Are parents capable of educating their children at home, or should this be left to qualified professors or academics?  Parents will often stiffen up and say, “I am not educated enough to teach my child,” or “I leave the education of my child up to the professionals.”

Long before there was a law that children of a certain age needed to attend school, parents were teaching their children to read and write. Once a child is old enough to comprehend what their parent or guardian is saying to them, the parents are educating their children on the world around them. Prior to entering the public-school system, the parents are educating their child on how to navigate this world by teaching him or her at home.

Once their child reaches the age of compulsory attendance – “Compulsory school attendance refers to the minimum and maximum age required by each state in which a student must be enrolled in and attending public school or some equivalent education program defined by the law,” (Education Commission of the States) – most parents turn the teaching over to the school systems while they either go to work or stay home.

The question that comes to mind is, “When did the laws change that required a child to attend public school or to be educated at all?” Horace Mann, known as the “Father of Common School,” argued that, “’universal public education was the best way to turn unruly American children into disciplined, judicious republican citizens.’ Mann won widespread approval from modernizers, especially in the Whig Party, for building public schools.” (Wikipedia).  In some cases, this works to the good of the population and in others it can degrade the values and morals of the community.  It works toward the good of the population when it allows all participants to get an education that was only accessible to the rich who could afford to pay for their child’s education.  In other circumstances, children were needed at home and not allowed to get an education due to responsibilities. This mainly applied to girls who would be the future home-makers and only needed to know how to manage a house, not be among the working class.

While the goal to provide an education that is universal is a noble one, this can create concerns for parents who do not agree with the teachings that are being presented on a neutral platform. Some universal teachings can conflict with the religious and personal beliefs of the parents.

While providing this luxury to all citizens of a community, regardless of social or economic status, the next stipulation that came into play was that children were required by law to be educated between specific age requirements or the parents or guardians would face penalties for disregarding this law. While the common school was set in place to allow education for everyone whether they could afford it or not, it eventually became the mandate for the public at large.  However, parents are now in the situation where they must fight for the right to educate their children at home again, whether it is for religious reasons or just the fact that they want to be the ones to educate their offspring.

Parents who decide to take on the task of educating their children are often considered irresponsible with a lack of concern for their children’s future education and societal standing in the community. They may also be viewed by their community as being religious zealots who want to skirt the system that has been set in place for everyone.

Prior to the enactment of public education, it was thought that homeschooled children were smarter and more well-rounded individuals compared to their peers. Today, children who are educated at home or by private tutors have the one-on-one education that public-school children lack. Due to overcrowding or teacher/pupil ratio, students that need additional support in learning may suffer the lack of proper education or time that their personal situation warrants.  If a child is struggling to understand the current lesson, due to time constraints educators cannot stop and review until the student picks up the material.  If the child can’t keep up, he will flunk the class or end up repeating it until he graduates or quits. The benefits of the one-on-one education is that time can be granted a student who is struggling or teaching strategies can be adjusted for that one child, which cannot be duplicated in a public-school setting. Some students learn better by reading, hearing (auditory), or seeing (visual) the material in a way that promotes comprehension. Parents know their child better than anyone else and can easily adjust to meet the need.

Another benefit of homeschooling is flexibility in scheduling the education course. Instead of being at their desk for the timed school day, students have the freedom to take their education on the road if need be. The parents have the freedom to take a vacation which can also be combined with field trips. The student not only reads about the Grand Canyon, but also they can travel and see all aspects of the Grand Canyon in person and write a paper on their own experience. If the family does not have any travel constraints then they have the option of taking a few more days of study in another area. This allowance gives the student a hands-on approach to their learning achievements.

Home-education is not to be confused with mass education production. Educating children at home should be for the purpose of giving them quality education for the benefit of each student. There are requirements that home-school parents must follow to meet state guidelines. In Missouri one of the laws states that parents must “b) Offer at least one thousand hours of instruction, at least six hundred hours of which will be in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science or academic courses that are related to the aforementioned subject areas and consonant with the pupil’s age and ability. At least four hundred of the six hundred hours shall occur at the regular home school location” (Families for Home Education). According to this law, parents must provide the required hours of education in the core subjects, but the content of that instruction is the choice of the instructor. If the parents would like to instill religious teachings in core subjects there is liberty to do so. Parents can also choose an “eclectic” curriculum which means “deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources” (Wikipedia). Becca, a mom who homeschooled for eight years stated, “My approach has morphed many times but it has always fallen under the category of what I term eclectic homeschooling. Basically, I use whatever works” (The Homeschooling Option).

Time constraints or strict schedules are not part of a home-schooler’s vocabulary. Due to the more relaxed pace of home education, school can start at 8:00 a.m. or in the afternoon.  It is possible for single parents or parents who both work outside jobs to educate their children. Due to the persistence of parents and supporters of home education, many advancements have been created and instituted to allow more individuals to teach more advanced subjects. Workbooks for all grade levels can be found at the local retail market or publishing companies. Software companies such as Switched on Schoolhouse have contributed to the homeschool program by designing educational programs that allow customization of the curriculum or use the one they created. Many of these programs have been structured and evaluated by teaching professionals, which allows the parent to implement them with confidence.  There are also free websites which allow printing of worksheets, certain subject material, or even allow students timed coursework such as math, spelling, and typing assignments which can be great supplements.

A parent who works a job in the morning can come home and educate their child in the evenings.  Along the same lines of that freedom is the ability to homeschool during normal school times, year-round or times based on family needs. If there is a need for extra hands during a certain time period of the year, schooling can be adjusted to meet these demands.

Homeschooling allows many benefits to the student’s overall academic performance and should not be reduced to a mass education. Parents should have the ability to educate their children if they so choose without the interference from officials who would like to structure the curriculum. Homeschooled children have been proving, unlike their prior stereotypes, that the individualized education has made them more knowledgeable, well-rounded individuals who can relate to their peers and adults to a higher degree (National Home Education Research Institute).  Homeschooled children are not isolated, withdrawn, uneducated, or dregs of society. They are starting to prove their place in the academic realm.

by Luann Avalos

Cite Works

“Horace Mann Wikipedia”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_Mann

“Education Commission of the States.”:

https://www.ncsl.org/documents/educ/ECSCompulsoryAge.pdf

Families for Home Education https://fhe-mo.org/missourilaw

Lisa Rivero. “The Homeschooling Option”, 2008 pg. 93

National Home Education Research Institute: https://www.nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)

What is faith? It is not physical; so how do we know that faith exists? To have faith, one
starts with hope which will lead to belief. I have hope that I will overcome my educational
obstacles and retain the knowledge I am seeking to excel in my career path. When I build upon
this hope by telling myself that I can overcome, it will eventually become something tangible
and real. Constant repetition of the belief will force the mind to accept that the idea or concept
once “hoped” for can, in actuality, be realized. It then becomes a substance that feels physical
and real. Our mind is shaped and formed by what we tell ourselves. If we inwardly say that we
cannot be a successful business owner or become the doctor that we have always dreamed of
becoming, our mind will follow in this line of thinking and make this a reality.

This is such a valuable thought – to remember that we are not subject to the whims and
ways of this world. Our life can be changed by how much our minds have been bent to accept
that anything is possible. In the past, I have restricted my existence to what I can see and feel
and not on what is possible to achieve. However, we do not have to accept that if only we are
in the right place at the right time then what we truly want can be obtained. My generation has
been taught that, as long as you live in the right neighborhood and go to the right schools, you
are automatically primed for the most rewards in this life. Further, if you do not have these
things, then you will never succeed to your full potential.

This world would be so dismal without faith to give us the hope we need for better days.

It is the thought that as long as I keep having faith in the things that I cannot see or feel, one
day it will become physical. What I am doing in the unseen world can and will be revealed in
this world. I can also change the outcome of my life by having faith, hope, and then belief that
anything is possible. Faith can also bring about other positive changes.

“Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” (Luke 6:31)

In my life, there have been many times that circumstances required change. When I had
been faced with accusations or insults and anger had begun to rise, I began to learn that what
you feel in the moment is usually not the truth. There are times where negative emotions like
rage, jealousy, bitterness, selfishness, and depression can be upon us so strongly that to be free
of their grasp seems impossible. However, when I truly reflect on those feelings and why I am
choosing to accept them, the root is usually pride. I am believing that those emotions are
impossible to shake, yet there are many verses that deny this:

“All is permitted me, but not all do profit. All is permitted me, but I shall not be under
authority of any.” (1Cor. 6:12)

“And I say: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not accomplish the lust of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16)

“I sought יהוה, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Ps. 34:4)

When I tell myself I can choose joy, or that I can choose faith, or that I choose to believe
I can do all things, I am choosing faith. As I am in this faith, I choose to make steps that will
direct the course of my belief. If I want to be joyful, I smile more; if I am afraid, I tell myself that
I am not alone and He watches over me; if I want to succeed, I prepare, study, and work.

Another area of life that requires faith is relationships, as they are valuable to our
existence. It is important to cultivate this partnership between two or more people. The
existence of our physical bodies in this world can be bleak if we isolate ourselves because we
have treated those in our closest circle in a harsh, unloving way.

When I feel valued and loved, it brings a warm, serene feeling to my soul. It makes me
want to reach out to others and share this aura with them as well. The result of this makes me
want to surround many cities and states with this beautiful “thing” called happiness.
The feelings of bitterness and anger also operate along the same lines of transportation.
When the feeling of annoyance, which turns to anger, starts to rise up in our body, everyone
around us will have some participation in this sad turn of events. The harsh, snarling tones
erupt like flames of fire and can destroy a group of people in just a matter of seconds.

It takes perseverance and courage to push past the conflict we have with others,
whether we are to blame or not. I cherish the idea that we are to love, serve, honor, protect,
care for, and value others as we would want the same from those around us. This idea is so
precious to me because it is what I do not accomplish on my own. It is something that I am
consistently striving to achieve every day in my personal relationships.

Each day is a new beginning toward building our personal relationships with those
around us. If we remember to act in a way that we would want to be treated, then some of our
relationships might be spared estrangement and loneliness. If we want kindness and love, then
we must be the ones who give it. This is true faith with action, to be in the moment but to
believe in a better future and consciously make sure steps toward it.

By: Luann Avalos

Life throws curve balls. Sometimes it plays tricks and, needless to say, we face many trials in this life. With all the “zigging” and “zagging” it is sometimes hard to know which way to go, who to depend on and where to look for guidance.  Following are some truths that each of us should consider as we navigate the rough waters and rocky roads:

LOOK TO YAHWEH AND TRUST HIS GUIDANCE.

1. He created you and knows you intimately.

Isa 43:1 But now thus saith YHWH that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel,

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2. He promises you wisdom and guidance.

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of Elohim, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;  but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

3. He is pleased with your faith in Him and will answer your prayers.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to Elohim must believe that he is,  and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Mat 17:20 And Yahshua said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Mat 21:21 Yahshua answered and said unto them,  Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire,  might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Yahshua the Messiah:

DO CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE IN THE WILL OF YAHWEH.

1. Does it line up with Torah and the rest of the scriptures?

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2. Seek wise human counsel.

Pro 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Jas 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

3. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and confirm or deny your plans.

1Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but YHWH was not in the fire:  and after the fire a still small voice.

Psa 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

Psa 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

4. Be honest with yourself. Is it wise, is it scriptural, is it in your best interest and the best interest of others? Do you have righteous motives?

Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but YHWH weigheth the spirits.

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits,  without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Psa 26:2 Examine me, O YHWH, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Yahshua the Messiah is in you,  except ye be reprobates?

Jas 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated,  full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR GOALS, DREAMS AND PASSIONS.

1. Pray, Listen, Believe.

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Deu 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes  and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live,  and go in and possess the land  which YHWH Elohim of your fathers giveth you.

Deu_7:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass,  if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them,  that YHWH thy Elohim shall keep  unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:

Mar 9:23 Yahshua said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

2. Plan and Prepare.

Pro 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from YHWH.

Pro 16:3 Commit thy works unto YHWH, and thy thoughts shall be established.

3. Wait for Confirmation.

Ecc 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

4. Fly with Confidence.

Num 23:19 Elohim is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?  or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

1Sa 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

2Ti 1:7 For Elohim hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Isa 58:11 And YHWH shall guide thee continually,  and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water,  whose waters fail not.

Psalm 13:1-6

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O YHWH? forever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?  how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?  Consider and hear me, O YHWH my EL: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;  Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.  But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.  I will sing unto YHWH, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

By: Gayle Bonato

As we enter a time in history where respect, authority, and submission are met with arguments and challenging debate, the question of the importance of a head covering seems to be a recurring theme, especially among the women.  Is it still important today? Does the Father really expect us to cover our heads in worship?

I am writing from a woman’s perspective of wearing a head covering in worship to my Father. Yahweh is the King over all creation.  Yahweh has placed Yahshua in authority underneath Him and then has created man to serve next in line underneath Yahshua.  We see from Scripture that woman was created for man’s companionship and not the other way around:

Yahweh———-Yahshua———-man———-wife———-children.

Just as in a major company, there is a President (head), then someone next in line who serves the President and then there are managers who are underneath the Vice President and answer to him.  If there are problems or issues in the chain of command, the one in charge is the one who answers to his boss, etc. When we wear coverings on our head, especially in our worship, we are acknowledging that there is someone in authority over us, that we are submitting, agreeing, and recognizing the authority line that He has placed in existence.

In Genesis 24 we read of the situation where Rebecca sought to cover herself with a veil when she learned it was Isaac (her soon-to-be husband/master) who was approaching them.

Gen 24:65, “…and she had said to the servant, ‘Who is this man walking in the field to meet us? And the servant said, ‘It is my master.’ So she took a veil and covered herself.”

When a sin or disobedience to Yahweh’s Word happened in the chain of command, we see in the following verse that the woman bore her sin alone and the husband was not responsible to account for her or bear her sin.  Her covering/protection was removed and she would bear full punishment for her actions.  Looking at the Scripture below, we surmise that if a woman was guilty of committing adultery or causing her husband to suspect her of adultery then she was brought to the temple and her head was “uncovered.”

Num 5:18, “And the priest shall make the woman stand before יהוה, and shall uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering for remembering in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy, while the priest holds in his hand the bitter water that brings a curse.”

An important aspect that seems to be missing in the concept of the head covering is that a woman is protected underneath her husband or her Father.  If her covering was removed or off of her head, then essentially her “protection” was no longer applicable.

Eph 5:22-27, “Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Master.” 

 Eph 5:23, “Because the husband is head of the wife, as also the Messiah is head of the assembly, and He is Savior of the body.”

 Eph 5:24, “But as the assembly is subject to Messiah, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every respect.” 

Eph 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, as Messiah also did love the assembly and gave Himself for it.”  

Eph 5:26, “in order to set it apart and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word,” (Footnote: Rev. 19:8-9).  

Eph 5:27, “in order to present it to Himself a splendid assembly, not having spot or wrinkle or any of this sort, but that it might be set-apart and blameless.”  

Wearing a head covering shows that we respect the chain of authority that Yahweh has put in place since creation.  The woman was made to serve the man and man was NOT made for the woman. The reason for the covering, I believe, is to know and understand that during worship we are in submission to our Creator and we are outwardly acknowledging that with our physical covering.

May YHWH be with you as you further your search for the truth!

– Luann Avalos

BEST FRIEND

Many lives appear the same yesterday, today and forever more.
With life rushing past so quickly, how do you behave when the one who is your
best friend comes to your door?

Is there an awareness that, day or night, your friend is by your side?
A friend so close that rides with you as your mind wanders here and there,
your thoughts open and clear, things you don’t think to change or hide?

Your friend is your salvation and he is there when, perhaps, you unthinkingly complain.
He is there when situations and thoughts of every sort occur – so many “what ifs” or “buts” that it’s difficult to name.

Do you share your highs and not just your lows?
Calling on him as your very best friend who is wonderful to know?

Do you delight yourself in knowing he is there for whatever situation that
comes your way?
Even when you are asleep, he is right there. And, if a frightening dream should appear, he is with you – able to lead you again in peace to stay.

Do you remember him when you are at work or play?
Do you carry yourself knowing he is your unseen guest every day?

Too hot, too cold, too long, too short and more.
May we be found not being too arrogant, too fearful and or unbelieving when he is at your door.

Praise Yahweh that he gives each of us time to learn.
A contrite spirit and a repentant heart he will not spurn.

Psalms 51:17

By: Michelle Love

As little chickens you were under my feet,
As I scurried around to find you something to eat.
The messes we made kept me busy all day,
Washing and cooking while you romped and played.

Moments in time that passed in a hurry,
Never to happen again.  Now it’s so blurry.
What happened to my children?
O where has time gone?

Where are my sweet children that gave me such joy?
Where is the laughter of my little boy?
Their sweet little hands, their tiny little feet,
Their chubby little tummies and chubby little cheeks.

From babies to children to grownups they grew.
At the time it seemed forever;
Now the process is through.
It’s not possible to go back, if only I could.
To spend the day with them, I surely would.

Pictures of the past, precious moments in time,
Only to be remembered, never to happen again.
If I could only turn back the time,
Knowing what I know today, I would try so very hard
To be a better mother in every-way.

By: Brenda Riddle

Israel came to the sea and couldn’t get across,
But that was no problem for Yahweh.
The sea was wide and the waters were deep,
But that was no problem for Yahweh.

The desert was barren, no water in sight,
But that was no problem for Yahweh.
The people were hungry and needed some food,
But that was no problem for Yahweh.

That was no problem for Yahweh.
That was no problem for Yahweh.
He gave them food and water to drink.
That was no problem for Yahweh.

To the promise land He led them, too.
That was no problem for Yahweh.
To the promised land He will carry us, too.
That is no problem for Yahweh.

It was no problem for Yahweh.
It was no problem for Yahweh.
Whatever the problem His people may have,
That is no problem for Yahweh.

By: Brenda Riddle

Do you remember the first time that you knew I was here?  Boy, were you surprised!   I was going to be with you when you would lie down to sleep at night and all through your busy day, after you got up.  I was going to be with you in everything you did, whether you were sitting at home or out on the road somewhere, like two peas in a pod.

Sometimes you would stay up late, walking the floor.  Sometimes you cried.   Sometimes you couldn’t eat.  But, when you did eat, I shared your every meal, letting you know which foods were not my favorites – like Brussels sprouts.  Whew!  We spent half the night in the bathroom after that one. I know I make you sick sometimes – you can’t even stand the smell of coffee, your favorite drink – but I will make it up to you with kisses someday.

I am getting stronger and, one day, I was able to give you a little kick just to let you know that I was still here and doing well.  However, you thought you had gas, so each day I would give you little kicks until you knew that it was really me.  It was a fun game, because you would put your warm hand on the spot and say, “Oh, it moved!”  Just for your information, I am not an “it.”  I’m your baby boy and I will have brown hair and green eyes, just like yours.  For now, though, I am your secret.  Only you know that I am here, but I am growing bigger and bigger and soon others will know about me, too.

Do you remember that day when you turned on the electric blender to make a strawberry smoothie, my favorite?  I had been taking a little snooze and the sudden noise made me jump.  I think it scared you, too, because you started crying again.  I didn’t mean to scare you so much.  I only want you to be happy having me – just like I’m happy being yours.

I really like it when you play music – especially the slower, soft melodies. I stop kicking and rolling around just to listen.  Sometimes I get so relaxed that I fall asleep.  What a beautiful world I will be entering!  I will get to see your face, drink lots of strawberry smoothies and listen to music.

Lately, I’ve been hearing other voices.  Sometimes the voices sound kind, but sometimes they sound angry or mean.  I hear words like, “shame,” “life limiting,” “burden,” and “poverty.”  The loud voices don’t scare me, though, because I know that I am safe here with you.

Today we’re waiting to see the doctor.  I’m so excited because he will tell you just how healthy and perfectly formed I am from the tip of my bald head to my tiny toes. Here he comes now…

Wait!  What is the doctor doing?  Stop, that hurts!  Don’t take me away, please!

…Well, I guess I won’t get to see you after all…

Will you have another son like me someday?  Will you remember me when you look into his eyes or hold him close as he nurses at your breast?  When he learns to walk and talk, will you tell him about me, his brother?  Will he get to drink strawberry smoothies and listen to beautiful music with you?  Will he get to play first base on the Little League team and will you help him with his multiplication tables? Will that tall, young man in the graduation gown remind you of another son you briefly knew?

When you are older and almost finished with life’s struggles – the frantic scramble, the unmet goals, the disappointments, the hurts, all of the things that don’t seem so important anymore – will I come to mind?  When you sit alone in the silence, sipping a cup of coffee and recalling the friends and family that have faded away, will you think of me?  Who knows what my life would have been like?  But, there’s one thing I do know, Mom.  I would have eaten my Brussels sprouts, just for you.

by Debbie Reed

The old adage that “troubles always come in threes” is uncannily accurate it seems.  If, in the space of a few days, our car’s battery goes belly-up and the toilet gets clogged, it’s a sure bet that the cat will get sick, the honeybees will swarm, or a calf will wiggle through the fence and end up running down the road.  These problems, although not life-threatening, can wear us down and have a significant impact upon our mental, emotional, and even our spiritual health.

In a similar manner, our national health is also subject to fatigue from the onslaught of a variety of moral and ethical problems.  A cultural divide, an earthquake-sized crack in the unity of our nation, and all of humanity, is daily widening, further separating those on either side of the division.  Our national political, moral and religious conflicts, it seems, are rooted in and growing out of three major arenas:  wealth/power (greed/war), illicit sex (promiscuity/homosexuality) and infant sacrifice (abortion).

If you think all of these controversies and conflicts are new, think again. These troubles have plagued mankind since the beginning of civilization.  When the ancient Israelites first entered the Promised Land, they found the native Canaanites worshiping three major deities:  Baal, Astarte and Moloch.

Baal, who was known as “Prince, Lord of the Earth,” was the overseer of all things relating to commerce, wealth and power.  As the supreme god, it was he who controlled the sun, storms, and agriculture.  His lightning bolt defeated enemies as well as produced crops and children.  As such, Baal worship was rooted in sensuality and war and often required human sacrifice.  Yahshua called Satan “Beelzebub,” linking the devil to Baal (Matthew 12:27).

Astarte, the Hellenized form of the Middle Eastern goddess, Ishtar (pronounced Easter), was the goddess of fertility and sexuality.  Also known as the Queen of Heaven, the worship of Astarte included ritual prostitution.  The female and male shrine prostitutes, known as temple holy ones, were highly respected in their roles of performing these “sacred” acts, which also included homosexuality.  Astarte, called Ashtorah in the Hebrew scriptures, was referred to as the consort of Baal or, in other regions, she was designated as the consort of Moloch, the most gruesome of the triad.

Moloch, whose name is interpreted in Hebrew as “the personified ruler of shameful sacrifice,” included sexual rituals along with child sacrifice.  Moloch was usually portrayed in the form of a giant metal statue of a man with a bull’s head.  The statue had outstretched arms that served as a ramp to a hole in the abdomen.  A fire was lighted in and around the statue and firstborn babies were placed on the outstretched arms or directly in the hole to agonizingly burn to death.  Drums were played during the spectacle to drown out the screams of the child.  This sacrifice was to ensure financial prosperity and future children for the family.

The worship of these ancient deities is alive and well in modern society today.  The economy, sex, and war make up the larger part of the headlines in the media.  The illegal or obsessive accumulation of wealth, the rising crime rate, the promotion of promiscuity, the addiction to pornography and the approximately 3,000 abortions performed each day in our nation speak volumes on the spiritual decay within.  Just as the roles of Baal, Astarte and Moloch were dependent upon and intertwined together in a circle of greed, carnality, and death, so do we see this played out each and every day in the virtual and the real world.  “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”, Ecclesiastes 1:9.

The first commandment given to mankind was, “I am Yahweh your Elohim, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.  You shall have no other elohim before me.”  Exodus 20: 2-3.  He brought us out of slavery to sin and told us not to worship other mighty ones.  Each day we do battle against forces we can neither see nor completely understand, and it is only through seeking Him and His will that we can overcome the desires that will lead to eternal death. “Whatever is has already been before; and Yahweh will call the past to account.” Ecclesiastes 3:15.

By: Debbie Reed

Songs of Praise

Early in the morning and when the evening comes,

little birds outside my window lift their little voices, each and every one.

It doesn’t matter where they are, it makes no difference if there is only one or two,

they seem to sing both day and night no matter what they later do.

One morning, as I listened their beautiful music rose higher in the air,

along with this sweetness came the thought of a lesson that we all can understand and share.

These little ones were not singing, ‘come and eat’ or ‘let’s sleep the day is done,’

these little birds were lifting their voices in songs of praise, each and every one.

To our great creator Yahweh, these birds begin their day with praise,

then later as they settle for the night again their voices all together will they raise in praise.

These little ones of the air gather together, no difference being made in their breed,

all differences are pushed aside they’ll sing before they feed.

How wondrous Yahweh’s creation – a lesson for us waiting even there,

though men were given dominion over birds we should learn to follow their example and lift our hands and voices in praise to Yahweh, let songs of praise rise in the air.

By  Michelle Love