Frustrated with Our Current Government and Welfare Systems? Here is an interesting little book to read...

Being unable to fall asleep last night until the wee sma's (namely, 2 am), finally around midnight I decided to get up and read. I am reading several good books at present but what drew me back was The Law by Frederic Bastiat which I had left several months ago at midpoint. Although a very interesting little book, I was drawn away by other books for a time and left The Law sitting to be finished later.

What I found so incredibly interesting while reading The Law is that even though it was written in 1850 about the current state of affairs in France, it reads in many ways as a commentary on our current welfare and political systems in the United States.


"But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime. " p. 25

And:

"When a portion of wealth is transferred from the person who owns it — without his consent and without compensation, and whether by force or by fraud — to anyone who does not own it, then I say that property is violated; that an act of plunder is committed." p. 32

Does not the following passage sound like mindset of our current government?:

"What is the attitude of the democrat --(he is speaking of a democratic system, I believe, not necessarily democrat as in democrat vs republican)--  when political rights are under discussion? How does he regard the people when a legislator is to be chosen? Ah, then it is claimed that the people have an instinctive wisdom; they are gifted with the finest perception; their will is always right; the general will cannot err; voting cannot be too universal.... But when the legislator is finally elected — ah! then indeed does the tone of his speech undergo a radical change. The people are returned to passiveness, inertness, and unconsciousness; the legislator enters into omnipotence. Now it is for him to initiate, to direct, to propel, and to organize. Mankind has only to submit; the hour of despotism has struck." p. 68-69

This is only a little taste of what the book has offer. And although it does address the law, welfare, and politics, I think it would be an interesting read for everyone, even those not interested in either of those three subjects.

It is a very inexpensive book to purchase. I purchased my copy for less than $5 on Amazon. It is also available at a number of places online to read for free. For a pdf copy: The Law by Frederic Bastiat (this copy has both a foreword and introduction by other men that I have not read) or a copy directly on a website: The Law .

I will end my little blog post with how Mr. Bastiat ends his book.

From The Law p.86:

"And now that the legislators and do-gooders have so futilely inflicted so many systems upon society, may they finally end where they should have begun: May they reject all systems, and try liberty; for liberty is an acknowledgment of faith in God and His works."

True Love

Love Graphics

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." 

What greater love could there be?

A Red Flag for the Homeschool Community

After reading about the latest controversy in the homeschool community, (see below for more information),  I dared to enter the fray (as one friend put it in a phone call- she was glad I had shared some information and my point of view in an email to an homeschool email list.) However, I found myself quickly becoming impassioned about the topic. So much so, I made a comment on my post on Facebook that implied (or seemed to on my reread through an hour later) that many people were not able to understand Susan Wise Bauer's book The Well Trained Mind. I did not intend to insult anyone's intelligence, rather, the point I was trying to make was that in places in her lengthy volume she got a bit wordy, (deep, intense, etc.) so much so, that she may have muddied the waters a bit about key issues if one isn't familiar with certain topics about worldviews (i.e. a humanistic worldview vs. a strictly Biblical worldview.) I suspect that she did not do this intentionally, but rather it is just her style.

As I read and conversed with others about the topic, I found myself once again caught up in the old zeal I had years ago. What to me is a real danger in the homeschool community and one in which I noticed years ago, ... many homeschool moms instead of researching out a curriculum for themselves will buy a curriculum or follow a method because a friend is doing it or because a reputable company is selling the book and or curriculum.  I know that homeschool Moms are very busy people. I was one for 16 years. I know time is limited and I do realize we can and do learn a lot from others. And of course, it is wise to seek counsel in making decisions, so I understand the trusting of others in the choices we make.. but if we seek advice from others, we need to be sure they are doing their research and that they have the same worldview we do, if we do not intend to or have the time to search out the matter for ourselves. 

My intent is not to criticize anyone, but rather send up a warning flag. 

Here is the issue.... if a writer or a publisher does not believe the WHOLE Bible to be true and literal, their philosophy will subtly (or not so subtly) be throughout their entire book or work. We may think that if they speak of our world beginning with evolution or old earth creationism, we can just skip over that section of the book and continue on teaching it to our children. The problem is.... that principle or train of thought will be throughout the entire book,

      -in whom they decide to write of as historical figures, 

      -which events in history they choose to highlight,

      -and ...here is the vital point...in how they portray  
             each person and event.

Parents, we must be wise in choosing which books we will use in the training up of our children. 

~~~~~

The controversy:

Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis was cancelled as a speaker at at least 2 homeschool conventions because he spoke out against the gross errors in thought in the following curriculum.

 

Telling God's Story Presents the Bible as a "Book of Myths" and More
Curriculum: Telling God's Story, A Parents' Guide to Teaching the Bible - for use with Telling God's Story series: Year One
Author: Peter Enns
Published by: Olive Branch Books, imprint of Peace Hill Press (Susan Wise Bauer)

Please read the well written and well researched review by Heather Idoni at the following link.

http://www.familyclassroom.net/Articles20111/20110328.html 

 

Present Day Slaves and Their Owners...

 Last evening, someone at our church briefly mentioned children today being sold into slavery. (Slavery is still happening today, all over the world, even in America - sickening to think of but it is a fact.) It got me thinking again about a post that has been rolling around in my head for a year or so....

Last year, I heard about the show Oprah did on the little boys in Africa being sold as slaves to work on small fishing boats. One day I just happened to see an advertisement that she was doing a follow-up program. I was interested in the topic, so I made a point to watch her program that day. (I do not watch Oprah as a rule.) She told of little boys as young as 6, maybe even younger, that are being sold by their parents to fishermen. Most of the boys will spend their entire lives fishing. 16 hours a day or more they are in small row boats with 3 or 4 other boys or men.

16 hours a day, 7 days a week they work in those little boats. That's right. EVERY day.

They are nearly starved and are abused horribly by their owners. If they are fortunate enough to live to adulthood, and are able to earn their freedom, most of them buy a little boat of their own, purchase a few boys and continue on fishing 16+ hours a day, 7 days a week.

My heart breaks for those little boys.  No childhood, no breaks, no fun, no mother to hold them when they are sick, no love. Can you imagine such a dreadful life?

Although I would love to be able to hate the men who own them and treat them cruelly, I can not. In fact, I find myself having less compassion for the parents who sell them, than on the men who buy them. I have never been in their situation, so I know it is wrong of me to judge them, but to sell my child so I can have money to eat. Hmm. No. I would rather die. Maybe these parents are delirious with hunger and don't really know what they are doing, but I'm sorry, if I was even slightly in my right mind, there would be no way I'd be able to sell my child to someone I KNOW will horribly mistreat them.  Sorry, I digress...

Back to those vile men, I would love to hate those abusive, little boy buying, men. But instead, when I think of them I think of the hopelessness of their situation --being trapped in that horrid, horrid cycle. How they must hate themselves, I can only imagine. Oprah interviewed people who are trying to free the young boys by buying them back from those fishermen.  (I try not to be overly cynical thinking about it. Oprah Winfrey and all her money could certainly, if she TRULY cared, free those boys. If she honestly cared, like she says she does, wouldn't she give anything and EVERYTHING to free them? --- Just as God has done for us, giving up what He treasured most -- His own Son,  for us...) But who gives any thought to those poor wretched men?  I weep for those boys-- and I weep for those men whom no one seems to care about... they are totally lost, what despair they must live in....  who will reach them with Christ's love... who cares for them?

With His Loving Arms Around Me

Our Pastor shared in his message this morning that as believers, God is our Father. The thought of it is so amazing - when we know Christ as our Savior, God is our Father. 

It got me to thinking of Heaven, when I will be in the physical presence of my precious, Heavenly Father.

The one overwhelming thought I have of Heaven is humbly approaching God's throne and Him calling me to Himself. I would climb up in His lap and He would hold me in His arms. I don't know if this is possible, but if it is, I would love to spend at least my first 1000 years of eternity right there in His arms. Imagine being in the very presence of love like that. 

~I am unable to even think of it without weeping. How very, very blessed I am to know Him.

Why I wear skirts a LOT - you might be surprised!

If you know me at all, you know that I wear skirts a LOT, not exclusively, but nearly so. I find it amusing when I overhear someone telling someone else why  I wear skirts a lot. For some reason, many people believe this is an odd trait that needs justification.

I first started wearing skirts a lot years ago when I was going through what I call my "mildly hippie" stage.  I liked to wear Birkenstocks and long flowing type dresses. During this season in my life, I learned how to make soap, candles, and bake bread. ~I still really enjoy these three activities. I had just begun home educating my sons and was into a kind of "earthy" phase. I have always loved the colonial period of history for our nation and that had an influence on my dress as well.


Then came my phase of deep searching in the Bible concerning the subject. I did an extensive study on modesty, fashion, and dress, pertaining to women, in the Bible. I read books on the subject and as many articles, websites, etc. I could find. For example, http://www.momof9splace.com, has many articles on her website concerning the wearing of skirts exclusively.

After an exhaustive (and at times exhausting) study of the topic over the better part of 2 years (and revisiting the topic several times since), I found two qualities in the Bible that stand out for woman's clothing: a woman's clothing should be feminine and modest. Although I know a number of women who are convicted that the Bible teaches we are to wear skirts (or dresses or culottes) only and I GREATLY respect these women (and have at times wished I had the same conviction as them), I found nothing in the Word of God that specifically says "skirts only".  The Word is clear though, a woman's clothing is to be feminine and to be modest.  So, when we wear tight jeans or mini skirts, -both of which I have been guilty of wearing in the past so I don't speak from a "holier than thou" standpoint - let me assure you of that!! --when we wear these or similar clothing, they may be feminine but are they modest??? ---Really?? Something to think about...
Well, the story straight from me, in case you have ever wondered why I wear skirts all the time is.....(and seriously folks, it does amuse me that so many people wonder about this and have asked me... although, I don't mind anyone asking. ~smile)

     ......I like to.

“Why do women want to dress like men when they’re fortunate enough to be women? Why lose femininity, which is one of our greatest charms? We get more accomplished by being charming than we would be flaunting around in pants and smoking. I’m very fond of men. I think they are wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don’t want to look like one. When women gave up their long skirts, they made a grave error…"

                                                                                       ~Tasha Tudor

Precious

"Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him.

How I've proved him o'er and o'er.

 Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus.

 O for grace to trust him more."

~ Louisa M. R. Stead, c. 1850-1917

Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus 

This is what I have been singing today. The words are 

true - Jesus is so very precious and He has proven 

Himself real to me time and time again. 

"O for grace to trust Him more!"

Steps to Contentment

Steps to Contentment

1. Allow thyself to complain of nothing, not even the weather.

2. Never picture thyself to thyself under any circumstances in which thou are not.

3. Never compare thine own lot with that of another.

4. Never allow thyself to dwell on the wish that this or that had been, or were, otherwise than it was, or is. God Almighty loves thee better and more wisely than thou doest thyself.

5. Never dwell on the morrow. Remember that it is God's not thine. The heaviest part of sorrow often is to look forward to it. "The Lord will provide."

                                                                             -E.B. Pusey (1800-1882)

(Photo copyright Nathan Hill II, August 2010)

The Beliefs of our Founding Fathers

 In our Sunday School this week, our pastor briefly mentioned our founding fathers and the fact that many people believe them to have been Christians (born- again) and they were not. It got me thinking that many people may not realize exactly what a number of our Founding Fathers were and what they believed. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and possibly several others, were, in fact, deists.

From the American Heritage Dictionary, deism is "the belief, based solely on reason, in a God who created the universe and then abandoned it, assuming no control over life, exerting no influence on natural phenomena, and giving no supernatural revelation."

I have heard it said that if these men were not Christians, at least they were "really close" to being Christians, believing much of the what we believe and believing much of the Bible. This could certainly be argued -- they believed in the morals of the Bible, how we should behave and treat others, but without Christ it is an empty morality and how long will it last? We need only look at Ben Franklin's personal life as he grew older for an example. I believe that there can be as much danger in being really close to the truth (and finding security there) as being far, far away... in both cases you are just as lost. Think with me of a person wanting to go to a play in a large auditorium. They pull into the parking lot, park their car, walk over to the side of the building and stand there. They watch everyone else go into the building but they are still outside- got a great view of the parking lot and the outside of the building but are they experiencing what is going on INSIDE the auditorium? No. They are SO close but it does them no good.

There is, however, no proof that our first president was a deist. Neither is there any proof that he was a Christian.  It is said George Washington never mentioned Christ in any of his correspondence. I have read some of his writings and hadn't realize this. I will have to read them over again, but briefly reading over his Thanksgiving Proclamation this morning, I notice that he does indeed mention God but not Christ. 

We should indeed remember the men who began our country with great respect and teach our children of them. But if we want direction for this life, we need not turn to a history book or biography. Instead we must turn to God's Word and study it. If we want an example of how we should live our lives, we should not look to lives of these men, instead we must turn to Christ...

The Horror of Holocaust

~I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I do not feel it. I believe in God, even when He is silent.~

I just came across this quote today.  Members of the US unit of the 45th Infantry Division found it carved into a wall at the end of WWII. There is some discrepancy as to whether it was found on the wall of a basement where a Jewish family was hiding out during the Holocaust or whether it was on the wall of a concentration camp. Either way, the point is the same. -- They trusted God. Period.

I have a great fascination with the period of time between 1930 and 1945, especially dealing with the Holocaust. I just can't understand how something so incredibly horrible could happen and good people just stood by (literally) and let it happen.  Although we would like to think that all Germans during this horrific time were people who were evil to the very core of their beings, the fact is many of them were just average people.- Many of them were "good" people. How could such people hate, mistreat, and kill (even if not doing it themselves, they allowed others to do so) innocent people by the thousands. Astounding.

People like Corrie Ten Boom inspire me. Through the strength she had in Christ, she was able to love the guards who mistreated her (and essentially killed her sister) in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp located near Berlin, Germany. She was actually able to love them - not just be submissive to them. She was able to forgive them as she had been forgiven. Again, astounding. 

You can read more about Corrie and her family at Corrie Ten Boom. To get the complete story of her trial and perseverance in Christ, I recommend her books The Hiding Place and A Tramp for the Lord. 

A few of my favorite movies on the subject of the Holocaust are:

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" (German with English subtitles)-This would be a good one for older children (age 10+?) to watch. A Jewish boy and a Nazi officer's son become friends. (Warning for those with children - it does end sadly and it may contain some nudity at the end - I can't remember. I suggest parents preview this first.)

"Jakob the Liar" (starring Robin Williams - probably the greatest role he ever played in a movie. imho)

"Schindler's List" -Not for young children. Based on the true story of how one man tries to save the lives of many Jews. Realistically portrays life during the holocaust.

"A Woman in Berlin" (German with English subtitles) - this has mature themes, it is the story of a German officer's wife and how she and others like her were treated by the Russian troops who came to liberate the Jews - an interesting movie that shows there was cruelty all around.

"The Pianist" starring Adrien Brody -Exceptionally well-done movie about how a Jewish pianist survived the Holocaust.

"The Island on Bird Street" - An 11 yr. old boy survives on his own in Nazi occupied Poland. Based on a true story.

(Note: I had intended this post to be very short. Just the quote at the top of the page. Can you tell this is a subject I am passionate about? ~smile)

Spring is here. Can you HEAR it?

There is nothing quite so amazing as the way creation begins to waken in the spring. With everything coming back to life again, it is invigorating just to take a walk outside. 

If you listen closely, you can actually HEAR spring coming.

The birds are singing more now and some have returned from their trips down south but that isn't what I am referring to. 

What I am referring to is the sound of the ground warming up and absorbing the water in - a soft, satisfied sort of sound. It is as though the earth itself is praising God and thanking Him that winter is over.

Don't take my word for it - go outside and listen. 

Oh, and Happy Spring!!

~Smile~

To bring a smile to your face:

Guilty Dog - Watch more Funny Videos

But it is going to hurt!!

Just over a year ago, I sprained my ankle. I was confident after doing a bit of research (Ugh- me and my research!) that it was just a sprain, so I used the knowledge I gained instead of going to a physician. 

Problems in this life are a lot like my ankle problem. At the outset, it might appear easier to just ignore a problem (or as I did - try to deal with it on my own. Which amounted to resting it for a few weeks, then ignoring it.) Dealing with our problems sounds like it will be so much work. It is very likely it will be a lot of work. And just as with my foot, ~doing the exercises to improve it are painful~ there may be new pain when dealing with an issue in this life, and we want to avoid pain, right?

The only thing is, ignoring a problem does NOT make it go away. Matter of fact, ignoring it or trying to muddle along on our own in dealing with it, can create other problems that are more painful. What was initially just an ankle problem became a problem in my calf and a very painful problem in my foot. As it turns out, it was a BAD sprain. Because of this, the ankle did not strengthen on its own and my foot (and calf) developed problems as a result as my body tried to compensate for an ankle that couldn't do what it was intended to do.

To hobble through this life in pain when we don't have to is foolish and fruitless. There have been many things I could not do because of the pain and injury in my foot and ankle. I am happy to report, that I am now in physical therapy. After only 1 week (3 visits to PT and daily exercises at home) I am already beginning to see an improvement in my foot. It makes me wonder ....... 
              How many opportunities, blessings, etc. have been missed because of an unwillingness to deal with tough issues in life?..... How much fruit has been lost as a result???

So very, very thirsty

Psalm 63:1

 ^"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"

thirsts for...

longs for... 

action words, so full of meaning, just reading the passage you can feel

the yearning...

the passion

for 

Christ.

I began this post over two months ago. At the time I was going through a very dry time spiritually. A time when I was actually questioning exactly what I believe.  That is hard for me to admit. But the fact is, for the better part of 4 years, I spent much time calling out to my God; asking Him just where He was and asking Him to make Himself real to me once again ---AND asking Him to make me WANT to be close to Him again. I had never thought that I would doubt Him. He had proven Himself to me over and over again too many times to count, but one afternoon I had short conversation with someone I barely knew that set me on what would be a long (and often confusing) journey.

This verse, Psalm 63:1, had always been a favorite but over the past few years, it became real to me. 

I can tell you without any doubt, God IS real. I know Him. -- And here is the awesome part --- YOU can know Him, too. 

 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."  John 3:16- 18

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21

(edited 1-11-12)

 Are you seeking answers today? Those who seek Him will find Him because He doesn't keep Himself hidden. He is seeking us!  "He has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (We are definitely lost without Him- dead in our trespasses and sin.) What an awesome God He is that He sent His Son to die for us!

It is humbling (and a bit scary) to look to back over my old posts. Just remembering the anger I had toward God at the time scares me and makes me so very thankful for His faithfulness to me. God is constantly teaching me. I am so thankful that He calls me His child. To KNOW Him is to love Him.

Those are mighty powerful words, Mister!

Old Ironsides

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

September 16, 1830

Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!
Long has it waved on high,
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky;

Beneath it rung the battle shout,
And burst the cannon's roar;--
The meteor of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more.

Her deck, once red with heroes' blood,
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were hurrying o'er the flood,
And waves were white below,

No more shall feel the victor's tread,
Or know the conquered knee;--
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The eagle of the sea!

Oh, better that her shattered bulk
Should sink beneath the wave;
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,
And there should be her grave;

Nail to the mast her holy flag,
Set every threadbare sail,
And give her to the god of storms,
The lightning and the gale!

Don't you love the feeling you get when you read a poem like this? It is so dramatic, so powerful.  This has long been a favorite of mine to read aloud.

I found it interesting that Oliver Wendell Holmes was only 21 when he wrote this. After reading in the newspaper that the Navy planned to scrap the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides was it's nickname), he was moved to write this poem. He evoked a lot of passion with his words. So much so, that the Navy changed its plans to scrap the Constitution and eventually restored it instead.

Thinking of the power Mr. Holmes evoked by his words, makes me think of the words I am using every day. Do my words built up or tear down? Our words are powerful ~ we need to use them wisely. We never know just how much they could mean to someone else (for good or for bad.)

Whereever we are we need to be prepared for battle....

I have had the great joy of being up on the mountain top recently. By this I mean, I have had victory over an issue (sin) that I had been dealing with for a few months. Nothing between me and my Savior - it is an awesome place to be!!



I began this post a week or so ago and I must confess - my time up on the mountain lasted about 3.2 minutes!! ~Ugh!  No, it was longer than that, more like three or 4 days. It seemed such a short time...

God had given me complete victory over an issue of sin in my life during that time and I thought I would never struggle with it again. This was very naive on my part. You hear of people being completely delivered from sin but for most of us there is still a bit of struggle. (We still can walk moment by moment with Christ. Keeping short accounts of our sin with Him. What I am referring to, is the euphoric feeling we get when we have that fresh clean "slate" with Him.) When the temptation returned I got REALLY discouraged for an entire day. I didn't even want to talk to anyone. Then, finally that evening, the Lord made it clear to me. What He had given me was the boost I needed to have deliverance from this issue. I might still be tempted but I didn't need to give in to the temptation and sin. What I did need to do was fully rely on Him.

The thing about being on the mountain top is that while we are up there, we are totally exposed - wide open for attack. We need to be prepared for this by putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10 - 20). Yet even with a full set of armor on there are usually areas where a dart can penetrate. Perhaps there is a gap in the armor or maybe we don't have a piece on completely or properly.

A benefit of being on top of the mountain is that many arrows and darts of the enemy (even bullets) can not reach us. We are too far up from the valley below. The downside of this is that it means the enemy will get out the sharp shooters, the larger weapons, and the big guns to attack us.

He is a powerful enemy and this is just what he is doing to me.  I tell you he is a cunning enemy. He can tempt me with things that to all others would be a good thing, a right thing even. As our pastor shared recently, the battle is in our minds.

Excuse me now, I must go check my armor. I must be sure I have it all on properly and I need to have my sword drawn.

Just can't go on alone...

Last night I posted a quote by Andrew Murray. "Absolute surrender to God is the one thing." 

I don't know about you but I am unable to do it. Just the thought of it discourages me.

The really incredible thing about surrendering to God is: "God does not ask you to give the perfect surrender in your strength or by the power of your will; God is willing to work it in you....Cast away every fear. Come with that feeble desire." (p. 11 Absolute Surrender)

You see, I can't do this all by myself. There is no way I can travel this journey alone and get to the destination I desire. God knows this. 

He knows if I was on my own:

         I would be tempted by little paths with patches of ferns along the way. They look so pretty, but if that isn't the way, I will get lost.

          I would sit down and take a break, stay too long and miss what He had planned for me up ahead.

 

          I would stumble, get all dirty and discouraged, hurt myself, and end my journey right there.

I am SO thankful God doesn't expect me to go on alone, I would make a mess of things. I've proven it. How amazing to think He will work in me His will!!

Surrender?? Me? Never!!

"Absolute surrender to God is the one thing." 

~Andrew Murray

I hesitate to add any words of my own to the above statement. There is a lot to think about in that one little sentence isn't there? 

Surrendering ALL to God. 

Absolutely everything I have, 

everything I am or hope to be, 

everything I need, 

everything I want, 

everything I feel, 

everything I desire... 

nothing held back from God.