Katherine Dang - Why the History of America and Christianity Are Inseperable

Here are my bullet points notes from the CHEF Conference from Katherine Dang's presentation.

In Marxist history, progress is measured by an increase in things.

In true history, progress is measured by an increase in freedom.

She compared America to Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of porridge, when we trade the increase in freedom for an increase in things.

We must begin rightly with your teaching of history. Otherwise you advance Marxist history. At one point, she said that if we won't teach history from a Biblical Perspective, she would rather we wouldn't teach history.

This is an aside. While Steve and I were walking through the booths as the curriculum fair during our breaks at the convention, we came across the History of the World series by Susan Wise Bauer. Steve originally wanted to get this. We came home and did some research on it. This curriculum is okay at best, but the biggest thing I have in opposition to using it is that no where in the whole thing is it presented as Christ's story. He is merely a historical figure presented during the course of the curriculum. Because of the fact that there are so many other wonderfully God-centered history curricula out there, as Christians, this is one that should either be heavily modified or completely steered clear of. This is the end of my aside.

The problem of lacking in rightly teaching history is a Christian’s problem, not the worlds problem.

We, as Christians, must struggle against the carnality we have allowed upon this land. Who is denying the power of Christ in this world? The American Christian.

The American revolution is only the true revolution in history. A true revolution goes against unlawful authority. A revolt is the pressures of oppression causing an uprising.

Marxist history encourages rebellion for the sake of synthesis. Thesis +antithesis = synthesis. According to Marxist historical principles without violence there is no real change.

Marxist thinking says, "If I’m not responsible, I’m not accountable." According to Christian principles, reform truly comes to a people when the people are changing their lives without waiting for their family member, spouse, or society. The Christian acts upon it as an individual, not as a group or society. This individual action is the instrument for individual reform and self-government. When people govern themselves (exercise self-control) rightly, they are not in need of outside governmental influences to keep their behavior in check.

The link between the history of Christianity and America is Self-government.

The only form of government that will push back socialism is self-government of the people. This is the work of the gospel. If there is real conversion, you will lead people to self-government. You internalize the Word by the spirit of the Word. You reason out your salvation by the Word. It’s the power of Christ in the people, God’s people.

We are not too far gone to make a difference. What if God’s people opened their Bible again? What if God’s people trusted the word again? What if God’s people acted on the word? Instead we look left and right instead of moving ahead. It’s not just a devotional book, it is our textbook for life. It’s our political textbook.

God wants us to know He is all we need, and we don’t know that until we are alone. Their conscience was their own judge. Men didn’t censur them, their own consciences did. We only answer for the light God gives us. No one else answers for our light, we don’t answer for anyone else’s light. God had set us free with his truth.

Weigh things. The pilgrim's counted the cost and were willing to pay it. They loved the Word of God and the liberty it gave them. Are we New Testament Churches?


Why are the history of Christianity and the history of America are inseparable?

The gospel of Jesus Christ brings with it Gospel Liberty and a new form of government, Christ’s government – individual self-government.

Gospel Liberty displaces the necessity of external government of the individual with individual, internal self government – the government of God through Christ indwelling the individual.

Individual self government is distinctly and uniquely Christianity’s form of government; individual self government gives rise to the New Testament, independent, local, self governing church assemblies or estates.

The scene of America was the New Testament local self-governing church assembly at Plymouth – it established, with the Mayflower compact, a free church ( a self governing church, internally independent of civil government ) and established a free state (a self governing state internally independent of other states) for the mutual good of the local church and the local community or state.

America is a Christian Republic because America is established upon the capacity of the individual for self government, Christianity’s form of government, hence the history of Christianity and the history of American are inseparable.

Gregory Thompson - Biblical Reasons To Homeschool - "Hidden Secrets"

Here are some bullet points from my notes at the CHEF Conference on Gregory Thompson's Presentation.

9 out of 10 children are going into our government schools.

When we separate, as Christians and homeschoolers, we should separate for impact not for isolation.

The first government proponent of public education was Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He wanted a public education for our children so all children would be taught the BIBLE.

One of the first laws was The Old Deluder Satan Act. Where there were 50 families the government set up a school to teach them BIBLE so as to know if a person was leading them astray - especially if it were the legislature.

Republican form of government requires Biblical understanding and agreement.

A Connecticut law from 1690 said all parents will teach their servants and children to read English tongue and to teach Christ as Lord and His eternal life.

What happened to turn things from Christ? Owens wanted a SOCIALIST utopia. He joined by Horace Man a Unitarian. John Dewey took it further. He knew he would have to teach the teachers how to undermine children and the country.

Greg Thompson highly recommends the book The Myth of Separation Between Church & State by Dee Wampler.

It Still Amazes Me

I know I still need to blog a little bit on the notes from the homeschool convention, which are voluminous, but I was looking on One News Now reading an article about Heinz pickles. They had put a homosexual add out in England. It was pulled after a week because of the outcry from people who thought the add was offensive.

By England's laws it is completely fine to show a homosexual commercial during time when kids watch TV, but "current rules designed to shield children from pernicious advertisements of foods with high levels of fat, sugar or salt that could lead to obesity" are forbidden during times that children watch TV. Quoted from One News Now.

One of the Most Important Issues EVER

Many of you all know that from time to time I've forwarded political e-mails or mentioned a political issue here, but this is the most important issue I've ever brought. When I attended a the CHEF convention and bought some CD's, I was given a free CD by Michael Farris (president of Home School Legal Defense Association)on a Parental Rights Amendment. It is vital that you act. There is a website called ParentalRights.org. If you don't want the government and/or judges deciding what you are and are not allowed to permit your child to do, or to learn, what you teach them when they are at home (whether they themselves are home educated or not), where they go, if you discipline them by grounding or other means -- if you don't want someone else telling you how to raise your child, you need to go to the above website and sign the petition. Also, please call your Congressmen and Senators and ask them to co-sponsor the bill.

The example below could happen soon because activist judges can start using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as binding upon Americans - not because we have ratified it, but because so many other countries have that it can judicially be considered common international law and binding in the US whether or not the Senate ratifies it. Let's say you have an agreement with your child that he or she has to finish their chores before going to play in a soccer game. Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as common international law, the government could come in and decide for you whether or not it is in the best interest of YOUR child to finish their chores instead of going to play in a soccer game!

This account is directly quoted from ParentalRights.org

WEST VIRGINIA—A West Virginia mother was shocked when a local circuit judge and a family court judge ordered her to share custody of her four-year-old daughter with two of the girl’s babysitters. Referring to the sitters as “psychological co-parents,” the justices first awarded full custody to them, only permitting the mother to visit her daughter four times a week at McDonalds. Eventually she was granted primary custody, but forced to continue to share her daughter with the sitters.

When her case finally reached the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in October 2007, the beleaguered mother was relieved to finally be granted full custody of her daughter.

I have the CD with Michael Farris's presentation, I have permission to and will copy this on as many CD's as I have. If you want a copy and have my phone number, call me, I will get you a copy. If you don't have my phone number because you only know me through this blog, leave a comment with your name and address (I moderate my blog comments, and your name and address will never actually make it to be posted on my blog for others to see unless you request it), and I will mail you a copy. Anyone who would like to donate unused CD's so that I can make more copies, I welcome that too. The more people we get this out to, the better chance we have for this amendment! If you are reading this and you have a blog of your own, please post something about it on your blog.

CHEF Convention - Day 2

Day two of the homeschool convention was more informative and convicting than the first. It provoked all sorts of emotions in both Steve and I. It's getting late, and I don't have a lot of time to enumerate the wonderful take aways I got from the convention today. I will try to use the next several days, as time permits, to let you know a little more about many of the workshops I made it to today which included:

From Diapers to Drivers Ed - Organizing Your Lives to Be a Blessing to Others - Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Q&A - Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Praise and Worship - The Duggar Family

The Family and Entertainment - Kevin Swanson

From Ordinary to Extraordinary - Dr. Billings

Why America and Christianity Cannot Be Separated - Katherine Dang

Returning to the Education of our Forefathers - Katherine Dang

CHEF Homeschool Convention

Today, Steve and I went to the CHEF Homeschool convention. I thought that perhaps over the next couple of days, I'll post the notes from some of the sessions I went to.

I've heard Gregory Thompson. He is a former public school superintendant who warned parents to get their children out of the public schools while he was still superintendant. He is currently running for Governor of MO. He and the Constitution Party will have my vote this election, and not just because I heard him speak today. Check out his website link above.

I also heard Jon Summers. He spoke on Covenantal Families Being About Their Father's Business. It was a great Biblical introduction to exercising dominion and what tools God has given us to exercise dominion over our world.

The last two time slots I went to today were by Dr. Stephen Guffanti. He did a vendor workshop called ADHD vs. the Kinesthetic learner. This was a hard one for me. The presenter had a great deal of knowledge which I think will be helpful especially with Ian as he is definitely a kinesthetic learner, but at the same time, I certainly don't agree with some of the methodology upon which he briefly touched. I did purchase his book Does Your Child Really Have ADHD? to help me understand if Ian does have ADHD and how to work better with his learning style. I did the learning style test for Ian, Jordan, and I tonight. Ian is a 56% kinesthetic learner, a 31% auditory learner, and a 12% visual learner. In a visual testing environment, that could prove problematic, but we'll figure it out. Jordan and I were almost even for all three. She was 35% visual, 30% Auditory, and 35% kinesthetic. I was 33% for all of them - go figure. I guess that means I can teach via any of the learning styles. Anyway, I look forward to blogging more on this as I read his book.

When You Rise Up - R.C. Sproul Jr.

When You Rise Up is an excellent book by R.C. Sproul Jr. on homeschooling from a covenantal approach, but he speaks to all parents homeschooling, Christian schooling, and traditional schooling. While he makes a case to all parents for homeschooling, the book is about much, much more than homeschooling. In the book he covers topics about looking at life Biblically; what all parents should be teaching their children; the failure of public schools, Christian Schools, *and* homeschools; why we are failing; what should be done about it; how we teach children; and much more.

He keeps going back to the passage of scripture from Deuteronomy 6:

1"Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, 2that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. 3Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.

4"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. ESV

According to Deuteronomy 6, we teach our children primarily through conversation with them, "when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up". While he makes it clear that his family do teach things other than Bible, they primarily teach Bible through the three G's. They teach who God is, what God has done (all History), and what God expects, and the primarily means of teaching this is through conversation with our children.

He makes the point that it is better to raise a Godly trash collector than someone who is unsaved and out for and/or attains personal peace and affluence. We are to raise boys and girls who realize that they are in a fight with the enemy and his followers - both human and spiritual (while still loving his human followers and showing them the way to Christ).

This is a must read for any and all parents.

Family Vision Library

On Friday, the Hathaways and we went to The Family Vision Library for story time. The Family Vision Library is located in St. Charles, and we were told that it is the only free Christian lending library of it's kind in the U.S. The Family Vision is a well earned name. This family is pioneering Christian lending libraries right before our eyes. While yet (relatively) small in number, they have books on so many topics all from a Christian perspective on finance , raising children, organizing a home, Bible reference books. There is also a children's section with some picture books, a ton of G.A. Henty historical fiction, and many Christian biographies.






We went there for story hour. Ian and Jordan participated in two songs in which they helped.

King Solomon's Mines; When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr.

As with two other books as of late, I read another abridged version. This time it was King Solomon's Mines by Henry Rider Haggard. It was an interesting book. I have a feeling that the original would have been more 'on the edge of your seat' or 'not wanting to put it down' than the children's abridged version. If it weren't for the pictures (which were horrid) I would have kept it instead of putting it in the circular file. It's a book that someday I will read the unabridged version. I think it would be worth my time. Right now, I'm plugging through When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr. So far it's proving to be an interesting and provocative read.

Rag Rug - Take 2

Over the past couple of days, I worked on another rag rug. I had some material I had bought for valences in the back room. I never got around to sewing them once I realized what a large feat that would be. I decided to use the material for a rug. Here is my 2nd rug.



I was able to solve the problem of skipping from row to row. I did have a problem with the pattern though. I never seemed (after the fifth row) at the end of the rug when I was supposed to be at the end or at the center when I was supposed to be there. I finally ended up tossing the pattern and using a couple of braided rug principles to finish out the rug. I think it turned out fairly well.

I may have yet more material hidden somewhere in the recess of my garage. I'll see if I can dig it out for my next one. After that, I'll keep my eyes open for $1 a yard fabric at Wal-Mart.

Rag Rugs

I have been wanting to braid rugs for awhile now. They are beautiful and sturdy. They would look good in almost any house. They have a rustic feel to them, and Steve and I, if we could, would live and complete our house with denim. We love homey things and braided rugs are definitely homey. Awhile ago, I bought and read a good part of a rug braiding book - The Braided Rug Book by Norma Sturges. I really liked what I saw and believed that this is something that I could do. When shopping for the materials to make braided rugs, the materials alone cost $60 and that doesn't include the wool fabric (which tends to be pricey). While surfing the net looking for less expensive tools to braid rugs with, I stumbled upon Rags to Rugs. Instead of this site being dedicated to braiding rugs, it's dedicated to crocheting rugs. I've been crocheting since I was six. It is quick, easy, and fluid for me. Everything I would need to crochet a rug (including the material) was only $30, so I gave it a try.

After only two hours even when I completely messed up the pattern, here is my first rug. It measures 22" x 27". I missed a couple of rows (it's amazing how many times little ones need something even during their nap, and it's easy to skip from one row to the other). Still for a first attempt, I am really impressed with the ease. The beauty, the softness. This one is going in my bathroom upstairs in front of the shower. I have some other material somewhere in the house. I'll be making more of these, you can guarantee it.




I've also figured out how to solve my accidentally skipping from one row to the other problem. I'm going to set the instructions up on excel and check each section as I complete it. No more missing rows or sections. I also have an idea how I can combine some of the rug braiding techniques into rug crocheting making for an even more beautiful crocheted rug. I'll let you know how things go.

Devotional Living - Reality Check

Jordan often tells me that she feels like she's not the older sister. It's her way of saying, she wished (at that point) that she wasn't the older sister because older sisters have responsibility. We try to lovingly remind her that just because she doesn't feel like she is (or doesn't want to be) the older sister, she knows what is true - or what is real. She still has to act on the reality that she is the older sister whether or not she 'feels' like it is true.

On our last plane trip, I had to keep praying, asking God to help me act like I believe. I believed that He was in control. The reality was that he was in control. Acting or really being afraid didn't match with what I believed. I needed God's help to act what I believed because it was true.

Today, I had a realization. I, and I would hazard a guess that many of the people in the world, have a skewed view of reality. I came to the understand, that I do not believe that God is as much 'God' as He is. I don't believe that God is as 'big' as He really is. I also came to see that I don't see myself as bad as I really am. I say I don't compare myself to others. And while that may be true to an extent, I also tend to see myself as not THAT bad. I see God through my lens of God, but not as the eternal hater and condemner of all that is sinful. The verse that God brought to mind is Galatians 6:7, "Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." While I may not sew hatred, there are time when I sew frustration and won't bat an eyelash. I may not sew evil actions, I may sew an unkind tone to my kids. Like my plane ride, my actions need to be brought into line with reality. God truly hates sin. Without and apart from God's mercy and grace, I am a truly depraved person - as all of us are. Though the subject may be different my prayer is the same, "God help me to act what I believe."

Beautiful Morning

This morning we met the Bauer's at a local park. The weather was beautiful! I was so thankful that we chose today to meet. The kids (Shannen *and* Ethan included) had fun playing. I got quite a work out running both directions between Ethan (who would not be quietly left in the stroller) and Shannen who wants so badly to play like her older siblings. I both wanted and hated to keep them confined. After about 30 minutes like this, we opted for a group walk instead - much more to my liking. The walk was mostly shaded, mostly quiet, and incredibly beautiful! Oh how I wish I could do that more often. It reminds me of meeting a friend from Virginia each afternoon to walk and pray together at a quiet hiking trail. I loved our time and the scenery was beautiful!

Some Closure

On Saturday evening, Steve called the pastor of the church in Virginia in order to get some clarification on the points of the letter we received stating that we did not get the position. While being a painful talk, it was a good talk. We were given some more information on exactly why we did not get the position. The pastor, himself, was very much for us getting the position. There was one (unnamed) elder in particular who was against us coming. After talking with the pastor, Steve felt very much emboldened to go on in our search for a pastorate. This is wonderful as before the talk, he wasn't sure if he wanted to, could, or should continue. With clarification, we believe we can and should go on. We are thankful for the grace of God in the midst of a hard situation.

Attempting to Move Forward

This afternoon, Steve is going to try to contact the pastor from Virginia and ask him to give concrete examples to what the session is referring in their letter. Steve and I talked it all over after the kids went to bed last night, and the more we talk and think on it, the more we are completely baffled by what they have said. I am not saying this is pride. God knows my heart has been completely humbled by and through this. We both are very willing to be corrected in this matter if we have truly been in the wrong in any sense and been completely blinded to it.

We are still planning to visit Helena, Montana here in August. This, though, I must admit, will make it a lot harder to be open, friendly, and unguarded in our interactions with the families in Montana.

We are also not sure if we are moving forward with the other churches in New Mexico and Colorado. We may come to a decision after a time that we are going to go ahead and let them know we didn't get the position and are willing and able to move forward. Right now, we are unsure what is the best course of action for us.

Here For Awhile Longer

An overwhelming sadness has filled my soul. We are not going to Virginia. Unlike the call we didn't get to Iowa which, while stinging a bit, I was thankful for; this time, while I have no doubt that somehow (though I must admit I don't see it now) this is a blessing from God, my heart is sorrowful. While sorrow is an emotion we are allowed to feel - really, really feel, it isn't an emotion I am allowed to wallow in. I am in Christ(Romans 8:39), Christ works all things for my good (Romans 8:28), Christ wants us to be joyful (John 16:24), and even in this trial and sadness can I have joy (James 1:2). Not just can I have joy, I am commanded to have joy. (James 1:2)

The letter came along with reasons, some of which I understand, some of which, I honestly don't, but I have no doubt of their sincere belief in what they disclosed to us. Pray with us as we seek to understand to what they are referring and how we can bring about Godly change in those areas.

I will miss the people with whom I got to fellowship, one of whom shares my birthday and my anniversary within a day, another whom showed me real hospitality, another who is living much of the life I dream of. They are all Godly women who I really would have enjoyed getting to know more. That is honestly what hurts most of all. I would love to get to know those dear people more.

Today's Funny

Jordan: (In tears) Mommy, my pack and play broke. (She got a baby pack and play for her birthday. It is mend-able. )

Me: Jordan, how'd it break?

Jordan: There was something in it.

Me: What was in it?

Jordan: Something really heavy.

Me: Jordan, what was in it?

Jordan: Me.

Happy Birthday!

Sunday, Ian and Jordan turned 6. While in one sense, it is really hard to believe that six years have flown by so quickly, in another it's hard to imagine a time before I had them. Here are some pictures of the day.


At Lonestar for dinner


the Birthday cake without all the candles


A leather cowboy vest from Vision Forum


A Colonial Girl dress up from Vision Forum


Papa Ron got this for Ian and Toys R Us. Aunt JoJo got the sword and shield from Vision Forum.

The House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne

A long time ago, I had a copy of The House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I remember struggling to get into the book and finally gave it up. With Ian and Jordan reading more and more, I've gotten more determined to make sure that the books they have at hand are ones that I approve of. We have a great many of the Children's Illustrated Classics, some of which, I have discovered the hard way are not books that I approve of my children reading. I decided to read the books of which I wasn't familiar so that I could determine their suitability for Ian and Jordan. I picked up the Children's version of The House of Seven Gables about two days ago. I finished it today. While it is not a book I will let the kids read yet, it is a book which I believe could be of value eventually. Since it was a greatly abridged and simplified version of the book, it was very easily readable. I found that the book I had trudged through all those years before was very enjoyable. My mind turns mysteries, so it was a fairly see-through plot, whether because the plot itself was, or because it was a child's version, or just because that's how my mind works. Despite it's simplicity, it has definitely sparked enough of my interest that I will borrow the book from the library and make a second attempt at it.

Summer With the Moody's by Sarah Maxwell

Summer with the Moody's is a delightful, very conservative, fun children's book. This book is about a family of six called the Moody's. Their children are (I'm doing this from memory) about 12, 10, 8, and 3. The book starts out with a ruckus at night. It turns out to be a dog in their metal garbage cans. The dog, who's name is honey, is taken care of for the summer by the older children. The children each start a business for the summer time, since they are off of their homeschool schedule. It portrays a great family life in a way that really glorifies God.

The style of the book is definitely juvenile. The author is not very old, and while she does a great job for a first book, there is some room for improvement in style (but I felt the same way with JK Rowling's first book).

I would say that the appropriate age for the book would be somewhere between 6-9 years old depending on the reading level. It is a book that I would highly recommend for families who seek to glorify God through their family life, not just their church life. Sarah also has three other books called Autumn with the Moody's, Winter with the Moody's, and Spring with the Moody's.

Sleepy Head and Roof Issues

Yesterday morning, Steve poked his head into the girls room before he left for work. Shannen stirred slightly, cracked her eyes open, and looked up at Steve. Steve whispered, "I love you, Shannen." The most affectionate of our children rolled over and from a voice muffled by sheets she said, "Shanny sleep." He and I both got a good chuckle out of it.

Tomorrow's rain will test it, but we *think* that we finally have the roof issue solved. Our roofer came back out on Tuesday and took a look at our upper roof. He said it was in really good condition, but that our 'walk in gutters' have some holes in them. His crew came by, cleaned our gutters (we had them cleaned after the leaves fell last fall), dried our gutters, and patched any holes that we had with a special material which should stop any further water from coming into our back room.

Becoming Jane

Awhile ago, Steve and I decided that we were going to get a Netflix subscription for one at a time. We get about one DVD a week and try to watch it together. Last week's choice is well worth mentioning.

I have long been a fan of Jane Austin. I have read four the six major novels she wrote, and while there have been tiresome points in each, overall they are absolutely WONDERFUL. It was because of this, Steve and I decided to rent Becoming Jane. We watched it together Sunday evening. I absolutely loved it! I never in my life would have imagined Anne Hathaway from Princess Diaries would have been so good in the role of Jane. If I had not realized prior to watching it that it was she staring in Becoming Jane, I'm not sure I would have made the connection. The relationships were so well portrayed. The kindness, insensitivity, ludicrousness, and so many other characteristics that the characters portrayed all had a wonderful sense of realism to them. The scenery was stunning; the costumes beautiful. There was one scene in particular where the reading of a book made me less than comfortable, and the men running naked (you just see their backside) into a river was not at all necessary. I wish they would have left that part out, but the rest of the movie was very moving.

If you have not yet seen the movie, I would highly recommend it.

Almost a Week

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a week since I've blogged. I've been struggling with fatigue mostly, I believe, from lack of adequate sleep. It seems like we've been going to bed later and getting up about the same time as always. We've both acknowledged that this needs to change.

There's a lot I want to say, but I don't have a lot of time, as the kids are clambering to get out of bed. If I am able to later, I will write some more. The biggest thing of note is that we should hear something from Virginia, one way or another, in the next couple of days. Keep us in your prayers.