What a day!	January 31, 2006

I will be adding slices in bytes rather than all at once today.  And, what a day it has been!

If there was ever a good time to make and eat Aebleskivers (and *any* time's a good time!) today's a very good day to do so.   In the name of freedom of speech, buy Danish, eat a danish pastry, fry up some aebleskivers and have some Danish butter-cookies and Havarti cheese!  That's for the low-carb part of your diet! 

Denmark newspaper editorial cartoons (you can see copies of them here on this man's blog) associating islam with violence or intolerance set off an international Muslim uproar that's escalated into protests and outrage.  These have led to boycotts of all things Danish.  On the news pages of Worldnet Daily there are links to pics of protests and flag burnings and demands for apologies for the editorials. Palestinians in Gaza were chanting "War on Denmark, death to Denmark" in protest and they burned Danish flags and claimed there'd be targeted attacks in Denmark.   All this fury and boycotting and pleas for support makes me wonder if the Google-boys might be rethinking their caving to Chinese officials and censoring or limiting Google searches in China---no small feat.

Then, this morning, Samuel Alito was sworn in as a United states Supreme Court Justice by the new Chief Justice, John Roberts.  What a day this will be for him as he's no doubt introduced at tonight's State of the Union Address by President Bush.   And, no doubt, there will be no shortage of news and commentary following the speech which is already being posted in bits and snippets on the net.     It will also be remembered that, on this day, Coretta Scott King passed away.

But before all this news and stuff of the day... as our family was gathered for our daily morning Bible study, we heard noises, and then a barrage lights and sirens coming down the way.  Anything like this causes no small stir in our home!  Immediately, Wes finished reading and closing with prayer (we're sorry LORD, for our impetuousness) we all ran to the porch to catch a glimpse of what might be going on---sirens blaring, traffic blocking, we finally saw that a small airplane had crashed in the slough.  Talking with our neighbor, we were commenting that there had been only a few incidents in the last ten years.  So, really, the fluke of two planes down in the same month was really unusual and I quickly added that no one had died, so that was a blessing and the other planes weren't damaged that badly.  But then, Kathryn reminded us that one of them, several years ago had flown into the other neighbor's home. I shrugged... yeah, I guess you're right---there was that one.

I wasn't going to add to my comments regarding Christians and filmmaking ---- and this doesn't really qualify for that category, but in portraying a drama, I think the Phillips' children just may carry off the most awards for most darling portrayal of missionary life.  I don't know if my mother-in-law (a real-life missionary) would think the setting and provisions were completely accurate. ~wink~  You can see his blog here.

edited 2pm The last of the Slices of End of the Spear	January 30, 2006

I wrote several comments about the movie, The End of the Spear (January 15).  I stand by what I have written about that movie, about the life choices of the actor, and maintain the stand that homosexuality is abomination.  I will not change that stand.  I will risk remaining "narrow," and if it is thought that I am being judgmental, I will trust the LORD as I stand on His Word.   I wish to say that I have also written to the producer of that film, have expressed my concern for what was done and the message it carries. I did that bcz I took a stand and wanted him to know it though I believe I will likely never have a reply.  I did not write him to receive a reply.

An amazing coincidence: as I have been reading links and updates on this in the last couple of days... a friend of mine wrote me this evening and sent a prayer request from author, Randy Alcorn (whom I respect very much) and in the letter, a couple of links:  End of the Spear , plus,  Mart Green (head of Every Tribe Entertainment, producer of End of the Spear) & Steve Saint answer Questions.   I had read some of them earlier.

Much has been added to this topic on the Jason Janz Sharper Iron site since I linked to it on January 15.  I believe it is worth rereading--it has even been updated additionally in the last couple of days.  I appreciate Jason Janz unapologetic stand and what appear to be sincere apologies when apologies were due.  I appreciated reading Randy Alcorn's comments, admonitions and exhortations, as well.  They are lengthy, but worth reading and heeding.

I am not purposefully violating Matthew 18 when I point out trends in the church, people who are driven by a purpose, or when I point out developments in ministries---I point these out using links and quotes.  I write many letters, to which I almost never receive a reply, but I do this for a couple of reasons.  I want to give an opportunity (even if I don't expect it) for dialogue and I also want to be sure of my source if I quote from a website and not a news transcript or audio.  When I post a lengthy or separate piece, I receive and note permission.

In the case of this movie, regarding the choice of the actor for the movie, I have very specific reasons for this stand, sort of parallel to my belief that the Bible, for example, could not be translated accurately by a person who is not redeemed by the LORD.  I can appreciate the different points of view for the sake of conversation, but Scripture is clear and I believe it is becoming so casually handled and so quickly dismissed or misquoted that it is very difficult to tolerate listening to those who've bought into the dialectic praxis---the: hate the sin/love the sinner/accept the lifestyle as "alternative" just don't, as a Christian live that way.   I believe it's all a further decline of society, the weakening or feminization of authority, the casual dumbing-down and/or watering down of scriptures to the point of misinterpretation and disrespect for God's design.

I appreciate the desire of  ETE and the attempt to further tell the story that needs to be heard; I pray the LORD will cover all of this and that it will be used for good and God's glory.  I pray the Saint family will be blessed as the LORD works on their behalf, showing Himself strong.  And finally, I appreciate men like John MacArthur, and Randy Alcorn for their devotion to the cause of Christ and the furtherance of the Gospel.   Here's a commentary of the actual movie as I will not have one.

Movie aside, I am extremely grateful to have a copy of Steve Saint's book, End of the Spear and pray many will read it, pass it around and receive the intended blessing and the proclamation of Jesus and salvation through faith in Him.  May the LORD be honoured and as far as the movie is concerned, my prayer is this, though I have not read of the movie crediting the LORD or of it actually telling the Gospel, proclaiming Christ, I pray God will redeem it for His glory and not allow the enemy further use for shame.

"What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth,
Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."  Philippians 1.18

 This from our friend:  (Letter from the office of Randy Alcorn)

Dear Praying Friends

Randy asked me to send this request to you for prayer regarding the End of the Spear movie and the Chad Allen controversy. Many of you are no doubt aware of the controversy that surrounds the End of the Spear movie and the actor who plays Nate Saint, Chad Allen, who is a homosexual activist. Randy has found himself on the inside of this controversy talking with the principle parties involved on both sides of the issue. He was reluctant to get involved but because of the substantial amount of misinformation that is being passed around he felt he needed to address it. After long interactions with the primary parties related to this controversy (including hours of phone conversations and dozens of emails) he has put together a comprehensive response.

He’s asking that you would pray for Mart Green and Steve Saint and their families who have suffered incredible pain from the misinformation that has been dispersed over the internet. Prayer is also needed for Jason Janz who has been involved in the center of the controversy. Please also pray for Chad Allen and his exposure to the gospel through acting in this movie and for the many nonbelievers who will be attending the movie because of Chad Allen’s role.

To get a clear picture of what is involved, you can read the following two articles that are now posted at our website:

Randy Alcorn’s response to the End of the Spear and Chad Allen Controversy: http://www.epm.org/articles/end_spear_response.html

Mart Green (head of Every Tribe Entertainment, producer of End of the Spear) & Steve Saint answer questions: www.epm.org/articles/end_spear_chad_allen.html

If you find this information helpful and think it would be useful to others, feel free to pass it along, forward it, link to it, etc. If you did happen to print it or post it on your website and needed to make a shortened version, we would need to see in advance any edit. Probably the best thing to do would be to link to the article in its entirety. 

But most importantly, pray for the impact of this movie and that God would be glorified and hearts restored in the Christian community through this controversy.

Secondly, as a side issue, I know Randy would deeply appreciate your prayers for him as he is trying to accomplish some writing at a cabin nearby. I don’t think I’m exaggerating to say that he is almost feeling desperate to find the time to write. Four of his writing days were eaten up because of his involvement with this controversy. He doesn’t regret that because he knows God called him to be involved at this time. But he still needs to recoup that time and it would be a huge encouragement to him if he were able to accomplish a lot of writing in the next few days.

Thanks for your prayers. They are invaluable and Randy is very aware of them.

God bless you. Kathy Norquist  Ministry Assistant to Randy Alcorn

Slices	January 30, 2006

Everyone wants to be God.  Remember in the 70's... I am Woman, Hear Me Roar.  Seems AOL wanted a piece of the powerful words I am... As they unveiled their  (all caps) i am slogans.  I read this first on WorldNet Daily... the catchy headline about AOL and blasphemy.   I think of all the lies in the lines of that song... all the damage those lies have done.  Tonight I am considering all the ways in which this country/this world is turning its back on God, on the God of the Bible, the Saviour of mankind.  But as I write these thoughts, I understand the Truth of the Word that there will be consequences for all of these lies.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6.7   For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.  Wherefore the rather,  brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2Peter 1.8-10   Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2Corinthians 6.14

 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi:
and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them,
Whom do men say that I am?
And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say,
Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them,
But whom say ye that I am?
And Peter answereth and saith unto him,
Thou art the Christ.
Mark 8.27-29

January 30, 2006
Facing Changes

I was doing some cleaning... came across some old, but very dear-to-me, magazines.  These are magazines that were sort of like companions to me years ago when, after the Lord had impressed on our hearts, through the reading of the Word, that we would leave *all* of our child-bearing to Him... that we would give Him Lordship of our womb and trust Him to direct and provide for any and all children He would give us.  I knew very few people anywhere in person or in print, so to speak, who were on this path.

The further we traveled that path, the more people we met who felt as we did, believed the LORD for His promises as we did and trusted Him for the path, as we did.  It was around that time that I first read a borrowed copy of Mary Pride's, The Way Home.  I would later read the sequel, All The Way Home and it would be through that book (and through friends and other books/publications)  that our "leanings" toward home-schooling would be confirmed.

So, the magazine I received in those days, the magazine that would instantly halt all home-working, the magazine that would keep me on my front step for a couple of hours each time it arrived was: Gentle Spirit.  That magazine was published first as several sheets of paper stapled together in a sort of newsletter format.  It would increase subscribers by the day and went on to have a circulation of some 50,000 subscribers.  That's a lot of "Gentle Spirit-led" households.  This would surely not be limited to the subscriber's address, because I knew of several who shared and passed around their copies to many women.  It was a wonderful time of growing and learning---many felt a kinship with the editor of the magazine because she seemed so 'right where they were at" at the time, her letters, columnists and advertisers also were "kindred spirits."   Month after month I was encouraged in my role in our home/marriage/motherhood.  A few---a precious few, I might add, of my friends felt as I did and they, likewise, would read and ponder their issues from cover to cover.  The magazines would become like chapters in a homemaking manual and each month the next "chapter" would arrive.

So, several years ago as I was, at another time, reminiscing those days, I wondered what'd become of that editor after a staggering series of events forced the abrupt discontinuation of the magazine.  What was not in existence when we began to receive the magazine years before, had then become common: the internet.  It was through some searching around on the net that I discovered smarmy details of her life, the actions by members of the homeschooling community and others.  Years would pass before I would revisit the question: what's happened to Cheryl Lindsey [now, Seelhoff]?  What's happened to Gentle Spirit magazine?

Facing Change.... I guess there are times I wish I were not inquisitive.  There are times I wish things didn't matter so much, or were so important or that things didn't stay in my thoughts day after day, year after year.  But they do.  This did---or, this has.  I was grieved years ago that Cheryl Lindsey would no longer publish Gentle Spirit---my thoughts were consistent with those who felt betrayed or let down by her.  But somehow, I always had a soft spot, a forbearance for her/her actions---I'm not just sure why, now.  I guess it just went along with that "kindred spirit" feeling the magazines fostered.  Plus... she was really an inspiration to me.  When I looked up her site several years ago I was sorry for the obvious "new age" feel it had to it --- she'd previously been so firmly grounded in biblically based Christian living.  I closed that window and all the other windows I had open---windows that contained transcripts of talks, legal proceedings, etc concerning her, her divorce, remarriage and subsequent children. Blah.  That's how it all felt. A once high floating balloon of marvelous encouragement was instantly pricked and it floated to the ground totally deflated.

So, this afternoon... now with the aid of Google and not "Ask Jeeves," I did a search... should'a stuck with the news.  I see that "Gentle Spirit" no longer Gentle Spirit... it is not only "new-agey" but is also a twist of new "christian" feminism/simple living/un-schooling and more, titles that I wouldn't type alongside even lower-case "c"  Christian things.   What was once a wonderful blessing has (to me) turned to sludge in the drain, a revolting shock to my senses as I read some of the headings of sections of the stunningly different site ---the website of the woman that once was such a blessing to me... it's nothing short of sickeningly shocking to me to see the dramatic transformation of someone I once so admired.  So, I reminisce... sorry I'll never be able to pick up a gleaming copy of Gentle Spirit that was edited by a modest, gracious, covered sister in the LORD: a Titus2 woman extraordinaire.  I miss that I'll never open a new issue, read every word, sip my hot coffee and feel the joy I used to feel receiving what seemed like a fresh sisterly dose of kindred-encouragement that I could carry around our home day after day.   What a sad thing it is when one falls away from the Truth.

I will share, by way of encouragement to readers that I *am* very encouraged by a few magazines I receive regularly and *highly* recommend!  I believe ALL of these are very worth subscribing to and keeping for future reference!   There are also numerous websites to inspire and encourage and, as always, the blogs down on the sidebar here.

In the News

I think of the chokehold islam has on all things not islamic---the control muslims have all over the world... consider Denmark.   I think of the chokehold China has on its people (America is included here; think: Google) and then consider the far reaching effects of terrorism.   It's uncanny the caving to and catering to the whims and demands of muslims.   I consider our friend, Andrew, who is planning for his first meal outside of prison in 37 days and with his first meal, he wants to have bacon... and eat with silverware.  What does this have to do with the catering to muslims?  Here in Washington state, the prisons do not serve pork---in deference to incarcerated muslims.  hmmmm.

The UN's plan seems an awful lot like parts of Rick Warren's P.E.A.C.E. plan.

I flipped though the stations today... wanted to hear the top-of-the-hour news and was (unfortunately) a bit early as I heard a man vociferously arguing his point---it was none other than Ted Kennedy demanding something about Samuel Alito doing something against progress or whatever.  I don't really know how well he was received because I feel quite sure that few could actually understand the man.  Poor transcribers---what a job they have.  I wonder if they include side notes describing facial expressions,  volume and gesticulations. So, while it seems it could have been all wrapped up today, a vote will be taken tomorrow concerning the appointment of Samuel Alito to the Supreme court.  I keep wondering why Ted Kennedy rages so.  Actually, I wonder how he keeps being reelected every time.

I'm thinking that President Bush shouldda talked to Cindy Sheehan last August when she was camped out at the border of his ranch in Crawford, Texas.  I'm thinking that the red-hot fire-cracker has become an enormous loose cannon.  What I kept thinking was the media exploited a grieving mother---but then she took to the lights like a fish to water and the media seems to have catapulted her into orbit.  She seems to have become as unpredictable and as volatile as a bucking bronco who's seeing red flags all over the landscape.  Even with no "illusions" of winning, she now talks of running against  California Senator, Dianne Feinstein.  She's go real chutzpah, if nothing else.   Then I read an article (concerning this on her visit to Venezuela's Hugo Chavez) where she will go to Washington to protest the State of the Union Address on Monday; and another, where she said she'd once again put up a tent at Mr. Danger's ranch.  I hope he'll talk to her this time.  As I recall, last August, she said she'd go home if he would talk to her.  One could hope.

This is for the Big Jar Mayonnaise Mamas	January 29, 2006