My Daughter the Activist

It started out as me informing my 7 year old daughter about the issues in the upcoming elections so she could pray for this nation and the elections during her Friday "Prayer for the Nations" class. Now I've created a monster (a good one though!)

I've posted here already regarding my discussions with her about these issues (focus has been on Prop8 and abortion). Since then I've had more than one adult approach me and tell me how amazed they are in how mature my daughter is in regards to her discussion about the issues. They said that my daughter who is normally a bit shy is very confident and mature and speaks the facts very clearly. They've told me that she has had discussion with other children and with adults and handled herself in a way that is more mature than most adults! That warms my heart so much and I just have to praise God that He has imparted this wisdom to her. I know it is Him as there is no way I could have given her that type of understanding on my own. In many ways she is taking a more firm stand for the Lord and His Ways than I am.

When I first explained to her about California law allowing for same sex marriages and what Prop8 was about she immediately told me that God had not created marriage to be anything but between a man and a woman. It was so clear to her and she could not understand how others did not see this. She immediately told my husband and I that she wanted to put a sign in our front yard, make signs to put up all over the neighborhood AND she wanted to go door to door to tell people about Prop8 and God's plan for marriage. Then she added that we also need to tell people though that we still need to love those who may not be obeying God, just like Mommy & Daddy still love us when we do bad. I was amazed.

Then last night I came home and noticed what you see in the picture above. Apparently she got her hands on this sign from the church where the homeschool co-op meets on Fridays. My husband told her that she could put it up if she wanted. He said as soon as they got home she took the sign and put it up. And she did not put it up next to the house where it would be "safe" from the vandals that have been stealing and destroying signs lately. No - she put it right up front where anyone driving by will be able to clearly see it.

I truly believe the Lord sent this precious angel to me as an encouragment and an example of how I should be standing for His Truths!

Prop 8 and Education

Opponents of Prop 8 will tell you that the Supporters of Prop 8 are lying about the effect on education if this is not passed.

Many sites (including mine) have pointed out what has happened in Massachusetts where parents are being told they not only can't opt-out their children from homosexual and same sex marriage discussions/indoctrination, but that they have no right to have a say in what their children are taught. Opponents will tell you that California will not be like that because we have a right to opt-out in this state, supposedly Massachusetts did not have this.

So - how do you know who is telling the truth? You don't have to look far because what the Opponents of Prop8 say will not happen here, has in fact already begun.

Class Surprises Lesbian Teacher on Her Wedding Day
A class of 1st graders went on a field trip to their lesbian teacher's wedding. Now from what I've read, in this case the children were required to get permission slips, however in order to justify the field trip as being academically related it was deemed as a "teachable event".

"It really is what we call a teachable moment," Jaroflow said, noting the historic significance of same-sex marriage and related civil rights issues. "I think I'm well within the parameters."

So much for those who say homosexual lifestyles are not discussed in the school, especially at such a young age (opponents of Prop8 claim this as well as many blog commenters who insist on calling those of us who support Prop8 liars!)

However, even more disturbing is the following story:

School Holds Surprise Gay Day for Kindergartners
A "Coming Out Day" was held today at this school in California (not far from Sacramento). Other events include celebrating Gay and Lesbian History Month and observing "Ally Week" which usually targts high school students.

Even more disturbing is the fact that the school did not see the need to inform any of the parents of these events. They have confirmed the events are taking place, but they are not listed on the public calendar! How are parents supposed to "opt-out" as we keep being told we have the right to do in California if we are not being informed of what our children are being taught! Click on the link above and read the full article yourself!

Regardless of how you feel about same-sex marriage, this country has a freedom of religion right. As parents we have a right (and a God-given duty) to teach our children morals.

Even if for some reason you don't believe that I have a right to teach my children morals - it can not be denied that the claims of the Prop8 opponents that this will not affect our children's education are lies. It is already affecting our children's education and being pushed down our throats. In the words of San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom - "The door's wide open. It's going to happen whether you like it or not!" - Well Gavin, not if I can help it!

Obama and Abortion

About a year ago I learned about a group called Bound4Life. They are a grassroots movement to save millions of baby's lives in America. They plan to do this through prayer and what is called Silent Sieges. I made the promise at that time to not vote for any candidate who is not Pro-Life.

I am finding it disturbing and saddening to hear that there are others who call themselves pro-life (and Christian in some cases) who are believing the claims that Obama is not a threat to the ProLife movement, and in some cases believing that he is actually good for the cause.

Others will tell you that abortion is really not that big of an issue in the election as the President does not really affect things like abortion laws. This is very wrong. The president may not interpret the laws but he does sign them or veto them. More importantly he appoints judges who do interpret the laws.

Regardless of where you stand please read this post - Abortion Reduction by The Freedom of Choice Act?

I had many concerns before regarding what will happen to this country if Obama became president, for more reasons than just abortion. This just increases these concerns more.

I pray the Lord will open eyes and hearts between now and November 4th to the Truth about abortion and the truth about what is in store for this country and thousands of innocent lives if we don't open our eyes to the Truth of abortion and take a stand (and more importantly if we don't repent and ask for mercy).

“Jesus, I plead your Blood over my sins and the sins of my nation.

God, end abortion and send revival to America.”

I've explained to my daughter what abortion is (not in graphic details, of course) and recently she watched video from when Saddleback Church interviewed both candidates. One of the questions asked was when a child's rights begin. The video of Obama was approx. 5 minutes long. He never actually answered the question, he did a lot of dancing around it. McCain came right out and said "at conception".

After the videos both played I asked my daughter what she thought (I had not told her anything yet as to where either of them stood on the issue) - even a 7 yr old could watch these videos and easily determine that Obama is not Pro-Life.

If you ask her right now what she thinks of the presidential candidates she will tell you "Obama is for killing babies in their mommy's tummies, McCain is not."

Explaining Prop 8 to your kids

In my previous post I had mentioned that I've been talking to my daughter (she's 7 yrs old) about the upcoming elections. I was surprised at how interested she is in what is going on and how eager she is to be part of it and pray for the upcoming elections.

I prayed before I spoke to her because I wanted to explain the issue to her adequately but at a level that she would be able to understand. This is the same way I had approached the issue of abortion with her when she asked me one day why I wore a red Life bracelet.

I simply explained to her that some people believed it was okay for a boy to like a boy and a girl to like a girl the same way that Mommy and Daddy like each other, and that those people have tried to make it legal in our state for a boy to marry a boy or a girl to marry a girl. I explained that we had voted a few years ago and the state had decided that was not right but there were some judges that did not agree and had made it legal. I then explained that the State had a constitution just like the US did and that Prop8 was being voted on to add wording to our constitution that would say that marriage is only recognized between a man and a woman.

When I explained how marriage right now is legal between a girl and a girl or a boy and a boy, I was suprised to see the look on her face. It was a mixture of disgust and confusion. She looked at me and said,

"But Mommy, I don't think God would like that. He made Eve for Adam, he wants weddings to be for a boy and a girl. That is how He made it!"

It warmed my heart that she recognized that the highest authority in all of this is the Lord.

We then went on to talk about how how babies are made (at a very high level) because she asked if two boys or two girls could make a baby. This also got us on the topic of having babies when you are not married.

In the end we talked about how we all sin and even those who sin in these ways are still people that God loves dearly. We compared it to when she does something wrong. Mommy & Daddy don't like what she has done but we still love her. It is the same way with grown ups and God. We all sin and God hates that, but He loves us still. So even though we need to stand up for what is right and what is God's Truth, we still need to love the people who are doing those things. We would want the same thing if it was us doing the wrong thing.

Part of this conversation started because my daughter had noticed the Yes on Prop8 signs that are popping up in the lawns of our neighbors. After our discussion, she told me that we needed to let everyone know about this issue and we needed to get a sign for our yard. And then she said she wanted to make signs and put them up all over the neighborhood and knock on people's doors and let them know about this.

I encourage everyone once again to talk to their children. You may be surprised how much they understand and how excited they are to be included. Especially if this proposition does not pass. Just look at Massachusetts and you'll see where this state will be headed if this Proposition does not pass. No matter what they are saying now, we will end up on the same path. Same-sex marriage being taught in schools at a very young age without the parents being allowed to object. Being told what morals we must teach our children. Read this article if you don't believe that is where we are headed - Proposition 8 - Who's Really Lying?

A good friend of mine just told me a few months ago about a friend of hers who called her in a near panic. Her young daughter (just about my daughter's age) had come home and told her Mom that she was a lesbian. When her mom asked her why she thought that she replied that it was because she liked girls better than boys and some people who had come to talk to them told her it meant she was a lesbian (this was at a diversity day event). Of course a girl at that age likes girls better than boys, at that age boys have cooties! If we don't talk to our children, others will (even if Prop8 passes they will still hear about homosexuality). I for one want my children's morals to be shaped by me in line with God's Word, not by what is considered to be P.C. in this world of ours right now.

Homeschooling Update

We are about halfway through the fall semester now and we are both still LOVING the homeschooling. We have a field trip planned for next month to the Capital Building in Sacramento. I know my daughter won't get as much out of the tour as she will in a few years, but she is very excited and will still get plenty out of the trip.

I received a note from her Math teacher last week from the co-op talking about how wonderful she is doing and then yesterday they gave out awards and Tyler received an Outstanding Student award for Math. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of her. The teacher had mentioned about how she was very focused and quiet in class (my daughter!?). She said even so she had no problem speaking up in class and described her as having a "quiet strength". It is so wonderful to hear that from others about your daughter.

We are loving Science and have started getting more into History as well. Those are not covered at the co-op. We are making weekly trips to the library now. We've found some wonderful little state books. She picks out 2 or 3 each week, reads them and then journals about what she has learned about that State. We also have a map of the US on her bedroom wall where she is putting a sticker up for each state she learns about.

Another thing that excited me yesterday was to find out that in their Friday co-op class "Praying for the Nations" they will be concentrating on praying for the US and the upcoming elections beginning tomorrow and will continue to do so until after the elections. On my other blog one thing that has been very important to me and on my heart has been praying for our nation, leaders and the upcoming elections. I'm so excited that the kids will now be praying for this as well. I truly believe that the Lord listens even more intently to their prayers.

Her teacher has asked that as parents we discuss the election issues with our children. I've discussed abortion with her briefly in the past but we will be discussing that along with other items such as Prop 8 in the next weeks.

Regardless of the age of your children and whether or not you homeschool I think discussing the issues is a wonderful thing to do and then having them pray for our nation. Our nation definitely needs to be interceded for right now!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mother's birthday - so Happy Birthday Mom! from all of us down here in NCal. We are all sorry we can't be up there to give you hugs and kisses so I'm sending them to you virtually.

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking
Author Unknown

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,
and I wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you feed a stray cat,
and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I heard you make my favorite cake for me,
and I knew that little things are special things.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I heard you say a prayer,
and I believed there is a God I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I felt you kiss me goodnight,
and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw tears come from your eyes,
and I learned that sometimes things hurt,
but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw that you cared
and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked. . .
and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw
when you thought I wasn't looking.

Happy Birthday Mom - We all Love you!!!!!

Perspective

This last weekend I had a very interesting experience. My daughter attends a private Christian school. My husband and I have decided that we will sacrfice elsewhere in order to be able to afford this for as long as we can. I won’t go into all the reasons right now, but my hubby is not a Believer, however he feels as strongly as I do about her attending this school.

So on Friday, they had a half day at school. I took a half-day at work to go pick her up and then a few of us moms took them to go see the Veggie Tales movie (mentioned in a previous post).

It was a bit weird for me to be sitting with all these other moms because they know each other pretty well. The school is actually associated with a large church in our area and these moms and their families attend this church. As I’ve mentioned before, I attend a house church. In addition, most of these moms are stay at home moms. I work full time (my hubby stays home with the boys and works from there).

As we were watching the movie, one of the moms mentioned that the water was so blue and she had not seen water like that for about a year. Then said she needed to go back soon. The other mom sitting next to me mentioned that Tahiti had water like that and they started discussing their vacation spots. I just sat there and realized we are the “poor” family in this school. My husband and I both work (he just works from home and keeps the kids with him because daycare is sooo expensive) and we don’t bring in half of what these single income families do. Our last vacation was when Shaun and I went to Vegas for our 10-year anniversary and came back with our third child on the way!

But, you know what? I really was not too upset about this as I realized it. I actually found it quite humorous. As they continued to talk I almost started giggling as I remember the scene less than an hour before as I was waiting to pick up my daughter at the school.

I drive a 2000 something (don’t remember the exact year) Honda Accord. Not a bad car by any means, and it is paid off! But it does have little things going wrong with it, such as the knob for my heater fan has broken off. So my hubby is getting me a new one on eBay (have I mentioned he is a wonderful bargain shopper!). In the meantime, I have a pair of pliers in the car that I use to turn the fan off and on. So there I sat in my cute, paid off car (with it’s share of dents & scratches) admist the other parents in their Cadillac Escalades, Lexus, BMWs & Mercedes – bopping out to Christian music quietly (my speakers crackle really bad if you turn it up higher than about 2!) – grabbing my pliers so I could turn up the heat.

I grew up having less money than others I went to school with, but I remember my parents always made sure we knew we were loved and spent time with us. Now my husband and I work hard and earn much more than my parents ever imagined when I was a kid. However, we are still in the same spot. And truthfully when I think about it – I don’t mind at all. Sure I would like to have some bills paid off, but I think we do just fine without all the extra stuff. As it is sometimes I think we still have too much stuff and our home is too cluttered. Funny how your perspective changes as you get older!

Homeschooling Illegal in Germany

While stumbling today I came across this post at Principled Discovery

Postcard Action for German Homeschoolers

I found this very interesting because I had never heard of this before. I know quite a few people who homeschool their children, including some of my own family. My daughter is currently attending a private Christian school because my husband and I don't agree with what the public schools are teaching our kids. I would love to homeschool all three of my children but my husband and I don't necessarily see eye to eye on this. However, I don't know that we'll be able to afford private school for all three once the boys get old enough to start attending.

If you had asked me a couple years ago, I would have been against homeschooling our children, but the more I see what our public schools systems are doing and the more I see what is happening in those families that I know are homeschooled, the more the idea appeals to me. And now there are many of these families coming together to support one another and teach their children together in this environment.

I can't imagine homeschooling becoming illegal in the US, but legislation being passed recently makes me sometimes wonder if it may not be that far off. So I decided to look into this a bit more. Is homeschooling truely illegal in Germany?

It appears for the most part it is. There are ways around it, however for some these exceptions may be very difficult to meet. I understand the government is wanting to ensure children are getting an education, however I also believe parents should have more say in what children are taught. I get very nervous when our government starts to tell us what our children should be taught regarding morales and beliefs. It seems many of these children have been proven to be at the same level academically as their peers in "normal" schools, but that does not seem to matter.

Here are some other things I found that I believe are interesting about homeschooling in Germany. One thing I discovered is the laws making homeschooling illegal are ones originally set up by Adolf Hitler in order to control the education of Germany youth.

German "Ghost School" uncovered after 30 years

Homeschool family told to give up 5 other kids

Trying to Homeschool in Germany (blog)

What is your opinion? Do you homeschool?

The Golden Compass

I had seen this book before and actually almost picked it up a couple times. After doing some research, I am now glad I did not. This is the first book of a trilogy (His Dark Materials) by Phillip Pullman, an avowed aethist. I don't have a problem necessarily with a book written by an aethist, it is his purpose for these books that concerns me. Especially since the first book (Golden Compass, known as Northern Lights in Britian) is now being made into a movie.

Phillip has been very upfront about his beliefs and his intention to "kill God" in the minds of children. The movie which is scheduled to be out the beginning of December and stars Nicole Kidman has been toned down according to critics. This is an attempt to draw in children and their parents in hopes that they will request the books for Christmas. From my research each book gets worse (The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass).

The more research I do regarding this trilogy series the more I'm convinced this is not something I want my children watching or reading. In the end, every parent needs to make their own decisions, but I thought it would be good to share with all the parents who read my blog some items about this book/movie which the entertainment news surrounding the movie is not revealing.

The main little girl of the book, Lyra has a companion throughout the book, a shape-shifting daemon named Pantalaimon who goes by the nickname Pan. This is just one of many things that concerns me. According to one review

Second, the device of the daemons, animal-shaped companions to all human beings in Pullman’s universe, is brilliant. The daemon concept is marvelously conceived and carried out. Pullman brings his readers to believe in daemons as an integral part of his characters’ lives, to the point that we are actually shocked when we learn that the villains have been separating children from their daemons.

These sound too much like "spirit guides" to me. Another item of concern is the Oblation Board.

I've listed a few links below and you can do your own google/yahoo search as well. Even reviews which are favorable make mentions of things that raise alarms for me. For being an aethist, there appears to be an awful lot of ties to the occult in these books.

Snopes - The Golden Compass

Daemon - Wikipedia

Denver Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club Review

Northern Lights - Wikipedia

Phillip Pullman - Wikipedia

Bridge to the Stars - View on Religion - once again a site that recommends the books, however this page is very insightful.

As a parent I would suggest you look into this yourself to make a decision prior to allowing your children to watch the upcoming movie or read the books.

3 Word Project

I'm posting this a day early so I can get it uploaded and linked to Becky's site tomorrow. If you've not read my previous post do so here to find out what this is all about.

I don't have the uploading video to my computer figured out yet, so I've done a collage instead.

Visit Becky's site at BlogMomma's on Tuesday to visit the sites of everyone who participated.

Susan G Komen & Abortion

One of my reader's of my other blog informed me that the Susan G. Komen foundation gives to Planned Parenthood, which is the nation's leading provider of abortions. I've written a post regarding this if you'd like to learn more.

Susan G Komen & Abortion

From what I've been able to determine the Breast Cancer Site which I've linked to in my sidebar is not part of the Susan G. Komen foundation nor gives to Planned Parenthood or supports abortion. They do list Susan G. Komen events on the website though.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Click Here

I had mentioned recently that when I went home to celebrate my mother's 50th birthday, we played in a Susan G. Komen - Race for the Cure Golf tournament. I'm sure everyone is aware as you now see pink ribbons every where you go, but in case you've not left your house recently - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

So, in order to do something else to help, I've added the following link to my sidebar. By clicking on this link you can help give free mammograms to women who would not be able to get one otherwise. This is financed through advertising on the website. Some of the items are pretty nice, check them out. If nothing else visit the site daily and Click!

Current California Legislation

California currently has legislation pending which could be very detrimental to our children's education. As Christian's we need to make a stand for our beliefs and if we are passive and don't let our voice be heard, we have only ourselves to blame.

Therefore, in order to ensure my voice is heard I have done my part to let our Governor know where I stand. If these bills are not vetoed by him by Oct. 14th my understanding is they will become law without his signature.

My daughter is currently in a Christian private school so I have a bit more control over what she is taught and to ensure the "values" she is taught are in line with what I'm teaching her at home. However, the reality is, I have three children and I don't know that I can afford to have all three in private school once my boys get older. And the reality also it that these bills will affect more than our schools in the end if they are passed.

If you live in California and want to learn more about these bills please visit Save California - Campaign for Children & Families. I have also added a link to this site to both of my blogs for future reference.

Here is a video that is referenced on the site as well regarding how similar things are affecting other schools across our nation It's Elementary - Talking about Gay issues in School

12 Years and Counting!

Last Sunday (Aug 12th) Shaun and I had a neighbor watch the kids and we took a much needed day for ourselves and went to San Francisco. Our excuse? Other than the fact that we haven't had anytime alone together since I got pregnant with Jesse (other than the time in the hospital when I was in labor, but I don't count that!) While that is a great reason, there was more to it. We were celebrating 12 years of wedded bliss.

Okay, so maybe the whole 12 years has not been "bliss", but we've stayed together and we are both still alive with all our limbs! That's an accomplishment. Seriously though, we have had our share of troubles, but we are both stubborn and love each other very much. So we made a decision 12 years ago to stick it out no matter what. We took the "til death we do part" thing seriously.

Love and marriage definitely is not an easy thing and love is not just a feeling you have towards someone. It is something you make a decision to do and then you work at it day by day, through the good and bad. You don't see real love during the good times when everything is peachy. Real love is what you see through the hard times when it would be easier to walk out and not look back.

So with all that said, Shaun and I spent the day in San Francisco. We walked from Pier 39 to Ghiradelli square (did I spell that right?) and back, doing the tourist thing. Then we ate a bunch of calamari and 3lbs of crab. Yummy! We wanted to go on a tour after that but the one we found was 2 1/2 hours. We did not want to go for that long so we got in the Tahoe and Shaun just started driving. That is how he got to know his way around Seattle and Phoenix. He just drives, gets lost and finds his way back. I could never do that as I would be a nervous wreck and in tears. But he enjoys is and as long as he is the one driving, I enjoy myself and watch the scenery. I know he'll get us home eventually.

We ended up driving down the Presido (that was really cool!), almost went across the Golden Gate and then in our search to get back home we ended up on Market street. I saw more rainbow flags than I ever care to see again there and the biggest one I've ever seen. It was the size of the US flags some care dealerships fly. HUGE!!!

We really had a great day and I loved spending time alone with my husband. I remember doing things like this in Seattle and Phoenix before we had kids. Don't get me wrong, we dearly love all three of our children, but it is nice to have a day to yourselves sometimes too.

House Churches

(Cross-post with my other blogs)

Some of you who read my blog already know that I attend a "house church" instead of a traditional church. I've grown alot in the past almost 2 years now since we started meeting in this way. My relationship with those in my church family has become more intimate and meaningful. More importantly, my relationship with God has deepened and therefore my walk with Him and my obedience to Him.

This morning I was listening to Air1 and the news segement had a short blurb on a how house churches are growing. It was very short, but I found it very interesting. Tonight I got on their website to check it out and found the original article the news blurb was based on.

Here it is for your reading pleasure if you are interested.
There's no place like home, these Christians say

I found it very interesting, especially considering I've fellowshiping and worshiping in this way for almost 2 years now.

God speaks through our Children

(Cross Post on Ang4him)

Tuesday night I was dealing with some issues which I shared with my House Church. You see, I know God loves me in my head, but sometimes it does not always translate to my heart. I have trouble seeing myself as the beautiful and beloved daughter that He sees me as. I tend to be very hard on myself and this is one of my struggles.

Anyway, Tuesday night we were teaching the kids about worship and Tyler drew the picture below. She said while we were singing, she had closed her eyes and God had told her to draw this picture for me and to tell me that Jesus love me.

So she obeyed. It is amazing how God can speak to us even through our own children. Maybe that is easier for Him at times, because they are more trusting and obedient to Him. My daughter did what He asked without questioning it at all. Myself and many adults I know would worry about whether it was really God who spoke or was it just in my head? Will I look stupid? and so on and so on.

Just another way we need to become as the little children to know Him better!

40 Days for 40 Years

I received a wonderful email regarding an upcoming worldwide 40 day fast. Please read my other posts which include an awesome and very informative article regarding the fast. I'm planning to participate and encourage you to read about it and determine if it is something you want to participate in as well!

40 Days for 40 Years Post

Here are some other links to learn more:

International House of Prayer (IHOP) - 40 Days for 40 Years
Fast & Pray
The Call
God TV