Tax Day TEA Party 2010

An Assignment For YOU

One Christian's Response to the passivism vs. activism debate:

More than anything in this post I am milling my own thoughts around because of recent events that have come to pass- very hurtful events. This post has been in the making for a while, and has been in several different forms. So please bear with me as I share my thoughts on this issue, which really should not be an issue at all.

Lately I have become more and more politically active. Do not ask me how that happened. Sometimes you pick up what is laid before you, look back, and wonder how it came to be. As I have become more involved in politics, I have become increasingly aware of the fact that from the beginning of man there has been a debate about whether or not Christians should concern themselves with politics. The main premise of the passivist side (to whatever degree the passivism may be) seems to be that our focus needs to be on telling other about Jesus instead of getting caught up in the things of this world (i.e. politics). While I have no desire to prove to anyone that I am in fact evangelistic, or to make a list of things I do out of love for my church (because that would seem silly and prideful), I do wish to make a response to those who may think the ministry of political action is somehow less holy than another ministry.

First let me state that never would I think that since I'm politically active, my ministry is more important than someone else's. However, I do believe that in a changing world we are going to see many of God's people rise up to take on this ministry as the need for it is becoming incredibly evident. So I believe it's time for all Christians to begin encouraging the brethren who take up this fight rather than treating them as if they are less holy.

I believe evangelism is accomplished in all areas of life. Yes, even in politics. I believe that the political arena is a very dark place in our world today. I have no fear of that dark place because I know that God is with me and will never forsake me. I also have my buff-intimidating-if-needed-big-little brother, my strong protector-dad, and the prayers and guidance of my mom, sister and loving church family. These people love me and encourage me in my daily work as I try to encourage them in theirs- whatever it may be.

My heart aches terribly when I am told by a few (and only a few) that I should not be involved in politics. If I am to "only preach Jesus" then why does my mom tell me with such heart ache, pain, and tears about her years in a private Christian college where many, many of her friends had abortions- even in their freshman year? I can't tell you how much this saddens me. Why? Because these young women already knew Jesus! But did they understand abortion? Was there a law protecting their babies? No and no. These young women were saved already, but did that help their unborn children?

I hope that if you know me at all you know that I love the unborn and that I have a passion to rescue them from being led to the slaughter. You have probably heard from me before that in a political society it is going to take politics to end abortion. And let me be very, very clear. I have to go the whole way with this. If I believe that abortion is the murder of the most innocent and vulnerable (and I do), then I will do what needs to be done to stop it from happening. I do not want to get to Heaven and see the millions of babies who didn't have a chance at life if I cannot honestly say to them, "I fought for you. I gave 100%." It is not enough for me to tell them that I prayed and went on with my life.

Do you see how my faith and my politics go hand in hand? And friends, we do live in this world. We can't get away from that fact as much as we might try to do so. So we can either try to get away from it without succeeding, or we can do what we can to make this world a better place for future generations. Do you want your children and their children to have the opportunity to seek and save the lost without becoming martyrs? Do something about that today. And if you won't, stop putting down the people who will.

For anyone who would tell me to stay out of politics, let me ask: What would you say to Daniel? How about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? And Paul? And what would you say to the Israelites as they made their way out of Egypt? Would you tell them to stop? How about asking a homeschool mother and father in the late 1970s if they should be involved in politics.

As a young woman I have no desire to pursue a career. I believe the highest calling I someday might have would be that of a wife and mother. If and when God is to bring a husband into my life, I will be ready to be a full time wife and hopefully mother as well. But in the meantime I believe God has given me time to grow, work and save money, learn, and become involved in my church and community in ways that I may not be able to later. Given my intense desire to help the unborn, I have found myself in surprisingly interesting situations lately. My life has taken many very exciting turns, and God has opened unbelievable doors for me. I am so thankful and excited. All the glory only to God. I intend to take advantage of all of these opportunities and I know so many brethren are completely supportive of me in these endeavors. Thank you so much. Thank you to those of you who have discussed this very topic with me and encouraged me- you know who you are. I am hurt by a few and I hope that those who would condemn my ministry (politics is actually one of many) would realize that evangelism comes in many forms. Cooking for potluck, cooking for neighbors, anonymously donating to causes, driving widows around, caring for children, teaching, cleaning the church building, personal Bible studies with others, becoming a Godly politician, and thousands more (I'm sure you can add to the list with your unique talents, blessings and abilities). Please, let's encourage one another, not treat some ministries as if they are less worthy.

If you managed to get this far, which I doubt, please please please do not respond by quoting a scripture that you believe proves politics and evangelism are mutually exclusive. And do not respond by asking me how many people I've converted today. I do have an assignment for you though. Two simple things:

1. Think of a Godly politician or candidate you know (this could be difficult). Send them a hand written note of thanks and encouragement. The ministry they have chosen is a difficult one, and one that is so vitally needed.

2. Think of a brother or sister who you have privately thought that their ministry might be a little less important than yours. Maybe a widow who cooked a special meal or the shy and quiet member who shows up to every assembly. Send that person a note letting them know that you have noticed their ministry, and that you're thankful for them.

Please do this and know that you will uplift me on a day when I need it. In the process, you will encourage two people who also need it. May God bless you in whatever ministry He has set before you.

"I've seen Schoolhouse Rock..."

Apparently, it is difficult to find text books that teach Evolution.

By DYLAN LOVAN, Associated Press Writer Dylan Lovan, Associated Press Writer – Sat Mar 6

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_rel_home_school_evolution#mwpphu-container

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Home-school mom Susan Mule wishes she hadn't taken a friend's advice and tried a textbook from a popular Christian publisher for her 10-year-old's biology lessons.

Mule's precocious daughter Elizabeth excels at science and has been studying tarantulas since she was 5. But she watched Elizabeth's excitement turn to confusion when they reached the evolution section of the book from Apologia Educational Ministries, which disputed Charles Darwin's theory.

"I thought she was going to have a coronary," Mule said of her daughter, who is now 16 and taking college courses in Houston. "She's like, 'This is not true!'"

Christian-based materials dominate a growing home-school education market that encompasses more than 1.5 million students in the U.S. And for most home-school parents, a Bible-based version of the Earth's creation is exactly what they want. Federal statistics from 2007 show 83 percent of home-schooling parents want to give their children "religious or moral instruction."

"The majority of home-schoolers self-identify as evangelical Christians," said Ian Slatter, a spokesman for the Home School Legal Defense Association. "Most home-schoolers will definitely have a sort of creationist component to their home-school program."

Those who don't, however, often feel isolated and frustrated from trying to find a textbook that fits their beliefs.

Two of the best-selling biology textbooks stack the deck against evolution, said some science educators who reviewed sections of the books at the request of The Associated Press.

"I feel fairly strongly about this. These books are promulgating lies to kids," said Jerry Coyne, an ecology and evolution professor at the University of Chicago.

The textbook publishers defend their books as well-rounded lessons on evolution and its shortcomings. One of the books doesn't attempt to mask disdain for Darwin and evolutionary science.

"Those who do not believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God will find many points in this book puzzling," says the introduction to "Biology: Third Edition" from Bob Jones University Press. "This book was not written for them."

The textbook delivers a religious ultimatum to young readers and parents, warning in its "History of Life" chapter that a "Christian worldview ... is the only correct view of reality; anyone who rejects it will not only fail to reach heaven but also fail to see the world as it truly is."

When the AP asked about that passage, university spokesman Brian Scoles said the sentence made it into the book because of an editing error and will be removed from future editions.

The size of the business of home-school texts isn't clear because the textbook industry is fragmented and privately held publishers don't give out sales numbers. Slatter said home-school material sales reach about $1 billion annually in the U.S.

Publishers are well aware of the market, said Jay Wile, a former chemistry professor in Indianapolis who helped launch the Apologia curriculum in the early 1990s.

"If I'm planning to write a curriculum, and I want to write it in a way that will appeal to home-schoolers, I'm going to at least find out what my demographic is," Wile said.

In Kentucky, Lexington home-schooler Mia Perry remembers feeling disheartened while flipping through a home-school curriculum catalog and finding so many religious-themed textbooks.

"We're not religious home-schoolers, and there's somewhat of a feeling of being outnumbered," said Perry, who has home-schooled three of her four children after removing her oldest child from a public school because of a health condition.

Perry said she cobbled together her own curriculum after some mainstream publishers told her they would not sell directly to home-schooling parents.

Wendy Womack, another Lexington home-school mother, said the only scientifically credible curriculum she's found is from the Maryland-based Calvert School, which has been selling study-at-home materials for more than 100 years.

Apologia and Bob Jones University Press say their science books sell well. Apologia's "Exploring Creation" biology textbook retails for $65, while Bob Jones' "Biology" Third Edition lists at $52.

Coyne and Virginia Tech biology professor Duncan Porter reviewed excerpts from the Apologia and Bob Jones biology textbooks, which are equivalent to ninth- and 10th-grade biology lessons. Porter said he would give the books an F.

"If this is the way kids are home-schooled then they're being shortchanged, both rationally and in terms of biology," Coyne said. He argued that the books may steer students away from careers in biology or the study of the history of the earth.

Wile countered that Coyne "feels compelled to lie in order to prop up a failing hypothesis (evolution). We definitely do not lie to the students. We tell them the facts that people like Dr. Coyne would prefer to cover up."

Adam Brown's parents say their 16-year-old son's belief in the Bible's creation story isn't deterring him from pursuing a career in marine biology. His parents, Ken and Polly Brown, taught him at their Cedar Grove, Ind., home using the Apologia curriculum and other science texts.

Polly Brown said her son would gladly take college courses that include evolution, and he'll be able to provide the expected answers even though he disagrees.

"He probably knows it better than the kids who have been taught evolution all through public school," Polly Brown said. "But that is in order for him to understand both sides of that argument because he will face it throughout his higher education."


OK, my turn. I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry. Did someone seriously see the need to write this? Are people REALLY concerned that it's hard to find an evolution based science text book?

Please, someone help these people. Let's send them some text books.

Or maybe someone should suggest that if they want an evolution based science text book, they should stop looking through the Christian Homeschool Curriculum catalogs. Just..maybe.

Yes, if you're willing to take your kids out of the public schools because of religious convictions, you're probably going to want them to learn what you believe. Oh the horror. And because of this, the big homeschool text book companies are going to focus on your beliefs.

Several random thoughts that came to mind when I read this, that may or may not directly relate:

1. I once saw a young teen girl pick up an article that said, "Can the Text Books be Trusted?" Her response, "Well DUH. They're text books. Of course we trust them!" Head smacking smiley?

2. Thanks, mom, for not teaching me that I'm an ape.

3. If someone learns that they were created by an All-powerful God, wouldn't that ENCOURAGE them to go into the field of Science? The more you see of His creation, the more amazed you are by how Awesome He is.

4. Look at the first sentence. Why would that woman, who would obviously rather her children learn they came from blobs, even consider trying out a Christian curriculum?

5. If it's so hard to find secular curriculum, maybe they could make their lives a whole. lot. easier. and enroll their kids in the public school down the street (there are typically schools on every corner). Just a thought.

Just Saying...

Growing up as a "PK" (Preacher's Kid) I have much experience dealing with Church conflict. Especially considering that in my family there are no secrets. I mean that if something was happening in the Church, be it good or bad, we- even as children- knew about it. We watched my parents pray, discuss the situation, and seek counsel with others. They didn't go behind closed doors to discuss the problems in our congregation. In more recent years we have taken it upon ourselves to pray and seek solutions as well.

It is impossible to be part of a Church without conflict. What is the Church? The Church is a body of PEOPLE, united by baptism and forgiveness through the blood of Christ. But we are just that- people. You cannot be in any group of people for very long without problems. Take a look at the most basic unit of people, the family, and try to tell me there are not problems in groups of people. Also, take a look through the book of Acts, which shows us the very beginning of the Church. My dad likes to talk about the "GPS for the book of Acts". GPS stands for Global Positioning System (which I desperately need, as I find myself lost in the town I grew up in), right? Yes, but in the book of Acts GPS stands for "Growth. Problems. Solutions." Even at the very start of Christ's Church there were problems. God did not, however, leave his Church without solutions to these problems. Thank Him for His Word, the Bible.

I am writing this because lately I have been discouraged by how people see fit to treat the Church. People lie to and about the Church. They slander the Church. They make lame excuses for missing the assembly, thus discouraging their brothers and sisters who DO make it a priority to be there. They Church hop for unworthy reasons. They nitpick and cause dissension. They spread rumors for years after leaving a congregation, just to make themselves feel good.

Do I see this more because I'm in the middle of it as the preacher's kid? I honestly don't know. I have never been anything BUT the preacher's kid. What I do know is that this needs to stop.

Why does it need to stop? Because Jesus Christ gave his LIFE for HIS Church. He is the Head and the Church is the Body. He is the Bridegroom and the Church is the Bride. You cannot be in full fellowship with Christ while stepping all over His Bride. You can't have the Head without the Body. It just doesn't work that way.

This is a plea for several things, and it is not so much written to those who are NOT part of the Church, but to those that ARE part of the Church.

1. Attend the assemblies of the Saints. Yes, Sunday worship is commanded- two times Sunday and once on Wednesday may not be. But why miss out on encouraging your brothers and sisters? I will never understand the reasoning behind doing just enough to get by. And let me take it a step further. Are there Vacation Bible schools, prayer meetings, work days, encouragement meetings, business meetings, or teen events you are missing for one reason or another? Change your schedule to work around them. A church event is a CHURCH event. I don't care if it's for 2 year olds, 12 year olds, 17 year olds, or 80 year olds, I am SURE there is a way you can help out. You are part of the Church, no matter how old you are, and it should be your priority to be there.

Yes, I know there are valid reasons for missing the assemblies. But let me say that I believe there are VERY, very.. VERY few valid reasons. We live in a fast paced society and the Church has started to excuse absences for just about any reason. Think about your reasons. Really, are they worth not being with your brethren? Are they worth forsaking the assembly? I believe your brothers and sisters know if you really want to be there. And let's be honest, GOD knows your heart and if you really want to be there.

I could tell you stories of old women being CARRIED into every meeting of the Church because they were too weak to walk. But why? If you don't want to be there, you won't be.

2. Do not speak evil of or complain about the Church. There are times to speak out against something that has been done which is wrong. There is a time and a place to bring up concerns. But please do not speak evil of Christ's bride. Most men would not appreciate if you spoke evil of THEIR wives.

It amazes me how people can come up with reasons why someone caused them to leave the church, or a congregation. Probably because I'm in the preacher's family, I have had that finger pointed at me more than I would like to say. There are scriptural ways to approach a brother or sister if you have been offended. But could it be that these people KNOW that it is not any individual's fault, but would rather not be honest about their reasons for leaving? Which leads me to my next request.

3. Do not lie to the Church. You can lie by what you say, by what you do not say, and by what you do. Honesty always works. Leaving the congregation for one reason or another? Be honest. Couldn't make it to worship last Sunday because of a valid reason? Be honest. Skipped the assembly for a sorry reason? Be honest. Looking for a new church home? Be honest. Did a brother or sister hurt your feelings? Be honest. In all things JUST BE HONEST. I'm not sure how to state this any more plainly, except to say that it's wrong to lie to the Church. That about sums it up- from "little white lies" to huge lies, from deceit to misleading behavior- it's all wrong.

4. Make yourself accountable to a congregation. I know that it's fun to fellowship with brethren you don't always get to see, hear guest speakers at other congregations, and attend youth rallies. But it's important to be under the leadership of a congregation in order to be held accountable. This is not so much about not treating the Church badly. It's about keeping yourself safe from falling through the cracks. If you are constantly flitting around from congregation to congregation, how do the brethren at home know when to expect you and when not to? If every single special speaker or youth event in the area takes you away from your congregation, are the members at home supposed to call and check up on you? Your congregation NEEDS you to be with them.

5. Don't always look for the greener pastures. Church hopping is common. I'm not against looking at different options and finding the best fit. But find it, and work with it. Don't leave because of any little problem. Don't look at what such and such congregation is doing and wish you were there. Focus on where you are and make it the best it can be. Use your talents and abilities to encourage the congregation you are in. Again, I realize that there are good reasons to leave a particular congregation. But when you make a commitment to a congregation, any little problem should not be a reason to leave. Any exciting possibility at another congregation should not draw you away.

All in all, LOVE Christ's body, His Bride- the Church. When we can look at a group of imperfect people and love them anyway, we have become like Christ. When we can deal with problems within that group of people without tearing each other apart or giving up on one another, we have attained true discipline. When we can speak only good and great things about Christ's Church, He is pleased. When we learn to simply BE THERE, we encourage the Church. When we're honest no matter what, we can truly trust one another.

Remember, you cannot have the Head without the Body. Nor can you have the Bridegroom without the Bride. Love and respect the Church.

Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.

A Choice

"I had a great career and a child just didn't fit into the picture, so I chose abortion."
"I was too young to be a mother, so I had my child taken out of my womb. Look at me now!"
"My fetus was going to have Down's Syndrome, so the only kind choice was abortion."

Have you ever seen a Super Bowl ad with a woman proclaiming her choice to abort? I haven't. In fact, I've never seen any kind of public proclamation like the ones above. Maybe THAT'S why the pro "choice", pro woman people are in an uproar about Mr. Tim Tebow's upcoming Super Bowl ad. Mrs. Tebow can stand next to her son, peace in her heart and a smile on her face, and let the world know that she made a choice. A good one. It would take a lot of looking to find a woman willing to appear on TV on Super Bowl Sunday and show the beauty of her choice to abort. Because her choice would not be beautiful. Even harder would be finding a woman who could stand with her champion child next to her, thanking her for her choice to abort. Because her child would be dead.

So as I saw the uproar begin, I wondered why people who preach about the right to choose would try to silence this woman. She had the freedom to make a CHOICE. Isn't that exactly their goal? Maybe not. I think the pro choice folks are quickly showing the rest of us what they truly are- pro death.

As far as the pro woman people- I'm beginning to highly doubt that they care much about women at all. Here they are doing everything in their power to make sure respectable, lovely, fully dressed Mrs. Tebow cannot tell people of the intelligent choice she made. My question: Have you people SEEN a Super Bowl ad lately? Naked women hang all over men trying to sell beer. Lingerie models saunter down the runway, letting us all know that they really have no secrets. I would think that feminists and pro woman individuals would see the Tebows' ad as a great improvement. Here is an intelligent woman with character. She has a story to tell because she had the freedom to choose, and her choice resulted in Tim Tebow. Yes, quite an improvement over "you need to be seductive, naked, surrounded by drunk men, with a beer in hand to be attractive and worthy." It's interesting to me that feminists would prefer the current Super Bowl ads, considering that the women on those ads are behaving in a manner that would cause them to have to make that choice in the first place.

On the other hand, Mr. Tim Tebow is a young man who has publicly stated that he is a virgin. Instead of trying to shut him up, maybe those who care about women should be thanking him. After all, his choice of abstinence has prevented him from having anything to do with a young woman making that life or death choice. Maybe we need more men like him, with influence, who are willing to make a stand against promiscuity- which demeans men and women alike. So if you really care about women, stop attacking him and start thanking him. We need celebrities who let young women know "You're worth waiting for, and so am I." I can't think of anything that shows more respect to women.

Establishing Personhood in Colorado

I am passionate about the personhood of the unborn. I am also a firm believer in the fact that our government's job (in fact, one of it's ONLY jobs) is to protect the citizens of this country. As it is in our country right now, the government is failing. Let me be very clear: Our government is MISERABLY failing in the task of protecting its citizens because it can't even protect the most innocent and vulnerable Americans. Let me be very clear again: Our government is not even ATTEMPTING to protect the most innocent and vulnerable Americans.

The fact that I believe the government is meant to protect the people and the fact that I'm passionate about the personhood of the unborn is what draws me to Personhood USA. I know that some Christians and Prolife groups believe in separating politics from abortion. They believe that education and love of people will accomplish the goal of ending abortion. I am thankful for those people and groups and I believe in the work they're doing. But I am very convinced that in a political society politics MUST be involved in ending abortion. Defining the unborn as persons in our laws will be a huge step toward ending abortion all together. Personhood USA is stepping up to involve citizens in the Personhood effort all over the country. Colorado was the very first state to step up to the plate with the 2008 Personhood Initiative (This is very appropriate, considering that Colorado was the first state to legalize abortion.), Amendment 48. Not being successful in voting it in, the Colorado citizens have again stepped up to try try again.

I am not an outgoing person. In fact, I'm just the opposite when it comes to most social situations. If I don't know the crowd I'm in, I tend to like to blend in. Last year I signed up to collect signatures for the Personhood Colorado campaign. The goal is to get an amendment on the ballot, once again, that would define a "person" in the Colorado Constitution as a human being from the beginning of their biological development (i.e. from conception). Being a petition circulator is something that sounded incredibly attractive to me. But I didn't think about it before jumping in. I just went with it. Then I realized that being a petition circulator meant some effort was going to be put out on my part. People weren't just going to run up and ask me if they could sign my petition section. Oh how easy life would be if that was the case. But life isn't easy, is it?

Actually, it didn't start out that hard, to be honest. I knew of a few people who would absolutely sign the petition. When I approached them their enthusiasm encouraged me. So then I had... less than a page of signatures.

From there it got a little more difficult, but not much. I collected signatures at two Tea Party rallies. Nearly ever person I approached wanted to sign it. Some had already signed it. Only a hand full of people said they didn't want to sign it, but they weren't argumentative. One of my greatest encouragements was meeting a young man who was so excited about the petition that he wanted to collect signatures too. I gave him an extra petition section I had, and he started collecting signatures right then and there! His enthusiasm encouraged me. And because he was in the same boat as me, we were able to correspond occasionally about collecting.

With a lack of rallies in the last few months, I felt slightly out of the signature collecting loop. Many events to collect were in the Denver area and it's not easy for me to get down there that often. I knew about the opportunity to collect signatures at Safeway. But I wasn't sure that route was the best one for me. Why? Well, it would take me MAJORLY out of my comfort zone. I'd be "one of those" annoying people that stands outside of a store and chases you down as you try to leave. And it would require me to approach random people. Not people at Tea Party rallies who for the most part are supportive of my cause. People that might.. DISAGREE.

As the deadline to turn in signatures got closer, I realized I needed to do something. My petition section was still lacking. Safeway. That's all there was to do. So I went. What an experience. What a COOL experience. Yes, I was completely taken out of my comfort zone and I had to approach whoever came out the doors. Yes, many people saw me as "one of those" annoying people. They rushed off as I tried to talk to them. Some people didn't want to sign it. One woman became very angry and began arguing at me. AT me because I didn't say much back to her. But in one hour I collected a whole page of signatures. Could have done better. But I could have done worse too, by not going.

Today I read an article by Mr. Bryan Kemper, founder of Stand True. The following is taken from his article:

"When will we as the human race stop discriminating against our fellow human persons; when will be come together and stand for the protection of all life? When will we see relief efforts for the almost 4,000 human children who are facing a horrible death every day in this country, and the over 100,000 around the world?"


I wrote all of this to say that as we live our lives, children are dying. As we are living our busy and comfortable lives it's easy to forget that children in our very own country, state, and city are being murdered. Why? Because we don't see it. We don't hear about it. The media doesn't let us know. It's easy to become oblivious or to just not care. I want to ask you to help in the effort of establishing the unborn as people. We are coming down to the last few days of collecting signatures. My petition will be notarized and turned in at the end of this week. If you happen to see this and are a registered voter in the state of Colorado, I'd be happy to have you sign my petition. If you're not close enough, I'm sure I can find someone in your area who is collecting signatures. Every signature will count. It's going to be close.

Please pray for the efforts of Personhood Colorado in the final days of collecting signatures.

If you are not in Colorado, don't feel left out. The Personhood effort is all over the country. Go to www.personhoodusa.com to get involved.

"Be the saviour of those who are given up to death, and do not keep back help from those who are slipping to destruction." Proverbs 24:11