Some Exciting News...

...Lauren & I are engaged!

As of the 28th of last month!

The story and more pictures to come.

I love you Lauren! I look forward to a lifetime together with you dear!

Your humble husband-to-be,

Solely by the grace of God!

Tait

Lauren also has an engagement post at:

http://thenamefitz.blogspot.com/

My excuse for not posting in such a long time…

On a typical day, I wake up between 6-6:30, get ready, make a call, and talk for an hour or so, why?

Why has Charleston, SC been on my top list of destinations?

Why do I pursue my real estate tasks with a renewed sense of direction lately?

Why do I sit up and think of God’s plan for my life with a whole new perspective?

Well, those hardy readers who have endured near absolute neglect (if there are any of you left, that have not fled for greener pastures:), it is due to the fact that I am now courting a godly young lady from South Carolina!

But, what is the story? I will try to explain how I went from point A to point B, from being a young man without any foreseeable opportunities to meet a godly young lady, to pursuing just such a young lady with her parent’s consent. How did it happen that I went from being a complete stranger to this same gal, to seeking God’s will towards marriage, whether it be yes or no? And, perhaps you would like to know a little more about Lauren, all of which I will try to answer.

Well, to give you some background…

Early on in Mom and Dad’s Christian growth, amidst the growing pains accompanying a climb from sin to righteousness that would have given a Blue Angels pilot a nosebleed, I remember my parents having reservations about the whole dating game. I do not remember any hard and fast convictions being reached, or any cognizance of a viable alternative, but I do not remember a time in which dating was seen as an option. After being pulled out of the public school system I did not have the direct bombardment of the dating thought process from that direction (something that starts on a younger and younger basis), but was nevertheless not entirely free from its influence. At that point in my life, my heart was not right with God, which led to an inward and outward rebellion against my parents. Part of this led me to inwardly wish I could keep up with the “Joneses” in the area of dating.

God has a way in which he deals with pride, tending to be harsher the stiffer our necks, and for me the ticket was a real bad case of "acne" (as in huge open sores on my chest and back). It just happened to be the thing to deflate my ego, sober me up, and lead me to realize that life without God was an illusion. During this time of major heart surgery, I started to seek God’s will in courtship, desiring his best, and doing a lot of reading. A revolutionary thought change was occurring; I was looking at the area of dating/courtship not in terms of myself, but with God at the center. The thought kept coming in my mind, “Lord, help me to be prepared to serve that one special young lady that you have for me!”

The whole issue of what courtship consisted of and how it happened was still somewhat vague in my mind (like it is with many young Christian guys and gals), but I did understand such basic concepts as the need for the parent’s permission, and the need for it to be directed towards marriage, versus playing with emotions.

Last winter I received my real estate license, and after making a few sales, was finally able, with my parent’s blessing, to attend a number of Christian conferences. It actually started as one conference in late July, the Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy, but seeing the sequential timing of several other events I decided to tackle a daunting string of five individual conferences. From Bluefield Virginia to Toccoa Georgia, it seemed doable. So, off I flew last May for my whirlwind tour.

The second conference was American Vision’s first annual Super Worldview Conference, and after walking several miles from the train station I was there!

On the second to last day of the conference, I was in a hurry to get in the food line (for one reason or another), when, walking through the main building I saw a young lady who also seemed to be on a mission, and like any young man should, I attempted to open the door for her. I say “attempted” because it was only an attempt, as she had already passed through the door on the side before noticing my valiant efforts! Falling in line behind this same gal and her sister, I was instantly absorbed into a ongoing debate on the fourteenth amendment, and was shocked! These young ladies not only were interested in the constitution, but were well informed and passionate! And I thought my sisters were the only ones! After that initial “debate” I found several other opportunities to converse with her and was thoroughly impressed (and have only been all the more impressed in every subsequent conversation). At that point I made a mental note to seek out her father, and get to know her family if at all possible. The last day of the conference I was given the opportunity to do so, and was treated to some music from the family’s talented musicians, the “Coastal Chamber Musicians”. Later on that evening I was invited out to eat, and I was given an invitation to come visit the Fitzhenrys in Charleston if I was ever in the area, probably with not much anticipation of such a trip occurring. Well, where there is a will there is a way, and I made the way! Charleston is not that far from Hampton VA is it?
About a month or so later I made the trip down, and was especially impressed by the Fitzhenrys approach to home education. I asked Mr. Fitzhenry for permission to call Lauren, and with some hiccups and learning taking place, was given permission to court Lauren in December, after spending around a month with the family. Since then, we have enjoyed a rich time of fellowship as we have studied through such wonderful books as “Homemaking” by J.R. Miller, and continue to seek God’s will in heading towards marriage, whether it be yes or no. Lauren is truly a Christ like young lady, tirelessly meeting the needs of her family through the birth of Katelyn Grace, and during her mother’s recent absence for treatments. She is a woman who is defined by faith, and has a great openness to humbly learn and grow, always recognizing the Bible as the standard. We both share a common passion for Christ centered discipleship in education, and a desire to wholeheartedly seek Christian culture.

Now, to read Lauren's perspective please visit: www.thenamefitz.blogspot.com

More pictures, posts, and updates to follow!

Samuel Blumenfeld on Look Say education...

"God did not give Moses a comic book!"

Calvin on the Cross, the Kingdom of God, and Eschatology...

"The kingdom of Christ is on such a footing, that it is every day growing and making improvement, while at the same time perfection is not yet attained , nor will be until the final day of reckoning.. Thus both things hold true - that all things are now subject Christ, and that this subjection will, nevertheless, not be complete until the day of ressurection, because that which is now only begun will then be completed. Hence, it is not without reason that this pophecy is applied in different ways at different times, as also all the other prophecies, which speak of the reign of Christ, do not restrict it to one particular time, but describe it in its entire course."

From Calvin's Comentaries on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Phillippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.

Just a few miles from my home in 1906....

On going against the crowd...

Having grown up in a family that has been rapidly making changes, and growing in terms of our newfound Christian faith, there have been some particular stands that seem to be particularly hard at first. It is not easy to stand against the flow, especially when you are still tempted to look back at the mesmerizing pinnacles of Sodom and Gommorah! Here are a few stands that I am so glad that we made:

1. I determined to live in my parent's home until God's timing for marriage.

Wow! This one is enough to blow the minds of the worldly! But if we look to scripture there seems to be no justification for the modern norm of young men sprinting (our being booted) out of their parents home after their 18th birthday. In fact, we read in Genesis:

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." - Gen. 2:24

On other hand, it would be equally as invalid to stay at home, and be a freeloader, living of the work of others. I have committed myself to be a productive member of the household, my father's right hand man. As such I have been busy the last six years, starting with the management of the website, then two years of practical service and training in real estate transaction management, and soon to to be full-fledged buyers agent. This internship was determined with wise counsel, to be a short season of learning outside this normative environment. The principle: You live in the household, you work in the household.

Thankfully, Dad has been a patient father, nurturing in my many failures, and being willing to encourage his son to not only work alongside him, but to live alongside him.

2. I determined to embrace good wholesome music, even when I could not logically defend such a position.

I remember envying those who dressed as the world, and listened to the newest rock group. At that time I did not have a taste for classical or gospel music. But, somewhere along the line I was convicted by my worldly desires, and knew for sure that there was nothing uplifting or edifying about what I was drawn to. It took a consciense decision, and much encouragement from Mom to develop wholesome tastes. Now, I love good melodic music, and while I am not absurdly stringent or legalistic, desire that the music I would listen to would glorify God in word as well as melody.

3. I determined to follow courtship, versus modern dating.

As we started to head down a path that was quite divergent from our old friends, it became apparent that modern dating was out of the picture. In the "me" generation, it is no wonder that we demand instant relationships, however shallow, for the now. It is a big deal to put your foot down amidst the torrents of emotion and lust that flood our culture. Thankfully, through my parents example, and through reading such books as "Homemaking", I have developed a healthy appreciation for God's perfect plan, a plan worth waiting for. It is a shame that so often in our demands for instant gratification we tend to cheapen what God intends for us. As far as I can see, marriage is a lifelong proposition, and like all good things, is worth the wait! The problem today is that we do not understand the sequence God provides: Dream, Struggle, and Prize. So, we have a culture that goes down to the bank to purchase a home, rather than go through the sweat blood and tears required to save the cash. Have you seen the movie Seargent York? It is a great example of the dream, struggle, and prize on film. It is amazing how that a cup of instant oatmeal after a grueling days hike up over and across jagged mountains in the freezing rain, is delicious beyond belief! Without the struggle we will not appreciate the prize. "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked".

4. Education

After our initial failed attempt at public school at home, we wisened up, turning to God's word as our standard for education. God has led me to a fuller understanding of true education through this incident. So, how do we answer the question, "Why aren't you going to college?"

Number one, my sisters are being raised up as helpmeets to their father now, and for their husbands in the future. As such, there is simply no reason for their pursuit of a college degree, everything they would need to know they can learn from home. I can guarantee you that my sisters are some of the most well trained helpmeets around! They have obtained practical skills, whether they be business, homemaking, or dealing with diverse and sundry circumstances, that simply are not found today in their age group. I have not one doubt to their capability in any direction God leads.

Myself, well, after much thought I have arrived at a simular circumstance. A college degree in real estate is practically irrelevant these days, people care what you know, not what piece of paper you hold in your hand! I do not mind academic gymnastics if they are required, but why do so if I have the tools within grasp already?

Well, time to do some video editing, and then sleep!

The Big Little Things

One of the hard earned lessons learned in doing transaction management, and that has been reinforced through the internship, is the attention to detail that is required in any lofty endeavor. Many great projects grind to a screeching halt due to a negligence in laying a solid foundation, and in being lax in regards to the to the particulars. This would be me, but for the grace of God. Also, completion of projects is crucial. Two stories to illustrate:

During the British advancement toward Lexington, a rider was dispatched to send for more reinforcements. Instead of following through and delivering it directly to the general, he set it on the generals desk. Due to his faithlessness, this important letter was not opened and read until the next morning, far to late to be of any good.

In 451 AD there was an epic battle between the invading hordes of the Huns under Attila the Hun, and the Roman and Gothic troops under Flavius Aetius and Theodoric. After a gruesome battle wherein the chronicler Theodisius the Goth describes streams flowing red with blood, the allied forces had surrounded Attila in his camp. Attila at this point piled horse saddles and pieces of wood around him in preparation for suicide before his impending defeat. In the morning he was shocked, and slow to believe that his enemies had retreated, and his camp unbesieged! Apparently, Aetius had decided that a potential civil war in the distant Visigothic lands was more of a concern than finishing of his mortal enemy once and for all. This decision came back to bite the allies, as Attila temporarily retreated back to safety, licked his wounds, and came back as a bigger threat at a later date.

So, I must start what I finish!

The Family as Trusteeship

For a quick update, we have been running! The time has been passing quickly, and redeeming it has been a major concern. As the internship draws to a close we are daily imbued with a spirit of thankfulness for everything we have learned, and a desire to be faithful to the end.

Over the last year I have been earnestly attempting to solidify biblical doctrines in my mind. As a historian said, "Truth is like walking around a mountain, different facets appear from different angles." If this be the case, than last year has been an attempt at an aerial fly-over. So, I will be writing in this and future posts, on basic aspects of Christianity, trying to tie together various loose ends, that tend to lose their meaning outside of the big picture.

To draw from a previous post, what I view as basic to salvation is denying ones own lordship, and embracing Christ's.

The topic now is the family, and basic to this topic is the understaning that the family does not exist to serve itself. It exists to glorify God.

Point number two is this, ultimately we do not have the right to claim total ownership over anything on this earth. The earth is the Lord's, our position is one of delegated stewardship. We are stewards in everything that we do, representing the heavenly kingdom.

So,

1. The family exists to glorify God by expanding his law and rule.
2. Our position is that of a steward. Everything that we have is a gift, to be used for God's glory.

Some other terms that describe our role in Christ: Minister, trustee, and embassador.

Here is God's plan for the family as I see it:

1. The family inherits the accumulated blessings and foundations of the past, however small. It is given a gift.
2. The family takes this sacred trust, and as a trustee responsible for an investment, enriches and expands the scope of the trust.
3. The next generation is raised to be faithful trust keepers, fearing God. They are then handed the trust, moving farther than the last caretakers could have possibly gone, and standing on the backs of their fathers.

Mathew 25:15-30

Are we talking about the same thing?

The very words we use are shaped and interpreted by our faith. Thus, a Christian and an atheist could in the course of a debate simply talk past each other. This leads to much confusion and frustration. It is crucial to define our terms if we seek to communicate the truth to a lost world. He who defines wins, there can be know assumptions, the terms must be clearly laid out at the beginning of the conversation, not at the end, lest we go chasing around in circles. Here are a few words that demonstrate what I mean by talking past those of a different worldview:

Example #1

Love

Humanist Definition: An emotion, a feeling, usually tending to be selfish in nature. Ultimately about getting. Permissiveness, allowing someone to do what they want. Lawless, destructive of laws and ordinances. Condoning lawlessness, "Don't you love that homosexual?"

Christion Definition: Our love is ultimately theological, in that we love God first and foremost, before we love anything else. God sets the grounds for "love" in his law. Hate is defined likewise by God and his word. We show our love for God through loving our fellow man. Love is the keeping of God's law. Our love for our fellow man is fenced by God's law, for left to our own fallen views, we end up with hate in the name of "love". Love is meeting the basic needs of others without motivation of gain. It is service, and service when we do not feel like serving. It is intensely practical. Hence it is not primarily emotional, as it goes right against our emotions many times. The Christian definition does not deny the emotional aspect, in fact, we are to be powerfully moved with compassion and love, but we do not make this our starting place. As Gothard has said, "Emotions make a good servant, but bad master."

Example #2

Law

Humanistic Definition: Law is the product of civil and societal consensus, the product of evolving man and his institutions. Law is not basic to reality, it is an imposition. Man does not live by predetermined law, he makes law. Since the world is seen as a multiverse, the product of chaos wherein there are no absolutes, law is not tied down. This view of law is untenable in practice, but it sure sounds good to sinful man who wants to define truth!

Christian Definition: Law is basic to this world, because it is an attribute of the Creator of the universe, and is upheld and enforced by his power. Law is unchangeable, with blessings and cursings proscribed based on obedience or disobedience. This enforcement is not merely mechanical, in that God works in time and history to fulfill his word. Law is also intensely personal, as it the reflection of a perfectly personal God. Thus it is not simply arbitrary and cold, but a reflection of a God of great beauty and warmth.