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

Honoring Our Heroes

Hello I am Lance Pisowicz and this usually is “Lance’s Weekly Walk”.  I hope you are having a great Memorial Day Weekend.  I know I am, even if I have final exams to study for.  I actually just got off of work, so I’m going to cut to the chase.  Before I do that, just a quick reminder that my Ultimate Patriot Competition will begin in about a week.  I’m hoping to have a promo commercial done for that soon.  Lots of great American patriots from many political and social landscapes, and you will have a say in crowning our “Ultimate Patriot”.  I hope you are looking forward to that.

Due to the busyness with finals and the Memorial Day Weekend, I thought I would step back this weekend and present something special.  I knew I would not have the time to prepare a full blog for “What’s Wrong With Washington” nor “Lance’s Weekly Walk” so I have prepared a short photo montage to honor our nation’s heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in preserving our freedom.  Whether it was my 4^th Great-Grandfather, C.C. (Comfort Carpenter) Walker who died of disease during the winter of 1862 or a soldier who died yesterday in Afghanistan, one thing is for certain we must remember those who gave to a cause greater than themselves.

A Pivotal Role

Today is Sunday May 20^th  and this is Lance’s Weekly Walk!  Today we’ll begin a new 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.  I hope you enjoy Lance’s Weekly Walk and everything there for you at Lance Pisowicz Online.

As I said today we will look into exactly what the American family’s role is in shaping the next generation.  Our objective for today is to take a look at who should be the greatest influence in a child’s life.

When one thinks of a government, often the group that gets together in Washington, D.C. comes to mind.  However, although the federal government may be our largest government, they are not the only ones making the rules.  Below them are fifty state governments each with their own authorities.  If one were to look even deeper, he would notice that there are countless county and city/town governments that make their own rules as well.  But often the most overlooked government is found right at home.  Typically, they have planned meetings, but they hold the key to America’s future.

The home government may not take in taxes or regulate international trade, but they do something all the more important.  They will determine where the United States will be ten, twenty, or fifty years down the road.

Parents have the potential to determine a child’s moral standards, values, and outlook on life.  They have an unparalleled level of control regarding how a child is taught to speak, act, and essentially think.  If a parent condones lying, cheating, and stealing, then the child in essence has a greater potential to take part in these actions than a child brought up in a morally sound home would.

Children are also taught by their parents’ actions.  If there is disrespect and marital strife in the home, then the child may struggle with the same issues when he is an adult.  On the other hand, if a child is taught to love the Lord, respect his wife and children, and be a good steward of money, he is on a better path to do so when he becomes an adult himself.

Now you may be thinking that I might be over-embellishing the role of the American family.  Well, let’s think about this.  Typically, who has the greatest level of influence in a child’s life?  Throughout the history of our nation, parents have often held that prestigious position.

Until the last fifty years or so, a child went to school, but when they came home they helped out with chores around the house/farm, ate dinner with the rest of the family, and spent the evening at home.  Although teenagers did go out with friends, they typically spent more time with their parents and siblings then teenagers do today.

But in today’s day and age, the American family is spending less and less time with one another.  Along with school, the homework schedule for kids has become more rigorous and social activities “eat up” even more family time.

In 2003, 24% of American families reported eating dinner together three or fewer times a week.¹  When they do eat together, who is to say that a television, iPod, or Kindle is not in front of them.  In fact, one out of every three families eat in front of the television.²

Obviously this has decreased the level of influence parents have in their children’s lives.  So who as a result is replacing their influence?  Now teachers, coaches, and other adults are playing a greater role in who a child becomes as an adult.³

There is nothing wrong with attending public school, playing sports, or being in another social group, but when they begin to replace parents as the key influences in the lives of children, parents have the right and the reason to take back control.

At the end of the day, they are your children and you are the person who has their best interest in mind.  What you say goes, and nobody else can tell you how to raise your kids.  God is the only person you are subject to, and He has your and their best interest in mind. 

A great solution my family has to this problem, is my dad coaches my brothers’ and my sports teams and is very involved in our lives.  My mother provides the support structure at home, and she also plays a crucial role in our social activities, such as volunteering to help as a room-parent.  Both of my parents are also involved in our church activities for AWANA, Vacation Bible School, and Youth Group.  If you are a parent, find out how you can get involved and do it!  Even if you are very busy with work, just making the time to eat a meal with your child will have a positive impact on them.

Proverbs 22:6 says:

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (NLT)

God has chosen you for a very important role:  to be a parent.  If you are not a parent yet or will never be, He also has an important role for you.  Be a positive influence in a young person’s life.  Help parents by reinforcing godly teachings.  Remember, you can always call upon your Heavenly Father for guidance yourself.

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).  Also be sure to go to our online form if you wish to share your thoughts on this show or What’s Wrong With Washington” (www.lponline.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k7/).  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.gallup.com/poll/10336/Empty-Seats-Fewer-Families-Eat-Together.aspx

2. http://parenting.families.com/blog/why-families-should-eat-dinner-together

3. http://www.mesacc.edu/dept/d46/psy/dev/Spring99/schoolage/family.html

Happy Mother'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 mothers on this very special day. I encourage you to watch my Mothers' Day Tribute on Youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm7zP-GnXTQ.

Also, next week I will begin a series regarding Family Foundations. We will be taking a look at the elements of a strong, successful family at home and how it translates into a more successful community and nation. I hope you will join me for that. Thanks again and I hope you have a truly blessed Mothers' Day!

Educational Equality

Today is Sunday May 6, 2012 and this is Lance’s Weekly Walk!  Today we’ll take a look at whether Evolution has any more right to be taught in public schools than Creationsim, 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.  I hope you enjoy Lance’s Weekly Walk and everything there for you at Lance Pisowicz Online.

As I said today we will take a look at whether or not Evolution has any more right to be taught in public schools than Creationism does.  We’ve got plenty to get to, so let’s begin!

First of all, we must realize that evolution is by no means a flawless scientific law. It is merely a theory.  Let’s take a look at the basic ideas of evolution.  As many of you are aware, evolution is an idea that began in the early 1800s.  However, the man who really made the theory take off was a man named Charles Darwin, a scientist from Great Britain.¹  The basis of the ideology is centered around the theme of natural selection and “survival of the fittest”.

However, there has been a legend since the 1880s that Darwin renounced evolution on his deathbed (probably in fear of what was to come after death).²  I guess we won’t know if Charles accepted Christ or not until we go to be with the Lord ourselves.

But even if Darwin did not renounce evolution himself, other scientific discoveries have.  Take Louis Pasteur’s disproving of spontaneous generation for example.  According to author Lee Strobel (a former atheist turned Christian), Darwin’s theory of evolution included the belief that living organism could arise from non-living things in the right environment and right amount of time.³

Pasteur, an opponent of evolution preformed his broth boiling experiment that disproved the idea of spontaneous generation.  Even before Pasteur, Italian scientist Francisco Redi had disproved evolution with his Meat and Flies experiment in 1668.⁴

So Mr. Darwin, if maggots cannot come from spoiled meat, how could you suggest that an entire world full of distinct organisms could come from nothing?  Your so-called “facts” simply do not add up.  How could you say there is not a greater being who created this universe?

Also, never before has one experienced a dramatic case of “evolution”.  Sure things change over time in minor ways, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, but even then, these changes are not passed down to their offspring.

Obviously children will resemble their parents, and in time, this leads to a diversity of people, but to say that entirely new species are created from it is absurd.

You see, evolution is not a perfect scientific law.  In fact, it is more fallible than it is correct.  The theory itself has only been around for about two hundred years, so know we’ll compare that with one that’s been around six thousand years, roughly 3000% longer.

Although I believe that the Bible is an entirely infallible and perfect book, and that it truly is the Word of God, there are some in our society today who claim to find faults with it.  I’m sure we’ve found just as many issues with their young theory of evolution.

But, I shared a quote last week that I think applies nicely to this week’s topic as well.

“(Evolution) has in recent years been challenged in the world of science and is not yet believed in the scientific community to be as infallible as it once was believed.  But if it was going to be taught in the schools, then I think that also the biblical theory of creation, which is not a theory but the biblical story of creation, should also be taught.” - Ronald Reagan

If you know the history of evolution you are likely aware of the 1925 court case:  The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes (also known as the “Scopes Monkey Trial”).⁵  Although the court ruled against John Scopes being allowed to teach evolution in his public school classroom, it eventually stirred up politically correct politicians enough to allow it.

Eventually evolution became the sole theory taught in a majority of public schools in the nation, because it claimed to be the elite belief.  However, to me, Creationism, a six thousand year old idea with scientific support is the elite belief.

AllAboutCreation.org offers five valid points to the scientific proof of God here they are:⁶

• First, the non-existence of God cannot be proven. One cannot prove a universal negative. Alternatively, the existence of God is provable.

• The concept, design, and intricate details of our world necessitate an intelligent designer.

• Both direct and indirect evidence for God’s existence are well known and well documented. Nothing in history is better known or better documented than the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We even use the year of His birth as the basis for our calendar. He perfectly matched the over 100 unique Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament regarding His birth, life, death, and resurrection. The laws of probability cannot give us a reasonable explanation for either the Messianic predictions or the resurrection, let alone both by the same person.

• Jesus’ miracles were witnessed by many and were documented redundantly for additional corroboration. He was seen by at least 500 people after His resurrection. He was seen ascending into heaven. His transfiguration was seen by Peter, James, and John. His wisdom in dealing with many circumstances was astounding. He never promoted Himself or His miracles. C. S. Lewis stated that He couldn’t have just been a good teacher. He was either a liar, lunatic, or Lord. He didn’t even come close to meeting the profile of a liar or lunatic, so He had to be God.

• Jesus Christ also supported the truth of the Old Testament and quoted it many times. Consequently, with Jesus Christ, we have an eyewitness to the truth of the Old Testament. This gives credibility to the creation account and God’s interaction with man. The entire Old Testament account is about how God is trying to have a relationship with man while man is separating himself from God by sin. It tells how God is long-suffering and merciful and ultimately how God sent His Son to die for our sins so God could ultimately have a relationship with us.

For those who still argue God’s existence or the proof of Creationism, you will simply have to believe or be judged in the end.

In the meantime, I have a proposition for America.  God gave us all the free will to either believe in Him and receive salvation or decline him and face eternal judgment.  In the United States we offer that same choice to everyone.  You can decide what you believe for yourself.  Both creationism and evolution are theories.  Both Christianity and Atheism are belief sets.  So why not make the option of choice readily available to our children in public schools?

Christians have nothing to lose by this.  The politically correct “revolution” has already stripped our children of education in Creationism.  Atheists should feel like they have nothing to lose.  If they do not want to go up against creationism head-on, I guess that indicates fear and a lack of belief in their theory.

I shared a quote last week that I think applies nicely to this week’s topic as well.

“(Evolution) has in recent years been challenged in the world of science and is not yet believed in the scientific community to be as infallible as it once was believed.  But if it was going to be taught in the schools, then I think that also the biblical theory of creation, which is not a theory but the biblical story of creation, should also be taught.” - Ronald Reagan

I agree with President Reagan (who was a Presbyterian).  As a born-again Christian, I do not see the Bible as a theory but as the truth.

Others may not see it that way, and that is fine.  This is the United States of America and every person is entitled to his or her own opinion.  I will offer what I believe is the truth and if it is declined, then it is their loss.  But unless Creationism is taught in public schools, the Left simply contradicted itself and its claims in “being fair to all.”

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).  Also be sure to go to our online form if you wish to share your thoughts on this show or What’s Wrong With Washington” (www.lponline.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k7/).  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://bioweb.cs.earlham.edu/9-12/evolution/HTML/theory.html

2. http://creation.com/did-charles-darwin-recant

3. The Case For Faith (Strobel, Lee)

4. http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/cm/v14/n1/louis-pasteur

5. http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/scopes/evolut.htm

6. http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/cm/v14/n1/louis-pasteur