Letting Trouble Have Your Chair

There is an old New England saying that I like, which says, “You can’t keep trouble from coming, but you don’t have to give it a chair to sit on,” advising people to expect trouble (as this is a fallen world), but not to be entertainers of it. Once this ‘trouble’ has been allowed lodging and food, it will stay with you and multiply trouble upon more trouble.

This past spring the State of Vermont ‘legalized’ same-sex marriage, which was (and still is) a terrible blow to us, and so dishonoring to God and the beautiful order with which He has created all things. We discovered that the legislation was being considered just days before it was passed, and in the time left we scurried to write letters to our representatives, pleading with them to vote honorably, and drove to the state capitol to be a presence during the proceedings. We were saddened to find out that we and a few others were the only Christian presence there. The bill had moved so quickly through the house and senate (almost sneakily) that most in opposition only found out about it after it had been passed. We found out about it before only because the Governor had stalled it with a veto and the bill got a lot of press at that point.

It has come to our attention that since the passage of this gay marriage law, Vermont has now become a target state for starting a nation-wide legalization of similar legislation. It was common-knowledge in the last couple years that New England was targeted by the homosexuals in the hopes that if they could get each NE state to legalize same-sex marriage then the whole nation might follow. Vermont now has the reputation of being an ‘easy’ state to use for political agenda. Because of our same-sex marriage law this past spring a lobbyist is vying for the legalization of ‘Polygyny’!!! (having of more than one wife). He has a blog here that explains his purpose, and even some strategy. The fellow claims to be a Christian (‘reformed’, too), which makes it even worse… :-P

We’ve let them sit on our chair, and now our larders are being raided!! These matters are in the Lord’s hand, and we, as humans, have not the power to prevent them from happening, as we cannot soften the hard hearts of wicked men. But, we can at least stand for what is right according to God’s word; speaking when it is the time to speak, and giving testimony to what is right by our actions, and praying that the Lord would be pleased to change hearts and minds that they might honor Him. I do believe that Christian laziness is somewhat responsible, as we are to be the Salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13-16) I am so ashamed that even we have been so asleep as to not care for the spiritual well-being of our homeland.

The Scottish Presbyterians would be appalled; they so passionately sought to protect the purity of the worship of God. A certain congregation got assigned Alexander Henderson as minister by the Scottish government (trying to force liturgy on them), and the church barricaded the doors and would not let him in. (Later, Henderson came to faith upon hearing a sermon by a Presbyterian minister, and was then welcomed by the congregation that had previously detested him)… there are other accounts, as well. I wish that I, and other Christians could have such well-placed zeal that we lock the doors, rather than give any credence to that which is evil by offering our chair. Compromising on what is true and right is ugly on the personal level, it is even more horrendous in Church and State.

End of rant.

Little People (2)

Children pick up on very interesting things, I have come to realize. Little Fiona has already developed a 'stereotype' for what different people are like! The other day she was flipping through a magazine, and came to this advertisement that featured a geeky sort of girl wearing a skirt, sneakers, and funky glasses. Fiona pointed to the girl in the picture, and said, "Annie, Annie, Annie." Apparently I am the 'geek' auntie!! LOL. :-D This was confirmed today-- I happened to put my somewhat 'geeky' glasses on to see something out the window... when I pulled them off, Fiona started to fuss, and almost pulled a fit-- she didn't stop until I put them back on, *sigh.* Should I maybe consider a 'look' change??

Two Essential Volumes :-)

Mom and Dad purchased a copy of the Scottish Psalter (version with tunes) this August at the FCC conference-- with my direction and pleading of course!! I am finally learning more psalm tunes! I have tried to adopt it as my own, but have had to learn to share... :-( My very favorite so far is Babel's Streams, and other tunes I have found I really like are Effingham, Wetherby, Stornoway, Kilmarnock, and Richmond. From the RPCNA psalter, I like Kingsfold (psalm 22), and Hope (psalm 121). It is so wonderful to be closer to having the ability to sing the psalms at will-- next goal is to not need the psalter so much. :-)

I have also been reading an excellent commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith (by Robert Shaw)-- which is incredibly helpful! I have read these things already in the Confession, but having them explained for me is incredibly valuable. I am still on the section about the Word of God, but the knowledge gained from his explanations has already been invaluable to me in conversing with unbelievers. If your stack of books is not yet too tall, add a good commentary on the confession! :-D

This 'n That

It has been far too long since my last post! The cool Autumn breezes are now advancing, and splashes of red accent the hillsides. Before long we'll be huddled around the cozy wood stove sipping hot tea... (I can hardly wait!) :-)

My family and I enjoyed going to the FCC family conference so much this August. We benefitted greatly from all the sermons, and the fellowship was (and is) so encouraging. At the conference, I tried each day to decide which was my 'favorite' sermon, and seemed to always be the last one I'd heard! My favorite now, I think, is the first one preached, by Gavin Beers, titled "Christ Ridiculed" (I didn't listen to it 'til after arriving home!). Mr. Beers exposed elements of Christ's crucifixion that are truly awesome, terrible, and humbling to consider... One thing I had never thought about before, but amazed me, is how God used the words of wicked men (and words from the Psalms) to confirm that Jesus was indeed the Christ. Everything was prepared and orchestrated by God in such a way that the evidence was right there-- obvious to anyone who could see. Only, their eyes were closed... "For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:32, 33.

After coming home from the conference, it seems we have been caught in a whirlwind again...

There has been much harvesting-- wild berries and apples, and produce from our garden, projects begun, problems to solve, and family and friends to see. Just two days ago, with help from family and friends, we butchered a huge water buffalo and put it in the freezer (more later about this!). It was one of the longest, most satisfying days I have ever experienced... *sigh*

I best get to bed, before I start writing incredibly boring thoughts that no ears (or eyes) but mine should know. Hopefully I will write more interesting details of life sooner than a month from now!

Goodnight.