ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
December 31, 2015
This is a letter to our friends –
A straw
Did you ever enjoy a refreshing milkshake then say, “Wow! That was a great straw.”
In just seven days, we begin the next online course, “Principles of American Government”. (PAG)
I have seen the gleam of comprehension in adults and teens as they realize the significance of what they have learned. I have been rated, “Master Teacher”, but I am only the straw. God has seen fit to impart these principles to me through His teachers. I number among them, Verna Hall and Rosalie Slater of FACE, Winkie Pratney, Gordon Olson, Harry Conn, Joy Dawson, James Rose, and Loren Cunningham.
Most of these world-changers are unknown to young adults and teens. A google lookup will support my admiration. Stir all these teachers up with a passion for history (God loves history!), and a lot of thought and prayer. I am only the straw. God is the Mixmaster!
There has been a steady dumbing down of Americans for at least four generations. Who has not marveled at the street interviews of “Watters’ World”? What grand-parent has not sighed over, “I’m just too dumb to understand.” They are not “dumb”. I need teenagers to set the clock on my computer! Neither they – nor their parents – have ever been taught critical thinking, true history, or sound principle.
“Prin’ciple — . In a general sense, the cause, source or origin of any thing; that from which a thing proceeds; as the principle of motion; the principles of action.” [Webster’s 1828]
Have you ever paused to see if you have a set of tried and proven principles by which to evaluate your choices? “Well – I try to use the Bible.” or, “My mom taught me right from wrong.” Sorry, those are generalities. If you cannot use sound principle, you are left with your opinion. Who is to say your opinion is any better than the next guy’s opinion?
“Individuality” is a fundamental principle. I know of no precise duplicates. God only makes one of a kind! Anyone who fails to honor the individuality of a thing is not going to have the best results.
The principle of “self-government” is a law of nature. Stand in the middle of a see-saw. Label one end “Internal self-government” and label the other end “External government of self”. As either side decreases, the other side increases proportionately. If you will not govern yourself – internally, others will – externally!
“Principles of American Government” is NOT a course in “nationalism”. These principles of self-, family-, church-, and civil-government are universal. God chose to illustrate these principles in North America! Their roots go all the way back to the Garden of Eden.
If principles that have been illustrated in America are not to be lost to the world, there must be a remnant that has learned them. Mine is among those voices shouting from the housetops, “Discover what you don’t know that you don’t know, while there is yet time!”
If this speaks to you of your teen, grand-teen, or yourself (half the classes are usually adults), then phone me. Yes, there is a tuition (skin in the game), but we can work that out. See the ACH web site for lots of details.
