“When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.” ~ Ezra Taft Benson
We share our home with another family who are also Christians, but of another faith. We recently all went on a month-long vacation together to Seattle and back to Tennessee. While there we went to the Houston Temple. We sat in the waiting room together and talked about what the temple is, what it's used for, and its significance. Everyone felt the unique peace available there.
We all agreed it would be wonderful to have that peace at home. In order to achieve that, we came up with the rules below. Over this past week our home HAS been peaceful! The peace isn't just having "quiet". It's a core-deep kind of peace. It's a peace that brings on contentment with an undercurrent of joy.
Everyone has had to make changes, but the rewards have been so much greater than the "sacrifices".
I'm sure we'll have glitches here and there, and we've already had to remind each other occasionally - "Mom, remember that today is library day." But overall, it's going very well.
The below is our rules (including the scripture). Everyone in the household signed it as a contract. (The consequences for breaking the contract were also agreed on.)
D&C 88:118-121
… Seek ye diligently and teach one another
words of wisdom;
yea, seek ye out of the best books
words of wisdom;
seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
Organize yourselves;
prepare every needful thing;
and establish a house,
even a house of prayer,
a house of fasting,
a house of faith,
a house of learning,
a house of glory,
a house of order,
a house of God;
That your incomings may be
in the name of the Lord;
that your outgoings may be
in the name of the Lord;
that all your salutations may be
in the name of the Lord,
with uplifted hands unto the
Most High.
Therefore,
cease from all your light speeches,
from all [crude] laughter,
from all your lustful desires,
from all your pride
and light-mindedness,
and from all your wicked doings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In order to achieve the above, each person living in this household agrees to:
* Have a “game night” every Sunday afternoon.
* Bake treats together once a week.
* Have a “family movie night” every Friday.
* Go to the library together every Tuesday.
* Speak in low tones.
* Grant kindness and mercy to others.
* Forgive quickly.
* Keep their word.
* Pray together every day.
* Be a friend to every member of the household.
* Read only that which they would be comfortable reading in the presence of Jesus Christ.
* Listen to only that which they would be comfortable listening to in the presence of Jesus Christ.
* Watch only that which they would be comfortable watching in the presence of Jesus Christ.
6
* Keep an orderly home by:
* Eating food only in the kitchen
* Being responsible for their chores
* Picking up after themselves
* Making sure that Socks is the only dog allowed in the kitchen or Greg's office. (There's a bit of a story behind that one.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A quick update
I've had an interesting last couple of weeks. Interesting in that I have been very busy but it doesn't feel like a whole lot has happened.
The house gets "done up" every day, the groceries get bought, food gets prepared. I nag about homework and help transport friends.
I'm managing to keep my garden alive and get to expand it this week. (Got a few more containers!)
I have been active with the 9/12 group. (If you're not familiar with that, you can go to The 912 Project and read about it.) I go to at least one meeting a week, and I got to go to the Tea Party here in Columbia. That was pretty neat.
I started a new website called We Surround Them WATCH. It's a legislative watch page that anyone can join and contribute to. There is so much going on right now it can make a person's head spin!
And the packing... we've started the packing. We're not sure when we'll get back to TN, but it will be sometime this summer. Luckily we have a storage unit we can put things in so we're not living with the boxes. Hmmm... which reminds me.... that needs cleaning out, too...
On the "Urban Homesteading" front... WE HAVE CHICKENS! I'm so excited! We got some pullets and some Bantams. Pictures coming soon. Really! I promise! Right now they're being "fostered" by some friends who also got some chicks the same day we did. (We're not allowed to have chickens on base.) We'll take them home with us to TN when the time comes.
I have a big ol' list of blog topics I want to write about, and some musings, and homesteading....
You know, I didn't realize until just now how much I've missed putting up my blogs and showing my pictures to the world. Hopefully, now that I'm done with a church project, I'll have more time this week to put something together.
However, today is my "stop neglecting your family and bake something for heaven's sake" day. So on with the radio and into the kitchen for a fun day of baking - and while the bread is rising I can go out to the garden "front porch" and start up a couple more containers and get some boogobs of seeds planted!
I can tell already that this is going to be a lovely day!
The house gets "done up" every day, the groceries get bought, food gets prepared. I nag about homework and help transport friends.
I'm managing to keep my garden alive and get to expand it this week. (Got a few more containers!)
I have been active with the 9/12 group. (If you're not familiar with that, you can go to The 912 Project and read about it.) I go to at least one meeting a week, and I got to go to the Tea Party here in Columbia. That was pretty neat.
I started a new website called We Surround Them WATCH. It's a legislative watch page that anyone can join and contribute to. There is so much going on right now it can make a person's head spin!
And the packing... we've started the packing. We're not sure when we'll get back to TN, but it will be sometime this summer. Luckily we have a storage unit we can put things in so we're not living with the boxes. Hmmm... which reminds me.... that needs cleaning out, too...
On the "Urban Homesteading" front... WE HAVE CHICKENS! I'm so excited! We got some pullets and some Bantams. Pictures coming soon. Really! I promise! Right now they're being "fostered" by some friends who also got some chicks the same day we did. (We're not allowed to have chickens on base.) We'll take them home with us to TN when the time comes.
I have a big ol' list of blog topics I want to write about, and some musings, and homesteading....
You know, I didn't realize until just now how much I've missed putting up my blogs and showing my pictures to the world. Hopefully, now that I'm done with a church project, I'll have more time this week to put something together.
However, today is my "stop neglecting your family and bake something for heaven's sake" day. So on with the radio and into the kitchen for a fun day of baking - and while the bread is rising I can go out to the garden "front porch" and start up a couple more containers and get some boogobs of seeds planted!
I can tell already that this is going to be a lovely day!
Friday, March 27, 2009
A Few Happy Ramblings
It's raining outside and all the world seems quiet and sleepy.
School is out today so my chibi is home, and all is right with the world.
The house is done up and clean.
An occasional car drives by kicking up the water on the street.
The cats tease the dog and they bicker for a moment.
Then... all is peaceful with the three of them, laying on the same bed, an uneasy truce in place for the sake of a nap.
The dish washer is humming me a happy tune, reminding me that the kitchen chores are done.
Some "jigsaw" pieces of my life have been coming together this week. I am starting to see how something "irrational" God told me years ago is coming to fruition. The fruits of my obedience are coming "quite in handy".
I have been watching the world and what is happening to our country. Part of me is in mourning, part of me is angry, and a much greater part of me is at peace. My contingency plans are almost in place.
It's interesting to see how all the "jigsaw" pieces tie into the "contingency plans" and how my "contingency plans" bring together the little "jigsaw" pieces.
Perhaps that would be a good title for my next blog: "Jigsaw Puzzles and Contingency Plans". Hmmm... I kinda like the sound of that.
But enough for now. My chibi and I are going to meet friends for a play date and enjoy the day the Lord has made.
The "world" will wait, and the latest legislation will still be there waiting for me to read. But I only have this day once and it belongs to my daughter.
School is out today so my chibi is home, and all is right with the world.
The house is done up and clean.
An occasional car drives by kicking up the water on the street.
The cats tease the dog and they bicker for a moment.
Then... all is peaceful with the three of them, laying on the same bed, an uneasy truce in place for the sake of a nap.
The dish washer is humming me a happy tune, reminding me that the kitchen chores are done.
Some "jigsaw" pieces of my life have been coming together this week. I am starting to see how something "irrational" God told me years ago is coming to fruition. The fruits of my obedience are coming "quite in handy".
I have been watching the world and what is happening to our country. Part of me is in mourning, part of me is angry, and a much greater part of me is at peace. My contingency plans are almost in place.
It's interesting to see how all the "jigsaw" pieces tie into the "contingency plans" and how my "contingency plans" bring together the little "jigsaw" pieces.
Perhaps that would be a good title for my next blog: "Jigsaw Puzzles and Contingency Plans". Hmmm... I kinda like the sound of that.
But enough for now. My chibi and I are going to meet friends for a play date and enjoy the day the Lord has made.
The "world" will wait, and the latest legislation will still be there waiting for me to read. But I only have this day once and it belongs to my daughter.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
What If?
Yet another post based on a conversation with a friend.
The conversation started with me posting a link to a YouTube video about "Organization for America" (www.barackobama.com). The goal of the organization is to drum up support for Obama's policies. Part of the movement, however, is to get people to "pledge" that they will support Obama's policies and volunteer to help promote them.
Here's what was said about it:
Me:
Isn't this the first time a president has asked the citizenry to make a pledge to him or to his policies? We should be making pledges to God and to the upholding of the Constitution, not a president or his socialist policies.
Friend:
Well, it would be silly if he didn't want people to support him, wouldn't it?? Anyway, Americans are free not to believe in God. First amendment is at least as important as the second! And socialism is one of those words people throw around as if it were evil. But there are a lot fewer homeless and illiterate people in socialist countries than there are here. No guns and less crime too, by the way... I think you and I may be diametrically opposed in everything. Let's pledge not to take personal offense. Discussion is good, I think.
Me:
I am not offended at all by your comments! I enjoy discussing things with you. That's one of the great things about this country. We can discuss things and even "agree to disagree".
I agree that people are just as free to not believe in God as they ought to be to believe in God.
What bothers me is not that Obama is asking people to support him. What bothers me is that he is asking for a pledge - a pledge is a big deal - it's a sacred promise. Or at least it should be.
My problem with socialism is that it robs us of freedom - the freedom to succeed, the freedom to fail, the freedom to educate ourselves, the freedom to rely not on government but on ourselves, our hard work, and upon God if we so choose.
I suppose it's a fundamental difference in core values/ideology. Is it the government's job to "take care of the people" or is it the people's job to take care of themselves (govern themselves / use government as a tool)? We should take care of each other by choice, not government coercion.
Friend:
But the government is supposed to be "us" -- not "them." I volunteered during the election. It was remarkable how so many people were personally taking part. No one can accomplish anything alone. The power of a group is needed to do anything.
Some people aren't members of a powerful church, nor should they need to be to obtain basic human services.
Me:
I think it's wonderful that you and so many others were involved during the election. We should all be involved.
"Basic Human Services" should come from family and neighbors. That is how it used to be and ought to be again. And as far as being a member of a "powerful church", that is NOT required. I have a friend who was helped more by a small church group than by a large one.
The point is that we should not be looking to the government to take care of us. Of those who volunteered with the election, how many volunteer in other areas? How many give freely to charities?
We should be governing ourselves and taking responsibility for ourselves and for those around us. If everyone chose to do this, we wouldn't NEED the government to do it for us. When we shelve our personal responsibilities we give up our freedoms because if we don't take care of things the government will HAVE to.
For example, how many people view the school system as a day care center and don't take any responsibility for making sure their child(ren) are learning and doing their home work? How many people out there on welfare didn't take advantage of the education available to them in their youth and won't take advantage of opportunities to get their GED as an adult? (There are MANY programs out there to help people get their GED free of charge.)
I know many people personally who could have a much better life if they would only take responsibility for themselves. Unfortunately, they don't see a need to because they get a check from the government.
Not everyone is like that, I know. But if everyone chose to be honest, or to treat others with respect, or take care of their own families, how much better would the world be? Perhaps we are heading towards socialism because we as a nation have lost the ability to govern ourselves.
That's as far as the conversation got before I started writing this blog.
Going Beyond
What we've been discussing goes far beyond "politics" - The Democrat vs. Republican vs. "Third Party" mess. In fact, it even goes beyond religious ideologies in a way. It comes down to core beliefs - principles and values.
How about some famous examples of what it is I'm trying to say.
What do they have in common? They are moral men. All three of them have a central moral compass that leads them in deciding between right and wrong.
If each individual chose for themselves to live according to their principles and values, how much better would the world be? Would there be a need for government to get so large as to be able to step in and "save" us?
Are there basic principles we should all live by? I think so. However, I don't think it's my job or the government's job to force anyone to live by them either. (And no, just laws do not force anyone to live by basic principles - that's a whole 'nother post for another day.)
Here are Nine Principles and Twelve Values to consider. See if you agree with seven of the nine principles. (I'll tell you later where I got these if you don't already recognize them.)
Principles and Values
One more thing - please don't "nit pick" these apart and say "well, this isn't true because it hasn't been followed by everyone all the time." We could look at each of these principles and point out times they have been violated. The point is that these are ideals and we ought to question whether or not these are our ideals as well.
Nine Principles:
Twelve Values:
How many of us, regardless of race, religion, political party, socio-economic background, whatever agree with at least seven of the principles and agree with the above values? If we agree, then we are on the same side. We may have different views on how to achieve particular goals or how to help people, but we are on the same side.
What If?
The world would be a very different place. I doubt we would need a big government at that point.
What to Do?
I can only speak my mind and work on myself.
I do ask myself every night "did I do my best today? Was I my best self today?" Sometimes the answer is a very satisfying, "Yes!" Sometimes it is a regretful, "No." Then I resolve to do better the next day.
It is a simple thing, a simple way to live. However, "simple" does not necessarily mean "easy". Sure, there are times I am very tempted to just "throw in the towel" and become mediocre. (Mediocre for me - not compared to anyone else.) It would be much easier to not be involved, to be selfish with what I have, to fall into the world's definition of "normal". But I wouldn't be happier, nor would I be able to look at myself.
I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am not a Libertarian.
I love my country.
I love the constitution.
I love what it stands for at it's core.
I am an American.
(The Nine Principles and Twelve Values can be found at: www.The912Project.com)
The conversation started with me posting a link to a YouTube video about "Organization for America" (www.barackobama.com). The goal of the organization is to drum up support for Obama's policies. Part of the movement, however, is to get people to "pledge" that they will support Obama's policies and volunteer to help promote them.
Here's what was said about it:
Me:
Isn't this the first time a president has asked the citizenry to make a pledge to him or to his policies? We should be making pledges to God and to the upholding of the Constitution, not a president or his socialist policies.
Friend:
Well, it would be silly if he didn't want people to support him, wouldn't it?? Anyway, Americans are free not to believe in God. First amendment is at least as important as the second! And socialism is one of those words people throw around as if it were evil. But there are a lot fewer homeless and illiterate people in socialist countries than there are here. No guns and less crime too, by the way... I think you and I may be diametrically opposed in everything. Let's pledge not to take personal offense. Discussion is good, I think.
Me:
I am not offended at all by your comments! I enjoy discussing things with you. That's one of the great things about this country. We can discuss things and even "agree to disagree".
I agree that people are just as free to not believe in God as they ought to be to believe in God.
What bothers me is not that Obama is asking people to support him. What bothers me is that he is asking for a pledge - a pledge is a big deal - it's a sacred promise. Or at least it should be.
My problem with socialism is that it robs us of freedom - the freedom to succeed, the freedom to fail, the freedom to educate ourselves, the freedom to rely not on government but on ourselves, our hard work, and upon God if we so choose.
I suppose it's a fundamental difference in core values/ideology. Is it the government's job to "take care of the people" or is it the people's job to take care of themselves (govern themselves / use government as a tool)? We should take care of each other by choice, not government coercion.
Friend:
But the government is supposed to be "us" -- not "them." I volunteered during the election. It was remarkable how so many people were personally taking part. No one can accomplish anything alone. The power of a group is needed to do anything.
Some people aren't members of a powerful church, nor should they need to be to obtain basic human services.
Me:
I think it's wonderful that you and so many others were involved during the election. We should all be involved.
"Basic Human Services" should come from family and neighbors. That is how it used to be and ought to be again. And as far as being a member of a "powerful church", that is NOT required. I have a friend who was helped more by a small church group than by a large one.
The point is that we should not be looking to the government to take care of us. Of those who volunteered with the election, how many volunteer in other areas? How many give freely to charities?
We should be governing ourselves and taking responsibility for ourselves and for those around us. If everyone chose to do this, we wouldn't NEED the government to do it for us. When we shelve our personal responsibilities we give up our freedoms because if we don't take care of things the government will HAVE to.
For example, how many people view the school system as a day care center and don't take any responsibility for making sure their child(ren) are learning and doing their home work? How many people out there on welfare didn't take advantage of the education available to them in their youth and won't take advantage of opportunities to get their GED as an adult? (There are MANY programs out there to help people get their GED free of charge.)
I know many people personally who could have a much better life if they would only take responsibility for themselves. Unfortunately, they don't see a need to because they get a check from the government.
Not everyone is like that, I know. But if everyone chose to be honest, or to treat others with respect, or take care of their own families, how much better would the world be? Perhaps we are heading towards socialism because we as a nation have lost the ability to govern ourselves.
That's as far as the conversation got before I started writing this blog.
Going Beyond
What we've been discussing goes far beyond "politics" - The Democrat vs. Republican vs. "Third Party" mess. In fact, it even goes beyond religious ideologies in a way. It comes down to core beliefs - principles and values.
How about some famous examples of what it is I'm trying to say.
- Penn Jillette: Magician, comedian, atheist, libertarian.
- Ben Stein: Writer, actor, economist, commentator, director, Jewish, political party unknown to me (if you know for certain his political party please let me know).
- Glenn Beck: Writer, commentator, radio show host, actor, goofball, Christian (and a Mormon - and yes, a person can be both), unaffiliated conservative.
What do they have in common? They are moral men. All three of them have a central moral compass that leads them in deciding between right and wrong.
If each individual chose for themselves to live according to their principles and values, how much better would the world be? Would there be a need for government to get so large as to be able to step in and "save" us?
Are there basic principles we should all live by? I think so. However, I don't think it's my job or the government's job to force anyone to live by them either. (And no, just laws do not force anyone to live by basic principles - that's a whole 'nother post for another day.)
Here are Nine Principles and Twelve Values to consider. See if you agree with seven of the nine principles. (I'll tell you later where I got these if you don't already recognize them.)
Principles and Values
One more thing - please don't "nit pick" these apart and say "well, this isn't true because it hasn't been followed by everyone all the time." We could look at each of these principles and point out times they have been violated. The point is that these are ideals and we ought to question whether or not these are our ideals as well.
Nine Principles:
- America is good. Not flawless, and I'm not talking about the government. I'm talking about the people. In general, America is a good place to be and her people are generally good and generous. Look at the way we behaved on 9/12.
- I believe in God and He is the center of my life. (Define God as you will - even if your god is Reason and Intellect.)
- I must always try to be a more honest person today than I was yesterday.
- The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government. (And no, I don't take this to the point of justifying abusing children so don't go there.) It is up to the parents what religion (if any) a child learns, and a parent has a say in what their child(ren) learn whether in public, private, or home school.
- If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
- I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
- I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to when I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
- It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or share my personal opinion.
- The government works for me. I do not answer to them; they answer to me.
Twelve Values:
- Honesty
- Reverence (Respect for important and/or sacred things.)
- Hope
- Thrift
- Humility
- Charity (including extending mercy and grace, not just financial help)
- Sincerity
- Moderation
- Hard Work
- Courage
- Personal Responsibility
- Friendship
How many of us, regardless of race, religion, political party, socio-economic background, whatever agree with at least seven of the principles and agree with the above values? If we agree, then we are on the same side. We may have different views on how to achieve particular goals or how to help people, but we are on the same side.
What If?
- What if everyone chose to do their best to live by the above principles and values?
- What if everyone chose, at the end of the day, to ask themselves "did I do my best today to be my best self?"
- What if everyone chose to resolve to do better if the answer to the above question was "no"?
- What if everyone chose to meet together with other like-minded people?
- What if everyone chose to compare what they did, what they watched, what they voted for, or what Congress was debating, against the above principles and values?
The world would be a very different place. I doubt we would need a big government at that point.
What to Do?
I can only speak my mind and work on myself.
I do ask myself every night "did I do my best today? Was I my best self today?" Sometimes the answer is a very satisfying, "Yes!" Sometimes it is a regretful, "No." Then I resolve to do better the next day.
It is a simple thing, a simple way to live. However, "simple" does not necessarily mean "easy". Sure, there are times I am very tempted to just "throw in the towel" and become mediocre. (Mediocre for me - not compared to anyone else.) It would be much easier to not be involved, to be selfish with what I have, to fall into the world's definition of "normal". But I wouldn't be happier, nor would I be able to look at myself.
I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am not a Libertarian.
I love my country.
I love the constitution.
I love what it stands for at it's core.
I am an American.
(The Nine Principles and Twelve Values can be found at: www.The912Project.com)
Friday, March 20, 2009
(The following criteria comes from "The Modern Militia Movement" published 2/20/09 by the Missouri Information Analysis Center and the Missouri Sate Highway Patrol. Governor of Missouri is: Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon.)
Feel free to copy/paste this and change the answers - it'd be pretty funny if they weren't serious about this...
Do you belong to a militia without knowing it? Take this test to find out:
Yes or No:
Do you or have you ever....
1. Believe in a New World Order (NWO) or globalized government?
Sort of - I think it could happen - especially as the UN is calling for a global currency
2. Believe UN troops are already operating in the US in support of the NWO?
Not Yet
3. Believe that Jews control the monetary system and media?
NO
4. Believe in the Zionist Occupied Government (ZOG)?
NO
5. Prepare for Y2K?
YES
6. Think that Obama is "tight" on gun control?
YES He's said it himself.
7. Have concern that the government will enact firearms confiscations?
YES It happened in New Orleans...
8. Have a problem with the fact that Obama is African-American?
NO
9. Questioned Obama's citizenship?
YES but I think the issue has been resolved.
10. Read or respected the Constitution?
YES In fact, I LOVE the Constitution and believe it was inspired by GOD.
11. Been concerned that the military will be used to confiscate firearms?
YES It's happened before and I wouldn't put it past the government to use any crisis as an excuse to do so again.
12. Been concerned that the military will be used to place individuals into FEMA camps?
YES - I wasn't but after seeing this and looking into it... um... yeah....
13. Been concerned about the US Army NORTHCOM assigning homeland security functions to an active duty Infantry Brigade?
YES - It did happen and it does concern me.
14. Been concerned about the military violating the Posse Comitatus Act?
YES - It recently happened in Alabama.
15. Been angry at the Federal Reserve System (FRS)?
YES - DUH! The Federal Reserve bought our debt! Which means that no one would buy our debt /Treasury Bills so we're just printing the money. SHEESH!
16. Been angry at any/all forms of tax collection?
YES
17. Opposed the Ammunition Accountability Act?
YES Isn't this about the right to privacy? Oh yes... and the second amendment.
18. Been concerned that the US government could collapse due to economic or racial issues?
YES
19. Been concerned that no crisis will be wasted and that the government will instill Martial Law if there is unrest?
YES
20. Been concerned that if a Constitutional Convention is held now that the 1st and 2nd Amendments will be in danger?(Currently 32 states have called for a Constitutional Convention for the reason of adding a balanced budget amendment- it will be held if two more states request it.)
Unsure if that would happen but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on it...
21. Believed that there are people pushing for a North American Union?
YES - Isn't NAFTA the first step?
22. Believed that there are people pushing for a global currency?
YES because it's all over the news. Putin, UN, Britain.....
23. Believed that there are people pushing for the "Amero" - a North American currency akin to the Euro?
YES
24. Been concerned about a NAFTA Superhighway (aka Trans Texas Corridor that was stopped by OK)?
YES
25. Been concerned about the creation of a Civilian Defense Force under the auspices of a volunteer act? (Read HR 1388).
YES
26. Been concerned about Radio Frequency Identification?
YES
27. Believe in Christian ideology?
YES
28. Believe that people (specifically "whites of European descent") can be traced back to the "Lost Tribes of Israel?"
YES but not just "whites of European descent."
29. Consider Jews to be the offspring of Eve and the Serpent?
WHAT???? NO!!!!
30. Believe that non-whites are "mud people" created before Adam and Eve.
ROFLMAO!!!! You mean there are people out there that actually believe that????? ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!
31. Been against ILLEGAL immigration?
YES
32. Been part of a Neo-Nazi organization?
NO
33. Believe that you are a Sovereign Citizen (that your rights come from God and they are lent to the government)?
YES - Some believe that because of this they don't have to follow just laws. I lend my rights to the government so that there can be laws and I follow all just laws.
34. Believe in States' rights?
YES
35. Been opposed to collection of federal income taxes?
YES
36. Believe that it is wrong for illegal aliens to use public resources (welfare, etc.)?
YES
37. Been part of a group that patrols the border in order to safeguard against drug smugglers, gangs, or violent immigrants?
NO
38. Support those who do?
YES
39. Learned about land navigation?
YES - Waaaaayyyy back in the day at Girls' Camp. Chibi-chan is learning this through Girl Scouts.
40. Practiced marksmanship?
YES
41. Gotten together with other people to practice the above skills?
YES
42. Use short wave radios?
YES
43. Communicated through forums, yahoo groups, blogs, or social networking ties?
YES
44. Listened to conservative radio?
YES
45. Been to a gun show?
NO but I want to!
46. Been to a meeting or met with a group of people that "share ideologies" with the militia? (Gun rights, constitutional groups, etc.)
YES
47. Helped in an emergency such as a natural disaster?
YES
48. Been seen doing community service related work?
YES
49. Met with a small group unified by an ideology?
YES I belong to a "Current Events" group and a 9.12 group.
50. Lobbied government officials?
YES by calling my representatives and writing letters.
51. Tried to confront corruption in the government?
YES by calling my representatives and writing letters.
52. Displayed Constitutional Party, Campaign for Liberty or Libertarian material?
YES
53. Supported a third party candidate such as Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin, and Bob Barr?
NO
54. Ever created or displayed picture(s), cartoons, bumper stickers that poke fun at the FRS, IRS, FBI, ATF, CIA, UN, Law Enforcement, or the "New World Order"?
DUH! Of course I have! They are all laughable in their own ways! So, if you tell a "cop and donut" joke you're now part of a militia?
55. Ever displayed racially derogatory material?
NO
56. Ever displayed anti-abortion material?
YES
57. Ever displayed anti-immigration material?
No, but I'd be happy to put a bumper sticker on my car.
58. Ever display The Gadsden Flag (Don't Tread on Me) or other type of flag? (Confederate, etc.)
Not yet. I want to get a Gadsden Flag, though. I remember one being prominently displayed in my elementary schools because they remembered what it means.
59. Seen Zeitgeist?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
60. Seen America: Freedom to Fascism?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
61. Read The Turner Diaries?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
Feel free to copy/paste this and change the answers - it'd be pretty funny if they weren't serious about this...
Do you belong to a militia without knowing it? Take this test to find out:
Yes or No:
Do you or have you ever....
1. Believe in a New World Order (NWO) or globalized government?
Sort of - I think it could happen - especially as the UN is calling for a global currency
2. Believe UN troops are already operating in the US in support of the NWO?
Not Yet
3. Believe that Jews control the monetary system and media?
NO
4. Believe in the Zionist Occupied Government (ZOG)?
NO
5. Prepare for Y2K?
YES
6. Think that Obama is "tight" on gun control?
YES He's said it himself.
7. Have concern that the government will enact firearms confiscations?
YES It happened in New Orleans...
8. Have a problem with the fact that Obama is African-American?
NO
9. Questioned Obama's citizenship?
YES but I think the issue has been resolved.
10. Read or respected the Constitution?
YES In fact, I LOVE the Constitution and believe it was inspired by GOD.
11. Been concerned that the military will be used to confiscate firearms?
YES It's happened before and I wouldn't put it past the government to use any crisis as an excuse to do so again.
12. Been concerned that the military will be used to place individuals into FEMA camps?
YES - I wasn't but after seeing this and looking into it... um... yeah....
13. Been concerned about the US Army NORTHCOM assigning homeland security functions to an active duty Infantry Brigade?
YES - It did happen and it does concern me.
14. Been concerned about the military violating the Posse Comitatus Act?
YES - It recently happened in Alabama.
15. Been angry at the Federal Reserve System (FRS)?
YES - DUH! The Federal Reserve bought our debt! Which means that no one would buy our debt /Treasury Bills so we're just printing the money. SHEESH!
16. Been angry at any/all forms of tax collection?
YES
17. Opposed the Ammunition Accountability Act?
YES Isn't this about the right to privacy? Oh yes... and the second amendment.
18. Been concerned that the US government could collapse due to economic or racial issues?
YES
19. Been concerned that no crisis will be wasted and that the government will instill Martial Law if there is unrest?
YES
20. Been concerned that if a Constitutional Convention is held now that the 1st and 2nd Amendments will be in danger?(Currently 32 states have called for a Constitutional Convention for the reason of adding a balanced budget amendment- it will be held if two more states request it.)
Unsure if that would happen but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on it...
21. Believed that there are people pushing for a North American Union?
YES - Isn't NAFTA the first step?
22. Believed that there are people pushing for a global currency?
YES because it's all over the news. Putin, UN, Britain.....
23. Believed that there are people pushing for the "Amero" - a North American currency akin to the Euro?
YES
24. Been concerned about a NAFTA Superhighway (aka Trans Texas Corridor that was stopped by OK)?
YES
25. Been concerned about the creation of a Civilian Defense Force under the auspices of a volunteer act? (Read HR 1388).
YES
26. Been concerned about Radio Frequency Identification?
YES
27. Believe in Christian ideology?
YES
28. Believe that people (specifically "whites of European descent") can be traced back to the "Lost Tribes of Israel?"
YES but not just "whites of European descent."
29. Consider Jews to be the offspring of Eve and the Serpent?
WHAT???? NO!!!!
30. Believe that non-whites are "mud people" created before Adam and Eve.
ROFLMAO!!!! You mean there are people out there that actually believe that????? ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!
31. Been against ILLEGAL immigration?
YES
32. Been part of a Neo-Nazi organization?
NO
33. Believe that you are a Sovereign Citizen (that your rights come from God and they are lent to the government)?
YES - Some believe that because of this they don't have to follow just laws. I lend my rights to the government so that there can be laws and I follow all just laws.
34. Believe in States' rights?
YES
35. Been opposed to collection of federal income taxes?
YES
36. Believe that it is wrong for illegal aliens to use public resources (welfare, etc.)?
YES
37. Been part of a group that patrols the border in order to safeguard against drug smugglers, gangs, or violent immigrants?
NO
38. Support those who do?
YES
39. Learned about land navigation?
YES - Waaaaayyyy back in the day at Girls' Camp. Chibi-chan is learning this through Girl Scouts.
40. Practiced marksmanship?
YES
41. Gotten together with other people to practice the above skills?
YES
42. Use short wave radios?
YES
43. Communicated through forums, yahoo groups, blogs, or social networking ties?
YES
44. Listened to conservative radio?
YES
45. Been to a gun show?
NO but I want to!
46. Been to a meeting or met with a group of people that "share ideologies" with the militia? (Gun rights, constitutional groups, etc.)
YES
47. Helped in an emergency such as a natural disaster?
YES
48. Been seen doing community service related work?
YES
49. Met with a small group unified by an ideology?
YES I belong to a "Current Events" group and a 9.12 group.
50. Lobbied government officials?
YES by calling my representatives and writing letters.
51. Tried to confront corruption in the government?
YES by calling my representatives and writing letters.
52. Displayed Constitutional Party, Campaign for Liberty or Libertarian material?
YES
53. Supported a third party candidate such as Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin, and Bob Barr?
NO
54. Ever created or displayed picture(s), cartoons, bumper stickers that poke fun at the FRS, IRS, FBI, ATF, CIA, UN, Law Enforcement, or the "New World Order"?
DUH! Of course I have! They are all laughable in their own ways! So, if you tell a "cop and donut" joke you're now part of a militia?
55. Ever displayed racially derogatory material?
NO
56. Ever displayed anti-abortion material?
YES
57. Ever displayed anti-immigration material?
No, but I'd be happy to put a bumper sticker on my car.
58. Ever display The Gadsden Flag (Don't Tread on Me) or other type of flag? (Confederate, etc.)
Not yet. I want to get a Gadsden Flag, though. I remember one being prominently displayed in my elementary schools because they remembered what it means.
59. Seen Zeitgeist?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
60. Seen America: Freedom to Fascism?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
61. Read The Turner Diaries?
NO - But now I'm curious about it and I just might.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
HR 875 – Food Safety Administration
HR 875 – Food Safety Administration
This bill sure sounds good:
A BILL
To establish the Food Safety Administration within the Department of Health and Human Services to protect the public health by preventing food-borne illness, ensuring the safety of food, improving research on contaminants leading to food-borne illness, and improving security of food from intentional contamination, and for other purposes.
Sounds nice, right? Safe food. Who doesn't want safe food? I want safe food. How do I ensure I have safe food? I buy lots of ingredients and make my own where ever possible. I wash every fruit and vegetable I buy or grow. Isn't that common sense?
What about the large slaughter houses and large processing centers? They are already being watched by the FDA, the USDA, and other entities, each working within their own specialty.
What does this bill do? It creates a “Food Czar.” It talks about centralizing all of the functions performed by all the other entities into one department. In a way this makes sense except that it creates a whole new bureaucracy. A better solution would be to appoint one person to coordinate the information from all the agencies currently doing the job. We do not need another agency, especially one with such broad powers the new “Food Safety Administration” (FSA) would have.
From page 7 beginning with line 3 – paraphrased, emphasis added:
The FSA would:
A: regulate food safety and labeling
B: ensure that food establishments fulfill their responsibility to process, store, hold, and transport food in a manner that protects the public health of all people in the United States
C: lead an integrated, system wide approach to food safety
D: provide a single focal point within the Department of Health and Human Services for food safety leadership, both nationally and internationally
E: provide an integrated food safety research capability
In their definition section they define different types of “Food Establishments” (FE). At NO POINT in this bill do they differentiate between businesses and home gardening or between “mega businesses” and “small businesses.” Only towards the end are small businesses mentioned. They are only mentioned in regards to being given extra time to comply with all the extra record keeping and testing requirements.
If a FE is producing/processing over 2,000 lbs of product every year I think some of these requirements are wise. However, I believe they should be decided upon by the states and voluntarily submitted to a central database.
Unfortunately the requirements (which will be described shortly) will put small businesses and family farms out of business. It will be practically impossible for farmers' markets to exist.
The way the bill is written it is conceivable that families who have a garden will have to register as non-profit organizations, especially if they wish to donate extra produce to a shelter/pantry/kitchen or even give extra zucchinis to their neighbors. Private family gardens are not mentioned in any way in this bill – to either include or exempt them from having to meet the requirements.
Page 12 , lines 6 – 9: A “Food Production Facility” (FPF) means “any farm, ranch, orchard, vineyard, aquaculture facility, or confined animal-feeding operation.”
Is this where family orchards, “u-pick-em” farms, and large private gardens fall in? What about farm animals kept as pets or for food for personal use?
The Food Czar (officially the “Adminstrator or Administration”) would be appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress.
States would be required to implement, at their own expense, the policies handed down by the Food Czar. Some federal monies would be available to help with compliance, but would not cover the cost.
The FSA would have its own inspectors and administrators. The FSA would have its own scientists and researchers as well. The bill repeatedly mentions “science-based” decisions and standards. Is this part of “science taking her rightful place?” What else would safety standards be based on? OR is this a way to disqualify the philosophies of organic farmers? The way the bill is written, it could be interpreted so as to require organic farms to provide scientific proof that organic farming is better than “traditional” farming.
Beginning on page 21, line 13, paraphrased, emphasis added:
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
adopt and implement a national system for the registration of FEs and foreign FEs
adopt and implement a national system for regular unannounced inspection of FEs
require and enforce the adoption of preventive process controls in FEs
establish and enforce science-based standards for:
A) potentially hazardous substances that may contaminate food; and
B) safety and sanitation in the processing and handling of food
implement a statistically valid sampling program
implement appropriate surveillance procedures and requirements to ensure the safety and security of imported food
coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and State or local governments in carrying out inspection, enforcement, research, and monitoring....
...12) provide technical assistance to farmers and food establishments that are small business concerns … to assist with compliance with the requirements of this Act.
Shall I go on? This Act is 117 pages of regulations, requirements, and punishments for non-compliance. Ready? Let's go on...
The Food Czar wants to keep track of all FE's name, address, emergency contact information, primary purpose and business activity of each domestic and foreign FE including the dates of operation if the FE (domestic or foreign) is seasonal, the types of food processed or sold, specific food categories of that food; the name, address, and 24-hour emergency contact information of the US distribution agent for each domestic FE or foreign FE including lot information and wholesaler and retailer distribution; an assurance that the registrant will notify the Administrator of any change in the products, function, or legal status of the FE, including cessation of business activities.
The Food Czar shall annually compile a list of domestic and foreign FEs that are registered. Page 26 line 1: “The Administrator may establish the manner of and any fees required for reregistration and any circumstances by which either such list may be shared with other governmental authorities. The Administrator may remove from either list the name of any establishment that fails to reregister, and such delisting shall be treated as a suspension.”
According to the Act, some FEs will be randomly inspected at least weekly. ALL FEs must keep detailed records of sales, distribution, handling, movement, etc. of food/ingredients and must make these available at all times to inspectors.
Page 40 beginning with line 22 – paraphrased, emphasis added:
A food establishment shall -
maintain such records as the Administrator shall require by regulation, including all records relating to the processing, distributing, receipt, or importation of any food; and
permit the Administrator, in addition to any authority transferred to the Administrator... upon presentation of appropriate credentials and at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, to have access to and copy all records maintained by or on behalf of such food establishment representative in any format (including paper or electronic) and at any location, that are necessary to assist the Administrator...
Define “reasonable”.
Page 71 beginning with line 9 – paraphrased, emphasis added:
Any records that are required by the Administrator under this section shall be available for inspection by the Administrator upon oral or written request.
The Administrator, during any inspection, may require a food establishment to demonstrate its ability to trace an item of food and submit the information in the format and time frame required under paragraph (1).
The idea that requests can be made orally is dangerous. It establishes a “he said / she said” situation and opens the door to abuse.
This Act mentions the “National Animal Identification System” as authorized by the Animal Health Protection Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq). I will be looking into this more in another post.
Add about thirty more pages of requirements, enforcement, regulation, insurance of career establishment for inspectors, and authority to seize food and you have HR 875. It's a poorly written bill that extends federal government control.
The potential economic cost has not been estimated. It could only be astronomical due to the bureaucracy, paperwork, record keeping, inspectors, and closed businesses.
Reading this bill felt like reading something from the USSR. It made me think of Stalin who would rather allow millions starve than to allow free trade in grain.
Friday, March 6, 2009
WinterSown Update
I officially love winter sowing my seeds!
This is my first year trying this method. There are already some things I would do differently, but I think I will keep utilizing winter sowing.
First, here are some of the sprouts in my home made "green houses".
Radishes:
Pumpkins:
Mesculin Salad Mix:
For a planter I used an inexpensive ($6.50) under-bed-storage-box (Rubbermaid). I poked some holes in the bottom for drainage and added some top soil.
One of the advantages I've noticed so far is that it's easy to transplant the sprouts. All I had to do was tear open the bag and then gently lift them out and place them in the new soil.
Wash, rinse, repeat...
And then I got this:
From left to right: Mesculin Salad Mix, Garden Bean Dragon Tongue, "Mystery Greens" (the label had faded), Lettuce.
This afternoon I'm heading to the store anyway so I'm going to pick up a couple more storage containers and some organic compost. As soon as the soil starts to dry out I'll make some "compost tea" to water the plants with.
What's "compost tea"? Take some compost and put it in some cheesecloth. Steep it in very warm (not boiling... you don't want to kill all the good organisms in it) water. When the water is cool, squeeze the water out of the cheese cloth. Then water your plants with the compost water. It's a good way to get some extra nutrients to the plants without overwhelming them (or between mulching).
Things I'm fixing or will do differently next year:
1. Put my note cards into baggies before leaving them outside. This is how I got my "mystery greens." The labels might get a little sun faded, but they won't get wet.
2. Put plants directly into planters and then build a home-made green house around it. Especially where I live, the mini green houses aren't really needed. The plants in the pots seem to do just as well (or even better) than those in the mini-green houses. This also saves me the trouble of having to transplant.
So far that's about it. Not too bad, huh? Pretty soon it will be time for me to directly sow some seeds. I'm looking forward to that! Before that, though, I have to transplant the other sprouts that are coming up (I have a LOT of cabbage coming up - I suppose I'll have to learn how to make kraut).
This is my first year trying this method. There are already some things I would do differently, but I think I will keep utilizing winter sowing.
First, here are some of the sprouts in my home made "green houses".
Radishes:
Pumpkins:
Mesculin Salad Mix:
For a planter I used an inexpensive ($6.50) under-bed-storage-box (Rubbermaid). I poked some holes in the bottom for drainage and added some top soil.
One of the advantages I've noticed so far is that it's easy to transplant the sprouts. All I had to do was tear open the bag and then gently lift them out and place them in the new soil.
Wash, rinse, repeat...
And then I got this:
From left to right: Mesculin Salad Mix, Garden Bean Dragon Tongue, "Mystery Greens" (the label had faded), Lettuce.
This afternoon I'm heading to the store anyway so I'm going to pick up a couple more storage containers and some organic compost. As soon as the soil starts to dry out I'll make some "compost tea" to water the plants with.
What's "compost tea"? Take some compost and put it in some cheesecloth. Steep it in very warm (not boiling... you don't want to kill all the good organisms in it) water. When the water is cool, squeeze the water out of the cheese cloth. Then water your plants with the compost water. It's a good way to get some extra nutrients to the plants without overwhelming them (or between mulching).
Things I'm fixing or will do differently next year:
1. Put my note cards into baggies before leaving them outside. This is how I got my "mystery greens." The labels might get a little sun faded, but they won't get wet.
2. Put plants directly into planters and then build a home-made green house around it. Especially where I live, the mini green houses aren't really needed. The plants in the pots seem to do just as well (or even better) than those in the mini-green houses. This also saves me the trouble of having to transplant.
So far that's about it. Not too bad, huh? Pretty soon it will be time for me to directly sow some seeds. I'm looking forward to that! Before that, though, I have to transplant the other sprouts that are coming up (I have a LOT of cabbage coming up - I suppose I'll have to learn how to make kraut).
Friday, February 27, 2009
Peace in the Storm and Preservation of Freedom
Hello all.
It's been quite a while. It's felt strange to not be writing.
My mind has been in a bit of a strange place, too. So much has happened, and yet I've had trouble thinking of something to write about.
Because of the foot surgery there has been no baking days to post. Because of the foot surgery there haven't been any adventures in laundry, either. No big changes on the preparedness or food storage front. No big challenges, no big changes, no big happenings at all. Just the quiet, simple adventures of daily living.
Because of where I live and the preparations we've made, I feel quite insulated from the world. All is quiet here.
At the same time the world is in a frenzy and the "voice of warning" is moving me to action.
Our country is being kidnapped and taken to the land of socialism. Our rights are being threatened. At least half (at current count) of the states in the union have passed bills asserting their state sovereignty under the ninth and tenth amendments. People are losing their jobs, stores are closing, deflation in some markets is rampant and in other markets we are seeing inflation.
So how is it that the world can be in a frenzy yet I can be grounded and calm? How is it that a person can feel the "voice of warning" and yet not have fear?
Imagine a rock in the middle of the ocean during a hurricane. The rock is in the eye of the storm. The storm is the world and the rock is the "preparation of the gospel of peace". I stand on my rock which is my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been instructed to be temporally and spiritually prepared and have done my best to do both. The Atonement will make up the rest.
Therefore, I need not feel the storm. Therefore, I can feel peace.
However, there are people caught in the storm. There are other people on the rock who may get caught up in the storm. Shall I then start to fear the storm, be paralyzed against action, and then get swallowed up by the storm myself? No. I will listen to the "voice of warning" that moves me to action. It is the "Voice of Warning" that comes from my Father.
Joseph of Egypt heard that "Voice of Warning" in the Pharoh's dream and was moved to action. Our Founding Fathers heard that "Voice of Warning" in the actions of the King and were moved to action.
I hear that "Voice of Warning" as I read the news and watch what is going on in the world. What can I do? What shall I do?
This week we had our first "Current Events" group. It may sound benign but it is powerful. We do not simply talk about the news. We prepare for action. Calling our representatives. Writing letters. Collecting signatures for petitions. Making our voices heard. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.
What is done to "prepare for action"? How does one "prepare for the worst and hope for the best"?
I will educate myself. It has been years since I have read the constitution. I am reading it again. I am learning about the real history of our country, not the pablum I was fed in government-run schools. I will continue to read and I will teach my daughter what I learn. She will grow up with an intimate knowledge of the constitution.
I am preparing myself temporally. Storing food used to be "normal". It was considered nonsensical to not store up for the winter. When did we lose that value?
"Stocking up" is not "hoarding". It is wisdom. It is a hedge against inflation. If you are stocked up you are free to shop the specials and sales. You will never have to pay full price for anything. You will also be prepared in the case of a job loss. You will also be in a position to help others when they need it.
I am preparing for emergencies and natural disasters. If I am prepared I shall not fear. I already know what we will do and where we will go if something happens. I no longer have to worry about it.
I am preparing myself spiritually. As I better my relationships with God and Christ I have more peace. I have more courage to speak my mind. I care less what other people think and more about what my Father in Heaven thinks.
The yoke of the world is heavy indeed. It weighs us down and keeps us from moving forward. The yoke is not there so we can pull a wagon or plow a field. It is there only to keep us bound and ensnared. It is a yoke thrust upon us by pressure and force.
Matthew 11:
28 ¶ aCome unto me, all ye that blabour and are heavy laden, and I will give you crest.
It's been quite a while. It's felt strange to not be writing.
My mind has been in a bit of a strange place, too. So much has happened, and yet I've had trouble thinking of something to write about.
Because of the foot surgery there has been no baking days to post. Because of the foot surgery there haven't been any adventures in laundry, either. No big changes on the preparedness or food storage front. No big challenges, no big changes, no big happenings at all. Just the quiet, simple adventures of daily living.
Because of where I live and the preparations we've made, I feel quite insulated from the world. All is quiet here.
At the same time the world is in a frenzy and the "voice of warning" is moving me to action.
Our country is being kidnapped and taken to the land of socialism. Our rights are being threatened. At least half (at current count) of the states in the union have passed bills asserting their state sovereignty under the ninth and tenth amendments. People are losing their jobs, stores are closing, deflation in some markets is rampant and in other markets we are seeing inflation.
So how is it that the world can be in a frenzy yet I can be grounded and calm? How is it that a person can feel the "voice of warning" and yet not have fear?
Imagine a rock in the middle of the ocean during a hurricane. The rock is in the eye of the storm. The storm is the world and the rock is the "preparation of the gospel of peace". I stand on my rock which is my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been instructed to be temporally and spiritually prepared and have done my best to do both. The Atonement will make up the rest.
Therefore, I need not feel the storm. Therefore, I can feel peace.
However, there are people caught in the storm. There are other people on the rock who may get caught up in the storm. Shall I then start to fear the storm, be paralyzed against action, and then get swallowed up by the storm myself? No. I will listen to the "voice of warning" that moves me to action. It is the "Voice of Warning" that comes from my Father.
Joseph of Egypt heard that "Voice of Warning" in the Pharoh's dream and was moved to action. Our Founding Fathers heard that "Voice of Warning" in the actions of the King and were moved to action.
I hear that "Voice of Warning" as I read the news and watch what is going on in the world. What can I do? What shall I do?
This week we had our first "Current Events" group. It may sound benign but it is powerful. We do not simply talk about the news. We prepare for action. Calling our representatives. Writing letters. Collecting signatures for petitions. Making our voices heard. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.
What is done to "prepare for action"? How does one "prepare for the worst and hope for the best"?
I will educate myself. It has been years since I have read the constitution. I am reading it again. I am learning about the real history of our country, not the pablum I was fed in government-run schools. I will continue to read and I will teach my daughter what I learn. She will grow up with an intimate knowledge of the constitution.
I am preparing myself temporally. Storing food used to be "normal". It was considered nonsensical to not store up for the winter. When did we lose that value?
"Stocking up" is not "hoarding". It is wisdom. It is a hedge against inflation. If you are stocked up you are free to shop the specials and sales. You will never have to pay full price for anything. You will also be prepared in the case of a job loss. You will also be in a position to help others when they need it.
I am preparing for emergencies and natural disasters. If I am prepared I shall not fear. I already know what we will do and where we will go if something happens. I no longer have to worry about it.
I am preparing myself spiritually. As I better my relationships with God and Christ I have more peace. I have more courage to speak my mind. I care less what other people think and more about what my Father in Heaven thinks.
The yoke of the world is heavy indeed. It weighs us down and keeps us from moving forward. The yoke is not there so we can pull a wagon or plow a field. It is there only to keep us bound and ensnared. It is a yoke thrust upon us by pressure and force.
Matthew 11:
28 ¶ aCome unto me, all ye that blabour and are heavy laden, and I will give you crest.
30 For my yoke is aeasy, and my burden is light.
Christ's yoke is for those who are already heavy laden. He invites us to take his yoke upon us. It is a choice.
In order to take on one yoke, one must take off the other. He will help us take it off.
His yoke is easy. It is light. We will find rest. For He is meek. He is "lowly in heart" - in other words, He is humble.
His yoke is worn to help us move forward in life. His yoke does not weigh us down but buoys us up. His yoke guides us on a journey. It is a joyful journey - a constant discovery of His Wonders.
The longer I choose to wear His yoke, the more aware I am of His mercy and grace, and the more happily humble I choose to become.
And what about meekness? The word "meek" makes me think "squeak" which of course makes me think of a mouse which makes me think "timid".
Was Christ timid? I cannot imagine it. To stand up to the political and social forces of his day took great courage. So what does "meek" really mean?
One of my favorite authors, Bruce R. McConkie, said this:
"Few virtues have such inherent worth as meekness, for the meek are the godfearing and the righteous. They are the ones who willingly conform to the gospel standards, thus submitting their wills to the will of the Lord. They are not the fearful, the spiritless, the timid. Rather, the most forceful, dynamic personality who ever lived - He who drove the money changers from the temple, and with violence threw down their merchandising equipment (Matt. 21:12-13 KJV) - said of Himself, "I am meek and lowly in heart." (Matt 11:29). "
I shall put on His yoke and I will be meek. I will submit my will to the Father. I will use my dynamic personality for Him as He would have me use it.
And what of the money changers on the steps of the temple of our Constitution? If called to do so I shall throw them down with violence.
Until then, I prepare for whatever action my Father asks me to take. I pray it may always be peaceful.
May there never be a need to defend our God-given rights with violence.
Christ's yoke is for those who are already heavy laden. He invites us to take his yoke upon us. It is a choice.
In order to take on one yoke, one must take off the other. He will help us take it off.
His yoke is easy. It is light. We will find rest. For He is meek. He is "lowly in heart" - in other words, He is humble.
His yoke is worn to help us move forward in life. His yoke does not weigh us down but buoys us up. His yoke guides us on a journey. It is a joyful journey - a constant discovery of His Wonders.
The longer I choose to wear His yoke, the more aware I am of His mercy and grace, and the more happily humble I choose to become.
And what about meekness? The word "meek" makes me think "squeak" which of course makes me think of a mouse which makes me think "timid".
Was Christ timid? I cannot imagine it. To stand up to the political and social forces of his day took great courage. So what does "meek" really mean?
One of my favorite authors, Bruce R. McConkie, said this:
"Few virtues have such inherent worth as meekness, for the meek are the godfearing and the righteous. They are the ones who willingly conform to the gospel standards, thus submitting their wills to the will of the Lord. They are not the fearful, the spiritless, the timid. Rather, the most forceful, dynamic personality who ever lived - He who drove the money changers from the temple, and with violence threw down their merchandising equipment (Matt. 21:12-13 KJV) - said of Himself, "I am meek and lowly in heart." (Matt 11:29). "
I shall put on His yoke and I will be meek. I will submit my will to the Father. I will use my dynamic personality for Him as He would have me use it.
And what of the money changers on the steps of the temple of our Constitution? If called to do so I shall throw them down with violence.
Until then, I prepare for whatever action my Father asks me to take. I pray it may always be peaceful.
May there never be a need to defend our God-given rights with violence.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Home School and Public School – My Perspective (by request – long post)
A friend of mine sent me an email asking me all sorts of questions about home schooling vs. public schooling, what works for us, etc. Here's pretty much what I sent her. Well, OK... I did add some stuff to this post that wasn't in her email.
As far as "scarring my child for life", I'm going to do that anyway. I may as well have fun while doing it.
having your mom grump at you because you're griping about doing your schoolwork, or having your mom grump at you because you're griping about doing your homework?
One more thing: please don't take this post personally if you love public school and find that it's right for you and for your family. This is my perspective.
Dear Friend,
I have LOVED home schooling! Neither Charlotte nor I fully appreciated it until this year while going through the public school thing.
Charlotte's current school is excellent. It's a Department of Defense school here on base. Her teacher is wonderful and the curriculum is challenging. Bullying and teasing are not allowed in the classrooms she's in. There's plenty of help for her dyslexia as well as speech therapy and an IEP.
Presuming a good school, teachers, etc., here are my pros and cons of public school:
Pros:
* Time to myself for six hours a day.
* Extra services at the school.
Cons:
* Time to myself for six hours a day. It does actually get old after a while.
* Charlotte's not here to help with house chores. (That's why I had a kid, after all.)
* Isolation (Home school groups are a great source of friends for Mom, too!)
* BEING A SLAVE TO "THE MAN". I HATE having some government entity telling me what time we have to get up, what time we have to leave, what constitutes "sick", when I can and cannot take vacation, when my child does and does not learn, what my child does or does not learn, and who they have to associate with. The school system has also taken away my afternoons due to Charlotte's homework. Because Charlotte also needs lots of sleep, the government is forcing a different bedtime than we would normally choose as well.
Pros and Cons for Home Schooling:
Pros:
*FREEDOM! We can adjust our family schedule to whatever fits us. If hubby has to work "swing" shift, we can adjust our schedules to match. Cousins on vacation from school? On to NC we go for a visit. If Charlotte's not feeling well she can still get her school work done as well as get some rest.
* Curriculum. I get to choose what my child learns and what style of teaching she gets.
* Time with family.
* Control over who she associates with. I've had many comments about how Charlotte must never have gotten any socialization as a home schooler but the same person will turn around and tell me how "well adjusted" Charlotte is. As a home schooling family your child(ren) will associate with children and adults of all ages, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. Bully at the play group? Find another playgroup.
* The Scriptures count as text books.
* Learning can stay fun and interesting rather than a chore.
* You get to experience adventures with your kids and learn stuff with them. I'm already learning tons from Charlotte's new history books!
Cons:
* Freedom = Responsibility. I have to choose the curriculum, take attendance, follow the applicable laws, get something done every day, and sometimes I have to play the "meanie" when it comes to getting homework done.
* Hard Work
* Don't get tons of time to myself.
* You will get NO accolades from the world. No matter how well your children "perform", no matter how smart they are, or how many accomplishments they acquire, you will be considered a "failure" because you did not send them off for someone else to teach. If you choose to home school, be ready for opposition. There is opposition in all things - especially against the good things. Be ready for this.
You must have enough "spiritual confidence" to be satisfied with whatever it is your children can accomplish in a given day. Sometimes that will be a lot academically, and sometimes it will be a triumph just to get them to not drown the neighbor's cat in your toilet. If you don't have that "spiritual confidence" yet - that confidence that comes as a gift of the spirit - it's time to get it.
As far as "scarring my child for life", I'm going to do that anyway. I may as well have fun while doing it.
Who is to say that public schooling is "normal"?
What will scar my child more...
having a bad day at home, or having a bad day at school?
having your mom grump at you because you're griping about doing your schoolwork, or having your mom grump at you because you're griping about doing your homework?
having to leave a play group because there's a mean nasty kid there, or having to face that mean nasty kid every day of the school year and have no way to defend myself?
Q: What about all the friends she's missing at school?
A: What about all the home schooling friends she misses out on because she's at public school?
Q: Shouldn't kids have to face challenges?
A: Would you ride a motorcycle without a helmet? Take a test without studying? Go bungee jumping without a cord? A child must be prepared to "face challenges".
Q: You can't protect or insulate them forever. It's good for them to have to face mean teachers and bullies.
A: Really? Would you put up with a co-worker beating you up? How about a boss that belittles you? What about a co-worker that snaps your bra or puts gum in your hair or destroys your presentation? If we wouldn't put up with it as adults, why should we expect our children to put up with it? Why should we teach our children that their self esteem should be dependent upon how much or what type of attention they get from strangers?
Please don't let all that talk before about "opposition" discourage you. The rewards are tremendous.
Charlotte has a vocabulary that can put many high-schoolers to shame (and she's a dyslexic-autistic-spectrum 9 year old). Charlotte still loves to learn. I have a wonderful relationship with her - she's a friend as well as a daughter. So far I have not run into any "parents just don't understand" attitude. No "us against them" mentality. Sure the occasional “Why should I have to do that?” attitude, but much more so while she's been in public school than home schooled.
You also asked about curriculum. I'm quite happy to share with you what works for us. The key is to read reviews, talk to people, look at and handle as much home schooling stuff as possible, and read "How They Learn". Then think on each one of your children and pray about them. What should you teach them? What will work best for them?
Basically if you have pencils, paper, a really good dictionary, some imagination, a good attitude, and the scriptures, you can home school. The main key is to have a prayerful attitude, invite the Holy Spirit into your school day with your kids, and then just have fun with them.
If they're doing worksheets, study something for yourself. There must be something out there in the world you'd like to learn more about. Sit at the kitchen table with them. If you're cooking, include them as much as possible. It may be that they're only able to put the forks on the table for you, but they are learning. If you're involved with what they do, and show interest in it yourself, they will, too.
Too often I get into the "get things done" mode and my child and her education are just one more thing to do. Life is much simpler and much more pleasant when we do things together. Even when she was barely walking - when I included her our life was much better. (If I was cleaning a room she "helped" - even if she wasn't actually helping - at least I knew where she was and what she was doing.) Even now - if I'm doing laundry I include her. Same with baking day (she likes that one), hanging clothes on the line, dusting, etc. As long as we're doing it together she's happy to go along for the ride.
Again, prayer and following Heavenly Father in what you teach them is exceptionally important. If Heavenly Father tells you that this year your child(ren) should be taught Reading, Math, and Spelling, do not try to include history or writing as "subjects". TEACH Reading, Math, and Spelling. Everything beyond that would be superfluous. That's not to say they won't learn things. You can watch videos, go to museums, read books together.... just don't try to have them as "set subjects". It will backfire on you. So will teaching less than Heavenly Father directs.
So here's what's on our plates for this upcoming year. (Starting in June... we home school year round.)
We'll spend about 30 minutes on each subject unless we're just having a blast and wanna keep going.
Religion: Preach My Gospel ($4) and the scriptures - FREE online.
English: Rod and Staff - I love Rod and Staff! Built by the Amish = Built to Last. Timeless, simple, no-frills, affordable. $50 or less per set per grade.
Math: Rod and Staff. We're doing some review to make sure the public school didn't miss anything that Rod and Staff covers for her grade level. While the going is "easy", she'll do 3 worksheets (front and back) per day. That's about the same amount she brings home from school every day for regular home work so she's excited. Normal dose is 1 worksheet (front and back) per day. $50 for the set per grade.
Reading: McGuffey readers. Project Gutenberg. Do an author search for McGuffey. The version I found was from 1912 or somewhere near that. It's timeless, it works (the only thing I found that helped Charlotte's dyslexia), it's tested, it teaches good values, it treats children as intelligent beings, and it's FREE.
Spelling: McGuffey for now. (Also at Project Gutenberg.) I may switch over to Rod and Staff as it relies less on wrote memorization and gets into word etymology - Charlotte likes that type of stuff. FREE.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary Cartoons. About $16 per book. Three books in the series.
History: "The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child" - Volumes 1 - 4. $12 - $17 per book depending on whether you get hardcover or paperback. Activity books and test books can also be purchased. My goal is to help Charlotte get a good general sense of history - then we'll delve into revolutionary history, the constitution, and the restoration of the gospel.
Science: Netflix. Charlotte LOVES documentaries and science shows. There's a Nova series on physics (string theory) that she really likes. About $20 per month (including taxes) to have 4 discs out at a time and all the online viewing we can stand. We get Netflix instead of cable or satellite.
Other resources we use:
English Grammar 101 - FREE
Library - My tax dollars at work
Dictionary.Com - FREE for basic service, $10 per year for a subscription
"Blackline Maps of World History" with CD - $30
Project Gutenberg – FREE
As we get to the Ancient Greece and Greek Mythology phase of our world history tour, we'll read out loud the series "Percy Jackson & the Olympians". VERY fun books. Available in paperback at Wal-Mart – about $7 per book.
If she spends 30 minutes a day on each subject (ok... we'll probably spend about 30 minutes on spelling and vocabulary combined) that's 4 hours of instruction per day. That's much less time than public school (she's leaves to walk to school at 07:30 and gets home right about 15:00 - that's 7.5 hours away from home every day). And the time we spend will be more efficient as she's getting more one-on-one time and can pretty much go straight into "self teaching" mode right away.
The rest of the day can be spent on playing, housework (keeping a home is part of her education, too), getting together with friends, classes, museums, play dates, TV, reading, art... basically whatever interests her. We just limit the amount of time the TV is on per day.
She was home sick from school today and we had a lovely time. We had a late breakfast together and we talked. She worked on some school work for her class while we listened to Glenn Beck and I did some housework. She played with her dolls and she rested a bit. A friend came over to help me inventory my food storage and Charlotte and Harmony also cleaned the floors for me (I had foot surgery on Friday so doing the floors is a bit difficult). We all had a very pleasant lunch together and Charlotte enjoyed participating in the "grown up" talk. After Harmony went home Charlotte and I enjoyed an episode of Little House on the Prairie together. Then it was time to put the clean sheets on the bed (fresh out of the dryer) and we listened to the radio for a bit while winding down. 19:30 I tucked her in bed and she fell asleep quickly.
If she hadn't been sick and this had been a "normal" home school day, here's most likely how it would have gone:
08:00 - Breakfast and scripture study
09:00 - School Work and house chores (If Charlotte's having a case of the "wiggles" she'll alternate between school work and house work or other things)
12:00 - Lunch and finish school work
1:30 - PLAY!
What's great is that the schedule is flexible. Cake decorating class at Hobby Lobby? GREAT! We can do school work in the afternoon. Friend calls up and wants to meet at the park! GREAT! No problem! School work can be done in the car on the way to the activities. (There's even a curriculum called "Car Schooling"!)
I know... it all seems very idealistic. It should be. It can be - as long as I'm willing to give my angst a boot and just kick back and enjoy the process. It can be a lot of work.. scanning stuff in, getting her work together, keeping track of stuff to fulfill the legal requirements... but it's all worth it. Organization goes a long way - as does prayer.
Expect to make mistakes. You will make them. However, if you are in tune with the Spirit (inspiration from God via the Holy Ghost) and willing to learn from the mistakes and are honest with your kids about your mistakes, you will not scar them for life. You will be providing them with opportunities to learn about mercy, forgiveness, and resilience.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Surgery Prep - More menus and Baking Day Pics
It's been a few days since I've done anything with my blog.
This week has been busy and full and fun. I've really enjoyed getting to know my in-laws.
I hadn't planned on having a baking day this week. I thought, “well, since I'm going to be having surgery on Friday, I'll just buy some “instant” meals.” You know, I just couldn't do it. Sure, I bought a few things, but I just couldn't bring myself to spend tons of money on things I could make for less money and would taste better.
I went to Wal-Mart and spent around $100 (including the aluminum pans). My groceries plus some raw materials I had at home helped me get over a month's supply of dinners prepared for after the surgery. (It's just bunion repair – nothing huge.)
I decided to peruse my sister's website (www.ChristysClipArt.com) and come up with some recipes to make. I also “cobbled” together a couple of things. Because our family is small, each 3-quart casserole dish should last about two meals, perhaps with leftovers. (Except the lasagna – that will go fairly quickly.)
Here's what's on the menu:
Lasagna (x 4)
Tater Tot Casserole (x 2)
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice (x 2)
Chicken & Veggie mix (x 2)
Cream Cheese Chicken (x 2)
Cheese Enchiladas (store-bought)
Pizza (store-bought)
Taquitos (store-bought)
Sloppy Joes
Raw materials I already had:
4 lbs. Ground turkey ($1.19 each at Aldi, used for Tater Tot Casserole and Sloppy Joes)
4 lbs. Chicken Legs (from Angel Food Ministries www.angelfoodministries.com)
3 lbs. Frozen Veggies (Wal-Mart and Aldi)
8 cans “cream of” soups (.50 each at Aldi)
Altogether I spent about $120 for over a month's worth of dinners for my family. Not too bad.
I started around 4pm and was done with dinner ready for the family by 6:30. (Well, OK... We had a rotisserie chicken - bought that day and included in that $100 spent at Wal-Mart - and some leftover stuffing and potatoes. And green beans. Can't forget the beans. Wednesday we turned the leftover chicken into chicken soup.)
Now for the pictures:
We put the top on the table along with a cloth and plastic cover (got that idea from my grandma). This gave me the extra space I needed to line up the pans to put the ingredients in them.
I also included a picture of our freezer. It's not a very big one - about 5 ft tall. However, it can hold quite a bit. My super-geeky dream: to have two freezers: one for raw materials and one for finished products.
The box labeled "raw beef" is just that. Some steaks, some hamburger, that sort of thing. The meatballs and meatloaf are still there from a previous baking day. I like keeping things in boxes - otherwise things tend to get lost. Does anyone else out there have that problem?
Here are the pics of the BOBs that I finished the other day:
Here's what I started with:
And here's what we ended up with:
Another post I'll go over what's in our "little BOBs".
That's pretty much all I have to offer the world this week. If I get up early enough tomorrow I'll share a keen experience I had on my way home from the mountains today. But right now I have my family (in-laws included) waiting for me to play Uno and then it's off to get ready for tomorrow.
Monday, February 9, 2009
RECIPES!
Hello all.
I have finally finished updating my recipe notebook. It can be found HERE.
This week we finally got our BOBs together. Little BOBs, big BOBs... just have to order a couple of parts to get the really old laptop working again. I think all it can handle is Ubuntu, but it's something. (To know what in the world I'm talking about, go HERE.)
Saturday we got a call from hubby's father (We'll call him G Senior). Keep in mind that we've communicated via chat a few times and a few phone calls, but the last time we saw G Senior in person was 10 years ago at the funeral for G Jr's mom and sister. G Sr has never met Charlotte.
So G Sr and H (his wife) are visiting. So far I really like them. They've been through their own soap operas over the last decade, so perhaps it is best that the reuniting is coming at this time.
The most important thing is the reunification of a family and the healing of a relationship.
And I finally have a mom-in-law (MIL) again. Which is good. REALLY!
My dad always had a good relationship with my mom's parents. I thought that this was normal. I never understood MIL jokes (until some of my friends got bad ones). So I always wanted a MIL.
I had a MIL for about three months. Then Patty (G Jr's mom and G Sr's ex-wife) and Lottie (G Jr's sis and G Sr's daughter) were killed in a car accident.
Then I met G Jr's ex-step-father, B. B's girlfriend, S, became my step-MIL. (Getting confused yet?) Then B & S broke up and B married D. **sigh**. D is nice, but not quite a MIL. Maybe I'm too close to B's kids? (B's kids stayed with us for about a year after Patty and Lottie died... it's a loooong story.)
I had heard a lot about H (G Sr's wife) from G Jr. H had been G Jr's step mom. Then G Sr and H got divorced, and now they're remarried. So I now have a MIL again.
I told H last night that I had been longing for a good MIL, and she said she'd do her best to be one. YAY!
It's intersting though... Heavenly Father has always known my needs, and when I've needed a MIL the most, there always was one.
Most wonderfully, Nanna (a friend's mom). Nanna was there for me when she didn't have to be. She loves me though there is no obligation for her to do so. No blood ties... only friendship and unconditional love. I miss her a ton. (I have GOT to get myself up to the mountains!)
Out of all my MIL's I love her the best.
I have finally finished updating my recipe notebook. It can be found HERE.
This week we finally got our BOBs together. Little BOBs, big BOBs... just have to order a couple of parts to get the really old laptop working again. I think all it can handle is Ubuntu, but it's something. (To know what in the world I'm talking about, go HERE.)
Saturday we got a call from hubby's father (We'll call him G Senior). Keep in mind that we've communicated via chat a few times and a few phone calls, but the last time we saw G Senior in person was 10 years ago at the funeral for G Jr's mom and sister. G Sr has never met Charlotte.
So G Sr and H (his wife) are visiting. So far I really like them. They've been through their own soap operas over the last decade, so perhaps it is best that the reuniting is coming at this time.
The most important thing is the reunification of a family and the healing of a relationship.
And I finally have a mom-in-law (MIL) again. Which is good. REALLY!
My dad always had a good relationship with my mom's parents. I thought that this was normal. I never understood MIL jokes (until some of my friends got bad ones). So I always wanted a MIL.
I had a MIL for about three months. Then Patty (G Jr's mom and G Sr's ex-wife) and Lottie (G Jr's sis and G Sr's daughter) were killed in a car accident.
Then I met G Jr's ex-step-father, B. B's girlfriend, S, became my step-MIL. (Getting confused yet?) Then B & S broke up and B married D. **sigh**. D is nice, but not quite a MIL. Maybe I'm too close to B's kids? (B's kids stayed with us for about a year after Patty and Lottie died... it's a loooong story.)
I had heard a lot about H (G Sr's wife) from G Jr. H had been G Jr's step mom. Then G Sr and H got divorced, and now they're remarried. So I now have a MIL again.
I told H last night that I had been longing for a good MIL, and she said she'd do her best to be one. YAY!
It's intersting though... Heavenly Father has always known my needs, and when I've needed a MIL the most, there always was one.
Most wonderfully, Nanna (a friend's mom). Nanna was there for me when she didn't have to be. She loves me though there is no obligation for her to do so. No blood ties... only friendship and unconditional love. I miss her a ton. (I have GOT to get myself up to the mountains!)
Out of all my MIL's I love her the best.
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