Movie Review: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Have you ever wondered how laws are made in this great country of ours? Ever wondered what a Congressman does? Well this movie teaches you about both! Yes, a movie. Ladies and gentlemen: Allow me to introduce you to....

 

Made in 1939, this movie showcases the legendary talent of Jimmy Stewart along with Jean Arthur. It is about an everyday American who finds himself elected as a Senator for his state after one of them dies. Mr. Smith chronicles his journey from small town life to politics on Capitol Hill. Upon his arrival, Jefferson Smith learns about how Congress works and how laws are made.

     
This movie would be a wonderful supplement to a Civics/ American Government class. I learned almost as much as I would reading a textbook. Viewers learn alongside Mr. Smith about the workings of our government including political terms such as filibuster and the complexity of lawmaking.

This movie also includes deeper elements. It discusses the beliefs of our founding fathers for a country where everyone has a chance to be a part of its government as well as the principles on which America was founded. It promotes the idea of courage, integrity, character, and duty. Mr. Smith even has a scene where Senator Smith is reading the "Love" passage in 1 Corinthians 13; additionally the movie has included themes of Providence in the founding of the country.

Personally, I thought this was a fantastic movie. I recommend everyone to go rent it or check it out at your library! Enjoy this clip from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Prophets vs. the Bible

     Have you ever thought about what a treasure it is that we have the Bible- the Word of God- to guide our lives? Many times it becomes too easy to take it for granted. Today, that was brought to my attention when I read Jeremiah chapter 23.
     Before I elaborate, I encourage you to go read it so you have an idea of what I'm talking about. In a nutshell, the chapter is about prophets who have led God's people astray through their false teachings. They prophesy from "the deceit of their own heart" (verse 26), rather than the word of the Lord (see verse 16). They tell everyone "I had a dream!" along with other untrue prophesies. These dishonest prophets even tell evildoers that they will have peace and no evil will ever come to them (verse 17).  As a result, the prophets and the people had forsaken God's commandments and turned to wickedness. God was utterly appalled by their actions.
     What does this have to do with the Bible? I'll tell you. The wicked prophets of Jerusalem were supposed to bring messages from God to His people. The people relied on them to honestly speak the words God had told them. Because of their deceit, however, those who listened to their words were led astray. Those prophets were how God communicated with His people, how He told them how to live. Today, we have the blessing of the Bible. Our Sword is how God communicates with us now. The people of Jerusalem did not have an Old and New Testament to verify what they were being taught, but we do.
     There is still the danger of men teaching from their own deceived hearts rather than the word of God. Unlike Jerusalem, however, we can stand against being led astray by false teachings if we are grounded in Scripture. We don't even have to rely on prophets to bring us the word of the Lord. We have His words and messages in the pages of our Bibles.  Let us be like the church members in Berea in Acts chapter 17, who searched the scriptures to test the validity of what they were taught. Let us also thank our gracious Lord daily for the blessing of the Bible, the freedom to read it, and the freedom to talk about it.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:12)

Pictures from this week

Yes I know I've posted twice today, but I just wanted to share some pictures I have recently taken....Enjoy!

Sweet P (P for Pearl)

A stack of old books I found at the home school Blessings Bash on Monday. I was so excited because I'm a big fan of old books!

This  was the best find of them all- what a treasure!

Inside the cover it said it was printed in 1945!

I was taking pictures of the pages and I was actually thinking of  this Scripture and wondering what verse it was.....

..... then I flipped a couple pages, looked down....

.....and there it was! Lookin' me in the eye- Isaiah 40: 8!

After finding this 60+ year-old Bible, that Scripture verse has become very special to me. I think of all the families whose memories and records are held in old Bibles like these, the Word of God that has been passed down through generations...it stands forever.

These two of Emily were going to be for our homeschool co-op photo contest that I was too late in entering :(

I love taking pictures of tiny things!

funny how dirt and acorns can become a cool picture!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts on Veteran's Day

This is a picture of my grandfather, Hank, taken in the 1950s when he was a new airman in the United States Air Force. He served in it for almost 30 years. I am very proud to call him my grandpa because of all he has done for our family and our country.
In addition to Poppy, my family has been honored to be friends with many other great men and women who were and are in the military.
If you know someone who is a veteran or is currently enlisted, don't forget to thank them and let them know we appreciate their service! Enjoy this video from History Channel about the history (no way!) of Veteran's Day and thank a veteran!

Afternoon on the porch

Here it is November 11th and yesterday was so warm out that the sister and I brought our school work and a glass of iced tea out to our front porch! Think I might go and do it again!

. Happy Thursday!

"Coming to Him as a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1Peter 2:4-5)"

Oh what a lovely day the Lord blessed us with today! All week it has been too warm for October.....until today! It was breezy outside and only reached 75 degrees- perfect fall weather if you ask me. If anyone is reading this, if you haven't guessed by now, I'm a newbie to blogging. I do not know how to add all those cool things to the side, I haven't figured out the configuration, and I'm pretty much confused! I usually also have lots of other things I need to be doing and just don't have the time to sit down and figure this puppy out. Hopefully this explains why the posts are few and far between, lacking in content, and why the blog is pretty boring. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to some real meaningful posts and gussy-ing up the place. But Tchus for now! (that's a casual goodbye in German ;P)

We're Still Here!

So sorry it's been so long since I've posted. We've been busy with many things! Miss Emmy is very (and I mean VERY!) involved in ballet, while I've been doing lots of babysitting! We both are grateful for these opportunities we've been given. The days now are filled with school. I am, and I think Emmy is too, enjoying my subjects. I especially like U.S. Government since I'm interested in politics and current events....Fox News is probably my favorite channel on TV! Besides school at home, we also have co-op every Friday. It's been a good semester so far, I have to say. This year, they decided to have a Student Council and yours truly is running for President! I have one opponent who would make a very good president, so I won't be disappointed if I don't win. It's all in good humor (not the expression I'm looking for but can't think of the right one)! On top of all this, I'm trying to get moving along in Driver's Ed. I need to get it done before November since the account expires then. 


Things I need to do:
1. Driver's Ed (Mod. 7 Lesson 1-2 completed 10/4)
2. Clean my bathroom (completed 10/4)
3. Clean my room (completed 10/4)
4. Read chapter set for Great Expectations this week
5. Read Count of Monte Cristo
6. Call library to get book situation straightened out (working on 10/5)
7. Prepare girls devo talk for 10/17


Maybe I should get off and get goin' on that list!

Until later, take care! Love, Libby

We've been on some fun trips like the Family Retreat and.....

....to my hometown in Oklahoma to see my old friends at the Homecoming Game!