Amazing Grace or Flaming Rebellion

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="60acbcb3.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Crooked Pines Ministries"><U><IMG SRC="040bf930.gif" border=0 width="191" height="147" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id55.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Glance at Reading Readiness"><U>A Glance at Reading Readiness</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id65.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Look at Peppermint and Slippery Elm Ba"><U>A Look at Peppermint and Slippery Elm Bark</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id105.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Pleasing Palette"><U>A Pleasing Palette</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id62.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Treasure So Fine!"><U>A Treasure So Fine!</U></A></div> <div> Amazing Grace or Flaming Rebellion</div> <div> <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Aunt Bettys BBQ Sauce"><U>Aunt Betty's BBQ Sauce</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id146.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Back to School"><U>Back to School</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Beginnings of Habit"><U>The Beginnings of Habit</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id68.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Being Poured Out"><U>Being Poured Out</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Broccoli Chicken Casserole"><U>Broccoli - Chicken Casserole</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id57.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Building Habits on the Dry Bones of Educ"><U>Building Habits on the Dry Bones of Education</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id144.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Choosing Curriculum for the new year"><U>Choosing Curriculum for the new year</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Comforter: the Fabric of Our Lives"><U>The Comforter: the Fabric of Our Lives</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id71.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dwelling in Safety"><U>Dwelling in Safety</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall: The Season of Change"><U>Fall: The Season of Change</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id77.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fighting Burnout with Scriptural Promise"><U>Fighting Burnout with Scriptural Promises</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id63.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="For the Love of Ginger"><U>For the Love of Ginger</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Claddagh, Ireland to Florence, AL "><U>From Claddagh, Ireland to Florence, AL - A Covenant Journey Part 1</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Claddagh, Ireland to Florence, AL "><U>From Claddagh, Ireland to Florence, AL - A Pure Vessel Part 2</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id75.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Get Ye unto Your Tents... and REST!"><U>Get Ye unto Your Tents... and REST!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Habit of Dawdling, The Cure"><U>The Habit of Dawdling, The Cure</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id78.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Happy is the Mom Who Puts Her Trust in t"><U>Happy is the Mom Who Puts Her Trust in the Lord</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id72.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Have You Been Working Out?"><U>Have You Been Working Out?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id79.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="His Love"><U>His Love</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Home Educators and their Books"><U>Home Educators and their Books</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id83.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Homeschooling... 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Woodis</B></U></A><B>                      </B><A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Aunt Bettys BBQ Sauce"><U><B><IMG SRC="609594f0.jpg" border=0 width="89" height="79" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A><A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Aunt Bettys BBQ Sauce"><U><B>Aunt Betty's BBQ Sauce</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Amazing Grace or Flaming Rebellion</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.hisimage.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hisimage.org"><U><IMG SRC="05193950.jpg" border=0 width="147" height="149" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="6042f7b0.jpg" border=0 width="303" height="379" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Amazing Grace or Flaming Rebellion:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> What's at Work in Your Home?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Written by: Mary E. Woodis<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Background passage: 1 Kings 11:26-40, 12:1-24<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="605314a0.jpg" border=0 width="305" height="74" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> At one time or another, rebellion creeps into every home. It can occur between man and wife or parents and children. At all times, the root of rebellion is man against God. This rebellion began in the Garden of Eden when Eve first made the decision to believe the serpent instead of God Almighty. (See Genesis 3:6)</div> <div>  </div> <div> In order to conquer rebellion in our own lives and the lives of our children, we first need to understand exactly what rebellion is. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Rebellion - Open resistance to lawful authority. To break away from just authority. To be consumed with bitterness. To turn away to wrong. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Rebel - to make bitter, to be disobedient, to grievously disobey. </div> <bR> <div> All rebellion boils down to this one thing, forsaking the one true God for a false god. This god may be “self”, material possessions, the opinion of others, religion, family members or fear. All are tools that Satan will use to lure us away from serving YHWH with all our hearts, soul and mind. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Rebellion - What causes it?</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> From our text in 1 Kings 11:27, we are told that Solomon’s extensive building projects were the cause of the discontent and rebellion in Israel. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1 Kings 11:27, “And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.” </div> <bR> <div> God asked Solomon to build one thing, a temple for His name. Solomon went on to build wondrous things and repair the walls of Jerusalem. The people were tired of being worked like slaves and having no voice. They saw the advent of Rehoboam to the throne as a possible end to their labors and the neglect of their king. </div> <bR> <div> Solomon’s lust of the eye was the beginning of his downfall. We all know of his numerous wives and great riches. He began to think more highly of himself than he should have. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Romans 12:3, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."</div> <bR> <div>  He became discontent with the kingdom as David had built it and began to build newer and better things. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Hebrews 13:5, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'"</div> <bR> <div>  God had gifted this one man more richly than all others and yet he let his eye rove and his heart to become discontent. I find this proof positive that a man cannot be bought with material possessions. Such love is fickle at best and definitely never satisfied. God promised to supply our every need, why can’t we just be happy with that? </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."</div> <div>  </div> <div> In the process of Solomon’s quest for bigger and better he displayed a very ungodly attitude before the people of Israel. Their discontent was only a mirror image of Solomon’s discontent. The king lost the respect of the people. You see, God was no longer on the throne of Solomon’s heart, material possessions were. He later learned that none of this could make him happy; it was all vanity. (See Ecclesiastes) </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>How does this look at Home?</B></div> <bR> <div> Often times in our homes we do or say something that wounds a family member and we don’t even know it. Our rule becomes harsh or overbearing without our even realizing it. Sometimes the seed of rebellion was caused by a casually spoken word or a forgotten deed. Satan will use instances such as these to build rebellion in the hearts of our family. They will nurse this unrecognized offense until the molehill has become an insurmountable mountain that is blocking the way back into fellowship. Communication and companionship are broken and you have a case of flaming rebellion on your hands. </div> <bR> <div> In our marriages rebellion occurs the first time either spouse doesn’t get what he/she wants and reacts selfishly. It seems at times that our spouse is supposed to read our minds. We expected them to do or accomplish a “thing” and they never realized it was expected. This then becomes an unrealized offense and the seed of rebellion is planted. At this moment God is removed from the throne of our lives and our wants and needs take first place. Are they really more important than God’s will? Absolutely not! But at that moment, when disappointment is reigning supreme, God’s will is but a faint beacon on the periphery of our minds. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>But where does it all begin?</B></div> <bR> <div> Amazingly rebellion starts in the life of our children in the womb. The first time our unborn babe experiences discomfort from unexpected pressure or an uncomfortable temperature they lash out with their newly formed arms and legs. This is a natural reaction from a natural man; this is a survival instinct. This later appears as whining or hitting in a toddler. This habit, if not properly trained in the future, is the beginning seed of rebellion. It is as natural as breathing and can be as deadly as sin. </div> <bR> <div> All rebellion occurs when one party sees their current circumstances as intolerable, unjust or uncomfortable. Statements of: </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a730077011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“I deserve better…” </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“This is just not fair…” </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“I just can’t handle this anymore…” </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“I need more time, attention, etc…” </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“I just want (blank) and then I will be happy” </div> <bR> <div> We have all heard these statements and indeed, we have all made these statements; we wouldn’t be human if we hadn’t. God instructs us to take our eyes off of our circumstances and place them on Him. Surely the One who loves us so much and knows our present, past and future can handle the details of our now! </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Preventing Rebellion</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> An intuitive parent/leader can prevent rebellion by maintaining a relationship that involves good communication. This is the only way to prevent rebellion. From our example in 1 Kings 12:4 we see that a plea will usually be given (whether verbal or through actions) before rebellion occurs. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">1 Kings 12:4, “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.” </div> <bR> <div> In order for us to fully understand just how strongly these people were feeling their circumstances, we need to understand the definition for grievous. In this verse there are two different Hebrew words used for grievous. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Qashah - to be cruel, be fiercer, severe, hard, and stiff-necked </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Qasheh - severe, churlish, grievous, hard-hearted, impudent, obstinate, stubborn, in trouble. </div> <bR> <div> Rehoboam was handed a once in a lifetime opportunity to correct an unrecognized offense. He was given godly counsel by the elders but he chose to reject it. In this single act, Rehoboam sealed the rift between the Northern and Southern tribes that led to the division of Israel. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>A Listening Ear</B></div> <bR> <div> The first thing that Rehoboam needed to prevent this rebellion was a listening ear. These people just wanted to be heard. So many decisions had been made for them and their king was no longer sitting in the gate to hear their problems. Over and over we hear words like these from people in rebellion: </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“They just don’t understand me!” </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“They never listen!” </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“I just need someone to talk to!” </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“They don’t care about me!” </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“They aren’t interested in anything that I have to say.” </div> <bR> <div> People need to be able to express their thoughts, fears and sentiments as long as it is done respectfully. This is the only way we can help them to deal with all those harmful thoughts that Satan will run through their minds. But we first must hear them so we can help them to sift these thoughts through Scripture and find the grain of truth. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>A Compassionate Heart</B></div> <bR> <div> The second thing that Rehoboam needed was a compassionate heart. These people described Solomon as cruel, fierce, hard-hearted and stubborn. May we never be described as such by our children! No matter how insignificant a problem may seem to us, if our children feel strongly enough about this problem to rebel, then we had better not take it lightly. That twinkle of humor in our eyes may be the very thing that wounds a sensitive heart and turns them away from us for years! Such an uncaring attitude will lead them straight down the path of flaming rebellion. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Reflect that Amazing Grace</B></div> <bR> <div> The third thing that Rehoboam needed was a mirror to reflect the amazing grace of God to these people. God had already shed His grace on Rehoboam over and over again, now he needed to reflect some of this grace back to these people. Yes, you could say it was disrespectful for them to stand before their king and demand a lighter workload. They had a lot of nerve! But they were also extending grace to their king. They could have flown into instant rebellion the minute Solomon died, but they were willing to give Rehoboam a chance. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Recognizing the Signs of Rebellion</B></div> <bR> <div> Have you seen the beginnings of rebellion in your home? We all know the signs: </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An angry or scornful look </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A heavy step </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An attitude of grumbling and discontent </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An argumentative spirit </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A disrespectful reply </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A child shunning the company of family members </div> <bR> <div> All of these instances are a warning sign that you will need to deal with quickly. These little things are the tip of the iceberg. There is an underlying reason that your child would choose to respond in this manner. You need to ferret out that reason and deal with it. Have you done something to cause your child to feel this way? Find out! It may just need some correction or it may need some repentance, but in all cases self is on the throne in that heart. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Restoring the Family </B></div> <bR> <div> When we begin to notice an atmosphere of discontent and strife in our home we know that there is a lack of companionship and communication. One thing that we use to bring this back into our inner-family circle is evening read alouds. Even when we are on the road this can give our family a sense of normalcy that is needed by everyone. </div> <bR> <div> This one tool brings the family together in a close, intimate circle. We join together on a quest in the chosen story. We are united in our thirst for a continuance of the plot. We strain together for the conclusion. We laugh together, cry together and get frustrated together. We join the characters in the story for a much needed break from reality. </div> <bR> <div> This tool also provides a “safe” topic for discussion in an otherwise strained or tense relationship. Sometimes this is just the ticket when you don’t know what to say to a fractious child. The story has now joined you on a team and opened the lines of communication. It sets the stage for the reinstitution of the habit of sharing. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Habit of Sharing</B></div> <bR> <div> This habit of sharing is THE central habit of relationships. For a spouse to “take a rabbit trail” and begin sharing with someone else is detrimental to the intimacy of the spousal relationship. At times this often seems like a betrayal of trust and opens the door to the sin of jealousy. I hate to hear from someone else what has happened in my husband’s life. It gives me a very disconnected feeling. </div> <bR> <div> For a child to do the same hinders the habit of sharing with a parent. Born into every one of our children is a desire to “tell Mommy.“ We have a choice of either building this desire and nurturing it, or squashing it with lack of interest. What begins as simple narration as a little child can develop into a bridge that will preserve your relationship when that child reaches the turbulent adolescent years. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Foundational Sharing</B></div> <bR> <div> The habit of daily, unceasing prayer is the foundation of this habit of sharing. To daily share our lives through prayer with our Father God is a lifeline of our most vital relationship. We need to model this habit before our children. We need to ensure that they develop this lifeline also. How scary it is to think that one of my children might leave my home without this lifeline in tact. We need to guard the sanctity of all of these relationships. </div> <bR> <div> Just as our relationship with God requires daily contact so do our relationships within our inner-family circle. We all fail from time to time in our maintenance of this habit of sharing. This is where Satan will rush in with lies. He will tell us that they: </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Don’t care </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Aren’t interested </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">They will laugh at us </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">They will reject our opinion </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">They are too busy, don’t have time </div> <bR> <div> In short, he will throw roadblocks across this trail of sharing and thus hinder our habit. </div> <bR> <div> The safest and best way to remove these obstacles is to restore our prayer relationship with God. Once this relationship is restored, He will begin to show us ways, and give us opportunities, to restore our other relationships. God is our link and our resource. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Link of Reconciliation</B></div> <bR> <div> This was the one link that Rehoboam lacked. Instead of listening to the wise counsel of the elders, he sent the people off to their homes to sulk for three days! Have you ever done that, disregarded good advice and just sent your children to their room or to stand in a corner because you didn’t want to deal with them. You must, must, must view these times of confrontation as a chance to correct any unrecognized offense. Don’t send your child away when he is crying out to you for grace. This is a wonderful opportunity to display the amazing grace of God. This is the time to dig down and find out what the real problem is. Are you up to the challenge? </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Facing Flaming Rebellion</B></div> <bR> <div> When you are facing your child in a time of flaming rebellion don’t just react to the situation at hand. Take a step back and try to see the bigger picture. It is ok to remain silent for a few moments of prayer. Goodness knows this is one of those times when we need God’s guidance the most! </div> <bR> <div> Ask Him: </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Is this really a cry for mercy? </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Has your relationship and communication been hindered with this child? </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.png" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Is this child merely mirroring your behavior? (They often do and boy does it stink when they display our flesh!) </div> <bR> <div> Grace and mercy are two intertwined attributes of God. You cannot separate one from the other. When Adam and Even sinned in the Garden of Eden, God could have walked away and washed His hands of the whole mess. This is where the grace and mercy come in… He didn’t! God used two rough pieces of lumber and three spikes to build a bridge. He then reached across the gap created by sin and through grace and mercy drew us back to Himself. </div> <bR> <div> Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I’m found, I was blind but now I see! </div> <bR> <div> Do you see? Use God’s word today to open your eyes and ears to ways that you can display this wonderful grace to your family. God already has ways prepared for you; get in communication with Him to find out what He has in store. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> God bless you all! </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="60d68cc0.jpg" border=0 width="360" height="204" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><A HREF="mailto:jessiew@hiwaay.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:jessiew@hiwaay.net"><U><IMG SRC="60c594f0.jpg" border=0 width="89" height="79" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#top" TITLE="Amazing Grace or Flaming Rebellion"><U><B>back to top</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="605314a0.jpg" border=0 width="305" height="74" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> This article is copyrighted by Mary E. Woodis. If you would like to print this article in whole or part in your publication, please contact Jessie and Mary Woodis at <A HREF="mailto:jessiew@hiwaay.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:jessiew@hiwaay.net"><U>jessiew@hiwaay.net</U></A> for permission and more details. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="613a0860.jpg" border=0 width="160" height="134" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> This page was last updated July 2004</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>