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

Movie night...

Here's a better option!




Find out more about "The Widow's Might" movie

Foul Ball: Keeping a Hold on Humility

I'm not usually a big fan of football. Actually, there are very few sports I can sit and watch for hours, let alone jump and scream enthusiastically like some emphatic addicts. However, when I have a better understanding of and connection to the players' lives, I am much more apt to pay attention. Needless to say, Thursday found me watching parts (but not all) of the Gator Bowl; cheering at the right moments, grimacing at the collisions and injuries, and peering for a second glance at the writing on Tim Tebow's face.

As a homeschooler and Christian, what qualities I have seen from Tebow have piqued my interest and gained my respect. While I wouldn't pick a life of grunting, slamming and sweating as my ministry, it's exciting to see culture changers from my generation enter all different areas of life with the cross as their goal. We can't all be preachers or missionaries. We need to be sending arrows out into the political, medical, legal, entertainment and educational arenas. Every year I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for homeschoolers, and not because of a general vision we might have, but a unique and personal plan He has for each person.

So what's the problem? Where are the misleading trails and hidden nets? Invariably with the fight and progress come the setbacks, and even for the most grounded Christians there will a struggle against more than just quarterbacks and linemen. What I'm talking about is the big P-word that no human can escape; pride. As we endeavor to live in purity and holiness, and experience victory over sin in our lives and ministries, God will send encouragers as well as challengers into our lives.

Pride is such a hard sin to conquer. Often it creeps in without our noticing; sometimes at one simple praise, other times by wounded feelings or bitterness. It's possible to feel both broken and insignificant, and proud at the same time. In any case, whether we feel high or low, pride is never lurking very far to take down it's young and eager victims. It's one of the major hindrances to young leaders and culture-changers who are not prepared against it.

So. I'm excited for myself, Tim Tebow, and other young rebelutionaries who have a vision to impact society through the gifts God has given us. We can do so much through Christ who strengthens us, as long as we are not deceived into taking our eyes off of the cross and place them on our pride. It's when we listen too long to the praises and smile too much for the camera that our goal no longer has meaning, and our mission is not blessed. Meekness is the goal; not weakness, and indeed we crumble when we replace His praise with our pride.

So let's put on our helmets, line up together, and prepare to run towards the goal; not forgetting the game plan for our own pursuits, but working as a team with God's blessing.

Campaign Slideshow 2008

Legislative Victory (i.e. involved teens)

It's been a long and short past few days as I look back at coordinating a volunteer group for a local campaign. My sister and I gathered 35 homeschoolers to make hundreds of phone calls, do literature drops and wave signs Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. Our candidate was Beau McCoy for Legislature, and we were working in part as teen volunteer coordinators with the PAC.

I honestly had no idea what response we were going to get from the voters, and never saw any polls to know how Beau McCoy was coming. Even up to the few days before the election our opponent's supporters were making slanderous comments and sending out negative mailings about Beau McCoy. We were seeing money put to use, but money does not buy volunteers, and where negative rumors were sent circulating we had energetic teens running door to door and ten people to a street corner waving signs.

A month ago this quote was posted on New Nebraska Network;

"Regardless, even with a whole army of home schooled children "volunteering" for McCoy, this is still going to be a very close race. If the primary attacks on Moats are any indication, it's also going to get rather ugly from here on out."

We didn't have an army, but we did end up being blessed by having more volunteers than were expected. Regardless, the Lord didn't need an army to elect a godly man to office, but he chose to use homeschooled youth to impact society, and on Tuesday November 4^th Beau McCoy was elected Senator of District 39 with 54% of the votes.

We were so blessed by the Lord for protecting all the volunteers, and also for providing beautiful weather (which promptly changed the day after election!). He provided for everything and we are so thankful that He chose Beau McCoy to run, and to win.

I am tempted to now take a deep breath and go "now I can relax!" when in reality, now is the time we need action more than ever. The decline of morality in our candidates has come about because of failure by evangelicals to be involved at the state level. We have to work from the bottom up, starting right here in our own cities, districts and states. Responsibility has been thrown out the window and apathy has taken hold of many so called "Christians", and it will be everything we can do to raise up godly leaders, equip them to run, and campaign for them.

So don't relax. This is just the beginning.

Why I'm not going to college

As a naïve 16 year old, I thought being asked where I went to school was bad enough. Being asked what grade I was in was even worse. Try telling someone you are home schooled (my mom teaches me... actually, most of it is self study) and that you really aren't in one grade; it depends on what subject you're talking about. There was always that strange look that would eventually pass as they politely say “oh, that's nice”.

That was then. Now as a home school graduate the simple question “so what are you doing now?” could be considered the hardest question to answer; especially for the 576^th time. Life is so easy for college students. The answer is a short and oh-so-easy “Bellevue University” or “Wheaten College”. Why? Because it's expected. Even in our free country where certain forms of education are not mandatory - but each citizen is free to choose his schooling method - people are still held captive by the status quo.

As a homeschooler and a Christian I was taught not to do things the easy way just for the sake of measuring up to the standards of others (and started to live that out at the age of 6 under the tutelage of my mother). Homeschoolers are not always safe from the cold shoulder or even harassment from government officials and Legislative bills. Abstaining from watching certain movies, saying certain words or hanging out with certain friends can be difficult. Wearing feminine skirts and dresses is definitely not something expected or easy to do in our flippant and sex-promoting culture.

But explaining that you're not going to college brings such bizarre looks and comments it's not even funny. When others see me working during school hours the question is sure to come up. Why aren't you away at college like everybody else?

Here are some answers that may shock you as well.

I am staying under my father's authority and protection

A few years ago I would have told you my dream was to either go to college and study classical art or join a dance company away from home. Most of this was due to my desire to please others; to present a degree and be praised for my accomplishments. Over the past year especially I have come to appreciate the security and protection of my home; my parents' continual guidance and wisdom, the closeness of a family relationship, the added liberty of no college or living expenses.

Skeptics can call stay-at-home daughters isolated and ignorant (as counter culture women, we can take it), but no 18 year old, home schooled or public schooled, can guarantee her maturity and strength to battle every negative influence she encounters away from home. Nor can we say that stay-at-home daughters are sheltered from life experiences and struggles simply because we live at home, watched over by our fathers.

I don't need a professor to learn what I want to

It seems to be a common misconception among critics that living at home means a girl does not get a job, take classes, and interact with other human beings. I am not restricted to socializing with my family, or working simply in our kitchen during the day (though I'm definitely not opposed to it). I have waitressed, teach ballet, volunteer at our Church office and am coordinating a volunteer group for a local campaign (Beau McCoy for Legislature).

My father has also encouraged me to consider taking classes at a community college someday, and I have many new skills, talents and jobs I want to learn over the next few years. My interests have always been with the arts; mainly ballet and violin. I also enjoy sewing, cooking, embroidery, reading, and would like to continue expanding my knowledge in history, science, math and language.

The best part about all this is, there are endless books and resources to help me learn - without a professor to look over my shoulder and tell me what to read or study. Self study requires a lot of diligence and focus, but almost all of the subjects I have an interest in learning are more than possible to learn on my own.

I can't afford the expense, and don't want secular teaching

While expense is definitely not the major reason I'm staying at home, it's a pretty big factor! Any college I would go away to would have to be a Christian private college, and I'm afraid Patrick Henry just isn't within our budget! How nice to be able to save my money for future expenses, like a home when I marry or a savings account for any emergency that comes up.

There's no way I would ever consider going to a secular college. You may call me weak; I don't think that I could handle being bombarded every day with an evolutionary and biased worldview, and consistently come out making the right conclusions and being untouched by it all. Granted, some classes are more generic and some professors more balanced, but for the most part college classes consistently teach an anti-Christian and very liberal worldview. However, being able to choose my own books and resources and take questions to the best professors ever (my parents!) has been a successful process yet, and without the anxiety of always having to be on my guard for untruths and biased opinions.

I want to be available

Something I always looked forward to during High School was the freedom to drop everything and focus on a special project or opportunity when it arises. One such example would be campaigning. Homeschoolers have been extremely influential with political campaigns simply because we are able to put school aside for a few days to volunteer.

Generation Joshua offers academic courses and creates political groups for teens, and since 2004 has been coordinating Student Action Teams for conservative candidates across the U.S. This year there will be many different teams campaigning. Meeting candidates, making phone calls, and being a part of the election process is an excellent educational opportunity; not to mention character building and learning to communicate effectively

This Fall my sister and I will be coordinating a group of teens to help out with the Beau McCoy for Legislature campaign; an opportunity we never would have had if we were attending college. As a single young lady, I want to be available to help when needed; to support my father's role at Church as an elder and help minister to families, to take part in performances and festivals, to be involved in ministries by writing, volunteering, and traveling.

One adventure my family hopes to take (soon!) is building a straw bale house on an acreage. This means designing a home, building together, landscaping and gardening. I'm excited to be available to work with my family on such a project; to design rooms and plan orchards and gardens. The opportunities are endless for young ladies who offer themselves for service to others and the Lord.

Conclusion

College is not inherently evil and I know many beautiful and Godly young women attending college away from home. I rejoice that we are free to pursue our interests as we feel led. For myself, I believe the Lord has led me to stay at home, and I couldn't be happier in another place. As I want to be available for projects that come up, so I want to be available to get married when the time comes. I have so many dreams and aspirations, but my greatest is to become a wife and mother for the Kingdom.

So in the end, what is to become of all the weird looks from shocked strangers at my occupation? My prayer is that the Lord's work would be evident in me as I fulfill my calling at home. I want to politely yet firmly show that really, it's not the opinion of others that affects the things I do and say. While it may be a trifle annoying to be asked that inevitable question for the 577^th time, the Lord knew there was a reason for it, and I choose to believe it's for His glory and not my own.

Rebelution Book Bomb

Read more here

Blogger meetup

Lincoln, Nebraska State Capitol

Tuesday, February 26th

A young lady in a purple sweater stood against the brick wall as the chamber doors opened and parents and children of all ages poured out into the capitol rotunda, her face intent and her eyes scanning the moving crowd. Not quite sure of the details on her contact, she stood discreetly to the side, unnoticed by the hundreds of people filing past her.

A young lady with brown curly hair and brown eyes, wearing a green sweater caught her eye briefly before walking past her to wait at the corner. They stood there with their backs to the cold brick wall, watching… scanning… waiting. Then a young lady not too much unlike the one in green (wearing a pink shirt) smiled as she and the purple agent reunited, after having met one another at a super secret clandestine meet up a month prior.

But wait; the agent in pink also happened to be the blood relation of the agent in green standing off to the side; and unbeknownst to the two reunited; agent purple’s own contact! Greetings were exchanged and top secret information shared before agent green and agent purple discreetly melted off into the crowd once more, on their mission to save the world and restore sanity to a culture of chaos and disorder.

You can read agent purple’s secrets here

You can read agent green’s secrets here

Rebelution '08

See you there!!

And whatever you do...

There's just something about standing with 2,000 Christian young adults, singing praise songs and talking about hard things. It's quite a struggle to stand against the tide; to differ in a large crowd, especially when that crowd is impassioned and filled with such a real desire as to make a difference and lead a rebellion for an awesome, worthy King. When roused and excited by the actions of so many determined people around us, it is so very hard not to conform. When filled with the Holy Spirit and led by God's grace, it is impossible.

Such rousing and discovery is what was experienced by many a young adult in Indianapolis this past Saturday, as two young men led the fourth and last Rebelution conference of 2007. Songs were sung in unison, people were led to Christ for the first time, lives were ministered to, visions and goals were set, and desires to "do hard things" were awakened, as Alex and Brett Harris, 18, spoke on God's call for young people to accomplish great things in our culture and communities.

During the four sessions the Harris twins and their father, Gregg Harris spoke on the ways we are hindered by our culture and how we can stand out and counteract the movement of low expectations. Alex spoke on being chained to our culture; many having grown up surrounded by popular ideas that teens cannot do hard or productive things, and then not realizing that the bond holding us to those ideas is simply a ridiculous fallacy that can easily be broken away from. Brett shared about the dangerous affects of labeling, and how low expectancies from adults and our culture can be overridden by an understanding and vision of what hard things are to us as individuals; not to those around us. Gregg Harris focused on character, and challenged rebelutionaries to question our motives as we seek to use wisdom for the furthering of His kingdom.

I know I was not the only one ministered to by the experienced speaking of these three Godly men, who raised my esteem even more by their humble, God-honoring attitudes and speech. It was the kind and gracious manners that Alex and Brett displayed when I met them and through the conference that made the most impression on me. Truly great and hard accomplishments must be accompanied by a steady heart, that knows and routinely admits to the lowliness of man, and unspeakable greatness of God.

It was a pleasure for me to meet the Harris twins over the conference, as well as friends and bloggers who are leading the way in this Rebelution. I met David who writes for Regenerated Magazine, Kristin of the popular blog "Spunky Jr.", and Bethany with Regenerated Magazine. It was fun to meet other bloggers (since, as everyone knows, Nebraskans are so terribly isolated), and just a thrill to be around so many Rebelutionaries. I am very excited about 2008 as I look forward to seeing the Rebelution come to my area, and spread even further across the States.

So, what now? Is this just another Christian conference, a one day adrenaline rush before we go back to our school and routine? Witnessing the humble and true intentions of the conference and it's leaders, I can say without a doubt that it's more than that. I believe God has blessed Alex and Brett with a gift of leadership that goes hand in hand with their desire to further God's kingdom, and give Him the glory. I believe that God has worked in so many hearts already through their ministry, and placed new and lasting desires in teens. God has worked in my heart and revealed desires and goals to me through the conference, and I know that with prayer and hard work, these desires will continue to grow and produce fruit.

It may be a common misconception to watch Alex and Brett's accomplishments, and consider them to just be more talented or ambitious than God has called you and me to be. May this never be the case; but may God continue to use the Harris family as tools in His hands, as He leads and guides us in our own great, awesome, and hard callings as Rebelutionaries.

Yours truly with Alex and Brett


The Nebraska/South Dakota/Iowa carpool group with Alex, Brett and Sarah Harris, and conference volunteers


Rebelutionary maidens


Me with Kristin

It's time for a Rebelution!

Ever since I started reading the Rebelution blog, I have been incredibly blessed and encouraged by Alex and Brett’s phenomenal writing. Until I found the Rebelution and was introduced to thought provoking articles and a large circle of like-minded bloggers, I confess that had not questioned much of the habits of my faith, family and culture. As I “met” many young teens around the U.S. who brought forth many questions and thoughts, and shared their personal decisions to differ from the world (and sometimes their family), I was inspired and awakened by my peers in a way I had not experienced before. I began to look at fashion and dress differently; not apart from the teaching of my parents, but more convinced that our standards of modesty was something I wanted to uphold and pursue of my own choice. For the first time I was really awakened to the idea of standing out and witnessing to our culture; even more as I saw my peers standing up, and realizing that “hard things” are not just for adults. Besides awakening a thought and desire I had all along, I was encouraged to be able to meet other teens who were so similar to myself in background and faith; a luxury I did not have in my small town.

So in many ways, reading the Rebelution and hearing of other teens helped to put to action the teaching and background of my family and faith. It was not only encouraging to read the writings and accomplishments of teens around the U.S., but also to watch the Harris twins set such high standards in their accomplishments; and as of late, in their conferences. I was not expecting to be able to attend a conference this year, but to my excitement a carpooling opportunity came up, and I was able to register for the Indianapolis conference, where I will be standing among 1,000 other Rebelutionaries on Saturday.

Truly, the Harris twins have accomplished a very big feat in holding these conferences, but as for me, it was a large step to be able to travel the distance to get to one! I know it will be so worth it, and look forward to meeting many brothers and sisters in Christ.

Do hard things… see you at the Rebelution.

Rebelutionary moms

Perusing recently through the insightful articles in the Practical Homeschooling magazine, I came upon an article written by a homeschooling military mom. HsKubes' is married to a Marine currently deployed to Iraq and posts insightful and encouraging updates on their schooling and learning as a family at home. It is especially inspiring for those of us who don’t have family members deployed with the military to watch this mother surrender the future to the Lord and continue in furthering His kingdom, despite the difficulties found in everyday life.

Recently HsKubes' posted a homeschooling giveaway pack that will be bestowed upon a homeschooling blogger on September 8^th. I would encourage you to check out her blog and take a peek into the courageous and amazing life of a family who knows not only what it takes to be learners and seekers, but sacrificial patriots as well.

Lessons from a King

King Alfred was ruler of England during the 9th century, and a remarkably good one at that. While reading a biography on his life I was impressed by the deep desire he had to learn from history and those who had gone before him. As a child his education and especially reading abilities was delayed in light of his royalty; and yet in his old age during his rule he felt strongly the lack of study he had done as a child and very passionately determined to gain knowledge of history as an adult. Below are the ending quotes from his biography by the Bishop of Sherborne on how King Alfred handled the lawmaking and ruling by his Earls and Precepts;

“For he (the King’s earl or prefect) knew, that in the king's presence no part of his wrong would be hidden; and no wonder, for the king was a most acute investigator in passing sentence, as he was in all other things. He inquired into almost all the judgments which were given in his own absence, throughout all his dominion, whether they were just or unjust. If he perceived there was iniquity in those judgments, he summoned the judges, either through his own agency, or through others of his faithful servants, and asked them mildly, why they had judged so unjustly; whether through ignorance or malevolence; i.e., whether for the love or fear of any one, or hatred of others; or also for the desire of money.”

Acute Investigating

How often are passing laws acutely investigated and examined nowadays? Despite the insane numbers of laws passed every year, I believe there is great folly in letting laws be so easily passed without a question. Therefore we should

Inquire

Or at least attempt to watch and be aware of what is being passed. We need a President who will not be content to let things slide as they have for years but keep a close watch on what goes on in our Senate.

Why judged so unjustly

The why of things passed and ruled is very important but is sadly ever brought up. Too often our Senators act as unquestioning leaders who allow those around them to pass the most outrageous laws man could create. Why do our leaders do the things they do? Is it for the love (of fame) or fear (of scrutiny or disapproval) of the people, or hatred (President, Christians, conservatives, homeschoolers, troops, etc.) of others, or the desire of money (power, etc.)? Questions challenging the why are hard to ask when for our leaders, who would much rather turn away and not see the truth about those around them.

“At length, if the judges acknowledged they had given judgment because they knew no better, he discreetly and moderately reproved their inexperience and folly in such terms as these: "I wonder truly at your insolence, that, whereas by God's favour and mine, you have occupied the rank and office of the wise, you have neglected the studies and labours of the wise. Either, therefore, at once give up the discharge of the temporal duties which you hold, or endeavour more zealously to study the lessons of wisdom.’”

Discreetly and moderately reprove

Corrections and reproof, though seldom given in our Senate and Courts, are not meant for humiliation or show of disdain. When corrections are made or authority challenged, I believe our President and those in authority to correct need to be very careful how they choose to communicate their displeasure.

To give up or zealously endeavor

These need to be the two options for those in leadership in our country. There should be no in between, no gray for those who don’t want to work to find the truth or do their research. We need leaders with guts enough to confront and threaten those who repeatedly and without shame fall short of justice and truth.

To study the lessons of wisdom

Proverbs 9:10 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” Apart from the word of God there is no wisdom, and this is where the folly of our leadership in America begins.

“At these words the earls and prefects would tremble and endeavour to turn all their thoughts to the study of justice, so that, wonderful to say, almost all his earls, prefects, and officers, though unlearned from their cradles, were sedulously bent upon acquiring learning, choosing rather laboriously to acquire the knowledge of a new discipline than to resign their functions; but if any one of them from old age or slowness of talent was unable to make progress in liberal studies, he commanded his son, if he had one, or one of his kinsmen, or, if there was no other person to be had, his own freedman or servant, whom he had some time before advanced to the office of reading, to recite Saxon books before him night and day, whenever he had any leisure, and they lamented with deep sighs, in their inmost hearts, that in their youth they had never attended to such studies; and they blessed the young men of our days, who happily could be instructed in the liberal arts, whilst they execrated their own lot, that they had not learned these things in their youth, and now, when they are old, though wishing to learn them, they are unable.”

To acquire knowledge or resign

When given a clear choice between knowledge or resignation, how many of our Senators or Governors would choose to study with great discipline the truth? Deception is widespread in our nation and I fear the numbers of leaders who would be willing to work for the truth are very few. Personally, the above is a choice I would love to see set before our leaders today.

To study night and day, whenever any leisure

The study and recitation of our fathers and leaders in history is really taken for granted and let to rest in our nation today. If we can’t even teach kids to like to study in our public schools, how far do you think our future leaders will go to find the truth? My guess is their priorities during leisure time will not be near what King Alfred had in mind.

Blessed the young men of our days

The Earls and Prefects centuries ago saw the great setbacks that a delayed or watered down education could cause, and I know they very deeply wanted to impart to our generations the importance of a strong and deep study and knowledge at a young age. Must we put ourselves through the same struggles our fathers went through, when we have the needed tools, abilities, and instruction right here in front of us?

…When they are old, though wishing to learn them, they are unable

Fellow rebelutionaries, I urge you not to take your high school and college educations for granted. It is true that our minds can take in and retain information better than when we are old. In this my last year of High School I have been suddenly hit with the realization that this step in my education is coming to a close, and I find it almost sad (and undoubtedly a little scary) in looking back at all the things that can be learned especially during the special years at home. You will never be this young again, you will never be at this stage in your life again. Whatever you do, don’t settle for what the world expects of you. Fight to learn; foster a desire to grow in knowledge, and maybe someday our country will not suffer the effects of a generation so greatly lacking in a vision to expand in knowledge and understanding of a world so fallen, and a God so just.

Proverbs 31 Slideshow

Knights Of Our Day

Every young lady has dreamt at one time or another of her Knight in shining armor; of the chivalry lived out in medieval times. Today, often knights are pictured as handsome young men who spend their days riding from castle to castle and rescuing the fair ladies. Doubtless such acts are honorable and to be admired by all, but I think often the honor and character of knights has been rather lost on the outward images our culture does so well in glorifying.

G.A. Henty is an especial author in painting an accurate picture of the lives young men lived as Knights of the Cross. In his novel “A Knight of the White Cross” he brings out well the duty of his selfless young characters, who live for so much more than pale-faced maidens in distress (though he never fails to end with the rescue of a gracious, courageous, and worthy young lady). In the beginning, young knight-to-be Gervaise is urged by his father to live for Christ;

“I trust that for some year after you attain manhood, you will expend your whole strength and powers in the defence of Christianity, and as a worthy knight of the Order of St. John.”

And before being knighted, Gervaise is counseled by a knight;

“Ever bear in mind that you are a soldier of the Cross. Avoid luxury, live simply and modestly; be not led away by others, upon whom their vows may sit but lightly; keep ever in your mind that you have joined the Order neither to gain fame nor personal advantage, but simply that you may devote the strength and the intelligence that God has given you to protect Christendom from the advance of the infidel.” (emphasis mine.)

That picture stuck in our heads of handsome and wealthy knights is not so accurate after all, in light of the simple and selfless lifestyles lived out by men 600 years ago. Knighthood can easily be compared to the simple, selfless, and pure lives lived by monks in their time. The images, stories and ideas we have in our day about rich and handsome knights is not so entirely accurate as their giving and chivalrous attitudes that are not stressed enough. Spending the majority of their lives living in humble service to their countries- battling Muslims and fighting off neighboring clans- they were not allowed to marry while in active service to the Cross. And yet their attitudes towards women were such as any lady, single or not, should admire and encourage. As a young Knight friend of Gervaise put it;

“… it is part of the education of a true knight to be courteous to women. It is one of the great duties of chivalry.”

Though we long to and take delight in sugar coating the tales of heroism of yesterday, the truth to be revealed is; what made the Knights such a legend of goodness and success was the hardships, struggles, and everyday duty that we find in our own lives, though doubtless living situations were rougher than today’s.

Such wonderful stories told of innocent, fair ladies and noble protective Knights! How we often long to be carried back to the day when we could roam the green hills and walk the castle corridors in the company of a people and culture so far from our own. And yet, Knights and Ladies are not so yesterday as often thought. If we will only draw from the courageous men and women of our history the lessons learned and virtues upheld, and rely upon the renewal and strength of a gracious King, we may transform our everyday life in a modern culture into another legend of chivalry and beauty.

May we, the teens of today, aspire to live as purely and honorably as those who are called to defend the honor or family, friends, and most importantly the Cross.

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!

Meeting my twin...

Yesterday I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting my "twin", Anna Lofgren of Alabama for the first time in the 11 months I have known her. I remember stumbling upon her website, and after finding out how similar we are sending her an email titled "it's your twin!" and we quickly became very good friends. There is so much we share in common; our birthdays, our interests, our visions and hopes for the future... our families, character traits and struggles. There is so much to say about our friendship and what it has become to me, Anna!

I have never had any real, close relationship with anyone outside of my family until I met Anna... and strangely enough, I met her on the internet. I remember praying as a kid that God would send me the perfect playmate, a "twin", and it has been such a blessing to find a kindred spirit in a sister several states away. God obviously had a plan for our relationship, Anna, and I am so glad He brought us together. May I be an encouragement and blessing to you as much as you have been to me.

Thank God for bosom friends!

Wait a second- I know them!

Several days ago I sat down to flip through the latest World Magazine, and saw that there was an article on 6 interviewed bloggers. “Okay, that’s nice”, I thought. But as I turned to the right page my jaw dropped. “Oh my goodness!” I exclaimed, though no one was around to hear. I knew those people (indirectly)! Teenage homeschooled bloggers

Alex and Brett Harris of the Rebelution

Jonathan McCarthy of Christian, Think!

Kierstyn Paulino of Politically Incorrect

Tim Sweetmen of Agent Tim Online

and Robert Wood of Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance

were the featured writers in the article. (Sorry, but to read the whole article you'll have to become a member!) Wow; I was excited. My family regards World Magazine as the best Christian magazine out there for current issues and news, and I was thrilled to see the faces of my peers and fellow bloggers in such a respected magazine. My sister claims I didn’t calm down for three hours, but when it comes to seeing such teens praised for their influence and work in society, I see that as a reason to get excited!

May we, as home-schoolers and young people for Christ, continue to set our standards high, and thus gain the respect of our elders.