Hi Paige! I thought you'd be interested in this one :)...
I thought about what you said about not wanting legislation that's not protecting *every* child, and while i agree that that's what i'd like - i think i would still like to see legislation of some sort in Canada - at least then, *some* children wouldn't be killed... i.e. no third trimester abortions, or partial birth abortions (particularly lucrative since the organs are fully formed, and large, and command a hefty price...) We would still save *some* lives - much like "Schindler's List" - he couldn't help ALL of the Jews, but he at least tried to save some, and that was worth it...
stephanie
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
Thanks for reminding me about the HP - and i know you're right about sticking to the hard line... and plus, once we "settle" for something like this (that FOTF tells us to rejoice about) - it makes it, i think, almost spiritually impossible for us to get any more... i.e. we lose moral authority.... then again, look at the huge inertia about abortion, too...
stephanie
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 1:46 PM
Subject: RE: embryonic stem cell research...
i'm emailing you a link to a page that listed over 40 charities that supported that bill... it's *not* ok ~ & because we're not even talking about it in the church, in 10 years, Cairo will ask me "mom, why is embryonic stem cell research something that is condoned by the church? Why didn't your generation stand up and say anything about it back then?"
paige
p.s. i'm not willing to say that it's ok at any stage, just to get legislation that protects *some*. They always want us to come to some sort of "compromise" in which we lose the whole battle because it becomes some sort of crazy "when does life begin?" question.. i'd rather just stand firm and say "it's *never* ok. Even if we get marginalized in the process ~ & even if it means we don't get any laws.
From: stephanie
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 12:38 PM
Subject: Re: embryonic stem cell research...
Paige, you probably did write on this one - i know i did... And it wasn't as bad as it *could* have been... What charities condoned this? The thing is, they have to make legislation on it otherwise we're in the same situation as abortion - no laws at all... and at least a lot of stuff is prohibited, although they can still make babies to "show how" and then kill them, or make them to experiment on for 14 days... you're right... canada is sick... I remember Focus on the Family felt that we had had an influence - but they also said that with the no spanking law... and i felt that it was still an eroding factor on parental rights and responsibility...
stephanie
----- Original Message -----
To: 'stephanie
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 11:54 AM
Subject: embryonic stem cell research...
Oh, Steph... this is horrible. The government gave up control... and i didn't write one letter back then.... or do one thing. i've donated to charities who have condoned and supported this atrocity... i just did some reading today and am totally convicted.
http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?Parl=37&Ses=2&ls=c13
How could i be so lazy?
paige
stephanie
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 1:46 PM
Subject: RE: embryonic stem cell research...
i'm emailing you a link to a page that listed over 40 charities that supported that bill... it's *not* ok ~ & because we're not even talking about it in the church, in 10 years, Cairo will ask me "mom, why is embryonic stem cell research something that is condoned by the church? Why didn't your generation stand up and say anything about it back then?"
paige
p.s. i'm not willing to say that it's ok at any stage, just to get legislation that protects *some*. They always want us to come to some sort of "compromise" in which we lose the whole battle because it becomes some sort of crazy "when does life begin?" question.. i'd rather just stand firm and say "it's *never* ok. Even if we get marginalized in the process ~ & even if it means we don't get any laws.
From: stephanie
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 12:38 PM
Subject: Re: embryonic stem cell research...
Paige, you probably did write on this one - i know i did... And it wasn't as bad as it *could* have been... What charities condoned this? The thing is, they have to make legislation on it otherwise we're in the same situation as abortion - no laws at all... and at least a lot of stuff is prohibited, although they can still make babies to "show how" and then kill them, or make them to experiment on for 14 days... you're right... canada is sick... I remember Focus on the Family felt that we had had an influence - but they also said that with the no spanking law... and i felt that it was still an eroding factor on parental rights and responsibility...
stephanie
----- Original Message -----
To: 'stephanie
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 11:54 AM
Subject: embryonic stem cell research...
Oh, Steph... this is horrible. The government gave up control... and i didn't write one letter back then.... or do one thing. i've donated to charities who have condoned and supported this atrocity... i just did some reading today and am totally convicted.
http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?Parl=37&Ses=2&ls=c13
How could i be so lazy?
paige
Here's a link to a list of 46 charity organizations in Canada that support embryonic stem cell research.
http://www.healthcharities.ca/en/2002_HCCC_Brief_Health_Cmttee.pdf
http://www.healthcharities.ca/en/2002_HCCC_Brief_Health_Cmttee.pdf
wow. The Canadian Diabetes Association phoned this morning to see if they could come and pick up any old clothes, or household items, and i said "i have to think about it". Now, i've given to them more times than i can count. Diabetes has affected our family in a very real way, but this morning in my devotions with the girls, we had prayed for God to reveal our sin to us. i hung up the phone and went to the computer. i knew what i was looking for and found so many articles showing the link and support between the Canadian Diabetes Association and embryonic stem cell research. i looked up Bill C-13 on the internet and as i read through lists of "prohibited" and "controlled" activities, my heart sank. i had been supporting an organization that showed a complete disregard for life at it's most fragile beginnings. Instead of being willing to die for our young, we're prepared to kill and cannibalize them for our benefit. Oh God, forgive my complacency. Forgive my hard heart. Help me to do what's right. Let my life bring glory to You.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
It ain't over 'till the fat lady sings...
The fat lady's singin' :)
Newpro Wanham is informing the employees today that it is shutting down. Keep us in your prayers as we seek God's direction. Neil will still have work for a bit (it'll be a big process to shut down properly and possibly auctioning off etc...) and he won't get his severance if he doesn't stick it out till the end, so there are timing issues at play in this process. We are not discouraged or worried and i'm hoping Neil will get a chance to work in a company that is not struggling to survive! That would be nice! It has been really neat in my prayer life since Thursday night, every time i would begin to pray, i could hear in my head "The Lord Reigns" and i would pray for Neil or my family, or this country and i would hear before every person and item on my prayer list "The Lord Reigns". i think now that maybe He was preparing me for yesterday and i feel comforted by the fact that He is Lord of my life, and Lord over these circumstances. While praying with Cai and Sloan yesterday i told them that i felt that Jesus was saying to me "I am King" and Sloanie quoted "He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords" and Cairo quoted after her "and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." i didn't know that verse, but they told me it's in Revelation 17:14. This also is confirmation that He hears our prayers and He is in control.:) God is good.
paige
The fat lady's singin' :)
Newpro Wanham is informing the employees today that it is shutting down. Keep us in your prayers as we seek God's direction. Neil will still have work for a bit (it'll be a big process to shut down properly and possibly auctioning off etc...) and he won't get his severance if he doesn't stick it out till the end, so there are timing issues at play in this process. We are not discouraged or worried and i'm hoping Neil will get a chance to work in a company that is not struggling to survive! That would be nice! It has been really neat in my prayer life since Thursday night, every time i would begin to pray, i could hear in my head "The Lord Reigns" and i would pray for Neil or my family, or this country and i would hear before every person and item on my prayer list "The Lord Reigns". i think now that maybe He was preparing me for yesterday and i feel comforted by the fact that He is Lord of my life, and Lord over these circumstances. While praying with Cai and Sloan yesterday i told them that i felt that Jesus was saying to me "I am King" and Sloanie quoted "He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords" and Cairo quoted after her "and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." i didn't know that verse, but they told me it's in Revelation 17:14. This also is confirmation that He hears our prayers and He is in control.:) God is good.
paige
Friday, January 6, 2006
my second letter to Ralph Klein after his response that Alberta is not a one size fits all province...
August 25th 2005
The Honourable Ralph Klein
Premier of Alberta
307 Legislature Building
108 00 - 97th Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B7
Dear Mister Premier,
I appreciate so much your response to both my letter, and that of my daughter, Cairo. She was so pleased to get a note from you saying that her letter was “wonderful”.
The reason I am writing you a second letter is that I found the first paragraph of your response a little confusing. While I agree that a one-size-fits-all approach is not something that is going to work in Alberta, I’m concerned that the initiatives being provided could encourage parents to choose financial gain over what would be best for their family (and frankly, society at large). I remember as a little girl, asking my mom if she would baby sit for me when I was a momma. She responded that she would not. When I asked her “why”, she responded “I wouldn’t deprive you of the joy.” Now that I am a momma, I know that she was speaking in love.
I don’t want to be ignorant, Mr. Klein, and I know that there are some circumstances where it seems it is impossible for a parent to be at home with the children. After reading your letter, I looked at the programs that you touted as Alberta’s “high quality, innovative programs and services”. The first is the Child Care Accreditation Program. The fact that such a program is even necessary shows that parents are willing to drop their kids off at any facility that will take them. When did it cease to be the responsibility of the parent, and become the responsibility of the government to ensure high quality care? The second program, the Kin Child Care Program, which at first glance looks like a great alternative to struggling single moms or others that are in a position where there is no other alternative, on closer inspection has limitations that are restrictive at best. The relative caregiver cannot reside in the family’s home, the child has to be pre-school age, so this excludes any homeschooling families, and the parent has to use this childcare for a minimum of 50 hours per month, so a momma who is willing to work less to be home with her children is penalized by such a program. The third service mentioned was the Parent Link Centres. While this is not directly related to my concerns as it is not a childcare program, I wonder how much of what is provided by the Centres would be redundant if more mothers stayed at home and encouraged and supported each other?
I guess my confusion, mentioned above, with your first paragraph is specifically with this quote “…(Alberta) is committed to ensuring that this government can continue to provide parents with quality, flexibility, and choice.” It seems to me that the ‘quality’ childcare referred to is exclusively non-parent child care. It seems to me that the ‘flexibility’ referred to is exclusively the flexibility to be able to work and have funded childcare. It seems to me that the ‘choice’ being offered is more of an incentive to get more momma’s out of the house. My hope is that as these decisions are made, we can come up with initiatives to keep more mommas with their children, so they too are not deprived of this joy.
Sincerely,
Paige
August 25th 2005
The Honourable Ralph Klein
Premier of Alberta
307 Legislature Building
108 00 - 97th Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B7
Dear Mister Premier,
I appreciate so much your response to both my letter, and that of my daughter, Cairo. She was so pleased to get a note from you saying that her letter was “wonderful”.
The reason I am writing you a second letter is that I found the first paragraph of your response a little confusing. While I agree that a one-size-fits-all approach is not something that is going to work in Alberta, I’m concerned that the initiatives being provided could encourage parents to choose financial gain over what would be best for their family (and frankly, society at large). I remember as a little girl, asking my mom if she would baby sit for me when I was a momma. She responded that she would not. When I asked her “why”, she responded “I wouldn’t deprive you of the joy.” Now that I am a momma, I know that she was speaking in love.
I don’t want to be ignorant, Mr. Klein, and I know that there are some circumstances where it seems it is impossible for a parent to be at home with the children. After reading your letter, I looked at the programs that you touted as Alberta’s “high quality, innovative programs and services”. The first is the Child Care Accreditation Program. The fact that such a program is even necessary shows that parents are willing to drop their kids off at any facility that will take them. When did it cease to be the responsibility of the parent, and become the responsibility of the government to ensure high quality care? The second program, the Kin Child Care Program, which at first glance looks like a great alternative to struggling single moms or others that are in a position where there is no other alternative, on closer inspection has limitations that are restrictive at best. The relative caregiver cannot reside in the family’s home, the child has to be pre-school age, so this excludes any homeschooling families, and the parent has to use this childcare for a minimum of 50 hours per month, so a momma who is willing to work less to be home with her children is penalized by such a program. The third service mentioned was the Parent Link Centres. While this is not directly related to my concerns as it is not a childcare program, I wonder how much of what is provided by the Centres would be redundant if more mothers stayed at home and encouraged and supported each other?
I guess my confusion, mentioned above, with your first paragraph is specifically with this quote “…(Alberta) is committed to ensuring that this government can continue to provide parents with quality, flexibility, and choice.” It seems to me that the ‘quality’ childcare referred to is exclusively non-parent child care. It seems to me that the ‘flexibility’ referred to is exclusively the flexibility to be able to work and have funded childcare. It seems to me that the ‘choice’ being offered is more of an incentive to get more momma’s out of the house. My hope is that as these decisions are made, we can come up with initiatives to keep more mommas with their children, so they too are not deprived of this joy.
Sincerely,
Paige
Stephanie's response to Annie Crawford's blog about Above Rubies:)
Hi Annie - i love that you are willing to read and then analyze and then debate :) - I think your problem with the FQ mindset is that you see the most rabid expression... You can see that some of Nancy Campbell's points are perhaps interpreted too forcefully (and i have the books, and have to agree about some of the ones you chose to quote) - however, just because a Bible verse doesn't refer *only* or *primarily* to physical fruitfulness, doesn't mean that it doesn't refer to physical fruitfulness *at all*. The way i see the FQ lifestyle (and we're not 100% there, either - i'm expecting my sixth child, and my husband, as always, is threatening that this is really the last time :)... but i kind of doubt it - he is turning into a real softy daddy) - it's an extension of a metaphor that is a beacon of light in our culture. Christ and the Church - fruitfulness from intimacy. Do we want intimacy without the fruit? Sometimes it seems we do, with overwhelming displays of public worship, concerts, Bible studies, and precious little service to those around us, and especially to our own brothers and sisters... There is something masturbatory about that kind of religious experience, and those outside the church instinctively recoil from a faith that isn't lived out. In the same way, a marriage reflects this union of Christ and His Church - and the intimacy of the marriage is reflected in the fruit that results. It's a beautiful parable, and an opportunity for sharing about what life in Christ *should* be... not just about having babies, but about being willing to sacrifice sometimes, to be inconvenienced, to *not* be in the spotlight, so that He can grow His beautiful fruit in our lives, while we remain in a hidden place, learning patience, self control, kindness, gentleness. This view of FQ also, i believe, gives one interpretation to that vexatious verse about women "being saved through childbirth" - we are saved through the birth of Jesus, but i think oftentimes God uses our experiences as mothers to purify and refine us, as we learn to listen to His voice to raise the little ones HE has trusted us with...
I love that you are reading and thinking and i'd love to hear any comments you have (or any errors you find!) ...
much love, stephanie
Hi Annie - i love that you are willing to read and then analyze and then debate :) - I think your problem with the FQ mindset is that you see the most rabid expression... You can see that some of Nancy Campbell's points are perhaps interpreted too forcefully (and i have the books, and have to agree about some of the ones you chose to quote) - however, just because a Bible verse doesn't refer *only* or *primarily* to physical fruitfulness, doesn't mean that it doesn't refer to physical fruitfulness *at all*. The way i see the FQ lifestyle (and we're not 100% there, either - i'm expecting my sixth child, and my husband, as always, is threatening that this is really the last time :)... but i kind of doubt it - he is turning into a real softy daddy) - it's an extension of a metaphor that is a beacon of light in our culture. Christ and the Church - fruitfulness from intimacy. Do we want intimacy without the fruit? Sometimes it seems we do, with overwhelming displays of public worship, concerts, Bible studies, and precious little service to those around us, and especially to our own brothers and sisters... There is something masturbatory about that kind of religious experience, and those outside the church instinctively recoil from a faith that isn't lived out. In the same way, a marriage reflects this union of Christ and His Church - and the intimacy of the marriage is reflected in the fruit that results. It's a beautiful parable, and an opportunity for sharing about what life in Christ *should* be... not just about having babies, but about being willing to sacrifice sometimes, to be inconvenienced, to *not* be in the spotlight, so that He can grow His beautiful fruit in our lives, while we remain in a hidden place, learning patience, self control, kindness, gentleness. This view of FQ also, i believe, gives one interpretation to that vexatious verse about women "being saved through childbirth" - we are saved through the birth of Jesus, but i think oftentimes God uses our experiences as mothers to purify and refine us, as we learn to listen to His voice to raise the little ones HE has trusted us with...
I love that you are reading and thinking and i'd love to hear any comments you have (or any errors you find!) ...
much love, stephanie
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
To The Honourable Heather Forsyth,
My letter was printed in the GP Herald Tribune on July 22nd 2005. It was suggested to me to forward the letter to you as you are the minister of children's services. Here it is.
Sincerely,
Paige
July 21, 2005
The Honourable Ralph Klein
Premier of Alberta
307 Legislature Building
108 00 - 97th Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B7
Dear Mister Premier:
I am a stay at home, home schooling mom of five living in Northern Alberta. My daughter wanted to write you a thank you letter for her centennial medallion, so I thought I’d add my two cents worth as well.
Last night, as my daughter was getting ready for bed, she came out and whispered “Mom, it makes me feel important that the Government of Alberta sent me something.” I responded that she was right in feeling important – because she is important. In your letter, you told my daughtors that they were the future of Alberta. This got me thinking about the importance of future Albertans. Our family moved to Northern Alberta because we wanted to find a place where our growing family could live on one income. We did this so that I could stay at home to care for and shape the character of our children. My goal is to instill in my children a love of God and of family. My vision for my children includes a strong character and work ethic. In the past 9 years as I have grown into motherhood, I have realized one thing for sure – No one cares about my children the way that I do. To be honest, if we couldn’t afford to live on one income, we’d change the way we live, we’d move, we’d live on macaroni and cheese before we’d accept a government subsidy for daycare. Our children’s character and moral development is that important to us.
Mr. Premier, in considering how to spend taxpayer’s money, please try to make it easier for us moms to choose to stay home. Daycare should be a last resort. Motherhood is a sacred calling and those who lay down careers for it should be commended.
If you truly value the future of Alberta, value those who are willing to sacrifice for it.
Sincerely,
Paige
My letter was printed in the GP Herald Tribune on July 22nd 2005. It was suggested to me to forward the letter to you as you are the minister of children's services. Here it is.
Sincerely,
Paige
July 21, 2005
The Honourable Ralph Klein
Premier of Alberta
307 Legislature Building
108 00 - 97th Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B7
Dear Mister Premier:
I am a stay at home, home schooling mom of five living in Northern Alberta. My daughter wanted to write you a thank you letter for her centennial medallion, so I thought I’d add my two cents worth as well.
Last night, as my daughter was getting ready for bed, she came out and whispered “Mom, it makes me feel important that the Government of Alberta sent me something.” I responded that she was right in feeling important – because she is important. In your letter, you told my daughtors that they were the future of Alberta. This got me thinking about the importance of future Albertans. Our family moved to Northern Alberta because we wanted to find a place where our growing family could live on one income. We did this so that I could stay at home to care for and shape the character of our children. My goal is to instill in my children a love of God and of family. My vision for my children includes a strong character and work ethic. In the past 9 years as I have grown into motherhood, I have realized one thing for sure – No one cares about my children the way that I do. To be honest, if we couldn’t afford to live on one income, we’d change the way we live, we’d move, we’d live on macaroni and cheese before we’d accept a government subsidy for daycare. Our children’s character and moral development is that important to us.
Mr. Premier, in considering how to spend taxpayer’s money, please try to make it easier for us moms to choose to stay home. Daycare should be a last resort. Motherhood is a sacred calling and those who lay down careers for it should be commended.
If you truly value the future of Alberta, value those who are willing to sacrifice for it.
Sincerely,
Paige
i had a couple of moments this morning that i wish i would remember for when i'm in the nursing home, but i think before my head hits the pillow tonight, they'll be gone. i was folding the laundry this morning and i pulled out this huge long pair of track pants... they're Cairo's... it was just so amazing to think that i am the momma of this beautiful young lady and i felt so incredibly blessed by a silly pair of track pants. Then, i was sweeping out under my bed. i had to laugh as Mollen was lying down on the floor beside my bed (she was almost ready for morning nap, but she also was down there to see what i'd sweep out.) Besides the dust bunnies, there was a tiny horse, a piece of lego, a little bath ducky and a baby barrette. Again, i thought how lucky i am to have the little people that collect all these little things. i love when you're doing nothing out of the ordinary, and God puts your life in perspective and all you feel is grateful.
p
p
in response to a pulled pro life ad...
Mr. Forsyth,
I am writing in regards to the ad that was pulled from a bus shelter in Edmonton. I am a mother in Alberta who volunteers with a Prolife organization that focuses on education. One of the problems with abortion, that has become a growing concern for people in the health care profession is the regret often faced by women who have had abortions. These women, suffering from post-abortion trauma, often experience symptoms including depression, guilt, anger, eating disorders, suicidal urges, drug and alcohol abuse, difficulty with relationships... the list goes on. This billboard was funded by an organization that cares about women, and is offering hope. Seems sad to me that it was pulled because of complaints from people who may not have understood the intent of the advertisement.
Thank you for taking the time to read my email.
Sincerely,
Paige
Mr. Forsyth,
I am writing in regards to the ad that was pulled from a bus shelter in Edmonton. I am a mother in Alberta who volunteers with a Prolife organization that focuses on education. One of the problems with abortion, that has become a growing concern for people in the health care profession is the regret often faced by women who have had abortions. These women, suffering from post-abortion trauma, often experience symptoms including depression, guilt, anger, eating disorders, suicidal urges, drug and alcohol abuse, difficulty with relationships... the list goes on. This billboard was funded by an organization that cares about women, and is offering hope. Seems sad to me that it was pulled because of complaints from people who may not have understood the intent of the advertisement.
Thank you for taking the time to read my email.
Sincerely,
Paige
well, it's new years, so i called Pastor Brian... the second name on my list of names from Pastor Lyndon. He is the pastor of a really cool country church out by Webster Road, close to Sexsmith. He offered to come to my house as he was going that way and brought 2 of his little homeschooled girls with to play with mine. The discussion went pretty much as the discussion went with Pastor Lyndon. He was encouraging and prayed with/for me at the end. He didn't agree with everything, but was sort of open and was a kind listener. He told me that his church is looking at what they can do for teen moms. i told him about Lindsay and he agreed that we need to do more to be a community of believers who help mamma's keep their babies... i also printed off my testimony that i sent to Melody Green... don't know what he'll think of that. Well, 2 more names and then it's back to pastor lyndon... meanwhile, still taking notes for the 'life affirming sunday'. Love you!
paige
paige
Dear Betty,
I love that your response to me was to seek the Lord. My concern is that we don't take into consideration that the Lord has already made His desires clear to us on some issues. Our God is a God that loves increase. I *can* however respect the fact that your organization has taken the position that the Bible is unclear on this topic. My goal is not to change minds, but to speak truth... And I do join with you in the prayer that there will be change under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Much Love,
Paige
I love that your response to me was to seek the Lord. My concern is that we don't take into consideration that the Lord has already made His desires clear to us on some issues. Our God is a God that loves increase. I *can* however respect the fact that your organization has taken the position that the Bible is unclear on this topic. My goal is not to change minds, but to speak truth... And I do join with you in the prayer that there will be change under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Much Love,
Paige
Dear Betty,
I appreciate so much that you took the time to respond to my email. I truly wasn't expecting a response. I wasn't aware that Last Days Ministries had a "statement" on this topic:) and I'm so glad that it's something being thought about and prayed about more often.
I did have one other comment right now, and would it be alright if I wrote you again with further information if it comes up? I read your email a couple of times before it really hit me. In the second paragraph of Melody's letter, the first sentence read:
"It seems the central issue for Christians in using birth control is whether doing so is not "trusting the Lord."
I don't think that this is the central issue for me. The central issue for me is one of the heart. We live in a humanist society and *life* is daily devalued. My concern is that I believe that our hearts are hard towards children. If children are really a blessing, and if we believed Malachi 2:15 "Hast not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are His. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring" ... Then wouldn't using birth control be the exception and not the rule? My little ones are growing up in a Christian community where if they go to premarital counseling, the question will probably come up "What form of birth control will you be using?" This hard heartedness and acting on the belief that children are an avoidable affliction and not blessings from God ~(maybe having in mind the things of man and not the things of God? Mark 8:33 )...*this* would be the real issue for me...
Lovingly,
Paige
I appreciate so much that you took the time to respond to my email. I truly wasn't expecting a response. I wasn't aware that Last Days Ministries had a "statement" on this topic:) and I'm so glad that it's something being thought about and prayed about more often.
I did have one other comment right now, and would it be alright if I wrote you again with further information if it comes up? I read your email a couple of times before it really hit me. In the second paragraph of Melody's letter, the first sentence read:
"It seems the central issue for Christians in using birth control is whether doing so is not "trusting the Lord."
I don't think that this is the central issue for me. The central issue for me is one of the heart. We live in a humanist society and *life* is daily devalued. My concern is that I believe that our hearts are hard towards children. If children are really a blessing, and if we believed Malachi 2:15 "Hast not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are His. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring" ... Then wouldn't using birth control be the exception and not the rule? My little ones are growing up in a Christian community where if they go to premarital counseling, the question will probably come up "What form of birth control will you be using?" This hard heartedness and acting on the belief that children are an avoidable affliction and not blessings from God ~(maybe having in mind the things of man and not the things of God? Mark 8:33 )...*this* would be the real issue for me...
Lovingly,
Paige
Dear Paige,
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus!
First, I wouldn't mind at all if you wrote from time to time. Dialogue between Christians is always edifying.
Regarding Melody's first sentence: "It seems the central issue for
Christians in using birth control is whether doing so is not "trusting the Lord." -- This was a reflection of the letters we received on the subject of birth control. Most of the people who contact our ministry are seeking God's best and that was the question foremost on their minds. It is sad that your experience in Christian communities has been so worldly and you are probably right in your estimation of how our humanist society has affected many church groups. We can only pray with you that this attitude will change under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
The main point of our response is to seek the Lord as a Christian couple. A heart of obedience to God's will and guidance is always the main issue, as that is what our journey with Him is all about.
Blessings,
Betty
LDM
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus!
First, I wouldn't mind at all if you wrote from time to time. Dialogue between Christians is always edifying.
Regarding Melody's first sentence: "It seems the central issue for
Christians in using birth control is whether doing so is not "trusting the Lord." -- This was a reflection of the letters we received on the subject of birth control. Most of the people who contact our ministry are seeking God's best and that was the question foremost on their minds. It is sad that your experience in Christian communities has been so worldly and you are probably right in your estimation of how our humanist society has affected many church groups. We can only pray with you that this attitude will change under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
The main point of our response is to seek the Lord as a Christian couple. A heart of obedience to God's will and guidance is always the main issue, as that is what our journey with Him is all about.
Blessings,
Betty
LDM
Dear Paige,
Hi! My name is Betty and I'm responding to your letter on behalf of Melody who, due to her busy schedule and family responsibilities, is not able to personally respond to all the mail addressed to her. It really blesses all of us to know that God is using Melody's book to inspire people into a closer walk with Himself. Thanks so much for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself and how God is working in your life. Your words of encouragement were used by the Lord to minister back to us. We really appreciate it when people like you take the time to write and share their heart.
Regarding birth control, there is no doubt that we wholeheartedly support every Christian family to have children. It’s inconceivable to me that someone who professes Christianity would prevent having a family for totally selfish reasons. We have received many letters over the years asking about birth control and we answer each one on a personal level. Melody has sent out a letter which is still very much her opinion on the subject which I will recapitulate for you.
"This is an important issue facing Christian couples today, wondering whether God is releasing them to use some form of birth control, and if so, what method. As the Bible is unclear on the subject, we feel this is a decision each couple needs to come to individually between themselves and God, since we don't know you personally nor what the Lord is trying to work into your lives.
It seems the central issue for Christians in using birth control is whether doing so is not "trusting the Lord." We don't feel it is unscriptural or shows a lack of trust in God's sovereignty to employ a safe, non-abortive form of birth-control within a marriage. God tells us to "Be fruitful and multiply"
(Gen. 1:28) and we believe it is His will for marriage to be blessed with children in most cases. The Bible also reminds us that children are a gift from God
-- a reward, and "happy is the man who has his quiver full of them" (Psalm
127:3,5). As we can see from the great number of couples desparately eager to
adopt, there is a deep desire within most people to have a family.
However, God does not tell us in the Bible how many children we should have in our lifetime or exactly when we should have them. We believe that God in His wisdom will instruct each one of us individually in these matters, with our ultimate best in mind, as we diligently seek Him in prayer as to when we should start our family and how big it should be. It's important for you to seek the Lord and be obedient to whatever He speaks to you and your spouse as the Word tells us: "The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God... and whatever is not from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:22). Whatever your conviction, you should act on it, but it's also important to respect those whom God is leading otherwise.
If you do feel the Lord is releasing you and your spouse to use some form of birth control, we encourage you to investigate each method thoroughly to find out how it works. Some methods actually cause abortions by not allowing an already fertilized egg to implant itself in the womb. We'd like to briefly mention several methods that have that capacity.
For example the Intra-uterine Device (IUD) is a very common form of birth-control, but not many really understand how it works, or that it causes very early abortions. What it does is create a hostile environment in the woman's womb
-- an environment where it is virtually impossible for the already fertilized egg to implant itself in the wall of the uterus. In other words, the IUD does not prevent conception (pregnancy) from occurring -- it merely makes it impossible for that pregnancy to continue. The already fertilized egg, when unable to implant itself in the uterus, is flushed out with the woman's normal monthly menstrual cycle. When using an IUD, a woman could be aborting a fertilized egg every month without even being aware of it. We have always strongly opposed the use of any "morning after" pill or injection.
There has been some controversy over the safety of using birth control pills, as there is concern that the chemicals they are composed of could cause a woman to abort an already fertilized egg. We also wanted to point out a quote that's found in the literature included with almost all (perhaps all) of the pills available today: "Although the primary mechanism of action is inhibition of ovulation, alterations in the genital tract, including changes in the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm penetration) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation), may also contribute to contraceptive effectiveness." The "inhibition of ovulation" is keeping your body from releasing an egg, which is the general explanation given for how the pill works. The "alterations in the...endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation)" means the pill changes the lining of your uterus to actually make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant, which is abortion in its earliest stages. The makers of the pill are acknowledging here that this may be an additional "safeguard" against pregnancy. There doesn't seem to be a way to prove or disprove whether this happens, as the embryo would be flushed out during the menstrual cycle without the woman knowing she'd aborted it.
Most doctors will assure women the pill is not abortive, but we just haven't found any evidence to support this kind of a blanket statement. It may be many are uninformed; it may also be in some cases their definitions of "abortion"
may differ from what we believe is true. From the understanding we have based on the information we've gathered, there does seem to be very real possibility that the pill (any pill) could be abortive, and for this reason we don't feel we can recommend the pill as a form of birth control.
There are other forms of birth control that do not have the possibility of being abortive, which we would encourage you to consider using, if you feel a release from the Lord to use birth control. The diaphragm and condom both seek to make fertilization impossible by physically preventing the sperm from having access to the egg. Another form of birth control is periodically abstaining from intercourse during the time the woman is particularly fertile each month. Some believe this is the "only" scriptural form of birth control available, but we do not agree with this view. The goal of preventing a pregnancy is the same, so without using a method which could abort or possibly harm the baby, we believe it is up to each couple on how to accomplish this.
As we said before, this is something you and your spouse must both take before the Lord. You need to come to a mutual agreement so you both feel a peace about your decision before God. We trust He will speak to you as you come to Him with an open heart on this matter." Again, we do not recommend the use of birth control pills in general at this time. However, we feel that the Lord is a little more flexible about other types of birth control methods as long as there is not possibility of an already fertilized egg being aborted."
I am sure that Melody has not changed her basic stand on this. If you have additional questions and comments, please feel free to let me know.
In His grip,
Betty Daffin
Last Days Ministries
Hi! My name is Betty and I'm responding to your letter on behalf of Melody who, due to her busy schedule and family responsibilities, is not able to personally respond to all the mail addressed to her. It really blesses all of us to know that God is using Melody's book to inspire people into a closer walk with Himself. Thanks so much for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself and how God is working in your life. Your words of encouragement were used by the Lord to minister back to us. We really appreciate it when people like you take the time to write and share their heart.
Regarding birth control, there is no doubt that we wholeheartedly support every Christian family to have children. It’s inconceivable to me that someone who professes Christianity would prevent having a family for totally selfish reasons. We have received many letters over the years asking about birth control and we answer each one on a personal level. Melody has sent out a letter which is still very much her opinion on the subject which I will recapitulate for you.
"This is an important issue facing Christian couples today, wondering whether God is releasing them to use some form of birth control, and if so, what method. As the Bible is unclear on the subject, we feel this is a decision each couple needs to come to individually between themselves and God, since we don't know you personally nor what the Lord is trying to work into your lives.
It seems the central issue for Christians in using birth control is whether doing so is not "trusting the Lord." We don't feel it is unscriptural or shows a lack of trust in God's sovereignty to employ a safe, non-abortive form of birth-control within a marriage. God tells us to "Be fruitful and multiply"
(Gen. 1:28) and we believe it is His will for marriage to be blessed with children in most cases. The Bible also reminds us that children are a gift from God
-- a reward, and "happy is the man who has his quiver full of them" (Psalm
127:3,5). As we can see from the great number of couples desparately eager to
adopt, there is a deep desire within most people to have a family.
However, God does not tell us in the Bible how many children we should have in our lifetime or exactly when we should have them. We believe that God in His wisdom will instruct each one of us individually in these matters, with our ultimate best in mind, as we diligently seek Him in prayer as to when we should start our family and how big it should be. It's important for you to seek the Lord and be obedient to whatever He speaks to you and your spouse as the Word tells us: "The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God... and whatever is not from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:22). Whatever your conviction, you should act on it, but it's also important to respect those whom God is leading otherwise.
If you do feel the Lord is releasing you and your spouse to use some form of birth control, we encourage you to investigate each method thoroughly to find out how it works. Some methods actually cause abortions by not allowing an already fertilized egg to implant itself in the womb. We'd like to briefly mention several methods that have that capacity.
For example the Intra-uterine Device (IUD) is a very common form of birth-control, but not many really understand how it works, or that it causes very early abortions. What it does is create a hostile environment in the woman's womb
-- an environment where it is virtually impossible for the already fertilized egg to implant itself in the wall of the uterus. In other words, the IUD does not prevent conception (pregnancy) from occurring -- it merely makes it impossible for that pregnancy to continue. The already fertilized egg, when unable to implant itself in the uterus, is flushed out with the woman's normal monthly menstrual cycle. When using an IUD, a woman could be aborting a fertilized egg every month without even being aware of it. We have always strongly opposed the use of any "morning after" pill or injection.
There has been some controversy over the safety of using birth control pills, as there is concern that the chemicals they are composed of could cause a woman to abort an already fertilized egg. We also wanted to point out a quote that's found in the literature included with almost all (perhaps all) of the pills available today: "Although the primary mechanism of action is inhibition of ovulation, alterations in the genital tract, including changes in the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm penetration) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation), may also contribute to contraceptive effectiveness." The "inhibition of ovulation" is keeping your body from releasing an egg, which is the general explanation given for how the pill works. The "alterations in the...endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation)" means the pill changes the lining of your uterus to actually make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant, which is abortion in its earliest stages. The makers of the pill are acknowledging here that this may be an additional "safeguard" against pregnancy. There doesn't seem to be a way to prove or disprove whether this happens, as the embryo would be flushed out during the menstrual cycle without the woman knowing she'd aborted it.
Most doctors will assure women the pill is not abortive, but we just haven't found any evidence to support this kind of a blanket statement. It may be many are uninformed; it may also be in some cases their definitions of "abortion"
may differ from what we believe is true. From the understanding we have based on the information we've gathered, there does seem to be very real possibility that the pill (any pill) could be abortive, and for this reason we don't feel we can recommend the pill as a form of birth control.
There are other forms of birth control that do not have the possibility of being abortive, which we would encourage you to consider using, if you feel a release from the Lord to use birth control. The diaphragm and condom both seek to make fertilization impossible by physically preventing the sperm from having access to the egg. Another form of birth control is periodically abstaining from intercourse during the time the woman is particularly fertile each month. Some believe this is the "only" scriptural form of birth control available, but we do not agree with this view. The goal of preventing a pregnancy is the same, so without using a method which could abort or possibly harm the baby, we believe it is up to each couple on how to accomplish this.
As we said before, this is something you and your spouse must both take before the Lord. You need to come to a mutual agreement so you both feel a peace about your decision before God. We trust He will speak to you as you come to Him with an open heart on this matter." Again, we do not recommend the use of birth control pills in general at this time. However, we feel that the Lord is a little more flexible about other types of birth control methods as long as there is not possibility of an already fertilized egg being aborted."
I am sure that Melody has not changed her basic stand on this. If you have additional questions and comments, please feel free to let me know.
In His grip,
Betty Daffin
Last Days Ministries
This is an email i sent to Melody Green at Last Days Ministries... it includes my testimony and i think it's relevant to how i got to where i am... p
i don't know if Melody Green ever gets emails at this address, but i wanted to write one.
i read your book "no compromise" for the first time in high school. i was born in 1976 and my parents always listened to Keith Green while i was growing up. Our family was one of those "musical" families and i sang in a trio with my two sisters all the time we were growing up. When i graduated high school, i went to a music college and took a two year program there. During my second year, i got pregnant with my oldest daughter. It was such a hard time. i decided to just bear my soul to my Saviour, accept His gracious forgiveness and go where He led. My husband and i were married 5 months before Cairo was born. We were 18 and 19 years old. Cairo was the biggest blessing you can imagine on our young lives. My husband found work 20 hours away from our extended family and we moved to a small town where i knew no one and we *really* became a family. Shortly after Cairo was born, we found out we were pregnant again. We were ecstatic. Four months into the pregnancy, we found out that there was no heart beat. The doctor's induced labour and i delivered my tiny son. i was devastated. At this time, so many people kept telling me "this is in God's hands, Paige..." and i wrote an arrangement of the song "i surrender all" and i included a last verse:
All to Jesus, i surrender,
Lord i give my child to Thee
Safely in your arms i lay him
Let your healing fall on me.
As my husband and i grappled with our loss, we found out that i was pregnant again. At this time in my marriage a new thought came to me. i had been able to trust God in my loss, but was i willing to trust God with the blessings He was giving us? i started to ask questions of just about anyone who would listen. Was birth control alright? After the birth of our third daughter, my husband wanted to be done... i just didn't feel peace. Our fourth child was a little boy, and our fifth another sweet little lady. While i was pregnant with her, my sweet husband put his foot down and said "no more". i grieved my loss and i believe God revealed to me that to give up, even our legitimate expectations on each other is good. i had prayed, and Neil had not changed. i could take what came from God.
i wanted to tell you a bit of my testimony so you could understand where my totally human, imperfect heart is coming from. i just read your book again last week. i had been talking with my dad one day and i told him that your book had been one of the biggest influences on my teen years. It was just as good as the last time i read it. i felt as challenged. For some reason i wanted to send you a letter that i am preparing to send out to the pastors in my area. You have such a huge sphere of influence, and i just wanted to write you on the off chance that this was something you might feel led to shine a spotlight on.
i want you to know, too, that even though my husband has said "no more" to me, he has given me his blessing to go on writing letters and speaking out on this issue so close to my heart. May God bless you as you speak out against abortion.
Much love,
paige
i don't know if Melody Green ever gets emails at this address, but i wanted to write one.
i read your book "no compromise" for the first time in high school. i was born in 1976 and my parents always listened to Keith Green while i was growing up. Our family was one of those "musical" families and i sang in a trio with my two sisters all the time we were growing up. When i graduated high school, i went to a music college and took a two year program there. During my second year, i got pregnant with my oldest daughter. It was such a hard time. i decided to just bear my soul to my Saviour, accept His gracious forgiveness and go where He led. My husband and i were married 5 months before Cairo was born. We were 18 and 19 years old. Cairo was the biggest blessing you can imagine on our young lives. My husband found work 20 hours away from our extended family and we moved to a small town where i knew no one and we *really* became a family. Shortly after Cairo was born, we found out we were pregnant again. We were ecstatic. Four months into the pregnancy, we found out that there was no heart beat. The doctor's induced labour and i delivered my tiny son. i was devastated. At this time, so many people kept telling me "this is in God's hands, Paige..." and i wrote an arrangement of the song "i surrender all" and i included a last verse:
All to Jesus, i surrender,
Lord i give my child to Thee
Safely in your arms i lay him
Let your healing fall on me.
As my husband and i grappled with our loss, we found out that i was pregnant again. At this time in my marriage a new thought came to me. i had been able to trust God in my loss, but was i willing to trust God with the blessings He was giving us? i started to ask questions of just about anyone who would listen. Was birth control alright? After the birth of our third daughter, my husband wanted to be done... i just didn't feel peace. Our fourth child was a little boy, and our fifth another sweet little lady. While i was pregnant with her, my sweet husband put his foot down and said "no more". i grieved my loss and i believe God revealed to me that to give up, even our legitimate expectations on each other is good. i had prayed, and Neil had not changed. i could take what came from God.
i wanted to tell you a bit of my testimony so you could understand where my totally human, imperfect heart is coming from. i just read your book again last week. i had been talking with my dad one day and i told him that your book had been one of the biggest influences on my teen years. It was just as good as the last time i read it. i felt as challenged. For some reason i wanted to send you a letter that i am preparing to send out to the pastors in my area. You have such a huge sphere of influence, and i just wanted to write you on the off chance that this was something you might feel led to shine a spotlight on.
i want you to know, too, that even though my husband has said "no more" to me, he has given me his blessing to go on writing letters and speaking out on this issue so close to my heart. May God bless you as you speak out against abortion.
Much love,
paige
Guess what? He liked it and gave me 3 names to start with (sending it to) in the new year. The first one was the Lutheran pastor. He said it was well written. He also asked me to organize a "life affirming" Sunday in march or April... i had shown him my email to ctv and he loved it. He said he wanted stuff like that at the service to show people how the media inundates us with these anti life messages. i want you to help me brainstorm. i'm going to read Francis Schaeffer to help me prepare. He said he's curious as to how much brainwashing is going on in the church. (I think he would be shocked...) i reminded him that the brainwashing is not just coming from the secular media (i had given him that add from the Christian women's mag. about "donating" embryos). Pray with me and help me to notice things and see things and chop away the world and let Jesus be seen clearly.
paige
paige
Second attempt... the pastor liked it better this time...
Dear Pastor,
I guess you could say this letter comes from a concerned lover of Truth. My growing concern is what I see as a cultural theme that has been creeping into the church unchecked. Francis Schaeffer said, “Tell me what the world is saying today, and I’ll tell you what the church will be saying seven years from now”. I’ve found this to be true in the church’s view on the value of *life*.
I am active in Grande Prairie’s pro-life organization, Voice for Life. I have noticed over the years of my involvement in church and in pro-life work that there seems to be among the workers in this area an overwhelming feeling of defeat and weariness. As if the battle, once fought and lost is no longer worth the effort. We live in a country where abortion is legal at any stage of pregnancy and there need be no parental notification in the case of minors. Those in the medical field have gone so far as to try to change the definition of “pregnancy” to not include the first days after conception. Every day, our views on life, the precious commodity measured out by the Creator of the universe, get skewed in the name of “mercy” and “compassion”.
Along with a demoralized pro-life movement, there is a second problem that is hindering the church’s ability to uphold the sanctity of life. Birth control, and specifically the birth control pill, something that was universally rejected by the church up until the 1930’s has been embraced. The November issue of Christianity Today had an interesting article titled “A Hard Pill to Swallow”. This article deals with the possibility (some would argue “probability”) that the birth control pill actually causes abortions. In my research, I came across an excellent resource; a book by Randy Alcorn titled “Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?” I would encourage you to read the book with an open heart as to what God would have you teach in your premarital counseling. I would also encourage you to not stop there. It seems to me that the pro-life organizations that are active today have stopped short. I would classify them as “anti-murder” which is wonderful, but observably ineffective if they’re willing to blur the lines (or have them be blurred) for the sake of convenience. I’d like to share a quote from Randy Alcorn’s book:
“The biggest threat to Satan’s success in killing the innocent is that people become aware of the truth, then act on it. When I consider my own ignorance and lack of motivation to pursue and act on the truth that the Pill kills children, I am forced to conclude this may well be a spiritual stronghold that the evil one has on the church. Until we come to grips with, repent of and abstain from the chemical abortions we ourselves are having, I wonder how effective we will be as Christ’s representatives in general, and in particular in our efforts to prevent abortions. (Looking back, we haven’t been very successful in our efforts to curtail surgical abortions – perhaps this is one of the reasons.)”
The third issue that I feel compelled to write about, is the one that I feel is the most important out of the three that are in this letter. I believe that the solution to the first and second problems lies in the solution to the third. There has been an undeniable hardening of hearts in society, but even more disturbingly, in the church towards children. Abortion has been legal for 36 years in this country. Birth control seems to have been ushered in and popularized at roughly the same time. With this convenience came cost. It seems that as the (organized) church began to take measures to gain control of their fertility (something I believe the bible states rather explicitly is God’s territory), there began to be in the hearts of even believers, a hardening towards children. (Just ask any woman who has recently been to a baby shower if the subject came up: “I’m so glad it’s not me!”) It seems to me that even among those who know that life comes from God (Genesis 30:2); children are not viewed as a blessing, but rather as an avoidable affliction. I can imagine, even as I’m typing this letter that at this last point, I’ve lost you. I have been crying out to God for wisdom on this issue. My conclusions are based on scripture and my pitiful knowledge of my Saviour. In no way do I count myself among the learned, and I will continue to press into the word so that He can correct me and I can gain understanding (Proverbs 15:32). That said, I feel in my spirit that to remain silent on what I believe to be the root of the problem would be a compromise I’m not willing to make.
My eyes are dry, my faith is old,
My heart is hard, my prayers are cold.
And I know how I ought to be-
Alive to you and dead to me.
Oh, what can be done with an old heart like mine?
Soften it up with oil and wine!
The oil is you, your Spirit of love,
Please wash me anew in the wine of your blood…
-Keith Green
Until believer’s hearts are softened and we are able to see children as the blessing that God says that they are, I don’t think that any amount of effort poured into pro-life movements will bear fruit.
We need vision and strength and courage in our pro-life organizations. These things come from God. Please pray that God will pour out His blessings on Voice for Life as His people seek Him. Pray that this organization would be effective, and moved to action out of Love for God, and a desire to obey. Please pray that as Truth prevails, the enemy’s stronghold in this area of the church will be destroyed.
Thank you for reading my letter.
God is so good.
Paige Beselt
Dear Pastor,
I guess you could say this letter comes from a concerned lover of Truth. My growing concern is what I see as a cultural theme that has been creeping into the church unchecked. Francis Schaeffer said, “Tell me what the world is saying today, and I’ll tell you what the church will be saying seven years from now”. I’ve found this to be true in the church’s view on the value of *life*.
I am active in Grande Prairie’s pro-life organization, Voice for Life. I have noticed over the years of my involvement in church and in pro-life work that there seems to be among the workers in this area an overwhelming feeling of defeat and weariness. As if the battle, once fought and lost is no longer worth the effort. We live in a country where abortion is legal at any stage of pregnancy and there need be no parental notification in the case of minors. Those in the medical field have gone so far as to try to change the definition of “pregnancy” to not include the first days after conception. Every day, our views on life, the precious commodity measured out by the Creator of the universe, get skewed in the name of “mercy” and “compassion”.
Along with a demoralized pro-life movement, there is a second problem that is hindering the church’s ability to uphold the sanctity of life. Birth control, and specifically the birth control pill, something that was universally rejected by the church up until the 1930’s has been embraced. The November issue of Christianity Today had an interesting article titled “A Hard Pill to Swallow”. This article deals with the possibility (some would argue “probability”) that the birth control pill actually causes abortions. In my research, I came across an excellent resource; a book by Randy Alcorn titled “Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?” I would encourage you to read the book with an open heart as to what God would have you teach in your premarital counseling. I would also encourage you to not stop there. It seems to me that the pro-life organizations that are active today have stopped short. I would classify them as “anti-murder” which is wonderful, but observably ineffective if they’re willing to blur the lines (or have them be blurred) for the sake of convenience. I’d like to share a quote from Randy Alcorn’s book:
“The biggest threat to Satan’s success in killing the innocent is that people become aware of the truth, then act on it. When I consider my own ignorance and lack of motivation to pursue and act on the truth that the Pill kills children, I am forced to conclude this may well be a spiritual stronghold that the evil one has on the church. Until we come to grips with, repent of and abstain from the chemical abortions we ourselves are having, I wonder how effective we will be as Christ’s representatives in general, and in particular in our efforts to prevent abortions. (Looking back, we haven’t been very successful in our efforts to curtail surgical abortions – perhaps this is one of the reasons.)”
The third issue that I feel compelled to write about, is the one that I feel is the most important out of the three that are in this letter. I believe that the solution to the first and second problems lies in the solution to the third. There has been an undeniable hardening of hearts in society, but even more disturbingly, in the church towards children. Abortion has been legal for 36 years in this country. Birth control seems to have been ushered in and popularized at roughly the same time. With this convenience came cost. It seems that as the (organized) church began to take measures to gain control of their fertility (something I believe the bible states rather explicitly is God’s territory), there began to be in the hearts of even believers, a hardening towards children. (Just ask any woman who has recently been to a baby shower if the subject came up: “I’m so glad it’s not me!”) It seems to me that even among those who know that life comes from God (Genesis 30:2); children are not viewed as a blessing, but rather as an avoidable affliction. I can imagine, even as I’m typing this letter that at this last point, I’ve lost you. I have been crying out to God for wisdom on this issue. My conclusions are based on scripture and my pitiful knowledge of my Saviour. In no way do I count myself among the learned, and I will continue to press into the word so that He can correct me and I can gain understanding (Proverbs 15:32). That said, I feel in my spirit that to remain silent on what I believe to be the root of the problem would be a compromise I’m not willing to make.
My eyes are dry, my faith is old,
My heart is hard, my prayers are cold.
And I know how I ought to be-
Alive to you and dead to me.
Oh, what can be done with an old heart like mine?
Soften it up with oil and wine!
The oil is you, your Spirit of love,
Please wash me anew in the wine of your blood…
-Keith Green
Until believer’s hearts are softened and we are able to see children as the blessing that God says that they are, I don’t think that any amount of effort poured into pro-life movements will bear fruit.
We need vision and strength and courage in our pro-life organizations. These things come from God. Please pray that God will pour out His blessings on Voice for Life as His people seek Him. Pray that this organization would be effective, and moved to action out of Love for God, and a desire to obey. Please pray that as Truth prevails, the enemy’s stronghold in this area of the church will be destroyed.
Thank you for reading my letter.
God is so good.
Paige Beselt
email in response to ctv's news story on the morning after pill...
I was so deeply disappointed with your segment on "contraception concerns" tonight on the news. My first concern was with the title of the segment. The drug in question was *not* by it's scientific description, a contraceptive drug. It was the "morning after" pill, which is by definition an abortaficient drug. Secondly, the story focused only on a woman's 'right' to access this drug without answering any questions whatsoever and also reiterated the myth that this is a completely safe drug. There was not one mention of the women who have died using this drug, or who have experienced guilt and depression and other mental and physical side effects that *can* occur from using this drug. Nor was there any rebuttal from anyone without a pro-choice agenda as to the reasoning behind getting a history before distributing the drug. Your news team proved itself unabashedly one-sided and uninformed on this issue. If it is at all possible, i would welcome a response to this email.
Paige
I was so deeply disappointed with your segment on "contraception concerns" tonight on the news. My first concern was with the title of the segment. The drug in question was *not* by it's scientific description, a contraceptive drug. It was the "morning after" pill, which is by definition an abortaficient drug. Secondly, the story focused only on a woman's 'right' to access this drug without answering any questions whatsoever and also reiterated the myth that this is a completely safe drug. There was not one mention of the women who have died using this drug, or who have experienced guilt and depression and other mental and physical side effects that *can* occur from using this drug. Nor was there any rebuttal from anyone without a pro-choice agenda as to the reasoning behind getting a history before distributing the drug. Your news team proved itself unabashedly one-sided and uninformed on this issue. If it is at all possible, i would welcome a response to this email.
Paige
oh, my pastor wanted me to change the whole thing, or suggested that i do... He thought it should be better organized... Here goes round 2. i prayed and i prayed and i decided that i would do whatever Pastor said regarding the letter... so i will try. He thought it should be more about the pill... etc... he gave me an interesting article from Christianity Today?? (the billy graham publication) that was very against the pill. He wants me to try to get copies of it to distribute when i give the book out with my letter...
right now, he doesn't agree with me... believes it's a matter of conviction.... so, that's where that is... i was a little disheartened. had a good conversation. Mollen pooped twice, so it was hard to concentrate! Why am i doing this? Seems like an exercise in frustration... but i want to obey... am i obeying or making up busy work for myself???
right now, he doesn't agree with me... believes it's a matter of conviction.... so, that's where that is... i was a little disheartened. had a good conversation. Mollen pooped twice, so it was hard to concentrate! Why am i doing this? Seems like an exercise in frustration... but i want to obey... am i obeying or making up busy work for myself???
This is the first draft i brought to my pastor... he thought it could be better written...
Dear Pastor,
I guess you could say this letter comes from a concerned lover of Truth. I am active in Grande Prairie’s prolife organization, Voice For Life. I have noticed over the years of my involvement in church and in prolife work that there seems to be among the workers in this area an overwhelming feeling of defeat and weariness. As if the battle, once fought and lost is no longer worth the effort. We live in a country where abortion is legal at any stage of pregnancy and there need be no parental notification in the case of minors. Those in the medical field have gone so far as to try to change the definition of “pregnancy” to not include the first days after conception. Every day, our views on life, the precious commodity measured out by the Creator of the universe, get skewed in the name of “mercy” and “compassion”.
I have been crying out to God for wisdom.
My conclusions on this area are based on scripture and my pitiful knowledge of my Saviour. In no way do I count myself among the learned, and I will continue to try to press into the word so that He can correct me and I can gain understanding (Proverbs 15:32). That said, I wanted to share some thoughts with you in the hope that they can be of use to you.
I have noticed that there is a cultural theme that has crept into the church unchecked. Birth control, something that was universally rejected by the church up until the 1930’s has been embraced. With this convenience came cost. It seems that as the (organized) church began to take measures to gain control of their fertility (something I believe the bible states rather explicitly is God’s territory), there began to be in the hearts of even believers, a hardening towards children. (Just ask any woman who has recently been to a baby shower if the subject came up: “I’m so glad it’s not me!”)
It seems to me that even among those who know that life comes from God (Genesis 30:2) children are not viewed as a blessing, but rather as an avoidable affliction.
In my research, I came across an excellent resource, a book by Randy Alcorn “Does The Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?” I would encourage you to read the book with an open heart as to what God would have you teach in your premarital counseling. I would also encourage you to not stop there. It seems to me that the prolife organizations that are active today have stopped short. I would classify them as “anti-murder” which is wonderful, but observably ineffective if they’re willing to blur the lines (or have them be blurred) for the sake of convenience.
I want to end with a quote from Randy Alcorn’s book:
“The biggest threat to Satan’s success in killing the innocent is that people become aware of the truth, then act on it. When I consider my own ignorance and lack of motivation to pursue and act on the truth that the Pill kills children, I am forced to conclude this may well be a spiritual stronghold that the evil one has on the church. Until we come to grips with, repent of and abstain from the chemical abortions we ourselves are having, I wonder how effective we will be as Christ’s representatives in general, and in particular in our efforts to prevent abortions. (Looking back, we haven’t been very successful in our efforts to curtail surgical abortions – perhaps this is one of the reasons.)”
We need vision and strength and courage in our prolife organizations. These things come from God. Please pray that God will pour out His blessings on Voice For Life as His people seek Him. Pray that this organization would be effective, and moved to action out of Love for God, and a desire to obey. Please pray that as Truth prevails, the enemy’s stronghold in this area of the church will be destroyed.
Thank you for reading my letter. God is so good.
Paige Beselt
Dear Pastor,
I guess you could say this letter comes from a concerned lover of Truth. I am active in Grande Prairie’s prolife organization, Voice For Life. I have noticed over the years of my involvement in church and in prolife work that there seems to be among the workers in this area an overwhelming feeling of defeat and weariness. As if the battle, once fought and lost is no longer worth the effort. We live in a country where abortion is legal at any stage of pregnancy and there need be no parental notification in the case of minors. Those in the medical field have gone so far as to try to change the definition of “pregnancy” to not include the first days after conception. Every day, our views on life, the precious commodity measured out by the Creator of the universe, get skewed in the name of “mercy” and “compassion”.
I have been crying out to God for wisdom.
My conclusions on this area are based on scripture and my pitiful knowledge of my Saviour. In no way do I count myself among the learned, and I will continue to try to press into the word so that He can correct me and I can gain understanding (Proverbs 15:32). That said, I wanted to share some thoughts with you in the hope that they can be of use to you.
I have noticed that there is a cultural theme that has crept into the church unchecked. Birth control, something that was universally rejected by the church up until the 1930’s has been embraced. With this convenience came cost. It seems that as the (organized) church began to take measures to gain control of their fertility (something I believe the bible states rather explicitly is God’s territory), there began to be in the hearts of even believers, a hardening towards children. (Just ask any woman who has recently been to a baby shower if the subject came up: “I’m so glad it’s not me!”)
It seems to me that even among those who know that life comes from God (Genesis 30:2) children are not viewed as a blessing, but rather as an avoidable affliction.
In my research, I came across an excellent resource, a book by Randy Alcorn “Does The Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?” I would encourage you to read the book with an open heart as to what God would have you teach in your premarital counseling. I would also encourage you to not stop there. It seems to me that the prolife organizations that are active today have stopped short. I would classify them as “anti-murder” which is wonderful, but observably ineffective if they’re willing to blur the lines (or have them be blurred) for the sake of convenience.
I want to end with a quote from Randy Alcorn’s book:
“The biggest threat to Satan’s success in killing the innocent is that people become aware of the truth, then act on it. When I consider my own ignorance and lack of motivation to pursue and act on the truth that the Pill kills children, I am forced to conclude this may well be a spiritual stronghold that the evil one has on the church. Until we come to grips with, repent of and abstain from the chemical abortions we ourselves are having, I wonder how effective we will be as Christ’s representatives in general, and in particular in our efforts to prevent abortions. (Looking back, we haven’t been very successful in our efforts to curtail surgical abortions – perhaps this is one of the reasons.)”
We need vision and strength and courage in our prolife organizations. These things come from God. Please pray that God will pour out His blessings on Voice For Life as His people seek Him. Pray that this organization would be effective, and moved to action out of Love for God, and a desire to obey. Please pray that as Truth prevails, the enemy’s stronghold in this area of the church will be destroyed.
Thank you for reading my letter. God is so good.
Paige Beselt
email in response to the news story of the birth of the Duggar family's 16th child:
i saw your news story on the net and was so grieved to see all the negative comments. i'm sure you're used to people giving you their opinions and i know that your eyes are focused on pleasing God and not man, but i wanted to send you a note of encouragement. i am a happy wife and mama to 5 little ones. i love to homeschool my little ones and have come to understand that each one of my children is a gift. You have a lovely family... i'm praying for God's sheltering protection on you all. May you continue to be a voice for life in this culture of death.
Much love,
Paige Beselt
i saw your news story on the net and was so grieved to see all the negative comments. i'm sure you're used to people giving you their opinions and i know that your eyes are focused on pleasing God and not man, but i wanted to send you a note of encouragement. i am a happy wife and mama to 5 little ones. i love to homeschool my little ones and have come to understand that each one of my children is a gift. You have a lovely family... i'm praying for God's sheltering protection on you all. May you continue to be a voice for life in this culture of death.
Much love,
Paige Beselt
Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 3:53
Well, i'm home.
i'm trying to think of how that went.
My first thought was great, but then i started thinking of all that i said that was "paige" and not "God" and so i prayed that the seeds of the good stuff would take root, and that any of the weeds that i planted would wither and die.
After about 45 seconds of listening in silence, he started taking notes and asking questions. Then he asked me to bring him any information i had (i had brought all those books, so i just pulled everything out) ~ Then he asked me if i had a "pamphlet" ??! So, i said "no" and he said "i just can't see someone picking up and reading a book like this, you need something succinct to get their attention". Then he asked if he could keep all the stuff i brought and if i would call him in 2 weeks to meet again. He prayed before and after we talked.
The thing that i think got his attention was what i had said about there being a lot of depression in my peer group. i guess the church had a 'concert of prayer' while we were at the above rubies retreat and at that time, they had a prayer time to pray for healing. He said it was like popcorn, all the people battling depression. We talked for about 45 minutes...
paige
Well, i'm home.
i'm trying to think of how that went.
My first thought was great, but then i started thinking of all that i said that was "paige" and not "God" and so i prayed that the seeds of the good stuff would take root, and that any of the weeds that i planted would wither and die.
After about 45 seconds of listening in silence, he started taking notes and asking questions. Then he asked me to bring him any information i had (i had brought all those books, so i just pulled everything out) ~ Then he asked me if i had a "pamphlet" ??! So, i said "no" and he said "i just can't see someone picking up and reading a book like this, you need something succinct to get their attention". Then he asked if he could keep all the stuff i brought and if i would call him in 2 weeks to meet again. He prayed before and after we talked.
The thing that i think got his attention was what i had said about there being a lot of depression in my peer group. i guess the church had a 'concert of prayer' while we were at the above rubies retreat and at that time, they had a prayer time to pray for healing. He said it was like popcorn, all the people battling depression. We talked for about 45 minutes...
paige
i've been waiting 2 days to start this. Pretty pathetic... too chicken to start a blog.
Neil's working and the baby is sleeping. Cairo and Sloanie are doing school and Charter and Peyton are building a fort. So, i guess i have a couple of minutes to type...
i'm 29... i've been married for almost 10 years... i have 5 little ones to raise, and still miss that little baby i lost all those years ago. Life, for me, is motherhood.
i thought i'd blog my journey in this land where we are to live as sojourners. i've been seeking God on the issue of birth control and children as a blessing vs. children as a curse. i'll start by copying some correspondence. Mostly emails to my big sister who i make proofread all my letters etc...
paige
Neil's working and the baby is sleeping. Cairo and Sloanie are doing school and Charter and Peyton are building a fort. So, i guess i have a couple of minutes to type...
i'm 29... i've been married for almost 10 years... i have 5 little ones to raise, and still miss that little baby i lost all those years ago. Life, for me, is motherhood.
i thought i'd blog my journey in this land where we are to live as sojourners. i've been seeking God on the issue of birth control and children as a blessing vs. children as a curse. i'll start by copying some correspondence. Mostly emails to my big sister who i make proofread all my letters etc...
paige
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