Thinking About Whole Foods

I have been reading a lot of books about food.  I’ve read books about what hunter-gathers ate, books about people sneaking into poultry farms in the middle of the night and the horrors they saw, books trying to prove how dogs would really rather eat a vegan lifestyle (okay that was just a chapter in a book about raw foods), I also read a clever recipe for how to make raw pancakes (it was actually very good)….The range of books on the topic of food in my public library is quite extensive.  A lot of it is a little nutty.  I have studied in the scriptures extensively on the subject as well-that’s where I started-and I have found some really interesting things.

The most important message I have gotten in all my reading is to eat WHOLE foods.  Not parts of food, but real, whole foods.  An apple is a real food.  We found some salsa that only has whole foods in it.  It’s yummy. 

I have found one book amongst the masses of dwaddle on the subject that has some good ideas.  It’s called, “In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto” by Michael Pollan.  He makes some interesting points about how we are more concerned with nutrients (or parts of food) instead of in the food itself.  Here is his succinct, sage advice: “Eat food.  Not too much. Mostly plants.”  That pretty much sums it up right?

Mr. Pollan had some good advice about his first point: “Eat food.”  (Pointing out he means real food, not parts of food or synthetic food).  Here are his points to finding and eating (whole, real) food. 

1. Don’t eat anything your grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food. He says Go-Gurt is not food and your grandma wouldn’t recognize it. (She would recognize yogurt though).  By the way we all know where our red food coloring comes from that is in all our food right? Red bugs, crushed up from South America. Yummy.  Think red M&M’s, grapefruit juice, strawberry yogurt….
2. Don’t eat anything incapable of rotting. (like Twinkies)
3. Avoid food products containing ingredients that are:
1. Unfamiliar
2. Unpronounceable
3. More than five in number
4. Contain high-fructose corn syrup

He listed “Sara Lee’s Soft & Smooth Whole Grain White Bread” as an example of a food that breaks all of these rules. He listed all 41 ingredients but I’m not going to type them here. It would take up a lot of space. He pointed out unfamiliar ingredients like ethoxylated monoglycerides and unpronounceable ones like azodicarbonamide.  Sounds yummy doesn’t it!  And of course it has high-fructose corn syrup.  Do you know how many food items contain high-fructose corn syrup?  Try checking out your refrigerator and you shall be surprised. (Unless your name is Lara or Misty, you threw those foods away along time ago).

4. Avoid products that make health claims.
5. Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle.  (We’ve all heard that one).
6. Get out of the supermarket whenever possible. Meaning go to a farmer’s market or grow your own food.

I thought those were some very basic ideas to get our family started on a whole foods way of life.  I’ve been thinking a lot about what Leah Widtsoe said.  I quoted her in my last post.  Summarizing her thoughts she said we should spend as much thought into what we feed our children as we do our prize winning livestock. Coming from the area of the world I live in and the passion around us for 4-H that is a very interesting thought.

“Stories That Build Statesman” and a Book Q & A

This past week I purchased the lecture, "Stories That Build Statesman" by Marlene Peterson from the 2010 TJEd Forum in Salt Lake City. I enjoyed listening to it and received several insights that will be helpful for my family. I've decided to share some thoughts from her and from myself. I believe that reading to our children is one of the most important activities we can pursue with our families.

Marlene reminds us that we remember information best if it's in story form. This reminded me of President Monson's talks. He teaches us in stories. She shares that stories connect with our heart and make things real and lasting with us. Marlene states that it is vital we give our children and ourselves a great depth of stories that can last throughout our lives.

I thought it was interesting to learn that Mao removed the stories of the Chinese so they were forced to function in the here and now. In this way he was able to control his people.

She stated that in public school we learn only one story. "If you do well you can graduate and go to a good college, then you'll get a good job and have a good life." In my own personal life I have seen that not only this story told in school, but recognized that another story is told at church/home. I will call it the Plan of Salvation story and it has a different point than the one in public school. I lived through my own confusion of trying to live two separate lives: a church life and a school life. They were incompatible. I have seen while working in the Young Women for many, many years that girls are confused. Should they focus on job and career or should they focus on motherhood and preparing to be a help-meet? What should they do? Who do they please? I believe this is one of the biggest dilemma's facing the young women. Learning what story to believe and focus on is important.

Testbooks are boring because they teach us the information without the stories. There is no heart in it. No way to connect, feel and remember. (This is regardless of the many other reasons I have for dismissing textbooks from my children's life).

Marlene shared that stories help us to know that no matter what trials and hard times come our way in life other people have gone through them and so we can do. I think these stories are especially learned from the scriptures. She tells us that in the last days when "men's hearts will fail" she believes this will in part be from not having stories to help them through those dark days. I add especially not knowing and believing the story of Jesus Christ will cause our hearts to fail.

We need to ask who are the storytellers in our lives and what are they teaching us? We need to make sure that we reject stories that go against our moral values and standards. We don't want their story becoming ours. We need to have stories that teach us about human nature, heroes, courage, truth and love. The old stories were written/told to make us better while many of the stories now are written to entertain us. Many current stories contain half-hearted attempts at a simple moral to appease the parents, but will pass right over the children's heads. These stories are NOT written to make us better.

I believe it is so important that we spend time every day curled up on the couch or in a bed sharing great stories with our children. Start with original fairy tales (not the Disneyfied versions) with great pictures. These will be easy to understand and contain morals. You will be surprised to find how different the "real" version is from the version you think you know. Then move on to classic books that are simply written like "Little House on the Prairie" books. I have always been amazed at what my kids could comprehend. We've read Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, every Narnia, Silas Marner, and many biographies to name just a very few. Please look on my Goodreads lists to see what we have read. Read them the great classics and fill their minds with great thoughts. There are many stories now that I wish I had not told them. I am wiser now.

The classics are wonderful but they are not complete unless you have read the scriptures everyday also. We have a rule in our house: you may not read anything unless you have first read your scriptures for the day. As a family we have read the Book of Mormon over eight times together as well as parts of the Old Testament, and the New Testament, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price at least twice each. Our children need the Great Story of the Gospel or the "Good News" told to them over and over again. This will fill their hearts and give them courage to face these dark days.

Marlene says that without great stories there will be no warmth for growth. Great statesman will come from well-educated hearts that contain a treasure trove of great stories.

Please share with me your thoughts on these questions:

1. What books do you consider the best in your family? (besides the scriptures)
2. What have been your favorite read-a-louds together?
3. How do you decide what church/doctrinal books to keep?
4. What put you over the edge on getting rid of books that cost a lot of money but you now realize you don't need/shouldn't have to keep anymore? (It always seems harder to get rid of books/movies that I spent money on even if I now know I don't need or shouldn't have them).

Joseph Smith as Scientist

Joseph Smith as Scientist: A Contribution to Mormon Philosophy by John A. Widtsoe is a great read to consider in your family. Elder Widtsoe discusses the basic principles of science and then quotes Joseph Smith and his teachings. Some of the subjects treated include: matter, energy, ether, astronomy, geological record, the sixth sense and evolution. This book will challenge you, but it will also increase your comprehension of what God has done for us.

I found the subject matter informative and very helpful.  I think it would be an important book for scholar youth.  It proves again that the scriptures truly do contain all subject matter and we can find ultimate truth by searching the scriptures. Elder Widtsoe points out that these teachings found in the scriptures from Joseph Smith were not known or accepted scientific laws at the time. It was only later that science came to "discover" them. The reader is also left with convincing "proof" in a temporal standpoint that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet.

The original chapters in the book appeared in installments in the Improvement Era in 1903-1904. In 1908 Elder Widtsoe had it published after a committee appointed by the First Presidency read the manuscript. That committee was Elders George Albert Smith, Edward H. Anderson and Joseph F. Smith, Jr. The point being that you can't get more official and authentic than The Improvement Era and approval from two future prophets.

In reading this book I felt that I was furthering my garnering of information about the History of Relief Society. This information was known and published among the Saints. With the revival of studying not only the History of the Relief Society but also the History of the Church I think we will gain some essential information needed to raise our children and to prepare for the Second Coming.

This book is available from Archive Publishers. The address is 754 East 50 North, Heber City, UT 84032. The phone number is 435.654.0824. The website listed is http://www.archivepublishers.com/ .

Books for Teaching/Learning Government

I recently read the book, "10 Books Every Conservative Must Read: Plus Four Not to Miss and One Impostor" by Benjamin Wiker, Ph.D. Dr. Wiker presents a book list that would be worthy reads for those pursing further study in government. I appreciated his list of four extra reads-which are fictional literature-that portray the values of conservatism. One book shows women embracing the role of marriage and nurturing and another book shows men acting in courage to protect their family and their lands. The correlation between living strong moral values and having limited government were intertwined. I understood more deeply the importance of moral character in public life. We have slipped from this.

With each book he presents a short biography on the author, information about the work itself that he choose and why the author's message should still be impactful today. Dr. Wiker's writing may provide help as a mentor of sorts to wade through difficult readings. His thoughts were particularly helpful to me recently as I reread "The Abolition of Man." Perhaps you will find this list helpful. Here is his book list:

1. "The Politics" by Aristotle
2. "Orthodoxy" by Gilbert Keith Chesterton
3. "The New Science of Politics" by Eric Voegelin
4. "The Abolition of Man" by C.S. Lewis
5. "Reflections on the Revolution in France" by Edmund Burke
6. "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville
7. "The Federalist Papers" by Hamilton, Madison, Jay
8. "The Anti-Federalist"
9. "The Servile State" by Hilaire Belloc
10. "The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich August Von Hayek

Here are is four not to miss:

1. "The Tempest" by Shakespeare
2. "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen
3. "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
4. "The Jerusalem Bible"

I will let you discover his imposter for yourselves. He makes a great case against its use to teach conservatism. Besides the fact that is devoid of all moral codes.

Brigham Young’s Teaching on Health

As I have mentioned I have spent some time reading and studying The Discourses of Brigham Young compiled by John A. Widtsoe. I have been asked several times about my stance on health and eating. What does eating looking like Zion's way versus Babylon's way? I have a long way to go in this area. I have some opinions, but they are that, simply opinions. I believe that there is more to the Word of Wisdom than eat this or don't eat that.  I think an overall view should be looked at.  How do we view food?  What are our eating patterns? 

Since some of you do not have this book I will share various quotes from President Young on the Word of Wisdom. These are powerful quotes that have deep meanings and application in a profoud way.  Perhaps it will spark some discussion and/or lead you to your own ponderings to apply in your own life. I have omitted the extensive quotes about tobacco, tea and coffee, because I hope this is not a problem and thereby focusing on his other thoughts. The quotes are taken from chapter 16 of this book.

"Excessive eating, drinking, or exercise all tend to the grave."

"Rule your own passions, and exercise faith until you can govern and control your appetites…Permit your bodies to have natural forms; also take pains to have the bodies of your daughters grow naturally, and teach them what they are made for, and that they through faith, must overcome every besetting sin and every unholy passion and appetite."

"The strength, power, beauty and glory that once adorned that form and constitution of man have vanished away before the blighting influences of inordinate appetite and love of this world. The health and power and beauty that once adorned the noble form of man must again be restored to our race; and God designs that we shall engage in this great work of restoration."

"Then let us seek to extend the present life to the uttermost, by observing every law of health, and by properly balancing labor, study, rest, and recreation, and thus prepare for a better life. Let us teach these principles to our children, that, in the morning of their days, they may be taught to lay the foundation of health and strength and constitution and power of life in their bodies."

"By and by, according to the Scriptures, the days of a man shall be like the days of a tree. But in those days people will not eat and drink as they do now; if they do their days will not be like a tree unless it be a very short-lived tree."

"We are trying to become natural in our habits, and are striving to fulfill the end and design of our creation."

"The people have laid the foundation of short life through their diet, their rest, their labor, and their doing this, that, and the other in a wrong manner with improper motives, and at improper times."

"…good cold water…this is the beverage we should drink. It should be our drink at all times."

"As we got richer and built warm houses, and have lived more richly, indulging in sweet cake, plum pudding, roast beef and so on, we have had more or less disease among us."

"If the people were willing to receive the true knowledge from heaven in regard to their diet they would cease eating swine's flesh. I know this as well as Moses knew it, and without putting it in a code of commandments. The beef fed upon our mountain grasses is as healthy food as we need at present….Fish is as healthy a food as we can eat, if we except vegetables and fruit, and with them will become a very wholesome diet."

"The Americans, as a nation, are killing themselves with their vices and high living. As much as a man ought to eat in half an hour they swallow in three minutes, gulping down their food like the canine quadruped under the table…If you want a reform, carry out the advice I have just given you."

"When men live to the age of a tree, their food will be fruit….If every woman in this Church will now cease drinking tea, (etc.) and live upon vegetables, etc., not many generations will pass away before the days of man will again return. But it will take generations to eradicate entirely the influences of deleterious substances."

"{We should have} well ventilated dwelling-houses, especially the rooms occupied for sleeping."

"Study to preserve your bodies in life and health, and you will be able to control your minds."

"My mind becomes tired, and perhaps some of yours do. If so, go and exercise your bodies."

"Doctors make experiments, and if they find a medicine that will have the desired effect on one person, they find a medicine that will have the desired effect on one person, they set it down that it is good for everybody, but it is not so, for upon the second person that medicine is administered to seemingly with the same disease, it might produce death…I say that unless a man or woman who administers medicine to assist the human system to overcome disease, understands, and has that intuitive knowledge, by the Spirit, that such an article is good to that individual at that very time, they had better let him alone. Let the sick do without eating, take a little of something to cleanse the stomach, bowels and blood, and wait patiently, and let nature have time to gain the advantage over the disease."

"Sisters, you will take notice, … to adopt this rule-stop your child from eating meat, and especially fat meat;…let them eat a little more porridge; let them eat sparingly."

"Children should have milk, bread, water, and potatoes, and everything that would lay the foundation for disease should be strenuously kept from their stomachs, that no appetites may be formed for pernicious substance."

Susanna Wesley

Susanna Wesley by Kathy McReynolds

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Studying the lives of the great reformers of Christianity is paramount. Included in these biographical sketches we need to include the lives of the great women who nurtured these great men as mothers and wives. In their steadfast faith we can find example in how to raise our own hero generation.

I have long wanted to read a biography about the great Susanna Wesley. I was happy with the book by Kathy McReynolds. I had done some research into the biographies of Susanna and many of them focused on her being dominated by men and other worldly trumped up interpretations instead of narrowing in on the very hope of her life-her faith in Jesus Christ and her dedication to her family.

Susanna Wesley was born in England in 1669; the 25th child in the family. She was the mother of John and Charles Wesley who were later dubbed the founders of Methodism. Charles Wesley’s hymns have found their way to all Christian hymnals. Some of his more famous hymns include, “Rejoice, the Lord is King!,” “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” and “Hark the Herald Angles Sing.”

Susanna was fiercely dedicated to Christ and the Bible. She was extremely well read and self-taught that was encouraged at an early age by her famous father. She left behind a large legacy of letters and writings that continue to impact people today. As her children grew and attained adulthood she continued to teach them through letters. She bore her testimony constantly. The object of all her letters was to make sure they were living by the Bible.

She gave birth to 19 children in 21 years. She outlived two of her adult children. Ten of her children died young, one of which it believed to have been killed by persecutors. They lost their home to fire twice; one of the fires was believed to be intentionally started. Their fields were also set on fire, their cattle stabbed and their dog’s leg was brutally cut. The persecutors “shouted out obscenities to them and fired their guns in front of their home during all hours of the night.” All of this occurring while her husband sat in prison.

She was revered by her husband and her sons spoke highly of her. She also understood her role as wife and mother and was devoted to them.

Susanna is also famously known because she homeschooled all of her children. Her tenants and practices on child rearing are well known. She expected strict discipline out of her children but also smothered them with love.

Susanna Wesley is a woman worthy of emulation and study.

View all my reviews

The Relief Society Magazine-UPDATED

For some reason this did not post correctly a couple of days ago.  Here it is now though...

I mentioned in a previous post that I have been reading the old Relief Society magazines. After thoroughly enjoying the two books about the history of Relief Society I went back through that closet at the church to see what other gems I could find. Find gems I did!

I have just finished reading The Relief Society Magazine vol. 3, 1916. For the last several years I have been pursuing the topic of how to build Zion in my home. Wading through the mindsets of society and deciphering what is truth and what is untruth has been difficult. To this end I have enjoyed hearing the thoughts of our Relief Society women from almost 100 years ago. They were not nearly as entrenched in society and Babylon and so the stories, lessons, and editorials have been eye opening. I have had the keener ability to examine my thought patterns and decide what in my current society I need to reject. I have especially enjoyed their in depth biographies of the "Mothers in Zion."

I have typed below multiple quotes from the book. I present a variety of subjects and columns so that you can get a flavor of the treasures contained in this book. Perhaps one may catch your eye and some with at least make you smile.

"Urge our women to leave all other clubs and movements and join our Relief Society work. All women are eligible and welcome. Do not seek to tear down the house built up by any man, but build your own so spaciously and beautifully that the man will be glad to leave his own poorer house and come and dwell in comfort with you." Page 157

"A chicken thief in Salt Lake City was captured recently after being shot twice by Mrs. Lulu Bradley, and wounded so he could not escape. Mrs. Bradley detected the thief robbing her henroost. She can feel that after this exploit her chicken house will be reasonable safe from marauders, who do not love such receptions." Page 163

"Provoke the brethren to good works, but don't provoke the brethren while doing so." Page 165

"However unsightly a building may appear, or however beautiful the architecture of a home or church or business block may be, its effect may be greatly modified by the landscape. The English ivy, the Boston ivy, a climbing rose, wisteria or honeysuckle vine, or the fruiting grape, may be so successfully placed, that it assists the architecture in creating an atmosphere of sweetness and grace. On the other hand, a badly kept lawn, ugly paths and walks, and sickly, untrimmed tree, poorly placed, can make a poem of architecture look indeed ridiculous. "Page 173

"Latter-day Saint women who have been through the temple know the rules of this Church regarding the wearing of low-necked and short sleeved dresses. When they break those rules, they must suffer the certain consequences of disobedience….There is an alarming number of our Latter-day Saint girls appearing at school and elsewhere in ridiculously low-cut dresses. It seems to me that parents and school authorities are the only one to handle this problem. It is largely a question of "doing as the other fellow does." If a leader in a crowd could be made to see that it were not the right thing and she were converted there would soon be a change." Page 217-218

The subject of the evils and sin of using birth control in any form were outlined with multiple quotes from the leaders of the church from pages 363-368, 433-435.

Crochet Centerpiece Instructions given on pages 382-385.

"This is the month when good housewives will begin to think about fruit drying whether they do it or not. It is a grievous social sin that fruit should be grown and left to rot by the hundreds of bushels on the ground….but the women of the Relief Society can do something towards correcting the evil. We suggest that fruit drying parties be given in every ward…" Page 397

"Stale Bread. Cut your stale bread into finger lengths, dip in milk for a minute, put on buttered tin in the oven until crisp, spread with butter, and serve while hot, with jam or syrup." Page 398

"Down into the pit of our fears, the dear Lord places a ladder of hope. It is there-each round is dully gold in the twilight of our suffering. We set foot there again and again, but we are too weak-too impatient to climb slowly and steadily. And so we thrust it away, and go on suffering, and agonizing. Our darkness is unlit, the pit is too deep, the ladder tumbling about our ears while we are crushed beneath its weight….Think healthful thoughts. Say peaceful words. Say over and over, in your mind, hymns or psalms. Refuse to think of your sorrow or your pain. Tell your will to obey your spirit. Don't be crushed or disheartened by constant defeat…You refuse to allow foul, physical air in your sick room or bed chamber-don't allow disease-breeding thoughts, emotions and whinnings, to taint the spiritual atmosphere. Brace up. Be a good, spiritual sport. Grit your teeth, shut your lips, hold your hands tight, and fight-just plain fight…Suffer if you have to do so, but be a solder about it. Keep your face, your fighting face, to the foe. Not your squirming, cowardly back. The Lord loves a brave soldier-so do all men. God is our help, He can heal and comfort us, if we greatly work and greatly pray." Page 410-411

"Money Wastes. It is extravagant to buy clothing of extreme color or style. Fashion changes so rapidly that one will soon find one's closet filling up with useless clothing. It is more economical to buy staple materials and patterns…The best materials, even though one has to pay more money, are more economical in the end. They wear longer, look better, and can be made better use of after the wearer is through with them. As to buying of furniture, money is wasted by buying an inferior article, with a feeling that it is cheap and need not have special care, consequently it does not last long and soon has to be replaced. It is better to buy a little at a time and buy good furniture. Time Wastes. There is no question but the American housewife is facing a great revolution in the manner of her housekeeping…The modern home needs much less skill and vastly more mental and spiritual qualities….False Economy. One of the most economical things a woman can do is to keep alert to all the new household labor saving devices. They may not all be of use to her and buy all would be foolish, but whenever she sees one that will her time and labor it is false economy to let it go by and save the price. Beware of bargain counters. One is tempted to buy things one does not need, laces, embroideries that are either too little or too much when one come to use them. How many times they are piled into a trunk to be used sometime. This is false economy….The truly economical housewife will plan in her cooking to have left overs, and to make use of these is an art that can only be learned by thought and practice." Page 476-480.

"Immodest Dancing has been condemned by the National Dancing Master' Association. Young men and girls with a claim to respectability should have condemned it long since, from motives of self-protection if nothing more." Page 582

Pages 592-600 discuss how to properly hire and work with a maid or housekeeper. Having a maid to do housework was a common discussion so I believe that many had maids. In fact the suggested cleaning schedule that they presented in one lesson had a maid as part of the schedule.

Pages 622-631 is an essay about the "Cliff Dwellers" by the Four Corners area written by Susa Young Gates.

"Labor-Union leaders in New York counted on having at least 800,000 workingmen out on strike the last week in September, but failed to get one-fourth of that number. Yet even that number shows what great danger threatens should the unions be used as means to get unlawful power and gain." Page 640

"Women's skirts, of ankle length and less flaring, is the promise of fashion leaders; this is at least an extension of the covering factor, for which we are thankful." Page 638

"No true woman enjoys association with cowardly men. She despises white-livered, mealy-mouthed apologizers, who not only turn their third cheek for assaults, but make doormats of themselves for their assailants. " Page 649

"Many mothers think it is necessary to evade truth, or lie to their children concerning such subjects as Santa Claus or The Story of Life-not so…if the clever mother always assumes the "listening attitude" she will know by instinct how to tell just enough and not too much. Always answer a child's questions in a simple, truthful way, not necessarily entering into lengthy detail." Page 703

Suggestive List of Books for Family Library: …Prince and Pauper, Little Women, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Far, Story of My Life (Keller), Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come, Old Fashioned Girl, The Crisis, Ben Hur…." Page 709

Communist Manifesto

I recently read the Communist Manifesto.  It is deeply disturbing.  I felt, as I was reading it, that Satan himself had penned it.  It is extremely well written and very manipulating.  I think that it is an important read to recognize what is going on in our world today.  Here is an online copy of the "devilous scheme" (President Benson).

The stated goals in the Communist Manifesto are:

1. Destroy our belief in God or "the opiate of religion."
2. Destroy the family unit and institute "free love."
3. Destroy the ability for personal property (hence capitalism).

They plan to accomplish these goals through the use of these ten planks:

1. Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.

2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.

3. Abolition of all rights of inheritance.

4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels.

5. Centralization of credit in the banks of the state, by means of a national bank with state capital and an
exclusive monopoly.

6. Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the state.

7. Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the state; the bringing into cultivation of
waste lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan.

8. Equal obligation of all to work. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture.

9. Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of all the distinction between town and country by a more equable distribution of the populace over the country.

10. Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children's factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production, etc.

They are accomplishing these goals with great success.  The majority of the my district's legislatures are pushing these agendas. If these are the goals of the evil, than the opposite are Christ's goals.  I think we should copy this list and study it so that we can recognize their deceptions to us on a daily basis.

Marxism

Through the years I have made a study of Marxism. I have read several books about this subject, including a study of Marx himself. I have also read the writings of the followers of Marx and have studied their movements which are: socialism, humanism, progressivism, environmentalism, communism, etc. Their objective is threefold. 1: Destroy our belief in God, 2: Destroy the Family and 3: Destroy Capitalism.

If we believe that Marxism doesn't exist in America or our lives today we are wrong, dead wrong. Christ warns us in the last days, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matt 24:4-5, see JS-M 1) Later in verses 11-12 He teaches, "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." And finally in verses 23-24 He testifies that "If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." We are the elect. He is talking about His covenant people.

With these thoughts perhaps in mind it would behoove us to study just where these false Christs and false prophets are going to come from. I challenge you to make a study of Marxism and all the evil 'isms' associated with it, for I believe that is where many of these wolves are.

Several years ago I read a book called "The Naked Communist" by Cleon Skousen. This was a powerful book that was part of my studies. The book was written many years ago. I wished at the time that I could have this book republished for our time right now. I wished Mr. Skousen could show us what the realities are TODAY. I have finally found part two! I am very pleased! However, it is sad to see just how much farther down the path we have gone since the time Mr. Skousen's book was written.

 The part two that I am speaking of is not written by Mr. Skousen, but this message of communism can be found in a new documentary called, "Agenda" by Curtis Bowers. I have heard many good reviews about this movie. By happen chance we came across the opportunity to buy this DVD. We also met the man responsible for its production as a sheer coincidence. It is an amazing message that I challenge you to hear. I have the video if some of you close to me would like to watch it. It will change how you think about many things. Here is the trailer to the documentary:




Today in my studies I came across a scripture that I thought was most fitting, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and
fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17-18

I hope that we are gaining strong testimonies. I hope that we are learning who is masquerading around us in sheep's' clothing set to destroy the "very elect." I hope that we will not have our hearts deceived by fair speeches.

Below I've pasted the review I wrote on Goodreads for "The Naked Communist" a couple of years ago. Perhaps you will find it interesting.

The Naked Communist by W. Cleon Skousen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





I LOVED this book! I took my sweet time reading it and soaked up every word. This book reviews the history of communism from its rise with Marx until 1960. The only bad thing is that I would love to read "the rest of the story," meaning through to the present.

This book was extremely eye opening in regard to how communism was spread. It was frustrating reading about the lackadaisical attitude of government officials world wide who had blinders on and let the USSR run wild at the close of WWII. They never believed that the Russians were really "that bad." It was also interesting that while the world sat back and watched LDS church leaders like President Benson, J. Rueben Clark and David O. McKay were declaring from the pulpits for all to realize that communism was seeking to destroy our liberty. I wonder how many were listening? Is my family listening now?

Here are some quotes just so you know...

“The paths we are following, if we move forward thereon, will inevitably lead us to socialism or communism, and these two are as like as two peas in a pod in their ultimate effect upon our liberties......We may first observe that communism and socialism—which we shall hereafter group together and dub Satanism—cannot live with Christianity nor with any religion that postulates a creator.” J. Rueben Clark Deseret News—September 25, 1949

"During the first half of the twentieth century we have traveled far into the soul-destroying land of socialism." Pres. McKay, Deseret News Oct. 18, 1952

“The aim and purpose...was then and is now world socialism, which communism seeks to achieve through revolution and which socialists seek to achieve through evolution.” Pres. Benson Oct. 1961-General Conference

Anyway...My edition was published in 1961. Here are a sampling of some of the communist goals at that time that I thought were still interesting nearly 50 years later... (see "Witness" by Whittaker Chambers also these lists are found from pages 259-262 in the book).

*Capture one or both of the political parties in the US.

*Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

*Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

*Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

*Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

*Break down cultural standards of morality be promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and TV.

*Present homo-sexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

*Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

*Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture-education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics,etc

*Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

*Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

Okay, so that was only about 1/3 of them. I realize there may be some anti-communist propaganda involved with this book. However, with LDS church leaders crying out against communism I guess that's okay.

I believe that our nation is in jeopardy of being over ran with socialism. Socialism is just another face to communism. I believe that it is important to study these things so you can recognize fallacy in the political machines of our age.

The reason I read this book was because it was suggested by then President of the Church, David O. McKay, during General Conference of Oct. 1959. (I couldn't find this talk on line, but I did find numerous! on-line references to the talk Pres. McKay gave calling church members to read the book).

Here's a link to an article about Skousen writing the book. http://www.latterdayconservative.com/w.-cleon-skousen/w-cleon-skousen-is-asked-to-write-the-naked-communist.html

It was interesting to learn that Pres. Monson was actually involved in the initial publishing of this book...

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Decision Points by George W. Bush

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I loved this book. I went away from reading this book completely inspired to fulfil my mission in life and to make the tough decisions.

I was thrilled to learn about the path his personal education took. He followed the principles of the Thomas Jefferson Education. There were many aspects of his education that I plan to take my kids through. It was powerful to see it in action. If you are unable to read this whole book I would recommend the chapter on his education.

I think this is a great auto/biography to have young adults read. Not only is it inspiring to read about a great man but this book is also filled with information on current trends and social issues as well as a historical record from his 8 years in office.

This book flowed well, it was well-written and witty. I highly recommend this to Bush, history and biography lovers out there.



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The Biography

I think that the biography (or autobiography) is a very powerful teaching tool.  I love to read about others because of two main reasons:

1. I get to learn from their mistakes.
2. They inspire me to greatness.

I have read a lot of biographies and again and again I come away with the inspiration to be better.

Elder Maxwell's biography taught me I need to submit.
Elder Nelson's biography taught me that I need to obey.
George Washington's biography taught me I need to do hard things.
Abigail Adams biography taught me to do my duty.
Abraham Lincoln's biography taught me that greatness is achieved after a lifetime of trying.
Ralph Moody's writings taught me that my parents can teach me a lot if I'll just listen to them.
Louis L'Amour's autobiography taught me the importance of reading great books.
Karl Marx's biography taught me that Satan wants to destroy humanity.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali's autobiography taught me that I can triumph over any adversity.
Ji-li Jiang's autobiography taught me that government is not always good.
Clearance Thomas's autobiography taught be that humans can rise out of any situation.
Joseph Smith's biography taught me that great people come from great families.
William Tyndale's biography taught me that we must do what we must no matter the results.
Corrie Ten Boom's autobiography taught me that faith in God can see us through anything.

These are only some examples.  Of course I knew most of these things already from scripture study, but reading about these principles in action further clarified in me the desire to do the right thing.  They inspired me to seek personal greatness and to avoid other's mistakes.

Biographies are also a great way to learn history.  For that reason we read a lot of biographies in our home.

The practical application of this may include:

• Read a biography as a family and discuss it.
• Have a child pick a biography to read on their own and then write a short essay.
• Recognize a trait that yourself or your family needs improvement on and read about someone you know who overcame it.
• After reading about someone present oral reports to the family and field questions about biographies read.
• Act out an important scene in someones life, this solidifies the heroic event in your children's lives.
• Study the history and politics of this time period in addition to the person for further understanding of the world they live in.
• Identify key traits and then set personal/family goals to acquire these traits.
• Recognize these key traits in others you know personally and thank them for their example in living this principle.
• Identify attributes, behaviors or habits, for good or bad, that the person had and discuss or write why having these traits led to success and why, or how a bad habit resulted in a negative situation.
• Compare and contrast the person's core values with yours.  Why did they believe that way? Is it truth?

I believe that biographies should play a huge role in our home education experience.  Remember many of the scriptures are the biographies and histories of our prophets.  I conclude since God used so much space in the sacred canon on reviewing people's lives it is important!

Our Dumbed Down Reading

Right now I'm reading David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.  This is his "easy book."  Charlotte Mason recommends it for young readers often.  It has been an easier read as far as Dickens goes, but I'm ...mmm...well....35 and it is still harder to read than many other books out there. 

In the story young David Copperfield is reported to be a poor student.  In his free time he does enjoy the easier reading of Roderick Random, Peregrine Pickle, Humphrey Clinker, Tom Jones, the Vicar of Wakefield, Don Quixote, Gil Blas, Robinson Crusoe, Arabian Nights and Tales of the Genii.  That's his list.  Oh, by the way he is eight.

I know this is just a fiction book and that David Copperfield isn't real.  However, I think it's safe to say that in Dicken's world kids read those books.  In Louis L'Amour's world his boy hero's read those books too.

Why are we adults struggling through these books now?  Our children aren't even close to digesting this level at eight.  I've turned off a lot of headgates for my children in the book department.  Liberty does well I think. She's 12 but she has already read The Scarlet Letter, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice,   Walden, Plutarch, Robinson Crusoe, Silas Marner, The Red Badge of Courage, essays by Emerson and poems by Whitman to name a few.  But those are still hard for her and she struggles through them.  My boys are doing well by reading Narnia I think.  They ae no where close to Liberty's reading level or Dicken's boys.

What has happened to our society?  I've read that the common New England farmer at the time of the Revolutionary War could read the Federalist Papers with ease.  Why do we have a harder time now?  It seems that we have been dumbed down as some have said. (Gatto book link).  I was thinking  why would our children ever want to read these classics though when they can read the watered down abridged version, graphic novels, and simplified, yet high excitement books, etc. etc. etc? Or better yet watch the movie version.  Another thought is that I think we place so much emphasis on fun and entertainment.  This might create a desire to not do hard things like read hard books.  In our fast food world where everything comes quickly it takes patience and practice to find enjoyment and pleasure from the slow moving books of long ago.  I can't imagine most youth taking time to read the sewer scenes in Les Miserables or wading through the language in the opening scenes of Ivanhoe.  It's hard!

I've wondered if there were many kid's books several hundred years ago.  They had the McGuffey's but those didn't show up until the 1800's.  They had some abridged Tales of Shakespeare from the Lamb's in the early 1800's.  What else did they have?  It seems like mostly there were the books they learned to read from like the Bible and Robinson Crusoe and then there were harder books.  It reminds me of my Idaho grandparents (Great Depression era) who only graduated from 8th grade but were better educated than I am now.

I am just thinking. It really hit me hard when I saw all of those book titles in Dicken's book.  Satan has done such a good job lulling us into mediocrity that we don't even realize it.  So now what am I going to do about it?  I'm not saying it's depressing me or anything, it's just more things to think about.  Does it matter?  Should I worry about it?

Simplfying My Cleaning

In my quest to simplify my life I have been thinking a lot about cleaning. Part of the reason is because Liberty had a goal to learn more about homemade cleaners.  That made me think about some things myself.  I don't want unnecessary cleaning supplies.  I want things more natural too because "processed cleaners" probably aren't any better for us then "processed food."  I want simplicity!

I found this great little book at the library; it's called Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home by Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin.

I learned that white distilled vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, a pumice stone, club soda, castile soap (olive oil base) and Murphy's Oil (vegetable oil) are all I really need.  With these ingredients you can make an easy all-purpose cleaner to clean things or just add water to to some of the above and you are done.  Read recipes below or Click for recipe ideas here. Throw in some rags and some empty spray bottles and we're set.  This is something I can wrap my head around.  I don't want extensive cleaning rules or cleaning schedules.  I want simplicity.

Growing up somehow I missed the cleaning lessons.  I learned the clutter control lessons.  I learned the always leave your kitchen/dinning room clean after every meal; never leave dishes in the sink and always wipe down the counter tops and put the food away.  Some where along the way I missed the deep cleaning lessons.  Did you know you should air out your mattresses and wash your pillows? Yes, I'm the only human on the plant to have never done that.  The kids had fun yesterday washing the pillows in their pj's. They thought they were crushing grapes to make grape juice.

I have listed some simple ideas to clean my home that I learned.  Some I've tried already and some are yet to be done.

• Sink-Mix 1 C vinegar, 1 C baking soda and hot boiling water. Pour down drain to unclog and freshen.
• Counter tops-clean with vinegar and water spray. Use baking soda paste 1 to 1 to clean stains and spots.
• Refrigerator/Freezer-baking soda and water mixture
• Oven-Clean with vinegar and water spray. Sprinkle salt on fresh spills to absorb mess.  For nasty messes like inside the oven pour hot water over it and then cover with a baking soda paste.  After letting this set for a while stains should be easy to clean.
• Appliances-Use club soda on chrome.  Use toothbrushes with a baking soda paste to remove hard to reach areas.  Make a soapy shake in your blender to clean it well.
• Microwave-Place 1 C water and 2 T of baking soda in a bowl and microwave for two to three minutes.  This eliminates odors and loosens hardened foods. Wipe and rinse.
• Dishwasher-Place 1 C of vinegar and run as an empty load every week.  If your dishwasher stinks sprinkle baking soda  on the bottom of the dishwasher after uses to absorb odor.
• Dishes-Place vinegar in rinse water to prevent spots.  Pour soda over dirty dishes and let it sit for a while and then clean.
• Washing Machine-Run 1 C of vinegar through full washing cycle to clean it.
• Floor-Clean with 1 C castille soap to 2 gallons of water. If you have a dull finish mop with a vinegar and water mixture.
• Walls-Vinegar/water spray with a 1 to 1 ratio.  Scrub grease and crayons with a soda/water paste.
• Bathrooms-Use all purpose cleaners and vinegar sprays.  Use soda pastes for hard to clean areas.  Use salt in bath tubs and showers to absorb grime.
• Windows-Use straight club soda in spray bottle.  You can also use corn starch with warm water mixed in a bucket.  Or even vinegar and warm water mixed in spray bottle.
• Carpet-Sprinkle baking soda and leave over night then vacuum.  Or sprinkle cornstarch on the carpet for 15 minutes and then vacuum.

It really sounds simple. I'm going to test all these things out and then replace everything I have with vinegar, baking soda, club soda, etc.  Maybe then the rash will go away on my hands too?

Cleaning Recipes

If I would have known that I would write a blog post about cleaning recipes even a month ago I would have laughed and said, "No, way!" Here's proof that anybody can change!


I love the idea of being more self-reliant with the things in my home.  I've always thought that having home made cleaners would be great.  Most ingredients would store well (baking soda, vinegar, etc) and so I'd always have the basics in my storage.  I have friends that have made and make on a regular basis their laundry soaps and other soaps.  When I hear what they go through to get it done I am discouraged however! I don't want to boil stuff on the stove and strain things. It's too time consuming! I wants some simplicity! I thought there surely must be another way. 

I found these very simple, Deanna simple, recipes in the book Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home by Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin. 

All-Purpose Cleaners

Borax Cleaner
1/2 C Borax
1 Gallon Hot Water
Mix ingredients until borax is dissolved. Reduce recipe and put in a spray bottle if desired.
Shelf life: Indefinite in a spray bottle.

Castile Cleaner
1 tsp washing soda
2 tsp borax
1/2 tsp castile soap
2 c hot water
10 drops essential oil of your choice
spray bottle
Mix in the spray bottle. Washing soda may be added to whiten stains.
Shelf life: Indefinite

Scented Soap and Water
2 c hot water
1 to 2 ounces castile soap
5 to 10 drops essential oil of your choice
spray bottle
Mix in spray bottle. Spray on surfaces that need cleaning.
Shelf life: Indefinite

Club Soda Spray
2 c club soda
spray bottle
Shelf life: Indefinite

Scented Vinegar Spray
1 tsp borax
1 T castile soap
1/8 c distilled white vinegar
2 c hot water
5 to 10 drops essential oil
spray bottle
Mix in spray bottle.  Good for drawing out dirt and general cleaning.
Shelf life: Indefinite

Dishwashing
Dishwashing Soap
1 part borax
1 part washing soda
Mix in a container and use in place of commercial detergent. If you have residue (from hard-water) add more soda if you have film residue.
Shelf life: Indefinite

Liquid Dish Washing Soap
Castille Soap
Distilled white vinegar
Grate soap and add to dishwater. Add vinegar to rinse water to give glasses extra shine.

Furniture Polish

Furniture Polish
3 parts olive oil
1 part distilled vinegar
Mix and use. 
Shelf life: Discard after use

Laundry

Basic Laundry Detergent
1 part borax
1 part washing soda
Mix in a container use in place of commercial detergent. Add more soda if you have hard-water.
Shelf life: Indefinite

Starch
1 T cornstarch
1 pint cold water
Dissolve cornstarch and place in a spray bottle.
Shelf life: Indefinite

Natural Bleach
1/4 c washing soda or borax
Add to each laundry load with the wash cycle to whiten whites and brighten colors.

Natural Whitener
1 c fresh lemon juice
half-filled bucket of water
Add lemon juice to water and soak clothes overnight.

All-Purpose Stain Remover
(Good on blood, chocolate, mildew, mud and urine).
1/4 c borax
2 c cold water
Mix the borax and cold water together and soak stained clothing. Wash as usual.

Fahrenheit 451 Book Review

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was very interesting. The world created in the book is in the future where different ideas reign. Chief among them is that books are evil and all must be burned. So this book is about saving books and the value they have on us.

He presented two other ideas that made me think. The first was that his characters all talked about nothing of value and most of the time it was nonsense. Everyone was always talking but they weren't saying anything that mattered. It reminded me of Facebook and texting. Most of what people say is nonsense and means nothing to me personally. I don't need to know if someone earned a chick on Farmville. I don't need to know that someone had eggs for breakfast or that they are anxious or that they are so mad the repairman's late. Really that means nothing to me. Not because I don't care but because a lot of information as been left out, like punctuation for starters.

Continuing on with that thought is that all the books they burned they kept very short versions of them. They were abridged down to 1 page. Also all the TV shows were down to 5 minute episodes and music was edited down to sound bytes because the attention span was lost. Of course the TV shows and books had all lost their meaning and so more nonsense was occurring. Also in the process relationships were lost. People existed together in a state of no meaning.

From the book a character briefly describes an aspect of their world, "We've plenty of off-hours, yes. But time to think? If you're not driving a hundred miles an hour, at a clip where you can't think of anything else but the danger, then you're playing some game or sitting in some room where you can't argue with the four-wall television. Why? The televisor is 'real.' It is immediate, it has dimension. It tells you what to think and blasts it in. It must be right. It seems so right. It rushes you on so quickly to its own conclusions your mind hasn't time to protest, 'What nonsense!....It grows you into any shape it wishes! It is an environment as real as the world. It becomes and is the truth." (pg. 84)

There are other things the books discusses which are all very interesting. I need my own copy to mark it up. Perhaps I will get one?

The book contains swearing and some adult references, but not descriptions. I would say this is an upper young adult read.

The story is choppy, but the ideas are good. He described much in our current society and it hit home. I have mentioned facebook and texting. Also things like MP3 players, flat screen wall TV's, false media reporting, government cover ups, abortions, no need for children, no consequence for choices, and legalized drugs. What is even more interesting is that this book was first published in 1953.

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Abraham Lincoln Book Review

Abraham Lincoln, a Man of Faith and Courage: Stories of Our Most Admired President by Joe Wheeler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Why I loved this book:

1). It was well-written and engaging. I enjoyed reading it and didn't want to put down.

2). The author stays positive and doesn't delve into potentially negative issues. He deals with Mary Lincoln's depression and break downs with compassion and understanding. The author deals with Thomas Lincoln (Abraham's father) with respect due to a man who was the father of one of the greatest men who ever lived. He only eluded to the strain between father and son once or twice. When we review greatness we need to look at the greatness and not be seeking ways to tear them down.

3). Points how the mentoring process that Lincoln went through to become great. I especially enjoyed learning about his study of Plutarch.

4). The author points how how Lincoln was a man of faith instead of changing him into a non-believer. The author recounts a comment Lincoln made during the Civil War, "I made a solemn vow before God that if General Lee was driven back from Pennsylvania, I would crown the result by the declaration of freedom from the slaves." Modern scholars have changed the first line to read, "I made a solemn resolve...." and this way disconnect him from a belief in God.

5). I felt this was well researched. He notes that unless he could find official documentation he didn't include it as fact. The author states that many quotes are attributed to Lincoln that may or may not be authentic. He choose to stick to the facts.

6). There were a great many historical events leading up to the Civil War that helped set the war in motion. This book lays out these events and they serve as a good first encounter. Included are the events of the Missouri Compromise, Dred Scott Decision, Whig Party, beginning of the Republican party, presidency of Buchanan and Fort Sumter for starters. Like I said this would be a good first introduction to many pivotal events in American History that youth can study.

I found this an enjoyable read that I will keep on my shelf. It will be the book I recommend to my children when they want to learn about Abraham Lincoln.

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Charlotte Mason's Book Review

Charlotte Mason's Original Homeschooling Series by Charlotte Mason

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This series is tied for first in the outstanding impact it has had on me in home educating my children. I can't say enough about how great it is.

This series delves into teaching our children all the great things they need to know (narration, nature study, composition, artist study, etc), but more importantly it address the other things that make up a successful human being. The training of character, proper habits, exercise, religious worship and duty are the main crux of her whole message.

Our society may produce well educated children (which may or may not be true), but how well do they function? How well do they respond to change? Are they making a difference? Are they ambitious? Are they God-fearing and selfless?

Mason presents a moving series that left me elevated and empowered with systems and tools to improve my life and my family's life.

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"I'm Bored Mom."

How many times have you heard that?  The book, Last Child in the Wood: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv explores boredom and how we need to use it to get our children back outside.

Today boredom is an epidemic.  Children are leading a life of being entertained constantly.  The author talks about how the concept of boredom didn't begin to develop until the nineteen century.  He shares how a historian researched the concept of boredom from medieval times.  If someone displayed the symptoms of what we now call boredom they were thought to be committing a sin in what they described as a "dangerous form of spiritual alienation" and were devaluing of the world and its creator.  Of note though was that since the concept of boredom didn't exist neither did the concepts of "interesting, thrilling or exciting." (There must be opposition in all things). When labor-saving machinery, the valuing of the individual and the pursuit of happiness arrived on planet Earth the emotional state of boredom was born. 

Boredom is good though! It forces a child to make a choice.  What are they going to do now?  In the past I gave my children to big of a range of ideas; mostly all entertainment based.  However as I've applied the "headgate" principles, which would be limiting all entertainment options, the child will be forced to use their creativity.  When bored Louv says they will, "turn to a book, built a fort, pull out the paints and create, or come home sweaty from a game of neighborhood basketball."  Boredom creates an opportunity!  As I have dropped the lopsided amount of entertainment out of our lives I have noticed that my children play outside more, read more, work on their musical instruments and sketch more.

I have a friend that always tells her children, "I am not your entertainment committee."  I think this is more important counsel than I've realized.  I seem bombarded with ideas that if I want to be a good parent I should take them to the movies, provide video games, hand held video games, trips to the mall, videos, excesses clothing, diversity of friends and play dates, amusement parks, organized sports, etc.  I believe the reduction (or absence) of such makes me a good parent.  (see note below)

My children don't need to be provided with everything at their whim.  How will this prepare them to be a responsible adult?  Why would they want to even be an adult? (Read this book: Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax for more on that topic).

I give us all permission to allow our children to be bored. When they are bored suggest they go outside.  Allow them stare at worms and bugs, birds and clouds and feel the sunshine. They will think great thoughts and feel peace because they are in nature, God's creation.


I have had to create new rules and guidelines for their lives now that I've "pulled the plug." When we drive somewhere they are able to bring a book, notebook or their sketchbook.  However, unless we are traveling a far distance, we will not watch movies or listen to books.  (Driving four hours down to Utah isn't far enough for me).  I tell them to look out the window and think deep thoughts; look at the country side, see the animals and vegetation.  When my children were all little I would play games with them.  I would ask them what animals we were seeing, what crops we passed and what color of cars we saw.  I would ask them any questions I could to get them to observe their surroundings and to keep them from screaming and fighting with each other.  I want them to learn about the world because they see it and experience it.  Not just because they see pictures in a book or saw it on television.

As a side note; we are driving in my husband's old car a lot now because it has better gas mileage then the suburban.  They actually have to touch each other now and it has been WWIII.  Who knew 3 boys could get into so many fights on the way to town (45 minutes) for groceries?  Guess what though?  I'm going to drive the car EVERY WHERE I can now until they learn to get along! It is not an excuse for me to say, "Driving with three boys is just too hard.  I think I'll buy handheld game systems or MP3 players so they can pass the time."  No way! This is a call to arms.  I am not caving in and letting them entertain their way through life!  They have to be responsible, hard working, non-entertainment based kids that will be prepared to usher in the Savior and the Second Coming.  I will be a mother who knows that entertainment is not the answer to my frazzeledness.

The examples I provided were simply examples.  Please do not take anything personally.  I am sure all of the things I listed can be valuable if used in the right circumstances.  Please do not be offended if you allow your children to watch a show in the car when you go run errands or that going to an amusement park is bad.    I provided examples to the principle of boredom and those were things I have personally reflected on.

The Gettysburg Address

Recently the boys and I read the Gettysburg Address together. Have you ever read it? Really read it? Now this is a powerful document. This gives point to the "Classics, Not Textbooks" from the 7 Keys of Great Teaching. The boys and I had a moving experience as we talked about these powerful words, line by line.

Listen to some of these masterful words.

"...The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced...we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion..."

The whole thing is brilliant and gut wrenching. By the time we were done we were all crying. Crying for what's been done for us, crying because we must carry on with where they left off, and crying because we feel so inadequate to protect this passed on freedom. We had read truth that rang into our souls.

From there a two hour long discussion ensued about the Civil War. I narrated to them the great battles and the great heroes and what they had done. I was weaving a story for them. We talked of Joshua Chamberlain, Stonewall Jackson, Harriet Tubman, The Underground Railroad, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E Lee, Jefferson Davis, Fort Sumter, abolitionism, the south and the election of 1860. Every once in a while I'd pull up a picture of someone for them to see and for it to be real. We would look into their extinguished eyes and feel a sense of purpose and a sense of gratitude.

It is in these moments, as I tell them about heroes and history, that the tears fall and the Spirit penetrates that I feel so very blessed to have them by my side all day long and every day.