The Smithe Family Blog

New from Sophia's Siege...

2011-10-10T16:31:00.000-05:00

Sophia's latest blog post is definitely worth reading!

What is a Girl to Do?

Life is but a vaopr...

2011-10-06T21:46:00.001-05:00

This article by Doug Phillips on the death of Steve Jobs is a great reminder of what our priorities in life should be. We can supposedly achieve great heights and "make our mark on the world", but in the end it is only those things which are done Soli Deo Gloria that will be of any worth.

http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2011/10/9697/

Announcing....

2011-09-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

Sophia's Siege: www.sophiassiege.blogspot.com

J. Smithe Photography!!!

2011-08-29T15:28:00.000-05:00

Our thirteen year old son Josiah recently launched his new blog: www.jsmithephotography.blogspot.com

He is amazingly talented, and has a wonderful eye. His photos capture the detail and beauty of God's awesome creation in a unique way! Please take a moment to visit his blog and leave a comment on one of his posts...

Marrying Well

2011-08-09T10:46:00.000-05:00

The choice of a suitable spouse may very well be one of the most important decisions we will face as our sons and daughters reach maturity. That is why it is so vitally important that we approach this topic with a biblical perspective, and handle these relationships in a distinctively God-honoring manner.

We are excited about the Western Conservatory's upcoming webinar entitled: "Marrying Well: Practical Wisdom for Courtship from the Botkin Families." In this 5 week course they will seek to address important topics such as:

Preparation for marriage
What the Bible says about courtship
Betrothal?
Why strong brother-sister relationships are essential, in families and between families
Dominion, discipleship, and life mission
Risk management in relationships
The deadly danger of worry
What to think about emotions
How do I know this is the right one?
How to determine God's will
Maintaining peace and harmony between families
When to skip courtship altogether
Engagement periods
Wisely reforming American wedding ceremonies

Visit the Western Conservatory to learn more and sign up!

Hymns and History Vol. II!

2011-07-22T23:25:00.002-05:00

We are excited to announce that we have begun work on Hymns and History Vol. II!! See our HH blog post for more details: http://hymnsandhistory.blogspot.com

From Sophia's Sketches

2011-07-19T20:06:00.002-05:00

We live in a youth driven culture that largely devalues the past. It is so important that we work against this trend and take heed to"Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee." Deuteronomy 32:7 However, we must not only remember, but also be grateful for the extraordinary sacrifices they made on our behalf.

Visit the link below to learn more about this piece of art and order a copy for yourself:

http://sophiassketches.blogspot.com/2011/07/remember-days-of-old.html

Follow Ross and Sophia through photos...

2011-07-10T23:08:00.001-05:00

As they travel the eastern half of the country!

Click here to see the photo album

2011-07-06T14:47:00.001-05:00

Our firstborn is 18!

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." Jude 1:24-25

Never Forget

2011-05-24T12:36:00.002-05:00

We wanted to share this poem that Sophia recently wrote in honor of Vision Forum's upcoming D-Day celebration (www.afinalfarewell.org). We owe our WWII heroes a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice!

Never Forget

by Sophia Smithe

Mighty and manly

Was the fearless young soldier

As he ran into battle

His gun on his shoulder

Though bullets flew thickly

And smoke filled the air

Though his comrades were fallen

Yet he did not despair

Forward he marched

And into the fight

And there he remained

Though day turned to night

He must not give ground

He must not surrender

He must never give up
Never, no never

In the strength of the Lord

With brave perseverance

With courage undying

And noble resistance

The struggle was ended

The battle was won

And the blessings of freedom
Were only begun

A well honored hero

Our soldier came home

His valiant deeds famed

Through film, song, and poem

And the young man was proud

To be part of the band

That sacrificed all

For the sake of his homeland

Time moved along

The years sped away

The soldier’s eyes dimmed

and his hair turned to gray

His name was forgotten

His story suppressed

That story of manhood

Through which we are blessed

The children did not

Revere and give thanks

For the now aged veteran

Who stood in the ranks

Yet out of the darkness

There arises a light

A remnant of faithful

Who shine through the night

They grasp the importance

And they cast a vision

They rally together

A noble division

They rise up and honor

Our soldier courageous

Their passion infectious

Their spirit contagious

Thanks to their efforts

His fame is revived

And his noble legacy

Is sure to survive

If we would see blessing

And peace in our land

We must remember our fathers

In whose line we stand

Their legacy lives

And must live on yet

Lest we forget

On Liberty and Tyranny...

2011-05-10T16:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for all of the encouragement that you have given Sophia over the past couple of months as she has participated in the Sons of the American Revolution oration contest.

Many of you have asked about seeing her deliver her speech. Below is a link to the SAR website that features a video clip of her speech from the state competition. All Praise to the Lord!

Click here to watch Sophia's speech

Changing of Seasons

2011-04-19T08:59:00.005-05:00

The Smithe Home

Many of our friends have been praying for us as we have endeavored to sell our home. Last week we received an offer from a potential buyer, and it is with gratefulness to the Lord that we signed the contract yesterday! Lord willing, we will be moving in less than a month!!

Blessings to you all as you serve the Lord Jesus Christ and advance His Kingdom!

The Smithe Family

P.S. In case you were wondering, we are staying in the area! We plan to rent in San Antonio.

Barefooted Sheriff

2011-03-31T12:40:00.001-05:00

His older brothers have taught him well!

Front seat wars...the never ending battle!

2011-03-27T20:45:00.000-05:00

How it usually starts...

An appeal to the authorities: "She sat here on the way up"!!!

Big sister wins out!

Jeremiah goes to Dallas!

2011-03-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

"Hey everyone...I'm here"!

"Checking in sir."

"You're not showing any reservations under that name"??????

And the winner is...

2011-03-27T17:19:00.001-05:00

On Friday, the Smithe family (or at least most of us) along with our good friend Kristina headed up to Dallas for the state level Sons of the American Revolution oration contest that Sophia was involved in. We rolled in Friday afternoon, and the kids spent several hours in the hotel pool before we headed out to a Chinese buffet for dinner. Then we were off to the hotel gym, complete with every exercise machine imaginable, to work off our dinner!

The contest took place around noon on Saturday. There was an audience of about 200 people, including Ross Perot (he was being presented with an award for outstanding patriotism and presenting an award to an Eagle Scout)! One at a time the five contestants were ushered in to give their 5 to 6 minute orations. Then the judges spent about half an hour deliberating in a nearby room.

The fifth place winner was announced, then fourth...third...second...that left only first place to be announced, and Sophia realized, much to her surprise, that she was the only contestant left!!!

We are so thankful to see how the Lord has honored her for her faithfulness to boldly proclaim His truth. All praise and glory to Him!

Now on to the national contest (July 7-11 in Winston-Salem, NC)!

Click here to read Sophia's oration!

Before the Contest

Gearing Up!

After the Fact

What do Smithe kids do with their spare time?

2011-03-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

Click Here to find out!

New Painting From Sophia's Sketches!

2011-03-16T19:41:00.000-05:00

The Amazon!

Click on the link below to learn more...

Sophia's Sketches- The Amazon

First Annual "Intern Baking Extrvaganza"

2011-03-15T08:30:00.005-05:00

History was made yesterday as my son Josiah hosted the "1st Annual Intern Baking Extravaganza Contest." We were actually quite impressed with the baked goods that Kurtis, Dustin, Benjamin, and Jonathan (the current Vision Forum Interns) were able to produce. The distinguished panel of taste testing judges had a difficult time selecting the winners. In the end however, Jonathan's Pecan Pie Bars were awarded first place!

Pecan Pie Bars by Jon

Dutch Apple Pie by Kurtis

Chocolate Muffins by Dustin

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies by Benjamin

Welcome from the contest administrator. "We must be disciplining the next generation to bake so that if devastation should come to our country, our Interns will be trained and ready to deliver outstanding and appetizing baked goods that appeal to the stomach."

The big moment! From left to right: Benjamin, Jonathan, Dustin, and Kurtis.

The distinguished judges.

First you smell...

Hmmm...

Then you taste...

"Pass it down."

Having a great time!

The "Stab"...

Not the generally approved way to eat a muffin.

Casting his vote.

Smile for sweets!!!

The winner struts up to receive his prize!

Presentation of the trophy.

An emotional acceptance speech.

The administrator commented "In the end everyone's a winner!" Then John, who won 1st place, said, "Hey! that means everyone's a loser too!"

Soli Deo Gloria!

2011-03-09T08:33:00.001-06:00

Sophia had the opportunity to participate in a local oration contest hosted by Sons of the American Revolution. After passing first at locals, she moved on to the regional competition which took place several weeks ago. There she was able to deliver her oration to an audience of about 50 people, and after a long deliberation by the judges was again chosen as the winner. She will now be competing at state level on March 26th in Dallas.

This has really been an encouraging experience for Sophia because due to the extremely controversial and distinctly Christian nature of her oration (which is a revised version of an essay she wrote), she never expected to win anything. In entering this contest she was determined not to compromise or appear vague on any point, but rather to boldly state the truth. So the fact that the Lord has blessed her, and has allowed her the opportunity to share His truth with hundreds of people in Dallas is very thrilling.

Below is her oration (a revised version of the essay "On Liberty and Tyranny in America" which we posted several months ago). Stay tuned for a video clip of Sophia delivering her oration...

On Liberty and Tyranny in America

By Sophia Smithe

"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"^¹ In these simple, yet profound words, Patrick Henry powerfully articulates one of the defining principles that would shape the United States of America: Liberty; freedom from illegitimate coercion. It was for the sake of this principle that General George Washington led an army of patriotic soldiers to march, despite impossible odds, against the tyrannizing British invaders who were destroying the freedoms handed down to the colonists by their courageous pilgrim fathers. Throughout the early history of our country, we can observe countless examples of heroic men who fought and died for liberty, and we too must contend for it’s preservation in our own day.

Just after sunrise on April 19, 1775, the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired on Lexington Green. The colonists had collectively determined that due to the oppressive acts of tyranny by the government of Great Britain, they would no longer be bound by its rule. By unjust taxation and intrusive acts, Britain had repeatedly trampled on their God-given liberties and they would tolerate it no longer! The war for independence would last eight long years, and during that time many bloody battles would be fought, claiming the lives of thousands of brave colonists. However, they would ultimately succeed in throwing off the shackles of tyranny, and would then go on to establish a new government based on biblical laws of freedom and justice, in which they believed, as Jefferson’s immortal words put it “that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”^²

Due to the courage and conviction of our founding fathers, we Americans have enjoyed a measure of freedom that few countries have ever experienced. However, our 21^st century American liberty is now being threatened with a new tyranny, one from within our own government as it seeks to control the people through socialistic policies.

The founding fathers understood that government should have limits, and consequently set boundaries within the Constitution that would prevent any one person or group from possessing coercive powers over the people. Constitutional Attorney Douglas Phillips, Esq. recently stated: “The Tenth Amendment reads: ‘The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.’. What does this mean in plain English? It means this: The federal government is not our nanny. The federal government is not our mother. The federal government is not our doctor. The federal government is not the high priest of a new religion. And, ladies and gentlemen, the federal government is not our Savior! That designation is reserved to one person only, the Lord Jesus Christ…”^³

Regrettably, through a slow and steady process, our government has overstepped its jurisdictional bounds and is seeking to dictate and control nearly every area of our lives. The freedom and liberty of Americans is in serious jeopardy! History proves that unless we grasp the importance of standing for liberty, we can be assured that we will ultimately suffer failure as a nation.

Why is it that we are seeing this massive drift away from our biblical foundations of freedom and justice? It is because we have rejected the ultimate giver of those laws.

Even as recently as 1982 in an official pronouncement, Congress stated that the Bible “inspired concepts of civil government that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.”^⁴ In fact, when we examine our founding documents, we notice more citations from the Bible than any other source. Yet, sadly, gone are the days when, as the U.S. Supreme Court stated in 1931, we can boldly say “We are a Christian people.”^⁵ The reality is simple: We cannot and will not have liberty unless we surrender ourselves to the giver of true liberty. In a joint proclamation, John Adams and John Hancock said, “We recognize no Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!”^⁶

The future of our nation depends upon us rising up in this critical time and fighting for those liberties that made our country great. We must do as our founding fathers did and not consent to live under the rule of tyrants who would seek to abrogate those freedoms. Our Declaration of Independence recognizes that in the face of tyranny, it is the duty of the people “…to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”^⁷

In speaking of the importance of fighting for our freedom, President Ronald Regan powerfully said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”^⁸ Amen. May we always fight for liberty, so help us God.

1 Henry, Patrick. “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death.” Liberty Online. 4 Jan. 2011 .

2 The Declaration of Independence. 1776.

3 Phillips, Douglas. “Alamo City Tea Party: Phillips Calls Attendees to Honor our Fathers and Seek the Lord.” Vision Forum Ministries. 17 April 2009. Vision Forum. 4 Jan. 2011

4 DeMar, Gary. “America’s Christian Heritage.” Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.

5 Ibid.

6 Founding Fathers Quotes. 19 Feb. 2007. EadsHome Ministries. 4 Jan. 2011.

< http://www.eadshome.com>.

7 The Declaration of Independence. 1776.

8 Levin, Mark. “Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto.” New York: Threshold Editions, 2009.

Sophia's Sketches

2011-02-21T08:38:00.000-06:00

"...Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." ~1 Corinthians 10:31

I am so excited to announce the launch of my new blog, "Sophia's Sketches"! This blog is devoted to promoting my art, as well as inspiring others to use their talents for the glory of God. Stay tuned over the next several weeks...

~Sophia

www.sophiassketches.blogspot.com

Ross and Julie's 22nd Anniversary!!!

2011-02-04T17:30:00.004-06:00

Ross and Julie were married 22 years ago today, February 4, 1989. Here are a few pictures from the wedding day:

Ross just completed a recording of a song he composed and sang for Julie on their wedding day, Feb. 4, 1989. It was inspired by the Song of Solomon. Click the link below to listen to a recording of it:

www.cityonahillministries.org/Come Away.mp3

Sophia also helped Ross put together an anniversary poster to go with the song CD. Here is a picture of it:

We thank God for his great grace and faithfulness to the Smithe household, through this 22 wedding anniversary of Ross and Julie!!!

Vision Forum's “Into the Amazon” reviewed by the Smithe Family

2011-01-21T12:46:00.000-06:00

In a society of men who are passively driven by the tides of humanistic, entertainment centered culture, it is so crucial that Christians are proactive in standing for truth. From philosophy and science to the life of the Biblical family, we must step onto the battlefield and address the issues of our day. That is why we are so excited about Vision Forum's “Into the Amazon” project! Doug Phillips, the president of Vision Forum, and the “Into the Amazon” team leader, led a team of thirty men deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle. While there they visited native tribes, explored the dense jungle, made contact with some of the most amazing and diversified plant and animal life, and encouraged men in the pursuit of bold, courageous manhood.

We have had the privilege of participating in the “Into the Amazon” online study course which covers seven great mysteries of the Amazon, and we have been thrilled by what we have seen! The video episodes that the team has posted are all of the highest quality; full of riveting adventures, powerful messages, and some of the most gorgeous footage we have ever seen!

With the same zeal and enthusiasm for animals that we've seen in men like the “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, Doug Phillips embodies an intense passion for creation, yet without the humanistic and evolutionary rhetoric we often find in this context. He consistently gives all praise and glory to the great Creator of all things, the Lord Jesus Christ. His ease and comfort with these wild beasts of the jungle is amazing, and his appreciation for their beauty and intricate design is truly contagious.

One of the issues covered the most recent episode, “Mysteries of the Strange Creatures of the Amazon”, is that of 'global warming' and its effect on the Vampire bats of the Amazon. Humanistic ecologists have theorized that 'global warming' is having a negative impact on this particular Vampire bat population, causing them to prey on humans, which they claim is unusual behavior. Mr. Phillips and his team went straight to the source to uncover the truth about the attacks, and interviewed the indigenous people of that region. Through careful investigation it was discovered that these attacks are actually quite common, and have been occurring for many generations.

This is just one example of the many instances that the team has challenged the humanists of our day in their attempts to advance their environmentalist agenda. This type of bold research should inspire us to not be blind followers of godlessness, but rather to seek out the truth and boldly proclaim it for the glory of God!

Another mission of the team is to encourage the lost principles of courageous manhood which were powerfully displayed by past adventurers to the Amazon such as Theodore Roosevelt and Percy Fawcett. These brave men, with their sons by their sides, faced untold dangers in the pursuit of discovery. If we are to be successful in rebuilding the biblical family, we must recapture this vision. It was encouraging to watch as men young and old braved the dangers of the jungle and emerged victorious!

We encourage every family with a passion for adventure, a desire to rebuild a culture of manhood, and a vision to explore and discover for the glory of Christ, to be a part of this exciting series. You will be educated and inspired! Visit www.intotheamazon.org

Sophia and Justin in Bethany and Cody's Wedding

2011-01-11T20:01:00.000-06:00

Bridesmaid

Ring bearer

On Liberty and Tyranny in America

2011-01-10T08:35:00.001-06:00

Click on the link below to read Sophia's essay entitled "On Liberty and Tyranny in America."

Click here to read essay

Blessings from our household to yours in the year 2011!

2010-12-30T15:33:00.000-06:00

A fun day at the San Antonio Zoo

2010-12-30T15:28:00.000-06:00

We always enjoy taking trips to our local zoo, and seeing first hand the amazing diversity of animals that God has created. Going with little children is especially fun as we watch them experience the joys of discovery!

On the day of our most recent visit, the weather was beautiful, the animals active, and we were privileged to spend time with some dear friends.

Join Vision Forum for the adventure of the year!

2010-12-30T14:55:00.000-06:00

Click here to learn more

Thanksgiving 2010 at the Smithes'

2010-12-02T18:02:00.000-06:00

"And thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their ways, for which let His holy name have the praise forever to all posterity." from "Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford

Ready for the gathering (after lot of preparation)

Tracy and baby Silas

Mini gathering

Thanksgiving football

Fall colors at the Smithe home

The treasure hunt

Soon to be Mrs. Larson

Regina and Elizabeth

The Anderson's last Thanksgiving together (Bethany is getting married in January)

Smithes

The Big Moment....National Bible Bee!

2010-11-16T10:44:00.000-06:00

The Bible Bee was an incredible experience! Even though Josh did not officially win a prize, we were so proud of him and felt so blessed to be a part of the event. We were thrilled for our friend Lisel Lawrence (who was part of our local San Antonio Bible Bee) when she won the top prize! What an accomplishment.

En route to the written test room

Smithe, Joshua

Moments before entering into the oral testing room! The camera was on the wrong setting, so this is the only image we have.

Top 100 senior finalists!

With Mrs. Kennedy

Chicago Pizza!

Celebration banquet

The Smithe's table

He never stopped moving!

Jeremiah's favorite spot

Getting ready to leave

"It's been fun!"

Navy Pier in Chicago

2010-11-16T09:47:00.000-06:00

In the Windy City

Scared of the Farris Wheel ride!

Chicago as seen from the top of the Farris Wheel

A miniature tourist!

The Creation Museum

2010-11-16T09:39:00.000-06:00

An amazing experience!

Humans and Dinosaurs were created together on day six

Teaching apologetics

The Book of beginnings

The Law of God

Smithe family in the Garden of Eden

Methuselah shares his story

We went with our friends the Manions

On The Road...to Chicago!

2010-11-16T09:26:00.001-06:00

A very long drive for little people, and one which requires frequent stops.

Releasing pent up energy!

Josh-the Bible Bee finalist and the reason for the trip!

Our homemade car theater (watching Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)

Enjoying the hospitality of the Zitzman family in Kentucky

Images From the Festival

2010-11-02T13:44:00.002-05:00

Opening Ceremonies at the SAICFF

The room is filling up for "Hymns and History"s screening!

Film Festivals are hard on little people!

Our good friend, Lori Voeller

The venue was beautiful

Jonathan, Providence, and Jeremiah: releasing energy before the next movie

Josh en route

Josh and Justice Phillips presenting Jubilee awards

The Steege family, producers of "Runner from Ravenshead", won Audience Choice award

"Agenda" wins Best of Festival and the $101,000 prize!

Amy Salter-Rutherford and family preform "Be Thou My Vision"

The Phillips family to close out the event

Abigail and Virginia had matching dresses

"Hymns and History" at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival!

2010-11-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

"Hymns and History" was a finalist at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

The room was almost full as the film premiered!

Mark Stubblefield with EventBloggers.com posted a report live from the screening. To see what he had to say about the film, visit www.eventbloggers.com.

Mark Stubblefield and son

Godly Girlhood

2010-10-27T18:29:00.001-05:00

"Teach the young women...to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home..."

Titus 2:4-5

Sophia and Delaney

Sophia and Larissa

Miss Sophia

Christianna and Delaney

Christianna and Larissa

Christianna Elise

The Blessing of Children (Triple Baby Shower)!

2010-10-14T22:36:00.006-05:00

By and large, our culture today devalues God's precious gift of life. Many people view children as a burden and expense, choosing to limit or altogether do away with children and spend their lives pursuing their own pleasure, not realizing the the blessings they are squandering.

However, the fact remains that children are the hope of the future. It is by faithfully training up the next generation to be mighty warriors for the kingdom of God that we will ensure His blessing and achieve great and lasting success. Children are a priceless treasure, and the Lord commands us to view them as such: "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." (Psalm 127: 3-5)

We love babies in the Smithe home, and when we, or one of our friends, is blessed with a new life, it is a cause for great rejoicing! Recently, we gathered in our home to celebrate the arrival of three new children, Iona Glory, Jessica Ellen, and Silas Creed. It was a wonderful time of thanksgiving and prayer as we spoke of the goodness of God!

Fight Hard & Stand Fast!

2010-10-05T17:23:00.001-05:00

The amazing cover of the new Vision Forum catalog (designed by our friend Joshua Phillips) which will be coming out soon!

Be sure to join Vision Forum's mailing list to receive the catalog.

www.visionforum.com

We are pleased to announce that hymnsandhistory.com is up and running!

2010-10-05T17:15:00.000-05:00

Visit the site:

www.hymnsandhistory.com

Sophia's Thoughts on Biblical Femininity

2010-09-29T12:20:00.015-05:00

In a day in age where the role of wife and mother is often demeaned and ridiculed; where women are told that unless they are out from under their own roof and enslaved to a job, they can never make their mark on the world or find true freedom, it is so critical that we stand up for the truth and extol the biblical role of women in society. Titus 2:5 extorts young women "to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

However, just because women are called to serve in the sphere of the home does not mean they have to be dumb, uneducated, or uninvolved in the important issues of our day. My own mother is a stay at home mom, and she homeschools my seven siblings and I. She teaches us math, history, reading, writing, and science; the equivalent of what a public school teacher would teach day in and day out. She is also a home designer and general contractor, as she has designed and overseen the building of our house. She and my father recently produced and directed the film, Hymns and History, therefore she is also a filmmaker. Time would not permit me to mention all of her accomplishments achieved under the roof of her own home.

As Proverbs 31 clearly illustrates, the godly woman is not one who sits idly, but she works willingly with her hands to make her family successful. She is free to serve the Lord whole-heartedly and be the perfect helpmeet to her husband that God intended her to be. Most importantly, she is training the next generation to go out and change the world for the glory of God! Some of the most influential men in the history of our world have arisen due only to the presence of a godly, Proverbs 31 woman of God who worked behind the scenes to inspire and elevate them to greatness. The biblical office of wife and mother is the greatest, most fulfilling, most influential, and most wonderful occupation to which a woman can aspire! "Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28

by Sophia Smithe

Semi-Finalists!

2010-09-20T09:17:00.000-05:00

We are very pleased to announce that "Hymns and History" is a semi-finalist in the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. All praise to the Lord!

Be sure to join us October 27-30, 2010 in San Antonio for the festival!

Click here for more information

Audri's Bridal Shower

2010-09-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

Bride to be

Ashley and Sophia

Jeremiah

The whole group

A flood of engagments!

2010-09-11T17:35:00.000-05:00

Within the last three months, we have witnessed the engagements of four sweet young ladies from our congregation to godly young men! After several years of no marriages, this is a very exciting time for us all. Love is in the air, and we can't wait to see who will be next!

May the Lord give His richest blessings to these new couples.

Ben and Audri (September 21, 2010)

John and Mandi Sauve (August 7th, 2010)

Bradley and Cindy Pierce (August 28th, 2010)

Cody and Bethany (January 8, 2011)

2010 Bible Bee

2010-09-11T16:39:00.000-05:00

Our family had the privilege of participating in the second annual Bible Bee, hosted by the Shelby Kennedy Foundation (www.biblebee.org)!

What a blessing it was for the children to spend their summer studying and memorizing the word of God! Because of our commitment to our film project, there was not as much studying done as we would have liked, but they all had fun doing their best at the local competition last month.

Joshua showed an amazing amount of diligence and perseverance, and we are pleased to announce that he is moving on to the national competition which will be held in Chicago in November! The top 100 scores in each age division from around the nation were selected to compete, and Joshua tied for 100th place! What an amazing providence. Please be in prayer for him as he prepares for the competition.

Jonathan en route

Grading tests

Sophia- one of the final five

Joshua- one of the final five

Cool and collected

Senior final five

Jonathan- one of the final five

Happy and collected

Primary final five

Mediating the event

Announcing the winners

The FEAST Bible Bee winners

The FEAST Bible Bee

Watermelon 101 (by Justin Smithe):

2010-08-18T19:46:00.000-05:00

Hymns and History Cast Party

2010-08-04T19:57:00.000-05:00

Now Available — The Baby Conference on CD and MP3!

2010-07-20T15:44:00.000-05:00

Purchase this amazing audio collection from Vision Forum today!

The Baby Conference

2010-07-20T15:28:00.000-05:00

Our family had the extreme privilege of attending Vision Forum's life changing event, The Baby Conference. With a panel of 25 outstanding speakers (covering topics ranging from the naming of babies to the horrors of the birth control pill) this conference powerfully spoke to one of the most vital issues of our day, namely that of the sacredness of life. We pray that the messages touched hundreds of families, and we look forward to seeing the many new lives that will Lord willing come as a result of this monumental event!

Over 1,000 people attended the Baby Conference!

Michelle Duggar receives Mother of the Year award!

John Moore presents the trailer for his new film, 'Ace Wonder.'

The Botkin children on honoring parents.

Josh enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Vision Forum camera team.

Jeremiah enjoying the lecture!

Nap time...

Gracie has been crying!

Lori Voeller with the children.

Friends.

Abigail and Rachel.

Trailer

2010-07-19T16:32:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce the completion of the first trailer for Hymns and History. Enjoy!

Click here to view trailer

ONE YEAR AGO...

2010-07-07T11:09:00.000-05:00

...IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS...

...OVER 1,000 PEOPLE GATHERED ON THE BOSTON COMMONS...

...TO HONOR AMERICA'S FOUNDING FATHERS...

...AND THOSE THAT PRECEDED THEM.

HEROES FROM THE PAST...

...MINGLED WITH THE CHILDREN OF TODAY...

...UNITED IN ONE COMMON GOAL...

...THAT OF REMEMBERING GOD'S MIGHTY HAND IN HISTORY...

...PROCLAIMING HIS GOODNESS IN THIS GENERATION...

...AND INSPIRING GENERATIONS TO COME!

"Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity, and hardihood-the virtues that made America."

~Teddy Roosevelt

ON JULY 4th, THIS REPLICA OF THE LIBERTY WAS RUNG! GLORIOUS!

Click here to watch the ringing

First 'Hymns and History' screening!

2010-07-03T13:16:00.000-05:00

Praise the Lord!

Preparing for the show.

After 6 months of hard work...the film is rolling!

Our audience.

Gentlemen (Left to Right: Zyrak, Ryan, Daniel, and Jason).

Ladies (Left to Right: Christiana, Sophia, Beth Anne, and Susanna)

Happy Birthday to Sophia and Jonathan!

2010-07-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

17 Years Old!!

10 Years Old!!

Read this very enlightening piece by our friend, Geoff Botkin, on the horrors of the Pill:

2010-06-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

This year, as the birth-control pill turns 50, America is discovering a lethal side effect. It’s called moral stupefaction. The pill has made an entire generation of adult Americans progressively more stupidly infantile. One half-century of a fatal, anti-baby culture is killing us. There is a culture-wide inability to think intelligently about what we have done to ourselves.

Click Here to read the rest of the article.

Football:

2010-06-23T23:00:00.001-05:00

Good, strenuous outdoor exercise that strengthens the muscles and stretches the sinews!

Photos courtesy of Josh Anderson Photography. Great shots Josh!!

Ben and Audri

2010-06-14T14:44:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to our good friends Ben Botkin and Audri Vernier who are engaged to be married!! It is the Lord's doing, and marvelous in our eyes!

What should girls be reading this Summer?

2010-06-12T22:33:00.002-05:00

From Vision Forum comes the all time girlhood classics, the Elsie Dinsmore series!

Click Here to Learn About the Series

The Baby Conference

2010-06-08T12:34:00.000-05:00

Join us at the Baby Conference, the family event of the year, in San Antonio!

Click Here to Learn More

The Smithe Family on Vimeo

2010-06-01T07:17:00.001-05:00

The Smithe family now has a Vimeo page! There is only one video on there so far, but we will be posting more in days to come.

Ross Smithe on Vimeo

2010-05-29T19:25:00.000-05:00

Exploring the San Jose Mission...

The Mission's oven!

Cowboy boots at the Mission

O the joy of discovery!

2010-05-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

"...the effect that a thoroughly manly, thoroughly straight and upright boy can have upon the companions of his own age, and upon those who are younger, is incalculable."

-Teddy Roosevelt

2010-05-26T13:28:00.002-05:00

This eye opening article by Ken Ham reveals the truth behind Earth Day. Please take the time to read it.

Earth Day - A Creationist Perspective

Stay tuned for an article by Sophia on the same topic...

Sign Up Now for a Walk Through History!

2010-05-26T13:11:00.002-05:00

Our friends at Vision Forum have just recently returned from a 3 week tour of Europe.

The tour traveled through Rome, Geneva, London, Scotland, and many other places, visiting the great landmarks of Christian civilization.

The distinguished panel of speakers brought many wonderful and insightful messages on the providence of God in history.

By signing up for the online tour, you can have access to many of these messages along with hundreds of amazing images from the trip.

Our family has had the privilege of following the online tour, and we can assure you that it has been an incredible blessing!

You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to walk through history!

Click Here to Sign Up for the Europe Tour Online

Click Here to see the video of our friends in Scotland, Joshua and Sam, singing 'St. Brendon's Fair Isle' in true Charlie Zahm fashion!

Family Pictures

2010-05-26T12:50:00.000-05:00

Sophia

Joshua

Christianna

Josiah

Jonathan

Abigail

Justin

Jeremiah

Fun Family Pictures...

Friends and Fellowship

2010-05-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

We have also enjoyed many wonderful times of fellowship with good friends...

Abigail with our friend Nathaniel

Playing Taboo

Joshua's 15th birthday party

Deep in conversation

Our family with the Bowman brothers, Nathaniel, and the Deamer's

More excellent conversation

Our friends, Steve and Julie Anderson, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary

On the Rickstrew's hay farm

Adam, Amy, and baby Honor McManus

The Jasso Family

Sophia with her friend and Liberty Phillips

Not an easy job!

Christianna and Abigail's birthday tea

2010-05-26T10:53:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a while since the Smithe family has posted on their blog! What has been going on in our family lately?

We have been very busy working on our new film project, 'Hymns & History.' It is coming along, and we are praying that we can make our June 30th deadline. For updates and pictures of how the project is progressing, please visit the H&H blog: www.hymnsandhistory.blogspot.com

Patrick of Ireland

Sons of the American Revolution

2010-02-13T10:41:00.001-06:00

Sophia and Joshua both entered an essay contest hosted by the Sons of the American Revolution. Their essays were written on the topic of "a great person, event, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the U.S. Constitution."

Click here to read Sophia's essay

So far, they have only been judged on a local level. In local's, Sophia's essay placed first, and Joshua's second. We all had the privilege of attending a Sons of the American Revolution luncheon.

Click here to read Joshua's essay

It was a huge blessing to meet so many gentlemen devoted to honoring their forefathers and passing on our heritage to the next generation!

Hymns and History

2010-02-07T19:24:00.002-06:00

We are very excited to be starting a new film project, for entry into the 2010 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (Lord willing!!!). Our plan is to do a documentary entitled "Hymns and History", which will focus on some key figures and events in church history, and some of the great works of hymnody which are connected with them. This first installment will cover the time period from the first century through the Reformation. Some of the great hymns of the faith we will be highlighting are "Be Thou My Vision", "O Sacred Head Now Wounded", and "A Mighty Fortress is Our God". More details to follow....

Calvin vs. Darwin Essay

2010-02-06T10:33:00.000-06:00

This is an essay that Sophia wrote last year for a Vision Forum contest. The subject was "Calvin vs. Darwin: How their contrasting worldviews birthed hope and hopelessness." She won first place in the contest and was able to attend the Reformation 500 celebration that Vision Forum held July 1-4, 2009, in Boston.

Click here to read essay

On the Air With Adam McManus!

2010-02-06T00:37:00.008-06:00

Last Friday, the girls and I had the privilege to be on The Adam McManus Show on AM 630, KSLR Radio in San Antonio, to promote the new "Songs For My Daughters" album. Adam's show is heard live M-F from 3-6 pm, and goes out to approximately 50,000 listeners, who are united in taking a stand to reclaim the culture for Christ. What a blessing it was to be invited onto the show to have an opportunity to share with "Adam's Army" the music from the album, and more importantly, the message of family reformation and renewal. The girls all did great, and represented their Heavenly and earthly fathers very well!

Watching Adam work is amazing, kind of like a plate spinning juggler, or something like that. He makes it look and sound so easy... the mark of a true professional! However, what we appreciate about him most is his heart for God and his Word, and his unfailing commitment to do all that he does for the glory of Christ and His kingdom. We are privileged to have a man like him in San Antonio!!

To listen to a recording of the broadcast, click here.