Freedom for my Children

For a person to say that this nation was not founded on christian values, I cannot understand. Just listen to some quotes from our founding fathers. "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by christians, not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

~Patrick Henry signer of the Declaration of Independence

"The hope of a christian is inseperable from his faith. Whoever believes in the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, must hope that the religion of Jesus Christ shall prevail throughout the earth."

~John Quincy Adams 6th president of the United States

"Whenever we step away from the FIRST article (that of believing in God) we wander into a labyrinth of uncertainty."

~Thomas Paine signer of the Declaration of Independence

Now, all this being said...I am a christian mother who feels very strongly and is very concerned about the future of our country and the freedoms of it's people (both my children and yours.) I believe that it is noble and good to participate in every possibile effort to maintain and re-establish the principles this great country was founded on--not the least of which is earnest prayer. However, I fear some overlook a greater freedom we should be fighting for--that of freedom for the souls of our children. The greatest and most dangerous bondage is that of sin. I would rather have my children enslaved in chains physically than spiritually--truly I would. I am thankful beyond measure for the bravery of those men who fight for my cherished freedoms, but I want my children to know that once there was a man who laid on himself the sin of the whole world and all time. He died and with him, sin was buried; He rose and with him rose hope that even in an uncertain tomorrow, we are assured freedom just for the asking! For a nation to have known freedom and to return to oppression, is no worse than for a soul that has known freedom to return to the slavery of sin. Both have backslidden and taken for granted the gift. They have laughed in the face of the giver--and I fear for the both of them.

The Camping Saga Continues...

Prepare for photo overload! It was so hard to pick and choose because I got so many great pics! These are wildflowers along the road on the way up the mountain to where we and a bunch of awesome people spent this past long/short weekend!
This is the 3rd year in a row for our little church to sponser a camp-out/meeting. Not all of us have the means or time off work to travel to a campmeeting every year and even when some or all of us get that privilege, this is still a lot of fun! We are not exclusive, so plan to join us next year! We have a devotional in the mornings and a Bible Study in the evening. The pictures just hit the highlights of the trip.
This was the sunset view God gave us our first night out. You and I both know that I live for the sunset. I don't know...maybe it has something to do with being a busy mom and knowing that bedtime is nigh! :)

Sunset on the lake Sunday night. What beauty on the Lord's day!
Wild roses picked from along the road. They smelled heavenly!

Those of us who were able to stay until Monday, got to watch the Fish & Game stock the lake with 3500 trout!

My babies in a rare loving moment. Thank heaven for 800 speed film! :)

A few of the kids playing "In a Pickle"

The Mears family at the falls.

Listening to Sunday School Charlie in children's church.

That's Carolyn, Dakota and Kalli and they really didn't get stuck with kitchen duty, they were just being helpful.

My first time to venture out in the tube.....I LOVED it...Kaite DID NOT! Momma was too far away!

Dakota on his first trip to the falls, It was so fun to see him enjoy himself. He's an awesome kid...or should I say young man?

Kaite singing her favorite song, "I'm gonna let it shine!"

Kaite is a little too 'happy' here. I think she had more than her share of 'bine' aka soda pop on this particular day. She was running around and waving her little stick, roaring like a bear.

One of the benefits of having four girls. You just hold the jug while they pump.

Pastor Rick getting ready for another of his awesome power point Bible Studies. He did great and the visual approach was wonderful for today's media-filled world. Yes, I am proud of this man!

Is it Andy or Harley under there? These were the best behaved little camper-doggies!

The kids with their edible campfires. (Pretzels and orange iceing on a graham cracker.) We had some really precious kids to work with this year!

Daddy helping Kaite blow on her food to cool it off.

A few of us chilling by the campfire.

Kammy and Alissa trying to wake up and eat breakfast.

One of the edible tents the kids made in craft/snack time.

Babycakes was so proud when she figured out how to carry her chair all by herself. Kaite peeking out the stove-pipe hole of the big wall tent we used for church and children's church.

Kammy and Kaite sharing marshmellows. They like the UN-roasted kind the best!

I loved the way Kammy's braids looked peeking out from under Grampappa's hat!

The camp kitchen. Everyone pitched in and helped with the cooking and food prep and we enjoyed lots of awesome camp food!

Heather took this piccy of Kam- I stole it -- along with her idea to do it in black and white!

Kaite seems pretty happy up there...maybe that's because she feels like her problems are below. I like that perspective!

Thanks guys for helping make this a great, fun trip! You're the best!

Be sure......

......your sin will find you out!

I don't remember ever telling Kammy not to play with the precious moments--maybe when she was very small, but I doubt she remembers it. Somehow, I think she just knew that it wasn't a good idea. Otherwise, why would she have to sneak it? She is allowed to take a picture if she asks first--she didn't. I know all this only because this was what I found when I turned my camera on the other day......

Can you see her little head poking up in the mirror there?

Quite honestly, I found this very amusing. However; there is also a great lesson here I think. There are some things we know are wrong because God tells us very clearly in his word. Other things, we may begin to do or say--even think-- and then feel checked. These are wrong for us although they may not be for others. God knows our weaknesses and limits and in his wisdom guides us accordingly. He's also taking pictures all through our lives and we can be sure our sins will find us out! So the question I asked myself today, "What did God's camera record of my life today--was it a pretty picture and pleasing?" We make a big too-doo of the wrongs of children/teens but I think the truth of the matter is that we adults are often 'posing' for the camera in a much more childish, obnoxious manner.

I'm linking up with my friend Crystal at http://thepurposedrivenjourney.blogspot.com/ for 'Too True Tuesday.'