One Way

John 14:6 clearly says, "Jesus saith unto him, ' I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

This weekend I have had no less than three conversations where I was told by people professing to be Christians that Jesus is Lord of their lives but that does not mean He is the only way to heaven. WHAT!?!

Oh and try to bring up the above verse and I'm told it's a fallacy to try to use the Bible to prove anything. The Bible is for people who can't think for themselves. God never intended us to take it literally. WHAT!?!?

I knew people believed this junk, but I never knew anyone WHO believed it.

Brought me to a whole other verse.

Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

It's amazing though how rampant this thought was with this group of people who I believe are very intelligent. Many professing to be born again believers.

The problem is that many are letting their intelligence get in the way of their faith. Face it faith is not about being intelligent. If you rely on your intelligence to much you can hurt your faith. Faith is believing in something we can't see. If you rely on cold hard fact for your intelligence then you can't believe in something you can't see.

So, just had to get that off my chest. I know, I know I'm mainly talking to the choir. I just had to put my thoughts on "paper".

PS No I'm not saying only dumb people can be Christians. I'm saying only people who are willing to put their smarts after their faith.

"Green" Bags not up to par

Click on picture to go to Bags on the Run. Cute affordable "green" bags.

So, here is an interesting article about the tax or ban of plastic bags. I have some issues with the whole idea.

First with a few kids the "green" bags just don't always cut it for me. I have a few and on trips to the store during the week for extra milk, eggs, produce.. I can use them.
For my BIG grocery shop every two weeks... well, that's a lot of bags.
Now, before people get bent out of shape because of course I am ruining the environment with my large family, I would like to point out that while I do have a lot of groceries during my big shop it's not nearly the amount of processed, packaged stuff that families with just one, two or no children come home with. Our "little" family only has one garbage can by the curb every week. Our neighbors with no kids? Three. Yeah, I'm the one bad for the environment. :) (Not, that I'm saying our neighbors are, I'm just saying lets look at the big picture here!)

Second, what good is a green bag when you have to throw it away after one use because the meat leaked in the bag? But just wash it. Um, no thanks. A bag saturated with meat juice is probably never going to be the same to me. I'm just sayin'! And while we are on the subject are all of these green bags biodegradable? The article above seemed to think not. Do we expect them to never wear out. IMO they are pretty flimsy. I can't see some of them making it past a month of good grocery shopping.

Third, if you take away our plastic bags then we will have to find non-recycled bags for poopie diapers, cat litter, wet clothes, small trash bags for the car... the list goes on. We use those plastic bags from the grocery store over and over and over. Sometimes three times. Sometimes only once. But we still reuse them. So... now you want me to go and buy the plastic bags for one time use for the poopie diaper? You want me to use one BIG trash bag one time for the cat litter? I guess I should buy the smaller trash bags to keep in the car for one time use? Really? I'm not going to use the "green" bags for those things.

Do I think "green" bags are good idea? Sure, to a reasonable extent. I have a mess of them hanging up in my kitchen. We use them for everything. I'll even tell you I can be convinced to use them on smaller trips to the grocery store. No problem. But don't treat me like a child and act like you have to tax or ban plastic bags because "YOU" say they are no good for the environment. Lots of stuff is no good for the environment. Let's go after processed, packaged food first. I'm sure that takes up a lot more room in the landfill. How about drinks of any kind. Wouldn't it just be better to drink tap water from a glass at home? No packaging there.
I'm just sayin'. :)

Be Blessed!

Food For Thought

Back soon I promise. I have lots of news to share for the New Year and I really can't wait to share it all! LOL
We have dealt with so much sadness this year, but God has always been good and faithful and my trust in Him is ever growing.

Here is something I have been pondering lately:
Do you think that the people who lived through the real Depression laugh at us and our whining over this "depression"? I mean really?

"Doing" Church

I Corinthians 1
10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

I have been burdened a lot lately with some thoughts that keep flitting through my mind about church. Of course you know my burden lately to help others out. Part of that comes from watching these people suffer and then watching churches build bigger buildings and better children's programs and worship programs. You know with flashing lights and state of the art tech equipment? I'm not saying those things are wrong, but I am wondering if our priorities are out of whack a little bit. It started me asking questions about church.

What is the purpose of the church? I look around at churches who seek to make the lost comfortable. Then I think, "Wait! If your lost are you supposed to be comfortable in church?" If your living a life full of sin are you supposed to be comfortable hearing from the Word of God? I don't really think so. Then I thought about verses that tell Christians to GO!

Matthew 28

18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Are we supposed to be sitting in churches, building bigger churches, and relying on the preacher to save all the heathens? Once again these are just thoughts I have been having. I am starting to think that churches should be training grounds. Training for the saints to go out and deliver the message of Jesus Christ. To minister to the lost. To offer a cup of water to the thirsty.
So much of what is offered up on Sunday mornings lately is just barely milk.
I actually know a few strong Christians who just choose to gather at home for home meeting instead of corporate worship because the churches they have tried are so watery. I am not advocating that as the best idea either. I'm just wondering if the church should not be used more for teaching and training the Christians to go out into the world. Just a thought.

As far as the verses I mentioned in the beginning that's a whole other thought process. It kind of reminds me of the different denominations. In the New Testament when the preachers came they came to a gathering somewhere in the city. Not to three of four different gatherings. Can you imagine the impact the church could make on this world if we set aside our doctrinal differences and just acted like we all served the same God and were all saved through Christ? I think much of the war that we face with the world would be won in that one change.

I don't know just some thoughts I had.

Be Blessed!

Caring for the homeless and downtrodden

Our family has a vision of one day owning enough land to build some small cottages. These cottages would first be used for our parents if they wished. They would have their own homes and be independent while having us close by to care for them. If they choose not to join us on the homestead we would reserve the cottages for ministry. For families who needed a place to stay for awhile. For missionaries home on furlough. For other ministers away from home doing God's work. For single mothers and widows. For anyone who lost everything they had because of an accident or job loss. As the responsible parents of children there would be rules and much discernment over who stayed on our property, but there are enough people out there who just need a hand up that I know we could be a blessing to many.
We plan to have a functional farm to help feed these boarders and others. We would require most people staying with us to help out around the farm. I would love to have a huge farm table that everyone was welcomed around. Or if they wanted to eat in their cottage that would be fine as well.
Dh has lots of plans for recreation areas on our property and we both have major visions of hospitality.
This is what we are striving for as we watch our finances and save where we can.
But what can we do right now?

My heart has been pondering this for awhile now. When Jesus saw someone hurting or helpless did he just pass by? I want to help people out. I want to do it with more than just a check to some random organization. I have been looking for ways to help. Here are some ideas.

I am going to purchase boxes of the prepackaged tuna and cracker lunches and canned chicken salad with crackers lunches and keep them in my car along with peanut butter crackers and bottles of water during these winter months. When I see someone asking for money I will share with them. Because of where I grew up I can't in good conscience give money. I know some will disagree with this, but the things I saw these mentally ill people do with the money given to them broke my heart. In my eyes they need a meal more than crack or alcohol.

I have a dear friend from the Philippines. In January she is heading there to help with flood damage. She is using her own money to send food, clothing, blankets... I am going to contribute to those boxes. I am also hoping to slip her some money before January to help with her expenses. She is the cleaning lady at a fast food restaurant.

I am going to the thrift store to load up on heavy blankets to donate to the homeless shelter this winter. I also plan to pick up heavy socks brand new to donate as well.

Roy and I are hoping to take the kids on a mission trip next year. Maybe not to another country just yet, but some place here in the US that needs some sort of disaster relief. I had thought of contacting the Red Cross and asking about opportunities for families with children to volunteer.

I have been busy stocking my pantry and freezer hoping to share with single mothers, widows, and others who might need a meal or two due to finances or illness or death.

I started last year purchasing gift cards to send to families right before Thanksgiving so that they could have a good meal or even some Christmas presents.

If you knew me at all you would know that my compassion and mercy are seriously lacking. I think that is one of the lessons God has been teaching me this year though. The theme of my happiness and comfort does not matter is really starting to manifest itself not just in faith but in works.

While I do take precautions, I mean Jesus was a single man and I am a mother of young children, I know that God will protect me as needed.

Yes, my husband is still jobless, but I think that God expects us to keep on giving. He is our provider. :)

I did not type any of this to pat my own back. Its a huge burden on my heart lately and something I think that we as Christ followers are seriously failing to work at. I hope these ideas will move you towards reaching out to the less fortunate.

Be Blessed!

Save the baby whale

This is a short and sweet rant. I am on my death..er.. I mean sick bed today. Some silly summer cold that is trying to wrestle me down.
I was reading stories of the Duggar's newest blessing. Unfortunately, because I enjoy being riled up I read the comments as well. Disgusting.
Apparently the same people who accuse Christians of being brainwashed because we believe the "lies" of the church are being brainwashed into believing the lies of the enemy. Most every comment I read on three different news outlets were blasting the Duggars for killing the planet.
What kind of horrible world do we live in that a beautiful new life added to the planet is viewed so negatively? What kind of world is this where we say no more kids because the planet apparently can't handle another baby?
When did society decide that a planet is more important than a baby.
What kind of society are we in when even Christians believe this?

Disgusting!

Be Blessed!

What makes me wrong?

I am always making up scenarios in my head. I like to think it's me following scriptures you know where Paul tells us to be ready with an answer for what we believe. I'm just practicing here. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1Peter 3:15
One of my favorite scenarios is where people gang up on me to challenge the way we raise our children. You know one or two do-gooders decides that my children will be forever scarred because they don't __________ fill in the blank (go to youth group, go to children's church, date, go to school, do sleepovers...).
The big question that I pose in my head to these people (who are already talking about me behind my back in real life by the way) is what makes me wrong except for your opinion that I am wrong?

Why exactly do my children have to be "in the real world"? I mean really? Is the real world sex at sixteen (or even younger now)? Is the real world hanging out at the mall all day trying to find a boyfriend? Is the real world sitting in a classroom with twenty other people your age trying to get through Algebra? Is the real world throw a pie at your youth leader night?

Can I ask, what is wrong with having innocent girls? With having boys who are more concerned with their latest Lego creation than with girls? If my daughter goes into marriage innocent and naive because we have protected her is that so wrong? I don't see anywhere in the Bible that says that my kids have to "experience" things to grow up to live good lives.

Isn't it weird that the Bible talks about God sheltering us and being our shelter, but other Christians point out how we are sheltering our kids too much? Just something to think about.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy. Psalm 61:3

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, Psalm 17:8

Be Blessed!

Added to the bookshelf

(Click on picture to direct to Amazon)


I picked up this book at our local Christian bookstore the other day. I'd been waiting and waiting for them to get it in. I suggest everyone read this book.
I remember clearly about a year ago I listened to three mom's that I know of teenage girls talk about the boys coming around. "What can we do?" was the sigh by all three moms. I turned to tell them about courtship and then promptly stopped. They were all smiling about it. They honestly thought that any thing other than dating would never work. We could never ask these young girls to give up their "right" to date.
I climbed back into my shell and ashamedly did not even mention courtship or anything like it.
My daughter is only 12 what do I know anyway?

These kids are way to precious to me to just send out at 13,15,16 and say good luck! Hope you pick a winner! In the above mentioned book, Reverend Baucham suggests we not only protect our daughters and actively help them in choosing a mate, but that we also spend the time it takes to raise up young men to meet these expectations. Why should we focus only on training girls to be wives and mothers and forget that we need to train our sons to be husbands and fathers? As much as we need to show our girls the right way to find a mate we need to show our sons how to respect his future wife enough to be ready to court her properly.

This girl. My 12 year old, lives in a world where boys and dating and relationships are constantly thrust at her. On every tv show/movie geared toward her age every girl is interested in some boy or dating some boy.... we don't watch them here but she is still exposed no matter how careful we are. Even in church girls her age are going out on "dates" with boys. Sometimes with parents along, sometimes with friends. Twelve year olds?

I got this book for her mainly. So that we can know how to guide her. So she can see that there is an alternative.

These boys are going to grow to be men. I have a serious problem with the Peter Pan syndrome of today. Men who never grow up. I know one man who is going to be 40 soon. His ex girlfriend had his baby over a year ago. He picks him up on Saturday night, brings him back on Sunday night. His new girlfriend watches the baby. He balks at paying child support. Seriously? GROW UP!

Our boys are going to be raised to be responsible. When it's time, they will take a wife build a family. We are training them to be protectors, providers, priests, and prophets of their homes. And unless God wills it they will not be doing those things at 40.

Read the above referenced book.

These two little girls will hopefully benefit from any wisdom we pick up while charting these waters with their sister. At 9 and 7, they have not really noticed boys yet. Beyond their sister telling them about a cute boy.

One of the great illustrations used by Voddie Baucham and also by Paul Washer is a man's prized car. Maybe it's an extended cab brand new truck, shiny. Maybe it's a Porshe that a man saved his whole life for. Would he hand over the keys to this to a pimply faced boy of sixteen? No? Well then why would he hand over his precious 16 year old daughter?

Be Blessed!

I'm just saying....

I read this article today with a pain in my heart. California a lot of the time leads the way for other states. Two very distinctive things struck me about this article. One was the fact that these kids were being called these horrible names. The other was the parents who are so upset over this ruling.

No child deserves to be taunted cruelly or called horrible names. It's never Christ like to bully someone else. These Christian parents should be teaching their children that while we don't tolerate sin we still need to have mercy towards the sinners. No one is going to come to know Christ while being teased and taunted mercilessly. I don't believe the sin of homosexuality is any different than lying. Sin is sin. Just as mercy as we minister to other sinners is mercy.

Next, can I just say, as a parent if the ruling in California makes you so angry, why are your kids still in public school in California? Do you really think this is the first time they have gone outside of your permission to teach your child lies? Evolution as a fact, anyone? Revised history that completely leaves God out of our country? Why is it ok for the schools to teach your kids this but not the homosexual agenda? As my favorite preacher Voddie Baucham says, "If we continue to send our children to Caesar for their education - We need to stop being surprised when they come home as Romans."

Be Blessed!

Christian Revolution

See the kids above? Those are my kids. Those are the kids that are going to grow up in this world. It's up to my husband and I to teach them the Word. To teach them to serve God and love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and body.

The other day DH and I were talking about what our forefathers would have done if they were alive today. Dh summed it up in one word. He said they would start a Revolution. These men knew what it was to be persecuted for their beliefs. To be willing to put their lives on the line for future generations.

True heroes. What are we willing to fight for? What are we willing to take on the powers of darkness for? It's not about an election. It's not about economy. It's about hitting the streets to tell others about Jesus. It's about raising up children who know the TRUTH. It's about saying, "No!" to apathy and compromise of our beliefs.

Some fear the persecution Christians might face under Obama.

Romans 5:3-5, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Would persecution not get the fat, lazy, apathetic Christians up and moving?

Before someone shows up at my door thinking I want to overthrow the government let me clarify. I believe we as Christians need to hit our knees and pray. If Tuesday night I find out Barak Obama is my President I will pray for him every night. I will respect him. I might not agree with him, but you won't (I pray) hear me badmouthing him.

I also believe we need to take responsibility for raising our kids. If you must send them to public school and you think youth group is great, fine. Please just make sure you spend as much time at home teaching them the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Teach them about true heroes, of the faith and our country. Don't just assume they are getting all of their education at these other places.
Husbands and wives come together and unite. Stand up for families and marriage by being the example.

Wives, allow your husband to lead your family. When you give up control it's such a refreshing change. It's still SO hard some days, but in the end it all works out. :)

Teach your children to be respectful, obedient and strong.

Know the Bible. Read the Bible. Soak in it. If you have small children, place your open Bible somewhere you spend a lot of time. The kitchen, the bathroom, the schoolroom... catch glimpses of the Word throughout the day. Write scriptures on index cards and carry them around. Soaking up God's word and memorizing.

Read the Bible with and to your children. Memorize scriptures together.

Let's revolt against this world. Let's say "No!" to anything that goes against God's Word. Let's be different.

Selective compassion

I was thinking today about the election. This led to other issues.
I realized I have selective compassion. I don't expect unbelievers to act like believers. That's asking far too much of them. I need to be compassionate towards those who do not know the grace and mercy for Jesus. How can they understand the evil around them if they don't understand the love of God?
I do tend to get passionately dissatisfied with believers who act like unbelievers. I am a sinner. I still sin. But I don't stick my head in the sand and pretend that alls good with the world. That grandpa God thinks we are all cute and funny. When I find believers who say that abortion is ok in some instances, that submission is antiquated, that brag about the number of children they did not allow God to bless them with, that children have to go to school to be salt and light.... the list goes on. I don't have a whole lot of tolerance for that.
(My friends that send their children to school, please hear I am not judging you. Each family has to make that decision for themselves, but to tell me that I am wrong in "sheltering" my children instead of allowing them to be witnesses at school makes me gag!)
When I look around the church and I see little difference between people there and people in my own neighborhood I get depressed. When a believer tells me that they just don't have time to read their Bible it makes me sad. When 8 and 9 year old children tell me about books, video games, and movies that are part of their lives that I could not even stomach I get annoyed.
"Well, we have to be like the people we are trying to reach!" Is the battle cry from some camps.
So, because Jesus was reaching out to sinners, He should have become a sinner? Um... not buying that so much!

I have a whole other post ready to go on the Christian Revolution. I typed it here but it was really long. Right now I am off to hang out with my kids. I will put that post up a little later......

Parental Rights attacked...again

I just read this post over at Where the Kudzu Grows. It literally made me ill. This is ridiculous.
Seriously, I believe it's only a matter of time before vaccines become mandatory. So many people already think they are. My husband asked people at his work yesterday about vaccinating and the risks. They all looked at him dumbfounded. They did not know of risks nor did they even have a clue that you could opt out.
But really, this is not about vaccinating. It's about loosing our rights as parents one step at a time. Today it's vaccines tomorrow it's... ? Fill in the blank. California already wants to outlaw spanking. Apparently Senator Obama thinks parents who don't have health insurance for their children should be punished.
Social workers think they can just show up at your door with no proof and terrorize, oops, I mean question your children. Homeschooling is constantly under attack. Young girls can get abortions or birth control with no parental notification or consent.

Thank God that the perfect love of Christ casts out all fear, because, I think I would be very afraid.

Our Kids, Our Decision

About a year ago I had a conversation with some ladies that resulted in me being defensive and flustered. I realized then that I'd better convince myself that what we have planned for our children is the best. Thankfully I'd gotten my husband a book for Christmas called Family Driven Faith. By now most of you should have figured out my deep respect and admiration for Voddie Baucham the author of that book. The book really helped me get a handle on the "why" of our convictions.
You see, we have decided that no matter how mainstream it is our kids will not be in the youth group. It was not an easy decision. It is one we prayed over and researched to the end. Youth groups just don't line up with the values and visions we have chosen for our family.
One of our goals is to raise our children to be biblical men and women. When my son is an adult I want him to act like an adult. We tell our kids that when they hit thirteen they become young ladies and young men. Implying that they are turning into ladies and men, not just overgrown teenagers.

I have heard all of the reasons why this is a dumb decision. Surely, my kids are going to rebel. Yeah. I can count on one, maybe almost two hands all the kids still in church and faithful to their walk with Christ that were in my youth group. Somehow I don't really think kids not being in youth group is why they rebel.

I think that when we neglect teaching kids straight from God's word right from wrong, the law seasoned with grace that we start the downward spiral. When we teach our kids that they have to be entertained every time they learn about God we err. Learning about God can be fun, but life serving God may not always be fun. Joyful and abundant, sure. But not always fun.

But it's our decision. I brought it to Dh and he prayed over it and read all the research I accumulated. We read Family Driven Faith with tears in our eyes. Yes, it can be done and needs to be according to Rev. Baucham. Just because someone does not agree with our decision does not make it wrong.

I have a friend who did not let her child eat anything with sugar as a baby. People disagreed with that decision, but it did not make it wrong. Some people don't let their kids watch certain movies or television programs. Others might not agree with that decision, but it does not make it wrong.

Proverbs is full of admonitions to listen to your mother and father and heed their wise council. If we put them under someone else's authority then we give that person the right to change our values and goals for our family.

My oldest is in fourth grade. In just two short years we will have to face the music. We will have to stand up and answer the tough questions. It's ok. Dh is strong. Whoever comes against us will have to have good biblical doctrine for why we HAVE to put our kids in the youth group. I don't think it's there.

If we are going to believe the Bible is God's infallible word to man then we have to accept the whole Bible. We can't pick and choose which part we think is good and toss the rest out as being cultural.

Skipping October.. or...

just Halloween, please!

Can I skip Halloween and head straight to Thanksgiving? I mean retailers skip August and September and head straight for Halloween...
I despise, no, I loathe, no I, ok, I HATE Halloween.

I have not been able, as of yet, to pass on this disgust to DH so we still dress our beggars up as something cute (I put my foot down at scary, not hard because we both agree on that) and we wander to strangers door to merrily ask for candy. Something we would discipline our children for the other 364 days of the year. Where's the consistency, I ask?
I glare at my brother in his mask that scares my kids every year! I mumble and grumble at the haunted houses around the neighborhood. Seriously? The "scarecrow" lying by the front door waiting to jump up and scare unsuspecting children (or stir up my hubby's wrath) even the little ones!
I know, I KNOW, all of the arguments against celebrating Halloween. I also know if my husband wants to participate we will. Submission in everything, and all.

I have however gotten him to agree that when we move and have some land we will have a weenie roast on Halloween we will call it Reformation day or something like that and invite all of our friends to come. Forgetting the evil of the day! Quickly, Lord Jesus, please!

So in light of my feelings on Halloween I think I will just skip October. Thanksgiving here I come!

Forgive me...

I am not happy.
Shes a wife and a mother of children not yet grown.
I don't think she belongs in the office of VP.

McCain/Palin ticket


Oh yeah, and I take these verses seriously. Not culturally. Not as an analogy. Seriously. Literally.

1 Timothy 2:9-15, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."



Doesn't sound much like a vice presidential candidate to me.

Oh how I pray that we might not have to vote Republican right now. I hope Dh lets us vote somewhere else.

Im sure she's a great person. She chose not to abort her Down Syndrome baby. I completely admire that. It's not her I have a problem with. I don't think women belong in leadership positions over men. I was mad when Nancy Pelosi became speaker of the house. I was mad when Hilary threw her hat in the ring for President. It's hard enough raising my girls to be women in this world where anything goes. Where men are snarled at and mocked everywhere you turn. Where women are expected to be the smart strong one. Marriages are a partnership with no leader. "I can do anything you can do better!" a girl sings to a boy. The whole biblical model of men and women is being destroyed in front of my girls. Men aren't better than women and women aren't better then men. BUT God is His infinite wisdom gave us a model to follow. Priorities to cling to. Now we mock them. I just don't understand.

Grr!

Breaks my heart and makes my blood boil at the same time. Just for the record I knew when this vaccine came out that my girls would not be getting it. At least not as long as they live here. When they are adults it's up to them. For now their heath and well being is my responsibility.
Please join me in praying for this family and young girl.


Jenny's story

From U.S. News and World Report
Is HPV Vaccine to Blame for a Teen's Paralysis?
About a month after being vaccinated against the cervical cancer-causing HPV virus, 13-year-old Jenny Tetlock missed the lowest hurdle in gym class, the first hint of the degenerative muscle disease that, 15 months later, has left the previously healthy teenager nearly paralyzed, Deborah Kotz reports. Did the vaccine, Gardasil, cause her condition? Her father, Philip Tetlock, a psychology professor at UCBerkeley's Haas School of Business, has embarked on an odyssey to find out whether the vaccine or random coincidence is to blame. In addition to contacting top medical experts, he started a blog that reveals his anger and frustration.
Kotz discusses reports of adverse reactions to Gardasil in her On Women blog. U.S. News's Bernadine Healy previously reported on the mounting evidence that the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal could trigger autism in certain susceptible kids.

I Never Thought of That

The Common Room brought up an interesting point about the recent earthquake in China. One I'd not thought about. Read the Headmistresses thoughts here.

A New Rant

Recently on a message board I am a part of someone posted this article link. It started a big discussion on homeschoolers and foster care. This has had me thinking for the past few days. Pondering even.

Everywhere I turn homeschool families are adopting from other countries. That's great! I have dreams of adopting from China someday. However, many homeschool families are turned off of foster care because in most states you can not homeschool foster children.
I know some people don't think this is a big deal, but after dealing with the foster care system and my children in public school I won't be doing that again. I had no say in their education. My five year old turned into a different child. My 8 year old was humiliated and taught things contrary to our beliefs and values. God willing I will not send any of my children to public school again.
What would it be like to a child who has been shipped around to different homes or ripped out of their home to be sent off to school while the other children of the home stay home with mom all day? It seems like it would be heartbreaking and isolating to that child.

I just heard recently that they are trying to have all foster children sent to daycare or preschool a few days a week whether someone can be home with them or not. These are children in desperate need of some bonding and we are to cart them off. The excuse is so they can be visible. Well, I had workers at my house every week. Not to mention Guardian Ad Litems and case managers. Then there were all the mandatory therapy visits. Not to mention visitations with families. There are children very visible, but they are still being abused. In my time as a foster parent I met foster families who could care less about these kids. They saw it as doing a favor. The children were never part of their families. I asked one worker about it and she sighed and said they had had other reports on this one particular family but nothing substantiated. How did going to school protect these kids?

I am also of the opinion that if you are the soon to be adoptive parents of a child you should be allowed to homeschool. Part of the six month wait is to see how the child acclimates to the home and how the parents do with the child. Well, is it really a true vision if the minute the child is adopted the lifestyle changes? I literally went from the courthouse to the school board on adoption day. There was less than a month left of school but I was at the end of my rope.
What makes me sad is these families have a strong vision of family. They truly believe children are a blessing from the Lord and they want to add to their families through adoption. I think DCF is really missing out on a host of GREAT families because of the homeschool rule. Do I think that only homeschool families love children and would be great families? NO! But I think that homeschool families who love children would be a huge asset to the state.
A lot of these children are behind academically. Wouldn't it be great to have the one on one time a parent at home could offer through homeschool? My 11 year old just finished up her third grade math book, because when she came home two years ago she was so far behind we had to do second grade all over. Part of this is because in her short 8 years of life my child had no less than 5 schools. All that by 2nd grade. She never had a chance to excel. When we brought her home changes started instantly.
I don't know what it would take to have the state see homeschool foster/adopt families as a good thing. I want to foster again. I would love to. We had thought we found a way by only taking in kids 2 and younger, but if they are going to make us put them in day care they can hang that up.

It will be at least 2 years before we go that route again. Maybe things will change for the better.

I would still encourage Christian families to look into foster care and foster/adopt. There is a real need.

Be Blessed!

Taking off my mom hat....

for just a few minutes and putting on my football fan hat...

Im so offended for him! I cried, "What!" when I first heard he was excluded... now I had the same initial reaction he did..."maybe the pro bowl does not deserve Fred Taylor.." Of course I am glad he is going. I'm glad my favorite team is going to be represented period. I think the pro bowl should just be glad they did not end up with egg on their face. Can you imagine not having one player from the *winning superbowl team in the pro bowl? *Harumph*

Congratulations Fred Taylor! I knew you deserved the pro bowl even when the "experts" did not!

* Disclaimer: Any mention of The Jaguars winning the superbowl is purely the (educated) opinion (and hope!) of the person running this blog. It is not meant to be a professional prediction of how the coming weeks will play out.

PS Even if The Jaguars don't beat New England this weekend....they are still my number one team!! GO JAGS!!

*Puts football fan hat off to the side until Saturday at 8pm and puts mom hat back on*