“Do the next thing”

Teresa took this photo of our family (minus Erik who is in Alabama doing Army things,) after the ceremony.

Another Simmler has made his way through the maze of schooling. Micah graduated on Saturday with three homeschooling friends.  The ceremony and cake reception took place at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Topsham, Maine.  Many friends and family members joined in the celebration.

LD1020. The debate is over, really. One side is firmly rooted in a premise and assumption of Biblical truth and a moral foundation. Their arguments all match their premise. The other side is governed by axioms like “Live and let live,” “Love is all you need,” and “Whatever feels right, do it.” Their arguments match their premise. How can the two sides ever agree? Neither will give in. It’s an impasse.

The latter lends itself to the confines of emotions and heartfelt tableaus. The former holds to right and wrong; it stands on scriptural principles that speak about the heart being deceitful if you try to trust in it alone. For those on both sides, it’s a no-brainer. On both sides there are tears for the future of the children and grandchildren. On both sides there is mourning for the happiness that would be if the others would only stop arguing and accept “the truth.”

All the wrangling for new angles and scraped up rationales are just vain attempts to out clever the other. Despite that, the discourse will continue because it is seen on both sides as a right and a duty.

What it all comes down to is a perspective of worldview: God and salvation vs Living for now. As the world continues on its course, and its people choose between virtues and feelings, there is one side that has peace. No matter what governments decide and despite the adversity, the only final victory will come when the gates are opened and all will answer for the choices they make here on earth.

“An Act To End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom” LD 1020 Sen. Dennis S. Damon, D-Trenton   Do not let the title of this bill fool you.  This piece of legislation is far from an affirmation of religious freedom.  Instead it is an attempt to take a religious concept, secularize it and put religious people and their practices into a box.  “Being religious” does not make our opinion less valid or inferior.  The secular factions of our society are once again attempting to keep our opinions and beliefs within our four walls.  They would rather that “religious” citizens did not remind them of our views and the reasons behind them.  They know that allowing us this freedom brings to light the truth that same sex marriage confuses children, ruins families, and tears apart the very fabric of our country.

Contact your legislator to let them know how you feel about this bill.

Well, shameful that I haven’t updated in almost 3 months.  Was Christmas Eve the last day I really had any thoughts of activities of value?   I wonder if a few bullet points will bring things up to date.  Ok, just finished writing an update.  It is packed with links to photos and information about the things mentioned.  Take a look around!

January:

Wedding Cake was the first objective of the month.  Justin and Bethany were “finally” (to quote Sven,) married and Fran and I did the cake.  It was a success, and Erik even pitched in by taking more than a few pictures and creating this very cool video.

Anniversary: 24 years and counting!

Baby Shower: I threw a church shower for Mom and Baby, Amanda and Samantha Stoddard.  It was a pink and brown blast of dots and butterflies.

Inauguration:  I’d rather not talk about that.  Ok, let me just say this:  It’s not the fact that we’ve elected a socialist Marxist president that is so alarming to me.  It’s more the fact that over half of our country’s people think they want to convert our country to socialism.  That is the scary part.

February

Awana Quiz:  Cornerstone joined churches in NH for quiz and our teams all took first place.  Additionally Anna received the Highest Honor award for getting every one of her questions right.  This was not only her last year to participate in Awana Quiz, she was the last of our four to take part.  Erik first quizzed in February of 1997!!

Pasttimes

I’ve done a bit of knitting, a bit of scrapbooking our 2006 album, and a bit of scanning in negatives from 2001.

Things to Come

The homeschool Convention in Rockland this weekend where I’ll take photos for HOME.

My nieces graduation from college and the fanagling to find a weekend that I can go visit so we can celebrate with a party.

Erik leaves for 15 months in sunny (read hot and sweltering in summer time,) Alabama at Fort Rucker for Warrant Officer School and helicopter pilot school!

TeenPact for Anna and I the week of April 20th.  Her first year as a 4-day student!  None of the boys are doing it this year.  They’ve done it for many years.

Micah’s High School Graduation with 3 other friends on June 20th.