grounding works well on my oldest son, but not the youngest. Extra Chores works well for the older two, execpt I run out of chores to give them. Picking up pecans is very effective... lol. I save the spanking for very bad infractions. A swat across the bottom works the best for my youngest when a stern talking to doesn't work.

I am curious how others deal with the subject.

Also looking for scripture that deals with children.


Love in Christ,

Jim

First thing we would do is 15% tithe to the local outreach shelter. Pay off our measly 17000 dollar debt. Buy the old house we live in. Repair this old house. Fix my old car. Put money away for the 3 Kids edjukashun. Take care of my Dad's morgatge, and my Inlaws morgatge. Then take the childrens church groups out for Ice Cream. Then maybe buy my wife a cookbook and a cooking class  he he he he.

I would definatly keep working, and let my wife stay home if she wanted. We would still shop at Wal-Mart and the dollar store. We are just to Humble to show off.

My Wife's boss asked her how we raise 3 kids on 25k a year. My wife just laughed and told her that with faith we could live on alot less. I love that woman.


Love,

Coyote

Am I makin’ you homesick, yet???  


That just isn't right Brother..... Making me yearn for that desolate beauty.

I think that is Bugsby Bay, you were seeing. It isn't on a map, but it is a quiet little place.

My Dad has been fighting with his commitment to Christ for as long as I can remember. My little Brother and I have both witnessed to him, but he hasn't given it all up yet. He is plauged with constant back problems that have resulted in all but one vertebrea fused together. This has severly limited his life. It has taken its toll on his emotions. He has been a strong man all his life, and has withered away since he can hardly move. I call him at least 3 times a week to make sure he is doing alright. I try to give/show him the love he has given me his entire life. I want him to be happy. Maybe I am asking alot, but I know deep in my heart if he can give it all to Christ he can be happy. I ask every prayer that the Lord look after my Dad, and show him the better way to be.

If you all could please say a prayer for him as you have done for me it would mean alot to me, especially since I can't do it alone anymore. His name is Gearld Bowers.

Please say one for my Mom Karen as well, giving her the strength to keep her faith through her diabeties, helping Dad, raising my little brother Billy, working full time, and taking care of the house. I love them so much I can't stand to see them troubled so.

Love,

Jim

You have my prayers Brother. Trust in the Lord and you will be fine. His way is the ONLY way.


Love,

Coyote

Whitehorse you are so very right. The Lord is my strength. I learned that it is His will not mine that will show people the light of His grace. It is amazing what is revealed to me in the whine of a table saw (see Carprentry thread). I have refocused the direction of my walk with Christ, and it is so much better now. The real test will be when I return to work, and face the hordes yet again. If I can keep focused I will prevail in God's plan for me. I will be ready to answer His call when it comes.

Love,

Jim

Q: What do you call a man who is always tired, miserable and irritable?

Married

Thats what my wife said too... HA HA HA HA

I'm from Fritch TX Population 912

Ahh - beautiful Lake Merideth., the Alabates Flint Quarry.  Let's see - all my extended family lived (still do) up in Hansford County (Spearman & Gruver) which means going back and forth from Hereford put me in Fritch no more than a million or so times.  Used to stop for burgers on the way through... We would take a left on the road that goes through the Carbon Black Plant (talk about stinky!) so we wouldn't have to manuever the "city" of Borger.  That hill going down to the Canadian river used to scare me when I was a tot (probably still would!).

I miss Fritch. I moved away in 93 when I joined the service. I now live in Abilene TX, and it just isn't the same. Things are to complicated here, the simple life is the best. That hill is a scary thing when it comes down into Electric City ( which I think has pretty much died out) Borger is drying up. The Dairy Queens shut down, and you know if you don't have a Dairy Queen you lost you right to be a TX town:D

Reba I can use a set of hands like yours around here:D I live in a house built in 1930, that has been poorly taken care of.. it is a non stop battle with fixing things around here. If you lived in Texas I would love to buy your house, but me and the laws of California wouldn't get along;P

I went to look at routers last night. I ran into my Pastor, and we talked for a bit. It was a wonderful conversation, standing in the middle of Lowes discussing carprentry, and Chrisit. I think Church should be held in a lumber yard, and everyone wears a tool belt. Communion would take place, then you would go build a house for a poor familiy. That would just be awesome.

Judgenot,

You are right about the roasting of meat over a wood fire. My wife and I try to have a cookout once a month with our friends. Its just good fellowship.


Love in Christ,

Coyote

Hereford... been there a few times. A little stinky;P

I'm from Fritch TX Population 912

Your a metropolis compared to us

Well it is very full of hate. If I was easily influenced it would definatly corrupt my mind to hate non whites..( it would be awkward to hate myself...). I have been facinated with racial hatred, I just don't understand it. I could care less what "race" you are. I'll treat you with respect and kindness in relation with your attitude towards me. Its just the way I am.

Being a Minority of the Minorities, keeps me in perspective I guess. Being a Christian keeps me from getting into that "Its all propaganda by the (insert name here) to keep me down!!!" I love my heritage, but it is not the only one out there. I don't go around wearing a war bonnet trying to scalp people for destroying the majority of my ancestors... That was then, this is now. That is what is so great about being a part of Christ, it levels the field. We are all truely equal.

Sorry I started ranting again:D


Love in Christ,

Coyote