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Herein inscribed in this weblog journal are the up-to-this-very-instant comments and reviews, criticisms and commentary, and reflections of Doug Phillips. Whether you are interested in his latest travels, book recommendations, historical commentary, cultural insight, encouragement for the family, or random musings, Doug’s Blog is where you are most likely to hear about it first.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Thanksgiving Memories: Dad Joins Me for a Thanksgiving Radio Broadcast

I praise the Lord for the privilege of hosting a special multi-generational Thanksgiving broadcast with my father Howard Phillips and son Joshua. We were filling in on KSLR for our good friend Adam McManus, San Antonio’s most courageous and best loved Christian radio commentator.

Thanksgiving Memories: The Queen of the Castle Feeds an Army

Thanksgiving Memories: The Spear Throwing Competition

The Mayflower Pilgrims set aside a day to honor the Lord with thanksgiving and feasting. On that day they enjoyed martial drills and shooting competitions. Our Thanksgiving festival tradition includes that spear throwing competition. We normally use a boar spear, and a spear made from our favorite knife produced by the Cold Steel company.

Thanksgiving Memories: Freddy the Pig

Whenever Mimi comes to town, she brings a copy of one of Walter R. Brooks’ Freddy the Pig stories to read aloud to the children. This week she read Freddy and Simon the Dictator.

Thanksgiving Memories: Triumph and Jubilee

Thanksgiving Memories: New Life

Thanksgiving is also a time to rejoice in new life. Bob, holds newborn baby Knox Defender Bradrick.

Thanksgiving Memories: Helping the Little Ones

Honor helps his little sister find her seat.

Thanksgiving Memories: Preparing for the Feast

Every detail must be in place as friends and family gather to rejoice and give thanks to the Lord.

Thanksgiving Memories: Our Faithful Daughters

One of the beauties of Christian community is seeing the way that the daughters of a congregation love to love the other little girls. Big sisters and friends abound where Christ rules and family-integrated activities are encouraged in the local church. In the above picture Ellen holds three year old Elizabeth, as they watch Elizabeth’s brothers and father hurl spears in the Thanksgiving throwing competitition.

Thanksgiving Memories: Boys, Shoelaces and Trees

Thanksgiving was also a time for the boys of our congregation to play pilgrim, to sword fight, and to climb trees at the Phillips home.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The Battle for Thanksgiving

Childish Homeschooler Syndrome, Part One

Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin have recently written on their website about the Childish Homeschool Syndrome:

We Have Found the Problem, and It is Us

Of course, none of us were raised perfectly. Our imperfect parents, many of them first-generation Christians, often had to work out biblical marriage and parenting and family from the ground up. Homeschooling was an intimidating experiment for most. And yes, parents make mistakes. However, once we consider ourselves adults we need to take responsibility for our own shortcomings.

There comes a point where every person must rise above his circumstances, for no circumstances are perfect. Each of us stands alone before God, individually responsible for his own deeds, misdeeds and lack of deeds, and God (we know from Scripture) does not accept blame-shifting. When we realize we are lacking in areas, the childish response is to deny responsibility and blame Mommy and Daddy.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

The Judges Have Decided: 50 Feature Finalists, Semi-Finalists and Additional Categories Selected for 2009 Film Festival Awards

July 2009 Faith and Freedom Tour to Plymouth Closed. Space Still Available for Reformation 500 Celebration

We still have space available for the Reformation 500 Celebration. Learn more about this great family event here.

Planned Parenthood Offers Gift Certificates for Abortions

May God have mercy on us. This is so evil—Planned Parenthood gift certificates to murder little boys and girls.