Not all poop is created equal--TMI?

My husband questions the taste level of my piece.  He knows, however, that I tend to be "real," and who am I to question how God chooses to teach me something?  So, be forewarned.  Get your pooper scooper ready.

One of my dogs had an accident.  It happens sometimes.  But I can tell which dog did it.  I can smell the poop when Chi Chi does it, but when Pancho does it, I sometimes don't notice it until I unfortunately step in it! 

I pondered this difference.  (I ponder all kinds of weird things.)  I learned that there can be a difference in poop.  You see, the longer it sits in the intestinal tract, the longer it has to ferment and putrefy in your gut, the more stinky it can be.


Well, Pancho is a Chihuahua, so pretty much anything that goes in comes out pretty quickly.  They have a fast metabolism.  He takes care of business every time we let him out.  It doesn't stay in his intestinal tract long enough to get really stinky.  Chi Chi, however, goes about once a day, therefore, it has more time to get stinky.

What does that have to do with life you might ask? (Besides showing the importance of having a good digestive system?)  I'll tell you.  Sin.

Yup, sin.  Think about it.  The longer we allow our sin to build up, unconfessed, the more it stinks.  Keeping a shorter list, not so much.

Smell is important to God.  We're supposed to smell good.  God used words like savour, aroma, etc.  You don't usually think poop when you hear words like that.

Take for instance Ezekiel 20:41 which reads, "I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen."

or how about...

II Corinthians 2:15a. "For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ..."

We don't stop having a scent when we sin; the sent just changes.  Just like it says in Isaiah 3:24  "And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink..."

All this to confess that I've been stinking up my house.  I've dealing with some ongoing, health trials.  I haven't been dealing with them well.  I've been impatient, sharp, and shrewish. 

Even worse than all that, I've been failing God's commands in James.  You know, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (1:2-3).  I have not been "leading or commanding" my thoughts to have "calm delight" knowing that God is testing my faith so it may have "endurance and constancy."  

I definitely have not been taking control of my thoughts.  Instead, I've been allowing the pain to take control of my emotions and act the victim.  Sure, my body is kind of "under attack" from pain, but "I" don't have to be.

The joy doesn't come from the trial.  The joy comes from know and trusting that God has a plan and purpose for the trial.  His purpose isn't to break my faith but to make it stronger.

Well, I confessed and repented of the pile of poop I've been placing before God.  A shower of His grace should definitely make me more of a "sweet savour."

!Viva Chihuahua!  El no tiene caca maloliente.

The Flipside of Feminism: What Conservative Women Know -- and Men Can't Say

AIG-Ken Ham and Apologia "heart" each other

Apologia sent out their statment yesterday, while Ken Ham posted his this morning.  It's nice to see people actually agree this week!!

Here is what Ken Ham posted on his FaceBook page.



Answers in Genesis wants to publicly affirm its support of Apologia Educational Ministries. We also support the current president and the direction he is taking Apologia. We are happy to affirm that the elementary, junior high, and high school science textbooks published by Apologia are consistent with the belief in a six-day creation by God and the inerrancy of Scripture.


Answers in Genesis also supports, recommends, and sells the biblical worldview curriculum for children age 6-14 years, which is published by Apologia in partnership with Summit Ministries. In light of the recent controversy surrounding a homeschool convention in Greenville, South Carolina, we report that the perceived conflict between Ken Ham of AiG and John Stonestreet of Summit Ministries was based on an unfortunate misunderstanding, and has been amicably resolved. Regarding the theological issues surrounding the conflict, we report that there is no disagreement.

And here what Apologia says about itself and AIG/Ken Ham.


What Does Apologia Believe?
03.25.2011

What Is the Background?

Current discussions in the homeschool community regarding the controversy surrounding the Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, South Carolina, involve, among others, an Apologia author and one of our ministry partners. Therefore it has become important to make sure the homeschool community is clear about what Apologia believes concerning Scripture and where our textbooks stand in light of this debate.

What Does Apologia Believe?

Apologia exists to help homeschoolers learn, live, and defend the Christian faith. We believe that one’s view of the Bible affects how a person interprets God’s intended message, and an understanding of and adherence to the teachings of the Bible are vital to one’s ability to defend the Christian faith. Apologia believes the Bible to be the inspired Word of God revealed through man and inerrant in its original writings. As such, the Bible is to be used as the foundation of all knowledge and is the authority for how we are to live our lives in faith and practice. All new and existing materials published by Apologia Educational Ministries intentionally reflect and promote these beliefs.

In an article published in our 2011 catalog, I encourage families to rededicate themselves to fight for the freedom to home educate, to teach creation-based science, and to approach all academic subjects from a biblical, Christ-centered worldview. I conclude the article with a reminder that knowledge, understanding, and wisdom begin with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Psalm 111:10).

Apologia offers an online academy as a resource for homeschool families. We require all instructors to sign a statement of faith. You can view this statement of faith here at www.apologiaacademy.com/sof.asp. This statement should provide you some insight into the position and biblical worldview of Apologia.

What About Our Textbooks?

Every textbook in our award-winning science line, regardless of the author, is creation-based, solid in the scientific method, highly regarded for the quality of content and presentation, and consistent with the Genesis account that God created everything out of nothing by His word in six days. While our science texts are crystal clear about our commitment to creationism, they do not dismiss or avoid the discussion of evolution. Rather, we welcome that debate as well. Creationists and evolutionists are looking at the same evidence found in the natural world, yet they have reached different conclusions based on that evidence. Our textbooks clearly delineate why we disagree with the notion that single-celled organisms evolved into more complex life forms over millions of years. Students who take our courses will be prepared to discuss this topic intelligently and sensibly.

Apologia’s new What We Believe series, a biblical worldview curriculum for ages 6-14, teaches the following core beliefs in its lessons:

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God

Truth exists and can be known

God exists and wants His creation to love Him, seek Him, and find Him

God created the heavens and the earth out of nothing

Man was created in the image of God to bring glory to His name

The first man, Adam, sinned and brought death into the world

Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone

Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again

We are to have compassion for the lost and share our faith in Christ

We are to love others as Christ loves us

I want to stress that every book and curriculum we produce at Apologia does and will continue to be grounded in the Christian faith and informed by the Word of God.

Why Do You Need to Know?

Apologia Educational Ministries was started in the early 1990s when the modern homeschooling community was young and in need of high-quality, creation-based science curriculum. Dr. Jay Wile authored or co-authored several outstanding junior high and high school science textbooks. In 2008, my wife, Rachael, and I purchased Apologia and the copyrights to all of its existing textbooks with a vision to take the company in new and expanded directions.

As part of the purchase agreement, Dr. Wile remained an employee of Apologia until August 14, 2010, when he chose to resign. As a result, he is no longer associated with the ministry. You can read a more detailed account of the transition here www.apologia.com/news.php?item=73.

Dr. Wile has recently posted articles and comments in his blog that have become key in the current controversy. He is certainly entitled to his views concerning this matter. However, for the sake of clarity, it is important to note that his comments are his own. Dr. Wile is no longer an employee of Apologia, and he does not speak for Apologia or represent us at conferences or on his blog.

I am grateful for all that Dr. Wile provided for the homeschool community by writing most of the Apologia junior high and high school science textbooks. I purchased the company because the books he authored represent excellence in the discipline of science and are well suited for use in home education. In addition, his works are consistent with a young-earth position and with the understanding that the Bible is the inspired Word of God revealed through man and inerrant in its original writings. Read our books for yourself, or take a look inside our catalog to find many testimonies from parents and students who have used Apologia textbooks and achieved amazing results both academically and spiritually.

Our Affiliation with Summit Ministries

Apologia published the first volume of the What We Believe series in August 2009. This biblical worldview curriculum was developed in partnership with Summit Ministries. John Stonestreet is the executive director at Summit and was named in the current controversy by the CEO of Answers in Genesis, Ken Ham, a key figure in the discussion.

Summit Ministries has been respected for five decades because of its commitment to biblical truth and its defense of a Christian worldview. The Summit team consists of godly men and women who continue to be firmly committed to communicating biblical truth with accuracy and grace.

You can review the books for yourself to see our shared respect for God’s Word and the truth that sanctifies (John 17:17). This series has received numerous positive reviews and endorsements from Christian leaders, including a recommendation from Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship and BreakPoint Ministries. You can read more here at www.breakpoint.org/features-columns/articles/entry/12/16329.

Where Do We Go from Here?

I can report that the perceived conflict between Ken Ham of AiG and John Stonestreet of Summit Ministries was based on an unfortunate misunderstanding, and has been amicably resolved. Regarding the theological issues surrounding the conflict, I can report that there is no disagreement. I know this is true because I’ve confirmed it with both men whom I also consider to be friends of mine.

Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis stand with Apologia in their support of our ministry, our science textbooks, and our biblical worldview curriculum. You can read their official statement on Ken’s blog http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/ and Facebook page www.facebook.com/AnswersInGenesis.

Concerning the other parties in this debate, I pray for a charitable outcome that reflects a commitment to biblical truth and demonstrates to the next generation how Christians can honorably handle difficult issues. I do not want to say or do anything that will stir up dissension among brothers in Christ or in the homeschooling community, as God disapproves of that kind of activity (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Apologia will continue to stand on the truth of God’s Word and point people to no one other than Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. I want this to be true of everything we say, do, and publish.

Living by faith, standing on the solid Rock of Jesus Christ, and enjoying the homeschooling adventure of a lifetime,

Davis Carman
President/Owner
Apologia Educational Ministries

How are your investments?

Investing.  Some people are a little hesitant to invest these days.  Who can blame them when there are no guarantee of rewards or growth?  That's why once in a while I like to invest in things I know I can trust...like a nice venti caramel macchiato.  I know that investment of $4 bucks will reward me with a little burst of energy, a little taste of pleasure, and possible a little fellowship if I share the time with someone else. 

So, if I go a couple times a month (hey, it could happen only twice a month), that's an investment of about $8. 

Now, I have a choice.  Do I spend $8 a month for a shot of caffiene or less than that for a Super Shot of encouragement from new The Encouraging Mom program? 

You got it!  This is my review for The Gabby Moms this month.  Lorrie Flem of http://www.eternalencouragement.com/ has come up with a whole new program and whole new products to bless you each month.

Each month you get a Super Shot on a specific topic such as "Words You Won't Have to Eat" and "Preventing Parenting Pits."  There will be four brand-new products in each Super Shot like e-books, audio downloads, and videos.  And get this, you get this all each month for a subscription price of only $7.97 a month. 

About $8 for FOUR products versus $8 for two coffees.  Hmmm...

And if you subscribe before April 1, 2011 you'll be considered a charter member.  What's even cooler than being called a "charter member" is the fact the monthly price will only be $6.97 as long as you are a member!  That makes four products for only $7!

The Encouraging Mom website is still a work in progress, so you might want to bookmark it, so you can subscribe as soon as it's up.  Lorrie promises it will be up before April 1st!

So, invest $8 in caffiene and calories that last only short term (where's the bathroom?), or invest $7 or $8 for an Eternal Encouragement in the roles of wife and mother?

The choice is yours.

As for me...hmmm...what if I invest $16 in a Super Shot and some caffiene shots to read while I learn from my Super Shot?  Best of both worlds!






“I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine.  I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.” 

Great Homeschool Conventions Response

Here is the Great Homeschool Conventions' response concerning the Ken Ham incident. 
Here's just a couple of my thoughts as I read this:

1.  I think it's interesting that they use Biblical principles to support the removal of Ham, BUT the Biblical principle of addressing the offending person personally and privately eluded them.

2.  The Board states, "We cannot countenance someone with an attacking, unkind spirit as we believe it would not honor the Savior Whom we serve" and yet it seems it's that same spirit they are exhibiting towards Ham.   

Public Response from Great Homeschool Conventions

re: Dr. Ken Ham, Speaking Engagement Canceled

______________________________________________________

Great Homeschool Conventions' Advisory Board has unanimously decided to disinvite Dr. Ken Ham and AIG from all future conventions, including the upcoming Cincinnati convention, March 31-April 2, 2011.
Dr. Ham believes he was removed for “telling the truth.” That is not true. We agree with much of Dr. Ham’s position.

Dr. Ham was removed for his spirit not for his message. As an invited guest, Dr. Ham’s spirit toward our convention was unkind. Dr. Ham’s spirit toward our attendees was not gracious. Dr. Ham’s spirit toward other speakers was unprofessional. In short, a proud, ungrateful and divisive spirit was projected from Dr.
Ham. Regardless of the message, Dr. Ham's approach sullied the atmosphere of the convention.

We know that many of our attendees agree with Dr. Ham’s young earth position as we do. What created this problem was Dr. Ham’s spirit. 

Viewing this homeschool forum as a spiritual trust from the Lord, the Board believes this to be the Lord's will for our convention and searched the Scriptures for the mind of the Lord and the leadership of the Holy Spirit before arriving at this decision.  The Board believes that Dr. Ham’s public criticism of the convention itself and other speakers at our convention require him to surrender the spiritual privilege of addressing our homeschool audience. However, we will continue to provide speakers representing the young earth position whose scientific credentials are impeccable and who can testify to saving faith in the Lord Christ Jesus.

Accordingly, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Jonathan D. Sarfati B.Sc. (Hons.), Ph.D., F.M. as a Featured Speaker at this year’s MidWest Homeschool Convention inCincinnati. (Dr. Sarfati is with Creation Ministries International. www.Creation.com)

Please be assured of the following:

1. Great Homeschool Conventions is unashamedly Christian.

   This is clearly reflected in our Statement of Faith on our website.

2. One of the core values of our convention is that good people can disagree and still be good people.

    In any educational or religious forum, there will be differences of opinion on variety of subjects,         yes, even with respect to Creation. We do not propose to filter everything–allowing you to see or hear only what we have approved. We do not require that an attendee, speaker or exhibitor affirm their agreement to our Statement of Faith, or our Young Earth position.  We believe that any disagreements between believers should not be addressed disagreeably.

3. We believe that parent-educators are very capable of making intelligent decisions for themselves and for   their family.

    We strongly affirm the liberty and freedom of homeschooling parents to do so.  Our conventions are designed to help a broad spectrum of homeschoolers and people considering homeschooling. They are not, however, sectarian meetings to promote conformity of belief and practice.

   This is an education forum. Our primary concern is to provide information that will enable parents to educate their children. Whereas we will not knowingly promote speakers and material known to oppose Christian belief, we also believe that parents are able to evaluate the material presented to them in accordance with their own convictions.

4. We believe that, whereas debate over ideas is necessary, Christians should not question the integrity, the intelligence, or the salvation of other Christians when debating Biblical issues.

    We cannot countenance someone with an attacking, unkind spirit as we believe it would not honor the Savior Whom we serve. Our Board takes seriously the admonition of Jesus in John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

   The Bible also gives us very practical advice in James 4: "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge…who art thou that judgest another?" (11, 12)

   We believe Christian scholars should be heard without the fear of ostracism or ad hominem attacks. Furthermore, a well-rounded education is not possible without knowing and understanding all sides of an issue. Such a process will, understandably, confirm one in their conviction or persuade them to make a
change. But, again, that is the nature of debate and education.

   Accordingly, we cannot and will not permit personal attacks from one speaker-colleague against another speaker with whom they disagree. It creates a spirit of antagonism and disunity instead of mutual respect and Christian charity. The Bible admonishes us that we should be zealous to maintain the "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace".

AIG response to being "eliminated"

From Ken Ham's Facebook page.

Kicked Out of Two Homeschool Conferences



Answers in Genesis, recognized as one of the strongest advocates for homeschooling in America, has been kicked out of two homeschool conventions where AiG President Ken Ham had been scheduled to speak. In addition, AiG as an exhibitor has also been expelled. One of the conferences is being held in our “backyard”: at the Cincinnati Convention Center.

So why has AiG been disinvited from the “Great Homeschool Conventions” (March 31-April 2 in Cincinnati) and also near Philadelphia (June 23-25)?

Have the organizers accused AiG of promoting anti-biblical teaching and thus have voided its contract with us?

In an email to Ken Ham, the leader of this homeschool group wrote to us (just after midnight last night) to announce its decision. Sadly, the leader of this group did not personally call Ken or anyone at AiG first, nor did anyone on his board, to make sure they got the full background. Just as a common courtesy, not to speak of biblical guidelines (such as Proverbs 18:13; Matthew 18:15–17, etc.), one would expect that one of its leaders would at least have spoken to us before rescinding our agreement.

We are quoting the entire email so that we don’t misrepresent in any way the group’s claimed motivations:

“After much prayer and deliberation over the weekend, Great Homeschool Convention's Advisory Board has unanimously decided to disinvite Ken and AIG from all future conventions, including the Cincinnati convention next week. The Board believes this to be the Lord's will for our convention and searched the Scriptures for the mind of the Lord and the leadership of the Holy Spirit before arriving at this decision. The Board believes that Ken's public criticism of the convention itself and other speakers at our convention require him to surrender the spiritual privilege of addressing our homeschool audience.

“Please know that our Board is 100% young earth and we largely share AIG's perspective from a scientific standpoint. That is why Ken was originally invited and treated so graciously and extremely generously in Memphis and Greenville (far beyond what we do for other speakers or their ministries). Our expression of sacrifice and extraordinary kindness towards Ken and AIG has been returned to us and our attendees with Ken publicly attacking our conventions and other speakers. Our Board believes Ken's comments to be unnecessary, ungodly, and mean-spirited statements that are divisive at best and defamatory at worst.

“One of the core values of our convention is that we believe that good people can disagree and still be good people. We believe that Christians do not need to personally question the integrity, the intelligence, or the salvation of other Christians when debating Biblical issues. Ken has obviously felt led to publicly attack our conventions and a number of our speakers. We believe that what Ken has said and done is unChristian and sinful. A number of attendees are demanding explanations from our board and we must respond to them.

“We believe that Dr. Ham is very intelligent and deliberate and that he decided that publicly slandering our conventions and defaming a number of our speakers is what he wanted to do. Whereas Ken chooses to conduct himself in a way that we believe to be unscriptural, we cannot countenance that spirit as we believe it would not honor the Savior whom we serve.

“A public statement will be prepared for distribution at the convention explaining our Board's decision. Anyone who inquires regarding Dr. Ham or AIG will be referred to that statement. We have no intention to defame or publicly slander Dr. Ham, the Creation Museum, or the work of AIG. Our Board would respectfully request that Dr. Ham and AIG prayerfully consider doing the same. Our Board takes seriously the admonition of Jesus in John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Sincerely,
Brennan Dean
Great Homeschool Conventions, Inc.”

These are serious accusations. Are we really guilty of “public criticism of the convention itself and other speakers at our convention” that require Ken Ham “to surrender the spiritual privilege of addressing [their] homeschool audience”?

While Ken was highly critical of the compromises and teachings of one of the presenters at a previous convention that was organized by Mr. Dean, he certainly did not question anyone’s intelligence or salvation.

We won’t dwell much into the fact that another speaker, Dr. Jay Wile, made personal attacks on Ken on his blog before the convention at the convention, and his attack was supported by two other speakers, John Stonestreet and Susan Wise Bauer. Maybe Mr. Dean has talked with them already.

Ken did write Facebook and blog items sharing my concerns about the teaching of one of the speakers at the homeschool convention—Dr. Peter Enns. For a long time now, Ken has been alerting audiences to what Dr. Enns believes and teaches. Since he was there at the convention to promote a Bible curriculum to homeschoolers, Ken could not in good conscience speak without warning people about him. Also, the conference organizers were aware back in November that we would be talking about the beliefs of BioLogos at upcoming conventions. Because Dr. Enns of BioLogos was speaking at Mr. Dean’s conventions to promote a Bible curriculum to homeschoolers, which we consider very dangerous to the spiritual upbringing of kids, we wanted to make sure that people knew what he believed.

(We will be providing a detailed critique of the Bible curriculum in the near future. For the moment, you should be aware that Dr. Enns makes it clear that sin should not be discussed with young children because it will cause problems with their view of God. He also doesn’t believe in a literal Adam and literal Fall. Yet he sometimes describes Adam and the Fall in a way that he appears to believe in them, but only later do you understand that he merely uses these words metaphorically.)

Ken Ham did mention Peter Enns by name in one of his five talks at an earlier South Carolina Convention in Greenville organized by Mr. Dean. Ken showed two video clips of Dr. Enns, done in the context of showing how some modern Christian speakers are compromising God’s Word in Genesis. Ken did say that Dr. Enns was also speaking at the conference and had connections to another convention speaker, Susan Wise Bauer. In another talk about a common Christian viewpoint that compromises Genesis, Ken briefly mentioned that one of the speakers at this convention took that view.

You can read for yourself what Ken wrote in his blog and Facebook (by the way, we are not at all ashamed of what we have done to warn Christian families, and we would do it all over again):

http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2011/03/15/another-compromiser-speaking-at-homeschool-conventions/

http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2011/03/19/teaching-the-truth-amidst-a-sea-of-lies/

Also, we have written prior blogs showing photos of convention resources to warn parents about compromising materials distributed at homeschool conventions:

http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2011/03/20/beware/.)

Ken’s main Facebook entry is http://www.facebook.com/notes/ken-ham/warning-all-homeschoolers/186020768110064

Our Creator and Savior, the Word, the Lord Jesus, certainly confronted compromisers publicly. He taught, “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42, NKJV).


In Jude we read, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3, NKJV).


We at AiG are burdened before the Lord that parents may choose to use the Bible curriculum from Dr. Enns, without being aware of the destructive teachings in it. The church is already losing two-thirds of our young people. Someone needs to stand against the compromise that is pouring into the church from many directions.

Interestingly, the Great Homeschool Convention’s website states:

“While are Christians – gratefully and unapologetically so – and whereas this helps to guide how we structure the convention, we do not require that an attendee, speaker or exhibitor “affirm” their agreement to our own Statement of Faith. Neither do we require that you PAY to join our organization (we don’t have one) or any other organization in order to receive a discounted admission to the convention. Further, if you elect to PAY to join a homeschooling-related group of some sort that you saw at our convention – – – we do NOT receive commissions on your membership fees.

“Similarly – – – whereas we may not schedule a speaker or approve an exhibitor that is specifically “anti-Christian” – – – we do have Speakers and Exhibitors that are not specifically “Christian” but that DO provide knowledge, information and/or curriculum that is applicable and valuable for homeschoolers, both Christian and non-Christian alike. Accordingly, you should note that we do not necessarily endorse everything you may find in the Exhibit Hall or that you may hear in a Seminar or Workshop session.

Because this is an education forum, we do not propose to “filter” everything–allowing you to see or hear only what “we” have approved. We believe that you, as parent educators, are very capable of judging and making intelligent decisions for yourself and for your family. Our conventions are designed to help a broad spectrum of homeschoolers and people considering homeschooling. They are, however, denominational meetings to formulate unity of belief and practice.”

Isn’t a “forum” a place where various competing views have a place to speak their position? Well, despite their rhetoric, it seems that Answers in Genesis has been filtered! Because we publicly exposed one of their speakers and his curriculum because his beliefs clearly undermine the authority of Scripture, we apparently come under the heading of “anti-Christian” in our actions.

In the homeschool board’s email to Ken they stated:

“We believe that Christians do not need to personally question the integrity, the intelligence, or the salvation of other Christians when debating Biblical issues.”

I certainly questioned a person’s stand on Scripture—but I did not question his integrity, intelligence, or salvation. My focus was upon the error of his teaching, not his personal relationship with Jesus Christ or his character. Furthermore, we are unaware of anything said or done at previous a convention which could be viewed as an attack on the conference itself. That certainly was not our intention, and if we attacked the conference or our hosts, we would want to fix that problem. After appearing at two recent conferences now, we note that not one person we have met at the conferences or who has written to us later has suggested that we attacked the conference. Instead, what AiG did was to attack ideas--ideas being represented at the conference which are clearly outside the pale of orthodox Christianity. If the conference organizers were sincere in their concern for Christian charity, why did they make no effort to talk to us before unilaterally disinviting AiG? And to confront us first and have some dialogue? Is this really about Christian charity, or something else altogether?

We should also add that many months before Ken spoke, AiG made it quite clear to the leader of this convention that we speak against those who compromise Scripture, including those who might be speaking at his convention. AiG’s CCO, Mark Looy, had a very frank but cordial discussion with Mr. Dean about this BioLogos/Dr. Enns matter in November. Mark took notes during the phone conversation; here are excerpts from his summary:


Since I know Brennan a little, I called him a few weeks ago and told him our deep concerns about BioLogos [being at the convention]—but informed him we will not be pulling out.


He told me that many h.s. conventions are becoming ‘less Christian’—that they will have vendors there to cater to the secular and even Jewish families that are becoming good-size segments within the h.s. movement . . . . Brennan made it sound as if he might avoid BioLogos in 2012 and beyond, but he did not promise that. I told him that Ken would still mention compromise in the church, and might bring up BioLogos by name in his keynotes, and Brennan replied: “I would expect nothing else from AiG.”

Ken and I decided that we will just live with BioLogos there. At least we can counter their compromise messages with solid teaching from Ken.

We often find today that if we speak against someone’s theological compromise, we are accused of being “un-Christian” or “unloving.” This is a bigger topic for another time, but for the moment let us state that we need to understand what the Bible means by “love.” It does not mean one doesn’t publicly stand against error.

Being kicked out of these conventions is sad, but AiG notes that this is not the major issue here. What is troubling is that more and more churches have been infiltrated by academics who compromise God’s Word, and many Christians are simply unaware of the danger. This is the saddest part of all—that a convention that will attract thousands of parents wanting direction in their choice of materials and information to give their children may be led astray and end up unwittingly undermining the faith of their children—children whom they want to train to serve the Lord.

We at Answers in Genesis are on a crusade—a mission. We continue to move ahead to call the church and culture back to the authority of God’s Word.

It is sad that a speaker and ministry, which stand boldly and uncompromisingly on the authority of God’s Word, are eliminated from a homeschool convention. Yet speakers and exhibitors who obviously undermine the authority of God’s Word are welcomed.

Incidentally, have you ever noticed that individuals at BioLogos and elsewhere cry the loudest for what they call tolerance and free speech, but tend to be the most intolerant and censorious of others? The position of Answers in Genesis is that when it comes to biblical truth, there is only one truth and we are called to be intolerant of all other opposing claims of truth. AiG is therefore at least willing to admit our ‘intolerance’ in this area. Those who have joined together in a harmony of accusations against AiG over this homeschool convention incident have one thing in common: a double standard. At the end of the day, they are censors. They claim to want open debate and discussion, but when we engage them in the battle of ideas, they launch invectives and ad hominems, and then seek to exclude AiG from the debate. In our view, there is nothing "Christian" about that.

In the convention’s email to us, it was stated, “Please know that our Board is 100% young earth and we largely share AIG's perspective from a scientific standpoint.” We have made the point over and over again, that we believe that Christians who believe in millions of years/evolution/Adam is a metaphor etc., are undermining the authority of God’s Word. The issue comes down to one of authority.

This sad situation clearly illustrates a massive problem in our churches today about the authority of God’s Word.

Unbelievable!!!!

(Please understand the fact this post was written as the facts were just coming out.  I will repost updates as I become aware of them.)

I was just on Facebook only to see Ken Ham's status...

ELIMINATED! I have been eliminated from the Homeschool Conventions in Cincinnati and Pennsylvania (King of Prussia)! Received an email from their board this morning. I took a public stand against the teachings of Peter Enns (Biologos). Homeschoolers need to know that I will no longer be speaking at these Conventions. AiG is eliminated also. Full details later today.

Here is what Ken Ham wrote last week on the subject for which he was "eliminated."

Another Compromiser—Speaking at Homeschool Conventions

This week from Thursday to Saturday, I will be speaking at a homeschool convention in Greenville, SC. Sadly, one of the speakers also listed to give presentations does not believe in a historical Adam or historical Fall (he will also be promoting his “Bible” curriculum for homeschoolers). In fact, what he teaches about Genesis is not just compromising Genesis with evolution, it is outright liberal theology that totally undermines the authority of the Word of God. It is an attack on the Word—on Christ. Dr. Enns now works with the very liberal Biologos Foundation (which I have discussed a number of times before in this blog). Dr. Enns is also listed to speak at the Cincinnati and Pennsylvania homeschool conventions where I will be speaking.

From the Biologos website, we read this from Peter Enns:

In my last post I suggested that the Adam story could be viewed symbolically as a story of Israel’s beginnings, not as the story of humanity from ground zero.

But some might ask, “Why go through all this trouble? Why not just take it literally? The Bible says Adam was the first man. That’s the end of it.”

It’s not that simple, and if it were, people wouldn’t be talking it about it so much. First of all, reading the Adam story symbolically rather than as a literal description of history is not a whim, and it is certainly not driven by a desire to undermine the Bible. Rather, as we have seen, the Bible itself invites a symbolic reading by using cosmic battle imagery and by drawing parallels between Adam and Israel (to name two factors).

There is also considerable external evidence that works against the “just read it literally” mentality.

The biblical depiction of human origins, if taken literally, presents Adam as the very first human being ever created. He was not the product of an evolutionary process, but a special creation of God a few thousand years before Jesus—roughly speaking, about 6000 years ago. Every single human being that has ever lived can trace his/her genetic history to that one person.

This is a problem because it is at odds with everything else we know about the past from the natural sciences and cultural remains. (http://biologos.org/blog/pauls-adam-part-i/)

He accepts what the secular world teaches concerning evolution and millions of years, and it is so obvious this determines how he approaches the Bible. He does not have the same view of inspiration as I do. In fact, he doesn’t have the biblical view of inspiration: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16).

To understand Peter Enns’s approach to Genesis and Romans (which will shock you), you need to watch his lecture given recently at Westmont College. To make it easier for you, here are some of the sections to watch in the video:

1. 2:00–3:00
2. 3:00–5:15
3. 10:00–11:30
4. 17:00–17:15
5. 35:50–36:40
6. 45:00–49:10
7. 18:30–19:05
8. 19:05–19:40

It's me again.  What also is distressing to me is that Enns' Bible curriculum is published by Olive Branch Books which is part of Peace Hill Press which is owned by Susan Wise Bauer of The Well-Trained Mind.  I've considered her a reliable source for classical education materials.  We use her Story of the World for history.

Now, just by a few minutes research, I'm not liking what I see about Enns' curriculum, but guess what?  I don't have to use it or buy it.  I don't have to attend any workshops by the author.  If I feel strongly enough, I could even stop using Wise-Bauer's other stuff.  But to eliminate a well respected and reliable ministry and speaker such as AIG and Ken Ham for disagreeing with it is ridiculous. 

Quote

"Destroy the family, you destroy the country."

-- Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
[Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov] (1870 - 1924), First Leader of the Soviet Union

Who is Supposed to Serve?

Friday, March 18 2011

Who is Supposed to Serve?


Nancy Leigh DeMoss: In the past couple of decades, there’s been a movement challenging men to love and serve their wives. Every woman I know is very encouraged when we see God turning men’s hearts toward the Lord and their families.


We need to remember that God didn’t make men to be helpers to their wives. God made the wife to be a helper to her husband. In today’s evangelical world, it’s “politically correct” to challenge men to go home and serve their wives. It’s not so popular to talk to women about their responsibility to serve their husbands.

If we as women focus on what we think we deserve—what men “ought” to do for us—we’re likely to get hurt and resentful when our expectations aren’t fulfilled.

If your husband’s learning to serve you, that’s great. But remember, you’re never more like Jesus than when you’re serving other people.

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Veggietales St Patrick

Gabby Moms Question of the Week

My friend Diane actually won The Gabby Moms last week's question!  How cool is that?!

This week's question is at http://www.thegabbymoms.com/2011/03/question-of-the-week-march-14-18/.  The question is "In what ways are you leaving a legacy for your kids to receive when they are older?" 

There are even some additional ways to win. 
-Tweet about The Question of the Week


-Share about The Question of the Week on Facebook


-Blog about The Question of the Week


Guess which one I'm doing right now?  ;-)

Quote

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin

Ash Wednesday and Lenten Lights

Ash Wednesday and Lenten Lights


From Treasuring God in Our Traditions:
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the long season of Lent. Lent comes from an Old English word that means lengthen, signifying that the days are getting longer because Spring is here.

Traditionally Lent is a season of sober, realistic reflection on our own lives and our need for a Savior. It is a time for turning away from anything that has kept us from God and for turning or returning to him. It is a time to pray that God renew our love for him and our dependence on him.

Lent is a season of waiting. In that sense it is like Advent. But while Advent waits eagerly for the appearance of the Savior, Lent waits, with heavy responsibility, for his death. The light of the Advent candles grows brighter as we approach the Savior’s arrival. In Lent, all grows darker as we draw nearer to the unthinkable—the death of God.

To symbolize this, we can begin Lent with seven lighted candles. On the first Sunday, one is snuffed out. On the second Sunday, the second candle is extinguished, and so on until Good Friday, when the last one is darkened. It is as if we have seen sin growing in power and finally crucifying the Light of the world, leaving us in darkness. But John 1:5 assures us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

On Easter morning, all the candles shine triumphantly. The darkness cannot kill the Light.

Lenten Lights is a collection of devotions I wrote for us to use at our house with the Lenten candles. It includes directions for using it once a week during Lent or, if you choose, using it daily during Holy Week.

My Answer-Question of the Week

I mentioned in a previous post about the new question of the week at Gabby Moms.  The question this week is...

What is the number one thing you do to refresh yourself, your kids and your homeschool mid-year?

I've been told the first thing to do when you have a problem is to admit, "Houston, we have a problem."  Well, something like that.

I think the one thing I do to freshen us up mid-year is to admit that we can get stuck!  Sometimes, we get so focused on "git 'er done" that we don't realize that we are not really getting much done.  Sure, "slow and steady win the race," but what about "slooooooow and whiny"?  We just can't keep going on without being renewed. 

I think part of it is pride.  We are homeschoolers!  We're not like the public school system that needs breaks!  We get more done before 8AM than most students get done in a semester!  Onward, Christian soldier...!

Yeah, pride.  Pride is a sin, you know.  Which leads me to Acts 3:20-21a which reads, "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..."

So, repent of pride and admit that you need to be "refreshed".  I'm going to spend a little more time hitting the Book and a little less time hitting the books for awhile. I'm going to encourage my daughter to do it as well.  I think we'll both walk away more refreshed.

OK, so how long did we read from the book of Malachi today, so I can count it as reading hours in language arts?  Oops.  Sorry.  Force of habit.





Question of the Week

There's a new program at Gabby Moms. The following was posted by Head Mama today.

Starting this week we are introducing a new feature here at The Gabby Moms called Question of the Week! Each week we will post a new question and the best answer, as decided by Lorrie Flem and myself (MacKenzie Monroe- Head Mama of The Gabby Moms), will win some sort of prize! All of our March winners will receive a $5 Gift Card to Starbucks!

Sound like fun?! All you have to do to enter is answer our question in the comments section. It’s that simple! Anyone living in the US or Canada is welcome to enter (not just Gabby Moms) and the winner will be announced in the Question of the Week post the following Monday. Make sure you leave your email address so we know how to contact you!

This week’s question is:
What is the number one thing you do to refresh yourself, your kids and your homeschool mid-year?


**Note that all answers given could be used in a future publication of Eternal Encouragement Magazine or on the Eternal Encouragement Website at some point, with author sited.**

Question of the Week- March 7-11, 2011

Copying Poems---FREE

I was really excited about Currclick.com's weekly freebie.  It's a booklet of spring poems to copy using Handwriting Without Tears.  The link for the freebie is here.

Here's the site's description of it.

Copying the Poems is a series of copywork books focused on developing an appreciation for classic poetry and Christian devotion through reflection upon timeless poems and related scriptures.

Copying the Poems: The Voice of Spring - HWT 1-A it includes the complete text of three well-known poems and four scripture passages that focus the heart and mind on the delight that God brings to the hearts of man-kind when new life springs forth from the earth He has created.

This title includes:
25 Lessons
Three Full Poems Included
KJV Bible Verses


Our HWT 1-A level features:
Traditional HWT Style Manuscript
Wide 5/16" Two-Line Style
Line-by-Line Models
Pictures to Color
Room for Drawing


All our titles include:
Quick Reference Charts
Cover Page for Notebooking
Blank Templates

25 lessons are included; five lessons (from the KJV) which illuminate the themes of the hymn, and 20 which present the entire text of three well-known poems related to spring: "The Voice of Spring," "Nest Eggs," and "Daffodils".

This is a stand-alone title, and requires no other accompanying resources.

High Court Judgment suggests Christian beliefs harmful to children. Fostering by Christians now in doubt.

Breaking News: High Court Judgment suggests Christian beliefs harmful to children. Fostering by Christians now in doubt.
 Published: February 28th, 2011
From Christianconcern.com)

In a landmark judgment, which will have a serious impact on the future of fostering and adoption in the UK, the High Court has suggested that Christians with traditional views on sexual ethics are unsuitable as foster carers, and that homosexual ‘rights’ trump freedom of conscience in the UK. The Judges stated that Christian beliefs on sexual ethics may be ‘inimical’ to children, and they implicitly upheld an Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) submission that children risk being ‘infected’ by Christian moral beliefs.

Today’s ruling relates to the dispute between married couple Eunice and Owen Johns and Derby City Council. The Johns applied to the Council in 2007 to foster a child but the Council blocked their application because they objected that the Johns were not willing to promote the practise of homosexuality to a young child. In November 2010 both parties jointly asked the Court to rule on whether the Johns were able to foster children, or whether they could be excluded from doing so under equality law because of their Christian beliefs.

Today (28th February) that judgment has been released. The judges declined to make the statement that the Johns, wanting to re-establish their fostering application, had sought. Instead, the judgment strongly affirms homosexual rights over freedom of conscience and leaves the Johns currently unable to foster a child as desired, despite their proven track record as foster parents. There now appears to be nothing to stop the increasing bar on Christians who wish to adopt or foster children but who are not willing to compromise their beliefs by promoting the practise of homosexuality to small children.

The nature of the judgment means that Christians who hold orthodox Christian views on the family, marriage and sexuality will continue to face difficulties in the fostering and adoption process and the Courts will not intervene to stop this from happening. In fact, the summary contained in the judgment sends out the clear message that orthodox Christian ethical beliefs are potentially harmful to children and that Christian parents with mainstream Christian views are not suitable to be considered as potential foster parents.

In their judgment, the judges stated:

That if children are placed with parents who have traditional Christian views like the Johns “there may well be a conflict with the local authority’s duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of looked-after children”, [1]

That there is a tension between the equality provisions concerning religious discrimination and those concerning sexual orientation. Yet, as regards fostering, “the equality provisions concerning sexual orientation should take precedence”, [2]

That a local authority can require positive attitudes to be demonstrated towards homosexuality, [3]

That there is no religious discrimination against the Johns because they were being excluded from fostering due to their moral views on sexual ethics and not their Christian beliefs (This is incredible and very disingenuous as the Johns moral views cannot be separated from their religious beliefs), [4] and

That “Article 9 [of the European Human Rights Act] only provides a ‘qualified’ right to manifest religious belief and ... this will be particularly so where a person in whose care a child is placed wishes to manifest a belief that is inimical to the interests of children”. [5]

Equality and Human Rights Commission

The tax payer funded EHRC played an important role in this judgment. They intervened in the Johns case, and they suggested to the Court that a child should not, in their own words, be ‘infected’ with Christian moral beliefs. Suggesting that Christian moral beliefs on sexual ethics could ‘infect’ children is an extraordinary position for a statutory body to take. It is also deeply insulting both to the Johns, who have a proven track record of successfully raising children, and to Christians in general.

THE HIGH COURT IMPLICITLY UPHELD THIS SUBMISSION BY THE EHRC.

Johns Reaction

The judgment was greeted with disbelief and sadness today by Eunice and Owen Johns. In a statement, the couple said:

“We wanted to offer a loving home to a child in need. But because of this ruling we are unsure how we can continue the application process. We have been excluded because we have moral opinions based on our faith, and a vulnerable child has now probably missed the chance of finding a safe and caring home. We do not believe that our ordinary Christian moral views are infectious, contrary to what the Equality and Human Rights Commission believes. Being a Christian is not a crime and should not stop us from raising children. Today, it looks as though a child has missed out on a home.”

Christian Legal Centre Reaction

Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre said:

“The Johns are a mild mannered, ordinary Christian couple, yet they may never be able to foster children again. They were willing to love a child regardless of sexual orientation, but not willing to tell a young child that practising homosexuality was a positive thing. Now, a child has likely missed out on finding a home, at a time when there is a desperate shortage of willing parents.

“Eunice and Owen Johns have been humiliated and sidelined and told by a Government body (the EHRC) that their mainstream Christian views might “infect” children. They have also effectively been told by British Judges that their views may harm children.

“The Judges have claimed that there was no discrimination against the Johns as Christians because they were being excluded from fostering due to their sexual ethics and not their Christian beliefs. This claim that their moral beliefs on sex have nothing to do with their Christian faith is a clear falsehood made in order to justify their ruling. How can the Judges get away with this?

“What has happened to the Johns is part of a wider trend seen in recent years. The law has been increasingly interpreted by Judges in a way which favours homosexual rights over freedom of conscience. Significant areas of public life are now becoming out of bounds to Christians who do not want to compromise their beliefs. If Christian morals are harmful to children and unacceptable to the State, then how many years do we have before natural children start being taken away from Christians?

“At the Christian Legal Centre our clients have included, amongst many others, a nurse suspended for offering prayer; a Council worker suspended for talking about God to a client, a teacher suspended for offering prayer; a nurse forced off frontline nursing because she wouldn’t take off her cross. We have dealt with Civil Registrars who have been demoted because they did not want to officiate at civil partnerships, and a Christian counsellor who lost his job for not wanting to give sex therapy to homosexuals. In the last few years, several Catholic adoption agencies have been forced to close because they refused to place children with homosexual couples.

“There is a great imbalance in the law at the moment, resulting in ordinary people suffering. The situation must be addressed by Parliament as the Judiciary have failed to stand for civil liberties but have capitulated to the agenda of the homosexual rights lobby. We cannot have a society where you are excluded just because you don’t agree with the sexual ethics of the homosexual lobby. Britain is now leading Europe in intolerance against religious belief.”

Appeal

Please join us at Christian Concern as we seek to take a stand against injustice and to defend the right to practice the Christian faith freely in public.

Please donate here.

Please also join our mailing list (see front page of our website).

Related Articles
Christian Concern: Public backs protection of Christian conscience at work
Christian Concern: Court to rule whether Christians are ‘fit people’ to foster children
Andrea’s Blog: Proclaiming Jesus from the Roof Tops
Source
Johns' Judgment
Wikipedia Dictionary
“Inimical”: Harmful in effect; unfriendly; hostile


[1]Para 93 of Judgment
[2]Para 93 of Judgment
[3]Para 101 of Judgment
[4]Para 99 of Judgment
[5]Para 102 of Judgment

Graphs: an introduction.

Currclick.com is offering Graphs: an introduction. as it's weekly freebie.


Here's what the site says about the product:
Our books grow with the student.


This book is an introduction to how scientists present their information with studies of the importance of understanding how the information is
so presented.


It includes:
a) A historical experiment in updated form for the student and how to present the information for it in graphical form.
b) Historical background.
c) A lap book about graphs which uses normal sized paper.
d) 10 practice exercises on making graphs, 2 crossword puzzles, 3 examinations.
e) Discussion of the appropriate uses of the bar, line, exponential, sigmoid and other graphs as placed into the context of beginning, intermediate and advanced students.
f) Discussion of how people with "agendas" or "bias" can selectively show some parts of a graph to influence the viewer in a manner which is not consistent with what the graph really shows.
g) Discussion of the graphing of "data" and the "projection" of a graph into the future and the error associated with that projection.
Modern Information and Classical Experiments.

 Graphs: an introduction