Almost Christian?

CNN has put a thoughtful article on "Christianity"-if you could call it that-of teenagers and their parents. I highly recommend checking this out. 

One of the article's points is that many teenagers don't believe in the gospel but this:

....."a moralistic therapeutic deism." Translation: It's a watered-down faith that portrays God as a "divine therapist" whose chief goal is to boost people's self-esteem.

Unfortunately very accurate in my experience with youth. But also accurate was the author's challenge for parents to explain WHY they do certain things. Is it their faith which moves them to show love for others, or are things done out of moralism? Without explanation, because truth is best taught while it is being caught, we leave our children with nothing but "the gospel of niceness." I love that line.

The last very helpful point the author raises, which all centers around Kendra Chrissy Dean in her book Almost Christian, is the negative affect parents can have on their children's spirituality. Youth are now growing up noticing there is little difference between Christians and non-Christians. Here's but a small suburban example.

The parents next door don't claim to be Christian, and have no qualms about skipping church for sports or any other activity that pops up. But I wonder how many Christian parents even ask the question, "What is this teaching my child, and what will be the best for HIS or HER faith down the road?" Regardless of where you land with the church and sporting events, and what is acceptable or not acceptable in regards to participation in such Sunday activities, it's hard to argue against simply asking and honestly answering that question.

With Connar growing up loving anything to do with "balls," I'll soon be fighting this battle-but battles can be well worth it.  It is foolish to think that years of any behavior which ignores Jesus' daily Lordship will go unnoticed by our kids. Guess what commitment to the gospel and church they'll soon have if they don't see it in us. Will we continue to see kids grow up to be "Almost Christian?" I hope not, but this is a sobering reminder to parents, pastors, children and youth workers. 

Deepika Padukone In Red saree Dress-

Deepika lokks very sexy and cool in red colour saree or dress.
see Deepika's Sexy look here Deepika in red saree also

Back to School: Laptop Chic

If you're on-the-go like us, then you're used to toting everything around on your shoulders: money, makeup, cell phone, and laptop. With the ability to type your class notes (or more likely to distract yourself from a boring lecture by checking out the latest PDR post), a laptop is a fundamental accessory to just about all college students. And, to keep your laptop safe and sound as you tote it around town, you need to invest in a sturdy, but stylish, laptop sleeve. Here are some laptop sleeves that will keep your computer warm and snug, but will still look good in the process:

Nothing says girly like a pink laptop sleeve!  For all your computing on the go we like this retro looking sleeve by be.ez.

Who said class is boring?  Obviously someone who did not have this fun and stylish laptop sleeve.  Choose a fun print that expresses your personality, like this one, handmade by Etsy seller bertiescloset!  

You can never go wrong with polka dots!  The colors on the sleeve will certainly brighten even the most intense study session. Available on Amazon.

 Just because you're stuck in NJ studying for your midterms doesn't mean you can't at least pretend you are sunning yourself in the tropics.  Add a little summer to your fall with this warm and bright sleeve, available at Target.

Calling all fashionistas!  The search for a chic case that can turn your laptop into a stylish accessory is finally over thanks to our finding this beauty, exclusively available at Urban Outfitters.

Vintage charm, bold colors, and the unique Navajo print make this sleeve, from Zappos, really stand out from the crowd!

Talk about practical!  This case is fun and casual, but still fashionable enough to take you from class work to class act in no time. We especially love this designer case, for sale at Walmart, for it's separate storage pocket that can safely secure loose items.

Time to surf the interweb!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

"shorter" thoughts

In order to graduate from RTS-Orlando, we had to pass a bible proficiency exam as well as memorize the answers to many questions from the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The WSC includes a number of questions and answers that help sum up some main teachings and themes of the bible and form part of the "constitution" of ours and many Reformed denominations.

Sometimes people elevate the overall document we call the Westminster Standards too highly, and put them on par with the bible. Folks like me, who take a few exceptions (conscience bound disagreements over applications of the documents) here and there, can soon become the "bad guys" and may have some fun getting ordained. 

Nevertheless the misuse of something potentially good, by people who consider themselves "Truly Reformed" shouldn't cause us to throw the whole thing out. I don't want to be that Angry Reformed "likes-to-theologically-fight-guy" who is just always angry at the unrighteousness of others (often overlooking his own arrogance or lack of joy). I recently met a pastor like this. 

But we need not turn into likes-to-fight guy, just for knowing the same stuff. I used this C.D. put out by a seminary buddy named Bruce Benedict to assist in my memorization. The thing I like most about this music is that it is actually good. And memorizing it to music with a guitar and percussion has allowed much of the lyrics (simply the Q and A) from the catechism to stick even now. They're not like Barney songs which stick and then you want to get rid of them.

In fact, when I was preaching on Ruth 4 a few weeks ago, I noticed the book didn't end with Naomi holding a baby, but with a genealogy ending in David. The book was really about King David, who then points us to King Jesus. So the sermon's application questions were 1.) what does a King do 2.) and what would it look like in your life today?

I thought back to how "Jesus executes the office of a King." WSC 26 includes his duties as "ruling" and "defending." There's other stuff, there, but the main ways Jesus operates as King is by ruling and defending. So I emphasized letting him rule (Lordship over all of life) and letting him protect (trusting him to deliver). 

Its not just good for preaching, but for life. How would you define sin, which can be nebulous at times? Well the WSC gives us a fairly complete definition to work with: a lack of conformity or transgression against the will of God. Now others have come and fleshed that out a bit more, but at least you have a foundation. At least you can share or defend what sin is to others in a simple trustworthy way.

Anyhow, just wanted to share with you the benefits of having some grasp on the WSC.

Bobby looking

Not a lot of Bobby news lately, but here is a fun picture.



Enjoy!

Finding the life you've always wanted in retirement

I came across this book the other day when I was searching through Amazon.com. I've learned over the years that publishers often get the final say when naming books, just as newspapers do when they publish articles from "contributing religion editors" like myself in Bradenton (even though one of my "spiritual gifts" is naming sermons and articles.)

Anyhow, I think the title of this book is quite telling of an American audience that either embraces its career as an idol or considers it non-redeemable: The Joy of Retirement: Finding happiness, Freedom, and the life you always wanted.  How sad a picture of work and life that "the life you always wanted" would really be found upon retiring. I'm thankful for those retired folks like my Grandma who continues to use her retired life to graciously and generously minister to her family, friends, and church family. I'm wondering if this "life we've always wanted" means self-autonomy or real love for others. Standard untamed American retirement almost always leans toward the former.

Deepika Padukone Sexy Wallpapers