the hidden benefits of natural occurances

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

Posted in Society, News DuJour | Print | No Comments »

What is a billion…

February 16, 2008 by pamela.

No, no… this particular entry is not about Exxon… but, may I say: O-wow - and that’s a whole other story. O-wow.

My mom sent this email to me earlier today. A Billion $$$$$

The next time you hear a politician use the word ‘billion’ in a casual manner, think about whether you want the ‘politicians’ spending YOUR tax money. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of its releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let’s take a look at New Orleans It’s amazing what you can learn with some simple division.

Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number, what does it mean?

A. Well, if you are one of 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you each get $516,528.

B. Or, if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or, if you are a family of four, your family gets $2,066,012.

Washington , D.C . HELLO!!! … Are all your calculators broken??

Tax his land,

Tax his wage,

Tax his bed in which he lays.

Tax his tractor,

Tax his mule,

Teach him taxes is the rule.

Tax his cow,

Tax his goat,

Tax his pants,

Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,

Tax his shirts,

Tax his work,

Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,

Tax his drink,

Tax him if he tries to think.

Tax his booze,

Tax his beers,

If he cries,

Tax his tears.

Tax his bills,

Tax his gas,

Tax his notes,

Tax his cash.

Tax him good and let him know
That after taxes, he has no dough.

If he hollers,

Tax him more,

Tax him until he’s good and sore.

Tax his coffin,

Tax his grave,

Tax the sod in which he lays.

Put these words upon his tomb,

‘Taxes drove me to my doom!‘

And when he’s gone,

We won’t relax,

We’ll still be after the inheritance TAX!!

Accounts Receivable Tax

Building Permit Tax

CDL License Tax

Cigarette Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Dog License Tax

Federal Income Tax

Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

Fishing License Tax

Food License Tax

Fuel Perm it Tax

Gasoline Tax

Hunting License Tax

Inheritance Tax

Inventory Tax

IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),

IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),

Liquor Tax,

Luxury Tax,

Marriage License Tax,

Medicare Tax,

Property Tax,

Real Estate Tax,

Service charge taxes,

Social Security Tax,

Road Usage Tax (Truckers),

Sales Taxes,

Recreational Vehicle Tax,

School Tax,

State Income Tax,

State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),

Telephone Federal Excise Tax,

Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax,

Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax,

Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,

Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,

Telephone State and Local Tax,

Telephone Usage Charge Tax,

Utility Tax,

Vehicle License Registration Tax,

Vehicle Sales Tax,

Watercraft Registration Tax,

Well Permit Tax,

Workers Compensation Tax.

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened? Can you spell: ‘politicians!’

And I still have to “press 1” for English. “

[[and my note? Here it is: Vote for Ron Paul ! ]]

Posted in Society | Print | 2 Comments »

Reason number 20808 to Homeschool

February 8, 2008 by pamela.

As if you really needed another reason to stay the course and train up your children at home.

Boy wants to Return to School as a Girl

I know, I know… just bcz children go to a government school doesn’t mean they’ll be confused as to who they are or that all gvmnt schools are bad. To be sure though, government schools certainly aren’t teaching children what God says about who and what He created and why He did so — or who they are in Christ Jesus.

Omy. Next week it’ll be a dog.

Posted in Society, Homeschooling | Print | 7 Comments »

G-g-g-gooooooo Ron Paul

February 5, 2008 by pamela.

Posted in Society, News DuJour | Print | 1 Comment »

Watch and Listen

November 14, 2007 by pamela.

Sisters… I pray you will set about to redeem the time and walk circumspectly. Study the Bible - and then as you go about your life… be very careful to take what you hear and read and line it up against the Word of God. You will hear many doctrines, many traditions of men, many wonderful - unbelievable, delightful stories that will warm your heart and make you feel so good and happy. Be very careful to not get caught up in the snares of deception. The enemy is subtle - so subtle that you might begin to believe things you never thought you’d believe but the enemy has made them so sweet and sincere and familiar that it’s hard to distinguish real truth from real lies.

Numbers 23.19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

Be sure. Be very sure. There is only one place you will find the Truth or the basis of what you believe. You’re not going to find it in a message somewhere (though a message might be proclaiming the truth: be sure to prove all things and hold fast that which is good). You’re not going to find the Truth in traditions of men. You’re not going to find the Truth based on your feelings - or, rather, how you feel about what you hear somewhere. The Truth is in the Bible. And the Bible is very clear. And the Spirit of God is very clear. Be very careful what you read - where you read it and what you do with what you read.

Weigh everything in the balance of God’s Word. Read it. Know it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Live it.

1John 2.27 “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. “

Be very careful about the big tents. There are some very big shows going on around the world in some pretty big tents. And in the big tents there are a lot of messages being shared. Andthe big tents are attractive and attracting lots and lots of people. Don’t be deceived by numbers of people. Test what you hear. Listen and compare what you hear with what you read in God’s Word.

Watch.
Watch and wait.
Watch and wait and listen.

Read in 1 Kings, the story of Elijah. This portion is key: (1Kings 19.11-12)
“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. “

“…A still small voice.”  Listen for it.  Listen for the Voice of the Lord.

There are many things changing day by day… you will be amazed if you simply watch. If you watch and listen.

2Peter 3.2-18
“That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

You’re here… you’re other places on the ‘net. Be careful… be careful to not be lulled into thinking or ways that are contrary to the Word of God - the Truth of God. Be careful to not be enticed to believe things that are inconsistent with the Truth of God and the finished work of redemption.  Be sure to study to show yourself approved.

1Corinthians 2.9-16
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. “

Listen to what’s being taught (and heard and believed!)
Here’s one; a talk by Rick Warren.
And then think for a moment… are you being mislead by sweet, seductiv, enticing or convincing works and words? Here’s an article on “The Most Dangerous Thing in the World.” I’ll likely add some more… but this is enough for now.

Posted in Society, The Church Today | Print | 4 Comments »

Mothers, Untie !

November 12, 2007 by pamela.

Yep - I let a typo become the title of this entry. Cindy’s original blog yesterday “Older Mothers of the World Unite” has been quite interesting to watch as comments have doubled overnight. I shared some things on her comments section and posted them here. Not as an indictment of mothers but an admonition to evaluate some decisions/activities. That said… I continue to mull over this matter today.

I say… mothers: Untie!

This, I say, for many reasons. Older mothers have been afraid to say things to their capable, confident, well accessorized, independent, younger counterparts. Now, at first blush, my description of the younger counterparts may seem critical and maybe even judgmental. O, not so. I actually marvel at the capabilities of the younger mothers - and am astonished at the proliferation of baby-childcare-childhood merchandise and training materials. But I also marvel at the independence I see and the sad consequence of that independence. I see many young mothers as unaware of their lack of skill or unaware of their self-centeredness or unaware of their marginalizing of their older counterparts. To many younger confident mothers, the older mothers are passé – obsolete has-been’s who aren’t really relevant because times have changed and the archaic ways have been replaced by the nouvelle motherhood – the, what I call: bigger, better, more motherhood. The “righter than you” motherhood.

Now, here is a potential for trouble – young mothers may feel unnecessarily accused or offended at this point and that’s not my intention. My intention is not to ‘slam’ young mothers or to reprimand or criticize. But to say: Mothers! Untie!

Untie! Old mothers… Older mothers… Younger mothers… Young mothers: Let us all not be so bound up in sanctimonious thinking that we forget where we are, where we’ve come from or where we’ve been.

So that, when a young mom says, for example: we’ll never spank our children! You don’t reply: “Then you’ll wind up with little terrors who will destroy the property of every home they visit and be miserable to spend time with.” Instead, maybe a better tact would be to demonstrate how and when and where and why to properly discipline and hopefully the overly confident- inexperienced young mother will take into consideration the biblical mandate to discipline properly and to love and respect properly – and quite possibly understand the reason Titus 2.3-5 is included in the Word. You will gain respect, you will impart understanding and wisdom and, more importantly, you will gain a loyal friend in that young mom.

So that, for example, when an older mom describes how to do something that goes against or doesn’t line up with contemporary conventional thinking, young moms don’t bristle and close their ears to other options – and old moms need to see there are some great ‘new ways’ of doing old things better and not be so callused, closed minded or hard hearted to new ways of seeing things. We need to see there may be new and better ways. We might need reminding that the old way of doing things just might still be the best way – and just because appliances and convenience have replaced many things – that doesn’t mean the old ways obsolete.

Just look at the number of so-called retro things are popular. Aprons, cookbooks, wheat-grinding, bread, clotheslines, soap making, herbs and tinctures, natural products, cloth diapers and on and on.

Untie! Young mothers… untie yourselves from the preconceived notions that the older mothers think they know everything and want to ruin rule your lives. Be taught! You’ll be teachers one day!

Untie! Young mothers… from the thought that generations before you are antiquated and this generation now (finally and fortunately) has things figured out. Learn from the old ways while you’re walking the new paths.

Untie! Older mothers… Untie from the old ways that aren’t profitable! Be teachable and adaptable to the new ways. Hold fast that which is good… (1Thessalonians 5.21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”)

Untie! Older mothers… be what God has called you to be. Be it! Teach it! Live by example – and if your example isn’t so good right now – get it there… study, improve, correct, change, apply! Get your life in order, learn what you ought to know, be what you ought to be: that(!) the Word of God will not be blasphemed in or through your life – Let the Word be lived through your life!

Unite your heart to fear the LORD and to live in obedience to Him.

Let us learn from Titus 1.9 and 16 and 2.1: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers… They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate… But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:”

And older mothers: we need to be sweet. The younger generation needs an example to follow. Let’s strive together - not against one another. Let’s unite.

Posted in Society, mothering from the sidelines, Motherhood | Print | 11 Comments »

More reasons to Homeschool

November 8, 2007 by pamela.

I received the following email a few years ago. Truer now:

Obituary for Mr. Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Mr. Common Sense. Mr.
Sense had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn’t always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. - Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.”

Still… may your day be blessed in the Lord…

Posted in Society, Homeschooling | Print | 1 Comment »

The irony of children begging for candy

November 3, 2007 by pamela.

On Wednesday nights we have a Bible study and dinner with friends of ours. It’s something we all very much look forward to each week. This past week was no different - except for the fact that it was halloween [and Reformation Day, too, by the way]. And our friends live in a quaint neighborhood in the old part of town with streets named after each letter of the alphabet… house after house, alley after alley all neatly ordered over a hundred years ago. Lots of houses like that mean lots of ‘trick-or-treaters’ on that night. Our friend wanted to have us to there home instead of them coming to ours for that night so that he could talk to the beggers trick-or-treaters when they came to the door which, he knew, they inevitably would. It was a good time to

Isn’t it just ironic and silly that once a year children walk the streets in the dark and tap on stranger’s doorbells and beg for candy say trick-or-treat and expect to be treated with candy? Isn’t it just goofy bizarre that all the other days of the year, [we] parents tell children not to go out after dark or not to take candy from strangers (you never know what might be in there!) and not to beg for things from people - let alone strangers! And we tell them be real, don’t be insincere, candy’s not so good for you, don’t wear masks, don’t eat too many sweets, don’t be greedy — be kind to people don’t trick them — be authentic! And then one day a year that whole mantra is (seemingly) tossed out the window and is (probably) replaced with: be careful, watch for cars, stay in a group, say thank you and on and on. Still… going to homes of total strangers with the candy container (or the preferable pillow case), begging for candy to add to a whole mess of candy they begged received from other homes they had just come from. As an aside, I wonder, from the homes of local dentists, do children receive sticky candy or floss, toothpaste and toothbrush packets? I’m just thinking.

I still remember, probably 40 years ago, going from house to house… begging for more candy. I remember being thrilled and scared at the very same time. I remember avoiding the homes of the bad boys and being fearful of who might jump out of the bushes - but still thrilled for more candy and pushing aside fear, I would make the rounds of the neighborhoods. I won’t say things are different now than they were then - because they aren’t. Things were not sweet then and ugly now — but I will say, I do see things differently now than I did then. And it’s not only bcz we have children / grandchildren of our own now.

I think a lot of people have come into this same revelation of Truth and have questioned some of the so-called ‘innocent fun’ things of life, theme parks, movie characters and ‘children’s toys’ — that there really is darkness, there is a very, very dark side — and to these things there are consequences. I marvel over the these things… there is no good magic or there is white magic and black magic and we just stay away from black magic. That’d be sort of like saying there’s good evil and bad evil… we do the good evil but we stay away from bad evil. Evil’s evil - ‘good’ or bad… but the enemy sure likes to dress evil up and make it look ‘okay’ doesn’t he? Or any other bad thing… made to appear as ‘light’ — but is not.

Just another day of thinking about things. And writing them down.

But then, reality…
I need to get ready to go to our neighbour’s birthday party. It’s very important. He’s three after all.

Posted in Society, Potpourri | Print | 4 Comments »

The Coarsening of Women

November 1, 2007 by pamela.

My friend asked me today what I thought of the video that’s making the email circulation rounds quite a bit these days. It’s the ‘Women of Faith’ video of comedian, Anita Renfroe, and her song: Total Momsense - everything a mother says in one 24-hour period condensed into 2 minutes and 55 seconds and put to the music of The William Tell Overture — if you want to, you can click and watch (if you haven’t already seen it) here.

So… she asked me what I thought. I thought hmmmm.
She knows.
What do you think I thought of the mom so artistically sharing what most moms say in one 24 hour period? I’ve thought of that mom and the moms she represents – actually, many times, now. And I’m not so much referring to her or even to the other moms when I refer to the ’song’ and all it contains. Actually, I heard myself in most of the lines she said. And, incidentally, I grimace to hear some of them again. I consider not so much what is said but what is heard and then interpreted by the hearers. Then, I consider the permission, of sorts, that’s inadvertently given to women to talk, in whatever manner they feel at the moment, to their children, based on the cool presentation and the affinity to, the laughs, reaction and camaraderie of this and other moms.

I thought: hmmmmmm.
So, hmmm. This morning I was listening to the news and got to thinking about the political climate and the slippery slope of the American culture and how much has eroded and, really, how foolish so much has become in the last 100 years of ‘progress.’

It grieved me to think of a woman being used as a political pawn – sickeningly and ironically, by “liberated” women, for the ‘advancement’ of women – dreadfully, it really doesn’t seem to matter a bit in regards to qualifications of personal achievements, wisdom and discernment, but simply because she’s a woman. How shameful to be used as a retaliatory game piece – to be made coarse - to be a pawn. It reminds me of another profession – selling the most precious gift in exchange for a piece of bread or whatever other thing is sought – and I truly have to believe feminists stand against that one!

I listened to the comments made by those who are supporting the female presidential candidate - I listened to some of her recent comments - I listened to irrational comments regarding the disparity or lack of fairness concerning the number of males running for president compared to the one female running for the office – further demonstrating the foolishness of “fairness.” As if they were ganging up on her. When men get into the ring to fight- it’s no place for a woman. O, for a voice of wisdom to speak to women and plead the cause of the beautiful and priceless gift of womanhood – the gift of femininity.

I thought of something my grandmother used to say: Remember, that while every lady is a woman, not every woman is a lady.

And then I think some more on friend’s email.

Total Momsense:

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepy head
Here’s your clothes
And your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now
Get up and make your bed
Are you hot?
Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where’s your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and your gloves and your scarf and hat
Don’t forget you got to feed the cat
Eat your breakfast
The experts tell us it’s the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at three today?
Don’t forget your piano lesson is this afternoon
So you must play
Don’t shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside
Don’t play rough
Would you just play fair?
Be polite
Make a friend
Don’t forget to share
Work it out
Wait your turn
Never take a dare
Get along
Don’t make me come down there
Clean your room
Fold your clothes
Put your stuff away
Make your bed
Do it now
Do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn?
Would you like some hay
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone
Get Off the phone
Don’t sit so close
Turn it down
No texting at the table
No more computer time tonight
Your iPod’s my iPod if you don’t listen up
Where you going and with whom and what time do you think you’re coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me
Makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You’ll appreciate my wisdom
Someday when you’re older and you’re grown
Can’t wait ’til you have a couple little children of your own
You’ll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now
I thank you NOT to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew
Would appreciate
Take a bite
Maybe two
Of the stuff you hate
Use your fork
Do not you burp
Or I’ll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an A, Get the door
Don’t get smart with me
Get a Grip
Get in here I’ll count to 3
Get a job
Get a life
Get a PhD
Get a dose of…
I don’t care who started it
You’re grounded until your 36
Get your story straight
And tell the truth for once for heaven’s sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff
Would you jump too?
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said at least a thousand times before that
You’re too old to act this way
It must be your father’s DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straight when you walk
A place for everything
And everything must be in place
Stop crying or I’ll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth
Wash your face
Get your PJs on
Get in bed
Get a hug
Say a prayer with Mom
Don’t forget
I love you
**KISS**
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom’s work never ends
You don’t need the reason why
Because
Because
Because
Because
I said so
I said so
I said so
I said so
I’m the Mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
Ta-da

Words by Anita Renfroe Copyright 2007 Bluebonnet Hills Music/BMI

And then I think back on what I’ve heard today… and sigh at the coarsening of women.

Posted in Womanhood, Society | Print | 1 Comment »

Viewed: The Monstrous Regiment of Women – (part 3)

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.

 

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Viewed: The Monstrous Regiment of Women (part 2)

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.

 

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Viewed: The Monstrous Regiment of Women (part 1)

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 ]

 

 

 

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The Monstrous Regiment of Women

October 13, 2007 by pamela.

I’m looking forward to watching this film… for many