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Cultural views of debt and children

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February 15, 2012 By

edit: code is now fixed.  Sorry for the trouble!

I shared this on Facebook, but I was so tickled with Kaitlyn’s Photoshop work that I didn’t want those of you who are not on Facebook to miss it.

The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing, but in our culture we apply for a curse and reject blessings.  Something is wrong with this picture.  ~Doug Phillips

babies vs debt 248x300 Cultural views of debt and children

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Or view the image on Life in a Shoe’s Facebook page to share it.

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Filed Under: worldview 7 Comments

Twilight vs. Tangled

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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January 24, 2012 By

I shared this on facebook and it was so wildly popular I didn’t want my non-facebook readers to miss it.  The image below is not mine, but I think it’s a brilliant summary of what is wrong with the Twilight obsession that continues to consume our society.  Girls, this is an intelligence test.

398425 308740952510118 205587406158807 980533 1191299132 n Twilight vs. Tangled

For a more in-depth analysis of the book that begat the movie, check out Doug Wilson’s multi-part book report beginning here, or his 8 minute video on the subject below:

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Filed Under: worldview 6 Comments

Be smarter: Listen to Bahnsen

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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May 27, 2011 By

Wednesday I spent 6 hours on the road, a little short on sleep.  I had some young companions and the drive was broken by the usual bathroom breaks, nursing breaks, and a stop for gas/food – not to mention the normal chit-chat, so I didn’t have to fight drowsiness.

44630 m Be smarter: Listen to Bahnsen

Today I was behind the wheel again, this time with much less sleep.  Fortunately I had Greg Bahnsen to keep me company.  We love Greg Bahnsen’s lectures about philososphy and how to defend the Christian worldview against those who hold to atheism, evolution, and other fairy tales.

We love it so much that when I started playing it, there were calls from the back of the van to turn up the volume.  Dr. Bahnsen is brilliant, but he is also entertaining and easy to understand.  He makes you feel smart. You can do this.

His primary approach in debating worldviews is to direct the discussion back to its foundation – to force his opponent to acknowledge the presuppositions upon which all of his arguments rest.  There is no neutrality, and atheists are no less creatures of faith than Christians.  All of their beliefs, like ours, are ultimately based upon one underlying foundation.  The question is, “What is your ultimate authority?”

I wanted to take notes as he spoke, but I know better.  Typing/texting while driving = Colossally Bad Idea.  No lecture necessary on that point.

There was something he said and repeated for emphasis, and I really wanted to remember it but I forgot.  I’ll have to listen to that message again.  I was more careful with the next statement that caught my attention, and repeated it to myself several times as he elaborated and expounded: All ultimate authorities must be self-authenticating.

Did you catch that?

When unbelievers ask us how we know the Bible is the true, infallible Word of the One True God, we can answer that we know because the Bible tells us.  When you’re talking about an ultimate authority, you’re at the top of the food chain.  If you can go any higher, then you’re not at the top yet.

This applies to unbelievers as well.  Ask how they know what they know.  Keep asking, “But how do you know?” until they reach the top.

Is it science?  But how do they know the current research and theories are correct?

Is it their own eyes?  Don’t they believe in many things they’ve never personally witnessed, like the existence of cells, atoms, or 3 toed sloths in the wild?

Is it their own opinion, or the majority opinion?  Opinions change.

For most unbelievers, it comes down to logic in the end.  And how do they defend the assertation that logic is the true, final answer?  By use of logic, of course.  How else?  Their ultimate authority, like ours, is self-authenticating.

The difference is that they have faith in the authority they choose, while objecting to ours.  This is not logical; it’s arbitrary, a foundational flaw in their reasoning.  This is a failure to apply sound logic, their self-proclaimed god.  You’ve got ‘em now.

Intrigued?  You should be.  He also clearly explains why Christians can appeal to logic but unbelievers can’t, and countless other such traps that your hapless victims will set for you and walk right into.   OK, maybe I’m being a little flippant, but I’m not exaggerating.  Now you have a taste of why we love these lectures.

If you’re on the Vision Forum mailing list, you should have received an email today with a single-use code to save 20% on any purchase.  Use it to buy the Christian Worldview Training Set (22 CDs).  Just do it.

No code?  Use mine, if nobody else beat you to it: 93CB34547KNL (exp. 5/31)

Somebody beat you to it?  Maybe another kind soul will share her code in the comments?

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Filed Under: worldview 30 Comments

The problems in modern education

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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May 4, 2011 By

ht: The Feast of Booths

Gkc16 The problems in modern educationThe basic cause of all the problems in modern education can be summarized in three words: Darwin, Marx, and Freud. The theories of these three men have pervaded all of modern thought. Their ideas are much alike in that they are narrow, materialistic, fatalistic, and utterly anti-Christian. Their influence has been felt far beyond their limited fields. Darwin’s ideas have contributed to a blind belief in progress…

Each of them took not so much a half-truth as a hundredth part of a truth, and then offered it not merely as something, but as everything. Having never done anything except split hairs, [each of them] hangs the whole world on a single hair [whether it be biology, economics, or psychology]. . . . It is yet another mark of this sort of agnostic that he is ready to assert his absolute knowledge of everything to the verge of a contradiction in terms. Just as he will always try to write a history of prehistoric man, so he will always struggle to be conscious of his own unconsciousness. . . . Just as it is the latest fad to prove that everything is sexual, so it was the last fad to prove that everything was economic.  The Marxist notion, called the materialist theory of history, had the same sort of stupid self-confidence in its very insufficient materialism.

As the one fad conceives everything about the bird to be connected with mating, so the other conceived everything connected with it to consist of catching worms. . . . These fads fade very fast, and it may seem hardly worthwhile to prick bubbles that will burst of themselves. Nevertheless, there is one consideration that makes it worthwhile. It is a character of all these manias that they cannot really convince the mind, but they do cloud it. Above all, they do darken it. All these tremendous and rather temporary discoveries have had the singular fascination that they were not merely degrading, but were also depressing. Each in turn leaves no trace on the true and serious conclusions of the world. But each in turn may leave very deep and disastrous wounds and dislocations in the mentality of the individual man…

220px Gilbert Keith Chesterton01 The problems in modern education… instead of finding forgiveness for our sins, sins that we committed through our own fault, we get the most amazing psycho-babble, wrapped in the mantle of science, which explains that our sins are not sins, and whatever it was we did, it wasn’t our fault. It was our parent’s fault, or our teacher’s fault, or simply nature’s fault. The evil perpetuated by this sort of counseling is twofold: we become less responsible for our sinful actions even while we long for a forgiveness that never comes. It is the marriage of Freud and Darwin, of one pseudo-science to another.

~G.K. Chesterton

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Filed Under: education, worldview 3 Comments

100+ Reasons to Have Children

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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July 19, 2010 By

Lately I’ve come across several lists of reasons not to have children.   I find it very sad and telling that nearly all of the authors’ reasons are based in immaturity, materialism, myths, and misconceptions.  Yes, children require work, money and personal sacrifice, but these are all things we do willingly because we love them.  These are joyful sacrifices for a worthwhile cause.

I couldn’t help but work on my own version.  Here are a few of the perks of having children, in no particular order.  Some are tongue-in-cheek, while others are dead serious.  I’ll let you try to guess which is which.

Please understand that I am not criticizing those who do not have children, particularly those who struggle with infertility.  I am also not suggesting that you or I should have children just so that we can save some bucks when it’s time to file taxes, or use the stork space in the grocery store parking lot.  My point is that children are a blessing and a delight, not a burden to be avoided at all costs.

What would you add to the list below?

100+ Reasons to Have Children

  1. Have a happier marriage.
  2. Pay less income taxes.
  3. Learn to share, and like it.
  4. The ultimate diet plan: morning sickness and breastfeeding.
  5. Enjoy snuggles on demand, around the clock.
  6. Cuteness abounds.
  7. Disposable diapers.  There.  I said it.
  8. Receive preferential treatment in grocery lines.
  9. Be seated first (or last, if you prefer) on planes.
  10. Park in the “stork” space at grocery stores.
  11. Have an excuse to buy cool toys and cute little outfits.
  12. Children will love you on your worst day, and…
  13. they think you’re beautiful, even on bad hair days,
  14. or when you’re not wearing makeup.
  15. Free entertainment: kids are hilarious.
    beccapc 150x150 100+ Reasons to Have Children
  16. Laughter is good for your health.  See above.
  17. Have family still living when you’re old.
  18. Have someone to help you when you’re old.
  19. Grandkids!
  20. Have someone to help care for your pets.
  21. But who needs pets?  Kids are way cuter, and they last longer.
  22. Unlike pets, kids eventually learn to take care of their own poop.
  23. Get a lollipop every time you go to the bank, along with your children.
  24. Tone your arms the old-fashioned way: tote a toddler.
  25. Kids eat free at many restaurants.
  26. Have an excuse to buy junk food.
  27. Sharing your junk food means less stays on your own hips.
  28. Children will eat and appreciate your failed cooking experiments.
  29. Embarrass your kids.  You won’t believe how fun it is.  Displays of affection with your spouse work well for this.
  30. Be better able to encourage other parents during rough times with their children because you’ve been-there-done-that.
  31. Blow bubbles.
  32. Give your friends somewhere to send their kids’ hand-me-downs.
  33. Burn calories: play with your kids.
  34. Kids will help hone your reactions with obstacle courses on the stairs.
  35. Save money by not buying birth control.
  36. Have sex without worrying about pregnancy.  It’s fun.
  37. Ask anyone who has given birth: the pains of labor are worth it.
  38. Pregnancy reduces menstrual cramps in subsequent periods.
  39. Pregnancy lowers your risk of ovarian cancer.
  40. Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast cancer,
  41. and uterine cancer,
  42. and osteoporosis.
  43. Not using birth control lowers your risk of ectopic pregnancy.
  44. Think pregnancy dooms you to getting fat?  Take a look at my mom with her 14 kids.  Can you even tell which one she is?
    100+ Reasons to Have Children
  45. Pregnancy requires you to eat more.  I can appreciate that.
  46. Be motivated to be a better person.  Little eyes are watching.
  47. Help raise the languishing birth rate.
  48. Learn alongside your children.
  49. Read books you never would have discovered on your own.
  50. Reread your childhood favorites with and to a new generation.
  51. See the world through new, unjaded eyes.
  52. See yourself through your baby’s eyes.  It’s amazing.
  53. See yourself through your children’s eyes.  You’ll never be the same again.
  54. See your flaws reflected in your children.  It’s enlightening and humbling.
  55. Kids will make you proud and keep you humble.
  56. If you make a mess while eating, everyone will assume the kids did it.
  57. Kid will say what you wish you could say, but can’t.
  58. Strengthen your relationship with your own parents by becoming a parent yourself.
  59. Stay physically active.  It’s much harder to be lazy when little ones depend on you.
  60. Improved immune system.  It’s a law of nature: Moms never get sick.
  61. If you do get sick, you have someone to take care of you without your spouse taking time off work.
  62. Baby smiles.
  63. Carrying a baby?  Strangers will smile at you.
  64. Babies are also a great conversation starter.
  65. Learn to delight in everyday occurrences.
  66. Translate toddler gibberish with ease for puzzled onlookers.
  67. Your own love for your child gives you a small taste of how much God loves His children.
  68. Live vicariously: remember that toy you never got as a child, but you’re too old to want it now?  Let your kids try it out.
  69. Relive your childhood: remember the toy you did get as a child?  Let your kids try it out.
    slinky 100+ Reasons to Have Children
  70. Rediscover the joy of crayons.
  71. Job security: moms have it.
  72. Learn and believe that happiness really doesn’t come from material wealth…
  73. …yet be amazed at how much joy you can buy your child with a quarter.
  74. Kids are cheap.
  75. Marvel that 2 people can produce children that are better-looking than either parent.  Heredity is a strange and wonderful thing.
  76. Be welcomed home like a returning war hero every time you go grocery shopping or to the post office.
  77. Be looked at like this:
    bess31 150x150 100+ Reasons to Have Children
  78. Soft little fingers and toes.  They’re cute on other people’s children, but utterly priceless on your own children.
  79. The unbearable cuteness of newborn-size diapers. (credit: Deanna)
  80. Discover your super powers: make milk, and heal mortal wounds with a kiss.
  81. Ask any parent you know if they regret having kids.
  82. Learn to appreciate simple pleasures: ice cream cones, a single M&M, homemade cookies.
  83. Do you love your spouse?  Experience a miracle: a new person who looks like both of you.
  84. After 10 years of children, washing dishes becomes optional.  (credit: Deanna)
  85. Get special treatment on Mother’s Day.
  86. Breakfast in bed is fun, even when it’s cheerios and multi vitamins.  (credit: Becca)
  87. Experience the triumph of potty training.
  88. Have the advantage of a youthful memory again: have your kids remind you about important things.  (credit: Megan)
  89. Expand your wardrobe: share clothes with your teens.
  90. Gather candy from the piñata without getting funny looks.
  91. Have help cooking.
  92. Be a safer driver,
  93. In a safer vehicle.
  94. Free or cheap manicures and pedicures.  I pay a dollar.
  95. Ditto for back/shoulder rubs.
  96. Perpetually late?  You don’t even have to blame it on the kids.  People will assume.
  97. Vanity?  You’ll look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.
  98. Paint your kids’ nails in a color you like but could never wear yourself.
  99. Have your bed made for $.25/day.  Maid service has never been so cheap or cheerful, and there’s no need to report payments to the IRS.
  100. If you’ve never had a baby fall asleep on your chest, you just don’t know what you’re missing.
  101. Homemade friends.  My children are some of my favorite companions.
  102. Kids with money ROCK!  They buy their own clothes, treat you to Starbucks, and buy you unbelievable birthday/Christmas gifts.
  103. World domination through militant fecundity! [maniacal laughter]
  104. Children are part of God’s purpose for creating marriage:But did He not make them one,
    Having a remnant of the Spirit?
    And why one?
    He seeks godly offspring.  Malachi 2:15

Want to see another list, more thoughtful and eloquent than mine?  40 Reasons to Have Kids

If, on the other hand, you like ‘em funny, try this: Reasons to Have Children.

Visit other posts about being a homemaker at the Homemaking Link-Up

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Filed Under: Best of, big family, family, parenting, worldview 50 Comments

A woman’s place is in the home

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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June 29, 2010 By

Well, not exactly.

I may not agree with him on everything, but I usually like what Doug Wilson has to say, and I really enjoy how he says it.  I’ll even confess to enjoying his sarcastic sense of humor.  This time is no exception.  Is it bad that I was laughing at his feminist joke even before I heard the punchline?

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Filed Under: Christian living, videos, worldview 21 Comments

Bucks for Bibles

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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September 8, 2009 By

GBBlackLeather front Bucks for BiblesAlthough we are seriously biased toward Vision Forum, we also think  American vision has some amazing products and unbelievable specials at any given time.

I just got this email, which I think is a great idea and a fantastic deal:

Bucks for Bibles

You’ve heard about the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program. But instead of giving away taxpayers’ hard-earned money and destroying perfectly good used cars to earn political points, we’re giving you cash in exchange for your used Bible. That’s right. We’re working with another ministry to collect used Bibles and give them away, free of charge to anyone who asks, anywhere in the world in exchange for 50% off a brand new 1599 Geneva Bible TODAY. We’ll trust you to send us your used Bible before the end of September to:

American Vision
ATTN: Bucks For Bibles Ministry
3150 B Florence Rd. Suite #1
Powder Springs, GA 30127

NOTE: Applies to 1599 Geneva Bibles Only.
This Offer Expires Monday, September 14th at 11:59 PM EST!

I should mention that we are also partial toward the Geneva version of the Bible.  We have several of these Bibles in our house, and they are beautiful.  The notes are always helpful and often eyeopening – not to mention very interesting as an historical curiosity.

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Filed Under: books and poetry, worldview 3 Comments

Call me Bigfoot

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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August 11, 2009 By

Maybe you’ve already read it.  This article has been making the rounds and stirring up both sides of the great carbon footprint debate: Having Children Brings High Carbon Impact.

…Take, for example, a hypothetical American woman who switches to a more fuel-efficient car, drives less, recycles, installs more efficient light bulbs, and replaces her refrigerator and windows with energy-saving models. If she had two children, the researchers found, her carbon legacy would eventually rise to nearly 40 times what she had saved by those actions.

“Clearly, the potential savings from reduced reproduction are huge compared to the savings that can be achieved by changes in lifestyle,” the report states…

If it’s new to you, make sure your force fields are up.  No matter what your lifestyle, if you have children you are burdening the planet more than you ever imagined.   You are environmentally irresponsible, to say the least.

If you have already seen it, I hope you took time to read some of the comments too. Many are from people like us who value children.  Others are from environmentalists, but they are hardly in agreement.  Maybe we as Christians don’t have room to talk, but I can’t help being amazed at the division within their own ranks.

While some simply follow the leader and nod in agreement, others follow the reasoning to its logical conclusion: death.  Still others see the inconsistencies in the prevailing arguments coming out of the environmentalist camp, and some even say things that I can wholeheartedly agree with.

There are currently over 300 comments.  Here are just a few of my favorites:

Of the serial killers I’m aware, John Wayne Gacy was the greenest. His victims were young, so he snuffed out many years of carbon consumption. He could have only been greener by targeting females.

Sad, but true.

…This article is a joke, right? If there aren’t going to be any more people, what’s the point of saving the planet. It’s not as if cockroaches care how many greenhouse gases are in the atmosphere…

Ooooh, never thought of that.

Duh. This is obvious. And useless. Reproducing has little inherent harm to the earth. Why don’t we have a discussion questioning the reasons for gross consumption by people in the developed world? Why don’t we talk about the emotional issues that drive Americans (and to a lesser but growing extent, the rest of the world) to spend/toss/spend/toss at soaring rates?

Let’s hit at the core of the problem. When we start being honest with ourselves about why we need a 4-pages-long registry for the birth of a single baby, then maybe we’ll see a greener earth…

Very good question.  We need to be good stewards of God’s creation, and we need to raise up children to continue taking care of His creation until He returns.

You liberals keep swearing off kids. Soon, there will be fewer of you.

I’ll admit it.  I was thinking the same thing.

I suggest that all the people who want to help the planet commit suicide. This will completely eliminate your carbon footprint and will reduce the world’s population.

How can you argue with logic like that?

So, [to a previous commentor], you do want someone to feed you when you can’t work anymore (indirectly, through taxes, Social Security payments and such), but you don’t want to spend any efforts for this yourself?

Somehow the liberals never seem to think this far ahead.  Our children will be feeding them, paying their bills, and dispensing medication in their old age.

What gives the already-living a special ethical status if the safety of the earth is truly at stake? Those so concerned about the earth that they tell others whether to have a family can start reducing the earth’s population one at a time any time they wish.

That’s right.  Let’s put our money where our mouth is, shall we?

As my friend Dug always said: “I’m not having kids; I can pollute as much as I want.”

And they worry that those of us with kids are being irresponsible…

So from this can we derive that war IS the answer?
Do we need more giant wars like WW1 (16 million dead) and WW2 (50-70 million dead) instead of puny wars like Vietnam (2 million dead, max) and Iraq?
Should we stop trying to prevent influenza pandemics and millions of deaths from malaria?
Should we stop trying to feed the hungry?
The four horsemen of The New Ecology: war, conquest, war, famine and death.

Wonderful! Perhaps, in time and with concerted effort, we can achieve negative population growth! Imagine, the earth will be devoid of human life, but positively crystalline in its pristine grandeur!

There is a time and place for sarcasm.  I believe this comments provides an excellent example.

Economists (even very green economists) might take a different viewpoint on the issue posed by the blog. Carbon footprint is a cost, one of many costs entailed by childbirth. On the other hand, a new human being is a good thing, a positive value.

So, the question really comes down to whether the value of a child exceeds the costs, including the environmental impact. Clearly, some readers believe a child has little or no value. For others, the value of a child far exceeds any conceivable cost.

As to my own values, I would need to know whether we are talking about my kid or yours.

The emphasis was mine.  I wanted to make sure you read to the end of that comment.

If the point of saving the planet from global warming by reducing our carbon footprint isn’t to leave a better place for our children, then why bother? If we can’t have kids, we might as well use this place up while we can.

I’m a pacific northwest dwelling, environmental promoting, prius driving mom, but even I have to admit, sometimes these environmentalists miss the forest for the trees.

I suppose we could just commit suicide as well, or bomb any country we chose and elminate a large carbon footprints worth of people, but that would also hardly be the point, now would it?

Amen, sister.  And that’s where I’m tempted to hug a tree-hugger.

Go read some more comments, but be warned.  The language is a little rough here and there.

Just call me Bigfoot. Apparently my carbon footprint is even bigger than my shoe size.

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Filed Under: babies, Christian living, crunchy stuff, worldview 24 Comments

We are a bloody people.

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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August 7, 2009 By

Bear with me there are extensive quotes below from several different articles.

From Whitehouse .gov

Speaking shortly after the confirmation, the President said he was grateful for the Senate’s confirmation, and gave special thanks the Senate Judiciary Committee for their hard work. He then reflected on Judge Sotomayor’s qualifications, and the historic nature of her confirmation:

….They’ve gauged her respect for the proper role of each branch of our government, her commitment to faithfully apply the law to the facts at hand, and her determination to protect our core constitutional rights and freedoms….

This is a role that the Senate has played for more than two centuries, helping to ensure that “equal justice under the law” is not merely a phrase inscribed above our courthouse door, but a description of what happens every single day inside the courtroom...And in the end, the outcome of your case will be determined by nothing more or less than the strength of your argument and the dictates of the law.

These core American ideals – justice, equality, and opportunity — are the ideals she’s fought for throughout her career…

You can read the President’s full statement here.

(emphasis mine and every time I read one of the phrases I thought “Unless you are an unborn child”)

In a National Review Online article titled “Death by Privacy” Contributing Editor Mark R. Levin tells us

“Finally, Blackmun focused on his legal rationale in Roe. He began with a review of the right to privacy, writing, in part:

The Constitution does not explicitly mention any right of privacy. In a line of decisions, however…the Court has recognized that a right of personal privacy, or a guarantee of certain areas or zones of privacy, does exist under the Constitution. In varying contexts, the Court or individual Justices have, indeed, found at least the roots of that right in the First Amendment…in the Fourth and Fifth Amendments…in the penumbras of the Bill of Rights…in the Ninth Amendment…or in the concept of liberty guaranteed by the first section of the Fourteenth Amendment….These decisions make it clear that only personal rights that can be deemed “fundamental” or “implicit in the concept of ordered liberty”…are included in this guarantee of personal privacy. They also make it clear that the right has some extension to activities relating to marriage… procreation…contraception…family relationships…and child rearing and education….

Blackmun felt that the right of privacy, wherever it comes from, includes the right to abortion. Do not look any further for legal argument amidst the voluminous opinion, because it does not exist. Perhaps the extensive historical analysis was included to compensate for the lack of legal analysis.

But Blackmun went further, and the Court followed. Not satisfied to strike down the Texas law, Blackmun began to write what seemed to be a new federal statute. According to Blackmun’s opinion, a woman’s right to abortion could only be abridged by a compelling state interest. In effect, Blackmun argued that there was an inverse relationship between a woman’s interest and the state’s interest that ranged across a spectrum from conception to birth. Therefore, the state’s interest at conception was minimal but increased as the pregnancy progressed, reaching its peak at the end of the pregnancy. A woman’s interest, paramount at conception, began to give some ground to the state’s interest in protecting the fetus as it matured toward being able to live outside of the mother. But Blackmun specifically declared that the unborn child was not a “person” under the Fourteenth Amendment, and thus had no equal protection rights.”

During her confimation hearings Rupublicans asked Judge Sotomayor how she felt about the status of abortion in America.

“The court’s decision in Planned Parenthood vs. Casey reaffirmed the court holding of Roe. That is the precedent of the court and settled in terms of the holding of the court.”  - Sonya Sotamayor speaking before the Senate Judiciary Comittee during her confirmation hearings.

You cannot make immorality moral by court precedent or legislation. Abortion remains an evil, murderous thing whether or not the court and the legislative branch.

So in honor of Judge Sotomayor’s historic confirmation I am posting a video that puts a live face on the “private” act of abortion, and saying a prayer. I am prayng God will grant repentance in time to spare us from chastisment.

Now I will be joining the 40 days for life campaign this fall.

How about you?

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Filed Under: Christian living, Dad's corner, news & politics, worldview 26 Comments

San Antonio Tea Party

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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April 21, 2009 By

It has been nearly a week since I attended the San Antonio Tea Party, possibly the largest in the nation thanks to support from big names like Glenn Beck. My good friend Doug Phillips was asked to speak at the Tea Party and another friend of mine Adam McManus was asked to emcee and give the invocation. I know the Christian character of both of these gentlemen so I was looking forward to hearing their clear witness for God’s Word and His Law in the civil sphere, and I was genuinely curious to see how a mixed crowd of what was estimated at the time to reach 14k would react to what I was confident would be an uncompromising witness for the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

They did not disappoint.

Take a look at the 3 minute mark on the video clip below. Doug’s call for repentance by the people of America could not be more clear. We are a people guilty of voting in leaders who thumb their noses at the Lord’s annointed and His standards but God is merciful and will heal our land if we will but repent.

If you enjoy the clip, please take a moment to click over to youtube and leave a comment.  You can download the entire message on behemoth.com.

Over and over again I heard people praying in Jesus’s name and appealing to the triune God of the Scriptures as the Author of our liberties.

Here is an excerpt from Adam’s prayer:

Father, the State is not God! It is the servant of the people. May we the people, gathered here tonight in San Antonio – each and every one of us — recognize the awesome responsibility we have to speak up and demand that our representatives begin to exercise fiscal discipline and liberate us from oppressive taxation which penalizes our hard work and sacrifice.

And we pray that where we have not honored You with our thoughts, words and deeds, that You would please forgive us. And where we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves, that You would pardon us. (the prayer may be read in its entirety here)

The thing I was also encouraged by was the recognition by the crowd and the speakers the WE keep sending  rascals back to Washington and as long as WE do we will continue to receive the SAME RESULTS (regardless of party affiliation).

The crowd was one of the safest and most respectful I have ever seen in a public gathering.  They were not rude, rowdy or violent in the least. Many were there with their families to hear the speeches on limited government.

These were the most memorable aspects of the evening. You can see related photos and commentary at the following sites:

Download Doug’s entire 23 minute message from the Tea party on Behemoth.com for free by clicking on the image below.

freedom at risk 300x300 San Antonio Tea Party

Freedom at Risk

Last but certainly not least here are my beloved Deanna’s thoughts on the Tea Party as well:

Last week I went with Dad to the San Antonio TEA party. I had a lot of fun walking around with my aunts (they’re all my age) before it started, and we found a store with all kinds of crazy, beautiful, skirts that I am definitely going to go back to soon…

Anyway, once it got started I really enjoyed the speeches that were made, except when Ted Nugent spoke for about 10 min. He was crude, and the faces he made when he played “The Star Spangled Banner” on his electric guitar just annoyed me. What really shocked me was when Terri Hall spoke about the TTC (Trans-Texas Corridor) I had heard about it vaguely on the radio before but never paid much attention to it. It’s a huge super highway/toll road that is going to cut through Texas dividing towns even, with exits only every 5 miles or so. So if your town is cut in half by it you have no way to get to the other side unless you pay a toll, or use access roads.
My favorite speech was Mr Phillips speech “Freedom at Risk” and afterward Dad took me to get ice cream, and I rode home with my Grandma. All in all, it was pretty much awesome.

Look for her report on Doug’s message “Freedom at Risk” coming soon to an Coghlan Family blog near you. icon smile San Antonio Tea Party

Did you go to a Tea Party in your area? What was your experience like?

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Filed Under: Dad's corner, news & politics, Vision Forum, worldview 10 Comments

My first ever live radio interview

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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March 3, 2009 By

radio My first ever live radio interviewLast month when we were hunting down in south Texas I had the (first in my life) chance to be a guest on a live talk ration show. My good friend Adam McManus – the local Christian Radio firebrand who hosts a show on KSLR 630 am in San Antonio – hosted me to get my opinion on an article where a liberal goofball called me irresponsible icon wink My first ever live radio interview . Not really, but he did say,

I think we will work our way towards a position that says that having more than two children is irresponsible. It is the ghost at the table. We have all these big issues that everybody is looking at and then you don’t really hear anyone say the “p” word.

Naturally I was happy to oblige, since I know a thing or two about having more than 2 kids.

Well almost happy.

Remember I told you that I was in south Texas deer hunting?  Well, on this particular afternoon I was guiding instead of hunting.  I was not going to take the call but the young man I was guiding insisted that I take the call – regardless of what it did to his hunt.

SO I called and spoke rather softly icon smile My first ever live radio interview  Most of the time I’m on the phone there are 4 big deer just off to the north of our deer stand.

Anyway I want to share the interview with you – Adam was kind enough to send me a copy so without further ado here it is:

My radio interview (click to listen)

amcmanus My first ever live radio interview

Adam on KSLR 630 AM


 You can hear Adam’s show  ”Take a Stand” every day ONLINE if you don’t live near San Antonio. Just go to KSLR.com and he is right there on the front page. You can also go to Adam McManus blog or email him at adam – at – kslr.com and you will receive his daily email action alerts and program notes. I’ve been a subscriber for over 5 years now. Very useful and very informative. It’s a great way to be notified of issues you need to call your Federal Representatives about.

Adam had another segment on February 18th about the weird (and I believe inappropriate) emotional attachments that are formed in the modern workplace. You can read a great article on his blog about this title “KSLR LISTENER & VISION FORUM BOARD MEMBER DON HART RESPONDS TO THE ADAM McMANUS SHOW SEGMENT ON “WORK SPOUSES”

Definitely worth a read.

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Filed Under: Christian living, Dad's corner, Patriarchy, worldview 20 Comments

Princess Diaries 2 notes

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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January 11, 2009 By

My notes on Geoff Botkin’s talk at the film festival, How to Anyalyze a Hollywood Film. This session was by no means intended to be comprehensive, but rather a crash course in critical thinking as it applies to movies.  Likewise, my notes are not at all comprehensive, but just the highlights that I managed to record, poorly paraphrased by me.

Mr. Botkin played very short clips from the film, pausing frequently to discuss.  In all, we probably viewed less than 5 minutes of the film, but this generated enough discussion to fill the entire time alloted for the session and then some.  He first commented on individual phrases from the opening scenes, encouraging us to examine why each word, phrase and line applies in the dialogue.  Remember that in most situations every line was carefully scripted and planned.

  • You are all going out there as individuals. Children are taught at graduation that they are going out as little kingdoms unto themselves.
  • Woodrow Wilson School of International Policy: A fictitious school named after the 2nd most treasonous president in terms of constitutional fidelity, the one who instituted the income tax system and established the Federal Reserve Bank.  Who do they honor, and why do they choose him?  Look around at other public schools – who are they named after, and why?

Norman Rockwell’s slice of culture & worldview provided many teachable moments to the Botkin family: dating, courtship, relationships, kissing, marriage. We can find the same opportunities around us, e.g. in the names of institutions and in small and casual lines of movies.

  • Graduation ceremony: how did it originate?  When these scenes are portayed as a grand celebration in the life of every good citizen, do our homeschooled children begin to believe that they have missed out on something?
  • Tiger mascot: our children need to know about the  idolatry of collegiate sports that captures the hearts of so many.  Cheerleaders, etc.

Movies like this will define true love, dating, international affairs, and more for your children.  They should not be learning such things without our guidance and direct input.

  • Dear Diary, Wellll, it’s me. Brand new college graduate-slash-princess… What is the traditional attitude expressed in a journal?  What should it be?  What do we already know about the heroine from this entry?  We see how she defines herself.  Her diary is a scrapbook of experiences that revolve around herself.  The traditional purpose or tone of journals were for interpreting life in light of scripture, often being later used as roadmaps for descendents.  This one is flippant and self-centered.
  • …He went off to tour the country with his band. This is what all cool guys do, right?
  • I’m a little nervous [about becoming queen].  I didn’t have a class called “How to Run a Country 101″ That would be the first 5 books of the Bible.
  • And I’ll sit on a throne.  Is that scary or what? Yes, the thought of a girl like this on a throne is scary.  Ruling takes a lot of wisdom and responsibility.  Our children need to have some understanding of how a monarchy works.   We see the nature of palace life, and the characters of palace life.  Incidentally, you never touch the royal personage, though we see it happen in the film when her tiara is knocked off her head and replaced.  Some of what is portrayed is realistic, while some is not.  Use this as an opportunity to learn the difference.
  • We see the princess.  Do our daughters want to be like her?  What do we think of her dress?  We hear gossip.  Deportment among friends: do we squeal when we see each other at a formal occasion?  How do we interact with young men?
  • “Shut up!” (said by queen, signifying amazement) Authority figures are shown to be cool, progressive and lovable when they engage in pop culture and jargon.
  • This is the 21st century! We’re moving into the 21st century.  The message is, “Let us join Hollywood in making war against blood (family), soil (traditions), father, mother and religion.”
  • Arranged marriage:  the film will define what we think of this.  We learn that marriage needs chemistry and sparks, and love as popularly defined.  We don’t subscribe to arranged marriage but we need to define these issues, not Hollywood.
  • Machiavelli: he is mentioned, and merits discussion.
  • His snake of an uncle: point out the impropriety of speaking this way about others, and the fact that it also would not happen in this setting.
  • Valley girl mannerisms, speech, facial expressions, general deportment.  Don’t let our daughters imitate this behavior!
  • Sorry. [single word, said in a sulk] A typical 21st century apology, showing no repentance or contrition.  Apparently accepted by the queen, who immediately responds by supporting the actions for which the princess apologized.
  • I have my own mall! Materialism presented as desirable.  What girl wouldn’t want her own mall?
  • I just love to look at him. While reviewing photos of eligible prospects for an arranged marriage, a photo of an ineligible young man is included.  All the women approve.  Lust is encouraged.
  • His boyfriend thinks he’s handsome also. Approved by characters, who obviously subscribe to modern definitions of sexuality.
  • He looks…decent… How should we make marriage decisions?  Based on appearance?
  • You can be a princess today just like me. This is set as an example of leadership and ruling.
  • She sneaks out the window to meet the cute boy even though she is engaged and just hours away from marriage.  Apparently this is ok because they don’t engage in sex.

What are the virtues being talked about when Christian pastors say that this movie is “loaded with virtue”?

Just a few of the messages to be found in this film: Eschew duty.  Follow your heart.  Changing your mind at the altar is not a big deal.  Good boys are boring.  Bad boys are the interesting ones, because they have a magical, debonair, resourceful presence.  Boring boy is masculine, honorable, etc. Interesting boy is an effeminate, woman-chasing cad.  Occasional good advice is later rejected in favor of a “better” course of action.

One of our most important responsibilities is to see that our children marry well; this film is a primer on marrying poorly.

In summary, don’t be fooled by a lack of gratuitous sex, overt violence, or swearing.  There can be far more harmful and insidious messages within the movies we watch, especially when we are trusting enough to allow our children to consume them freely or unattended.  Everyone has a worldview, and they do not develop in a vacuum.  Every film contains and communicates messages and a worldview, and those who don’t watch with a critical mind and eye will absorb those messages and find themselves molded by that worldview.   It is our duty to shape and form the worldviews of our children rather than allowing Hollywood to do it for us.

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Filed Under: videos, worldview 23 Comments

Is it true?

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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January 10, 2009 By

I’m listening right now to one of my favorite seesions at the Film Festival every year: Geoff Botkin’s How to Analyze a Hollywood Film.” The vicitm – er, subject this year is Princess Diaries 2.  I thought that was an odd choice, but he made an eye-opening statement when I commented on that: he says that this film has been very popular among homeschoolers.  Apparently the general consensus is that it is sweet and innocuous, or even very good.

Really?  What do you think?  Have you seen one of both of the Princess Diariesmovies?  What did you think?  Looking back, what do you think now?

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Christian film-making has come of age!

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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January 8, 2009 By

The title of the post says it all for this year’s Christian film festival. That statement by Doug Phillips was met with a deafening round of applause.

One film being featured this weekend, Fireproof, is the top-grossing independent film of the year!

There were 250 entrants this year, with 50 semi-finalists.

The grand prize will be the biggest cash prize of any film festival in the United States.

And I am confident that the opening ceremony, happening right now, has more attendees than ever before.  The first floor of the Lila Cockrell Theater is completely filled; we are in the balcony, which is nearly full too!

More later.

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Film Festival

Current giveaway: Grandpa Jake's Campfire Cooker

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January 8, 2009 By

It starts tonight – the opening ceremonies for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.  Whew!  That’s a mouthful!  We just say the film festival around here because as far as we’re concerned there’s only one.  icon smile Film Festival

Opening ceremonies are tonight, followed by 2 very long days.  I’m going to drive into town with our oldest and youngest tonight, to accompany hubby, while the rest of the children stay home and prepare for the next two days.  This includes but is not limited to Going To Bed Early.

This year is the biggest and best yet: record-breaking prizes, several full length feature films, celebrities like Kirk Cameron and the Von Trapp family singers, the always-amazing Charlie Zahm and George Sarris, plus many of my favorite speakers like Voddie Baucham (whose family I would love to meet!), Kevin Swanson, Geoff Botkin (whose family I know and love), Peter Pollock (who got me excited about the world of photography in his session last year), and of course Doug Phillips.

I’m hardly a social butterfly, but I always look forward to the film festival.  The films are exciting, but even more than that, I just can’t wait to see old friends and meet new ones!  My girls helped sort name tags in preparation for the festival and they’ve already tipped me off to several friends who have registered.

Will you be there?

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Filed Under: videos, Vision Forum, worldview 6 Comments