Here is an interesting link for parents who send their children to schools that have dress codes:

Mother uses Bible verse on modesty to fight Irving ISD dress code requiring tucked-in shirts

Is this legalism? Some would say this is an overly extreme application of Scripture in order to make their own rules. Is this hypocrisy? Some would say, from looking at the picture of mother and daughter, that there are other issues in this same verse that are being overlooked.

This is a good example of what many people call “cafeteria-style Christianity” - an approach to the Bible where the readers choose which verses to apply to their own needs and their own lives. It also is seen in which verses they deem not relevant or inconvenient, with the end result having nothing to do with their total relationship to the Lord.

Sadly, those who follow this approach to the wholly-inspired words of God dismiss the lesson in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

A quick review of the original Greek (in multiple sources) for this shows that the first word - All - is present in the original, and has not been added later by someone with a “hidden agenda.” The phrase πασα γραφή (pasa graphe) can be understood to mean, “All the Scripture writings - yes, each and every verse, in fact….” Clearly there is nothing here that allows the reader to discard uncomfortable or inconvenient verses for their own benefit.

Part of the joy that comes to each one of us in reading God’s words to us is that it will ultimately improve our relationship with Him, and that it will help prepare us to serve Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength!

As you read and meditate upon the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), remember that God gave all of it to us for our own good. Also, since He can see the bigger picture in which we are only a small part, we should trust His judgment and guidance over our own self-inflated ideas.

If you have been following Eric’s story lately, you will remember that he joined the military last fall, with a date in February to start his official training. This was done to meet certain age and birthday restrictions needed for him to be able to join the US Army Special Forces (Green Beret).

Well, having passed all the aptitude and qualification tests last fall, he needed to pass a physical fitness test for pre-admisssion to the Special Forces training before he left for Basic Combat Training. He did this with flying colors last week, and yesterday arrived at Fort Benning, Georgia to join new recruits from many different places all with one goal in mind - to get through the 14-week tortuous nightmare known as OSUT - One Station Unit Training. This is a combination of Basic Combat Training (9 weeks) and Advanced Infantry Training (5 weeks) that sounds like as much fun as having a cow standing on your foot and poking yourself in the eye with a sharp stick!

We are all quite proud of Eric, and know that his mental skill, physical and spiritual fitness, and his team attitude will all contribute to his success at OSUT and all the other training over the next weeks and months!

Hooah!

Another year has come and gone! Many of you wondered about the missing Christmas letter a year ago. Don was out of work for half of 2007, and God answered many of your prayers and ours by providing a job in February 2008. He saw us through that difficult time in amazing ways, and we are so thankful! This year, we elected to wait and greet you with the new year, and avoid the Christmas newsletter blizzard.

Don’s job has really been a blessing, and he loves his work. He works out of our house for CA, a world-wide computer software and service company. He continues to serve as a Deacon at our church—which just moved into a new building after meeting in a school gym for thirteen years!

Debbie is still busy as financial secretary and teacher of two art classes and 6th Grade science at school. She is still leading a ladies’ Bible study at church, sometimes feels overwhelmed with it all. It is a struggle to keep balance with home, school and church, but God is gracious and sees her through.

• DJ is finishing his Senior year at Bryan College, with a major in communications and a focus on video editing. He just finished an internship with Sky Angel Christian TV—a satellite and internet TV service—near to his school. He hopes to continue working with them this semester and also after graduation.
• Eric graduated from the Word of Life Bible Institute this past August, and has enlisted in the Army. He leaves for Basic Training in February with the goal of being a Green Beret (please pray for him - and us!).
• Stephen is a junior at Greater Beckley HS, and is keeping busy with school, church (he is a video technician) and friends. He recently bought a bass guitar and hopes to continue the musical traditions of his older brother, DJ.
• Rachel is a freshman this year. She enjoyed a great volleyball season that took her with the team to the state tournament. The team played their heart out and were edged out in the last game for the championship in their division. She is also quite social in school and church, and is getting better and better at piano.