people and junk

One thing I have noticed in getting ready for our Annual Parking Lot Sale is that people like junk. And what seems like stupid junk to me is the must have for others. This week Katarina and I have been sorting through, pricing, and cleaning all the stuff that everyone has donated. Our Yard sale, unlike others, has everything priced to go. I did some checking and most of the stuff that we sale is priced at 10-20 percent of the regular price. Our shoes are 2 dollars a pair. Last year we sold washers and dryers for 40 dollars. If anything we price things too low. But I figure if we price it all low we can get rid of more and people will be more tempted to buy more. Last year this fundraiser brought in over 1000 dollars, and based on the items we have this year I am anticipating a profit of only 400-700 dollars. Of course just this week we have sold about 50 dollars worth of stuff so far, that is nice because it gives us a base amount for Saturday. Hopefully we will have a good fundraiser and we will be able to raise all the money needed to go to camp. I heard that my brother raised all the money for the teens in a dessert auction, we may try it this next year. In case you have not figured it out, This blog is my destresser. I use it to get out what I am thinking so that I don't worry about it. I hope that through them you are encouraged, challanged, and inspired. Thank you.

Double Standard

Why is it that people must have double standards? They expect one thing of themselves and another of everyone else. Why are they so much easier on themselves? Why can't they just be real? If you don't expect yourself to live up to those standards then don't expect others to do that. Parents expect the school and the church to be able to control their kids but the truth is that the parents can't control their kids. Why should the school/church be the primary place for education? Parents spend way more time with their kids and yet they can never take the time to teach their own offspring.
Well, maybe it is for the best. If some people were to be the primary educator of their kids the kids would be in for a world of hurt. A teacher was telling me the other day that a parent came in and was asking why their kid was having problems listening and getting their assignments done. The teacher asked how do they do at home. The parent had to admit it was about the same. At some point in time we have gotten off track. No longer is it the parent's responsibility to educate their children, now it is the school and the church.
Am I saying that if you send your kid to public school you are in the wrong? As a Public School educated kid, NO I am not. But what I am saying is that if you do not take the time to instill in your children your standards, then how can you turn around and hold the school or the church responsible. We as a people have got away from the idea that the kid is to be educated by the parents. We have forgotten that the Public School is suppose to be one of many tools to educate your child. When will the teachers and the educators stand up and say YOU as parents must take your position as primary educator of your kids.

Suprises !!!

I should probably tell you a little about me but that is going to have to wait. I have something else I was wanting to get out. I guess that I shouldn't really be suprised but Saturday we were at the kindergarten graduation and one of the teachers got up and thanked Katarina and I for being at "all the kids activities." We go, because we want our church kids and teens to see us involved in their life. We want them to see that we are taking a special interest in them outside of church. I felt honored that a teacher would notice that we are "at everything," and I wondered if the people in our church knew how invoved we were. Sure they see us interacting with the kids at church but do they really know that there are some weeks that we go to a game or activity almost every day? Do they know that we don't just preach to the kids at the church but we try to practice what we preach in front of them through out the week. Sometimes I wonder how valuable Katarina and I are in the eyes of our church members. That being said, Last night after church Katarina and I were getting ready to head home and Mrs. Emery came up and asked if we had any kids to take home, then said that Bro. Emery and she would like to take us out to Denny's. I know this may not be a big thing to some but the Emery's were one of the first to feel led to help us financially when we were going through everything with Keagen. and Bro. Emery makes it a point to ask God to help Katarina and I as we lead the Youth. I am really thankful to the Emery's. At a point when I was wondering if anyone cared and if anyone noticed what we do, they reminded me that they do. It is amazing how God will send those people to encourage you when it seems like you need it the most. If you are faithful to Him, He will be faithful to you.