5 Reasons NOT to play Powerball.

5 Reasons NOT to play #Powerball :: Poor Stewardship, False Hope, Predatory, Addictive, Destroys work ethic.

The concept of winning at the expense of others has become a modern curse. Society pays the escalating cost of associated crime, victim support, and family breakdown which erodes the quality of life. Seventh-day Adventists have consistently opposed gambling as it is incompatible with Christian principles.

https://www.adventist.org/en/information/official-statements/statements/article/go/-/gambling/

Why such a different response? – Adrian Peterson and Toya Graham.

I have been hesitant to share my opinion on this issue but it has been on my mind for sometime now. I don’t know if it is because I am a father, that I am quite fond of fair treatment, or more likely a combination of both,  but I can’t let it go any longer without sharing my perspective on this issue.

During the fall of last year a story came out about a Father – Adrian Peterson- used severe measures to discipline his child. The response of media and society was, from my vantage point, one of disgust and outrage that he would abuse his child in this way. Fast forward to Spring 2015, another Mother – Toya Graham – uses severe measures to discipline her child. The response of media and society was celebration, awards, talks show appearances and general agreement that what she did was the right thing.

Now I know that there are more differences in the stories that I have not highlighted, I guess you can do that in your comments, but what I am bothered by is the seemingly apparent disparity society has shown, and the message it sends. What are we saying to our Father’s out there who are rearing children in America?

One message I heard loud and clear: You are not wanted as a parent. Whether its the favor given to mothers in placement of children, or the assistance that almost requires the father to maintain a role of sperm donor for fear the family may lose their benefits, or the growing discontent with anything masculine. The message is clear, at least to me. What are your thoughts?

First trip without the boys

So, we left the boys with the grandparents yesterday to go to a wedding. Fully expected waterworks this morning, instead all I got was an update on the garbage truck’s movements.  Am I missing something?

Happy New Year!

Blow the trumpet in Zion! – Joel 2:1

Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain!  Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the LORD is coming; Surely it is near. – Joel 2:1.

Tomorrow marks the biblical new year (Num. 29:1).  It is a day that God marked for His people with the blowing of trumpets, an instrument used to draw attention.  God wanted His people to be ready for the coming judgment, so 10 days before the nation was judged he ordered His people to blow the trumpet, and examine their heart condition.  I invite you to join me as I ask questions that are meant to reveal areas of personal improvement.  My prayer is that we all are more prepared for His soon return, and the work that must be done before.

Blessings!

Just because you have the best hammer doesn’t make every problem you face a nail. – Barack Obama