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Today at church we continued our study in the book of Acts. It is wonderful to sit under expository preaching; one learns so much. We talked about how in Antioch the gospel was preached and God added to the church. Simple. We complicate things so much in the church with 'special' programs, the latest and greatest, genre of music, age specific groups, etc. Preach the truth, make disciples and let God do the rest.
photo by Hannah Queen
Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, Calif. home for a Bible study — unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.
"On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the Bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county." David Jones told FOX News.
"We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a Bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all," Jones said.
A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.
But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over.
For David and Mary Jones, it's about more than a question of money.
"The government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion," Broyles told FOX News. "I believe that our Founding Fathers would roll over in their grave if they saw that here in the year 2009, a pastor and his wife are being told that they cannot hold a simple Bible study in their own home."
"The implications are great because it’s not only us that’s involved," Mary Jones said. "There are thousands and thousands of Bible studies that are held all across the country. What we’re interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future."
The couple is planning to dispute the county's order this week.
If San Diego County refuses to allow the pastor and his wife to continue gathering without acquiring a permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ
Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.
This is what keeps a country strong and united. One flag, one language, one allegiance. We can celebrate many differences, but we must all be Americans. We must be able to communicate and be loyal to the country that harbors us.
We are fortunate to live where there is still a drive-in theater. In the summer it is one of our favorite activities and another reason we love living in this small town.
As locals we know that you have to arrive about 2 hrs. early to get on the front row. Why? Because the field in front of the screen is where the action is for the 2 hrs. prior to the movie. Kids bring frisbees, balls, etc. and just enjoy themselves. Everyone sets up chairs, some bring tables (we have done this) and eat dinner.
Now last night, well, we had additional entertainment! There was a gentleman that set up karaoke and oh my. It was fun and at times hilarious as there was an endless line of people that wanted to sing. We said we got our money's worth before the movie ever began!!
To me, this is small town at its best. It is simple, uncomplicated and reminds us of a more innocent time; but maybe we are more innocent here. Things are less hectic, people know each other. At times I feel cocooned here in our little town, much like the children that play safely in front of all the adults before the movie. Yes, life can be slow and sweet.
PS- we saw Night at the Museum and it was great. Comedy w/ historical references; heaven!
Today was opening day of our Farmers Market. The rain held off and we had a good day. Not a lot of people yet, but still a good day. Things will pick up when the vegetables come in.
The market is a wonderful place full of colorful characters. We have a lady that sells gourds she has painted and she is so sweet and feisty. We were next to her today and enjoyed her company.
Sarah and Hayden helped in our booth today and did a great job. They are learning a lot and getting to meet all kinds of people.
Hannah loves her job and is thriving in it. She meets and greets the vendors, answers questions, discusses rule compliance, etc. We are proud of her.
Here are some pictures from today.
Ok, in my last post I did not tell everything that happened today. So after one final incident, I realized that I have one kind, bald-headed reader that would be so disappointed if I left out 'gory' details.
Earlier while cutting (yes Kevin, cutting) string for tags I picked up the scissors and ran them across my palm. Don't ask how I managed this. I grabbed a towel, wiped the blood and moved on. Then while snipping (yes, snipping Kevin) a string that was too long, I cut my left index finger. This is very easy for me as I do not watch where the end of the scissors are before I snip! OUCH!
After dinner (oh yes, one more chance to give blood) I was mopping the floor. The mopping wasn't dangerous; it was the bone our dog had been eating on that got me. It blended into the rug at the sink. I stepped on it and screamed!! Sharp bone hurts, it hurts bad. William came running and saved the day. YES, I was bleeding Kevin. William, being trained in wilderness first aid (we do live in the wilderness) cleaned me up, put peroxide on and bandaged my foot. MY HERO!!
So there, I feel better now that I let you in on all that went on trying to get ready for the Farmers Market. It ain't purdy people! Tomorrow we bake, therefore more opportunity for bodily damage...
We have been busy this week getting ready for the Farmers Market that starts on Saturday. It seemed as if it would never arrive, and now here it is on top of us! Time to "panic and freak out"!! (I know none of you reading this EVER do this)
Today we have made dressing, printed labels, loaded the car, pulled the table stuff together so we can bake tomorrow.
Hannah is looking forward to starting her job Saturday. I think she will thrive in this atmosphere and learn a lot. She will deal with all kinds of people, situations, and responsibilities.
So, here we go....
Our middle child continues to amaze us with her work ethic and sweet spirit. She is a blessing to our family in so many ways.
She is never hesitant to take on a task that others can't or won't do; she barrels through. What a pioneer spirit! It can be hard, heavy or difficult but she will tackle it.
Sarah strives to be obedient in our home making parenting her so easy. Middle children can easily be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of life as they are usually not high need. She handles her position in the family with grace and gratitude.
She desires to understand the Word of God and asks many great questions. She strives to be a young woman of faith. What more could a momma ask for.
William attended two weekends last year called Wood Badge. It is adult leadership training for those in Boy Scouts. After the weekends you have 18 months to complete 5 projects. Each project must be written out with their objectives then submitted for approval. Once approved, you must carry these projects out.
William completed his in 8 months!!! And last night we attended a outdoor ceremony where he received his beads. I know, you are asking, beads?? Yes, beads, each person that completes the course receives a certificate and wood beads, which are worn with great pride. Not all that begin this finish it; it requires persistence.
We are so proud of him. He continues to seek advanced training to make himself a better leader.
Next up: and this is crazy! Extreme Outdoor Leadership Training. I can't even describe what all he will put himself through. Think rocks, water, wilderness, etc. HAVE MERCY!!!
Before
After (note change in scarf around his neck)
Here is the new Market Director of our local Farmer's Market!!! Hannah had an interview with the Board of Directors this evening, which I was able to sit in on since I am taking the minutes for the board.
She handled herself beautifully; they were impressed with her maturity and knowledge. I was a proud momma to say the least. She was well spoken, sincere and spoke of her passion for local farming along with buying locally. Also she spoke of her desire to preserve Appalachian culture.
It is wonderful to see how God is ordering her steps. She has been patient to see where God would place her while honing her skills. This may be only for a season or it could turn into something more as the market grows. Whatever it is or will be, she is at peace; and would have been if she didn't get the job.
Jeremiah 29:11
Yesterday my family took me to Cades Cove for mother's day. It is one of my most favorite places. It is peaceful and beautiful.
We took a picnic and spent several hours there watching the deer and turkey. This place would have been so ideal to live and raise a family. And speaking of...
Here are some pictures Hannah took yesterday.
Oh and my day was great. I have sweet, loving children that honor me each and every day and a devoted husband.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children will rise up and call her blessed; her husband also.
P.S. - go check out our farm blog, we have an announcement!
pictures by Hannah Queen
Tonight we had a Court of Honor and our boy became a First Class Scout. He also received 3 merit badges.
Here is the momma getting her First Class pin! I'm not proud.
Hayden was instrumental in his troop winning the knot tying award at their recent Camporee. Like his dad, he has taken to knots like a duck to water. Here he is holding the troops certificate.
The whole gang! (most of them)
Next step: Star Scout!!!
Earlier this evening I was reading Voddie Baucham's blog. He had a post about government schools, testing and children.
It just struck a chord. We test our children to oblivion and are never satisfied. There is little to no free time for many children now. Their days are filled with school, tests, extracurricular classes, etc. Parents shuttle them from one thing to another. Dinner is done on the run, weekends are filled with projects, games, and such.
How can this nurture a healthy home environment or allow children to be children?? It is sad to me; so many have lost what being a family is about. It should be a place to learn life skills, explore who you are and who you want to be. A place to sit on the porch and talk. How can that happen when it is only a place to land temporarily before moving on to the next thing.
I hear public school teachers talking about all the testing they do. Good grief. I don't understand. They have these kids 7 hours a day, give homework, and test multiple times a year. Someone should ask, "what is the problem"! How much do you keep piling on before you say, "this isn't working".
I also cringe when I hear homeschool moms duplicating the 'school room' environment. That is what you don't want in my humble opinion. (And it is only an opinion so don't write nasty comments, please.) Kids need time to be kids and explore their world on their on terms. Everything is already set for them from day 1 it seems; no freedom to find who they are and what works for them. Cookie cutter education.
We are blessed that we can have our children at home. They garden, care for animals, explore different art mediums, read, cook, create, etc. They are finding who they are and what God has for them. They are not peer driven. They are not worried about what 'others' think. They are learning life skills. What a blessing.
Children are an heritage of the LORD... – Psalm 127:3
It rained again today, but fortunately we had indoor plans. The girls had appointments to get their hair cut at a really neat place in Chattanooga. Sarah trusts them with her mass of curls and they always do a good job on Hannah's her also.
We also went to GreenLife, our favorite grocery store. We had their pizza for lunch and shopped a little. They had organic vegetable and herb plants so we got some more tomato plants and various herbs to add to our garden. We find ourselves adding to our original "this is all we are growing" list!
We had a good family day! Oh yeah, the guys went along too...
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