Category Archives: raisedUP

Thankful For Differences

Posted on by Karen Leaman

Each year as Thanksgiving approaches, reasons for the special day fill my mind with thoughts of gratitude. Those same feelings led the first American settlers to thank God for their new land, food and friends. They celebrated together with a feast. This dinner came to be known as the first Thanksgiving meal. Moving to another country had presented many obstacles to overcome, but that did not stop them! Their new home provided new challenges, but their faith in God gave them a way to succeed. Thinking of them is a clear reminder for me to be thankful.

Understanding the Why

Posted on by Ken Leaman

I get asked a lot why I believe that young adults leave their faith.  I guess it is because I’m involved in a ministry whose purpose is to address the statistic that 70% of Christian raised young adults leave their faith after graduating High School.  There are many reasons; like their faith was never their own, they were hurt by a Christian, something happened within the Church that turned them off, they saw Christians acting one way at church and another way elsewhere, and the list goes on and on. Well here is what I believe is the reason why the vast majority leave. 

Coping with Stress as Modeled by Jesus (part 3)

Posted on by Dr. David R. Leaman

When distressed, we naturally react in one of two divergent ways. We tend to deny our feelings, minimize or suppress affect, not allowing others to know the inner turmoil. We say, “I’m fine,” but inwardly struggle, feeling confused and frustrated. The other reaction is to vent or explode in anger. We may lash out at someone or something, angrily yelling and blaming others. We are likely to

Should we celebrate Halloween?

Posted on by Karen Leaman

As I have shared before, growing up in a small country setting had an abundance of influences along with superstitions. With that statement, a very authentic reality needs to be highlighted. That does not mean, all thoughts related to truth correctly! Each of us still needed to make informed decisions ourselves. One cold October 31st, […]

Lost in Translation

Posted on by Paul Thompson

As a history minor in college, one of my favorite classes was economics.  I was hopeful that some day I’d make enough money to warrant the class’ necessity.  I am still hoping.  I remember the day when our professor told us about advertising campaigns that failed miserably when they were translated into another language. Electrolux, a Swedish company, tried to market their vacuums in America with the slogan, “Nothing

What Type of Soil are You?

Posted on by Ken Leaman

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you have probably read or heard about the parable Jesus told about the farmer who scattered seeds.  After hearing it several times, it becomes very familiar.  We tend gloss over it quickly, and not think about it too deeply.  We don’t take the time to think about how it relates to us as parents and our children.  I want to spend the time to walk through it, and to get you to think about

Coping with Stress as Modeled by Jesus (Part 2)

Posted on by Dr. David R. Leaman

Last month, I wrote briefly about the intense levels of stress that Jesus endured on earth.  Our focus is to recognize and apply the coping strategies that Jesus utilized.  Thus, we are observing His lifestyle and hoping to imitate His actions.  I believe that what Jesus has modeled for us provides more potent and effective stress reducing methods than modern psychology describes.  The first two strategies discussed in the last blog included

Why Stand During the National Anthem?

Posted on by Ken Leaman

Perhaps most of our children were never taught about our National Anthem; its history and significance. We need to teach our children about it, and explain why our nation has been so blessed by God. It is not because American’s are better than other nationalities. It is not that we are more worthy than others, or that God loves us more. God has chosen to bless for His reasons and for His purposes.

Why Teach Children to Memorize Scripture?

Posted on by Ken Leaman

The Bible is clear that we should teach our children about God and His word. We shouldn’t leave it up to the Sunday School teachers at our church. As parents, it is our responsibility. It is not always easy to do, and we might ask ourselves why we need to commit a lot of time and effort into doing this. After all we take them to church where they learn about God and read His word. They also see our example as Christian parents living out our faith. So why should we have to spend a lot of time with them reading God’s word and helping them to memorize Scripture? Well here is why.