The Economic Pinch That Stole Christmas
By Christina Quick | November 24, 2008
If you’re like most Americans, your mailbox is probably brimming with holiday ads this time of year.
But as Black Friday approaches, there are indications shoppers won’t be spending as much this Christmas.
According to a survey from the American Research Group, shoppers plan to slash their usual Christmas budgets in half in 2008. That’s unsettling news for merchants. But it may not be as bad as it sounds for the rest of us.
Maybe it means we’ll spend less time in crowded malls with strangers and more time at home with loved ones. Perhaps we’ll rely less on credit cards and put more thought into the gifts we can afford. If we’re all cutting back together, maybe there will be less pressure to buy kids the latest high-priced toy or electronic device simply because “everyone else is getting one.”
And somewhere along the way, we might even start to think like the Grinch, who had a profound revelation about Christmas: “Maybe Christmas … doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!”
How is the economy affecting your holiday plans?
Topics: In the news | No Comments »
The Best Christmas Ever
By Christina Quick | November 12, 2008
A new Christmas ad campaign in our nation’s capital discourages belief in God.
The American Humanist Association spent $40,000 to place its message on Metro buses this holiday season. The organization claims it’s just trying to boost the spirits of agnostics, atheists and other non-religious people “who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion.” (Read the story here.)
What a tragically misguided mission. How could denying the Creator make anyone feel less alone in the world? How will being told there is no God, no eternity, help someone facing Christmas for the first time after the loss of a beloved family member? How can it encourage a person who has just been diagnosed with inoperable cancer? Will it bring hope to a depressed individual contemplating suicide? At a time when many across the nation are worried about how they will provide for their families, how could such an ad lift anyone from despair?
Several Christmases ago when our kids were preschoolers, we were facing hard times. My husband had lost his newspaper job two months earlier and hadn’t yet found work. Consequently, our celebration had to be scaled back. After exchanging a few small gifts, we opened the family Bible to read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. In spite of the uncertainties hanging over our financial future, it was a picture perfect moment. The kids listened attentively, their little faces glowing in the flickering candlelight. Snow fell outside our apartment building, covering the gray world with a pristine blanket of white. As we finished reading and the Bible was closed, our 4-year-old son spoke up.
“This is the best Christmas ever,” he said softly.
“What makes you say that?” I asked.
“I’ve known God all my life,” he said in an awed tone, his blue eyes brimming with tears. “But this is the first time I’ve ever felt his presence.”
Christmas that year wasn’t about what my husband and I were able to give. It was special because of what God gave and continues to give: His tender involvement in our lives.
The reality is we were made to know God. Being separated from Him leaves us without purpose, meaning, or hope for the future. Christmas reminds us we are not alone. We don’t have to fight life’s battles in our own power. Jesus came to earth as Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Isaiah 61:1-2 describes exactly why He came: “to preach good news to the poor … bind up the brokenhearted … proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners … comfort all who mourn … provide for those who grieve … a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
That’s the encouragement the world needs this Christmas. They need to hear that they can know God and experience His love and presence. They need to be told of His invitation to come to Him and receive His promises, including the gift of eternal life.
You may not have the funds to purchase a moving billboard. But your life can be a moving billboard. Make this the best Christmas ever for someone by sharing Christ’s message of hope.
Click here to learn more about how to begin a relationship with Jesus and experience His presence and salvation.
Topics: Faith | No Comments »
Blessings of Liberty
By Christina Quick | November 4, 2008
In September I visited the National Archives in Washington D.C., where the U.S. Constitution is on display.
I felt a swelling of patriotism as I read the familiar preamble: “We the people of the United States…”
My fifth grade history teacher, Mrs. Bennett, forced me to memorize that and recite it in front of the entire class. I later recited it again during a patriotic high school choir performance.
I can quote the preamble from memory even today. But seeing it on paper, THE paper, was a remarkable experience. I suppose I must have stared at the document for several minutes before an attendant told me to move along.
A few days later, my family and I visited Yorktown, Va., where the last battle of the American Revolution was fought. I walked among trenches carved out by George Washington’s troops and viewed the artillery positions of the two armies.
I considered what these American patriots were fighting for: “to … secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”
Liberty truly is a blessing no American should take for granted. I’ve walked among rows of stones in national cemeteries, where heroes were laid to rest after defending this nation, this liberty, this blessing.
We have a duty to defend liberty as well. Our children and grandchildren our counting on us. Please exercise your right to vote before the polls close this evening. And regardless of the election outcome, continue to pray for this great nation.
May God bless America.
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Nine and Holding
By Christina Quick | October 21, 2008
Getting older can be tough.
My daughter, who turns 10 on Thursday, still enjoys her status as the princess and baby of our family.
The other day she asked her dad for a drink of water.
“Oh, for crying out loud,” her older brother chided. “You’re 10 years old. You ought to be able to reach the glasses yourself.”
“I’m not 10 yet,” she shot back. “I’m still in my late nines.”
Topics: Humor | No Comments »
Anchored
By Christina Quick | September 24, 2008
The beach photo from my previous post was taken at Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland.
This barrier island is home to the same bands of wild ponies described in the children’s book Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry.
My daughter is a big fan of the book, and of all animals everywhere, so getting to visit Chincoteague and Assateague made her one happy camper. (Chincoteague is the Virginia side of the island.)
We pitched a tent just off the beach where we could hear the crashing surf throughout the night. It wasn’t the gentle, lulling sound of some distant ebb and flow. It was as turbulent as a thunderstorm. The bright stars, visible through the screen roof, were my only reassurance nature was still at peace.
There are virtually no permanent structures on Assateague, unless you count a few cinderblock showers that yield only cold water. No condos. No motels. No strip malls. No street lights. Just a wild, wind-swept spit of sand that is forever shifting and changing. Strange as it may seem, this is my kind of place.
In such a setting, you can’t help but think about God. Even the challenges of primitive living remind me of my reliance on Him.
The first problem presented itself shortly after we arrived. We had brought along extra-long tent stakes, just as the park’s Web site advises. But the stakes somehow wriggled free from the tent’s webbing and almost immediately became lost in the sand.
“This is like the Bible story of the foolish guy who built his house on the sand,” remarked our 11-year-old, who was clearly amused.
Fortunately, my husband and I had already devised a backup plan. We filled gallon milk jugs with sand, attached the handles to the tent with lengths of cord, and used a shovel to bury them deep. The makeshift “deadman anchors” held our humble shelter firmly in place.
Next time, we agreed, we won’t even bother with stakes in a situation that calls for anchors.
I wonder how many times we make that error in our spiritual lives. It’s easy to stake a claim in Christianity, proclaiming our place in God’s kingdom. But when everything around us starts to shift, faith can easily slip away unless it’s anchored securely in God’s Word.
I sure don’t want to be like that foolish guy. Makes me want to dig in a little deeper.
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The Great American Road Trip
By Christina Quick | September 16, 2008
I’m back in the office and back to blogging after a two-week road trip with my family.
Two kids and two adults. Nine states. Seven campgrounds. Four motel rooms. One loaded mini van. Three thousand miles.
Sandy sleeping bags. Mosquitoes. Sunburn. A leaky tent. Spilled candy. Overturned soda. Car sickness. Whiny meltdowns.
Campfires. Starry skies. Scenic drives. Long walks. New experiences. Unexpected discoveries. Laughs. Hugs. Memories. Great times. Really.
Now that we’re home we can finally get some rest. Truth be told, we can hardly wait to do it again.
Any guesses where in the world this photo was taken?
Topics: Family fun | 2 Comments »
The Robots Are Coming
By Christina Quick | August 25, 2008
This amazing robot is really my little girl in disguise. I had almost as much fun turning some boxes into a robot suit as she had modeling it.
Pick up a copy of TPE’s annual children’s edition on Oct. 12 and find out how to make this costume with your kids. You’ll also find games, articles and comics to keep them entertained.
As you may have guessed, this year’s issue is all about robots. Young readers can even register to win a robot kit from Smithsonian. Too much fun!
Topics: Family fun | No Comments »
Making the Impossible Happen in JBQ
By Christina Quick | August 18, 2008
While Michael Phelps was winning his gold medals in Beijing, my son has been training for his own Olympic-sized challenge.
Last night, my 11-year-old achieved the impossible. The Junior Bible Quiz Impossible Award, that is.
Pardon my parental pride, but I felt it was worth blogging about. To earn this award, the highest given in the JBQ program, quizzers must answer all 576 Bible Fact-Pak questions in one sitting without a mistake. Oh, and they have to do it from the cut-off point. That’s the point at which a question is unique from all others. After hearing a question up to the cut-off point, quizzers trying for the Impossible Award must complete the question and then recite the answer. For some questions they’re only given one word, such as “Why…,” “As…,” “The…” or “Over…”
As my son and others across the nation have demonstrated, it’s not entirely impossible. But it is pretty amazing. At the end of a long oral test (his very first attempt), my son emerged with a smile and a sense of accomplishment I believe he will carry with him for years to come.
Another thing that will remain with him is God’s Word. Junior Bible Quiz is a fantastic children’s program that teaches elementary-age participants 107 direct Scripture verse quotations and an impressive number of Bible facts and foundational doctrines.
As our kids study God’s Word in JBQ, I pray the truths they’re learning will shape their characters, strengthen their faith and give them hope and purpose throughout their lives. To me, that’s better than an Olympic gold medal.
My 9-year-old daughter also received her Achiever Seal award last night with a perfect score of 60 out of 60 random questions. I think she’s well on her way to earning her own Impossible Award someday.
Junior Bible Quiz helps kids learn that with God and His Word, all things are possible.
Topics: Faith | 1 Comment »
Shocking Number of Tweens Watch R-rated Movies
By Christina Quick | August 14, 2008
An R rating for violence isn’t enough to keep many tweens and young teens from seeing inappropriate movies, a recent survey shows.
In a Dartmouth Medical School study published this month in Pediatrics, researchers revealed nearly half of children between the ages of 10 and 14 had viewed at least one of a list of extremely violent R-rated movies.
“We know so much about the harmful effects of exposure to violent media content, but how much exposure children actually get has been largely ignored,” says Dr. Keilah Worth, the study’s lead author. “Now, we’re learning more about the large numbers of kids seeing this material and who they are.”
Researchers also found the movies were more likely to be viewed by youngsters with lower academic performance.
“No expert in child development would advocate for subjecting children as young as 10 to this level of violence,” says Dr. James Sargent, a Dartmouth professor of pediatrics. “Yet the study shows that such exposure is commonplace in this country.”
Sargent says the movie rating system, which was established 40 years ago when motion pictures were viewed only in theaters, should be revamped.
“Ratings need to be more prominent on all movies, whether they are seen in theaters or purchased in the store, and we need clearer messages to parents. Pediatricians and child advocates should instruct parents to strictly abide by the movie-age guidelines and to closely monitor movie viewing.”
Somehow I doubt more prominent ratings would have much of an effect. The fact is, a lot of parents these days have given up trying to police or shelter their kids. Parental apathy is a sad thing indeed, but I’m not sure there are any easy solutions. This nation needs Jesus.
What do you think?
Topics: In the news | No Comments »
Unhappy Meals
By Christina Quick | August 13, 2008
I was disgusted to read a story in today’s news about a teenage fast food employee taking a bubble bath in a restaurant sink as a store manager and other workers watched. What are people thinking when they do things like this and then post the evidence online?
While I realize this is an isolated incident, it reminds me why I don’t often eat at such establishments. I have three reasons for avoiding fast food:
1. It’s unhealthy. Yes, there are token “healthy” menu items like yogurt and salad. But let’s be honest. Fast food restaurants make their money serving food loaded with hydrogenated fats, empty calories, preservatives and sodium.
2. It’s not a great value. For about half the price of a fast food meal, I can serve something tastier and more nutritious at home. As an added bonus, I get to skip the greasy tables, dirty bathrooms, tacky décor and shameless promotions for violent movies my kids aren’t allowed to watch.
3. I wonder about the cleanliness. Maybe this isn’t fair, but I seriously question how many of these undertrained workers maintain the same standards I have in my own kitchen.
I’ve accumulated a glut of personal experiences over the years to support my third concern, including one incident that happened just recently.
We were taking the kids to see a play and didn’t have a lot of time to spare. So we decided to take our chances and stop at the one place that was on our driving route, a fast food restaurant that serves fried seafood and chicken.
As I approached the counter with my family, my feet stuck to the floor with every step, my first small clue this might have been a mistake. Then a manager came to the register looking like something, maybe a bag of batter, had exploded on him in the kitchen. He was splatter painted with yellow goo from his hat down.
I took a deep breath, assuring myself accidents happen. Kids spill soda on floors. Things spontaneously erupt. I ordered, bravely trying to give this place the benefit of the doubt.
Contradictory as it may seem, I’m not the kind of customer who cranes my neck to inspect the kitchen. If I’m going to attempt to eat the stuff, I’d just as soon not know what it went through moments before.
So as I was standing there trying not to look, a young employee walked by with a tray of food. Just as he entered my line of vision, a piece of corn on the cob rolled off the plate and landed on the floor. Without hesitation, he reached down, picked it up and plopped it back on top of the mound of food.
He glanced around to see if anyone saw. No one else had. Then our eyes locked.
I’m sure my expression said something like, “Please tell me you’re not going to serve that.”
His face registered fear, then defiance, as his eyes seemed to say, “Lady, you wouldn’t say a word.”
He then put the tray on the counter for customer pickup and hurried back toward the kitchen.
I had a decision to make. I didn’t want to make a scene. It wasn’t even my food. But this was too much. I couldn’t let somebody eat that. This guy’s unsanitary habits needed to be stopped. It was the right thing to do, I decided.
“He just dropped that food on the floor,” I said weakly, incredulously.
“What?” the manager asked.
I was feeling bolder now. “The corn on the cob sitting on that tray fell on the floor, and I just watched your employee pick it up and put it back on the plate.”
The manager seemed strangely underwhelmed.
“I’m sorry you saw that,” he said coolly, reaching over to dump the tray in the trash. “I’m sorry that happened. I’ll talk to him.”
“Good,” I said. “But first, I want my money back.”
“And would you like your order too?” he asked, opening the register.
“No thanks. Just my money.”
We took our refund and went to a deli for dinner. While we waited, I tried hard not to see anything. The next night, we had a nice meal at home.
Topics: In the news | 2 Comments »
