October 23, 2007 by pamela.

I don’t generally comment about films, movies or books all that often for the sole reason that there is often great misunderstanding when one recommends a book or movie – especially when the recommendation is for only a portion of a book or movie and not the entirety. I’m not so sure any of us can ever blanketly recommend entirely any book or movie – especially if that book or movie deals with controversial matters… but some controversial matters are not personally controversial, but are socially controversial.

Such is the case with The Monstrous Regiment of Women. While I may unreservedly recommend it, I still reserve the prerogative to identify comments in the film that I might wish had been said or worded differently. But, mygoodness, I think the very same thing about my own writings and conversations… I think from time to time (okay, many times!): O, how I wish I had worded that differently or how I wish I hadn’t said such and such or O, my, I should have emphasized this point rather than that point. You know… all those conversations that play back in your mind long after the fact – maybe even years later.

Clearly, no film could aptly address all the consequences of ‘the monstrous regiment of women’ (or the unparalleled rule of women) in our society. Time and space does not allow for all that might’ve been said in the film or what can be said now, so, I believe it is incumbent on viewers to examine each aspect the film addressed and the consider how far reaching the ‘feminist movement’ has been in their own lives and how deeply they themselves have been ingrained to believe and accept unbiblical behaviours and lifestyles.

Oft repeated mantras become dogmas and believers are just as susceptible as non-believers in Christ to follow culture or adapt to society – and, really, this is to our great shame. And it’s because we have not known the Scriptures. Because of this, we then accept societal norms as ‘truth’ and attempt to line them up with Scripture instead of starting first with Scripture – a What saith the Scriptures? approach to life instead of the other way around: what saith the world? It’s happening all around us in the church today. Consider how churches are patterning themselves after the world instead of on the Word in an attempt to gain the world. No, this isn’t scriptural at all though it really seems like it should be! We’re very pragmatic in our approach to lots of things in life – church building and evangelism is no exception. But Jesus said that He will build His church. All the special programs and make-it-look-like-the-world so-that-the-world-feel-good-here techniques are completely unbiblical. O, they are no doubt an attempt to be right – but that’s the trouble with starting with society instead of starting with the Word.

My point in saying all of that is to demonstrate how feminism has become widely accepted even in – especially in — the church today. The myth of equality is accepted as truth – so much so, that perhaps at the first viewing of The Monstrous Regiment of Women one might bristle at the ‘archaic’ attitudes against women. One might be conditioned to such a point as to accept the feminist deception and think – wait… everyone is equal and every woman ought to be able to do whatever she wants.

But then when the film is finished, one might just take a step back and say: Wow! Women have been sold a bill of goods – have been duped into believing – and living – a lie! Maybe even saying, I have bought the lie, too.

Saddest of all, Christian women join hand in hand with those who live out the lie and deny God’s special design and calling for women. Christian husbands send wives off to work outside the home while they’re content with reversed roles and except in extreme cases of disability this ought not be. And in those extreme cases of disability, there can still be the proper balance of headship in the home even though the outward might look otherwise. The wife is not head of the husband.

Does this mean that women are never to have jobs other than homemaking? Does this mean that women cannot do whatever they want? Does this mean women never work outside the home? Does this mean men are to rule over women in every place? Does this mean that women are relegated to a subservient role to every man? No. What it does mean is that women are not to rule over men. Plain and simple. It means that God has designed men to lead – to lead their wives, their children, their homes and the nation. God has a specially designed order with specially designed benefits and blessings.

The counterfeit has stolen and damaged that design.

Posted in Society | Print | 6 Comments »

October 22, 2007 by pamela.

 As I watched the Gunn Brothers film, The Monstrous Regiment of Women, I was encouraged or inspired by the courage it took to write and produce the film. It’s quite a risk, in this day and age, to stand for the truth and to make bold statements that will garner a high volume of criticism – probably much more criticism than praise, really. Or, better said, the criticism will be so vitriolic that the praise will appear to be drowned out. But the praise will be there, no doubt, as more view the film and hear its message. I thought after I saw the film the second time that I’d need to view it a few times to see the wisdom of some of the presentation.

There were a few segments that I felt I might have done differently or might have omitted. But I see the wisdom for the inclusion. I might have chosen specific activities or specific measurable actions performed by the women in politics instead of addressing so much of the characters or appearances of specific women currently ‘in office’ in the US. But the issue of women controlling government so needs to be addressed, that I do see the wisdom of the segment devoted to exposing it. I just believe the manner in which the political aspect was handled perhaps didn’t convey the inappropriateness of women leading nations but instead seemed to convey a dislike of these women and had it been others, well, then perhaps it would be okay to govern.

The film’s not for the timid, or the wishy-washy, nor is it for the squeamish. As for younger viewers, I’d suggest extreme discretion unless the younger person is very mature – for the segment devoted to the heinous atrocity of abortion is exceedingly painful – both to view the graphic footage, but also to consider the magnitude of the industry and the ‘commonness’ of the ‘procedure.’ I believe we would see the most dramatic decrease in abortion deaths were every woman to see the procedure prior to taking pen in hand to give consent for the death of her unborn child.

So, the viewing of the film stirred up many of my long held thoughts.

Year after year I recognize more and more the offenses of the “feminist movement” and the damaging effects to, now several, generations of both men and women. I genuinely believe that women seeking what they perceive as power are being so misguided by ‘feminists’ or those who have actually led to the destruction and demise of femininity. The sin nature demands its own way - demands power. So women have been vying for the power to lead that was originally given to men. And then it’s as if women so longed for the place or attention of men that they decided the best recourse would be to do away with men - to be in their stead. By working against God’s marvelous plan, women have not received honour and ‘power’ but a blight instead. Women have become noisy, contentious and arrogant as they’ve sought to dominate and rule men.

One of the damaging aspects to liberation and feminism can most clearly be seen in sexuality and childbearing. Feminists, in the zeal to be free – free to do and be whatever they want to do and be have actually brought on an extremely insidious result and that is that women have been reduced to objects of gratification instead of precious treasures to be defended. They’ve traded the precious gift of creation for a lie: the lie that they can ‘have it all.’

That’s a lie.

Women cannot have it all… they’re not meant to, after all, for that was not God’s original plan. However… women can, and many do, have all of what God designed them to be and have and do. Feminists have degraded homemaking, childbearing and motherhood to such an extent that most young women coming out of school are inept to do the necessary work of homemaking and nurturing a family. It takes incredible skill, tenacity, perseverance and creativity to make and keep a home and to nurture up the next generation. Thanks to feminists, the most remarkable job is the most mocked. The skills required to do a remarkable job are remarkably lacking - thanks to those who disrespect homemakers the most: feminists.

Because women want to be, act like, say and do the same things as men, men’s natural instinct and role is squashed and the mannerly, loyal protection is replaced by crude gestures, disrespect, inappropriate behaviour and demeaning social activities - not to mention carelessness toward purity, the miracle of conception, pregnancy and birth. Instant sexual gratification has replaced purity and delayed gratification and instead of that actually ‘liberating’ women, it’s made them less…not precious in the eyes of men, they’re not revered, honoured and respected. Just look at what women are willing to do, say and be to be accepted by men… what they are (and aren’t) willing to wear to control men.

And then (for shame!):  Men have not stood up to say:
Shame on the public immodesty, stop the degradation of women! Go home - get dressed - stop showing your panties to the public - you go on home, put on some clothes that say you’re specially created by God to be a woman and I’m not going to let another man take advantage of your desire to be somebody! You already ARE somebody! You’re a Woman! You’ve got twice the job of a man anyway… you’re taking care of  NEXT generation you’re teaching the next generation who God is… how to care for one another, how to do things, how to be a family.  Wow. Now go on home. Big stuff ought to be going on there - get to it! Nobody should be gawking at and undressing you anymore! And no more laying around. We won’t have it.

But, no, a great many men have been relegated to spinelessness at the hands of overbearing women and women won’t let themselves be protected from themselves (and then are mocked for it).

Feminism has made the world hard – it’s made both men and women hardened, coarse and angry because both are fighting for (or against) what is or isn’t rightfully theirs. This pathetic imbalance of nature is actually working against women… making women cheap, lewd and at once: disrespectful and disrespected.

Where are the real men?

… just gettin’ started here.

Posted in Society, Potpourri | Print | 5 Comments »

October 21, 2007 by pamela.

We ordered, received and have now watched “The Monstrous Regiment of Women” and I thought it needful to make a few observations along with my recommendation to order this film yourselves and watch with your *older* children - read: older, mature, and sensible (not young children).

I have very few qualms about recommending the film to others. Here’s what I sent to the producers:

Thank you for this courageous film. I have now viewed The Monstrous Regiment of Women a number of times and each time am made more profoundly aware of the precious gift of womanhood and femininity and the depth of damage incurred by ‘feminist’ women who seek both power and authority over men and in society in general.

You have presented, on many levels, the ways feminism has not protected, venerated or esteemed women, but has actually brought great destruction, abuse and oppression to and on women and girls all over the world. Additionally, though painful to view, I appreciate that you didn’t hide or gloss over the repulsive, heartrending and sickening atrocity of abortion and the reality of the gruesome death of tens of millions(!) of babies.

The different perspectives of the many angles of feminism you have presented have exposed the dreadful effect of the literally monstrous and far reaching regiment of women and the sad legacy of deceit, loss and degradation feminism has left women. Feminism is insatiable and knows no bounds as your film so well documents.

I wish you well, and that the LORD will bless the work of your hands – the film, its viewers and those whose hearts will be turned to the Lord. Sincerely…”

 

[GET IT…  monstrousregiment.com ]

 

 

 

Posted in Society | Print | 1 Comment »

October 20, 2007 by pamela.

This might seem to be practically a nothing about nothing post… but, there really is something: loving concern for mothers and babies and new parents. Wes snapped this pic in Canada… and I told him I wish this were prevalent here in the States. I wish even the ‘thought’ was prevalent… the respect and admiration for those who are carrying or caring for precious bundles of love!

We had the sweet privilege of having a young mother of many here with us this weekend. And I watched as she lovingly and seemingly tirelessly cared for her newborn. So much to do… busy, lifting, wrapping, tucking, comforting… loving the baby. I observe the mama’s at the market… managing the load of groceries, laundry, children, schedules, diapers, traffic, laundry and dinner. And more laundry.  All in a day’s work.

Being mindful of all of this, I more and more work to look for ways to be of help — even just holding the baby is a help to a mama. And setting aside that parking space to ease the mother’s workload? Ah….. that’s big help!

So, maybe the next time you’re at Costco and you spot that wow-what-a-perfect-spot parking space right near the door and you see in the other car a mama with children and you’re vying for that space… go ahead: let her have the space.  Think of it as reserved parking for an elite group.  Even if she didn’t have her turn signal blinking.  Wave her in… Especially if it’s raining.

Posted in Potpourri | Print | 7 Comments »

October 18, 2007 by pamela.

Like the unannounced, quiet entry and the subtle dominance of the abortion indu$try, so also, I believe was the gentle entrance and indoctrination of acceptance and embracing of magic. No, not that magic was new - by no means - especially when we consider God’s Word and His dealings with magicians, sorcerers and diviners throughout; but the universal acceptance and endorsement of magic introduced by Walt Disney is predominately accepted and permanently etched in history and in the daily lives of countless millions. Just consider one of the most common family vacation dreams or destinations… Disneyland or Disneyworld.
I was briefly scanning Doug Phillips’ blog and his comments on the role and influence of Walt Disney in and on our society. He said,

The scope of his cultural legacy is truly massive, impacting everything from our nation’s vision of childhood, family life, and gender roles, to the meaning of a happy family vacation. But his legacy — both positive and negative — has largely gone unexamined by Christian theologians, cultural warriors, and filmmakers.”

I remember something like sixteen years ago our family had the great, or so I thought at the time, great privilege of going to Disneyland for two days as our boy had won a contest and subsequent trip to Disneyland for his family.   It was amazing.  (Our stay with our family was my most favourite part of the trip! I will never forget those days!).  Anyway, It was to our children, the trip of a lifetime… a dream come true.  Just like Magic!  In so many ways, it really was a delightful time and was matched only by the wonderful warmth, sunshine and family time we thoroughly enjoyed - it was actually quite surreal as the vacation time was so opposite our life and difficult financial circumstances at that time.

But there was another thing that happened during that trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth” — it was the inescapable, unparalleled feeling of oppression and darkness. The realization that magic isn’t cute - it’s deadly and it’s counter to or in opposition to God’s holy Sovereignty. It was that feeling that led to my personal decision to never go there again and to never promote “Disney stuff” in our home. I’m not afraid of it - I’m not a disneyphobe… I just won’t endorse it. There are gray areas, I suppose, to the actual outworkings of this decision, but overall, it’s the back magic, the “white magic” and the fairytales and all that goes with all of that could never/can never have a place in our home again. Though, quite honestly, subtle forms of magic and fairytales present themselves from time to time in our lives. I mean… I am sure I was born to be a princess… and, well, I am.

So, the decisions regarding Disney stuff came some years after our questioning and decision to have nothing to do with halloween. It’s not a cute day… it’s not ‘nothing.’ It’s not innocuous, it’s not innocent, and it’s not just a fun day to dress up. Dress up and play games tonight, if that’s the only motivation. But to ‘c-el-e-b-r-a-t-e halloween’ and ‘trick or treat’ is devilish foolishness. So what if people come to the door looking for free candy… you don’t have to take part in the day in any way… unless the Lord gives you some prompting to just talk to everyone that comes to your door and tell them some Good News … that way you won’t add to their decay… decay in their teeth or decay in their life. I just forget the day entirely - and make it a point to avoid shopping at stores in October. Especially thrift stores.

It’s interesting how things sort of come along in groups… sort of like getting understanding about a matter and it all spills over into other areas, activities or thoughts. Those things sort of all coincided with the decision to eliminate the cultural icon, Barbie, from our home, too. At first, she was so lovely… so fun to play with. I mean, I had Barbies, so they must’ve been okay… was my justification. But then I got to evaluating the doll… her dress(es), her appearance, her lifestyle and her face… her eyes… those alluring eyes… her immodest clothes… and I decided that her appearance, her lifestyle was actually counterfeit… it was counter to the lifestyle, character and qualities of biblical womanhood we were teaching in our home… so: out she went and all her stuff, too… her strapless gowns, her pink convertible and the promotion of her carefree lifestyle.

It was freeing to be able to replace all that stuff with things we wanted to teach and promote in our home… babydolls and items that promoted care and concern for babies, for motherhood and nurturing a family. It was delightful to promote what God was teaching me: respect for modesty, the role of women, wives and mothers, and to be able to communicate that to our daughter and then as each daughter came along, to teach them, as well.

In many ways, much of Disney, Barbie, halloween… and whatever other forces of darkness that are evident around us are all subtle indoctrinations of the enemy of God… the enemy of our souls.

Posted in Essays | Print | 10 Comments »

October 17, 2007 by pamela.

Well… about that lingering conversation, I thought I’d add a few lines.

I know there will come a time when I stop writing about our current “lingering conversation.” I know we’ll likely move on to other things. But I write about them — and whatever else I write about — for lots of different reasons. Mostly, I just don’t want to forget - and I know I will forget some of the small details of these days. Blogging’s sort of therapeutic for me. I don’t want to forget what God’s taught me, how He’s worked in these days, what’s going on and what I think of it all these days. I blog so that I will have a place to recall… I blog so that maybe someone else will be encouraged with things that have encouraged me. There’s a risk involved in sharing the personal details of life and I know that. There’s probably as much a risk of being understood as being misunderstood. There’s a risk to being transparent, but this is who I am… and this where I share slices of my life, and maybe something I write might help someone else too. So… I blog.

Wes had an appointment with the cardiologist today. It’s been a few weeks since we saw her and so we went through a time of sort of dialogging questions and answers. She gave Wes strong assurances that he could go back to normal work and any activities… even training for a marathon. We glanced at one another and smiled.

True story: On the way to the doc’s office, Wes said he wanted to ask what he would be free to do, what are his limitations, etc. and then said, ” It’s not like I am going to train for a marathon or anything like that… I just want to be able to do whatever the day requires.” ~smile~

So she answered Wes’s questions and gave strong rationale for the prescribing of each of the meds he is taking. And even humoured him when he questioned the validity of some of the rationales for the meds. But he agreed to take them - and to continue taking them. What was interesting to me was her favourable comments regarding some of the things he had begun taking (fish oil, green food, red yeast rice) and in particular: red yeast rice. She said there were many studies showing very favourable results from taking red yeast rice. And she went on to share some benefits. (Our sincere thanks to Kelli for her studying up on heart stuff - and more - for us!)

I had suggested to Wes that he not eat b’fast just in case they wanted to do some tests. When he was told they’d need some lab work, they asked if he had eaten yet today. O, so glad he hadn’t! He hasn’t gotten the lab results from the ekg or blood work but it seems quite certain that had there been a problem he’d have heard about it.

So we left the office… with sort of glad sense of relief… sort of with a sense of new resolve: now we go on. We needed this - or we needed what we’ve learned from this. And it’s one of those bittersweets… you know, one of those things you come to terms with and as the doctor said this morning, it’s a time of mourning the loss of “where you thought you were and what you thought you had.”

I’ve gotten to the place where I am thankful… and I can see I needed these lessons. I very much needed them. It was as if I was given a gift that day in the hospital as I waited for him in surgery. I remember sitting in a waiting room in that same hospital ten years ago when Wes cut up his hand in a skilsaw and underwent several hours of reconstructive surgery… I remember the lessons learned at that time and how God demonstrated His merciful lovingkindness and abundant provision for me/us.

Well… so now I needed to learn new lessons… not lessons so much about God’s faithful provision and physical restoration and His protection of my husband as I needed to meet his mortality. Now I may well still go before he does, but I needed to come to grips with the fact there will be an end. And I needed to affirm that I know that I know that I know God is sovereign. I knew it… I’ve known it… but I needed to know it in this matter of love and life and my love’s life. I needed to come to grips with the fact that God’s way in the life and eventual death of my husband is perfect.

I will praise thee, O LORD,
with my whole heart;
I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
psalm 9.1

Posted in Heart stuff, More Slices of Life, Potpourri | Print | 2 Comments »

October 16, 2007 by pamela.

So… we seem to have a lingering conversation around here. When my husband comes in the room or we end up standing around in our kitchen… it’s as if we just continue this ongoing conversation… a conversation that sort of lingers in our minds day after day — now, week after week.A neon green appointment card is attached to a sheet of paper that hangs on the clip by the back door. That clip has always been there and holds whatever needs to go out to the mail box or it occasionally holds a check for a delivery or, now, it holds appointment cards. For the c-a-r-d-i-o-l-o-g-i-s-t. I know, I know… soon this will be ‘old hat’ and we’ll move on. This, as do most other ‘big deals’ in our family, will soon be as ‘normal’ to us as other things that are part of normal, everyday living. But for now, all this cardiology stuff is not normal, everyday living to us. Actually, I think I subconsciously believe that pretty soon all this will be over and things will go back to the way they were (whatever that was!).

Isn’t it interesting that we think we’re strong in the Lord - that we trust Him implicitly, that we leave everything in God’s capable hands and yet… well, and yet we don’t, do we? We intend to be faithful: honouring God in all we think, say, and do and yet, when life doesn’t turn out the way we thought it would, we falter.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I’ve been thinking of the way I always thought things would be… the way I thought things would end up. And things aren’t or haven’t quite turned out that way.

Eight years ago today was my father’s funeral service. I would have thought I’d have my father a long, long time. I thought things would have ended differently than they did. But they didn’t. I remember standing there at his service… I was giving a message that I hoped would both honour him and honour the Lord. I spoke of his life, his death and eternal life in heaven. No doubt there were people present who knew the gospel message but had never trusted Jesus as Lord. No doubt there were people there that day who still do not trust Jesus as Lord. God knows. I just knew I had a small window of opportunity to share the gospel, to share of God’s love and eternal purpose for man and to succinctly present the gospel message: the gift of salvation and eternal life in Jesus.

That salvation is all the more precious to me as the years pass… especially years in which things turned out differently than I thought they would.

Our lingering conversations… what would you want me to do with ____________ ?

Three weeks ago, when my husband had a heart attack, it was such a surprising thing — surreal, almost. I thought it was such an odd thing that had occurred — like something in a movie, like something in older relatives’ lives, not something in my life — not something in my husband’s life. Something for older women… not for me. I never would have thought that this is the way things would turn out. I guess I actually thought my husband was invincible and that he would live on much longer than I will. And that may well still be the case… but somehow, now, I think not.

So, when things don’t turn out the way we thought they would, what do we do then?

You know what I’ve been thinking? Praise God. Praise God that He does not tell us in advance the things we have in our future. Praise His marvelous name that we do not know, in advance, the way He has planned for us. Would we love Him? Would we trust Him? Would we praise Him?

What do we do when things don’t turn out the way we thought they would? Well… I’ve been mulling this thought over and over. This is a lonely time. And now I see this sort of thing’s been lonely for several of my friends at other points in their lives. And I missed it. I overlooked their plight. It’s not a Joni Mitchell: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone,” sort of time, but rather, it’s a lonely time - a no one knows/cares/understands what I’m going through sort of time. It’s a very personal sort of time; an “Omygoodness, my husband could have died and life as I knew it could have been over” sort of time. And only other women who’ve experienced the same thing can understand. And it’s a: wow, is life so over when it’s over –or– wow, is life so different when it’s different, sort of thing!!

So we have this lingering conversation. Wes walks into the room and another sentence is spoken. “By the way, _____________.

I come home and I say, I’ve been thinking…. if… well, if things go that way, then what should I do about ________________?

Day after day, sentences begin - with no introduction.

“Okay, so if _________, then what I will do is____________ and I will not________ and I will call_______ . Okay. No, I don’t want to get married to anyone else. No. I don’t want to think about___________ . Yes…. I will do that. Yes… I know, I will wait to do that. No, I don’t want to sleep with anyone else. Let’s forget all this happened. No, I will not change my mind.

A day passes… the conversation lingers.

“I have been with you longer than my whole adult life… and everything that’s happened to me has happened with you. I do not want to be alone to face the remainder of whatever’s going to happen to me and the children. And the conversation lingers…

He stands at the sink. “Her father had his first heart attack when she was six… the conversation lingers.

He stands at the cabinet. One bottle lid pops off, then another and another and so on until all the meds are in hand. Wow. What a difference a day makes. Into my once very ordered, very secure, very sure world… has come amber bottles with foreign names and expiration dates and warnings… Strange, what a difference a day makes.

The lingering conversations. Day after day.

“I want the older boys to know I’m proud of them.

The conversation lingers.

“I’ll always love you.

O, for heaven.

Posted in Heart stuff, marriage | Print | 5 Comments »

October 16, 2007 by pamela.

 I’ve read a bit more about SB777 since I commented on it a couple of days ago. And surely, since I received a strong negative comment here (which I sincerely appreciated, btw). And I’ve had more time to mull over the potential consequences or outworkings of the bill/law. I’m not “carried away with the witch hunt,” but I do wonder what led to the necessity to craft a new bill/law? The further protection / endorsement of a class of people is the only reason I can see for the crafting of the bill/law.

Now, I do see some of the problematical views expressed by the writer of the WND article and some of the author’s personal interpretations of what was just signed into law. I see the strong slant - pointing out the potentials of the law. And though the intent of the law *seems* to be non-discrimination, I cannot see it that way. I do not see non-discrimination at all. At all. Non-discrimination bills/laws are already in place. Clearly in place. The wording of this newest piece of legislation is additional protection for classes of people/thoughts/activities that are clearly ambiguous and undefined (for that, I suppose, would be discrimination!).

I am reading attacks against Christians or Conservatives being accused of twisting the words of bill to fit their argument(s). I wonder why the bill was necessary when non-discrimination is already a legal protection. I’d say that crafting a bill to protect people/activities is actually a protection that discriminates against long held truths, ideals and order – thus is a promotion, protection, endorsement of special interest groups with ambiguous attributes. Yes, even though those actual words are not in the bill.

May I say that this ambiguous bill/law is the catch-all protection for special interest groups or of people and/or activities and as such, effectively reverses other laws that are already in place that protect people from discrimination. It is not difficult to imagine the scenarios that will likely take place now with new legal license to cite discrimination when “non-discrimination” clauses or “hate-crimes” clauses have been clearly twisted to fit an agenda or argument in the past – this new law just amplifies or enlarges the special protection for special interest groups. So, then, the writer of the WND article was not making unfounded assumptions or leaps of imagination when stating what appear to be obvious repercussions of the bill/law.

I know it seems offensive when I write against laws such as SB777 signed by Governor S. in California. If I were ramping up the evil, I might say something like Gov. S ought to be burned at the stake or something ridiculous like that – and I didn’t, nor would I, say that. To say or think that would be evil. To point out problematical laws is not evil. And when I comment about people who (are intolerant of) redefine their own (assigned from birth) gender and when I question legal protection for their personal interpretation of their ‘gender’— truly, that’s not bigotry. Homosexuality is an abomination. So-called “transgender” is an assault on God’s design. As far as bigotry and hate pointed at my “fellow man” I must say, I am pointing out what I’m seeing are trends against God, against His holiness, against the family, against people who follow Christ - or more specifically, against Christians and the Bible. I don’t treat people like they are “lepers out to get us” - but I do take a strong stand against things that destroy, alter, shame or reject God’s design and blaspheme His Word.

I believe what we must see and stand against are not only the words of the bill, but the intent — the actions those words will be translated to include and mean. When a bill is signed into law, and when the literal words of the law are ambiguous, then, naturally what will occur or be used as leverage in an argument/lawsuit/etc. will be one’s own personal interpretation of the law. And… as far as discrimination goes, what will likely occur in the “public school” will be discrimination against Truth and promotion of what the Bible clearly defines as sin. When sexuality or gender is expanded to mean or include ‘perceived’ then the vagueness of what the discrimination could possibly be is truly subjective interpretation rather than objective truth. A person’s gender is assigned (or known) at birth and though a person may feel another way, the latter does not define the former.

Interesting to me is the oft used argument, hating sin / loving sinner. I understand the intent but it’s flawed at best and at worst, it’s not Biblical. I know we wish that Jesus had said it. Just like we wish that the Word had said, “God helps those who help themselves” when we’re plowing ahead with an exciting agenda. Only God is capable of hating sin and loving sinners. We’re truly incapable of such love. But Jesus in us helps us love when we don’t “feel like it,” or when we cannot find something lovely or when we have nothing… it is Christ in us - the hope of glory - that loves others… the unlovely, the unlovable, the lost and the saved.

So as far as hating the sin… and loving the sinner… I understand the sentiment and have even said the words or didn’t stand against them in some up-against-a-wall situations in the past. But I must ask, is it truly loving to ignore sin? to wink at sin? to excuse or tolerate sin or worse: to not call sin: sin? When sin is taught, tolerated, required, coddled or protected, then really… the argument to “love the sinner and hate the sin” is a moot point. And it’s not love.

Hate the sin - and love the sinner is one of those guilt trippy things that is tossed at Christians to silence the argument and squash arguments (and Christians). Further, I believe that it is erroneous to attempt to apply that argument to discrimination - especially to such an ambiguous or wide-open-for-interpretation law such as SB777. Here’s a prime example of the silencing of Christians whose straight talk message doesn’t line up (no pun intended) with the protected class.

Defending this bill/law demonstrates the deep inroads made by those who have a complex agenda to destroy God’s intentional design and God’s presence and force accommodation to that agenda.

With your 777th reason to homeschool, remember God’s purpose may seem to be thwarted. But it won’t be. In the end, it won’t be.

Posted in Homeschooling, News DuJour | Print | 4 Comments »

October 13, 2007 by pamela.

I’m looking forward to watching this film… for many years, my heart’s desire has been to encourage women to be women as God designed, not feminist, but feminine; so that, in the end, the Word of God is not blasphemed. The film? The Monstrous Regiment of Women. See a clip here.

I think it’s both discouraging and shameful to watch the decline of femininity and the assault of things feminine and modest and the demoralization/degrading of women — especially by the very ones who purport to be championing women’s rights. I say degrading because when a woman is lead to believe her work and worth are actually contrary to her God-given design and purpose — well, that’s degrading. The more this occurs, the less ‘rights’ women really have and the less honour and nobility as well.

Probably the saddest of all, the most egregious of all is the foolishness bound up in the heart or way of the mainstream church today - as this foolishness flourishes, the lack of understanding, lack of knowledge of the Scriptures, lack of respect for God - or a low view of God, and lack of wisdom is taking the mainstream church today down a slippery slope of both defiance to and of the redefining of God’s clear Word.

Psalm 11.3 “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

Liberate: To set free or release from bondage. [and I’m amazed at the dictionary definitions that also include things like: freedom from oppression, to give equal rights to or freedom for women and minorities.]

Though semantics plays a great role here, let’s understand that truly, a genuinely liberated woman is one who knows the LORD and knows and obeys the Word of God — Liberated from the bonds or bondage of sin and death. Then think of the cultural bondage women are subjected to. Think of the bondage of fighting against God’s design… living outside His order. That’s bondage… and yet, it’s the lie that women are being told every day (that they can be liberated and free by being “equal” with/to men) - it’s the lie of “women’s liberation” and truly, misery loves company and needs it, too (to propagate the lie). The lie is that being a feminine woman, a keeper at home, a wife, homemaker/mother, teacher of children, etc., etc., is bondage - something from which to be liberated.

Really, a truly liberated woman is free in Jesus… free to be the woman God designed her to be. So called women’s liberation is not liberation at all… it’s bondage to fighting against creation and purpose, and it’s fighting against God’s precious gift of womanhood - a life that is not in competition with men, but a life that is in completion of them. A truly liberated woman doesn’t fight to be in the man’s place - no! a truly liberated woman fights to be good, to be chaste, to be discreet, to keep her home, to love her husband, to love her children… all of these: that the Word of God be not blasphemed.

O, for a thousand tongues to sing…

Posted in Society, Potpourri | Print | 9 Comments »

October 13, 2007 by pamela.

I think palindromes are cool and have lots of fun looking for creative palindromes - but especially fun are long ones that also make sense! The easiest way to teach children to spot palindromes is to start with words they know… Pop, Mom, Dad, Tat… the, eventually they’ll get things like madam, level, and radar. Then on to a couple of words like: race car, stack cats… and on to: ” Too bad I hid a boot” or, senile felines. Always encourage children Try New Things - you’ll remember that: TNT!

You can go on to teach palingrams… sentences that read the same backwards or forwards: He was, was he? And then you can distinguish even further a word palingram and palindrome, too: “I did, did I?” See?

Then there are names… Tat, Lil, Elle, Bob…

Speaking of Bob… and I think his name probably got him interested in palindromes a very young age. Kids with names like that do think it’s pretty cool!

Take a look: bob-dylan-palindrome.htm
You’ll like watching this one… especially if you’re a Dylan fan - and if you’re not, you just might become one. His music and style is very unique and unmistakable. He sort of gives everyone the confidence that no matter how they sound, rhyme or strum, they, too, can be musical! (let it load and turn up your speakers - especially if you’re a Dylan fan)

Palindrome
pa·lin·dro·mist, noun
pal·in·drom·ic,
pal·in·drom·i·cal, adjective
pal·in·drom·i·cal·ly

* A line that reads the same backward and forward,” c.1629, from Gk. palindromos “a recurrence,” lit. “a running back,” from palin “again, back” (from PIE base *kwel- “move round,” with notion of revolving, cycle) + dromos “a running.”
* A segment of double-stranded DNA in which the nucleotide sequence of one strand reads in reverse order to that of the complementary strand.

Palindromes are fun for children to both see and experiment creating. It’s a great creative writing exercise and great for printing, too.

Palindromic Phrases:

Did I do, O God, did I as I said I’d do? Good, I did!
A car, a man, a maraca.
Sir, I demand, I am a maid named Iris.
Was it a rat I saw?
We’ll let Dad tell Lew.
A dog, a pan, a pagoda.
So may Obadiah, even in Nineveh, aid a boy, Amos.
Madam, in Eden I’m Adam.
Madam, not one man is selfless; I name not one, Madam.
So many dynamos!
A rod, not a bar, a baton, Dora.
Stop, Syrian, I see bees in airy spots.
A Toyota!
Egad an adage!
Marge let a moody baby doom a telegram.
Won’t lovers revolt now?
Yawn a more Roman way.
Yo! Banana boy!
Never odd or even
A man, a plan, a canal. Panama.
A six is a six is a six is a six is a
No, it is open on one position.
No, it is opposed; Art sees Trade’s opposition.
No, it is opposition.

My favourite palindrome? Hannah.

And the of course: Did Hannah say as Hannah did?
?did hannaH say as hannaH diD

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October 9, 2007 by pamela.

This autumn’s sure brought a strange season of sorrow… and though I’ve often said, sorrow skips no home, it seems its presence is far more prevalent in recent weeks. So much sorrow… so much loss. Though some loss is expected, the sorrow is never really conceived until it washes over the home… then, its intensity is overwhelming. Sorrow’s not only in death and loss, it’s in change and disappointment, sickness and disability. Sorrow’s so intensely personal and yet touches everyone who’s associated in some manner to the circumstances at the center of that sorrow… so sorrow’s sort of a community thing and is far reaching.

I’ve thought on the unexpected assault of sorrow and grief a lot lately as I think back a little more than a couple of weeks ago to the memorial service for our friend and all that’s happened in this relatively short space of time. And in this space of time I’ve mentioned to many: you never know when the loved one you enjoy today will not be around anymore. In a seeming moment, life changes and is never the same again.

Whenever I see the television reporter’s van at our little airport here in town, I think: O, no. Sometimes I know my: “O, no” is related to the ever ongoing saga of the proposed airport expansion and the heated tension in this community over all the ‘what if’s’ surrounding the impact such an expansion would possibly bring to pass. But I knew yesterday’s presence of the television reporters had nothing to do with the expansion. I knew there had to be some major problem. Returning home, I had more confirmation that something ‘really big’ had happened.

Most of the time when friends face loss or trials, my answer or my action is to make food. And when I see lots of cars, lots of food. So, that was yesterday. Our neighbors waited; cried and watched and waited, prayed and cried as they waited for news of the whereabouts of ten people aboard a skydiver’s plane that had disappeared and was presumed to have crashed in the Cascade mountains on Sunday night. That was the reason for the reporter’s hanging around the airport all day yesterday and this morning. But this afternoon, they’re no longer waiting for answers - at least not answers to the question of the location of the plane or if there were survivors… and their grief is inestimable. The plane with its pilot and nine passengers had crashed and none survived. Now, I suppose, their questions will likely only be answered in eternity. And for now, they’re left grieving… the loss of many things, many hopes and dreams. Of those friends, all they have are the sweet memories of those who were ‘family’ to them.

The most recent news piece is here.

In our Bible study this morning, we were so impressed with the many references to the holiness of God - the many references to praising God, to trusting in Him and rejoicing in Him. O, how I pray the families affected by this horrific tragedy will know the peace and comfort of the Lord and that He will minister to their hearts in this time of tremendous grief and sorrow.

All of these things serve to remind me - us - of the brevity of life and the uncertainty of days. And one thing is very certain… just as we shall all face sorrow, we shall all face our own end, the death of this life. And we will all meet the Lord. And we will all give an account. And eternity awaits us all. Eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. And the most sobering thing is that those who do not know Jesus will not spend eternity in heaven with Him but will be eternally separated from God. This is the record of His Word.

1John 5.4-13

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Sorrow skips no home… but in Jesus there is hope and life and peace.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away. —The Revelation 21.4

Posted in family/friends events, More Slices of Life | Print | 3 Comments »

October 7, 2007 by pamela.

Another drawback or disadvantage of not having family traditions is that life happens and sometimes you’ve just done things one way or another simply by default. It’s not yo fault, it’s default. Take being Swedish or German or Norwegian or Russian or whatever… there are wonderful traditions that are unique or particular to that country or culture. I’m not so sure what American culture is…. or what things are particular to Americans as far as family and/or traditional or distinguishing customs go. Maybe bigger-better-more. No… bigger-better-more really is a universal thing… it’s just that the bigger-better-more may not necessarily be a tangible or material thing… it may be simply an achievement or an accumulation of knowledge or skill or whatever.

Okay, so now where was I going with all that? O, yes. I have been thinking a lot about names… what other people call us says a bit about what they think of us or what we think of what they think of us and so on. Lemme give you an example: Say I have a particular pet name for you and I call you: Dear…. I may sometimes call you Deary, or Dearest, or My-dear. Those would be sweet and the intention, sweet. But think for a moment the times you might have heard: “Yes, dear.” It actually comes out Yeeeeeeeeeeeaaahhhssssssssssssssssssssssssssss, deeeeeeir. Sounds kind of like a disgusted sigh. Think of the same statement: “Yes, dear” said in a sweet way and you understand the inherent love in the lilting tone.

In recent years I have been very quiet about a name… my name. Might be your name, too. It’s Grandma. Now, I don’t mind one little bit being a grandma or even being called grandma. That’s not what I mean… but I must say that sometimes I don’t like the sound of that name… and worse: the occasional, almost mocking nature of references to grandmas. It doesn’t sound like the sweet: Gramma… that Grammy sounding name or the sweet sound of Nanna or Mama. Nope, sometimes people make grandma sound pretty derogatory. I think you might know what I mean… especially if you’re a grandmother yourself: Someone meets you and discovers you have children who have children of their own… and you hear: So, you’re a graaaand-mah. Trying to look past the condescension, you muster up a sweet: Yes!

So, back to those traditions… if you’ve got them (those special names given to grandmothers), wonderful! If you don’t have them, then you’ll likely wear the default name: Grandma. So, I’m thinking that what women ought to do is think long and hard about what they want their name to be… what they’ll want their grandchildren to call them - and if they’ve got lots of children, then they’ll likely have lots of grandchildren and it sure would be a whole lot simpler to have one name you call yourself - that special name your grandchildren call you.

I asked our girls recently to be thinking about what they want their children to call me (when they have children). For, I recognize that, most likely, what they want their children to call me is probably most important…. probably even more important than what I want their children to call me. And… just bcz the firstborn’s children got to “name me,” doesn’t mean that’s the name I have to have - if it’s contrary to the girl’s wish. I say this bcz it sure seems to me that mothers and mothers-in-law are two entirely different sorts of grandmothers in the daughter’s and daughter’s in law’s eyes - so, that’s my rationale for asking our daughters to be thinking of the name they want their children to call me.

So, naming the grandmother. If tradition doesn’t do it… better start thinking about your own!

Posted in Grandparenting, Family | Print | 10 Comments »

October 6, 2007 by pamela.

So… a late Saturday morning ramble… over a particularly delicious cup of coffee that I didn’t make (thank you, Kathryn, Mmmm mmm mmm). Being away from home this week has made me increasingly more appreciative of the things that make home: home. I was keenly aware this past week that there are wonderful things that are and that happen at home that aren’t and don’t happen anywhere else. The familiar makes home: home. Memories and children - children and memories… these are what make home: home. History makes home: home. The Lord makes home: home. The familiar, the security… the acceptance, the freedom to say and do and think things - these also make home: home. Or, rather, the freedom to say and do and think things without fear or with confidence of acceptance… well, these are what make home: home. Confidence of acceptance… what a wonderful thing… home is.

So… it’s so good to be home. O, and, don’t get me wrong… it was good to have a little time away, too. But the very cool thing was that the ‘gettaway’ wasn’t to get: away. It was to run to, and not from, something… it was to go to, and not away, from something. But, even still, though it was a tremendous time… a wonderful place to be and a delightful way to spend days and was very profitable and refreshing… it still wasn’t: home.

Home is where the good things are… home is where the good times are… home is where the sweet happens.

Sadly, I know this isn’t always true in every home. And, for many women, home is really the last place they want to be. So, through the week I have been mulling over… what makes home: home? and what can women do (or what can men do) to make home *the* place to be - *the* place to *want* to be?

This thought, or these thoughts actually, was on my mind all week as we spent time away on a semi-working holiday. We were learning a new webpage design program and were putting together the contents of the site. It’s slow going for me… bcz I can never seem to make a decision and stick with it… and the learning curve is steep for me. But my husband is patient and kind and flexible and loving and on and on. Along with our long, long talks about life and the season ahead, we talked about what we want to accomplish. I don’t know that we needed to get “away” to do this and I don’t know if it took a heart attack to do this or just what… but I do know that the Lord is surely directing the path… and we’re just seeking to order our steps aright.

What a delight to be welcomed home last night… by our children and grandchildren. Home is… sweet home. Home is where sweet happens.

Posted in Home Sweet Home, Potpourri | Print | 2 Comments »

October 4, 2007 by pamela.

Several weeks back, we made some plans for a little ‘working holiday’ away from home. Now… this has providentially been a real blessing - not just bcz we love to spend time here, but also has been a ‘forced rest’ for Wes. We’d originally thought we’d come here a bit later in the year or after the first of the year… but taking into consideration both Kathryn’s and Timothy’s departures (at different times) to Africa, we thought we’d do this now. Well… in truth, I actually thought it might not be a very good idea and even voiced my sort of nervous concern to the cardiologist… and she promptly said: Go! Whatever you need to do to get rest, eliminate stress and not go back to work… that’s a good thing to do (again, candidly here, I was not relieved). Wes was relieved. Though he’s a swimming pool contractor, he really does not like swimming. At all. Isn’t that funny? But… give him a spa and a sauna or steam room opportunity and he’ll like that!

And so, here we are. It’s a wonderful place to spend some time… such a radically different place and pace than home. And bcz we’re not too fond of crowded places or swimming with others, we like that the pools during the week are practically empty, very calm and quiet. In a very peculiar way, I’m even liking the misty weather (even though that’s one of the drawbacks to vacationing in the “off-season”) and the cooler days.
I’ve since come to see that Wes sure did have excellent foresight to make these plans to be here while the Sand Sculptures are still ‘on display.’ Harrison Hot Springs was the site for an international sandcastle building competition that took place in May and the sculptures were available for viewing throughout the summertime Harrison Festival of the Arts… and fortunately, for us, even now! We’ve walked around the lake and then today we looked at each of the sculptures… amazingly, these many months later, the sculptures have withstood many hard rainstorms and high winds and still are quite impressive to see! Some of the sculptures have sustained a bit of damage, and some even have some moss growing on them! but, for the most part, they appear to have just recently been completed. I’ve no idea the tremendous time and skilled work that goes into the creation of these sculptures on the beach… they’re just such amazing things!

The leaves have turned and the air is crisp and we’ve had to bundle up as we’ve gone out for walks! I’m thinking that for the next several months, this will be our daily routine - just not here - we are going home - really! Now, isn’t this an interesting turn of events! Here I am the one who needs to lose weight, exercise and drop cholesterol - and it was my husband who had the heart attack! His blood pressure has been good for years and cholesterol level’s been good, too. He’d made many changes in diet in the last several months and eliminated the daily donut nearly two years ago. So… here we are today. He continues to make different changes and has regained strength and stamina and says he feels pretty good. I continue to… drink coffee.

Tomorrow’s another day… I’ll be home tomorrow. O, home… home sweet home - holidays are sweet… but home’s sweeter!

Posted in More Slices of Life, Potpourri | Print | 3 Comments »

October 2, 2007 by pamela.

Inscribed on our wedding invitation and sung at our wedding were the words (from the Book of Ruth): “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thess: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”

Well… those are the thoughts behind my words: “Whatever you want to do… that’s what I want to do.” I’m saying them a lot these days - and I mean the words like never before.

Though I have probably said those words a thousand times, I’m wondering: have I really and truly always meant them? In times past, I said them, but I’m wondering if the: ‘whatever you want to do, I want to do’ was sort of a qualified, ‘whatever you want to do - I might want to do.’ I am wondering theses days if I actually, more accurately meant: you can tell me whatever you want to do and I will go along with that plan… but I will also work to adjust it around my previously arranged plans. So, it was more: Whatever you want to do, I’ll probably go along with it - unless I get sidetracked or unless I forget or unless it doesn’t really work out for me or whatever.

I have strongly intended to follow him wherever he leads, to follow his lead -seriously. Day by day, through our whole marriage, I have sought to honour him in word AND in deed. But as I’ve inferred a few times in the last several entries: there’s nothing like a wake up call to turn the world upside down or totally rearrange the pieces on the game board… maybe, in reality, to show that the game is further along than you thought — that, literally, you’ve lost some pieces or some points and now have to change your whole strategy and game plan. Or get one.

I’ve been mulling over lots of things. Lots of things that seemed to matter: don’t. Lots of things that seemed to need attention: don’t. Lots of things I wanted to say or do really don’t matter all that much. When it all comes down to it, there’s really not a whole lot that matters a whole lot.

When it all comes down to it, here’s what matters:

Are you right with Jesus?

Is there any unfinished business in your life?

Are there some things you need to do today? Words you need to say today? Forgiveness you need to seek today? Forgiveness you need to offer today. Really…

The possibility of walking through the rest of my days alone has really abruptly assaulted and altered my thinking. I know my husband loves me - cares about everything that concerns me and seeks my best interest. I wonder if I have, by my actions when I am reluctant to do this or that thing, or to go to this or that place, questioned his judgment - questioned his love? So I’ve been asking the LORD to work in me - through me - to say and mean the words I say to my husband. I want the literal words of my mouth, the meditation of my heart and the intent of my actions to be: whatever you want to do.. . that’s what I want to do.

My husband and I took a long drive yesterday and talked. And talked. We talked about things we’ve only brushed the surface on in years past. I don’t know when we would have started talking about life and health and death, but here we are… talking about it all now.

So, I’ve been reflecting on the passage in a whole new light. I want the “whither thou goest, I will go” to be: whither thou goest, I *want* to go and I will go. Hand in hand with the Proverbs passage, “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” a sure foundation, or mandate for wives, can be seen. Doing him good… what can I do, what can I say, where can I go that will: do him good?

Posted in Heart stuff, marriage | Print | 2 Comments »