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7.24.2021 Saturday
Sunday's 7/25/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Sunday's 8/1/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready, too!
7.16.2021 Friday
Sunday's 7/18/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
7.8.2021 Thursday
Sunday's 7/11/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
7.2.2021 Friday
7.1.2021 Thursday
Sunday's 7/4/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
6.29.2021 Tuesday
Tech Tuesdays! DIGITAL VEGETABLES VS DIGITAL CANDY with ARLENE PELLICANE. Digital addition is a reality, and yes, even in very young children! This interview is very important for parents with very young children from birth to the first 5 years of your child's life. Screen addiction will take over your children many times without you even taking notice. Scary. It should be, but too many parents give in or dismiss this all together. There's help. Please take notice because your children's mental health, and spiritual and physical health is at stake!
"It is increasingly difficult for parents to navigate screen time, knowing how much is too much and where the balance lies. Arlene Pellicane, the co-author of Screen Kids, sits down with us to explain the effects screen time is having on brain development in children and mental health. We are given ways to recognize screen addiction in kids and steps to take to initiate change. Arlene illustrates the difference between digital vegetables and digital candy and leads parents in assessing their own screen use."
Here's an interview from D6 Family Life Ministry with Arlene Pellicane that can help you on structuring the right path for your family.
Click on the image below to take you to the website. Make sure to listen to the full audio interview (not just the short video clip). You can start around 7 mins mark.
6.23.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 6/27/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
6.20.2021 Sunday
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
6.17.2021 Thursday
Sunday's 6/20/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Training Thursdays! There's a lot of changes and talks about gender affirmation/confusion in our culture the past few years. This conversation is also in our churches whether we like it or not or prepared for it or not. I say we need to be prepared so that 1) we can stand courageously on the truth of God's Word, and 2) we can love and care for the individuals toward reconciliation, healing, and be restored by God.
Here's an interview from D6 Family Life Ministry that can shed some structure in terms of thinking and processing through the gender identity crisis for the church and family in the current age.
Click on the image below to take you to the website. Make sure to listen to the full audio interview (not just the short video clip).
6.10.2021 Thursday
Training Thursdays! Teaching your Kids Obedience from the Heart - Special Episode # 13. This is a real tough one for most of us parents. I hope you will glean valuable, biblical insights from this short video, and both parent and child have a heart change.
6.9.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 6/13/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
6.8.2021 Tuesday
Tech Tuesdays! New Netflix Parental Controls (step-by-step guide to update your settings. Some of you have Netflix, so I hope this article can help in your family's Netflix consumption.
"Netflix provides some great content for kids, including educational titles. But it’s also got some questionable content, from objectification of children in Cuties to soft core porn in Bridgerton. Because Netflix is not broadcast over the air, its content is not subject to broadcast standards that protect children. Every parent should set parental controls on streaming services to keep their kids safe from adult content. Here’s an easy 3-step guide to setting up Netflix parental controls:
Opt-in to the NEW Netflix parental controls.
Set up content restrictions.
Lock your profiles.
6.3.2021 Thursday
Sunday's 6/6/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
5.27.2021 Thursday
Sunday's 5/30 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Training Thursdays! This is an interview with Dr. Christy Kane. You can watch it on YouTube below or read the transcript HERE. "I have learned from Christy that mental health is who we are. And it includes questions about sexuality so today we’re going to be talking a little bit about how children need good information about sex in order for them to navigate their way through a hypersexualized world." The 6 areas covered are:
Why it’s so important to talk to your kids about sex
5 things parents can do to make talking about sex easier
How to talk about sex when you’re uncomfortable with the topic
Why parents need to talk to kids about sexual orientation and gender identity
The need to explain the difference between sex and making love
How talking about sex helps kids reject pornography
5.19.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 5/23 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
5.18.2021 Tuesday
Tech Tuesdays! Parent Alert: Is Roblox Safe for Kids? Watch Out for These 4 Dangers. Even though this article is a couple of years old, Roblox is still popular with kids, so lets get to know this game a little, and help our kids to minimize their risks, and stay safe.
What is Roblox?
Roblox is a multiplayer online game creation platform. Users create their own games and play games created by others. Players can also buy, sell and create virtual items. It’s free to download on iOS and Android devices, computers, and XBox.
There are 90 million monthly active users on Roblox, appealing to users as young as six years old! Roblox has been number one in online entertainment for kids under 13, and second for teens ages 13 – 17.
Four dangers to prepare kids to avoid:
5.13.2021 Thursday
Sunday's 5/16 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Happy Mother's Day! 5.9.2021
5.6.2021 Thursday
Training Thursdays! Yesterday, 5/6/2021, Wednesday afternoon, the Texas House passed the Texas Heartbeat Act (SB 8) which bans abortions in Texas after the preborn child’s heartbeat is detectable! This bill is very close to being law! Since the bill was amended by the House, SB 8 will go back to the Senate for final approval, and then to the governor’s desk for signing.
The video below is the final closing, Q&A session in the Senate chambers where Prolife and Pro-abortion sides give their final arguments and defend, etc., before the hearing of the Bill is expired.
I encourage you to view the whole 1:46:00 min long session, and listen to how the Prolife argues to save the life of the unborn baby, and how the Pro-abortion argues to kill the life of the unborn baby. Very educational and enlightening to say the least.
5.5.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 5/9 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
4.29.2021 Thursday
Training Thursdays! 3 Ways Our Kids Learn Characters. See article below!
What does a "good" kid look like? A good kid is one with godly characters. Godly characters are truly a life time pursuit. However, they are necessary to be directed, corrected and nurtured from the most youngest age to lay a good and fertile foundation to be built upon.
I hope you find the following article helpful. It's not a quick fix because parenting is heart work. We really don't have many years with our children to steer and guide them in the path of our God. Do let me know how I can help in other areas. Please drop me a note at the "Questions or Comments" link at the top of this website or HERE.
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What is character building? The definition of character building is “requiring effort or endurance to a degree that strengthens or improves a person’s character”. And Character training is one of the most important things we can do when raising our kids is to train them in character. Character training should be purposeful, but sometimes it happens when we aren’t being intentional.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS OUR KIDS LEARN CHARACTER?
1. OUR KIDS LEARN CHARACTER BY EXAMPLE OR SOCIAL EXPOSURE
2. OUR KIDS LEARN CHARACTER THROUGH CORRECTION, TRAINING, AND DISCIPLINE
3. OUR KIDS LEARN CHARACTER THROUGH POSITIVE, CONSTRUCTIVE TEACHING
4.28.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 5/2 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
4.27.2021 Tuesday
Tech Tuesdays! China bans children from using mobile phones at school. I thought this was a rather interesting move by the Chinese government.
Children in China are to be banned from using their phones in school, the Ministry of Education has ruled.
Pupils will not be allowed to bring mobiles to school without written parental consent.
The authorities say they want to protect young people's eyesight, improve their concentration and prevent internet addiction.
4.22.2021 Thursday
Training Thursdays! Training Kids Heart with Scripture. See article below!
I think we all have much to learn and gain from training our children correctly, that is, in Word of our Lord. This includes me.
I hope you find the article helpful. It's not a quick fix because parenting is heart work. We really don't have many years with our children to steer and guide them in the path of our God. Do let me know how I can help in other areas. Please drop me a note at the "Questions or Comments" link at the top of this website or HERE.
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Training kids’ hearts with Scripture is one of the best ways and most important ways to teach and train our children. God tells us as parents that we are to bring our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) He also provided everything we need for that task in His Word.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable (useful) for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
One of the most important things we can do for our children is to teach them God’s Word. We should read it to them, have them read it when they are able to, and refer to it throughout the day as opportunities arise....
4.21.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 4/25 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
4.20.2021 Tuesday
Tech Tuesdays! 10 Sneaky Ways Porn Will Target Your Kids in 2021. See article below from Protect Young Minds.
Porn targets kids even in the most trusted and mainstream places. Protecting children from it can seem like a game of whack-a-mole. That’s why our first post of the year always lists the sneaky ways the porn industry is targeting your innocent kids.
In this post you’ll find how porn targets kids through…
explicit ads on apps made for kids,
deepfake technology,
the dark web,
erotic lit,
erotic podcasts,
porn spam on Google Drive,
social media such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram,
video games popular with kids,
an organized, massive porn industry and
porn sites masquerading as sexual wellness centers..
4.14.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 4/18 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
4.8.2021 Thursday
Sunday's 4/11 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Training Thursdays! 10 Things Every Parent Should Stop Doing. See article below!
I see many, many parents fall into these "traps." They are traps because they are bad training/discipling for your kids, and they become bad habits for you to get out of.
I hope you find the article helpful, so there's more productivity, joy, peace, and godly character development in each member of our families. Do let me know how I can help in other areas. Please drop me a note at the "Questions or Comments" link at the top of this website or HERE.
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What are the dos and don’ts of parenting? As parents, we all want to do the best job we can in raising our kids. However, despite our best intentions, we often do things that we should stop doing. Today, I’m going to share 10 things every parent should stop doing.
The list includes things I struggled with from time to time while raising our eight kids. There were times that I would realize what I was doing and had to tell myself to just STOP.
4.2.2021 Friday
Blessed Good Friday to all. The Perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ the Son of God, who was crucified and sacrificed on the cross on our behalf for our sins. Remember and Meditate, and be grateful and awestricken on that great grace of God.....!
"Giving homeschool a thought? Make sure you read this list of 10 things to consider before homeschooling to make the best choice for your family! Homeschooling isn’t always as easy as people make it out to be. It can also look very scary and overwhelming to some parents. However, the tool is to think about a few things and decide if homeschooling is right for you and your family. Mulling over these factors makes it easier for you to reach the right decision."
Continue reading more at My Joy-Filled Life....
“Eliminate the burden of a thousand competing “priorities” and reorient your everyday homeschooling around our great God.
20+ top speakers & exclusively online
April 5-9, 2021
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Continue reading more and register for FREE at The Homeschool Summit....
"Do you want to know Him better?
Just in time for Easter, RevelationMedia is excited to offer The Life of Jesus for you to watch with your family for FREE in this special online movie event. Prepare your hearts and minds for the celebration of our risen Lord by watching this film together, and be reminded of life that Jesus lived, the sacrifice that He made for us, and His powerful resurrection. This film is sure to inspire you, and show the next generation the true story of Jesus that we celebrate on Easter Sunday—Jesus Christ of Nazareth rose from the dead!
The Life of Jesus tells the story of Jesus Christ through the eyes of His disciple John. The word about Jesus spread quickly. He displayed incredible insight, taught with wisdom and authority, performed miraculous healings, and people began to follow Him. Although, as more people followed Jesus, the Jewish leaders became increasingly concerned. After performing miracles on the Sabbath, and claiming to be the Son of God, He was arrested and taken to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Pilate allowed the mob of angry Jewish people to determine Jesus’s fate, then washed his hands clean of the consequences, and put Jesus to death. Jesus’s followers were shocked, but his death was not the end…
REGISTER TO WATCH THE LIFE OF JESUS"
Continue reading more and register for FREE at Revelation Media....
3.31.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 4/4 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Join us at church or livestream on Good Friday for a remembrance of the great sacrifice of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Join us this Easter Resurrection Sunday at church or livestream! Jesus is risen! He is risen, indeed!!
Please goto the church website for details and links.
3.24.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 3/28 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Thank You God for for the Spring Season which reminds us of New Life in You. Flowers are budding; trees growing leaves; grass needs to be cut; birds are chirping; people are out walking or on their bikes! Help us to keep You in the center of our lives everyday, hour, minute. Thank You God!
3.17.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 3/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Some of us have a "tween" kid. They naturally are "testing their wings" of independence, etc. How fast the years have gone by. Nevertheless, parental guidance is still utmost though it might look differently. So understanding the changes that are taking place are crucial in navigating through potential "treacherous waters." I hope and pray that the following article can give you path to a biblical worldview that you, dear parents, may continue to teach, guide, correct, encourage and build godly characters in your children.
I hope you find the article helpful. Do let me know how I can help in what areas. Please drop me a note at the "Questions or Comments" link at the top of the page.
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What is Godly character and what does Godly character look like in your tween?
Parenting any age it’s easy to get lost in analyzing our children’s behavior. The tweens are no different.
Parent and child alike find themselves in an awkward stage of “is it too much or not enough?” Throw in “testing limits” and the start of hormones and we begin to see we are in new parenting territory. Soon we have as many questions as they do!
How do I deal with a tween attitude?
How can I communicate with my tween?
Why are tweens so difficult?
Those are all good things to ask, but often, we miss the most important question. How can we win their hearts for life? Hint: These ways of Building Godly Character is a huge part of this!
3.10.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 3/14 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
3.5.2021 Friday
Sunday's 3/7 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
We continue to pray for many who have extensive damages to the interior of their homes because of water pipe breaks.
2.24.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 2/28 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Thank God for restoring many broken things from the frigid winter storm.
We continue to pray for many who have extensive damages to the interior of their homes because of water pipe breaks.
2.17.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 2/21 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Praying for all Texas and surrounding states that's affected by the record-breaking frigid winter storm! God be with you all.
Thank God that electricity came back on for us at 3:05 AM this morning! Praise God!! We've had no electricity or running water since about 3 AM, Monday. And one of the water pipes burst on Tuesday morning. Thank God we have a gas fireplace to keep "warm" and gas stovetop to cook hot meals. Praise God!! Since we have power now, and I'm not sure how much longer it will be on because we'll probably be on rolling blackouts to get power to others in Texas, I've worked on this for the past 3 hours.
2.10.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 2/14 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
2.5.2021 Friday
“Twitter has suspended the account of The Daily Citizen, a publication of Focus on the Family, for a January 19 tweet that described President Biden's assistant secretary of health nominee, Rachel Levine, as ‘a transgender woman, that is, a man who believes she is a woman.’ Twitter told the evangelical Christian organization that the tweet violated Twitter's ‘rules against hateful conduct.’ The Daily Citizen appealed Twitter's decision, saying that they did not promote violence and ‘would never do so.’ Twitter denied the appeal and told the magazine that their account would remain locked until the January 19 tweet is deleted.” Read more at MyFaithVotes.org (in the middle of the article: Think, Pray, Vote).
“D.C. Public Schools announced Monday that it is participating in the Black Lives Matters at School Week of Action, a program that includes among its priorities ‘disrupting the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement’ and allowing everyone — including elementary-aged students — to ‘choose their own gender.’ In an email to parents obtained by The Daily Wire, the D.C. Public School district announced that it will be using critical race theory-based curricula to teach students about Black History Month. The email linked to resources from Teaching Tolerance, which is a branch of the activist Southern Poverty Law Center network, and a video from D.C. public school teachers explaining the importance of ‘anti-racism’ activism. The district’s platform is centered around Black Lives Matter’s ‘13 Guiding Principles,’ which calls for queer and transgender affirmation and ‘restorative justice,’ among other priorities. The guide calls for the dismantling of the ‘patriarchal practice’ of requiring mothers to parent their children while also participating in ‘justice work.’ The guide also asks the school district to commit itself to ‘Black Villages,’ which calls for the ‘disruption’ of the idea of the nuclear family and refers to children as communal children. ‘We are committed to disrupting the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and ‘villages’ that collectively care for one another,” the guide reads. ‘Especially ‘our’ children.’” Read more at MyFaithVotes.org (in the middle of the article: Think, Pray, Vote).
2.4.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 2/7 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
1.27.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 1/31 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
1.19.2021 Tuesday
Sunday's 1/24 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Tomorrow is supposed to be the inauguration of the president for the next 4 years. I know many, many feel dejected and even betrayed. I feel the same even anger at times. But know these truths; that light kills darkness, life overcomes death, God's righteousness is victorious over wickedness. God has been, is and always will be in control. We know the conclusion at the end.
However in the mean time, continue to pray for this nation that God's banner of righteousness and justice will fly over us and its leaders. May His grace and mercy shed on us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
1.13.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 1/17 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
1.6.2021 Wednesday
Sunday's 1/10 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
A BIG DAY IN D.C. TODAY when the Electors meet!
STOP THE STEAL PROTEST!
STOP THE STEAL PROTEST!
This is on Tuesday, 1/5, the pre-protest day rally.
12.30.2020 Wednesday
Sunday's 1/3 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Let's pray that God's justice will prevail for the office of the presidency in the Congress on January 6, 2021, as they solidify or reject the Electoral Votes. Thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen!
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The bold Scottish missionary Mary Slessor has gone deeper into the Nigerian jungle than any other, bringing with her medicine, education, and the life-changing message of the Gospel. When a young mother arrives on her doorstep in the dead of night with newborn twins, Mary receives an even more challenging call from God: go bring peace and Good News to the Okoyong people, where a powerful witch doctor is terrorizing the most vulnerable to appease a vindictive god. In spite of strong warnings from Brits and Nigerians alike, Mary follows Christ even farther into the jungle. With the Okoyong people’s chief near death and the lives of more innocent people on the line, can Mary’s Savior save them all? Discover the story of this courageous peacemaker in the latest episode of the Torchlighters!
12.23.2020 Wednesday
Sunday's 12/27 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
12.15.2020 Tuesday
Sunday's 12/20 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Thank you Church Family for your generous, sacrificial giving of Christmas Shoeboxes to reach kids around the world. We have online-packed 98, and exceeded our goal of 75 shoeboxes! May God richly bless you in spirit and in heart during this season.
12.8.2020 Tuesday
Sunday's 12/13 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
12.2.2020 Wednesday
Sunday's 12/6 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
11.25.2020 Wednesday
Sunday's 11/29 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Happy Blessed Thanksgiving! A historical look at the first Thanksgiving, and an understanding of the people behind it. This is my devotional from Your Daily Truth of Dr. D. James Kennedy Ministries.
Wednesday, Nov 25, 2020
The Legacy of the Pilgrims
The Legacy of the Pilgrims
“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.”
— 1 Peter 2:11
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. Its origins, of course, go back to the Pilgrims. But who exactly were they? The Pilgrims were a group of Christians who secretly formed in 1606 in Scrooby, England, at a time when it was forbidden to read the Bible in public. When the Pilgrims formed their secret church, they made a covenant with each other. Fourteen years later, in 1620....
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...Continued from above.
Fourteen years later, in 1620, that spiritual covenant was echoed in a political covenant, the Mayflower Compact. Historians, believers and non-believers alike, agree that the Mayflower Compact was a very important step in the formation of our constitutional republic and that it served as the cornerstone of our Constitution. This charter for selfgovernment was essentially the first compact between people and God to form a nation in three thousand years, since the Israelites demanded a king. In the Mayflower Compact, the Pilgrims declared their purpose: “… having undertaken a voyage for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith …” The Christian origins of this nation clearly shine through when we brush away the cobwebs of revisionist history.
During their first years in America, the Pilgrims struggled to survive, in great part because of their communistic economy. About half of them died; the rest neared starvation. Later, as the Pilgrims turned to a system of free enterprise, God blessed them with a tremendous bounty. On the thanksgiving days in their bountiful times, the Pilgrims put five grains of corn on their plates to remind them of the time five kernels of corn was each person’s daily ration. But in both good times and in bad, the Pilgrims celebrated days of thanksgiving.
Let us, too, give thanks to the Lord, in good times and in bad, for He is good. What blessings can you thank God for today?
“By this time harvest was come, and instead of famine, now God
gave them plenty and the face of things was changed, to the rejoicing
of the hearts of many, for which they blessed God…so as any general
want or famine hath not been amongst them since to this day.”
Governor William Bradford
11.22.2020 Sunday
While our presidential election is still going on because of many ballot irregularities, we shall continue to pray that God's justice and truth will prevail in the final outcome. In the mean time, I want to offer as "food for thought" from Dr. James Dobson's Election Reflections from his November newsletter. I am not as bleak as Dobson about President Trump's demise, but rather I am confidently hopeful that Mr. Trump will again win the election when all fraud are exposed and dust settled. He will be the president of the USA for a second term! God is in control. Pray and keep the faith. Dobson's November newsletter is below in its entirety.
Dr. James Dobson's Election Reflections
Dr. James Dobson's Election Reflections
Commentary written several days after the November 3rd election:
Dear Friends,
There is a heaviness within my spirit today on behalf of our beloved nation. I’m sure I share that sentiment with many of you. In a sense, Shirley and I are also grieving over the potential passing of an era, during which I believe God gave America a spiritual reprieve. President Donald Trump was partially responsible for this crucial change of trajectory.
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Continued from above....
He isn’t a perfect man, and his relationship with the Lord is a very private matter. But he attempted during the first four years of his presidency to get acquainted with, to honor, and to learn from Christian leaders. He is very close to Rev. Franklin Graham, Dr. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Paula White, Dr. Jack Graham, former Governor Mike Huckabee, and at least 30 others, including myself. He once said while greeting us at a formal dinner, "This is your house. Welcome to it." He then led us on a tour upstairs in the private residence
Donald Trump is the first president to celebrate the National Day of Prayer (NDP) in the Rose Garden, which he did all four years of his presidency. President George W. Bush also took the NDP very seriously and held formal services in the East Room of the White House during his eight years in office. Shirley served as chairperson of NDP, and spoke at each event. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush also celebrated the National Day of Prayer during their terms in office. Neither Bill Clinton nor Barack Obama held NDP ceremonies at the White House.
Back to Donald Trump, he is the most pro-life president in American history. He is the only Chief Executive to have spoken at the March for Life, which is an annual remembrance of the millions of babies aborted since Roe v. Wade in 1973. One of Trump’s most significant decisions has been the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to be an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. She never wavered on her pro-life beliefs even during her contentious confirmation hearings.
People who know the President best tell us he is one of the most hard-working and dedicated men ever to serve in the Oval Office. We saw that indefatigable nature during his final campaign, when he once held nine rallies in two days. He is also remarkably resilient. The media and his political opponents hammered him every day for four years. There was never a respite. President Trump arose every morning knowing he would be unfairly ridiculed and attacked from morning to night. This criticism began before he was elected and continued throughout his presidency. Nevertheless, he stood like a rock and his list of accomplishments could fill a book.
Yes, I admire Donald Trump. He is sometimes brash and aggressive. But as a New York entrepreneur and as a president under siege, he has had to be tough to deal with his challenges. But there is no doubt that he loves America and its people. Speaking personally, I will miss his presence on the national stage when he is no longer our President.
But by the way, we’re told that 81 percent of evangelicals voted for Donald Trump this year, while only 14 percent voted for the Biden ticket. I think I know why.
I won’t speculate on the voting controversy. If, however, American citizens have handed over the reins of power to the Biden/Harris ticket, it is important that we examine the platform on which they ran. Elections have consequences, as we know. The promises made in writing and on the campaign trail should disturb every conservative Christian. Let’s look first at the sanctity of human life.
Mr. Biden has told us emphatically that he will bring an open season on the unborn child. This is what LifeNews wrote about him.
- he will force Americans to fund abortions during his first week in office
- he will implement abortion on demand nationwide without any limits
- he will force Americans to fund Planned Parenthood, the biggest abortion provider1
- he will force Christians such as the Little Sisters of the Poor to fund abortions in [their] health insurance plans2
- and he will stack the courts with pro-abortion judges who would keep abortions legal for decades to come3
That should break the heart of every lover of God’s children. We, as American citizens, will be complicit in the deaths of millions. How can Joe Biden say he wants to be president of ALL the American people? What does he have to say to the half of us who vigorously oppose abortion on demand, paid for by taxpayers through nine months of pregnancy and perhaps beyond, in America and, by inference, in nations around the world? If Donald Trump has been the pro-life President, Joe Biden will be the radical abortion president from his inauguration forward. If Biden does become president, I will do what I can to oppose his pro-death policies every day he is in office.
Biden’s regime will also usher in other forms of moral depravity. For example, he recently suggested that kids as young as eight or ten years old should be able to undergo irreversible transexual transformation. That’s what the man said! Kamala Harris, who may be our next vice president, said she wants this country to legalize all prostitution.4 What other moral outrage will come from this godless administration? Heaven only knows!
Joe Biden and the Democrats also support open borders. So much for the wall! That means that people around the world will be invited to enter this country legally and take up permanent residence within it. From the day of their arrival, they will be entitled to free welfare, free legal services, free medical care, free education, and who knows what else. Millions of people must be out there thinking, "How can I get to that promised land?"
We have also been told to expect trillions of dollars to be spent for the foolishness of the Green New Deal, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the helm. That could bankrupt the nation. And can you imagine how Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will deal with hostile governments, including those in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea? That is an international nightmare in the making.
The institution of the family will find no friends in the White House or in the halls of Congress. Taxes are likely to skyrocket for middle-class parents and others. We can also expect unprecedented assaults on religious liberty and churches could be stripped of Constitutional protection. Also at risk are our Bill of Rights, the Second Amendment, and other provisions within the U.S. Constitution. Democrats are talking about defunding the police and even the military. Radical change is about to descend on the nation. America is about to be over-run by the most leftist regime in history.
If that sounds discouraging and hopeless, we have to remember Who is in charge here. I believe the Almighty has had His hand of protection on this land since the days of its founding fathers. Our ancestors cried out to Him at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Midway, and Normandy. I don’t believe He has forsaken us now. So how do we explain the predicament that confronts us? I don’t know. Millions of people have been praying about the outcome of this election because we knew it would have such profound moral and spiritual implications. But who can discern the mind of God?
I grappled with such matters in my book, When God Doesn’t Make Sense. I wrote one morning after pacing back and forth in my study, "We must never forget that He is God. He is majestic and holy and sovereign. He is accountable to no one. He is not an errand boy who chases the assignments we dole out. He is not a genie who pops out of the bottle to satisfy our whims. He is not our servant—we are His. And our reason for existence is to glorify and honor Him . . . even when nothing makes sense. I then heard Him say, 'Trust Me.'"
And trust we shall. Still, we ask, "Why did this election come tantalizingly close to a victory for life and morality, only to end tragically?" Could it be because America has abandoned its moral convictions? I wrote in my general letter several months ago that our popular culture has become utterly wicked. If that is accurate, how could a nation murder 62 million babies, fresh from the hand of the Creator, without expecting judgment to fall upon them? Clearly, we stand guilty before Him.
If this explains the disaster that has now befallen this great nation, there is only one biblical response. It is repentance. It is for us to kneel humbly before our righteous and all-seeing God and beg for forgiveness, both corporately and individually. That alone will save us.
We may have lost this election battle when it comes to the policies that matter most to us. Yet, the culture war rages on, and the gospel message of Jesus Christ is our banner and greatest hope. This is why we do what we do at the Dobson Family Institute. Faith and family remain the mission, and our conviction has never been more ardent. We are ambassadors for Christ, and we still have work to do. Are you with us?
Let us pray:
Lord, this is my prayer for my nation. Forgive us for our profound sinfulness, our arrogance, our pride, and our hands that have shed innocent blood. Restore our marriages and our churches. Bring a spirit of renewal and revival across this land. And Lord, in Thy wrath, remember mercy.
Amen and Amen.
James C. Dobson, Ph.D.
Founder and President
Dr. James Dobson Family Institute
P.S. To help remind us of the eternal hope that only comes from our Savior God, I want to share the text of a sermon aired nationally a few days before the election. It was delivered by my friend, Dr. Jack Graham. He is pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. He explains that America, like Israel, has forgotten God, and our only chance for survival is to cry out to the Lord. I couldn’t agree more, and I hope you will read the enclosed message carefully. Dr. Graham based it on Psalm 80, which was written after northern Israel had been defeated horribly by the Assyrians. We will find solace and direction therein.
11.18.2020 Wednesday
Sunday's 11/22 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
11.12.2020 Thursday
Sunday's 11/15 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
11.7.2020 Saturday
Sunday's 11/8 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Preschool live Zoom Worship tomorrow morning from 8:50 - 9:10 am! Zoom link open at 8:45 am. Come early because we will start at 8:50 am, promptly. Contact Pastor John for the Zoom link.
Sharing today's devotional from The Daily Truth.
A Form of Godliness
A Form of Godliness
“Having a form of godliness, but denying its power …”
— 2 Timothy 3:5
Have you ever done well in some big contest only to lose because you were disqualified on some seemingly minor point? During one of the most exciting baseball games of all time—the seventh game of the 1924 World Series between Washington and New York— something like this happened. Continue reading below; click to drop down --->
Saturday, Nov 7, 2020
In the bottom of the ninth with two outs and two strikes, Goose Goslin, batting for Washington, hit a home run—or so it seemed. Goslin made it safely to home plate, but Washington lost the entire World Series because as Goslin ran around the bases, he failed to touch first base. What a shock. And what a shame to lose a championship game because of a failure to follow a fundamental rule.
Sometimes this same sort of thing happens in churches. Some people who have been church members for years have never gotten to first base when it comes to Christianity. They’ve never been born anew. Somehow they thought they could skip that base and proceed to join a church, be baptized, be confirmed, participate in all the outward practices of religion, then make their way around the infield and head for home with a great welcome to follow. Instead, these people will hear these words from the Great Umpire, “I never knew you; depart from me” (Matthew 7:23). These people have a form of godliness, but they don’t have true godliness because they don’t know God. They don’t experience His power. They don’t allow Him to transform their lives. They find worshiping God a great burden, struggling to sit through church, to pray, or to read their Bibles. Sometimes these people continue practicing these forms of godliness to quiet the outward clamor of spouses, parents, or grandparents. Sometimes they do these things to quiet the inward clamor of their own consciences.
We all have to touch first base so that we might hear the Lord say to us: “Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” Do you know God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and do you enjoy an intimate relationship with Him? If not, touch that base today so that you might win the game and receive the prize—eternal life.
“A hypocrite is a fellow who isn’t himself on Sunday.”
Anonymous
11.5.2020 Thursday
Since the election day, it's been a botched ballot counting process in the key swing states. There's a lot of mis-information in most of the mainstream media for the past decade, the past 4 years, especially the past 3 days. Unfortunately, that's how our media informational age is today. But have no fear, here's just a couple of organizations which will tell you the truth where others would not report, and you can know what is really going on. We shall continue to pray to God that justice shall prevail.
ACLJ. American Center for Law & Justice. (Christian).
10.31.2020 Saturday
Preschool live Zoom Worship starts tomorrow, 11/1, from 8:50 - 9:10 am! Zoom link open at 8:45 am. Come early because we will start at 8:50 am, promptly. Contact Pastor John for the Zoom link.
Sunday's 11/1 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Let's continue to pray for the coming Presidential Election on 11/3, Tuesday! See 10.17.2020 below.
10.24.2020 Saturday
Sunday's 10/25 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Let's continue to pray for the coming Presidential Election. See 10.17.2020 below.
10/26, Monday night. Part 3 of Parenting Tips: Navigating Electronics. Read all about it and signup below.
Ideally it would be very helpful to have attended sessions 1 and 2 because they build upon each other. However, This last session on Navigating Electronics is something everyone, kids and well as adults, can learn from. A lot of us have the new "drug" of our age. And being "locked-in" and many virtual classrooms and meetings just throw gasoline to the fire....
Dr. Scott Turansky is someone we've been following for a number of years. I hope his Biblical Parenting Organization will give you encouragement and shed wisdom to your family situations.
I hope you signup and see you Monday night! Don't worry if you missed it. You'll get a link afterwards to the recorded video to view at your convenient time.
10.17.2020 Saturday
Sunday's 10/18 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Let's continue to pray for the coming Presidential Election. See below.
10/14 KCCC Day of Fasting & Prayer Summary
10/14 KCCC Day of Fasting & Prayer Summary
It is my prayer that you continue to meditate on the Scriptures of the day, and vote biblically - godly - wisely.
Morning: Sovereignty of God and Our Lives. 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Hannah's Prayer.
Noon: Glory be Thy Name. Daniel 2:21.
Evening: Praying for Our Nation, the Elections, and the Church
Opening message - Psalm 85:1-13.
Confession - holiness of God, 1 Samuel 2:2, Isaiah 6:3; total depravity of man, Isaiah 6:5.
Repentance - Romans 3:10-18, 23.
Restoration - Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24.
Our Nation, Officials and the Issues it Faces
1 Timothy 2:1-4, Proverbs 14:34, Psalm 33:12
A clear division - Mark 3:23-25. Dr. James Dobson's Open Letter to Christians Regarding the Election.
We Must Unite and Vote on Biblical Principles and Godly Values
We vote to protect life (from womb to tomb).
We vote to protect religious liberty (bring prosperity and joy in the land, and freedom to follow God).
We vote to promote just laws, and law and order (for God is the Law Giver).
Closing message - His Church and His Kingdom
RedeemTV - "Streaming Goodness!"
RedeemTV - "Streaming Goodness!"
Redeem TV is a donor-supported, ad-free streaming service with edifying and redeeming content.
Supported by Viewers like You! Available on ALL PLATFORMS.
KCCC family. This is a wonderful NEW service! It's aim is to be a Christian "Netflix" alternative. Usage is completely free, but funded by donations.
There are a lot of children programming which is a plus, and a growing number of full motion pictures. It is different from RightNow Media; RNM serves more Bible study and lecture materials. Both are essential.
Signup is easy: email & create password. My kids will access it from Roku.
Enjoy!
10.10.2020 Saturday
Thank God for the quick healing of our President and Mrs. Trump from the COVID-19 infection.
Sunday's 10/11 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Let's pray for the coming Presidential Election.
Please allow me to give an update on the healing progress of my hip fracture. 2 weeks ago I did 2 sets of 10 squats each thinking to strengthen my right knee because it was weak due to not been in use for about 5 months. (The squats were not part of my physical therapy exercises). Since then I've had inner groin pain and stiffening that increased daily. Last Wednesday I started to notice slight bruising from the inner groin down the leg and pass the knee area. I even saw a faint bruise on my whole knee cap. The initial fracture produced this area of bruising except no it was black-purple-blue. However, I was limping and not walking normal enough that I started using my crutches again last Friday. The crutches helped quite a bit in relieving the stress of weight bearing, movements, and therefore, pain and discomfort. Please lift me up to the Lord in your prayers. Thank you.
10.3.2020 Saturday
Let's pray for the quick and complete healing of our President and Mrs. Trump from the COVID-19 infection.
Sunday's 10/4 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
9.26.2020 Saturday
Sunday's 9/27 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Music is the universal language of the people of earth. It transcends cultures and time. I would even venture to say that music is a heavenly language. After all, the greatest of God's created angels was Lucifer, the director of music! Also, as believers we sing praises to God here on earth, and will sing for eternity in heaven.
I'd like to share the following from my devotional reading a few days ago by Your Daily Truth. Music is so significant for Christians and the secular world alike because it touches the immaterial part of our being. Music moves our spirits/souls. Therefore, this is another strong indicator that we are all created beings by God. So today and the days to come, you lift up your God-given voices and teach your children to sing spiritual songs to our Creator God!
Tuesday, Sep 22, 2020
J.S. Bach
J.S. Bach
“… ‘Behold! The Lamb of God …’”
— John 1:29
Johann Sebastian Bach is considered the father of classical music and, in the opinion of many, the greatest musician ever to have lived. But he not only wrote and played music excellently, he also sought to glorify God in all he did. For three centuries now, Bach’s music has taken people beyond themselves and toward God.
In addition to composing music...,
[To continue reading click to expand] ----->
...Bach also fulfilled countless other obligations. He raised a large family. He taught music on a regular basis. He served as a church musician as well as conductor for the church choir and orchestra. He also fulfilled an obligation to compose new music for every Sunday. He regarded himself as a conscientious craftsman doing a job to the best of his ability for his supervisor’s satisfaction, for others’ pleasure and edification, and above all, for God’s glory.
Many historians have noted that all over his manuscripts Bach wrote notations such as “S.D.G.”(Soli Deo Gloria), meaning “Solely to the glory of God” or “I.N.J.”(In Nomine Jesu), meaning “In the name of Jesus.” Throughout his great masterpieces appear these words from Scripture: “Behold! The Lamb of God” (John 1:29). In his music, Bach honored the Lamb of God who had taken away his sin and had given him the peace and joy that pervaded his life … the Lamb of God to whom he ascribed all glory and to whom he appealed every day. According to Bach, music was worship, and he told his music pupils that unless they committed their talents to the Lord Jesus Christ they’d never become great musicians.
J. S. Bach did not live for fame or fortune. He lived for God’s glory. That focus pervaded his life. We, too, should have this goal as our singular focus.
“Where there is devotional music, God is always
at hand with His gracious presence.”
J. S. Bach
9.16.2020 Wednesday
I'd like to share the following from my devotional reading today by Your Daily Truth. We know it, however, I suspect many of us struggle with family worship; busyness, tiredness, etc. The ones who succeed I imagine are truly blessed by the Spirit of God in many unimaginable ways. Even if some of us tend to falter on this, let us renew our conviction because we know it is the lifeblood of our family faith, unity, peace, joy and love. Great opportunity in time such as this....
The Church in Your House
The Church in Your House
“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand . . . You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
— Deuteronomy 11:18-19
A woman once told me, “When I was a child, we didn’t have family devotions in our home, but I had a friend in the neighborhood who did. I often visited her and sat and watched as this family lifted their hearts together to God. My soul was touched. I vowed I would never marry a man who couldn’t pray and lead in family worship. God answered that prayer, and I have such a man.” What a blessing.
[To continue reading click to expand] ----->
Do you worship with your family on a regular basis? Some families make such family time a part of their weekly schedules. Others don’t, not because they lack the desire, but because they don’t know what to do. So let me suggest ways you can incorporate worship time into the life of your family.
First of all, set aside a worship time when every family member, including your young children, can participate; some families choose to do this after a meal. I believe that the spiritual head of the family should lead the devotion. As you enter into this time, encourage attitudes of joy, love, and peace—including peace with each another. If any family members have unresolved conflicts with each other, encourage them to come to peaceful terms before this time of unified devotion before God.
Worship times can have a variety of formats, and I recommend that you vary your own format over time to keep things interesting. Each time you have a family devotion, you might want to choose a specific topic to address such as integrity, purity, or honesty. Whatever topic you choose, focus on meditating upon the Word of God. You can do this in a variety of ways such as reading from a Bible, a children’s Bible, or a hymnal. If possible, pray, sing, and memorize Bible verses, as well. I know of one family that keeps track of prayer requests and God’s answers to those requests. They feel blessed as they see God at work in their lives.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to institute a regular family worship time. Family worship can bring blessed peace into your home, binding all family members together in love and understanding. Ask your family today how you can bring worship into your home regularly.
“Family worship is a matter of conviction, not convenience.”
Technology in particular social media is a "double-edged sword." They are in the spectrum of our lives. It can cause problems for us, but in children the problems are exponential! This video below came out only a few weeks ago, and it brings the "what, when, where, why, how," and what to do for the issues at hand. I hope you find the time to view it, and chart a godly path for your own family. NOTE: The video "includes mature subject matter and may not be suitable for children." Please view it first and decide if you should view it together with your children.
"For the first time in history, mental illness and suicide have become one of the greatest threats to school-aged children. Many parents still view dangers as primarily physical and external, but they’re missing the real danger: kids spending more time online and less time engaging in real life, free play, and autonomy. What are the effects on the next generation's mental, physical, and spiritual health? Childhood was more or less unchanged for millennia, but this is CHILDHOOD 2.0."
"Childhood 2.0 is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age. Featuring actual parents and kids as well as industry-leading experts in child safety and development, this documentary dives into the real-life issues facing kids today — including cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more."
9.5.2020 Saturday
Sunday's 9/6 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
The last 5+ months in and through the pandemic shutdown has been a blur probably for most if not all. I feel it's been keenly "slipped-away" especially because I could not move about and attain typical daily functions in anything. But today's devotional spoke to me as I'm in rehab and recovery phase now, breathing renewed outlook in my family life and work. It really matters not if the "task" is "big and significant" or "small and insignificant." It matters most that all things are done with excellence to glorify God. Maybe God may speak to you through this reading as well today.
Saturday, Sep 5, 2020. Excellence in All Things
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” — Proverbs 22:29
A gentleman was walking down the street, and he passed a large construction site where a group of men were laying brick. He asked one of the workers, “What are you doing?”
The man answered, “I’m laying bricks, stupid. What does it look like I’m doing?”
The gentleman asked another man, “What are you doing?”
The second man replied, “I am making a wall.”
The passerby asked a third man, “What are you doing?”
[To continue reading click the down arrow to expand] ----->
He said, “I am building a magnificent cathedral to the glory of God!”
What’s the difference between the narrow vision of the first two men and the great vision of the third man? The third man saw the ultimate purpose of his work: to glorify God.
We need to have the same focus in whatever work we do, whether we work directly for the Church or in a secular profession. As the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Confession states, the chief end of humankind is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. So as we live and work, our ultimate purpose should be to glorify God.
How can you and I glorify God in our work? By pursuing excellence in all we do. Too often, work done in the Church by professing Christians is sloppy or below par. But when we do things well, God is glorified. For this reason, Christian books should be of a higher caliber than secular books, and Christian videos should be of a higher quality than secular ones.
Whatever God has called you to do, pursue excellence both professionally and personally. Make it your end to glorify God in all you do, and God will help you achieve the highest quality of which you are capable. Remember that even the smallest, most mundane task will ultimately result in a magnificent cathedral of glory to our God.
“Excellence in all things and all things to God’s glory.” -- Motto Of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
8.29.2020 Saturday
Sunday's 8/30 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
How's everybody's virtual learning with your kids in the new semester? We're probably in the same boat; helping our kids to be on schedule, get to class, pay attention, help with their homework, projects, teach them daily life skills, etc., etc., all within the realm of the Christian worldview. On top of it all, we're all probably fighting with technology just to be able to navigate it smoothly, and on time! God help us; let's continue to pray for each other.
How important do you think the book of Genesis and particularly the Creation account is to the biblical Christian worldview? Or in another word, how significant is Genesis for the Christian faith, belief system? Because of "perceived contradictions" and "challenges" from the modern secular scientific community, some Christians try to compensate the book of Genesis by reconciling the two opposite and competing worldviews. Other Christians just surrender, and succumb to the secular humanistic worldview by rejecting the biblical-historical narratives of Genesis. What about you? Where do you stand? What are your convictions? Below is a devotional I received from a couple of days ago that lays out the foundational crux of the biblical Christian worldview and faith. This, we shall prevail and never surrender. Enjoy and be blessed!
Thursday, Aug 27, 2020
Genesis
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
When you look at our world and see both the bad and the good, do you ever wonder how our society has gotten to this point? Do you ever ask yourself, “How did it all begin?” God has answered that question for us, and to find it, we need look no further than the book of Genesis. Genesis explains the beginning of all things: the universe, humankind, marriage, evil, language, government, culture, nations, religions, chosen people. Genesis puts the rest of the Bible... To continue reading click the down arrow to expand ----->
...in context; without it, we couldn’t possibly understand the entirety of God’s Word.
For this very reason, many have attacked Genesis. Ken Ham, a creationist and a defender of Genesis, has created a vivid, descriptive picture of these attacks. One of Ham’s cartoons shows two castles, each built upon a foundation. The castles have walls, turrets, towers, and flags. One castle is named “Christianity”; the other, “Humanism.” On the wall of each castle stands a man with a cannon. The Christian fires his bombs at the flags flying over the humanism castle, flags labeled “gambling,” “homosexuality,” “divorce,” and “abortion.” But the humanist has his cannon aimed downward and blasts at the foundation of the Christian castle. This foundation is labeled “Genesis.” As depicted in this cartoon, the world wages its war against the Genesis accounts of our beginnings, hoping that as it pokes holes in Genesis, all of Christianity will crumble.
To carry this illustration a little further, the Christian, who shoots only at the flags, would do better if he aimed his cannon at the foundation of the humanism castle. This foundation is labeled “evolution.” To join in the fight, to uphold our own foundation, we need to understand that evolution and the Bible are totally incompatible. Evolutionists are atheists. They have stated in their own words that if the God of Genesis existed, He would not allow them to sin. With that premise, evolutionists can only believe that everything came into being by chance.
But we know differently because God has revealed to us how everything began. By doing so, He has given us the ability to understand the rest of His Word and the world we live in. Today as you observe what happens around you, thank God for showing you how it all began.
“[If Genesis were somehow removed from the Bible] the rest of the Bible would be incomprehensible. It would be like a building without a ground floor, or a bridge with no support.” - Henry Morris
8.22.2020 Saturday
Sunday's 8/23 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
How's everyone's start of the Fall school semester? Excessive screen time for our kids is a significant concerning issue. Let's continue to pray for each other!
A personal praise and thanksgiving to God for His protection and healing of my hip fractures. It's been a long 4 months (and counting) healing process. 2 weeks ago, I started just using 1 crutch, and last Monday, I was able to put away the final one. I am able to walk crutch-free though slowly and awkwardly with a wobble for now, but walking nevertheless! Thank you for your care, love and prayers for me and my family. We are very much blessed by our church family. Next step: jogging..... ;)
8.16.2020 Sunday
Can I say this on my blog?? Happy Birthday Day to my lovely helper wife, Catherine!! I thank God for her (almost) everyday in every way. Words cannot express our love and deep appreciation to wifey and mommy! We and God love you....!
Today's Sunday Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
8.8.2020 Saturday
Happy Ba-Ba Day! Hope you told your daddy a happy father's day!
Sunday's 8/9 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
8.1.2020 Saturday
Sunday's 8/2 Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready! Jesus the Good Shepherd is the theme from John 10. What an imagery of our Savior and Lord and His beloved! Have a wonderful worshipful time in the Lord with your kid(s). God bless!
HAPPY GOD BLESSED BIRTHDAY to all August birthdays!
Many of you are concerned and praying for my hip fracture recovery, and I thank God every time I think of you! I went to Memorial Hermann in Katy a couple of weeks ago to start my physical therapy. I asked the therapist for a home regimen, so he gave me a list of daily exercises. In the beginning for a few days, it was painful as expected during the exercises. I realized the immobility of my right leg for 3 months had deteriorated my muscle mass, muscular condition, flexibility, etc., and walking in general. It's like my right leg "forgot" how to walk. Overall it's been going well. Praise God!
7.25.2020 Saturday
Sunday's Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
7.18.2020 Saturday
Sunday's Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Check out the free streaming of The Torchlighters that are good for kindergartners and older. Younger children might get scared. Watch these powerful 30-min videos together with your kids because you will learn a lot from the heroes of the Christian faith! Plan it as a family movie night and study/devotional because they also provide activity sheets for each story. Break out the chips, popcorn and ice cream! Enjoy.
Enjoy these 16 episodes, 30-min each, of courageous Heroes of the Faith for FREE (limited time). Download the accompanying PDF for family devotions and fun activities. Make a donation to the ministry of RevelationMedia and receive your free Torchlighters’ Gift Set and/or full color activity books! Thank you for your support.
–The Staff at RevelationMedia
7.15.2020 Wednesday
Today marks the 3-month anniversary of my hip fractures! Happy healing. Thank for all your thoughts, gifts and prayers. God bless.
A quick reminder that at the top of the pages on this kids site there's the Questions or Comments box. It a way for you to communicate to me your questions or concerns, and suggestions of contents or how this site can be improved. I would love to hear from you.
7.11.2020 Saturday
Sunday's Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Allow me give an update to my hip fractures/progress ( search for "hip" on this page or go to the following notable date entries for details: 4/16, 5/16).
4 days from now on 7/15 is the 3-month anniversary of my hip injury. It's both been "easy" and frustrating: Easy because I can't do much, and frustrating because I can't do much! (I can't change broken light bulbs in the ceilings, filters for the a/c, and many, many basic home maintenance things we take for granted). It's been a rather peculiar dynamic at home especially in the pandemic lockdown. I believe we all understand some of the feelings of being locked down. However, thank God for the past 6 weeks of accident/re-injury free rest.
Last Monday, 7/6, I had a doctor's visit, and it went well. An x-ray was performed, and they showed the intertrochanteric fracture in the femoral neck (the big diagonal one) was still intact and has not been broken or shifted. As for how much calcification there are on the bones, the x-ray cannot show. The doctor is confident that I can/should start on physical therapy for the next 6-8 weeks. The degree/extent of the therapy will be determined by my pain level. It will indicate how the mending, "remodeling," healing process of the fractures is coming along. As for the break of the lesser trochanter, it looks the same. Because of the size of the gap, the growth and reattachment of that bone back to the femur will take a very long time if it happens. We can always pray that God performs a miracle!
For the next 6-8 weeks of physical therapy, the goal is to get me walking without crutches. In a few days will be 3 months since my injury, so I'll need to work on getting my right leg's walking muscles back in shape, and get my femur back to full weight bearing capability. The doctor caution, though, this doesn't mean I can run or jump, etc., but walk. Those more strenuous activities will take many more months to come. The doctor said by 6-8 weeks, I shouldn't have pain or very minimal. If I still have noticeable pain by then, I will need to consider operation to fix the intertrochanteric fracture, so that I can get back to "normal" functional life ASAP.
PRAISE GOD for many loving and caring brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who have bestowed upon my family throughout these 3 months. We are full of thanksgiving and gratitude to God because of you! We are so very blessed....
PLEASE PRAY that God to provide a good place in town for physical therapy, and that I can reach my goal sooner rather than later. Thank you and God bless!
7.4.2020 Saturday Independence Day!
Sunday's Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Pray for our Youth Minister candidate interview sessions this weekend. Live Zoom meeting links are found at the church website.
7.3.2020 Friday. Happy Birthday America!
7.3.2020 Friday. Happy Birthday America!
Read with your kids and learn about the birth of our nation: July 4th, 1776: Independence Day
7.2.2020 Thursday. We need to take heed, don't put others in danger, and exercise wisdom with utmost integrity.
Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement, Issues Proclamation To Limit Gatherings (drop down for details) --->
Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement, Issues Proclamation To Limit Gatherings (drop down for details) --->
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
"Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces. Likewise, large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe. We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business. I urge all Texans to wear a face covering in public, not just for their own health, but for the health of their families, friends, and for all our fellow Texans.”
Additionally, the Governor released a new video message to coincide with his Executive Order, encouraging Texans to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe. The video can be downloaded at this link and can also be viewed on YouTube.
7.1.2020 Wednesday
7 Ways Dads Influence Their Daughters by Dr. James Dobson
7 Ways Dads Influence Their Daughters by Dr. James Dobson
"Father's have an incalculable impact on their daughters." That is the beginning words of this very short article. Dad's take these 7 practices and see how we "measure up" and let's work on them while our daughters are still with us in our care. The 7 practices are cited below. Read the full article here.
A dad's leadership at home should be a model of strength and authority....
A dad must remember that he is being watched closely by that little girl around his knees.
I think it is good to begin "dating" a daughter when she is six years of age, or even earlier.
A dad should always look for ways to build the self-confidence of his little girl.
A father should keep the lines of communication open throughout childhood....
God designed men to be the "providers and protectors" of their families.
A father must be the spiritual leader of his family....
6.27.2020 Saturday
Sunday's Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Houston we're in CODE RED. Well, the COVID-19 has been surging for the past week. The mayor of Harris County has raised the virus threat to LEVEL 1, Red which is the highest level. Therefore, our church after Phase-1 opening 2 Sundays ago, has moved back to pre-Phase-1 scenario. Sunday worship service live-stream only. Please always check the KCCC website for detailed updates.
6.26.2020 Friday
With the phase 1 reopening of our church last week (6/21), and the recent 3-day turn of COVID-19 surge, I thought it is necessary to share this article here, so that you, brothers & sisters in Christ, may think through necessary decisions; some critical and some could be life and death, and most of all be at peace with yourself, your family and the rest of our spiritual families at church. Let take care of each other. Let's be healthy when we worship our God together. Pastor John
June 18, 2020, written by Katie Faris. The outline is below, but it can be read in it's entirety at The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/empty-chair-church/
Staying Home Is the Best Way to Love My Church
Staying Home Is the Best Way to Love My Church
Staying Home Is the Best Way to Love My Family
Staying Home Is the Best Way to Love My Family
Don’t Make Assumptions
Pray and Reach Out
Avoid Labels
6.24.2020 Wednesday
Added to the Wall of Valour.
Edutainment for kids & adults! Watch and learn together as a family. Liberty's Kids is a 40-episode animation series (23 mins each) about two teenage reporters cover the events of the American Revolutionary War for Ben Franklin’s newspaper, The Philadelphia Gazette. James, an American colonist, brings the rebels’ point of view to life while Sarah, a young Englishwoman stranded by fate in America, gives us the British viewpoint in her letters to her mother back in London. Meanwhile, in Paris, Ben Franklin creates strong diplomatic bonds with France, America’s first and staunchest ally. Caught on opposite sides of the hostilities, Ben’s teenage reporters confront the real, physical dangers of the conflict, forced to choose between their friendship and their countries, their understanding of good and evil, and the moral dilemmas of war. All the while trying to look after mischievous Henri, an immigrant French boy whose comical escapades constantly lead to trouble, as they bear witness to the high points of the American revolution. Enjoy!
6.21.2020 Sunday. Father's Day slideshow. Words below.
MAN of FAITH by the Blythe Family
Verse 1
There are men around the world who live for themselves
But when you walk in the room I see someone else
You say you're not perfect but I know the truth
And I'd like to tell you what I see in you
CHORUS
I see a man of God who lives what he believes
A man who shows the world what a Christian should be
I've watch your life that why I can say I see a real man of faith
Verse 2
You're a man of devotion a man of your word
Walking everyday in the step of the Lord
You're still standing strong after all you've been through
Oh how this world needs more men like you
CHORUS
BRIDGE
I see a warrior a soldier a hero in my eyes
I see a man who's not afraid to stand for what is right
CHORUS
I see a real man of faith
6.20.2020 Saturday
Sunday's Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Be in prayer for church worship services reopening onsite tomorrow.
Happy Father's Day! I'd like to share the devotional below from D. James Kennedy Ministries' Your Daily Truth which I pray will challenge, uplift and encourage our fathers (and mothers) at church to press on for your children for God's glory.
From Wednesday, Jun 10, 2020
Godly Dads
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
— Ephesians 6:4
Are you a father? If so, how is your relationship with your children? Are you enjoying a close, nurturing relationship or tolerating a distant, divided one?
Karl Marx once said that in order to take over any nation, one must create a breach between one generation and the next, preventing the transfer of strong values, morals, and beliefs. We saw this in our own nation as the famed “generation gap” between the youth of the sixties and the generation before them came closer to dividing fathers from sons and daughters than anything else in the history of this country. Since that time, we’ve seen the unraveling of the moral fabric of our nation, making our country vulnerable to influences of all kinds.
But we can have hope. The last verses of the Old Testament describe the greatly anticipated Day of the Lord, saying that just before Christ returns, God “will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6). At that time, children and their fathers will bond together once again. Even now we’ve begun to see a uniting, in heart and mind, of fathers with their sons and daughters.
Are you a father? If so, what part do you play in this promised bonding? Before you know it, your children will be gone. What spiritual and emotional legacy will your children carry with them into adulthood?
I hope that on Father’s Day this year all of us who are dads will commit to being godly fathers, bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We need to teach our children the doctrines of our holy religion. We need to pray with them and for them, especially in these days of moral decline. Today, pray that God will give you the strength and courage necessary to devote your life to Him and to be a godly father.
“I believe . . . that husbands hold the keys to the preservation of the family.”
James Dobson
6.13.2020 Saturday
Sunday's Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Video #5 updated. This is a 5-part video series lectures given by the Colson Center titled, "A Crash Course in Worldview and Culture."
FREE Kids Cooking Virtual Summer Camp. Virtual Classes & Prizes Every Day Between June 17-24, 2020. Check it out and REGISTER HERE!
Send your Father's Day ASAP, dad with kids photo, to Pastor John for the slideshow on Sunday, June 21, 2020. johnchen@katyccc.org.
6.10.2020 Wednesday
My parents immigrated our family to America in 1971 almost 50 years ago because of the "American Dream seeking a "better life" opportunity for their kids. There's nothing wrong with that, and practically every immigrants have that similar ideal. The reality is America is still the land of opportunity and where freedom and liberty exists unapologetically (at the moment still), and the #1 "dream" destination for immigrants and illegal aliens alike.
I bring all that up to say that the America I called home on earth is slowing fading away before my eyes; devolving into a country which is becoming unrecognizable. I say these in light of recent protests, lootings and riotings, and destruction. I won't get into all the details because the problems are multifaceted, for example, it's politics, government, education, religion, political, power control, greed, etc. But I believe at the heart of all those components of our society, it's the breakdown of the nuclear family that is the biological family. Since as a youngster in high school, I remember clearly as yesterday one of my teachers taught that "the nuclear family is the basic building block of all societies. Once go the nuclear family, there goes the foundation of a society." What we are seeing today around the country didn't happen overnight, but the foundation has be crumbling and eroding in America for the past 60 years. We are seeing and reaping the fruits of it today. And if there are no rebuilding, strengthening and stabilizing of the nuclear family, there can only be worse to come. Many people ask me why do you stick around in "Children Ministry?" This would be one of the reasons. The foundation need to be restored.....
So much more can be said about the current upheavals around our country, but let's be clear, THERE IS ONLY ONE RACE: THE HUMAN RACE. There is only one blood from the blood of Adam. We are all made in the image of God uniquely, special and equally in significance. Above all that, we, our sins, are paid for by one blood, by the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the Cross. And in all this chaos, do not forget the real war is not in the physical realm, but the battles are spiritual, fought in the heavenlies. If the Evil One can't get you (but some of the times he does), Satan will be after your children. That's how it works with him. So while most of us are still at home with our kids for the next few months, let's make best use of our times engaging with them; playing with them, teaching them, guiding-leading them, discipling them in the way of the Lord. Some of our families might need to make drastic changes for the sake of the spiritual, eternal condition of your children. Perhaps it's homeschooling your child with a biblical worldview in all subject matters (we've all had a taste of homeschooling for the past couple of months). Or perhaps it's becoming a single-income family (or setting around work schedules so that one parent is home when kids come back from school). If any one of these two changes are pursued, it won't be easy and there will be "sacrifices" needed by you. However, the greater the sacrifice, the greater the gain typically. Whatever the changes are needed big or small, take it to the Lord in prayer. He will answer and help you.
Let me finish with one of my yesterday's devotional readings from D. James Kennedy Ministries' Your Daily Truth which shines a spotlight on one of the foundational problems of our culture today.
Tuesday, Jun 9, 2020
Honor to Parents
Honor to Parents
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” — Exodus 20:12
Do you remember the old slogan from the sixties “Never trust anyone over thirty”? For many in our culture, “authority” has become a dirty word. While all authority figures have been the target of this attitude, it seems particularly directed toward parental authority. But God, who is outside our ever-fluctuating social trends, tells us something quite different. In fact, He commands the opposite. In the Fifth Commandment, He tells us to honor our parents.
Some people suppose that this commandment deals only with children obeying their parents. It is true that when we are children, we must obey our parents, but later we can honor them, show them respect, and care for them. As we grow into adulthood, our relationships with our parents and our responses to their authority will determine our responses to other authority figures. In our egalitarian society, we tend to lose sight of the fact that the world consists of relationships between superiors and subordinates—teacher to student, employer to employee, and God to creature, for example. So the Fifth Commandment addresses an aspect of human nature that extends to every phase of a person’s life.
What do we gain by obeying this commandment? God tells us that if we honor our parents we will have long lives. Although this promise is a general principle and not an unconditional promise, we often see that people who honor their parents live to a ripe old age.
How is your relationship with your parents? Do you honor them? Whether they are living or dead, you can show respect to them. How can you honor your parents today?
“The thing that impresses me most about America is the way parents obey their children.” - Duke Of Wellington
6.6.2020 Saturday
Sunday's Elementary Kids Church Worship is ready!
Reorganized the Family Resources page to its categories. Let me know what things will help you with your family @Home.
3. This is a 5-part video series lectures given by the Colson Center titled, "A Crash Course in Worldview and Culture." This short course is for parents, young adults, college, high school, and junior high schoolers to understand the time in which we live.
This might be a too deep for upper elementary, but they can still try to listen in and glean as much as possible! Worthy of table top discussion with you parents.
Sorry I'm missing video #5. When I receive the email, I will update.
UPDATE: Video #5 available. 6.13.2020.
Day 1, 3/23 Recording: Fish Don’t Know They're Wet: Why (and How) Culture Matters - John Stonestreet
Day 2, 3/24 Recording: The Moment and the Story: Why (and How) Worldview Matters - Brett Kunkle
Day 3, 3/25 Recording: Worldview Essentials: Grounding our Faith in the Bible - Sean McDowell
Day 4, 3/26 Recording: Being Alone Together in the Information Age: Technology and Social Media - Brett Kunkle
Day 5, 3/27 Recording: Bad Ideas Have Victims: What the Sexual Revolution Has Done to Us - John Stonestreet
5.30.2020 Saturday
Sunday's Kids Church is ready!
I just love last week and this week's passages. Parents, the events where Jesus with Nicodemus (last week), and Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well are pure evangelistic, apologetic messages for you to present Jesus the Messiah to your kids as their Saviour and Lord! Don't miss this opportunity to lead your kids in worship and pray for the Holy Spirit to do the work of awaking, convicting and regenerating their souls! Maybe you're not sure of your own salvation in Jesus. You can be sure and secured to become a child of God today. God's knocking on the door of your life. Let go and let Him in, and take full control of your life in everything. Pray and tell Him the desires of your heart. Admit you're a sinner before a Holy God, repent, and be forgiven through Christ's payment/death on the cross, and be reborn with a new life in Christ. Come, drink from the Living Water.
5.28.2020 Thursday
I'd like to share one of my Thursday's devotionals from D. James Kennedy Ministries' Your Daily Truth.
Sorrow And Sympathy
“… the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
— 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV
The problem of suffering, or as C. S. Lewis called it, “the problem of pain” has troubled believers for centuries. In fact, an entire book of the Bible—Job—addresses the issue of enduring pain and sorrow. Why does God allow us to go through heartbreaking times of tribulation? Have you ever asked that question? Have you ever cried in despair to God, desperately asking, “Why?” Maybe you’re experiencing suffering even now. And if you’re like the rest of us, you want nothing more than to purge yourself of all pain, trouble, hurt, and sorrow.
Despite our desperate cries, God often doesn’t remove troubles and sorrows from our lives. Why? Because God uses suffering to prepare us for helping others. Through our troubles and sorrows, God molds us into sympathetic and compassionate people. The Bible speaks of comforting those in trouble through the comfort that we ourselves have received from God. Only those who have endured the shadow, who have known suffering and trouble, can adequately comfort others.
In the Old Testament, when a man was ordained to the priesthood, he had water sprinkled on his head, his hands, and his feet. We who are the priests of God, in the universal priesthood of all believers in the new covenant, experience a baptism of tears that prepares us for the office of sympathy.
Where did Paul get the wisdom to write his comforting epistles? Where did David get the inspiration to write those solacing psalms that play such an important role in every believer’s life? Where did John get the foresight to write that tremendously hopeful conclusion to the book of Revelation? Each one of them gained the ability to comfort others by experiencing his own tears.
If you know someone experiencing hard times right now, comfort that person. Pray for him or her. Show sympathy and compassion. And if you are enduring a difficult time, don’t view it as a hopeless, needless tragedy. Perhaps God is using your trial to prepare you for an important work. Ask God today to transform your sorrows into sympathy and empathy.
“Sweet are the uses of adversity.” William Shakespeare
5.27.2020 Wednesday
Everything's been different to say the least for everyone in the past couple of month or so, and will be for a little longer. The last couple of weeks in particular were supposed to be graduations for elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities full of celebrations, parties, trips, friends and graduation ceremonies across the U.S. They were to say "good-byes" to a chapter of life that signaled a stalwart completion, and usher in "hellos" to a new chapter full of welcoming challenges, opportunities and growth. But it was all canceled because of COVID-19.
Nevertheless, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to all graduates! This is an extra special year for you, and only you can own it. God bless, lead/guide you if you follow Him with all of your heart, mind, spirit and strength, Luke 10:27. You can get through this without all the typical flares. Look straight ahead at the Cross of Christ. As the Good Book says, "When you put your hand to the plow, don't look back," Luke 9:62, so that you may be fit for the service in the Kingdom of God. May God direct every breath and every step you take. May you breathe in God's Holy Word, and keep in steps with Him, so that you may succeed in the Spirit for the next chapter of your life story.
You probably didn't have a commencement speech, so allow me to point you to this one given on 7/26/2020 by Congressman Dan Crenshaw of Texas 2nd Congressional District:
"This isn’t the typical graduation for 2020 seniors this year, so I wanted to give graduating students a commencement speech that matched the moment. 2020 graduates may feel like they’re being robbed of everything that makes their last year of school memorable - prom, parties, graduation with their friends. But students graduating from school this year are being gifted something that many previous graduates did not receive: perspective. And that perspective will mean something throughout their lives, and give them strength, resilience, and fortitude."
5.23.2020 Saturday
Tomorrow, Sunday's Kids Church is ready, and new additions to the Wall of Valour!
The Liberty Kids is a wonderful "educatainment" video series for kids and adults alike in learning about the history of the founding of America. Each run about 20 mins long, so screen time is manageable. Here is Episode 1 starting with The Boston Tea Party part 1. I think there's 40+ episodes!
I along with my family want to express our thanksgiving and appreciation for all your support in prayers, loving kindness and care! We give thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father every time we think of you.
A lot has happened this past week for the continuing diagnosis of my hip fractures. To sum it all up, we praise God that I will pursue the no surgery route. There was really a blessing in disguise in all this. I've been especially tired and slept more than usual this past week, but I will update more in a few days how God has made everything good for us in the past 5 weeks.
I want us to remember that a week ago, 5/16, Mr. Alfred our friend, Sunday school teacher, co-laborer for the souls of our kids, and a brother in Jesus Christ, passed into glory embraced by God. Today marked the funeral and burial. Please continue to lift up Mrs. Debra and their sons in your prayers that God shed extra measure of His grace to comfort and give them peace. We shall miss Mr. Alfred's presence on earth with us, but in Christ our Saviour, we shall meet again in The Celestial City!
He was loved by his PK & 3rd grader Sunday school kids, and parents alike.
5.16.2020 Saturday
This Sunday's Kids Church is ready! God bless your family worship time! Check out the Wall of Valour!
Thank you brothers and sisters in Christ for praying, and your help in many ways!
Yesterday, Friday, I got the MRI report from my orthopedic doctor. The "unexpected" revelation is another fracture called the "Intertrochanteric Fracture" (ITF). This is a complete break, and a severe one because the femur is a weight bearing structure.
The vertical down arrow shows the diagonal ITF from the greater trochanter to the lesser trochanter. In my case, my lesser trochanter was pulled off of the femur now located at the horizontal arrow.
We thank God this fracture was finally revealed through MRI even though it is one month from injury. A couple of positives are 1) that I do not have much pain at the bone level unless I turn my foot/leg too much. Most of the pain is muscular from the thigh-long bruising from internal bleeding. 2) It is a nondisplaced fracture meaning the bones are still aligned where it should be, and not shifted apart laterally.
Pray with us for wisdom that God would provide the right surgeon, correct evaluation, and procedure going forward.
From what we've gathered so far, there are 2 routes; surgery with internal fixation or no surgery.
Surgery with internal fixation will have "immediate" relief to stabilizing the hip from further injuries which might cause displacement (bones out of alignment). Physical therapy can start within a few days, but in my case there's the additional break of the lesser trochanter. The drawback is that every surgery carries risks during the procedure, and post-operation with infections, etc.
There are good arguments for no surgery. The fracture is nondisplaced. It's been 1 month since the injury. Did you know that in God's design, the bones continue to grow and replenishes and can heal itself? Bones will have "union" (grow back together) to be "stable" generally in between 6-10 weeks. I am 4 weeks into "healing" process without knowing it. The question before us is how unionized is this fracture? Every excessive stretch or pull will cause some nonunion and prolong the healing. Being that the MRI showed nondisplacement after 4 weeks is a good sign. The drawbacks of no surgery are that it takes much longer to heal. And if there are accidental twists or pulls or another major injury before union/stabilization, the process would be prolonged and risk for displacement.
Pray for God's protection on my right hip. I have 2 consultations with orthopedic surgeons in the coming week. Pray for God's wisdom for the surgeons for what to do going forward.
5.14.2020 Thursday
How's everyone's Mother's Day last Sunday? For those of us who's moms are still with us, I hope you were able to grow closer together. And for those who's moms have gone ahead, I pray it was a day of wonderful reflection and remembrance. Here's our Mother's Day slideshow if you'd like to view it again.
Our site has a new page called Wall of Valour! It's a "wall to showcase crafts, activities, general creativities of you and our kids during this lockdown season. So send your photos, poems, drawings, etc., to johnchen@katyccc.org to be on the Wall of Valour!
Yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, I had an MRI scan done on my hip because there's a "suspicious" longitudinal line on my upper femur. This was brought to my attention by one of my cousins who saw my x-rays. He's a diagnostic radiologist in Boston. I will get the report from the radiologist here at Houston MRI & Diagnostic Imaging-Katy by Friday. Thank God for this cousin, and let's pray with us that the suspicious line is not a fracture.
On another note, this is my first MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and it was a rather fascinating experience. You're slid into this tube, and then try to lie completely still for 30 mins (duration of my hip scan). And then the "rock music" starts! The "noise" (the sound waves) the machine makes is louder than at a rock & roll concert! Really. Yes, I was given ear plugs before going into the tube or else I would have lost some hearing. The machine makes deep thumping sounds, high pitch squeals, other noise in between, and plays in various patterns. It was difficult to relax and not move. The thumping made my heart race the whole time. I estimate around 120-130 bpm. But at the end, I survived, and came out of it intact. The cost wasn't cheap though compared to an x-ray. But I was given a CD of my MRI right away. Upon viewing it at home, it is very, very cool seeing the inside of yourself!
Amazing how God has given mankind the ability to think and invent things like these. Without a doubt, we are created beings (not the evolving theory), we are made in the image of the Creator God. Let's have spiritual eyes to see the heavenly things of God, like the MRI "seeing" the inside things of our bodies.
5.10.2020 Saturday
This Sunday's Kids Church is ready! Parents, may it bring intimacy to your whole family as you lead your kids to worship the Lord together.
How is your family church @home going? That good..? Or that good..! I've heard families got together and Zoom Worshiped using the self-guided, parent-led Kids Church online. That is fantastic!
I'm a big proponent of nuclear family worshiping together because there are significant life long value in it that become part of a child's spiritual life. Maybe we can explore deeper what that means in the near future. But if you're struggling during family church time, don't give up; help is here!
This article How to Engage Your Kids in Online Church in 3 Easy Steps can set you in the right direction. The 3 steps are:
Be All There
Manage Expectations
Encourage Active Listening
Go to the article for an easy read, and get a start on growing spiritual together as a family unit by worshiping together.
Below are 2 worship graphics for the visual kids and adults. Print them out to remind you along the way.
5.2.2020 Saturday
This Sunday's Kids Church is ready! Parents, may it bring intimacy to your whole family as you lead your kids to worship the Lord together.
KIDS! Check this link to see and understand how broken bones mend and heal all by itself! Faithful and amazing is our God!! Don't miss the little slideshow at the end of the article.
Welcome to May! Can you believe it's already May? I can't. As you probably know, Texas started to "open up" yesterday (with measured cautions)! There are people on both sides of this motion to reopen or not yet to open, but we can all agree that much continuing prayers are needed. We shall pray for all sectors of life, and mostly, in and through all this "meditative time at home," that our nation will be awakened, and returned to the priorities of the Creator God. Seeking God first, repent of our sins against His Holiness, justice delivered, and redemption applied, so that there'll come the day, we shall see true peace in our land once again.
Thank you for many praying and caring brothers and sisters in Christ. Last Thursday, 4/30, marked about 2 weeks after my hip fracture as I returned to my orthopedic doctor to get a follow-up x-ray. After examination and assessment, there is a chip of bone off the top of the socket cup which not much can be done. My doctor concluded that there's no other hairline fractures, therefore, no need for an MRI. Surgery is possible, but unnecessary given the invasive nature of it. The bones will heal naturally, and I will be "good as new" returning to 90-95% of pre-fractured strength. God's design of the human anatomy is marvelous; praise the Lord! Praises and prayers for:
Praise God for good prognosis, and for family and friends.
Being careful in moving around for the next month as the bones "callus," grow back together that I might not tear the healing process and re-injure it.
Pray for a successful recovery.
Praise God we are spending ALL the days of our lives together as a family. But we might have lost conversations that are directed and productive which "fosters a heart for God and serving others." If that's your family, here's a quick help starter from "Godly Parent".
Give it a read, and print out the PDF! Set it on your dining table and put it to practice, practice and practice. You all might eventually come up with your own questions that's significant to your family.
Parenting is both hard and heart work. God bless your endeavors! Proverbs 16:24, "Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
National Day of Prayer Guide For Kids.pdfMay 7, 1st Thursday!
May 7, 1st Thursday!
"The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible." https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org
Download & print the 10 Ways for Kids to Pray PDF to help you pray together!
4.29.2020 Wednesday
Human anatomy has got to be God's greatest design in Creation. In the past 12 days, I've relearned a bunch from my college days; fascinating and amazing once again! The x-ray is my actual break of the right Lesser Trochanter (left circle). The right circle is the normal attachment to the femur.
The two major muscles, Psoas Major & Iliacus, are attached to the Lesser Trochanter by tendons. These are "flexor" muscles are strong hip muscles for bringing my leg up to the chest and swing back behind.
The impact was so traumatic that the flexor muscles reflexed and contracted so fast and hard, they pulled the Lesser Trochanter clear off of my right femur. It was painful, but the loss of leg movement and the inability of getting up was a very strange and eerie sensation which I've never felt before.
Today, one of my high school teachers and soccer coach, Dr. Watson, reminded me of "these days of 'in sickness and in health' we often times say so glibly in our wedding vows!" So true isn't it when one has been fairly healthy and injury free?! And now it's being tested. We shall not falter when we stand on the Rock with God.
Embrace your spouse today as if it is your wedding day.....!
From the bottom of our hearts we thank many church families for showering us with prayers and caring through food. Thank you!
Please pray for my 2 week follow-up with my orthopedic doctor this coming Thursday, tomorrow.
I'll get an x-ray to see where and how the realigning of bones are with the swelling going down. Pray that the healing is on target.
Also I've developed other pains on the top and outer femur about 5 days ago. I'll ask the doc about that, so pray for knowledge and wisdom for the doc to make the correct diagnosis.
Pray for good x-ray images to show (or not) if I have any other fractures.
Thank you and God bless you!
4.24.2020 Friday
This Sunday's Elementary Kids Church is ready! I hope it bring a worship @home experience that you treasure.
This past week has been some struggles. The bruising peaked about 1 week later from injury, so my whole inner thigh is a nice black/blue/purple/yellow patch! Kids were really "impressed" by all the colors. JohnJohn started looking for his bruises on his body to show me. Ha! Other pains started to develop especially when my leg turns a little to the left or right. Most notably is on the top side of the outer femur. I think this is where the fall impacted my hip. Thank God again for my wife who has to do everything....! Kids have new jobs, too, like "cushion bearer," "chair pusher," "crutch fetcher." Please lift us up in your prayers. Thank you!
4.18.2020 Saturday
I went to see the orthopedic doctor yesterday. Good news! He does not recommend surgery (at this point). The break is specifically off around the top of the femur leg bone. Unfortunately, there are 2 leg muscles which are attached to the lesser trochanter, so now contraction/extension is not possible. It'll take a couple of weeks for the swelling to go down for the bones to re-align, and start to "fuse." Right now it's 2 cm apart because of the internal bleeding. Then 3 months of bone growth/fusing; I shant move much during this time. And then 1 1/2 year of rehab..... This is the process if all goes well.
I have to thank God for my wife who's taking on all responsibilities even helping me into bed and pulling up off of the bed. That's a struggle, but thank God I can still go to the restroom, all #1 and #2, by myself. Would be kind of awkward to have someone wipe you clean; that time shant not come, yet! I was still putting on diaper on our #4 kid! I thank God for the 4 little helpers to move my seats, bring water, food, pillows, crutches or anything that I call for. God is good!
As I think of this past week and how we're doing so far in this "shelter in place" order, and how not only to "get through it," but grow from it as a family, it really has to start with God's design and His institution of marriage. If you're struggling, I invite you to take a look and listen together with your spouse. This is from Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, the church which I grew up, and where EE was founded. Praise the Lord always!
4.16.2020 Thursday
Being in a COVID-19 Lockdown is one thing, but being physically locked-in and "helpless" is another! Last night I took a big fall on the street in front of our house, and the severe impact on the cement curb broke my hip. The diagnosis from the radiologist is "avulsion fracture involving the lesser trochanter which is avulsed and separated by 2 cm from the main femoral neck." Long story short, it's a rare sports type injury in adolescents. Its pain level is 10, and I cannot walk. I'll be seeing an orthopedic doctor this afternoon to assess options and treatments. Pray to God for me when you get an opportunity. Thank you.
I'm a little bummed since my blogs page only started a couple of days ago. So in the near future, this page might be sporadic as I get accustomed to my immobility.
4.15.2020 Wednesday
It's been a month now since we've started the shutting down process from school from church from work, and from each other. I'm sure the month at home has been harder for some than others. Even for us, who have been doing homeschooling/co-op for the past couple of years with 4 kids, it hasn't been "bug free." In fact, I can probably safely say that tensions at home has multiplied. We all struggle similarly because we have all been transmitted and are carriers of the sinful nature. In light of this reality as children of God, we are not without hope and cure! My encouragement as we go through each day is to be mindful of these before our actions:
Thank God for placing you into your specific family. Really; think about that and thank God. Imagine and think if you are missing your son(s) and/or daughter(s) right now.... And if you are a child, imagine and think if you are missing your father and/or mother right now.... Or your spouse right now. What would your family be like? How diminishingly different that might be in your family?
Pray and ask God for more grace upon you. We know that it is the grace of God that we are loved and saved. I believe we want to love our spouse and our kids even more during this time, but 24/7, it is so hard some times. What can we do but in humility ask God to increase grace in our daily lives (James 4:6). In many ways the ones who have experienced abundant grace from God are the ones who can show grace to others abundantly (Romans 5:20).
These two points are just quick thoughts, but I think foundational to live in harmony at home. Let's thank God for each and every member of our family, and ask God to increase His grace in us. When the next inevitably irritating situation or circumstance come, remember, the blood of Jesus Christ washes us clean. I hope you've had a bless Resurrection Easter week. Until next time.
4.14.2020 Tuesday
Hi Parents and kids! Blogging and this page is brand new to me, but I am excited about starting it! During this Lockdown, I'm hoping to share my thoughts as well as some of our common struggles living 24/7, body-to-body at home together. But above it all, I hope you will find encouragements through some practical tips, and most importantly, through the Word of God with a biblical worldview living godly family lives.
I aim to put in an entry at least every other day or more often when timely, so check back often. With the Holy Spirit's help, we can grow spiritually, and get through this together.
In Christ Alone, Pastor John
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