July 30, 2012

July's Title Swap

Little Britches (series) by Ralph Moody
Original Intent by David Barton
Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard Maybury
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Then Kingdom Come Prodigal Journey by Linda Paulson Adams
A Patriot's Handbook (Cd's) by Caroline Kennedy
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

July 26, 2012

When Is It Time To Fight?

For book group this month, we read and discussed Patrick Henry's famous, "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech.  One member of our group asked, when is it time to fight?  I believe that we do everyday with the choices we make - big or small. 

For me, I am fighting for my children's right to fail in their education.  I know this sounds a little off, (OK it sounds a lot off) but with the "No Child Left Behind" legislation, we no longer have the freedom to fail when we choose to place our children into the public arena.  This is a major reason why we have chosen to home school.  Thank goodness we live in a state where home educating your children is still very simple.  I want to have the freedom to let my kids progress at a speed that is comfortable for them, not at the speed that the national average determines. 

I am fighting for my family.  To me, this is a strong marriage between a man and wife.  Everyday, my husband and I make the choices that enable us to live on only his income, so that I might be able to stay home with my children.  This means canning, gardening, and budgeting.  This also means honoring each other and raising our children unto the Lord.

There are so many choices we each make everyday that reflect our fundamental values.  Do you accept free lunches at a park regularly?  If so, is it because your children would not eat without the food?  Is it because it is a social event, and all your friends are there with you?  Or is it just an easy lunch, for you in your busy life?  Whatever the reason for eating this "free lunch," consider this:  Is it really free?  What message are you teaching your children?  Are you help or hurting the debt crisis in our nation by accepting this service that you might not actually need?  Please don't get me wrong.  I know that there are some children who would not eat without this generous program.  But I believe that many children who are enjoying these lunches, would not starve if the program stopped.

Please consider the implications of each choice we make, big or small.  It is time to fight.  Stand up for strong families.  We need them to keep what freedoms we still have.