Question:  Is saying “Merry Christmas” politically incorrect?

Answer:  If you pay attention to the popular media today, you’ll notice that there seems to be a concentrated effort to remove Christ from Christmas.  They seem to want to make Christmas as secular and politically correct  as possible.  For example, the Governor of Rhode Island, Lincoln Chafee, has been in the news for referring to the traditional state “Christmas tree” as the “holiday tree.”  He believes that name would be more “inclusive” of more people.   This has outraged many people who think he’s gone too far to be politically correct.  Even the farm where the tree came from is called a Christmas tree farm.  (See the story at http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/todds-favorites/rhode-island-outraged-over-holiday-tree.html.)   In another example, US Navy service members serving in Bahrain were recently told that they had to cancel their traditional live Nativity after an atheist group complained.  (See the story at   http://nation.foxnews.com/war-christmas/2012/12/11/navy-cancels-nativity-after-atheist-complains).   These are just two of many such stories you can find.  If you have children in public school, it’s likely they also get a very secular teaching on the history of Christmas in our culture.

Some Christian groups are fighting back against this tide of making Christmas secular.  Groups such as the American Family Association have even created a list of companies they have deemed “naughty” not “nice” because they don’t use the word “Christmas” or its symbols in their ads.  Or,  they will only say, “Happy Holidays” and prohibit the greeting, “Merry Christmas.”  ( Check out the list at  http://www.examiner.com/article/companies-on-2012-naughty-list-declare-war-on-christmas.)

In general though, Christians in the United States know that our country’s Constitution gives us “freedom of religion”  not “freedom from religion.”  We have a right to practice what we believe.  The government is not forcing anyone to celebrate Christmas.  At the same time, it would be wrong for the government or anyone else to stop an overwhelmingly Christian country like the USA from acknowledging the true meaning of Christmas.  None of these politically correct types would dream of prohibiting Jewish people from recognizing and practicing Judaism in public here or in Israel, or stopping Muslims from doing the same here in America or in their Islamic country.

Nevertheless,  many Christians continue to recognize Christmas as a celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Often, Christians will take time to re-read the details of Christ’s birth in the Bible, as in Luke chapter 2.  For example, Luke 2:10-11 reads, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (KJV)  Christians know that no matter how politically incorrect it may become to say it in public the facts will not change.  Jesus IS the reason for the season!   Merry Christmas!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family    http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  http://www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine  www.worldmag.com

Question:  Does God care about how we vote?

Answer:  God cares about everything we do including how we vote.  When we vote for someone who has made clear the agenda they plan to implement, we help them carry out that agenda.  If that agenda goes against the teachings of God, then we are helping them work  against God’s plan.  One day, we will answer to God for what we have done.  Our loyalty to a political party or candidate should not be stronger than our loyalty to God.

As Christians,  we know from studying God’s Word, the Bible, that it is God who determines what is right and what is wrong and not political poll results.  Believers understand that even when a majority of the people vote to endorse anything that God calls sin, it’s still sin, and God’s people should not help support it.  For example,  one of the biggest social issues being debated in our time is the definition of marriage.  However, if you know God’s Word, then you know that there is nothing to debate.  God created marriage to be a union between one man and one woman, period.  In fact, Jesus said this in Matthew 19:4-6, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female’ and said ‘For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?  So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.  Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate.” (NKJV)  God has defined marriage.  He created it.  Are you planning to vote for a candidate who defines marriage opposite as to how God defines it?  If you vote for this person, you will be helping him push an agenda that goes against the Word of God.

Another major issue of our time is the legalization of abortion.  We know that abortion is the ending of a baby’s life.  As Believers, we must remember who it was that gave that baby life to begin with.  It is almighty God who, alone, gives life.  Psalm 139:13-14, says it beautifully:  “For You have formed my inward parts.  You have covered me in my mother’s womb.  I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully  made.  Marvelous are Your works,  and that my soul knows very well.” (NKJV)  Plus, we know that children are a gift from God, no matter how good or how bad their parents are.  In Psalm 127:3,  the Bible says, ” Behold,  children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward.” (NKJV)  Are you planning to vote for a candidate who is pro-life, someone who sees the baby in their mother’s womb as a gift from God?  Or, does your candidate support abortion?  Millions of babies have been aborted since the 1973 legalization of abortion.  The overwhelming majority of these abortions have not been done to save the mother’s life.  By voting for a pro-abortion candidate, one who will have the power to put more pro-abortion judges on the Supreme Court and keep abortion legal, you will be helping more babies’ lives to end.  Is this vote something you will be proud to defend making before God?

Many professed Christians  explain their support for anti-traditional marriage and pro-abortion candidates by saying that these candidates will help the poor and needy.  While there may be some good programs your candidate supports that help the poor, other programs, even though of good intentions, help the poor, simply stay poor.  Evidence of this can be seen by visiting many different poor communities in this country and seeing how these same communities have remained poor under leadership of both political parties, even after several decades.  Christians know that the best way out of poverty is by living God’s way,  putting your trust in Him, and making decisions about how you live that please God.   No matter who wins the political race, Christians will always be able to help the poor by leading them out of poverty God’s way.

The bottom line is that no candidate will be perfect.  As Christians, we are to pray for all of our leaders.  We want them all to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and repent of their sins.  Yet still, voting for a candidate who has openly promised to support such things as abortion and anything other than traditional marriage between one man and one woman is to support an agenda that goes against the Word of God.  Since the Lord will hold us accountable for whom we support, pray that you make the right choices.   Let’s not throw God under the bus this election or anytime!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family    http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries   http://www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine       www.worldmag.com

Question:  Why do so many Christians have trouble explaining how the Bible relates to today’s social issues?

Answer:  Simply put, many Christians are not regularly studying God’s Word.  In 2nd Timothy 2:15, the Bible says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (KJV)   When we stay in God’s word and pray for Him to give us understanding as we study, we can trust God to make His truth known to us.  In fact, by continuing on in 2nd Timothy 3:16-17, the Word says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  (NKJV)  Therefore, it’s vital that Christians study God’s word in order to know what they believe and be able to explain their beliefs to others.

Another problem many Christians face is that in our society today, Christians listen to people in the media as well as in their communities tell them what they had better think about various issues.  If the Christian dares to stand up for an opposing view, they may face ridicule, be called a “hater,” or even lose their job.  For example, a politician who says he is “pro-life” might be falsely accused of being against women’s rights.  A student who writes a term paper about how this country was founded on Christian principles might be falsely accused of not embracing religious diversity. Or, a different student might be falsely accused of not loving this country because they write about how the country was not always following Christian principles: for example having years of legalizing the sins of slavery and racial segregation.

Many Christians would rather say little, speak in vague terms, or remain quiet in order to be accepted by the group.  Sometimes, these Christians start to try to rationalize that it is okay to embrace the anti-Bible beliefs of the popular culture so that they can appear tolerant of all beliefs.  As a result, when this Christian tries to explain their beliefs, their explanation might sound confusing.  In fact, you can’t embrace both God’s teachings and Satan’s without being confused.  We are only to embrace the teachings in God’s Word — while always showing God’s love to others!

The bottom line is that as Christians, we need to be sure that we really know what we believe.  Therefore, we must study God’s word to know how He wants us to live our lives.  Make time, regularly to read the Bible at home and participate in good Bible studies under godly pastors and teachers.  Pray that you get the correct understanding from your studies.  As a result, you should be much better equipped to explain your Christian beliefs and stands on various issues to others.

Question: How can I help my child have a successful school year?

Answer:  Successful students usually have parents who are actively engaged in their children’s lives.  With our twins in their final year of college, my husband and I can personally vouch for this fact.  Throughout our twins’ K-12  school years, we were both parents who worked to stay on top of what was going on in their lives.  Plus, each year, either one or both of us did some type of volunteer work at their schools.  In fact, for seven of these years, I served as their school’s Parent-Teacher Association ( PTA)  president or vice-president.  I would regularly give fellow parents a lot of the same advice for helping their children do well in school.

Again, as parents, it is very important to know what is going on in your children’s lives.  You should know the names of their teachers.  Go out to their school for parents meetings and programs.  Keep up with what subjects your children are studying and what grades they are making.  Work with your children’s teachers, so you’ll know, for example, if your child needs tutoring or is having trouble with their vision.  Getting on top of possible problems early will increase your child’s chances of success much sooner in the school year.

Remember that a child’s first teacher is their parent.  Children naturally look to their parents for guidance in life.  In fact, the Bible reminds us that parents are their child’s most important teacher.  Proverbs 1:8 says, “My son, hear the instruction of your father,  And do not forsake the law of your mother,…”  (NKJV)  Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go,  And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (NKJV)

All said, being able to stay actively involved in your child’s life, takes time.  These days, many parents are working  longer hours on their jobs.  They have both their children and themselves involved in several activities outside of school.   They hardly have time to have a meal around the dinner table together.  Therefore, if parents want to make sure they are making the honor roll themselves this school year, they must find ways to increase the amount of quality time they give to their children.   Parents who can use some good tips for helping them increase their quality family time should check out Focus on the Family’s new fall feature, “Today I will…”  This Christian resource can be used to help strengthen your entire family…one day at a time.  Just go to www.focusonthefamily.com.

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family  http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries   http://www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine     www.worldmag.com

Question:  Is taking responsibility for one’s actions a thing of the past?

Answer:  It’s easy to see how you would think that, especially if you keep up with current news stories.  From the famous to the average guy, we hear of incident after incident of people being caught doing wrong and then, putting the blame on something or someone else for causing them to do what they did.  For example, we might hear of some people who blame stealing done by young people on the fact that they do it because they come from a dysfunctional home or they are poor.  However, we know plenty of poor people who do not steal from others.  My own family didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up.  Yet, I wouldn’t have thought of stealing other people’s things.  My mother raised me by the biblical teaching that stealing is a sin.  I can’t imagine doing anything like that as a teenager and having to face my mother.

I think making excuses actually encourages these young people to steal.  They know that they are more likely to get away with their wrongdoing or just get a “slap on the wrist” type of punishment.  I also believe this is why we have seen a big increase in such mass mischief as “flash robs.”   Not to be confused with the “flash mobs” who might meet up at a mall to sing a beautiful song, “flash robs” are different.  “Flash robs” happen when large  groups of young people decide to descend on a place of business and, within a few minutes, steal as much merchandise from the business as possible.  They don’t seem to care about being seen by security cameras or being caught by the police.  Some involved might even record their “adventure” and put it on YouTube.  Check out this example of a “flash rob”: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Flash-Mob-Knocks-Over-Silver-Spring-7-Eleven-134286103.html .  Plus, here’s another example:  http://www.kare11.com/news/article/969867/14/Flash-robs-hit-downtown-Minneapolis.  These are just two of many examples of “flash robs” happening in various parts of the United States.

While I don’t know for sure, I’d venture to guess that if some of these young people were caught and faced real prison time, they would start making excuses for their actions (or their lawyers would).  I would be very surprised if they said , “Yes, judge, I stole those things, and I accept my punishment.”  I believe it’s more likely they would say, “It’s not my fault!”  Still, I pray that we all set the right example for our young people and let them see us accepting responsibility for our actions.  Remember Psalm 37: 27-28, “Depart from evil, and do good;  And dwell forevermore.  For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints…” (NKJV)

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family    http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  http://www.crown.org

Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine    http://www.worldmag.com

Question:  Why do some people seem to get exactly what they desire while I rarely seem to get what I really want in life?

Answer: As the saying goes, “the grass always looks greener on the other side.”  It may be true that some people you know are very successful in achieving their dreams while others continue to struggle through life to get to their goals.  However, the bottom line is, are you living your life to please God?  Have you made life choices that have been in agreement with how the Bible says we should live?  If you can answer “yes” to these questions, then in prayer, you should be seeking guidance from the Lord when deciding on and pursuing your goals.   Remember Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV)

The truth is that many Christians want to just make their “wish list,” then later pray for the Lord to make their dreams a reality.  They never even consider that what they want may not be in God’s plan for their lives.  They may even get mad at God and blame God for not fulfilling their desires.  For example, I’ve known of some women who have wanted to get married so badly -mainly because they saw their friends getting married or they wanted to experience the big wedding with all the trimmings- that they married men who were not God’s choice for them.  In fact, they married these men even when they knew the men didn’t believe in God.  Since we know marriage can be challenging even when you do marry a fellow believer, it will certainly be more difficult when you have opposite beliefs in the role of Jesus in your lives.   They should have waited on the Lord to guide them to God’s choice for their mate.

While the Bible clearly tells us that God hears and answers our prayers, we must recognize that His answer for what we desire may be “yes,” it may be “no,” or it may be “not right now.”  We must accept that He knows what is best for us.  So, drop the “I just want what I want , and I want it now!” attitude, and learn to be guided by God.

Helpful Links:

Focus on the family   http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries   http://www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine   www.worldmag.com

Question:  Is it my imagination, or is patriotism not being taught the way it used to be?

Answer:  You’re right.  Students today seem to be taught more about all the wrongs of America and not much about all the positives of this country.  Let me be clear, students should know about the negative history of the United States.  The times of such things as slavery and racial segregation should not be swept under the rug.  Especially as Christians, we should want our children to understand that these types of events were not just wrong, but outright sinful!

That said, this country offers its citizens more opportunities for achieving one’s dreams than any other country.  Where else can you enjoy as much freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and other freedoms?  Where else can someone start out as one with minimum resources and, through access to free education and self-determination, be blessed by God to become one of the highest achievers?  One such story that I read about recently told of the case of a teenage girl in North Carolina who was neglected and abandoned by her parents.  She became homeless and  later, wound up taking a job working as a part-time janitor at her high school.  All the while, she maintained very high grades.  She ended up being accepted into Harvard University!  This young lady took advantage of the opportunities presented to her in this country and was able to achieve her goals despite her humble beginnings. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/07/overheard-on-cnn-com-teen-janitors-story-like-good-will-hunting-readers-say/

As Christians, we must remember to live by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV)  Keeping this verse in mind, we have only to go forth  taking advantage of the tremendous opportunities and freedoms we have in this great country.  Also, we must recognize that America can only stay great if we choose to live by the words of our country’s Pledge of Allegiance and remain “one nation under God..”

Yes, in my opinion, there’s no place like home.  May God bless the United States of America!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family     www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries    www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network  www.cbn.com

World Magazine           www.worldmag.com

Question:  The world says that fathers aren’t really important to a family.  What does the Bible say?

Answer:  God’s Word makes it clear that fathers are very important to the family.  In fact, the father in the family serves as a symbol of our Heavenly Father, God.   We find an example of this in Matthew 7:9-11, “Or what man …if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone…   If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give  good things  to those who ask Him!” (NKJV)  God teaches this lesson about how He provides for us by using the example of how the father in the family will provide for his children.

Additionally, Jesus reminds us of the importance we are to place on both parents in Matthew 15:4, “For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother…'” (NKJV)  In the book of Proverbs, we find the father in the family often being the one who is teaching his children how they are to live a godly life.  For example, in Proverbs 4:1, 11, it says, “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father… I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.” (NKJV) Here, the Bible tells us that God expects fathers to teach their children how to live godly lives.

However, it’s important to note that for a father to  do all of this teaching, he must first be an active presence in his children’s lives.  Above all, the father must be a godly man, himself, in order to set this example for his household.  Sadly, too many fathers have abandoned the role God intended for them to have in the family.  Today, there are far too many children being born out-of-wedlock.  Too many fathers are not providing the spiritual support or financial support their children really need.  Too many are making babies with women who they are not willing to marry.

On the other hand, there are also too many fathers who, while married to their children’s mother, are present in body only.  They live in the same house as their kids, but they are not active in their care.  They don’t take the time to really talk to their children, teach their children, or take them to church.  They leave all of this care to the mothers.  As a result, we have an ever-increasing amount of  children seeking father figures through gangs, young girls becoming sexually active to seek “love,” and more young people going to prison.

God did not intend for mothers to raise children alone – even though many women have successfully done this.   God wants children to be raised in a stable home with their father married to their mother.  Most importantly, He wants the whole family to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and live their lives to please God!

We need more of these good fathers.  Personally, I thank God that my husband is that kind of very good father to our two children!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family    www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network  www.cbn.com

World Magazine           www.worldmag.com

Question: What should I do when I find myself not having the right Christian attitude towards life’s problems?

Answer:  We must remember to be wise in dealing with life’s problems.  As Christians, we know from Psalm 111:10 that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”. (NKJV)  Therefore, we must rely on God’s Holy Spirit to guide us in our thoughts and  attitudes.  Satan wants to turn our minds away from God, and he wants us to doubt God’s Word.  Fight back against Satan’s lies!  Remember James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (NKJV)  Try to stay daily in God’s Word, The Holy Bible, to keep your mind renewed in His Spirit.  The regular reading and studying of God’s scriptures nourishes the mind and spirit of the believer.   We become better at keeping the right attitude when dealing with life’s challenges because throughout God’s Word, he gives us guidance and direction in how to deal with life’s challenges.

So, wise up, Christians!  By keeping your mind on God,  you will keep the right attitude!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family   www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network  www.cbn.com

World Magazine    www.worldmag.com

Question: How do I help my child deal with a bully at her school?  Also, how do I handle an adult bully on my job?

Answer:  It’s not uncommon for bullies to be a problem for adults as well as for children.  Usually, the child bully tries to belittle the other kid in some way.  The young bully may try to put down another for the way he looks, for example, by calling someone’s clothes ugly or out of style or saying they look fat.  These types of negative comments especially seem to take their toll on young girls making them embarrassed about their body image.  These bullies will often pull others into their sadistic behavior.  A common method older kids use for this is with cyber-bullying.  They use social media to start nasty rumors or post unflattering, doctored pictures of other students.  Some of the victims in these cases have even committed suicide because of the severe embarrassment caused by this type of bullying.

Adult bullies also tend to pull others in to help them with their harassment.  For example, at work, the adult bully might try to publicly embarrass you in front of co-workers by letting it be known that you didn’t give much to help buy a gift for another co-worker’s birthday, wedding shower, or new baby.  The person being treated this way may be too ashamed to admit that they can’t afford to give more.  Or, the adult bully may try to turn fellow co-workers against one another by revealing a co-worker’s political leanings or stand on controversial social issues.  If the bully knows that most of the office agrees  with the politics of the bully, the bully will openly say things like, “Can you believe there are people who actually feel this way about this issue?  Surely, they must be haters or bigots.”  By phrasing the issues in this way, the bully can often  succeed in intimidating those who disagree into silence.  After all, not many people will want to be thought of as a hater of others.

As Christians, we are to handle bullies with wisdom and love.  Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, “…love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (NKJV)  Also, in Romans 12:19 it reads, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”  As believers, we know that prayer changes things.  We know that God keeps His word.  So, when He promises to  deal with our enemies, He will.  He will do it in His way and in His time.  We are to pray about the bullies we are dealing with and ask for wisdom from God for what steps we should take in the meantime.

With God’s guidance,  do your homework.  Find out from your child’s school and from your human resources department at work their policies and rules for dealing with and reporting harassment.  Keep detailed records of each incident, including names, dates, times, and places.  Meet with your child’s teacher to report the bully and find out what will be done to stop this problem.  Meet with the principal if necessary.  Don’t stop taking appropriate actions until you are sure your child is safe.  At work, you can go through the proper steps to report the office bully.  Know your rights, and exercise them!   By relying on God’s wisdom and guidance, you can defeat the bully!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family     www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network  www.cbn.com

World Magazine  www.worldmag.com