tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525319489876614662024-02-19T11:18:20.275-06:00Christianity Lived OutMy views on how following Christ should encourage us to do good, take a stand against evil, and embody self-sacrificial love. "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.comBlogger661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-67705826161522064422013-03-24T21:44:00.000-05:002013-03-24T21:44:11.104-05:00Worrisome UndercurrentsI was excited to get this book from Bethany House to review. The story was a
wonderful coming-of-age tale. It was fun to get to watch Errol, the town drunk
transform into a hero of the kingdom. I really wanted to give this book more
stars, but the undercurrents are so against what I believe that I could
not.<br /><br />Here is a list of worrisome undercurrents in no particular
order.<br /><br />1. There is a new savior/king for each generation.<br />2. The
boundary that keeps evil from invading the land was purchased with the blood of
a human not Eleison (who represents Jesus in the story).<br />3. Aurae
(representing the Holy Spirt) is unknowable according to the "church" but
certain herbwomen claim to communicate directly with him.<br />4. Errol's
transformation does not come from a relationship with Deas (the God figure in
the story)but through facing his past, getting to know himself, and
self-discipline.<br />5. None of the main characters have a personal relationship
with Deas or Eleison or Aurae. The main focus of the story is on tradition and
ritual.<br />6. There is a yin/yang element to the story in Errol/Liam (a young
man from his village).Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-87594592872334994412012-11-25T12:34:00.000-06:002012-11-25T12:34:31.497-06:00Two Great BooksI received two books from Bethany House. The first one I read was <em>At Every Turn</em> by Anne Mateer. This was a fun book about a young, impetuous young lady named Alyce Benson. In some ways, she reminded me of the apostle Peter. She speaks first and thinks later, but her heart is in the right place. She is willing to take a risk for the kingdom of God. She is unconventional. <br />
<br />
The story is a fairly fast-paced plot that revolves around fundraising for missions and car racing in its infancy. I found both aspects compelling. I empathized with Alyce's desire to raise money to help missionaries on the Gold Coast of Africa. It was also interesting to gain insight into the early race tracks and inner workings of the old-fashioned race cars.<br />
<br />
I give this book 5 stars. <br />
<br />
The second book was <em>Against the Tide </em>by Elizabeth Camden. This book is a more serious work dealing with the opium trade and use in children's medication in the late 1800's. The two main characters, Lydia Pallas and Alexander Banbridge, have both led hard lives. Despite these things, Ms. Camden writes a novel full of hope and overcoming. <br />
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On a side note, Alexander Banbridge's early life is described in the book, <em>The Lady of Bolton Hill</em>, but it is not necessary to read that book to enjoy Against the Tide. (I did not even know the other book existed until after I finished this one.)<br />
<br />
I enjoyed this book because it is a story of tenacity and striving to better the world and oneself. Both characters are willing to do hard things to acheive a better life for themselves and others. I greatly admire this quality. I really felt like I got to know the characters and was better for it.<br />
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There is also a love story interwoven throughout. This aspect was also pleasant while keeping a small level of suspense as to whether it would all work out in the end.<br />
<br />
All told, it was a thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking read. I give it 5 stars as well.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-32537489047924807032012-10-27T10:46:00.001-05:002012-10-27T10:46:21.433-05:00The Refuge by Marvelle ZollarsI received <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Refuge-Marvelle-Zollars/dp/1462401392/">this book</a> as a gift from Mrs. Zollars for helping her in a painting class she teaches. When she gave it to me, I inwardly cringed. What if I didn't like it? I didn't want to hurt her feelings. I decided to read on chapter and see how it went. As it turns out, I was hooked from the beginning. <br />
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The first thing I loved about this book is the great mix of characters and how the story shows God weaving them together to save the lives of babies at risk of abortion. The characters range from a business executive to a has been musician to a rebellious socialite to a Native American journalist. The way they are intertwined seems entirely natural and is wonderfully inspiring. <br />
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The second thing that I really enjoyed was the way Mrs. Zollars tackled the tricky issues like mother's who risk their lives so that their babies can be born and babies born from rape instead of love. She also looks at homelessness, abused women, and other difficult issues in a realistic and loving way. <br />
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This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Refuge-Marvelle-Zollars/dp/1462401392/">glorious story is Mrs. Zollars debut novel</a>. I really hope that she is published again. I recommend this book very highly.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-53851226231847505092012-10-22T12:45:00.002-05:002012-10-22T12:45:59.958-05:00Constitutional Size Box<span lang="">I think few Americans have read the Constitution that our elected officials have sworn to uphold. Those of us that have read it rarely stop and think about what it doesn't say. I attended a lecture about overspending in Texas. The speaker, Joann Fleming, said something along the lines of, "We need to squeeze the government back into a Constitution size box." She was speaking of the Texas State Constitution, but it got me thinking about the U. S. Constitution. So I went through and looked at it again. What if we limited the federal government to a Constitution size box? What would that look like? A shockingly different federal government than we have today. Let's take a look.<br />
<br />
These are the ONLY matters Congress would deal with. EVERYTHING ELSE would be left to the states as per the 10th Amendment.<br />
<br />
National Defense- Congress has the constitutional authority to send Letters of Marque and Reprisal (basically telling foreign intities off), declare war, and punish piracy. Congress has the constitutional authority to maintain an army and a navy. (2011 proposed budget- $738 billion, veterans $112 billion)<br />
<br />
Immigration- Congress has the authority to pass laws about who can come into this country from other countries and how aliens can become citizens.<br />
<br />
Bankruptcy- Congress has the authority to pass bankruptcy laws for citizens and businesses.<br />
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Post offices and roads- Congress has the authority to make sure the mail can get from one place to another throughout the country. (Transportaion in 2011 proposed budget $88 billion)<br />
<br />
Patents and copyrights- Congress has the authority to pass laws protecting the intellectual property of citizens and businesses.<br />
<br />
Appoint courts- Congress has the authority to decide where courts will be (but they do not appoint judges).<br />
<br />
Laws for federal areas- Congress has the authority to make laws for federal areas such as DC, forts, arsenals, and dockyards.<br />
<br />
National currency- Congress has the constitutional authority to mint coins for use within the United States.<br />
<br />
In order to fulfill these obligations, Congress may lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises. They may also borrow money. (Net interest in 2011 proposed budget- $251 billion)<br />
<br />
If Congress concerned itself with only these things, it would shrink our national budget buy about two thirds (or two trillion dollars).</span>Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-21177920892313479612012-08-12T12:44:00.001-05:002012-08-12T12:44:24.849-05:00This book hit the spot!I recently read <em>Almost Amish</em> by Kathryn Cushman. I enjoyed this book so much because it dealt with an issue that I find challenging in a charming, non-preachy manner. The heart of the book is about striving for excellence while not getting caught up having to do it all. It is about using the gifts God gives us and being OK with saying no to other activities. This book is about focusing your life on what God wants from you instead of focusing on what the PTA or the soccer club or the church benevolence committee wants from you. <br />
<br />
Not only are the lessons worth learning, but the story is engaging. The setting is a reality TV show called <em>Almost Amish</em>. Two sisters-in-law with very different goals and views spend the summer with their kids living a "simple" life in a country house amongst Amish neighbors. The interactions between the women, kids, and TV show staff are really well done. The author does a great job of helping you see all the points of view and leading you toward godly thought on some of these tough issues.<br />
<br />
I really hope that you will give this book a shot! It may just change your family for the better. <br />
<br />
Many thanks to the folks at Bethany House for giving me a copy of this book to review.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-54816570389063843882012-07-12T20:04:00.000-05:002012-07-12T20:05:07.681-05:00A Mystery with a Romantic TwistI had a great time reading <i>Love in Disguise</i> by Carol Cox. It is more a mystery book than a romance novel, but that made it a breath of fresh air in many ways. The main character, Ellie, is a Pinkerton detective that must use disguises in order to be able to glean the information she needs to find out who has been stealing the silver from the miners in Pickford, AZ. The mystery is interesting and fairly exciting, but the thing I like most is Ellie herself. She is resourceful, spunky, and comes to realize that she has a lot to offer the world as just plain Ellie. <br />
<br />
The romantic twist to the book is fun too. I would enjoy reading a second book about Ellie and Steven (one of the miners). <br />
<br />
So thanks Bethany House for giving me this book to review. I really enjoyed it!Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-34843571818989633732012-05-31T14:13:00.001-05:002012-05-31T14:13:36.825-05:00Can we really withstand any more "Hope and Change"?<a href="http://youtu.be/5MoWJnvYFDg">http://youtu.be/5MoWJnvYFDg</a><br />
<br />
How's that hope and change working out for you? The Fox video above gives straight statistics about how it is not working for most Americans. Yet I fear that the promise of more hope and change will people to vote for President Obama again.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-21671852445281740992012-05-30T11:44:00.002-05:002012-05-30T11:44:52.395-05:00The Duties of Church LeadersGary DeMar wrote a three volume set called <u>God and Government</u>. I am reading through the first one now. In the second chapter, I found the most clearly articulated summary of what elders' duties are. This a paraphrase from p. 41.<br />
<br />
Elders are to <br />
1. Guide the church away from sinful behavior.<br />
2. Guide the church to doctrinal purity.<br />
3. Guide people to repentance.<br />
4. Expel those unwilling to repent.<br />
5. Restore those who are truly repentant.<br />
6. Settle disputes among believers.<br />
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I would love to hear opinions on this list and whether you think that your elders, bishops, pastors, shepherds (or whatever you call them) spend most of their time doing these things.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-17521868459201293262012-05-17T10:46:00.000-05:002012-05-17T10:46:11.122-05:00Prize of My Heart<br />
<em>Prize of My Heart</em> is a great read by Lisa Norato. I enjoyed this story for three reasons. It wasn't as predictable as many Christian historical romance novels are; there were plot turns that surprised me. The setting (1815 near Boston) was not as familiar to me as the more typical frontier setting. I enjoyed learning about the American privateer an aspect of history I'd not thought much about. The last thing I enjoyed were the life lessons shown through the characters: God can use any evil in your life to bring about good, God is always with you, and family is connected by love not blood. I encourage others to give this book a try. I do not think you will be disappointed. I am grateful to Bethany House for letting me review this book.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-170201598210352392012-05-04T13:17:00.001-05:002012-05-04T13:17:25.733-05:00The Fools Who Follow Him<a href="http://godfatherpolitics.com/5038/all-anybody-needs-to-knbow-to-understand-politics/">Godfather Politics has a great article</a> about wealth "redistribution". The ending quote translated from a Czech paper is the kicker.<br />
<br />
“The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of
entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to
limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the
necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate
willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much
deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of
what ails America. Blaming the prince of fools should not blind anyone
to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The
Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool.
It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools, such as those who
made him their President.” — Translated from Czech Republic Newspaper <em>Prager Zeitung</em> (April 28, 2010.)<br />
<br />
The lack of common sense and good judgement found in the people of this nation is due in large part to the failure of the church to educate and train people in cultural issues such as government, law, and economics. My own church, for example, refuses to take a stand on any cultural issue that is controversial. Now, mind you, they don't mind taking stands on theological issues that are (at least in our denomination) controversial. But cultural issues. . . well that's another story. Those might make us seem divisive or legalistic or something else unpleasant. And so of the 2-3,000 voting age people at our church, I am sure that hundreds if not a thousand of them voted for Pres. Obama. In general the church has no concept of the different authorities God has given the various governments (self, family, church, civil). For example, they will site that we are to take care of the poor. But this is a function of the family first (the poor within your family), then the church, then the community, and not the civil government. Many Christians have the skewed view that if its a good idea (marriage counseling, healthy food, saving money for retirement) that the civil government should do it. But this leads to a massive, corrupt, godless government. And then the church moans, "If only the government would do something!"<br />
<br />
So I applaud <i>Prager Zeitung</i> for their insight and wonder if it is the year they spent under communism that allows them to have this insight and state is so well. And will we have to spend some time under an equally tyrannical regime before we can realize the same and begin the change staring with ourselves (how educated are you on the biblical perspective of law, government, and economics), our families (what are you teaching your kids), and our churches (if you are in a place of influence are you using it to spread the truth).Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-90380710217097269222012-03-30T20:54:00.001-05:002012-03-30T20:58:14.068-05:00Sixty Acres and a BrideI was privelidged to receive a copy of <em><a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=08F2EF07B3D749D79FB811F5FF52B299">Sixty Acres and a Bride</a></em> by Regina Jennings from Bethany House Publishers. The fabric of this story is as finely embroidered as the clothes the main heroine (Rosa) wears. Set in post Civil War south Texas, there enough historical flare to keep the story interesting. You will find the story reminiscent of the Biblical account of Ruth and Naomi, but with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. This book is about love and loss, finding one's place in a new community, sticking with friends and family in need, and trusting in the Lord. I really enjoyed reading it and hope you will give this debut novel a try.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-83216555506299791482012-03-17T10:10:00.000-05:002012-03-17T10:10:03.262-05:00What Grows from Your Heart? makes it to the front page of Etsy!<script src='http://www.craftcult.com/vault_widget.js'></script><script> document.write (window.ccvault_widg.framehtml(28063,4,2,2,1,0,0)); </script><br />
<br />
And I already got a commitment to buy from a lady in Australia, but I had to update the shipping for that country. An exciting way to start a Saturday!Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-64321393510698570382012-02-28T18:35:00.000-06:002012-02-28T18:35:37.046-06:00Something to CelebrateThere is a <a href="http://www.frcaction.org/washingtonupdate/abbott-and-costs-tell-o-no-more-funding">great post from FRC</a> about Texas cutting off the flow of money to Planned Parenthood and how clinics are closing left and right. I think this is in part because prayer in TX has increased against abortion especially via <a href="http://www.40daysforlife.org/">40 Days for Life</a>. Despite the bleakness out there, there are still things to celebrate and praise God for!Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-85238291479354110142012-02-25T15:05:00.001-06:002012-02-25T15:13:34.714-06:00The Captive Heart by Dale CramerI received the book <i>The Captive Heart</i> by Dale Cramer from Bethany House for review. I really enjoyed the first book in this series (The daughters of Caleb Bender) and was super excited to get to review this second book. It is a series based on true events in which an Amish community moves to Mexico (Paradise Valley) so that their children will not be forced to attend an "English" school.<br />
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<i>The Captive Heart </i>picks up right where <i>Paradise Valley </i>leaves off. It is just as well written and gives intriguing insight into the lives of the Amish and the Mexicans living around them. The love stories seem honest and realistic. The story is thrilling at times and the historical facts seem well researched.<br />
<br />
Yet I couldn't love this book as much as the first one. The whole complete pacifist nature of the Amish tradition began to grate on my nerves after a while. I don't fault them for standing up for what they believe. They are a testament of faith even when they are the only ones going in that direction. I just don't see their point of view in the Bible so it is hard for me to read it without getting annoyed. Somehow this was not such a major factor in the first book so I didn't mind so much. And let's face it, self-defending Amish would have been out of place. I think Mr. Cramer did a good job sticking with the Amish values. It is just tiring to me to read.<br />
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In the end, I give the book 4 stars and still look forward to reading the third one.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-14929420143898190912012-01-13T13:03:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:03:47.063-06:00Kuwaiti Prince Publically Converts to Christianity<a href="http://godfatherpolitics.com/3124/a-kuwaiti-prince-publicly-embraces-christ-denounces-islam/">HT to Godfather Politics</a><br />
<br />
One of the Kuwaiti princes has converted to <a href="http://www.mohabatnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3766:member-of-kuwaiti-royal-family-embraces-christ&catid=36:iranian-christians&Itemid=279">Christianity according to Iranian TV</a>. The source is an audio recording of the man saying that he approves of its distribution and knows that he will likely face death but believes that he will then see Jesus. Of course, another Kuwaiti prince denies that the man named is really a prince. I tend to believe the Iranians. Let's all pray for this prince and his bold actions.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-90347553899383571842012-01-11T12:28:00.000-06:002012-01-11T12:28:22.988-06:00Complete Lunacy of the EPAGodfather Politics has an<a href="http://godfatherpolitics.com/3075/epa-fines-companies-for-not-using-nonexistent-fuels/"> interesting article about the EPA</a>. It is worth reading the whole thing. Here is a little quote from it.<br />
<br />
<b>With no real supply of cellulosic biofuel to be had, the fuel companies were unable to comply with the EISA requirements, the Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with their plans to impose fines on the fuel companies for failing to meet the guidelines. And if the fuel companies are unable to get their hands on 8.65 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel this year to meet the requirements, they’ll face even stiffer fines.</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
I suppose the EPA would be glad if "Big Oil" just stopped selling their non-compliant fuel. Of course, those of us that rely on fuel to get to our jobs would be SOL. But the planet would be "safe". (Insert eye roll here.) The whole thing is so ludicrous that I can't even put it into words.</div>Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-25954290682233687702012-01-02T13:50:00.000-06:002012-01-02T13:50:43.041-06:00Help Stop Trafficking from Nepal to IndiaI recently discovered a mother and family (homeschooling with 6 kids) who has taken the grief of losing a little one (Tiggy aged 22 months) and turned it into sharing Jesus with some of the world's most vulnerable. They are raising money to build a home for Nepalese girls (average age 14, but some as young as 6) who are vulnerable to or victims of the Indian sex trade. Please visit their site to learn more about this terrible problem and to help out by praying and/or donating.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.tiggyshouse.com/">http://www.tiggyshouse.com/</a>Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-16173019174218816892011-12-31T13:43:00.000-06:002011-12-31T13:43:02.142-06:00The Moth and the LampI found this quote on the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89453723/moth-to-light-quote-mug">bottom of a mug</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
"The moth bathes in the false glory of the street lamp, and nobody bothers to tell her that she hasn't found God."<br />
<br />
It really reminded me of how important it is to warn people before it is eternally too late and help them turn toward the glory of the father.<br />
<br />
I also made<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTc0MzE2Mzd8MTY2MzYwNDU1Nw/the-moth-and-the-streetlamp"> a collection</a> around it.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-91582511068138076632011-12-29T16:21:00.000-06:002011-12-29T16:21:57.538-06:00Thomas Sowell on CommitteesWhen an organization has more of its decisions made by committees, that gives more influence to those who have more time available to attend committee meetings and to drag out each meeting longer. In other words, it reduces the influence of those who have work to do, and are doing it, while making those who are less productive more influential.<br />
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From his recent <a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2011/12/27/random_thoughts">random thoughts article</a>. There are many more good things in it. Go check it out.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-56178797367900707722011-12-05T07:56:00.003-06:002011-12-05T07:58:42.172-06:00Can't Believe that I Made the Front Page of Etsy Again!<script src="http://www.craftcult.com/vault_widget.js">
</script><script>
document.write (window.ccvault_widg.framehtml(25446,2,2,2,1,0,0));
</script><br />
<br />
Mine is the green and brown one made from an ink blot. You can see it here if you want.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86057508/green-and-brown-t-rex-dinosaur-original">http://www.etsy.com/listing/86057508/green-and-brown-t-rex-dinosaur-original</a>Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-85442651535331481912011-12-01T15:03:00.000-06:002011-12-01T15:03:17.636-06:00Seizing the Center is Why We LoseThomas Sowell gives <a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2011/11/30/lessons_of_history/page/full/">a great history lesson</a> about what happens to candidates that try to move to the center. Over and over they lose. <br />
<br />
Politicians need to have strong beliefs and stick with them unless their minds are changed by evidence and reason (as opposed to political climate or some other nitwittery). We need people with integrity in office not a bunch of losers that are constantly shifting to the center.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-18757338654933343022011-11-30T23:23:00.000-06:002011-11-30T23:23:46.188-06:00Thomas Sowell Talks Sense About Immigration<strong>The purpose of American immigration laws and policies is not to be either humane or inhumane to illegal immigrants. The purpose of immigration laws and policies is to serve the national interest of this country.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>There is no inherent right to come live in the United States, in disregard of whether the American people want you here. Nor does the passage of time confer any such right retroactively.</strong><br />
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You should read the whole thing.<br />
<a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2011/11/29/gingrich_and_immigration">http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2011/11/29/gingrich_and_immigration</a>Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-38634912837763583782011-11-17T23:22:00.001-06:002011-11-17T23:23:37.813-06:00Front Page of EtsyI recently opened <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/francesclements">a little store on Etsy</a>. Today one of my items made the front page. It is the rather freakish green butterfly (about number 6 on the slideshow).<br />
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I was totally amazed and very greatful to God and the person (Devi) that chose my work.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-58879278683651825492011-11-01T22:54:00.000-05:002011-11-01T22:54:13.894-05:00A Parable Worth ReadingThe Wild and Free Pigs of Okefenokee Swamp<br />
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by Steve Washam based on a telling by George Gordon<br />
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As school districts dangle more and more corn in front of homeschoolers in the form of vouchers and charter schools, please remember this parable. After all, government schooling is just educational welfare!<br />
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Some years ago, about 1900, an old trapper from North Dakota hitched up some horses to his Studebaker wagon, packed a few possessions–especially his traps–and drove south. Several weeks later he stopped in a small town just north of the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia.<br />
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It was a Saturday morning–a lazy day–when he walked into the general store. Sitting around the pot-bellied stove were seven or eight of the town's local citizens.<br />
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The traveler spoke, "Gentlemen, could you direct me to the Okefenokee Swamp?"<br />
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Some of the old timers looked at him like he was crazy. "You must be a stranger in these parts," they said.<br />
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"I am. I'm from North Dakota," said the stranger.<br />
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"In the Okefenokee Swamp are thousands of wild hogs," one old man explained.<br />
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"A man who goes into the swamp by himself asks to die!"<br />
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He lifted up his leg. "I lost half my leg here, to the pigs of the swamp. "<br />
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Another old fellow said, "Look at the cuts on me; look at my arm bit off!"<br />
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"Those pigs have been free since the Revolution, eating snakes and rooting out roots and fending for themselves for over a hundred years. They're wild and they're dangerous. You can't trap them. No man dare go into the swamp by himself. "Every man nodded his head in agreement.<br />
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The old trapper said, "Thank you so much for the warning. Now could you direct me to the swamp?"<br />
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They said, "Well, yeah, it's due south–straight down the road. "But they begged the stranger not to go, because they knew he'd meet a terrible fate.<br />
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He said, "Sell me ten sacks of corn, and help me load them into the wagon. "And they did.<br />
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Then the old trapper bid them farewell and drove on down the road. The townsfolk thought they'd never see him again.<br />
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Two weeks later the man came back. He pulled up to the general store, got down off the wagon, walked in and bought ten more sacks of corn.After loading it up he went back down the road toward the swamp.Two weeks later he returned and, again, bought ten sacks of corn. This went on for a month. And then two months, and three.<br />
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Every week or two the old trapper would come into town on a Saturday morning, load up ten sacks of corn and drive off south into the swamp.<br />
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The stranger soon became a legend in the little village and the subject of much speculation. People wondered what kind of devil had possessed this man, that he could go into the Okefenokee by himself and not be consumed by the wild and free hogs.<br />
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One morning the man came into town as usual. Everyone thought he wanted more corn.<br />
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He got off the wagon and went into the store where the usual group of men were gathered around the stove. He took off his gloves.<br />
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"Gentlemen," he said, "I need to hire about ten or fifteen wagons. I need twenty or thirty men. I have six thousand hogs out in the swamp, penned up,and they're all hungry. I've got to get them to market right away. "<br />
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"You've WHAT in the swamp?" asked the storekeeper, incredulously.<br />
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"I have six thousand hogs penned up. They haven't eaten for two or three days, and they'll starve if I don't get back there to feed and take care of them. "<br />
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One of the old timers said, "You mean you've captured the wild hogs of the Okefenokee?"<br />
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"That's right. "<br />
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"How did you do that? What did you do?" the men urged, breathlessly.<br />
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One of them exclaimed, "But I lost my arm!"<br />
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"I lost my brother!" cried another.<br />
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"I lost my leg to those wild boars!" chimed a third.<br />
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The trapper said, "Well, the first week I went in there they were wild all right. They hid in the undergrowth and wouldn't come out. I dared not get off the wagon. So I spread corn along behind the wagon. Every day I'd spread a sack of corn.<br />
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"The old pigs would have nothing to do with it. But the younger pigs decided that it was easier to eat free corn than it was to root out roots and catch snakes. So the very young began to eat the corn first.<br />
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"I did this every day. Pretty soon, even the old pigs decided that it was easier to eat free corn, after all, they were all free; they were not penned up. They could run off in any direction they wanted at any time.<br />
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"The next thing was to get them used to eating in the same place all the time. So, I selected a clearing, and I started putting the corn in the clearing.<br />
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"At first they wouldn't come to the clearing. It was too far. It was too open. It was a nuisance to them.<br />
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"But the very young decided that it was easier to take the corn in the clearing than it was to root out roots and catch their own snakes. And not long thereafter, the older pigs also decided that it was easier to come to the clearing every day.<br />
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"And so the pigs learned to come to the clearing every day to get their free corn. They could still subsidize their diet with roots and snakes and whatever else they wanted. After all, they were all free. They could run in any direction at any time. There were no bounds upon them.<br />
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"The next step was to get them used to fence posts. So I put fence posts all the way around the clearing. I put them in the underbrush so that they wouldn't get suspicious or upset, after all, they were just sticks sticking up out of the ground, like the trees and the brush. The corn was there everyday. It was easy to walk in between the posts, get the corn, and walk back out.<br />
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"This went on for a week or two. Shortly they became very used to walking into the clearing, getting the free corn, and walking back out through the fence posts.<br />
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"The next step was to put one rail down at the bottom. I also left a few openings, so that the older, fatter pigs could walk through the openings and the younger pigs could easily jump over just one rail, after all, it was no real threat to their freedom or independence–they could always jump over the rail and flee in any direction at any time.<br />
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"Now I decided that I wouldn't feed them every day. I began to feed them every other day. On the days I didn't feed them, the pigs still gathered in the clearing. They squealed, and they grunted, and they begged and pleaded with me to feed them– but I only fed them every other day. Then I put a second rail around the posts.<br />
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"Now the pigs became more and more desperate for food. Because now they were no longer used to going out and digging their own roots and finding their own food, they now needed me. They needed my corn every other day. "<br />
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"So I trained them that I would feed them every day if they came in through a gate and I put up a third rail around the fence.<br />
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"But it was still no great threat to their freedom, because there were several gates and they could run in and out at will. "Finally I put up the fourth rail. Then I closed all the gates but one, and I fed them very, very well. "<br />
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"Yesterday I closed the last gate and today I need you to help me take these pigs to market. "<br />
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The price of free corn was freedom.<br />
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The parable of the pigs has a serious moral lesson. This story is about federal money being used to bait, trap and enslave a once free and independent people.<br />
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Federal welfare, in its myriad forms, has reduced not only individuals to a state of dependency; state and local governments are also on the fast track to elimination, due to their functions being subverted by the command and control structures of federal "revenue sharing" programs.<br />
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Please copy this parable and send it to all of your state and local elected leaders and other concerned citizens. Tell them: "Just say NO to federal corn. " The bacon you save may be your own.<br />
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© 1997, The Idaho Observer. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for non commercial purposes in entirety including this notice.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152531948987661466.post-77213464135815071732011-10-17T20:12:00.001-05:002011-10-17T20:15:58.248-05:002 Good Movies and a Good BookWe recently got back from a vacation in Houston (which I might post about later). Right before we left last week, I went and saw two good movies and read a good book. I didn't have time to post about them then so am just now getting around to it.<br />
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Good Movie #1- <i>Courageous</i><br />
If you haven't seen this movie yet and it is still in theaters, I highly recommend it. The message about dad's standing up and being a man for their kids was really well told. There were a couple of spots of rough acting, but the crew from<i> Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof</i> have come a long way.<br />
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Good Movie #2- <i>Captain America</i><br />
This is a good story about serving your country and self-sacrifice and looking at the heart of a person instead of the outside. It may be rather scary for littler kids (the villain has a red skull face). There is also quite a bit of violence because Captain America is a soldier during WWII. The whole thing makes you want to do something big with your life.<br />
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Good Book- <i>Wings of a Dream</i> by Anne Mateer<br />
This is a Christian historical romance that I was given to review by Bethany House. It is set during the influenza epidemic of 1918. It is a great story about following the Lord's leading even when he is taking you where you don't think you want to go. Ms. Mateer does a great job of creating a compelling set of characters. The story revolves around Rebecca and her thirst for adventure. She longs to get away from her boring life in a small town in Oklahoma and her overbearing mother. She is sure that she can see the path that God has laid out for her. But as with much of real life, God's way leads her to an altogether different adventure than she had in mind.<br />
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Even though I really enjoyed this book, I can't give it the full 5 stars. The ending was too abrupt. I would have enjoyed a little more of the loose ends tied up. The book just ends at the climax without much thought to the aftermath of her big decision.Frances Clementshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15477255521646203102noreply@blogger.com0