Celebration or Abomination?

"We live in dangerous times of societal change. And we are on a very slippery slope. If this attack on marriage succeeds, what is next? Incest? Polygamy? Pedophilia? Bestiality? By the “logic” used to legalize homosexual marriage, it will not be long until any deviant behavior is seen as normal in the eyes of the State." Read the whole article on my husband's blog.

“The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.” - William F. Buckley, Jr.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

One thing I am noticing: Virtually everyone seems to agree on the following things regarding the FLDS:

1. Children who are indeed abused or molested should be protected.

2. FLDS is a cult.

3. Neither under aged girls NOR grown women should be forced into a marriage against their will.

4. It is a tragedy that mothers and children have been separated and traumatized - and continue to be.

5. Those who have broken the law should be punished.

6. The 22-year-old woman who impersonated a teen FLDS girl by calling in an anonymous plea for help should suffer some sort of consequence.

What we CAN'T seem to agree on is what to do about it. We can't agree on:

1. Whether or not the government has overstepped its boundaries and violated the constitutional rights of American citizens.

2. Whether or not all of the children should continue to be kept from their parents without reasonable proof of an individual crime having been committed. (And what constitutes "reasonable" proof? Simply being a member of a cult is not instant "proof".)

3. Whether or not 16 and 17-year-old mothers should be allowed the right of marriage and motherhood if they married with parental consent (and not under duress). And if the answer is "no," then what of other 16 and 17-year-old wives and mothers OUTSIDE of the FLDS cult?

I'm wondering how many people who are in agreement with the government on this also believe that those who continue in this cult should be allowed to continue to have children. Do you think they should be sterilized? Should they have to give up every child they bear if they choose to live as FLDS? And should any family the government deems "cultish" or suspicious be open to state inspection or seizure of children? Isn't this the logical conclusion to these recent actions?

Why are homosexual couples allowed to adopt children and FLDS parents (who have not been accused of any crime) have their children seized? See what happens when the state gets to decide what constitutes abuse and "cultish" behavior?

There are monogamous couples who are both "of age" whose children have been seized. What crime are they accused of? Why are their children being held as virtual prisoners of the state? I agree that the FLDS is a damnable cult; but I'm saying that as a Christian - not a state agency. I certainly don't want the state to have the right to define what a cult is - or what constitutes "brainwashing" or "emotional abuse."

There are plenty of secular folk who believe that Christianity itself is a cult! "How dare you teach your child that Christ is the only way to salvation!!!!?”

And it's not just a matter of abuse needing to be proven (although there has certainly been plenty of time to do this), but it's also a matter of accusing individuals of a crime - not entire religious groups, based on the alleged actions of SOME.AND - those who are accused (the men) were not the ones taken! The supposed victims are the ones who are suffering all the more!

Read how a monogamous couple (the mom is 22!) has been treated: FLDS Mom Speaks Out After Giving Birth (Each YouTube video ends and a new one begins. Be patient - there are several YouTube Interviews on this video reel.

And read about the latest: The "Individual Service Plan" that is supposed to enable FLDS families to find out what it will take to get their children back - CLICK HERE. Be sure to read the many articles at The Common Room that cover this topic. Deputy Headmistress is keeping up on this and has done a lot more research than I have. Be sure to read what she has to say!

And just so you know - if you want to go have a beer, your drivers license works just fine to prove your age; but a drivers license AND a birth certificate won't work if you want to prove your age to CPS - at least not if your children are taken away because you're accused of being too young to have them. Be sure and read this whole article at "Grits for Breakfast":

"One mother said that she has a daughter in state custody who is 23, but who the state of Texas insists is 15 or 16 years old. She says her daughter has a birth certificate and a driver's license, and that she herself submitted her own driver's license and attested to her daughter's age, but the state will not accept any of the identification as legitimate.

"What other kind of evidence can any person offer as to the age of an individual? Age is not something that DNA can establish.

"She's right about that. If DNA can't tell age, you won't accept documentary evidence (like a Texas driver's license) and your abuse case is premised on the idea that the women are lying so you can't use their testimony, how can the state prove anything one way or another?

Old Enough? Says who?

"[Louisa Jessop gave] birth to a son, Richard, her third child. And now, she tells NBC News, she is in a small and bare room furnished with a foam mattress on the floor in a foster home in Austin, Texas...

"Her husband, Dan Jessop, is staying at a motel in town. Her other two children, Amber, 4, and Rolan, 2, are in a foster home under the custody of the Texas Child Protection Service (CPS) [all of which were born before moving to the ranch]...

"She says she's 22 and has presented authorities with a driver's license and birth certificate to prove it. But CPS spokesman Chris Van Deusen told NBC that the department has classified her as a "disputed minor," the term used for FLDS women whose age has not been established to the department's satisfaction. Until her age is established, they are treating her as if she is a minor...

"They said I looked like I was under 18," she said...

"Louisa Jessop has contributed DNA for state-ordered testing and hopes that the question of her age is soon settled so that she can leave with her son...

"She said that she is Dan Jessop's only wife and that the couple had moved to the Eldorado, Texas ranch from the FLDS community on the Arizona-Utah border just a few months before the raid..." Read the whole story here.

And read here how Another Monogomous Adult Couple Pleads for their Children...

"Lori Jessop, the EMT technician we've heard about before, has been sleeping at a woman's shelter at night and going to see her 11 month old nursling during the day. The state has yet to tell her where her other two children are. Her husband is living in a different temporary shelter. A social worker told her that when her son has his first birthday next week, the state will celebrate it by kicking his mother out of his life." - Deputy Headmistress

Click here to read Dangerous Cult or Dangerous Precedent

And here's a recent interview with two couples sharing their trauma...

A Tale of Two Rings

Sweet Sisters

From the blog of my beloved, James:

Yesterday, after shopping with Emma, Tiffany returned home downcast. We were a little puzzled; since before she left the house, she had been in a relatively cheerful mood. All had seemed well.

While Tiffany was on her way home from the store, she received a call from her mother, announcing that we would be visiting a delightful family from church - one who shares a love for good English tea. Tiffany sounded excited, always enjoying a good visit and looking forward to a good cup of tea.

But when she arrived home, Stacy informed her that plans had changed and now the family would be joining us for tea at our house in less than two hours. As a matter of fact, while they were here, we were going to use the occasion of their visit as a time to get some photographs of the children enjoying tea and scones!

Tiffany seemed apathetic and disinterested. She mentioned to her mother, “Pictures? Mother, we look like end-of-the-day messes!” Stacy smiled and told her she looked great and that it would be fun. Nevertheless, Tiffany moped about getting ready for the seemingly thrown together event.

One of the older girls came to us and said they had noticed that Tiffany had been crying. This really befuddled us. Something was amiss. Tiffany typically had a better attitude about things—even when asked to do something she didn’t care to do.

But the truth soon came out. Eyes welling with tears, Tiffany came into the room where Stacy was brushing the hair of one of the little ones and confessed. While at the store, she had somehow lost her ring, a special ring we had given to her years ago as a token of our love for her and as a reminder to her that God had called her to purity, before and after marriage.

While doing dishes that morning, she had placed her rings in her pocket and forgotten to put them back on. At the register, she had reached into her pocket for some change to buy little Emma some mints. She believes that was when the ring was lost. She let us know how sorry she was and we told her we were sorry too, but we would call the store and see if, in God’s providence, someone had found it. We gave her a hug before she headed upstairs to help with her sister’s hair.

I did not wait around. I took action. I called the local store and explained what had happened. I was placed on hold while a search was made.

Minutes later, I walked solemnly to Tiffany’s room. She was standing behind her sister, Jessica, adorning her head with artistic ringlets. Tiffany had put on one of her regency gown creations. My daughter looked radiant, yet still forlorn.

I said, in a somber voice, “Tiffany. I called the store. [pause for effect] They said they will call if… [pause for effect] …you don’t pick it up by tomorrow.” Then I smiled.

“They found the ring?” she asked excitedly.

“Yes dear. They found the ring.”

I was enveloped in a hug and kissed on the cheek. Tiffany simply said, “I love you, dad.” The hug seemed to last forever. I did not want it to end.

I said, “I love you too, daughter.”

This was a challenging moment for me; for unbeknownst to Tiffany, Jared had recently asked me for Tiffany’s hand in marriage. The afternoon tea party scheduled for that day was a ruse. The ladies of the McDonald home, along with our friends, the Riggenbachs, were working with Jared to simulate a scene from Pride and Prejudice where Mr. Bingley comes unannounced to seek the hand of Jane.

William, Mama has a secret. Don't tell Tissy, ok?...

While Mr. Riggenbach and I entertained the little ones downstairs, Jared arrived, clothed in appropriate period attire.

Jared Arrives. Dapper, isn't he?

"Here, Mrs. Riggenbach, let me refill your cup."

Mama looks heavenward - will all go as planned?

A Mother Daughter Moment

He sat down among the ladies for tea. Stacy winked at Jessica. Jessica asked, “Mother, whatever are you winking at?” [Stacy's note: You have to know the story to realize how much fun this was!] There were a few giggles, more winks, and knowing glances—then Stacy rose to exit the room, taking Melissa and Jessica along with her. After that, Mrs. Riggenbach rose suddenly. Her daughter, Lily, seemed to understand the command, and they both abruptly left the room together. Tiffany and Jared were left alone—Tiffany a bit bewildered.

Jared and Tiffany talked quietly for a few moments before Jared got down on one knee, presented the ring, and asked Tiffany to marry him.

And my daughter said, “Yes.”

So, in one day, a young lady loses a precious ring given to her by her earthly father, which her Heavenly Father sees fit to return. After that, the earthly father is touched by God’s providence, as a young man gives the young lady a new ring – one that adds to the love and beauty of the first. In God’s providence He has brought together a lady and a gentleman who, by God’s grace, have glorified God by keeping themselves pure and spotless in preparation for one another—adding substance to the brilliance of both rings.

Please rejoice with us as our dear daughter, Miss Tiffany Faith McDonald, is betrothed to Mr. Jared Francis Cave.

God is good.

The Betrothed!

Don't Miss Out...

Passionate Housewives Tea

and

Fellowship Brunch

Saturday, June 28, 2008
9:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

(Peoria, Illinois)

Fresh Vision for the Hopeful Homemaker

Are you a passionate housewife who sometimes feels desperate? Do you ever wonder if homeschooling is really worth the effort? Join us for the first ever Passionate Housewives Tea and be reminded why you’re doing what you’re doing—and how important your work really is. Gain fresh vision for living out Christ in all the everydayness of being a homemaking homeschooling mother.

We are thrilled to provide you with a refreshing morning of gourmet delicacies, tea, teaching, and fellowship. Be renewed and encouraged by moms just like you, sharing and pointing you to the only lasting answer—Jesus!

Click here to read the flyer.

Click here for a registration form.

Or call 309-389-3316

Please bring your well-behaved daughters along! And nursing babies are always welcome!

For some yummy tea party recipes to try at home, visit Debbie Mumm's Site.

I needed this today...

Yes, Thy will be done. Thank you, Lord...

Dangerous Cult or Dangerous Precedent?

I am heartbroken over what is happening in Texas. I watched some of the coverage online last night and sat shocked. Regardless of how much I disagree with FLDS beliefs, no matter how much I loath the thought of polygamy, and as much as I pray that these folks would turn from their strange doctrines and embrace the Jesus of the Bible, I can't for the life of me figure out how anyone can justify stealing over 400 children from their parents.

I went to sleep last night with images in my head of terrified children being ripped from the arms of their weeping mothers. I can't imagine how these families are suffering right now! I am beyond outraged over the injustice - the rights of these parents have been horribly violated! And what type of precedence does this set? Have we thought of the real implications here?

Scott Henson, in an article for the Dallas News, said this:

"In Eldorado, no one alleges YFZ parents are themselves abusing children. Instead the allegation (in court, at least) is that they're teaching their kids that a woman's highest calling is giving birth and raising children and that it's acceptable to get married at an early age. Even if it were true, and the allegation was disputed, can this really be enough to seize children from their homes?"

I keep hearing about abuse, but where? I haven't heard of one verified instance of abuse being found. Who gets to decide what we're allowed to teach our children and what should be considered "dangerous" or "cultish?" The state? Here's a quote from MSNBC that should give us all pause:

“Experts and lawyers fear the children's transition to foster care may be much harder than it is for other foster children...Many of the children have seen little or no television. They have been essentially home-schooled all their lives. Most were raised on garden-grown vegetables and twice-daily prayers with family. They frolic in long dresses and buttoned-up shirts from another century.”

Such abuse! How horrible! Let's rip these poor children from their families before they miss out on the necessary and oh-so beneficial experience of MTV and the hook-up culture.

From the same article, Mr. Henson addresses the judge:

"Excuse me, Judge? You issued a sweeping, house-to-house search warrant based on a highly questionable anonymous call that turned out to be phony. You refused to allow individual hearings for children, grouping them together like cattle. You accepted the testimony of an expert on "cults" who only learned about FLDS from media accounts, rather than an academic who'd studied them professionally for 18 years.

You've ruled the existence of five girls between 16 and 19 who were pregnant or had children was evidence of systematic abuse, even though in Texas 16-year-olds can marry with parental consent. You've ruled young toddlers are in "immediate" danger because of their parents' beliefs or what might happen 15 years from now, not because anyone abuses them.

From the evidence presented publicly, I do not believe that the children have been sexually abused or physically harmed. Allegations of forcible rape turned out to be bogus, and only five girls 16 to 19 years old were found pregnant or with children – probably about the same ratio you'd find if you rounded up all the kids in my neighborhood.

Instead, I wonder what it would be like for these children to be torn from a loving family by people whose message is this: Everyone who loves you is bad. Everything you believe is wrong. The God you've been taught is a fraud, and belief in Him is harming you."

And Tim Lynch, of the Cato Institute, had some interesting thoughts:

"If a child says 'I love my parents and want to go home,' it means he has been brainwashed by the 'cult.' And if a child says 'I like my foster parents a lot. They give me candy and the video games are awesome,' it means the child’s actual parents are unfit.

"State authorities talk a lot about rape and forced marriages, but 300 children are ages 4 and below. They should be sent home because there is no evidence of abuse. All the boys should go home because there’s no evidence of abuse. As for the remaining girls, they have been held for 3 weeks already … the judge should give the police one more week to present evidence or they should be going home too. The investigation can continue, but 3+ weeks in custody is enough already.

"When it comes to separating children from the parents, the burden of proof must be borne by the state."

You can listen to Mr. Lynch's podcast on the subject HERE.

And another must read: "Increasingly I'm coming to think that the case against the Eldorado polygamist compound may be a setup job." - Scott Henson

"Don't get me wrong: True pedophiles should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But that's a little different than changing the law to redefine historic religious practices by a particular sect as "pedophilia," which is what Rep. Hildebran did. Similarly, there's a big difference between investigating an individual, anonymous complaint from a single teenager, and forcibly taking 419 children away from their homes based on guilt by association.

I'd feel the same way if the state decided to seize all the children of parishioners in a Catholic church whose priest had been accused of pedophilia. What's the difference between that and what's happening in West Texas based on allegations against one man?

As Fox News' Greta Van Susteren declared, "being weird isn't a crime." And the alleged crimes of one man don't justify violating the rights of hundreds. When we identify "weird" people whose religious beliefs we don't like and pass laws criminalizing that behavior, as Hildebran did, to me that borders on "prohibiting the free exercise" of religion. This whole episode strikes me as grandstanding and overkill." - Scott Henson

Also, listen to Kevin Swanson's podcast.

And my husband, James McDonald's thoughts.

Texas 911 Calls Linked To 33-Year-Old in Colorado

"SAN ANGELO, Tex., April 23 -- The phone calls that triggered a massive raid on a polygamist compound in west Texas -- in which a quavering girl's voice described being forcibly married at 15 -- have been linked to a Colorado woman with a history of making false claims of sexual abuse, according to an affidavit filed in Colorado Springs.

The affidavit says calls that allegedly came from "Sarah Barlow" -- a teenage girl at the Yearning for Zion Ranch outside Eldorado, Tex. -- actually came from numbers connected to Rozita Swinton, 33, [State Democratic Delegate] of Colorado Springs. The affidavit also notes Swinton's possible involvement in a series of separate but similar reports in which the young caller described being abused by a pastor, an uncle or her father."

They're Coming for Your Kids - World Net Daily

Nursing infants over 12 months old taken from mothers

Note: The mainstream Mormon (LDS) religion does not acknowledge the Fundamental Mormon (FLDS) group as one of their own. However, even mainstream Mormonism, whether or not they follow all of the teachings of Joseph Smith, is not part of the Christian religion.