For those who still read my blog you know I am on a Monday-Friday electricity and internet usage schedule--So I just got caught up on the news--Here is two items that got my blood pumping right off the bat! You should read these if you have time:
The Reality of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Imagine an Air Force mom, serving her country on a month-long deployment, who learns that her daughter has been secretly removed by local authorities, claiming the child has been “abandoned.” Children begin mandatory sex-education at the age of four, regardless of their family’s opinions, beliefs, or convictions, and parents are imprisoned if their children fail to receive any of their mandatory vaccinations. Parents live in a state of constant supervision and suspicion.
Imagine if your national government had the audacity to appoint a “guardian” to monitor your child from birth, charged with the legal responsibility to evaluate your decisions as a parent and armed with the legal authority to “intervene, prevent or rectify” any violations of your child’s rights. Public and private schools alike are policed by the national government, and classes begin with singing about the principles of peace, tolerance, and the United Nations. Your child’s confidential medical records, stored in a nation-wide electronic register from birth until age twenty, can be accessed at any time, without your knowledge, by any physician, teacher, or government social worker in the nation.
Now stop imagining, because for parents in the 193 countries that have ratified the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child, each of these scenarios is true.
Constant Supervision and Suspicion
Since its adoption by the United Nations in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has become the most widely accepted international agreement in history, ratified by every nation of the world except for the United States and Somalia. All signatories pledge to protect children’s rights, foster their development, and uphold their best interests by re-writing their national laws to conform to the standards set forth in the treaty.
While all this may sound harmless and even commendable, the reality is that the Convention allows and even demands that national governments interfere in the decisions of individual families and parents. By invoking the “best interests of the child ,” policymakers and government agents have the authority to substitute their own decisions for those of the child or parent. In short, parents lose their rights to be parents, and become merely caregivers. The result, as parents across the globe are now discovering, is that the family is being steadily undermined, often with tragic and devastating results for the very children who are supposed to be protected.
The Need for Vigilance
Thankfully, the United States still remains the sole organized government of the world that has rejected the Convention on the Rights of the Child, because our elected leaders emphatically rejected the Convention’s incursions on American law and the American family. America believes that international committees and courts should have no authority in the affairs of her families, and that the right and responsibility of lawmaking should be wielded only by her own sons and daughters.
This emphatic resistance, however, must be more than simply a one-time stand, for without vigilance on the part of its citizens, America is unlikely to remain the last stalwart defender of parental rights. Nations across the globe are reaffirming their commitment to the Convention every day, and domestic scholars, activists, judges, and politicians continue to urge us to join them.
To challenge their cries, ParentalRights.org will be taking a closer look at countries who have been recently cited by the United Nations as “model-governments” in the battle for children’s rights. Beneath their shiny veneer of success are stories and movements that reveal the dangers taking shape beyond our borders. Americans everywhere need to be informed about the true nature of the international movement for “child rights.” In short, they need to hear the stories of real parents, in real countries, who are becoming the real casualties of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
There sure is alot of people on the blog this morning! I haven't seen so many people here at one time in a while. I think we all are feeling very emotional this morning-one way or another--some I understand others I do not. But it is not my place to understand. I think the main thing we have to keep in mind is God is in control. Regardless of how your flesh is feeling right now. (I had to be reminded of that myself this morning.) "Change" is coming my friends-Like it or not. It is important to remember who you are and why we are here. We are commanded to love one another. To have compassion. It is not always easy--but no where have I read that it is supposed to be. I do not know what will be in the days to come but I do know that God is in control and we have a choice to live according to His will. And in that choice we can find peace and joy in any circumstances that this world has to offer. Peace and Blessings to you all>faithfarm
I just have some rambling thoughts this morning and an update on the happenings at faithfarm. Our family is blessed with a new member-my sister gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. There is nothing like the joy of a new baby, we are blessed.
Things have been busy here. All the goats are bred and the new fence is complete. We have finished the plans for the new birthing barn (Thanks to BIL!) and are planning to break ground on that in about 2 weeks. The weather is turning colder now so we are cutting wood and winterizing the house and barns. Rabbit breeding season is in full swing. Hunting season has also started here. I look forward to filling the freezers again! My daughter caught the first catfish out of the stocked pond. I was very surprised at how large the fish have become. One fish provided enough meat to feed my family of 4. It was great. Canning season has almost ended. Only a few pears and a batch of beets left to do. It makes me smile to see all the jars filled. Can you believe it's almost November! I can't. Where does the time go? I look at the new baby and it seems like only yesterday I was holding my new baby---and now she is almost 10 years old. Much less looking up to our oldest who is a whopping 6'3" and a handsome young man of 19 years. It just makes you smile to think back on it all. Life is a gift. Blessings>faithfarm
Hello Everyone! I just wanted to take a minute to write down some rambling thoughts. All this talk with the world markets "hitting bottom" and all they are doing to prevent it just makes my head spin. I just have one question---What's so wrong with hitting bottom? Before you scream--Yes I do realize the implications of such an event....just hang with me a moment. If it is held up by a false foundation-which it is--why do we continue to fight what has to come. How many of us in our lives have not hit bottom at some time-in one form or another? Yes it stinks--It's hard and it usually hurts. BUT don't we learn and become better for it in the long run? Don't we grow stronger? This country has made mistakes--the same as people make mistakes....Eventually you have to admit it and fix the problem. Putting it off doesn't help. Hitting bottom isn't THAT bad--LOL--I should know I've hit it more than once--How about you? It hasn't killed me yet and I doubt very seriously it would kill the country either. Well folks-that's my 2-cents worth. I hope you all have a Blessed night! >faithfarm
Good Morning Everyone! I hope this finds you well today. It is a quiet morning here on the farm and I felt like blogging a bit. I have some things on my mind this morning and not all of them are politically correct so if you continue to read this it is your choice because this is my opinions only.
I have been hearing and reading so much about how Christians are intolerant and hateful. Yes, I know it's the times we live in. However instead of these comments making me mad they actually give me some hope. Here is how I got there. That tells me that there are true Bible believing Christians out there who are not going to 'go with the flow' and accept things that are not right. Everyone says: who are you to judge what is right or wrong? and the point is it is not individuals who are saying what is right or wrong. The Bible does. The Word of God. AND there are those who are willing to stand up for what they know to be true....and that gives me hope. So in this day of compomise and tolerance and liberal points of view I am pleased to see true Bible believing conservatives (you know the "intolerant haters") standing up and being heard. Because folks---it's not ok. I heard someone say last night.....'It's not ok to make this world a better place to go to hell from". The irony in that cracked me up. The truth is if we really do care about the people of this world we will stand up for what is right and we will help those who have been lead astray...not by tolerance but with love for our fellow brothers and sisters eternal souls. This is not done by accepting and tolerating what we know to be wrong. This is done by what we know to be right. Who would have ever thought that the Bible in the US would become too radical to follow! One of our own presidential candidates said: the Sermon on the Mount - a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful that our own Defense Department would survive its application? and then used the same passage to justify civil unions. It boggles the mind. Don't get me wrong---I'm not trying to get political here....I think both candidates are far from being a true conservative candidate. And for the first time in my voting history I feel like I don't have a candidate or a good choice. That's not a good thing. The point I am failing to get at is just this: We live in a dangerous time---right is wrong and wrong is right---Don't go blindly into what the world is doing. Question and search the bible for what is right. What your neighbor or politician or friend thinks is not going to matter in the end. And to coin my DH favorite phrase "That's between you and God." Be prepared---Read your Bible daily---don't be deceived. Thank you for reading this and I pray God gives us all the strength and wisdom we need to do what is right and to live in this time. Blessings>faithfarm
Good Morning Friends! I found this site this morning and just loved it! I wanted to share with you as I know many of you are putting together this years lesson plans. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Blessings>faithfarm
Got Milk? I live on a farm and times are pretty hard as the area I live in is considered economically depressedIt's so bad, that I've heard some of our neighbors were having a hard time making ends meet. This morning, I woke up to hear a knock at the door. When I went to answer the door -- this is the sad sight that I saw. It just about broke my heart...!! Please scroll down, to see for yourself...! ! * * * * * *
Heartbreaking. ..! Just heartbreaking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
M R Ducks = Them Are Ducks
M R Not = Them Are Not
M R Too = Them Are Too
C M Wangs = See Them Wings
L I B...M R Ducks = Well I Be - Them Are Ducks
M R Mice = Them Are Mice
M R Not = Them Are Not
S A R...C M E D B D Feet? = Yes They Are - See Them Iddy Biddy Feet ?
L I B...M R Mice! = Well I Be - Them Are Mice
M R Puppies = Them Are Puppies
M R Not = Them Are Not
O S A R...C M P N? - Oh Yes They Are - See Them Peeing?
L I B...M R Puppies. = Well I Be - Them Are Puppies
M R Farmers = Them Are Farmers
M R Not = Them Are Not
O S A R...C M M T Pockets? = Oh Yes They Are - See Them Empty Pockets ?
L I B...M R Farmers = Well I Be - Them Are Farmers
I woke early this morning to enjoy the peace and cool of the morning. The fresh cool air of a summer morning is such a treat this time of year. This quiet time alows one to think and pray before the day begins. I can find no better way to start the day. I believe in todays world we have become so busy that often times we bypass the joy life has to offer. Even in this homesteading life......where the goal is to get back to simplicity, we often find ourselves so busy with the day's have-to-do's that we don't enjoy it to the fullest. Don't get me wrong--there is much to do--especially this time of year, but our outlook and method of how we do it is what I am talking about. I don't know about all of you but I find myself doing multiple things in a day--because they have to be done. Unfortunately more times than not I end up doing a little of this and a little of that all over the farm just to keep it going. Working in circles and often not satisfied with the results. A dear friend of mine sent me a DVD of one mans journey to a simplier life. In this story he share a bit of wisdom that really touched home with me. He said 'too many men work on parts of things' Working on something until completion gives a person a since of satisfaction like no other. As I pondered on this thought I realized that I had fallen back into that multi-tasking urban mentality. I was busy all day doing parts of things and rarely started and finished one project at a time. So much needs to be done that I spend the entire day going to and fro doing this and that and never actually accomplishing any one thing in the day. I spent the day tending and planing and thinking about what I haven't gotten done and what I need to be doing. Sadly that takes the joy out of work. I think in this fast paced world that is a common thought process. Rarely do we focus on one task at a time, enjoying the process until completion, ending the day with the satisfaction of accomplishing that one goal of the day. They can be big or small.....but the focusing on one thing at a time from start to finish. In a world of distractions this is easier said than done. It takes practice. I laugh as I write that.....who would have thought being singular in thought and action would be something you would have to practice at. I don't know why the ability to multi-task became something we strived for......why or when that became a good thing.....I know its necessary at times to be able to do that but it shouldn't be the focus of our daily lives. How well can you do four things at the same time? Does that produce the desired results? Even if you can accomplish all four things....does it leave you with the feeling of peace and accomplishment or do you end all four frazzled and tired and thinking about the next four on your list of to-do's? I have found that it is a deception in the mind that if you don't multi-task you won't get it all done. The thoughts of "how will it all get done if I don't do it this way?" are just not right. I have been able to accomplish more in the last week than I have in a long time. Taking one thing at a time......enjoying the process to completion...my mind is clearer and I am learning to focus. Time must move slower this way. Perhaps this is how our great grandparents got it all done before technology improved our time. I don't know about you but all these time saving electronics and devices have become more of a distraction and a time stealer than a time saver. The days are short enough...time is short in general...I think I'll continue to make the most of it as I can......finding joy in everyday tasks.....clearing the mind and enjoying the peace of a simplier time. Blessings>faithfarm
You start before the sun comes up and you finish after the sun goes down. No harder work have I ever found. You sweat-you freeze-you get soaked to the bone-you plant and harvest-you teach and you learn-you pray and give thanks-you build and tear down-you dig and bury-you celebrate new life and appreciate your supper---and if you do it all just right................you are Blessed to love every day of your life.
Good Morning to all! I hope you all are off to a very productive and peaceful week. I heard something this weekend that really made me think. A pastor was talking about increased knowledge in the world and how it has just exploded in the last 100 years. (How true) But he made a point that I thought was worthy of repeating. He said that there is a distinct difference in knowledge and wisdom. The world as a whole has increased knowledge but lacks wisdom. Wisdom comes from spending time reflecting on knowledge. We are so busy gaining knowledge, yet many of us in this world do not take time to reflect on it........gaining wisdom. I have often felt that there is a huge difference in knowledge and wisdom. All the knowledge a person could possibly want is right there in front of them--just a click away--but living that knowledge--taking time to reflect on what is learned-putting that knowledge to work--is a totally different thing. I don't know about you but I think I have all the knowledge I need for right now-----it's time to gain some wisdom. Blessings>faithfarm
What is the Misery Index and why do we care about this? The Misery Index is a measure of economic well-being, computed by taking the sum of the unemployment rate and the inflation rate for a given period. An increasing index means a worsening economic climate for the economy in question, and vice versa. In economic terms, a rise in inflation coupled with high unemployment leads to lower consumer expenditures and contributes to an economic slow-down.
The Current Misery Index is
High: 21.98% June 1980
9.68% May 2008
Low: 2.97% July 1953
It is one of the few ways (in my opinion) that economy is measured that has a real hint of what people are actually feeling. The misery index, as the name suggests, is designed to measure the amount of misery felt by ordinary people in the economy. Since fear of unemployment and loss of purchasing power through inflation have pervasive effects in the lives of ordinary Americans. However--I believe the above numbers to be a bit off. There was a very good article wrote back in May by Chris Isadore that in my opinion show a bit of reality to what these numbers actually should look like and explains some of why people are feeling the way they are---I have heard many economist and alot of media reporting "Americans are in a panic or over-reacting to the economy"----reality check time******** there is a reason for it. When the cost of food and fuel keeps rising and jobs are lost or very insecure---people don't spend their money or they don't have any to spend. I know the simplicity of that hurts most politicians. But when the CPI (Consumer Price Index) only reflects 12% in food and fuel cost and core CPI (which economist love to use) doesn't count it at all..........thats just not reality in the lives of people or in business owners who are trying to keep people jobs. You can read the artical here:
Take a minute and figure out what percent of your income goes to food and fuel (all of it-gas, propane, heating and cooling, ect) and see if 12% is an accurate reflection in your monthly expenses. By the way that 12% also includes all non durable goods. Non Durable goods may be defined either as goods that are used up when used once, or that have a lifespan of less than 3 years. Examples of nondurable goods include cosmetics, food, cleaning products, fuel, office supplies, packaging and containers, paper and paper products, personal products, rubber, plastics, textiles, clothing and footwear. Now if you figure that number**********you get a better idea of how these numbers just don't reflect reality. What is your Non Durable %?
Surprise! Its raining again. Ok, maybe the sun shining would be a real surprise. We have had so much rain-everything is just standing water. All the rivers are above flood stage and many homes have been damaged or destroyed. We are located about a mile and 1/2 from the river so we are not in danger of river flooding but things are definately starting to get damaged. The garden looks highly questionable at this point and the continous rain is starting to have its effects on the animals. Feed and hay are real issues. Hay crops are severely damaged or destroyed around here so the law of supply and demand are raising prices terribly. Last year I was paying $3.50 a bale and the average cost is $10.00 a bale for alfalfa if you can find it. Looks like it might be an interesting homesteading year. I am trying to make arrangements for winter hay and feed now before costs increase any more. We are Blessed to still have an income coming in from my husbands job. The work has been slow but God has provided for us. The plans for the new roof are still on schedule and the house should be completed by August. This has been a priority for DH. I would be fibbing if I said that the current state of the economy and food/fuel prices didn't have me concerned. I know that God has made a way for us thus far and we are set up pretty good to provide for the needs of our family. It just seems to me that we are one foot in the door to a difficult winter in this nation. With all thats going on in the world and all the damaging floods in our 'breadbasket' states, the cost for food and fuel is most likely to continue to increase. I feel such compassion for those families who are trying to survive on min. wage jobs. Here in Oklahoma commuting to work 30+ miles is common place. So fuel increases have a great affect on an individuals income. We are fortunate to only have to commute 15 miles one way.
I went into town on Monday and you could really see the weight of everything on peoples faces. People looked tired and concerned......some were angry.......mostly just the look of worry was on everyones faces. Few people smiled or spoke. It reminded me of a time after a big ice storm we had a couple years back. Only there hasn't been an 'event'.......only a steady decline and time of hardship. Many companies are laying off or closing and that many more are concerned about how long they will last. International companies seem to be holding up better than the local and national ones. It really makes you wonder how long this "its not a depression" will last. My gut feeling is..........its going to last a while. I have felt very strongly in the need to prepare. I'm not sure how to discuss this feeling and sound like I have little faith. I know God provides. I also know that He blesses the work of our hands and I have come to trust that small voice that keeps me from trouble. I'm not speaking fear--however that seems to be the common reaction when speaking of difficult times ahead. Is it not wisdom to think of taking care of your family? I would feel so much worse for not doing these things now when I have the ability than to face hardship in a time of need. If everything turns around and nothing comes of this.......then what have I lost? I have only gained. I am more prepared and can concentrate my efforts into another area of becoming more self-reliant. There are so many things I would like to do and plan to do in time if it is God's Will. But for now...preparing for winter is at the top of the list.
These are my rainy day ramblings------------Blessings>faithfarm
1. A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?
2. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?
3. What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away ?
4. Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday?
5. This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious as to just how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so ordinary and plain that you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is highly unusual though. Study it and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching!
THE ANSWERS TO ALL FIVE THE RIDDLES ARE BELOW:
.........................
Answers:
1. The third room. Lions that haven't eaten in three years are dead. That one was easy, right?
2. The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry (shot; held under water; and hung).
3. Charcoal, as it is used in barbecuing.
4. Sure you can name three consecutive days, yesterday, today, and tomorrow!
5. The letter e, which is the most common letter used in the English language, does not appear even once in the paragraph.
It is pouring rain today and I couldn't be happier. Do we need more rain-no. Do I care if the gardens are being soaked-no. It will all work out in the wash. Today I am enjoying life----inside. Listening to the rain fall on the metal roof. Enjoying the my daughter curled up on the couch. Appreciating the opportunity to rest and relax in this ever busy time of year. Letting the body and soul soak up some peace. Smell the chicken soup slowly boil on the stove top. It doesn't get better than this! May peace find you today whatever your weather is doing. Blessings>faithfarm
Some one posted a wonderful recipe for HD and HB bun's---and I lost it--Can someone please help me find it! I would greatly appreciate it!!! Blessings>faithfarm
I read an interesting article on a friends blog yesterday talking about "The way of the future." The funny thing is ....it was talking about the ways of the past. Now keep in mind I grew up like many of you in a time that "the way of the future" included the begining of the computer and the electronic age. Being able to talk on a phone without a cord seemed impossible. Many of what has come to reality was the things that you seen on Si-Fi movies. It still totally amazes me that I can sit down at a desk and write a letter to someone and in seconds they have it. I can see live pictures from across the globe-in real time. Its mind-boggling. Now-today-more and more I read where all these "things" that have become common place in our lives are now being exchanged for the way we use to do it. I can't say I'm surprised. So much of the last 25 years has been built on assumption. It looks to me that we are now going to have to walk through a humbling time of correction. Perhaps this time ahead of us will bring people back to the real reason we are here. Blessings>faithfarm
