The Blueprint

It’s Sunday, September 2^nd.  I am Lance Pisowicz and this is Lance’s Weekly Walk!  At long last I am back on my Sunday blog.  I apologize that I haven’t been able to do any blogs these past few weeks.  Before we begin I have a couple of reminders for you.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to follow me at:  www.twitter.com/lancejponline.  My Facebook page is also getting more attention as several of you have liked me there.  You can find it at:  www.facebook.com/lancepisowicz.  Also a reminder for you to check out Lance Pisowicz Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online).  From there you can access my Facebook and Twitter page, my Youtube channel, and everything to do with my blogs.  You can also fill out a prayer request there by clicking on the “Media” tab at the top of your page.  One last reminder for today and it’s a special one for this summer.  If you haven’t heard about the Ultimate Patriot competition and sweepstakes I encourage you to visit www.wix.com/lancejp/patriot for more details.  There is a lot of great features and information about the event waiting for you there.  I hope you enjoy Lance’s Weekly Walk and everything there for you at Lance Pisowicz Online.

There were many important news stories last week that I would love to cover, but since this is my Sunday blog I try to look past partisan issues and keep the focus on Christ.  I will say this though.  On Friday evening I went and saw 2016:  Obama’s America and would like to give the writers, directors, and producers a shout-out.  It was a very well done documentary, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has not seen it yet.

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to celebrate not only my youngest brother’s 11^th birthday but also share the special day with my grandmother and her twin sister’s 82^nd birthday.  My grandmother’s twin is from Tennessee but came up for the weekend to spend this special time with us all.  There was even an official announcement made to celebrate at Spring Mill State Park (in Mitchell, Indiana) next year for their 83^rd, Lord willing.  We did the same thing when my grandma and grand aunt turned 80, two years ago.  My grandmother’s real birthday is not until Wednesday, but it was a special day nonetheless.  To think through the struggles and triumphs in her life, and yet praising God regardless of her circumstances can inspire us all.

My grandmother was born on September 5, 1930, just over ten months after the Stock Market Crash.  At the time my great-grandmother had just one son.  The surprise of twins must have been bittersweet.  How blessed she must have felt to be blessed with twin daughters, but now there was not just one more mouth to feed but two.

The Great Depression did not hold my great-grandparents back.  They went on to have six more children, and although my great-grandfather changed jobs often prior to World War II, the family managed better than most people at the time.  My great-grandmother took care of the home and her eight children.  She never stopped working her entire life.  She was what you’d call a workaholic, something my grandmother undoubtedly inherited.

Being one of the older children in the family meant that greater responsibilities were expected of my grandmother.  She was tasked with numerous chores that ranged from housework, to farm work (when the family lived on a farm), to caring for her younger siblings.  Not only did this help her family get by during her childhood, it also prepared her for the future.

My grandmother married my grandfather in January of 1951 after my grandfather returned from serving in Korea.  They had their first daughter in 1951.  They would have another six children (including twin boys who passed away in their infancy) concluding with my mother.  Even through the trials and tribulations of losing two of their sons before they truly got to know them, my grandparents remained strong in their faith.

God has blessed my grandmother with fifteen grandchildren and over sixteen great-grandchildren (with more certain to be on the way in the coming years).  Through my family’s modest roots individuals have succeeded in the fields of business, law, education, and most importantly their faith by following the blueprint left by my grandmother.

Her values of hard work, kindness, patience, perseverance, and faith in God have been echoed in my parents, aunts, uncle, cousins, and siblings.  I am no exception.   It just goes to show that having good parents will not only help a child but also help guide one’s descendants for many years to come.

Here’s a verse that I feel describes what my grandmother has followed since day one:  “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” - Proverbs 22:6

No matter what struggles have occurred in my grandmother’s life she has never allowed it to affect her trust in God.  I can only hope my grandchildren can say the same about me, but Lord willing they will.  As I finish high school, go off to college, and start my life in the outside world that’s just what I’ll do.  Follow grandma’s blueprint.

Thank you for joining me again today.  I hope you have enjoyed your time here, and I invite you to join me on Lance Pisowicz Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online). Thanks again. God bless you and have a great week!

America's Backbone

It’s Sunday, July 22^nd.  I am Lance Pisowicz and this is Lance’s Weekly Walk!  This will be my last blog before my vacation to Florida.  I will return on August 10^th with my Friday blog, “What’s Wrong With Washington”.  Before we begin I have a couple of reminders for you.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to follow me at:  www.twitter.com/lancejponline.  My Facebook page is also getting more attention as several of you have liked me there.  You can find it at:  www.facebook.com/lancepisowicz.  Also a reminder for you to check out Lance Pisowicz Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online).  From there you can access my Facebook and Twitter page, my Youtube channel, and everything to do with my blogs.  You can also fill out a prayer request there by clicking on the “Media” tab at the top of your page.  One last reminder for today and it’s a special one for this summer.  If you haven’t heard about the Ultimate Patriot competition and sweepstakes I encourage you to visit www.wix.com/lancejp/patriot for more details.  There is a lot of great features and information about the event waiting for you there.  I hope you enjoy Lance’s Weekly Walk and everything there for you at Lance Pisowicz Online.

There is one key topic that I would like to highlight today.  I would like to examine what exactly makes Christianity different from the religions of this world.  Why is it so important that the United States stay true in principal to its Christian morals and values?

The answer is quite simple.  The fact is that true Christianity is not found in ritual or religion.  There are those who call themselves Christians because they go to church, read their Bible, or have prayed “a prayer” but the fact is that these people have not seen any change in their lifestyle or world view.  True Christianity is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is God reaching out to mankind rather than man trying to reach God on his own.

Unfortunately in today’s society there are many people out there who call themselves Christians based on ritual and religion.  They are sometimes among the strictest in these things, but are hypocrites in reality.

But when Christianity is found in its true form, it is the most beneficial influence government and society can have.  Patrick Henry puts it best in this quote:

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!”

In other words when people are true to the Bible’s teachings and focus on relationship rather than religion, there is not a better influence structure than Christianity.  The ideas of helping those in need, loving one’s neighbor, and doing the right thing have been at the center of not just American ethics but global morals.

Whether I end up in the private or public sector, my relationship with Jesus Christ will always be a key factor in my decision making process.

“Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.” - Psalms 5:8

In addition to influencing my thought process, God also is the driving force behind my perseverance and resolve to do my best even when nobody else is watching.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. - Colossians 3:23

As Abraham Lincoln once said:

“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right”

I think that just about sums up what the outlook of a true American leader needs to be.  Right in America’s backbone- a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Thank you for joining me again today.  I hope you have enjoyed your time here, and I invite you to join me on Lance Pisowicz Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online).  I will see you all again with my Friday blog on August 10^th.  I am off to Florida later on in the week, so hopefully I’ll be able to connect with you all on Twitter and Facebook during that time.  Thanks again. God bless you and have a great week!

Since I was in Alaska for ten days and have the report service tonight at church, I will not be presenting a full blog for today.  You can view my brief video that tells a little about the trip and gives updates on what's next for Lance Pisowicz Online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12z8yqYjQoI.

Happy Independence Day!

Since I will be leaving for Alaska in less than two days, I will not be presenting a full blog for today.  You can view my brief video of exciting news and a tribute to America's founding.

Father's Day

This week I will not be presenting our normal "Lance's Weekly Walk." Instead I wanted to take a step back to honor our fathers on this very special day. I encourage you to watch my Father's Day Tribute on Youtube at: Also, next week I will not be presenting a "Lance's Weekly Walk" since I will be at a family reunion in Illinois. I do have a very special patriotic "Lance's Weekly Walk" planned for the next week, July 1st, just two days before I leave for Alaska. Thanks again and I hope you have a truly blessed Father's Day!

The Ways of the Wise

Happy Sunday!  I am Lance Pisowicz and this is Lance’s Weekly Walk!  Today I was adamant about making a video for this blog since I missed last week.  However, the length of my blog and my video will be shorter since I have a meeting for my missions trip to Alaska I am taking next month.  Before we begin I have a couple of reminders for you.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to follow me at:  www.twitter.com/lancejponline.  My Facebook page is also getting more attention as several of you have liked me there.  You can find it at:  www.facebook.com/lancepisowicz.  Also a reminder for you to check out Lance Pisowicz Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online).  From there you can access my Facebook and Twitter page, my Youtube channel, and everything to do with my blogs.  You can also fill out a prayer request there by clicking on the “Media” tab at the top of your page.  One last reminder for today and it’s a special one for this summer.  If you haven’t heard about the Ultimate Patriot competition and sweepstakes I encourage you to visit www.wix.com/lancejp/patriot for more details.  There is a lot of great features and information about the event waiting for you there.  I hope you enjoy Lance’s Weekly Walk and everything there for you at Lance Pisowicz Online.

Today I am going to continue our series in regards to the role of the Christian family in America today.  Since I am presenting a shorter blog today, I will cover an issue that is affects a large percentage of American families - schooling.

As a Christian, a very common question asked is, “What type of schooling is best for my children?”

It is a very important decision that all parents will have to make.  The truth is, there is no answer that is right for every child.

That is the beauty of America.  Each parent has the right to select a method for their child’s schooling as long as they abide by certain curriculum standards.  The states are left to organize their own public education and standards for private schools and homeschools.

However, some individuals in government believe that all American children should be schooled in a uniform, set way.  The truth is, the diversity in students requires the methods of schooling to be just as diverse.

Public schooling has been the norm in the United States all the way back to the colonial days, however, in recent years these schools have become less attractive, particularly for Christians.  Today I will break down what type of schooling might be best for certain types of kids and I will offer a proposal to make our public schools a bit more attractive.

One of the fastest growing methods of education, particularly in Christian homes is homeschooling.  In 2007, approximately 1.5 million American children were homeschooled.  There are many benefits to this method, especially if your child meets the criteria.¹

Although not attending an actual school building means less interaction with other kids the child’s age, less exposure to diverse ideas, and fewer extra-curricular opportunities, this option allows parents to have more control over what their child is taught and who they interact with, as compared to yielding that power to a school.  A child who has tried public or private school but is struggling with peer pressure or has fallen off track in their walk with the Lord would be good candidates for homeschooling. 

If you choose to homeschool, I would advise getting your child involved with a sport, club, or social activity to compensate for the loss of interaction with peers.  Also keep in mind that SAT and/or ACT scores will need to be higher in order to get into colleges without class rank or a nationally recognized school to earn you “points”.  I have never been homeschooled personally, but I have quite a few friends who love it.  They like the idea of setting their own hours and schedule.  Plus you can take a vacation whenever you want without conforming to a school corporation schedule.

Another option that has been “gaining steam” in recent years is private or Christian schooling.  As of 2006, approximately 6.1 million American children or 11% of students attended a private school.²  Again, this can be a great alternative to public schooling.

Some benefits are found in private schools with higher academic standards than nearby public schools.  Other benefits include a typically (but not always) smaller class size meaning more opportunities to rank high or participate in extra-curricular activities.  Also, a division of private schools like Christian schools can offer the curriculum you are looking for but in a classroom setting.

However, a drawback that might exist is a smaller graduating class that can help or hurt one’s college entrance chances and offer a smaller pool of peers to make friends with.  Private schools with lower standards than local public schools also are less attractive to colleges.

Private or Christian school can be a healthy alternative to public schooling if you are looking for a stronger curriculum or are seeking to place a better cloud of influence around your child.  I have many friends who attend private or Christian schools and they approve of their parents’ choices for them.

The most common option in the United States throughout history and to this day is public schooling.  In 2007 nearly 89% of American children attended a public school.³  Personally, I attend the fourth-largest high school in the state of Indiana.  We have over 3,200 students at my school in all.  I am in a class of nearly 900 other students, and I would be outright lying if I told you I know all of them.  So what are the benefits of public schooling?

If your child is able to cope with an influence group that may not always be friendly or supportive, then a public school is a good option, especially if your local public school is nationally recognized like mine.  Lots of competition earns me “points” for being near the top without having to be “#1”.  Public schooling can also prepare a student for the world after high school, like college and the working world.

The drawback of public school are pretty self-explanatory.  In some areas larger percentages of students are involved in drugs and/or gangs, some public schools have poor curriculum standards, and a student can feel lost in such a big world.

There are ways, however, that would make public schools more attractive to American families.  Presenting not only evolution but creationism would be an improvement that might convince Christian parents to send their kids to public schools.  Improving standards of education in the public schools could be done through states competing with one another.  By enacting these reforms, we could then present the American people with three terrific options for schooling their children.

I support a state’s right to regulate its public education and the rights of parents to determine how they should school their children.  A great Bible verse to keep in mind in regards to this topic is Proverbs 22:6.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Thank you for joining me again today.  I hope you have enjoyed your time here, and I invite you to join me on Lance Pisowicz Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online).  Be sure to join me later on this week for “What’s Wrong With Washington” and next Sunday as we cover an another great topic.  Thanks again. God bless you and have a great week!

Sources:

1. http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-01-04-homeschooling_N.htm
2. http://www.capenet.org/facts.html
3. http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=6

Three Key Elements

Today is Sunday June 3rd and this is Lance’s Weekly Walk! Today I’ll continue a series regarding the American Family and its role in developing the next generation, but first I’ve got a couple of quick announcements for you all. If you haven’t yet, be sure to follow me at: www.twitter.com/lancejponline. My Facebook page is also getting more attention as several of you have liked me there. You can find it at: www.facebook.com/lancepisowicz. Also a reminder for you to check out Lance Pisowicz Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online). From there you can access my Facebook and Twitter page, my Youtube channel, and everything to do with my blogs. You can also fill out a prayer request there by clicking on the “Media” tab at the top of your page. One last reminder for today and it’s a special one for this summer. If you haven’t heard about the Ultimate Patriot competition and sweepstakes I encourage you to visit www.wix.com/lancejp/patriot for more details. There is a lot of great features and information about the event waiting for you there. I hope you enjoy Lance’s Weekly Walk and everything there for you at Lance Pisowicz Online. Although I did not have time to post a video for this Weekly Walk, I do have several key points I want to highlight since we took a break from this series last week to honor our heroes with a Memorial Day tribute. Today we’ll take a look at who the ideal American family is and analyze this proposal a bit more. The model American family has been portrayed throughout history in a relatively similar way. Whether one considers a mother’s role as described in the idea of Republican Motherhood or looks at the model suburban family in the 1950s, generally the same thing is portrayed. The family consists of a father who makes the living in one way or another, a mother who stays at home and maintains the household, and children who attend the local public school. While there is nothing wrong with this ideal American family, history has shown that families can come in all shapes and sizes and still be just as patriotic as a “model” family. In America today, there are more single parent homes, generally less children in each household, and millions of American women have jobs as well as their duties at home. The American family has experienced many changes in the last fifty years or so, but they don’t necessarily have to have negative outcomes. While divorce is not a desired experience, it is often present in the increasingly complicated world we live in. Fewer children are born to each family as households tend to be in suburbs as opposed to rural farms. In fact, the average number of children per married couple is just 1.96.1 With the rising costs of living and changing social landscape, millions of women have chosen to pursue opportunities outside of the home and begin working. But even with these changes, the American family has the potential to maintain its level of positive influence it has on the nation and the next generation. The keys to making a positive influence on the next generation are found in many different elements, but I would like to highlight three of the most important. Example is one of the greatest ways to be a positive influence in a young person’s life. When a teenager or adult chooses to be honest or to help someone in need, a child is then able to see exactly how it is done. Many children are visual learners and pick up best from example. Encouragement is another key element to the fight to create a better future. When a young person does something well, they should be praised and applauded for it. This is not done to make the child arrogant, but rather encourage the repetition and expansion of such positive behavior. The final element I want to recognize is the most important. Faith and trust in God to lead you as a parent or mentor is the greatest way to insure you are a positive influence. When you have a concern lift it up to the Lord in prayer and He will direct your path. Matthew 7:7 says: ”Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Regardless of what your concern is, the Lord is there to help you. Remember, you are one of the most important influences a young person will have. You hold the key to a better future. Genesis 22:18 tells us: “And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Thank you for joining me again today. I hope you have enjoyed your time here, and I invite you to join me on Lance Pisowicz Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online). Be sure to join me later on this week for “What’s Wrong With Washington” and next Sunday as we cover an another great topic. Thanks again. God bless you and have a great week! Sources: 1. http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ2011102215449