Tuesday, October 26, 2010

And the Adventure Continues…

I think the surest sign that God is alive and working today can be seen in the lives of His servants. And, the one thing I can say is that I know of this personally since He’s writing a story for my life that I wouldn’t have ever been able to dream up.

Shortly after moving back home (to Idaho) from Georgia, the Lord provided for me to work on the campaign of a friend of mine who is running for State Senate. He understands the Constitution and the Biblical role of Government, and it’s been refreshing to meet people who are ready and engaged in this cultural war. I’ve come to decide that the front line might be the most dangerous place to be, but it’s also the best because you can see first-hand the self-destruction of those who don’t seek truth and righteousness. We’ll have to wait one more week – ‘til Election Day - to see the results of this particular battle, but we know that ultimately our Lord has won and he has commanded us to fight for His Kingdom without fail. And so, press on we must – knocking on doors, challenging the vain philosophies of our day, offering hope, raising Godly children, living, loving serving. All for Him.

And, like I said before, sometimes those opportunities for service take unexpected twists. I’ll be taking one of those life curves (at typical high-speed) in just a few weeks when I start my new position at Samaritan Ministries International. That’s right, this time I’m headed to Peoria, IL and the central time zone. I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for me there…and to be just about 4 hours away from Jacob who is studying away at college! I plan to have my own little abode, and to play hostess as many times as possible. So, if you’re ever traveling anywhere remotely near my new residence, please drop me a line and come visit! Having done this once before I know how tough the transition from big-family life to all-on-my-own life is, and I’m confidently resting that the Lord knows best what He is doing, and walking forward. Of course, I’m also counting on all my traveling friends and family to help me out here and stop by any and every time they can! J

In the meantime, I appreciate your prayers (and advice). And…if you aren’t already a member of Samaritan Ministries, I encourage you to check out their distinctly Biblical approach to healthcare – one of the most crucial needs we are facing in our upside down culture these days!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Ask the Grad – Elysse Barrett

I'm featured on Lea Ann Garfias' awesome blog: Whatever State I Am earlier today. Feel free to hop over there and let me know what you think.

Here's a sneak peek...

This week’s Homeschool Graduate is Elysse Barrett. At a mere 25 years of age, Elysse is already a voice in the homeschool and conservative political movement. She was one of the original 100 of Homeschool ALUMNI, the premier network of home educated graduates. Since then, she has served on the policy review committee and director of reunion planning committee before her current position on the administrative committee.

Elysse is active in the political process in her home state of Idaho. Most notably, she has worked tirelessly to insure the wishes of the people there to keep the 10 commandments visible in a public park. She is still working on current political campaigns today.

Elysse has a firm understanding of the unique role home educated graduates will play in the coming years as they shape not only their families and communities, but also the new homeschool climate in general. I am excited to hear from her. Don’t miss the special gift she has for readers at the end!....

Read More here!

Friday, October 15, 2010

The Chilean Rescue

I'm probably in the minority on this one, but does anyone else find it disturbing that the Chilean miners are each getting a 6 month stipend from their government? What? Huh? Why? Because anytime people do heroic things or survive horrible circumstances they now are entitled to government aid? Wrong. Totally wrong.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Happy Columbus Day

Today we get to celebrate the man who sailed the ocean blue in 1492.

Some of his own words:

"The great success of this enterprise is not to be ascribed to my own merits, but to the holy Catholic faith and the piety of our Sovereigns, the Lord often granting to men what they never imagine themselves capable of effecting, as he is accustomed to hear the prayers of his servants and those who love his commandments, even in that which appears impossible; in this manner has it happened to me who have succeeded in an undertaking never before accomplished by man. For although some persons have written or spoken of the existence of these islands, they have all rested their assertions upon conjecture, no one having ever affirmed that he saw them, on which account their existence has been deemed fabulous."
I'm posting so nobody can say I never posted on my own family's blog.

Thought of the day

Here is a good thought:
It is not about the harvest you reap today, but the seeds you sow today.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

HSA CO OutReach: My Thoughts

The latest OutReach event took place at the Ellerslie campus in Windsor, CO. Our goals were simple: paint, fix the decks, install a drainage system, lay some sidewalks, enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in Colorado and some good fellowship with friends. As I see the blisters and mosquito bites I acquired that week healing up, I started reflecting on the week from start to finish and realize all that – and so much more – was accomplished.

As folks began arriving from as far away as New York and Massachusetts, and as close as Denver, it dawned on me that most of the group were newbies to the OutReach experience. Yet, the Lord answered our prayers and provided exactly who was needed. We were asked to do a few last-minute additional projects that at first we weren’t sure could be accomplished, so they took a lower priority. However, by the end of the week every project had reached the point of completion – due to the hard work and skill sets of each person who came.

While we worked, sweated and got sunburned, cheerful conversations took place. At any point in time you could walk through each project and hear discussions ranging from theology to history to cultural change. No matter what was being discussed, it was edifying. And when folks ran out of things to talk about the singing started, and one could hear lovely selections of Sound of Music wafting through the halls. J And, at the end of they day, while there might be an occasional comparison of blisters, I never once heard a word of complaining. Everyone was eager to serve the Lord and one another. Rarely have I seen a group so prepared to serve their King.

And, then there was the worship and fellowship. Ellerslie provided daily worship, so that when our bodies were spent, our soul could go and be refreshed. We were challenged night after night to press toward the higher calling we have in Christ Jesus. It’s amazing how one can be so physically exhausted and yet spiritually refreshed all at once. And the fellowship among our group and the folks at Ellerslie can’t be contained in words. Exhilarating is the closest I can come.

The group at this event cried tears of sorrow upon parting. It almost felt like leaving your band of brothers and sisters in the midst of a battle – knowing you’ll always have each other’s backs, even if at a distance. A few days later, after hearing that some pipes had broken and leaked, causing Ellerslie to have to do repairs in the very building we worked in, I was reminded that, yes, we are in a battle. Day in, and day out, whether working together on a project like this or in our day lives scattered across the country - whatever we are doing, we must stand for truth, righteousness, justice, holiness, purity, and Godliness. And should we expect any less? As always, when progress has been made for the Kingdom, what does Satan do but launch an attack. Just one more testimony to the faithfulness of the people at our event.

Usually an event like this can be described in a word or two…but it would take far more descriptors than that. There were so many lessons learned, encouragement shared, life lived, battles won, and dreams dreamed, and the irony of it all is that I would have been happy if there were no paint drips, hammer slips, broken equipment, hurt feelings, or arguments. It was truly an expression of the abundant life we are called to live – and it doesn’t take an event like this to make it happen. All it takes is realizing that we must faithfully serve our Lord who is not only the Great Shepherd, but the one who victoriously fights our battles for us and keeps our hearts knit together in Him.

PS - A big thank you to each person who came and made this event so special!