How to Vote

Joe Biden had it right. Our country will be tested. By terrorists. The ones who have not forgotten their hatred toward us, even if most of us have forgotten about them. The ones who necessitate that every American should be reading the Holy Bible in History class. They are the descendants of Ishmael; we are supporters of Israel.

If you don't know of what I speak, you can thank your public school system because whether you believe the Bible or not, it includes the story of our enemy. It used to be that social studies was for the purpose of understanding the world we live in, but it would appear now that we're only interested in indoctrinating our children to our own homemade, high-browed ideas of what is right and true. And most often, we're wrong.

Never mind that it will someday be our undoing.

So, how to vote?

I plan to vote the same way Jim and I chose guardians for our girls so many years ago. We didn't interview them with a flurry of hypothetical scenarios, we didn't presume to make conditions that would dictate the parenting of our children from the grave, and we did not assign guardianship to the perfect person who couldn't possibly follow through for the task.

Instead we chose to live in reality. We assigned a couple whom we believed would meet life's unknowns with strong character and then trusted them to make decisions accordingly. We also assigned a couple who were willing, and just as important--in a position to rise to the task physically, emotionally and financially.

I will vote much the same way tomorrow.

I will not over think every possible scenario; I will vote for the candidate who has proved himself through the courage to keep the code. He had me at, "No thanks."

I will not be swayed by youth, style or even energy. More important in these times will be the wisdom of many years.

I will not worry that she hasn't enough experience; if the Lord is with her, she can surprise the crowd and kill her foe with a slingshot. He will equip those He calls.

And if my candidate doesn't win, I take heart. It may be that no candidate will lead us, as a nation, to repentance, but it may be that one will chase us there. So I pray with complete confidence, "Not my will, but Thy will be done, Lord."

Only...this isn't a movie

I'm not taking a position on the bailout. I do not know enough about economics to form an intelligent opinion, much less an argument.

But I do know character! And I will comment on that...

Remember The Sound of Music? Remember as the Captain and his family were making their escape from the Nazis, the nuns hid them behind the locked gates in the grave yard? And remember how they almost went undetected until a lone Nazi private--who happened to be the telegraph-carrying object of the oldest daughter's crush, and was recognized by her with a barely audible gasp--hung back and waited until the hiding family left their places? The Captain was so cool as he hurried to unlock the gate and calm the young Nazi whose loyalties lie with Hitler's Army--but just barely.

Do you remember how the Captain was kind and reassuring as he talked the gun-wielding soldier into handing over the weapon? Did you notice how the young soldier hung his head as he handed over the gun? He was conflicted; he knew what was the right thing to do, but his duty pulled at his will. In the end, he was willing to relent to that which was good, right and loving.

Until...

The Captain just had to open his big mouth and serve the young Nazi a slice of humble pie. He had to stick it to him. He just could not leave well enough alone. He said something to the effect of, "You'll never be one of them."

Shocked by the rebuke, the angry soldier grabbed his whistle and started blowing furiously, "They're here! They're here!"

And so they ran. They ran for their lives.

That's what Nancy Pelosi did this afternoon on the floor of the House before they killed the bill. She served the Bush administration (and Republicans in general) a giant slice of humble pie and then mocked them before they swallowed it.

And so they spit it out at her.

Did you check your investments today? How much did you lose? There is a poll in my sidebar you can use to commiserate with other innocent victims.

O-bock-a-rama

And then...poof! All memory of his mesmerizing speech and over the top arrogant stadium set-up at the DNC was...gone. Gone like dried up Texas mud on the bottom of your boot--it's thick and sticky and you're sure it can't be beat, but really it flakes off in big chunks if you just wait long enough.

Obama and Biden looked a lot like big chunks of Texas mud this afternoon. And all because this morning, John McCain changed everything. Everything. This morning, he chose me to be his vice president. O.k., he didn't really choose me, per se, but wow! it could have been me. Or you. Or Ellie May.

I've been feeling awed and overwhelmed all day. I remember the first time I heard of Sarah Palin. It was back in April when she hit the Yahoo headlines, I think, for birthing her 5th baby while Governor of Alaska. Back then, I think I thought, "Oh, that's too bad for that baby. That baby needs his mama at home."

I still think that's so.

And that is where the awe comes in. I can't help but feel that what we're seeing happen here is the very act of laying down a life for a brother. Or a whole country of brothers.

Sarah Palin has 4 children at home, and one of them is a special needs baby. When she is elected with McCain, she will give up seeing her children as much as they'll want to see her; she will not be there to cuddle and bond with that baby like we think she should; she will not be able to say that she did her very best for her children.

Or didn't you hear her today? She promised to give her best, and nothing less, to the office for which she is running. Each of us has only one "best" to give, and she's ready to give hers--to us.

Sarah Palin is agreeing to give up that great privilege--this high calling from God--for another noble calling that she neither sought nor desired. Just as Deborah the Judge, under duress, accompanied Barak into battle, here our country is apparently at an intersection which requires such a bold move.

I'm not sure that it says a good thing about what the LORD thinks of the United States right now, but strangely, it swells my spirit with hope and comfort that He is still here and working in our midst.

God bless Sarah Palin, and God bless the United States!

(So what do you think? Tell me on the poll in my sidebar.)

The Big White Elephant In the Room: The FLDS

I don't like it. I don't like it one bit.

I don't like their lifestyle. I don't like their god. I don't like their hairstyles. I don't like their clothes.

But what I don't like even more is that the anonymous call of a teenager (that may or may not be true) has--by itself--ripped hundreds of small children from their mothers' arms; wives from their husbands; and followers from their freedom. And today, our government defiled their temple.

I don't get it--why not track down and remove the alleged perpetrator?

It would be great if all this casting down of idols was happening in the name of The One True God, but we know this is America in the year 2008, and that's not what's happening.

Do you worry or wonder how this is someday going to impact your family if you're not strictly conforming to the societal line?

Edited to add: This post is attracting a fair number of google hits from searches on FLDS hairstyles...oh, I guess that stating that outright will bring in more hits on FLDS hairstyles. Oops! There, I did it again. Anyway, let me say that I have no idea how they get their hair to do that. It's quite incredible actually, but surely a mystery I can live without.

This post has also prompted a couple of concerned anonymous comments and at least one angry, emotional rebuke from a California mother who suggested she was raised in a cult. While I await her response to my inquiry about if she really wants me to post her words, let me say this: The FLDS, and the guilt or innocence of members of that following are not actually the point being made here. Sometimes viewing things through a damaged filter doesn't allow for much clarity; I'm really talking about liberty in the United States with a concern about how it will look a generation from today.

Thank you. The End.

The End of the Age...Watch and Pray

If Oprah is a false prophet,

what then, does that make

Obama?

A Poll for You: Christmas Cards

In years past, we've been writing the annual update letter to accompany our family picture inside the cover of a snail-mailed Christmas card. Then we 4 girls take about 60 red or green envelopes to the post office down the street and stand in line, offering other customers to, "please go ahead of us," until our favorite clerk, Mr. Tony, is free to help us.

Yes, we actually have a favorite post office clerk. We've known him for nearly 10 years. He gives the girls cheap little lollipops with the U.S. Post Office emblem embossed on them. Back in the day, there used to be coloring books too. I think business isn't so good lately. But no matter--my girls relish the attention. Even Cuddlebug. Even if she enjoys it from behind my skirt.

Anyway...

For the 60 cards we send out each year, it used to be that about 30 folks would reciprocate. Out of guilt is what I'm guessing based on the postmarks.

But in the last two years, we're getting next to no response. A handful, maybe. Probably less. And I'm trying not to take it personally. Husband thinks it's simply because folks just don't send Christmas cards anymore.

What say you? Take my poll in the sidebar, will you please?

The Top Priority Parenting Poll

First off...did I really spell the title of the original post with a "pole," instead of "poll?" Really? I'm sorry. That's just so pathetic.

But 33 of you were kind enough to overlook the offense and vote on your top priority. Obviously, there's no right or wrong answer. How could there be? Each answer has its merit, depending on the filter of perspective you sift it through.

I liked how Sara acknowledged all the Godly ways to choose even the most unlikely of answers.

Let's first acknowledge that in the mostly Christian community that reads Restoring the Years, our children are in little or no danger of being too smart, too productive, too popular or too happy. lol. Nobody chose reputation, intelligence, drive, or success.

And then again...some are just in denial.

I have to say that I was surprised that no one joined me in wanting, above all, to teach our children the importance of being kind and compassionate towards others. Maybe you were just a nicer kid than me. I don't know why it matters most to me--maybe because I see Jesus as compassionate above all else. Yes, of course He's holy, full of faith, and obedient--but when I think of His coming here to die for me, I don't think of those as being the reasons. I'm impressed that He saw me in my lost and helpless state and simply had pity on me. I'm moved by His boundless compassion.

I think if I hadn't chosen compassion, I probably would have gone with contentment. Contentment is a very nice place to live, and everyone can afford a house in that neighborhood! I definitely want my girls to see a reason to be grateful in everything--no matter the circumstance.

Integrity and truthfulness? Very high on my list too. Foundational, actually, to building a strong relationship amongst people. After all, if I can't trust a person, we won't be as close as we could be.

Discernment and discretion are also very important to me. But I've learned the long way around that it is difficult to teach a young child discernment without running the risk of raising a critical child. And that doesn't align well with my top priority--kindness. So, I am more prayerful and less uptight about issues of discernment. Or at least I try to remember to be.

Finally, we come to most everyone's favorite: Faith and obedience. 78% chose this one. And while it seems a good and Godly choice, I can't begin to see how anyone can teach or instill this quality in a child. Well, actually, I take that back. Children can certainly be taught to obey and have faith in...well, anything. In fact, they're very suggestible. But I cannot pass down my faith in the One True God. I cannot teach her to believe. Only the Lord can give that gift. It's supernatural.

And obedience? I'm going to say something challenging here: obedience is the very best way to miss a tare in your midst. Don't get me wrong! Yes, of course we teach our children to obey. But I also pray that the Lord will let me catch them red-handed in their sin.

It's been my understanding that the obedience that God calls us to is not like that of the Pharisee's; it is the obedience of a heart bought by Christ and lovingly yielded to His will.

Thanks for voting, and for stretching me in my thinking!

The Top Priority Parenting Pole

We're exhausted wonderfully busy this week with our homeschool. No time to think deeply, much less blog about it, so here's a new poll to satiate until the "Weekly Roundup" on Saturday morning...I hope.

Completely unscientific. Absolutely untrackable. I'm very curious.

Only one answer, this time, o.k.? Think hard, it's a doozey.

Poll Results: Why You Visit Restoring the Years

So, let's start from the bottom option on the poll...

A full 14% of respondents find Restoring the Years to be a torturous read, but they can't stop themselves. I'm not really sure how to take that, but I'm laughing--hard! I, too, visit blogs which make me feel like that. I feel your pain. And I'm glad you're here. I think.

I'm feeling the camaraderie with my fellow music snobs...all 17% of you. You do understand, don't you, that a true music snob is the one whose children do not know any music lyrics, but only know librettos, texts and verses. And they think a hook is something with which to catch a fish.

Oh...o.k...my girls know some children's folk songs'...*cough*...lyrics. And Fifi went through a Celtic Woman stage this year that has left her singing, "The Last Rose of Summer," all month. But, hey, you and what army are going to strip me of this dubious title? Hmmmm?

Ahem.

31% of you who voted, come here--at least in part--hoping to read about how I fell on my parental face that day. Those moments usually end in...

Epiphanies. 82% find my insights interesting, informative, hyper, legalistic, convicting, ridiculous, laughable, haunting...whatever. I was raised by a police officer. Caution is in the genes.

17% said they visit Restoring the Years because they are curious about homeschooling. Well...so am I! Let me recommend this better educator. All the incredible things that are happening here are happening quite by accident. Or maybe it's just perspective--after all, my primary educational "bar" was set preeeeety low in my own formative years.

2% of you...well actually, that you would be singular, as in 1 person visits because he or she is curious about Christianity. My prayer is that, here, you will sense the love and sufficient grace of Jesus Christ--the only mediator between God and man. I try to be careful not to teach the Scriptures though, because, as antiquated as some might think Paul's admonishment, I still believe that Eve was deceived.

Oops. Did I just do it? No. That's me thinking aloud about what I'm learning. I think there's a difference. Anyway, and finally...

17%...or 7 people say they know me in real life. O.k. That's o.k. I'm not afraid. I know where you live too. *wink*

Thanks for playing!

We Like Polls!

It was so fun last time, I decided to do it again.

A poll...random, porly spelld, unscientific and unnecessary information for you to vote on.

Please do! And if you have an idea for a poll, leave it in my comments.

Remember to check as many boxes as you want to before you submit your vote.

So There You Have It...

A full 7 of 10 blog readers don't comment because they just don't have anything to say. I've met folks like that. Never been one myself, but it's clear they exist. Maybe they are the ears of the Body?

32% of readers don't comment because they're shy. Shy? On the internet? The invisible, anonymous, imaginary internet? If you're shy on the internet, I feel compelled to tell you that I bet there is a medication for that. ;)

18% of readers do comment on at least an occasional basis. They're my favorite! Surfing my blog's and other blog's comment sections is my very favorite way to meet new people. So thanks...for commenting here and there and anywhere.

6% of the readers here apparently have someone from which to hide for fear of their life. I feel your pain. But I'm a little freaked out.

1% of lookie-lous don't know how to comment. Only 1? Now wait a minute...I, personally, know 2 of you who have used that excuse with me...well...in person. Dare I tell you how to comment? Because then you would have to change your vote, wouldn't you? It's o.k. I love you anyway.

Which brings me to the fact that everyone likes me! I feel so...so...Sally Field! Everyone likes me? Such a sweet thought, but oh, come on... I know, know, know that there are people who check this blog almost obsessively and do not like me. So, either they lied or they were one of the other 50% of readers who not only don't comment, but won't check a box on a poll either!

Now that is some serious lurking! Thanks for playing along y'all.

A Poll for You

Notice on my sidebar, that I have a very unscientific poll going about why folks visit, read, but lurk away without saying, "Hello..."

What's the matter with you?! Were you raised by wolves?

Ahem.

As I was going to say...feel free to vote as many choices as you want before you hit the VOTE button. And be assured that I can not see you voting on my sitemeter, so your choice is safe and secure--just between you and God...Creator of the whole wide universe...Whom you will one day stand before in judgment.

No pressure.