I Am Woman: A Testimony of Truth

Natural. Family. Planning.
First off, allow me to tell you a little something about myself up front. I am not "crunchy" and I don't even like granola that much. Yes, I prefer organic, co-slept w/ my babies, and breastfed past a year but I don't consider myself "hardcore." Although I love me some tie-dye and Indian food, I also color my hair and wear high heels. I also am not a super devout Catholic. I mean, I'd love to be and hopefully am getting there but I don't see myself ever wearing a lace head thingy...I mean, I don't even know what they're called. Brace yourself...I still wear a bikini (and yes, I've seen this video). Also, I have been married for 10 years and only have 3 children. Duggers we are not (not that there's anything wrong with that).

It's important to know these things because I think people generally believe that NFPers fit a certain stereotype. This couldn't be further from the truth. I am blessed to know a broad spectrum of all natural married lovers and their reasons for doing so are also quite varied.

Before my husband and I got married, he knew up front that I would never use contraceptives. My reasons were both spiritual and physical while he just simply did not want me to put that "crap" in my body. Love that guy. In my youth I was...uh...not such a good girl. I used the Pill and later Depo-Provera. I believed the lie that this was the responsible thing to do and most definitely felt like it was a rite of passage. Sure, my mom encouraged abstinence but our culture (ahem, the devil) had a strong hold on me. Furthermore, I believed the lie that a person cannot control their body and that hormones are stronger than one's will. Now, the verse 1 Corinthians 10:13 comes to mind, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." I had a way "out" but never called upon it.

Women are told to embrace their inner strength and that we can be and DO anything. True dat. Awesome words and empty words. We can be CEOs, soldiers, doctors, lawyers, and firefighters. But can we control our bodies? Laughable. Well I'm here to tell you, you can. Birth control does not just control birth, it controls your body. One of the many side effects of hormonal contraceptives is that it lowers a woman's sex drive. Romantic. Sex can also become less enjoyable for women because it changes the cervical mucus, therefore, vaginal dryness is a common complaint. Sexy.

There is a reason it is called BIRTH control and not conception control. "Hormonal contraceptives can also prevent pregnancy by making the lining of the womb inhospitable for implantation." WEB-MD. Yes, you read that right. All hormonal contraceptives are abortifacients. Basically, the fertilized egg starves to death because it cannot attach to the nutrient rich lining of the uterus. The dead blastocyst (new life w/ separate DNA) gets flushed out with the woman's next period and she had no idea she was even pregnant. How often does this occur? There is no way of knowing. I wept when I learned this truth.

The organic food industry is expected to grow by over 12% in the U.S. by 2014. I personally find this very exciting...and confusing. I'm happy that people are starting to wonder why 9 year old girls are starting menses and why breast cancer is at an all time high. Hormones in our foods can create havoc in our bodies. I'm unhappy that most women are not aware that hormonal contraceptives are class 1 carcinogens: "Estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives (combined) (Note: There is also convincing evidence in humans that these agents confer a protective effect against cancer in the endometrium and ovary)" American Cancer Society. In that same list you will find: Arsenic, asbestos, formaldehyde, ionizing radiation, coal-tar pitch, plutonium, and tobacco smoke. Do smokers disgust you? Do you assume that they don't care about their health? What if they took their tobacco in a convenient pill form?

If knowledge is power then the pharmaceutical companies along with Planned Parenthood want us to be weak. After all, Planned Parenthood was commissioned to write the original curriculum on modern day sex-ed programs. I don't seem to recall learning any of the above in health class or getting a full explanation from my OBGYN. Planned Parenthood's website omits the fact that the IUD (even the hormone free copper IUD, Paraguard) affects the lining of the uterus, thus making it an abortifacient. A supposedly "facts-based" website for teens gives a one sentence explanation on how the IUD works, also hiding its potential abortive mechanism and the fact that sterility is a side effect because the IUD can create endometrium scar tissue. They must think teens are stupid and can't read more than one sentence.

Everything about how I was created is perfect, including my reproductive system -even when my cycles are irregular and my PMS symptoms are horrendous and if bottled could be used as a biological weapon. Most importantly my fertility is not a disease that needs medicine. Isn't that what true feminism should be? Truly accepting who we are? I have chosen to embrace who I am and in turn embrace my Creator. My deepest prayer is that you will allow God to be in control of your life, every area, and no longer be a slave to our culture of death. All that I have written may seem like an inconvenient truth but the truth shall set you free! "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32


Below is a video where I highlight my personal testimony about NFP. I start at 33:25. Be kind, it was my first time giving a speech :)

Josh Walks America

A little over a month ago, my mom and I were driving down the highway when we noticed two young people pulling a bike cart down the side of the highway. That on its own wouldn't have gotten my attention but the large cross strapped to the young man's back surely did!! Mom says, "Turn around!!!" I was already in route; I had to know what they were doing. Well, it turns out that Josh and Kerri were college students who were walking across America in order to spread the Gospel. Wow...just wow. They introduced themselves with loving smiles and a genuine question of, "Do you know the love of Jesus Christ?"
In a world where I second guess my leaving a comment on someone' Facebook page that might hint towards Christ, these two brave and obedient college students were being modern day Apostles..."And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece." Luke 9:3. They had a few supplies w/ them like a tent and sleeping bags, only as much as could fit in their simple cart. They weren't being sponsored, they were relying on God to provide for their needs.
I had to get to know these two a little more so I invited them to lunch at our house...I'm sure they could have used a rest after being in Missouri August heat! They accepted, so mom and I moved some car seats around and made room for their cart and our new friends! I called Ryan and told him that I was bringing some "Christian hippies" home and he was of course a bit confused but knows me all too well. We stopped by our local Amish market to pick up provisions and made our way home.
They stayed for a couple hours as we ate lunch, fellowshiped and listened to their story and got to know these two lovely people who have plans to marry someday. It was so inspiring to meet young people like this these days...unafraid, excited, and willing to follow God's lead.

I invite you to check out their blog and read about their journey: http://blog.joshwalksamerica.com/

My Nutshell Conversion Story

A new Facebook friend who happens to be a Baptist, recently asked me what influenced my conversion from Baptist to Catholic. After I layed the kids down for a nap, I quickly typed out a (long) nutshell version of my conversion (I love rapping). I was more than humbled when my blogger friend, Dale, asked if he could publish it on his blog. So instead of pasting it, follow the link to meet Dale at the The Butter Rum Cartoon...
http://oldelephantwings.blogspot.com/2012/09/one-truth.html

My Early Morning Reflection

After waking up at 5am and tossing and turning for almost an hour, I decided to just get up and go out to the front porch and have some quiet Bible time before the kids woke up. As always, I just opened up my Bible to see what the Lord wanted to show me and I opened up to Psalm 1 and started reading. When I got to Psalm 10, my blood ran cold. His word truly is eternal; His commandments and truth know no century. I'm sure another pro-lifer has done a commentary on the pro-life connection to the following passages and I'm just reinventing the wheel but I just felt like I unearthed a treasure.

Psalm 10:1-11
"Why, Lord do you stand at a distance and pay no heed to these troubled times? Arrogant scoundrels pursue the poor; they trap them by their cunning schemes. The wicked even boast of their greed; these robbers curse and scorn the Lord. In their insolence the wicked boast: "God doesn't care; doesn't even exist." Yet their affairs always succeed; they ignore your judgement on high; they sneer at all who oppose them. They say in their hearts, "We will never fall; never will we see misfortune." Their mouths are full of oaths, violence, and lies; discord and evil are under their tongues. They wait in ambush near towns; their eyes watch for the helpless, to murder the innocent in secret. They lurk in ambush like lions in a thicket, hide there to trap the poor, snare them and close the net. The helpless are crushed, laid low; they fall into the power of the wicked, who say their hearts, "God pays no attention, shows no concern, never bothers to look."

If this isn't a description of Planned Parenthood then I don't know what is. If you drive through most poor, usually urban, areas, you will see 3 things: payday loan buildings, liquor stores, and a Planned Parenthood. Take a drive to 711 North Providence Rd in Columbia, MO to see for yourself how they "wait in ambush near towns; their eyes watch for the helpless, to murder the innocent in secret." These businesses prey on the poor and the helpless and if you ever read any of Planned Parenthood's press releases and quarterly statements, you will see that "the wicked even boast of their greed". If you are familiar with the D&C abortion method (http://www.lifesite.net/abortiontypes/), then you understand exactly how the "helpless are crushed".

If you read further in these psalms you will read that they will be made to account for their crimes. Our God is not at a distance and cares very deeply. He is "the defender of the orphans" and so is every single person who prays and helps the poor and women who feel helpless because of a pregnancy.

Psalm 10:12-15
"Rise up, Lord God! Raise your arm! Do not forget the poor! Why should the wicked scorn God, say in their hearts, "God doesn't care?" But you do see; you do observe the misery and sorrow; you take the matter in hand. To you the helpless can entrust their cause; you are the defender of orphans. Break the arms of the wicked and depraved; make them account for their crimes; let none of them survive."

The Dilemma of a Female President, answered.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/michele-bachmann-biblical-submission-and-servant-leadership/2011/07/29/gIQAEAYwgI_story.html

A Black Belt in Scam

Why do karate schools have to be so shady about their pricing? I understand that they want you to truly understand their program and its benefits before they round-house kick you with the cost, but for the love of Bruce Lee, just tell me how much it costs! We really want to sign our son up so I went in the the nearest Dojo and inquired about their program...and prices. She gave me a flier (er, flyer?) and told me about the program and then said that I would need to make an appointment to basically have my lil' dragon warrior "assessed". After the $10 assessment, he'll receive a ninja suit (a Gi) and the cost will be explained...I'm sure with a power point presentation, "Rocky" music, and with quick flashes of Daniel-Son, Kung-fu Panda, and possibly even Chuck Norris...we can only hope.
I read some reviews online on this particular Dojo and patrons said that they require a contract. What? Are you peddling cell phones or something? They're kids!! One day they want to be a Paeleontologists and the next, Superman. So tell me Sensei, can you teach him to leap tall bulidings in a single bound? Use his laser eyes to cut steel? If so, where do I sign? I'm all for trying to encourage my children to stick to their commitments but not when legal contracts are concerned. If I can't find a school that is contract free then I guess he'll just have to stick to getting his training from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (thankful for Netflix!)...turtle power!!!

National Offend a Feminist Week 2011

Being that I'm a "homemaker advocate", this Suzy Q. must do her part in offending feminists around the globe. Will I picket on the roadside with angry eyebrows as they do? No. Will I decoupage my vehicle with hateful bumper sticker propaganda? No. I will simply go about my day as planned and stick to the original mission...fulfilling my purpose on this earth. Allow me to brief you on operation "Trophy Wife":
I'm going to put my apron on, make a delicious dinner (possibly even dessert), fold laundry, take our children to the playground, work out (so that I look good for my man and feel good about myself), serve my husband a cold beer when he gets home from work, and also give him some sweet lovin' when the kiddies go to bed.

The word "trophy" is defined as:

1. Anything taken in war, hunting, competition, etc., especially when preserved as a memento; spoil, prize, or award.
2. Anything serving as a token or evidence of victory, valor, skill, etc.
3. A carving, painting, or other representation of objects associated with or symbolic of victory or achievement.

How can a woman not smile when she is considered a symbol of a man's achievement? His successes are mine and visa-versa; a true companionship. Our daughter is only 2 but when she's old enough she'll be taught that she can do anything that a man can do, but if he wants to do it for her, then let him. Why women wanted to be taken off of their pedestal is beyond my comprehension. My husband serves his family by working hard and bringing home a paycheck and I serve by managing the home, finances, children, and so much more. Each job is equally important and essential to marriage and family life.
When pleading the cause of the stay-at-home mom, you'll often hear women say, "But what about MY career?", or, "I need to have a life of my own". Here's the thing ladies, YOU are not your own. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:20 that, "For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." Not only that, if a woman is married and has children, she also belongs to the greatest people on earth...her family. And with that comes the great task of raising children of and for God in a world that seeks to destroy their precious little souls...and of course the diapers, laundry and dishes. By those standards, I have the most fulfilling and draining career in the world.

Matthew 23:11 says, "But the greatest among you shall be your servant". Now I'll be honest, I don't always feel so great when I'm the 1st one to rise and the last one to go to bed and look and feel like Quasimodo from picking up toys all day, just so that the Mr. doesn't have to come home to a mine field...but "great is my reward in heaven", right? There are of course the earthly rewards as well. To realize that, all I have to do is look at my beautiful family and look forward to planning my 50th wedding, because if we continue to follow God's will for our life, there WILL be a 50th wedding anniversary! It's possible that one or both of us could already have passed away but there will be celebrating, nonetheless.

My heart truly goes out to these mislead women because they're missing out on so much...other than just their bras. My prayer is that they will put away their pant suits and picket signs and discover their true femininity and embrace it. I don't think anyone has ever been truly fulfilled by only serving themselves. To the mommas who are super moms who work full-time and still have the energy and time to "do it all", please tell me what vitamins you're on because this lil' lady just couldn't do it....so maybe I'm the weak one. You no doubt serve your family in love but also financially. Your sacrifices are eternal as well. I just sincerely believe in one truth and that an "ideal" in this life still exists. Maybe I'm wrong. There is so much importance in why we were created...to glorify His name and we do that by fulfilling our purpose, "Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man." 1 Corinthians 11:9. 
Now, for your enjoyment, a funny article about today's festivities...
http://theothermccain.com/2011/05/02/national-offend-a-feminist-week-2011/?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4dbec6c7947e4072%2C1

P.S. I'm also going to continue NOT using birth control...that should really eat at 'em!