Paul Revere and the 21st Century

I am angry. My heart pounds, my fists shake, and I sputter and cough out objections and exclamations. Why am I here, and not there? I ought to be running through the streets of Washington with my panting horse, crying “Congress is coming! Congress is coming!” for our foe is on their way, and will one day be parading into our homes. How can I help but be excited? Apathy only stirs me up, and were that this battle one beyond words and documents, and I a ready soldier, I would gladly take up arms to defend liberty.

My youthful frustration tells me there is nothing I can do and that it's out of my hands. My head tells me to go make some phone calls; write some letters. My heart tells me to rely on a sovereign God, and trust Him for the outcome. Which call is hardest to live out?

“What a historic time for our nation...” “What an honor for you, Mr. Speaker, in such a time...” “Today we will make history...” The Democrats are speaking on the floor. History? As the nation that once was founded on God-given rights and freedoms, and then abused and usurped those same freedoms in one big, record-breaking sweep?

I am an American girl of the past. My patriotic pride is based on those men who fought in the name of the Lord to protect the innocent, guard their families, and preserve the way of liberty for their future generations. When I place my hand over my heart, I gaze at the stripes on the flag; remembering not the personal and pure sacrifice of so many politicians today, but of the blood shed by men not so long ago during the forming of our nation. Will I and my family have the courage to show such sacrifice and dedication when the time comes?

This post may mean nothing to you. Maybe you found my blog through a random Google search, or happened to click a link from another blog. Maybe you don't care about the life and ramblings of a simple girl in Nebraska. But I ask you this: how much do you care about your freedom? Are you willing to pay fines, heavy taxes and penalties, and even spend time in jail if you refuse to purchase something you don't want? And even more importantly, how ardently will you oppose Satan's forces in our society, and proclaim the cross of Christ?

Sometimes my anger over injustice, and my eagerness to be a part of the action gets the best of me... and causes me to despair over my lack of control and influence. Tonight would be the opportune moment to let loose, as our Representatives vote on H.R. 3962, “Health Care for All of America”. Yes, we've written letters, we've called our Congressman, we've met with staff members and shared our concern over this very hot bill. Tonight we will pray. And then we will sleep, trusting our passions, concerns, anger, frustrations, and fears to Someone completely in control, and unconcerned.

Will you sleep tonight?

About Patriot Undeserving

American girl...

When I started my original blog “Jennifer's Musings” in 2004, my intentions were to strengthen my writing skills and share some silly ideas with various friends. What took me by surprise was the response I received from complete strangers who read, commented, encouraged, as well as criticized my writings. I was motivated by both the encouragement and opposition, and quickly found myself growing more familiar with the Christian Teen Blogosphere, with much admiration for the cause of the Rebelution. Since then I have continued to grow in controversial blogging with a vision to be a part of the rebellion against feminism, secularism and more sins growing rampant in our culture.

Currently I am a stay-at-home daughter residing in the red state of Nebraska with my family of 9. Home schooled all my life, I graduated in 2008 and have not pursued college as many would expect. This is yet another controversial subject which I am not afraid to touch on as I instead pursue various dreams and ministries; including teaching dance, working with a Political Action Committee, taking part in Church ministries and continuing to study at home.

Saved by Grace...

If I were to write on this blog, and publish posts under my name with no mention of Jesus Christ, I would be claiming praise and recognition stolen from the one who created it. I live and breath each day solely because my Lord is a gracious God, and all I do is because of His amazing mercy, even down to each post on this blog. My writings, I pray, reflect a biblical outlook on culture as I seek to bring to light the reason for living and searching for reform.

I am completely undeserving of God's special grace towards me for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). I am fallen and helpless, and so it is only through His power that my errant writings may be of any worth. It is my prayer that the verses below would come to light in my readers' lives;

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

-Ephes. 2:4-10

As I seek to seek to pursue excellence in my writing I pray that you, my reader, would be enlightened and edified not by my works but by the power of the gospel transforming my feeble words.

Undeserving of Freedom...

Many conservatives today are becoming increasingly pessimistic and bitter about the secular turn our nation has taken since the days of our founding fathers. There is no doubt that the liberals have wreaked havoc upon our constitution and biblical foundations, but this is in no way a call to abandon our nation. If our government and society can be called away by the devil in a mere 200 years, how much quicker can it be claimed by the Almighty God?

I have much hope for America not only for the many freedoms we have the spiritual weapons to reclaim, but also for the many blessings we continue to enjoy. Having been spoiled by our liberty and wealth, we forget nations bloodstained by mass killings of Christians who must run from their lives and struggle to care for their families in poverty. We forget the horrendous economic situations, the ongoing civil wars, the poverty and complete government control in nations such as China, India, the Middle East and much of Africa.

We as fallen sinners are completely undeserving of our liberty, privileges and prosperity in a nation such as America. What a sin it is to bewail our easy situations, and even more so of a failure and sin against God to give up this country we have inherited. While I endeavor to be a culture-changer and bring reform to our nation, I am without hesitation thankful to be an American girl living in the United States.

Why a Patriot? I love this country that the Lord has placed me in and have not given up on it. As Noah Webster described it, so I want to be

“A person who loves her country, and zealously supports and defends it and its interests.”

A young patriot from rural Nebraska can do nothing to save a nation. A perfect God willing use his many imperfect children can do it all.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

-Romans 8:18-21

Campaign Slideshow 2008

Duty Calls

Our country was founded on the principle of duty, by men who knew their responsibilities, and were willing to risk everything to carry them out. In 1620, fathers and husbands left England with their families in order to escape a controlling government and tyrannical King. It had nothing to do with money or personal gain. More was lost than homes and possessions as the Mayflower carried 100 pilgrims across the ocean; in the first year at Plymouth half of those that landed had died, and many were sick and weak.

The men on the Mayflower must have had a pretty good reason, and strong resolve to leave their homes and all they had known to find themselves blown off course, until they landed at Plymouth Rock. With lives lost and those landed sick and weary, and without a home, one is caused to wonder how these pilgrims could fall on their knees in thanks to the Creator of all. What was it that drove the men to abandon their homes, and find themselves starting all over again with very little provision or possessions? Certainly leaving one's homeland was the last measure taken in the pursuit of freedom.

The encroachment upon civil liberty and freedom of religion was the reason for coming to the Americas, and the duty to lead their families in truth gave them courage to take action. Imagine the hardship of taming a wild and untamed land, the loneliness of family who died or were left behind, the struggle to start life all over again with nothing. Ease and security were abandoned at the call to duty, and so began the colonies in the Americas.

A Revolution

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another...” The control of King George extended beyond the seas, restraining the people from the passing of laws, the populating of the land, and also by cutting off trade, imposing taxes, and quartering troops in the Americas in times of peace. He had “plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.”

Was it a desire for power and money that caused the forefathers to proclaim freedom from England, and establish a government? Francis Lewis lost his wife when the British captured her, and she died of sickness not long after being released. Many of the signers, even prior to declaring independence, found themselves living in poverty as they were robbed and their homes destroyed.

A lesser man would have surrendered. Many in our day do; under the pressure to conform to secular political ideas and philosophies. A man's life today does not even have to be threatened for him to collapse under the pressure of a seemingly much larger and stronger foe. But fortunately for those who now call themselves citizens of the United States, the founders stood strong in the face of death and persecution, to fulfill a duty harder than any of us will ever know in our lifetime.

Passion and patriotism were in full display as the founders debated, discussed, and finally came to a mutual decision to declare independence from England. Clergyman spoke on the matters of politics without reservation in the pulpit. Reverend Peter Muhlenberg, in January of 1776, displayed without a doubt that Christians have a duty to fight for freedom; in our Churches, our capitols, and in our battlefields, as he took off his robe one Sunday to display the continental uniform underneath declaring “Now is the time to fight!”. Patrick Henry held nothing back in his address in 1775 when he said “Give me liberty, or give me death!”. They are words that hold more passion in that day than we can understand.

The war we fight

It is 2008. A mere 232 years has passed since the momentous decision was made to declare freedom from foreign countries, and establish a government based on biblical principles. The duty to protect their families and preserve a Christian heritage for their children was clear; the call without question. Today, Christians in America are lacking the conviction and resolve shown in the 1770's. Those who stand against us seem many, and are determined to ruin us and take away our freedoms.

Is our duty too fight and strive for truth in government any less than of those who went before us? Are we in any way less bound to preserve liberty for our future generations, to insure their safety and freedom? That we should have to raise such a question is dishonoring to the sacrifice of the men who gave their lives that we also might fight for the Cross. That we would neglect our calling to pave the way for our children to grow in holiness is a misuse of our God-given rights, and a curse upon our heads.

Friends, we live in fallen world. Freedom is never free. Evil will always wage war against truth. Getting a politician elected to office is hard; taking a stand amongst the jeers and the pressure is humbling, and proclaiming the Word in every area of our lives will arouse the hatred of Satan. Just as a life without proclaiming the word of God is not Christianity, so a freedom without speaking our rights is not free.

Two hundred and thirty two years ago this day, on July 4^th, 1776, a group of ordinary fathers with an extraordinary duty lived out their call to lead in truth. Much was lost, and yet the gain that we enjoy many generations later is a testimony to the providence of God and the wisdom and foresight our founding fathers had as they led their families to do something so hard, and yet so necessary to the preservation and growth of Christianity. May we do no less today, but instead take up the baton passed down to us, and stand even taller upon the shoulders of those who have gone before us, and never fail to give God all the glory.

Happy Independence Day

Happy Home School week!

WHEREAS, The State of Nebraska desires to promote excellence in education; and

WHEREAS, Dozens of studies confirm that children who are educated at home score significantly above average on national achievement tests; and

WHEREAS, Studies demonstrate that home-educated students excel in college; and

WHEREAS, Home education has a long history of success in this country, helping to produce such notable Americans as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, John Marshall, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Edison, William Henry Harrison,
John Tyler, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Irving Berlin, Rembrandt Peale, George Patton, Douglas MacArthur, John J. Pershing, Standing Bear, Roscoe Pound, Edward Creighton, Willa Cather, William Jennings Bryan and Bertram Goodhue,
architect of the Nebraska State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Home education strengthens the family and promotes the highest standards of honesty and morality, which are essential elements in the preservation of a free society; and

WHEREAS, Home education promotes good citizenship and positive socialization; and

WHEREAS, The State of Nebraska recognizes the fundamental right of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children; and

WHEREAS, Home educators view the cost of their children’s education as their own responsibility and do not add that cost to the burden of the state; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate that home educators be recognized and commended for their dedication to excellence in education and for their significant and vital contributions to our society.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dave Heineman, Governor of the State of Nebraska,
DO HEREBY PROCLAIM
the week of March 30 – April 5, 2008, as
NEBRASKA HOME EDUCATION WEEK
and I do hereby urge all citizens to take due note of the observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and cause the
Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed this Thirteenth day
of March, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Eight.

And all I can say is: I thank the Lord I live in good old Nebraska, and not California!

Looking for cracks? Try our public schools.

On Tuesday, February 26th, 1,300 homeschool parents and children gathered at the State Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska; setting a record number of attendance for any bill hearing in Nebraska’s history. The reason for such a crowd? With a proposed bill that takes away the freedom of a family to choose their form of education, parents concerned over the spiritual and physical well being of their children made sure that our Legislature hears our opposition.


One large chamber and five overflow rooms were filled with men wearing suits and ladies wearing skirts as homeschoolers gathered to watch the opponents and proponents (of which there were only 3 out of nearly 25 who testified) on TV screens. Among those testifying before the Education Committee against LB 1141 were UNO professors, HSLDA attorney Michael Donnelly and several homeschooling parents with their own stories of past struggles in the failing public school system.


The opponents spoke well, clearly and calmly stating facts proving the unconstitutional restriction of the bill over families who choose an education based on Christian principles. Senator Schimeck’s support for her bill was weak in light of the statistics brought forth showing the wide success of homeschooling, and the widespread failure of public schools. The concern for those children “falling through the cracks” has been pinned down on the minority; those who choose to stay at home, when the high numbers of dropouts and failing grades are in not in the home but in the State’s own government schools. It is clear to see that this bill was born out of an atheistic and non-biblical perspective, as Schimeck herself stated that it is the State’s responsibility to insure that children are receiving a good education.


HSLDA attorney Michael Donnelly said “This was an incredible work of God and an amazing testimony to Nebraska homeschoolers. Thirteen hundred people in attendance is an overwhelming number, and the decorum and behavior of all reflected greatly on the homeschool community. It is such a privilege to serve the people of Nebraska, and I pray that the Education Committee can see that there is no need or public demand for this legislation. Homeschoolers do an incredible work even as they fund the public schools without much complaint through their taxes. All they want is to be left alone to continue turning out successful graduates.”


Truly, the best our senators can do is recognize the success of homeschooling in Nebraska, and focus their “concern” on the failures in public school. One is tempted to wonder with all this attention to the successful minority, if this is something besides a genuine concern for homeschooled children, such as a desire for money and power over those who have chosen not to follow the crowd. Hitler also chose to exercise his power through the schools and children, and the similarities between his reign and the direction our government run schools are going is not a little unnerving.


So, Nebraskans, we had a good turnout.


Now what?


While we wait a week to hear which direction the Education Committee votes, what can we do to keep up the pressure, and insure that bills like this are not passed (or even proposed) in the future in our Legislature?

1. Keep up the phone calls and letters!
2. Pray that the Education Committee would vote against the bill; that they would not be blind to the needless and negative affects the bill would have.

Read HSLDA’s report on the hearing

I want YOU for the homeschool movement...

Last Wednesday, on February 6th, six hundred homeschool students and their parents attended the second annual Legislative Day at the state capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska. Though the number in attendance was lower than the expected 1,000 (because of the ever-present snow) the capitol building was filled and senators kept busy. From 10:00am to 4:30pm, students listened to senators' thoughts on LB1141, met with and spoke to their own senators privately, and listened to various speakers on the importance of being involved in our Legislature, such as Al Riskowski of the Nebraska Family Council.


All in all, it was a very good turnout, with this being only the second year for NCHEA to hold Legislative Day at the capitol. Governor Dave Heineman stated that he would veto the bill 1141 if it reaches him, while many homeschoolers pray that it will not go that far. Senators that spoke strongly against the bill, and in great support of homeschoolers and the advancement of Christ's kingdom, were applauded and greatly appreciated. It's encouraging to see and be reminded that there still are Godly, convicted men still in office today, despite the decline in upstanding or backbone among our senate.


So we had one good turnout, but the fight for the killing of this bill is yet continuing, and requires even more attention and work than ever before Saturday the 26th, when the bill will be discussed at a hearing. This is a serious encroachment of the rights of homeschoolers, and I urge my readers, even those outside the State, to take action and make your voice heard.


Here's what you can do to fight LB1141:

• Write a personal letter to senator/s voicing your opposition

• Give them a phone call

• Write an article for your local paper

• Let your friends know; spread the word

• Pray and alert your Church

• Keep informed and up to date (join NCHEA and sign up for their newsletters)

• Attend the hearing at the capitol on Saturday, January 26th (where HSLDA attorney Michael Donnelly will be testifying against the bill)

Get out there and start fighting this! You may not be “into politics”, or concerned for the present, but I can assure you that if this bill goes through, your children and their children will be harrassed and restricted by it. This bill will not only bring to pass the harsh control that it spells out, but will open doors for harsher and even more restrictive bills to be passed. Join the army. Pick up your sword (the Word), and march with us into battle. The Lord wants YOU to join his army, and defend the God-given rights of the family.


Lex, Rex

600 passionate, conservative home educators all in one room. Quite the experience.

We met with our senator, Kent Rogert, to voice our opposition to LB1141. It was disappointing that he did not know much about the bill, or give us a clear answer as to whether or not he would oppose it.

Go here to read an article and watch the video of Lincoln's coverage for Legislative Day, as well as leave your opinion in the lengthy comment section.

Declaration of War- Nebraska

When the President sent troops overseas to fight the Taliban after 9/11, people made a fuss over the fact that we had not officially declared war. However, despite that fact, we were, indeed, already engaged in war with Muslim extremists. It wasn’t something we wanted, it wasn’t something we asked for, but it was something we were thrown into without a doubt of the intentions posed by our enemies; kill the infidels and destroy the moral foundations our country was founded on.

Only a few weeks ago, war was declared in Nebraska. Only this time, M16’s and grenades were replaced for the Sword of the Word and the armor of God. On January 23^rd, Nebraska State Senator DiAnna Schimek introduced LB 1141 that would, in essence, make homeschooling in our State nearly impossible. Below is a list of what the bill would require from homeschoolers (the entire list can be found here):

• Have to submit to discretionary approval by the Commissioner of Education.
• Gives the Department of Education (“NDE”) approval authority over whether homeschoolers may file under Rule 12 or 13 and over their curriculum;
• 
  

• Have to submit to intrusive and ill-conceived annual assessments.
• Requires an annual in person evaluation, at the parents’ expense, but by a person of the Commissioner’s choosing and at a time and place determined by the NDE. Parents may be allowed to observe as long as they are “under the supervision of the Commissioner or designated staff person.”
• To avoid the NDE’s required annual in person evaluation, a homeschooling parent would have to submit extensive documentation to a certified and approved teacher, including a complete written record of all the educational activities a child has been involved in and a portfolio of the student’s work, and the results of any assessments conducted. And even then, the teacher’s positive report would merely create a “presumption” that adequate progress was being made.
• Requires that assessments be conducted against standards created and approved by the NDE and based on age/grade levels of their peers in public schools;
• 
  

• Have to submit detailed attendance records every year.
• Requires homeschoolers to submit attendance records annually to the Nebraska Department of Education (“NDE”);
• 
  

• Have to test before you start.
• Requires first time homeschooled students to take an NDE-approved test for “baseline educational data” (presumably this test is to be used by the NDE to determine whether or not “progress has been achieved”);
• 
  

• Give the Commissioner authority to hold your kids hostage in public schools at his discretion.
• Require homeschooled children to attend an accredited public or private school if they do not make adequate progress as defined by the NDE and would prevent the child from being homeschooled until the NDE approves.

Before I go on to make my readers presume that Nebraska is in a unique situation, I would hasten to remind that Senators and Governors across the United States are working for the destruction of the structure in Christian families, just as our own beloved Senator Shimeck is here in our own Red State.

Just can’t take “no” for an answer

HSLDA has called this bill one of the worst homeschooling bills ever proposed. Angered and passionate Nebraskans would have to agree. In the 1980’s a similar bill was introduced and passed, which resulted in fathers being thrown into jail and mothers being forced to flee the State with their children, including a couple from our Church. Since then Nebraska had relaxed its laws on homeschoolers, after a long and hard fight, only to have another bill introduced by, ironically, the wife of the head of Government Relations for the Nebraska State Education Association. Don’t even attempt to claim that this bill wasn’t introduced for personal gain!

Consider…

• The State is asking not only that homeschoolers pay outrageous taxes for a failing school system they do not even attend, but that we now ad the costs of annual exams that we don’t even want to take

• The State is assuming that the public school system is the only answer to supposed learning disabilities and problems (why should we hand ours over when they can’t even handle their own?). What happens when children at schools shoot each other, abuse each other, struggle on their tests and show lack of cleanliness and happiness? Then I think it’s time they hand over the kids to the parents.

• The State is assuming the right to protect your child and provide safety and education. One might have to ask, then, did God give my children to me, or to the government? As my Dad says; over my dead body will you walk into my home and assume that God-given right.

As a homeschool senior about to graduate from high school myself, I cannot stress how glad I am that my parents chose to be my teachers, instead of dumping me off at school and asking a total stranger (and in some cases, a rapist or ex-convict) to educate me for the next 12 years. Believe it or not, I am healthy, happy, and not a complete idiot because of it. Homeschooling works, and so well it’s scaring the Board of Education. The growth and success of God’s army is scaring Satan, and he is now visibly taking steps to defeat us through our own government.

So please, brothers and sisters;

• Be aware that wars are being fought all across the States. If LB 1141 goes through in Nebraska, it could very well go through in your State. One thing leads to another and we MUST pull out of political apathy and be constantly aware of what goes on in our legislature.

• Be in prayer for Wednesday, February 6^th. Nebraska will be holding it’s second annual Legislative day for homeschoolers at the capitol. Last year 300 people attended to meet with Senators and go to hearings, and this year, after the introduction of the bill, the expected number blew up to 1,000 homeschoolers and counting. This is going to be an awesome time of witnessing and fighting not only 1141 but the impetus to introduce other such restrictive bills. Be in prayer that the weather would cooperate, and that the senators would be greatly impacted by the turnout, and have their eyes open to the constitutional right they are breaking.

I have great trust in the God who created our nation, and I am totally pumped about attending Legislative Day at the capitol tomorrow. I know God is going to do amazing things through this bill as we work to fight it and have victory in His name.

Soli Deo Gloria…

Links:

(More reasons) why this is a stupid bill

The bill in it's un-translated entirety

NCHEA on 1141

NCHEA Legislative Day Info

HEN on 1141

Omaha tragedy

OMAHA, Neb. — A man with a rifle opened fire at a busy Omaha shopping mall Wednesday, killing eight people before taking his own life, police said. Five others were wounded, two critically.

The killer has been identified as Robert A. Hawkins, age 19 or 20, who left a suicide note stating, "I'm going out in style" and "I'm going to be famous."

Read the whole story here

Sadly, the rare events of hearing about Omaha Nebraska on the national news are often prompted by tragedies. Yesterday was a continuation of past shooting sprees at malls and schools this year, of which I would think would cause the question "why" to enter the minds of our congressman. What is the root cause of young Robert Hawkins depression and suicide? Maybe, just possibly, it has something to do with the demoralization and downgrading of our culture, and the diminishing influence of the Church in the lives of families.

The tragedy is that 13 people were shot while others, unarmed and helpless (as were the security guards) by the protection and goodwill of the government, hid watching. What do you think is the solution; that we take guns away from citizens and pretend that threats are enough to stop bad men from attaining them (and they will)?

God forgive our Church and for abandoning those in need and leaving them to the state. We are hurting more people than those we turn away.

What you see is what you get

Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel… Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Now Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” But he led them to Samaria. So it was, when they had come to Samaria, that Elisha said, “LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and there they were, inside Samaria!

Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel.

-2^nd Samuel 6:8,14-23

Oh, that dealing with Muslim extremists were that easy! But alas for this nation; there are very few Elishas in leadership today, and even fewer who are willing to put their faith to action in times of war. Our nation is blind to the great and powerful Army surrounding us, ready to aid us in the battle the minute we call for help. Will we open our eyes and admit our finiteness in the midst of such a mighty host, or will we place our confidence in the power of men, and condemn ourselves to death? We need to pray that our nation would continue to be hated and targeted by Islam; for the day that we find peace with Islam is the day that we no longer identify with Christ. Victory can only be obtained by the blood of the lamb, and the faith of those who are washed in it.

Pray;

That America’s leaders would not be touched by fear, but would be confident and courageous in walking with the Lord; “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

That those in leadership would be drawn to their knees, and fall on their faces in a realization of God’s mighty army; “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.”

That The Lord would blind our enemies, and give us victory over them; “And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.”

That God would not only give us physical, but spiritual victory over our enemies in winning them over to Christ; “But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow?”

That our land would be set at peace and untouched by foreigners who would seek our harm; “So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel.”

Why me, Lord?

There have been a lot of changes and decision making about the future in my life lately; with some changes being rather forced upon us without a clue it was coming. These forced changes have tempted me to become bitter as I think on the people involved in the disruption of our formerly quiet, unchanging country life. I have not felt bitterness towards the Lord, but I have several times doubted His good plan for my life and in the doing so fallen into the woeful “why me?” attitude. Why did You pick me to tear apart my hopeful dreams and goals for the future? Why my family that You would bring the unjust to have such influence over us?

Why me, Lord? Really, this is a question worthy of our study and attention, when viewed through the eyes of a sinner, saved by grace alone. Instead of questioning why I should be chosen to suffer afflictions common to man, I should be asking of the Lord; why me, that I should be chosen as one of the elect, to be Your child; washed in the precious blood of the lamb? Why have I been handpicked, out of millions, to be blessed by Your mercy, honored by Your sacrifice, elevated by Your grace, and nurtured by Your love?

Truly the fact that He has chosen me to have life everlasting as His child completely outshines the sufferings He has laid on me, in all the awesome and incomprehensiveness of His mercy and blessings. Instead of woefully crying, in the dust and the ashes, “why me, Lord?” we should endeavor to raise our hands and faces to the beauty of the heavens and ask, with a humble and grateful heart, “why this sinful, lowly servant, Lord?”. I ask, why has He;

Died for my sins and chosen me to be His child?

Forgiven my pride, arrogance, and disregard day after day?

Placed me in a Christian home, with loving parents, and obedient siblings?

Placed me in a Christian nation, with freedom of speech, religion; little persecution, and no constant wars and unrest?

Given me a healthy body that moves, breathes, hears, sees, and speaks?

Blessed me with an abundance of earthly provisions; a home, food, a car?

Given us a thriving, challenging Church and many Christian friends?

This list of “why’s” could go on forever as I consider all the blessings and gifts God has given me, which I, least of all, have ever deserved. My heart is ever failing and my finite mind creating false ideas, and yet His grace is greater than all my sins. May our generation never cease to praise His name as we ponder the blessings of our nation and heritage, as we ask, “why us, Lord?”.

Nuetrality: never a good thing

"The State cannot be neutral toward all religions because all religious views or philosophies necessarily entail moral systems, and conflict with those of other religious systems. If the State were truly "neutral," it would enact no laws, for each law would penalize someone's religion or religious view or religious practice. Anarchy would reign."

- Gary DeMar, "God and Government, Volume 3"

The call from liberals not to make any religious preference in our nation in any way is outrageous, ridiculous, and unrealistic. Call it discrimination, but I will continue to pray and work for the overrule of pagan religions, and the continual rise of Christianity in this God's nation.

Blessed is the nation...

Why I continue to be astonished at the weak, fallen acts of our leaders in Senate I don’t know. Despite the clear and such detailed foundations laid for us by our founding fathers, many leaders of our nation today obviously have no respect for or faith in the values and wishes of those who enabled us to live freely.

On Thursday, July 12^th a senate hearing was opened for the first time with a Hindu prayer, which, thankfully, was not acceptable to all who attended. Three people were outraged by the act of “peace” in promoting other religions, and prayed out loud while the Hindu prayer was being said, praying "Lord Jesus forgive us Father for allowing a prayer which is an abomination in your sight. You are the one, true living God".

The three people who, in my opinion, were also exercising their own religious rights, were handcuffed and arrested on charges of unlawful disruption of Congress. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said “I think it speaks well of our country that someone representing the faith of about a billion people comes here and can speak in communication with our heavenly Father regarding peace”. (Emphasis mine.)

Doubtless the question of what our nation was in the beginning and what we are causing it to become now is to be considered; a lot has changed and it cannot be overlooked when such dramatic changes take place in our Senate. And while some people see this move as one that will unite citizens of this religiously free country, many others will see it as a direct rebellious act against our leaders, fathers and ultimately against the one true God.

So here’s the question: what would you have done had you been present when the prayer was being read?

Born to Serve

While waiting to fly out of a tiny little airport in Montgomery, Alabama last week I met a young military wife who, after we discussed military, politics, and religion proceeded to ask me why I was so patriotic? I wasn’t able to give a very good answer having never really considered the question myself. Why have I always had such a passion to serve our troops and their families? Until recently I never had a relative or even a friend in the service, and didn’t even meet a soldier until 2004. My family never really stressed patriotism and I was never a member or part of patriotic organization or activity. So, really, how does one become “patriotic”?

When I was younger I always marveled at the wars in history; at the men who fought it, the people who endured it, and the messages of unity and support it evoked on the home front. I was greatly inspired by the things that I read and heard as a child, and in comparing Americans in history to those in the present I felt that true pride and patriotism had rather become a thing of the past.

I loved the openness and tremendous active support I saw in those on the home front during World War 2, when the outrage and sense of justice towards the attack at Pearl Harbor overshadowed any doubts or thoughts of “peace”. There truly was unity in the hearts of the people as all America first felt pain, then a sense of duty, and then a certain measure of determination towards a cause that no one questioned; however great the sacrifices. I felt such a pain for and longing to comfort the degraded and discouraged men coming home from the Vietnam War, as young men came back from battle to face a dramatic change in American culture; a change that has no doubt greatly affected the resolve and vision of a once very determined, passionate nation.

So I have been greatly inspired as I learn about the true founders, leaders and protectors of America, and in this way I believe I have gained a clear vision of what patriotism really is (in a nutshell); sacrifice. I believe the history lessons now being distorted by our public education system have greatly hindered this generation’s ability to truly love and feel a sense of duty toward our nation. I am so blessed to have parents who provided me with an education that opened my eyes to the genuine patriotism displayed by those who have gone before us.

There was also a time in my childhood when I was convinced military service was for me. The camaraderie, honor and vision I observed in service members really left an impression on me, and for a time I so very badly wanted to be a part of it (I was so mad to find that the WACS and WAVES had been discontinued!). In reading books and observing the selfless lives of soldiers, I really came to admire their sacrifice and hard work (that often goes unnoticed, though they continue to work without complaint). What I felt had been lost on the average American I found in the lives of patriotic service members and their families. No one knows the meaning of patriotism more clearly than they do.

So I do really have to accredit my education in providing the grounds for my vision of being “patriotic” and supportive of the things I consider in the right for our nation. I also believe that I would not be so passionate about certain things in our country if it were not for the horrendous evils and fallacies being spread across this land. Daily our Christian heritage is mocked by the sickening acts of abortion, the misled homosexual marriages, not to mention the weak ideas of “peace” while terrorists plot ways to obliterate the “Christian” nation. It would be too easy to be a patriot in name only if one did not have working enemies; something to fight against. But here we are, provided with every opportunity to be a patriot and stand fast to the truths we claim to uphold. How can we call ourselves good Americans if we do not lift the sword and battle to protect our nation?

There are plenty of “patriotic” people in the United States. But the numbers of those who are willing to live out their patriotism in sacrifice and service are painfully low. You can find the majority of those people in uniform, daily living a legacy so often overlooked. May God have mercy on those of us allow Satan to take control in our nation! May He give strength, wisdom, and perseverance to those who only by His grace and power wield the sword in faith.

Why only men should fight wars

Some say we should leave Iraq; pull out our troops and turn our backs. Here are my reasons why pulling out would make a cowardly, foolish figure of the greatest nation on earth…

A man:

Does not abandon those in need

And never has the U.S. denied help to a country overrun by evil, especially when that evil has spilled over into our land and taken such drastic measures to defeat us. Our motives and reasons for moving into Iraq may be questioned, beaten, and denounced, but our aide of a groaning and suffering people under a tyrant with a vision to increase power and destroy the “infidels” (i.e. Americans) cannot be scoffed at. Despite the tremendous costs paid on behalf of our security as well, protection of the innocent is never a weak display, and those who make light of it are not worthy of such protectors.

Finishes what he starts

My father did not start a business simply to become discouraged and abandon it when clients did not pour in immediately… instead, several years later we are slowly picking up business to be gained over the years- a benefit we would not have seen had we lost patience in a naturally slow process. The same applies for any investment made; time must be given, patience must be applied, and diligence must be practiced daily.

A businessman cannot afford to spend his hours moaning over the things not happening; but instead must actively work to make sure that they do. To make a plan, do the research, purchase supplies and employ help, win hearts, toil to set a foundation and begin building upon it requires hours of planning and work, and this is just the beginning. For any man to start such a foundation only to abandon it when he got tired would mean the ruin of his house, and the waste of his hours of work. Not only will we let down the men who actually perform this all, but we will completely and utterly pull away the foundation set by years of hard work and sacrifice should we pull out from Iraq.

Does not accept defeat

Any investment or new project taken on is going to come with difficulties and stumbling blocks, and this is ever so true with war. Throughout the history of the world, war has always been very painful, very hard, and sometimes very long. Any strong man venturing out to tackle something new is aware of the hardships that are bound to ensue, and strengthens his will to withstand them when the time comes.

However, a man who hangs his head and accepts defeat at the first sign of mockery or failure simply paints a picture of shameful weakness and poor planning. Life comes with it’s hardships at every bend and turn, and if we were all to take to heart the counsel given by anti-war protesters, not one of us would ever succeed at those things great or good.

Does not listen to the council of his enemies

This world is filled with people who would love nothing more than to discourage us from our visions and cause us to fail in life. To not recognize the distorted lies that are meant for our ruin and allow them to counsel and impact us would reflect a weak and uncertain character that leads to nowhere. Despite those people, even in our own nation, who sympathize with our enemies and speak their lies, we must stand strong and show that we indeed are a people who can think and stand for themselves. To pull out of Iraq would be to accept the council of bloodthirsty terrorists and to shame our soldiers and our nation, thus furthering our enemy’s hold over us and strengthening their will.

I pray with honest fervor that my nation would not so shame itself in this way, for I long and hope to always present myself as a proud citizen of a strong and honest nation called America.

When we say secular...

The adjective “secular” comes from the Latin word sauculum, which means “time” or “age”. “To call someone secular means he is completely time-bound, totally a child of his age, a creature of history, with no vision of eternity. Unable to see anything in the perspective of eternity, he cannot believe that God exists or acts in human affairs.” (James Hitchock, What Is Secular Humanism)

-Gary Demar, God and Government

And to think that we live in a widely secular culture; that the popular dress, entertainment, news sources, etc. in our nation is secular. “… with no vision of eternity.” Does it scare you to think that a good portion of those contributing to the habits and concerns of our culture care only for the pleasures of here and now? One’s level of morality and concern for others is changed drastically when there is no hope for tomorrow.

For the secularist, there is no God. Thus there is no hope or faith in anything but ourselves, and any pleasure to be had in this world must be snatched quickly away before others can rob us of it. This is the thinking the promotes sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, homosexuality, rape, murder, and a multitude of other problems that stem forth from an atheist’s view of pleasure.

"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin; considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt." –Hebrews 11.24-26

And so we, as sons and daughters of the King, must be ready to turn away from the fleeting pleasures of this world, in order to store up everlasting treasures in heaven. All May we strive to use our freedom in this country to the advancement of His kingdom.

Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever. -Psalm 16.11

All glory to God!

That senseless war

Not too long ago my sister and I were managing our fitness center when two elderly people came in to exercise that morning. I was sitting quietly to the side focusing on my book when all of the sudden the war in Iraq came up in their discussion and completely broke my concentration for the rest of the morning. I will call them Chuck and Jane, and this is how their discussion went;

Chuck: All those religious people over there are just fighting each other!

Jane: And all those boys coming back from the war…isn’t it a shame that our soldiers are over there, when we haven’t made any progress! All those countries are fighting each other and we’re getting messed up in it. Cheney and Rumsfeld are just using their power and don’t know what they’re doing.

Chuck: I know- all those politicians are just lawyers who don’t know anything about war. It’s a waste; just like Vietnam and Korea.

Jane: They need to go over there and see what it’s like before they go to war. Terrible.

Chuck: Shame.

We already knew that Jane held pretty strong liberal views and that I would only create an enemy if I were to speak out. So I sat in the background, several emotions stirring in me, and yet keeping my peace. Eventually they left and I let out the torrent on the ears of my sister, but still feeling a mix of anger, sadness, and a pressing need to make a difference in the minds of similar Americans today.

They say they support the troops… they pretend to know the meaning of justice and liberty… they even show up wearing a T-shirt saying “freedom isn’t free”, and I want to yell out that they are missing the whole point. Freedom means we fight; not sit around making peace signs as Islamic extremists obliterate our homes. Justice means we strike; not let convicted murderers and terrorists go free to do more evil. Liberty means we hold fast to the truth, and not let madmen govern our lives, our opinions, or actions.

We must not sit passively to the side, railing against the actions of our leaders, and yet taking no actions ourselves. We must stand up and fight boldly for the truth; for when the truth is taken from this country, it will fall.

Though I knew it wasn’t the right place at the right time to impact the thinking of Chuck and Jane, I must be ready and willing to stand up for our troops and Iraq when they are questioned. May God give me strength, and America ears.

Let freedom ring

Pool + water = freedom

Ah, yes; to be a kid again. This summer we bought a large 18 by 3 foot pool, and even if the weather hadn't been as brutal this year as it has been, my four younger brothers still would have been obsessed with swimming. Every day the temperature hits anything higher than 75 degrees, my brothers are out in pool; playing, yelling, and just being kids.

If you could ask my brothers what they have enjoyed most about freedom this summer, they would without hesitation respond "swimming". Oh, to give thanks for the simple things in life! We truly are blessed to live, to breathe... and to swim.