Spinning, Spinning, Spinning...

"No wonder I'm dizzy, the world keeps spinning in circles."

I don't know about you, but at this moment in my life this quote feels very real to me. Really, one could spin (no pun intended) this quote in many ways. My life feels crazy right now, or more profoundly: this world is crazy right now. Sad, but oh so very true.

To go the first route, my life does feel insane at the moment. I'm a Sophomore in high school this year. My workload is insane, I have more "extra" activities than I think I was prepared for. Sometimes I wonder if I'll get by. I'm already starting to feel overwhelmed and I really don't want to get behind.

But all that seems so inconsequential when you think about route number two.

Our world is crazy at the moment. This country, or the world in general. It truly saddens me when I take a moment to analyze the variety of information thrown in our faces twenty-four seven. The state of this world is depressing. Just last night I was out to eat with my family and the Mexican place we went to had a news segment on homosexual people playing, and it showed just a little bit to much footage on the subject if you get what I mean.

This month the Planned Parenthood clinic here in my town is going to start servicing abortions for the first time in over 20 years.

Only few hours drive away from me is the largest city in America for human trafficking. And that's scary, because I could give you the names of and estimated numbers for cities all across America and you'd be scared to let your children out of your sight ever again.

All of the world people are dying. Be it here in in America (through abortion, or a living death of slavery), or be it in the Sudan, or hundreds of places. The very thought sickens me.

And then you get to the decline of normally excepted morality.

You don't know how many books, marketed toward children or teens, I've seen lately talking about the social issues of being lesbian as a child or teenager. About how hard it is to be lesbian, but how it's all okay because it's good to be different.

There's rampant teenage (or sadly even younger than that) sexual activity that results in unwanted pregnancies.

There is the more and more widely excepted view that "there are no absolutes".

Or you could get into the political world and start talking about health care or the national debt.

And so much more...

Seriously, how could you not take this quote to heart. I'm only fifteen and I know I feel it.

"No wonder I'm dizzy, the world keeps spinning in circles."

The Prison of the Mind

Well, you guys asked for my deeper thoughts. Stick with me and this post will uncover a few of my philosophical ponderings (hopefully in a way that makes at least a little bit of sense).

“Your mind can be a manmade prison, or God’s personal garden.”

Have you ever thought about your mind as a prison? When you think of God freeing you from the chains of sin and death do you ever think about the fact that your thoughts are just as much a part of your sinful nature as your actions? Everything starts in the mind. Something may start out as a little thought and gradually grow bigger and bigger until it turns into a life-destroying action. So it’s almost as if the mind is one of the most important things which we must take captive for Christ. We shouldn’t only care about our actions, we should also care about our thoughts. In the bible Jesus hints at this same principle when he tells us that if we hate our brother it is the same as murder. Wow, now that’s heavy. Obviously Jesus thought highly of taking every thought captive, because He not only knew that our thoughts can lead us to a place we don’t want to go (like actually killing someone), but He also said that hate is the same as murder. So, in God’s eyes if our thoughts are filled with hate we are actually murderers. That biblical truth should show us the basic importance of controlling our minds.


What do you think that quote up at the top means? “Your mind can be a manmade prison, or God’s personal garden.” Well, let’s look at that first part. “Your mind can be a manmade prison…” So, our minds can be like a prison. When we let our thoughts take control, let our sinful nature rule in our minds, it’s like putting ourselves in a cage. Now for the second part. “…or God’s personal garden.” So, if we don’t let our sinful thoughts control us, our minds can be like God’s personal garden. Some of you might be wondering what in the world “God’s personal garden” is supposed to mean. Well, if we control our thoughts then God can use our minds to sow His seeds, which will result in His fruits (you know: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control) blooming in our lives. Our mind can be like a cage, we can be a captive to our minds, our sinful nature. Or we can take every thought captive and let God be the Lord of our lives, and our minds, we can let Christ transform our lives. I can promise, if you do this, you will never be the same again.


Some of the sinful thoughts that can turn our minds into a manmade prison are things like: Fear, worry, self-esteem, anger, jealousy, pride, lust, bitterness... and many, many more. Though I’m sure you agree that some of these things are real problems, some of them might seem like little things to you. You might be thinking something like: Sure those things are important and all, but are you really telling me that having thoughts of stuff like worry, fear, or self-esteem is really putting me in a cage, and that stuff like that can one day lead me to a real moral failure??? As hard as it may be for you to believe it, yes I really am.

“Lord, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in your eyes.” Psalm 19:14

One very important thing to remember when it comes to the prison of the mind is this. “We have put ourselves in the cage, God didn’t put us there, we put ourselves there, God wants to set us free.” Do you see the importance of that statement right there? We are responsible for our imprisonment. God didn’t put us in the cage. Instead it his God who wants to set us free. If only we will let Him. As you think about your personal prison you might be thinking something like this: I really and truly want to be set free, but as much as I want this I can’t do it. I can’t set myself free, it’s to hard, my thoughts are out of my control. Well I have to agree with one thing. You can’t do this, at least not alone. But, the great thing about this whole deal is, you don’t have to. No you can’t set yourself free from your cage, but God can. All you have to do is ask.

“But God is faithful and fair. If we admit that we have sinned, he will forgive us our sins. He will forgive every wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure.” I John 1:9

When we try to hide our sins and our failures from God and man out of fear it can only result in more heartaches. Trying to keep our thoughts secret will only result in making the bars of our cage even stronger and more uncomfortable. We are all sick of our secrets, we all want to be set free!

“When I kept silent about my sin, my body became weak because I groaned all day long. Day and night your heavy hand punished me. I became weaker and weaker as I do in the heat of summer. Then I admitted my sin to you. I didn't cover up the wrong I had done. I said, "I will admit my lawless acts to the Lord." And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Psalm 32:3-5

Before we move on I want to make one more thing perfectly clear. Even after God has set us free from our prison that does not mean we wont ever be tempted to think impure thoughts again. We are all tempted to sin, but with God’s help we can overcome that temptation and cast out all of our sinful thoughts, cleansing our minds.

Not only is it important to take our sinful thoughts captive it is just as important to replace those thoughts with something worthwhile.

“Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things. Do what you have learned or received or heard from me. Follow my example. The God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

Even if you remove all of the bad thoughts from your mind, if every time you are tempted to think impure thoughts you take those things captive and throw them out, that does not mean you are thinking good thoughts. What are you doing than? You are still concentrating on the bad thoughts! Think about it, if you are so concerned in ridding yourself of our evil thoughts that all you think about is those same evil thoughts that you wanted to not think about in the first place you are never going succeed in your pure-mind mission. So, the logical solution to this problem is to think good thoughts! The Bible gives us explicit instructions on the subject. We are told to think about what is TRUE, what is NOBLE, what is RIGHT, what is PURE, what is LOVELY, what is WORTHY OF RESPECT, what is EXCELLENT, and what is WORTHY OF PRAISE. And if we do these things we are told “that the God who gives peace will be with you.” I don’t know about you but personally I think those couple verses are filled with such hope, such promise. These verses do not mean that we have to think about the Bible all of the time (though reading it and pondering its passages on a regular basis is something I highly encourage), but what they do mean is that we should always be thinking about things that line up with God’s Word, things that are true, things that are noble, right, and pure, things that are lovely and worthy of respect, things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

When I stated in my update post that I wanted to share some of my deeper thoughts with you I really hadn’t planned on giving a long spill on “The Prison of the Mind”. In all honesty I hadn’t given much thought to cages as they have to do with our minds or otherwise, or anything like that at all. What I wanted to share with you guys was really just more (wait for it) about trusting in the Lord and having faith (I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this subject), and how that pertains to my own personal walk with the Lord. I had wanted to share with you how I have struggled through my own doubts, my own worries, my own fears. But then on Sunday at church our pastor gave a sermon on “The Prison of the Mind” and I just knew I had to post something about it. His sermon was so powerful, and so was the story shared by another man who has had personal experience with little thoughts taking people to extremes, and how hiding your failures only makes things a whole lot worse.

In my own life I’ve always thought I struggle the most with my mind. Listening to the sermon this past Sunday only confirmed that for me. Specifically I struggle with a few things pertaining to the mind more than others. One which is not really that big of a secret to most people (or at least the surface of the sin) is self-esteem. I’m sure every person in the world struggles with self-esteem to a certain degree. In my own life I see that sin springing out more and more everyday. And it all started in my mind. This is a sin that I fully acknowledge and that I am daily trying to take captive and overcome. The difference in fake Barbie doll beauty and real beauty is a subject for another post entirely (and one which I plan on covering sometime in the near future, along with other things pertaining to this) but it does have a lot to do with the specific sin of self-esteem being rooted in my mind and more specifically the minds of girls all around the world.

Other sinful thoughts pester me daily, and sometimes I give in to the strong temptation. I’ve been convicted though to take full control of my thoughts, I want to spare myself the heartache of future problems, of a life that has spun out of control, and I want to help others do the same. I hope this post has helped someone, somewhere. I don’t know who is reading this right now, but I want you to know that I am praying for people everywhere who struggle with what seems to be a never ending battle in their minds.

If you would like me to pray for you specifically please leave a comment or send me an e-mail. And remember the truth found in 1 John.

“But God is faithful and fair. If we admit that we have sinned, he will forgive us our sins. He will forgive every wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure.”

My Favorite Bible Verse

Well this post might seem just teensy little bit repetitive to those of you who have been reading my blog for a while. But I've decided to post this anyway, I don't think a reminder is going to kill anyone. :)

I was writing a speech on "My Favorite Bible Verse" the other day (how kindergarten-ish right?) and I decided to revisit some of my older blog posts, one post in particular (I'm sure you know the one I'm talking about, that "Bring the Rain" post that I reference all the time). What I wrote back in May of last year about having faith even in the midst of struggle really had me thinking while writing my speech. So, I've decided to share it with all of you. I don't know how many of you are going through hard times right now, but I hope that even in the midst of your struggle you'll remember to have faith in our awesome God and Father.

My Favorite Bible Verse

As I think about the topic of “my favorite bible verse” I’m faced with a slight dilemma, the word favorite. I am I person who, for the most part, has as serious phobia when it comes to this word. “Favorite questions” are something I avoid like the plague, because if there is one thing I have always hated with a passion, ever since I was a small child, it is this: making a decision.

So, as you can understand, I don’t have a favorite bible verse (I also lack a favorite food, favorite color, favorite number, favorite singer, favorite book, favorite outfit, favorite belonging, and so on and so forth, but that is beside the point). I was determined though to do my very best to think of something, so I thought long and hard before coming to a conclusion. Ever since I first read it I have always loved Hebrews 11, somehow that passage has always seemed so moving to me, so if I absolutely had to pick a favorite bible passage I would most likely go with that chapter.

Most people know the starting verse, Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” So basically this is saying faith is being sure of what we hope for and assured of what we can not see. So faith is believing without seeing. Sounds simple, but this one concept is exceedingly complex. And for those of us who truly believe it, it is one of the hardest things put into practice. Another thing to think about is this, in what or Who are we placing our faith?

Many people have faith. Evolutionists have faith in their beliefs and ideas, even Atheists have some measure of faith in themselves, but we as Christians have faith in an all-knowing, all-seeing God, our Father in heaven and on earth. We believe without seeing. But we all have doubts at some time or another, we all find it hard to continue believing when we struggle through valley after valley, and the crest of that next hill seems to be forever out of sight.
Especially in this day and age, music is a very powerful thing. Lyrics can be life changing. I believe music artists have an unbelievable responsibility, they can sway the mindset of millions. When thinking about faith, about Hebrews 11, I always think of a song by Mercy Me entitled, “Bring the Rain”. The following lines are especially powerful.

"Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain"

I don’t know about you, but even just the spoken words make me pause. This song is all about faith. Faith in a God who is greater than any of our circumstances, no matter how big or how small. Faith is being able to say, “Jesus, bring the rain” and really truly meaning it. I’m not sure how many people in this world today could boast that kind of faith.

But that kind of faith is not unheard of. Today some people do posses it, people who believe so strongly in what they can not see that they can continue praising God even in the midst of a storm.
Most people have heard of the Chapman family. Steven Curtis Chapman, the Christian Contemporary singer, whose four year old daughter was killed in a tragic accident by her own brother. But even in the midst of this hardship the Chapmans continued praising their God and Father the Lord Jesus Christ. They are just one example out of many who have faith that can move mountains.

Hebrews 11 also talks about other such people, people of extraordinary faith, “men of whom the world was not worthy” as is says in Hebrews 11:38a. People, “who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” Hebrews 11:33 & 34

Faith is an exceedingly powerful thing. Faith, believing in what we can not see, believing even when it’s hard, even when we don’t think we can anymore, even when we just don’t think we care anymore. Faith.

“And others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated… wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground… And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us…” Hebrews 11:36-37, 38b-40a

"How often do we learn patience through times of suffering? God makes no mistakes, yet His purposes are often too deep for afflicted men to comprehend. We must learn to trust Him explicitly, as One who does all things well. No circumstances are so dark that God's presence cannot make them light, and even in the most adverse circumstances, God can fill our hearts with overflowing joy." Mrs. T.M. Constance

As it says in Hebrews 11, faith believes without seeing. Others of extraordinary faith have gone before us. Others continue on in this day and age. They can carry on through the many storms of life because they have faith. Faith in our God and Father, the Lord Jesus Christ. They can really truly say, “Jesus, bring the rain.”

Moms... We Couldn't Live With Out Them!

Edit: Before the questions start I want to clarify. My family has not experienced a giant disaster. We just had a bit of a stressful day, especially my mom. And this post is meant to encourage her.


Today I feel the urge to inform you of a very true and important fact. I have the best mother in the world. Don't try to argue, because I'm sure you are all convinced that your mothers are equally good or better than mine. But I beg to differ.

My mom has to perform new and amazing feats every day.

She has to cope with all four of us (and if you knew my brothers and sister you would know just how difficult that can be, I mean, I'm perfect, but the rest of them... *shakes head*).

And not only does she have to do the normal everyday chores around the house like taking care of the family (and the pets, because somehow that job always ends up on her shoulders too) by washing, scrubbing, folding, cooking, and more washing, scrubbing, folding, cooking... and did I mention washing (the laundry is a never ending cycle at our house). But, she also cares about us all so much that she sacrifices her time every single day by staying home and schooling us.

Some days she doesn't feel like she can do it all. She feels incompetent to even have kids, much less to try and be their primary teacher. But I can honestly tell you, she is the best thing (even in her imperfections, because seriously, who is perfectly great at everything?) that could ever happen to us (not trying to leave you out of this dad, but it's mom's time in the spotlight).

When God gave kids to their parents to love, and train up in the way they should go, He wasn't joking.

Sure, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes, and we all need help in life... God didn't put us here all alone for a reason.

Sometimes we all feel worthless too, we feel like we just can't keep on in this life for one more moment. It's at these times that we want to scream at the Lord, "Just take me now!".

But there is hope for everyone. God's light is shining just around the bend. He is ready to lead us out of every valley.

Some days we might feel like shipping our homeschooled kids off to school because of our inability to understand much less teach our high schoolers that next math lesson. Or you might want to just give up completely on our ability to parent when teaching your six year old character is a feat that seems simple impossible, and temper tantrums of epic proportions are your only reward for doing your very best to grant that same child the gift of reading. Your fifteen year old son seems to have no plan for the future, instead all he seems to care about is goofing off with his friends. Your 5th grader hates reading with a passion... and the possibility of disappearing into a book is the one things that seems to get you through some days.

It is okay.

There is hope.

You are not alone.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Through every valley the Lord will sustain us.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

A while ago I wrote a post entitled "Bring the Rain". Check it out here: http://atwinforgod.blogspot.com/2008/05/bring-rain.html

"How often do we learn patience through times of suffering? God makes no mistakes, yet His purposes are often too deep for afflicted men to comprehend. We must learn to trust Him explicitly, as One who does all things well. No circumstances are so dark that God's presence cannot make them light, and even in the most adverse circumstances, God can fill our hearts with overflowing joy."

Mrs. T.M. Constance

God is great, but sometimes life ain't good.

Mom, if you're reading this I just want you to know, I LOVE YOU! You are the best mom in the world. God never makes mistakes. He put you where you are with us crazy kids for a purpose. Don't blame yourself for things that simple aren't your fault. Put on a brave face and keep on truckin'.

Trust in the Lord.

My mom is the best (it's just us kids who mess up her amazingly perfect image sometimes).

So don't even try to argue.

The Election

Now I don't think I've really gone into politics on my blog. My reason for this is probably the same reason I didn't bring up Halloween. Some of you most likely see different than me and up until now I haven't felt the need to bring it up. But on the eve of such a substantial election I just can't help myself.

My family is voting for John McCain (or should I say my parents since I am not old enough to vote).

Do we agree with everything John McCain is/says? No. Was he our first choice? Um, you'd better believe he wasn't.

Then why are we voting for him you ask?

Some people say it is like trying to decide between the lesser of the two evils. I don't see it that way.

I agree with the person who said, "The biggest reason to vote for John McCain is Barrack Obama."

Really, I hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but have you studied up on this man lately?

Please don't call me racist, anyone who knows me can vouch for the fact that aside from abortion racism has been the issue I have cared about the most. My mother is from a small southern town, I know about racism. I think it would be great to have a black president. But not this one.

This man is just not Presidency material. Period.

People, you have a few choices to make tomorrow.

Vote for Barrack Obama and I assure you, you'll see change. What kind? He hasn't cared to inform us just yet. I think he's waiting for the opportune moment, I don't know, maybe once he's seated in the oval office.

Sit home and throw your vote away. If this is your decision don't keep on whining if things in our country don't go your way, you had your chance.

Vote for someone who has no hope of winning. I don't care if they would make a better president. Heck, I could name a whole lot of people who would make better presidents then either Barrack Obama or John McCain. But none of them stand a chance.

Or vote for John McCain. Don't forget, Sarah Palin goes with him.

I'm really sorry if I offend anyone. That was not my intention in the least. But I can't keep quite now and regret it later. Please vote. Keep our country in the hands of the people.

Remember, Cuba voted for change 50 years ago... (Just ask your grandpa.)

Oh, and I just have to add the most important thing. Pray. Pray for our country, for our leaders. And trust in the Lord. For His will, WILL be done!


PS

Please check out the newest post on this blog: http://thetimeisrightacts1726.blogspot.com/

And, check out this movie. It is AMAZING. I wanted to cry/laugh/scream, and I got chills. Personally I think it pertains to this whole post anyway. Plus GodTube is showing it for free (for a limited time!): http://www.godtube.com/comewhatmay

Did I Mention I LOVE the 2nd Grade?

Guess what? With the help of a carefully worded thank you note and a few positive comments I manged to obtain permission to return to the 2nd grade! As you can probably guess I was beyond excited. Ever since my visit over two weeks ago I've been begging to go back, so this trip was an answered prayer. And it lived up to my expectations! JJ's sick little girl was better (of course, I mean it's been two weeks) so I got to meet her, and she was sweet as can be. The rest of the class was wonderful as well (though I think I was a little more amused by of some of their antics than JJ was). I was also honored by the fact that I was remembered. The kids remembered me (a few even remembered my name), and were glad to see me! That just about made my day. I received a few hugs, and again experienced the joy of conversation with little children. It was a great day.

If you've read my other post you could most likely guess the highlight of my day... spending time with "my little favorite". Since my visit two weeks ago I've been praying for JJ's whole class, but especially "my little favorite". Over the past couple weeks I've been corrected in my belief that "my little favorite's" parents really care about their child. I don't really know much about his father (and JJ doubts he does either) and his mother doesn't exactly sound like nicest person you would ever meet (trust me she isn't, but I'll get there). For the most part they don't seem to involve themselves in his education at all, most of the time he doesn't do his homework, they don't usually bring him to extra after school activities, he's the lowest in his class, he should be held back again and would be except for the fact that he has already been held back twice, and yet he is a sweet little child, who would have a lot of potential. It saddens me to see such an amazing little boy having to live the way he does. I'm sure (or at least I hope) that deep down his parents love him, but it makes me want to cry when I see the way they express it! "My little favorite" needs someone who cares enough about him to invest in his life, to help him reach for his educational potential, and to show him God's love. As much as I wish I could be, I know I'm not that person. But I have been praying for "my little favorite" daily. It is my hope that whoever that person is, they would find him soon.

Since it's moving quickly toward the end of October it was time for Fall Carnival at JJ's school! That means (much to my joy) I got to go back to JJ's school only one day after I had received the invitation to return. Two day in a row! I know the Fall Carnival didn't really count as another day since it is an extra activity at night, but still! So off I went to Fall Carnival, hoping to see one or two kids from JJ's class at least. I saw ten (out of fifteen I think that's pretty good). And shockingly "my little favorite" was one of them! When I saw him walk in with his mom I decided not to say anything and to wait and see if he would say something to me first. Imagine my joy when, upon spotting me, he grinned from ear to ear and started calling my name! Well of course I waved back and headed on over to him lickety-split! As soon as I reached him he turned to his mother, who was facing the opposite direction and started saying "Mom! Mom!" in an excited voice. I think he tugged on her shirt and called her a least six times before she turned around. The expression on her face was far from sweet when she met his excited look. But he continued, "Look Mom it's Bryce!". Pause for a minute and imagine my thoughts right about now. They went something like, "He is excited to see me, he remembers my name, and oh my goodness he has been telling his mom about me!". She didn't look exactly peachy when she nodded at me, but I didn't take it personally 'cause she hadn't look exactly peachy before either. All I cared about was seeing "my little favorite". And my main thought as I turned and walked away was not how mean of a mom he had (though that sad fact was stamped in my thoughts too), but instead how glad I was that "my little favorite" was actually at the Carnival... and that he had remembered me.

I will continue to keep JJ's little class in my thoughts, and most importantly my prayers. Through her I hope to receive updates on them. And hopefully I'll be able to weasel another okay from the principal and be able to visit my 2nd grade friends a few more times before the end of the school year!

The World of Academia

Alright everyone. After talking with my mom I've come to the conclusion that my post "Public School=love" may have come across as a bit harsh. I'm so sorry if it seemed that way to you! My whole post wasn't meant to argue an issue that has so much controversy surrounding it (though everyone who knows me, also knows I love to debate). What I was trying to do was communicate the awesome experience I had spending the day with my aunt's 2nd graders. But I should have known such a subject can't be expressed without some sort of discussion. :D

So, first I want to make it perfectly clear that I do not dislike anyone just because they go to public school. What I meant in my last post was that from my experience on average (like I said before, I have a lot of friends who go to public school (or school in general but that's another issue), a whole lot of friends and family that I love) children who go to school, Christians and non-Christians alike, use foul words, don't express love for their siblings, don't respect their parents, and over all show themselves to have terrible attitudes. I'm sorry if this comes across as "un Christian like behavior" but whenever I see such traits I'm not moved to want to be that persons best friend. Do I feel sorry for them? Yes. Do I do my very best to love them (even though it's really hard sometimes)? I try, and with God's help I'll do better in the future. And I'm really sorry if that was not communicated clearly.



A friend of mine, MangyCat, wrote a reply to my post "Public School=love" and published it on her blog. Check it out here. www.amommasjournal.blogspot.com/2008/10/homeschool-vs-public-school.html





I was going to write out a reply, but I e-mail my mom and she just about summed up my feelings, so with her permission...





"I believe that when Christian students are placed in a public school environment they are ALWAYS (yes, I know I said always) influenced detrimentally by their peers. The Bible says that "foolishness is bound up the heart of a child." (Proverbs 22:15) It also says that "the companion of fools becomes foolish and those who follow after the wise, become wise." (I'm looking for the reference!) Children are influenced by what is taught in an institution that has declared war on God and on parental rights. I know that not all teachers feel this way, and not all local administrators, but the National Education Association does feel this way and so does the United Nations, which will probably eventually be our public education's ruling body. They will be taught that homosexuality is a choice, they will be taught totally false science and history (the theory of evolution merely scratches the surface of the lies).

They are also influenced by the children that they spend the majority of their day with 5 days per week, 180 days per year. That is a long time. Even the ones who leave with their faith still intact (latest studies show that to be about 14% of children raised in church who still have their faith when they graduate from high school) - even if they have it, it has undoubtedly been desensitized and compromised. According to those stats, most (86%) of them will not even claim to have a shred of faith left. Kindergarten may be one thing, but by the time middle and high school rolls around, they are faced daily with homosexuality, pre-marital sex, drugs, violence, crude language, ......the list goes on and on and on. I would not personally work or live in such a situation and I would never expect my children to deal with that on a daily basis. Many people do not want to believe that it is as bad as that, but if you spend any time at all on a school campus or talk to high school students who will tell you the truth (or teachers), it is as bad as that. I have done all of those things personally.

Finally, it is my belief after much study of scripture that God NEVER sends children into the mission field alone. If God called my family and I to service in a foreign country where there could be bodily danger, that is a different story. "Do not fear those who can harm the body, but fear him who can cast your soul into hell." (I'm looking for the reference!) I believe that sending them into a setting whose underlying premise is totally against everything I have already taught them to be true, and then expecting them to stand up to peers, authority, teachers, textbooks, etc...and declare the gospel of Jesus Christ is entirely too much pressure. Most adults couldn't do it, and most kids don't do it either. As for associating with others from every background - you can duplicate that with homeschooling, very easily and very safely. Within our homeschool group alone we have single parents, poor families who don't have enough to eat, rich families who live in multi-million dollar homes, black families, Mexican families, Spanish families, one family from the Bahamas, one from France......we have stay at home dads and we have families with one child, families with 9, and everything in between. We are with these families on a very regular basis. Over the years we have hosted foreign exchange students from three countries, we have spent time in nursing homes, we have led clubs for public schooled students in the afternoons, we have spent time stocking food shelves and organizing items in a center for needy families called Helps Outreach - we have come in contact with many needy families through this. We have played basketball at the YMCA, and baseball at Little League, we have done scouting for both boys and girls and we have hung out at the beach with retirees and moms with little kids. I could go on and on. We have had plenty of opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus with people from all socio-economic backgrounds, all ethnicities, and all ages. As a matter of a fact, I think homeschooling gives you a better opportunity to do that because you are not in a room all day with people who are the same age as you are.I'm sorry if you find my opinion harsh. You certainly have to do whatever God calls you to do personally, and I encourage you to seek Him and do just that. We have been homeschooling for 11 years and between family, strangers, and well-meaning curious people, I have heard the arguments against what we do. I have sought God, I have studied Scripture on the topic, and I have no doubts whatsoever about it. I think that homeschooling has a proven track record for academics, but more importantly, we have a proven track record for raising followers of Christ."





Just want to make one thing clear, my mom really didn't want to come across as mean, or harsh, or anything like that! Please don't think that about us! We really aren't mean people, I promise! Maybe we just have a slight tendency to thoroughly express our opinions when no one even wanted to hear them in the first place...

BRYCE

PUBLIC SCHOOL= love

So you're shocked right? Since when would I (while in my right mind) write something like "Public School=love" on my public blog? Or anywhere for that matter! Since when do I love our government's academia? Well hold on one second and I'll explain...

You see my aunt (JJ, you remember her right?) is a 2nd grade teacher at the elementary school her son (my 7 year old cousin) attends. Now most of you know my belief when it comes to school. God gave children to their parents to train them up in the way they should go. He didn't give them to the school teachers, and He most certainly didn't give them to the government, which is exactly what parents are doing when they send their children to school. And even if I did believe school was alright I would never place any child in the public school system we have today. But all that is besides my point, so to avoid further elements of controversy in this post I shall move on.

So anyway, JJ is a teacher. Yesterday she got permission to take me to school with her. Now this was not my first time visiting a public school, and it wasn't my first time visiting her classroom for the day. But it was my first visit in a long while. So all of her little students were new to me. We had to get up early (another downfall to public school, right?) and drive about 15 or more minutes in the dark before arriving. When we did we made our way to JJ's classroom, and her and her teaching assistant started getting things ready for the day. Like I've said, this wasn't my first time visiting, but this was the first time when I could really help. Over the past few days since I'd been in NC I'd been helping my little cousin learn his spelling words, listening to him read his stories, giving little hints when it comes to math problems, and I loved it! Now I finally had a chance to try my hand at teaching on a much larger scale. It was exciting. Another up side to being in an elementary school, kids everywhere! A great reminder of home, our house always seems to be full of energetic children running all over the place. When the first bell rang my cousin scurried off to his class across the hall and I took a seat at the desk in the corner, waiting for the first kids to arrive.

Every one of my aunts children were in attendance, excepting one sick little girl. And all of them were unique in their personalities, behavior, academic abilities, and physical features. Some excelled in one area more than another, some were tall, others short, and some had a larger amount of self-control, while others were...um...lacking. Personally, I saw great potential in them all.

From the moment he walked in one little boy particularly attracted my attention. I'm not sure what it was about him that did so, he didn't look any different than the other children, he wasn't short though some of the others were quite a bit taller, nor was he very tall though not the shortest either. He was a cute little fellow. I noticed he had a little gap in his front teeth, though he didn't show his smile very often, and his shaggy brown hair looked like it could use a good combing, but over all, those features just added to his demeanor. The first words I heard spoken to him that morning were, "Go change your color." Apparently someone had forgotten to do their homework. He didn't seem to have any more trouble with his work than some of the other children that day. I had a wonderful time helping as many as I could. From a boy with ants in his pants, who could hardly see his hand in front of his face, but refused to wear glasses claiming they, "didn't help". To a sweet little child who had to be one of the most well behaved in the whole 2nd grade.

Later after lunch I struck up a conversation with a few of the boys as they patiently waited for some other children to finish up in the bathroom. "My little favorite" was one of them. Any of you who have young siblings, cousins, or friends know just what a joy it is to have a conversation with a child. Their faces light up at the littlest things, and what comes out of their mouths sometimes... it is unbelievable entertaining. More than one genuine smile could be observed on the faces of every child (and adult) who happened to be within hearing range of our chat.

The whole school day passed amazingly fast. The last worksheet of the day was a toughie for the kids. JJ asked me to go over and help "my little favorite", telling me he really needed the help because he was the lowest in the class. That was unexpected news, but of course I didn't mind helping him. So I scooted a chair up and proceeded to help both him, and the boy on my other side. With a little help he finished the sheet and no time, and I left him to go and help another kid across the room.

Sadly my day at school came to an end. With a smile for the whole class I told the kids how great it was to have met them, and how I hoped to be back again. To my great joy, they seemed upset that I wasn't coming the next day, asking me is I was going back to Florida already!

That night I was asking my aunt some questions about her class, and I was informed of some more surprising news. "My little favorite" was not only the lowest in the class, he was also almost ten years old and repeating the 2nd grade after having repeated the 1st grade as well. Needless to say I was completely shocked! My first thought was whether his parents cared about him at all! But he had talked of his parents fondly, and what I had heard earlier while at the school hadn't given me any reason to think his parents could care less. So what then? That is a question I've yet to figure out.

But this whole subject did get me to start thinking. Wow, I really care about kids in public school. It's not that I've ever been hostile to them or anything, but I've really never been all that charitable either. Pitied them? Yes. Loved them? Um... I didn't always show it. Sure I have friends in school, friends that I really love! But I haven't always had the best feelings toward your average public school student. Good News Club was the one "serving project" I seriously wished my mom would quiet participating in when I was a child. Sure it's not the kids fault that their parents put them in school, and yes I know that plenty of great kids come out of the public school system (I have some great parents, and friends too), but overall I've always been sick and tired of the attitude average school students posses. God says love everyone, you say? Why yes, yes he does. And over the last year or so I've started to have a serious change of heart, and my day at a public school just convicted me even more.

My whole experience has really given me a yearning to help children like "my little favorite", and all of the other kids there as well. My day spent with a 2nd grade class has prompted me to seriously consider a career (at least until I have children of my own to school) as a teacher. Or at the very least to start tutoring, obviously some children really need it. The public school is a major mission field. And maybe, just maybe God is calling me to serve Him, in the public schools.



**UPDATE** So just a quick update. Less than one week to vote! And to enter the contest! Please tell your friends! Thanks so much. :) Love you guys. **END UPDATE**


And just 'cause I hate pictureless posts I'll leave you with one of my favorites, I great reminder of my home and family...

We are so full of ourselves... :D

BRYCE

Bring the Rain

I just have to take one moment to share a few things with you. Not sure how many of you have heard Mercy Me's song "Bring the Rain". Let me say this, if you haven't heard it, hear it! I have an idea that'll make it easy for ya.



Now watch that video. The lyrics are SO powerful. You have to really be strong in your faith in order to sing this song with real conviction. Take a look.

"Bring The Rain"

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Every time I feel down, every time I start to worry about my troubles, every time I feel like asking God "What's the point?", "Why aren't you answering?", or "Where are you right NOW?" I listen to that song. Of course I know the answer to those questions in me head. But sometimes believing them in your heart is a different story.

We live for God's glory.

He always hears our prayers and He always answers them, maybe not in the way we want, maybe even with silence, but He always does.

He is with us wherever we go. We can't hide from Him, we can't ran from Him, wherever we are He is.

But like everyone else I'm attacked with doubts and fears. This song has a mighty message.


One family that is personally struggling with this, and is taking this song to heart is the Smith family. Even through the loss of their daughter, Audrey, the family is clinging to their Saviour. Check out their blog and read the story, www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com



While reading the Smith's story make sure and listen too all of the songs coming from the awesome music player on the left sidebar. All of these really encourage me. Check them out along with this amazing family's story.



Lately when I listen to the songs that play on the Smith's blog (songs like, "All That I Can Say" David Crowder and "Glory" Selah, especially the song "Glory Baby" Watermark, along with others) I think of the Chapman family. I'm sure most of you know of the tragic loss this family has experienced. The death of Maria was terribly sad, the whole family, and most specifically Will, are in my family's prayers daily. But this was not a shocking turn of events to our Maker, not some unlucky chance. He will be there for the Chapman family in this moment.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him

and He will direct your path.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"How often do we learn patience through times of suffering? God makes no mistakes, yet His purposes are often too deep for afflicted men to comprehend. We must learn to trust Him explicitly, as One who does all things well. No circumstances are so dark that God's presence cannot make them light, and even in the most adverse circumstances, God can fill our hearts with overflowing joy."

Mrs. T.M. Constance

As I read these stories of amazing faith in the lives of ordinary people just like you and me, and as I listen to songs like "Bring the Rain", it really challenges me. Though I pray that nothing like what these two families are going through will ever happen to you or me, if it does will we be able to sing with all honesty,

"Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain"



I hope we all can.

Do Hard Things

Well we just got back from the FPEA homeschool convention in Orlando. It was so great! I had a awesome time. Josh and I went to the Summit Teen Track. It was fun, we had a nice time listening to all of the lectures. Graham and Lyndsey went to the kids program on Friday but didn't have a very good time so they spent their day with mom and dad on Saturday. We arrived at the convention on Thursday afternoon and left this morning to come home. It took us a lot longer than it should have to because I wanted to stop at every bookstore between here and Orlando! :D I get ten points per bookstore picture for the Beyond the Reflection's Edge contest and I need points.


Now onto the main point of this post. While at the convention my mom picked up a book she has wanted us to read for a while. It is called Do Hard Things and is written by teenagers, Alex and Brett Harris. (Their father, Gregg Harris, was the keynote speaker at the convention.) They are twins, age 19, and founded TheRebelution .com in 2005. These two young men challenge teens to embrace their full potential by doing hard things for God through their "Rebellion Against Low Expectations". I really encourage you to check out their website and book. You don't want to miss the movement these two are leading.



I first heard about The Rebelution in 2006. Joining the forum I got really into the whole thing as my first real introduction to message forums and blogs. I was really excited when the Modesty Survey was published and I loved reading the discussions I found. Sadly, it didn't last. I became involved in some other, though not bad, not very productive online activities, and when Alex and Brett changed up their system, requiring members to do a few simple things (I can't even remember what now!) in order to keep their username on The Rebelution I didn't even bother. It's not that I didn't enjoy their website, or that I disliked it, I just had more interest in online games than I did in life-changing encouragement. You are all screaming "wrong choice", only now am I agreeing with you. So that is how I came to find out about, and than forget about TheRebelution. Recently my mom has helped me "re-discover" the forgotten website and when she bought the book I consumed it.

So now I understand the importance, the challenge, the joy of doing hard things. The message of the book really convicted me. I saw just how much I am lacking in so many important areas, I've made a goal to change. Starting now.

After reading through the book, Do Hard Things, I decided to use the advice mentioned in the last chapter. I decided to make a five-step rebelutionary action plan. It is my hope to start by working out the "small hard things" in my life and then moving on to do some "big hard things" for and through my Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is my first, five-step rebelutionary action plan.

* Start getting up at 6:00am so I can spend a half hour with my Savior every morning.
* Start talking with my parents more about my struggle with self-esteem. Discuss with them my dream to start doing "big hard things", possible to even start some kind of ministry that fights abortion, sexual slavery, and euthanasia.
* Making a real point to spend individual time with each of my siblings on a regular basis.
* Becoming more reliable in areas like chores, school(math), and physical activities. Ask mom to give me more household responsibilities, talk to dad about a exercise schedule, and discuss with both parents a good summer list to help me finish some overdue math, and to work on completing my writing project, and reading some deep, thought-provoking books.
* Building confidence and boldly expanding my comfort-zone, so I can learn to smoothly and articulately spread the good news of the Cross that saves.



Maybe some of the things on my list don't seem to fit under hard things, but I am queen of procrastination, lady of compromise, and the leader in in inconsistency. So for me this list is a start.

Please pray for me as a work through the hard things in my life, and please pray for all of the young people all over the world doing hard things. Pray for the ones in pain, pray for those who are trying to make it through the trails in their lives, the seemingly endless valleys. Pray for my own doubts, fears, and struggle with self-esteem and worth, and pray for people all over the world trying to work through their own hardships in these and other areas. Pray for the little ones, for the least and the greatest. Pray for friends, and enemies. Pray for the world we live in. Pray for The Rebelution.