Contemplation of Sin in our lives

Something that has been on my mind and heart alot lately.  We are all born sinners.  Romans 3:10 states that nobody is rightous.  Verse12 goes on to say that there is no one that does good.  We are all sinners.  Sin doesn't have to be taught to us.  Psalm 51:5 states "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."  This means that we are born sinners.  We are born separated from God.  So, if we are born into sin, than how do we get out of sin?  It is our nature.  We are sinners from birth until death.  As we grow, God gives those that in charge of us the ability to show us right from wrong.  We guide our children, teach our children in the way that they should go, so that when they are old they will not depart from it.  Until the point that a child can truley understand that they are sinners and that they need a savior, we are their concience. 

We are the ones that are there to show our children how to live life, how to be kind to one another, how to love one another.  Our children can only see Christ through us if we possess Christ within us.  So why then in this day and age are parents making excuses for their children and then becoming angry at you for pointing it out?  Why is it wrong for me to point out that someone else's child is being mean to my child?  I would expect no less from any other parent.  I would correct my child for that.  Time out does wonders!  Do children really grow out of the sin phase?  I think not!  Sin is sin....There is no in between.  Sin can only be overcome...it is not just a phase we can grow out of!  If a person struggles with lying....is it something that they will just grow out of?  No, lying is only overcome by speaking the truth.  If a person is a mean and hateful...is this something that they will grow out of?  No, I think not!  Being kind and loving will only overcome meanness and hatefullness.  If someone gossips about other people....is it a phase that one will just grow out of?  I think not.  Gossip must be replaced by kind words and uplifting, encouraging words.   If someone is a complainer....(I know I struggle with this one!!) is it just a phase that they will just grow out of?  No, only a thankful heart will overcome complaining.  Just as joy overcomes bitterness and the list goes on and on.

I know I am not perfect.  I was born just as much of a sinner as the next person was.  It is really hard to overcome things and the only way salvation can happen is through Jesus Christ.  I know that I trustred Christ as my Savior when I was 10!  I understood then and now that I was a sinner in need of a Savior.  I understood then and now that Jesus Christ came to die for my sin on the cross of Calvary and that He was burried for three days.  I understood then and now that Jesus rose again the third day, victoriously defeating death.  I understand that I still am not perfect.  I am a work in progress.  I'm not the perfect parent.  I understand my children are little sinners.  I understand that I need to teach them how to live, I need to show them Christ through me.  I understand that making excuses for their actions and dismissing it as sin will only hinder them later on in life.  After we receive Christ as our Savior, we are not promised an easy road.  We are only given grace to deal with the things that need to be dealt with, to overcome the things that need to be overcome.  Let's not allow our children to be hindered in their spiritual growth by making excuses for them, saying that they are just a child and in a phase that they will grow out of.  It is sin.  We need to call it what it is and point them in the right direction.  It is an urgency on my heart for my children.  What about you?!

Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer

I know that it has been awhile since I last blogged.  Life has been quite interesting to say the least.  Anyhow, I have been thinking alot lately.  I know this is a bit off topic but since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I thought that I should share this link.  

http://www.bestforbabes.org/2010/10/breast-cancer-orgs-please-includ-the-protection-literally-right-under-our-noses/

There is no way in this world that I am going to take these kinds of risks with myself or my children.  If I get breast cancer it's not going to be because I didn't breastfeed my babies.  I didn't get to breastfeed my oldest as long as I would have liked to.  I had a lot of pressure from work and family to give it up.  I did.  I regret every single minute of it.  So far with DD2 we will have been breastfeeding for 12 months on Thursday!  A fate I call remarkable!!  We didn't make it that far with DD1!  Trust me there where many times I felt and still do feel like giving up.  However, the importance of breastfeeding for myself and my children continues to win out!  I can't help but continue on in my motherly duty to breastfeed my children!  I have always liked the quote...."Brestfeeding isn't for every parent but it is for every baby." 

Whether or not breastfeeding is for you, I challenge you to seek out the information and facts on breastfeeding.   There are benefits for more than just babies....moms are benefited so much too!  Please, do your research before you decide to bottle feed your baby!!