May Garden

• Jul. 5, 2008 - The Star Spangled Banner

For the 4th of July we were pretty busy with some practical things our new neighbors needed a little help and encouragement and the kids and I were busy with that while dad was trying to rest after a very heavy work week.

Later in the afternoon we did our reading time and again in the evening.

We have a nice cozy set up in the girls room and a tape player there that we used to listen to
a reading of the Star Spangled Banner. It was lovely. I never remember dwelling on all the stanzas.

We discussed the meaning of the thoughts and ideals in that great song.

Interestingly a few days prior I had been reading in Isaiah 3-7 and beyond. It was good reading!

I know the Prophetic writings are pretty serious but they tell the story of history and how the Living God deals with people. I find it comforting in many ways because I can see the reason this world is so chaotic and full of problems... I don't have to wonder why so much 'bad' has to happen constantly.

If any of you have read the Peter Marshall Jr. American History Series you may agree with him that America is likened to Israel... God has given us so much favor but He also loves us enough to be a consistent Father and send chastisement to us when we are turning our faces away from Him.

It is a good study to get into.

One thing that stuck out to me was this verse talking of the Lord Jesus

Isaiah 7

15Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

What a perfect example in scripture to encourage us to feed our children the wholesome things of life and the truth of God's word that we may give them the ability to discern what is godly for themselves.