WHY YOUTH LEAVE THE CHURCH

By Ada Brownell

ANEMIC YOUTH GROUPS

One day I asked my oldest son why he serves the Lord when so many young people fall away.

“I think it’s because we didn’t have a youth pastor,” he said.

I was shocked.  “Why?”

“Because we had to do everything.”

I doubt the same type of service would fly today, but my son had a point.  A youth service should be much more than fun and games (often mimicking the world), and where the youth pastor practices preaching. Spiritually thriving youth groups today use technology and the latest methods, but successful leaders also believe, live, preach and teach the Word -- and put Christian young people to work living their faith.

God is moving mightily in some youth groups. But national statistics show more than two-thirds of Protestant young adults leave church between ages 18 and 22.  For the Assemblies of God, of the 60,000 youth who graduate from high schools each spring, 50 to 70 percent will leave the faith within four years.[1]

Apparently more than half of what youth groups do today isn’t working.

But the news is not all bad. There is hope!  Thirty to fifty percent of youth stay in church and many are dedicated, born-again, spirit-filled young people.

Some churches have Bible quiz teams, youth clubs like Royal Rangers and Missionettes, and some lead pastors do major teaching on Sunday mornings which reaches young adults. Helps in some of the new Bibles such as the Fire Bible make the Word easier to study.

NO INTERACTION WITH ADULT CHURCH

A large number of youth have never attended an adult worship service, let alone a revival meeting. They start in the nursery, go on to children’s services, then to junior and senior high youth. They don’t know, love or respect the lead pastor, have no adult Christian heroes, and feel no connection to the church body.

In previous generations whole youth groups served God until old age. These teens not only attended adult church, but were a vital part. Adults need to embrace and love this generation and integrate them into the church, especially upon high school graduation. If the older adults value their hearing, they can tear off a corner of the same Kleenex used to wipe tears shed praying for this generation, stuff it in their ears and rejoice when they see God touch and use young lives.

Interacting with Christian adults helps young people establish spiritual goals because they’ll meet people who model true religion.

LACK OF LOVE FOR GOD AND OTHERS

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about what we’re living.

“In the last days perilous times will come,” he wrote.  “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Yet, there is hope! God promises that His Word will not return void, which means if we’ve planted the Word in young people’s hearts, it should bear fruit. Our Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today and forever. The promise (of salvation and Holy Ghost infilling) is unto us and to our children and our children’s children and to all who are afar off.

Yes, we have an at-risk generation all around us, but let us not grow weary with the challenge.

BRAINWASHING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Youth in the United States are taught from an early age they are no more than animals.

The secular world attempts to destroy faith in God with propaganda (spinning the truth) and brainwashing. Yet, no one can prove whether  God exists because faith is necessary for salvation. Yet, there is more evidence for faith in God than faith that you just appeared on the earth with seeing eyes, hearing ears, and all the wonderful things in your body and in the universe, that has to be perfect down to the last atom or gene.

When Satan makes a bid for the souls of our youth, creating temptations such as sex, drugs, liquor, and even crime, often the brainwashing wins. They think, what difference does it make? Then when they begin reaping the hurricane of trouble from what they sowed, often their lives are horribly damaged.

God does redeem, however. Scripture tells "whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." and "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in him, shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
I pray for youth every day. They will take the truth to the next generation and tell them why Jesus left Heaven and came to earth, if Jesus tarries His coming. Some youth say the church is not relevant. How can living forever be irrelevant? Jesus humankind's  only hope for eternal life, but He also is concerned that we have abundant, joyful life while we're on earth. He came to seek and save those who are lost and give them joy and life forevermore!

********************************************************************

Ada's latest book: FACTS, FAITH AND PROPAGANDA

             

  Scripture written by Peter: “For we did not follow cunningly  devised fables”2 Peter 1:16   One from St. John: "That which we have heard, and we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our eyes have handled, the Word of life; For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with (God the) Father, and was manifested unto us. That which we have seen and heard, we declare unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1-3).

Everything about who we are, how we came to be, and why we are here, is settled by faith. This book, written by a journalist who  interviewed people on both sides of the argument, supplies evidence for faith—and reveals forgeries designed to destroy belief in God such as the Piltdown man, missing evolutionary links that DNA proved aren’t links, and a newer theory than Darwin’s, punctuated equilibrium. She also studied extensively on the reliability of scripture and evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus.

FACTS, FAITH AND PROPAGANDA IS AVAILABLE FOR .99 ON AMAZON:

http://ow.ly/Uez4G

---

[1] Assembly of God News: Friday, September 22, 2006

[2] II Timothy 3

[3] Isaiah 55:10-12

[4] Acts 2:39

SEX IS RISKY FOR THE UNMARRIED

By Ada Nicholson Brownell

                       

            Moral depravity and the underlying lack of faith in God cause greater risk to the under-40 crowd today than the economic and political earthquakes shaking our nation.

            Somewhere hidden beneath the heartache of virginity lost, beneath dead or diseased bodies of people who died or suffer from sexually transmitted diseases, beneath the millions of babies aborted, beneath children born into poverty because their unwed mother couldn’t provide for them, and beneath the tormented conscience, is one of the most special things God created for humankind—intimacy between a man and woman.

            God didn’t plan for it to be abused. Yet, today’s evils revolve around immorality.   

What happened?

Of course, sin happened.  Sin began in the Garden of Eden and trails every generation.  It seems evil encroaches over the United States today like a deadly gooey fungus threatening to contaminate our whole society.

“This might be the most wicked generation in history,” says Jim Bradford, General Secretary of the Assemblies of God.

            Some say sex education promotes illicit sex. We’ve read studies that blame contraceptives.  Others lay the problem at the feet of the media, parents and even the church.

After years working with youth and as a newspaper reporter covering the problems immorality causes in society and reporting the discouraging statistics, I believe the following helped put our youth in peril.

EARLY DATING

 If you start dating at age 12 and don’t marry until the mid-20s, that’s a long time to practice self control. Can anyone who kisses and hugs the opposite sex for that many years expect to be morally pure?

DELAYING MARRIAGE

Young people – even Christians – have trouble with self control if they wait until after college to wed, especially if they are in love and alone often. Sexually-active unmarried Christian youth sometimes feel God will overlook their sin because they will marry eventually. Scripture doesn’t give any excuse, but warns about the disastrous consequences of such sin.[1]

GLORIFYING ENTICING ACTIONS AND CLOTHING

            Being “sexy” is contrary to the teachings of Jesus. Jesus said if we lust in our hearts, it’s the same as committing adultery. While many women don’t feel lust when they dress in tight or revealing clothing, they cause men to lust after them.

            Let’s teach our young women to be classy instead of sexy!

            TOLERANCE OF SINFUL LIFESTYLES.

We should love the unwed mother and her child, but we should not put these women in places of leadership in the church until they accept Christ and live an exemplary lifestyle an acceptable time.

            Even if he’s repented of sexual sin, so long as a man doesn’t pay child support for his children, he should be barred from lay ministry as well. Teach that if a young man wants sex, he should take responsibilities that go with what God created, which means self control or marrying the girl with whom he wants to be intimate and sticking with her until death parts them—the most romantic and loving action in life.

            We need to love sinners, but if they claim to be a Christian and continue to practice a sinful lifestyle, we should shun them (See 1 Corinthians 5:9-13).

            TOLERATING PORNOGRAPHY.

            This generation views shows in their own homes that would be against the law in times past. On weekends and evenings it’s almost impossible to view anything without nudity, sex, vulgar language and violence.

The selling of sin is no accident—it is by design.  Norman Lear, creator of TV shows  “All in the Family,” “Maude” and others, in the 1980s intended with his writing to savage television evangelists, including Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority.  Then he had another idea. He founded People for the American Way to use television and other means to counter evangelical Christian beliefs. Lear brought controversial television that glorifies sin to prime time, and other writers and producers who shared his beliefs caught the vision.

            The church as a whole took little notice. In fact, many watched Lear’s subtle and not so subtle messages.  But most of us now participate in the peddling of smut whether we view it or not because anyone who has cable or satellite TV subsidizes pornography.

I am a fervent believer in freedom of the press, but I resent helping to bring filth to the masses—particularly youth.  If people want their minds and their lives filled with sin, let them pay for it.

            I’ve written the Federal Communications Commission, City Council and the cable provider protesting forced subsidizing of smut for consumers who only want stations and networks with 24-hour news, weather and G-rated entertainment. I wrote letters to local pastors trying to get them involved.

            I’ve also contacted television networks about indecent programs.

The internet brings more moral temptations for this generation. Even church people are addicted to internet pornography and participate in illicit relationships online. (Notice I didn't identify them as "Christians." Anyone who is not living as Jesus taught is not a Christian.)

            FAILURE TO PREPARE YOUTH FOR SPIRITUAL BATTLE

            The first mission of the church is to preach the gospel. When we do, we train each generation about the spiritual armor and weapons God provides to help us be victorious. We also need to give them a glimpse of the Enemy. [2]For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil.

            Our utmost goal is that every person experience salvation, the infilling of the Holy Ghost, and that they love God and others. Each of us needs to be exposed to scriptural doctrines such as divine healing, the reality of hell, that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, the Bible is God’s inspired Word, and know details about Christ’s imminent return.

            Many churches underestimate the spiritual desires of young people.

Mormons have no seminaries, yet most Mormon youth spend two years as a missionary—and they are prepared for it. For a newspaper religion story, I visited one of these preparation classes which met early in the day before school. I could hear the excited kids shouting memorized scriptures and portions of the Book of Mormon when I entered the building.

Muslims whisper the Call to Prayer in a baby’s ears soon after birth, and keep teaching the child. And we wonder why they are so dedicated to their religion?

            We, who have the TRUTH, seem to have forgotten how powerful, exciting and wonderful the Word of God is.        

The Word has every answer this generation needs.

FAILURE TO COUNTERACT SECULARIST TEACHING

            Belief in God keeps many a person out of immorality.

I taught my first session on the Bible and Science to a class of about 30 high school students when I was in my mid-20s. The course, written by the late Donald F. Johns, helped solidify my faith as well as the faith of my students. Some accepted Christ.

Over the years I used Josh McDowell’s “Evidences for Your Faith,” and similar teachings for ‘tweens, high school and college classes, and young marrieds. Without fail, I saw conversions, students’ faith blossom, and spiritual growth.

Faith and a genuine encounter with God bring awareness of sin.

FAILURE TO POINT OUT SIN’S CONSEQUENCES

Sin is dangerous! Unless covered with the blood of Jesus, sin sends you to hell but also drastically affects life on earth. Sexually transmitted diseases can ruin a person’s future, his health and maybe even take his life. These diseases cause infertility, cancer, liver problems, even blindness and death. Some STDs are incurable.

 Illicit sex also causes emotional consequences. Physicians Joe S. McIlhaney and Freda McKissic Bush, authors of the book, “Hooked,”[3] say neuroscience has discovered sexual activity releases a chemical that impacts the brains of developing adolescents and young adults.  These chemicals cause an emotional bond between partners and when this bond is broken, the youth suffers depression and difficulty with bonding in future relationships.

Teen pregnancy is another consequence that affects youth, but also impacts the child and a young person’s parents and grandparents. Abortion has devastating emotional and physical consequences as well, not to mention the death of the unborn child.

We reap what we sow and youth should know Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.

As a parent are you warning your teens?

---

[1] Galatians 5:19,21

[2] Ephesians 6:10-17

[3] Moody Publishers, 2008

A Woman Who knows about unspeakable Hurt tells what to say to give Comfort:

More Word-Gifts by Ronda Knuth

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b "I, even I, am He that comforteth you..." Isaiah 51:12a To Continue from yesterday, where we ended with point 4.  5. What comforted you when you were hurting? Use what you have learned to comfort another. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and 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 receive from God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4  6. Pray together and alone – “May I pray for you?” “I am praying for you.” “Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 (MSG) 7. What scripture might you appropriately share, when the time is right? “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Psalm 119:28 (NIV) 8. What can I do to help my friend? “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 9. Keep in mind that this too shall pass, but it hasn’t yet. Be patient. Be wise. Be in the moment with your friend. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave himself up for us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15 Use your words as a gift to uplift, not a hammer to hurt.  Prayer: “Father, keep my heart tuned to the hearts of others. Sharpen my discernment so that I am aware of need in the lives of those I meet. Help me to think of myself less and others more. Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. You are my strength and my redeemer.” Breathe: This Too Shall Pass - "In Breathe: This Too Shall Pass, Ronda has captured the isolation that so many of us feel in life’s experiences, and reminded us we are not alone. We can take the encouragement of this book, and find a resolve, that can lead us through the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us."- Dr. Vince Gappa When Memory Fades -  When Ronda Knuth learned that she was to be the 2014 regional recipient of the "Joy in Service" award for the Assisted Living organization where she is employed she questioned, "How is it that I am being given an award for simply loving?" Ronda is passionate about seniors, and is especially drawn to those who contend daily with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. Her book, When Memory Fades: Sunrise Stories of Real People, shares heart-warming stories of senior adults who have touched her life. Bio: Ronda Knuth lives in Lakewood, CO, with her husband Rob. She is a mother of four, grandmother of four, and mother-in-love of three. Ronda is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to the Network 211.com, with many articles published on their Global Christian Center website. She is also a regular contributor in the United Kingdom, to The Way.co.uk on their subscription service daily devotionals; published online. Ronda Knuth received the Sunrise Senior Living 2013 Western Region ‘Joy in Service Award’, The company recognized her dedication, to making the Sunrise Senior Living at Pinehurst Denver, Colorado, residents’ lives the happiest and best they can be. Her first published book, When Memory Fades: Sunrise Stories from Real People, is available in both print and Kindle editions. Her second book, Breathe: This Too Shall Pass is also available in both print and Kindle editions. “In Breathe: This Too Shall Pass, Ronda has captured the isolation that so many of us feel in life’s experiences, and reminded us we are not alone. We can take the encouragement of this book, and find a resolve, that can lead us through the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us.”- Dr. Vince Gappa Her personal life story has been told in, "The Unmasking: Married to a Rapist" by author Kevin Flynn and in "The Triumph Book: Stories of Tragedy Turned into Triumph" by author Melanie Davis. Learn more about Ronda at her website: http://rondasrestingplace.net

Purchase Breathe and When Memory Fades 

Breathe: This Too Shall Pass Here    

When Memory Fades: Sunrise Stories of Real People Here            

WORDS THAT ARE GIFTS

 Each Word a Gift

 By Ronda Knuth

“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what     helps, each word a gift; Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 29, 31 (MSSG)

Life has seasons and this one was especially painful. No one I knew, or knew of, had successfully walked through this particular type of pain. Many cared, I’m sure they did, but few took the time to say so mostly, I’m certain, because they didn’t know what to say or do. A few threw scripture my way. I distinctly remember telling my mother, “If one more person quotes Romans 8:28 to me, I’m gonna scream.” Because it wasn’t true? No, because they were using it as a verbal Band-Aid to cover my gaping wound. And, I needed more.

What did I need? I needed someone to be present with me in my pain. I did not need them to minimize it or fix it. I needed a listening ear. A caring heart. A shoulder not a sermon. I needed someone who had been through the fire who could say to me, “You’re going to get through this. God is more than able. He is faithful. He’ll be with you like He was with me.”

A pat on the back, a word of affirmation, a tissue . . . sometimes the simplest expression soothes the deepest pain. Encouragement is key to walking alongside someone who is discouraged or hurting.  The Greek word for encouragement is “Parakaleo” to call to one’s side and help. In Latin it means, "Goes straight to the heart." Biblical encouragement walks alongside another and breathes hope, comfort and courage into the one who is struggling. As you encourage, consider the following:

1. Carefully choose the words you speak. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 (KJV)

2. Listen – with your ears and your heart. “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17: 27 (NIV) “Sometimes silence speaks loudest and presence brings the most comfort.”  (Wm. Paul Young)

3. Seek to understand the problem. Ask open-ended questions designed to draw the person: How do you feel about that? Did you feel frustrated at that point? What was most difficult for you to figure out? Advise sparingly and only after careful, thorough listening.  When you are tempted to turn the conversation to your own story remind yourself, "This is not about me."

4. You earn the right to say the more difficult things, it's not a given. Take time to foster the relationship. By doing so you are more likely to be heard when your words take the form of a gentle rebuke. "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel." Proverbs 27: 5-6, 9 (NASB)

Use your words as a gift to uplift, not a hammer to hurt.

Prayer: “Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. (Proverbs 15:4). Let the words of my mouth and mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight Lord. You are my strength and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14). Amen”

Breathe: This Too Shall Pass - "In Breathe: This Too Shall Pass, Ronda has captured the isolation that so many of us feel in life’s experiences, and reminded us we are not alone. We can take the encouragement of this book, and find a resolve, that can lead us through the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us."- Dr. Vince Gappa

To buy Breathe click Here

Bio:

Ronda Knuth lives in Lakewood, CO, with her husband Rob. She is a mother of four, grandmother of four, and mother-in-love of three. Ronda is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to the Network 211.com, with many articles published on their Global Christian Center website. She is also a regular contributor in the United Kingdom, to The Way.co.uk on their subscription service daily devotionals; published online.

Ronda Knuth received the Sunrise Senior Living 2013 Western Region ‘Joy in Service Award’, The company recognized her dedication, to making the Sunrise Senior Living at Pinehurst Denver, Colorado, residents’ lives the happiest and best they can be. Her first published book, When Memory Fades: Sunrise Stories from Real People, is available in both print and Kindle editions.

Her second book, Breathe: This Too Shall Pass is also available in both print and Kindle editions.
“In Breathe: This Too Shall Pass, Ronda has captured the isolation that so many of us feel in life’s experiences, and reminded us we are not alone. We can take the encouragement of this book, and find a resolve, that can lead us through the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us.”- Dr. Vince Gappa

Her personal life story has been told in, "The Unmasking: Married to a Rapist" by author Kevin Flynn and in "The Triumph Book: Stories of Tragedy Turned into Triumph" by author Melanie Davis. Learn more about Ronda at her website: http://rondasrestingplace.net

Soothing Words for the Hurting by Ronda Hunter Knuth

By Ronda Knuth

 “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”

Proverbs 12:25

Rarely do we mean to wound, or offend by the words we speak- but, it happens. Here are some suggestions for sensitive, caring words to share:

I’m so sorry. I’m sorry that you are having to go through this experience.  I’m sorry for your loss.

 

I know this is very difficult for you.

I care about you.

I want to hear, whatever you want to share with me.

I haven’t been through an experience like this. Would you help me to understand how you feel?

I know that God is holding your face in His great hands, and kissing you tenderly.

Don’t run away from your pain, lean into it.

 

Tears are a gift from God meant to soothe and cleanse your hurting soul.

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory. William Barclay

 

I believe in you and in your ability to get through this...

"It hurts, doesn't it?" 

What you are feeling is normal.

God is not a disinterested observer.  He's not just looking on. He is involved.

God gives us time and space to work through the complexities of life.  

Don't beat yourself up over this, o.k.?

 

What can I do to encourage you this week?

We're in this together.  You're not alone.

Be gentle with yourself as you go through this.  Grieving is hard work.

God is big enough, and strong enough to care for you.

This must be so painful for you.  I want to help you hurt.

You’re doing a much job than you are giving yourself credit for!

“May I pray with you?

"You're in my prayers." 

“I don’t know what to say, but I care.”

 "I've been thinking about you." 

"Call me anytime. If you need me, I'll come over." 

"We love you!" 

“Just coming by to make sure you're alright!" 

Be a comfort today to someone who is hurting. Encourage and build them up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

Reprinted with permission from The Way: Christianity Without Walls

 

Prayer:

“Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. (Proverbs 15:4). Let the words of my mouth and mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight Lord. You are my strength and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14). Amen”

When Memory Fades -  When Ronda Knuth learned that she was to be the 2014 regional recipient of the "Joy in Service" award for the Assisted Living organization where she is employed she questioned,

"How is it that I am being given an award for simply loving?" Ronda is passionate about seniors, and is especially drawn to those who contend daily with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. Her book, When Memory Fades: Sunrise Stories of Real People, shares heart-warming stories of senior adults who have touched her life.

Bio:

Ronda Knuth lives in Lakewood, CO, with her husband Rob. She is a mother of four, grandmother of four, and mother-in-love of three. Ronda is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to the Network 211.com, with many articles published on their Global Christian Center website. She is also a regular contributor in the United Kingdom, to The Way.co.uk on their subscription service daily devotionals; published online.

Ronda Knuth received the Sunrise Senior Living 2013 Western Region ‘Joy in Service Award’, The company recognized her dedication, to making the Sunrise Senior Living at Pinehurst Denver, Colorado, residents’ lives the happiest and best they can be. Her first published book, When Memory Fades: Sunrise Stories from Real People, is available in both print and Kindle editions.

Her second book, Breathe: This Too Shall Pass is also available in both print and Kindle editions.
“In Breathe: This Too Shall Pass, Ronda has captured the isolation that so many of us feel in life’s experiences, and reminded us we are not alone. We can take the encouragement of this book, and find a resolve, that can lead us through the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us.”- Dr. Vince Gappa

Her personal life story has been told in, "The Unmasking: Married to a Rapist" by author Kevin Flynn and in "The Triumph Book: Stories of Tragedy Turned into Triumph" by author Melanie Davis. Learn more about Ronda at her website: http://rondasrestingplace.net

Buy When Memory Fades here:

http://www.amazon.com/When-Memory-Fades-Sunrise-Stories-ebook/dp/B00IZ25X48/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1447211812&sr=1-1&keywords=When+Memory+Fades+++Ronda+Knuth&pebp=1447211814979&perid=0QEVEERJ7JS80VYXC34T

Controlling Anger: What's Inside?

By Ronda Knuth

“. . . the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Matthew 12:34b (NIV)

When angry, are you a stewer or a spewer? Both, unmanaged, can turn your world on end.  

It fell to me to teach each of my four children how to drive. We spent many an hour in the local cemetery driving up and down the streets that ran between the headstones. We practiced right turns, left turns, merging, and U-turns. With little traffic, going the wrong way on a one-way street wasn’t such a big deal.

It was the perfect place to learn. Once we had the basics down, we took it to neighborhood streets, then the dreaded freeway. It’s been years since my eldest son Paul was the pupil and I the teacher. Even now, he says, that there are times when he is driving and my words come to him, “Preferring one another in love, son. Preferring one another.” (Romans 12:10)

Ronda Knuth

Getting a handle on anger is a prerequisite for safe driving. It’s important for non-toxic living too. Failure to control internal anger will eat you alive. Failure to control external anger will eat others alive.

Dr. Ravi Zacharias, who grew up in New Delhi, India, tells a story about his father, who was well known in the city where they lived – some esteemed him, others knew him for his volatile temper. One evening he exploded in a fit of anger. His wife and children bore the brunt of his rage.

A teen, Ravi thought they should go to a neighbor for help. Mother said no. She did not want to harm her husband’s reputation. She chose, instead, to quietly bear the discomfort. She believed that, “When your basket is bumped, what spills out defines your character.”

What’s in your basket?

Scripture has much to say about anger:

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." (Proverbs 29:11)

"In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:26 (NIV)

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger ... along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)

“[Act on What You Hear] Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” James 1:21 MSG

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

How well do you handle anger? If I bumped your basket today, what would spill out? 

Prayer:

“Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. (Proverbs 15:4). Let the words of my mouth and mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight Lord. You are my strength and my 

redeemer. (Psalm 19:14). Amen”

-- Reprinted with permission from The Way: Christianity Without Walls

Bio:

Ronda Knuth lives in Lakewood, CO, with her husband Rob. She is a mother of four, grandmother of four, and mother-in-love of three.

Ronda is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to the Network 211.com, with many articles published on their Global Christian Center website. She is also a regular contributor in the United Kingdom, to The Way.co.uk on their subscription service daily devotionals; published online.

Ronda Knuth received the Sunrise Senior Living 2013 Western Region ‘Joy in Service Award’, The company recognized her dedication, to making the Sunrise Senior Living at Pinehurst Denver, Colorado, residents’ lives the happiest and best they can be. Her first published book, When Memory Fades: Sunrise Stories from Real People, is available in both print and Kindle editions.

Her second book, Breathe: This Too Shall Pass is also available in both print and Kindle editions.
“In Breathe: This Too Shall Pass, Ronda has captured the isolation that so many of us feel in life’s experiences, and reminded us we are not alone. We can take the encouragement of this book, and find a resolve, that can lead us through the circumstances that seem to overwhelm us.”- Dr. Vince Gappa

Her personal life story has been told in, "The Unmasking: Married to a Rapist" by author Kevin Flynn and in "The Triumph Book: Stories of Tragedy Turned into Triumph" by author Melanie Davis. Learn more about Ronda at her website: http://rondasrestingplace.net

Breathe: This Too Shall Pass       

Purchase Here:

http://www.amazon.com/Breathe-This-Too-Shall-Pass-ebook/dp/B010W1ZQIC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1447211859&sr=1-1&keywords=Breathe%3A+This+Too+Shall+Pass+Ronda+Knuth&pebp=1447211858887&perid=0W11D2F26Y81XJDYYWYS

A YOUNG FATHER AND THE CIVIL WAR'S ANDERSONVILLE PRISON

Ada Brownell's interview with Diane Kalas, author of FAITHFUL HEART.

 Journey Home Series

1. What research did you do for this book? Did you visit Civil War sites?

Answer: I had already researched and visited Andersonville Prison for book 1, so didn’t need to do more. However, for a Texas cattle ranch after the Civil War, I had to research extensively what training a raw cowhand needed to keep himself alive. I learned so much about life on a Texas cattle ranch and enjoyed working the details into the storyline.

2. Have you always been interested in history?

Answer: American history, yes. My favorite is the last half of the 19^th century.

3. Is Brice troubled with gruesome memories from the war?

Answer: Yes, his sleep is disturbed with horrific memories of Andersonville.

4. Why is he angry with God?

Answer: First: he was in the Union Army when the Confederates invaded his homeland of Pennsylvania and he couldn’t defend his family or farm. Second: his wife feared living under enemy occupation so she and their daughter fled to their only living relatives in far off Texas. Third: his wife died while he was serving the Union but he didn’t know until the war ended two years later. Fourth: he postpones his plans to travel to Oregon and start over, when he learns of his wife’s death. He can’t travel with a young child and no wife, so he’s angry and confused about why God is allowing his life to go up side down.

5. Was Lainie, who is taking care of his child, a friend of Brice’s deceased wife? Did he  know her previously?

Answer: Lainie met Brice’s wife and became new friends shortly before the wife died. Brice didn’t know Lainie.

6. How did his wife die?

Answer: Lainie tells the little girl that her mother got sick and the doctor couldn’t do anything to help. I didn’t go into details because the child is just 5 years old. Instead, Lainie emphasized how the child’s mother loved her and wanted Lainie to promise to raise her to be a Christian.

7. Why is Lainie single at her age? Did her man die in the war?

Answer: Lainie’s 30 yrs old. The men in her small world wanted a housewife who could pull her weight on an isolated ranch. They didn’t love her, nor she them. Most eligible men she knew died during the war.

8. Has Brice had any experience with children? How old is the child now?

Answer: Great question, Ada. Brice has no clue how to raise a little girl and that’s the cause of arguments between him and Lainie. Child is almost 5 years old.

9. Is Lainie cowgirl to the bone, or more the domestic type?

Answer: Lainie is one hundred percent domestic, although she knows how to use a rifle to protect herself and her home. She longs to become a mother and wants a large family.

10. Is Brice noticing other young women in the community?

Answer: Not really, although Lainie thinks he may be interested in a beautiful widow. For the first 6 months of story, he’s grieving for the loss of his wife and still planning to leave for Oregon in the spring to start over.

11. What happens that causes Brice to notice Lainie as more than his child’s caregiver?

    

    Diane Kalas

Answer: Now, this made me smile as I wrote the scenes. Lainie’s an excellent cook, and every single day Brice sits down at her table to enjoy the most flavorful food he’s ever eaten. He becomes less annoyed at Lainie’s permissive ways, regarding his daughter, as time goes by. Six months after arriving at the ranch, he “goes up the trail” with the herd and misses not only his daughter but also Lainie for her kindness and loving nature. He yearns for a ranch of his own and knows he’s been falling in love with Lainie a little at a time.

12. What’s the biggest crises for Lainie? Brice?

Answer: For Brice it’s the past and all that he’s lost: his wife, his farm, and early years with his daughter. For Lainie, she lacks confidence with Brice because she’s a plain range woman and struggles to hide her growing affection for him that turns into love.

13. Is this a sequel to Patriot Heart, with some of the same characters?

Answer: My 3-book series is about three Civil War POWs who met in the infamous Andersonville Prison for Union soldiers and survived because of their friendship and Christian faith. Each book is about one of the men and their journey home after the Civil War ended. I wrote a reunion scene in Faithful Heart, book 2, to introduce hero of book 3. As a reader, I enjoy those kinds of characters with history that pop up in other stories.   

14. Will there be another heart book?

Answer: Yes, book 3 “HOPEFUL HEART” has the third POW and his story. Should be published in the spring of 2016.

15. Anything else you’d like to share?

Answer: Yes, my research on Andersonville Prison was tough to deal with and brought me low in spirits for quite awhile. Hopefully, readers will be encouraged as my stories unfold and see that even the worst of times and experiences can turn around. There’s hope for the future when you place your trust in God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Back Cover Blurb for Faithful Heart

 

September 1865. Brice Bruton lost his farm to the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania, while he served the Union Army. He’s angry with God and guilt-ridden, knowing his family had to flee their home before the Gettysburg Battle. Brice travels to Texas, to reunite with his wife and daughter before heading to Oregon, his lifeline of hope while a POW in Andersonville Prison.

 

Lainie Colbert, spinster, lives with her father and brother on a cattle ranch outside of Waco, Texas. Lainie’s been a foster aunt to Emily Bruton for two years and loves the child with her whole heart. When Brice Bruton arrives to take his daughter away, Lainie’s desperate to keep the little girl. She prays God will intervene and allow Emily to remain at the ranch.

 

Grief stricken to learn his wife died, while he served the Union Army, Brice knows he can’t travel with a child on his own, so he accepts a job as cowhand at the Colbert spread. Amid ranch life, Lainie and Brice clash over how to raise Emily. Lainie fears that Brice will leave and take Emily to Oregon. What’s worse, Lainie’s falling in love with Brice and knows he’ll never be attracted to her, a plain range woman.

 

Lainie’s love and devotion to Emily turns Brice’s opposition to admiration and romantic love. Brice goes up the trail with the Colberts’ herd, and decides he wants his own ranch and Lainie for his wife. Would Lainie accept him after all the arguments over Emily? He’s afraid to ask.

Available on: www.amazon.com - E-book and paperback editions

www.forgetmenotromances.com/authors/dianekalas

 www.facebook.com/dianekalas - author's page

 http://dianekalas.blogspot.com - Transporting you back in time

https://pinterest.com/dianedreams - 19th Century history, architecture, and fashion

http://twitter.com/dianekalas

MEET DIANE KALAS

Diane collects antique books written by men and women who lived through the American Civil War, and/or who pioneered out West. With a degree in interior design, she enjoys touring historical sites, especially Federal era homes with period furniture. Diane is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her biggest challenge is writing Inspirational Historical Romance. Her biggest distraction is her fascination with historical research.

 

  

SLUGS, GRIT AND SUCCESS

By Ada Brownell

The war began on May 3rd. Our youngest daughter, a beautiful pastor’s wife, the mother of two wonderful sons, and a human resources worker at a Steel Mill, can teach us all about grit and persistence.

Today she reported on Facebook that between the day the war began and her last slug hunt on Sept. 18, 2015, she logged 4,149 slugs eliminated from their backyard. Her tools consisted of a flashlight and a homemade organic spray, and the help of two chickens she bought as chicks to help with the war effort.

Common Garden Slug

She says, “Of course I've no idea how much fresh escargot the chickens enjoyed. It is sure to have been plenty as each time I let them out now they fervently look in the "honey holes" that they found, scratching and moving the rocks and leaves to the side, trying to find more.

Persistence paid off, as it usually does in any area of life.

Here's an excerpt from my book, Imagine the Future You.

Desire and talent don’t necessarily guarantee success, according to experts. Often it is the 

less talented and gifted who achieve great things because they won’t stop working toward

their goals—no matter how many obstacles they face or how often they face rejection or

disappointment. On the other hand, greatly talented people can go to their graves without

doing anything of significance.

What makes the difference?

We decide to take what we were born with and grow it into something greater.

Former President Ronald Reagan said, “There are no great limits to growth because there 

are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.”[1] The Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). You can, too.

I’ve discovered I can’t spend all of my free time watching television and munching potato chips and expect great things tomorrow. I need to snatch my intelligence from the “brain cell” thieves who stuff me with nonsense. I might enjoy watching a fictional person’s life on the screen or in a book, but I’ll never attain anything significant unless I do something myself.”

(Links to Imagine the Future You: Audible  http://ow.ly/U8VHv  Amazon   http://ow.ly/y9zaF   ITunes    http://ow.ly/U8W8S  )

Jeanette concluded her Facebook post with this report: 

Another species of slugs

“It's been a good year and the garden has provided lots of yummy things to eat and pretty flowers to view. The grass is still green and the trees are just about to drop their final leaves. A few more plants are finishing off and then we'll be ready for the yard to take a long winter's nap.”

NOTE: If you’d like to have the recipe for the home-made spray, comment and perhaps I can talk her out of it!

---

[1] Frank Lutz, Words That Work (New York: Hyperion, 2007).