What Happened to the Schools?

 

In Kentucky young men are participating in a “man pageant” school. Evidently, this involves young men dressing in lingerie and giving lap dances to their teachers and principal. Videos and pictures were then uploaded to the school social media account.

In Florida a school board member chaperoned an elementary school field trip to a local gay bar. Several items on the menu had very suggestive titles. This is not the first field trip to this bar.

In Virginia a young lady is violently raped in the girl’s bathroom by a boy. The school and school board proceed to cover up the crime and move the boy to another school. Sadly, he repeats his crime against another young lady.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has empowered the FBI to investigate parents speaking out at school board meetings as domestic terrorists. The impetus here is a letter from the National School Board Association where they are concerned about violence against school board members. No particular violent acts are mentioned, and even now, are not brought out in defense of the letter. In fact, the NSBA has apologized for their letter.

All of this is going on while a man running to be the governor of Virginia again is repeatedly saying that parents have no role in the government run public schools. Parents shouldn’t have a say in curriculum or safety issues. This is outrageous. Who, if not the parents who love these children, should have a say? Who on this earth has their best interests at heart more than the parents?

Parents, if your child is a student at a school, I urge you, I beg you, to get involved. Volunteer, talk to the teachers, talk with your student, talk with other parents. Know what is going on at your school and what “the professionals” are allowing to happen on their watch. Are there good teachers? Heavens, yes. Many, many. Are there great teachers? Most certainly. Are there those who are supposed to be looking out for our children who are causing harm? Sadly, too many. Don’t allow this to continue.

Joyful, Fulfilling, and Important

 

Pete Buttigieg has been in the news quite a bit recently. It is bound to happen when you are the country’s Secretary of Transportation and there is a major crisis in the transportation area. Of course, I really doubt he would have been able to fix the problem in the past two months anyway. But, he has been busy. He is on paternity leave after the birth of his twins, even though neither he nor his husband are the ones who gave birth and need time to recover. That’s okay, though, because they have been bonding with their children. And, according to him, it has been “joyful, fulfilling, and important.”

Wait just a minute here. Didn’t the feminists push moms into the workplace not that long ago because they needed fulfillment? Weren’t there more important things for those women to be doing than changing diapers and wiping snotty noses? Wasn’t working outside the home going to make us happier and, therefore, better wives and mothers? Could it be that those feminist leaders lied to us? Have too many moms missed out on the most joyful, fulfilling, and important work they will ever do? Have too many children missed out on the stability, protection, and support that comes from having mom at home?

Recent studies show that women today are actually not happier than those of previous generations who stayed at home. Headlines are telling us that women can’t go back to work after the pandemic shutdown because they can’t find quality, affordable childcare. Parents are fighting local school boards because their children are being taught racism. Children are bullied, raped, and shot in our schools every year. Maybe the solution to these problems is the same. Maybe it is time for us to return to a society that values our mothers and the important work that they do. “For the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” I think William Ross Wallace was on to something there.

Now that our supply chain has been so severely interrupted and the store shelves are bare of things to buy, it might be a good time to dump that second income. Now is the time to make the choice to scale back our lifestyle and choose the important work. It won’t be easy, but the worthwhile seldom is. What it will be is joyful, fulfilling, and important.

A View of Regret

 

I have been going to the gym three times a week for a couple of years now. Not always, but I’m working on it. Like so many, I don’t like the work I put in, but I do like the way I feel after I go. Another plus is the opportunity to see the news from a variety of sources at the same time. My gym has a bank of television screens that I can watch as I exercise. I like that I can get a more balanced perspective this way. When all of the news stations are on commercial break at the same time, I switch over the see what the ladies are saying on “The View”. Usually, I am not a fan of their comments.

Recently, when I switched over, they were discussing regrets in life. A couple had the “it’s not the things I did that I regret, but the things I didn’t do” point of view, a pretty popular one in my experience, maybe because it is true for many. Sadly, one disagreed and regretted what she didn’t do. Joy (I don’t know her last name) regretted that she didn’t sleep around more when she was younger. I admit that I have paraphrased because it was a week or so ago, and I am old enough not to remember the exact wording.

When I heard her comment, I was shocked. Then, I was angry. Angry that young women (or even older women) would hear this and might find this an excuse for promiscuity or dissatisfaction with their own lack of diverse sexual experiences. Finally, I felt pity. How sad it is that anyone would say that not sleeping around as a young person is something they regret in life. Does she really regret that, or did she say that so that she could look relevant to the younger viewers? Does she really regret not having more exposure to STDs or possible unwanted pregnancies? Does she regret not having her heart broken more often, or the dings to her self-esteem?

As I pondered her statement, I felt sad for her. My heart broke for her and her troubling notion. What kind of life do you lead that this would be your regret? How disheartening to see someone tell this to (millions?) of television viewers. I hate that this is her regret in life. I hate that she has been so deceived. Too many would jump on the bandwagon, regretting that they didn’t sin more when they had the opportunity. One day, they will regret that they sinned at all when they had the opportunity.

No Chicken or Fish For Me

          I’ve been thinking lately about my Christian friends who keep telling me that we have only two options in the upcoming Presidential election, so we must vote for Trump. Their thought process goes something like this: someone from one of the two major parties will win the election, and they will be responsible for the naming of several Supreme Court Justices. If Hillary wins, she will choose judges who support the murder of our unborn children, so we must vote for Trump to keep Hillary out of office. I find this thinking to be incredibly flawed.          This kind of thinking discounts that fact that 71% of Americans identify as Christians, 48% as Evangelicals. If each and every Christian went out and voted on election day, we could easily elect a godly man or woman into office. In fact, we are obligated to do all that we can to elect a godly leader. We are not dependent on one of the two major parties to pick our options for us. We do not have to use our vote to vote against one person. We can use our vote to vote for a good candidate.

          This kind of thinking totally discounts a mighty God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21). It seems to me, that these Christians are forgetting that God is all powerful. They are forgetting just who they serve or maybe they are forgetting just how much He cares about righteousness. I have confidence in God and His work in this election. I take heart in the words in 2 Chronicles, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” I wonder how many of us have repented of our sinfulness here. What have we done to encourage and support godly men and women who are seeking office? Have we worked their campaigns, donated money, talked them up with friends, family and coworkers? I wonder how many of us have really sought God’s face in this election. How many of us have fasted and prayed? How many of us have bothered to research third party candidates to see if there might be a man or woman after God’s own heart looking to be our next President? I fear that the answer is not many.

I am told that I must choose chicken or fish. Steak is on the menu, people. Not only is steak on the menu, it is the best dinner. On top of that, you seem to forget that I am the child of the owner. If he feels that steak is right for me, that is what he will give me for dinner. I am telling you to look over the menu. If you don’t want chicken or fish, don’t order it. Ask for the steak. Tell your friends that steak is available. Trust the owner.

My last thought on the issue is this: if one of the two front runners wins the election, that doesn’t mean that my vote was wasted. My job is to look at all of the options, popular or not, and to vote for the one that will bring God the most glory. That is because my purpose is to glorify God in ALL that I do. I don’t see that the words and actions of either Hillary or Trump are at all glorifying to God. If God chooses to put one of them in office, that is because He knows what is best (possibly what will bring us to our knees in desperation). I stand with three of my heroes here. “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up.”  (Daniel 3:17-18 go ahead and read the whole thing).

A New Perspective on an Old Story

This week I heard an old story with fresh new ears. It is one I have known since my early childhood. If you have been around the church for any time (and some of you who haven’t at all), you know it well too. You can find it in Mark 6: 30-44, the story of the five loaves and two fish. But today God showed me the story from a different perspective.  

Moms, picture this scenario. You have been working tirelessly doing all the things that you have been asked by your loving family. Clothes are clean, cupboards are stocked, bathroom floor is mopped, doctor appointments made, etc. You love what you do. You adore your family. But you are just bone weary tired. It can get that way. We have all had those days when we feel like we are running our fastest just so we don’t get too far behind. You are not alone, my friend.

That is just where our story finds the apostles. They have been off doing the work Christ gave them to do. We are told, “Many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” We know how that feels. Jesus does too. He totally gets it. Immediately he recognizes the problem AND has the solution. Not just any answer; the perfect one. “Come away and rest awhile.” YES!! We are all cheering here. That is just what we want someone to say to us on those overwhelming days. Before you get too excited about it, wait for the rest of the story.

Did you know that the word rest also means abide? (This is a hint of what is to come). I started thinking about some of the abide verses that I know. John 15:4-7 and I John 2:24-29 were the first to spring to mind. They are all about our need to abide in the Lord so that we bear good fruit and have confidence in Him. This is the kind of rest that Jesus gives us. He gives rest to our souls. We don’t have to worry because we know Him. Jesus knows us, our every weakness and all of our needs. He knows what we need even better than we do.

So the story continues. The tired men jump in a boat and head out with Jesus to a desolate place. We have been in those places. The place where you can’t even muster up the slightest desire to even call on God for help. The place where you feel deserted by everyone. The place where you are the most vulnerable, most hurt, most destroyed creature. But we know this truth. No place is beyond our God. No place is without Him. Even at our most desperate, God is there. He never leaves us in our need. Just as in the story, Jesus didn’t leave those who needed Him. The boat lands and the apostles find crowds of people waiting for them. These people needed Jesus, and they knew it. They RAN to this place. And Jesus did not disappoint. He taught them. All 5,000+. Here it was. A chance to abide in Him.

Now comes a chance for the apostles to shine, to show that they find their rest in Christ and are ready for whatever comes. Like the so many of us, they fail. It is late and everyone is hungry so their solution is to send the people out to get their own dinner. Can you imagine their shock when Jesus says, “You give them something to eat.” Say what? We don’t have enough money for that. We are in the middle of nowhere. You must be joking. Do those words sound familiar? They sure do to me. God gives me a job, and I immediately start telling Him why he has the wrong person. All. Of. The. Time. You would think that I would learn, but I don’t. This week He is using this story to remind me. I hope I get it. Unfortunately, just like these men, I forget who I serve. I forget just who God is. Wake up, Melanie. This is God. He created the whole universe from nothing. What can He not do?

He showed the apostles just who He is too. 5 loaves. 2 fish. Nothing really. That probably wouldn’t fill my hungry family. But Jesus blessed what was there and everyone ate. Not only that, they ATE AND WERE SATISFIED. Can we work on remembering that? God uses who we are, what we are, and what we have no matter how insufficient it seems to accomplish His purposes. He satisfies us. We cannot do it on our own.

In the end, the apostles didn’t get the rest they so desperately wanted or felt they needed. Many times we don’t either. They, however, did get much more. And, you know, I bet that when they saw that miracle, they were renewed. They were reminded about how big God is, how much He cares for us, and how He will take care of all of our needs. I would love to say that from here on out, I am totally, 100% sold out and committed to giving God my all, trusting Him completely, and serving with my whole heart. It isn’t going to happen. I will fail, but I will remember this story, and I will get up and do better because I know a GREAT God. I pray that you do too.

BTW, none of this means that moms never need time to rest, relax, and renew. We do. Take the time you need to rest, just remember that rest also means abide. Don’t forget that part of your life.  

The Old Double Standard is Everywhere

The Double Standard

                   Here in America we seem to be all about making everything fair. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander” is our motto. It is almost an obsession with us to make sure that everyone is treated exactly alike, especially among those who have more liberal political views. This is why I am stunned by the comments I have heard the past month from some of my friends.

                   I am sure you all have heard of Brittany Maynard, the young woman (29) diagnosed with brain cancer and given just a short while to live. It is a sad situation. Here she is, newly married and at the beginning of a beautiful life, only to be told it will end all too soon. With nothing to look forward to but suffering and death, Brittany and her family have moved to Oregon in order to take advantage of their “Death with Dignity” law which allows licensed physicians to assist their patients with their suicides.

                   Many, many people are supportive of Brittany’s choice. She will suffer. She will die. She has nothing positive to look forward to. She should be allowed to choose to end her life early and avoid the suffering that is in her future. Those are the comments I am hearing. The thing I find interesting is the people who are saying these things. These are the same people that were beside themselves when Robin Williams chose to end his life early.

                   Here was a man who was suffering and had been for many years. He wasn’t just looking at suffering in his future but was actually living with it. He decided that he didn’t want to suffer anymore. He had reached his limit. He saw nothing in his life that made it worth continuing on. Why are you not as supportive of his decision? Is it because he was not suffering enough? Is it because the time that he should have had left on this Earth was longer? Who gets to decide these things?

                   How much suffering is required before you can kill yourself? Or is it just the expectation of future suffering? Does your suffering have to be physical? Could mental suffering be enough? How long does the natural life expectancy need to be? If you only have 3 months left to live, then it is okay to kill yourself? What about 6 months, a year? What is the line in the sand? Maybe it should be that intentionally killing yourself is NEVER the answer. After all, that is the message we have been trying so very hard to send all of these young people who are being bullied mercilessly. Let’s send them a consistent message and get rid of the double standard here. 

When It Is This Good, You Have to Share

          

  I, and several other families that I know, attend the FPEA homeschool convention in Orlando every Memorial Day weekend (I actually missed 2013 so I could be in NC for the birth of my second grandchild, but you get the idea). I have been homeschooling for 23 years. I have graduated 3 students who have all gone on to successfully attend college. Some people wonder why in the world I would take the time and pay the money to attend the convention. I will tell you why I do and why you should too.

          I think that one of the greatest needs in the homeschool community is for moms to connect with one another. We need to know that we are not out there all alone. We need to realize that there are actually an awful lot of us around who are eager to get together and support one another. There are a lot of moms out there who can encourage us to press on toward the goal. One of the best places to go to see that community is the FPEA convention. This convention was the largest homeschool convention in the world, ever. There were thousands of us there meeting together, building relationships, offering advice and encouragement. Don’t you want that?

          It is a great place to actually look through materials that you are considering using for your children. When I read through catalogs, I see that every company offers a third grade math book that teaches addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It is only when I can look through the books that I can really get an idea about how it will fit our family. Even better, I can often talk with the authors or moms that have actually used the curriculum. I can ask questions about how to put certain things into practice. The advice that I get standing in front of a vendor booth is golden.

          The convention is a great place to find answers to the specific challenges my children and I face. Do I have a struggling reader? Are fractions eluding us? How am I going to handle dissection with my squeamish one? How in the world can I teach high school algebra, beginning reading and care for a toddler at once? What can I do to get my home organized and my budget under control? What about college? I have gotten answers to all of those questions and more at the FPEA convention. There are two full days of workshops offered every year on a variety of topics from people who have been there and done that. What? Experts offering advice on just what I need all in one place? How can I pass that up?

          It seems that every new homeschooler that I talk to starts out with a boxed curriculum. You know, the one where the publisher provides all of the books for each subject in the grade you are teaching. It also seems that after a year or two most of those people are ready to move out of that box and find some things that will fit their child a little better. Maybe they just want to add a little extra or maybe they want to piece together a whole curriculum on their own. Either way, the convention offers the opportunity to explore all kinds of options. I am always amazed at the new offerings each year for homeschoolers. As I walk through the exhibit hall, I realize that the only limits to what my child can learn are their interests and my budget.

          The last reason that I love to go to the convention is that I get recharged when I am there. We end our school year at the end of April, and I am ready for a break. I feel drained and wonder how I am going to get the energy and enthusiasm to start again in June (the beginning of our year). I worry that my youngest will end up skating by because I am out of energy or ideas. Yet, every year without fail, I come home from the convention on fire. I am ready to put new things into practice. I have ideas for how to handle the problems we faced the previous year. I am encouraged to finish well by the graduates I have met.

           Obviously, I love the FPEA convention. To me, the minimal registration amount is a bargain considering the number of benefits I receive. I have already started saving to attend again next year and have talked with three newbies who plan to join in the fun. I hope that many more of you will come to the convention. I know that this means the pool will be even more packed, but it will be worth it to share the time together with you. 

Take Heart and Be Courageous

                Once again I had the amazing opportunity to serve at the FPEA convention in the Mentoring Moms booth. This is my very favorite part of the whole weekend. I love, love, love getting to speak with homeschooling moms who have questions and discussing options with them. I have to admit, though, that the second reason I volunteer for this is that I get to meet some incredible women who are so wise and gracious. It is a joy to sit and listen as they share and encourage other homeschoolers to move forward in their journey.

          This year I was fortunate enough to serve both days with Michelle. She and I could be great friends if only she lived a little closer; Dunedin is just too far for us to get together for morning coffee. Michelle has a lot of experience in areas that are foreign to me. She loves math (who knew those people really existed), is a certified teacher, and works from home. She has made different education and curriculum choices than I have and was able to share those with some of our seeking moms. She is a wise woman with the single greatest piece of advice that we can give to other homeschoolers or parents in general.

               Every mom went away from that booth hearing that, “we are a sinfully arrogant people to believe for one moment that we, by choosing one curriculum over another; deciding to delay teaching reading; picking chemistry over physics; or any other homeschooling choice, have the power to mess up God’s plan for our children.” God has known our children from before the foundations of the world. He has known their path and how to best prepare them to become the adults that He intends them to be. We cannot foil His plan. We are tools that He uses in order to mold those human beings. He has graciously allowed us to be a part of the process, but does not rest the burden on our shoulders.

          Moms (and dads) take a deep breath. Relax. Enjoy your children and continually point them to God. Teach them to enjoy Him and glorify Him. He will take care of the rest. Our Almighty God has a plan, and you CANNOT mess it up. Stop listening to the whispers of Satan and enjoy your freedom. 

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

286, 33, 12, 87, 8. These are the numbers from just a few of the homeschool graduations in Central Florida in the past couple of weeks. For those of you who are in the public school system, this may not seem like such a big deal. For those of you who are new homeschoolers, this may not seem like a big deal. Those of you who have been around the homeschooling block just might realize how great this is. For a frame of reference, you should know that the very first FPEA graduation in 1997 (a mere 17 years ago) had 8 graduates.

Why are these numbers such a big deal to me? I find them an encouragement. It is encouraging to see how homeschooling has grown in number over the years. When we started and my kids were questioned about what school they went to, no one knew what homeschooling was. Today, when we mention homeschooling, everyone knows someone who homeschools. Our students are part of drama groups, high school sports teams, science fairs, band, dance and more. Opportunities abound for homeschooled students.

These numbers are encouraging because it means that it is possible to homeschool all the way through high school. Sometimes we get discouraged when our child doesn’t seem to “get it”. We feel we have failed. We reconsider our choice, and we are ready to give up. These numbers tell us that we can make it through those difficult times. We can find ways to educate our children all the way through high school. BTW, although I don’t have the numbers, I am pretty sure that most of these students are already taking college level classes. I know of several who graduated high school after graduating college with their AA. You can do it.

I find these numbers encouraging because it means we are not in this alone. There are others out there just like us. They are not really looking to be radicals who buck the system as much as they are looking to do the best job they can raising their children. When little Susie is refusing to do her fractions workbook, know that there is another mom out there (actually a 100 or so) who have gone through the same thing. If you haven’t joined a support group, stop reading right now and find one. Join it. Start meeting together with those women who will help you. 

Blessed by Brenda

I just finished year number 23 of homeschooling. As I look back, I am amazed at the changes I have seen in homeschooling over the years. Our first years included keeping careful track of hours and days. Students had to have four hours of education each day for 180 days. Do you know how MUCH your child can learn with one on one education for 720 hours a year? Several times the police stopped by the local park where our children were playing to question why they were not in school. Our teens ran into roadblocks when they tried to get a driver’s license, and high school sports were out of the question.

          Today, I marvel at all that is available to homeschoolers, especially those who are fortunate enough to live in Florida. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of a few (Senator Webster and Craig and Brenda Dickinson especially), Florida is a very easy place for us to homeschool. We not only have little intrusion from the government, we also enjoy many exciting opportunities.

          There are support groups and co-ops all over the state to aid and encourage homeschool parents. Students are able to take part in science fairs, spelling and geography bees and more. They are playing sports for their local high school or as a part of teams made up of homeschoolers exclusively. High school students are eligible for Bright Futures scholarships and can participate in dual enrollment, letting them earn both high school and college credit at the same time.

          Homeschoolers are no longer being harassed for truancy. They are able to get their driver’s license at 16. They are not excluded from the opportunity to earn sports, music or arts scholarships. Many of these advancements are thanks to the work of the Home Education Foundation and our homeschool lobbyist in Tallahassee, Brenda Dickinson. If we want to keep homeschooling in peace and comfort, we need to give our support to HEF and Brenda. If our budget doesn’t allow for financial support, we should be on our knees daily.

          Homeschooling is not an easy task, but it could be much, much harder than it is. God has provided for us in a very special way. Don’t ignore His provision. Check out , www.flhef.org and see what you can do to help keep Florida a wonderful place for homeschoolers in the future.

          

But For The Grace of God

     Anger, shock, pride, even fear. All of these have been connected to the bombing at the Boston marathon. All are predictable, legitimate responses to what happened two weeks ago. The thing that I don't hear mentioned is forgiveness. Maybe it is too early for many of you to even begin thinking about forgiveness, but I want to gently remind you that it is on the list. You have to get to it and sooner is better than later.

     I know that it isn't fair of me to talk about forgiving this young man who caused so much pain and destruction. His actions resulted in the deaths of friends, family, and neighbors. He changed the way you look at your city, the activities that you are involved in, the way you live your life day to day. He and others like him have forever changed our lives.

     Who am I to tell you to forgive him? He didn't kill anyone that I know personally. He didn't hurt my family. My children don't have nightmares because of what he did. Who am I? I am totally depraved human being. I am one who is just as guilty as this young man. I have caused as much pain and destruction as he has. I am one who has been forgiven much. Only because of that forgiveness am I able to love. Only because of the unfathomable love of the one who I hurt immeasurably am I made new.

    I am not what I once was. Forgiveness changed my life. For those of you who have experienced it, forgiveness has changed yours too. I know it is hard, but if we ask our merciful God for help, he will give it. Through Him, we can find the ability to forgive. Through Him, this man's life can be radically changed. Don't we want to see that? Don't we long to see a young man who has a heart full of hatred for Americans and the God of the Bible changed into a child of the King? It would bring me great joy to enter the gates of heaven and find him there singing the praises of our Heavenly Father. Because of that, I choose to forgive, and I choose to pray for him. Everyday. I know that God has the power to change the most vile of hearts into those who seek after Him. I know because I have seen Him do it in my life. I hope to see Him do it in this life too.

    

Hey Guys, The Ocean is Dirty

     This has been posted on my facebook page several times in the past couple of days.

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." Gandhi

    I get that so many are wanting us to remember that just because a few people in a group do something heinous, we shouldn't condemn the whole group. If these men who are suspected of planting the bombs at the Boston Marathon are actually Muslims, that doesn't make all Muslims terrorist. Just like the actions of a particular "Christian" church don't necessarily reflect the views of all Christians. I couldn't agree more with that sentiment, but I have a couple of real problems with the above statement.

     If the ocean is clean and a few dirty drops are introduced, then the ocean is no longer clean. It is only clean if no dirt is in it. Yes, it could be dirtier, much dirtier, but it is not clean. This kind of thinking is prevalent in our society today. Sadly, even in our churches. We have the idea in our heads that we are pretty good people. Once in a while we tell a little lie (only to protect someone's feelings, of course), drive a bit faster than the speed limit, fudge just a tad on our taxes, or pass along a juicy bit of gossip (in the guise of a prayer request), but for the most part, we are good people. We support our schools, are good neighbors, give to charity, and try to help out where we are needed. Somehow we think that that makes us clean. Ladies and gentlemen, if the standard is the subjective view of society, we are all in big trouble. Clean is going to get dirtier and dirtier. Just where will we draw the line? If, however, the standard is the purity of a thrice holy God, then we are so far from clean we might as well be a toxic waste dump. We are dirty. The ocean is dirty. Yes, even just one drop of dirt keeps it from being clean.

    My second problem here is with the first sentence. "We must not lose faith in humanity." I say we must not place our faith in humanity. If your faith is in the goodness of people, you are going to be sorely disappointed many times in your life. Yes, there are people who do heroic things, kind things, loving acts, but there are also people who do horrific actions that make us shudder. Eventually, even those wonderful heroes are going to do something that isn't quite up to your standard of goodness, then what? Put your faith in something solid, something that is always good and never lets you down. Our faith should be in God. He is always just, loving and merciful. He never changes. He is the anchor that will hold you steady when horrible things like Columbine, Aurora, Newton and Boston make the headlines. Faith in Him is what gets you through the pain, loss and suffering that goes with these tragedies. As much as I appreciate and applaud the actions of first responders and every day heroes in the midst of such terror, the only thing that will bring you real peace is faith in God, not humanity.

What's It All About, Alfie

    Chik-fil-A Appreciation Day was Wednesday. Hundreds of thousands of people turned out to show their support to the president of the company. Why? Just what is it that made people stand in line for up to an hour to purchase a chicken sandwich? There is a lot of debate on that along with the question of whether or not Christians should have been there in the first place. I have heard three reasons given for going to the restaurant that day.

     1. We support the view of the Bible that establishes marriage in the first place. One man. One woman. It is important for our elected officials and people across America and around the world to see that there are many who hold to that view. Not everyone who is against same sex marriage is a Christian, and not all Christians are against same sex marriages. Some choose to ignore what the Bible says about homosexuality just as some choose to ignore what it says about gossip, adultery, and not honoring your parents. Believing that marriage is for a man and a woman does not mean hating anyone. "I disagree with you" should be acceptable and should not be interpreted as "I hate you". Gee, who among us agrees with anyone about everything? Does that mean we hate everyone else?

     2. We don't agree with the Biblical view of marriage, but we do support his right to say that is what he believes. We also support his right to give money to whichever organizations he chooses. Citizens of our country are granted the right to free speech and freedom of religion. If you do not like the view of a particular person, you can argue it with him, try to change his view, or ignore him. You shouldn't get to call him names, claim he is a hater or that he discriminates against you because he doesn't agree with you.

    3. We don't think government officials should get to decide which companies do business in their cities based on the religious views of the company's president. This should have had all of America turning out to Chik-fil-A Appreciation Day. Why would any official in America want to keep a growing business that supports families (both traditional and non traditional) and employs citizens? I am glad to hear that Boston is an inclusive city. I just wish that meant inclusive of everyone. I am not sure what values Chicago has as I don't believe a city can have values, although its citizens can and most likely do have values that run a full spectrum. No one should be happy that mayors of cities are saying Chik-fil-A can't open a store there. Just as no one should be happy if a conservative mayor decided that Ben and Jerry's wasn't welcome in their town because of the owners views on marriage. This is a serious issue, and we all need to be on our guard against such statements.

   Should Christians have turned out on Wednesday. Yes. We have a responsibility to support one another. A brother came under attack because he stood up for what is written in God's Word. He needs to know that his family stands behind him. Yes. We have an obligation to uphold the Constitution of our country which grants the rights of free speech and religion. Did our actions show the hate to the homosexual community? No. Did the homosexual community take our actions as hateful? Many did. Why? Most likely because they are in sin and know it. No one likes having their sin pointed out, especially publicly. Abortion doctors don't want picketers in their neighborhoods. Adulterers avoid places where they will be seen by someone they know. Gossips don't share their juicy tidbits with those they know will disapprove. Sinners hate the light that shines and reveals their sinfulness. That doesn't mean the light hates the sinners.

Hooray Chik-fil-A

    The outrage over the statement made by the CEO of Chik-fil-A amazes me. In a country that values the freedom of the people and even has a Constitution that grants its citizens that right, there should be no problem with him being able to state his views. There should be no problem with Chik-fil-A or Cathay supporting whichever legal organizations they wish with the money that they have earned. Again, they should have the freedom to express themselves this way. If you don't like their views, if you don't like the organizations that they support, don't go to Chik-fil-A. Give your money elsewhere. Let that be the end of it.

     When the Hensons pulled out of their partnership with Chik-fil-A, the homosexuals cheered. Again, it is the right of the Hensons to disassociate themselves from a company that has values that they disagree with. My question is, are they such terrible businessmen that they had no idea that Chik-fil-A was a company based on Christian values? Did they not realize that their CEO and other officers truly believed these things? Did it not occur to them that this would include their views on marriage? Of course they did. The Hensons did not go into this partnership blind. Even before this news story, the majority of America knew that Chik-fil-A was founded and operates on biblical values. If the Hensons truly had a problem with these views, they should never have joined with the company. Instead, they were perfectly happy to compromise the views of their CEO in order to make more money. What integrity.

     Now I hear from liberal friends that they don't want to support Chik-fil-A because they don't want their money to go to support "hate groups". That is your choice, but I certainly have a couple of issues here. You have the option to avoid Chik-fil-A. You don't have to eat there. You can tell your friends not to eat there. You can even picket them if you wish. I don't want my money going to support killing children or providing living expenses to drug addicts and alcoholics. Unfortunately, that is what happens with my taxes. I can't choose to not pay unless I want to go to jail. If I speak out against these things, I am labeled a hater, a bigot and intolerant.

      How are the groups that Chik-fil-A supports "hate groups". These groups support and encourage biblical Christian values. Calling them hate groups is like saying the NAACP hates whites. Supporting one group of people does not mean you hate another. Neither is Chik-fil-A discriminatory against homosexuals. I have never heard of an instance where anyone was turned away from the restaurant because of their sexual orientation. The actual interview that all of this hoopla is based on never even mentions homosexuals.

     It seems that America has become a nation of tolerance, unless you hold biblical Christian views. Then you can be attacked at will by many who have no idea what the Bible actually says. I am told repeatedly that homosexuality is only prohibited in Leviticus and the OT is obsolete, that there is no mention of homosexuality in the NT. I am told that God loves everybody and that the judgemental God of the OT is gone. I think that if you are going to attack those that adhere to the Bible, you ought to make an effort to read the book.

Children, A Gift From God

     A friend of mine said something yesterday that I have been mulling over in my mind. (Don't you just love that phrase "mulling over in my mind"?) She said that children are the only blessing from God where we tell him, "No thanks, I have enough." That certainly seems to be the case. I know that the Catholic Church has gotten a lot of negative reactions over the years for their stance on birth control. But, if we really and truly believe that God works ALL things for our good, if we believe that He is all knowing and all powerful, if we believe that He is who the Bible says He is, why don't we trust Him to give us the right number of children for our family? What, in our vast years of experience, makes us think that we know better than He does?

     There are an awful lot of Christians against abortion. Most of them recognize that God is the one who allowed that child to be formed. That baby is a part of His plan. What, then, is the difference? Sex doesn't always result in a child. When it does, it is because God worked a miracle. Why do we want to stop Him? I know a lot of people argue that they couldn't afford more children. Really? Has God let you down yet? Do you think that if you had another child, He would turn his back on you and let you all starve? What if the odds of having a child with a serious birth defect were high? God knows and His grace is sufficient. While I am not ready to say that birth control is evil or that you are heading to hell for using a condom, I do think it is something that you should seriously consider. Are you choosing to be god in this situation or are you willing to trust in Him and His plan?

     The other side of that coin is trying to have a baby. Is IVF the right choice? I know a lot of Christian couples who have desperately wanted a baby and have gone that route. But, aren't they choosing to play God? If He was able to give a child to Mary, a virgin, and to Sarah and Hannah and Elizabeth, why can't we trust Him to give us children if it is the best thing for us? It is hard. I know. Especially in a church where children are looked on as a blessing. But the same questions should apply here as the ones when considering birth control. Do we as the creature have the right to take the place of the Creator? I think not. These are difficult areas for everyone, especially for Christians. Let us seek God's wisdom as we discuss these things and consider His Word our standard.

Spontaneous Generation

   We were studying about spontaneous generation in our science class last week. This is the idea that life can come from non living organisms. The example that we read about was maggots forming from rotting meat. It was amazing to my kids that revered scientists actually believed in this idea for so many years. I had to point out to them that many revered scientists still believe that life can be formed from non-life. After all, isn't that what the "Big Bang" is all about? Somehow, life was formed from nothing? Something for them to consider over the weekend before we continue our study.

   As I continued to mull the thought over in my head, I thought about our life in Christ. Only in Christ can the dead be made to live. We cannot bring ourselves to life. We are DEAD in our trespasses and sins. No spontaneous generation is going to be happening here. There is nothing, nothing at all, that the dead can do on their own (except rot). That is us until God gives us life.

   Interesting how so many Christians who laugh at the thought of maggots coming from rotted meat or rats from moldy hay, have no trouble believing that they are able to do something, anything to save themselves. Get over it folks. Something doesn't come from nothing. Ever. Period. No matter what.

Proud To Be an American

    Did you hear the news yesterday about the principal in New York who decided that the kindergarten class could not sing Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A." at their graduation? Her reason? It might offend some cultures. Really? We have here American students living in America attending an American public school paid for by American tax dollars. Just what culture are you worried about offending, and why are you worried about offending them? I can tell you this. I don't live in NY or have kids in the public school system, but I sure am offended by this decision.

    Just as offensive to me is the choice of song to replace "God Bless the U.S.A.". Justin Bieber's "Baby"? How is it that a song about teenage love is less offensive than a song about the resiliency of the American people? When will this idiocy end? When will we stand up for ourselves? I am saddened that a public school principal has been allowed to decide that patriotism is offensive. I hope the parents at this school, in New York City, and around the country will speak out against this decision. I hope these students will learn how really great this country is and they will be proud to be an American.

Hope For The Future

I had the privilege this weekend of spending time with several thousand family members. They are an awesome group of people. Friendly, helpful, outgoing, caring, full of great advice, humble and loving. I love when we get together each year and find our time together way too short. We stay up late, get up early and talk non stop. Every year we add new friends and celebrate with old friends. It is a blessed gathering that never fails to lift my spirits, infuse me with energy, remind me of my limitations and need for the Lord, and most of all instill hope in the future. Our reunion is the annual FPEA homeschooling convention in Orlando, FL

I found my greatest source of hope this year in a couple of unlikely places. All day on a beautiful sunny Thursday at a resort hotel with a cool water play area that had four slides and dump buckets, with movies and other fun activities available, there were students who chose to attend a seminar on being an entrepreneur. Kids ages 12-18 spent eight hours devouring the words of a successful businessman of 30 who had been homeschooled and offered up insights and inspiration to these eager learners. These kids learned how to start their own business, how to market, how to use ebay and paypal. They were given invaluable lessons to help them in their future, and it was obvious to all there that they were eager to put their new knowledge into practice.

The second place of hope was in a small partitioned off area at the front of the food court were about 15 tables. Each had a display of wares available. The variety of items for sale was remarkable. No two tables had the same products. Everything was well made and affordable. What gave me the greatest hope, though, was the people behind the tables. The owners of each of these businesses were kids. Students set up their wares, marketed, interacted with customers and made sales.

These students gave me hope for the future of our country and they should give you that same hope. They are not ones who are going to be sitting around in parks complaining that no one has given them a job for which they are qualified. They are the ones who are going to be rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty in order to start their own business. In spite of the difficulties that government regulations create for them, they are going to give it their all. Every one of these kids that I talked with had more than one idea for a company. I know that one failure isn't going to make them quit. These students are our future. They are ambitious, excited, and ready to work hard to make their dreams come true. And I, for one, am excited to see them take on the task. We need these kids and their example. Thank you young entrepreneurs and FPEA for the hope that you have shown me for the future of America.

Where Did Those Great Kids Come From?

I have been so blessed with some very wonderful children. There are many times that I want to take credit for how well they have turned out. After all, I have devoted my life to making a home and raising our children. Truth be told, I am most likely more responsible for their flaws than anything, and I am most grateful to a great and glorious God who takes my mistakes, ignorance, pride and selfishness and manages to use those things to produce young men and women who make me proud to be called "mom".

Princess had it rough. As our oldest, she was the test product. I chuckle when I watch the new Nokia commercial for their smart phone. That is kind of how I view our parenting. We tested out theories. We practiced parenting. We learned right along with her what it meant to discipline, be consistent, train and love. There were so many ups and downs because, to be absolutely honest, I had no idea what I was doing. The whole thing was new and different for me, and I was just beginning to learn to turn to God and the Bible when I needed answers.

Dude and Mr. Awesome didn't have it too easy either. Two at the same time always meant sharing. They didn't get one on one time. They didn't get undivided attention. Nothing was ever theirs alone. Too often they were treated to the same discipline and teaching methods even though they are very different people. Dealing with two at the same time also meant a shorter fuse for me. I snapped more often than I would ever want to admit.

Sweet Mo got the short end of the stick. She was so willing to go along with whatever was happening that I forgot to treat her like the young lady she is. She ended up with trucks and footballs as her toys instead of baby dolls and tea parties. Her desire to please her parents means that I didn't parent her at intentionally as I should have.

Squishy has had his own hurdles. It is never easy to be the baby. I am older and worn out. It is hard work to discipline consistently. I am tired of teaching the same lessons over and over. By now, I want my kids to know to obey, tell the truth, be caring, gentle and selfless without having to constantly remind them. I know that I have ignored his needs too often because I am selfish and just want a little time to myself.

I have tried. Like most of you, I want to be a great mom. I want to lead my children as they grow closer to God. I want them to display the fruits of the Spirit. I want them to succeed in this life, following the path the Lord has designed for them. I know that because I am a sinful woman, I haven't tried hard enough. I have failed to do all that I can possibly do to reflect Christ to my children. Fortunately, the God of the Bible is gracious. He takes my mistakes and my failings as a mom and uses them to mold some pretty incredible human beings. I eagerly look forward to what else He will do with them. In the meantime, I will continue to muddle along as their mom, making mistakes, loving them and doing what I can; knowing the God will use it all for good in their lives. I'd really like to take the credit for the amazing children in my family, but really it all does belong to He who is able to work good things until the day of Christ Jesus. May He continue to work in me and in them.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

     As the school year comes to an end, I hear from a lot of homeschool moms who are beginning to feel the stress. This is the time of evaluations, testing and portfolio review. It is the time when so many rush to “get it all in” and not fall behind. I hate this time of year for that very reason. Women who were enjoying time with their children, learning together, and reaping the rewards of working at their child’s pace and interests suddenly begin to doubt themselves and their methods as they see the year closing and they realize that their children have not accomplished what the Jones kids did.

     I love this time of year, too, because this is when I am often able to remind these women of the things they already know about their God. The Scriptures are full of wonderful verses reminding us of His omniscience (He knows just what we and our children need) “For your Father knows what you need before you ask him”, and His omnipotence (He has the power to provide for all our needs: physical, spiritual and educational) “Great is the Lord and mighty in power”. Some of the great old hymns are filled with reminders to us that God cares about even the smallest and seemingly inconsequential things. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” I am sure the Bible and the hymns are full of these reminders because we are a forgetful people. So let me add my reminder here.

      God is a good father who loves perfectly. He wants our children to succeed, but His plan for their success may look different than that of this world. He has called you to be the teacher, to lead your children in His way. It is your primary job to focus them on reflecting the glory of the One who created them. If they need to learn Latin in third grade or advanced biology in fourth, God will provide an incredibly obvious open door to that path. I know. I have been there. I have had acquaintances offer to share knowledge with my children out of the blue. I wasn’t looking for teachers. I hadn’t even considered that the kids might want or need the information, but God knows and He provides. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the end of the school year. There is no need to worry. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”