SB 48 can still be fought, here's how...

(for more posts on this issue, go to the right sidebar of this blog, look under "Labels," click on SB48.)

I know SB48 is incredibly frustrating especially when we feel helpless to do anything about it.

Here's something you can do:
Download, Print, Sign, and Send-in this petition to repeal SB 48.
Click on the link below.

http://stopsb48.com/get-involved/sign-the-petition/

This is very urgent.  750,000 signatures must be in by October 7th.  Please act quickly.

God is sovereign.

Bless you,

My new "business"

Hello all.

I've decided to sell Usborne books from my home.  Borrego doesn't have a whole lot to offer for children's (K-12) books, so it just made sense to be able to provide them not only to myself but to others in town as well.  But, no matter where you live, you can order them from me via my website mentioned below.

(FYI - These are not Christian-based books, but have a generalized cultural worldview.  Though, they are fact-based books, there is an injection of evolutionary theory particularly in some of the science books. -- We really enjoy these books in our family and I am pretty particular over book content.)

If you are interested in ordering, you can either order them directly through me (just give me a call or come by the house) or through my website: www.myubam.com/N3380. Please bookmark this link so you can return to it when you want to do some book shopping. :)
I'm hopeful that this will be a good "business" for the boys and I to participate in together.

If you were unable to attend the book party I hosted on Tuesday, and would like to see a sampling of these books, I'd love to show them to you.  They are beautiful and fun...and incredibly informational and educational.  

Love you,

The curse of the double oven

I heat up my oven to 400 and in a few minutes it is warmed enough for me to place my dinner inside.  So, I open the top door of the oven and let dinner bake for 30, then 40, then 50+ minutes, but notice the temperature does not increase to the proper number.  Maybe my thermometer is broken?
I turn the oven off.  Then, I realize that I have warmed the bottom oven and put the food in the top.

Start over.

I put the food in the bottom oven and turn it back on.  I wait 30, then 40, then 50+ minutes and the temperature does not increase to the proper number.  I am convinced at this point that my thermometer is broken.
Then, I realize that when I turned the oven back on, I turned on the top oven, but (of course) now my food is in the bottom oven.

At this very moment, my food is in the top oven and I'm pretty sure that's the one that's heated up.  Maybe I'll eat sometime tonight.

We've had this oven for at least 5 years.

And the thermometer works just fine.

Just keep swimming

"If life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream.  When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream. --- Or to use another metaphor more familiar to city people, we are on a never-ending downward escalator.  In order to grow, we have to turn around and sprint up the escalator, putting up with perturbed looks from everyone else who is gradually moving downward."  ~Francis Chan, Crazy Love 

Confusing calling and task

"Once I began to exercise those (speaking) gifts, I assumed speaking was my calling.  God soon made very clear, however, that my calling was to surrender my life every day to His will, to be His woman, and to do what He asked, whatever that was.  I remember sensing Him speak to my heart, saying, 'Beth, I do not want you surrendered to an assignment.  I want you surrendered to Me.'  I realized that God did not want me 'hung up' on the kind of assignment He would give me.  He didn't want it to matter to me whether He asked me to teach the Word of God to a hundred people or to rock one baby in the church nursery.  My calling was to be abandoned to Him."  (Beth Moore - Jesus, The One and Only)

My north star.

Jesus.

Family.

(Thanks, Sarah and Sally.)

"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,

but one thing is necessary."

(Luke 10:38-42)

**Sigh**

I am worried and troubled about many things, too.  Will my life always be this way?  As a mommy patriot, I can totally overwhelm myself in politics and worry about what kind of a future my kids will have in this country.  I worry about the evil indoctrination of an upcoming generation (as if we don't already have that...but the propensity for it to get worse...ugh!) and the subsequent flushing of the greatest nation in the modern world.

It starts with just one step and then before I know it I am running, desperately sprinting in a direction away from peace, away from trust.

But one thing is necessary.

I have to stop running.  My chest heaving and out of breath.  Tears of worry pool in my eyes.  But, I love this country.  I love my children.  Stop, Kori.  Settle your breathing.  Settle your fears.  Settle your heart.  Trust in Me.  Find a quiet place and rest.  

So, I stop.  I turn off the clamoring, fearful, worrisome noise.  And I go to that which remains steady, true, unchanging for all eternity past, present, and future: the feet of Jesus.  I listen to His words.  I cling to them.  I plant them in my heart and mind and life.  And I remember, as I have hundreds of times before that He is in control.  Nothing surprises Him.  He isn't fretting over debt ceilings, corrupt education, even the 3000 lives that torn from the wombs of women.  He sees, yes.  He is just, yes.  He is waiting, yes.  Just as I must do.

I am burdened in my heart to be a voice calling out to a people spiraling toward destruction to proclaim truth - in things of the Spirit and all things (history, legislation, science).  I know that people will not like me because of it.  And I know it can't matter.  We must be people who are not men-pleasers, but God-pleasers. (Gal. 1:10)

I wonder:  With the burden placed upon my heart for this nation - will I always be this yo-yo of emotion and passion - sprinting desperately in one direction, being slapped upside the head with reality, and returning to quiet myself at the feet of Jesus?  Is there a balance?

Can I passionately, patriotically remain at His feet?  Yes.  I can.  And at times I have.  But, I let busy-ness, commitments, obligations steal me away.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." (Matt. 6:33)  So, it's still about walnuts and rice.

Solve all your problems with Spenditol

"Be not one of those who gives pledges, who put up security for debts.  If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?" ~Proverbs 22:26-27

Make sure you sign the petition at www.spenditol.com.

SB48 (continued)... home school advice and opinion

In light of this ongoing issue of SB48, I want to copy some statements and insights that have been mentioned in my recent conversations regarding the subject.  I hope it will encourage you.
Again, I urge you to take your kids out of the public school and charter system.


The home schooling option:

I think it would be wise if the Christian/moral community would come together and create an education system who may not have the funds to private school or the ability to be home enough to home educate.  Of course, I am a firm believer that if we live within our means and tighten the belt a bit, anyone can home school.  Even if both parents have to work, it can be done.  I'm not saying it's easy, but possible...and worth it.  And for people who think it's too hard to home school, let's talk.  If I can do it, ANYBODY can.  Resources and support are abundant.  ---  Keep praying! There is a way.  God is sovereign.  Perhaps this is the wake up call we need to radically change how we educate our precious little (and big) ones.

and...

Regarding the concern over the expense of home schooling:  Curricula can be expensive, but there are several very inexpensive routes.  I'd be happy to help direct anyone in this area if finances are an issue.  I am an out-of-the-box type and don't purchase a curriculum...I create my own.  I do have a math curriculum, but otherwise I do my own and it's working out excellently.  I utilize the public library A LOT.  Also, you would be amazed at what you can get from used curriculum sales, and just by becoming a part of the home schooling community.  Curriculum is often traded or given away or sold at very reasonable prices amongst home school groups. --- Anyway, all that is to simply say: Don't let finances be a hindrance.  God will provide to fit your need.

Also from a recent email to a friend:

REGARDING SB48 - ALL should be recognized for their historic contributions regardless of their sexuality, ethnicity, whatever...the problem is the agenda: the lgbt lifestyle is required to be portrayed only positively...it's indoctrination.  Let's face it, there are some negative aspects of the lifestyle (as there is in ANY sexual promiscuity).  Omitting the truth and teaching only that it is "nurturing," "positive," and "desirable" is propaganda.  And the schools have no business indoctrinating our children.  Educate them.  Why does a 5-year-old have to be introduced to the terms "gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender?"

There are a plethora of problems with this bill, chief is the fact that parents can not waive their children from objectionable curriculum.  It is squelching parents' rights.

If bullying (the reason Leno claims to have pushed this bill) is truly a problem (and it is...and not just for gays, but for kids who don't wear the "right" clothes, are different, are Christian, and any other reason a kid can dream up to target other kids), then this will not fix it.  Kids bully kids out of their own insecurity and pride.  Bullying has to be dealt with at the root.  This is not going to solve bullying.  It's only an avenue to push through the lgbt agenda.  Use whatever emotional lingo you can to push your agenda.  No agenda should be in the schools other than to educate them on the 3 R's, true science, and true history.  That's it.  Let families deal with moral issues.

Here's an example: George Bernard Shaw had several beautiful quotes and was a literary genius, but he also was an advocate of eugenics and gas chambers to get rid of those who are "unfit to live"...which were ultimately used by the Nazis in the holocaust.  Teach the whole truth.  Hitler may have many admirable quotes, but it doesn't change the truth that he was a tyrannical murderer of millions.
Omitting the unpleasant for the sake of exalting a certain group of people is wrong and dishonest.

I am opposed to any type of "affirmative action" that gives special rights and privileges to any people group over another.  If you want it fair, then make it fair.  Don't omit truth for the sake of making a certain people group seem only wonderful and great, and ignore the ugliness.  If you're gonna bring out the good, bad, and the ugly, then do it across the board.

Don't get me wrong.  I am not saying we need to shut out lgbt people from basic human rights.  I worked in entertainment for many years and I LOVE my gay friends deeply.  But, I do not want the agenda of a few activists (gay or otherwise) to reign in my nation. "The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next."  We already have an evolutionary agenda reigning which is taught as fact and not as theory.  We need to teach facts, not try to brainwash a generation.

If it were really about bullying, then why didn't they specifically include the poor, the weak, and a multitude of other groups that are bullied?  Let's face it, EVERYONE is subject to bullying...not just ethnic groups and gays.

I want schools to be honest.  Give the kids the information, and let them choose for themselves what direction they will take in life.  I raise my kids in the Lord, but am obligated to not hide from them the "world."  They will ultimately have to choose for themselves morality and what they believe...and be able to critically reason their stance.  If I show them only one side of the many-faceted gem, then I'm doing them a disservice and only breeding closed-mindedness and I fail to teach compassion.  They must love all...especially those different from themselves and with whom they disagree.  We can't pick and choose who we extend love to.

I am concerned with the seemingly "little" compromises and how they affect the big picture of the future of this nation and of our future generations.  A ship only 1 degree off-course ultimately ends up totally lost.

It sure is a fine balance.  We must separate a person's actions from who he /she really is deep in their soul.  Love the sinner, hate the sin.  And don't condemn.  Show love despite offenses.  Jesus calls us to no less.

I hope I am honoring the Lord.  And if I'm not, I hope He will correct me.  I really and truly want to please Him above all.   I really want to protect the minds of children.  Don't you think eternity rests on how we raise these little ones?  Give them their options, and let them decide.


I finally found the actual wording for the bill SB48.  You can click on the link here.

My previous 2 posts are also regarding SB48.

More on SB48 - Don't give up your precious kids to the system!

This is a continuation of my previous post regarding the passage of SB48.  I can not stress enough the importance of standing up against this unwanted legislation.  I urge you, if at all possible, to withdraw your child from the public school system.

"The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next." ~Abraham Lincoln

Do you have a child in the government school system?  What are you to do?  School administrators believe that you hand your children over to the government and that you relinquish your rights as a parent the second your children darken the school door.  People have been imprisoned for defying this.  There is nothing you can do about what is fed into the mind of your precious child once they are on school grounds.  Your child is being brainwashed to think that there is no truth, no good or evil, no morality.  A generation hypnotized into this kind of thinking will destroy themselves.  We reap what we sow.  Forget the threat of terrorist attacks and economic devastation - we'll implode morally by becoming apathetic and totally lacking in ideals and standards.

We are losing our freedoms: chief is the ability to raise our children according to what we (not the government) believe is best.  When we have no say in the curricular content of our children's education, yet are mandated to send our kids to such an institution; freedom is squelched.  We are in bondage to the system...unless we will take great efforts to fight against it.  Thankfully, we are still free to home or privately educate our children.  This is what must be done so we don't end up with a generation hurtling toward bondage.  

I recently wrote about willful ignorance: the idea that just because something is unpleasant, we intentionally refuse to acknowledge or do anything about it, falsely thinking it will just go away.  Well, this (SB48) is a prime example.  We may ignore SB48 while in the house, then the senate, then on the governor's desk.  Now, it is too late...and it affects you.  This destructive, immoral, worthless curriculum will be forced upon your child...and other than pulling them out of the public school system, there is nothing that can be done about it.  Are you willing to hand your child (whom God has made you a steward of) to an atheistic, anti-God, anti-moral, socialist, government-indoctrinated education system?  We are accountable to God for the things He has made us responsible for.  What will you say to Him when asked what you did with the impressionable mind and heart placed solely in your hands?  He chose you.  He didn't choose the school teacher you barely know who spends more time per week with your child than you do.

I know this sounds harsh and perhaps it is.  I'm not sure how to communicate the urgency of the situation without being unapologetically honest.  We can't throw up our hands and give our children up!!!  We can not quit!

I understand that not everyone can home school...but perhaps it isn't as difficult as you may think.  The great thing about home schooling is that it is an incredibly flexible option.  Even if you work, you can educate your child.  

What's the cost?  

-Time.  

-Commitment.  

What's the cost if you give your child up to the government system?  

-Peer influence (=foolishness).  

-Twisted & untrue history.  

-A child that follows culture rather than righteousness.  

-Immoral brainwashing.  

-The possible loss of their eternal soul (as a result of worldly immersion and failing to counter it at home).  

In addition, your child will be better educated at home than in the school system.  I know home schooling is difficult for some.  Isn't your child's future worth tightening the financial belt of your household (by having one parent stay home or work only part-time; and living within your means)?  I know it is hard to find your niche in the education of your own child, but the resources are limitless and the approach that fits your family is totally attainable.  A few stumbles along the way shouldn't hinder us.  Try something different.  There is a way.  And there is a community of homeschool-minded people who are anxious to help, counsel, and guide.  (Visit http://RescueYourChild.com/)

So, what's my problem?  Why do I care?  Why should this bother me as a homeschooling mom whose children will never (God-willing) be under the influence of the government indoctrination system?

Here is my concern:  Even though I am making painstaking efforts to raise godly men.  The overwhelming amount of peers surrounding them do not share their upbringing and are, in reality, being educated in opposition to their own worldview (even if their parents are moral or Christian).  [I do want to recognize that many public-schooled children turn out absolutely fantastic - thanks to the committed involvement of loving, godly parents and this fact: "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."]  Yes, we are in the world and not of it; but I want freedom for my kids.  What kind of a future are we ensuring for the next generation if we are making the special treatment of homosexuals a priority over actual academics (among other worthwhile things)?  We are teaching our children that pleasure matters more than self-control.  We are telling our children that God is not the author of life which in effect devalues life - resulting in abortion, suicide, euthanasia, ridiculously low personal expectations, and an animalistic perception of ourselves.  And don't we see this?  ---since so much of culture literally acts according to their ever changing desires instead of engaging their incredibly capable decision-making mind to practice wisdom and self-control.  We are not monkeys.  We are not animals.  We were created to reason.  We were created to do good works.  We were created in the very image of GOD HIMSELF.  But we choose to debase ourselves for the sake of doing "what we want." 

I know this can be utterly infuriating, but please remember that LGBT people are so dearly beloved by the same God who loves you and me.  Love the sinner, hate the sin.  Offer a heart of love to these people in your life.  Not all of them are agenda-driven activists, and those that are are "in the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." (2 Tim 2:23-26)  It is a battle "not against flesh and blood but against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places."  Our greatest hope is prayer.  

Father, thank You for this great nation.

We are concerned about so much and discouraged over the

victories in favor of wickedness and to the harm of our children.

But You are absolutely sovereign.  You are not surprised.

You will have Your perfect will done.  Please deliver these

who are so deceived by the enemy of our souls.

Deliver them into eternal salvation in Your presence.

Freedom from their lifestyle of bondage and darkness.

Give us such tender hearts of love for these.

Help us to love not just in word only but in deed and in truth

...not letting politics or morality or self-righteousness reign,

but only genuine concern and passion for their hearts.

Bless these, our brothers and sisters in the human race,

who even though they do not know You

are created in Your beautiful image.

May we always perceive them through Jesus-colored glasses.

Amen.

Withdraw your kids from CA public schools - response to SB48

I write this because it is vitally important that parents be informed of what their children are being taught in school.  So take this as a very serious FYI:

"The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next." ~Abraham Lincoln

CA SB 48 was signed into law on Friday.  Look again at the above quote.

This is destructive legislation.

If you live in California and your child is enrolled in the public school, the LGBT contributions to history/society simply based on these people's sexual choice is REQUIRED to be taught in school...and nothing negative can be said about such people (even if they are not the upstanding citizens schools will claim them to be) or their unhealthy lifestyle. Likewise, if you are a teacher in California, you are MANDATED to teach this offensive material.  This is not unlike forcing a pro-life doctor to perform abortions.  In an effort to be "tolerant" and create "safe schools", legislators and the governor of California have marginalized (and not "tolerated") the majority of Californians who have twice voted to define marriage as between one man and one woman.  They have ignored the plea of the people they claim to represent...instead pushing forth their own will and opinion...and at no small cost.  Children will pay dearly,  families will pay dearly, and ultimately our country will be held accountable for its God-less and abominable agenda.  Truly men love darkness more than the light.  Why?  Because they don't want their own evil deeds exposed for the wickedness they truly are.  Let's face it, that's what this is really about.

A few facts about SB48:

• requires that homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality be talked about only positively; and the unhealthiness of these lifestyles or anything that "reflects adversely" would be prohibited.
• the terms "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender" will be added to all textbooks and instructional material.
• replaces the term "sex" with "gender" in the education code including "a person's gender identity and gender related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth" including a third sex that can only be defined as "other."
• for every heterosexual person covered in the curriculum there must be an equal number of LGBT people covered as well including homosexual parents.  Stating "both sexes should be portrayed in nurturing roles in their families" and as "desirable." (Have I ever told you about the gay men in my cruise ship cast that were stalking an 11-year-old young boy passenger? ...yeah, that's "desirable.") 
• This new curriculum applies to all school aged children K-12.
• It is mentioned that charter and "alternative schools" "take notice."  (Yeah, we noticed.  Thanks.)

"It's unfortunate and sad that - at a time when many students are struggling just to graduate and read at grade level - California has allowed history classes to be politicized by adult identity politics like this.  We should be teaching our children that people are deserving of celebration in history books because of their outstanding, worthy accomplishments, regardless of how they identify sexually or otherwise.  After all Benjamin Franklin is in history because he demonstrated that lightning was electricity---not because of his sexual choices." ~Candi Cushman

This website is addressing this issue specifically:  http://RescueYourChild.com/
Read this excellent article here: Social/Sexual Indoctrination?

I've already been contacted by a mom who has withdrawn her children from the public school system.  She wanted home schooling advice.  I pray there are thousands more who make a similar move.

"As California goes, so goes the nation."

(More on this issue in the following post.)

"America by Heart" by Sarah Palin

Just finished reading Sarah Palin's book "America By Heart" which is a beautiful collection of her thoughts and wisdom on all the things she holds dear which are dear to me as well: Faith, Family, and Freedom.

I especially loved her chapters dedicated to our military, American Exceptionalism, entitlement versus hard work, and the one she wrote on her perspective as a mother.  I'd like to share some of her writings on the latter:

"...far from holding me back, my family is my main motivation.  It's the source of my energy as well as my optimism about America.  ...I don't balance anything.  We do it together."

"Having a family gives you a gift that you may not recognize at first.  It teaches you that the sun doesn't rise and set around you.  It's not about you.  (Regarding other family member's interests and pursuits:)  If it's important to one of us it's important to all of us.  And if it challenges one of us, it gets support from all of us."

"...it turns out that it's the quantity of time we spend ---not the quality--- that is best for our kids.  Busy parents like to comfort themselves that they can make up for not being there by occasional bursts of special activities.  But you can't just plan on being a good parent; you have to earn it."

"At home my happiness springs from very different objects; the gradual unfolding of my children's reason, the study of their dawning tempers..." ~J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur

"...elevate the minds of our children and exalt their courage; accelerate and animate their industry and activity; excite in the an habitual contempt of meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity, and an ambition to excel in every capacity, faculty, and virtue.  If we suffer their minds to grovel and creep in infancy, they will grovel all their lives." ~John Adams to his wife, Abigail

"Families matter."

"The left wants us to believe that any grouping we choose to call a family is worthy of the name, that it doesn't matter if children are raised by two loving parents or are shipped off to virtual full-time day care, and that divorce has no effect on children's quality of life.  When it comes to raising good citizens, all 'lifestyle choices' are not equal." 

As our beloved Ronald Reagan said (I know I am repeating myself), "All great change in America begins at the dinner table."  So mommies, daddies, kids: let's change America!  Let's change the world!  Engage your family in discussion about truth, righteousness, God, freedom.  It isn't just important, it's invigorating!!

9

I have known my Jamie for 19 years.  He is the kindest and most giving man I've ever met.  It's totally bonus to be able to live with him and be around him every day.  How he tolerates his crazy wife on a daily basis is beyond me.

Us in Death Valley in March.

Jame,
Hey sweetie,
Happy Anniversary.  9 years.

The best thing that has ever happened to me is knowing you.  You have helped me heal from the greatest tragedies in my life.  You have supported me in my wild passions - and helped me think reasonably (something I desperately struggle with).  You have become the greatest husband and dad I've ever seen or known.  Thank you for that.

Nine years ago on a sunny and warm July day, we were surrounded by friends and loved ones.  What a time we had!  I cherish the stability and security and trust I have in you.  Now, we are surrounded by our own little tribe and what a treasure they are...even Lily!
These 9 years have been such a blessing.  You have been so generous.  Here's to dozens more!

Happy Day, Happy Life!
I love you,

...Happy Birthday dear Silas...

My Silas is 6...and tall...and sweet...and wonderful.

One day, about 6 1/2 years ago, I sat depressed in my living room with 5-month-old Brandon, exhausted and overwhelmed with my responsibilities as a new mommy.  I called my only-child sister-in-law to ask her her thoughts about being an only child.  Just when I decided that Brandon would be an only child, the next day I found out I was pregnant.  Silas arrived months later.

How glad I am that God doesn't do what I think is best or what I think I can handle.
Si is drastically different than Brandon.  While Brandon is quiet and can sit and play alone for hours, Silas is a Tasmanian Devil of sorts who can't stand being alone.  Loud, hilarious, and energetic beyond belief.

Silas is me.
I know the curse of many grandparents is that their own child will have a child like themselves.   How glad I am!  (Sorry, to have this plan backfire on you, Mom!)
Silas has trouble with self-control.  So do I.  When Si has trouble being a good boy, he has a mommy who can totally relate to the challenge of saying and doing the wrong thing, of being overly passionate and energetic, speaking before thinking, etc.   Silas wants to go a million miles a minute.  So do I.  Silas is my precious companion.  My bike riding/ walking/ hiking/ adventuring buddy.

I'm so blessed with my Si.  He is a loving, tender, thoughtful, sometimes bull-in-a-China-shop type of boy...and I love him dearly for everything he is.

Happy Birthday, sweet Si.  YOU ROCK!

being Lady Wisdom

Proverbs 8~ 

I read the first few verses and I can relate to the person named "wisdom":  

Lifting up my voice,

taking a high stand,

where the paths of various worldviews meet,

crying out -(vs. 1-5)

"O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart!"

I feel like this every day.  Maybe just because I am a loud mouth, and I really desire righteousness in a world where it is terribly lacking.

But I wonder, am I truly wise?  

Certainly, attempting to immerse myself often in the Word of God can only help the cause of speaking with wisdom, but verse 8 says: "All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them."  I can't say that without choking it out, because it isn't totally true of me.  All my words are not righteous…maybe self-righteous - which is not only unwise but prideful.  "Nothing crooked or perverse…"  I wish that were true of my conversation.  But, just ask my husband --- plenty of crooked and perverse things escape my mouth all the time.  And if it comes out of the mouth then it must, therefore, be in the heart.  

"Out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak." (Mt. 12:34)

If I speak negatively or crookedly, then the same is in my heart.  I want all of my words to be righteous; but to also remain humble.  And there, I believe, the struggle for balance will be lifelong.  "Take heed where you stand lest you fall." (1 Cor. 10:12)  Just when I think I'm doing ok not being judgmental or critical, I let my guard down thinking that I finally get it, only to have it rear it's ugly head again when I'm not looking.  Then, there I am being ugly and I don't see it for weeks, or even months.  Bleh!!!  I hate me sometimes….and usually right after the time I've been loving me so much.  Ha!  Pride goes before a fall. (Pr. 16:18)

And so my prayer is that I might strive and ultimately become this woman of Proverbs 8 who embodies wisdom…that wisdom would take me over and there would no longer be a shred of Kori, but only the wisdom of a great and glorious God channeled through a unique personality: mine.

To balance information/knowledge and the passion therein with a genuine and desperate love for all mankind.  Sometimes I see it in me, but my passion and lack of self-control therein, possibly hurt more than help.  I don't know for sure.  But I'd like to err on the perspective side of my not cutting-the-mustard rather than being-all-that-and-a-bag-o'-chips.

I really could use a little more help in showing that I "rejoice in His inhabited world, and my delight is with the sons of men."  (v. 31)  Truly, though, I wouldn't bother "shouting from the rooftops" if I didn't want the eternal salvation for all the sons of men.  And you must know that there is no greater thing that can be desired for all mankind.

v. 12  "I, wisdom, …find out knowledge and discretion."

Discretion: the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information; carefulness; caution; tact; guardedness; diplomacy; sensitivity

Well, let's face it, "offense" may be unavoidable as it relates to the message of the cross. (1 Ptr. 2:7-8) A non-Christian will be offended by Christ no matter how I say it, but I do want to be careful to be sensitive, and not cold and unfeeling - as I so often can be: wanting to just say it and sometimes not being so careful as to how I'm saying it.  It's no good.
But, what I really love about this particular section of the passage is that wisdom finds knowledge and discretion.  She seeks it out, searches for it, doesn't give up until it is in her possession.  So should we be in our pursuit of knowledge and discretion.  Not just succeeding but thriving in truly speaking the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)

Above all - I deeply desire to speak excellent things, right things, truth (vs. 6-7).

"Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; for my mouth will speak truth…" 

"Part of the process is recognizing and confessing judgmental, impure, or critical thoughts before they can make their way to our mouths and actions." (Beth Moore)


In writing this and also in my recent private devotion times, this idea of being pharisaical is recurring which can only lead me to believe that I am in reality being critical and self-righteous.


"O Lord, I want to be wise about what is good, yet innocent about what is evil (Rom. 16:19).  I want to wash myself clean from every impurity of the flesh and spirit... Yet my life has proven again and again that desire is not enough.  Help me, Lord, for I need You desperately." (Beth Moore)


What can we practically do to be people that embody wisdom?

• Take captive every thought, intent, and motive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5)
• Refuse to speak of things or participate in conversation not pleasing to the Lord.
• Fill my mind with Scripture (memorizing it) and edifying truth.
• Meditate/dwell on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. (Php. 4:8)

O God! Yes, I need You desperately!! Make every thought, emotion, and breath to be immersed in wisdom.  I'm a complete failure! But God! (How I love those words: "Lord, everything is a disaster, but You..." For with God nothing is impossible.)  He can work this miracle in me.  Please do it, Lord! And help me to actively pursue it.  Take criticism, legalism, and any pharisaical attitude from me.  I sense it in me now and am so thankful to Your Holy Spirit for bringing it to my attention.  You are so good, God.  Thank You.  Change me!

Change my heart, O God.

Make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God.

May I be like You.

Ignorance is bliss?

I refuse to be willingly ignorant of the truth...even if it's not politically correct.



Just felt like I had to say that, so there it is.  Random, I know.  But there is a method to my madness -
Here, I'll give it a shot...I know I'm being vague, but to protect the offender, I must be.

Some people will ignore the truth about a situation because it is not p.c.; or it's unpleasant; or, for goodness sake, we might offend someone.  Reality is still reality regardless of our perspective of it.

"The message of the cross is foolishness to those that are perishing.  But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews, and folly to the Gentiles..." ~1 Cor. 1:18, 23

"'The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone;' ...'a stone of stumbling, a rock of offense.' They stumble because they disobey the Word, as they were destined to do." ~1 Peter 2:7-8

We can deny something until we're blue in the face, but our denial does not mean that the reality doesn't exist.

Unbroken...The Story of Olympian and P.O.W. Louie Zamperini

I just finished reading the most unbelievable story and you ought to read it, also.  I blasted through it in just a few days and was totally captivated.  Everyone should read this story.  If you are wondering if it would be appropriate to share with your children, I would save it for older high schoolers as there is some (very little language and other inappropriate things mentioned) disturbing stuff.  But, I have told my children the whole story and even showed them the videos below.  There is a shot of the P.O.W.'s in pretty emaciated conditions - basically breathing skeletons.  It didn't bother my boys, but I want to let you know about that.  

Here are some videos about the life of a true America Hero, Louie Zamperini.  The book covers all of this and so much more.  You would think there couldn't possibly be more to this life, but when you read the book you will be absolutely awestruck by what this man has endured and has become gloriously victorious over.  AMAZING.

At the tail end of the 2nd and 3rd video is a lot of loud static.  FYI.





 

http://www.louiezamperini.com/ is his website.  If you can believe it, he's still alive.

I was so overcome when I finished his story that I immediately looked up his website and wrote him the following letter.  Please get this book.  I borrowed it from the library.  It is excellent and totally inspiring.  Bless you.

Dear Louie,

I just finished reading "Unbroken" not five minutes ago.  I really don't know what to say; but desperately wanted to make contact.

I am 37 years old and pretty ignorant of WW2 history, but as I am now a home schooling mom to two precious boys, I have discovered a new hunger for learning and this book about your story has been absolutely heart-wrenching.  How glad I am for your survival and salvation, and therefore your testimony of the deep healing of Jesus.  I, too, am a Christian...healed by a marvelous God of my own devastation.  Praise the Lord!

I just want you to know that I will never forget your story.  I will share it with my children as they grow and learn and you will forever be a hero to this family.

All God's very best to you, sir.  You are absolutely wonderful, brave, resilient, a beacon of hope and courage.  Thank you for bearing your soul for this book so that many may read it and be deeply inspired.

I hope to raise brave and resilient heroes like you.  Thank you for the example you have set.

Much love and appreciation and so much gratitude for your service to this most beautiful country.  It is because of men like you that I and my family are still living a free life in the beautiful U.S.A.

God bless you,

Kori Peterson

bahahahaha...

Jame found these.  Enjoy.

The New Calamity - by John Piper

A post by John Piper on his blog, June 30th.  Sobering and sad.
Recently New York legalized same-sex marriage.  These are his thoughts.

_________________________

"My Eyes Shed Streams of Tears - Thoughts on the New Calamity"

Jesus died so that  heterosexual and homosexual sinners might be saved. Jesus created sexuality, and has a clear will for how it is to be experienced in holiness and joy.

His will is that a man might leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and that the two become one flesh (Mark 10:6-9). In this union, sexuality finds its God-appointed meaning, whether in personal-physical unification, symbolic representation, sensual jubilation, or fruitful procreation.

For those who have forsaken God’s path of sexual fulfillment, and walked into homosexual intercourse or heterosexual extramarital fornication or adultery, Jesus offers astonishing mercy.

Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).

But last weekend this salvation from sinful sexual acts was not embraced. Instead there was massive celebration of sin.

One estimate said that 400,000 people celebrated gay pride in Minneapolis. That’s more than the population of the city. The number is probably inflated, but for the first time in history, it did include the governor of the state, Mark Dayton.

The Bible is not silent about such parades. Alongside its clearest explanation of the sin of homosexual intercourse (Romans 1:24-27) stands the indictment of the celebration of it. Though people know intuitively that homosexual acts (along with gossip, slander, insolence, haughtiness, boasting, faithlessness, heartlessness, ruthlessness) are sin, “they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:29-32). “I tell you even with tears, that many glory in their shame” (Philippians 3:18–19).

This is what our governor was doing on Sunday along with millions of others across the country—knowing these deeds are wrong, “yet approving those who practice them.”

Not only that, we are moving from celebration to institutionalization. On June 24 the New York legislature approved a Marriage Equality Act. This makes New York the sixth state where so-called homosexual marriages will be institutionalized: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, (and the District of Columbia).

My sense is that we do not realize what a calamity is happening around us. The new thing—new for America, and new for history—is not homosexuality. That brokenness has been here since we were all broken in the fall of man. (And there is a great distinction between the orientation and the act—just like there is a great difference between my orientation to pride and the act of boasting.)

What’s new is not even the celebration of homosexual sin. Homosexual behavior has been exploited, and reveled in, and celebrated in art, for millennia. What’s new is normalization and institutionalization. This is the new calamity.

My main reason for writing is not to mount a political counter-assault. I don’t think that is the calling of the church as such. My reason for writing is to help the church feel the sorrow of these days. And the magnitude of the assault on God and his image in man.

Christians, more clearly than others can see the tidal wave of pain that is on the way. Sin carries in it its own misery: “Men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Romans 1:27).

And on top of sin’s self-destructive power comes, eventually, the wrath of God: “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:5–6).

Christians know what is coming, not only because we see it in the Bible, but because we have tasted the sorrowful fruit of our own sins. We do not escape the truth that we reap what we sow. Our marriages, our children, our churches, our institutions—they are all troubled because of our sins.

The difference is: We weep over our sins. We don’t celebrate them. We turn to Jesus for forgiveness and help. We cry to Jesus, “who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

And in our best moments, we weep for the world. In the days of Ezekiel God put a mark of hope “on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in Jerusalem” (Ezekiel 9:4).

This is what I am writing for. Not political action, but love for the name of God and compassion for the city of destruction.

“My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.” (Psalm 119:136)