Idol Chat—A look at a different kind of hero

More than ever there seems to be a need for a “Hero” or “Idol”. We see it everywhere. We have more sports, music, and movie stars than any other time in history. You may be saying, “Craig, there have been these kinds of stars around for decades, not just today”. This is true, but our options are so much greater. Thanks to cable and satellite TV, the internet, and magazines for every taste, we have a literal “menu” to choose from...shows like American Idol and Nashville Star give us the ability to turn a relative nobody into a global somebody. Reality TV gives the average Joe the chance to be like their favorite superstar.

I grew up a child of the 80”s. This decade was on the cusp of the media explosion I just talked about. Many homes still only had three television stations, and computers were actually used primarily for programming.The internet hadn’t developed yet, and e-mailing involved a letter, an envelope, and a stamp, and oh yes, a mailbox. The selection of people to admire, or idolize was smaller. Being a boy in the 80’s who loved sports, I gravitated to sports stars. I loved the Miami Dolphins, so quarterback Dan Marino was and still is etched in my memory as someone whom I looked up to. I also listened to music. I had an electric guitar and wanted to play like Eddie Van Halen. Did I admire, or idolize these guys?

The Bible says to idolize is to put someone or thing before God. I spent more time looking up stats or trying to master the guitar solo to “Jump” than I did with God. These things were idols to me. When Dan Marino screamed at other players for missing a route when it was clear the throw was bad, or Eddie Van Halen would end up in alcohol rehab, I would get disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, these guys are human and they make mistakes. They now may have their hearts right with the Lord. The problem is when you put all of your focus on someone or something with human limitations, inevitably disappointment will follow. No matter how wonderful these people may seem, they are as frail as you and I.

So what about Idol worship? Is it alright to look up to someone famous, or popular? I truly believe that admiring a person’s athletic skills or ability to play guitar can be fine. Emulating those same individual’s character flaws is different. You may be thinking of some celebrity who seems to be a great role model. They truly may be, but remember at one time, many felt the same about Kobe Bryant and Britney Spears. Kobe ended up being accused of assaulting a woman, and Britney has two kids at home while she is out “painting” the town. Most recently she showed up at a hair salon and shaved her head bald and than later ended up in a rehab facility.

Who’s left to admire? Who can we look up to? I believe you can look a lot closer than you think. Let me give you an example. I have many people I admire. My father was a hard worker who was still able to make time for me. I also admire many of the compassionate, dedicated co-workers at my job. The one person who stands out most is my wife Missy. Missy home schools our kids, and teaches reading and math as a tutor to other kids. On more than one occasion she has received a phone call or card from the student or their family saying how much Missy has helped them. The strange thing is that it wasn’t only the child becoming a better reader or more proficient at math that stands out. They also mentioned how the child had more self-esteem, or how Missy was more than a teacher, but a friend. A good role model builds someone’s character. They teach more than a skill, they teach love and thinking of other people’s needs. First look to Jesus. He lived the perfect life. There were no character flaws. Then look around. Your parents, a teacher at school, or a youth pastor may be your next superstar.

Craig Ammerall

What a Challenge!

I am sitting here realizing that I do not feel like I am a good parent. I know feelings can be dangerous and misleading, but how are you suppose to feel when you are told, “Sir you need to stay with your child as he is disrupting the group?” Then there are the constant struggles of obedience, eating the right foods, keeping the room clean, doing homework, respecting siblings, bringing home clothes, and the list goes on so far I cannot see the end. I feel like giving up when I remember, “Train up a child in the way…….he will not depart from the path”.

Being a parent is not easy for me. I struggle with the responsibility of raising a child in the 21st century. I want a simple formula for success. What is a good parent anyway? What is the definition of a good child? Oh, and how do you feel when you go by your friend’s house and their kids seem so perfect and the explanation given is Johnnie is such a naturally good kid. Give me a break! Just when I feel overwhelmed and feel like tossing in the child, I mean towel, I realize that I am not alone and there is help.

Who or what is actually in control of our children? Who do we want to be in control? More influences than ever are competing for the minds of our children- the Internet, television, radio, cell phones, CDs, DVD's, schools, teachers, peer pressures, and even WebKinz. How do we help create neuropathways which will enable our children to make good choices and prepare them for heaven? Let’s be honest here for a minute. Most kids are spoiled and parents too for that matter. Where are gratitude, respect, and responsibility? These are tough issues to explore. I want to challenge Heartwise Ministries, its readers, parents, and even kids to weigh in on the matter of training great kids. What does it take?

Let’s all rise to the challenge. I know I sound a little on the pathetic side, but in all seriousness, we must band together in encouragement and love. What is the truth? Well, I want God to be in control of the mind of my children. What did Abraham do to get Isaac to obey so completely that Isaac would sacrifice his life? How did Daniel and his friends choose the right foods to eat when their parents were nowhere to be found? My kids have a hard time choosing the right food when I am standing over them. Samuel and Josiah, Esther and David, these kids had it together.

What can we do? Where do we start? Encouragement, love, parenting courses, small groups, reading books, going to web pages and sharing ideas, these are all possibilities. But for me, I am going to start in prayer claiming the promise that “I can do all things in Christ” I am going to turn it over to God daily, asking for His help, depending on Him and not trying to do anything on my own despite my pre-programmed tendencies. I am going to try to show them love as God leads, even tough love on the behind. I am going to work with God on this important issue and take the responsibility. I am also going to claim the promise of God creating a new heart in me as I realize that my walk with God is a key to me becoming the parent I should and desire to be.

Can I do this and my kids turn out bad? You bet, as God has created the law of liberty and every child has a choice, but I am going to have faith that God will provide. Am I alone in my feelings? Do others realize the importance of being good stewards of God’s gifts? Are we willing to learn the truths in parenting? Let’s take the challenge!

A. Palmer

A Wonderful Gift

I had always dreamed of getting married and having a baby. Part of my dream was fulfilled when I met and married my husband Michael. After several happy years of marriage passed, we were ready to start a family. Several more years went by and still there was no baby. After medical testing and failed fertility attempts, we began to give up hope. We started looking into private adoption. This road had many disappointments in store for us as well. It seemed as if the doors shut as quickly as they opened.

Finally, with the Lord’s help, we made peace with the fact that we would never be parents. My peace was tested when three of my best friends were pregnant at the same time. I can honestly say I was always happy for them. I planned baby showers for each of them, made them baby quilts, sent out the invitations and set up the decorations. I often wondered why I kept making new baby quilts. Why didn’t I just start giving away the quilts I had made for my baby? Deep inside I never really gave up my dream to be a mom. Somewhere, somehow, God must have a plan to resolve this situation. I wondered how people who didn’t know God and the peace He brings made it through life.

I always kept in mind how blessed I was to have such a wonderful husband and a happy marriage. Another blessing my husband and I enjoyed were our nieces. Our family is very close and being so involved in their lives helped Michael and I accept the fact that we had no children of our own.

One beautiful afternoon, Michael and I received a wonderful gift. Like most days I was busy in my office at work. When I answered my phone, I heard a very excited person on the other end. I found you a daughter!!!! We were to meet the birth mother that afternoon. I could hardly believe my ears! Michael and I were so excited! It was hard to concentrate on work the rest of that day. I wanted to tell everyone, but decided it would be best to keep my secret for now.

I remember praying that the Lord would handle this situation. I wanted Him, who is all knowing, to work out the details for everyone’s best interest. We wanted this precious child, but only if that was His will. I promised Him, that with His help, I would do all in my power to raise this child for Him.

Michael and I drove to the designated meeting location. I’ll never forget our first glimpse of Melanie being brought through the door. She was beautiful!!! We fell instantly in love with our little girl. We took our beautiful daughter home that evening. Our dreams were truly fulfilled. I especially enjoyed getting out all those baby quilts I had handmade.

One miracle after another had occurred throughout that day, placing the right person in the right place at the right time. God’s timing is always perfect. Never in a million years could we have engineered such a perfectly timed plan. Only God can work miracles. God always has a plan. Sometimes we just have to be patient enough for His will to be done. But the story doesn’t end here.

Several years went by, Melanie wanted a little brother or sister so much. Of course Michael and I did too. We began to make another child a matter of prayer. Time went by and God’s answer seemed to be no. We would trust His almighty knowledge and accept His answer. After all He knows the end from the beginning.

More time went by. We had quit even thinking about another child, but God hadn’t. Then it happened again. The phone rang with another miracle. Four days later Michael and I stood in the delivery room as little Steven was born. Michael even got to cut the cord! Our family was now complete. We were thrilled.

There is a God, a wonderful, all knowing God--a God who answers all prayers. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes He says wait awhile. Sometimes His plans are totally different than the plans that we had imagined for ourselves. Never in a million years did I ever think I would thank God that I did not give birth to a child. After all, that had been my dream for such a long time. Every time I look at Melanie and Steven I thank God that I never gave birth because I love them so much. I can’t imagine my life without them, or their lives without Michael and I. All children are God’s creation. You may not carry a child in your womb, but you will carry that child in your heart.

Being a parent has helped me understand more clearly the tremendous love that God and Jesus have for us. It’s hard for me to imagine how God could give up His only Son Jesus to die for sinners. But He did, because He loves us that much! A God that loves you that much has a plan for you. God’s plan may not be your plan. It will be better! In heaven when all things are made known to us, we will never wish that our plan had worked out instead of God’s plan.

I know that prayer, faith, family, and friends helped us through our battle for a family. There is never a problem that can’t be fixed by God’s mighty power. I know, because He proved it to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ADOPTION:

~~Make your request known to God. He’s the true miracle worker.

~~Don’t be afraid to let your family, friends and church members know that you are interested in adoption. Remember, someone always know someone; getting the word out can open doors for you.

~~Contact an adoption agency.

~~Contact a good adoption attorney. Make sure the attorney specialized in adoption.

~~Don’t listen to people who say, “What if after several months you find out the baby has something wrong with it?” I guarantee you will love that baby so much you won’t care if it is purple with pink polka dots. Just ask that person what their guarantee is that the baby they bring into the world will stay in perfect health.

~~Your adopted baby may not look anything like you, but I guarantee you won’t notice that. When you look at your baby all you will see and feel is incredible love and joy!!

~~Don’t be afraid. A baby will change your life for the better.

~~Don’t worry about people who say, “But you don’t know the baby’s background.” Remember, God knows and He will bless you and take care of all you and your baby’s needs.

~~Don’t worry if you are not in your 20’s or 30’s. Your baby loves you because you are it’s parent.

~~Don’t listen to people who say, “Your life is nice the way it is. What if you get a child and they cause you lots of problems.” Remember, God is in charge. He will not give you more than you can bear.

~~People always say, “It’s so expensive to adopt.” Don’t listen to them. It’s expensive to buy gas for our automobiles too, but that doesn’t stop us.

Linda Smith

HeartWise Plants Seeds At VBS

HeartWise Ministries was able to join the Carthage Seventh-day Adventist Church, located in the beautiful state of Maine, this summer in an evangelistic outreach targeting children ages 6–12.

What could be more important than teaching children at a young age that there is a God who loves them and to communicate through the Bible? Several children heard Bible stories for the first time.

The very talented Gina Graham developed a program called “Rootin’ Tootin’ Adventure”. This engaged the hearts of the kids from the outset teaching them Psalm 23, and about Diligence, Courage, Friendship, Patience and Sacrifice. The entire community “pitched in” and made this a very successful, not to mention fun, endeavor.

What a great way to spread truth and love! Seeds were planted. If your community is interested in this type of evangelism, please contact us and let us know.