Why I'm celebrating the Day after the Election

Although much of the election results did not go in the direction that our family would have chosen, I do believe that there are many things to celebrate about Election 2008:

• A record turnout at the polls ~ It's been many years since this many people have taken a passionate interest in our government. Any time that there is an increase in people exercising the freedom that we enjoy in this country to vote, it's a good thing.
• An African-American won the highest office in the land ~ Regardless as to whether I support (or agree with) his views or morality, I believe it's an incredible thing for us to finally state as a country that any individual, regardless of ethnicity, can be our President. After decades of, frankly, shameful treatment it is worth a major celebration. Now, though, a new "racism" is rearing it's ugly head and turning back the clock...our country was founded to provide freedom of religion, but we are rapidly trying to turn it into freedom FROM religion.
• A public discussion of values ~ One of the things I value about election times, even though they get ugly, is that these times give me an opportunity to hear and to talk about the values that individuals hold dear. It is one of the few times these days that Biblical values are allowed to be discussed in the public forum. It is also a fantastic time for me to hear what my neighbors, friends, and country values so that I know how to pray for them and to give direction to the church in the coming days so as to help those around discover the values that really matter.
• We get to experience History ~ All too often I think we take it for granted in our country as to how unique we are in world history. We are a relatively young nation who have experienced the entirety of our history in a grand experiment called democracy. Few other countries have survived the experiment. We often, even in modern history, balance on the edge of failure when it comes to democracy. I don't want to miss the realization that we are living in history-making moments akin to those grand moments we studied in our textbooks.
• We are living in Spiritually Hungry Times ~ I believe that Americans have looked around and have found too few things to satisfy their souls. I believe that now is a crucial time for the church to step out of the clouds of condescension and condemnation and to BE the church. Even though people want the government to save them, no one trusts those IN government -- what a time for the church to resume her post as the people who serve the needy, the hopeless, the lost and the hurting. What a time to talk about the things that really matter.
• Cynicism against the government reminds us that only changed hearts change culture ~ We as Christians and non-Christians have looked for far too long to our government to declare morality for our nation. This election should scream loudly a reminder that it is only in the teaching of and the trust in a personal Jesus that we find true morality. I may scream against the moral crime of abortion, but until Jesus is allowed to turn selfishness into self-sacrifice in a young mom's heart she will continue to cry for her personal choice over that of an unborn child. I can't change a heart. A law can't change a heart. God changes hearts, and Him alone. What an opportunity for the church to rise up in loving declaration and reveal the God who is in the business of changing people from the inside out.

No, every issue in the election did not go the way I would have liked it to go...but I serve a God who is still on the throne and who orchestrates the twists and turns of nations to ultimately bring glory to Him and to usher in a Kingdom the likes of which the world has never seen!

Crumpled Paper and Carving Pumpkins

This last Friday Kiley and I were picking up kids from school. We had picked up Ian and were hanging around visiting with parents while we waited for Brendon's class to let out.

Ian was playing with one of his classmates and I noticed him pull a crumpled up piece of paper out of his pocket and hand it to his friend. They talked about it excitedly for a moment and then his friend ran the paper over to his mom, with whom Kiley was visiting.

The mom opened the crumpled paper and I noticed it was an invitation to our Pumpkin Carving Sunday in a couple weeks. I cringed at the crumpled paper and was about ready to try and apologize for my son keeping it wadded up in his pocket all day, when the mom ready it and looked up at Kiley and said, "Can we come to this?" (What were going to say to that?!)

She went on to unpack her story for us. She shared with us some of her background, upbringing and religion and then said, "My husband and I have been thinking about helping our kids find some direction and we'd like to try your church. We see your church everywhere in our community and want to try it." She had some other questions about what to expect, and then committed to coming to try it out for her family.

I was convicted. We have known this family for several years and slowly built a relationship with them.

But my five-year-old son, with the bold innocence that only a child has, made a simple ask of a friend and it may very well make an eternal difference.

I'm proud of him.

It was later that his teacher (who happens to be a friend) told us how Ian was running around to everyone on the playground and inviting them. When they would turn him down, there was no discouragement, he simply went on to ask the next person.

Oh to have the faith of a child....

Jesus Moments

So, I've been attempting to use car rides to school for some teaching moments.

My latest endeavor has been to challenge the boys on the way to school to think about one thing they can do that day that Jesus would want them to do. I promise to ask them after school.

So, on the first day we were sitting around the supper table together and I asked the question, "What did you do today that you think Jesus wanted you to do?"

Brendon -- "I invited a friend to go to AWANA because I thought it might be good for him and he might enjoy it..." and then, a little quieter, "...and I get points when he comes."

Ok, he's close, but the motivation needs some help. :-)

Ian -- (said without any hesitation or thought) "I went to the library!"

"You think going to the library was what Jesus wanted you to do today?"

"Yep."

"Why?"

"Because I got a book called 'Backyard Detective' that teaches me about the stuff in my backyard that God made."

Hmmm...his associative skills astound me, but I probably have some more work to do as we drive in the mornings.

Slash?

It seems like all my current family stories are about Ian and a bathroom. I guess that's just the season of life for the Skor Family these days.

Last night, Ian was taking a bath and stepped out to go to the bathroom.

I was in talking to Brendon when I heard the Ian "bathroom yell" but this time it was different. When I heard it, I looked into the hall and locked eyes with Kiley as if to ask, "Did I just hear what I thought I heard?" She nodded her head...we both promptly about fell over laughing at our child.

So what did he yell? I'll tell you in a minute...but let me ask you, after I tell you, answer this question for me...where did he learn THIS?

Here's what he yelled (I'm typing it word for word as he said it):

"I'm done going potty slash taking a bath!"

Slash?

What's he learning in Kindergarten these days?

Laughing at my children

Tonight both boys made me laugh:

• Brendon learned that he can't winner in a towel-snapping duel with his dad. No welts, bruises or broken skin...but when dad has a wet towel in his hand...Brendon has a newly-found respect!
• Ian was showing me his "aquarium display" in his room. Many of his animals set up in various displays which he talked me through. As I saw what looked like a T-rex with a lizard in his mouth he said, "This dinosaur likes to try and eat this lizard but he's too squishy to be eaten."

Growing up

As I was praying with the boys on our way to school this morning, I was a little overwhelmed by how they are becoming young men already.

Brendon and I are interacting at a different level than ever before. We're having more "grown up" conversations about life. His sense of humor jumps back and forth between elementary boy "body" humor and more sophisticated teasing and thoughts. Often, we'll sit in my big chair on lay on his bed at night and just talk. If I close my eyes, it's sometimes easy to forget that he's only nine. Of course, then he tackles me in the hall and makes some sci-fi sound effect and his age comes rushing back. :-)

Ian is feeling the pain of his pre-school childhood slipping away. He absolutely LOVES school, but daily reminds us how he misses just playing with his toys. He's moved from toddler to elementary boy. His art teacher caught me this morning to tell me how impressed she is with his maturity. She said, the normal kindergartners take several months to learn to pay attention and manage themselves, but he has been instantly attentive and produces great art already. Guess he is brighter than the average boy...ha!

I love these two dearly. And I pray daily that they would thoroughly enjoy their childhood...that it would be filled with life-long warm memories. I also look forward to watching them grow-up, however quickly that may be, and pray that they mature into passionate followers of the God who died for them.

Warning - Gross boy content

I apologize for the rather gross content of this post, but it made us laugh so hard, we just HAD to record it.

Ian and Brendon spent the night with my mom (Esther) recently. While there, Ian had the urge to go to the bathroom. After a little while, the expected yell came from the bathroom, "Done going pooooottttyyy!" (A little background...Ian has not yet learned how to wipe himself. When he yells, "Done going potty!" he means, "come and clean me up please!").

My mom went in and proceeded to wipe Ian's little bottom. She did it just once and declared he was ready.

Ian looked at her questioningly, "Are you sure I'm clean?"
Mom responded, "Yes, you are."
"But it was only once."
"I know, but you're clean, you can pull your pants up."

She began to help him pull his pants up when she heard, "Yep, you're right, I'm clean!"

She looked up to see Ian holding his finger in front of his face...examining it for any signn of "uncleanness."

We'll leave the rest to your imagination.

That's our boy...