Our Nation

 





My heart is truly broken for our nation. At perhaps the most critical election in our history, the true beliefs of the citizens of America have shown clearly. We no longer value life, but self. We would rather murder one of the greatest blessings of God...children. We no longer fear God, as we elected by a large majority a party which would prefer to have God removed from its platform. The supreme god in this nation is now government. We don't value the Constitution, given to us by a much wiser generation of godly men. They were wise enough to understand that if we forsake absolute truth, God, and morality, our nation will fall:

 

---- "The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws. All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery, and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible."    ~Noah Webster



---- "If thou wouldst rule well, thou must rule for God, and to do that, thou must be ruled by Him....those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."    ~William Penn



---- "Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free Constitution is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty."    ~John Adams

---- "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."    ~John Adams



My first question was, "Why would God allow this?" In answer, He reminded me of this Scripture:



 



---- "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into and image made like corruptible man - and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgement of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."    ~Romans 1:18-32


Despite the fact that our nation is under judgement, and no longer has the hand of God upon it in favor, God has promised that in terrible circumstances He is in control.

---- "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, those who are the called according to His purpose."    ~Romans 8:28


As Christians, we even have hope!

---- "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."    ~Romans 8:18-25

The Lord has made it clear that Barack Obama is not the problem, he is the symptom of a dying nation. This does not mean that there is no hope for our nation....we must pray fervently that because of the struggles soon to come many people will repent and turn to the Lord. He has done many great things, and He can change the heart of this nation if He chooses. However, I believe this will require difficult times, whether economic or otherwise, where the true remnant of the Church begins once again to lead the culture, instead of allowing the culture to lead it.

Stand firm in the gospel, and you will not be shaken!

Witty Wednesday [9]

Daniel Webster

Daniel Webster (1782 - 1852), was a famous American politician and diplomat. He is considered one of the greatest orators in American history. He served as a U.S. Congressman, a U.S. Senator and as the Secretary of State for three different Presidents: William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore. His political career spanned almost four decades.

---"If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."


---Daniel Webster, in speaking at the bicentennial celebration of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, December 22, 1820, declared: "Lastly, our ancestors established their system of government on morality and religious sentiment. Moral habits, they believed, cannot safely be trusted on any other foundation than religious principle, nor any government be secure which is not supported by moral habits....Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.
     Cultivated mind was to act on uncultivated nature; and more than all, a government and a country were to commence, with the very first foundations laid under the divine light of the Christian religion. Happy auspices of a happy futurity! Who would wish that his country's existence had otherwise begun?
    Finally, let us not forget the religious character of our origin. Our fathers were brought hither by their high veneration for the Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and labored in its hope. They sought to incorporate its principles with the elements of their society, and to diffuse its influence through all their institutions, civil, political, or literary. Let us cherish these sentiments, and extend this influence still more widely; in full conviction that that is the happiest society which partakes in the highest degree of the mild and peaceful spirit of Christianity."


---In a speech at the Bunker Hill Monument, Charleston, Massachusetts, on June 17, 1843, Daniel Webster spoke of the Founding Fathers' regard for the Bible: "The Bible came with them. And it is not to be doubted, that to free and universal reading of the Bible, in that age, men were much indebted for right views of civil liberty.
    The Bible is a book of faith, and a book of doctrine, and a book for morals, and a book of religion, of special revelation from God; but it is also a book which teaches man his own individual responsibility, his own dignity, and his equality with his fellow-man.
     Thank God! I - I also - am an American!"

All quotes and text taken from "America's God and Country" by William J. Federer.

I read several verses in Proverbs 30 today which struck me:

There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.     Proverbs 30:11-14

Does this sound like any generation you know? Oh, how far we have come!

I look forward to sharing with you the pictures I took at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio...and especially telling the story of a very special animal named Mac!

Witty Wednesday [8]

John Hancock

John Hancock (1737-1793), an American merchant and Revolutionary leader, was the president of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts. He became well-known for have been the first member of the Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence.

---On April 15, 1775, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts declared A Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer, signed by the President of the Provincial Congress, John Hancock:
"In circumstances dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that, whilst every prudent Measure should be taken to ward off the impending Judgements...all confidence must be withheld from the Means we use; and reposed only on that GOD who rules in the Armies of Heaven, and without whose Blessing the best human counsels are but foolishness - and all created Power Vanity;
   It is the Happiness of his Church that, when the Powers of Earth and Hell combine against it...that the Throne of Grace is of the easiest access - and its Appeal thither is graciously invited by the Father of Mercies, who has assured it, that when his Children ask Bread he will not give them a Stone....
   RESOLVED, That it be, and hereby is recommended to the good People of this Colony of all Denominations, that THURSDAY the Eleventh Day of May next be set apart as a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer...to confess the sins...to implore the Forgiveness of all our Transgression...and a blessing on the Husbandry, Manufactures, and other lawful Employments of this People; and especially that the union of the American Colonies in Defence of their Rights (for hitherto we desire to thank Almighty GOD) may be preserved and confirmed....And that AMERICA may soon behold a gracious Interposition of Heaven.
                         By Order of the [Massachusetts] Provincial Congress,
                         John Hancock, President"

---On November 8, 1783, Governor John Hancock, from Boston Massachusetts, issued A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving to celebrate the victorious conclusion of the Revolutionary War.
"John Hancock, Esquire
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving:
    Whereas...these United States are not only happily rescued from the Danger and Calamities to which they have been so long exposed, but their Freedom, Sovereignty and Independence ultimately acknowledged.
    And whereas...the Interposition of Divine Providence in our Favor hath been most abundantly and most graciously manifested, and the citizens of these United States have every reason for Praise and Gratitude to the God of their salvation/
    Impressed therefore with an exalted Sense of the Blessings by which we are surrounded, and of our entire Dependence on that Almighty Being from whose Goodness and Bounty they are derived;
    I do by and with the Advice of the Council appoint Thursday the Eleventh Day of December next (the Day recommended by the Congress to all the States) to be religiously observed as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, that all the People may then assemble to celebrate...that he hath been pleased to continue to us the Light of the Blessed Gospel;...That we also offer up fervent Supplications...to cause pure Religion and Virtue to flourish...and to fill the World with his glory."

All of this text is taken from "America's God and Country" by William J. Federer.

Isn't it amazing how far we have come? We now have a President of the United States openly endorsing gay marriage, against the express commandments of God. I read two articles by Doug Phillips on his blog that gave me chills. To see them, click here and here.

Witty Wednesday [7]

Today I am going to do something slightly different. I received a fantastic email yesterday about Thomas Jefferson, and I would like to post the contents for Witty Wednesday.

Thomas Jefferson

"Thomas Jefferson was a very remarkable man who started learning very early in life and never stopped.

At 5, began studying under his cousin's tutor.

At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.

At 14, studied Classical Literature and additional languages.

At 16, entered the college of William and Mary.

At 19, studied law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.

At 23, started his own law practice.

At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

At 31, wrote the widely circulated 'Summary View of the Rights of British America' and retired from his law practice.

At 32, was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress.

At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence.

At 33, took three years to revise Virginia's legal code and wrote a public education bill and a statute for religious freedom.

At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.

At 40, served in Congress for two years.

At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams.

At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.

At 53, served as Vice President and was elected President of the American Philosophical Society.

At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active head of Republican Party.

At 57, was elected the third President of the United States.

At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation's size.

At 61, was elected to a second term as President.

At 65, retired to Monticello.

At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.

At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of Virginia and served as its first president.

At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence [July 4] along with John Adams.

Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed attempts at government. He understood actual history, the nature of God, His laws, and the nature of man. That happens to be way more than what most understand today. Jefferson really knew his stuff. A voice from the past to lead us in the future.

John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the White House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: 'This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.'


[Some quotes from Thomas Jefferson:]

'When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.'

'The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.'

'It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes.  A principle which is acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.'

'I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.'

'My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.'

'No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.'

'The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves from tyranny in government.'

'The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.'

'To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.'

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.
   If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless in the continent their fathers conquered.'"

When I read this email I got goose-bumps! To perceive how far we have come is mind-boggling. Our understanding is weak compared to that of our founding fathers. Thomas Jefferson talked about things that weren't even occurring in his times, but which he had the insight to see could occur under certain circumstances. Thus we have the warnings of these great men, passed down through the ages, about our very times and situations.

 As my Christian Worldview teacher said, "We are so advanced that we are stupid." It is my goal to not only cultivate my mind, but the minds of future generations, to be as acute as these men's minds were. I hope one day to be the strong wife of a man who is seeking to restore our heritage in godliness, just as these men sought to create a godly nation.

As always, I love to hear the thoughts of my readers. Please leave a comment below!

Easter and Witty Wednesday [6]

As promised, here are some Easter photos from our family gathering. It was the first time to have a family event at our new house, and we were quite excited! I hope you enjoy the few photos I took!

My Edwardian-inspired Easter outfit

Trying to look regal. Notice my dog...lol!

Notice Frodo in this shot, too! He really has a disgusted look on his face.

I traditionally make apple pie for all of our gatherings

I always enjoy creating a design suited to the season

I also made green bean casserole

Mom makes the best pasta salad

I have made deviled eggs since I was very little

Grandma brought delicious potato salad...

and macaroni

Yum!

We found this at a thrift store...isn't it precious?

I collected some wildflowers for the mantle

Close-up

My sweet mom and grandma

Remember those fuzzy yellow chicks I posted about a while back...here is what they look like now!

My brother caught an Anole in our mudroom

Running to see the chickens... my niece and nephew LOVE our chickens!

My niece, Chloe, was looking so pretty for spring. I can't believe how fast my sister's precious children are growing!

I loved her hat

My sister's oldest, Cole, searching for eggs. Since I grew out of hunting for eggs several years ago, I graduated to hiding them (which happens to be really fun)!

Trying to find eggs before everyone else does

My cousin, Ross, and Cole and Chloe. This is what happens when you give hints...they all flock to one area like a magnet!

My brother and I playing chess. He just recently taught me how to play chess...and he also beat me at this game! I am getting better, though!

________________________________________________________________________________________

Now, on to Witty Wednesday!

John Quincy Adams

---On July 4, 1837, in a speech celebrating the 61st anniversary of the signing of the Declaration, Adams said, "Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the World, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day.

   Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the Progress of the Gospel dispensation?

   Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth?

   That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity and gave to the world the first irrevocable pledge of the fulfillment of the prophecies announced directly from Heaven at the birth of the Savior and predicted by the greatest of Hebrew prophets 600 years before."

---"The first and almost the only Book deserving of universal attention is the Bible."

---"I speak as a man of the world to men of the world; and I say to you, Search the Scriptures! The Bible is the book of all others, to be read at all ages, and in all conditions of human life; not to be read once or twice or thrice through, and then laid aside, but to be read in small portions of one or two chapters every day, and never to be intermitted, unless by some overruling necessity."

---"In what light soever we read the Bible,whether with reference to revelation, to history, or to morality, it is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue."

---"Blessed, forever blessed, be the name of God!"

---"May I never cease to be grateful for the numberless blessings received through life at His hands, never repine at what He has denied, never murmur at the dispensations of Providence, and implore His forgiveness for all the errors and delinquencies of my life!"

---"Providence, has showered blessings upon me profusely. But they have been blessings unforseen and unsought. Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo do gloriam. [Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to you name be the glory.]"

---This final one sent chills down my spine, "Posterity - you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it."

Are we making good use of our freedom? To be sure, there are many "rights" we have today, but are they worth the cost? Women's right to choose, though a "freedom", has killed over 50 million babies since the adoption of Roe v. Wade. I contend that we are not making a good use of our freedoms today.

As usual, I would love to hear from you regarding this issue (or any other)!

Belated Witty Wednesday [5]

I spent much of the day yesterday weeding the garden plot, so I was unable to post for Witty Wednesday. Better late than never, though!

John Jay

---"Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."

---"In forming and settling my belief relative to the doctrines of Christianity, I adopted no articles from creeds but such only as, on careful examination, I found to be confirmed by the Bible....At a party in Paris, once, the question fell on religious matters. In the course of it, one of them asked me if I believed in Christ? I answered that I did, and that I thanked God that I did."

---In his Last Will and Testament, John Jay wrote, "Unto Him who is the author and giver of all good, I render sincere and humble thanks for His merciful and unmerited blessings, and especially for our redemption and salvation by his beloved Son."

---John Jay was asked if he had any final words for his children, and he responded, "They have the Book."

I would love to hear about your favorite quotes from founding fathers, world leaders, or missionaries. If I get enough submitted quotes, I will have a special post for them.

I will post Easter pictures next week, so stay tuned!

Father Daughter Retreat and Witty Wednesday [4]

Last weekend my dad and I went to the Father Daughter Retreat hosted by Vision Forum Ministries in Pine Mountain, Georgia. It was our third year attending, and once again it was a huge blessing. Excepting some wet weather when we arrived, the weather was absolutely gorgeous. On Saturday, during our free time, we drove into the mountains to the F.D.R. Little White House.

The view from our room was so peaceful

The scenery from this overlook was so breathtaking (pictures just cannot do it justice), we had to stop and take some quick snapshots!

Another view with a lake

As I was struggling with the timer on my camera, a kind gentleman offered to take our photo

Driving to the Little White House

I really like the natural quality of this sign

Isn't this carriage lovely?

F.D.R's car

The Little White house. Although we do not agree with all of the decisions F.D.R. made, he sure did have a wonderful taste for beautiful simplicity.

I just couldn't resist the old stove!

We went to the country restaurant and store for supper

The menu

I love a country atmosphere, which they certainly accomplished. The biscuits and cornbread were delicious

I love how the sweet tea (for a southern gal) was served

Out the window of the restaurant

The speakers were Doug Phillips, Scott Brown, Joe Morecraft, Geoff Botkin, and Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin, who are always such an inspiration to me. All of the sermons were wonderful, and I learned so much from each of the speakers.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Now, on to Witty Wednesday's featured founding father:

Patrick Henry

 

---Reminiscing about The Stamp Act Resolves, Henry wrote, "This brought on the war which finally separated the two countries and gave independence to ours. Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings, which a gracious God hath bestowed on us.

   If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable.

   Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others."

---"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."

---"The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed."

---In his Last Will and Testament, Patrick Henry wrote, "This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed."

---While dying, Henry said, "Doctor, I wish you to observe how real and beneficial the religion of Christ is to a man about to die....I am, however, much consoled by reflecting that the religion of Christ has, from its first appearance in the world, been attacked in vain by all the wits, philosophers, and wise ones, aided by every power of man, and its triumphs have been complete."

---In perhaps his most well known speech, Henry stated, "For my own part I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery....It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country...

   Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt....An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

   ....Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the Holy cause of Liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.

   Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battle for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave....

   Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

---Patrick Henry's grandson's said these two things about him:

• That he, "Looked to the restraining and elevating principles on Christianity as the hope of his country's institutions."
•  He had committed himself to the, "Earnest efforts to establish true Christianity in our country."