June 25, 2008 by pamela.

Homeschool law.

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June 25, 2008 by pamela.

I read with some interest a news piece about a man who is auctioning off his life or, rather, his lifestyle and material goods, on eBay. Seems Ian Usher wants a fresh new start.  I cannot help but feel sorry for the man… not for what he wants to leave behind, but for what seems to be an empty life.

During the last several days I’ve been helping my parents pack, move, unpack and settle a bit in their new home.  At some point after some conversation seemed to spark the thought, I wondered, for a split-second, what it would be like to pack up our whole house — everything and move to an entirely different place — to have a fresh new start somewhere else  (I don’t mean without my husband and children). Then I got a sick feeling inside… sick over what I’d necessarily have to leave behind, sick over the “life” we’d leave behind, sick over who I wouldn’t spend time with any longer and, actually, more sickening to me was the thought that in doing that, unless prompted and guided by the LORD, I’d know I was running from whatever it was He had for me to do here. So, as suddenly as the thought popped into my mind, I dismissed it entirely.  Thoughts like that are dangerous.  Thoughts like that are deadly.  Those thoughts are kin to thoughts of despair or thoughts of regret.  Dangerous.

Well, so, there’s a guy who’s auctioning off his worldly goods - not his life.  And… what’s interesting is that there are a number of people looking to take on a life or a lifestyle that someone else is done with, tired of — a life someone else seems to regret — and are willing to step in and pick up where Ian Usher wants to leave off. So, I then have begun to wonder… do people search eBay for new life?  Because… I’m thinking… whatever they’ve left behind to pick up what someone else wants to leave behind will likely have the same end result for them. Maybe?

Everybody’s looking for something.  Everyone wants something. I was looking at the plaques on my step-father’s walls as I was packing them up and thought… everyone’s done things for which they received some renumeration or some notoriety or some accolade and most of the time no one else knows, or few others know, about them.  And so stuff get packed away, put away in boxes or drawers and all those things begin to accumulate dust or memories fade and the once remarkable achievement floats out into the sea of forgetfulness.

My mother and I were sitting on her coffee table (what?!?! we were never allowed to sit on the coffee table!!) looking through slides… we’d slip one out of the bright yellow Kodak box and hold it up to the light - me, barely able to see the images; she, instantly described each one as if to see and remember them with perfect clarity.  But then, I realized, those were her babies… some things you never forget - no matter how many years have passed.

I know a lot of people would like new stuff or, at least, would like to get rid of old stuff and replace it with new stuff.  I know a lot of people would like to be done with trials and hardships, disappointment and failure. I know that sometimes life seems a bit arduous and along comes the “anywhere but here” temptation.

It is for freedom that Jesus came, that He died, was buried, rose again and ascended to heaven.  It is for freedom that He lives - and ever lives to make intercession for us.  It is in Jesus that we find our All in all.  It is through faith in Jesus that we have this calm and blessed assurance.  He alone tells us that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life… no man comes to the Father but by Him.  I pray that Ian Usher will know the love and salvation of Jesus and put his trust in Him.  I pray that all who are seeking new life will turn to Jesus and that this day will be a day of new beginnings.

So… new life?  It’s in Him.  A whole new life.

Wherever you go… He’s already there.

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June 1, 2008 by pamela.

That’s the title of an article in this week’s Parade magazine: Should Home-Schooling Be Illegal?

I don’t often read much of the Sunday paper - well, that is, unless an article catches my eye or unless there’s a series I’m following. So this week, as I was tidying up the table, I was just glancing through the different pages and sections and happened to open the Parade magazine to the page where the aforementioned article is posted in the IntelligenceReport (Parade.com/intel) column. There’s just something about certain words that catches my eye and when I see particular words in the same heading, I take notice! Today’s words? Home-schooling and Illegal.

The very brief article that opens with question: Should home-schooling be illegal? and closes with the question: Should parents need teaching credentials to home-school their kids?

You can vote in the poll here. I think the results might surprise you.

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April 28, 2008 by pamela.

I know that for many, the argument would be: there are no ’sudden’ shortages. There might seemingly be ’sudden’ shortages but such shortages would be better described that a realization that supply has been diminishing and media gets wind of it and produces news that sets off a hoarding frenzy. Think of y2k — it was coming… that date, January 1, 2000, was on the calendar. Slowly over time, people began to realize that the potential computer glitches had catastrophic implications around the world. So, in reaction, many stockpiled food, money, weaponry, fuel and water… and the countdown was on. And it passed.

I don’t say all this to say… all this shall pass and there’s nothing to be concerned about. But I think it’s important to not lose sight of, or faith in, the fact that God is our sovereign Lord. We might well get carried away with alarmists who have no hope and who believe every report that’s printed or broadcast over the airwaves.

Should we pay little, no, or some, attention to the news reports? Should we stockpile food and other natural resources? Should we join in the panicked frenzy and buy wheat, rice, corn and gold (and water)? Should we methodically increase food stores? These are questions for which, I believe, there are no hard and fast answers. I guess I’d just continue to encourage faithful patience and wisdom - and action when directed by the Lord to act.

None of these current troubles have escaped the gaze of the LORD and none has come as a surprising turn of events to Him. But, to be sure, a nation that will sanction the shedding of innocent blood will not go unpunished. Surely the goodness, faithfulness and righteousness of God cannot allow for blessing a nation that has turned away from Him - though He has so bountifully and so lavishly provided the abundantly fruitful and breathtakingly beautiful landscape of our nation - He is sovereign to care for His own but God is mocked - whatsoever a man sows, that will he also reap. Everything planted will yield fruit… good and bad - everything yields.

When decisions or reactions are made based on false information or assumptions then the resulting actions will be devastating. Consider all the actions and reactions based on Al Gore’s hypothetical ‘global warming.’ Consider the string of catastrophes as a result of his hypothesis that gasoline emission is destroying our planet.

So… instead of giving the same consideration to those who disprove so-called “global warming” our government (and others) offer an answer to the problem: use a different fuel. Many in government bought this inconvenient truth lie and mandated (and $ub$idize$) the reallocation of crops and the production of ethanol. But this then led to a dramatically decreased production of food for people… and animals. The food grown for animals was diverted. The food grown for people - diverted. Food costs have skyrocketed. The food grown for biofuel? O, it’s there alright - but the staggering amount needed to meet the demand cannot possibly be realized. Now, instead of fuel or need for fuel being the problem - now it’s the people. There is not enough food to meet the growing food needs/demands of all the too many people. Now, the “global warming” is exacerbated by the too many people driving too many cars using too much gasoline. Now, it’s too many people, too many cars, too high emissions… But what about all that goes into (and shortchanged by) the ethanol farmers are *required* to produce?

What if instead of genetically modifying food, instead of shipping food all over the world, instead of foolishly assuming Al Gore’s theory is correct, we were to repent of the atrocities that have marred this nation, return to the Lord, return to using the abundant and natural resources and replenishing and restoring them… and instead of sending food to other countries send missionaries to proclaim the gospel, make disciples of all nations, demonstrate the proper use of available resources for aiding the production and use of indigenous natural resources rather than shipping goods that spoil enroute. Instead of giving a man a fish to feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and feed him for a lifetime.

God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.”
Hudson Taylor

So… a genuine food shortage? I thinking, rather: misuse, a misguided approach and misallocation of resources. of. many. sorts.

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April 25, 2008 by pamela.

We had a little family outing last night… an exciting trip to a large grocery store north of our home. I don’t know if it’s bcz we don’t always take everyone with us to shop for groceries or if the trips for some are far and few between, but in recent years one of the great adventures is to go to the grocery store. Everyone’s going? a few called out with delight. So, that was our ‘family night‘ activity. Pushing the cart through the aisles, I was keenly aware of some of the empty and nearly empty shelves. Yes, the rice hoarding “shortage” had hit this store hard. Where there is normally quite a large volume of rice on lengthy shelves, last night the only evidence was a grain of rice here and there and the price tags lining the fronts of the shelves. Similarly, the shelves of assorted flour were notably sparse. The power of media.

I wondered… what will it be like when out and out panic sets in and people read and heed the warning to stockpile food as seen in the Wall Street Journal? The power of media.

Then I considered… if this is what media can do in a few days by what it’s sharing… what is not being shared, or rather, what is being twisted to produce a particular outcome?

Consider Matthew 24.4-12

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

Every day… the news seems bleaker and the trials greater. Everyday the cares and concerns of this life seem heavier — more burdensome. But God. But God. I think we forget that sometimes. The LORD tells us:

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14.1, 27

We may all be watching the price of things skyrocket, we may be dismayed at the tripling of the cost of wheat and oil in the last couple of years… we may fret about the unavailability of many things… we may feel the pinch so acutely that we fear we’ll not survive this mess. But we are not without a Saviour. We are not alone. We may have troubles and trials we’ve not known before. Things may be breaking, things may be wearing out, things may be disappointing us, people may be letting us down… But we are not without a Saviour. We are not alone. What’s being taught as “truth” in many “churches” may have you and me just reeling and we may feel we have no voice and yet must scream. We may be watching the dismantling of the Sacred Truths and the selling of the Truth and the buying and swallowing of lies… all of these things are abounding yet more and more. But we are not without a Saviour. We are not alone.

The enemy would have us to believe otherwise. Let not your heart be troubled.

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March 31, 2008 by pamela.

So, yesterday’s riddle as told by our niece who is an Orange County sheriff… about the woman who met her amazing dream man at her mothers’ funeral - but didn’t know his name or have his number. And then she killed her own sister… did you figure out why she killed her own sister a few days later?

Answer: She was hoping that the guy would appear at the funeral again. If you answered this correctly, you think like a psychopath. This was a test by a famous American Psychologist used to test if one has the same mentality as a killer. Many arrested serial killers took part in the test and answered the question correctly. If you didn’t answer the question correctly good for you.

If you still don’t know… then highlight the above to find the answer. I sincerely hope all the readers of this blog didn’t know the answer.

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March 31, 2008 by pamela.

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March 30, 2008 by pamela.

Once again, I’m thinking that the Pacific Northwest missed Al Gore’s ‘global warming’ memo — totally missed the memo. I’m thinking that those of us who were driving in white-out snow last night on I-90 really wondered aloud: global warming? what global warming?

Seems Mr. Gore has a new plan… almost sounds like a government program: we’re telling you there’s a problem… really, we’re telling you there is a problem and we’re going to through buckets of money at it and call it a national crisis demand more money to prove it. Meanwhile, a cold breeze blows and snow lines the lane. See more, here.

The Alliance for Climate Protection’s “we” campaign will employ online organizing and television advertisements… It highlights the extent to which Americans’ growing awareness of global warming has yet to translate into national policy changes, Gore said in an hour-long phone interview last week. He said the campaign, which Gore is helping to fund, was undertaken in large part because of his fear that U.S. lawmakers are unwilling to curb the human-generated emissions linked to climate change.’”

So… if you’re into putting your money where your mouth is — or not, as the case may be, you might want to consider thinking twice before you give into your child’s plea for a cardboard tray of chicken nuggets or toys in happy bags. Seems McD’s is in the news again for endorsing yet another questionable organization… so, you might want to stay home for some healthful, lower fat, lower salt foods, anyway. So, here you go: McD’s latest faux pas move.

Last week there was a blurb on The Drudge Report that there would be a Trucker’s Strike to protest the high price of fuel… I thought it was too far fetched… plausible, understandable - maybe, but still, it seemed to be extreme. Then I received several emails… some current and one from a few years ago (when everyone thought those prices were way too high - near the beginning of the latest US war). So, I checked Snopes and it was thought to possibly be a rumour. Rumour or not, ready or not, perhaps there just might be a Truck Drivers’ strike on Tuesday (which just happens to be April Fool’s Day). I’ve thought about that a lot… what would happen to Exxon if everyone just didn’t drive one or more given days — and, really, don’t you wonder why in the world the price of a barrel of oil has more than doubled in price in the last couple of years?!?! I’m just sayin’

This past week has been like a whirlwind — and not just last night’s snow, either — due to the death of our grandma, we have had lots of family here with us… lots of activity and things to do. Well, last night we came to the end of all the scheduled events and sort of flopped down in the living room to hear work related stories. So, I’ll let you in on one of them… A riddle.

Our (Orange County Sheriff) niece told us this riddle… and asked us if we could figure it out… and then told us if we got the correct answer — it would prove we were psychopaths! Only one of us got the ‘correct’ answer — I will not tell… but it was not me - :o)

——> A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met this guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing, so much her dream guy she believed him to be just that! She fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister. Question: What is her motive in killing her sister?

Think.

I will tell you the answer tomorrow.

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March 20, 2008 by pamela.

And thanks, for the memories.

Today would’ve been Mister Rogers’ 80th birthday. I didn’t grow up watching much television at all and so, not even Mister Rogers very often, and our children didn’t watch television and I don’t think our grandchildren watch ‘reruns’ of Mister Rogers. But I saw the show a number of times over the years — enough so, that I do remember many of the songs and remember them well enough to have the right inflection and timing. Do you remember the songs? Want to hear them again? “Hear” you go!

As a child, I remember going to our neighbor’s house and watching the show sometimes - that, and Sesame Street - which I pronounced, See-Same street, and was mockingly corrected for not saying it right. You know the: (ha ha ha) “You’re saying it wrong! Don’t you know how to say it?! It’s Ses-ah-meeeeeeeeeeee street (aha ha haaa)! ” If I have any phobias at all, by the way, it’s saying things incorrectly when correct pronunciation really matters. And to some children, correct pronunciation really matters.

I just try to handle situations the way Fred Rogers would’ve handled them with children and I think it all works out just fine. And that’s one of the things I most appreciated about the program — his loving enthusiasm and his kindness and patience. It was honour and gentlemanly behaviour that Fred Rogers demonstrated that also has stayed in my memories of him through the years.

I received an email that included some interesting bits about different men who are unsung heroes. I noticed that there were some amazing notes on Mr. Rogers. Sensational and unbelievable notes, really! And when notes are that amazing or unbelievable, they usually are the latter: un (or not) believable.

Though the notes in the emails had the heartwarming Mr. Rogers as trained US Navy Seal and listed the reason for his long sleeves and sweaters was to hide his the numerous tattoos he received in the military days, much of what was written and circulated in email was untrue. What’s true of him, though, is that he did spend his life attempting to make life sweet for countless millions of children — children who came to know and love their friend, Mister Rogers.

Fred Rogers warmed our hearts, this is true; but many details of his story, as told in the numerous email messages, are just tall tales. He actually graduated from Rollins College in Florida with a degree in music in 1951 and then began a broadcasting career — a career that would continue uninterrupted for 50 years, In that time he also studied for a Bachelor of Divinity degree and became an ordained minister in 1962. He didn’t live in fear of his past days or hiding a secret past as a trained Navy Seal killer. Mister Rogers was a truly a gentleman who devoted his life to encouraging the lives of children — this is how he’s remembered today.

So… it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood… where’s your sweater? Are you singing?

It’s a Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood
Fred Rogers

It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?…

It’s a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?…

I’ve always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So, let’s make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we’re together we might as well say:
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?
Won’t you please,
Won’t you please?
Please won’t you be my neighbor!

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March 18, 2008 by pamela.

Every now and then a case comes along that punctuates the reality of ‘the marketing of evil.’ Though it’s been awhile since I read the book by David Kupelian, The Marketing of Evil, I’ve not forgotten the content nor has the impact of the book diminished - it’s interesting how the book shed a bright light on our society and the clever destruction or dissolution of foundational, Biblical and societal truths.

I happened to be browsing the Worldnet Daily site - browsing the news for the financial debacle of our nation and attempting to read something other than the egregious behaviour of mayors, governors and other elected officials and ‘religious leaders’ and happened upon an article about a librarian and an ongoing secsual harassment case. Seems that the librarian was recommending a book — the aforementioned, The Marketing of Evil, and was instantly verbally assaulted and accused of secsual harassment and a colleague even claimed that he no longer felt safe doing his job. Incredible. Over a book recommendation - a recommendation that was made bcz the required reading list was polarized that it needed an alternative.

This, from the WND site article:

As WND reported previously, one of the homosexual professors, J.F. Buckley, in a March 9, 2006, e-mail, reacted this way to Savage’s recommendation of Kupelian’s book: “As a gay man I have long ago realized that the world is full of homophobic, hate-mongers who, of course, say that they are not. So I am not shocked, only deeply saddened – and THREATENED [sic] – that such mindless folks are on this great campus. … You have made me fearful and uneasy being a gay man on this campus. I am, in fact, notifying the OSU-M campus, and Ohio State University in general, that I no longer feel safe doing my job. I am being harassed.”

Seriously, I’m floored at the lawsuits, the huge leaps and assumptions made by those who hate ‘conservative’ thought, hate moral absolutes and appear to hate Christians.  I’m also amazed that an adult man would be afraid simply based on hearing another man, a colleague, offer the title of a book that carries a differing opinion.   That man’s afraid (so he says) and yet he’s labeling his colleague phobic.   The line of reasoning is just preposterous.

It’s amazing and silly to me at the same time that when one says that something is not right, morally wrong or whatever — they’re instantly labeled homophobic. Same/afraid. Afraid of homo_______. Now isn’t that peculiar and actually quite ridiculous at the same time. Just because someone holds to something that’s contrary to a belief of another does not mean they’re *afraid* of that belief - but that’s dialectic praxis. Say something often enough and it will be believed or accepted. So… homophobia; that’s the label.

Well, that’s a stupid label and a very stupid assumption. It can only mean one thing and that is that there is nothing there. Bullies who have no merit to their fight always play rough and dirty, bullies always make baseless attacks — but they do have a reason for their bullying - they demand attention (and get it) and demand their way (regardless who they crush or how they crush them in the process) with total disregard for the Truth.

So the next time someone calls you homophobic when you say that some forms of conduct or behaviour or whatever are contrary to God’s design, just tell them the truth: you are not afraid of same_____ as homo = same / phobia = fear suggests. Don’t accept the branding - it’s done in ignorance and pride. Little children do that - they call names when they feel threatened or when someone doesn’t take their side. It is not being afraid of something that makes one state facts… it’s simply seeing things as God’s Word says they are — stating that something is simply contrary to God’s design and is abomination bcz it is contrary to His divine design.

The charges leveled and the demands made are not demands for tolerance, they’re demands for acceptance — acceptance and validation. Trouble is, there’s a huge difference between rejecting lies and rejecting people. I an reject a lie, a sinful behaviour, a way contrary to design, but that in no way means I am rejecting the person — else I wouldn’t be able to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

So, don’t wear or be offended by the ad hominem attack and label, homophobic, bcz you say something negative about the practice of homosecsuality or that it’s biblically wrong. That label is erroneous and ignorantly childish. You’ll still hear it, though, because it’s at the top of the agenda.

Posted in Books & Stories, News DuJour | Print | 5 Comments »

March 10, 2008 by pamela.

And one of those oars is in the hand of California assemblyman, Joel Anderson, who has introduced legislation to reverse the lower court’s decision to dramatically restrict homeschooling in California.

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March 10, 2008 by pamela.

Written Friday, March 7, 2008. This has been quite a Newsy Week! As a diversion to the mudslinging political campaigning, home education is on the chopping block in California (my dear home state believe it or not!).

It’s always amazing to me that when “liberal beliefs” or a liberal position is *agreed with* then everything’s well and good. But, if that position or those beliefs are challenged in any way, then there is incredible offense taken. In many cases, everything’s right except righteousness - and the Bible says this will be so. The Lord even forewarned of these very days, these perilous times. He forewarned the hatred of God, of Himself and of those who would love God. And so, while not surprising, the signs of the times and the events or activities of the day are strangely just that: surprising. I found myself, many times yesterday, marveling in disbelief. I listen to the campaign rhetoric and shake my head. How can all this possibly be happening in America? But it is. How can believers be so unprincipled that immorality, unrighteousness or unbiblical stands are acceptable and even given support in candidates campaigning to hold the highest office of this land. Amazing.

Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity, phone calls, emails, petitions, letters, etc., regarding the California case that could, if enacted, literally dismantle legal homeschooling in California and make it so difficult that only a very few parents could legally do so.

In an attempt to get a more accurate (instead of what I assumed would be — and is) feel for the climate surrounding the recent ruling, I attempted to wade through the hundreds and hundreds of comments on the SFGate page that were posted following the recent ruling pertaining to homeschooling in California. What an education! What contrast! Those championing tolerance and liberal thought were absolutely the most narrow, closed minded of all the contributors. It would seem that “liberal thinkers” would be the most open to home education or to private education or whatever other form of ‘alternative’ education would be undertaken by parents and students. But no. No, such was not the case at all.

All of this has once again led me to ask, as I have on numerous occasions in the past, why is public education so critical to liberals or whatever name might be given to those who so ardently stand against ‘conservative’ parents? Why does it matter so very much and why is such an incredibly high amount of money put toward the ‘education system’ in America (and, of course in many! countries around the world)? Indoctrination. Mass indoctrination. Simple. Get enough people assembled in one place and tell them lies often enough, they will not only believe, but embrace and defend. And interestingly, as an assault or attempt to denigrate the practice, that’s just what is leveled at home-educating parents: indoctrination. You see? Indoctrination is mocked by liberals. But it is precisely indoctrination that makes public education so necessary.

I know I’m standing on the proverbial edge here, but I’d say the opposition to homeschooling is a farce. And I’d say further that it’s an attempt to dismantle or topple parent’s rights so that the massive machine can continue unhindered: destroying the foundations of Truth and Righteousness in this once great nation. Now, do I think every homeschooler is being taught in sincerity and truth and that every homeschooler is receiving an excellent education in truth, academics, righteousness, morality, patriotism, faith and obedience to God and goodwill and honour toward men? No. But I’m very confident that all the homeschooling families I know or have met are earnestly attempting striving to do so. And so that’s probably what’s most disheartening about the attack on homeschooling and the negative comments regarding home education and/or parent’s rights to home school their children.

In the end, I find I want to say to all those in opposition who personally have “school-age” children: go ahead, send your children to school. God bless you. You’ll be doing what you think is best - as the parent of those children - that’s your deal.

To those in opposition of homeschooling — who do not have children: well, hmmm. Until and unless you have children of your own, it’s foolish to make selfish demands on others who are thoughtfully and diligently bringing up and training the children who are the future of this nation.

To those who have “school age” children in the government schools and who are opposed to homeschooling or to parents who homeschool, consider this: millions of your peers (parents of children) are paying to home educate their children and are paying, in part, for your children’s education as well! For consider this, not only are the children of homeschooling families not taking up seats, time and space in government schools, they’re also not wasting government resources — though their parents are paying for other’s children in what is often unquestionably a waste of government resources.

To those who are just fighting the issues of home education vs. public education because there’s nothing better to do: there are many marvelous and fruitful ways to spend time and energy. Fighting against home education is fruitless unless there is something at stake. What is it?

And then… because I’ve been spending so much time thinking about the public or government vs. home or private schools, I find myself wondering why progressive thinkers are so adamantly opposed to home education or home schooling. Could it be that conservatives are really the progressive thinkers and liberals are not? Could this be? I know, I know, the whole dialectic praxis… but, really, it’s amazing that liberal thought can be so… so… not liberal.

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March 7, 2008 by pamela.

As California goes, so goes the nation.

ASAP: Go to the HSLDA site http://hslda.org where you can sign the ‘depublishing’ petition against a lower court ruling that could essentially outlaw homeschooling and/or have incredible implications against parents, homeschoolers and, ultimately, homeschooling in California.

HSLDA 540-338-5600

Focus on the Family - listen to the Friday, March 7, broadcast. Dr. Dobson is joined by several well informed guests discussing the latest ruling and implications; go to: Family.org

Listen: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/ 

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February 16, 2008 by pamela.

What do you say… Obama’s campaign rallies have turned into healing services? O, I understand the heat, the long wait and the extremely crowded venues. That’s not what I’m talking about… I’m simply observing the emotional connection created when there is a ‘medical situation’ and crowds are unified by hope for the individual’s swift recovery… then to couple that with Obama presiding over the vigil… well, a great prescription for the party. What do you think… think folks are going to see these episodes and not give a hoot about policies (or experience or moral opinions or historical events or even the complexities of law and government) and just based on his eloquent handling of these situations will think: Ah… give us king obama? Give us a healer. Give us anything.

So, Go Ron Paul… I know it’s a long shot, maybe… but it’s not over… by a long shot.

A long time ago I began to some verses that have come to mind many times - especially in light of all these things in our nation and world. I have considered over and over that it, in reality, is God who sets up kings and takes down nations. Everything that is is allowed to be because of His sovereignty and His discretion. Amazing. The passage I was reading and considering is this:

“Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. ” — Daniel 2.20-22

—pamela

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February 5, 2008 by pamela.

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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.

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August 13, 2007 by pamela.

And now there is. And I’d hazard to guess that there are “indecent exposure” laws on the books in many states already… maybe many laws and on the books for many, many years.

So, now in Mansfield, Louisiana there’s a brand new law against indecent exposure… a law against sagging. Now, you know, I’m thinking that there’s going to be a bunch of hooey about the invasion of privacy or personal expression… you know freedom of dress as a form of speech. Apparently, there’ll be a pretty stiff fine for, well… “Anyone caught wearing sagging pants who exposes his or her underwear will be subject to a fine of up to $150 plus court costs, or face up to 15 days in jail.”

So, there you have it. An arbitrary law… that’s also ambiguous. Perhaps this targets men, or rather, younger males. So anyone who exposes his or her underwear will be fined. His or her… underwear. Now, isn’t that interesting —with men and women increasingly revealing more and more of their undergarments, this’ll be a pretty tough law to enforce. Well, that, or the city will rake in the revenue from violators who defy the law. And given what’s being worn every day, they’re going to need reams of paper for writing out citations.  Now, how do you suppose they’ll handle women’s clothing? How about swimsuits? How about the inside out fashion trend? You know… women’s lingerie on the outside. O, c’mon, you know what I mean. Lace clothes hanging out of low tops and pulled tight over the low pants. And the trend here in the pacnorthwest and elsewhere  is to wear the low pants so that the tag from a type of undergarment purchased from a Secret store is hanging out of the back of the low pants. I see it so often that I wonder… do the fathers of these girls not tell them what all that says? Do the mothers turn a blind eye to the clothing they wear?

Why is it that indecent exposure is so common and so acceptable.  Will the law in Mansfield apply to, say, commonly worn beach attire?  Is a bikini not simply colourful underwear?  And will underwear include all forms?  It really could get out of hand… but, I suppose not more out of hand than the current trends that seem to be commonly accepted.
Ironically, I was just corresponding with a woman this evening about this very topic: modest clothing.   It was in relation to the sale of what was termed “modest clothing,” and I was commenting that many of the images I had previewed were, in fact, not “modest” at all.  They were designed to cover much of the body (and that was remarkable), but they were still skintight and very provocative.  So… modesty isn’t simply a matter of not showing the undergarment or of covering the skin, but it’s something more: it is the wearing of apparel to cover and to not be suggestive or enticing about what’s underneath and the manner in which the clothing is worn has a great deal to do with whether or not a woman is modestly dressed.   Now, I’ve spoken and written on this topic many times over the years and have sought to encourage women to take a good look at what they are or aren’t wearing — and why.  I think I’ll share a bit more tomorrow on modesty and, this latest topic, indecent exposure.

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April 30, 2007 by pamela.

bcz not everyone is going to bed in comfort tonight. Not everyone has a safe place to call home. Not everyone has had a meal today. Not everyone has a pair of shoes, a suit of clothes, a source of shelter and comfort. Not everyone has a drink of water. Not everyone will shut off the lights in the dry, secure and comfortable home… where they pull up the blankets, fluff up the pillow and lie down to rest in peace with a full stomach and and soft music to lull them to sleep.

Pray for the widows, of the three martyred in Turkey, pray for the Christians there — and surely, pray for the persecutors of Christians… they need Jesus.

VOM News and Prayer Update: May 1, 2007

“There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”(I Corinthians 12:5-7)

NIGERIA
Christians Fear New Muslim President Will Erode Religious Liberty - Compass Direct News
Christians worry persecution in mostly Islamic northern Nigeria will increase following the election of Musa Yar’ Adua, a Muslim, as president. Church leaders are concerned Yar’ Adua will aggravate existing problems for Christians in the region. “The election of Yar’ Adua will aggravate the problems of Christians in northern Nigeria. Our fear is that under a Muslim president, religious liberty will be eroded,” Rev. Polit told Compass. “As governor of Katsina state in northern Nigeria, Yar’Aduna imposed Shariah (Islamic) law and presided over a system of deliberate denial of land for building churches, as well as government agencies that arbitrarily closed some churches,” Compass reported. Pray God encourages Christians to continue standing for him in the midst of persecution and uncertainty. Psalm 32:7, Psalms 91:14

CHINA
Chinese and American Christian Leaders in Xinjiang - China Aid Association
On April 19, 2007, more than 30 house-church leaders and four American Christians were arrested in Xinjiang province. China Aid Association (CAA) reports the four Americans are still in an undisclosed hotel for questioning and the PSB confiscated their luggage. Eight Chinese pastors received criminal detention papers for 30 days detention and were accused of being “suspects involved in evil cult activities.” Eye witnesses told CAA that at least two of the arrested were seen with bleeding noses and bruises on their faces because of torture during interrogations. Pray for the pastors in prison and for their families. Ask God to protect them as they face pending charges. II Timothy 4: 16-18

TURKEY
UPDATE - Turkish church requests prayer after three Christians martyred in Malatya - VOM Sources
The Protestant Church in Smyrna is requesting Christians to pray for the families of the three believers killed on April 18, 2007, in Malatya, Turkey. According to a press release, the church urged Christians to pray that someday the perpetrators of the gruesome murders would receive Christ and for God to use the testimonies of the martyred brothers to draw others in the knowledge of Him. II Corinthians 1:3-7

INDIA
Christians Arrested and Beaten - VOM Sources

• ORISSA - On April 17, four pastors were arrested by local police in the Cuttack district after Hindu extremists saw them distributing Christian literature and accused them of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity. The pastors were released on bail the following day.
• TAMIL NADU - On April 22, two pastors were beaten and jailed after more than 20 members of a Hindu extremist group disrupted a prayer meeting. The extremists surrounded the house where the Christians were meeting and verbally abused the pastors. When the police arrived the pastors were ordered to accompany them to the police station. On the way, the extremists attacked again, beating the pastors and four believers who accompanied them. The extremists accused the pastors of forced conversions and are being held in the central prison. Pray for God to speedily heal those who were injured and that Christians in India will trust Him in the midst of great persecution.

Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 5: 11-12

Pray… Jesus *is* the only answer.

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April 23, 2007 by pamela.

The enemy’s tactics (to undermine and destroy families) are astonishing. I’ve paid attention to an ongoing story in Germany bcz of the implications here in the States. Young Melissa Busekros was removed from her home bcz her parents were homeschooling her (and her siblings). Consider: Fifteen officers were sent to her home for her removal, and the reason? - “school phobia.” The solution? institutionalize her and evaluate her condition—and another suggestion? remove the remaining five children from the home.

This ought to give great pause to those of us in the States who treasure our responsibilities as parents and the blessing to train them up and educate them at home. For our “right” to homeschool is often threatened by government officials who seek to follow after that pattern set in Germany and the socialist foundation of our own government schools. Think this is a stretch? The German Ministry of Education was instituted by Hitler for the purpose of socialist agenda and to avoid or eradicate parallel societies. Oooooo, could this happen in the States? Consider the foundation of the American public education system and you will have your answer.

Now, today, this brave girl has fled from the “foster home” and has returned to her family… see a Worldnet Daily article.

Wolfgang Drautz, consul general for the Federal Republic of Germany, has commented