tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9765544482471601912024-03-13T13:32:53.005-06:00Everything Barrett<center>The place to find <b>Everything Barrett</b>. As our family grows up this little spot is a place we can connect as each of our dreams, passions, and day to day life is chronicled. Where ministry meets ranching meets college life meets the hubub of a Christian, set-apart family. Our hope is to be an encouragement to each other...and our readers.</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-13566180405430317362013-09-09T18:29:00.001-06:002013-09-11T12:05:43.233-06:00My first week in DC.Alright, here is a phlog of my first week in Washington D.C.<br />
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I got here on Saturday the 31st, but that was not super interesting. I mostly got unpacked and tried to find a place to watch the Boise State football game, which was harder than I'd have thought. ANd suddenly I don't want to remember that Saturday any more.<br />
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Anyways, I live in an apartment with 5 other guys. I share a room with two. Here is my part of it: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mExmCpRsIys/Ui5YM9xt0_I/AAAAAAAAAK0/_OlH1H-4J6I/s1600/DC+photos+-+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mExmCpRsIys/Ui5YM9xt0_I/AAAAAAAAAK0/_OlH1H-4J6I/s640/DC+photos+-+03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I keep clothing on my bed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fACCkqpqD0A/Ui5YQ1grDmI/AAAAAAAAALA/XW_goKrbcFg/s1600/DC+photos+-+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fACCkqpqD0A/Ui5YQ1grDmI/AAAAAAAAALA/XW_goKrbcFg/s640/DC+photos+-+04.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressers are cool, but washed out photos are cooler.</td></tr>
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There is more!<br />
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The next day I rested up and decided to take a walk over to where I'd be working, The Institute of World Politics. It was a longer walk than I anticipated, but I made it apparently: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--HLpXxhajg8/Ui5YKIdluFI/AAAAAAAAAKg/bxsT1m6NbYU/s1600/DC+photos+-+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--HLpXxhajg8/Ui5YKIdluFI/AAAAAAAAAKg/bxsT1m6NbYU/s640/DC+photos+-+01.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hadn't eaten a meal in days.</td></tr>
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I also decided to take a look around the corner at a church I planned to visit. It also happens to be the same building where Teddy Roosevelt went to Church.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-exL0NET1E/Ui5YMl4z5ZI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hIKtnrqBYe4/s1600/DC+photos+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-exL0NET1E/Ui5YMl4z5ZI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hIKtnrqBYe4/s640/DC+photos+-+02.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironically, I still have not visited.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Monday was spent getting orientated. And strolling down 2nd Street. I saw many things, like the ACLJ office:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lW3jCxH55c0/Ui5YNS2ep6I/AAAAAAAAAK4/r1TLREwlEXA/s640/DC+photos+-+05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will notice that a well-fed Jacob is a happy Jacob.</td></tr>
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And Rev Mahoney's office:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1S8rG0nKF9Q/Ui5Ya5Yos4I/AAAAAAAAALY/hloPj6Dz6Ng/s1600/DC+photos+-+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1S8rG0nKF9Q/Ui5Ya5Yos4I/AAAAAAAAALY/hloPj6Dz6Ng/s640/DC+photos+-+06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old houses turned to offices in DC are among my favorite things.</td></tr>
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And the Supreme Court building:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mejDQYPBAQ/Ui5YUw1B_9I/AAAAAAAAALI/H11RG9Xur0Q/s1600/DC+photos+-+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mejDQYPBAQ/Ui5YUw1B_9I/AAAAAAAAALI/H11RG9Xur0Q/s640/DC+photos+-+07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not unexpectedly, it was not in session.</td></tr>
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So this is about how far I live from the Capitol.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uj_ONnt2dSw/Ui5YbLxj5gI/AAAAAAAAALc/1gb8shkjjDw/s1600/DC+photos+-+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uj_ONnt2dSw/Ui5YbLxj5gI/AAAAAAAAALc/1gb8shkjjDw/s640/DC+photos+-+08.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But no, I can't actually see it from here.</td></tr>
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On Tuesday, I began work. The best part: the metro station escalator. It's over 2 minutes long. Going up...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmXABlirYhQ/Ui5YbbSUH5I/AAAAAAAAALg/g6Qepq8-Mhg/s1600/DC+photos+-+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmXABlirYhQ/Ui5YbbSUH5I/AAAAAAAAALg/g6Qepq8-Mhg/s640/DC+photos+-+09.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The light beckons.</td></tr>
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and going down...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvrwmSqStZg/Ui5Yij4tRlI/AAAAAAAAAMA/1JJICv94648/s640/DC+photos+-+12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="478" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's scary down there.</td></tr>
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My favorite part of this is the professionals running to catch the metro in their business dress despite the fact that the next train is in 3 minutes.</div>
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I dress well for work:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQCYBKqrI24/Ui5Yb1dppzI/AAAAAAAAALo/3i0NnjAwKFA/s640/DC+photos+-+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even put on my excited face.</td></tr>
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IWP is a graduate school for International Relations, National Security, and Statecraft. I actually got to go inside this time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlUkD2KeNQQ/Ui5Yi4v1mGI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Lg5OB3Iahhc/s1600/DC+photos+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlUkD2KeNQQ/Ui5Yi4v1mGI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Lg5OB3Iahhc/s640/DC+photos+-+11.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel like there is some chromatic dissonance in this photo.</td></tr>
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We also went exploring the city at night. You can get incredibly close to the caapitol.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUneqYePaLI/Ui5YgVzJ6JI/AAAAAAAAALw/cHU_NMDtolg/s1600/DC+photos+-+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUneqYePaLI/Ui5YgVzJ6JI/AAAAAAAAALw/cHU_NMDtolg/s640/DC+photos+-+13.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not really blurry. You are shaking with excitement.</td></tr>
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And Thomas Jefferson: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PyTvylhSDw/Ui5Ymrb4uuI/AAAAAAAAAMY/W4EpLi41eLA/s1600/DC+photos+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5PyTvylhSDw/Ui5Ymrb4uuI/AAAAAAAAAMY/W4EpLi41eLA/s640/DC+photos+-+14.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warning: Objects in photo may not be life size.</td></tr>
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Who knew FDR had such a cool memorial: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6u97WreAc4/Ui5Ylh0S2BI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/gm5QbULJXp8/s1600/DC+photos+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6u97WreAc4/Ui5Ylh0S2BI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/gm5QbULJXp8/s640/DC+photos+-+15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A man-made waterfall. I now understand. It is beautiful though.</td></tr>
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Visited the Lincoln Memorial too. But it's best feature is the view back towards the city:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vB5PF-ZI9Zs/Ui5YlsOta_I/AAAAAAAAAMM/MHLeA-VkE8o/s1600/DC+photos+-+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vB5PF-ZI9Zs/Ui5YlsOta_I/AAAAAAAAAMM/MHLeA-VkE8o/s640/DC+photos+-+16.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They odd lighting is due to construction on old Geo.</td></tr>
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Wednesday I visited the National Portrait Gallery. Can you guess who I saw there? <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ruYzvGJtXI/Ui5YqMfGL2I/AAAAAAAAAMg/0klGrcVMePA/s1600/DC+photos+-+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ruYzvGJtXI/Ui5YqMfGL2I/AAAAAAAAAMg/0klGrcVMePA/s640/DC+photos+-+17.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like words.</td></tr>
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Which happens to be in the same building as the National Museum of American Art. Here are sme highlights: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zSuri3Sv_bA/Ui5YuGzWsPI/AAAAAAAAAMw/ur0gO2ubeiY/s1600/DC+photos+-+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zSuri3Sv_bA/Ui5YuGzWsPI/AAAAAAAAAMw/ur0gO2ubeiY/s640/DC+photos+-+18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mining town. It intrigued me.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1cyUmrLyZE/Ui5YrwNlS8I/AAAAAAAAAMo/UV-n_9WPqyw/s1600/DC+photos+-+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1cyUmrLyZE/Ui5YrwNlS8I/AAAAAAAAAMo/UV-n_9WPqyw/s640/DC+photos+-+19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This painting was even cooler in person. I bet that is what the artist said about the scene.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0CQBv7GzDA/Ui5YwtMgo2I/AAAAAAAAAM4/bXboOON1t0c/s1600/DC+photos+-+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0CQBv7GzDA/Ui5YwtMgo2I/AAAAAAAAAM4/bXboOON1t0c/s640/DC+photos+-+20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this painting of George Washington Carver. I didn't realize how far he lived into the 20th Century.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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There is stuff for you Western fans:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DOKfAUaju8/Ui5YzPrUPtI/AAAAAAAAANA/D8eTRoaxdO8/s1600/DC+photos+-+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DOKfAUaju8/Ui5YzPrUPtI/AAAAAAAAANA/D8eTRoaxdO8/s640/DC+photos+-+21.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have nothing to say here.</td></tr>
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And sports fans: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2LRdhXto7VQ/Ui5Y0ofJM8I/AAAAAAAAANI/gyiU6l0jz7I/s1600/DC+photos+-+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2LRdhXto7VQ/Ui5Y0ofJM8I/AAAAAAAAANI/gyiU6l0jz7I/s640/DC+photos+-+22.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coach.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNsliC9uxPM/Ui5Y2AjHH0I/AAAAAAAAANQ/bN-PVvV2saY/s1600/DC+photos+-+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNsliC9uxPM/Ui5Y2AjHH0I/AAAAAAAAANQ/bN-PVvV2saY/s640/DC+photos+-+23.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Man.</td></tr>
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This intriguing work of art was intriguing.Each state had video clips playing that were supposed to represent it. Idaho's was video of bags of potatoes. On a 10-minute loop! I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4BTbA9jIIM/Ui5Y6Sbq7ZI/AAAAAAAAANg/-orGsUWzUds/s1600/DC+photos+-+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4BTbA9jIIM/Ui5Y6Sbq7ZI/AAAAAAAAANg/-orGsUWzUds/s640/DC+photos+-+24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure Kansas was a blank screen.</td></tr>
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I then ambled across the street to the International Spy Museum where I did many things. Like assuming new identities:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyszhhRAgrQ/Ui5Y5zASIHI/AAAAAAAAANY/qV_o9yvZVX4/s1600/DC+photos+-+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyszhhRAgrQ/Ui5Y5zASIHI/AAAAAAAAANY/qV_o9yvZVX4/s640/DC+photos+-+25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still need to work on my New Zealand/Canadian accent.</td></tr>
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...Ignoring warning signs: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89-ssnPloyM/Ui5Y86Gkp8I/AAAAAAAAANo/UFOcJEXdEZ8/s1600/DC+photos+-+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89-ssnPloyM/Ui5Y86Gkp8I/AAAAAAAAANo/UFOcJEXdEZ8/s640/DC+photos+-+26.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We aren't attached to the nervous system. We can't feel any pain.</td></tr>
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...learning new things:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ8NiBqDzqg/Ui5ZBWrzYhI/AAAAAAAAAN4/SpNs-3cIHjE/s1600/DC+photos+-+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ8NiBqDzqg/Ui5ZBWrzYhI/AAAAAAAAAN4/SpNs-3cIHjE/s640/DC+photos+-+27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Russians continued use as a weight-loss measure.</td></tr>
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...seeing neat tools: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNBvvKO4814/Ui5ZBP7qlTI/AAAAAAAAAN0/7kLyF8LOMfI/s1600/DC+photos+-+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNBvvKO4814/Ui5ZBP7qlTI/AAAAAAAAAN0/7kLyF8LOMfI/s640/DC+photos+-+28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this letter thief. Genius.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...taking photos of placards <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrSPCSTlQDY/Ui5ZGuKEkzI/AAAAAAAAAOA/dDrTaIRP97M/s1600/DC+photos+-+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrSPCSTlQDY/Ui5ZGuKEkzI/AAAAAAAAAOA/dDrTaIRP97M/s640/DC+photos+-+29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a ninja disguised as a piano.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...gaining historical perspective: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yaOZK10pWg/Ui5ZJRq3IRI/AAAAAAAAAOM/6uUW_qqVeLk/s1600/DC+photos+-+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yaOZK10pWg/Ui5ZJRq3IRI/AAAAAAAAAOM/6uUW_qqVeLk/s640/DC+photos+-+30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your friends may be close, but Defoe is closer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Back to IWP. The elevator is a little creepy. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVEbcWI4-7A/Ui5ZJqKDzmI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/_vGmPaLd-Go/s1600/DC+photos+-+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVEbcWI4-7A/Ui5ZJqKDzmI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/_vGmPaLd-Go/s640/DC+photos+-+31.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And people aren't allowed to ride it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also got my first publishing credit for my work on the IWP newsletter. No big deal. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GibIreKcIr4/Ui5ZTp-4FBI/AAAAAAAAAOg/GcGI7t-opSM/s1600/DC+photos+-+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GibIreKcIr4/Ui5ZTp-4FBI/AAAAAAAAAOg/GcGI7t-opSM/s640/DC+photos+-+32.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could stare for days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I still dress well: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpkUkIkT7uA/Ui5ZKhIB6VI/AAAAAAAAAOY/FVw_moQdsJY/s1600/DC+photos+-+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpkUkIkT7uA/Ui5ZKhIB6VI/AAAAAAAAAOY/FVw_moQdsJY/s640/DC+photos+-+33.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even if I am no longer excited.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And DC has strange names for things: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_y8Gmw3CiI/Ui5ZUsmF7QI/AAAAAAAAAOo/g8vGtaCNHds/s1600/DC+photos+-+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_y8Gmw3CiI/Ui5ZUsmF7QI/AAAAAAAAAOo/g8vGtaCNHds/s640/DC+photos+-+34.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw it. It was humpy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So that is that. It's been great so far. More phlogging will be done.<br />
<br />
Thank you all for your prayers and support.<br />
<br />
JacobJacob L Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08619200814391126038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-18532146653075893772013-02-21T15:35:00.001-07:002013-02-21T15:35:03.710-07:00:)Well, it certainly has been quite a while since I last blogged...Life just keeps going and doesn't really leave much time... at least that has how it has been for me :)<br />
<br />
After I graduated last May I spent the summer working with JEMfriends and I was the banquet coordinator for JEM's 2012 Fundraising Banquet. Before school started up again, I was able to take a kind of "Senior Trip" with my Aunt. We went over to New England for a week and then spent a few days in Seattle and Portland. (To read about those adventures visit my other blog <a href="http://a-world-traveler.blogspot.com/">http://a-world-traveler.blogspot.com/</a>) As School started up again, I started teaching again. The first semester I taught 5 hrs a week but here in the 2nd Semester I am teaching 11 hrs a week. I teach Reading, Writing, Math, Science and History to the K-2 group at our school...it has been fun... most of the time :) ;) I was the Assistant Varsity Coach for Volleyball at Covenant Academy and the Assistant Junior Varsity Coach during the Basketball Season. I have also been playing volleyball with a group of friends via City League. We just finished our Winter Season tournament (finishing 4th :)) and then Spring games start next week :) Besides all this I have been keeping busy with family activities and other general life fun :)<br />
<br />
Today as I was thinking about this past year and all the changes that happened. I realized that I am right were God wants me. My life right now is not really how I thought it was going to be, but now that I am living it I realize that I am content and I am content because God is in control. Over the past few weeks I had begun to feel more and more overwhelmed but as I looked to God instead of myself I just felt continual peace and contentment. This is one of the Basic lessons of life... it is not super hard to learn, we just need to be reminded of it from time to time as the things in life start to crowd in on us :)<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed this little update :)<br />
<br />
I would love to hear what is going on in your life....<br />
<br />
In Christ,<br />
MercyMercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-39509393532070965972012-12-26T15:23:00.000-07:002012-12-26T15:23:04.392-07:00Christmas Brunch Wrap-up<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hey...I was thinking that I would take a few min to wrap up about our Christmas Brunch. I took a few pictures, mostly to make you want to come next year :) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My sister Mercy started the brunch 3 years ago, mostly because she loves to entertain and she has a HUGE heart. The rest of us have really learned to love it and try to use our talents where we can. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This year we made less verity on of food, mostly because there was so much food leftover in the past and also cause Mercy almost kills herself making all the sweets. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mercy is the organizer, food shopper, decorator, makes all the sweets, takes care of drinks (Which included homemade hot chocolate), and serves your food will a smile, she is pretty much the rock star!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Justin did a ton of the decorations, and kept the orders coming in and going out!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Joel and I did the cooking! Joel the french toast and helping if I got behind on orders! We kept 3 griddles going 100% of the time and not an order was forgotten. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dad was the key though as he washed all the dishes so that we never got behind and Mom just kept chopping anything we need!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and not forgetting Jacob....I just don't remember what he did! :) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here is an idea of what our menu was this year: </span></span><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pesto on Eggs </span><span style="font-family: Gabriola;">(Scrambles eggs with pesto served on toast)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinnamon
French toast</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;">Sourdough French toast </span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;">Ultimate Skillet w/ eggs </span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;">Others choices:</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Fried
Garlic Mashed Potatoes </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pumpkin Roll</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruit salad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;">Berry Pie</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And here are some pictures: </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUa_nwvuPMI/UNtzAfwbvnI/AAAAAAAAAFM/B_msvJVFmnk/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUa_nwvuPMI/UNtzAfwbvnI/AAAAAAAAAFM/B_msvJVFmnk/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First order of the day about to go out! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qheOsaqLK30/UNtzEHgbuPI/AAAAAAAAAFU/8gcIfQGdXGs/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qheOsaqLK30/UNtzEHgbuPI/AAAAAAAAAFU/8gcIfQGdXGs/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8gBXFINUqU/UNtzF-qiogI/AAAAAAAAAFc/JYa1IulPlAw/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8gBXFINUqU/UNtzF-qiogI/AAAAAAAAAFc/JYa1IulPlAw/s320/IMG_0646.JPG" width="239" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Joel and his amazing French Toast. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKA3Elf_VOU/UNtzIP3sh0I/AAAAAAAAAFk/1KK8f1mUppU/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WKA3Elf_VOU/UNtzIP3sh0I/AAAAAAAAAFk/1KK8f1mUppU/s320/IMG_0650.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Serving! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m7vz-oNubY/UNtzK2mE-bI/AAAAAAAAAFw/jLKUMMUsNtg/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m7vz-oNubY/UNtzK2mE-bI/AAAAAAAAAFw/jLKUMMUsNtg/s320/IMG_0651.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> And the Best part is the friends that we get to see! </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgVToe-_e6A/UNtzLQ3tDzI/AAAAAAAAAF4/kHTYjpp5w7I/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgVToe-_e6A/UNtzLQ3tDzI/AAAAAAAAAF4/kHTYjpp5w7I/s320/IMG_0649.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">As you know I am not<span style="font-size: x-small;"> a huge <span style="font-size: x-small;">Blogger but I really felt like I should blo<span style="font-size: x-small;">g<span style="font-size: x-small;"> because I just felt so blessed this Christmas season <span style="font-size: x-small;">and I really wanted to le<span style="font-size: x-small;">t everyone<span style="font-size: x-small;"> know just how blessed I felt<span style="font-size: x-small;"> this season. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I was so blessed to do this <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">with</span> m</span>y famil<span style="font-size: x-small;">y as a<span style="font-size: x-small;"> family, no one looking f<span style="font-size: x-small;">or the credit<span style="font-size: x-small;">, just<span style="font-size: x-small;"> wanting so <span style="font-size: x-small;">much<span style="font-size: x-small;"> to bless others. Thank you <span style="font-size: x-small;">Mercy for letting me do the cooking<span style="font-size: x-small;">, I really loved it this year! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span>The second blessing <span style="font-size: x-small;">I felt <span style="font-size: x-small;">Christmas morning was <span style="font-size: x-small;">from everyone that came...</span></span></span> you may have just come for some great food :) , but you blessed us by coming, spending a little bit of your day with our family and allowing us to show you a little bit of hospitality and love. On a day that is such a big reminder of the amazing love of a savio<span style="font-size: x-small;">r, WOW</span> what a blessing to show a small amount of love to others with the amazing blessing that Christ daily gives us<span style="font-size: x-small;">!!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
Liberty Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971757214199650181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-70576971420915186622012-12-05T10:05:00.000-07:002012-12-05T10:05:09.525-07:00Christmas!!Christmas time is here which most of you know is my most favorite time of the year. One of the things I look forward to on Christmas is the Christmas brunch which my family hosts. This year we have decided (by unanimous vote I might add ;)) to name it after our Uncle Larry who passed away earlier this year. he also loved Christmas and the Christmas brunch. My Uncle Larry loved his family and friends. He was always happy to spend time with them, visiting with them and deepening those relationships. But most importantly he loved his Savior Jesus Christ. He made HIM the most important person in his life and that is what we want to remember each Christmas. We want to be thankful for Jesus in our own lives and in the hearts of our family and friends.<br />
<br />
Because I have not blogged in such a long time I thought I would give an update on my life:<br />
This year leading up to Christmas has been so different than the 12 previous. Mostly because I am not in high-school anymore. Even though I am not having to meet due dates on papers and give in-class presentations I have been filling my time with other kinds of activities. I have been teaching 1st and 2nd grade Math, Writing, and Science 2 days a week at Covenant as well helping Mrs. Nielsen with the Choir and Piano Students (one more reason to enjoy Christmas time: Christmas Carols is all we sing :)) I also helped Liberty coach our Varsity Volleyball team this fall... which was a blast :) Now I am playing City League Volleyball with some of the coolest people in the world :) I have also been helping Liberty with JEMfriends and hanging out with my family, especially Josiah, Elysse, and Lucas. <br />
<br />
Hope this gives you a taste of what is going on right now... hopefully I will be blogging again soon :)<br />
<br />
Mercy Faith<br />
<br />
P.S. Jacob gets home in 10 days.... YAY!!!!! ... Please pray for him as he goes into finals week :)Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-32164748054506956282012-08-26T10:38:00.001-06:002012-08-26T10:39:30.466-06:00New AddressI am back at college for my Junior year. This year, I think I am the most nervous and excited I have ever been. <br />
<br />
Importantly for you all, I have moved off-campus this year, and my old address is now obsolete.<br />
<br />
Please send all packages and letters to my new address:<br />
344 N. West St.<br />
Hillsdale, MI 49242<br />
<br />
Feel free to share this new address with anyone that might need it.<br />
<br />
JacobJacob L Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08619200814391126038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-65037486590364792462012-08-22T08:21:00.000-06:002012-08-22T08:21:05.930-06:00You know you are a coach when....So Volleyball has been going on for about 2 1/2 weeks.... This is my first year coaching and I am pretty excited. We have enough girls to have 3 teams, which is kinda challenging on the coaching side as the range is from 4th year players to absolute beginners.<br />
<br />
I am still learning what coaching is all about but I thought I would share a few things.<br />
<br />
You know you are a coach when...<br />
... your whistle is perpetually hanging around your neck<br />
... you no longer wear knee pads to practice<br />
... you seem to be always looking at a notebook (i.e. practice schedule)<br />
... you have written out 3 different serve orders and you are still not sure you have it the way you want it<br />
... played coach-on-2, except now you are the one spiking the balls<br />
... you can officially add "Volleyball Coaches meeting" to your schedule... which actually means <i>another</i> trip to Starbucks ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope this made you smile :)<br />
<br />
MercyMercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-57266844856343992362012-07-20T15:49:00.002-06:002012-07-20T15:49:30.385-06:00Today was the Graveside Service for my mom's uncle, Larry. One of the songs that was sung was so descriptive of my Uncle and very convicting for me so I thought I would put the words up here...<br />
<br />
<i>I then shall live as one who's been forgiven;</i><br />
<i>I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.</i><br />
<i>I know my name is clear before my Father;</i><br />
<i>I am His child, and I am not afraid.</i><br />
<i>So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;</i><br />
<i>The law of love I gladly will obey.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I then shall live as one who's learned compassion;</i><br />
<i>I've been so loved that I'll risk loving, too.</i><br />
<i>I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;</i><br />
<i>I dare to see another's point of view.</i><br />
<i>And when relationships demand commitment,</i><br />
<i>Then I'll be there to care and follow through</i><br />
<br />
<i>Your kingdom come around and through and in me,</i><br />
<i>Your pow'r and glory, let them shine through me;</i><br />
<i>Your hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,</i><br />
<i>And may Your living Kingdom come in me.</i><br />
<i>The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,</i><br />
<i>And may You feed a hungry world through me.</i><br />
<br />
The second and third verses really spoke to me about how I need to live my life and do as Christ would do.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>Mercy Faith</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i><br /></i>Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-84813992958212604872012-07-20T00:28:00.001-06:002012-07-20T00:28:57.608-06:00Introducing "World Traveler"This is to introduce you to http://a-world-traveler.blogspot.com/ ... my new 'traveling blog'<br />
<br />
Please check it out and follow it :)<br />
<br />
MercyMercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-75489770320275770242012-06-28T11:40:00.002-06:002012-06-28T11:40:24.431-06:00I have had a few thoughts that I really feel like I would like to
share...These thoughts all kinds got just started with the question that
I got asked when talking about JEMfriends "Do you train your mentors?"
The first thought that hit me was, how many people shy away from
mentoring because they are not "trained" they don't feel that they "know
enough"? These are probable true facts I am sure that there are many
that feel this way. I started thinking about how our world has pushed
the education, training, certifications, yes you can get mentoring
certifications, I just wonder when it comes to mentoring if it has gone
to far and we have replaced the biggest part of mentoring...friendship. <br />
<br />
I
just wonder if we started saying you being you is enough to be mentor,
how many more people would make the effort to mentor, how many more kids
would walk this world and get noticed. <br />
<br />
Thinking about it there are a few reasons that we get trained...<br />
1. To learn to be better at what we do.<br />
2. To be able to do what we do in less amount of time.<br />
3. Cause we love what we do and we want to learn everything that we can about it. <br />
<br />
These
are not all wrong reasons especially the 3rd, but they one go so far
because mentoring is a time investment, a listening to the heart and a
friendship things so hard taught.<br />
<br />
You are enough to be a
mentor and let your training come from Christ who understands time
investment, a listening heart, and the friendship perfectly.<br />
<br />Liberty Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971757214199650181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-88106722877249952082012-06-06T22:16:00.002-06:002012-06-06T22:16:29.440-06:00First day... er... week of workSo I was planning on blogging after my first day of work but things were rather busy.... so here I am after 3 days of work and just now getting this blog together.<br />
<br />
I apologize in advance if this blog is super random. I just have not blogged in so long and I have so many thoughts rolling around in my brain ready to spil out it might just come out all jumbled ;).<br />
<br />
It was a full moon last night and so the past couple of evenings have been so fantastic getting to see it come off the horizon :)<br />
<br />
Last Friday night I was lying awake at like 2:30am complaining to God about some things and as I was praying, thunder rolled and the lighting flashed and the rain poured down in an awesome reminder that God never leaves us... all I could do was go outside and stand in the rain and fog :).... It was definitely the reminder I needed to stop complaining and instead thank God for all he has done for me :)<br />
<br />
Speaking of storms there was a really windy thunderstorm on Monday night which I had to drive through to get to choir practice.... avoiding branches in the roadway was kind of an ordeal. Also the storm blew over the grill at the house I was housesitting.... luckily it was my Aunt's house so I was not in too much trouble.<br />
<br />
I also got pulled over twice this week... thankfully both times was to let the fire truck go by.... so no speeding tickets.... yet ;)<br />
<br />
Work has been pretty much awesome. My first day was on Monday. I get to do all kinds of fun stuff. Pretty much I do whatever Liberty tells me too.... this has mostly involved computer work. I do not have a "title" yet for my job but Liberty is working on coming up with it :) So as soon as I know I will be sure to inform you all :)<br />
<br />
Sorry this has been so random but hopefully this shows you my life lately :)<br />
<br />
I will try to put together a less nonsensical blog soon.<br />
<br />
Mercy FaithMercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-61831250798258949362012-05-11T15:33:00.000-06:002012-05-11T15:33:26.911-06:00Exodus 15:22-27... some thoughts<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Exodus 15:22-27 "So
Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the
wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and
found no water. <sup class="versenum"> </sup>And
when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah,
for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. <sup class="versenum"> </sup>And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? <sup class="versenum"> </sup>And he cried unto the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>; and the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters
were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and
there he proved them, <sup class="versenum"> </sup>And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give
ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of
these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I
am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> that healeth thee. <sup class="versenum"> </sup>And
they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and
ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">As you read through
the book of Exodus it is easy to start to skim over the passages that
just seem to tell the day-to-day happenings of the Children of Israel's
journey to the Promised Land. However, we must remind ourselves that
the story of their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was a physical example of our Spiritual journey from total depravity to life
eternal with Jesus. There are many parallels that can be seen throughout the Israelites story but I wish to just touch on the ones I gleaned from this particular passage.</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">To put this is in context let me just refresh your memory of what was going on in Chapter15. The first part of the chapter is
devoted to recording the songs of Moses and Miriam after God
miraculously delivered them from the army of Pharaoh and lead them
across the Red Sea. After this great celebration with singing and
dancing it is time for the Children of Israel to move on. This is where
these verses (22-27) enter the story. The Israelites have traveled
through the wilderness with no water for 3 days and then when they get
to Marah where there finally is water the water is undrinkable (bitter). The
people immediately start complaining. Moses cries out to God and God
shows him to cast a tree into the water and the waters become sweet.
God, through Moses, then promises the people that if they will hear Him
and keep His commandments then He will not punish them as He did the
Egyptians. After that He leads them to Elim- an oasis.</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">This passage really
spoke to me as it showed it a physical sense our spiritual journeys. God
reaches down and brings us out of Egypt (our depraved state) and shows
us the path to Eternal life. The journey is not easy, this life is a
wilderness full of trials. However, God does not let us face the
wilderness alone, if he did we would turn back to Egypt and the our life
of sin just as the Israelites wanted to time and time again. Instead,
God is not only with us, He is there protecting and leading us as a
pillar of fire. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">He is there as we face
seeming insurmountable opposition and just as He did with the Red Sea
he opens a way for us to walk in the midst of it. It can be scary
because even as we can feel the dry land beneath us and see the pillar
of fire ahead of us we are tempted to look at the walls of water and
think of what would happen if those waters came crashing down on us. Yet
we know if we trust in the Lord and look to Him we will make it through
this trial and come out on the other side unscathed.</span><span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"></span><span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">
After coming through trials that bring us closer to God it is easy in
that moment to turn to Him and trust Him with our whole heart. However,
our faith will not be measured only by these good times but by the tough
times as well. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">After this period of
celebration, the Israelites are lead through the wilderness. They are
still on their way to the Promised Land but God is testing their
endurance. In our spiritual Journey, God will lead us through deserts
and these are not to drive us away from Him in despair but are to draw
us to Him as we pant for the "living water" of Christ. </span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">Eventually, the
Israelites come upon some water in Marah. The lesson taught here is one
not to be missed. After the trials of the wilderness, God has lead us to
what we think should be a refreshing spot. But God is here showing us
more of His wonder. The cup that he as prepared for us now is one we see as bitter and "unhealthy" yet God in His Providence uses it to pull us to Him. </span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"> </span><span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"> </span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"> The tree
that God shows to Moses to redeem the situation reminds us that when Jesus died on the tree at Calvary, he drank the bitter cup reserved for us. And because of that the
waters we are offered are sweet and refreshing. This is a great hope
for us. We will <b>never</b> have to drink of the waters of death, Jesus has
already taken that for us. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">After this amazing
demonstration of God's power, He speaks to us and reminds that He will
never leave us or forsake us, that He will never plague us with the
plagues of sin (the Egyptians). Yet He also reminds us that we are to
follow His commands. After He has made this promise and the Israelites
have accepted the condition, He leads them to an Oasis, a true resting
place on the road to Eternal life in the Promised Land.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">This Passage as a whole is one filled of Hope as it reminds us to look to God in ANY and ALL situations. God knows us, knows our hearts. He loves us. What may seem to us as bitter cup, He will turn to sweetness. He uses many means to accomplish His goals through us and if we are willing to be an empty vessel that He can fill with His Will, we can accomplish so much more than we could ever dream for His Kingdom</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">In Christ,</span><br />
<span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948">Mercy Faith Barrett </span><span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"></span><span class="text Exod-15-27" id="en-KJV-1948"> </span>Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-10912646887797648572012-03-26T00:53:00.002-06:002012-03-26T00:56:12.493-06:00The Great Divide<span style="font-style:italic;">Written the day after Idaho's Presidential Caucus</span><br /><br />There are a few times in my life when I realize how optimistically naive I am sometimes. Last night was one of those cases. I really did think that there were more than 1,766 people in Ada County who cared enough about their freedom to take a few hours out of the routine of their lives and vote for liberty. Unfortunately, I was wrong. Dead wrong. <br /><br />For whatever multitude of reasons, many of them good ones I’m sure, the 100 people that would have placed Ron Paul and the cause of liberty in 2nd place were not there. I myself know half that number of Ada County Residents who profess with their mouth that they love liberty, but their actions showed otherwise last night. Lest I sound like a sore loser my real heartbreak lies in this unspoken tacit consent that any Republican candidate is better than the Democratic one. It seems as if folks feel like they can take a stand the next time around. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ladies and Gentlemen, there may be no “next time around.” </span><br /><br />I know it’s hard to exchange our comfort, security, and seeming peace, but we are paying for these facades of freedom with our liberty and our future. Just think for one moment about what your life would have been like if our founding fathers had said they’d take a stand “the next time around.” You and I would most likely be living in utter poverty in a totally socialistic regime. Thank God for men who did what it took for the cause of liberty. And, we can’t even take 3 or 4 hours to make the statement that needs to be made at this time. <br /><br />The words of Patrick Henry’s famous speech are echoing in my mind:<br /><br />“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power...There is no retreat but in submission and slavery!...Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace.”<br /><br />What will it take to rouse us from our slumber? I would suggest a rallying cry like Paul Revere’s, and if that is what it takes then give me the horse and I will ride and proclaim, <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“Awake and to Arms! The redcoats of our day are already amongst us! They try to kill your children and if they can’t then they teach them in the government schools. They tax your money and your property! They invade your privacy. They deface the value of your currency.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">We must fight now or never.</span> There is a great divide between those who care about liberty for now and the next generations, and those who don’t. I fear that it may never be bridged. <br /><br />We may be tempted to say in our hearts “Peace. Peace.”<br /><br />But, ladies and gentlemen, there is no peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-23606430228475901842012-03-14T23:39:00.002-06:002012-03-15T00:12:17.619-06:00RainRain.... one simple word can bring up many different pictures in one's mind... for some, days of depression and wishing for the sun; boredom and staying inside all day.... but for others the images are not so dreary.... some see gardens sprouting and flowers blooming.... lightning shows and the roll of thunder.... the feeling of freshness...<br /><br />Anyone who knows me even a little probably knows that I belong to the latter group and that I absolutely love the rain :). Besides the usual feelings that rain brings as a fore mentioned; rain for me is always a reminder of God's love, mercy, and faithfulness. <br /><br />Just as there are many types of rain there are many ways God shows us His love.<br /><br />Sometimes He shows us gently and steadily, just as a drizzle will constantly remind you that the rain is there but will not drive you away.<br /><br />Sometimes He urges us to search for Him and find Him, just like when you hold out your hands to catch as many raindrops as you can in the lightest of rains.<br /><br />Sometimes the rain comes with a driving wind that is so powerful we have no choice but to run for shelter. Shelter not from the raindrops of God's love but from the wind of Satan's attacks.... in this situation we can make different choices: we can run for the false shelters we erect out of our own pride and "abilities", we can determine to face the wind alone (another choice made of pride), or we can run for the cleft of the Rock that is named Jesus and there rest in the assurance that as little or as much of the wind that that touches us there is exactly what Jesus knows is the best for us... even when it seems as if we may as well have stayed out in the full wind, the difference being the constant support our Rock gives us continually.<br /><br />Sometimes the rain will come hard and steady but as there is no wind we stay and bask ourselves in it smiling and laughing and even running through it... a rain that seems to take all your troubles out of your heart and gives them to God.<br /><br />And sometimes the rain is such that as one stands in it, burdened with more cares than they care to count, with a broken heart and a weary soul, as the tears stream down the sufferers face, the rain mixes with them as a testimony that God hears them and that he breaks with them.... He even cries with them....<br /><br />Every time I walk out in the rain I hear these words "I am here. I love you. Look to me for your strength and I will give it to you." It is amazing how often I need this reminder, but fortunately God chooses to send the rain just as often :)<br /><br />I hope that the next time it rains, even if you are not a rain lover, you will reflect on the goodness of God and let go of your burdens, seek God's face and remember that He loves for you, He cares for you, and He will never let you go.Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-41242979451846119692012-02-22T22:30:00.002-07:002012-02-22T22:37:21.487-07:00HopeAn empty well,<br />A Shallow stream,<br />What hope does one gain from these?<br /><br />An empty heart,<br />A shallow belief,<br />What hope does one gain from these?<br /><br />The Father's love,<br />The Son's embrace,<br />This brings the hope for all things.<br /><br />The Spirit's breath<br />That gives us life,<br />Fuels the hope for all things.<br /><br />To gain the love,<br />To gain the life,<br />We would gain the hope that is given.Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-19794611060757730412012-02-20T22:22:00.004-07:002012-02-20T23:01:10.349-07:00GrandpaToday I found out what really maters, God and Family. Today a big piece of my heritage was taken home. My Grandpa has left this Far Country for his true home beyond the sea. I had never imagined until now, as I face the reality, that in this life he will not see me graduate, he cannot attend my senior recital, he will never see me walk down the aisle. Yet he will see these things, clearer than any of us here on earth. Tonight was my Senior night basketball game. A game I have looked forward to ever since I begun playing basketball because I knew it would be a special night. Yet tonight was even more special than I could even have imagined because for the first time in the three years I have played, my Grandpa finally got to see me play. For the last few years he has been confined to a wheelchair and this last year confined to his house. I believe he saw one of my volleyball games in 2009 but never a basketball game. And now on the last home game of my career, my Grandpa finally got to see me play. It didn't turn out like I would ever have imagined but even more wonderful. Even though I could not see his face, he was there.<br /><br />...<br /><br />Dear Grandpa,<br /> I miss you so much already, even though it hasn't even been a day. I know you are having such a blessed time with our Lord and Savior.<br /><br /> I know in this life I never expressed very well my gratitude for all you have done for me... let me now do that. Thank you so much for your love, not only for me but for my family and the example you gave me through your love for the Lord. Thank you for raising my dad to be a Christian and preparing him to lead my siblings and I in the way of truth. Thank you for your example of patience, self control, and faithfulness, in these lessons I could not have asked for a better teacher.<br /><br /> I can't wait until I see you again :)<br /> Your Loving Granddaughter,<br /> Mercy Faith<br /><br />...<br /><br />Even as my Grandpa has passed from this life to a far better one, those of us that are left behind are reminded of a few things. First, cherish the time you are given with your loved ones and give them hugs every chance you get. Second, never forget to tell them how much they mean to you cause you never know when you will never have that chance again. And Thirdly, keep all your friends and family in prayer because as we know, we will get to see them again if they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I am so happy that my I will get to see my Grandpa again :)<br /><br />Prayer is a mighty weapon... let us use it to its fullest...<br /><br />With an overflowing heart,<br />MFBMercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-57778844414149791982012-02-17T10:09:00.000-07:002012-02-17T10:20:01.016-07:00Why My Generation isn’t Getting Married, Part 2 OR Relationships, Elysse’s perspective<span style="font-style:italic;">(written in Summer 2011)</span><br /><br />I have been very open and forthright with criticism towards my generation of homeschoolers and their lack of intentionality towards pursuing relationships, getting married, and establishing families. To that end I wrote an article over a year ago entitled: “Why My Generation isn’t getting married...and what to do about it.”<br /> <br />Writing this article and publishing it was a big step of faith. Many misunderstood and thought I was pointing my finger at specific people or situations. That was not my heart or intention, I simply wished to re-center the focus of my generation an encourage them to live in the fullness that the Lord has set before them. On the other hand, I have received emails from several young people (and also sarents) who thanked me for calling things the way I saw them. Since the article was published I even had a few friends who tried my advice and are happily in relationships and on their way to marriage.<br /> <br />I think that actually what scared me the most about writing the article was being afraid of the extra responsibility I was taking on. Not only did I know that I needed to take my own advice and set an example of pursuing every opportunity of meeting Mr. Right, I also needed to pray diligently and faithfully for my friends that are single. If there is one vital lesson I have learned in the ensuing months, it is the power of prayer.<br /> <br />Shortly after publishing the article I joined a few of the online singles websites that I mentioned. Of course my parents knew, and anytime I received an item of noteworthy correspondence I sent it right on to them. I was very careful in my own mindset that even if were pursuing opportunities to find Mr. Right, I was NOT going to be the pursuer. I didn’t want a man that wasn’t willing to pursue me. Additionally, I set myself some ground rules: 1. if I was to meet someone who interested me online, I would give them every means of pursuing me, 2. I wasn’t going to reciprocate affection until I had gotten a solid green light from my parents, and 3. I wasn’t under any circumstances going to get into a relationship until I had met the person face to face. So, I went about the whole process rather clinically. <br /> <br />Frankly, I was extremely disappointed in my whole experience. Both websites are very good in theory, and I appreciate what they have set out to achieve. Perhaps my experience would have been better if I had invested myself more. With one of the sites it was just too complicated and involved, and I didn’t really have anyone take interest, nor did I find anyone of interest. It was less than slim pickin’s. With the second site, I had 3 guys show interest successively. The first one never made time to come and get to know me. He seemed more than content with a casual friendship, and though I am grateful to have friends, that wasn’t my purpose. The second one was a lot more intentional on his part, but he also got cold feet about coming to see me, and it never went further. The 3rd guy was much more serious about a relationship with me than he was to get to know me. So, I took an entire month to pray and to talk to my parents about it, and ended up telling him that I wasn’t comfortable moving forward. At that point, I had reached the end of the end of giving these online sites a chance. I was never in a relationship with any of these men and I logged out, never to return. I know that some people might consider those months a waste of time and a string of failures, but I learned much about myself, about men, and most importantly about Jesus’ faithfulness. I am thankful for that part of my life journey.<br /> <br />Little did I know the wonderful and crazy path that the Lord had me walking in the midst of all this.<br /> <br />I had gone home for a few months to visit with my family and help a friend run for office. And, during that time I had a job interview for my current job, and the decision to make of whether to once again move almost 2,000 miles from ‘home’ for an indefinite period of time. It was a sweet few months at home, sharing time with my family, helping my friend run for office and getting to know him better, and seeing all my hometown people.<br /> <br />Shortly after taking my job and moving to Illinois, guy #3 came on the scene, and I began to really evaluate what I wanted and how this would work - if at all. The more I talked to him and the more I talked to my parents the more unsure I became of it. It was making me physically sick. I had determined to not move forward until we could meet face to face.<br /> <br />And, then, in God’s perfect timing, just as the old year was coming to a close I received a text message from a dear friend that started out: “you’re amazing...” I have to say I was shocked. Totally shocked. Not more than 48 hours before one of my best girl friends had asked me if I ever saw myself in a relationship with him and I said something a long the lines of: “Well...(insert hemming and hawing)...I doubt it...” Oh, God’s amazing sense of humor and irony. This was a man that I respected deeply, admired, and was rather attracted to, but I had guarded my heart so carefully and diligently that I was literally in shock. It was like finding out that the boy next door - one of your best friends - had a crush on you. I told him I needed a few days to think and pray about it and I did just that - talked to my family, and to my Lord. Since I already had a foundation of a friendship with him I was comfortable moving forward.<br /> <br />Just a few days later, he talked to my Dad. Since then we’ve been working hard at communicating and deepening our friendship and he’s been getting to know my family better. And...I’ve been learning several lessons. Lessons I never thought I’d be learning through being in a relationship.<br /> <br />The first lesson I’ve had to learn is repentance. Yes, repentance. I never, ever thought that would be the primary lesson that I’d learn from a relationship. I was the girl whose shoulder OTHER girls cried on. I was always giving a hug and saying, “Don’t worry...God cares more about your love life than you even do. He’s working on Mr. Right as we speak. Be patient. Trust Him!” In fact, I think that I said it so many times that I forgot to believe it for my own life. Somehow I figured that was for everyone else, but not for me. I thought that I’d spot Mr. Right in my own strength. A week or so into this brand-new relationship I was praising God, saying - “Wow! I never saw this coming!” And, I heard the Lord whisper in His ever gentle, but rebuking voice in reply, “You see how I have blessed you in spite of your unbelief?”<br /> <br />Whenever I was punished as I child I would tell my parents how unfair it was that kids got punished, but adults didn’t. Mom would smile and say, “But, honey, that’s not true...parents get spankings from God.” It was at that moment I understood what she meant. I felt like I had just gotten walloped. I, a daughter of the King, had professed with my mouth over and over my fealty and trust, yet I had betrayed Him in my own soul. And still He delighted to bless me with every good thing.<br /> <br />If that doesn’t drive a person to repentance, nothing will.<br /> <br />Secondly, I’ve been learning patience. Yes, I also, thought that was a lesson I’d already learned. But, somehow, being in a relationship with someone who is 1,635 miles away makes patience relevant on a whole new level. There’s so much opportunity for miscommunication...and, the waiting. Waiting for the natural development of a relationship, waiting for parental input and approval, waiting on the Lord. Always waiting. In God’s amazing irony once again, I just happen to be studying Isaiah in my Bible Study. Isaiah 40 has a rich promise for those who wait, specifically on the Lord. This season I’ve been challenged to find and embrace the Biblical promises made to those who wait.<br /> <br />And speaking of seasons, being in a relationship has somehow mysteriously made my time living by myself, far away from family a blessing. I am savoring my peace and quiet, enjoying the time to do reflect, read, be master of my own house and vehicle. Things that before seemed a burden are opportunities to embrace, lessons to learn, and discipline to be mastered. I wouldn’t trade this season.<br /> <br />Thirdly, I’ve once again been powerfully reminded of God’s Sovereignty and timing. It’s one thing to always be talking about it, but quite another to stand back and see Him at work. It fills one with a sense of awe and a sense of smallness. I am almost daily reminded of the hymn that was played at my parents’ wedding - He Makes All Things Beautiful In His Time. He truly does. His fingerprints are everywhere - if only we step back and look.<br /> <br />And, lastly, I’ve been learning ever so much about trust - the importance of trust in a relationship, trust in God, trust in my parents, trust in my boyfriend. Such a small word, and yet so important. I had naively thought that the hard part of trusting God and your parents was before being in relationship. Not so. That’s when its easy because you have nothing to lose. When you’ve entered a serious relationship trust becomes what it is all about - trusting the Lord that He continues to be faithful and work out His plan for good, trust that one’s parents are hearing from the Lord, and trust in the other person’s pure intentions. Another hymn comes to mind, “Trust and Obey...for there’s no other way...”<br /> <br />Since the moment this journey began, I have begged God to be glorified and honored in and through me. That is my only heart’s desire, and yet He has added to me blessings and joy beyond compare.<br /> <br />And, remember that text message I received a few months ago? The truth is that he’s pretty amazing too...and the story has just begun!<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">To be continued...</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-58330663430994147072012-02-14T08:41:00.000-07:002012-02-14T08:42:46.821-07:00Would you have the Faith to touch Jesus?<p class="MsoNormal">Shaking off the distractions of life to even sit down and write a blog can be hard enough…it obviously is for me as have not written one in about a year. This challenge is nothing compared to that which life throws at you to keep you from having deep moment-by-moment relationship with your Savior. The reason that I say "moment-by-moment" is because when you are talking about the Savior of the universe, the one that gives you the strength to take that next step, the one that moves my fingers to type these words and puts my thoughts in a somewhat understandable sequence, WHY would you want anything less?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">For the last 2 years of my life I have kind of felt like I have been in a lesson, but never finding the answer. I am still amazed at everything that I've learned, even though I had no clue why I was learning it. Thankfully we have a faithful God that in his timing chooses to show us what we are learning and why we are learning it. I have learned so much, especially around the moment-to-moment relationship that I must have with my Savior.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I must ask you…”why don’t we reach out and touch Jesus and draw our strength from Him?” He is with in reaching distance of all of us yet we choose to act like He is not. Most of us just want to be with Him but sometimes I am afraid we just want to use Him like a name drop. In Mark 5 we are told of the woman who was healed by her “faith”. I used to simply think about this from the stand point of the woman who was sick having the faith that Jesus would heal her if she could JUST touch His robe. Then, I began thinking about this story from the perspective of the crowd. It says the crowd “thronged” which simply means “(of a crowd) Fill or be present in (a place or area), to be present in great numbers."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The questions I ask myself…was no one else who was there injured or sick? Why was there no one else reaching out to touch Jesus, to be healed? I am not saying there was not anyone else that was not trying or that even did and we are not told about it, but this prompted me to ask myself "am I the person so proud of that fact that I am “walking” beside Jesus right there I don’t even consider that I could reach out and touch Him". STOP and THINK about that, put yourself right there! Are you satisfied standing beside Him or do you want to reach out and touch Him? Do you want His healing power to run through you and heal every physical, spiritual, and emotional injury?</p> <span>I know that for many years of my life I have been the crowd…just believing that I was in a great place because I was walking with Jesus instead of having that FAITH to reach out and touch Him.</span>Liberty Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06971757214199650181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-57331697587240744252012-02-06T22:12:00.001-07:002012-02-06T22:24:31.935-07:00Weekly Biblicalview Email: February 6<img src="https://a9bc7f8277-custmedia.vresp.com/library/1296870861/bcb92eef1f/bwlc-banner.jpg%20" alt="" title="" align="middle" height="" width="" /><br /><br /><p>Biblical Worldview Learning Center Friends:<br /><br /></p><p>This week's e-letter is part 4 of my writing <em>Foundational Presuppositions</em> which develops an understanding of worldviews, particularly a Biblical Worldview. Part 4 completes the introductory chapter to the book. This writing will be sent out periodically as further devotional material is developed and written. As those devotionals are produced we will be sending them out in future weekly e-mails.</p><br /><br /><p><em>Foundational Presuppositions</em>, is based upon my seminar presentation of the same name. I do hope to publish the work in the future. If you would be interested in scheduling a single day,weekend, or longer seminar on the <em>Foundational Presuppositions</em> of a Biblical Worldview,arrangements can be made by contacting me at the Biblical Worldview Learning Center.</p><br /><br /><p>For the month of February we are making available some very helpful books in the area of Christian Biblical Worldview development. The books we are offering for our February special discount are the following:</p><br /><br /><p><em>Living at the Crossroads: An Introduction to Christian Worldview</em>, by Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen. An engaging introduction to the Christian worldview explores how Christians can live faithfully at the crossroads of Scripture and postmodern culture. Ideal for undergraduate students and laypeople. (Retail: 20.00; Special: 16.00)</p><br /><br /><p><em>Think Biblically!: Recovering a Christian Worldview</em>, by John MacArthur. This work guides readers in cultivating a Biblical worldview. John MacArthur and other scholars confront the false worldviews that dominate the postmodern world and provide models for cultivating a Biblical mindset. (Retail: 18.00; Special: 14.40)</p><br /><br /><p><em>Lord of All: Developing a Christian World-and-Life View</em>, by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe. The authors define this Christian world-and-life view by considering the six main spheres of influence that Christians should be working to strengthen, from the global and national levels down to the church and the family. (Retail: 18.00; Special: 14.40)</p><br /><br /><p>Any these books can be ordered simply by requesting them by e-mail, phone, or mail.</p><br /><br /><p>For His Kingdom,</p><br /><br /><p>David Barrett, Director</p><br /><p>Biblical Worldview Learning Center</p><br /><p>david@biblicalview.com</p><br /><p>208-377-2367</p><br /><br /><br /><p></p><h2>The Necessity of a Biblical Worldview<br />Part 4</h2><p></p><br /><br /><p>Consider the following Scriptures:</p><br /><br /><p>"In Thy light shall we see light" (Psalm 36:9).</p><br /><br /><p>Only within the light of the truth in God's Word are we able to truly see more truth. Outside of His Word we grope in darkness.</p><br /><br /><p>"Work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12).</p><br /><br /><p>This Scripture is addressing the benefits in this life that salvation in Christ can bring. Notice the two key components that are associated with this process:</p><br /><br /><p>(1) You are to <u>labor</u> or <u>work</u> in this salvation growth process. It requires an investment<br />on your part.</p><br /><br /><p>(2) It takes a unique quality of <u>character</u> with which this laboring process is to take place<br />– "fear and trembling."</p><br /><br /><p>Yes, a believer is made a joint-heir with Jesus and He has called us "friend," but you are not His equal, you are not even close.</p><br /><br /><p>Yes, we are told that we can boldly enter the throne room of God, but we cannot go brashly or carelessly believing we can make demands upon Him.</p><br /><br /><p>God's grace is no license for immature behavior or thought patterns. God'grace gives us the promise, that by His means, our thoughts and life can be elevated to a position of pleasing Him.</p><br /><br /><p>The following two Scriptures also directly address the necessity of actively shaping a Biblical worldview in our lives:</p><br /><br /><p>For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not strong meat. For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14)</p><br /><br /><p>And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)</p><br /><br /><p>Each of these passages addresses the need to labor at developing a Biblical worldview. Can you see that? The Hebrews passage speaks about a contrast between a baby Christian that understands the simple first principles, or rudiments, of Scripture and a mature Christian. This infant child of God knows he is a sinner and that salvation is by Jesus Christ alone. This is practically all the baby Christian understands and apparently those receiving this epistle were in that condition. But the writer to the Hebrews is not pleased with that infant state of Christianity. He chastises them saying that they should have moved on to the more solid food of Scripture and the Christian life. The "strong meat" of the mature Christian is described in the last proposition of verse 14: "…those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."</p><br /><br /><p>The mature Christian is one who has learned to apply God's Word to his everyday living and actually practiced reasoning from the Word to the situations and issues he faces. The result being, that the Christian learns to discern that which is in agreement with the Word and that which is contrary to Scripture. This is what is meant by the statement "by reason of use have their senses (perceptions) exercised." Christians need to labor to develop a Godly and Biblical perception of the world around them and the issues of their day. The development of the mind to see things as God would see them is not something that naturally develops in the believer. The believer’s mind needs to be made new. That is what the Romans passage cited above is emphasizing.</p><br /><br /><p>In Romans chapter 12, Paul once again warns about the dangers of the world’s influence upon the believer's life. He tells the Christian to not be <em>conformed</em> to this world. That is, they are to guard against being formed and fashioned into the way the world wants them to think and live. The word "conformed" conveys the idea of being changed from the outside-in. The Christian<br />needs to guard against being shaped by worldly pressures. This includes not only peer pressure and lifestyle pressures, but the changes that come into our lives because we gaze so long upon something that we begin to model it. That's what happens when we look upon, and meditate or vegetate, upon the world’s messages through television, movies, music, magazines, internet, and a host of other avenues.</p><br /><br /><p>In contrast to this, Paul exhorts the believer to be changed in another way. He says to be <em>transformed</em> by the renewing of the mind. Both the word (transformed) and the place of change (the mind) indicate just the opposite of what we saw concerning the world's impact upon our lives. Paul is telling us that the change is to come from the inside-out. True lasting change begins internally and addresses a change of heart and mind. New presuppositions and new ways of thinking need to be established. Every single one of us, to one degree or another, began in the garbage can of life views. All of us had to be miraculously rescued from our condition of destruction and our daily diet of worldly thinking.</p><br /><br /><p>However, the coming to salvation is only the beginning. God, by grace though faith, saves us in an instance. When Jesus Christ returns again, we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye. However, between these two events, and while we are still alive, we are called to invest ourselves in the process of learning to think and live in ways that are pleasing to God.</p><br /><br /><p>"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).</p><br /><br /><p>"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind…" (I Peter 1:13a)</p><br /><br /><p>These Scriptures and others, along with II Corinthians 10:5, which we looked at earlier, tell us over and over again that we need to learn to think properly in our new life. It is one thing, and the absolute necessary thing, to be rescued out of the garbage can of worldly thinking and living. It is another thing, and equally essential, to get the garbage out of your life. In other words, salvation begins and is secured by the sovereign act of God as He reaches down and pulls you from life’s heap of rubbish. But, if that were all there was to the saved life, then He would take you home the instance He saved you. Yet, for the vast majority of those He saves, He leaves us here on this earth to both share the Good News and to grow in His grace. That growth has nothing to do with our justification before God; that was established at the moment of our salvation. It does, however, have everything to do with our maturing, our sanctification, our becoming more and more into the image of His Son. And, these passages on the mind, including Romans 12:2 tell us that we are to be personally invested in this process.</p><br /><br /><p>W.E. Vine in his very helpful work, <em>Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words</em>, gives very instructive insight into the meaning of this passage in Romans 12.</p><br /><br /><p>"…a renewal, is used in Rom. 12:2, "the renewing (of your mind)," i.e.,<br />the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind<br />of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life; in<br />Tit. 3:5, where "the renewing of the Holy Spirit" is not a fresh bestowment<br />of the Spirit, but a revival of His power, developing the Christian life; this<br />passage stresses the continual operation of the indwelling Spirit of God; the<br />Romans passage stresses the <em>willing response on the part of the believer"</em>.<br />(emphasis added)</p><br /><br /><p>This brings us back to the very purpose of this book. Every Christian needs a well defined and a well developed Biblical Worldview. None of us can rest on our laurels and say, "Well, I've been saved, there's nothing more for me to concern myself with." I trust all that I have argued above has put that attitude to rest. It's time to invest ourselves in the process of learning view the world as God would want us to and to begin thinking God's thoughts after Him.</p><br /><br /><p>The only infallible tool we can use to know how God would want us to think is the revelation of His Truth which is found in His Word, the Bible. It is only there that we can go and know that we are reading exactly what God would want us to know. And it is to His Word that even Christ himself directed us as he prayed for you and me in John chapter 17,</p><br /><br /><p>I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast<br />given me; for they are thine…I have given them thy word; and the world<br />hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of<br />the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but<br />that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world,<br />even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: <em>thy word<br />is truth.</em> (emphasis added)</p><br /><br /><p>It is now to that Word, the very Word of God, we will turn to learn what God presents as the <em>Foundational Presuppositions</em> that we are to hold. </p><br /><br /><p>__________________________________________<br /><br /></p><h1>February Featured Products</h1><br /><p>Click on the titles to order. </p><br /><em>20% Discount (as Priced)</em><br /><br /><img src="https://a9bc7f8277-custmedia.vresp.com/library/1328564133/d3fa57f61a/bwlc%20011.jpg" alt="" title="" align="left" height="" width="" /><br /><br /><p><b><a href="http://biblicalview.com/rcProd1.asp?id=1132&c=1132">Living at the Crossroads: An Introduction to Christian Worldview</a></b><br /></p><p>by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen<br /></p><p>Retail Price: $20.00<br /></p><p>February's price: $16.00<br /><br /></p><p>This engaging introduction to Christian worldview explores how Christians can live faithfully at the crossroads of Scripture and postmodern culture.</p><br /><br /><p>Ideal for undergraduate students and laypeople, Living at the Crossroads first lays out a brief summary of the biblical story and the most fundamental beliefs of Scripture. The book then tells the story of Western culture from the classical period to postmodernity. Authors Michael Goheen and Craig Bartholomew next analyze how Christians live in the tension that exists at the intersection of the biblical and cultural stories. They proceed to tease out the implications for key areas of life, such as education, scholarship, economics, politics, and church. The result is a deeply thoughtful yet approachable text that draws on the rich tradition of Reformational thinking but contextualizes it to a postmodern setting for a contemporary audience.</p><br /><br /><p>Readers will emerge from their study and reflection of worldview with renewed hope in the gospel and restored fervor to help meet the tremendous need for justice and mercy in the world.</p><br /><br /><p>224 pages • Paperback</p><br /><br /><img src="https://a9bc7f8277-custmedia.vresp.com/library/1306778564/5678dfd7f1/Lord%20of%20All%20book.jpg" alt="" title="" align="left" height="" width="" /><br /><br /><p><b><a href="http://www.biblicalview.com/rcProd1.asp?id=189&c=">Lord of All</a></b><br /></p><p>by D. James Kennedy<br /></p><p>Retail Price: $18.00<br /></p><p>June's price: $14.40<br /><br /></p><p>In this book, D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe define the Christian's world-and-life view by considering the six main spheres of influence that Christians should be worlking to strengthen, from the global and national levels down to the church and family. Those with anti-Christian worldviews are working hard to push God out of these spheres,and as Christians we are called to reclaim them for Christ. With an unflinching commitment to God's truth, the authors take us through each of these spheres of influence and give us an overview of what has gone wrong and why a biblically informed world-and-life view is essential. They provide us with the tools and guidance we need to begin integrating our faith with every aspect of life.<br /><br /></p><p>320 pages • Hardcover</p><br /><br /><img src="https://a9bc7f8277-custmedia.vresp.com/library/1328563828/5da622b6ca/bwlc%20012.jpg" alt="" title="" align="left" height="" width="" /><br /><br /><p><b><a href="http://www.biblicalview.com/rcProd1.asp?id=1133&c=1133">Think Biblically!: Recovering a Christian Worldview</a></b><br /></p><p>by John MacArthur<br /></p><p>Originally $18.00<br /></p><p>May's price: $14.40<br /><br /></p><p>Now in paperback, this helpful volume by pastor and best-selling author John MacArthur guides readers in cultivating a biblical worldview on a wide range of issues.</p><br /><br /><p>What we think shapes who we are. That's why the Bible tells us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2a). In a world of differing voices competing for our allegiance, we must learn to "think biblically" so we can distinguish good from evil. God is the Creator of this world; his voice-his Word-must guide our thoughts and our lives.</p><br /><br /><p>With the Bible in their hands, John MacArthur and other scholars and teachers from the Master's College confront the false worldviews that dominate our postmodern world. The authors provide models for cultivating a biblical mind-set on worship, psychology, gender, science, education, history, government, economics, and literature. This book will help anyone who is striving to think biblically in today's culture.</p><br /><br /><p>368 pages • Paperback </p><br /><br /><p>__________________________________________</p>Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-86614124325197282812012-01-24T14:37:00.001-07:002012-01-24T14:41:44.540-07:00In Defense of Ron PaulI am voting for Ron Paul in Idaho’s primary caucus on March 6th. Most of my readers will probably not be surprised at that fact. Dr. Voddie Baucham has faithfully expounded the reasons to vote for Dr. Ron Paul, and I encourage you to <a href="http://americanvisionnews.com/1278/voddie-baucham-answers-why-ron-paul">read his article by clicking here</a>. Like Dr. Baucham many acquaintances have raised questions about Ron Paul that I wish to address. <br /><br />Lest someone accuse me again of idolatry, I do not think Ron Paul is perfect. His nomination and his election as President will not change our land. Only repentance and self-governance will. That being said, his attitude and manner in treating people is such that he lacks an air of arrogance, which is one of his greatest qualities. He is not a politician; he is a Statesman. <br /><br />Also, I can not and will not vote for any of the other proposed Republican candidates because I care too much about my children and yours to contribute to the further destruction of our country. I know that I will have to stand before God someday and give account for my vote. I want to do so with a clear conscience. To chose any of the other options before us would be to betray my own conscience. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Foreign Policy</span><br /><br />Those who disagree with Ron Paul’s foreign policy do so out of ignorance. His foreign policies are those of our Founding Fathers. They believed we should not meddle in the affairs of other nations, and instead focus on protecting our own land, and having a strong defense (which involved an armed populous with little spending - hence the 2nd Amendment). Congressman Paul is not ignorant about traditional American foreign policy. He’s seen many decades of a failed policy, as a veteran and a 12 term congressman. His opponents style Paul as blind to any threat of terror or war. Quite the contrary, he says we should prepare for just such a season and in the meantime gather our resources from every corner of the world and quit subsidizing foreign powers - either militarily or monetarily, often both. <br /><br />And, we need to throw out the idea that American threat of violence is a way to win friends and influence people. The only thing it might be is a very temporary and artificial friendship - and that’s the last thing our country needs right now. Our current foreign policy isn’t working. Historically it’s un-American. It turns out to be un-Biblical, since God only directed Israelites to kill in the name of their own promised land not to pursue interests worldwide. God even forbade the Israelites to have chariots, the symbol of military power of the time. God’s sovereign power would otherwise be minimized. All of a sudden, American world hegemony doesn’t seem so biblical, does it?<br /><br />If you’re not familiar with the Christian Just War Theory I encourage you to research it. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Abortion</span><br /> <br />Norma Mcorvey (Jane Roe of Roe vs Wade) just endorsed Ron Paul. She understands that Roe vs. Wade should never have been heard by the federal Supreme Court. The case was outside the jurisdiction of the US Supreme Court, because murder is under state jurisdiction. There is no federal law against murder. Each sovereign state, of the fifty states, is enforce its own laws, like a sovereign nation, as described by Alexis de Tocqueville. The national government, which is the federation of these several united states is only to act in areas specifically listed in the US Constitution, mostly settling disputes between the states. The several states existed before the federal government; they created it. The several states are the creator and the federal government is the creation. By extension, the states are to be the masters and the federal government is to be the slave. If the US Supreme Court had followed the Constitution, refusing to hear Roe v Wade, we would not have the blood of 54 million babies on our hands. God always brings justice to injustice, and He will punish those that broke the contract, ignoring the Constitution. It's a covenant issue. For the pro-life community to continually beg for a federal solution is not only against the structure of our system, but it is another crime against the Constitution.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Law</span><br /><br />Some hold the position that the state sovereignty and federal limitation doctrines of Ron Paul reveal his misunderstanding of law (including Biblical law). As a graduate of a Biblical worldview academy, and the daughter of its headmaster, I disagree thoroughly. Ron Paul has a profound understanding of the different kinds of laws as well as the separation of powers and jurisdictional boundaries.<br /><br />Christians are often confused about the different kinds of laws God gave in the Old Testament. There are civil laws, laws specific to Israel, and ceremonial laws. Obviously, sodomy is an abomination. Disrespecting one's parents can lead to death. God also commanded men to offer goats and calves for their sins. Some law, like the tenth commandment are purely matters of the heart and could never be legislated, even if we tried. There is a difference between God's law (as written on our hearts and which - as it says in Galatians - we as Christians MUST follow), and Church law, city law, state law, or Federal law. Those laws which a Christian must follow (ie - we should not do drugs because we should not defile the temple of the Holy Spirit MUST be obeyed through self governance even though they are not and/or should not be a federal law.) Traditionally there is a divide between canonical law and civil law. Cannonical law was the jurisdiction of the clergy. The same issue was used by Pilot as a reason why he could not condemn Jesus. Jesus had broken no civil law, only religious law (according to the Pharisees). Pilot was a smart and principled man. He understood his jurisdiction and would not be swayed.<br /><br />We must recognize that even some laws in the Old Testament did not come with enforceable penalties (such as the law to leave the corners of your field for the strangers to glean). Not only must a person have a profound understanding of different kinds of law, they also need to understand the proper jurisdiction of each government. It is within the Church's jurisdiction to enforce God's law to not forsake the fellowship of believers and to excommunicate those who do. It is within the family's jurisdiction to punish disobedient children, and neither are within the civil government's jurisdiction. In the United States it is within each state's jurisdiction to punish murderers, homosexuals, make drugs legal or illegal, etc....it is NOT within the Federal government's jurisdiction. It's the beauty of the way our American system is set up. I think the waters can get very muddied when these two issues are combined and confused and both are very important. If you want to read more on this I recommend Dr. Herb Titus, one of our nation's best Constitutional lawyers and an expert on God's law as well. He was also one of Judge Roy Moore's top attorneys. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Homosexuality</span><br /><br />There is a radio interview in which Dr. Paul says that he doesn’t know whether homosexuality is a sin. I was certainly disappointed at first. I listened to the whole interview and learned that Dr. Paul believes that homosexuality is a sin, and that it is also not within the purview of federal law. I agree with him. It should be a state issue. <br /><br />We must also remember that Congressman Paul’s first profession is a Medical Doctor, and so he thinks in those terms. It seems that Dr. Paul is making more of a medical statement than a moral one. He questions whether homosexuality might be connected to a genetic cause. He either thinks it is a genetic disorder or that it might be a normal genetic trait. It is unclear in the interview.<br /><br />Also, Ron Paul points out that just as bad as homosexuality in the military is heterosexual perversion. That's the greater point he was trying to make. Even in Christian circles, not to mention among pastors of many faiths, sexual sin is prevalent. A bit of humility and taking the beam out of our own eyes before we start digging for specks in the eyes of unbelievers is called for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Even if you disagree...</span><br /><br />If you are not a supporter of Ron Paul, you probably disagree with him on at least one topic. Fair enough. If that’s the case, here’s my challenge to you. Think about the last election cycle, or the cycle before that. Did you disagree with your candidate on anything? But, you still voted for him. Maybe it’s because you thought he was the best person for the job, or maybe because you like the idea of voting for a winner. Whatever the reason, don’t you think you ought to give a Christian man the benefit of the doubt? He has been married to the same wife for 54 years, delivered over 4,000 babies, has been elected 12 times in his district, and he has a 24-year consistent voting record. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Could you also extend the same grace to him - though you might disagree with him on one or two points - that you did to the last person you voted for?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Conclusion</span><br /><br />I thank God for leaders like Ron Paul who have consistently spoken, voted, and acted in accordance to a Biblical Worldview and the dictates of his conscience. Isn’t it about time that we respect and honor him for his years of service? And, isn’t it time that we raise up some more leaders like Dr. Ron Paul?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-26086476192449888102012-01-18T23:44:00.003-07:002012-01-22T00:20:33.850-07:00Wait upon the Lord...If I had to sum up 2011 in one word, the word that would roll off my tongue would be "change", and since as a general rule, change makes me nervous/ overwhelmed/ stressed out, this past year presented many difficulties. But, as the Bible promises us, " that<b style="font-weight: bold;"> </b>all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) it is amazing to see how God used this change to push me to Him. Because He is the only thing in this whole world that does not change, if we are to find any sanity at all in this crazy life we must turn to Him.<br /><br />Into 2012, change has continued to hold my hand on this path of life. Most of this is due to the fact that I am staring at a Graduation and a Senior Piano Recital happening in 5 months. With these wonderful milestones showing themselves on the horizon, fear can poke itself into your heart. Fear of the future, fear of failure, and mostly, fear of the unknown. But as we know, "perfect love casteth out fear..." (I John 4:18) and so the only way we can dispel these fears is to give them to God who is that perfect love.<br /><br />The theme of change has extended into the my family as well. In just the latter half of the year, Josiah moved back, Elysse moved back, Liberty moved out, and we had at least 2 and up to 4 additional guests in our home on any given day.<br /><br />With my older siblings being very much occupied with making these big decisions, I too felt pressure (mostly of my own making) to make a decision concerning "life after high-school". However, as I sought the Lord and His will, as well as talking to my parents numerous times, I came to the realization that this kind of decision could not be made the same way as you decide what you want for breakfast. Rather, this decision requires the ability to listen to what God says and to do it , even when it is not the answer you want or are expecting. I found that even when I did ask the Lord that He would show me His will and that His will would be done, I was already off thinking of reasons I should follow a certain path and not even attempting to open up my ears to listen to what God was trying to tell me.<br /><br />One of my favorite songs is by Andrew Peterson entitled "The Silence of God" (If you have the chance I encourage you to look this song up on Youtube and listen to it as well as any and all of Andrew Peterson's songs... they are amazing). When I first sought the Lord, yet was not getting any response, I clung to this song as my answer: "The Silence of God". Yet as I continued on my decision-making path, I realized that sometimes you can make yourself believe God is Silent when you are simply not listening. I believe that somewhere through that journey I had stopped listening to the Silence when the Silence had begun to speak. I was choosing to wallow in the miserable fact that God had hid Himself from me, even as He was revealing Himself. It has been a long journey back, one that is not yet complete. I am still attempting to regain the ground I lost because of my pride in the fact that I could do it myself and my hurt that God would "abandon" me. This second journey has been much different than the first and the difficulties have seemed to come in different areas.<br /><br />With this journey have come many challenges, challenges that at some points seem almost unconquerable and each time I meet them I am tempted again and again to take the "easy way out" and not meet them at all... and time and time again there is Christ, knocking on the door of my heart with his unmeasurable love that overwhelms me and I realize that I can't conquer anything, only HE can. Yet, once again, it seems that with each one of God's declarations of His faithfulness, the Enemy's sayings that I don't need God seem to become louder and louder. Caught in the middle, knowing exactly what you should do, yet realizing that it is in someways what you don't want to do is quite an interesting experience. To know that what you must do can only be done by surrendering the whole of your being over to Christ once again, but also feeling as if by surrendering you will lose something but knowing that if you don't you will lose something greater....<br /><br /><br />As I have been working through these thoughts and feelings as specifically relating to my decision, the words that keep running through my head are those of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,<br />"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:<br />A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<br />A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;<br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-17365"></sup>A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-17366"></sup>A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;<br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-17367"></sup>A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; <br />A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace"<br /><br />To everything there is a season....<br /><br />In this season of my life, I believe that if I do want to accomplish God's plan in my life then I must seek in the Scriptures the promises of God and hold fast to them even as He holds fast to me. One of the promises in Scripture that God brought to my attention early last summer at the end of a day filled with worrying over the future was Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." This is an amazing promise, one of strength and power in the Lord... yet, it is also a command to "wait" and not wait in any way or on any thing but to "wait upon the Lord" and HE will "renew your strength.".... He is truly the ONLY one who can renew your strength and He will if you but ask and wait on Him... we truly have an AMAZING God!Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-54205214001053106272012-01-10T01:10:00.003-07:002012-01-10T02:14:42.226-07:00Update.Wow! 2012 has arrived. It sure got here in a hurry.<br /><br />Since my last post, I survived another semester of college and am on the precipice of yet another. I figured it would be a good idea to recap some of the stuff I mentioned there and take a look ahead. (Considering I probably won't blog again until after this upcoming semester.)<br /><br />Well, Boise State football came and went. It had more ups than downs, but the downs were pretty down, so to speak. Nevertheless, I'd call it a general success. I was nice to see Kellen and the boys go out on a high note. Getting to see the game in Toledo was very cool. High-fiving Kellen and Co. afterwards was cool, too. It's never too early to start the countdown to next season, but I'll at least wait until I'm done with this blog.<br /><br />I recently finished my third semester at Hillsdale College. Looking back I find it ironic that the two classes I said I was looking forward to the most I found least enjoyment in at the end. God is laughing at me, so I'll laugh along, eventually. I did well in most my classes, and I look forward to doing even better next semester. Speaking of looking forward, I will once again be focusing on my to main areas of study, Politics and Philosophy, with three and two courses in each discipline respectively. This should be fun. And being the far out, crazy person I am, I am planning to take a sixth academic course as I will be beginning Spanish 101 towards my B.A. requirements. This should be interesting. Mostly, my goal is not dying.<br /><br />I am still a member of the George Washington Fellowship. My writing and research commitment to this program was not especially onerous this last semester, and I hope that will continue as my class schedule fills up even more. Hopefully, this research service will provide a useful diversion from some of my more tedious class work.<br /><br />Rugby once again provided a bright spot in my semester despite the complications and losing. I think I am improving as a player and I plan on moving into a greater leadership roll moving forward. For this, I cannot wait. Well, I can, but it will be hard.<br /><br />As far as the goals I set, I did check out more clubs and will see about greater involvement this next semester; YAL is on hold because of time commitments; I was able to deepen several friendships, now for adding width to the depth, and more depth; spiritual maturity came as well but with downs as well. Prayers are especially appreciated here. As far as being a Godly influence, time will probably tell how well I'm doing. Hopefully, I'll get to see it.<br /><br />Things keep getting busier, but as the business grows so does my excitement for God's plan.<br /><br />A always, feel free to contact me on Facebook, by e-mail, or via this blog.<br /><br />Jacob Barrett<br /><br />P.S. 234 Days.Jacob L Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08619200814391126038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-79317105615664050912011-12-27T00:05:00.002-07:002011-12-27T11:19:19.395-07:00Christmas :) :)Well, as you might have guessed from my lack of blogs, a lot has happened this month. In fact, so much as happened that as I sit here trying to recall everything I find myself at a loss. So I guess I will just tell you about the few things I do remember doing :).<br /><br />SCHOOL!!! 3 weeks of school and so much to do!! As the Semester raced towards finals my pen raced to keep up with it and the requirements of a large research paper, 2 speeches, and other finals-type activities. In the end it only cost me one night of absolutely no sleep and the whole week averaged out to about 4 hrs a night. But it is over and we have 2 weeks off :) :) :)<br /><br />Sports: Basketball has been fun. We have played 1 game (loss to Gem State Academy) and we have 4 more games this week in a Christmas/New Year's tournament (yay!!.... well, playing at 9 am= not yay ;) ). I have also been doing Indoor track and had a race last week :). Volleyball practices for city league are starting soon :) :) :) :) :) :) .... as you have probably guessed, I am dreading the start of volleyball.... ;) :).<br /><br />Singing/ Piano: I was able to participate in 2 caroling groups this December!!! I have never had so much fun as I did getting to sing out with all my heart to my Savior!! I also had a Piano recital... it went ok...<br /><br />CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christmas is one of my most favorite times of the year. Not because of all the presents (although those are super cool), but because of the meaning of Christmas: Jesus. This Christmas Season has been one of Spiritual difficulties... but, then again, isn't that what Christmas is all about? Showing us that we cannot even begin to think we could run our lives, that Jesus is the only way to true peace and happiness.<br /><br />This Christmas, my family hosted our 2nd annual Christmas Eve Brunch. It was truly an amazing time and I thank God for all the people he brought!<br /><br />Christmas day was quiet and family oriented... my favorite :) We went to a church service and then opened presents. The afternoon was a time for games :) and then we got a quiet time for sleeping and reading :). Our friend, Dave, was able to come over in the evening and we played more games and just had a merry time!!<br /><br />I was not expecting many gifts, but for some reason I ended up with a pile on my lap :)<br />My brother, Josiah, surprised me with a super cool breast collar for my horse! My parents got me lots of books :) (of which I have already read one :) ) Liberty got me some pretty cool yarn that I have already started using to make a baby blanket :). From friends I got: a coffee mug, a necklace, hot chocolate mix :), a super cool scarf (green :)), a china tea cup, and an assortment of clothes :).<br /><br />Random facts of the month:<br />Most random question I was asked: At a Christmas program, the photographer asked to take a close up of my shoes.<br />Got to see my first 3d movie: Hugo :)<br />Was told twice in two days by 2 different people that I would be in their prayers :)<br /><br />Book Review:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Doomed Queen Anne"</span> by Carolyn Meyer 230 pg. Youth historical fiction.<br /><br />This book traces the life of Anne Boleyn, her rise to power and her descent to death for treason.<br />Written in the first person, you enter the mind and heart of Anne, the younger sister in a power- hungry family. Her father sends her to the dutch court at age 6 and the French court at age 8. He is willing to sacrifice everything, even his daughters, on the alter of ambition just to rise one more rung on the ladder of influence.<br />Anne, the ill-favored child, with dark hair and other "blemishes", who has always been hated by her sister Mary, the pretty one. With Jealousy and hatred against her sister and her family, smoldering in her heart, she decides to use everything in her power to capture the heart of the most sought after King of her day, Henry VIII.<br /><br />This book does an excellent job showing how Anne turned all her friends into enemies on her way up to the position of queen and so when she got there she was utterly alone. There was only one person that was not yet her enemy and with her "failure" to give him a son and her consequent rising panic she succeeded in turning him against her as well.<br /><br />The author does a very good job at showing at the beginning, Anne as the young and beautiful sought after belle and Queen Catherine, the old, forgotten woman and at the end Anne is the forgotten one as King Henry has moved on to others.<br /><br />The other thing that is clearly shown is the fact that power does not satisfy. Even though anne is queen she has no friends and no Savior, in essence, she has nothing.Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-13770929282996399452011-12-19T00:28:00.002-07:002011-12-19T00:32:30.259-07:00Merry Christmas & the "Rest of the Story"<p>From David Barrett...<br /><br /><p>A Story for Christmas<br /><br /><p>Years ago, I was introduced to Paul Harvey by my wife's grandfather. Paul Harvey was a conservative radio commentator that had a daily news program and a daily story telling program called "The Rest of the Story." There were no other radio programs like the Paul Harvey programs then and there are no programs like them today. They were definitely unique, entertaining, and informative.<br /><br /><p>At Christmas time, Paul Harvey would often tell a story - a modern parable, he called it - that captured a key facet of why we celebrate Christmas. The story is better heard than read, and if you would like to hear the 1965 Christmas Day broadcast, you can use the following link:<br /><br /><p>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jM_zr_bj5w<br /><br /><p>Below is the script of the story: "The Man and the Birds"<br /><br /> <p><em>I have designated this as my Christmas Story of the Man and the Birds. You know, THE Christmas Story, the God born a man in a manger and all that escapes some moderns, mostly, I think, because they seek complex answers to their questions and this one is so utterly simple. So for the cynics and the skeptics and the unconvinced I submit a modern parable.<br /> <p>Now the man to whom I'm going to introduce you was not a scrooge, he was a kind, decent, mostly good man. Generous to his family, upright in his dealings with other men. But he just didn't believe all that incarnation stuff which the churches proclaim at Christmas Time. It just didn't make sense and he was too honest to pretend otherwise. He just couldn't swallow the Jesus Story, about God coming to Earth as a man. "I'm truly sorry to distress you," he told his wife, "but I'm not going with you to church this Christmas Eve." He said he'd feel like a hypocrite. That he'd much rather just stay at home, but that he would wait up for them. And so he stayed and they went to the midnight service.<br /> <p>Shortly after the family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the window to watch the flurries getting heavier and heavier and then went back to his fireside chair and began to read his newspaper. Minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound. Then another, and then another. Sort of a thump or a thud. At first he thought someone must be throwing snowballs against his living room window. But when he went to the front door to investigate he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow. They'd been caught in the storm and, in a desperate search for shelter, had tried to fly through his large landscape window.<br /> <p>Well, he couldn't let the poor creatures lie there and freeze, so he remembered the barn where his children stabled their pony. That would provide a warm shelter, if he could direct the birds to it. Quickly he put on a coat, galoshes, tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on a light, but the birds did not come in. He figured food would entice them in. So he hurried back to the house, fetched bread crumbs, sprinkled them on the snow, making a trail to the yellow-lighted wide open doorway of the stable. But to his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs, and continued to flap around helplessly in the snow. He tried catching them. He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around them waving his arms. Instead, they scattered in every direction, except into the warm, lighted barn.<br /> <p>And then, he realized, that they were afraid of him. To them, he reasoned, I am a strange and terrifying creature. If only I could think of some way to let them know that they can trust me. That I am not trying to hurt them, but to help them. But how? Because any move he made tended to frighten them, confuse them. They just would not follow. They would not be led or shooed because they feared him. "If only I could be a bird," he thought to himself, "and mingle with them and speak their language. Then I could tell them not to be afraid. Then I could show them the way to safe, warm ...to the safe warm barn. But I would have to be one of them so they could see, and hear and understand."<br /> <p>At that moment the church bells began to ring. The sound reached his ears above the sounds of the wind. And he stood there listening to the bells - Adeste Fidelis – listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. And he sank to his knees in the snow.</em><br /><br /><p>This is exactly what God did. Philippians 2:5-7 tells us this fact:<br /><br /><p>"…Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."<br /><br /><p>He became one of us; He became a man. <br /><br /><p>But, He did not enter this world as a fully grown man. No, He came in the delicate, fragile form of a newborn infant. He was born to Mary, a poor, lowly young lady, and his first bed was a manger – the feeding trough for animals. <br /><br /><p>It amazes me that God would enter the world in this fashion. We cannot fathom the humility it would entail to move from God of the Universe to a frail child among sinful mankind. Most people today are embarrassed to be around someone who is of a lesser "status" in society than themselves. But, there is not a status change in the economic, social, academic, or any other area that can be used to compare with the change of condition with which Christ had to undergo.<br /><br /><p>Yet, God, in Christ Jesus, did just that. He came to the earth to dwell among mankind. It is His birthday, into humanity that we celebrate.<br /><br /><p>And, now, as Paul Harvey would so often say, "The Rest of the Story":<br /><br /><p>As amazing as it is that God would become a man – what theologically is called the "incarnation" – to celebrate that act alone misses the true Christmas story. Just as the man in the parable above had a purpose for wishing he could become a bird, God had a purpose in becoming a man. The man in the parable wanted to provide a way for the birds to be saved from the winter blast. God, in Christ, had a purpose in providing salvation for mankind from the onslaught of sin.<br /><br /><p>God’s purpose for man's salvation, however, would require something never mentioned in the modern parable, and something likely never imagined by the man in the story. Philippians chapter 2, though, does include this most significant fact.<br /><br /><p>"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phil. 2:8)<br /><br /><p>Jesus came to the earth as a helpless baby in order to grow to be a man and die on the cross. If he had not died on the cross, then the real purpose for becoming a human being and being born in the Bethlehem manger would not have been fulfilled. If Jesus had been born and lived among mankind, but never died on the cross, then God would have spent time with man, but man would never be able to spend eternity with God. Only through the death of Christ on the cross is the penalty for man's sin paid, and the way for man to dwell with God opened to him.<br /><br /><p>Remember this Christmas season, that the celebration of the birth of Christ, God incarnate, is not the complete reason for our joy. Yes, Christ, God in the flesh, dwelt with mankind. That is an amazing and joyous thought. But, He came with a purpose which He did fulfill. Matthew, in his Gospel record of the birth of Christ told us of that purpose in the words of the angel who spoke to Joseph.<br /><br /><p>"…behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matt. 1:20-21)<br /><br /><p>The baby born in the manger, became a man, and the man Jesus freely humbled himself to death, even the death on the cross, that you and I might live.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-33234376881844034902011-12-04T17:29:00.003-07:002011-12-04T19:57:46.294-07:00Christmas time is here!!!!December is finally here which means that most people start "checking off" their Christmas lists, decorating their trees, setting up nativity scenes, and getting ready for Christmas in general. Does this mean that this is what Mercy Faith is starting to do??<br /><br />NO.<br /><br />Why is that?<br /><br />Well maybe because she STARTED getting things ready for Christmas in.... oh.... September :P<br /><br />Seriously though I am very Excited for Christmas.... (just ask HBC)....<br />but more than Christmas I am excited for all the things that Christmas represents... Jacob coming home in 10 days...Christmas Eve brunch with Family and Friends (held on December 24th :P)...lots of music (especially TSO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHioIlbnS_A&ob=av2e).... Family and Friends and everyone generally "jolly".......<br /><br />But why is this time of the year SO special? Why do we give gifts? Why do we get together at this time of year? Why do we decorate? Why are we so happy? The answer to all these questions can be summed up in 2 words.............. JESUS CHRIST. He is the reason this time of year is so special; as believers we celebrate His birth because it represents the whole of his existence here on this Earth that culminated in that never forgotten 3 days in history in which He died AND rose again. We tend to be more joyful than usual because this time of year gives us cause to look at all the things He has given us, the most important being the gift of eternal life. When we look back and take the time to remember this last year, the last 10 years, the last 100 years, even to the beginning of time, we are just overwhelmed with his abiding Love and Mercy for us! Christmas is that time of year that God gives us as a special blessing to celebrate HIM with family and friends.. without HIM there would be no reason for this and it is all in vain. In the same way, if we let ourselves look away from Him and look to ourselves there is no reason for it all, it is all in vain, and we are left in a worse place than we were....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last weekend and this weekend I was able to watch "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scarlet_Pimpernel_%281982_film%29) for the 6th and 7th times (oops... did I really admit that.. ;) ) and I thought that I would provide all of you with a review that would encourage you to watch it for yourselves... I am warning you that there are some spoilers in here so if you would like you can watch it for yourself starting right now with this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU2RLwEsxT4<br /><br />As the movie opens we are met with these daunting words "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Paris, 1792 The Terror Begins</span>", in the backdrop to these words is an even more ominous sight.... <span style="font-style: italic;">Madame la Guillotine</span>. We are thrown into the midst of the French Revolution with its mass murder of the aristocracy by the New Republic which shouts for "<span style="font-style: italic;">Liberty, Egality, Fraternity!</span>" and then looks the other way searching for more victims to send to the Guillotine. They have the <span style="font-style: italic;">bourgeoisie</span> so stirred up that they care not for the river of blood that runs through their streets out of their own hearts.<br /><br />Yet in the midst of this madness, a single group of men headed by a man who chose "nothin' more than a simple, wayside flower" to be their emblem, stand against this river and seek not only to change its course but to stop it all together. "Who is this elusive Scarlet Pimpernel?", is the question on everyone's tongue from the poorest beggar to the man who yesterday was an aristocrat and today is sitting in the Temple prison; from the man who directed the executions to Citizen Robespierre himself. One man is commissioned to find out the answer to this question.... Citizen Chauvelin.<br /><br />Ah, citizen Chauvelin with his scheming mind and injured heart. His mind filled with images af siting on the Committee for National Security. His heart full of scars from the recent turning of his love Marguerite St. Just to that idiotic fop Sir Percy Blakeney, Baronet. But, of course, it is his money, more money than Chauvelin could dream of. Driven by his will for revenge on Marguerite and hatred for Percy, he will stop at nothing to get to the Scarlet Pimpernel... even when it could mean the death of the woman he once loved.<br /><br />Sir Percival Blakeney, Baronet.... now here is a man who knows all there is to know about.... fashion and style and nothing else... with enough money to get everything he needs, except a wife, ... until he meets the beautiful Marguerite St. Just, who is not as enamored with his money as she is with him... With his identity as the Scarlet Pimpernel firmly masked, he confidently woos and wins "the most beautiful Actress in France" all the meanwhile, saving as many aristocrats as he can from <span style="font-style: italic;">Madame la Guillotine's</span> bloody hands.<br /><br />Marguerite St. Just, a simple <span style="font-style: italic;">bourgeois</span> girl who has risen to fame as an illustrious actress in Paris. With her world spinning as she realizes her love for Percy and the man she seeks "behind the mask", she also encounters the twisted heart of Chauvelin and his unquenchable desire to ruin her... She is caught like a fly in Chauvelin's tangled web of deceit and try as she might, she cannot break free...<br /><br />Alongside these three stunning characters, you also encounter their friends, each interesting in and of themselves.... Lord Antony Dewhurst, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, Lord Timothy Hastings, Armand St. Just, and many others... each of them playing their part in this suspenseful story.<br /><br />It is a story full of love and hate; envy and suspicion, courage and cowardice; and most importantly <span style="font-style: italic;">noblesse oblige.</span>Mercy Barretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076863119260514846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976554448247160191.post-73401162103461461112011-11-28T23:54:00.000-07:002011-11-28T23:55:23.930-07:00Birth in America: What you haven’t been toldI was born at home. So were all my siblings. The older I get the more I realize that my parents were ahead of their time. In an effort to follow the Lord’s leading and apply His Word to their lives they made choices that were once considered outrageous, but are now almost mainstream. <br /><br />The last 8 years I have spent much of my time and energy invested in pro-life projects - a crisis pregnancy center, and now The Morning Center - a pro-life maternity hospital and mobile care units which Samaritan Ministries plans to launch in the next 18 months. At each turn I seemed to bump in to questions about how modern Americans approach birth. I began reading articles, talking to friends, and casually informing myself about birth statistics in our country. The more I studied, the more I became fascinated..and horrified. And, the more I began to wonder if God was calling me to take the birth process in America on as more than a casual study. <br /><br />What I have discovered has been shocking. American birth has gone from a process that was once reverenced and valued for bringing the next generation in to the world, to a process that is characterized only by pain and fear. Giving birth used to be surrounded by hope and plans for the future. Now it seems little more than a procedure that is rife with parental selfishness, medical greed, and a ever-increasing rate of risk - at least in mainstream birth practices.<br /><br />One of the documentaries I just watched, entitled The Business of Being Born (please use discretion if watching), pointed out that the new “type of birth” being embraced in the lives of higher-end Americans is called “Designer Birth”. Yes, that’s right. A woman goes to her local doctor’s office and picks out what day she’d like her baby born, what time, and pretty much everything else - except the baby’s gender. What has our world come to? <br /><br />The truth is this: God made women to bear children. That statement is pregnant with much more than meets the eye. Biologically speaking, however, it means that women’s bodies were designed to grow, nurture, and deliver a child. The bearing of children is not a result of the fall. Quite the contrary, a woman’s desire to have and bear children is part of God’s perfect plan for our universe and his ultimate redemption of and glory on earth. Rather, it is the pain and challenges of birth that are a result of the fall. Pregnancy and birth is natural. It’s the gestational diabetes, “morning” sickness, and pain of labor that is un-natural. <br /><br />Unfortunately, modern American culture treats pregnancy as an illness, rather than a natural process. In a different documentary I watched, Pregnant in America (also use discretion), it was fascinating to me to see the difference in American and European (specifically, Dutch and German) approaches to child birth. Over 85% of babies born in Holland are born at home, under advisement of a midwife. When one of the new Dutch moms was asked if she’d rather be like an American woman that goes to the hospital, she was shocked and said, “But...I’m not sick.” Exactly. <br /><br />In our culture we are told rush, rush, rush. But, the reality if something is worth anything, it is worth waiting and laboring for. <br /><br /><br />All of this, and we haven’t even broached the economic aspect of giving birth. I have a friend who runs Crisis Pregnancy Centers in New York City. A few of his clinics are actually located in hospitals that have Labor & Delivery. When I queried him on why his clinics were placed there, he said that doctors are actually paying him to operate there. Why? Because they make more money (whether being paid by Medicaid, a 3rd party payer, or self-pay) on live births than abortions. In other words, to these OB/GYN’s, it was economically advantageous for them to deliver a baby rather than abort one. It horrifies me that their business practices were based solely on economic grounds, and not moral. Who of all people should know the joy of bringing new life in to the world than a doctor who specializes in delivering babies? <br /><br />Still, many times I am afraid we underestimate the economics of birth. It is always so important to figure out the economic motivations of any institution in society. Figure out where the money comes from and where it’s going, and you’ll know how to change it for the better - or the worse.<br /><br />And, the greatest thing driving the economics of birth is the c-section rate. If a woman is convinced that she can’t have a natural birth and she needs surgery then the doctor can charge her more, the hospital can charge her more, and her risks go up, her recovery rate is going to take longer, and it provides more paperwork for the insurance companies - so it keeps them in business. In other words, it’s a winner for everyone...except Mom and baby. <br /><br />The other thing that controls medical decisions by OBGYN’s and doctors at a hospital is that the are the puppets of Insurance companies. Why is this? Because they don’t want their malpractice or other insurance rates to go up. When do their rates go up? When someone calls foul. So, a doctor does what they must to protect themselves. They don’t want any decision they make in caring for a patient called in to question, so a doctor almost always takes the most extreme measures which means doing the radical c-section surgery (where they are fully protected and justified by their insurance). <br /><br />Even if a c-section is not performed, other extreme measures, such as artificial induction often takes place. Pictocin is the most commonly used drug for inducing labor - it’s artificial oxytocin which causes distress to the women and the babies. And the scariest part of it all is that no one knows the permanent effects of this popular drug. <br /><br />I could write on and on about this. Have you guessed that by now this is a topic I’m very passionate about...but, I don’t want to do all our research for you. I encourage you to read books, read blogs, and learn more about this very important topic. <br /><br />As for me, I’ve launched in to studying to be a doula and midwife both on the side. In fact, I’m meeting with a local midwife this week to explore the possibility of apprenticing with her. Knowledge and experience are so vital in this field. And, the way I look at it even if I just accumulate knowledge for my own sake or for the sake of friends and family the studying and experience is worth it. <br /><br />My mind keeps wandering back to the Israelite midwives in Egypt. Their knowledge to quickly assist the women and their wisdom in responding to the authorities of their time saved the lives of babies and preserved God’s people. Perhaps its time for medical professionals who are focused on high-quality health care, focusing on women and babies, to once again stand in the gap and change the face of birth in America.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1