Random thoughts on the world as I know it...

My issues are many - everywhere you turn these days, people's morals are depleting. Nothing is sacred to anyone. Turn on the TV and we are promoting nothing but sex. Women are putting themselves out there as nothing but a body, no mind, and seeing just how much skin can they show to get the attention of men. A man (or woman) with a wedding ring - well, that is seen as a challenge and not something to be seen as a sacred union and to not mess with.

Many times, my husband has been hit on while wearing his ring, and one time in particular he was approached by a single woman and when he told her he is happily married, she said, "So ... I don't care if you don't care." It is absolutely sick!

What are we teaching our children? We teach them to throw people and relationships away and that you are not of value unless you are thin, pretty and showing way too much skin. We live in a society where it is no big deal if you take a vow in front of God and just throw away your marriage. The celebrities do it, so it must be OK. We spend so much time in our lives watching what Angelina and Brad do, or Britney Spears wrecking her life and her children's lives, that we don't concentrate on doing what is right anymore.

Parents are afraid to be parents today. I got spanked wherever the belt landed and I lived to tell about it. Nowadays, you are taught that you have to rationalize with kids, and they are taught they are the ones who rule the house. Parents these days want to be their kid's best friend - well, guess what? They have about 30 best friends; they don't need any more.

Children need parents who will show them right from wrong, instill structure and discipline - even when it isn't convenient - love them unconditionally, but love them enough to teach them how to be contributing young adults instead of self-righteous brats who cry and whine when they don't get their way and think that they don't have to work hard in everything they do. We are raising a generation that is seeing My Sweet 16 on MTV and thinking it is acceptable?

The world would be a better place if people would just turn off the TV, get off of MySpace, Facebook or whatever other ridiculous means they use to hook up with people, and spend time with their family. Focus on being moral, hard-working and respectable people.

Thanks, I feel better. Not too bad of a view from my soapbox!

Nikki Heggood is happily married with a 7-year-old stepdaughter and lives in Anderson Township. She gratefully spends most of her spare time with her family, friends and going to church to where she and her husband are new coaches within the marriage ministry.