April, 2010,  U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb ruled that the National Day of Prayer was unconstitutional saying it violates the first Amendment prohibition against laws respecting an establishment of religion.  A group of atheists from Freedom from Religion Foundation brought this case to the courts and they were rejoicing at this major victory.   Shame on Barbara Crabb.  I’d like to ask her which religion was chosen for this day of prayer?  Did we all have to attend the First Baptist church in order to pray?  We’re we required to go to our local mosque on this day to pray?  Which denomination did we have to join in order to pray,  Ms. Crabb?  Which religion was established on the national day of prayer?

Perhaps Judge Crabb  did not read about our Founding Fathers.  Perhaps she does not know the heritage of our beloved country.  Perhaps she does not realize that 95% of our founders were religious and wanted free expression of religion in the public square and in our government. She must not know that 95% of the signers of the Declaration of Independence  were Christians and we have their own writings and many documents to prove this.  Our founders did not want any particular denomination to become the established religion of the land for sure.  But they did not want religious expressions to be hid under a bushel.  I know that John Hancock wanted true freedom of religion for America as well.  Read more...

This week in our civics lesson we learned that Congress with all its power, cannot pass any law interfering with the liberties of American citizens.  Personal safety and freedom, religious freedom, free speech, property, trial by jury, are all protected by what is often called the “Bill of Rights” in the Constitution.

Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III: No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.  Read more...

My younger sister and I came across this lovely picture of our dear Mom recently.  My husband did some photo restoration on it and removed years of damage and neglect with a photo editing program.  It looks so pretty now and as I gaze upon her beautiful face, I’m inspired to share a bit of her story.  My siblings and I do not have  many pictures of our dear mom but we  have  happy memories and countless humorous stories to talk about for hours. Most  importantly, we have her values and ideals  to cherish and pass on to our own children and grandchildren.

My Mother went to be with the Lord  over 8 years now; she would have been 90 this year if she was still on this earth. Oh how I long to kiss her cheek again and have a “nice” cup of tea with her. She always wanted to have a “nice” cup of tea and would offer a cup to anyone even though towards the end of her life she could not have prepared one herself.  By offering a “nice” cup, she meant for someone to get the water boiling and prepare a cup for them both and sit and visit with her. It seemed as though a nice cup of tea and perhaps some buttered or cinnamon toast sliced in strips or “fingers” as she would call them had what was needed to solve many of life’s problems.  Whether it was an upset tummy, or a bout of worry, a cup of tea would make it all better.   I wanted to have one more cup of tea with her before she passed but was never able to because she was so ill.  I placed a lovely tea cup at her memorial service among the flowers as a symbol of our tea time together. Any negative memories associated with my Mom or even Dad seem to be fading these days and the good memories linger on.   I especially  miss those very “down-to-earth” ordinary days when when Mom  would play and enjoy her family, share a cup of tea, go swim laps at the pool, or laugh and  joke around. I miss her smile. I miss the very  gentle touch of her fragile hands when she prayed for us.  She was the rock of our family and passed on a spiritual heritage to us all.

My dear Mom nicknamed “bunny”, was born in  Massachusetts in 1924.  She was raised by a Godly mom who also passed on a spiritual heritage to her. She came from a large family, grew up during difficult days,  and when she was still a school girl, with her older sister looking on, was hit by a car while she was standing next to a pole.  She was wedged between the car and the pole…her arm nearly severed.  The hospital doctors  insisted that her arm be amputated but her Mother said  “no,” and refused to sign the necessary paperwork.   She (my Grandmother)  believed strongly in the power of prayer and knew that her daughters arm could be saved. I don’t think  I would make this same decision if I were faced with it, but her arm was saved even though the doctor said that her arm would most likely develop  gangrene.   This occurred in  the 1930’s.  I don’t even think they had discovered antibiotics yet.  I give God the glory for this miracle and rejoice that my Mom’s arm was saved. God had plans for my Mom and did not allow her to lose her arm. I have my doubts that my dear dad would have married a woman with one arm….he could have I guess but I doubt it.  As a result of this accident the Dr. told my grandmother that my mom would never be able to have children.  She had 5 children.  I’m so glad my grandmothers prayers were answered and that her faith was so strong. Oh to have faith like this….it could be a Bible story.

The recovery was still long and difficult for her and she suffered much because of this accident.  When she was in her late 30’s she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  She lived in pain and it became a way of life for her. Despite her physical suffering she was a light and a rock in our family in so many ways.

Looking back, I’m inclined to think that many things fell by the wayside for her because of the constant pain she had to deal with all the time.  She did not stress out about her house, about being super organized, about looking perfect, or being a super woman.  I believe in her own way she must have eliminated the peripheral, the superficial and petty details of life  in order to concentrate  on the eternal….on people…and on God.  Perhaps folks might have thought  that she did not care about a spotless kitchen floor….they were right.  She had other priorities and she recognized her own limitations.

She  took time to sew my sister and I dresses and crochet her  grandchildren  new vests. I remember lying in bed at night listening to the hum of the sewing machine.  If she was not sewing,  she’d be crocheting or doing the dishes late into the night while the rest of us slept.  She always  took time to play,  and instead of fussing over the house she’d spend the summer days swimming  in the pool with us kids.  She took time to talk with neighbors in our apartment building, cared for children in the neighborhood, and prepared soups and other dishes to share on a very regular basis. It amazes me that she did all of this with aching bones and a body that was quite broken.

When I would arrive home from school she almost always had something special for us to enjoy.  It was not anything fancy…just some muffins or an apple cake or cookies.  I’d sit down and she would tell me about her day. It sounded so  ordinary to me….what she cleaned….what she cooked….who she talked to in the neighborhood.  As a young teen, I remember thinking how boring her day seemed.  But now as a homeschool mom, I’m doing so many of the same things myself and I regret that I did not honor her like I should have. I did not value her role as a keeper at home.  Now I know that she had a high calling to raise up children and keep a home for my Dad……what a wonderful way to live a life that honors God and family.

One day I came from school and she did not tell me about her usual activities. While I expected to hear her discuss the regular events of her day,  She talked about how she read the Bible the evening before way into the night.  With tears in her eyes she recalled what she read in the Bible. She read the story of the sower and the seed in Matthew 13, and explained how she understood it in a new way.  She seemed to have a spiritual awakening and fell in love with Jesus.  You could say she was “Born Again.” Her mother, my grandmother always told her about  the story from John chapter 3.  My mother knew about Nicodemus and Jesus….about  being born again….our Grandmother shared this with us all.  My Mom believed in God and would often recite The Lord’s Prayer, and Psalm 23…… but there was something missing.  I believe my dear mom met the Savior in a personal way that night and now she was on fire for the Lord.  She had a new mission…. a new calling on her life and became more focused on sharing the gospel and the new life and peace she found in Christ.

During this time many of our family members also  became “Born-Again”. My older sister first, then my Mom, myself and my younger sister.  Later the  men in our family followed.  My dear Mom continued to pray for us all until she went to be with the Lord.

I can vividly recall seeing her sitting on the couch with her Bible, tears in her eyes, speaking of her love for the Lord…praising him for his goodness and kindness towards us all. She was happiest spending time with her Lord.  She seemed to  glow. Her greatest joy was sharing the Lord with others and when her children or grandchildren spoke of the Lord her joy was complete.  She understood that there is no greater joy than knowing that your children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4.

When my Mom passed,  she did not leave us many material things.  I’m enjoying her Bible  now, and we have a few pictures. I’m so happy we came across this beautiful photograph of our dear Mom and as I remember her and gaze upon her lovely face I realize that what she left us cannot really be  expressed in words.  She left us a legacy though for sure.  She left us  Jesus…the greatest gift of all. On this Mother’s Day I rejoice in this gift.  Thanks for reading my ramblings, I wish you could have met my Mother too.  ~Anne

Sometimes I need to remind myself why I homeschool.  It’s not just a preference or something I will try.  It’s not about the academics or about my rejecting the government schools.  It’s about obeying and following the Lord’s commands to teach my children about His goodness, His faithfulness, His commands,  and His Holiness.  It’s about them coming to know Him and love Him with all their hearts and one day passing this on to their children…my grandchildren…who will pass it on to their children.  It’s really about eternity and I am so shortsighted that I forget this.  Psalm 78 helps me remember.  ~Anne

O my people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things from of old-

3 what we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done.

5 He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children,

6 so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.

7 Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.

This summer my children and I have been reading Our Country’s Founders by William J. Bennett.  This book which is called “A Book of Advice for Young People”,  highlights  speeches, poems, and famous documents of our Founding Fathers.  Patrick Henry’s  famous “Give me Liberty” speech caught my attention.  Although his speech was about the tyranny of the King, so much of it today could be applied to our President and representatives in office right now. Despite  all of the pleading, protesting, letters,  and petitions,  the will of the people has been discounted over and over again. Bills have been  passed without being read, the Tea Party folks are demonized, and  common citizens honest questions are mocked and dismissed.  Our Constitution is disregarded  and even the rule of law is ignored. As you read over this famous speech given on March 23, 1775, think about what’s going on in our America today.

May God have mercy upon our beloved country and heal our Land.  May our leaders humble themselves before the Lord, seek his face,  and seek guidance and wisdom. Even Benjamin Franklin acknowledged that God does indeed govern in the affairs of men.

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.  Read more...

Did you know that one of the communist party goals of 1963 was to destroy the concept of family?   A strong family is essential to a strong country, church and society.  Listen to what Voddie has to say. (Be sure to stop the music before you begin video)  ~Anne

I came across this poem over 10 years ago and now as I read it, it seems more relevant now then it was then.  It was written in 1986…how did the author know where we were headed? How did he know we would let our liberties just slip away without even a fight?

I had a dream the other night, I didn’t understand.

A figure walking through the mist, with flintlock in his hand.

His clothes were torn and dirty, as he stood there by the bed,

He took off his three-cornered hat, and speaking low, he said:

“We fought a revolution, to secure our liberty.

We wrote the Constitution, as a shield from tyranny,

For future generations, this legacy we gave,

In this, the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

“The freedom we secured for you, we hoped you’d always keep.

But tyrants labored endlessly, while your parents were asleep.

Your freedom gone, your courage lost, you’re no more than a slave,

In this, the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

“You buy permits to travel, and permits to own a gun,

Permits to start a business, or to build a place for one.

On land that you believe you own, you pay a yearly rent,

Although you have no voice in choosing how the money’s spent.”

“Your children must attend a school that doesn’t educate.  Read more...

I’ve been listening to preachers and teachers for many years now and I’m cautious about recommending them to others.  The longer I’ve walked with the Lord, the more I’ve come to realize that my trust belongs in Christ alone. My faith is in Christ and his word and I no longer put preachers and teachers…. or anyone at all,   on a pedestal like I used to when I was a young Christian. They never asked to be put on a pedestal…I did this on my own, and I was wrong. That being said, I appreciate the good teaching that I have been able to hear from Voddie Baucham; he has been such an encouragement to me and my husband. We don’t agree 100% with all of his theology,  but we feel so blessed by much of what he has to say about parenting and family life. The following quotes are some of my favorite about family living. ~Anne

~Many Christians believe the best thing they can do for their family is provide them with more stuff. So we continue to accumulate as though accumulation is the answer. All the while our children are screaming at us from beneath the piles of untouched toys and unworn clothes begging for a few minutes of our time. Time we simply don’t have because we are too busy trying to find that one thing we can add to the pile that will make the screaming stop.  Read more...