July 4th, America's National Holiday

 

 

Today I am staying home and members of my family are providing our traditional home-parade, where we dress up in colonial clothing, march across the lawn with our flags and hats, fiddles and flutes. I plan to ride my tricycle (an adult sized one). After the parade, which we will film, as usual, there is an out-door buffet and dining area set up for our cold lunch, consisting of southern fried chicken, rolls, coleslaw, tomato-cucumber salad in olive oil and vinegar, dill dressing, and a watermellon lemonade punch from a recipe in Southern Living magazine.

 

 

Like last year, we will hear political, '"train-stop" speeches, using my front porch as the railings on the back of the train, as the podium, in order to imitate the political tours of candidates of the 1800's. This year there will be a presidential candidate speaking at the train stop, a speech from a woman about women's rights (it is not what you may think) and a message from an air force veteran who lives nearby.

 

(Note: Anonymous comments are open today, so if you do not have a google account or any kind of online registration, please post.)

 

 

I do not think my sentiments and beliefs could be stated more eloquently than the words on this poster from an ad put in a newspaper by Hobby Lobby. Each statement is worth researching in depth. Click on to enlarge.

 

I was impressed with the following email from the Romans 16:16 blog , which shows the most important aspect of freedom:

Today, as Americans celebrate the 237th year since we declared our independence from the tyranny which once held our country in it's clutches. Let those of us who are'free indeed'' remember to fall on our knees and thank God for the freedom that we have in Christ.

May we give thanks for the freedom we have in this nation to worship Him in spirit and in truth. May we remember that all freedom is bought at a price and give thanksgiving for those who gave their lives that we may have this freedom. Let us remember to ask God to guide the leaders of this country and to raise up those who will lead it back to the one true standard. Let's praise Him for those who are daily working to do His will within our government. May we remember and teach, without fear and with all boldness of spirit, that true freedom can only be found in Christ Jesus.

Happy Independence Day

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36 NKJV

rsixteensixteen | July 4, 2013 at 12:29 p

Note: Thank you for this, and for all you do at the Romans Sixteen blog.

 

And now, I will relate a few of my own thoughts, on various topics.

 

Facing a shameful time in history.

It is difficult to write with any joy about "our" special national day, because of this shameful time in our history---not that the shame is on common citizens, but on a government whose actions do not represent our beliefs. The President also defies God's word in many of the things he promotes overseas. We, like Nehemiah want to remove this reproach. People in foreign countries who participate in their hearts and minds with the documents of our Founding Fathers (yes, "fathers") are also upset at the outrageous activities of the government which has trod on our freedoms and threatened the freedom of other countries. My husband and I and the rest of my family want the world to know that we think it is wrong for the U.S. government to spy on citizens of our country and expose their personal privacy, and spy and other countries, and that those who exposed this wrongdoing are heroes, not criminals (providing that it is not a total hoax, which is entirely possible.)It is ironic that a government that thinks we are not allowed any privacy can be so outraged when their own private evil is exposed. The Bible says to reprove the "unfruitful works of darkness." Ephesians 5:11

We who are disciples of Christ are in a better kingdom that benefits the nation.

While the wicked may be in power, let us not forget that the kingdom of light (those who are disciples of Christ) will always be at odds with the kingdom of darkness (those who defy the Word of God, which is the will of God.) Making disciples will put more people in the kingdom, and get more people out of the kingdom of darkness, so this is why having the liberty to teach the gospel and make disciples, is so important.As Christians we are citizens of a different kingdom with a heavenly passport and a holy constitution, the word of God, which much of the federalist papers (the rough drafts of the Constitution) were based on. Citizens in the Lord's kingdom will be better citizens in any country.

Do not think that a harsh ruler will allow you religious freedom.

Some people idealistically say that under duress and persecution, the church will simply grow in numbers and "thrive," and therefore, they feel it does not matter how the government behaves. What they do not remember is that the nations that live under dictatorships (North Korea, Zimbabwe, Cuba, for example) are not able to teach the gospel or send out missionaries. Under a socialist, communist, dictatorship, Christian parents will not be able to freely homeschool or teach their faith to their children. Parents will be imprisoned while the state takes their children. That is why it is so important to govern the government and keep it accountable and to maintain freedom. I believe that young men like Ted Cruz, Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and others are very brave to correct those who are elected and unelected. It impresses me that they are all so young, and that there is a young generation of determined and energetic conservatives.

True U.S. Citizenship.

I noticed that Ted Cruz was born in Canada, and that many people wrongfully believe that he cannot run for President. Having lived in Canada as American citizens, during a time when many other Americans were hired to work in the oil and gas industry there, I am certain that Cruz is a citizen. Our oldest child was born in Calgary, Alberta (as was Cruz) and is an American citizen. Just as children born to ambassadors serving in foreign countries to American parents are automatically American citizens, my child was considered an American, even with a Canadian birth certificate. Therefore, Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas, born of a naturalized American citizen father (from Cuba) and an American mother, is an American citizen and is qualified to be President, should the American people desire to elect him.

Re-establish your country with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Finally, I would like to remind you of the tiny country of Estonia, who threw off a foreign government by enacting their own culture of national songs, national flags, colors, sayings, constitution and beliefs. We are in a situation of being so demoralized by what those in D.C. are doing that we do not feel like singing the songs which proclaim the greatness of this country. We do not believe we ought to be blessed by God.

We do not believe that we have our country anymore and are ashamed to sing "God Bless America, " or "America the Beautiful." The first and easiest thing to do which will defeat a people is to demoralize them, making them think they are "no good" and unworthy and that they deserve to be brought low; deserving every evil thing that happens to them. That way, Satan and his allies can actually get us to cooperate with them in our own defeat.

We look at the things that the media publishes that are so shameful and we conclude that "we" are all wicked and that America is a wicked nation. We need to understand that this is a type of demoralization so that we will not feel we have anything to be happy about and will think we deserve to suffer. This kind of thinking will demoralize us and immobilize us so that we will not continue to pursue the various personal enterprises that make a country strong and great and good.

I was greatly encouraged by watching a documentary film called "The Singing Revolution", which recorded how Estonia re-established their nation-hood, their language, their constitution, their flag, their government, their songs and their culture. Although you will not agree with all of it, the main principle is to live who you are, and to practice your faith and to insist on your freedom, erstwhile getting those who oppress you to leave.

So, sing your songs and read the Constitution aloud today. Go to town and dress up like Yankee Doodle and take a copy of the Constitution and stand on a wooden box in front of Safeway or Dollar Tree or WalMart and take turns with your friends reading portions of the constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Bring your family and friends to sing songs and proclaim liberty throughout the land. Publish your opinions and beliefs on the Internet and spread the cause of freedom, just like the FOUNDING FATHERS did before.

From the Declaration of Independence are some applicable statements for today:

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

These words, written so long ago, serve today as a chastisement upon the current administration and past decades of elected and unelected people in government. I hope they will take note.

You might enjoy this video by a perhaps future president?

 

Posted with Blogsy

Of Concern to Parents

Children Picking Berries

by Felix Schlesinger, German 1838-1910

Several people have emailed me about the United Nations attempt to rule over children and take away the rights of parents.  Just as I was composing a post about it, I noticed that someone on my blogroll already had made an excellent post, so I want to direct you to it here.  

How the West Was Won

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution

While I'd rather sew, I'm interupting this blog with a special plea before the election to watch this video, called "The Grinding Down of America," which describes how communists focus on how to take down a Judeo-Christian culture from the inside.  The West was "won" with the hard work and faith of those who have gone before us. This plan to  infiltrate, dismantle  and replace it with Fabianism/Communism  has been the main focus of the left, (who now call it progressive-ism) since the early 1900's to tear down what makes life bearable and beautiful, and replace it with the misery of Marxism. You will enjoy listening to the New Zealand  and Australian spokesmen who describe the tactics of communism very well.

Disciples of the movement did not want a revolution that could be suppressed by police, so they infiltrated the education system and agitated in places where they could pit the poor against the rich, the young against the old. They know they are not strong enough to split up a unified country, so they split the west into conflicts and chaos. Once the chaos comes, it is so unpleasant, that people will vote for anyone who will promise unity, without checking to see what their agenda really is.  This film reveals the names of people living today who are controlling politics today and are dedicated to communism and leftism.

"They discovered they could do more to destroy our country by infiltrating the education system than by throwing bombs."  Children are taught that government is the solution to all problems. Independence and self-sufficiency is discouraged.

 Because of the foundation of Biblical principles that gave America good success, these things became the target of attack. Feminism was part of that attack, taking away the importance of men in society, and breaking up the home. In the film, Phyllis Schlafly explains the agenda of the feminists, to make homemakers feel they are victims, confined, with limited freedom, etc. to mobilize them out of the home.

 "We are going to destroy the West by infiltrating its culture. We are going to turn their music, their art, and their literature against them," said one of the proponents of cultural marxism. Even if you are very busy, you can at least listen to this film.  I plan to work on my sewing while I listen.  When you are finished, you will be able to make a more informed choice in the coming election. The Grinding Down of America.

Free enterprise, freedom of religion and freedom from oppressive government were the identifying marks of the west. The west was won by the application of Biblical principles of liberty, life and the application of work and reward.

 "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have." 

Thomas Jefferson 

The Candidates

The Declaration of Independence

by John Trumbull  1756-1843

"A few short weeks will determine the political fate of America for the present generation and probably produce no small influence on the happiness of society through a long succession of ages to come. Should every thing proceed with harmony and consent according to our actual wishes and expectations;......it will be so much beyond anything we had a right to imagine......, that it will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence, as any possible event in the course of human affairs can ever designate it."  - George Washington to the Marquis De Lafayette, 1788

It is not too late to get acquainted with the Constitution Party .  There will be a third party debate with these candidates on the 23rd of October, if you care to watch or listen.   There are candidates from the Constitution Party, in many states.   The one on the ballot in Oregon is Will Christensen. Look for the Constitution candidate for your state.  Here is what they stand for:

Principle 1: Life

We believe in Divine Providence and recognize our Creator as the author of human life.  Thus, we believe in the absolute sanctity of human life.

The first duty of civil government is the protection of innocent human life from conception until natural death, no exceptions.  When government sanctions abortion, then all lives are at risk.

Principle 2: Liberty

Far from granting license to ‘do whatever we want’, true liberty comes from God and real freedom is born of self-government.  With James Madison, we assert the precious American ideal which set our country apart from other nations…

“We have staked the whole future of American Civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it.  We have staked the whole future …upon the capacity of each of us to govern ourselves, according to the ten commandments of God.”

Principle 3: Family

Our Creator set in place the family as the first divinely instituted form of government.

It is the duty of civil government to recognize and protect the authority of the family unit.

When the state usurps the family’s authority, the hearts of the children are turned to the state, rather than to the fathers. Such socialist actions deny the created order and harm our communities.

Principle 4: Property

We believe that the right of individuals to own and steward their property is God given; established in such commandments as “Thou shalt not steal” and “Thou shalt not covet.”

We encourage private generosity, but oppose the forced transfer of one’s wealth to others by the state.

We believe that loss of ‘external’ property rights leads to the loss of ‘internal’ rights of personal conscience.  It was James Madison who said,  “Conscience is the most sacred of all property.”

Principle 5: The Constitution

In these United States, our Constitution established a representative federal republic – which represents the sovereignty of the people under God over the state.

Our founders purposed that the Constitution would uphold those ideals expressed in our Declaration of Independence, as the law of the land, and limit the power and scope of the federal government.

Principle 6: Limited Government

Our desire is to return the federal government to its constitutional boundaries.

The 10th Amendment, in our Bill of Rights, strictly limits the federal government to those jurisdictions specifically stated within the Constitution.

As a principle, our founders sought to ensure the duties of civil government always be performed at the lowest possible level.  Local elected officials and clerks are more directly accountable to the people.

Principle 7: Sovereignty

We are firmly committed to the protection of our borders, our trade and our common defense. We believe that America is to be the friend of liberty everywhere, but the guarantor and provisioner of ours alone.

We oppose membership in the United Nations and any other treaty or affiliation that attempts to assert authority over our Constitution or bypass our sovereign citizens’ constitutionally elected representatives.

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Many people are fooled into believing that they are limited to voting for only the candidates chosen by two major parties, and that their vote will be "wasted" if the vote for a third party. Consider voting for what is right, and letting God take care of the rest, and seeing if he will not pour out a blessing from the windows of heaven.  Look for the Constitutional candidate on your ballot. Go here and see the map, to click on the state of your choice and click on the website of each state, to see who the candidate is.

We are not a "two party" nation by law. Other parties have a right to be heard.

For deeper reading on this subject,  there is an interesting discussion called "Neither Romney Nor Obama."

The debate was organized by the Free and Equal Elections Foundation, which has criticized the debates between Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney for excluding third-party candidates and coming off as too programmed. 

Organizers say at-home viewers will be encouraged to submit real-time questions on the social media like Twitter, where they'll get King's attention with the "AskEmThisLarry" hashtag.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/17/larry-king-to-moderate-3rd-party-candidate-debate/#ixzz2A2nRhrTR

A Country Built on Belief

Grace Cottage, by Susan Rios

In previous posts I have said that America is not just what it is because of a location, but because of a belief, and any country may pattern itself after the same beliefs. On this 4th of July, I want to share some thoughts about the purpose and meaning of America, by looking at the following statements from visitors in America. 

Liberty Lane, by Susan Rios

A businessman from Europe, currently residing in the U.S. was asked why he was still living here after launching a successful business in America. He replied, "There is a lack of cynicism here that makes it possible to keep ideas alive long enough to bring them to completion. Ideas are necessary for invention, and you must have the freedom to pursue them without a lot of hindrance." (Jonathon Ives,  conceptual mind behind many of Apple's products, including the  MacBook Pro, iPod, and iPad)

Another person who visited briefly on a special trip, reported to a news station in his own country, "It is amazing to get so much positive, uplifting encouragement here. There is a belief that if someone succeeds at something, others will succeed also, and that is true for one's personal life as well."

Freedom Way by Susan Rios

In 1766 an Acadian settler  named Jean Baptiste Semer, wrote to his father in France:

	My dear father (...) you can come here boldly with my dear mother and all the other Acadian families. They will always be better off than in France. There are neither duties nor taxes to pay and the more one works, the more one earns without doing harm to anyone.

Seaside Memories by Susan Rios

A recent visitor from South Africa wrote that Americans are busy finding out how to fix problems and how to compete in business. They want to know how to make things work better and how to get things done in the most expedient way. It may seem trivial to be asked things like, "How may I help you?" or "How are you doing today?" These are things which make it pleasant when interacting with a business. The free enterprise system encourages this because there will be those who will always strive to do better and earn more good will, which will help them find loyal customers.  "Americans criticize themselves a lot," he said, "But they are not weaklings who just complain and do nothing. They want things to work. Their roads are good and always being repaired. One employee will often do the job of 10 people, if necessary. For the most part, the negative I was told about America was a lot of media hype. What I found in America during my visit was completely different than what I had been lead to believe."

Hiway Leading to Monument Valley (allposters.com)

Being There by Susan Rios

An Australian visitor wrote: "When I visited America I was impressed that so many Americans had the courage to live their faith and did so apparently without self-consciousness. Faith is as natural to them as the Creation, and I often heard the phrase, "Lord willing," even in public.  Their culture did not seem to be at odds with their faith, as it is in some other countries where a person feels as though they are  swimming upstream against sardonic and pessimistic and often mocking attitudes."

In the book, "Princess," Jean Sasson wrote, "After spending some time in America, I announced to my husband that I liked these people, the Americans. When he asked me why, I had difficulty voicing what I felt in my heart. I finally said: I believe this marvellous mixture of cultures has brought civilization closer to reality than in any other culture in history...so few countries manage complete freedom for all their citizens without chaos, and this has been accomplished in this huge land."

The beliefs that created America were the following: 

Freedom: - The Founding Fathers never meant for freedom to be the license to do as one pleased outside of a moral law or to use liberty as a "cloak for vice." Rather, freedom provides the opportunity to develop abilities to the glory of God, look after one's own family and benefit others in many ways. Freedom is absolutely necessary in the pursuance of success in life, in a man's work, and in a nation's stability.  

Faith:  Freedom is highly valued in the U.S. and other countries  because it is basic to humanity and without it the Word of God can not be spread. Wherever the gospel is spread, liberty naturally follows, because those who embrace the teachings of Christ have self-discipline and do not need to be monitored or controlled by government. They also extend the freedom they have been given, to others.  "Proclaim liberty throughout the land." (Leviticus 25:10) Faith in God is the foundation of the other things that many people who came to America were looking for.

Work: When we follow our faith, we will naturally desire to have a worthwhile work in this life, and work with our own hands, being a burden to no one. Most American individuals want to work, and if they cannot find a job, will invent something to do that will help them in life. 

Golden Wheat Field (allposters.com)

Independence: A nation of do-it-yourself-ers is a people willing to go through hardships in order to realize their goals. Though some may argue that the pioneer era is over, there is still much to pioneer:

1. Taking responsibility for our children's education by educating them ourselves.

2. Developing our own enterprises, using the capital of our minds and hands, and sharing the fruit of our labors.

3. Taking care of our own health, naturally.

4. Having strong, loyal families.

5. Discovering and developing the talents God has graciously given us. There is a great need for this today, because of the way that our talents can effectively serve others.

6. Observing things that need to be done better in certain areas of life, for inspiration to create and invent.

7. Knowing the Word of God, living it out, and building up the Lord's church, His kingdom, and passing on these truths to the next generation.

Cottage by Susan Rios

A Can-Do Spirit: Only a demoralized people will not believe that anything can be done. That is why, if an enemy wants to defeat a country, they first demoralize a people, who will then not be able to enjoy life or bring out the full potential of their nation. Telling Americans, through mass media, that they are all greedy, lazy, have no worth, have no future, and that their country is  going to shortly fall into the sea, will have the effect of demoralizing them. A demoralized people will not be able to see the difference between the truth and a lie and will be easily defeated. 

 A can-do spirit; that of being able to do anything you put your mind to, is essential in maintaining freedom and individuality. Do-it-yourself-ers will not want government interference and will not want to be dependent on the government. Although Americans have a strong mutual national identity, they do not want government to dominate them. They enjoy being Americans because of the previous things listed here, not because they want to be controlled by elected and non-elected officials. To them, America is not identified by its politicians as much as its ordinary citizens.

Signing of the Constitution (allposters.com)

The Constitution: There may be a misunderstanding by the upcoming generation as to the power of the Constitution. By itself, it is a document, and can do nothing. Many people have believed that after it was ratified, it absolutely guaranteed Americans their unalienable rights; meaning that they can not be removed, sold, exchanged, or taken away.  It is up to each generation to read the constitution and use it for their law, rather than assuming that it will work for them automatically. These freedoms can be passed down to the next generation, only if they are taken care of. Like precious heirlooms that are handed down from one generation to another, they have to be guarded. One thing the enemies of freedom want to do is make our children unaware of the freedom that the Constitution provides. One good study on the benefits and purposes of the Constitution can be found at Wall Builders, where you will learn that America is more than a place: it is a belief. Without that belief in freedom, faith, enterprise, and other things, it ceases to be what it 

should be.

A young man from India writes: "I was absolutely fascinated when I read the American Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The men who wrote it must have been something. The leaders today seem to be a shadow of such giants."

The question that remains is, what can one person or one family do to have the kind of country they really want?  The answer is to practice and live the principles you believe in, at home. Your family is a small country, with its own culture of freedom and faith.  You, or your  family and your home life represents your country. A country is no stronger  than the strength of its families.

 Your personal faith will set in order your creative abilities, your accomplishments in life, your family life, and your work ethic, and these things have a lot to do with the kind of country in which you live. Make your home your country. Practice and teach your celebrations and your beliefs. By the fruits of your belief and practices, others will know that you walk in the Truth and be drawn to conform their lives with the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

(My homestead lake, private photo 2012)

Here is my challenge to every one who loves their country, whether it be America or somewhere else: Remember the many people who had heard of the greatness of the God of Israel, recorded in the Old Testament. Because news always travels fast, people knew about Israel's God and His care for His people. Foreign kings and queens  would say that they had heard of the wonderful things their God had done. May we all live in such a way as spread the good reputation of our Lord to other countries. May they know us by our Lord and by our faith in Him, who is the "one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:6 Let us live in such a way that others will say of each of our countries, "We have heard of your great God and his blessings and protection over your land."

Since the world is watching America, I believe we all have the duty and the responsibility to know the word of God accurately, to live our lives to the fullest; to work and to enjoy the things God has graciously given us for the reward of our labors.

 It is also our duty and responsibility to un-elect the people in government who do not represent these values that we cherish, by not voting for the individuals who have violated them, and by selecting wise men who will honor the Lord in all their dealings. We need to apply the free market system to those who have mis-served this country for too long, and find a product that will work better for us.

As for those people in other places who are jealous of America and who use every opportunity to find things about us to despise, there is no reason for this, for the principles of freedom that run this country can also run theirs, if applied. Then, they may enjoy the blessings that come as a result of proclaiming liberty throughout the land. When our land is blessed, these benefits often overflow so that we may share them with others in different countries that are not so blessed. Therefore, wishing the demise of America is to deny themselves the sharing of the spiritual and material blessings that they might participate in.

Sacramento Valley by Albert Bierstadt

German, 1853-1902

 The Bible is available for anyone to read, and by embracing its discipline, anyone may have the blessings that comes from it. In the beginning, God gave man a place to live and gave him a purpose in life.  Throughout that Bible is evidence of the results of the wise and the foolish way of doing things, so that when good principles are applied, mankind may be able to avoid the heartache of foolishness and reap the reward that comes from wisdom. Any country can apply these things and have peace and prosperity.

For a list of good things about America, go here. It might be a good article to send to your friends.

To print this, go here.

Please enjoy the music:

Observing American Memorial Day

American Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, which began with Southern ladies  decorating  the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers in 1868. Today it is celebrated all over the United States and its territories as a memorial to all those who have died in military service.

Decoration Day

from a Book Published in 1891

If you are just getting acquainted with the Memorial Day custom, and wanting to know how you can participate in a meaningful way, it is first necessary to know the history and purpose  of memorials.  God often told His people in the Old Testament to raise a memorial so that others who passed by it would be reminded of something  that took place. Memorials are reminders of the values that people stood for and the historical events surrounding them.

One ancient but living memorial that thousands of people observe each week is the Lord's Supper, which Jesus instituted on the night on which he was betrayed. He taught his disciples that the unleavened bread represented his broken body, and that the fruit of the vine represented his blood. Matthew 26:25-30.  The purpose of this memorial was to provide a time to remember the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Jesus told his disciples when  they took the emblems, "This do, in remembrance of Me." We observe this memorial on the first day of the week when we come together to worship.  Memorials are important because they keep us from forgetting lessons and events that are integral to our future days. 

Observing a memorial day effectively will require a respectful attitude and a feeling of solemnity, accompanied by some knowledge of history.  In America, there is a great choice of ways to observe Memorial Day. In or around  nearly every single town, there is an official event  or ceremony available for people to attend. You can find some of these events by typing in "Memorial Day Events in (your area)."

There are thousands of Memorial Day services across the country, but that is nothing compared to the hundreds more personal family and individual memorial day celebrations, where people plan their own activities.  We always enjoyed having an old fashioned farm lunch taken picnic-style, and reading about the custom of Memorial Day so that our friends and family would not forget what it meant.  On the Lord's Day, previous to the Monday holiday,  a sermon was usually preached about the purpose of observing meaningful memorials.

Historical re-enactment groups host Memorial Day shows in various places across the country, and FM/Classical radio stations broadcast hours of patriotic music and hymns with speeches, on this day. If you are spending the day at home, you can listen to some of these broadcasts on the web.

You can read more about Decoration Day and Memorial Day in a book called "Victorian Entertaining" by John Crosby Freeman, and in a chapter called "The Art of Living" by Linda Lichter in her book "The Benevolence of Manners. The author spent some time detailing the Victorian's respectful conduct during mourning and memorials, and showed how it brings an appreciation for life to those that remain.

If you are in any doubt that this country has strength, value and worth, just read comments by people in other countries when they congratulate Americans on their special observance days. "I love my country," wrote one man after watching a video of a Memorial Day service, "But I truly wish I loved my country as much as Americans love theirs."  Another person added, "I wish people loved my country as much as other countries love America."  In some international events, citizens of foreign countries place their hands on their hearts while the American anthem is being played. We must not forget that in observing memorials to show appreciation for those who have contributed to our safety, we also receive unexpected blessings and respect.

 God commanded the nation of Israel to set aside time to celebrate their nation by honoring God and their leaders. We can re-enact that on Memorial Day and take courage in the fact that our country is unique among the nations, not because of its location, but because of its concept of freedom, enterprise and worship of God. Any country can have what America has, if they have the beliefs and freedom to enjoy the fruits of their labors, beliefs of work and worship, free enterprise, love and loyalty to God, and the belief that they are obligated to develop and use their talents to glorify God and serve others.

Although Memorial Day is generally set aside for patriotic activities, it has been extended to include remembrance and respect for all relatives, friends and loved-ones who have gone on before.


You might be interested in watching this video about Sergeant York, and American Hero, for part of your Memorial Day observance.

The Flipside of Feminism

A Cottage Garden in Full View

by Val Norman

Feminist occasionally try to make a point about the use of modern inventions by homemakers: driving a car, using a computer, publishing books, having a home or cottage industry, earning money with personal talent such as art, crafts, etc., and so forth. Their claim is that without feminism, women would not be allowed to read, write, drive, or conduct business.

 I have always answered that the feminist movement was never needed. Their claim of being responsible for all these privileges is false.  These things were enjoyed by women long before the 20th century feminist movement.

 From a Biblical perspective, Christ freed women and made them "heirs together" in the grace of life. 1st Peter 3:7.  The only liberator women need is Christ, and they do not need liberation from their duties as guardians of the home. Discontent at home, feminists insist that women need not use their talents for the family, but should make their mark outside of the home.   This has done great harm to the home and the family, as it indoctrinates  young women not to desire the honor of being wives, mothers and homemakers.

The best way to make your mark outside the home is to do a good job inside the home. Good works from the home never go unnoticed and do create a reputation for the home.

In tiher book, "The Flip Side of Feminism" by Suzanne Venker and  Phyllis Schlafly, Phyllis addresses this same comment, stating that feminism never helped her succeed in anything.  You can view her speaking about it on a video here. It is also imbedded at the end of this post.

One thing I have not seen addressed much  is the constant mockery that prevails toward the homemaker, and especially the Biblical homemaker who desires to home school, make her own bread, grow a garden, sew clothes, and create a home life for their loved ones.  Those who promote feminism have to first break down the things that stand in their way, and this is seen in the amount of derision, deriding and despising that is aimed at this honorable and Biblically approved life. 

The concept  of  the pedestal has been scorned to such an extent that these days, no one dares to mention it in regard to the reputation men and women must uphold in their own spheres. One chapter in "The Flip Side of Feminism, titled "The Pedestal," states that women need to get off men's pedestal, and get back on their own.  Helen Andelin made this concept more widely known, when she wrote that the women needed to stay in their feminine role. She warned that sometimes people would try to shake her pedestal and want to bring them down to their level, away from her lofty position as wife, mother and guide of the home.

My own belief is that God gave women a wonderful way to live through His Word which teaches them to take charge of the home.  There is plenty to do at home for the young, even without children, and when they become older, they should be teaching others about the things they just finished doing. One stage of life prepares them for the next. Young women must learn to keep house, practice it and become good at it, and when they are older, show the younger women how to do it. The trials and errors of homemaking, child-rearing and marriage prepare women to be teachers of good things. Even a woman who has learned from her mistakes can be a good teacher, as she attempts to help the next generation to have good judgement.

In His wisdom and perfection, God created the most natural way of life for women. If this is the right way, why then, do women worry that it is not enough, that it will not work, that it will give them no rights, or that it will not be possible?  Why do women listen the world advising them to have "back-up-plans," or "something to fall back on"?  Does God's word need a back up plan?  Women need instead to back-up God's plan by putting it into practice.  Yes, in a sense, we need back-up plans, but they should be re-enforcements, not substitutes. When you want to keep the wind from blowing away your soil, you plant trees and shrubs around it. When you want to stay home, you find ways of doing it, and ways of proving that it works. I repeat: we need to back up the plan God already gave us in Titus 2, Ist Timothy 5:14 and others.

Proverbs 31 seems complicated and exhausting, but in the New Testament, the last will and testament of Christ, which is our spiritual authority today, the role of a woman is much simplified, and it is for her own peace. It gives about three main things for the woman in the church of Christ, to do: marriage, raising children and keeping house. This is reinforced in several different passages as guiding the home, guarding the home, training children, respecting the husband, and having a quiet and gentle spirit. One way to acquire that quiet and gentle spirit is to limit your activities to just the important ones that are given in the Bible: the care of the home and the guiding of the family.

 God knows the nature of women and the danger of being over loaded with the worries of this world, and wisely allows her to be a home, where she can choose how she will look after it, what talents she will pursue, and how her children will be trained. In order to retain the quiet and gentle spirit, a woman must not take on the role of a man.

Fully embracing and enjoying the role at home is not dependent on money, as feminists would make us believe. Read my comment about one of the gods of this age, the economy, which women submit to as an excuse to leave their homes and families and pursue wages, on The Thinking Housewife.

Visiting America, Part 2

"I felt a sense of safety and freedom as soon as I landed at the airport in America."

A few days after the first visit, our South African friend returned and we were able to continue our fascinating and informative conversation. Having the experience of living in two countries where there had been severe hardship due to political upheaval and communist influence, he  warned us that Americans must not feel guilty for who they are or what they have accomplished. "Americans have a lot to be proud of," he said.

 People get what they have through hard work, but others want them to feel they have cheated or got it "off the backs of the less fortunate."  They have a warped sense of how wealth is created, since they believe there is a limited supply of prosperity. Therefore, they teach that if someone is living comfortably, they must be making someone else uncomfortable, and if someone is rich, then someone else must be poor.  This is certainly not true at all.  Free enterprise, as practiced in America, allows money to flow freely from hand to hand, and keeps the economy alive while allowing people to prosper. Each person who works can buy something from someone else who works, who then can pay someone else for some service or product he needs. Wealth is passed from one to another and people may save or spend as they like.

 When communism, often hiding behind the terms progress, hope, and liberation, takes over a country, it deadens the economy by preventing free exchange of goods and products. It takes over private business, and taxes people so much that they can no longer afford to run a business or buy anything. Eventually no one has any money and if they did, there would be nothing to buy.

    We talked at length about the concept of America, and related to him the belief that any country in the world could be like America by following certain foundational principles of belief, economics, and self-government. Many other countries have similar constitutions and laws as we do, but they are largely ignored by the population.  The difference here is that ordinary Americans still have respect for law and order, and are happiest when guarding those laws, preserving them for the safety of everyone. In fact, they had a hand in creating these laws in the first place.  Americans seem to understand more than the letter of the law: they understand the principles behind the laws, which make them safe and protect them. Attempts are being made to corrupt those laws and create laws which make good people miserable, but good laws which reward the good and punish the violators, are still in effect here.

The web is one of the last frontiers of free expression, free exchange of ideas,  and free enterprise, but the communists never sleep while they devise new schemes of destroying this. Probably anyone who is familiar with message boards or blogs will be able to identify a phrase that is being used now: self-appointed.  No matter what the subject is that is being discussed, someone will make the comment that someone is a self-appointed expert, leader, or preacher, who is telling others what to believe. One does not have to look far on the web to find a news story or blog where someone has called someone else a self-appointed expert, or self-appointed religious leader, or self-appointed teacher. 

Both phrases try to indicate some kind of human rights violation, when in fact, they are nothing of the sort. Americans on the whole, do not depend on hierarchy in government or religion, and have learned to be innovative, inventive, creative do-it-yourself types of people. They must not listen to the discouragers who want to prevent them from being do-it-yourself-ers. Anyone can have a radio station, write a newspaper or magazine, have a blog, or broadcast their beliefs. It is still a basic American right, but it must be guarded carefully so that those who wish to destroy it cannot succeed.

Our visitor touched on several  topics and said, "Americans have a lot to be proud of."

Young People in America: He was pleasantly greeted by young people everywhere, who were quick to say "Sir" or "excuse me" or "thank you." "I never met anyone in America who was rude. People were not just polite, they were also very helpful. For years I had been told that the teenagers and children in America were terrible. I dreaded meeting them, but found quite the opposite was true: they were always polite."

Driving in America: Americans drive at an even speed, give way to one another, and drive together at the same speed. They are taught defensive driving classes and they do drive defensively, and carefully.  The roads are wonderfully kept, and the white or yellow lines always looked freshly painted. A person would have to be driving very carelessly in order to have an accident, and when there is an accident, it is broadcast on the evening news. Driving in America, even on the winding roads in remote areas, is enjoyable."I never once, in 4 states, saw lines that were faded. Their road signs are all very clear and very easy to see...I loved driving in America and especially enjoy driving American cars...Americans drive much slower, and safer...I never felt safer driving anywhere, than in America."

Small Towns and Out-of-the Way Places: Unlike some countries, small towns and places off the beaten track in America  are not in any way unpleasant, isolated, or primitive. Each small town that I saw had its own harbour, airstrip, shopping mall, police station, fire department, parks and well-paved roads. Homes in country areas have conveniences and comforts. In cities, houses look freshly painted, or else have a high quality paint on them.

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"To me, the combination of paint (which either lasts very well or is new) combined with the fact that you don't see plastic papers or tin cans or rubbish on the streets ANYWHERE... just makes most American towns delightful. Furthermore, the roads are well painted with clear yellow and white stripes. It is not like in South Africa where you can drive down a road and you have to guess where the centre line or other signs are."

Bridges in America: Our visitor from South Africa was completely enthralled with the bridges he saw here. He was impressed with their height and design, allowing very tall ships to pass under without a problem,  and spent some time taking pictures of them. "The white lines on the road were well-marked, even on the bridges...in my own country, roads and road safety is neglected."

Freedom:
"The real threat to this country are the people who are destroying it from within by wanting to turn it into a socialist state. If they succeed, and they destroy the industry and progress of this country... yes, then it would be in danger at a future date. If the illegals flood in, and they teach their children to hate America... then yes... America will be in danger.
To me, it seems as if the illegals flooding in, and the subversion and radicalisation of the Democratic party are the real dangers. There are some crazy people here who are starting to bend the rules which have served this country so well for so long... and this Fifth column is very dangerous. They are subverting the next generation with their junk ideas.
The assault on this country is coming from many sides - both external and internal.

"The more I mull America over, the more I also gain respect for the men who originally created it. Most Americans themselves have completely forgotten about their founding fathers and have little knowledge of their intellectualism and what they tried to do. Sadly, many have flaunted a lot of deep and brilliant ideas and so America has moved more away from the loose binding they once had."

While visiting America, he talked to Barbara Simpson on the radio and said that his impression of America was that it was a free enterprise system that was working, Americans were mild people not easily angered, who worked extremely hard, were very hospitable and enjoyed life.

Television: Although only here for 3 weeks, and only staying in the homes of friends, rather than motels, the people he visited did not watch television.

First Impressions: "...as I stood on the pavement watching the cars, watching the people and looking at the surrounding buildings, etc I thought to myself: IT JUST DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS. THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN IMPROVE ON THIS...I saw civilisation, and I loved it, and I still think: YOU CAN'T GET BETTER THAN THAT!"

 

Success in America:  Laws, like the roads and cars, work so well in America, that the only way people can mess up their lives, is to do so personally, by living without the guidance and help that is available.

The Feeling: He was not able to completely expess his impressions of America, except to say there was a feeling, or atmosphere there which was unlike any other, although he had travelled outside of his country before. America was different to anything he had ever seen or known, and although it was not all perfect and not everything was superior to his own country, there was a freedom and a feeling of safety that was not present in other places.

Logic: Roads, bridges, cities, laws, cars, airports,  broadcasting,  business and enterprise, (you name it)-- in America, it seem to be conducted with a lot of logic, whereas, he stated in his country and other countries he knew of, the illogical seemed to win over the logical.

Go here for Part 1 of Visiting America.

Go Here to listen to the two parts of the Barbara Simpson interview of a South African's impressions of America. (link coming soon)