VICTORY IN TEXAS

Well, I guess some would differ on calling it a victory....that is the content of a headline and article I read the other day:

TEXAS BOARD ADOPTS NEW SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM

An excerpt from it that tries to sum up the changes requested is:

During the monthslong process of creating the guidelines, conservatives successfully strengthened the requirements on teaching the Judeo-Christian influences of the nation's Founding Fathers and attempted to water down rationale for the separation of church and state. The standards will refer to the U.S. government as a "constitutional republic," rather than "democratic," and students will be required to study the decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, including the abandonment of the gold standard.

Some of the critics may have a point when they say,

"Educators have blasted the proposed curriculum for politicizing education. Teachers also have said the document is too long and will force students to memorize lists of names rather than thinking critically."

but, overall I think it's a victory for the direction of American History Standards. While this change in text books may be "political", there is no question that every time a text book is adopted there is an agenda. After all, education does shape the ideas and framework of our children. History, especially, has an impact on the way our future generations view the world, and America's place in it.

For me, the victory is seeing that the people are rising up and want to get back to the founding principals of this nation, and get away from the revisionist history that has been developing in the last couple of generations. Text books are generally reviewed every 7 years. The changes are a great way to view the psyche of those with the power to have a say. Or perhaps a better way to say it is that it reveals the population that cares enough to exercise their power in determining the curriculum. Every parent has the opportunity to have their say, if they pursue it. It has to be a proactive statement; otherwise the committee will decide it for you.

I sense change. I sense hope and change - but not the type the political elites have been trying to sell us over the past many years. As the sleeping giant of middle America and other more conservative minded people wakes up to the reality that America is changing before their eyes, we must pray that the direction the country goes is steered by God and not by a different type of elite group. There is a good feeling in my heart about the energy being put forth that is pushing a change back to our founding principals, but it could get off track and worldly just as quickly b/c we know that power can be a destructive force. Pray with me that the grass roots that are applying the power of the people would not lose focus on the change they're looking for and that they don't get drunk on the new power that they're feeling, as elections and other influential decisions go their way. Amen.

MUSINGS FROM THE BEGINNING

By "Beginning", I'm talking about the book of Genesis. In my 52 week Bible study, today's reading was from Genesis 8-11.

It's amazing how fresh the Bible can be, even when it's just a listing of events and genealogies. What pops out is a good indication of where you are, in terms of your thoughts and concerns.

Chapters 8-11 go from the end of Noah's flood up through the genealogy of Abram. Even in that, I found some interesting nuggets that fall in line with my thinking lately.

The first was Gen 9:14-15,

Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind.

Where I live, we have had drought conditions for some time. This year, however, there seems to rain almost weekly. A couple of weeks ago I saw the most beautiful rainbow I've ever seen. It was a full arc and rich in color.

As I read Genesis 9:14-15, I thought facetiously to myself that perhaps we keep getting the rain because we are exercising God's patience with us, and so He's putting lots of rainbows in the sky to remind Himself of His convenant with us!

The other verse that stood out to me was Genesis 11: 5-7,

But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other."

The thought that came to me is less facetious, but still partly in jest.

I thought, "As the United States of America, we started with the same language, i.e., English. Well, at least, we united around a common language, even if it wasn't one's first language. We made ourselves a great tower, in terms of a mighty nation, full of all sorts of things that are not pleasing to God. Perhaps as at the Tower of Babel, He has confused our language, by bringing people here from all over the earth. Ironically, back then, people's languages became confused and it scattered them; here in America, people scattered from other lands to America, and it confused our language." Growing up in Southern California, and working in the public schools, I know that materials had to be translated into something like 19 languages.

Having varied languages does weaken us as communities. Without good communication, all sorts of factions, prejudices, and misunderstandings can happen. Language is a uniting factor. In "post-racial" America, I think that different languages are more prejudice inducing than one's country of origin. All of America's problems certainly to not reside in this issue, but the United States of America feels less united than ever. Even illegal immigration shows a divide that at some level has to do with a foreign language. A common language couldn't do anything but help increase unity among all people.

Who knew that reading about the Tower of Babel would take me there!

BORDERS

It is really hard to fathom why the White House and democratic Congress would come to their feet when the Mexican president criticized the AZ immigration law. Why would they do that? Some say political points. But, 70% of Americans like the law. They say it's not good government. But, it's already the law of the land. Should we not enforce the laws on the books? Is not enforcing the law of the land one of supreme charges of our Commander in Chief and our lawmakers?

Truly, I don't get it. Help me understand. In my previous post I mentioned how I'm reading Isaiah from the Old Testament right now. One verse that stuck out to me, with this border controversy in the forefront was:

(It's the King of Assyria talking), "By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding, I removed the boundries of nations. I plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their kings." Isaiah 10:13

That may or may not have anything to do with the current situation in AZ, but it reminded me of it. I find it concerning when the people in power, who have promised to enforce the law of the land prevent laws from being enforced. And, to side enthusiastically and unanimously with the Mexican president when he is being critical, in a hypocrital way, given their immigration enforcement policies, against a state in our union's law that mirrors a federal law already on the books, is it seems to me, un-American, by definition and simply wrong, according to their sacred (promised under oath) duty to uphold the law. (I think that's the longest sentence I've ever written!) Judging the constitutionality of this law lies with the Supreme Court, not the other 2 branches of government. But, that would require respecting the Constitution of the United States, as written, as the supreme law of the land.

Please, God, bring our country back to where it started. Bring us back to a respect for the Constitution and its separation of powers and protection of the rights of the electorate that are explicitly outlined in it, that has held our country together for 234 years. Don't let us forget that Your Guidance was leaned upon during this country's founding. May we return to it. Amen.

ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE

I've started reading the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. It has tons of prophecy in it. I am fairly familiar with the prophecies of Jesus Christ's birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection that have all come to pass. While I know that hundreds of other prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled, I am not as familiar with them. As I begin to read Isaiah, I find myself curious as to how the many prophecies have been fulfilled. I haven't found every answer yet, but I did find an illuminating online resource, ChristianAnswers.net that has a section called How do we know the Bible is true? that I'll share here.

It speaks of the consistency of the Bible through fulfilled prophecy, historical accuracy, scientific accuracy, and its structure. It is not a comprehensive look, but a one-page good taste of the evidence for its authenticity.

There have been tons of books written on the subject. It is fascinating and amazing to recognize the unequalled evidence and accuracy of prophecy in the Bible. It makes the prophecy yet to be fulfilled that much more compelling.

PENTAGON BROWNIES

...and I'm not talking 5 sided brownies. I'm talking about the recipe for brownies and cookies from the Pentagon. It's a great example of government efficiency. It's 26 pages long! No. Really. Take a look. I want to believe this is a joke, but if you take a look, it could quite possibly be real. It's an example of over regulation and people covering their derriere about every conceivable objection. But, in the title section, they spell chocolate wrong.

ANY MORE PROOF NEEDED?

There is no one in the modern world who can deny that Israel has been at the heart of world politics as far back as one can see.

This article describes what Iran's chief of staff, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, said about Israel yesterday. He said,

"If the Zionist regime attacks Iran, the Zionists will have no longer than a week to live."

It is incredible, except in the context of Israel's place in the Whole Story, that the little country can have so much influence over the entire world. From that article,

On a visit to Saudi Arabia Mashaei claimed that the annihilation of Israel should be a global goal. He told Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir that "the corrupt and criminal Zionist regime is harming not only the Arab and Islamic world, but all of humanity."

A global goal? Israel sure strikes a nerve. It is after all God's chosen land for His people so long ago. It is truly miraculous that they still remain.

LOOKING INWARD

As I commit to praying for our nation, I am finding that God wants me first to confess where I have erred in my thinking. He has used His Word to teach me.

It's a familiar verse, but spoke to me with new meaning today.

Matthew 7:3
"Why do you look at the speck of saw-dust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clelarly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Eesh. That hurts. How many times have I accused this administration of hypocrisy? Surely, it is there, but I have to search inside of me and see that I have been, too.

Then, He gave me this to console me,

Job 5:3 "Blessd is the man whom God corrects: So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."

Forgive me, Lord. I have been too quick to criticize. I have been a bit self righteous in my own thinking. Remove my sin, that I might see more clearly what it is You really want me to spend my time thinking about. I have dwelt too much on my anger toward those in power. Evil makes you angry too. And, you are the judge. Help me to spend less time and energy on being mad, and instead guide me to pray for the precise needs of our country - of the people. In Jesus Name, Amen.

PATIENCE

In the Bible study I'm participating in on the Fruits of the Spirit, the fruit of patience was the topic last week.

A couple of things were illuminating to me.

One, there are 2 words in Greek for the word that is translated in English at patience.

One is hupomone. It is not the word used to describe the fruit of the spirit, patience. Hupomone is the type of patience you think of when you're standing in line at the post office or being patient for something to happen. Endurance and perseverance are other English words that are translations of hupomone. This type of patience is in relation to circumstances, inspired by hope, i.e., the desire of some good with the expectation of obtaining it.

Makrothumia, however, is the Greek word used to describe the fruit of the Spirit, patience. The way that Beth Moore, the author of the Bible study I'm doing (called, Living Beyond Yourself; Exploring the Fruit of the Spirt) describes it this way, with the help of The Complete Word Study Dictionary is the following.

Makrothumia means "to be long-suffering." It means "forbearance...self-restraint before proceeding to action." It is "the quality of a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so. Makrothumia is patience in respect to persons while hupomone, endurance, is putting up with things or circumstances.

This was a new concept to me. I never thought of it that way before. She goes on to say,

"In other words, we should actively petition God for endurance in our circumstances, but makrothumia is not merely the answer to prayer. Patience is the release of the fruit of the Spirit; it is the supernatural outcome of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Makrothumia is impossible except when expressed by God through us."

The reason I found this so profound is that I'm coming to realize that God is miraculously giving me makrothumia for this administration. Having read my blog, you know that this is a work of God.

I read the headlines, but I don't go crazy. It still frustrates me and I know that foolishness and hypocrisy abounds, but I don't get angry anymore. I don't feel driven to lash out, which is a reason for my lack of blogging lately. Patience and judgement can't exist together. Beth Moore continues in the study,

"the essence of the biblical word for "patience" is the delaying of judgment.......At some point, God's patience is complete and He makes judgment. Until then, the Lord is "patient" so that many may be saved."

I wasn't sure where my patience and lack of hostility was coming from as I read the same types of news stories, but now I know. One thing Beth Moore said in the video portion of the study was something to the extent of, "When God makes us different in the same situation, we're growing." God has supernaturally given me the fruit of patience in this situation that has for so long caused me to be angry and judge. Praise be to God.

BACK TO BASICS

I've been struggling lately as to how to deal with my frustrations and concerns that I see all around me in this nation. More and more, I'm feeling that my ranting is a waste of time and energy and just gets me mad.

I have to go back to the basic and original reason that the name of my blog is "In God We Trust" and my blogger name is "Lily".

My blog journey began because I needed an outlet for my frustrations. My peace only comes from the fact that I know God is sovereign and while everything looks out of control, He really has it all in the palm of His hand. Therefore, I can trust in God that He has this nation and world in His hands and has His perfect divine plan for it - and even He promises in His word will have its difficulty and strife. And He is trustworthy to follow through on His promises.

My blog name, Lily, comes from the passages in Matthew 6: 25-34

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Therefore, the tone of my blog will change, but I think I'll be back more often.....because it's not that I don't still have things on my mind! So my blog name is based on verse 28 and my new attitude and approach will come from verse 33.

WHAT UP IS DOWN

Back again. It's been awhile. I'm trying to not get so mad. Things are messed up right now. I'm preferring to choose hope rather than despair.

The Tea Party movement is having a positive impact, despite the left's multiple and hateful attempts to disparage it.

We've seen the accusations of racism and other ugly name calling.
The title of my blog entry, "What's up is Down", refers to the absolute opposite way the left and right views the world. In a blog entry written in response to an article in the New York Review of Books this article, Mark Lilla is quoted on how he tries to define the Tea Partiers one more time.

Many Americans, a vocal and varied segment of the public at large, have now convinced themselves that educated elites—politicians, bureaucrats, reporters, but also doctors, scientists, even schoolteachers—are controlling our lives. And they want them to stop. They say they are tired of being told what counts as news or what they should think about global warming; tired of being told what their children should be taught, how much of their paychecks they get to keep, whether to insure themselves, which medicines they can have, where they can build their homes, which guns they can buy, when they have to wear seatbelts and helmets, whether they can talk on the phone while driving, which foods they can eat, how much soda they can drink…the list is long.

I'm reading that and thinking, okay, where's the problem? The blogger sites another quote from Lilla that summarizes his rant,

A new strain of populism is metastasizing [Note the Cancer reference] before our eyes, nourished by the same libertarian impulses that have unsettled American society for half a century now. [SNIP] Welcome to the politics of the libertarian mob.

Left/Right, Up/Down - any stark opposite analogy will do. There is just an absolutely complete disconnect in what is moral and immoral; good and bad; appropriate powers of government and abuse of power of government. There is no agreeing because the base line of correctness is just different. Facts can be agreed upon, but the facts don't bother at least a third of the population (which turns out to largely be the population in control right now). Definitions like socialist and racist are not consistent in the left and right. I believe that many on the left believes their lies. There may be some on the very top who are part of a conspiracy and grab for power, but in the end, the world view is just not the same. Different lessons are learned by different people by the same circumstances.

Back to why the disconnect is a good thing. In the quotes referenced above, Lilla is displaying his ignorance of what is important to the American people. They are showing their true colors, despite themselves. Their definition of the Tea Party is getting closer - but they still think it's crazy.

Despite their attempts to disparage the Tea Party movement, its powerful political effects are becoming a reality as some recent elections and polls of future elections show. I'm going to believe that in the end, good triumphs over evil. Truth triumphs over lies.