tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63441771245487177622024-03-05T09:45:22.746-05:00Finding the SacredMaking sense of pop-culture for ourselves and helping our children navigate through it seems an overwhelming task. Finding the sacred amid the secular seems impossible at times and overwhelming all the time. But what does the world look like through the lens of the Judeo-Christian faith? And what voices can help us speak and live the Truth?
May you find that the ground you walk on is sacred. Take off your shoes and stay awhile.Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-66239997477239197872009-06-14T13:40:00.000-04:002009-06-14T13:41:30.619-04:00On HiatusThis blog is on hiatus for the time being. Thanks for stopping by!Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-65511323324306028442009-02-02T13:38:00.003-05:002009-02-02T14:00:17.160-05:00R U Listening?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPxOPxTcaHNNq7e-TpoD4GgdKsXU8nFP-GbC4Np3oVPiyzpCgtJ1c2GK1JhT-nYhB7Szf1q1wafFNqT5HA7u3LleMN1LXUVj1T_ChYIpEA9_DfgOuyaiV3IaNvQtlsf-1pSodijnb5IKQ/s1600-h/Bible.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298276853026840802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPxOPxTcaHNNq7e-TpoD4GgdKsXU8nFP-GbC4Np3oVPiyzpCgtJ1c2GK1JhT-nYhB7Szf1q1wafFNqT5HA7u3LleMN1LXUVj1T_ChYIpEA9_DfgOuyaiV3IaNvQtlsf-1pSodijnb5IKQ/s200/Bible.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Over the weekend I attended a youth rally with guest speaker <a href="http://www.reggiedabbsonline.com/">Reggie Dabbs</a>. He's a seasoned communicator with a passion for reaching young people. As I've been getting caught up on work today I've also been sifting through emails, blog posts, Scriptures and preparations for the week ahead. </div><br /><br /><div>Already a resounding theme has come through all that I've read and heard today. The prophets of God of our time are out there, but are we going to listen to them, or are we going to ignore them as Israel did? Will we repent and turn to God, or will we pay little attention and go on with business as usual?</div><br /><br /><div>There are great communicators and speakers in every field and industry...people who can inspire, teach, motivate, or sell you things you didn't even know you needed!</div><br /><br /><div>But God is the greatest communicator of them all...and there are prophets that God is speaking to through the Holy Spirit right now. Do you hear them? Are you listening?</div><br /><br /><div></div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-55683807250865122262009-01-29T12:08:00.003-05:002009-01-29T12:15:31.245-05:00What do you think?As a former Chicago-ite I'm quite amused at the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/us/30illinois.html?hp">goings in Illinois </a>today. Gov. Rod Blagojevich is pleading his case and finally speaking before the Illinois State Senate. Watch for all the reactions in the media.<br />What do you think he should do? What do you think the State Senate should do?Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-84032094008162276792009-01-26T10:42:00.005-05:002009-01-26T11:11:45.375-05:00Demand or Supply?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNyTHB01D9yiulMflC6N7npLPQ458fBgMcU_zwa8j1Act8FnA49DlTL77fiQthaMP08UF4txZIsW0KViRwd3ITL4L0h-k4v0oBhenjh0ki6dbaJU1zqHpVE5nLLoCNM97R6kEEQ94ykuv/s1600-h/mini+house.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295633813771029858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNyTHB01D9yiulMflC6N7npLPQ458fBgMcU_zwa8j1Act8FnA49DlTL77fiQthaMP08UF4txZIsW0KViRwd3ITL4L0h-k4v0oBhenjh0ki6dbaJU1zqHpVE5nLLoCNM97R6kEEQ94ykuv/s200/mini+house.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=17092507&GT1=35000">This article</a> about the demand for smaller houses is a bit misleading. While there are some survey statistics reflecting people's 'mood' or inclination toward smaller homes and fewer luxuries right now in housing, that probably reflects the reality that has hit most people...they can't afford what they really want so they'll have to settle for what they need. Certainly there are many people who want to live in smaller homes, evidenced by the <a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house/small-house-society/">Small House Society</a>. But more of the issue lies on the supply side...not the demand.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The misleading part is that the article does not mention that buildable land is harder and harder to find now that states are taking more control of land use, population growth, environmental impact and community planning. In many places recently passed state laws have severely restricted what land can be used for residential housing and development. So the only way for developers to make the same amount of money as they used to, is to build more houses per acre and agree to build only in locations where mixed use, retail and commercial development are also being built. That means that the demand for smaller housing may not be coming from the public, but is being forced on the public because of land restrictions. Where builders used to build one large house on 1 acre of land, they are now having to build at least four smaller single-family homes in order to be in compliance with state and local zoning laws and to stay in business. In some cases, the existing home prices reflect the value of the land much more than the value of the home. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What's the sacred point? Don't let articles like this or other outside sources tell you what you need or what you should want. It doesn't matter what's 'in.' What matters is how you honor God with what God has blessed you with...no matter how big or small.</div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-46515995036465382732008-12-06T10:18:00.002-05:002008-12-06T10:46:27.797-05:00What Would They Say?<div>In aging churches memorial services can become all too frequent. I'm certainly not new to attending memorial services. I've attended my share already with the passing of relatives, friends, parishioners and relatives of parishioners. Some have been tragic and shocking losses that were unexpected and difficult to deal with. Others have been a blessing after long illnesses and suffering. Either way, each memorial service is as unique as each individual who has passed from this life to the next. But what is the same at each memorial service is the eulogy. It is common for several different people to share something about the person they loved. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZdSGPA9Ntj59HBpilbRwgu7Ftyeq5x_XnMYNfJpxLKaplA0BPqkbJDzQ4bvkmKfdNMLoyKl6sQvFX9rXnEWrImamwnI7KRMnHc6olrlh43CJ9BGEP4PMiOyJbZ9s_Wla7qfMgsa4e-aB/s1600-h/flowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276703802952287362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 117px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZdSGPA9Ntj59HBpilbRwgu7Ftyeq5x_XnMYNfJpxLKaplA0BPqkbJDzQ4bvkmKfdNMLoyKl6sQvFX9rXnEWrImamwnI7KRMnHc6olrlh43CJ9BGEP4PMiOyJbZ9s_Wla7qfMgsa4e-aB/s200/flowers.jpg" border="0" /></a>'ve listened this week to loving and tear-filled rememberances I've wondered again what people would say at my memorial service. This isn't narcissistic...this is a real question of how well I'm living as a follower of Jesus. Am I living is such a way that the first thing people would notice about me is the Christ in me; the acts of love, mercy, forgiveness, patience, and healing? Would people talk about what a 'good person' I was or what a 'Godly person' I was? Am I really living out what I say I believe in? Am I really taking up my cross and following Jesus in ways that are obvious to the world? Would people speak of the qualities they saw in me, or would they speak of how Christ used my life?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The sacred point? Knowing that you may leave this mortal world at any time, does that change how you live? Knowing what others have said about their loved ones at memorial services, what would your loved ones say about you?</div><br /><div></div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-68628590074398668712008-11-26T13:06:00.003-05:002008-11-26T13:37:56.644-05:00An Eternally Safe Haven (click here to purchase the LinC issue from Cokesbury)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvIJHkkPqxTajRl5B6sNZx6DZRFmYWrXnRdFf6uFqdtcT8TP8MTkQoRhfuq_6YfUTK0QcbqRhE9eKvQqAtdrRXnpHWOqGj-E2WUU4UJria8LsxWJo7f3BCLZ_p1JWeA8JqwegQ94MjbRz/s1600-h/iStock_Teen_Suicide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273036560845620466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvIJHkkPqxTajRl5B6sNZx6DZRFmYWrXnRdFf6uFqdtcT8TP8MTkQoRhfuq_6YfUTK0QcbqRhE9eKvQqAtdrRXnpHWOqGj-E2WUU4UJria8LsxWJo7f3BCLZ_p1JWeA8JqwegQ94MjbRz/s200/iStock_Teen_Suicide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">This week, Cokesbury published the curriculum I wrote for their weekly current events curriculum called LinC (Living in Christ). Here's an excerpt from the introduction page...there are Sunday school programs for both Jr. and Sr. High youth with activities, discussion questions, plenty of Scriptures and a devotional. To purchase a copy, click on the link above.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">In July of this year the state of Nebraska adopted a ‘safe-haven’ law, which is intended to save the lives of babies who might otherwise be harmed by overwhelmed or teenage parents, by allowing those parents to drop off the child at a hospital ‘no questions asked.’ But in Nebraska, the bill was passed not just for infants but for minors up to age 18. In September of this year a father dropped off 9 of his children at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. Reports of the incident spread and before Nebraska could determine what course of action to take, parents and guardians from neighboring states started driving to Nebraska to abandon their teens. So far, 35 children between the ages of one and seventeen have been left in the care of Nebraska hospitals.<br />It would be very easy to pass judgment on all the parents who had abandoned their children. And in some cases it is justified to be appalled at parents who were too lazy or too busy to find real solutions to the problems they were having with their teens. But other cases reveal much more complex situations.<br />Gary Staton who left his nine children was interviewed by KETV in Omaha and shared that his wife died from a brain aneurysm shortly after giving birth to their youngest child. In order to care for his children Staton quit his job, but then could not pay for rent or utilities. He felt it was better to turn them over to the state to be safe than to make them homeless. “I was with her for 17 years, and then she was gone. What was I going to do? We raised them together. I didn’t think I could do it alone. I fell apart. I couldn’t take care of them.”<br />According to statistics published by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services comparing information from the first 30 cases, 90 percent of the children had previously received some type of mental health care; 93 percent were living in single-parent homes; 73 percent had a parent/guardian with a history of prior incarceration; 93 percent were living in or near an urban community; and 57 percent were previously, or are currently, a state ward in Nebraska or another state. In several cases, parents who abandoned their children at Nebraska hospitals reported that they tried getting help for their children from the local and state agencies and police departments, but that no real help was available to them unless their child committed a crime. Regardless of the reasons for abandonment the statistics reveal that there are many interconnected issues like socio-economics, health care, crime, family structure or support, and availability of social services that can all contribute to the inability of a parent or guardian to care for, or get the right help in caring for a child.<br />There are many challenging questions that this story brings to light. How could a parent abandon a child? What must these youth be struggling with that their parents/guardians would consider such action? How equipped are our state and county agencies for caring for families in crisis? What should our responses be in our local churches to families in our communities facing these same realities? What does this situation unfolding in our country say about our priorities when it comes to children and families?<br />While this story will continue to unfold in the media and the Nebraska state legislature will have to deal with amending their law in the months to come, our Christian faith and our Scriptures show us that the feeling of abandonment is universal and timeless.<br />From as early as Abraham being willing to follow God’s command to sacrifice his own son, giving him up to God, to Jesus leaving his disciples to be with God in heaven, the Bible is rich with stories that can teach us about abandonment. From creation God knew that humans were not meant to be alone, but were created to be in relationship with God and one another. So what is our responsibility as Christians, parents, students and churches to parents and teens like these and in our own communities? One of the over-arching messages of the Bible is that God never abandons God’s people. The Israelites sinned and strayed far from God, but God could not abandon them forever. “They [Israel] shall again live beneath my shadow, they shall flourish as a garden;” (Hosea 14:7a). Not only did God restore Israel, but later gave all of us his own son, Jesus Christ, so that believing in him, we would never feel abandoned again. “For I am convinced,” Paul writes, “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).<br />In our churches, our youth are well aware of many of their peers who are ‘at risk’ and dealing with a host of complex issues. Regardless of whether the youth in our churches have friends in their own tribes dealing with these issues, or just know of kids at school or other places dealing with these issues, it is our responsibility to dialogue about and be in ministry with teens who feel abandoned, and with parents who have lost hope. Why? Because Jesus does not just ask us to be ‘good Christians.’ Jesus asks us to follow him in mission, serving the least, the last and the lost. Certainly, these teens and these families are feeling like the least and the lost.</div><br /><div align="justify">Especially this week while we are feasting and joining together with family and friends, pray for the children and youth who have no real family, who feel abandoned and alone. Pray for the parents who have had to let go of their children as an act of love and courage. </div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-51248691993945289552008-11-24T22:07:00.003-05:002008-11-24T22:46:11.147-05:00Norwegian Delight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0G8saAVTruk3Aaozh1LfHwXwUI1D_mofXL6fWWSqrS9whJpTza437ocM7vc2Bvbz-2eGm8aSojDyEdItcwk9YbchL-ezGXOf-8lw0NZ83lMpb65HP-qdVDeo7u104N0PiGdOS-PKbeOG/s1600-h/lefse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272426831358435106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0G8saAVTruk3Aaozh1LfHwXwUI1D_mofXL6fWWSqrS9whJpTza437ocM7vc2Bvbz-2eGm8aSojDyEdItcwk9YbchL-ezGXOf-8lw0NZ83lMpb65HP-qdVDeo7u104N0PiGdOS-PKbeOG/s320/lefse.jpg" border="0" /></a> Most Scandinavians and especially those of us that are of Norwegian descent have long known the secret of lefse. And one of my favorite wedding gifts was a lefse grill, pastry board/cloth, and turning stick. My husband is now well skilled at cooking the thin dough to perfection on the grill and I've so enjoyed rolling the dough like so many of my ancestors on both sides of the family. Lefse is made from potatoes - peeled, boiled, and riced. Flour, cream or milk, butter, sugar and salt combine with the riced potatoes to make a dough that is rolled thin with a special rolling pin. People eat lefse many different ways, but we like it best with plain old butter and sugar (brown or white).<br /><br />Now, with my own children it's even more delightful to carry on this tradition and let them help, eat and enjoy as I did when I was a little girl. No TV's, no video games, no internet, no cell phones...just working together as a family to make lefse and listen to Christmas music. Bliss!<br /><br />There is a very sacred feeling present when you can connect as a family around a tradition...especially one that connects you to your ancestors, culture, or foods of the past.<br />What traditions are sacred for you and help you connect to the past and present especially during this holiday time?Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-33778666000520043512008-11-24T20:24:00.003-05:002008-11-24T20:37:35.381-05:00Still SpeakingI was blessed to hear Mike Yaconelli speak at several <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibieGzaR92s5TMnO4TLnvDN85G0pp7FyVV2b7J9lWunqL17txsLpcuP0lWJL7oeobMnHerWz-mXc5E-1L7hcoOAk9QRNL8l2Bj2GVBFzHZ3L9OI0nFZ0bFSzd8GR8ScRBNl3_uQLrErCYu/s1600-h/fired+for+god+book.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272400084898475346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibieGzaR92s5TMnO4TLnvDN85G0pp7FyVV2b7J9lWunqL17txsLpcuP0lWJL7oeobMnHerWz-mXc5E-1L7hcoOAk9QRNL8l2Bj2GVBFzHZ3L9OI0nFZ0bFSzd8GR8ScRBNl3_uQLrErCYu/s320/fired+for+god+book.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>conventions or seminars for youth workers. His messages were woven with so much humor, honesty, wisdom and heart that you'd laugh, cry, laugh, nod knowingly and also be cut to the quick. Anyone who met or heard Mike knew of his love for Christ, and his love for youth and youth workers. When he went home to God my colleagues and I were shocked and saddened. Thank you to his children and his wife for allowing his legacy, Youth Specialties to continue to inspire, encourage, teach and transform youth workers through the work they do. Thank you to his children for collecting some of his writings and a few audio recordings to compile this book. As I read this book, I can still hear Mike's voice, see his expressions, still be brought to laughter and tears, nod knowingly and be cut to the quick. </div><div> </div><div>This is a must read for those in ministry of any kind. If you can hear us from heaven Mike, thank you!</div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-80320733489648210642008-11-21T09:50:00.003-05:002008-11-21T11:03:03.789-05:00What I've Learned this Week from 'Being in the Trenches' in Ministry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2WOOIFvkagUcKlvLexxEm4TrnkZZLcXclCO-S7JAxe5eWgqnaXC4XfU_yVkBI8dOfvU9r7t_X1HpwfdmYqRGq40HEak6TwXGuOXIV65Es4f1pVYeL7HE20Rs3mhVXexV6QfM6bUgp0kA/s1600-h/prayer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271141918278309570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2WOOIFvkagUcKlvLexxEm4TrnkZZLcXclCO-S7JAxe5eWgqnaXC4XfU_yVkBI8dOfvU9r7t_X1HpwfdmYqRGq40HEak6TwXGuOXIV65Es4f1pVYeL7HE20Rs3mhVXexV6QfM6bUgp0kA/s320/prayer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I won't go into detail about any of the situations or people I've spent time with this week, but here are some things God put on my heart this week.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sunday - Some people are in so much pain (even if well hidden) that they don't realize they are being judgmental, vindictive or mean. God does a pretty good job convicting (and forgiving) me of my sins (which are many) and I really don't need other folks to point those out to me. But for whatever reason, some people still feel compelled to do just that. Does it hurt?...of course it does. And it makes me sad and disappointed, but God has continued to comfort and remind me that reconciliation is His, not mine and that it will come in His time, not mine.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Monday - I often resent my schedule and think my family does too. But sometimes my kids teach me how to make the best of things. Instead of complaining, being resentful, or upset about a change in schedule...they took it in stride and made it fun. Their spirit is infectious and I have to admit I enjoyed our little 'detour' as well. What a blessing children are in life...hopefully later on they won't resent my work, but I trust God to help with that too.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tuesday - Never, ever understimate the power of sharing and prayer. Most people we know are walking around with very heavy burdens, but you would never know it. But when those burdens are shared in Christian community so many blessings emerge. God reminded me to always show mercy...no matter what people show on the 'outside' there may be a lot of brokeness on the inside...and "mercy always triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13) God also reminded me that through the power of the Holy Spirit I have the gifts of compassion and prayer. And Tuesday night, that was exactly what we needed to be about. Finally, God reminded me that even if I'm not called to help everyone, or be in mission with every type of situation or person, I am still called to be aware of all kinds of suffering and to help others discern what their God-given gifts and mission are.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Wednesday - God provided another dose of joy in the midst of teaching. In the middle of a stressful and overwhelming week, I had the presence of mind to let the Holy Spirit take over and provide the words and direction so that a group of students could experience the mystery of Scripture, the enormity and infinity of God, and the power of reliance on the Holy Spirit. No matter what doubts other people try to plant in me about my abilities or credibility, God continues to use me to teach effectively about God's Word.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thursday - Suffering is great, but God is good when we wait on God. Following Jesus does not make life easy...usually just the opposite, but Jesus said, "I will be with you even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28) Turning our lives to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit does not mean that we will be liked or blessed in the ways we think here on earth. It often leads to more persecution and judgement from those who do not know Him. That is a hard thing to share with people who are suffering and just want God to make it all better. I don't have the power to change people's hearts, but God does. Yet that doesn't relieve me of the responsibility to pray for and be a reflection of Christ for others. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-20037255360661434832008-11-14T20:52:00.005-05:002008-11-14T21:11:08.017-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSaFXgIRQRZn9RSqJjd_VjKh1eSrJudTOpP_v1G1E5qsqqeWvSmxqkRpZjsSeOWMLcMc8Cz34YQwy_mPnoEGdqBjSg8Vy3neXbQeVtmih4YzRj_fQUzJ6-cT_F2SPsMvWvacizP2LGSDv/s1600-h/tdy_lauer_banks_081114_300w.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268699228570018754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSaFXgIRQRZn9RSqJjd_VjKh1eSrJudTOpP_v1G1E5qsqqeWvSmxqkRpZjsSeOWMLcMc8Cz34YQwy_mPnoEGdqBjSg8Vy3neXbQeVtmih4YzRj_fQUzJ6-cT_F2SPsMvWvacizP2LGSDv/s200/tdy_lauer_banks_081114_300w.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This morning, Tyra Banks was <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/27706917/">interviewed</a> by Matt Lauer on the Today Show about her conversations on her daytime talk show with tween and teen girls about their sexual activity and behavior. Tyra was shocked by what she heard. Hopefully, most of us youth workers and parents are not as shocked because we have seen the increase in sexualized media, sexualized culture and sexual behavior in adolescents and pre-teens.</div><div></div><br /><div>But I have to ask what seems like the obvious here...is not or was not Tyra Banks one of the sexualized images that young girls have been exposed to? How is it that a sexy, succesful model who worked in the industry does not get the power of the very images she produced or was used to produce and their profound effect on body image, sexual identity and behavior? Is it just me or is there a disconnect?<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_IyUDzjcPXquUHo4BnYnDP7Du7ObQgeR8Gcsy39dpGgCuZm-mNBNqUJg-KA6qP8-XkGZlSJAhmegDzviX49efM5R2aa-bn4yz5T0YYqZJgZiSyZi0fohyphenhyphenTxvNVBN0pwhvQtUSzeDYt-V/s1600-h/SO%2520SEXY%2520SO%2520SOON_standard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268696749480036242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 196px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_IyUDzjcPXquUHo4BnYnDP7Du7ObQgeR8Gcsy39dpGgCuZm-mNBNqUJg-KA6qP8-XkGZlSJAhmegDzviX49efM5R2aa-bn4yz5T0YYqZJgZiSyZi0fohyphenhyphenTxvNVBN0pwhvQtUSzeDYt-V/s320/SO%2520SEXY%2520SO%2520SOON_standard.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lest I dwell on that issue, allow me to move on quickly to one good resource for parents and teachers, or anyone who works with young girls (and boys for that matter). For a great introduction to this book and a look at how to ask the good, tough questions of yourself, <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26037851/">read this excerpt</a> from <em>So Sexy So Soon. </em></div><div><em></em> </div><div>There are no easy answers when confronted with sexual questions from children, but there are some great questions to ask yourself before you rush to judgment about what a child may be telling you, why they may be telling you, and how not to react.</div><div> </div><div>When to start talking about sex with your children? If you haven't already...your behind. Infancy is the time to actualy start teaching your child about their body. Sexuality is not something that just magically appears at the onset of puberty. Issues of body image, love, relationships, touches, body parts and sex develop in us as we develop from birth. If you've read some of my past posts...you know I too am dealing with these issues with my own children!</div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-5986763016633783452008-11-13T22:11:00.000-05:002008-11-11T22:59:38.817-05:00Walking the Talk<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFMyNj7oJNqNvv-xwh4aWM0pey_XqJLMf76AAlesPEqwcuTQQL4rB5amXWyCfqfNZZIPEaDLjZp8qvjrKKX2uXJiacQPXSm6XdBLCed7ftKUux27DwfTfqARoGq-pLdCKJhMQd2ZR4aS8/s1600-h/soong-chanrah_300x225.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267615668183663938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFMyNj7oJNqNvv-xwh4aWM0pey_XqJLMf76AAlesPEqwcuTQQL4rB5amXWyCfqfNZZIPEaDLjZp8qvjrKKX2uXJiacQPXSm6XdBLCed7ftKUux27DwfTfqARoGq-pLdCKJhMQd2ZR4aS8/s200/soong-chanrah_300x225.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>I'm sure Rev. Soong-Chan Rah did not set out to be a spokes-person for the racism that exists against Asian Americans. But when he sees it, he is able to face it with clarity, humility, integrity and Christian love. Another of the guest speakers at the National Youth Workers Convention, Rev. Rah challenged everyone to step out of the 'white western gospel' to provide a much more culturally relevant and accurate picture of the Gospel to those we teach. I can guarantee you that many were squirming in their seats during his powerful, prophetic and honest message. He raises the good and tough questions that we need to be raising at this time in our cultural and spiritual history. How have we as white westerners (Americans) co-opted the Gospel and twisted it to meet our own cultural and racial mindsets? How have we been mis-reading and mis-teaching the Scriptures based on our own limitted cultural and racial lenses? Are we allowing other cultural, racial and ethnic voices to enter into our readings, our discussions and our worldviews so that we avoid ethno-centric and even racist interpretations of Scripture? Check out Rah's <a href="http://www.xanga.com/scrah">blog</a> and read more. And be sure to <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/todayschristian/special/speakingup.html">read</a> about how he confronted two major publishing companies for their stereotyping of Asian Americans in their literature.</div><br /><br /><div>Kudos to Rev. Rah for challenging a stereotype, and to Youth Specialties, Zondervan and the Skit Guys for their retraction of the offensive material and public apology to the Asian American community. These are people I'm proud to associate with as part of the body of Christ.</div></div></div></div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-7422023500270279062008-11-12T13:42:00.003-05:002008-11-12T13:49:36.868-05:00Youth Curriculum for Post-Election Healing (click here)LinC, published by Cokesbury, just released this week's issue of it's youth Sunday School curriculum, which is the best piece I've seen yet on how to deal with the post-election emotions and healing from a Scriptural perspective. Yes, I'm biased because I am also a writer for LinC, but I did not write this issue. I read it yesterday and it is outstanding...if you are looking for something to raise the discussion to a different level for you or for your church, please consider buying and downloading this issue. Click on the title above to see the issue description.<br />For many people, 'moving on' is much easier said than done. But let's keep the conversation spiritual and Scriptural in our Christian communities!Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-63962382286588359962008-11-11T22:41:00.003-05:002008-11-11T22:57:51.206-05:00Let's Pray for Our Publishers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC1_JHSYlwyiI668-33sSmVOqdPFtDtni6BebP-FbVhBDQp6I_BD4kgjRuinn1dB9uDUpXYxcu_AmmrvqxcP4MLhzm5NomashkZDal9eVPTO1YeYHMOSUdhXt2hoQKEcmPpA3Y1q0C7ZB/s1600-h/obama+book.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267612011414654658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC1_JHSYlwyiI668-33sSmVOqdPFtDtni6BebP-FbVhBDQp6I_BD4kgjRuinn1dB9uDUpXYxcu_AmmrvqxcP4MLhzm5NomashkZDal9eVPTO1YeYHMOSUdhXt2hoQKEcmPpA3Y1q0C7ZB/s200/obama+book.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Youth Specialties recently published the book, <a href="http://www.youthspecialties.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1850">Barack Obama: An American Story</a> and is now taking hits from people all across the religious and political spectrum for publishing it. Interestingly enough, none of the people attacking or applauding YS has even read the book yet. I have 5 copies on order and am waiting to read and discuss it with my student leaders. Honestly...what have we as a society come to that we attack first, reflect/read later? This is a non-issue that some folks want to make into an issue because emotions are still running high after a long political campaign. Are we really so small-minded in our churches and our worldviews that one little book should stir such controversy for a Christian publisher? If we are to be like Jesus aren't we supposed to be 'out there' with those most unlike ourselves, caring for one another...not infighting and arguing about how appropriate it is for a publisher to publish a book? </div><div>Hang in there Marko! Read Mark's blog response <a href="http://www.ysmarko.com/?p=3965">here.</a></div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-48023187184706525912008-11-11T21:48:00.002-05:002008-11-11T21:52:09.885-05:00Another Great Voice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCwTpC2-j8elRn_ZB2EOBKB0TiEIRO5IcNjVXYn95s5pwBKjdV260YJHFaGh-AWa_ZxDKrEN6yGZ0rOxVYgzX8Iw5ECFddZNlGMBLwOax2SM-ib8N4KtTpz76w2ovNmaTgGHlyqVNgZsm/s1600-h/phyllis+tickle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267598357112889714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCwTpC2-j8elRn_ZB2EOBKB0TiEIRO5IcNjVXYn95s5pwBKjdV260YJHFaGh-AWa_ZxDKrEN6yGZ0rOxVYgzX8Iw5ECFddZNlGMBLwOax2SM-ib8N4KtTpz76w2ovNmaTgGHlyqVNgZsm/s320/phyllis+tickle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.phyllistickle.com/">Phyllis Tickle</a> was another of the guest speakers at the National Youth Workers Convention that I recently attended. Insightful and well-reasoned, she helps make sense of spiritual and religious movement in the context of culture and history. </div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-20157768084270500082008-11-04T11:23:00.002-05:002008-11-04T11:36:02.344-05:00Building Bridges<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5_xPLtopUbdd8NlVrxMBZ42VS7H4jl4XDGhfoF3F-rJmRNmhJmmZZOCgtFl-ZaT5bwRmUz5U-9AA3pwYWdkovBLtHcuxcNpIGJTki0e4_g1Gps1wrEb0jvH16ouhbsaqhbWzFotYvoPZ/s1600-h/andrew+marin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264841989364239298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 63px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5_xPLtopUbdd8NlVrxMBZ42VS7H4jl4XDGhfoF3F-rJmRNmhJmmZZOCgtFl-ZaT5bwRmUz5U-9AA3pwYWdkovBLtHcuxcNpIGJTki0e4_g1Gps1wrEb0jvH16ouhbsaqhbWzFotYvoPZ/s320/andrew+marin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Many Christians have no idea what to think about or how to deal with people who are gay, lesbian or bisexual. In fact, rather than deal with the issue and 'those people' most churches and church leaders shy away from the issue completely assuming that it doesn't really affect their congregation anyway. But from this Youth Workers perspective (an many, many others) it is an issue that permeates youth ministries across the country, and so also is an issue in all of our churches. For some wonderful teaching and dialogue about this issue, please see <a href="http://www.themarinfoundation.org/">Andrew Marin's </a>website.</div><br /><div>No matter what church or synagogue you attend, visit, or belong to I can guarantee that there are youth, young adults, parents and grandparents who are dealing with this issue in some way shape or form. If you think it does not exist where you are...you are in denial. In over 15 years of youth ministry, I have learned so much about gay, lesbian, bisexual and sexually curious young people. And from experience, I can tell you that most of them who have 'come out' in their youth groups or churches have felt just the opposite of the love of Christ. They have felt the condemnation, judgment and anger from the very people who they thought were supposed to love them based on the teachings of Jesus. </div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-72874772168291906522008-11-04T11:15:00.003-05:002008-11-04T13:37:51.070-05:00Francis Chan (click here)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvVMjZf_ek1JsF9X3mBB4HEyTSGVERyjzk4FR5IEVow0p7dtpKIqz4kicb66kT_rJZ1kHPBLZYMdsClQaN4jTOsryHuEmLSWoD9xsWi2WqtHVRy1ap9NMvtKJVUmjH2NjSLCO7Jv1KEWq/s1600-h/francis+chan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264873371631822530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 74px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvVMjZf_ek1JsF9X3mBB4HEyTSGVERyjzk4FR5IEVow0p7dtpKIqz4kicb66kT_rJZ1kHPBLZYMdsClQaN4jTOsryHuEmLSWoD9xsWi2WqtHVRy1ap9NMvtKJVUmjH2NjSLCO7Jv1KEWq/s320/francis+chan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>While at the National Youth Workers Convention in Pittsburgh the past 4 days, I heard Francis Chan preach for the first time. Check out his website and download a sermon or two. You will be challenged and hopefully changed!</div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-72941122793691565042008-10-17T13:15:00.004-04:002008-10-17T13:43:34.180-04:00Even Vanity can be an Entry Point<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5pKbA3Up9UgrUwituppGwWXj3Iymv4tigX8kMK5Nl0NmR53PFuu9FaMHdPJTLo5NmF2Qn832z_ZmPNAtGJ-h-01rBOxDd768rkECVHnmk2Z1W-_MNqRwV253_wq0VIlwQV3AnxITM1y-/s1600-h/091208_gunnklum_400x400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258172799121234178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="245" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5pKbA3Up9UgrUwituppGwWXj3Iymv4tigX8kMK5Nl0NmR53PFuu9FaMHdPJTLo5NmF2Qn832z_ZmPNAtGJ-h-01rBOxDd768rkECVHnmk2Z1W-_MNqRwV253_wq0VIlwQV3AnxITM1y-/s320/091208_gunnklum_400x400.jpg" width="191" border="0" /></a> Last night I happened to catch two fashion shows on Bravo...Project Runway and Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. So yes, I'm as superficial as everyone else.<br />But what was most interesting to me was not the fashion or clothes, but the attitudes of the people on the shows. The first of the Project Runway finalists to be 'out' after the shows at Bryant park was a young woman, Kenley who had quite an attitude throughout the season. Her critical and cutting comments of the other designers and judges finally caught up with her despite her designs.<br />On Tim Gunn's show their latest client was a 'tough nut to crack' with her attitudes and resistence to advice and help that was only trying to help her look and feel better. Eventually though Ali has the breakthrough she needs to listen to and work with Tim and Gretta.<br />No matter what we do, all of us are open to criticism at some point. Often the criticism we hear most is from the people close to us who may know us well, but may not be 'experts' in the areas they are being critical of.<br />That said...why, if you've volunteered to participate in either one of these two shows, would you challenge judges or leaders in the industry and think that you know better? I guess it makes for good TV.<br />Thankfully for Ali, she appeared to have a breakthrough and realize that her self-worth did not rest in designer labels, but in her acceptance of self. It may be superficial for now, but I hope it can become an entry point for finding the sacred self, and the temple of God that is inside of her.<br />I've had several revelations myself this week, but if I were lucky enough to have Tim Gunn take me shopping...I'd sure listen and be grateful for the help!Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-56630122670901899872008-10-10T23:16:00.003-04:002008-10-10T23:48:50.121-04:00I've Really Changed, or I'm Getting OldI heard <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95613934">this</a> story on NPR this evening on my way to pick up my kids from school. Interesting how the McCain supporters were portrayed as angry and scared. From the one gentleman who did express his anger I would agree with the piece, but I actually watched part of the town hall meeting and that was not the overwhelming attitude I saw there. People were asking about many of the issues that were affecting them...jobs, health care, the environment, the economy, fuel prices and dependency. Sounds like what most all people are concerned about...democrat or republican. So why are people so passionately attacking one another on both sides of the political machine? Yes people disagree about what to do about those issues and how to approach them. But really...is it worth getting that upset and emotional about? Really?<br /><br />Again I'm amazed at how wrapped up people are in this. But then I was there once too. I used to have an appetite for politics. I used to watch much more news and political spinning as if it were a sport. I used to enjoy the banter, the clever quips, the 'in-depth' analysis.<br />But I don't anymore. My heart has changed...actually it is the Spirit that has taken over my spirit not my heart. I get emotional now about my walk with Christ...sounds silly to many I know, but it's true. I'm passionate about following Jesus, not the news. I get upset about issues of injustice I see during the day in my own community, or the ways I see people treating one another around me. I have little appetite for news, political bantering (which is mostly negative and attacking), and much of what goes on in the world. I'm not becoming a hermit, but I am reducing the 'distractions' and the 'noise' so that I can do whatever Christ asks me to do at every turn. I'm seeing the idolatry and greed and selfishness around me with new eyes. And I care much less now about what the world seems to care about...money, political leaders, entertainment, self.<br /><br />What if more people were as passionate about Christ as they are about 'their' political candidate or party? What if people spread emails about God as much as they did about their politics? What if more people cared more about Christ than anything else in their lives?<br /><br />I'm sure a good majority of voters consider themselves believers of some sort and many of them claim to be Christian. But if that's the case, where does it show up in their words and their actions? Are Christians supposed talk that way? (The answer is no.) Are Christians supposed to act that way? (Again, no.)<br />I'll be voting come November, but not because I'm such a staunch party supporter...I'll vote for a host of other reasons including my heritage, my legacy, and my faith in the only leader of my world...Christ.<br />So...either I've really changed, or I'm just plain getting old. Probably both!Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-997391473264883562008-10-09T08:46:00.004-04:002008-10-09T09:22:51.935-04:00Teens abandoned by parentsThis <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/27097491#27097491">video</a> from The Today show this morning shocked me. I know adolescence is an extremely difficult time for parents and teens. I've been working with teens and their families for 15 years now. The mood swings, the hormone changes, the identity questions, the experimentation, the difficulties of friendships and relationships and so much more make being a teen overwhelming and stressful. I understand how tired and frustrated parents can get...there are inumerable demands on parents from all angles and dealing with a teen at home can be the proverbial straw. But just as I cannot imagine giving up an infant by leaving it at a hospital, I can't imagine leaving your teenager there either.<br /><br />Dropping off an infant is much different than dropping off a teenager. An infant needs total care and if the parent is not capable of giving that care and safety, then a hospital may be the only alternative for that child to survive. But a teen is capable of survival on his or her own. If a parent is afraid of abusing the teen, there are other resources available for <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWPwqMnwa5D13gnH21lTwYYtVEHXxpP87No734sKWbXNLu7_CxmAKaygF1GnaQDx54pFNwiNLgaFNU2i1RGFg6VkzV8Il5zjO4CP-4hqvPnWV3SEtd22BjteP3xOkR3BFGhHwfexFlKUo/s1600-h/51LRLMMVqqL__SL500_BO2,204,203,200_AA219_PIsitb-sticker-dp-arrow,TopRight,-24,-23_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255139642462135794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWPwqMnwa5D13gnH21lTwYYtVEHXxpP87No734sKWbXNLu7_CxmAKaygF1GnaQDx54pFNwiNLgaFNU2i1RGFg6VkzV8Il5zjO4CP-4hqvPnWV3SEtd22BjteP3xOkR3BFGhHwfexFlKUo/s320/51LRLMMVqqL__SL500_BO2,204,203,200_AA219_PIsitb-sticker-dp-arrow,TopRight,-24,-23_SH20_OU01_.jpg" border="0" /></a>help rather than just abandoning a child completely.<br /><br />A quick Google search on 'parent and teen resources' yielded a wealth of good resources that you can also find locally.<br /><br />If you are struggling with your teen here are some other good sources of help.<br /><br /><ul><li>Read the "Love and Logic" books starting with the teens edition which will give you easy and practicle solutions that will work. Pick one up at your local library (for free) or buy a copy. </li><li>Visit <a href="http://www.mvparents.com/">http://www.mvparents.com/</a> for more practical tips and information about all ages and parenting tips plus resources.</li><li>Contact your county social services office to get connected to their counseling resources...they have individual and family counselors available for all ages, income levels, and situations.</li><li>Contact a local church or school. Your child's school has counselors on staff and if you don't want to talk to your child's counselor, ask for someone else they can refer you to (at another school or in the county).</li><li>The bottom line is do not give up!</li></ul>God does not give up on any one of us, or abandon any one of us no matter what.<br /><br />Yes, there are teens who suffer from debilatating conditions and addictions that make it impossible for them to stay in a home, but there is help in those situations too. In the end, if it is best for your teenager not to live at home there are resources available to help you through that as a parent. But making an informed and supported decision with the help of professionals to send your teen away from home is very different than dropping them off at a hospital somewhere.<br />I know families who have been through incredible heartbreak because of the choices their teens made. But in every case, when those parents reached out for help they found the support and resources they needed to handle whatever situation came their way. But in every case (even the worst ones) the parents never just gave up on their child. And even through the tremendous heartbreak, God never abandoned anyone...the child or the parents.<br /><br />No matter what you are facing with your child(ren), remember that God will never give up on you, and as a parent you can never give up on your child.<br /><br />Pray today for all the parents who feel like giving up. And pray today for all the children who feel abandoned.Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-44312682258685799072008-10-04T18:30:00.005-04:002008-10-04T18:45:29.384-04:00Happy Autumn!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kQkFwjUOfhbwHlHCiVQ3xoyv7DcYTYxZRB8vXS4meuWT0_mkvi75lQJOoMH_uis55Ff1Gw9OILGnYcXCh1_q61VFD3iIwVS4mZ2Mx-R8gQMvKI34ZXZ8im8itIgfHu7uMelrev4cru3J/s1600-h/chickenpie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253433579818065186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kQkFwjUOfhbwHlHCiVQ3xoyv7DcYTYxZRB8vXS4meuWT0_mkvi75lQJOoMH_uis55Ff1Gw9OILGnYcXCh1_q61VFD3iIwVS4mZ2Mx-R8gQMvKI34ZXZ8im8itIgfHu7uMelrev4cru3J/s320/chickenpie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJu4qO9TetsVJIuf_CRyxtESHJIP_hGm1XnHM29Mc0FbATxh0DqQ6RKTvpG-DBBrM4v0NfYH-vPe-MWfF0VFpYHg4_S31uzB1CZHEs5I71qohTNRhV4lNs9DD1l_TYvtzclLCxjJBdhpO/s1600-h/apple-crisp-su-1094621-x.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253433578930770210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJu4qO9TetsVJIuf_CRyxtESHJIP_hGm1XnHM29Mc0FbATxh0DqQ6RKTvpG-DBBrM4v0NfYH-vPe-MWfF0VFpYHg4_S31uzB1CZHEs5I71qohTNRhV4lNs9DD1l_TYvtzclLCxjJBdhpO/s320/apple-crisp-su-1094621-x.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gbisbnrm4T8cGuGvgEsItzmPLpy4khXhzkys7OkLMxQBNMEmrsEylPrH1Z5KxC6Xk7T9Nnc2Ek_G8mnRimvh_Yt2LGFKUArGt8zXy7RXLbgDhthUxger8qQyj0elWZqvWS6O313afSy8/s1600-h/apple-crisp-su-1094621-x.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div>Homemade chicken pot pie, apple crisp and ice cream with coffee after a good fall day. Nuff said!</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-10047324258656212052008-09-25T08:42:00.003-04:002008-09-25T09:32:04.473-04:00Compassion and Mercy: Spiritual Gifts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKylZf5umsK-fZZd9ZPCS3_hrlRrfdzWeMl83Hn5bU3LH4Vif5ua0HVTgr89YtqvylfpjIAffNYO3PZ0aBYaj4vsIPpywEvFsDx2yXaXr6bB1GdKdLpX9b7t_Gcg9jCExGfrMMbbBGQMW/s1600-h/sick+child+clipart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249938763548436450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 122px" height="157" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKylZf5umsK-fZZd9ZPCS3_hrlRrfdzWeMl83Hn5bU3LH4Vif5ua0HVTgr89YtqvylfpjIAffNYO3PZ0aBYaj4vsIPpywEvFsDx2yXaXr6bB1GdKdLpX9b7t_Gcg9jCExGfrMMbbBGQMW/s320/sick+child+clipart.jpg" width="157" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Most every mother and father has cared for her sick child or children at one time or another. Middle of the night fevers, upset tummies, coughs and sniffles are the common colds and flu that make their rounds through families. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">And most parents take several personal days off from work each year to stay home with their kids when sick. For some it seems like a burden and just makes one feel more 'behind at work.' For others it is an opportunity to show a different kind of caring and love. So this week, while I'm home with my two sick children, I'm reminded what a blessing it is to show them a special kind of compassion and love...one that helps them rest, heal, and recover. Extra love and kindness helps the medicine go down (even if the song says sugar). (Even as I type, both kids are in my bed and we're watching cartoons while taking our medicine...this is a treat since we never get to do this!) I remember how attentive and caring my own mother was when I was sick. And even now when she hears me sniffle over the phone I can feel her love when she says, "I wish I was there to take care of you." </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Some might think there is nothing spiritual about wiping runny noses or cooling fevers. Yet, caring for the sick is one of the things Jesus commands his disciples to do. While the Holy Spirit gives us power to heal, there is also great healing in compassionate and merciful presence with those who are ill. Staying home with our children when they are sick and being a compassionate parent who serves up extra love with the applesauce or toast is a gift of the Spirit and a gift to our children. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">My prayer today is two fold: I thank God that my children have simple colds that I am able to care for, but I am mindful of the many children and parents around the world who battle serious and life-threatening diseases. My husband and I are blessed with the kind of jobs that allow us to work from home when needed, and to take the time to be home with our children. But I'm well aware that this is a luxury for so many people who cannot take time from work for fear of being fired. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">This fall as you care for those who are sick (it's bound to happen at some point) may you be blessed by showing compassion and mercy.</span></div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-48628831575305887382008-09-06T22:02:00.003-04:002008-09-06T22:31:21.425-04:00"I Swallowed A Penny"<span style="font-size:130%;">That's a direct quote from our soon-to-be three year old son this morning. Apparently while I was upstairs getting dressed for the day, and my husband was getting sports updates online, and our daughter was watching cartoons, my son found a penny and ate it.<br />So when you're done laughing...I had a few reflections on the whole thing.<br />First, I immediately assumed he was fine and that he'd pass it eventually. But just to be safe I checked online. My suspicians were confirmed that if he didn't pass it within about 48 hours, then it would be time to take him to the pediatrician. My next thought was...how did our mothers check their assumptions when they ran into those situations...did they call their mothers, sisters, or friends for advice? The internet sure is handy...I think.<br />Second, as I read a few articles on the matter I learned that pennies made before 1982 are actually safer to swallow in terms of their metal composition than pennies made after 1982. Pennies made after 1982 can react toxically with chemicals in the stomach and burn holes in the penny as well as cause ulcers or other serious medical problems (especially in children). Did not know that until today. So now I'm curious...did he actually swallow a penny, and if he did, what vintage is it?<br />Third, I read about the importance of 'sifting' through [you guessed it] for the next few days to watch for the penny to pass. I even read one article where the parent (had to be a dad) not only found, but then cleaned and kept the penny the daughter passed for future blackmail when she went on dates. Yikes! I'm so not going there!<br />So what's so sacred about swallowing a penny? Well, nothing really but I did offer a prayer of thanks for how my parents kept themselves from laughing out loud in front of us when we did things like that and how they preserved our dignity when they cared for us in those types of situations. I was also thankful for the kind of technology that allows me as a parent to quickly access medical information and for the bit of wisdom I do have to not over-react to a lot of what's 'out there.' Finally I'm blessed to take care of such beautiful children...pennies and all!</span>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-37364878848817778582008-09-02T23:02:00.003-04:002008-09-02T23:12:32.749-04:00Ten Things We Should Never Say To Our Kids (click here)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvhINuNIcoR7NzyCfsfoSiKvjK4yj160IFuXc0ZbmEsxicsftscS5nDjmbz71I3dzxZuaq65torQ0hnF2g7B2xLtIKhcFZOaPS73fwBMZeTnDF9JzY-8qOW9W8FLY1Z34ZParu00WBERd/s1600-h/tenthingspage02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241627008936039666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvhINuNIcoR7NzyCfsfoSiKvjK4yj160IFuXc0ZbmEsxicsftscS5nDjmbz71I3dzxZuaq65torQ0hnF2g7B2xLtIKhcFZOaPS73fwBMZeTnDF9JzY-8qOW9W8FLY1Z34ZParu00WBERd/s320/tenthingspage02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I will be the first to admit that I make my share of mistakes as a parent. I know so little about early childhood development that I feel like I'm at a loss when it comes to knowing how to raise two toddlers. But I have come accross a few great resources as I've tried to read and learn along the way. This book actually came to my attention through a youth ministry site, but these apply to parenting at all stages. Thankfully, I have only used one or two on this list with my own kids...and I've already re-adjusted my words as a result. This reads more like an article...so go to the website and download each chapter...it's worth the read and it's free!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">1. "Do you have your ..."</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">2. "What were you thinking!"</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">3. "Because I said so."</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">You'll have to see the rest by clicking the title link above!</span></div>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-47758949034274238672008-09-02T22:18:00.007-04:002008-09-02T22:59:03.933-04:00More Important Things...Rescue Me<span style="font-size:130%;">The blogosphere is inundated with the political news of the last two days. But I'm not joining the fray. Instead, if you've ever thought about rescuing or adopting a pet, now might be a great time to get started. If you rescue or adopt many local organizations require applications so leave yourself ample time to complete the process. Hurricane Gustav may have been an excuse for some people to leave their pets behind for good (which I can't fathom, but I know it happens). There are many wonderful animals waiting for loving homes. If you start now, you might just be able to complete any house-training and transitioning by wintertime so that you and your new friend can enjoy snuggling up in front of a cozy fireplace. Contact your local ASPCA or local animal shelters or rescue shelters to find out more. Or visit </span><a href="http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> or </span><a href="http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Baxter a rescued pup, mixed breed.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcbEyx88PxNV3_KOwN3XR755StJ3gEtMOsj0Z-zIj3ny9l94_dXbQx7fMbwCI2tbsPvdSiSDlzuL6nC5J-5rrbmARgwMAhLkYTi8sujJtEGgiWOnh2u4ym6BIpPcIPO0u6jzhs-u_uCOI/s1600-h/2008080591461_P8040843_JPG_w450.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241623069854556354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px" height="223" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcbEyx88PxNV3_KOwN3XR755StJ3gEtMOsj0Z-zIj3ny9l94_dXbQx7fMbwCI2tbsPvdSiSDlzuL6nC5J-5rrbmARgwMAhLkYTi8sujJtEGgiWOnh2u4ym6BIpPcIPO0u6jzhs-u_uCOI/s320/2008080591461_P8040843_JPG_w450.jpg" width="236" border="0" /></a>Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344177124548717762.post-63151510029276016152008-09-02T00:24:00.003-04:002008-09-02T00:43:14.398-04:00Lived Up to the Hype<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYVdrrk7Nw-kJfy4MeFD06zZBiRL56rC6-w7Ydh6S7fBxtgmRLEiOMWwb4M2CK_NR-ktZq9QD88Gkvaq5MYbOiv16i-ENLFUEyn3YeAtBIGrjDFbriOcoBpNq98XnOYyBVx0br9tWtw6b/s1600-h/729230_1_ftc_dp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241276004768392722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYVdrrk7Nw-kJfy4MeFD06zZBiRL56rC6-w7Ydh6S7fBxtgmRLEiOMWwb4M2CK_NR-ktZq9QD88Gkvaq5MYbOiv16i-ENLFUEyn3YeAtBIGrjDFbriOcoBpNq98XnOYyBVx0br9tWtw6b/s320/729230_1_ftc_dp.jpg" border="0" /></a>Over the weekend I read <em>The Shack</em> which several had recommended to me. I started and couldn't put it down. I read until wee hours of the morning to finish the story...which is something I haven't done in years because no book has compelled me to give up my sleep.<br /><br />Like most who have read it, I too cried through it. Like most folks who work in churches I found the images refreshing (although not new). Many in churches are tired of 'church' and 'religion' and want to get back to powerful experiences of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit especially because they are life-changing and life-giving as opposed to the endless monotony of 'the institution.'<br /><br />For many of us the book affirms our own experiences of a God who richly dwells within us, who speaks to us, who loves us, and who compels us to surrender our lives to Christ.<br /><br />Some will find the concepts of the Trinity completely new and eye-opening. But for me it was much more of a reminder to work at mastering what I have yet to work on in my relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.<br />Read the book, have tissues ready and be prepared to finish it in one sitting. A long time ago, I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull. This book is very different, yet I left it feeling uplifted and wanting more in my relationship with God. And again, I'm seeing myself and the world a little differently.Melissa Slocumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420385645673612705noreply@blogger.com0