Some thoughts on Abba (Daddy)

I had a discussion yesterday with a dear friend on homeschooling. It got me thinking about how God directs our lives if we seek and trust Him. I think that is the reason we don't have detailed rules and outlines for the church. Some things are so important that they are specifically stated. Many others are left for us to search for, pray and study out. I think it was intentional. We are all different people at different stages in our spiritual growth. And while scripture is unchanging, it is living and speaks different things to different people at different points in their lives.

I always think of God as my Abba, my daddy, and now that I'm a parent the relationship is even more clear. It isn't inconsistent to give your 8 year old a bedtime of 8:30, your 12 year old a bedtime of 9:30 and to allow your 16 year old once their are mature enough to determine their own bedtime. They are all at different ages and most likely different maturity levels and needs. In the same way as we grow spiritually I think God actually removes some of our original "rules" so to speak by allowing us into more situations knowing we can be a light for Him instead of succumbing to darkness. And also knowing we will seek Him in which we aren't capable of handling.

There is no scripture that specifically says how to educated your children besides in a Godly and loving fashion. That means different things to different families and if they seek God He will reveal is best path for them. The same goes with where you live, what you watch, how you eat, how you discipline, your views on birth control, your job, your friends and almost every facet of your life. The New Testament isn't covered in thou shalt nots because it is about our relationship with God. He revealed our need for salvation in the Old Testament and His history and love of His people, the New Testament is the promised deliverance and a new life and relationship lived day by day seeking God's will.

As I said, some things were specifically addressed as still being condemned in the New Testament, but many of the rules and regulations God put in place to protect and govern His people (the Jews) in the Old Testament are not found there. The New Testament addresses the heart of the issue now that we have the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts on a day to day basis. What a blessing and grave responsibility we have to live in this time. We also need to remember to live in grace and understanding of one another, correcting those things that were specifically addressed, but praying for God's direction in our friends and families lives instead of praying God would change their hearts and attitudes to match our own. What an awesome God that He can make so many snowflakes. I pray we can fall gently and bless those that don't know His love yet. How shocked would the world be to see such a diverse group of people living unique lives together within the will of God. That is true diversity.

Can't we just get along

*sigh* As I sit here I've just resorted yet again to bribery to try and keep some semblance of peace in our home. It's terrible, I know. I'm trying to get the cat and dog and their mutual love of squeeze cheeze to bring them together to a calm loving relationship. Motor shared a nice relationship with Bennie once we convinced Bennie not to eat him. Ironically the roles are reversed this time. Motor seems content to try and eat Jethro...though Jethro is a big oaf that wants to paw and sniff at Motor. I suppose it's actually mutual provocation.

What is it about cats and dogs, brothers and sister, muslims and jew (reaching) that they live in close proximity, many of times of their own choosing, yet love to fight. Chaela positions herself on the edge of the couch within good reach of Merrick, Gabriel will sit on the same couch a cushion away from Chaela and Merrick....well, he just chases them all the time right now. The cat jumps down on the chair to fight with the dog. When that's gotten all he stay just out of noses reach of the dog on the carpet, which the dog can fully access but isn't allowed on. They taunt, torment, and harass until the inevitable reaction occurs then want sympathy for their plight. "Woe is me", they cry, "I am so abused."

And what is a mother or pet owner to do? Bribe or ignore. I really don't see any other option. You can try to mediate but in reality both are at fault. I guess option three would be to punish everyone or make a wrong call. Eventually you wont hear about the problems or you'll be constantly mediating while each one gets smarter at making it appear to be the others fault. I don't have patients for the drama that may ensue. So, provided there is no blood, I ignore. If their is an audience or I can't handle the noise and destruction, I bribe or punish both. For now, that means cheese, and in a moment it may mean Jethro gets to spend yet another hour in his crate and Motor gets to go out in the cold...only to enter again through the closet. Ah, but that is a post for another day.