Reformation Day
October 31, 2007
On this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted a proposal at the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany to debate the doctrine and practice of indulgences. This proposal is popularly known as the 95 Theses, which he nailed to the Castle Church doors.
This was not an act of defiance or provocation as is sometimes thought. Since the Castle Church faced Wittenberg's main thoroughfare, the church door functioned as a public bulletin board and was therefore the logical place for posting important notices. Also, the theses were written in Latin, the language of the church, and not in the vernacular. Nonetheless, the event created a controversy between Luther and those allied with the Pope over a variety of doctrines and practices. When Luther and his supporters were excommunicated in 1520, the Lutheran Church was born which became a mighty arm in the Reformation.
When Luther published his ninety-five theses he did not say to himself, "Now I am going to start the Reformation." No man was more surprised than Luther, himself, at the results of his action. No one accepted Luther's challenge to debate the issues brought up in his theses. It was not until two years later that an opponent presented himself.
Those that walked by and read the posting of the 95 Theses on the bulletin board door told others and they in turn told others and very quickly the word spread and Luther became known throughout Germany. The effect was great and the Roman Catholic Church's sale of indulgences was greatly hampered, which was not appreciated by those who benefitted from the sale of the indulgences. Luther's Theses had the tendency to loosen the priests' hold on the people, who were then able to learn and know for themselves what the Word of God said without being filtered through the priests.
According to The Church in History by B.K. Kuiper, there are four major points to the Reformation's Fundamental Elements:
1. The Reformation leaders went back to the Apostolic Church, as described in the New Testament, to find there the spirit and practice of the Church as they believed it should operate. The republishing of the works of the early Church Fathers - Jerome, Cyprian, Origen and Athanasius - was a great aid to them. Augustine was a favorite of most of the reformers. From these men they learned the simple character of the early Church and found it widely different from the adorned service of their own day. They therefore sought to eliminate the forms, customs and traditions in the formal keeping of which men had come to trust for salvation, and to stress the preaching of the Word as the Gospel of salvation by grace alone.
2. Closely related to this aspect of reform was the stress on the priesthood of all believers. This meant that men went directly to God; they did not gain salvation through the Church, but became members of the Chuirch when they became believers. The Roman Catholic Church used the name priest for clergyman, which meant that they stood, as in Old Testament times, between man and God. The reformers spoke of all men as priests, personally speaking to God, without the mediation of the Church.
3. All the reformers thought of the Church as the community of believers rather than the hierachy of officials. This concept was already evident in Huss, one hundred years before Luther, and persisted all through the Reformation days. They thought of the Church as an organism, a living body of which each believer was a member; they did not think of it as an organization made up of officals. Organization they did consider necessary for efficient functioning, but they did not think of it as the dispenser of divine grace.
4. Many church leaders in the days before the Reformation had urged the distribution of the Bible to the common people. Wycliffe had translated large portions of the Vulgate into English. Tyndale had translated the Bible. But the Roman Catholic Church had bitterly opposed unofficial translations. Tyndale paid for his offense with his life, being burned at the stake. Now all the reformers accepted the Bible as the final authority on all questions of faith and morals. Luther translated the whole Bible; Zwingli copied in handwriting all the letters of Paul from Erasmus' Greek text; Lefevre translated the New Testament into French, as did John Calvin. Whether a reformation principle was to be accepted or not was determined by the support one could find for it in Scripture. That became the touchstone and of course this led to a careful study of the Bible as the source for all religious teaching.
So, today, 490 years later, we stop to remember Martin Luther and the 95 Theses which he posted to that door. We remember how his Theses rocked the foundation of the Roman Catholic Church and was a key act in bringing God's Word to the comman man. The common man was given the ability to then read, study, learn and apply God's Word to his life, as well as pray directly to God without the middleman of a priest.
Thank you Martin Luther and the many, many other brave Reformers who gave so much, including their lives, so the truth of Scripture could be read by the common man. The Word of God is a great privilege and trust that we have so readily available to us today. There were times where this was not the case. May we never take it for granted and ever be thankful for the Word of God that we have so readily at our disposal today, and may we pray that it will ever be so.
Vision Forum Drawing
at In a Shoe
at In a Shoe
October 31, 2007
Congratulations to the 5 winners to In a Shoe's $150 Vision Forum Drawing!
The good news is that In a Shoe has another Vision Forum Drawing! And the better news is that this time the drawing is for $250.00!!!!
All you have to do is post your Vision Forum Product Wish List of $150
$250 or less to your blog or website and let Kim know you've posted your Wish List
and you'll be entered in the drawing. Items on your Wish List must have this logo 
which designates that item as a Vision Forum produced product.
Vision Forum's brand new catalog is hot off the presses and, as always, has lots of new items to pique your interest. If you haven't received your new catalog yet, you can order one at Vision Forum or you can download the Vision Forum PDF Catalog.
The question is how to whittle our wish list down to $150 $250
or less????? An easier task than the first contest, but difficult, none-the-less!
Here's Our Revised
Vision Forum Product Wish List
Vision Forum Product Wish List
Jonathan Park #5, The Explorer's Society $25.00
The Centrality of the Home in Evangelism & Discipleship $10.00
A Church in the House $12.00
We had many, many more items on our Vision Forum Wish List, but these are the top four totalling
$150.00 $250.00 or less.
Have a great time going through the new Vision Forum Catalog.
Thank you, Perry & Kim for the opportunity to enter yet another drawing.
Happy 17th Birthday
Skylar!
Skylar!
October 29, 2007
The Lord has given us 17 years with our son, Skylar. He's grown from our biggest baby into our biggest child measuring in at about 6' tall.
Having sons that are growing up into young men while developing 20 acres of raw land is a great thing, both for the parents and for the young men. We, the parents benefit from the strong muscles of youth by how much physical labor these young men can do, while our sons benefit from having all of the physical labor to do and learning a good work ethic. Skylar has learned a lot about hard work since moving to Plymouth Rock Ranch and in the process built up some strong muscles.
In the almost two years that we've been here Skylar has learned how to use a chain saw and has cut down many, many cedar trees and gathered much firewood for his family in the process. He has learned some carpentry by helping to build a raised wood deck floor that the tent sits on, building yet another raised wood floor for the new shed we're in the process of erecting, as well as the frame to the chicken coop/goat milking building that is still in progress and building our outhouse. He's learned how to dig in our limestone rock ground by running our neighbor's jackhammer so we can put up animal pens and fences. He's helped build animal pens, work on refinishing the inside of the trailer, install water systems and electrical wiring, and butcher chickens, goats, pigs and deer. Lord willing, Skylar will learn yet more skills through building a house for the family.
Currently Skylar is working with Ryker and Rick in getting a family business going. He and Ryker have mowed/weed whacked two 1 acre yards, put together fencing estimates, commercial groundskeeping estimates and ranch hand work. They removed a patio room off of a friend's house and disassembled and brought home the shed we're currently rebuilding.
For his birthday, Skylar was able to volunteer at and attend the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Academy. There he was able to learn about photography, cameras, sound, computers, scripts and much more, not to mention meeting new friends, which he always enjoys.
We look forward to continuing to watch Skylar grow into a godly man who desires to serve and glorify God in all he does.
Happy 17th Birthday, Skylar! We Love You!
Passionate Housewives Desperate for God is Now Available
October 30, 2007
If you would like to purchase this book click on the link below.
Authors: Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald
Format: Paperback (232 pages)
Have you struggled to reconcile God’s vision of virtuous womanhood with worldly myths that marginalize and mock the role of the homemaker?
Do you wrestle with cultural messages that demean the homemaker’s calling and exalt instead the emotionally androgynous power-woman — the wife whose worth is measured only by the degree of her ambition, the shape of her body, or her money-making skills? Such is the image of the “desperate housewife” that the modern media, culture, and feminism are promoting with great energy.
In a delightfully fresh and honest way, this book addresses these issues head-on and provides fresh vision for the hopeful homemaker. Hear a former “Christian” feminist share how she went from a die-hard homemaker-in-training to a dedicated career woman and then back again — after God gripped her heart. See the hollow counterfeit of whitewashed feminism and “me-ology” destroyed. And consider the beautiful picture painted in Scripture of the truly fulfilled homemaker who glories in the hopeful calling God created for her.
Pull up a chair, dust off the cookie crumbs, and join Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald as they lay aside stereotypes like the “Stepford wife” and dispel such myths as the 1950s “perfect homemaker.” Laughter and tears will flow, and hopefully you will be infused with a renewed vision for victory as a wife and mother. Discover what it means to be a passionate housewife “desperate” for God alone!
Vision Forum Drawing
at In a Shoe
at In a Shoe
October 23, 2007
In a Shoe has a Vision Forum Drawing!
All you have to do is post your Vision Forum Product Wish List of $150 or less to your blog or
website and let Kim know you've posted your Wish List and you'll be entered in the drawing. Items on
your Wish List must have this logo 
which designates
that item as a Vision Forum produced product.
Vision Forum's brand new catalog is hot off the presses and, as always, has lots of new items to pique your interest. If you haven't received your new catalog yet, you can order one at Vision Forum or you can download the Vision Forum PDF Catalog.
The question is how to whittle my wish list down to $150 or less????? A daunting task, but I've managed!
Here's Our Vision Forum Product Wish List
Jonathan Park #5, The Explorer's Society $25.00
We had many, many more items on our Vision Forum Wish List, but these are the top two totalling $150.00 or less.
I'd wish y'all luck if you enter the Vision Forum drawing as is our common saying in this day and age. But, since I don't believe in luck but instead believe in the providence of God, I'll encourage you to have a great time going through the new Vision Forum Catalog, and trust the Lord to bless the five winners of His choosing with their Wish Lists!
Thank you, Perry & Kim and Vision Forum, for the opportunity to enter the drawing.
Happy 19th Birthday
Callan!
Callan!
October 22, 2007
The Lord has given us 19 years with our daughter, Callan. My, how time flies! She's gone from our chubby-cheeked little baby girl to a beautiful grown woman, seemingly overnight.
Callan is an industrious, get it done, make it happen, household organizer. She's turned into a great little and big sister, student, healthy cook, singer, website builder, organizer, cake decorator, seamstress, animal tender and whatever else needs doing young lady. She would like to become our resident vegetable and fruit grower and is praying for a water well so we have the water it takes to grow these foods. She's also our resident cedar-spyer and is always asking for more cedar trees to be cut down. Then she can plant a food bearing tree in their place or see the beautiful oaks the cedars are hiding. It would be hard to run our household, er campsite, without her.
Happy 19th Birthday, Callan! We Love You!
San Antonio Independent
Christian Film Academy
Christian Film Academy
October 22, 2007
Today kicked off the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Academy. Skylar and Callan are attending together, while the rest of us prepare food and clothing for attending the San Antonio Christian Film Festival (not to be confused with the Academy) this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The logistics of us all going with clean clothing, matching socks and matching shoes for 3 days (up early and home late and being ready for church on Sunday too) is monumental, not to mention having food prepared to take with us to feed us all for breakfasts, lunches and dinners. There is NO way that we can afford to eat out all of those meals.
Today is Callan's 19th birthday, the reason she was chosen to be Skylar's driver and attend the academy with him. She gets a break from our every day life and doesn't have to do the Film Festival prepping. Plus, out of all of us, Skylar and Callan are the two more techy people, so they are a good pair to attend the Academy. The down side is, she does have to get up early and get home late for 3 days and then get up early and home late for 3 more days of the Festival. I think for one week she can sacrifice her sleep : )
The First Cold Snap
October 22, 2007
Today, October 22, 2007, is the day we have our first cold snap with a northern windy cold front sliding through Texas. Sunday was beautiful and warm. Early Monday morning the wind and sleet started and it got coooooold fast! We were sure missing Callan, who is at the SAICF Academy, as she was the one who packed away all of our coats and we weren't sure where they were! Thankfully, we managed to find things to wrap up in despite her absence.
Last spring we moved the wood burning stove out of the tent to make more room for living. Today, amid the shivering, we quickly rearranged and moved the stove back in. We didn't think we could fit any more into our tent, but we managed! Ashley and Ryker worked as a great team moving shelves, rebuilding shelves, restocking shelves and cleaning as they went. They took two half shelves and reconfigured them into one tall shelf, making a new wall in our kitchen. It divides the tent space up a little bit, but it works! Ryker finally had the wood burning stove out of storage and re-installed last night at dinner time. What a difference!
We had great plans to get all of our firewood shagged, cut and stacked before winter. You know, the way an organized, be-prepared kind of family would do? But, with the overly wet summer and chainsaws that keep going on the fritz, it has yet to happen and the cold snap is now here. Has anyone noticed how everything today is made disposable? Cars, refrigerators, chainsaws..... This is very frustrating to the mechanical guys we have around here. Buying new parts to fix broken tools costs more than buying new disposable tools. But, I digress.
The ax handle is broken. Then Chainsaw #2 of 2 broke. There was nothing to cut wood with. Or so it seemed. Until Ryker got inventive. When I returned from picking Rick up from work, (we're down to 2 cars again - remember that disposable thought?) Ryker was heading over to the tent with an armload of long cedar logs. We weren't sure how he was going to fit these long logs into the stove, but we were curious. Upon rounding the corner, we spied the chop saw sitting on the ground. Earlier in the day he was certain we had no way of chopping up wood. The coming cold of evening made him rethink that assessment. Necessity is the mother of invention and problem solving!
Next problem to solve. Do we fix the 2 disposable chainsaws we have or go buy a new one so we will have wood cut to burn to keep warm?
God's Provision
October 19, 2007
Yesterday, the children and I had a wonderful time of fun and fellowship at a birthday party. It was held in a beautiful old building, once the country store, in a small little Texas town called Shiner, about 130 miles from our home. The building was filled with authentic antiques, artifacts, pieces of history and fun. After the party some of us headed over to a park so the children could unwind before the long drive home.
On my drive home, I was thinking of all the needs, vehicle repairs and projects we have going or need to start here at Plymouth Rock Ranch that require money and/or materials to accomplish. I wasn't despairing, but I was feeling like our progress at Plymouth Rock Ranch is so very slow and we have so many needs. So, I was asking God for some encouragement and provision. I was asking him for Rick to receive a raise, or for the boys to receive work, or some miraculous provision that could only come from God (when really, all provision comes only from Him!) Then the phone rang.
A couple of years ago, a friend at church had told us about a company that does biodynamic research and will pay people who fit age, height and weight needs to sit in for tests pertaining to auto accidents and other issues. We submitted everyone's ages, heights and weights and they put us in their data base. A year later, we met the data collector/coordinator, Jaycene, at the chiropractor's office. She spied our large family and asked if we would be interested in being in her database. I told her that we already were in her database and we introduced ourselves. She decided it was the perfect opportunity to update our info as it was getting outdated. So, we used the chiropractor's scale to weigh and measure everyone for her files.
The unexpected phone call I received on our drive home was from Jaycene. It was 8 p.m. and she was looking for someone near Galilee's age, height and weight. But our data was a year old and Galilee has grown. The kicker was that she needed to find someone immediately as the test was scheduled for Wednesday at noon. When I saw Jaycene's name on my phone, my heart leaped at the thought that God could answering my prayers and giving me that much needed encouragement so quickly.
Jaycene, needed current height and weight on Galilee and she needed it quickly. I providentially had a tape measure with me, but our weight scale at home was broken. I had no way to get her weight. We were on the south side of San Antonio, which I am not very familiar with. I finally figured out where there was a convenient Target in a safe location and headed that way. We went inside Target, found a hard floor and straight wall and measured Galilee's height. Then we found the bathroom scales and got her weight on a couple of scales so we could make sure they were accurate. I called Jaycene and gave her Galilee's stats. She said they were very close, but not perfect and would have to call me back after she finished going through her database.
Wednesday morning, we waited for a call telling us if we were heading for San Antonio. It got later and later, so I finally called Jaycene. She still didn't have an answer and was waiting for her boss to call. At the last moment we could leave and still make it in time, Jaycene called and said she was making an executive decision and to bring Galilee on in if we were still up for it.
Galilee and I headed for town, excited at the opportunity to make a little unexpected money. We pulled into the parking lot 5 minutes late, but there. Once inside, they weighed and measured Galilee again. Then they took my stats too since I was there. No telling when they might need someone whose stats matched mine. There were two other moms and daughters there for the same re-enactment. We already knew one mom, Kim, and her daughter, Becca, 6, and we made new friends, Kim and her daughter, Italia, 9. All of us were homeschooling families, so while we waited the children either did schoolwork they brought with them, or practiced reading books in the waiting room.
Once the paperwork was all ready, we headed for the lab and the two children with the closest stats were chosen to participate. Italia and Galilee were chosen and proceeded out to get into the back seat of a Blazer. They took the photos they needed, verified them, took measurements of Galilee in the vehicle and were all done.
So, today was a bit out of the normal routine. God heard my prayer and provided a little encouragement provision today, to help me remember that He is taking care of us, providing for us in ways that I do not know and not to worry or get discouraged. He can provide in any way, at any time, and in HIS time, and we must just be faithful.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Harrison
Jackson
Chess
An Old Vault
Tired
Having Fun
Family Picture
October 15, 2007
We have a new family picture! If you would like to see it you can go to our About Page.In Memoriam
October 15, 2007
In Memoriam:27, 1850:
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
Two Sundays ago we went to church as we normally do. Then we went to the Smithe's home to get a tank of water, and got home later in the evening. When we got home, Chloe, our 5 wk old bottle fed kitten, did not greet us as usual. We hoped she was just asleep under the tent or in a hamper of laundry. But, the next morning, she was not there meowing for food as she usually is. We hunted and looked all day long, to no avail. The other animals were all accounted for and well. We still do not know what happened to Chloe.
Yesterday was another normal day at church and then on to the Manteufel's home to get a tank of water. Again, we got home later in the evening. Coconut, our 2nd new kitten, greeted us with her usual spunk and playfulness, glad to have us home. She went from shoulder to shoulder, hand to hand, taking attention from anyone who would give it to her. We were all getting ready for bed when we heard Ashley yell, "Daddy! I need your help!!!!!" The tone told us something was seriously wrong. Ashley had gone out to the van to get "Tigger" for Harrison. As she closed the door, Coconut, who had followed Ashley to the van, tried to jump in. She couldn't stop the van door in time.
There were many tears shed last night as we went to bed. Both of our kittens were gone. We had them for a short time. They were both special in their own ways. Chloe had beautiful wild stripped markings, huge blue eyes, and she was bottle fed making her that much more special. Coconut was feisty, playful, had sharp claws and was very, very friendly, thinking life was all fun and lovins. I called her "OW!" as her favorite pasttime was to jump in my lap, snag my skirt and put holes in my arm or legs just looking for the attention she thought due her. I still have claw marks in my forearm that have yet to heal.
We got these kittens within a week of each other. We lost them exactly a week apart. We had them for about a month, but they had become a part of our daily life and made a place for themselves in our hearts. We are thankful for the short time we had with our two little kittens and the joy they brought. They will be missed.
Our family has been reading through Job in our morning Bible Times. While losing 2 kittens in a week's time is nothing compared to the losses that Job suffered, his wisdom is still applicable. Job said in Job: 1:21
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord."
So, while we mourn the loss of our sweet kittens, we thank the Lord for bringing them to us. We thank the Lord for the joy He gave us through these kittens. We thank the Lord for the lessons He brings us through receiving kittens, caring for kittens and losing kittens. We thank the Lord for the sorrow we feel. We thank the Lord for His sovereignty and the ability to rest in that.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Chloe and Coconut
Coconut
Chloe sleeping in a bowl
Usually, we take for granted that tomorrow will be another day, and that we will be here on that tomorrow. There are no promises for another tomorrow. Each day we have is a gift from our Creator God. Each breath we take is a gift from God.
If this were to be your last day, where will you spend tomorrow? In eternity worshiping The Lord? Or eternally separated from God, Whom you did not call and worship as the One and Only Lord God, Creator of the Universe?
Isaiah 45:22-25
All you ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
I have sworn by Myself;
The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness
And shall not return,
That to Me every knee shall bow,
Every tongue shall take an oath.
He shall say,
Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength.
To Him men shall come,
And all shall be ashamed
Who are incensed against Him.
In the Lord all the descendants of Israel
Shall be justified, and shall glory.
EVERY knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord. Let today be the day of Salvation, bowing your knee before and confessing with your tongue that Jesus is Lord, for you are not guaranteed another tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late.
Jack Hammering
October 15, 2007
The Lord has given us very gracious and generous neighbors. Rusty is a welder and metal building contractor and thus has an assortment of tools that many laymen do not. He has generously offered some very necessary tools for us to use when needed.
The most recent necessary tool is a jack hammer. The ground here is limestone. Some soft limestone, but mostly hard bedrock limestone. Putting in a fence or an animal pen here is no easy job. It is VERY labor intensive, even with a jack hammer.
Skylar and Ryker spent two days last week taking turns jack hammering. The fruit of their labor? Two fence post holes! These fence post holes are to add another animal pen between the existing cow pen and the goat-milking/chicken-egg house that is under construction. Lord willing, they will continue on jack-hammering more holes this week and maybe hit some softer limestone, making quicker progress.
Tree House for a ?Cow?
October 15, 2007
We actually had 2 - two - TWO - Count them - One-TWO - Saturdays in a row at home! One of our many overdue projects is a shelter for our heifer who is due to calve in the next couple of weeks. We've discussed where to put a shelter and what to build it out of. Rick has drawn up plans for beautifully architectured barns, pens and cattle chutes. He's drawn up pragmatic, cheaper and easier to build shelters for both animals and feed. Rick is great at both designing and building. His biggest hindrance is having the available resources to actually get beyond the designing phase and get something he likes built out of real materials.
So, imagine my surprise when I went over to the cow pen Saturday afternoon and saw this!
Tree House for a Cow!
When Rick builds something, he builds it right, asthetically beautiful, overly sturdy, straight (well, accept for the outhouse, which is deliberately off-kilter), and forever. This Tree House for a Cow, used trees for posts (not straight), plywood nailed to the trees, 2x4's nailed to the trees for a roof supports and more plywood for a roof. This is NOTHING like what Rick builds! It will serve the purpose of sheltering Maia and her calf. But, it is NOT Rick! I was just a little surprised and mentioned that I hadn't actually seen this particular plan before. He said that since we were down to needing something quickly, he was going to work with what he had and the amount of time he had to do it in. Will wonders never cease! It's not beautiful, by any means. But, it is built, useable and capable of sheltering a new cow and her calf.
We will still continue to work towards our original plan of a couple of stalls and a hay/feed shelter. But, it will come as the Lord provides the time, money and resources. I'm kinda thinking that this Tree House for a Cow will eventually become a work of art, being added on to and remodeled as scrap wood is available. In fact, last night while getting water at the Manteufels, Nolan and Skylar went looking for scrap lumber that had been left at the curb in San Antonio for large item pick up day. They came home with enough wood to fill in the trailer around the water tank. It's possible that some of that lumber will be used in our Tree House for a Cow : )
Not EVERY cow has it's own Tree House!
Learning to Sing
In Four Part Harmony
In Four Part Harmony
October 15, 2007
We were invited to a night of singing Hymns at Mrs. Hawley's home on Friday night. We started off with outdoor play and fellowship time, then had a delicious soup, salad and sandwich dinner. Then, Mr. Horn lead the singing accompanied by a different piano player for each song. He lead the basses through their parts, tenors through their parts, altos through their parts, and the sopranos (when needed) through their parts.
Rick was in the band in high school and I was in the choir in high school, so we have some musical training, though not extensive. Mariah took piano lessons and is accomplished on the piano. But, until recently, we haven't gotten past getting our first child music lessons. Most recently, Larissa, Delaney and Galilee have all received new-to-them violins and are being taught by Sofia, a friend at church, either after church on Sundays or when we go to their house after church to get a tank of water. As we sing hymns, we've taught the very basics of reading music, but we've never worked on four part harmony.
So, while we had some basic training for singing in four part harmony, actually doing it with people who know how was great experience and practice. Thank you, Mrs. Hawley, for the invitation and opportunity to grow in our musical training!
fun and games
Tenors
Harrison and Bradford
alto singers
bass singers
Kirk
some of the soprano singers
bass singers
Pianist Daniel
How to Catch
a Wild Pig
a Wild Pig
October 9, 2007
I read this email on a Yahoo Group and thought it worth posting for y'all to read.
There was a Chemistry professor in a large college that had some Exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the Prof noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back And stretching as if his back hurt.
The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government.
In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?' The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line.
The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side.
The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd. Suddenly, the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America . The government keeps pushing us toward Communism/Socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. while we continually lose our freedoms- just a little at a time.
One should always remember 'There is no such thing as a free Lunch!' Also, 'You can never hire someone to provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.Also, if you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America , you might want to send this on to your friends. If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life then you will probably delete this email.
Author Unknown.
Ryker has become our feral hog trapper here. He's studied and trapped, won and lost some. What this article says about wild hogs is very, very true. They are wary and suspicious by nature. If they notice ANYTHING different in an area, they will stay away from that area until it becomes "normal" to them again. Hog trappers have to learn how to fool the pigs to lure them into the trap.
Our country is under attack by a government who has way overstepped its Biblical jurisdiction as a protector of the people. It has become the Nanny State, intruding upon and taking over the jurisdiction of the family and the church, providing things that God did not intend for it to provide. This fools the people into depending upon the state instead of depending upon God to provide. Remember how the pig trapper has to fool the pigs before he can trap them? The state will eventually fail. God will not. Where will YOU put your trust?
But, where does the state get the resources to provide these "free" things? They first "take" it from us and then act as the generous beneficiary when they "give" it back to us, but with many strings attached. Along with these strings come pretty decorations and "free" things to distract us from the controling strings. Just like hog trappers cover up their own scent with the scent of pig urine to disguise their trap, so does the government cover up their control over our families, money and ideologies with free perks and giveaways. That's how Augustus Caesar, Marc Antony and Lepidus, the Triumverate, destroyed the Roman Senate. All it took was to offer $500 a head and there went the Senate, ending with Cicero, the Roman Republic advocate. This $500 "perk" was the end of the Republic and the beginning of the Emperorship.
Both vouchers and charter schools give families free computers, field trips and "accountability" while taking away parental control, curriculum choices and religious freedom in teaching. They aren't too intruding at first. Just one side of the fence at a time........until we feel comfortable.........and then..........we've handed away our liberty and the liberties of others in exchange for "freebies."
This is one of the reasons we are opposed to school vouchers and charter schools. The government first takes our family's money away from us. Money that we, the parents, should be using for our children's education, and then the government so very kindly gives it back to us in the form of a voucher, again, with many strings attached. These strings are small at first and progressively become more stringent as we get used to them. Sort of like government programs being "voluntary" until we get used to them and then they become "mandatory." Can anyone say NAIS?
If the government would leave the money in the family's control in the first place, there would be no strings attached. We, the parents, would decide based on God's principles, how we should provide for and educate our children. An up front tax credit, where the government leaves our money with us and our decisions, would be a much better option than school vouchers where the government takes our money and then graciously gives it back with strings attached. A total revamp of the tax system would be an even better solution, but that's another post for another day.
Are you in a strategic field finding "free" corn? Do you see the fence being built around you? Are
you being desensitized to your loss of freedom? Do you see your freedoms and God-given jurisdictions
being taken away from you? Don't wait until the gate is slammed shut to see the danger. Proverbs 22:3
says, "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself. But the simple pass on and are punished."
Announcing
Madyson Carlon
Madyson Carlon
October 9, 2007
Congratulations, Jordy and Shelby Carlon, on the arrival of your new daughter, Madyson Carlon, born May 2007. I don't have any of her statistics, but I did finally get a photo of her to post to our blog. Thank you Grandpa Brent for getting me that photo! Grandpa Brent is my (Laralee's) brother and Jordy my nephew, making Madyson my great-niece. Welcome Madyson!
Baby Madyson
Psalm 128
Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy
and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the Lord.
The Lord bless you out of Zion,
And may you see the good of Jerusalem
All the days of your life.
Yes, may you see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel!
Pyrex Bowl
or Cereal Bowl?
or Cereal Bowl?
October 9, 2007
When I was growing up, my brothers, Brent and Tory, would dish their cereal into large pyrex bowls. This was never appetizing to me, but it was to them. Now, I have sons who, when they eat, eat a lot. But, I never thought my sons would be eating cereal out of Pyrex Bowls. Well, I thought wrong.
One of Ryker's standby meals is oatmeal. He sat down at the table next to me today to eat his lunch. I couldn't believe the huge bowl of oatmeal he had in front of him! He assured me he wasn't going to eat it all. Yeah, right. We decided this moment was worthy of immortalizing so we managed to find the camera before he did. He's not fond of being the subject of a camera, especially when he knows his mug might be the subject of a blogpost. It took some cajoling and tickling and threatening : ) to get some photos, but in the end, he finally lightened up and we got a few good photos.
Cockeyed Photographer!
Sheepish Grin : )
I Can't Believe
He Ate the WHOLE Thing!
He Ate the WHOLE Thing!
Maybe if he hides behind that little green glass, no one will recognize him : )
With the price of groceries going up exponentially, and growing boys eating like growing boys, I'm
thankful that I buy oats in 50# bags, and I'm especially happy when they go on sale when I'm ready to
purchase another bag. 39 cents a pound makes for a very economical meal. So, I won't complain. I
just stand in amazement that anyone can eat that much oatmeal in one sitting!
Book Giveaway
October 9, 2007
Crystal Paine, over at Bibl ical Womanhood, is giving away 10 copies of "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" written by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald. If you would like to enter to have a chance to win one of these books, hop on over to Crystal's blog and leave a comment. It's that easy!
Update
Saturday's Accomplishments
Saturday's Accomplishments
October 8, 2007
I'm sure y'all are waiting to find out how much we actually did get accomplished on Saturday. Well, it was more than I thought we'd accomplish and less than Rick thought : ) A good compromise.
Things We Accomplished
truck brakes fixed
truck headlight fixed
fixed air compressor
fixed chain saw
some brush removal near animal pens
fixed generator
fixed pencil sharpener
dishes
some laundry
food for Saturday and the Lord's Day meal
blog posts
eBay listing
thank you letters
fix holes in air mattress
Things Still on the To Do List
fix truck's trailer brake & wiring issues
jackhammer holes for animal shelters & hay shed
finish shed floor & move it
fix the trailer floor under Skylar's bed
fix more holes in air mattress
more dishes
more laundry
clean the cow's pen
empty more water
transport more water
mail eBay sales
and the list goes on.............
You will notice that there are a few additions to Saturday's List and many, many more things that I've just not mentioned. It's amazing how fast this list grows and how hard it is to cross things off! But, all in all, we got a lot done, for which I'm very thankful. Lord Willing, we'll get more done this week.
Inherit the Land: Adventures on the Agrarian Journey
October 6, 2007
Announcing the release of "Inherit the Land: Adventures on the Agrarian Journey" produced by Franklin Springs Media. To learn more about this film or other Franklin Springs Media productions, click the link below.
Franklin Springs Press Release
We are very pleased to announce the release of our new film Inherit the Land: Adventures in the Agrarian Journey. This new DVD will cast a vision for your family by providing an introductory look at the blessings found when families work in an agrarian lifestyle. We’ve traveled across the US and captured stories of families experiencing the joy of working in God’s creation. From a simple garden in a suburban backyard, to a full-fledged multi-thousand acre farm, or something in between, these stories will not only bless those that are contemplating an agrarian path, but all families that have a heart turned toward home and enjoy seeing a beautiful picture of family life.
Inherit the Land features families from across the nation, including the Michael and Susan Bradrick family in gorgeous Washington state, the Houk family in central Illinois — who’ve been farming for three generations — the Wilson family in Virginia, and many more! Hosted by Jim Bob Howard, this DVD is beautifully filmed to capture the true essence of family life on a farm.
The Seargeant Family is looking forward to viewing this and learning lots from those who have gone before us.
Food
Fellowship
Water
and
Teeth
Fellowship
Water
and
Teeth
October 6, 2007
Thursday evening we were getting a tank of water from the Spradling Family while in San Antonio for the 2nd Marshall Foster history seminar on Rome. Mrs. Spradling generously offered to feed us dinner while the tank filled before we all scooted out the door for the seminar.
We had a great dinner of Pasta Fagioli, cole slaw, rolls and a variety of home made cookies. What a treat! In the middle of dinner, Jackson announced that he had a loose tooth. Being the dramatic one who usually, shall we say, exaggerates things, I didn't think much about it. Last I had checked his first loose tooth was barely loose. He continued to be absorbed in his loose tooth and then announced that it was bleeding. I decided I'd better check it out and was very surprised to find that it was, indeed, very loose.
I removed him to the bathroom with kleenex in hand and proceeded to remove Jackson's first baby tooth. I was pleasantly surprised that this was successful, as his pain threshold is virtually nonexistent. The first two attempts (with his permission) were thwarted by his hand flying up and gasping in pain (when I hadn't done anything yet : ) So, I told him he could either be brave and let me pull it out (it was hanging by a thread) or he could leave the tooth in and continue to eat his dinner without complaining about a painful loose tooth. Thankfully, on the third try I was able to get enough of a grip on the tooth to pull it out when he pulled away from me. Those baby teeth sure are tiny!
Needless to say, our dramatic 3rd son was VERY pleased with his accomplishment and had to go show everybody present the new hole in his mouth. He did finally finish dinner. We decided we needed to document Jackson's first lost tooth at the Spradling's house. Wonder of wonders, we actually had our camera in the van! So here's a few pictures we took to document Jackson losing his first tooth at the Spradling's house!
Jackson minus his first baby tooth
Jackson and Mr. & Mrs. Spradling
The Whole Crew, minus Dad & Mom
Thank you David, Jeanne, Mandi and Christin for a lovely meal, a tank of water, lovely fellowship and a great setting for Jackson to lose his first tooth!
Bovines and Caprines
October 6, 2007
This week has held some excitement at Plymouth Rock Ranch. Maia the Heifer, is due to become Maia the Cow some time soon. The tentative date we were given by a ranch hand where she was bred is the end of October, right during the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. But, this week, Maia has shown some signs that lead us to believe she could be ready to calve any day. So, far though, no calf on the ground. Due to her signs, we've been checking on her every hour or so, even through the night, just to make sure we're available should she need any help and just because we're very excited and would really like to see her delivery and meet our new calf. Because of our continual checking, we've had ample opportunities to capture some fun moments with the camera. Because of the Film Festival and because we like our sleep and because she just looks so VERY uncomfortable, we'd really like her to calve sooner rather than later. But, it is in the Lord's time, not ours.
There have been some interesting conversations here regarding pregnancy and birth. Jackson observed that, "She's trying to get rid of it." Skylar and Ryker's observation was that, "She's just trying to hold that thing in." Rick's observation is, "She's a cow and she'll have the calf when she's ready." Other observations are that she's eating continually, pooping even more, that she is continually throwing her head back at her stomach and punching herself with her nose and horns, and just plain uncomfortable.
She's actually a much nicer bovine now. Moving is too much trouble for her so she actually stands pretty still for us when we go into her pen now. She likes being brushed and curry combed, but is still leary and easily spooked. One last hurdle we're working on is to get a halter back on her so we can continue to tame her, administer medical attention should the need arise, and hopefully milk her. She had a halter on, but it wore down and broke. She's settled down a lot, but not enough to trust us with standing still to put a halter on her face and ears. If anyone has any novel ideas on how to accomplish this, please let us know!
Maia the Heifer
Soon to become
Maia the Cow
Soon to become
Maia the Cow
Maia's Big Tummy
Bovine & Caprine Friends
We put the 2 goats in Maia's pen one day this week. Maia was very excited to see them and Festival was very happy to see Maia from the same side of the fence. Maia must be nesting as she proceeded to give Festival a bath licking and cleaning her from one side to the other. Maia would finish one side and Festival would turn around and lean into Maia as if to say, "Please, oh please, oh please, oh please. This side too!" It was very comical and fun to watch as these two showed love and affection for one another.
Maia Giving Festival a Bath
It's fall, which means it is goat breeding season. God has blessed us with neighbors that are working on building a goat dairy and have 2 Nubian bucks they have offered to breed to our does. I was wondering where we were going to find a buck and God provided 2 right next door! We are so very thankful to be able to breed our does, especially Festival, the mom. There are 3 days each month for the last 2 months where she bleats and yells and cries and wanders trying to get to our neighbor's bucks. We will be VERY glad when we are able to breed her so we can put that time of month behind us and actually get some sleep! There is absolutely, positively, no questions about when to breed her. Sabbath, however, is very silent and not so easy to figure out. Lord willing, we will have 2 pregnant does soon which means more babies and 2 does in milk next spring.
Saturday at Home
October 6, 2007
Today is Saturday. A Saturday where we are actually ALL at home. We have many, many
projects to work on. The
problem is figuring out the priority order. So far the list consists of:
truck brakes,
truck headlight,
truck trailer brake & wiring problem.
decide upon a plan for animal shelters/pens
fix air compressor so we can then:
run our neighbor's jackhammer to
drill holes for Maia's shelter,
a cow chute
a hay shed,
and additional animal pens.
finish the shed floor and move it
fix the trailer floor under Skylar's bed
fix the pencil sharpener so we can actually find a writing implement
laundry
dishes
food for today and tomorrow
blog posts
eBay listing
clean the cow's pen
I think I'll stop there before we all get overwhelmed. That's the list, so far, and it's probably still incomplete. Rick, somehow thinks that we can get it all done. He's the optimist. I'm the realist that thinks we may get a few of the list items finished. Food, blog posts, eBay listing, emptying the water tank and cleaning the cow's pen are doable. Dishes all done is possible. Laundry? nah..... worked on, yes. Finished? never! As for the other larger projects, we will hopefully make some progress on them and the boys will have instructions for what to do during the week. But done? The Lord does perform miracles.........
Beautiful Words
October 3, 2007
"Will you marry me?" These are the beautiful words that most girls dream of hearing. This dream recently came true for a special young woman, Genevieve Smith. Genevieve is a Godly young woman who has been a great encouragement to many young ladies. She is such a Godly example in the way she lives her life and a picture of the Proverbs 31 Woman.
for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,
so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil
all the days of her life.
She seeketh wool, and flax,
and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants' ships;
she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night,
and giveth meat to her household,
and a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it:
with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength,
and strengtheneth her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:
her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle,
and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household:
for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry;
her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it;
and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing;
and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously,
but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:
but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands;
and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Genevieve has kindly given us permission to post the story of her courtship and engagement. It is quite long, but I greatly encourage you to read it in its entirety. It is such an encouraging reminder of God's faithfulness, provision and sovereignty.
I would like to thank Genevieve for her Godly example and for the encouragement that she is to young ladies all over the world.
I also recommend that you read the article It Is So Worth It! which is also written by Genevieve.
Daughters at Home
October 2, 2007
by
Stacy McDonald
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace… Psalm 144:12
What is a corner stone?
A cornerstone is the foundational stone at the corner of two walls. It is not used in just any structure, but is typically found in temples, churches, mansions, or elaborate buildings. A cornerstone is set in a prominent location and typically has an inscription that communicates to others the details of the structure’s history.
So by looking at the cornerstone you should know who designed the structure, how old it is, who built it, who owns it and possibly what its worth as a historical monument.
Other Bible versions use the word pillar. That our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style…What is a pillar? A pillar can either provide a strong foundational support to whatever is above it or it can stand alone as a monument. Typically, it supports something. (Interesting that our daughters are later called to be helpmeets to their husbands who are in authority over them).
The psalmist says the pillar is sculptured in palace style. In other words the pillar has been carefully cut, shaped, and polished to be fit for a palace – for royalty. This is a picture of how we are to raise our daughters—to be fit for glorifying the King of kings in whatever way he wishes.
When the world sees our daughters they should see strong pillars of faithful purity and beauty. A godly maiden is a testimony who amplifies not herself, but God. Supporting and serving not herself, but her family and those who God calls her to serve.
The world would like to teach her that her beauty is measured by how much she weighs and how sensually attractive she is—that old age is her biggest enemy. The world rages that she should live for herself, become as independent and powerful as she can, and, “above all,” they tell her, “never let a man rule your life.”
For the record, a maiden isn’t called to be weak or helpless; she is literally to be a pillar of strength – His strength. She is also to be beautiful – to radiate His beauty with all purity and love. She obtains this type of loveliness through His faithful craftsmanship of her character and demeanor; not from her own vain efforts at the fading kind of beauty—though her outward appearance in not unimportant.
Our daughters are to be molded, shaped, and polished so they are strong cornerstones who actively glorify God and stand as a steadfast testimony to future generations. They are to be fully able to support that which they have been called to bear with dignity, virtue, and strength.
Interestingly, a maiden’s testimony bears the inscription of the One to whom she belongs. Her very life should vibrantly declare the glory of her Creator.
Lately, there has been a marked attack on the beauty and loveliness of true, biblical femininity. Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin, as well as others, have caught a lot of flack over their courageous stand on the role of daughters in the home. My husband, James McDonald, has written a tribute to our own daughters, as well as daughters everywhere who are making a stand for biblical girlhood, womanhood, and family unity.
He also clarifies a pernicious rumor that has been circulating, over whether or not daughters are to be "helpmeets" to their fathers. Read the Botkins’ own words and catch a glimpse of the truth – that our adult daughters play an important part in the well-orchestrated song of home.
To view Stacy McDonald's blog "Your Sacred Calling" click here.
The Thirteenth Year
October 2, 2007
Since we just celebrated Larissa's thirteenth birthday last month, I thought that this article "The Thirteenth Year" written by Anna Sofia Botkin was fitting. Though the article is titled "The Thirteenth Year" I think that it is beneficial for girls of all ages still living in their fathers home.
By
Anna Sofia Botkin
Most of you girls are embarking on a monumental season in your life: the season of transition from beautiful girlhood to noble womanhood. This is also the season that brings new knowledge of good and evil. It brings a stronger awareness of our “crooked and perverse generation.”
As John Adams put it in a letter to his daughter Abigail when she was approaching her thirteenth birthday, it is “a time when the understanding opens, and the youth begin to look abroad into the world among whom they are to live.”
Of all the generations you could have been born into, of all the centuries, God chose for you to live in this one. Let me tell you a little bit about the generation that God placed you in.
There is a generation that curseth their father and doth not bless their mother.... There is a generation, oh, how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. (Proverbs 30:11&13)
This generation is arrogant; it has no respect for its parents, for its heritage, for authority. They are blinded by their pride.
Isaiah 3:12 says, “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them.”
The fact that we have women ruling in the civil and judicial spheres, and are possibly on the verge of facing the dictates of a female chief executive, shows that America is in an advanced state of apostasy and judgment. And rebellious, out-of-control children are a scourge and a shame to the nation.
The women of our generation have forgotten how to be women and how to be mothers. Some of the most important lessons we learned about womanhood this year, we learned together on the Faith and Freedom tour of Plymouth this past Fall. I learned that the current women of America are not just lesser women than their pilgrim mothers, they are the perfect opposites of their pilgrim mothers.
Where they used to be strong, now they are weak. Where they used to be models of sturdy virtue, they now are examples of flimsy immorality. Where they used to understand the importance of children and selflessly sacrifice for them, now they murder them in the womb as a sacrifice to their own selfishness. And the majority of Christians nod their heads in approval. This is your generation, and mine.
As evil as this generation is, many thirteen-year-old girls feel an uncanny attraction to it, and a desire to be approved of by it. I know I did. Our generation is out to get us, with their glossy magazines, TV shows — every medium of communication they have — they have used to ensnare thirteen-year-old girls.
This year you will see a lot of evil. Your parents will continue to protect you, but there are things and facts that you will become aware of just by living in this generation. We’re all tempted to get used to evil, the more we see of it, and be desensitized to it. We can’t hide from evil and pretend it isn’t there; but when we do see it, we have to see it with the Lord’s eyes. This is one of the most important things that my father taught me. Every time we see it, it should be even more despicable to us.
In this stormy generation which will try to shipwreck you, God has given you two wonderful gifts. Two things will help you keep your heart pure and enable you to see evil with the Lord’s eyes:
- Intimacy with God and His Word and His Law. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures and pray that God will give you purity and wisdom.
- Intimacy with your parents. A spirit of gratitude and honor for your parents will guard your heart and could preserve your life. I cannot stress this enough.
Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
“Well with you” doesn’t mean you will have everything you want. It means you will have everything you need. It means having complete inner peace, joy, happiness, and the enjoyment of God’s support in whatever you do. It means even when things seem to be going badly, God comforts you and gives you grace. It means being spiritually happy.
Here are some other blessings the Lord promises to send which are listed throughout the Bible: length of days and long life, spiritual peace, prosperity, happiness, wisdom and knowledge, honor and glory, spiritual safety, spiritual eyesight, and success.
You’ve probably heard many times that you need to “give your heart to your parents.” What does it actually mean to give your parents your heart?
The heart, called “the seat of the affections,” is the source of all passions, desires, loves, interests, likes and dislikes, convictions and opinions. Proverbs 23:26 says, “Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes delight in my ways.”
God wants our hearts and all that they contain to be surrendered to our parents — and ultimately to God — to be molded and directed.
This is not possible unless you talk to your parents and let them know your heart and tell them about everything that you hold dear. This is that year that you need to purpose to communicate more and better with your parents than ever before. Tell them everything. Be an open book.
Making yourself vulnerable in this way requires trust. You must trust your parents, that they ultimately desire what is best for you, and that they are qualified to lead you and guide you simply because they are your parents chosen by God to raise you.
It also requires faith that God will lead you through your parents, imperfect though they are. And faith in God’s promised blessings for your obedience.
When your parents have your heart, you will truly “delight in their ways.” You will love what they love, hate what they hate, and desire their approval and company and even “think their thoughts after them.”
You can learn a lot about seeking God’s will and God’s mind by doing this with your parents in your thirteenth year.
This is called “seeking after the hearts of your parents,” just as King David was “a man after God’s own heart.”
Similarly, your parents’ hearts should be able to trust in you, as it says in Proverbs 31, “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her....” This means that they will have confidence in your obedience, when they are watching and when they’re not, that you will demonstrate loyalty to them and to everything they have taught you, in what you speak and do, in public and in private.
My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life.... (Proverbs 6:20-23)
It’s especially important that daughters radiate devotion to their parents when they are with their friends. And when it comes to choosing friends, the best advice that I can give you is to gravitate toward the girls that have respectful attitudes toward authority and even reverent attitudes toward their parents and your parents.
In my lifetime, I have spoken to a lot of young ladies, and it amazes me how quickly one can tell, sometimes just in one conversation, how much or how little a girl reverences her parents. Some girls drop “innocent” or “affectionate” comments that betray a belittling and dismissive spirit. They might refer to their dad as if he were a ridiculous little brother or speak disparagingly of their mother’s restrictions.
This is not honor! This is dishonor. Feel free to lovingly correct girls who do this, but please don’t choose them as role models or intimate friends. Attitudes are the quickest things to rub off onto us.
I realize that I am putting a lot of emphasis on the relationship between children and parents. I don’t believe it’s possible to put too much emphasis on a relationship that is ultimately an earthly reflection of the relationship between the Eternal Father and the Eternal Son. The goal of our relationship with our parents is a better relationship with God.
The virtues we learn by being good daughters to our fathers on earth help us in being good daughters to the King and prepare us for this life and the life to come. Learning to be good ambassadors, to be faithful, to be trusting, and to have a yielded heart with our earthly fathers will teach us to relate this way to our Heavenly Father.
We need to make the God of our parents our God as well. We can’t forget the purpose, or we’ll start thinking the whole reason we obey our parents and behave ourselves is to impress our parents’ friends and to be “the best kids.” This is one of the dangers of being a second-generation Christian... which I am and you are. The examples in the Bible show that it’s easy for second-generation Christians to lose the vision.
When I was young, I often felt there was nothing left for the second generation to do, except “keep Christianity in the family.” I felt like my parents had already done all the pioneer work. They were both saved out of non-Christian homes, and had to figure out how to build a Christian family from scratch. All the excitement and adventure and discovery was theirs; our job was just to keep from dropping the ball, and keep our children from going back into the world.
Then, when I was thirteen years old, my family moved to New Zealand, and the seven years I spent there taught me that our family’s Christian warfare has only just begun. Our parents had to fight for the right to raise their children to be soldiers. Now it’s our duty as soldiers to win the war, ours and our descendants’. Everything our parents have done doesn’t give us less to do — it gives us more to do. Luke 12:48 says, “...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
My father believes that the twenty-first century will be the Asian century. In your thirteenth year, you are being given the opportunity to wage war in a leading Asian nation. Korea can be pivotal in God’s plan, and you have the rare opportunity to learn about God’s elect in that nation and to bless them by your example as a kingdom-oriented Christian daughter. Please keep in mind your ambassadorial role as these needy people watch your life. You represent America’s providential history, her Western legacy, her home-schooling pioneers, your important family, and Jesus Christ Himself.
The duty of all second-generation Christians is to stand on their parents’ shoulders and succeed them; to go further and conquer new ground — to make new biblical discoveries, to reach greater heights of theological precision, to root out even more worldliness of thinking and living, to have more obedient Christian families, and to extend Christ’s dominion into every nation. And this will leave plenty for our children to do, and even our great-great-grandchildren.
In the beginning of my speech, I talked about our generation. It is perverse. It is odious to God. He is grieved and offended by it. But God had a purpose in putting us into it. Abigail Adams wrote to her son John Quincy:
These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or in the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues.
As you learn more about our evil world, it’s right that you should be repulsed by it, but it would be wrong for you to be afraid of it. Because one day, Lord willing, your thousands of millions of descendants will possess its gates.
To read the editorial introduction written by Doug Phillips click here.
To view Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkins blog click here.
