learning

We're still working on settling into a nice fall "school" routine.  

I can't say that everyone made it to 6:45am family scripture study every day this week.  Nor that we all practiced our instruments during our assigned half-hour time slot every morning.  Nor that I woke up early to exercise, as planned, before awaking the masses every day.  

But there was learning.

And that's my metric.

We're finishing up/reviewing last year's study of Ancient History and Old Testament as a family.  We're doing daily reading, writing, and arithmetic lessons.  We're making things...with paint, yarn, and fabric.  We're doing projects (yes, still in that basement, trying to make it functional and beautiful!).  We're working together.  And we're reading.  Lots.

Both big boys kicked off the school year last month with an online Study Skills Seminar through Williamsburg Academy (an online private high school which Taylor is attending this fall).  They studied speed-reading, book/essay annotation, note-taking, etc.  I loved that they read and discussed these two essays.  Just the titles inspire me to want to read and study more.  Especially Invitation to the Pain of Learning.  I'm so glad my boys know that scholarly learning should be painful and that it takes work.  Thinking hard can hurt!   

One son is studying Civil War History.  He and I are reading Uncle Tom's Cabin.  Such a powerful book.  It's my second time through it, and I've shed even more tears this time.  Oh how I love that kind, generous, strong Uncle Tom.  And dear little angelic Evangeline.  And that brave mother, Eliza, with her smart and noble George.  I love what they teach me about gratitude and goodness; about faith and freedom.  How they lift my thoughts to a higher plane.  How they strengthen my convictions.  Fictional as they are, they are my heroes...as are all the real men and women who suffered gravely at the hands of unmerciful masters, under unmerciful laws, through the woes of slavery or other earthly oppression, while trusting in God for a greater life hereafter.

Another son is studying The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and creating power point slides with his "epiphanies."  He gave the whole family a presentation for our Family Home Evening this week, and I was bubbling over as he described paradigm shifts, and used our family relationships as examples.  He is also reading a book called Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln for a Public Speaking class.  And he just finished As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, and has started The Count of Monte Cristo again.  

The youngest boy is exploring his way through his brothers' fantasy collection, one first chapter at a time.  Maybe he'll dive in and finish one of them soon!!  But probably not until the weather turns too cold to stay outside with the animals all day...

The little girls are sounding out words like champs, and the oldest daughter is reading through the Narnia Series on her own, and has a running list of all of the books she wants to read this school year.  

Learning is happening.  And after years of worry and wondering, I'm learning to see it.  It doesn't always manifest itself in test scores or homework assignments.  Or even in completed written work.  But it shows.  I see it in art projects and drawings.  I hear it in conversations and vocabulary.  It shows in character and attitudes and behavior.  I find it in the back seat of the car, as a son and a friend trade opinions on why the founding fathers didn't put an end to slavery if they were such great leaders.  I find it in the basement, as the laptop shows three boys conferencing on Skype, practicing debates on a variety of subjects from guns to ipods.  Or when I hear a son delivering a speech to his online classmates and mentor, who listen and give feedback from Alaska and California and Maine.  I see it in wee hours of the morning, when the oldest has awoken (on his own), showered (without being begged asked), and is reading the scriptures, all ready for early morning Seminary at a local charter school.  And when I see him studying long hours each day, trying to finish assignments and preparing for classes.  

Learning.  It's part of our family culture.  It's something we love.  And live.  I'm seeing it take form in our children.  And I hope its great fire blazes inside of each of their souls, so as to be forever unquenchable.

dishwashers, snow, and happy things

Santa Claus here was supposed to be washing dishes.

Our dishwasher is busted.  Again.  Might be time to replace it...

In the mean time, I have 6 little dishwashers who are happy to wash by hand.  

And face...  

Other things making me happy during an April weekend full of slushy, dreary, muddy snow:

1) Hot chocolate and a fire in the woodstove.

2) Sewing in my new room.  Love!
Oh, and knowing you love it too!  Thanks for all the sweet comments and emails, everyone.
That cute and talented Liz at say yes! to hoboken included my studio in her weekend roundup...thanks, Liz!  (I've had a secret crush on her striped skirt ever since I laid eyes on it.  I want to make one.  Isn't it perfect?)  A warm hello! to all her readers.  So glad you stopped by!

3) These.

4) Hearing my three-year-old brush off and spout out the rusty old phrase: Mom, you're amazin'!--long shelved and likely forgotten by its previous owners, who have entered the realm of teenager.

5) Watching this excellent film again for history.  (On sale here.)  So well done...a must see.  And this too.  Both brought me to tears...multiple times.  I love America, and the people who have fought to make it great!  (we need a James Madison today...)

6) Watching this with my girls.  Twice.  Love the music.  And the scenery.  And the wardrobes.  And the story.  And the message.

7) This Russian novel.  Spent the entire morning Saturday with my nose in it, while waiting for piles of laundry to fold themselves...which, of course, never happened.  But the dear Mr. came to the rescue and folded a few loads.  Like Vronsky, he knows how to get the girl.  Love that man.  (My man, that is--not Vronsky.  Dashing fellow, but he should've stuck with Kitty.  She wasn't his first choice, but at least she wasn't already married!)

8) Re-reading two of my favorite speeches, and the way they inspired me while working on my presentation for BYU Women's Conference.  Which is coming along.  (biting fingernails...)  I've been digging through these three books as well.  Great information about real food.  And studying this, of course.

10) My two oldest rocking another Speech and Debate Tournament.  Romney placed second in Student Congress, and Taylor placed third in Spar.  After having watched two tournaments, I am in awe.  I would wet my pants having to speak impromptu and debate and opponent in front of judges.  And they seem to thrive under the pressure.  Seriously amazing.  Makes a mama proud.  (sniff, sniff)

11) Cafe Rio with great friends.  (Note: despite my numbering, this list is not in any particular order, friends.  I love you just as much as Anna Karenina.  And that handsome devil, Vronsky.  Promise.)

12) Going to a wedding reception.  Is it just me, or do you sometimes envy a new bride?  So young and fresh and in love...full of dreams and hope?  I get nostalgic for that phase of life, and almost want to go back in time (perhaps these romantic novels and movies are getting to me...), and then I think of birthing six kids all over again, and I snap right back into the present.  And feel so satisfied and content.  I am truly blessed.  And I didn't even know back then how great he'd be at folding laundry...


 How was your weekend?

(this week's) America part II: right for what end?

Yesterday, I wrote about President Obama basing much of what he has promoted and passed during his administration on his thinking that it is "the right thing to do" even when it is not "popular."  Here is more on what I meant by that.  (Just in case you were wondering.  And if not, ignore this long post!)

I believe that truth is absolute, but that right and wrong are relative and subjective, depending on the situation and one's perspective. 

Consider this definition of the word right in Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:  “In things indifferent, or which are regulated by no positive law, that is right which is best suited to the character, occasion or purpose, or which is fitted to produce some good effect…Right is a relative term; what may be right for one end, may be wrong for another.”

When a government or president presumes to decide what is "right" for the American people, and is allowed or enabled to implement it's view without approval of the majority of the citizens, it moves the nation away from the republic it was meant to be.  Unchecked, a belief that right is absolute can lead to tyranny.  A corrupt government (one who reeks of dishonesty and uses bribes to pass bills, etc.) will not base ideas of right and wrong on truth or good principles.  Not to mention that if a corrupt administration's "end," or the America it wants in the future, differs from what the majority of citizens want America to be, it's actions could never be right for the American people.  Stalin and Hitler also believed they were "doing the right thing," didn't they? (I'm not professing that we have the same situation here, but merely giving an example of the way "right" is NOT absolute and how believing so, unchecked, can lead to tyranny.)

In this great republic, our founders have established the end for us.  With their virtue, goodness, sacrifice, and education, they put their lives on the line for what they knew could be the greatest nation in the history of mankind.  Benjamin Franklin warned that our government would be "a republic...if you can keep it."  The founders had a keen vision of what America could become, yet they knew that the decisions made along the way would in the end determine how it prospered.  So, in their wisdom, they trusted in the virtue of the people, rather than a king or a president to make these decisions.

As citizens of America, if we still want to preserve the great nation our founders wanted us to have, we must maintain the freedom for the people to decide what is right to that end. And this freedom is outlined in, and should be protected by, natural law and the truths in the Constitution. It is my belief that according to historical events and the true principles written into the Constitution, government should be divided, balanced, and limited...so that what is "popular," (defined: suitable to the majority, commonly liked or approved, etc. according to Webster) should very well influence the decisions of the public servants whom we elect.  When it does not, our freedom is in serious danger.

Forgive my philosophical rant.  I felt like backing up my yesterday’s emotion-driven language with some of the reasoning behind the thoughts that spawned it.  There you have it.

America

In a Fox News interview last Wednesday, President Obama said that he knew that much of what he would be promoting and passing during his time in office would not be popular, but that he knew it was "the right thing to do" to make these tough choices and pass such measures as "fixing the economy" and the Recovery Act.

Not popular?  What?  Isn't this a republic?

Since when does one man, or a handful of people at the White House, determine what the "right thing" is for the people of America?  If a bill isn't popular, or in other words, if the majority of Americans do not agree with it, it should not pass.  Period.  If elected officials, who should be in our service, stood on principle, they would make decisions based on what the people wanted, not on what this administration has in mind for America.  If there was virtue and integrity in the White House, this completely partisan, unconstitutional health bill would not have passed.  

Yes, this week will go down in history.  But in my opinion, it will be marked as an official beginning to the massive government takeover of the United States of America.  We have surrendered our sovereignty to a progressive administration with an agenda much bigger than healthcare.  We are looking at a new socialistic era in American history.

Paul Ryan spoke so beautifully the feelings I have (while there was still the slightest chance of swaying a Bluedog).  Listen to this:

That said, we mustn't lose hope.  We must keep fighting for freedom.  Let's do our part, however small it may seem, to maintain the republic we all love...somehow.  Study the principles of good government.  Know them.  Share them.  Speak out.  

I'm off to a caucus meeting now!

The Proper Role of Government

I was attacked last weekend by a nasty sinus and throat virus. Too dizzy to stand, and with eyes and head too achy to sleep or read, I spent many hours, over the course of three looooong days, THINKING. AND THINKING.

So this week's posts are a result of a little too much time thinking. So please bear with me for one more heavy-topic-matter post.
But never fear, I'm feeling much better, and almost back to myself!




Now...this one's about the PROPER ROLE OF GOVERNMENT (and I know, it's long...I can't help myself...). Please consider with me what you think the role of government should be, versus what form it has taken in our country today.




When we know the proper role of government, as laid out in America's founding documents, we can easily discern when a bill or policy, or even an entire presidential agenda, will lead to the limitation or usurpation of our God-given inalienable rights.




It's written clearly in the Declaration of Independence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unailienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

Frederic Bastiat (the 19th century political economist. I have read some of his essays and he is an amazing thinker.) stated:

"If every person has the right to defend--even by force--his person, his liberty, and his property, then it follows that a group of men have the right to organize and support a common force to protect these rights constantly. Thus the principle of collective right--its reason for existing, its lawfulness--is based on individual right."

From this line of thought, we see that government is based on individual right.  In essence, we give consent to a common body (the government) to help us protect our life, our liberty, and our property.  But we cannot give to this body rights or powers that we ourselves do not have. That would betray the purpose and legality of collective right.  Make sense?

Ezra Taft Benson was an amazing man who served as Secretary of Agriculture for eight years, and later was called as an Apostle and then Prophet of God, and President of the LDS Church. I've been reading his book, "God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties," given to me by a friend (published in 1974). I think it will be a new standard for our family...it's that good. In it, President Benson outlines his view of the role of government. And it's powerful.

About Bastiat's collective right based on individual right principle, President Benson wrote:
"The important thing to keep in mind is that the people who have created their government can give to that government only such powers as they themselves have in the first place."

For example, we individually do not have the right to steal from our neighbor and give his goods (even if he has a surplus) to another neighbor in need of those goods.  Therefore, the government should not take from us and give our property to other citizens.  "Once government steps over this clear line between the protective or negative role into the aggressive role of redistributing the wealth and providing so-called benefits for some of its citizens, it then becomes a means for what he (Bastiat) accurately described as legalized plunder.  It becomes a lever of unlimited power. . ." stated President Benson.

He answers the ever-echoing concern:

"What about the lame, the sick, and the destitute?" is an often-voiced question.  Most other countries in the world have attempted to use the power of government to meet this need.  Yet, in every case, the improvement has been marginal at best and has resulted, in the long run, in creating more misery, more poverty, and certainly less freedom than when government first stepped in.

By comparison, America traditionally has followed Jefferson's advice of relying on individual action and charity.  The result is that the United States has fewer cases of genuine hardship per capita than any other country in the entire world or throughout all history.  Even during the depression of the 1930s, Americans ate and lived better than most people in other countries do today.

 In reply to the argument that just a little bit of socialism is good so long as it doesn't go too far, it is tempting to say that, in like fashion, just a little bit of theft or a little bit of cancer is all right too!  History proves that the growth of the welfare state is difficult to check before it comes to its full flower of dictatorship.  But let us hope that this time around, the trend can be reversed.  If not, then we will see the inevitability of complete socialism, probably within our lifetime." (pp.296-7)

 President Benson addresses socialism and communism further (pp. 352-3):

"When socialism is understood, we will realize that many of the programs advocated, and some of those already adopted in the United States, fall clearly within the category of socialism.  What is socialism?  It is simply governmental ownership and management of the essential means for the production and distribution of goods.  

The socialistic-communistic conspiracy to weaken the United States involves attacks on many fronts. . . .Their press and other propaganda media are therefore constantly selling the principles of centralized or federal control of farms, railroads, electric power, schools, steel, maritime shipping, and many other aspects of the economy--but always in the name of public welfare.

This carries out the strategy laid down by the communist masters.

The paramount issue today is liberty against creeping socialism.  It is in this spirit that President McKay stated:

"Communism is antagonistic to the American way of life.  Its avowed purpose is to destroy belief in God and free enterprise. . . . The fostering of full economic freedom lies at the base of our liberties.  Only in perpetuating economic freedom can our social, political, and religious liberties be preserved." (Treasures of Life, pp. 501-502; Gospel Ideals, p. 433.)

 Again President McKay warned, citing the words of W.C. Mullendore, president of Southern California Edison Company:

"During the first half of the twentieth century we have traveled far into the soul-destroying land of socialism and made strange alliances through which we have become involved in almost continuous hot and cold wars over the whole of the earth.  In this retreat from freedom the voices of protesting citizens have been drowned by raucous shouts of intolerance and abuse from those who let the retreat and their millions of gullible youth, who are marching merrily to their doom, carrying bannera on which are emblazoned such intriguing and misapplied labels as social justice, equality, reform, patriotism, social welfare. . . ." (Gospel Ideals, p. 273.)

Sound familiar?

It turns out that this new anti-socialist movement promoting small government, individual freedoms, and constitutional rights is NOT just a radical idea spawned by talk-show hosts and right-wing crazies.

It is built on sound principles of freedom.

It is backed by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. 

And (as you've now read) 

it has been preached by 

LATTER-DAY PROPHETS,

speaking out against federalized control of America.
Against the welfare state.
Against socialism, the road to communism.  

Against dictatorship.

I have felt an urgency to share my feelings on this matter.  As I've demonstrated, each step we take toward socialism is a step away from freedom...and vice versa.  I hope those who read this will stand behind the great men I've quoted, and do their part to try and curtail the socialism that has crept over our nation.  

We can start by keeping the healthcare bill from passing. Tell everyone you know to call their Congressmen. We cannot afford to go down this dangerous road. We must put a stop to it.

Please take a few minutes to listen to the audio below. It will be well worth your time. It sums up what I've said here.

At the end, President Benson addresses nationalized health care as indeed socialized medicine, and a danger to our country.  Have a listen:

Let Freedom Ring

Over this Patriot's Day weekend, I pondered the tragic events of 9/11, and how our nation reacted to the crisis by coming together to aid and pray for those in need.  Remember the feeling then?  The humility, the vulnerability, the faith, the unity?  It truly was America at it's finest.

We spent part of Saturday afternoon watching the Fox News coverage of the 9/12 March on Washington.  AMAZING!!!

The statistics are a bit sketchy on how many people flooded the streets of DC, but just look at this!  Regular people, sacrificing time and means, to gather together in protest of big government, and in defense of FREEDOM.

(photo courtesy www.glennbeck.com)

And these are good people, mind you.  It was reported (only on Fox News, of course, as much of the rest of mainstream media missed this whole story, like they do any that opposes the current administration...) that the police had NO problems, NO arrests.  Peaceful Civil Activism.  It's what America is all about.

We the people are supposed to be in charge, not deaf ears in the White House.

While we are on the subject, (and at the risk of making this the longest post in history...and possibly offending someone), what has happened to our country?  How on earth have the American people been so blinded and/or become so corrupt?  The agenda of this left-wing radical administration is becoming more and more clear as time marches on.  

They are leading us toward socialism.  And throughout history, socialism has only lead to godless, broken societies.  Is that what we want?  

Hard-working citizens and small businesses are being punished with fees and taxes, and capitalism is being squashed out of existence.

Government regulation is rampant, and our freedom is slipping away.      

Our national debt is spinning out of control.  Yet Washington continues to borrow (and print) money to "stimulate" the economy.  Have they no knowledge of the principles of good economy?



The free market system works.  Let the big companies fail, instead of turning them into additional branches of government.  Then wait for new, better ideas to emerge and sell themselves.  It's called ingenuity.  It's a trademark of American culture.  And it, too, will be extinct if we stay on the road to socialism, with bail-outs at every turn.         

As Obama himself has said, he is going to "fundamentally change America."  If the health care bill passes, America will not be the republic we know and love anymore.  We will be at the mercy of this administration.  Look at the mess that is socialized medicine in Canada and Europe.  It will not work.  When has big government intervention ever improved the quality of anything?  (Have you been to the post office or DMV lately?)  It won't better our society, it will kill it with bureaucracy. With federal intervention on every level of any treatment.  Have you seen this?  Less freedom for people to make their own choices regarding their health.  Not to mention it's enormous price tag, which inevitably will involve yet more taxation without representation.  

There are better ways to improve healthcare (not even considered by Obama...although I thought I heard him say in his recent speech to Congress that he's open to ideas...hmm.).  Tort reform is a necessary step, and then perhaps the opening of state borders so that private insurance companies can compete for lower prices.  Again, let the free markets regulate themselves through supply and demand. Trust the people.

And to spare your sore reading-eyes, I won't even start on the corruption plaguing Washington and almost every federal government run or funded entity in the country...research that for yourself.  It's there, and it's nasty.  I hope you've seen these recently aired ACORN tapes. Almost too offensive to watch, but not to miss.

Don't forget that ACORN is funded largely by our tax dollars and has deep ties with Obama, not to mention SEIU, who helped write the health care bill! Unbelievable!

And let's not forget about cap and trade, radical czars advising the president, tax-cheats in charge of America's money...



And all that's just the beginning...



****************************

So why this passionate post?

1.  I finished reading Orwell's 1984 last night.  It's flat-out scary what can happen when Government takes over.

2.  We recently saw the excellent movie Valkyrie.  Yikes.

3.  An almost nightly dose of The Ti-Voed Glenn Beck Show.  That guy's on fire.  And I believe he knows his stuff.

So here's what it boils down to for me.  I'm not saying you have to agree.  And feel free to comment even if you do not.  This is how I feel:

I love America.  

I love freedom.  

I feel infinitely blessed to have been born in such a wonderful land.

And I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and reverence

for a loving God of Heaven who inspired good and honest men to draft sacred founding documents of faith and freedom,

and for those men, who were

humble enough to be led by Providence

wise enough to study, research, recognize, and compile universal principles of freedom and good government

selfless enough to pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor...

in order to found the greatest nation on earth. 

Yes, that's what we are.  

The greatest nation on earth.  America.  

Land of the free.  

Home of the Brave.

We need men and women like the founders today, defending the constitution with virtue and zeal.  People with spines.  

Be one!

How?

• Study the Constitution.  Read the words of the founders about what America should be.  
• Get informed on current events.  
• Research for yourself.  Don't believe everything the mainstream media calls truth.   
• Then "question with boldness" (quoted from Thomas Jefferson and Glenn Beck).  And teach your children to do so as well. 
• Voice your opinion.  Call your congressmen and state representatives.  Flood their lines!  
• And then pray.  Pray like you've never prayed before.  Our freedom is at stake here.  This is important.  And we need God's help.

Now, off my soapbox I go.  How do you feel about freedom?   

Knights of Freedom Summit

This past weekend, my three boys attended the annual Knights of Freedom Summit.  What an amazing event, put on by the American Youth Leadership Institute, which is staffed solely by volunteers who love these boys and want them to learn principles of honor, character, duty, and truth.  These leaders put in hundreds of hours planning, organizing, making costumes and swords and shields, and working, working, working...and I'm so thankful for all of their efforts. 

(The following photos of the event were taken by the amazing Tamra from Modern Expressions Photography...thanks, Tamra for capturing the essence of this grand experience!)

Summit is what we call a "simulation," defined like this (from the George Wythe University website):  

"Simulations are academic exercises where students practice real-life leadership. During a statesman’s life, high-stakes situations arise where demands are great and leadership is essential. These are the moments of crisis, decision and change. They are the forks in the road that matter; and they almost always happen at unexpected, inconvenient and stressful times. It is critical that statesmen are prepared to deal effectively with these crises.

Simulations put students in fictional scenarios where catastrophe is near, tension is present and leadership is required. These experiences provide an opportunity to navigate challenges, and to learn from successes and failures. Since the simulation is fictional, the failures are not disastrous; in fact, they become profitable learning experiences. This is a chance for students to test their courage, wisdom and leadership in very real ways, seeing how they need to improve for their next encounter with real-life decisions." 

The boys take this event seriously, and I have seen it really mold their character in amazing ways.

Over the course of two full days, this is what they did:

1. Use teamwork
2. Learn the knightly virtues
3. Earn your weapon
4. Complete a quest
5. Prove yourself in battle

After two days of training and a medieval tournament, here they are with their weapons, ready and willing to fight the dastardly villains and win back their beloved Queen, who has been taken by the enemy.

They fought courageously on a dusty, hot battlefield.  And they were victorious.  

Huzzah, brave knights!  

We didn't stick around for the Royal Feast...but the cooks went all out!

I'm so proud of you, Sir Taylor, Sir Romney, and Sir Sam.  You are knights in the truest sense.  I have seen you try hard to live up to what you learn at Summit all year round, and you are becoming the statesmen you desire to be.  

Thank you for being my knights in shining armor!

While the boys were away, the girls and I did some fun crafting:

**we made fabric-covered button earrings (thanks, Angie for the great idea!):

**and sewed up some new matching outfits:

Good times!

Stand Strong

Yesterday we spent the day on the set of Stand Strong, a movie being produced by our good friends, the Kenneys. It is a Christian movie with the intent "of glorifying God and leading people to Christ.  This goal is realized through the creation and production of feature length films that not only entertain, but provide a model of truth applied, that educate, inspire, and unite Christians of all faiths in protecting the family."  (quoted from Stand Strong website). The Kenneys have felt strongly about sharing this message, and realize that film is a powerful way to do this.  So with much hard work and sacrifice, they have taken this on as an amazing family project.
It was a singular experience for us to be there yesterday. Not because we were invited to be in one of the movie scenes as "extras," and not because we cooked and brought lunch for the 40 cast and crew members.
But because we saw with our own eyes what it means to be a statesman.
When I moved to Utah, I met a woman who seemed to be involved in every good thing I encountered. And over the past year, I have watched her form and lead volunteer organizations in our community. I have attended many fabulous meetings and events she has planned and put on. I have read some of her articles and essays about freedom, education, and virtue. I have spent time in her home, where she homeschools her 8 children, and witnessed in her family a love and unity that is rare and priceless. And I've been privileged to sit with her and learn from her on many occasions. She has become a good friend and mentor to me.
Her name is Amy. And I've rarely met a person with so much conviction, drive, and courage. I share her with you here, because I believe we can all learn a few things from a person like her:
1. Educate yourself. We must educate ourselves in order to be prepared to step up to the plate when we are called to fulfill our life's mission. We may not yet know what our individual mission is, but I believe we all have one (or more). Amy is one of the most well-read people I know. She has worked hard to study out of the great books and glean from them principles which govern her life. She knows the scriptures, and often quotes them in answer to issues or questions brought up in everyday conversation with her family and friends. She influences others because of her knowledge and wisdom.
2. Learn to hear God's voice. Amy spends time pondering scriptures and in prayer. She has learned how to know God's will for her. And has a burning desire to do what he asks.
3. Be courageous. Stand up and have an impact. Share what you believe. Do what God asks you to do. Amy has done this, even when sacrifices were required, and I have seen the powerful impact for good she is having on those around her.
I want to live these principles like Amy does.  And wouldn't the world be a better place if we all could do so?
As I watched part of the shooting yesterday (an amazing educational experience in itself), I heard Amy, as director, shout, "Action!" and felt as though she wasn't just speaking to the crew. Through this film, she is calling the world to action.
Because that's what statesmen do.

***I had a great time taking photos on set for Amy with her camera, but forgot to take some with my own...so in lieu of a post photo, I'll describe a few scenes from yesterday that I didn't capture:

• A baby napping on the sofa, under the large film equipment, right during the shooting.
• A toddler sleeping on the darling porch of the playhouse in the yard, sacked out from all the action.
• Older children caring for younger children while Mom and Dad worked.
• Volunteers of all faiths, talking about the series of miracles they've seen as this project has come together.
• Cast and crew members working long hours, many of them without compensation, to accomplish something they feel passionate about.

Edit:  Amy posted some photos I took with her camera.  Here are a few:

True Giving

We finished reading (and listening to) the Kit American Girl book series (not without some long discussions about how the author and Mom disagree on political issues, what the New Deal is, and how the progressive movement changed America). So, in conjunction with Kit's idea of serving the needy, for our last Liberty Girls Club meeting yesterday we visited the LDS Church's Humanitarian Aid Center. And we were amazed at what we saw. Really. The Church ot Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is incredible. The programs it organizes and supports are truly inspired of God.



(Draper Liberty Girls Club, winter semester 2009)


After donating the hygiene kits we had previously assembled, we toured the facilities. Two young sister missionaries led us on the tour--one from Hungary, and the other from the Philippines.
As we walked through the various stations, we noticed shiny floors, clean smells, and overall organization. There was a feeling of reverence, even as workers busily sorted through and packed up goods for distribution. We saw thousands and thousands of pounds of compacted, clean clothing, organized by size and form, stacked in huge containers, packages, and flats. We saw crates overflowing with donated toys, shoes, and other items. The walls were lined with beautiful plaques with inspiring quotes and scripture, with large paintings depicting touching scenes of Christ's mortal ministry, in which he showed by example the way to heal, help, and teach the needy and afflicted.
We saw many volunteers and noticed the assortment of refugee workers, some dressed in their home country's traditional attire as they worked. Many of them didn't speak English when they arrived in America. The Church hires them as employees of the Humanitarian Aid Center, trains them to work and use computers, and teaches them English, giving them the valuable skills necessary to independently find jobs and be self-sufficient. What a brilliant way to make a difference in so many lives! We passed a large wall display covered with photos of former employees, who have now moved on to be successful citizens, each marked with the flag of their home country. So many countries were represented on that wall. I wish I could've heard the story behind each face. Amazing.
We learned about the ingenious ways in which the Church gives. The center is set up to collect and distribute--locally and internationally--supplies, resources, and volunteers for initiatives such as emergency response, neonatal resuscitation training, vision treatment training, and wheelchair distribution. Individuals and groups assemble and donate hygiene kits, newborn essentials, school kits, and other necessities. 85% of the clothing, toys and shoes collected at the Deseret Industries dontation locations goes to the Humanitarian Aid Center to be sorted and packed to be sent to those in need.
The program works with many international organizations to help during disasters around the world, and strive to be first on the ground, having their food and supplies arrive to the site within days of a catastrophe. Not only does it send medical supplies and agricultural aid...it sends actual volunteer doctors and farmers to third world countries to teach the people about healthcare and show them how to grow their own food and raise livestock, so that they can then provide for themselves. Read about it here.
Remember the old adage:
"Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime."
The Church gets it. They know how to give. And they work hard to give in the right way, to the right people, at the right time.
At the conclusion of the tour, we viewed a short film, showing some of the people and communities who have received of the Church's aid. I was moved to tears. (Okay, I teared up every five minutes of the entire tour...but especially during the film.) What a blessing to be a part of such an inspired organization. What a blessing to get a glimpse of what life looks like in other places around the world. What a humbling experience to see for a moment the reality of how VERY BLESSED we are as a nation. And to see good people giving of their time and resources. Freely. Unassumingly. Without payment or recognition.
These are the real, unheralded heroes of today. And the heroes of every generation.
And I believe this is the type of giving that has made America great. Not the type that comes in exchange for submission to an ever-growing federal government. Not the type that discourages or discounts self-reliance. It's the small private giving and mentoring that comes through the goodness and virtue of individuals, families, churches and charities.
It's the type of giving that gives back.
It changes the giver, who feels the quiet peace and satisfaction of having sacrificed something to help someone else, and perhaps feels the desire to keep on giving. Or maybe he even feels the desire to become a better person, raise a stronger family, or contribute in some way to the community. Imagine when a whole community or group of citizens basks in this intangible goodness that comes from selfless giving. It could cause such a transformation in the people as to instigate a retention or even a revival of the ever-declining values and ideals of generations past. I believe that such "true giving," through real charity and without force, can transform society.
I believe it has the power to change families and communities...and perhaps even entire nations.
Look what we saw on September 12th. Service. Giving. Love. Sacrifice. For a time, we were a different people.
How to bring about a revolution in this "true giving" that will last? I'm not sure. But maybe it's something to start focusing on.
Maybe if the government could step back a little...ease up on the rampant taxing and spending, and let people choose to give aid to those in need. Let people keep more of what they earn, so that they will have the means to help each other out...because they are friends and neighbors and fellow Americans. They are giving by force in today's welfare state. And it's not working. As we move closer to socialism, not only are people being robbed materially through taxation without representation, they are slowly being robbed of the opportunity and means to be a part of this "true giving." Being robbed of those soul-refining sacrifices, born of charity. And I think the receivers are also being robbed. They're being bought by the government. When they receive, they are expected to comply. There are always strings attached.
But even more than just backing off and giving the people of America more freedom, I believe that this revolution in "giving" needs to start with the leaders of this great country. Because "true giving" is not only about giving material goods to the needy. It's about giving of ourselves for a cause we believe in. It's fighting for what we love. And Americans love America.
I think now is the time for our leaders to stand up for America. And make the necessary sacrifices, as individuals and politicians, to preserve the America we know and love. It's time for them to believe not only in the America of today, but look to its great legacy of freedom in the annuls of history, learning from the heroes of the past and their founding documents. And then get a vision of its future, and do what it takes now to preserve what the founders created, so that our grandchildren can live in the free republic that this country was meant to be.
Public virtue, selfless service, personal sacrifice, and good ol' fashioned integrity are required of real leaders...the ones who have a generational impact on a society. They look to the future and sacrifice what they have to, in order to make things better in the long run. Real change is generational. It isn't short term, and often the results of today's toil and effort are not seen for years...or even decades. Things often get worse before they get better--for everyone involved, from those on Capitol Hill to ordinary citizens. But if the leaders have a vision of the FUTURE...of what they're aiming for long term, and instill this vision into the eyes, minds, and hearts of the people, everyone can work together for good...even during the times when it's hard to give. Don't buy into the philosophy that we are all entitled to have everything we want, and that if we can't get what we want, the government will bail us out so we won't be inconvenienced. The future of our country is at stake here. Keeping our freedom is worth the inconvenience.
Look at the founding fathers and those who fought in the revolutionary war. They gave everything. EVERYTHING. Generally with no expectation of financial reward or power in return for their giving. And so the people gave as well. Because they loved God and they loved the vision they had of a new republic enough to buy it with their blood, sweat and tears. Did they live to see the fruits of their efforts? No. Many did not.
But they had a VISION.
They knew what they were creating. The greatest nation on earth would be born of their consecrated efforts. You see, they understood something that many of us today do not, including many who have taken the modern place of those brave founders as our political leaders. They understood "true giving." The giving that goes on through the generations and transforms a society, preserves virtue, and maintains freedom. And they were willing to pay the price. Are we?
Alexis de Tocqueville said:
"America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."
Giving is not easy. Sometimes it's downright hard. Especially true giving. But it's what makes great men and women, families, communities, and nations. Having something to fight for. And then giving it all for that cause.
Find your something. And never stop giving.

"waste not, want not"...part II

I ranted yesterday about my passion for provident living, and my quest to attain a higher level of self-reliance. It's a lofty pursuit. But I'll tell you today why I think it's a worthy one. (then off my soapbox I'll climb...)


One reason has to do with stewardship. I believe that everything God has given us (spiritually, mentally, temporally, etc.) is ours to care for and use, to bring goodness and happiness to us and to those around us...and to bring us back to Him someday. How I use the talents, knowledge, and everything with which I am blessed will essentially determine who I become. The harder I work to develop and use them for good in this world, the more they will refine me into the person God wants me to be.
Another reason to become self-reliant is to answer the counsel of latter-day prophets, who have taught us for many years the importance of provident living. They have encouraged us to get all the education we can, to grow gardens and store food, and to “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” And this important counsel is revealed truth. In other words, it comes from God.
And a third reason: FREEDOM. If we educate ourselves and learn hands-on skills that contribute to our self-reliance, we can remain free. Think of Gandhi. He used the spinning wheel to liberate India from the tyranny of Great Britain. How? He taught his people to spin wool, with their own hands, in their own cottages, across the country...to make their own clothing...to provide for themselves. And to muster up enough strength in their families and communities to realize that they were not dependent upon Great Britain for survival. The Indians had been indoctrinated with a heavy hand into thinking that Britain was making them more powerful as a nation, by supplying jobs, food and clothing for them. But by using the spinning wheel, India stood up and showed Britain that they could provide for themselves, and become a free people.

"Nothing in the political world is as important as the spinning wheel." -Gandhi

With the long arm of our current federal government reaching far and deep across society for regulation and control,
I believe it's time for Americans to get out the spinning wheel. If we can provide for ourselves, we can remain free.
Self-reliance, my friends. Stewardship. God. Freedom. Something to think about.
So here are a few things our family is doing now, as a meager beginning to our pursuit of provident living (again...we have a long way to go...):
1. I'm working on skills that add to my resourcefulness (which is lacking). The next one on my long list, ready to tackle this spring, is: gardening.

2. I'm trying to support local and small business. (with the disclaimer that I still shop at Costco for now...). I'm researching CSA's (community supported agriculture) in the area, and we're planning on joining one this summer, while we work on our own garden, so we can eat mostly locally grown food. I am indeed thankful for the modern-day convenience of purchasing foods all year round and owning well-manufactured household appliances, automobiles, etc. We live in a truly blessed era of time. However, I feel like many of us have become dependent on these luxuries. I want to learn the skills necessary to live without these conveniences, and practice doing so when I can...because there may come a day when we don't have every comfort that today offers.
3. We store food in case of emergency, and use and rotate the food we store.
4. We try to eat whole foods, cook from scratch, sew what we need, repurpose clothing and household items, and frequently shop at thrift stores and buy handmade items. (I try to do all of this as much as possible...but for some things, I still hit IKEA and Walmart...less often than I used to, but you'll find me there occasionally...and spending too much money to boot. I know...resourcefulness still lacking.)

5. We're adding (slowly, but surely) to our own small backyard family farm. Here is our most recent addition (10 of them, now 4 or 5 days old):



We brought home five different varieties from the farm store. They'll be raised for laying eggs, and possibly for meat, if ever the necessity arises (and over my kids' dead bodies:).




Provident living...to me, the very phrase indicates a trust in Providence. And I think that's what it takes. Hard work and faith.
Our steps toward self-reliance make up a small list...but hopefully it will grow. What do you do to practice provident living?

A good look at a great man

We read this inspiring book aloud over the past week:


and several times (too many to count)
the kids, who listened around me (while sewing, drawing, building with legos, etc.),
prodded, "keep reading, Mom!"
only to look up and find that the long pause was to sniffle back the tears and emotion,
which had to be under control before I could continue reading.
I can't believe I'm 35 years old, and never really knew Francis Scott Key. Sure, I knew his name. And you bet, I knew he wrote our National Anthem. But that was about it. Yep. And embarrassingly enough, I thought the Star Spangled Banner was written during the Revolution!
What a truly noble patriot, this lawyer from Maryland. Written in first person, this book begins with Key's childhood, and tells the story of his life, not omitting his Christian beliefs and his great faith, which influenced every aspect of who he was. He truly allowed the Lord to guide him in all he did. Throughout his life, he studied the Bible, theology, ethics and poetry. He was a man prepared by God to give us the greatest hymn known to America.
"The flag" that "was still there" was seen by Key from the deck of one of many enemy ships in Chesapeake Bay, just after the British had attacked Fort McHenry, during the war of 1812. He had risked his life and gone out into the bay to strike up a truce agreement and retrieve his prisoner friend Dr. Beanes. The British commander had agreed to release Beanes, but Key and his American comrades were not allowed to sail back to shore until the British had launched an attack on the Fort. So Key was forced to watch, powerless, this hostile attack on his own beloved country.
The smoke from cannons was thick. Night had fallen. Key waited until "dawn's early light," when the misty air cleared the smoke enough to see the beautiful American flag still waving above the Fort. Then he knew that the British had surrendered. He was released, and the British ships sailed for home.
He had penned his thoughts throughout the night on an envelope from his pocket. When he reached the shore, he ate, and although sleep deprived, finished his "poem" about his experience. His friends immediately had it printed and circulated, to revive patriotism and bring spirit back to the Americans during this oppressive war. And it did just that. And continues to bring hope and a spirit of patriotism to Americans today.
Well, my friends, I have come to love this dear man, and am anxious to learn more about him.
I will think of him each time I see an American flag.
And I will never hear nor sing our National Anthem again, without remembering the man behind its touching words, and the faith and determination he showed as he dedicated his life to the Lord.