It has been a long, but good, summer. No big vacations but plenty of family time spent on the acreage camping and building fence around it's perimeter. The fencing is finally complete so the neighbors cattle can't roam eating and trampling the new blueberry plants, fruit trees and other newly planted vegetation. Perhaps the grass will have a chance to grow as well. I look forward to the coming cool fall evenings/days to walk and enjoy the fresh open space. There's nothing like enjoying the stars beside a nice campfire, too!
Aside from being weekend warriors on the acreage, I have been very busy getting my home organized, cleaned and freshly painted. I think this school year will go much more smoothly now that eveything is in it's place. At least I know I will feel much better about starting on Tuesday, September 2.
I had flirted with the idea of Classical Conversations and while I believe it is an excellent course, I am looking forward to Lone Rangering it once again. I like the personal journey we set out to take each year, the personal conversations, the leaning on Christ and coming closer to him through the trials each week, sometimes days, that present themselves.
So, I have ordered all that I believe we will need for the year. It's nice that so many things can be recycled to the younger ones from the eldest though I've done such an overhaul I'm not sure I will be doing much recycling this year. Here is an idea of what we will be doing:
Math U See: This is new for us, I'm excited about using it and anticipate good things.
Spelling Power: This, too, is new with the hope to replace the old spelling books with just this one. Keeping so many different grades of books takes up so much space.
Easy Grammar / Intermediate Language Lessons: We have used Easy Grammar which I appreciate greatly for it's easy use. Intermediate Language Lessons is new; I will let you know how that goes.
Beautiful Feet Early American History / Oklahoma History: I love BF! I have used this before and I'm never disappointed.
Apologia Jr. High Physical Science and elementary level Exploring Creation with Astronomy: This will be new to us but quite excited how the upper grades are expected to learn individually. The Physical Science is written directly to the person reading it. I think my son will truly enjoy this program.
Writing Strands: I haven't used a "real" program for writing. We have done a lot of narration, which we will continue, but believe it's time to incorporate something a little more structured; I think they will be able to handle it just fine with all the practice they've had through the narration process.
Meet the Great Composers Book 1: Another new item I hope brings something fresh to the dining room table. We take lessons such as bagpipe and piano, but haven't delved into the rich heritage we have in music and those who have written it. Im looking forward to this and I'm sure I will learn a lot!
God and the History of Art: Another fresh subject for the dinner table. Much like the above subject, this has been neglected in our studies. I look forward to learning along with the boys.
English from the Roots Up: In many ways, this will be a refresher of the Latin they have already learned. They will pick up Greek with this too. Once again, I'm expecting to learn much.
10 minutes a day language immersion French/Spanish
Typing
And of course, Bible, which we will alternate with Pearables Personal Help for Boys.
An interesting develpment has occured as of last week; I have been asked to homeschool a friends daughter who is younger than my boys. I considered it and have agreed to help her out. She is a full time working mother with no help from her husband, a Muslim, who is not properly caring for the family as he should and hoping to divorce my friend. All that aside, I ask that you pray for me, as well as the young mother, her daughter and for the salvation of her Muslim husband. Homeschooling an extra will be interesting, to say the least, but will let my husband and I know if we are ready to try for another child -- Lord willing.
Enjoy some Hands on History on July 19, 2008, and spend time with various characters from the past throughout the galleries with hands on activities at each station. Characters include Civil War soldiers, cowboys, pioneers, American Indians, and many others. This day brings to life many of the topics within the museum.
Politics can be a sticky topic to write about, but I assure you the following is strictly pointed at Christians and our responsibility not a particular party. I post this in the hopes that the daily deluge of information from man melts away reminding us to reflect on God's word and perfect will this upcoming election.
Abundant blessings to all,
Kathryn
TODAY'S CHRISTIANS: NO HOPE IN GOD'S WAY
By Chuck Baldwin
July 9, 2008
NewsWithViews.com
I ask the indulgence of my non-churched readers, as this column is specifically designed to challenge the hearts and minds of professing believers.
The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah faced a generation that is very similar to the one we face today, I am afraid. Political and corporate leaders had given themselves over to corruption and duplicity. The fundamental underpinnings that founded and supported the nation were being dismantled. And the spiritual leaders seemed to be powerless to do anything about it.
Accordingly, Jehovah God told Jeremiah to give this message to the people of Israel:
"At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
"If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
"And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
"If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
"Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.
"And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart." (Jeremiah 18:7-12 KJV)
When these Hebrews said, "There is no hope," they were not saying, "It's all over. We are all doomed. It is helpless." No, they were not saying that at all. What they were saying was, "Doing it God's way offers no hope. We will do it our way. We will rely upon our own devices, wisdom, and strength. We can get ourselves out of this mess." That is the spirit these people possessed.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit that this is exactly the same spirit that many professing Christians display today.
Most everyone, including Christian people, realize that our country is in a mess. They readily agree that a divine healing is needed. They even use the great stories and examples of the Bible to teach our boys and girls how to obey and trust God. They extol the examples of Daniel, the three Hebrew children, Simon Peter and the Apostles, etc. They use these stories to illustrate the importance of putting obedience to God and God's principles above the machinations and demands of men.
When it comes to voting for and supporting candidates who have proven themselves to be unfaithful to the fundamental principles of liberty and good government, however, these same Christians suddenly become enamored with "the lesser of two evils," and pragmatism. Doing right gives way to being "practical," and standing for principle gives way to "not throwing my vote away."
Had Daniel been "practical," he would have stopped praying for a few weeks and stayed out of the lions' den. Had the three Hebrew children been "pragmatic," they would have given a symbolic bow to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar. And I can just hear Christians living in the First Century talking about how they would vote for Nero over Caligula, as he would be "the lesser of two evils."
And from our own history, had America's Founding Fathers heeded the advice of the "experts" and pundits, they would never have signed the Declaration of Independence and fought a war for independence. Absolutely no one gave those brave patriots any chance--any chance--of victory.
Yet, both secular and sacred history are replete with the examples of brave men and women who were willing to defy the conventional wisdom and understanding of their times to stand boldly and courageously for the principles of truth and freedom. In fact, people who dared to defy the accepted wisdom of their age almost always accomplished the truly great exploits of history. Christians, among all people, should know this best.
How has it happened, then, that Christians cannot find the courage and resolve to support principle above political partisanship? How is it that we have come to embrace "the lesser of two evils" as a legitimate philosophy of voting? How is it that our spiritual leaders seem to be more concerned about being politically correct than they are about being Biblically correct?
I believe that God is waiting for His people in America to do what He told Jeremiah's generation to do: live and act according to His principles and trust Him with the result. Instead, many of us seem to be doing exactly what Jeremiah's generation did: we want to be pragmatic and wise in our own eyes and do it our way.
Think what God might do in our land today if every Christian, every God-fearing man and woman in America, would simply vote their principles every time they walked into a voting booth, even if the candidate had "no chance" of winning and whether he or she was told they would be "wasting" their vote or not. I wonder what God might do? (Besides, when we vote for evil, what exactly have we "won," even if they are victorious?)
I am reminded of one of my all-time favorite quotes spoken by John Quincy Adams. He said, "Duty is ours; results are God's."
When people--especially Christian people--start doing their duty and standing for truth and principle, whether it is considered politically incorrect, or unpopular, or "naïve," or anything else; then, and only then, will God give us the results that will bring healing and restoration of our land.
So, how many of us will determine to do our duty? Or, how many of us will say, "There is no hope in doing it God's way; I will rely upon men's devices and do it their way"? The way we answer that question will largely determine America's future--for good or for bad.
*If you enjoyed this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link.
Chuck Baldwin is Founder-Pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. In 1985 the church was recognized by President Ronald Reagan for its unusual growth and influence.
Dr. Baldwin is the host of a lively, hard-hitting syndicated radio talk show on the Genesis Communications Network called, "Chuck Baldwin Live" This is a daily, one hour long call-in show in which Dr. Baldwin addresses current event topics from a conservative Christian point of view. Pastor Baldwin writes weekly articles on the internet http://www.ChuckBaldwinLive.com and newspapers.
To learn more about his radio talk show please visit his web site at: www.chuckbaldwinlive.com. When responding, please include your name, city and state.
If someone were to visit my home they would find a collage of different funishings with most of the pieces being pretty nice. However, most wouldn't realize the collage has been collected from hand-me-downs, resale shops and garage sales -- I love shopping at all those places and especially love the freebies!
My husband and I have been saving up money for some time now to purchase living room furniture as well as side chairs for my second hand bought dining table (the last second hand bought dining table finally pooped out). This time we are actually purchasing non-previously used side chairs and sofa's. We purchased fairly cheap sofa's 7 years ago that have now been banished to the boys upstairs game room. Those old sofa's could tell some stories!
The old living room group is comfortable to sit in (not on) but I dare anyone to get out of a seated position on the first try...lol! The back is totally broken down with pieces of the back threatening to burst through the fabric. Pull up the seat cushions and on one end of the sofa you can see the carpet underneath.
A few years ago, the boys were given hamsters for Christmas. Lo and behold, Matteo's hamster escaped making his way to the large sofa...we couldn't find the little rascal though we spent considerable time searching. The following morning we found the hamsters exit hole on the outside of the left arm but no hamster. There a large hole remains.
Two years ago, Baruch, my eldest, took Rosie, his mali uromastyx lizard, on a trip to my living room sofa...you guessed it...Rosie escaped into the folds of my sofa. I walked into the living room just as my son began ripping the underneath of my sofa apart trying to find his prescious Rosie. We did eventually find her and she is doing well, which is more than I can say for all the hampsters who became permanent residences of the heating and air vents of our previous home.
The new furniture will be coming with STRICT laws that have already been put into effect though my furniture order won't be here for 6-8 weeks. Hopefully, practice will make perfect before their arrival!
Here's a picture of my new sofa, loveseat and dining side chairs....
The many fabrics used on the sofa and loveseat remind me of an old quilt...maybe someday some of you will join me for a cup of hot tea!
I haven't been on much this week for the deep cleaning taking place around my house...Oh My! I never knew we had collected so much stuff over the past year!
Rearranging furniture, cleaning out closets, drawers, book cases, toy boxes, dresser drawers, etc...How wonderfully nice the home will be once the last of these has been swept of old goods and cobwebs!
I'm hoping to finish it all this month and KEEP IT THIS WAY in preparation of the fall homeschooling year. Everything spit spot, a place for everything and everything in it's place. I think I will sleep better, too, once it's finished.
Oklahoma is a rock'n state to live in...I am so thrilled to see Representative Charles Key make the first stand for truth; praise be to God the rest of the House, democrats and republicans alike, supported Key's effort. My prayer is that the Senate democrats who split the vote on this joint resolution have their hearts pricked for the truth regarding this matter -- AMEN.
YOUR GOVERNMENT AT WORK
Oklahoma to feds: Don't tread on me
State House defends its sovereignty from D.C. intrusion
Posted: June 16, 2008
10:00 pm Eastern
Steamed over a perceived increase in federal usurping of states' rights, Oklahoma's House of Representatives told Washington, D.C., to back off.
Joint House Resolution 1089, passed by an overwhelming 92-3 margin, reasserts Oklahoma's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and, according to the resolution's own language, is "serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates."
The Tenth Amendment states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
Traditionally, this language has meant that the federal government is limited in its scope and cannot usurp the sovereign powers of states. In recent decades, however, as the size and reach of the federal government has expanded, many have come to question whether Washington has stepped on states' rights and gotten too big for its breeches.
Charles Key, the Republican state representative who authored the resolution, told WND that he introduced it because he believes the federal government's overstepping of its bounds has put our constitutional form of government in danger.
Oklahoma State Rep. Charles Key
"The more we stand by and watch the federal government get involved in areas where it has no legal authority, we kill the Constitution a little at a time," he said. "The last few decades, the Constitution has been hanging by a thread."
Specifically, Resolution 1089 says the following:
"The State of Oklahoma hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States."
The resolution resolves that Oklahoma will "serve as notice and demand to the federal government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers."
It also instructs that "a copy of this resolution be distributed to the president of the United States, the president of the United States Senate, the speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate of each state's legislature of the United States of America, and each member of the Oklahoma congressional delegation."
The resolution does not, as some have speculated, amount to secession, but it does send a warning signal to Washington: Oklahoma does not intend to be bullied by big brother government.
The Sooner State became a hotbed of federal vs. state authority clashes earlier this month when a federal judge blocked a portion of Oklahoma's tough immigration laws, ruling that plaintiffs would likely establish that the state mandates preempted federal immigration laws.
The statute prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving tax-supported services and makes it a state crime to transport or harbor illegal immigrants. It also mandates that businesses take measures to verify the work eligibility of employees and independent contractors.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and individual chambers of commerce in Oklahoma challenged the latter mandates, set to go into effect July 1, in court.
On June 4th, U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron issued an injunction against enforcing the July 1 mandates.
"We've just had a federal judge say that our immigration law's employer provisions are unconstitutional, claiming it as federal government territory," said Key in response. "That goes right to the issue of (Resolution 1089). The federal government doesn't have the right to have sole domain over that issue or many of the issues it has spilled over into."
Though House Joint Resolution 1089 received great support in Oklahoma's House of Representatives, it has now hit a roadblock. In the state's Senate, where the seats are split, 24-24, between Republicans and Democrats, the resolution was sent to the Senate's rules committee, where it languished without action until the legislature adjourned.
According to Key, the Senate has worked out agreements on how to manage the political tie, including power given to the Democratic senators to not hear certain bills. Those senators, says Key, refuse to even hear Resolution 1089.
In the House, where Republicans enjoy a 57-44 majority, Resolution 1089 received a hearing and was supported overwhelmingly on both sides of the aisle.
"I was on the Democratic side of the floor," said Key, "and one member went off talking about how far we've gotten, how bad (federal overreaches of power) are getting – it's the kind of thing you hear in coffee shops."
Key said his bill "is making a difference" in the way legislators in Oklahoma are talking and thinking about state's rights. "I think it will make even more of a difference," he said, "when I bring it up again." He vows to put the pressure on Oklahoma's Senate to pass a resolution like 1089, and he plans to begin communicating the cause with legislators around the country, urging them to bring up the issue in their states.
Key passed a similar resolution in 1994, when he was serving a previous tenure in the legislature. But that attempt was only a House resolution. He authored 1089 as a joint resolution because, he said, he wanted to increase its exposure. "As people who believe in this constitutional form of government," he said, "we need to bring this issue to a national level and debate." Source:http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=67229
Here is House Joint Resolution 1089 in it's full text:
Oklahoma Declares Sovereignty. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1089
Sun Jun 15, 2008 14:40
72.201.43.207
Oklahoma Declares Sovereignty.
STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 51st Legislature (2008)
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1089
By: Key
AS INTRODUCED
A Joint Resolution claiming sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States over certain powers; serving notice to
The federal government to cease and desist certain mandates; and
Directing distribution.
WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States
Reads as follows:
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor
Prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively,
Or to the people."; and
WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment defines the total scope of federal power as
Being that specifically granted by the Constitution of the United States
And no more; and
WHEREAS, the scope of power defined by the Tenth Amendment means that
The federal government was created by the states specifically to be an
Agent of the states; and
WHEREAS, today, in 2008, the states are demonstrably treated as agents
Of the federal government; and
WHEREAS, many federal mandates are directly in violation of the Tenth
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has ruled in New York v. United
States, 112 S. Ct. 2408 (1992), that Congress may not simply commandeer
The legislative and regulatory processes of the states; and
WHEREAS, a number of proposals from previous administrations and some
Now pending from the present administration and from Congress may
Further violate the Constitution of the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE
SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 51ST OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT the State of Oklahoma hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not
Otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the
Constitution of the United States.
THAT this serves as Notice and Demand to the federal government, as our
Agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are
Beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.
THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the President of the
United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of
The United States House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House and
The President of the Senate of each state's legislature of the United
States of America, and each member of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation.
As I explained in a previous blog entry, my cousin, Rhonda, has been ill with cancer for a while and family tension has risen as a result of trying to help her.
Rhonda passed away and we buried her Saturday afternoon. It was sad to see her husband and children mourn their loss. It was sad to see the pictures of this beautiful wife, mother and grandmother from the years of her life here in the flesh. I wish she didn't have to exit from our lives so soon but I am grateful to our Heavenly Father for the opportunity to know her and love her. Her testimony during her illness has been an encouragement.
The cares of this world are nothing compared to family. Families don't always get along but regardless of differences hold them closely because here on this earth, for the short time we are here, along with the Holy Spirit that is all we have.
Ecclesiastes 12:6-14, "Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel be broken at the cistern, then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God Who gave it. "Vanity of vanities," saith the preacher, "all is vanity." And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the People knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd, And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
I don't know about you, but I love the scent of lavender! I've been using a lavender linen spray for my bedding and thought it might be nice as well as economical learning to make my own. Hope you enjoy!
The Royal Treatment For Your Bed As seen on the Sonoran Living program.
Here are a few easy and luxurious ways to pamper yourself and your loved ones at bedtime. There is nothing quite like getting into a nice fresh bed. Here are a few things you can do that will make your bed almost as fresh as when you get into bed just after the sheets have been washed and warmed in the dryer.
Silky Lavender Linen Powder
This recipe calls for a fine clay powder, but you can substitute and use all cornstarch instead of the clay if you like. Lavender is a nice essential oil to use on our bed because it relaxes and calms the nerves. Also, it has quite an impressive ability to fight germs!
When you are making up your bed, sprinkle the powder lightly over the bottom sheet. The powder dusting will show if you have dark sheets, but usually by the next morning the powder seems to disappear or get lighter. When you slide into bed, you will notice the sheets feel extra silky and smooth.
Ingredients:
½ cup
corn starch
3/8 cup
fine white cosmetic clay* (or use more cornstarch)
1/8 cup
baking soda
1 tsp
lavender essential oil
Bottles with shaker holes such as a spice bottle or a “dusting” shaker for cooking like what is used for powdered sugar dusting – make sure the bottle has a tight fitting lid.
Labels.
* Fine white clay can be found at most good herb stores (such as Desert Sage in Chandler or The Herb Stop in Phoenix).
** One teaspoon equals about 100 drops.
Method:
Put all the ingredients in a bowl, adding the essential oil last. Mix briefly with a whisk. Put powder in a sifter to blend the essential oils into the powder quickly, or spend some time blending it well with your fingers and/or whisk until well blended. This may take five or more minutes, so have a seat and relax while doing it!
Pour into shaker bottles and label.
To Use:
Lightly dust the bottom bed sheet before the bed is made up. Store powder with lid closed.
Lavender Rose Mist
This mist is perfect for the bed and pillows. The lavender is calming and relaxing and the rose is a classic scent for love. What a nice combination to go to bed with. This mist may also be used as a room spray.
Ingredients:
3 oz
filtered water
1 oz
rose water (find at a Middle Eastern grocery or possibly at an herb store)
40-50 drops
lavender essential oil
4 oz bottle with fine mist sprayer.
Labels.
Method:
Put all ingredients into 4 oz bottle and shake well. Label.
To Use:
Spray pillows and bed before retiring for the evening. May also be sprayed throughout the house as a room mist.
Lavender Dryer Sheets
Wow, these are great! Instead of using those synthetically scented dryer sheets, make your own scent with pure essential oils. Your sheets (and clothes) will smell wonderful after this treatment.
My dear friend Sherry says that just before she puts on new bed sheets, if she is pulling clean ones out of the closet, she will first throw them into the dryer with another dryer sheet for about 10 minutes. This makes them “just washed fresh” and free from folded creases, too!
Ingredients: Base essential oil blend:
½ part lavender essential oil
½ part benzoin essential oil * (absolute resin)
small dropper bottle
Unscented dryer sheets (I use Bounce Free but any good quality brand will do).
Airtight container to store scented dryer sheets.
* Though not absolutely necessary, using benzoin with the lavender will help “hold” the sent in the fabric for it is a “fixative”.
Method:
Make base essential oil by mixing the two oils in equal amounts into a small dropper bottle. Shake well. Label.
Take 10 - 15 dryer sheets out of the box and put 4 –5 drops of essential oil base on each one. Put into an airtight container that you can easily get your hand into to take one out at a time as needed for the dryer.
To Use:
Use as you would a normal dryer sheet. The airtight container will help hold the scent in the dryer sheets instead of just dissipating out into the room and leaving the dryer sheet less scented. Leave the additional essential oil base that you have left with the unscented dryer sheets to easily make more are you need them.
I share this bit of news in the hopes it kindles your spirit. As the news of the world continues to grow more troublesome it should encourage us as believers that God's Word is true because we have the advantage of reading the headlines before they happen through reading and understanding the Words of the Lord.
Mark 13:23, "But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."
Below is taken from the EU Observer. Make no mistake, what you see happening in the EU, Australia, etc., IS taking place in America via NAFTA, CAFTA, FTAA and the SPP. When I interviewed Evelyn Herfkens, head of the UN's Millenium Campaign, in June 2006 concerning the western hemisphere (north and south America) forming a trading block she stated, "Of course it is inevitable; we know it’s going to happen. The question is when and on what terms." Armed with this knowledge, watch what the other countries, especially the EU, are doing as it is the same goal many of our elected and unelected leaders have for the United States.
Rise of the 10 Kingdoms? - Movement Towards Regional Blocs As Australia Now Calls For Asia-Pacific Alignment
Source: http://euobserver.com/24/26277
Australian PM wants EU-style bloc for Asia-Pacific
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has suggested that Asia and Pacific countries, including the region's heavyweights such as China, India and Japan, form a regional bloc similar to the European Union.
"The key thing is to enhance security and regional co-operation, which at present is fragmented," Rudd said in a radio interview on Wednesday (4 June), AFP has reported, after he presented the idea during an address to the Asia Society of Australasia.
Mr Rudd suggests Asian-Pacific community would loosely follow the EU's integration path (Photo: Council of the European Union)
He argued that an "Asia-Pacific Community" could be founded by 2020 as a forum for tackling climate change and terrorism, as well as settling territorial conflicts, such as over Kashmir, the Taiwan Straits and the Korean peninsula.
Furthermore, it could serve as a trade platform to help exploit the benefits of the looming economic power of the region, which he thinks will be "at the centre of global affairs" throughout this century.
"Put simply, global economic and strategic weight is shifting to Asia," he said.
Commenting on possible comparisons with the 27-strong European Union - which is set to enlarge further - Mr Rudd said that it does not serve as "an identical model of what we would seek to develop in the Asia-Pacific, but what we can learn from Europe is this: It is necessary to take the first step," according to Radio Australia.
His suggestions come shortly after a similar process of regional integration has resulted in the creation of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), set up by a founding treaty signed last month.
The new supranational and intergovernmental body has combined two previously existing customs unions – Mercosur and the Andean Community – with 12 participating countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru and Chile.
Its institutional structure directly copies the EU model, with UNASUR's headquarters to be located in Quito, Ecuador, a South American parliament seated in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and a 'Bank of the South' to be situated in Bogota, Colombia.
Other regional groupings inspired by Europe include a single market without trade barriers for goods and services agreed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the African Union.
I don't know about you all but I'm always on the lookout for family friendly movies. Well, I have found one titled Saving Sarah Cain directed by Michael Landon Jr. Cursing, sex and sexual innuendo were replaced with a wholesome story of a young woman who finds redemption through various mistakes and trials.
As I was trying to find a clip on the movie to share, I ran across a Contemporary Christian video from Point of Grace who had a song featured in the movie. It was a surprise because Denise Jones, who sings in Point of Grace, is my husbands cousin.
Here is the movie trailer followed by Point of Grace...Enjoy!
From Greenleaf Press: Cotton Mathers Advice to Parents -- FREE!
9:23 a.m.
I received an email update from GreenLeaf Press sending a free 8 page pamphlet written by Cotton Mather (1663-1728) "a socially and politically influential New EnglandPuritan minister, prolific author, and pamphleteer."
GreenLeaf Press stated,
"I noticed a blog entry at StandFirmInFaith the other day which included the text of 20 resolutions that Cotton Mather had made as a parent as he reflected on his responsibilities towards his own children. I was surprised (though I should not have been) to find that they do not at all fit the stereotype of a stern, mirthless Puritan autocrat. In fact, as I read and re-read them they stimulated in me a desire to renew my own commitment to my own children.
On another level, they also prompted me to consider that the tender, deep, passionate commitment which Mather portrays is also a picture of God the Father’s love for each of us. These wonderful things which Mather resolves to do for his children (1. I will resolve to do all I can that my child may be the Lord’s. 2. I will encourage my child to every day cry to God that He would be the child’s Father, and Saviour, and Leader. 3. I will pray for my child daily.) are also things that God is doing for each of his children.
God reveals himself in profound and deep ways in the nature of human relationships. Father and son. ADOPTIVE father and child. Bridegroom and Bride. The best things that our fathers do for us are a reflection and a model of what God wants to do for us: provide for us, sacrifice for us, see us grow up and to acquire a godly wisdom and maturity.
I’ve laid out Mather’s Resolutions as a little 8-page booklet. It’s available for free by clicking here. Feel free to download it, forward it, print it out, or otherwise distribute it. I plan to give copies out at church on Sunday. Rev. Mather’s original text is in the public domain, and I like to think he would approve of its being read again 280 years after his death.
Here’s my summary of his 20 resolutions:
I will resolve to do all I can that my child may be the Lord’s.
I will encourage my child to every day cry to God that He would be the child’s Father, and Saviour, and Leader.
I will pray for my child daily.
I will read the Bible to my child and tell the stories of the Bible to them.
I will teach my child to memorize Scripture.
I will teach my child the Catechism.
I will teach my child to pray.
I will teach my child to be kind.
I will teach my child to read and write. I will direct their reading and talk with them about what they have read.
My yoke will be light.
I will teach my child to love Christ.
I will encourage my child to speak with me about the state of their soul.
I will be careful about my children’s companions.
I will discuss the sermons we hear with my child.
I will use the opportunities of Days of Humiliation, Days of Thanksgiving, and particularly birthdays to talk about the works of God.
I will use the opportunity of trouble, sickness or pain to remind them to be mindful of CHRIST and eternity.
I will teach my child a trade or business.
I will show my children that their main end must be to acknowledge the great God, and His glorious Christ; and bring others to acknowledge Him.
I will oblige the children to retire sometimes, and ponder on that question: “What shall I wish to have done, if I were now a-dying?”
I will endeavor to see my child espoused to the Saviour first, then I will help them as I can for their best accommodation in the married state.
It has been raining non stop! This is incredible. Flash flood warnings have been extended until late this afternoon. Listening to the news, it looks like other states, including Indiana, are suffering worse from rainy conditions than my state of Oklahoma. I hope you all stay dry and have a boat ready just in case!
Watching the weather, I couldn't help but think of Noah and the Ark...I know, I know...not quite the same. However, reflecting on that common Sunday School lesson brings me to our current situation in this old cruel world. Remember Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13?
Matt. 24:3-6
"And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be and what shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the world?" And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying 'I am Christ;' and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass but the end is not yet."
A little further down in chapter 24:36-39,
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the So of Man be." Luke and Mark, referenced above, say similarly.
God promised never to flood the earth like that again and we are reminded of that every time we see His beautiful rainbow. So, what could, or should we anticipate will flood us? I believe the answer can be found in Revelation 12:12-16,
"Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." And when the dragon saw that he was cst unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness into her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth."
What is cast out of the mouth other than words...what other words come out of the mouth of that old dragon, the serpent, the devil, Satan or Lucifer than lies...lies, lies and more lies. I believe the flood coming and the one presently is that of lies. It's not hard to look around, watch the news, etc. and see the lies being perpetuated against us on a regular basis.
Amos 8:11
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord;"
Homeschooling families, I believe, do more than they could ever imagine. Preparing their children daily, educating them daily, in the Word of God. What could possibly be a more important job than that?
May the flood of lies to come and the famine that is surely among us, not touch our precious families.
A year ago my cousin, Rhonda, a wife and mother of 2 children and grandmother to 2, on my fathers side called relating how she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. A year prior to this, her physician failed to biopsy the lump she found telling her it was perfectly normal. As a result, the breast cancer had spread and matasticized . She found a new doctor and began chemotherapy and radiation treatments. After many sessions, the doctor told her to get her affairs in order.
Regarding the former physician, to say there may be a future lawsuit is an understatement.
By this time, Rhonda had let my sister Stephanie and I know she wanted to try alternative methods but didn't want to leave her husband in debt. Stephanie and I offered to help by putting together a family fund at the reputable New Hope Clinic. Soon after we called all family members to let them know Rhonda had requested this and we were determined to help her; could they please donate something, anything even if only a $1. We also made sure that all donations would go directly to the clinic so no one would know who gave what. We started with a collection of $3,000 from a couple of family members.
Unfortunately for Rhonda, our enthusiasm was not shared by several members of the family. Her parents were extremely upset she decided to try something different. Those sentiments were shared with an aunt (I will call her aunt L) who then made it her business to destroy the alternative doctors reputation in order to be guilt free for not donating one penny. After all, she stated she just didn't understand why the family needed to give money when she had such good insurance through her husband's employer.
They badgered her until she did her dad's and her aunts bidding. My sister and I were heavily scolded by the family and made to return the funds we raised. They asked us not to call Rhonda again that we were cruel for giving her hope.
A while later, 8 months (?), she grew weaker and the family changed the phone number not revealing the new one to us. We have been blacklisted even though we have not tried to steer her away from the methods she is currently using and even though it was not us, but Rhonda, who initially wanted to try something different to begin with. We only wanted to abide by what she wished in her moment of need.
This evening, at 9pm, I get a phone call from none other than aunt L. letting me know she was at Rhonda's home and hospice didn't believe she would make it through this night. My sister and I were have not been alerted that her condition had become so grave. We were not invited along with the rest of the family to be by her side.
I know that this situation is not about me or how the family has hurt me. I just would have liked to say goodbye to my lovely cousin.
Please pray that I not be bitter. All my flesh wants to be bitter. I have learned a side of my family that I don't like very much and I'm not sure what to do about it if anything. My prayer is that I have a good attitude. I know that Rhonda, when she does pass, will be in a much better place. She will feel no pain and if the choice was given her, she probably wouldn't want to be back in this old cruel world. She will be by our Heavenly Fathers side.
I pray that she goes in peace. I pray her time is spent with her husband, Larry, and her daughter, son, and grandchildren -- those who know her and love her dearly. May the Lord bless her little family in this great time of sadness.
I tried reading an HTML tutor last night but honestly, it's like reading Chinese!
I must have gleaned something from it, though I'm not sure what, since I've been able to change the top photo of the tractor parked in front of a barn to that of the whippoorwill. I'm quite proud of my little accomplishment!
Hopefully, with a little more time, and patience, I will be able to do other tricks...lol Old dogs can learn new tricks!
What a beautiful sight...A heavy rain whose backdrop is many shades of green. These are times I dream of having a metal roof. The pitter-patter made against the closed chimney flue gives me a clue what it might sound like if I had such a roof.
It rained hard. It paused. It rained heavy. Now, the rain is so fine I have to squint to see it. The greenery has taken on a soft glow of chartreuse. All is still and quiet beckoning me to my bed for a nap.
Once upon a sand sage prairie, a little family of six lived abundantly in the blessings of the Lord...but that wasn't always the case....
11:03 a.m.
Hello fellow homeschooling families!
I ran across this site while reading The Old Schoolhouse magazine. I've never considered becoming a blogger though thoughts of keeping a journal has crossed through my constantly congested mind. It seems ideas like this never make it to the top of my important list so I'm going to give blogging a try. Besides, it might be nice to have feedback, something not found with your average pen and paper journaling.
About the Price Family
My name is Kathryn. I have been the happy wife to Matt for the past 16 years (as of today); my college sweetheart. I am a mother of four sons, two biological, Baruch 14 and Jackson 11, and two adopted, Matteo 11 and Sevey 10.
Matt is a jack of all trades holding several different business in 3 states. Diagnostic imaging is where he spends the majority of his time when away from home.
Our family began homeschooling in 1999/2000 and spent 3 years working hard (maybe too hard) at making our homeschool perfect...Needless to say, there is no such thing as perfect! With the addition of two more sons, Matteo and Sevey, things became very difficult, I waivered and placed my beloved son's into public school -- BIG mistake! I will save our public school experience for another time.
With the many issues I brought upon our family due to my poor decision placing the boys into public school, my dear husband made the decision to send our children to a non-denomination Christian private school focusing on the Trivium. We loved the school but in the end, it was not the right fit for our children, for our family.
We have been back at the task of home educating our children and couldn't be happier with our decision. What took us so long to realize our mistake? I'm not sure. I believe the things we have discovered could not have been realized any other way than through experience. For those lessons learned I am grateful to our Heavenly Father.
Hosea 4:6, "My People are destroyed for lack of knowledge..."
Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction."
