Stand with me?

There are stories that touch the heart, stories that all too often represent humanity. No matter how old these stories are- the characters and moments live on in today's world and culture.

I know I made a couple Les Miserables posts on here, but was encouraged by a friend to post this. It deals directly with religion today, and the barricades.

The barricades? you may be thinking- what do revolutions have to do with anything?

Well, they have to do with alot- which you will discover in this short discourse by yours truly.

Well, let me explain the revolution in Les Mis. It is not the French Revolution, but a small revolt years later.

The Revolutionaries are a small group of idealistic college students, let me introduce you to them?

Enjolras- the leader of the revolt, he is honorable, has a sense of justice, is very idealistic and trusting- believing the people will rise.

Combeferre- Enjolras' right hand man, practical, logical and prefers a peaceful route but joins the barricades.

Courfeyrac- the friendly, welcoming one

Joly- the hypocondriac with a sense of humor

Lesgle- the unlucky one who is always happy

Feuilly- the creative, hard-working one with a heart for Poland. (he is a worker, not a student though)

Jehan- the poet, who writes lovely verses.

Bahorel- the fighter who is angry at the false doctrine the church is teaching.



Grantaire- the skeptic, does not believe in anything- but it drawn to Enjolras' light


Now- not a revolutionary but Marius- a friend of the group who lands up falling in love with Cosette.






These young activists in the movie verse of Les Miserables burst into song "Do you Hear the People Sing?" in an attempt to get the people to join them- the people rise and join in the singing, everything seems triumphant, Enjolras is confident, will this feeling stay forever?


No.




The barricades went up, but as soon as the army came- the people retreated into their homes. Enjolras and the revolutionaries, with help of a few others attempt to hold off the coming enemy. The revolutionaries did not get enough people who truly believed to the point they would lay down their lives.


All too often humans get caught up in the moment and "sing along" so to put it, but do not believe the words they are saying. They just are there for the fun, but forget about it the next morning.
Much like the citizens of Paris in Les Miserables.


The song is reprised in the heaven scene with different new lyrics

What kinds of people are we? Do we "feel the spirit" at alter call when the piano is playing in the background, then forget about our "feeling" when the barricades go up?  Are we Enjolras and aren't afraid to express our beliefs to others and act daring about them? or are we the masses of people who just closed the shutters and pretended not to hear the screams of the revolutionaries although they joined in song?

will you be not afraid to say "these are my beliefs" no matter what your beliefs are? 

Whatever religion or creed you hold to, express it from your heart so we know who you truly are- and don't be the people who joined in the song but their hearts weren't there?

This is directed at Christians, but this truth can be applied to anybody- why don't we actually say what we believe instead of becoming the masses that sung but did not believe?

This is my question to you reader- in the words of Enjolras "will you be strong and stand with me?"

Made with my friend Janae--- just for fun =P

Middle Ages

[] You believe the church has divine authority [] you believe in hierarchy [] we are in society for a reason [] everything has order [] don't shake society [] the church is from God [] the king is God on earth
I won't be able to help with all of these, but I can a little.
[] you like simple art
(there isn't much to say about medieval philosophy )
[] people can speak the will of God
[] we can't read the Bible, only special peopel can
[] you like to obey
[] rules are good
[] revolution is bad
[] you have strong religious views
[] invasion is a real concern
[] crusades are ok
[] so is much work and little pay
[] you like rationalism
[] the earth is in the center of the universe

Renaissance

[] you like high quality

[] you like to integrate both Christian and pagan ideas

[] you question authority

[] you love the ancients

[] you want to go to Italy

[] you like art

[] you like to create new things

[] you take pride in being able to draw naked people well XD lol jk

[] art is the key to the future

[] you know the difference between art and porn (disclaimer) lol

[] you want to challenge the old

[] you're a bit humanistic

[] science is awesome

[] you are self-aware

How Enlightment Influenced are you?
[] Religion is a natural right
[] the government should not interfere in religion
[] Speech is a natural right
[] rebellion is needed if authority oversteps bounds
[] the government is of consent of the governed
[] liberty and equality!
[] reason is very helpful
[] revolutions are at times necessary in society
[] government should stay out of church affairs
[] the people are the final authority
[] God does not place people in power- people do
[] Ben Franklin is awesome
[] hermeneutics before hype
[] education can accomplish alot
[] scientific method is great
[] independence is good
[] you'd rather be reading
[] you value rational thinking
[] Thomas Jefferson has your admiration
[] you identify more as a thinker than a doer
[] you support the American Revolution
[] you avoid the crazies
[] people are supposed to be active in their affairs
[] you don't necessarily think of yourself as spiritual
[] people are above human authority or equal to it
[] you are more the scientist

Romanticism [] you love nature [] natural beauty is pure [] God is in nature (or seen through it) [] emotions are good [] follow your heart [] less government the best [] you are a libertarian [] you think we should all go back to nature [] the past was wonderful

[] we can be perfected

[] we need to tap into nature

[] country life is the best!

[] libertarian-socialism sounds cool

[] the world is too much with us

[] I blow things out of proportion

[] live life to the fullest

[] I live for the sublime

[] I like eastern philosophies

[] perfection is in our reach

Postmodernism [] everything is relative [] your interpretation is your interpretation [] nature is wonderful

[] you like not making sense

[] fragmentation is good

[] deconstruction yeah!

[] you are easily depressed

[] this whole thing is relative

[] the world is gonna burn

[] we're living in a wasteland

[] Ecclesiastes is your favorite book of the Bible

Enjolras and Grantaire as an allegory

Enjolras in a way is like the guy who has been a believer for a while (probably since he was a little child) for him, his beliefs are so natural he does not understand disbelief.
Grantaire (obviously) is the non-believer who does not believe in anything, he is drawn to Enjolras who has the light of Christ in him (Grantaire also can have that if he just believes =P) Enjolras is put off a bit by Grantaire, but unknowingly his testimony is really attracting Grantaire.
When Enjolras is about to die and Grantaire is sober- it is like the darkness is lifted off him and he believes from that moment.

Les Mis Devotional

I wrote this late at night for a friend.


(No hate please! this is only interpritation)

We are all sinners, we are bound for much more than 19 years in prison. We have all broken the law- no man is perfect. Grace however can save us, as was exemplified in Jean Valjean's story.

The barricades is often a part of Les Mis that gets brushed over in the allegory, however the barricade has so many different levels of interpretation.  The barricade can be thought of politically and religiously. I'm a huge political nerd, as everybody knows- but for my friend I'm writing my religious interpritation.

Life is the barricade, we are all at a constant spiritual warfare. There is a line where the amis are almost tricked into thinking the enemy will not attack. Likewise- many preachers and teachers make trick us into thinking spiritual warfare is not real. We need to keep being vigilant.

I saw Enjolras' and Marius' relationship as interesting. Enjolras I saw perhaps as somebody saved for a long time, he was always in the fight since he was young. Marius I saw as a new believer- he is gradually getting used to it, and is kind but very distracted. Enjolras never looked down upon Marius, he saw him as an equal.
The barricade was a fight to the death-- in the end however through all the struggles each of them lived in heaven.

Movie Review: The French Revolution

I was scrolling down my tumblr feed, and saw a bunch of clips to this one miniseries called "La Revolution Francise." It looked wonderful- the problem was I did not speak French, however I was delighted to find the whole thing in spoken English on YouTube. It was not a documentary, but a dramatic miniseries.
The first episode was one of my favorites- It starts out with an innocent looking young boy (Maximilien Robespierre-- but we do not know it yet) reading a poem in Latin the the king. The king rudely tells his driver to move on. Young Camille Desmolins (also to become important later on in the miniseries) comforts Maximelien, although it is obvious both boys are offended.
Years later- France is sinking in economic turmoil.  A disaster so bad it makes our current economy look good. King Louis and the other nobles are aware, but somewhat blinded. They form a national convention- somewhat like a congress. Three classes are represented- the Nobles, the Clergy and the Third Estate. The Third Estate is the biggest- but the Nobles and Clergy always ganged up on them. Camille Desmolins looses election to the convention, but Maximilien Robespierre wins.
Robespierre and the others are sitting in the convention talking about the economy-- Camille watching from the galleries. At this point Camille and Robespierre are great friends. The following day the Third Estate is locked out of their meeting room on purpose and forced to meet in a tennis court. The Third Estate refuses to disband, the king though may have them all put to death according to rumors. Robespierre and the others are in the national assembly room, Camille escapes to warn France.
Camille stands on a table in a city square and gives an inspiring speech about liberty. To quote from part of his speech; "Yes, i'am the one speaking up- for liberty! You won't take me alive. I will die before I see France enslaved!"  After this speech the Parisians storm the Bastille in order to get guns and ammunition needed.
I will try to refrain from saying much for for the sake of spoilers, this whole series stretches to the end of the French Revolution.
Robespierre makes an 180 degrees  character change. He seemed like two totally opposite people from the beginning to the ending of this movie. Saint Just, Camille, Danton and the others were very well portrayed. Jane Seymour even made an appearance as Marie Autoinette! Each of these characters are very well-portrayed, and the movie itself was pretty historically accurate but at the same time had enough drama and action to keep the viewer interested.

Casted Aside Revolutoin

At my college- I ran into something rather alarming, a girl in my class was saying how she wanted the French Revolution proved to her. I was shocked anybody would say "prove it!" and not believe something such as the French Revolution happened. I was joking about it with my roommate, and another girl explained how she never actually learned it. This was not isolated, apparently many public schools (not all) are erasing the French Revolution.


Hold on there!

I'm an American history girl myself. I believe every period of history is vital though. The French Revolution showed a very powerful part of history--- It started out with grand ideas "liberty", "equality" and promised a brighter future instead of a tyrannical monarchy. Sounds nice, right?  Who wants to live under a monarchy? I wouldn't...

Well, unfortunately did not stay nice.  Power corrupts.  Once a group of men who started out with these grand ideas took power, paranoia and suspicion turned this whole revolution into a bloodbath. It was not meant to turn out this way though.  It is the story of a 5'1 tall revolutionary who started out "incorruptable" yet fell hard (I happen to share this guy's birthday, try to guess who he is), out of touch royal officials (including a queen that Kirsten Dunst played in a popular film), starving people, revolutionaries in what appears to be pajama pants, and a dream for a better society- that turned into a nightmare of terror.

This offers an extreme but very true lesson on what absolute power can do to people. Power must always be checked and balanced, lest something like this happens.

 Without the French Revolution- Napoleon never would have came to power, meaning--- we would never of had the War of 1812, meaning Andrew Jackson would never have been elected as well as many other presidents.
We also never would of had the concept of "nullification" without the French Revolution, nullification started by states ignoring John Adams' Alien and Sedition Acts.

So many periods of history make it easier for us to understand man's nature, and different parts of history--- world and US tie into each other. You can't have one without the other.  The French Revolution needs to be taught in schools.

"It is time for us all to decide who we are."

The time comes in the course of everybody's life to make a huge life altering choice. In the words of Enjolras from Les Miserables "it is time for us all to decide who we are."  I made the commitment to devote my life to politics for freedom when I was 14 years old. Although my political views have changed over the years, the message has not. 

I was part of an amazing group called Generation Joshua. This group changed my life in tremendous ways.  I was Senate Minority Leader in 2010's IGovern. At that IGovern I made a very special commitment to remain politically active.  In 2011 I was a vice presidential candidate, I made some unpopular stances that possibly cost me the vice presidency. It was worth it though, I would speak for what is best for the people, even if it is unpopular politically.  2012 was my last year at IGovern, I because somewhat of an IGovern celebrity. I also was part of three Student Action Teams. Even though we lost several elections we would not give up- we are fighting for the future and liberty, something greater then us.

Reminiscing aside, in 2012 I went through some quandaries. I wanted more then anything to help at IGovern, but I was rather immature and sensitive at times. I knew this may hinder me, so I prayed and reflected on how I may change.  When I first came here to Liberty University I noticed something- I no longer was thin-skinned, I could laugh and be ribbed andays  just let it roll off my back. All those years at IGovern did help me. I remember Joel Grewe telling me the areas in which I needed to change and improve, I took his words to heart and what Joel said over the years made me a better person.  I'm far from perfect- I can never be perfect. I improved and matured over the years though, and looking back and the way I used to think I see how far i've come.


In two days I will be 19.  That is the age of becoming a Generation Joshua leader.  Back in November I was not sure if I was ready to take on such a large responsibility. But after prayer and consideration in January my mind changed--- i'm ready. College and my friends have really helped me mature and grow up. Thank you to everybody for making me who i'am today. 
I long to give the Generation Joshua kids what the GenJ leaders gave me so many years ago. I want to be a good role model, and I want to help them the way Grace, Brittany, Kathy, Joel, Daniel, Jeremiah and Michael helped me.

Yes, I accept it.

"Will you join in my crusade? who will be strong and stand with me?" - Les Mis

I have not seen the movie yet- but will be seeing it on Saturday.  I finally completed reading "Les Miserables" it is an amazing book full of colorful characters.  My favorite was Enjolras, I could relate to him personality wise, and the act that we both are very passionate about what we believe in. I'm the moderator of a facebook group called; "The Coffee House" for intellectual discussions, and a subgroup of the "Coffee House" for political activism. Like Enjolras, I'm a leader of a bunch of passionate and amazing young people. I'm honored to be there, and honored to have an amazing bunch.  Something Enjolras said struck me though; "we are under the eyes of the Revolution, we are the priests of the Republic, we are the victims of duty, and must not be possible to slander our combat."- he said that after executing a man who murdered an innocent.  I was thinking about that quote, and how it applies to us.  Don't get me wrong, we aren't revolutionaries and we do not have anybody who killed innocents. But we are under the eyes of the world, they are watching our every step. When we are on the campaign trail, at the "barricade" (of political signs), with our families. The world wants to see us fall, but we should try our best to remain blameless and pure. We do not want them to talk "slander" about our actions, then in turn it will ruin our whole course.  Remember to keep your eyes on what is right. It is impossible to be right all the time, but in public try your best--- the world is watching.

Characters That Made An Impression

Inspired by Rachel Heffington's post today about characters that leave an impression in one's heart, here is my list.

1)
John C. Calhoun- from John C. Calhoun: American Portrait.   Even though I disagree with him on some political issues I greatly admire him. Calhoun stood against corruption and spoke up for what he believed in. He wanted to retire to his beloved family but decided God called him to Washington and he should stay.  I could relate to Calhoun personality wise, which made me find him a very sympathetic character who shared my dreams and ambitions.

2)
Enjolras- Les Miserables. His love of politics and freedom. He wasn't afraid to be different or stand out, he put his country and ideals first.  He had good morals, and good moral restraints. Usually people say that relate to Fantine, Eponine or Marius--- but for me it was Enjolras. Before I watched Les Mis some of my friends said I reminded them of him, and now I see why.


3)
Henry Clay- Henry Clay: The Essential American. We do not have very much in common, but I just love Clay.

4)
Lucy Pevensie- Narnia. She is adorable, and a picture of hope and innocence.

5) Peter Pevensie- Narnia. Honorable, leader, noble--- what more can you admire?

6) Beth March- Little Women. Unlike Enjolras, Beth and I do not have much of anything in common. But she is so sweet and compassionate, she most certainly has an imprint in me.

7) Orry Main- North and South. Again, a character I can relate to personality-wise

8) Abigail Adams- John Adams. Really smart and supportive.

The Church's Duty: The Social Scene

I will divulge in this blog post something you have heard for years. However, this is a plee to act on those beliefs.

With all the heat going on about the current crises with government programs, people are concerned about who will take care of the poor.

I have a simple response- the church. You do not have to be a believer but one thing is certain, the church's responsibility is supposed to be reaching out to the world around it. The church is supposed to help the downtrodden.

The church has been lax, but in scripture it is commanded for the church to help the widows and those less fortunate. It is up to you to help those who are downtrodden.

A humorious post for a change.


World's Worst Debate Arguments;

For those who haven't seen Lincoln, I will not reveal some of the amusing arguments some of the congressmen make. It is a great movie though and you should see it! The photo is of Thaddeus Stevens R-PA (Tommy Lee Jones) in his very nicely decorated congressional office. Not telling you anything about the scene between him and Rep. Fernando Wood (D-NY) but I threw that out there to pipe y'alls curiosity.



1) If you are loosing a debate, do not call the other side; "illogical"....  clearly, that itself is a illogical argument.

2) "You are stupid!" maybe your opponent is, chances are he is not. It is merely a different way of viewing the world then you have. "Stupid" is best for preschoolers on the playground; "Johnny is stupid! he stole my ice cream!"  Not for respectable debaters.


3) "Are you evil?"--- that line was borrowed from the historical fiction movie "North and South" Kristie Alley in the role of Virgillia Hazard asks Orry Main (played by Patrick Swayze) if he is "evil" because he is from the South. Orry was immediately turned off to Virgillia's arguments, even though she was right saying "slavery is wrong", the rest of her arguments--- personal attacks really did her cause more harm then good.

4) "you are the personification of all that is evil and wrong in the world" ^^^ See above. Also, it sounds more like a troll argument.

5) "John Adams is a bold, blind, crippled, toothless man who wants to start a war with France!"- from an actual campaign ad, I hope I do not have to say why this is a poor argument.







6) "Extreme"--- even if you think your opponent's stance is "extreme", do not say so. Who defines "extreme" anyway?   Also, what is to stop me from calling yours "extreme"?

7) Fanaticism or even appearing fanatic does harm to your cause.

8) "you are letting your religion interfere"--- everybody's religion or philosophy of life is bound to interfere with their political views.  Nobody can help it, since the philosophy that governs your life will govern all you believe.

9) Lies.  Never ever do them in a debate. Ever. 

10) If you must insult somebody, do it with flowery language =P not juvenile language such as; "stupid" or evil" and NEVER swear, EVER. But in all seriousness, try to avoid insults.

11) BONUS!  Do not pull a Preston Brooks

Revival

Many people these days are praying for revival, which is amazing. But remember--- we are the next step :) Revival starts with us, spreads to our neighbors and friends.  Are we truly reflecting Christ? are we being caring to others and considerate? are we reaching out to help others?

I know this sounds cliche, but it true;
Revival starts with individuals. In an individuals heart. Reach out to others! :)

Thanksgiving

So many things to be thankful, I will not bore y'all with long eloquent and awesome sounding descriptions, but I offer a small list;

God, America, my family, my friends, Generation Joshua, food, shelter, a low crime area, books!!!!, history, my historical heroes, politics, Jim DeMint, music, my 1830s cape, clothing, the most amazing friends any girl can have, my brain, my hair, my eyes, health (I have only gotten two colds in my life), laughter, good times, my redecorated room, hope, faith, these United States are a Republic, states rights, tea, sweet tea, peanut butter M&Ms, ice cream, I can just have the list go on!

Generation Joshua taught me to dream.

For a long time, I have been a member of Generation Joshua. This organization changed my life and is a major part of who i'am as a person.

They had this camp "IGovern" where we'd act out the parts of senators and congressmen, and we'd act in a scenario. I went to IGovern in 2010 for the first time. Before I arrived I looked up everything I could about the part I was to portray.  I was a senator, and unanimously elected Senate Minority Leader.  The scenario was: Turkey and Russia were at war, and somehow we got pulled into it. Basically IGovern 2010 was a repeat of the War of 1812! We had our War Hawks, who caused an entire senate committee to get thrown out of the library by chanting; "ANNEX CANADA!!!", we had our peacedoves, and I--- Senate Minority Leader Hausheer, tried to find common ground. We got pretty divided, until worship. Jenaye White, the Gold Party's Vice President started playing "From the Inside Out" on the piano, the whole room sung and to this day, my eyes fill with tears thinking of that moment. Everybody; Gold and Blue Parties, Conservative and Libertarian, War Hawk or Peacedove--- we were all ONE body in Christ. I found where I belonged, my whole life I was searching for a group of people who would accept me and share my love of politics--- I found it. Generation Joshua kids (most of them ;)) never judged me, my GenJ friends appreciated and respected me, they always looked out for me. I cannot speak for all Generation Joshua kids, since it is a large group not every kid is amazing. The kids I was friends with however, were AMAZING. You know who you are, if you are reading this--- you are my friend and I love you.

My life goal was confirmed at IGovern East 2010. I was pondering for a couple years, the thought of running for public office. IGovern East made me find my calling. God wants me to serve in public office, the legislative branch. Not to be an average politician, but to be a stateswoman. To make a difference in the world. I cannot bear the thought of living without making a huge impact in the world around me, history and in my country.  I want not just to be another person aimlessly roaming the earth, I want a purpose. I want to inspire generations of Americans after me. To be a beacon of honesty and truth, to take a stand for my values of freedom but do so with all reason and tact.


I attended a "Student Action Team" in Annapolis, Maryland and campaigned for now Congressman Andy Harris.


IGovern 2011 had an exciting scenario. I returned as a senator, but in the scenario we were on the brink of a civil war. I ran for vice president for the Gold Party, as a VP candidate I felt I learned hands-on about the campaign process, I always knew about it--- but living it out was a different matter. I met my hero, the real life Senator Jim DeMint. DeMint inspired me to do something very brave. The last day of the scenario, I held the senate floor. I spoke for states rights and nullification, since I felt if I turned against these issues I would feel uneasy to betray my principals just to win the Vice Presidency.  We hammered out a compromise, and avoided Civil War at the end of that week.


I went that year down to Virginia to help elect Suzanne Volpe.


IGovern 2012 was the last IGovern I ever did as a student. Technically, since I was 18 I was too old. However, Will Estrada allowed me to seek a third term in the senate. IGovern 2012 was my least favorite year because it was my last.  Some kids played diplomats from foreign countries, I was still a senator though (from South Carolina.)   Many of the kids were younger then me, but I tried to gain influence in the senate. In the senate, I spoke about each bill, formed coalitions, and told senators how to vote. Seniority is very important in the real life senate ;)    I learned how to compromise, and when to compromise.  Although, there is a time for standing on principle. I supported the right of states to ignore unconstitutional federal laws, and I wrote a bill on it. By the time this bill came before the senate floor I was alone in doing a loud and resounding; "YEA!" everybody else voted "Nay." I would do it again though.



I went to a Student Action Team in Loudoun County, Virginia and was assistant leader on the Bravo Team.



Never before had I met a group of such determined kids then I had at Generation Joshua. Most of these kids are full of a fervor and passion, that I love. Most of them are intellectual and smart and not afraid to show it.

Generation Joshua Adults and Kids have inspired me, I want to give Generation Joshua back what they gave me all these years. Hopefully, when the time comes I can join the Leadership Corps.  I was inspired by the lessons, even though I knew most of them, GenJ installed in me a deeper love and yearning. I also loved debating and discoursing with others. GenJ taught me; that it is alright to be different, I have the most amazing friends ever, politics is amazingly fun, stand for your principles--- even if you are standing alone, it is alright to compromise just be sure it is the right time and place, with God anything is possible.


This is a challenging task to summarize on one mere blog post how much Generation Joshua has met to me. I love it so dearly, I love everybody who made my experience as awesome as it is. I'm so thankful God put you in my life.  Without you, i'd be so lonely, the only person on earth interested in politics. You have opened my eyes to my; dreams, ambitions and friendship. I will cherish the lessons of Generation Joshua forever. Those who disagreed with me politically to, I'm thankful for you :)
For those of you new to GenJ, I hope you have as much fun as I did!

Thank you Generation Joshua! I hope to pass my torch someday when it is time so others may benefit from what you have taught me. I will continue the dreams y'all have installed deep within my heart, and never lose them. I will keep my morals and my beliefs like y'all taught me to. I hope many of us do go on to serve in public office, Lord-willing. 


May God bless you,

Emily R. Hausheer


Just curious :) Please leave a comment <3

An Election Day Carol

(A parody on Charles Dicken's "Christmas Carol")

It was November, Ebenezer NoVolte grumbled. Election season... campaign signs everywhere, pesty phone calls and the worse part was---KIDS! Kids coming to his door to campaign. If Ebenezer saw anymore pesty kids he would scream. Knock, knock, knock. Ebenezer screamed as he opened the door and found Generation Joshua kids handing him a paper "May you please vote for my candidate?" "Never!" shouted Ebenezer. After all, God will take care of everything--- he did not need to vote. What does one vote matter?


Ebenezer turned out the lights and went to sleep...
Clunk was heard at the door. Ebenezer was deep within a dream, he opened his eyes to find Paul Lazifere, his old friend who past away a few years ago.  This was clearly a dream.  Paul had voting ballots wrapped around his body, and told Ebenezer his punishment for not voting in the elections where he knew the candidate's stances, but did not vote because even though he knew who was right--- he didn't think the right guy could win. Because of this-- he was forced to wonder the world and warn others to vote in elections where they know the candidates.

"Not voting because there is no information on the candidates is fine, but if you know and look online and find information about the candidates, and choose not to vote because you think other's will you are mistaken. You will have three more dreams tonight, about the ghosts of elections past, present and future." Paul explained.

After Paul was gone, Ebenezer saw somebody at his door. It was Henry Clay, a famous statesman from the 1800s with light blond hair and bright blue eyes.  "I'am representing elections past." Clay explained. "John Quincy Adams' election was so close, it was thrown into the House." If it wasn't for a few votes, JQA could have lost.  Technically, John Quincy already lost, but those few votes kept him on long enough that the whole race was thrown into the House.


The next dream came with a present politician--- Jim DeMint. Jim DeMint had a long dark blue cape, and a charming southern drawl. DeMint showed Ebenezer around Washington, and introduced him to the men who would not be there if it was not for a few votes. Men who were polling at 5%, and won the election because people took their chances and voted for them. DeMint then departed from the happy scene of smiling senators and the White House with all it's grander and showed a different side of America.  They were in Michigan. Houses sat abandoned, DeMint lifted and window and stepped inside--- children's toys were scattered across the floor, a letter lay unopened on the table--- foreclosed. DeMint then brought Ebenezer to New Jersey, into an abandoned hospital. Many were roaming the streets, because the economy in New Jersey was so poor, even hospitals have shut down.  An old factory was outside, abandoned because the taxes were too high.  DeMint uttered a famous quote he gave before; "If you don't vote, the problems in debt are not only your problems, you are the problem if you sit and refuse to do anything about them except complain. "  With this warning DeMint disappeared, and the Election Future dream was coming.

A dark, shadowy figure of a former president appeared--- Andrew Jackson. Jackson explained to Ebenezer about the corrupt dealings and elite politicians who rule Washington if the people do not have a vote.

Jackson left, and Ebenezer awoke. Only a dream! He opened his window and shouted to a Generation Joshua campaigner on the street; "what day is it?"
Hesitant the campaigner shouted; "It's election day sir!"
Ebenezer trotted outside and screamed; "I don't care if you are conservative, liberal or moderate. This day is yours-- go vote!!!"

Biblical Metaphors in "North and South"?

I was enjoying the old Patrick Swayze movie "North and South" on my ride back home from Virginia.

Cuddled in the back seat with the DVD player, call me an intense thinker but... I found a few alligories that could be used other ways.


These may or may not have been the intentions of the film makers, but nonetheless they make great illustrations for me to come up with some sort of good-feeling post.


1)
The love story between Orry and Madeline.

Orry loved Madeline at first sight. Madeline was forced into a marriage with an abusive man. Orry saves her life, after being beaten himself and the bad guy dies.

Orry then is called to fight in battle, leaving Madeline on the plantation.  Orry has two sisters- a good one, and a bad one.  The bad sister finds Madeline at night and lies to her about how Orry does not truly love her because of sins her parents have done, also he is off in battle.  Madeline believes these lies and runs away. When the war is over Orry returns and finds her in the slums of Charleston, he looks into her eyes and tells her he will always love her. No matter what.



2)

James Huntoon was a (fictional) secessionist politician. He was influential and well-known in the Confederacy. Although his views were controversial, he had a kind heart always ready to forgive. He marries Ashton (Orry's bad sister) in hopes he can turn her good. Orry warns him about Ashton, but Huntoon pushes through anyway. Time and time again Huntoon reaches out and offers her a pardon for her wrongs and sins. Ashton pretty much does them anyway, laughing at Huntoon pretty much.

Then in the words of Ashton "Judgement Day" came. Huntoon and Orry found Ashton with Bent (another villain) in an abandoned farmhouse storing illegal guns, after a lantern fell the farmhouse goes up in flames. Orry grabs Huntoon and Ashton and they duck behind a log-- Bent goes in and dies in the flames.   Ashton then is in shock announcing it was "like Judgement Day", Orry banishes her from his sight. She then begs James Huntoon for forgiveness, Huntoon rejects it and says; "It is too late Ashton... too late."

Huntoon's voice is full of pain, he did what he had to though.

We can't just live our lives ignoring Christ's forgiveness, then on judgement say ask for it. It really will be too late. A sobering thought.....

States Rights

To clearify my views.
  The states formed the federal government through the constitution. The constitution only gives the powers specifically stated in the constitution to the federal government.  Anything not specifically stated through an amendment is reserved to the states or the people.

The federal government sadly can not stop a state from doing a wrong..... it has no power to.


States can ignore federal rulings through nullification. This power is hinted at in the 10th amendment.

Overall I seem to have John C. Calhoun's states rights views, making me not a Hamiltonian but not a Madisonian.

9/11/2001

During 9/11 I was 7 years old.   I was in school (I was public schooled then) and a kid came up to us saying; "the Twin Towers fell!!!" we did not believe him, because he was known to be a jokester. My mom heard from a lady at the doctors office; "a plane crashed into the towers!!" she did not believe her either...

By the time we got home, the TV was completely out, it never came back until we got a satelite and special cable.  However we were able to adjust the TV and caught a little about the tragedy, although it was very fuzzy. My parents were watching the extremely fuzzy, poor-no reception TV for every little bit of news we could get.  It was a beautiful clear day... my mom said.


I remember when I heard there was going to be a war, I was thinking of the American Girl books and worried all the men I knew were going to be fighting in the streets... and wearing Continental Army uniforms.  I also found Iraq on a map.

Choosing friends carefully, a small story from freedomlover.

This is a little heart to heart with me, on choosing friends who actually love you. It is not worth it to impress the popular. I know everybody knows this, but I thought this small story from my life may touch y'all.
Most of y'all probably know me as the champion of states rights/political junkie. That is true, but this is a non-political post, I thought I should share a little tid bit/warning/redemption story from my childhood. 

((DISCLAIMER: I do not know whatever happened to Lily, I believe she matured since then. I have not seen her in forever so I can not say. I barely remember how she looked... as she sort of "disappeared" after a while. Lily (not her actual name) and I eventually made our peace as we got older.  She matured alot, although I have not seen her around... I'm not too sure what has become of her...  I wish I knew, we lost contact over the years.   If I saw Lily again... whereever she is, I would tell her; "Thank you." I have nothing against her.  ))  I put that disclaimer up in case she somehow stumbles upon this, I doubt she will since I do not even know her email address... or where she is now. )))






I'm sure y'all have heard many times; "choose your friends carefully."  are we really living it out?

Do we choose friends who will drag us down? Do we purposely try to make people like us, who we know do not?

Today I have two examples, one is from a book/movie the other from my own life.


Now,  in the movie/book "North and South", (it does not end this way for James Huntoon in the movie) in the book he meets a sad ending, due to his own poor choices.

(Picture: James Huntoon from the movie "North and South", played by Jim Metzler sometime in the 1980s.)

 James Huntoon (in both the movie and book) is a fireeater secessionist politician. He loves to stand against the "establishment", and feels his ideas are often ignored by them, also he could not stop talking politics (some characters would get annoyed if he brought it up during casual conversion).  However, he can not stand against his own wife. He marries Ashton, a beautiful, yet corrupt woman. He finds out Ashton is only using him because of his power, yet he forgives and loves her any way because Huntoon wants her to love him back. Forgiveness is amazing and I commend Huntoon for that, his main fault however was trying to make the "bad guy" (or "bad girl" in this case.) love him.


How the book ends- Ashton finds a more powerful guy, and poor James Huntoon was murdered. Right before his death he discovers what a deadly mistake he made.   In the movie, Huntoon lives, and I think he divorces her... not sure :/




Crazy example I know, so here is one from my own life.  I come from a small northern-central NJ town, there are not really that many people here my age to hang out with, I thought in Middle School.  There was a very slim selection of kids, and this one girl I will call for the sake of protecting her real name "Lily."


Lily was popular, confident, and looked like she had a lot of friends. I wanted to be one of Lily's friends, like James Huntoon I wanted her to like me (as a friend, not in any other way.) 

Also like Huntoon, I did everything to try to make her happy.  I tried to hang out with Lily and her pals, but Lily would then just walk away from me. Lily said some stuff to me, that hurt (I do not remember what she said... it was so long ago, and I literally have not seen her in years....)

This deeply hurt, but I still wanted Lily's attention. By the time I was in Middle School it hurt so bad that I came home crying.  I wanted to be loved, I wanted to have many friends.  I had a few friends, but Lily would always step in between us and start talking.  
 I always liked "strange" things (in Lily's mind) like history, and later politics. Lily and her friends... I'm not sure what she liked since they'd always walk away on me... 

By the time I got to high school, and joined an amazing group called "Generation Joshua" things changed.  I met so many people who were genuinely my friends. At IGovern East 2010 ( a really cool mock government camp in Virginia, it is so beautiful and amazing there ;)), when I was Senate Minority Leader (a reason why I love that position...) I thought; "you know, I do not need Lily. I have everything I need right here!"   I had friends that honestly cared about me, and not just what I had to offer them... IGovern changed my life, I loved it there. I met so many people that touched me in many ways; Dani, Jenaye, Andrew, Ryan, Christopher, Clay, Courtney, Michael, Brittany, Glenn, Joel, Will, Jeremiah, Mariah, Allee, Joanna, Elisheba, Sierra, Sarah, Cara, Calah, Tabby, Tony, Elisheba, Anna, Rebecca, Charity, Megan, Kanyn, Nicholas, IF I KEEP ON WITH THIS LIST, THE COMPUTER MAY EXPLODE ;D  Seriously though, there are many more people unnamed that really just had a huge impact on my life. I went on to IGovern for two more years (2011 and 2012) was a VP candidate, represented South Carolina in the senate, led the fight for states rights.  All this was amazing, but what truly was awesome was... I was with my true friends, no matter how much we differed or not on politics, they loved me for who i'am. I did not have to change to suit them.  I made other friends also, from BJU Press Online and eventually Lily's friends befriended me when they found out she was using them. I also made friends with the "older" people.



Y'all know who y'all are, and thank you :D


Like the movie version of James Huntoon, I found out that the popular girl was just using her friends and I.  Eventually her friends found out, and became friends of mine.  Lily and I eventually made our peace as we got older.  She matured alot, although I have not seen her around... I'm not too sure what has became of her...  I wish I knew, we lost contact over the years.   If I saw Lily again... whereever she is, I would tell her; "Thank you." I have nothing against her. 

IGovern 2012

 (This is an article about a mock senate, I had the pleasure of "acting" in.)


At the northern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, boarding the edge of the Shenandoah Valley sits IGovern East.

IGovern was the first place I ever truly felt "this is where I belong!"

In 2010, I was Senate Minority Leader... I was the voice for the "Gold Party" in the US Senate (at camp.)   I remember Turkey and Russia were at war, and we had to intervene. On a sidenote, we annexed Canada with a pequin army. Those war hawk days hold a special place in my heart, even though I wasn't a hawk.  One night during the "war hawk congress" we were so divided and drama was brewing; during worship service however that changed. "From the Inside Out" was playing on the piano, and I still don't know how to explain the feelings afterwards.


In 2011, I was a senator and a Vice Presidential candidate. I had to stand alone against my party, which was not a wise thing for a VP but necessary for a statesperson. I also met Senator Jim DeMint... my personal hero! My heart skipped a few beats.



Now for 2012, I was a senator. I loved the senate, and I loved my friends from all three years I went... I couldn't bear to leave the place! I led a few coalitions (the Gold and Blue Bipartisan Coalition---where I stood in the center aisle of the senate demanding bi-partisanship, and the States Rights Coalition.) Also, I learned the balance between compromise and standing on principle. I worked hard to find common ground with my friends and colleagues, but many times in the senate my vote was the only "Yea!" or "Ney!"  Some principles I can't compromise, and its alright to stand alone.


When I left, I broke down crying... all those good friends and memories I could never leave! I found my calling to Lord-willing serve in the US Senate someday, I hope to keep in touch my whole life with my dear friends from IGovern.




I will never forget you Generation Joshua! 


- Honorable Senator Emily R. Hausheer (G-SC)