Repost: To Santa or Not to Santa?

One topic of debate this time of year for Christan Families centers around the issue/person of Santa Clause. Do we tell our kids about Santa? Do they get gifts "From: Santa?" What's the harm in pretending that Santa does exist?

Here are some of the issues so that you can decide.

Cons
1) Santa Claus is often given the same qualities as God: Omniscience and Omnipotence, specifically.

2) Santa keeps a list of our rights and wrongs. God does not.

3) Telling kids that Santa exists, when in fact he doesn't, sets up your kids for disappointment (not to mention you are lying to them).

Pros
1) Saint Nick was a real person and we could teach about him and his ministry.

2) James Dobson says it's OK.

3) Kids pretend all the time - to be a Princess or a Jedi - this is no different.

So, what do you think? What stance has your family taken? Has the question of whether or not to "believe" in Santa ever come up?

Food for thought, Dean

Randam Thoughts....by Dean Butterfield

For those of us over the age of 30, you may remember a sketch on Saturday Night Live called "Deep Thoughts.....by Jack Handey."  They were quotes to either show the absurdity of a situation or intentionally be stupid.  Here is one of this quotes:

“If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava, let'em go, because, man, they're gone.” --Jack Handey

Or you can watch some by heading over to this site.

Well, this is:

Random Thoughts....by Dean Butterfield

• Why is it that when I start looking for volunteers, I think I hear crickets chirping in the background?
• How one spends their time and money communicates values to our kids.  What values are we communicating?
• As a Christian, I believe the Bible is the ultimate authority for all of life.  But do I really live and think that way?
• How do you communicate grace and truth in one sentence, with using the word "...but..."?
• Have you ever seen horse fly, a horse fly, a horse fly?
• I am amazed nearly everyday how God has gifted His people for the work of the Kingdom.  Now, only to use those gifts by answering the call......

Thanks for listening.

Good Looking Blog

Well, I got tired of the old coffee house look, and my wife told me I need to update my book, so I decided to change it up a little bit.  I found some great Blogger Templates sites in the process, if you are interested:

• www.allblogtools.com
• http://blogspottemplates.blogspot.com
• http://www.blogspottemplate.com
• http://mashable.com/2008/05/17/70-plus-new-and-beautiful-blogger-templates/

So, what do ya think???

Dean

My Heart is Heavy

I haven't felt like blogging much recently as I have a lot on my heart and mind recently.  There are a couple of families in our church that my wife and I would consider friends (they are also volunteers) who are on the brink of divorce.  I have had 3 volunteers recently let me know they need to step out of ministry.  Then last week I got sick for a couple of days.  I feel like my spiritual and emotional tank is run dry!

Sorry, nothing profound to say today.