{A Special Note from Miss Taylor on an Important Current Issue that May Affect You} Dear Friends, This morning I was reminded of these verses: "If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. This is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." (John 15:18-21 NIV); "For we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14 NIV); and also, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). These verses did not come to mind because of my mother's back gave out, or because I heard traffic was horrible this morning, or because I had to make bread in the new bread machine (though this all did take place). No, it was alarming news that reached my ear that made me tremble inwardly and remember this world is not my home. Horrific, terrible, shocking news. At 9:30 a.m., we listened to a Focus on the Family program concerning a grave matter. In California, it was ruled that homeschooling will become an illegal practice if the parents do not have a teacher's credentials. Of course, most parents do not possess what the state is requiring and now, over 200,000 students are at risk and homeschooling parents are in danger of criminal charges, that is if we do not take action. For if this becomes a law and since California has great influence upon the rest of the nation, what could happen to your family or your friends? Even if you do not know anyone homeschooled or who is currently homeschooling, please stand up for our rights! What can you do? 1. Pray. Pray continually that God would be merciful and spare His children this calamity. Pray continually for our nation (1 Thessonians 5:6-18). 2. Take action. How? Go to http://www.hslda.org and sign an important petition that will help 'unpublish' this ruling. You do not have to a member, but please, for the sake of families everywhere, sign your name to this petition. 3. Be informed and inform others immediately. For more information, please visit http://www.family.org and go to the page concerning current social issues. Read more there and tell others what you know about this cruel ruling. Tell them to see this blog entry at http://www.godlygirlhood.zoomshare.com/3.shtml. 4. Prepare yourselves. If you are a homeschooling parent and desiring assistance with the protection of your family, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) can help you. If you are not a member, please become one at their website: http://www.hslda.org. 5. Finally, remember, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV) Thank you and God bless. In His Grip, Miss Taylor "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have been convinced of..." (2 Timothy 3:12-14a NIV)