The Virtues of Women and the Morality of a Nation

“From all that I had read of history and government of human life and manners, I had drawn this conclusion, that the manners of women were the most infallible barometer to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue of a nation. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, and Dutch, all lost their public spirit and their republican forms of government when they lost the modesty and domestic virtues of their women.”
-President John Adams

I came across this quote and it stopped me in my tracks. I wondered what John Adams would say if he could see through time and view America today. From his conclusions above, I know that he would probably not be surprised at the state of our nation after he saw the way that the women of today behave and dress. I am saddened to say that he would probably not be surprised even if he were to look at my own life.

Thus, I was inspired to write this note to my friends and acquaintances. To those of you are daughters of the King of Kings, who profess Christ as your Savior, and thus are part of the family of God, to my sisters.

Why do we act the way that we do? Why we do let this world dictate how we dress and act?

Ladies, this world tempts us to be immodest and to discount domestic virtues, but what John Adams said really stood out to me, and it also reminded me about what the Bible teaches about modesty. I hate that I am easily tempted by this world...and often succumb to temptation...but, I am thankful that we have Christ, who has set us free from bondage to sin, and who reminds us by His word what is true. Honoring Christ is what really matters. Not what this world thinks of you, your clothes, your hair, or anything else. I wish I could remind myself of this all of the time, so I thought I would write this little note to encourage myself, and maybe encourage you as well. Let's help each other out! =)

(Especially during summer and the temptation to be like the world in our dress is even greater.)

To hear some excellent sermons by my pastor on Worldliness, visit: www.Owassobible.org and listen to sermon archives from last August. You’ll see them.

Elated...

I left the house for work yesterday and never thought that when I came home I would have a vacation booked! Yes, my wonderful husband surprised me with a week in Northern California!
We are staying in San Francisco,



but, we have a rental car so we can go visit....

Napa Valley,



The Red Wood Forrest,



and maybe a drive to Lake Tahoe!!




This is a dream vacation to me, and I am so thankful and thrilled! Todd said that the reason he decided to book a trip that I would love was because of the sacrifices I have made as his wife. Going through the health struggles he has had, traveling to support him in the Soldier of the Year competition, and dealing with some of the mental and physical side effects from his two deployments in the OIF/OEF wars. But, the truth is, that is what I promised to do a year and half ago. It has been an honor to be married to someone who has served our country. Through our trials, we have grown closer and our love has grown. Any so-called "sacrifices" I have made have been minimal. We might go through tough times, I might need an attitude adjustment every now and then (we both might need that), but it truly is a joy to be married to Todd.

But, all of that said...I am not gonna turn down a trip like this!!

Excel Help!

Can anyone tell me if these formulas are accurate??

Total time In/Out: =IF(C4< B4, C4+1, C4)-B4

Total time @ end of pay period: =SUM(D4:D18)*24


Here is a sample of my spreadsheet to calculate employee hours: