Monthly Archives: February 2009

Economies

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In addition to Government, there is plenty in current events to teach our children on Economies. Today I’m not going to expand on that, but I did want to let you know I got the Resource links posted on our Stewardship (Economies) Resources & Recommendations page AND point you to a good article.

The primary fallacy of the tooth-fairy economics at the heart of the stimulus is the very idea that economic health is the product of government spending, which is financed either by borrowing (which leaves private businesses with a smaller share of the pool of savings for them to borrow from), printing money out of thin air, or direct seizure from the population. Whatever government spends the money on is necessarily arbitrary — government lacks the profit-and-loss feedback mechanism that keeps the private sector from squandering resources and employing factors of production in ways that do not cater to consumer wants. It can seize its resources from the people without their consent, and it makes no difference to government whether or not people actually want or wind up using the things it produces. Meanwhile, the economy loses the goods that would have been produced by the voluntary sector had the government not seized these resources for its own use.

from Tooth Fairy Economics by Thomas Woods

I can’t resist including this quote. This is where it hits home for many. Surprise, surprise.

For instance, we’re now learning that Starbucks, at least in its one-store-every-ten-feet business model, was a bubble activity. With the housing bubble having burst, people now have a more accurate estimate of their real level of wealth. They’re now less likely to buy a $5 cup of coffee — or, in the case of the ailing Cold Stone Creamery, spend $6 for an ice cream cone. These are resources that need to be freed up so business firms carrying out genuine, non-bubble activities can be strengthened and the recovery accelerated.

 

Government

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Are you currently teaching your children Government? In addition to self-government, which should be constantly taught always, there is much that is currently very relevant to teaching our children about civil government. A good place to address right now would be our Constitution, yes, the one many would like to do away with, the one many are trying to override with “international law”.

Today, in particular, I have on my mind the Bill of Rights. Sounds to me like something our forefathers thought important that we have as a nation.  Let’s take a look at First Amendment rights, the right to free speech, free exercise of religion, etc.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Hmm, doesn’t sound like what we see in muzzling pastor’s in their own churches, let alone the general population in public – schools, radio shows, etc. Has the First Amendment been done away with by the “Fairness Doctrine” and “hate” crimes of speech?

How about the Second Amendment? It is greatly being restricted and effort is being made to completely abolish it.

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Let’s jump to the Tenth Amendment, where I was heading this morning. The Tenth Amendment was a guarantee of our Federalality, the balance of powers, protection against an overbearing central government of the nation. The Constitution spelled out the only duties of that central, national government. The Tenth Amendment spelled out that all other powers were to the states, and the people of them.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

In the clip I posted a few weeks ago, on my ‘from me’ blog, we see what some Congressmen think of these powers not given to them. They want them. In today’s post at American Vision, read more about our disintegrating 10th Amendment.

Parents, it’s time we teach our children about the foundations of our nation’s government, its Christian foundings. Some good resources are below and on our Governments Resources & Recommendations pages.

15133X: God and Government, 3 Volumes God and Government, [updated: now in 1 hardback volume] What is the significance of the phrase “In God we trust”? DeMar believes it’s the fundamental premise upon which our forefathers built the United States of America. In this series, he discusses Christianity’s influence on American development and offers a practical approach to developing a biblical perspective on government and society. Includes study questions. Ages 12 and up. Softcovers, from American Vision.
322531: Rudiments of America"s Christian History and Government Rudiments of America’s Christian History and GovernmentBy Rosalie J. Slater & Verna M. Hall / F.a.c.e. This classic study of America’s Christian History and Government in the Principle Approach has blessed students young and old since 1968, and is now in a second edition. It has a helpful “Teaching and Learning Guide” in the back and references the Bible, Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary, Christian History and Consider and Ponder by Verna Hall, and Teaching and Learning by Rosalie Slater. It guides the student by thought-provoking questions and exercises to research, reason, relate and record. Often used as a school course or reference book, Rudiments is an ideal “Christian History Study Group” text. For junior high through adult.
322537: Teaching and Learning America"s Christian History: The Principle Approach Teaching and Learning America’s Christian History: The Principle ApproachBy Rosalie J. Slater / F.a.c.e.Build a living curriculum from the treasure of our nation’s Christian history! Designed as a companion to America’s Christian History and Government, this well-organized teacher’s guide provides readings, lesson plans, group study activities, and special projects for the primary grades through high school. Topics include “Constituents of Constitutional Liberty,” “The Christian Principle of Self-Government,” and “America’s Heritage of Christian Character.” 378 pages, hardcover.
49851X: The Christian History of the Constitution of the United States of America, Volume 1, Revised The Christian History of the Constitution of the United States of America, Volume 1, RevisedBy F.a.c.e.Verna Hall’s classic compliation of America’s establishment as the world’s first Christian Constitutional Republic restores the idea of the Providential approach to history and government. from this major volume springs the documentation of the Hand of God in the history of men and nations. Compiled with primary texts, one reads the very words of founders such as Samuel Adams, John Smith, John Locke and other notable figures in colonialized American history. The “Westward Chain of Christianity” is also emphasized with the idea of God moving man and government westward to appear as an American Constitutional Republic. Better documented footnoted and a revised layout and side margin notes make this comprehensive work even more impressive. 489 pages with glossary and index. Gold-stamped red vellum cover with embossed Paul Revere eagle.

 

Happy Birthday George

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washington_1772
George Washington:

First in War,
First in Peace, and
First in the Hearts of His Countrymen

George Washington truly was the “Father of our Country”. He was a great man devoted to “republicanism and civic virtue”. Sadly, much of his greatness has been forgotten today.

In war he was the Hero of the Monongahela, where “he had two horses shot out from under him, and four bullets pierced his coat—yet, he sustained no injuries and showed coolness under fire,” in the French and Indian Wars. In the War for Independence, he was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Even the enemy praised his personal character, endurance, courage and care for the men he was leading. The Delaware River crossing and Valley Forge are just two instances of his heroism in this war.

In peace, he was persuaded to attend the Constitutional Congress, where he was unanimously elected the President of it. In the hearts of his countrymen, he was again unanimously elected as President, of our nation, for 2 terms. He is still the only President to receive 100% of the electoral vote.

In honor of George Washington’s upcoming birthday, and today as Presidents’ Day, here are a few resources to help you celebrate by studying his life.

 

Bulletproof George Washington – a great short account of an event in Washington’s life, and God’s Providential care through it.

2225005: BULLETPROOF GEORGE WASHINGTON Bulletproof George Washington
By David Barton / Wallbuilders One of the turning points in the young George Washington’s life took place July 9th, 1755, in a French & Indian War battle. The only officer on horseback not shot down, the 23-year old Washington knew that his life was in God’s hands, and he offered God liberal gratitude for his deliverance. This short book offers an interesting look at an event in Washington’s life not often talked about, with many historic illustrations and artifact photographs. 62 pages, softcover.

Rules of Civility – Washington wrote these maxims when he was 14 years old. They obviously were foundational to the character he exhibited when older. They make great Copywork for our children today.

9103X: George Washington"s Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and ConversationBy Applewood Books

This collection of George Washington’s maxims is contained in a handsome hardcover. 110 of his rules, written at age 14, are comprised of both common-sensical rules such as not talking with meat in your mouth, to more unique rules such as not spitting in the fire. 30 pages, 4.25″ x 6.75″. Red Imitation-Leather like cover with imprinted gold title. Hardcover, 30 pages.

George Washington: the Character and Influence of One Man – from Washington’s own writings and others in his own time.

498250: George Washington: The Character and Influence of One George Washington: The Character and Influence of OneBy Verna M. Hall / F.a.c.e.

As pundits wonder if America’s political leadership will be restored in the 21st century, Hall looks to our past—and finds a remarkable example of Christian character and courage. Teens will be fascinated by these excerpts from Washington’s writings and accounts by his contemporaries, emphasizing his faith in God’s sovereign will for the United States. 480 pages, 8.5″ x 11″ hardcover from F.A.C.E.

Biographies of Washington for youth and children – listed from hardest to easiest.

825848: Apostle of Liberty The World-Changing Leadership of George Washington Apostle of Liberty The World-Changing Leadership of George WashingtonBy Stephen McDowell / Cumberland House Publishing

George Washington holds the title of the “Father of our Country”, and many behold him as a leader for Christianity and Liberty. Exploring his character, ethics, religion, actions as a general, wisdom as a president, and his legacy, Washington: Apostle of Liberty paints a portrait of a leader whose beliefs changed the world. 320 indexed pages, hardcover with dust jacket.
367910: The Life of George Washington The Life of George WashingtonBy Mary L. Williamson / Christian Liberty Press

Love of liberty—and God—compelled George Washington to serve his country. This easy-to-read biography details the president’s accomplishments as statesman, soldier, farmer, and family man and reveals how his exemplary Christian character, values, and ideals shaped the beginnings of American politics. Inspirational reading for ages 10 and up. 120 pages, softcover.
002808: Heroes of History: George Washington, True Patriot Heroes of History: George Washington, True PatriotBy Janet & Geoff Benge / Emerald Books

With consistent historical depth and an engaging narrative style, Heroes of History chronicles the remarkable true stories of fascinating men and women who changed the course of history. A biography of George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and first president of the United States. Unit study guide sold separately #002877.
91422: George Washington, Sower Series George Washington, Sower SeriesBy Mott Media, Llc

See history come alive…learn of many hidden facts involving famous men and women from the pages of their diaries, letters to friends, books they wrote, etc. Washington was not a preacher or great Bible scholar, and he did not speak or act in this manner. He was much like the average member of your church, for he sat regularly in the pews of many churches. Daily Washington lived by the biblical teachings he gleaned from his Bible reading. And he was a sower of the seeds of faith to others. For ages 9 to 13.

Want something FREE and today? Download either of the following for FREE today!

CurrClick is offering Presidents’ Day Holiday Helper from Living Books Curriculum, a Charlotte Mason approach. Sign up for their newsletters to know what their weekly free item is.

Homeschool Freebie of the Day has several website links they’ve gathered that would be helpful to home educators studying George or Abe. Be sure to sign up for their email list that lets you know what the Freebie of the Day is for each day in the coming week.

*Note: Picture is the first known painting of George Washington – by Charles Willson Peale.

New for Recommended Resources

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In order to meet your needs better, and provide more of our Recommended Resources, we’ve partnered with American Vision.

Check out the book our daughter has been reading for Economics, or any of their resources – including God and Government that we use for our Government lessons.

Biblical EconomicsBiblical Economics in Comics is also listed on this page. We use it for our younger children. It’s a great introduction for mom and dad too! 🙂

American Vision Online Store

ABC Bible Songs

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abcbiblecdEffortlessly memorize Scripture as you listen to this CD (available as mp3 download) of 26 Bible verses, one for each letter of the alphabet.

ABC Bible Memory Verse Songs by Sonbeams is great! The cute children’s voices, pleasant tunes, quality of music, and KJV Scriptures come together for a fun, and long lasting way to learn Scripture.

Listen to samples and order the album, an “accompanimnet only” album, and/or a Parent/Teacher Guide from Sonbeams.