Sideblog commenting thread
Monday, Mar 3, 2008
Discussion on current links in the sideblog should happen here instead of on the most recent post. I hope this helps keep things straight. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s better than how we’ve been doing it.
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Yay! on the vaccine article.
As for the mark Driscoll birth control sermon you linked to a couple of days ago: As a jeans wearing, non-homeschooling mom of 4 (soon to be 5 and probably no more due to multiple C-sections), I was outraged with the rant he went on when describing his view of the typical QF family. I just wish he could have made his point without insulting those who are doing their best to live their convictions. I agree it IS disturbing when people impose their personal convictions as a law on others, but I just think we should approach these matters in a less divisive manner.
Comment by terry (March 4, 2008 @ 6:35 am )
I have a hard time listening to anything Mark Driscoll teaches.
Did you happen to see MacArthur’s article a few years back: Grunge Christianity and Cussing Pastors? What Next??
Please don’t misunderstand, I am not a fundamentalist, nor am I of the quiverfull mindset — but, the two times I have tried to watch his sermons, he struck me as crude and vulgar — so anti-pastor!
Comment by Heather (March 4, 2008 @ 8:56 am )
Hey Amy,
This should be interesting- I’ve often wanted to comment on your links but didn’t want to derail the comments of another post. Thanks.
As for terry’s thoughts on Mark Driscoll’s sermon, I was actually THANKFUL when I heard him talk about the extreme ends that qf can be taken to. I have a friend who is literally bedraggled, at the end of her rope, has 10 children in a teeny house, and has asked multiple times, “how can I get him to see me as worth anything other than bearing children?” This is the kind of family I think Driscoll was ranting about… and he’s right to do so. A man who would dishonor and show such a lack of love to his wife like that ought to be taken to task.
I think, too, that QF convictions are honorable and respect-worthy (heck, I’m 37 weeks pregnant with our 4th child in 6 years). At the same time, I have experienced (and most of us have at one time or another) the use of the “guilt factor” in this area of convictions… and the definite existence of legalism. And I think Driscoll is right to not only speak with venom about abortion, but also to speak strongly about those who would mistreat their wives or sit in judgment of others because of their own personal convictions.
All that to say, I just listened to the sermon for the second time 2 days ago and while I agree his words are strong, I don’t think they’re out of line.
~Jess
Comment by Jess @ Making Home (March 4, 2008 @ 9:03 am )
Great idea! I definitely need more places to express my opinions, don’t you think?
The Mark Driscoll guy, what’s the skinny on him? I listened to the sermon and at first was ‘put off’ by his surfer boy hand signals and skull and leather attire. But, then he started talking and I thought, “Ok, he gets it.”
Then he went on the Vision Forum/quiverfull rant and I was put off again. When he brought up Andrea Yates as though she is representative of the ‘quiverfull movement’, I almost turned him off.
But, I persevered and listened all the way through. I agreed with him on almost all his points. So, why do I still have a not-so-great feeling about him? Could it have been his jokes? (Richard Simmons and nagging wives as birth control? Is that really appropriate banter from the pulpit?)
Then I listened to his latest ‘Chick-i-fied Church’ clip and I happen to agree with him, though I think I could state it a little more eloquently and not in such a ‘potty humor’ sort of way.
I don’t know… I think it’s because all I can think of is a rowdy ‘frat boy’ when I look at him and listen to him.
I can’t wait to hear everyone’s thoughts on the subject!
Comment by Lady Why (March 4, 2008 @ 9:06 am )
Lady Why,
You probably have a not-so-great-feeling about Mark Driscoll because he can’t seem to make his point without making fun of someone else. And Andrea Yates was probably sick after her first child, it did not take five for her to break. Don’t like him. Will not give credence to anything else he has to say. Kind of reminds me of that Hagee guy on t-v that makes fun of women in his sermons.
Comment by donna (March 4, 2008 @ 9:20 am )
Umm…I’ve never read or heard anything about Driscoll that I like. When I hold him up against Scripture, he is *not* what Jesus is like. And skulls? As decoration? I don’t believe the “culture of death” has any place in the Kingdom of God. I think he needs to grow up.
Comment by Mrs. H (March 4, 2008 @ 9:57 am )
Thanks for the warning on foul mouthed preachers, I have a really hard time listening to that to.
blessings, Penny Raine
http://www.pennyraine.com/blog
Comment by Penny Raine (March 4, 2008 @ 11:26 am )
Heather,
I wonder if you’ve heard Mark Driscoll’s repentance about that very thing (being foul mouthed)? He has specifically and publicly said that he was being proud and haughty and was wrong to do so. (I could find the link if you’re interested. He semms very contrite and sincere in his repentance for being so careless in his speech.)
I have to say I don’t think Jesus was particularly “pleasing” to the religious authorities of His day either. In fact, He used pretty hard language to call them out in their hypocrisy. I wonder if He would have been called “so anti-pastor” in his speech and the way He carried Himself?! I’m just sayin.
The Bible itself calls out those who build yokes for others to live under and for constructing legalistic rules that even they can’t abide by… and it seems that’s precisely what Driscoll did in this sermon.
Driscoll’s first reference to a large family was extremely positive and wonderfully honoring towards them. He only called out those who don’t provide for their families or who sit in judgment of others– I don’t see how anyone who is living out their convictions and abiding by biblical convictions would find that offensive.
~Jess
Comment by Jess @ Making Home (March 4, 2008 @ 11:56 am )
I had never heard of Mark Driscoll until I saw it on your sidebar and listened to what he had to say. While I didn’t care for his physical style and he was a little rude in some extremes, I absolutely agreed with everything he had to say because it was biblical. I hope people don’t dismiss the truth because they didn’t care for the messenger.
The Bible and only the Bible is what I follow and the Bible doesn’t command a “quiverfull” of chldren nor does it command homeschooling. Children are a Blessing (not a command) and scripture says parents are to teach them the ways and commands of the Lord. It doesn’t command parents to be the ones to teach reading, writing, math, etc. I’ve heard too many people almost equate number of children and homeschooling with salvation and jewels in their crowns. The legalism Mark described is very scary. Salvation comes from baptism in Christ Jesus, and only that way (Acts 2:38). It seems alot of people focus on this type of legalism and yet dismiss other parts of the Bible.
Comment by Marie (March 4, 2008 @ 12:00 pm )
Thanks Jess — I was not aware of it. I would appreciate a link, although I suppose I could find it with a google search.
When I said anti-pastor, in my head I was picturing Jesus as our shepherd. I was not picturing a legalistic preacher screaming at us about the law.
I thought it interesting that Mr. Driscoll decried ad hominem attacks against birth control by tying it to Sanger and Malthus, yet the first person he holds up as the poster child for the Quiverfull movement was Andrea Yates.
Comment by Heather (March 4, 2008 @ 12:52 pm )
I do find it interesting that there is quite a bit of evidence that Andrea Yates and her then husband did believe in Quiverfull theology but that the “Quiverfull Movement” tries very hard to distance themselves from her. There were a lot of other things wrong with their theology (the Yates’) that may have had a bigger impact on the horrible outcome, but if it was true that she was sick after the first kid, should they have strived to have four more? And so quickly? If people who truly believe in “Quiverfull theology” can’t answer what should have been done in her case, they can’t take such a legalistic stance against all forms of “birth control”. Some people can handle 10 kids and some people can’t.
The problem I have with Quiverfull theology is, not only do I not see it so expressly stated in Scripture, but that they never allow for the exceptions. And while exceptions should never make the rule, neither should we declare a law that God has not declared.
Comment by rachel (March 4, 2008 @ 2:44 pm )
I watched part of the sermon on the Emergent Church and he does allude to his youthful arrogance and profanity, and is now contrite. Maybe it is a positive thing that he pushes buttons. Or maybe it’s too distracting. At least it has got us thinking!
Comment by Patti (March 4, 2008 @ 3:23 pm )
I found the Mark Driscoll sermon interesting and biblical, though I did take exception with the idea that the Pill is acceptable birth control for Christian families.
FYI, John Piper, whom many of us respect, invited Mark Driscoll to speak at his 2006 Pastors Conference. He took a lot of flak for the decision, but explained his rationale well. He basically said that he wants to fellowship with and learn from anyone who holds the truth of Scripture tightly in one hand. In the other hand might be all manner of methodology differences, but Piper is willing to keep that hand open - methods are worth thinking deeply about but not worth dividing the Body of Christ over.
Mark Driscoll is actually quite orthodox theologically, and his Mars Hill Church of Seattle is not associated with Mars Hill in Michigan (which is part of the emergent movement).
Piper’s 2006 Pastor’s conference had the theme of “The Supremacy of Christ in a Post-modern World,” and I would highly recommend listening to Mark Driscoll’s message on “The Supremacy of Christ and the Church” (available in the resource library at desiringgod.org) to get a feel for his approach to contextualization and culture.
Comment by Amy from SD (March 4, 2008 @ 3:40 pm )
I linked Mark Driscoll’s birth control sermon because I thought the legalism discussion was spot on. Yeah, if I wore a dress with a wide collar, I’d be like, “Wah. Poor me. Ouch. That hurts.” But really, if you sift through it, he was right about enough things to make it worth an hour of your time.
Comment by Amy Scott (March 4, 2008 @ 3:44 pm )
Amy from SD, That line John Piper said about seeing what was in his other hand was classic. I remember when that came out. The only reason I gave Driscoll a listen was because Piper did.
Comment by Amy Scott (March 4, 2008 @ 3:47 pm )
Thanks, Patti! That’s the one I was thinking of… I just heard it for the first time this week.
I think it is a good thing that he pushes the boundaries. Not every pastor needs to be that way, but God has different mouthpieces. Paul was certainly a different sort of “mouthpiece” than Luke. Luke was different from James. Each one has their own “take” on or presentation of the Gospel, but put together, they present a whole picture of it. I think it’s the same with pastors today. Obviously, the Word of God is perfect and pastors are not.
But my point is that each person, whether meek and gentle, or fired up and ready to speak boldly, presents another facet of the Gospel, and I’m not convinced that it’s anything other than the package of Mark Driscoll that is offensive to some. Theologically, he’s pretty doggone solid. Particularly for a place like Seattle, where he gets picketed for every single non-modern stance he takes (like on abortion, gay marriage, premarital sex, etc.).
I just kind of think that he must be doing something right if he’s simultaneously getting both the sinners and the saints to be shaken up and stirred to the core.
~Jess
Comment by Jess @ Making Home (March 4, 2008 @ 3:49 pm )
And actually, wasn’t the first person he (Driscoll in the sermon) associated with the QF movement was the precious family he loves and respects?
And then he brought up Andrea Yates and Mary Pride.
But he DID talk very respectfully about the family with the 10+ (can’t remember the #) children that he has known for a long time and loves. I honestly don’t think he was trying to disparage large families or even the QF heart– but the legalism that burdens is what it seemed like (to me) that he was speaking out against.
Comment by Jess @ Making Home (March 4, 2008 @ 4:21 pm )
One thing to keep in mind is that when Mark is preaching, although he’s aware that his videos are going out all over the world via the web, his preaching style really does have ALOT to do with his specific church (Mars Hill) in a specific city (Seattle), as Jess noted above. Mars Hill’s theme is “a city within a city” and they are committed to staying in the city, loving the city and working their influence there because culture tends to flow from the urban areas out to the suburbs. For various reasons, we are now in a position where in many ways, the Chrisitan church has fled the city and wields little influence at all over the places where most people are and where much of what happens, happens. But if you could look out and actually see the congregation at Mars Hill, particularly at its core city campus, his preaching style would make a lot more sense. Mars Hill specializes in preaching the gospel to young punks (and punkettes?) who consider themselves “spiritual” but not Christian, think “hooking up” is a great invention and play video games several hours a day well into their 30’s and yet want to call themselves men. But I have personally seen so many of these young men (and women) hear the gospel, accept the work of Christ and truly begin to lead lives worth emulating. I was one of them; a feminist-type not raised at all Christian and was saved at Mars Hill, and part of the reason I was willing to listen to the sermons there was Mark’s frankness and the come-as-you-are attitude of the elders. It eliminated what would have been a stumbling block for me: a Christian subculture totally foreign to me, alot of Christian-ese talk, etc.
Regardless of what one thinks of his preaching style (and my husband and I have more than one shaken our heads over some point we thought he was off on or some exaggeration he made — no kidding, there is a term among the long-time congregants called a “Driscollism” meaning one of Mark’s extreme exaggerations), it works in Seattle. Mars Hill is theologically conservative in a city that absolutely revels in its hedonism and considers itself “spiritual”; yet it has grown from 12 people in a livingroom 12 or so years ago, to more than 6,000 theologically conservative Christians. And it has been an amazing thing to watch: kind of bittersweet (it’s weird to watch your church go from nice and normal to “megachurch” in such a short span of time. When we first started attending, Mark would sometimes be the one handing out the “notes” before the service.)But at the same time, it has been amazing to see a city beginning to be transformed because people are coming to Christ through the gospel, because regardless of Mark’s personal speaking style, the gospel is preached and that is what people respond to. I know of a man who started bringing his 60-something father to church at MH, and he told me that his father comes and covers his ears during worship because he HATES the music (too contemporary for his taste) and he can’t stand the way Mark dresses, but he comes nevertheless to hear the preaching, because the gospel is preached. Fortunately, this man is a mature enough Christian not to let the style of MH be a stumbling block for him!
Comment by Sara C (March 4, 2008 @ 4:28 pm )
Egads, I wish I had used more paragraphs!
Comment by Sara C (March 4, 2008 @ 4:33 pm )
Very interesting discussion! I think I agreed with everything he said theologically… in fact, I was most impressed that he said as much as he did against the pill! That wouldn’t happen in a pulpit of any mega-church around here!
I certainly have ‘been around the block’ when it comes to ‘cultural relevance’ in the church but I was still ‘put off’ by his dress and his humor. (back to that Richard Simmons thing ~cringe~)
I don’t know. I would probably give him another listen if I had the chance and I would be able to overlook the things that don’t appeal to my particular sensibilities.
I am happy to hear what a great influence his church is having in the city and that the church is holding a true biblical line doctrinally speaking.
Comment by Lady Why (March 4, 2008 @ 5:44 pm )
i had seen several mark driscoll youtube sermons—which seemed to emphasize his (ahem) “rougher” moments.
maybe if i listened to the hour long sermon, i would get a better sense of him.
i don’t know though. yeah i might agree with his theology. but i also think it matters HOW you do the right thing; not just that you do it. (ie. moses striking the rock for water instead of just commanding the water to come forth). it cost moses the promised land, remember?
Comment by Elizabeth (March 4, 2008 @ 7:09 pm )
Jess said,
I agree. While Mark Driscoll has a definite edge to his manner of address, we have to get past that and recognize the truth of what he’s saying. If we are exalting physical reproduction/large families/”trusting God” over the incredible message of Grace found in the Gospel, then we have turned to religion instead of the Gospel for our salvation. We are all tempted in one way or another to turn towards “pharisee-ism” and away from the Gospel. The QF movement is one of those traps and it may require strong language for us to recognize it as such.
Comment by Carole (March 4, 2008 @ 8:00 pm )
Question re: the Mark D. video:
What is the percentage of Quiverfullers in the United States? (Not counting Roman Catholics who follow church teaching.)
Answer: I don’t know! Probably small.
What is the percentage of American Evangelical women who admit to having abortions (Mark D. referenced this in his video.)
Answer: One in six.
Question: What is the percentage of Christians who use contraceptives?
Answer: I don’t know, again, but I’d guess it is rather large.
Now…I thought Mark D. had some very good points. But I am skeptical that he was actually asked this question from his audience. If I’m the pastor a mega church, and I want to address THE compelling issue of birth control, I probably need to (based on statistics) address the over-usage of contraception and abortion within the church. What do you think the percentage is of Quiverfullers in his congregation? I think he had a big bone to pick with the Quiverfull movement, and he used this opportunity to do it, in a big way. (I would guess he’s been raked over the coals by some of the individuals/organizations he’s mentioned.)
This does not invalidate his good points, but I just did not understand how the QF movement got such a excoriating scalding from him. There truly are more evil things than accepting babies as from God’s hand. While there are some QF families who are judgemental, many of them do not try to impose those views on others. I think things get really skewed on-line, where we read the inner thoughts of some very strong families, and think they represent the whole.
Comment by Holly (March 4, 2008 @ 8:58 pm )
Amy, I think my last comment was sent to spam. So sorry.
Comment by Holly (March 4, 2008 @ 8:58 pm )
I’m commenting on the bread recipe you had up a few days ago….it worked really well! Did you try it? Nice and easy, and I still have a few slices left in the freezer.
Comment by Valerie (March 5, 2008 @ 2:34 am )
The way I see it, even if he *is* theologically sound (weren’t the Pharisees?) the “package” does speak to the condition of his heart. When I think through the Fruits of the Spirit, his demeanor doesn’t seem to measure up. There are just too many other preachers with good theology, who *don’t* offend, (Voddie Baucham?) I see no reason to spend my time on one who *does* offend. Am I perfect? NO, of course not, but I want a preacher who inspires me to be better…not one who will join me in my filth.
Comment by Mrs. H (March 5, 2008 @ 7:41 am )
Well…not about Jesus they weren’t.
There is no doubt that Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill church have LOTS of room for spiritual growth, something which he admitted recently (in a sermon) after visiting a centuries-old protestant church in Scotland that still has a congregation. He likened Mars Hill Church to a big, gangly teenager which may give the appearance of maturity because of its size, but there it is still far from being a fully mature example of an adult. But my hope, as he is our former pastor, is that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in him and mature him, which is the hope I have for myself too.
In the meantime, I’m just glad to see people being called to repentance and to the gospel in a city which has been spiritually dead.
Comment by Sara C (March 5, 2008 @ 12:32 pm )
Did he really say that the pill is acceptable? I can’t seem to download the file. Incredible that he would say that. In researching this about 10 years ago, I came across Supreme Court arguments that stated a major reason we should allow abortions is because of the pill. It would make using the pill illegal if the Courts made abortions illegal.
Comment by Ginny (March 6, 2008 @ 12:48 pm )
He alluded to the possibility that the Pill may actually act as an abortificant if, instead of prohibiting ovulation, it actually causes the endometrium to slough off in the case of implantation. He said he had read many articles by Christian ethicists and physicians and that there didn’t seem to be conclusive evidence that this was the case. I think it’s important to note that, though is style is somewhat abrasive and, at times, strident, he actually expressed humility as he addressed each of the issues. He was quick to point out gray areas AND adamant about the areas that are Scripturally clear. He seems to trust that people will take what he is teaching and seek wisdom in the application of it.
Comment by Patti (March 6, 2008 @ 1:57 pm )
I wanted to talk about the beans-as-morning-sickness-remedy link.
Has anyone tried it?
I am a very pessimistic skeptic when it comes to anyone claiming to have the answer for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (I don’t like the term Morning sickness) or hyper-emesis. I’ve had my hopes dashed a few too many times I think.
Here’s the thing. It makes sense and I want to believe her. But I can’t imagine eating beans when I’m that sick. And it’s not just the nausea. It’s the constant gagging (on everything! and nothing!), the extreme food aversions (if you look at it and you gag then eating it will guarantee vomiting). I could maybe eat beans 2-3 times and then never again until I’m no longer sick. If there were substitutes for the soluble fiber that could vary it, (or be invisible-there’s a thought-invisible beans-wait that’s a fairy tale isn’t it? Oh, that’s magic beans. Well, same difference) maybe it could work.
And also, how do you eat the beans? Just heat up a can of beans? And then eat it? I eat beans quite a bit in meals but rarely just beans, sitting there as a side dish.
Like I said, I’m a skeptic. Anyone else have thoughts on it?
Comment by rachel (March 6, 2008 @ 7:52 pm )
He said that it was–basically–very shaky ground.
Whew. Thanks for that easy question! I didn’t try it yet because I’m out of yeast.
Comment by Amy Scott (March 6, 2008 @ 8:51 pm )
The Catus Cuties- oh WOW!!! Thanks for sharing that link. Brought tears to my eyes.
Comment by tiffany (March 7, 2008 @ 11:31 pm )
Which vaccine(s) are they referring to in the article?
Comment by Jenifer (March 8, 2008 @ 11:14 pm )
I’m a 20-something, so let me speak to Driscoll’s style - it’s refreshing. I actually attend Bethlehem and love Pastor John, but Driscoll really takes things to a level I think my mixed up, confused, postmodern generation needs. Maybe you don’t like the packaging. The prophets weren’t always accepted in the package they came in either (can you believe that guy, naked?! Or can you believe that one guy had a BEAR maul those kids!). You don’t have to like his style, but don’t judge his character based on what he wears. He’s preaching the gospel, his heart is for Christ, he just has a little bit of a sharper edge.
And I needed to hear what he said about the QF movement. He pushes the envelope, but there’s no such thing as the perfect pastor. So I’m going to cut him some slack (especially since I know that he seeks the counsel of wiser, older pastors such as CJ Mahaney and John Piper). Like I said, you don’t have to like his style, just know that he’s reaching a group of people that your traditional churches would never even be able to scratch.
Comment by Shannon (March 9, 2008 @ 8:12 am )
Hi, I tagged you over at my blog!!! Hope you have time to do it
Comment by Tiffany (March 11, 2008 @ 11:33 am )
Well, I tried it. I’m currently 10 weeks pregnant, and fighting to stay in the severe NVP category and *out* of HG.
The doubts you have regarding being able to eat the beans when you feel that sick is the exact problem with this plan. With this pregnancy I’ve been able to use all my physical and mental power to hold back vomiting many times (to avoid too much weight loss and other side effects), but I can’t at the same time scarf down some beans. I was able to eat the 1/4 cup a few times a day for a couple of “good” days, but on bad days, there was just no way that fiber would make it to the bile.
And by the way, 1/4 cup of beans is WAY more than it sounds like.
About how the beans are prepared, I e-mailed Karen Hurd, and she responded that it doesn’t matter as long as you avoid sugary sauces. I chose my favorite pinto beans prepared by the ever wonderful Baja Fresh as unseasoned, slimy little beans were really repulsive in my mind. I’m glad I quit the experiment after a few days because I’m pretty sure if I’d continued, it would have ruined Baja Fresh for me forever.
I do think this could really help women with mild cases - mild enough that you can pretty much eat what you decide to. If you are struggling with severe nausea and food aversions, it couldn’t hurt to try but I doubt you’d be able to do it. Now, if beans were one of your safe foods, obviously that would be a different story.
Did anyone else try it?
Comment by Morgan (March 17, 2008 @ 2:02 pm )
Amy,
Tim and I were 18&19 when we married and we are really hoping to reach the big numbers! I love long marriage stories!
Comment by Cindy (March 18, 2008 @ 7:32 am )
That shirt-to-dress was the cutest thing ever! I love to sew but I don’t think I would have EVER thought of anything like that!
Comment by Rhonda (March 18, 2008 @ 10:14 pm )
Thank you for the link to the couple married for 83 years. That is so great!
My greek god and I only 70 more years to go to hit that milestone.
Comment by Mary Beth (March 18, 2008 @ 10:55 pm )
Thanks Morgan for posting about your “bean” experience, and when you’re still sick too!
Can’t say I’m surprised. I was re-reading the article and she says something about how people are so surprised that it’s so “simple”. And I thought, it’s not that it’s simple, it’s that she makes it sound easy. Losing weight can be “simple” but it’s rarely easy.
Thanks though. I hope it works for someone.
Comment by rachel (March 19, 2008 @ 12:40 pm )
I was so impressed with that link showing how to turn a shirt into a dress!! My cloth-diapered little girl doesn’t fit into khakis, jeans, etc. and I was wondering how we were going to keep her cool this summer. She’ll be wearing a lot of dresses (including the one I made this morning, inspired by this link…I know, I know, I’m a bit obsessive…but it’s so darn cute!!)!
Comment by Kari (March 21, 2008 @ 12:32 am )
OK. That video was fuuuunnnnyyy.
Thanks.
Comment by Mary Beth (March 21, 2008 @ 12:58 am )
I tried the bean thing for a couple of days and yes, I couldn’t stomach them either after a while. They didn’t help me.
Like everything though, maybe it will work for someone. I’m currently 18 weeks pregnant and still nauseaus all day every day.
The Unisom+B6 thing DID work for me during my pregnancy with child #2, but it hasn’t worked since then. Not sure why! I remember it really kept the nausea away during my second pregnancy. Alot of people are iffy about using drugs during their pregnancies but the fact is the Unisom+B6 (which is Doxylamine succinate and vit. B6) combo has more than 30 years of studies on pregnant women behind it and it has not been found to raise the incidence of birth defects at all. In fact it’s the only Class A drug for pregnant women, meaning it’s considered well-tested and 100% safe. So my advice is, if you haven’t tried it, talk to your doctor about it!
Comment by Sara C (March 21, 2008 @ 2:43 pm )
I had the same experience. The unisom was the only way I survived my third pregnancy, but it barely touched this fourth pregnancy (20 weeks). It didn’t even help me sleep! It’s helped now a little since I’ve gotten better (I still get sick, but not as severe or all the time.) I really wish I knew what made the difference.
Comment by rachel (March 21, 2008 @ 4:04 pm )
RE: the dress made out of a mens shirt… I love the concept (I’ve also reused men’s shirts for various sewing projects), but my dilemma is always the pockets. Unfortunately there’s no magical way to make those disappear! So this pattern is not as easy as it sounds, and if your shirt has any fading at all, obviously you’re going to notice if you pull the pocket off…
Just a thought to consider, before you start snipping up your husbands wardrobe :).
Comment by Rachel Joy (March 21, 2008 @ 4:17 pm )
My husband and I cracked up at “Stuff Christians Like”. Thanks for the link!
Comment by Amy from SD (March 27, 2008 @ 10:24 am )
someday when my blogs grow up I want them to be like this one. Seriously, you set the bar. love it
Comment by Jon Acuff (March 27, 2008 @ 8:14 pm )
Ehhh, no you don’t. I got hacked three times this week.
If folks are wondering where my ad money goes, there it is. I don’t even have time to blog, let alone fix my blog. So ad money goes to pay hosting, PayPal fees and BlogAds fees and Norton anti-virus fees, and to my webgirl who makes stuff work. I think last year was the first time to be in the black.
Comment by Amy Scott (March 27, 2008 @ 9:28 pm )
Way to go, McGregor!!!!!
Comment by Barbara (April 10, 2008 @ 10:46 am )
Re: Hitting the Wall. I had quite a shocker after growing up in the home of an engineer who worked 9-5 when I realized my engineer husband would be working 8-6 plus more frequent travel. I know I have it better than most, though. However, our overall life is not stressed, since I am home with two little ones and our life is very uncomplicated.
Comment by Amy from SD (April 17, 2008 @ 4:13 pm )
Re: popping the question.
HOW SAD! But this could have been avoided if people would just chill on the CRAZY proposal thing. What’s next? Skydivers falling out of a plane and linking their bodies together to spell WILL YOU MARRY ME? Please. Just pop the dang question. It’s not the size of the rock or the extravagant proposal, it’s the QUESTION that matters!
Comment by Elizabeth Esther (April 17, 2008 @ 7:42 pm )
Amy,
I found the Hit the Wall article somewhat comforting and also pertinent to your post on the subprime mortgage situation. It isn’t always our mistakes that make life hard. My husband has worked long hours for 20 years and during that time we have always sought a way out. Buying a farm was not it for us, as you well know. We are still praying that God will provide my husband a job where he can make enough money to feed our family and work regular hours. 40 hours a week sounds like a piece of cake.
Comment by Cindy (April 18, 2008 @ 10:08 am )
In the Hitting the Wall article, I disagree with what he said about there not being a choice. There always is a choice… change jobs, lower expenses, make decisions to NOT keep the current standard of living. It is possible to do this. Hard, but possible. We’ve done it.
Comment by petersonclan (April 18, 2008 @ 10:31 am )
Re: Hitting the Wall
With the economy the way it is, the rising price of everything, competitive job market etc…it is hard for many families to not fall into this lifestyle. The way companies look at it is, if you don’t want to work that hard, you are dismissed and they hire someone who will. For every open job, there are hundreds of people wanting it. We can’t really cut expenses any more than we have, we really need a bigger place to live (there will be five of us in a 1.5 bedroom house), and our car is over 16 years old and can’t hold the third car seat we will need this summer anyways. What was my husband supposed to do when his company expected him to drive an unsafe vehicle? And there are no jobs to be had in this area? We pack it up and move, thankful we can. The company has hired someone willing to drive their bucket of rust for 65 hours a week for little more than min wage.
I think this country needs some big changes.
Comment by Thia (April 18, 2008 @ 12:50 pm )
Re: Hitting the Wall
I like what Cindy said, “It isn’t always our mistakes that make life hard.” I thought if I did all I could to avoid making common financial mistakes (living beyond your means, being the primary one) that we’d have a shot. I’m like those Enron employees with their heads in the sand. We still do have a fleeting chance to quit this constant work+travel lifestyle, just not when our spreadsheet predicted. And since I’m cynical, I just assume something else will happen when the magic date appears again.
Greg has always been gone 50-70 hours and traveled our entire marriage. (Except one period, he got cut back to 20-25 hours a week after our fifth baby was born–same day. That temporary layoff saved everything, as my recovery was long and difficult.) We’ve schemed all different kinds of alternatives. When the work-from-home job came through 18 months ago, we thought, “Finally!” so it’s a bit of a downer to have it turn into a travel-all-the-time job. It was the carrot that was dangling in front of me all this time that made the other traveling bearable, but now that the carrot is gone, I will find something else to rely on. (If this is confusing, it’s because he works 2-4+ contracts at any given time.) I suppose I’m supposed to make a Jesus reference here, but the truth is, I’m just tired.
Like Carri said, we do have a choice, and if America still has one thing going for it, that’s the bling. Greg can quit his job and work a job where you ask people if they want fries with that, but really, we are fortunate to live in this country. As Thia pointed out, competition for good jobs is intense because other people are willing to sacrifice for the company if you aren’t. About 50-75% of Greg’s work is self-employment, which is good in many ways, but the risks we had/have to take to do that brings its own set of problems.
I don’t know what the answer is beyond doing what we’re already doing, but I’m always open to being wrong. Is it enough to say, “Yeah it’s going to be hard” and spend your days longing for heaven?
Sometimes people ask me if the work-like-crazy-now-so- you-can-slow-down-later approach is worth it. I tell them that it depends on your marriage and your personality. It is definitely stressful, and now that we don’t see any breathing room in sight, I would rather have had one regular job and done things slowly, but seeing how that was never up for my deciding, I’m not sure it’s relevant. It’s not the best time for reflection either on my part.
Comment by Amy Scott (April 18, 2008 @ 4:30 pm )
One problem though, is that you can’t work a “fries with that?” job and support a family these days. At least, not without working several of them and being on public assistance. I do disclaim that, unfortunetly, we live in one of the most expensive states, so maybe it’s possible elsewhere, but certainly not here. And if you work several of those jobs, when are you supposed to see the family and actually live a little?
Comment by Thia (April 18, 2008 @ 5:45 pm )
Hey Amy,
When you wrote “The plague has (almost) left the building…,” I commented that one formula doesn’t fit all. You spoke of scrimping and saving. I wrote that we didn’t live high, but that our financial picture didn’t seem to look the same as yours (we are far less savvy). I just read your comment on this post with regard to things not going the way you planned and trying to reconcile that (I hope that I’m not misrepresenting what you said).
Life seems to be that way most times. I have a hard time (at times) not being cynical about it. It helps to remember that God knows and He’s sovereign (sometimes I bandy that word around–while I know it’s true, it’s also true that my will must be relinquished to Him and that’s RARELY easy for me), but that isn’t a cure all. When my sister’s son died six years ago at age 20, it helped to know that he was with Jesus, but the PAIN WAS CRUSHING. It still is.
Sure, you not being able to move as planned isn’t cancer, but the disappointment is palpable–and it comes across in your post. I’m sure that it felt like a sucker punch after you had planned, saved and believed that God was leading you in the move.
As one of your readers pointed out, there are still lots of choices; I get that, but this is something for which you’ve been planning and it’s not going to happen anytime in the near future. It hurts. It probably won’t help to point out that now you won’t have to leave a church that you love or the baseball team that your son loves. However, that is of little comfort–right now, anyway. You already know all those things…
I love what Alistair Begg wrote in his little booklet “The Priority of God in a World of Self: Pleasing God” with regard to trials and the like. We all know what James says, but, ah, it’s the practice of it that’s difficult. Begg puts it a human, realistic, not to mention honest way, when he writes:
“We tend to run away from the things that make us. We should neither court suffering nor complain about it. Instead we should see it as one of the means God chooses to employ in order to make us increasingly useful to the Master. It is from this perspective that James urges his readers to ‘consider it pure joy…whenever you face trails of many kinds.’”
James 1:2
THEN, Begg goes on to write:
“Often, we can adopt such an attitude only in LOOKING BACK (caps mine). Many times the immediate sense of failure and disappointment is so overwhelming that we are unable to grasp the benefit packages. We need to remember this when talking with our friends who are in the eye of the storm. At that moment our presence is more important than our pronouncements and our silences more eloquent than our speech.”
I’m praying for you, Amy.
With that, I will follow Begg’s advice and shut my big mouth.
Cathy
Comment by Cathy (April 18, 2008 @ 8:02 pm )
Re: Hitting the Wall
Finances are really frustrating. My husband and I work for his familie’s restaurant biz and while it’s great that we get to work together and it’s great that we have some semblance of control of our destiny, it’s also very frustating when last night, a friday night, we were abysmally slow.
I know it’s not us. I look out into the parking lot of all the other restaurants and realize every other place is being just as affected as we are, but it still makes things difficult.
We would love to start a family. I sometimes look at babies in church or see my pregnant friends or am invited to go to a baby shower and my heart just crys out for a little one, but I know to have a child at this point would devestate us financially, not to mention strain our marriage and I’m just too scared to do it. “To every man is given a measure of faith”, but I just don’t feel like my faith is that strong sometimes.
Comment by Jen K. (April 19, 2008 @ 10:04 am )
RE: Living Like No One Else
I think maybe the reason the grandmother doesn’t want to babysit is because she’d probably rather be on that yacht that Ramsey talks about. I know he’s an idol of sorts to Christians when it comes to finances…I’ve read and gleaned from his books as well. But seriously, isn’t all this focus on the good life a little detracting from the Christian walk of faith? Life is usually full of difficulties and as soon as we accept that, we’ll do better. We won’t view it as stress, but as the way things are. We’re to rejoice at trials…they make us better people.
Yes, we should be financially wise…because it’s the right thing to do. Period. I’m not advocating irresponsibility disguised as trusting God, but it seems many Christians have hopped on the band wagon of making it big or at least living well. Proverbs warns of overworking for riches. And I would say withholding what is good and right towards your children is wrong as well…I’m not a spoiler, but I won’t make my children miss out on their childhood so I can live easy when they’re gone. There has to be a balance.
Comment by Ginny (April 23, 2008 @ 11:08 am )
Here is a song “O Rejoice in the Lord” that was written years ago by Ron Hamilton (Patch the Pirate) when he was diagnosed with cancer in his eye. The song is found on the tape, Misterslippy River Race. It has provided me with more comfort over the years during times of pain and confusion than any other song. I just thought I might share it with you all.
God never moves without purpose or plan,
When trying His servant or molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long.
In darkness, He giveth a song.
I could not see through the shadows ahead,
so I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day.
Then peace came and tears fled away.
Now I can see testing comes from above,
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My father knows best, and I trust in His care.
Through purging, more fruit I will bear.
Chorus:
O rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take.
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
I was just talking with my husband this morning (at 5:00 a.m. on his way to work-the earliest he will get home is 5:00 p.m. tonight. We, too, are looking at a period of extensive travel just before and after our baby is born.). I made the comment that it seems so many of us are missing the big picture. The Bible tells us that God is our Father and that He does not withhold any good thing from His children. At the same time, He is just and holy and cannot tolerate sin. The end goal is His glory and for us to be more like Christ. He will accomplish this by any means necessary. And it hurts at times.
The vision that He gives families of a simple life, togetherness, worship, maybe a farm… is a good thing. I am convinced that He will not withhold it. At the same time, it will come when He is ready and when we find our delight/contentment in Him. He gives each family their own vision and accomplishes His will with each one in a different way. Our road is not yours, but it is His. I remind myself frequently that I am but a pilgrim being purified on a journey that ends/begins? in Heaven and that “just one look of Him in glory, will the trials of life repay.”
Sorry this got so long. Just keep our collective chins up and looking to Him. He is the most tender, compassionate Daddy one could have–and He is making us into the people He wants us to be.
Comment by Another Heather (April 23, 2008 @ 12:14 pm )
Another Heather…I would just add that our ways are not His ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts. Sometimes the best thing IS to withhold what seems good in our eyes. We are to seek His kingdom first, and He will provide our needs. I understand that without vision, the people perish, but usually our visions are wrapped up in ourselves. I just wonder if the vision God wanted us to have was of a farm, etc. or rather the goal of raising a godly seed which can be done in the slums of Africa OR on a 40 acre farm. If He leads us to a farm, great. But, so many have this grand idea of having the ideal in 5 to 10 short years, yet we’re not guaranteed tomorrow and therefore miss out on today. Well, anyways, this goes round and round even in my own head. I know I should be content with such things that I have, including my circumstances but how that plays out practically is hard for me to figure. My flesh is always in the equation it seems.
That’s a great song of praise, by the way. It has encouraged me many times over the years.
Comment by Ginny (April 23, 2008 @ 3:45 pm )
Ginny, I absolutly agree. The “vision” I was talking about was the simple, together, praise part. I intended to imply that *some* families were given a vision for a farm. Of course, the goal is to raise children that can effectively serve God in any situation. And this raising can be done in any situation. As I was writing that comment I was thinking of the many missionary stories that we read to our children and the total sacrifice and deprivation that they endured to serve the Lord in the place He called them to be. God has not called my husband and me to be missionaries, rather to be parents to a lot of kids. We see it as our ministry to raise them so that God can use them anywhere He wants. We feel, after much prayer, discussion, and Bible reading that a farm allows us to do that most effectively. Not every family will see this as part of God’s will for them. Other families may want this as part of a romantic dream that caters to more to self than to God’s will. In that case, God may very well choose to withhold this dream in order to bring them into a closer relationship with Him.
I guess my main intent was to encourage as many as possible that even though times are hard, dreams seem to be devastated, and evil crushing us that God is still in control and is, in fact, hovering over us protecting us and looking out for us during our test.
I didn’t go in to any of that because, well, I get a little verbose and I didn’t want to completely hijack the comment thread. Sorry, if I implied that God’s will always complies with our dreams. Believe me, I know better than that.
Comment by Another Heather (April 24, 2008 @ 12:35 pm )
Re: Japan’s Declining Birth Rate
I was just over there in October and I have to say I saw TONS of pregnant women, as well as women with strollers and small children. I know that I am by no means a clear “cross-section” observer, but this just sounds like typical gloom and doom journalism.
Besides that Japanese LOVE children. Seriously, if you ever want to go to a country that is child friendly, this is the place to go. Every where you turn there is some sort of amusement for children, they will never get bored.
Comment by Jen K. (May 10, 2008 @ 10:20 am )
OK, give me that woman’s budget for organizing her one craft room and I could redecorate my whole house! Yikes! I think I’ll stick with shoe boxes.
On the Japan thing, I lived there for two years from 90-92. I will tell you that any Japanese child has my sympathy. The expectations and pressures put on children in that culture are insane. The stress that the children are under to perform perfectly are enormous. Families are literally competing at the preschool level to get their child into the “right” college. Kids rarely have any input into their career choice and little input into the choice of their spouse.
To use the word “Family” in reference to the parent/child group in Japan is misleading, too. Fathers are worked and socialized to death. They often barely know their wives and children and may not even like them much. Wives run the family, money and the children; they give the husband an allowance to spend on his “extra curricular activities.” Children are required to put in a day almost as long as their father’s at school to make sure that they pass whatever exam is next. Mom is off to her many, expensive hobbies while everyone is away. The entire nation seemed to me to be at risk of dropping dead of exhaustion or heart attack. It was common place to see teens sound asleep on the trains on their way home from school at 8:00 p.m.
I knew an American missionary family that left the field because their own children were at risk from the Japanese culture that entraps the children. I knew another missionary family that couldn’t have children of their own who decided not to adopt because of the conditions under which those children would have to be raised. They felt they would have had to leave as well to protect any adopted child.
What really shocked me was that when I came home, I saw America running pell mell into the same kind of culture that I saw in Japan. This is called reverse culture shock. It is much harder to deal with than initial culture shock.
I could go on, but, again, I have already taken too much space. Please, remember Japanese Christians and missionaries to Japan in prayer. Satan still reigns supreme there and his presence is palpable. These people face pressures and attacks that Americans can barely comprehend.
Comment by Another Heather (May 13, 2008 @ 1:12 am )
Sounds like America is right on track to becoming the next Japan, only with much less politeness and smiles.
Comment by Jen K. (May 14, 2008 @ 3:01 pm )
You are so right, Jen K. And without the politeness and smiles, it is a downright scary culture to postulate. Those smiles, bows, and gentle misdirection are the glue that keeps that culture together.
Comment by Another Heather (May 14, 2008 @ 4:16 pm )
I turn to your “links” post like I do CNN or other sources. Awesome stuff you find!
Comment by Lisa (May 20, 2008 @ 8:46 am )
Re: Merritt Island Indians
…so you really do have a son named McGregor!!
(I know you are proud, mama!)
Comment by Andrea@Flourishing Mother (May 29, 2008 @ 11:19 pm )
Thanks, Amy ~ sorry that I haven’t returned your email. I can receive email here, but I can’t send it out. Strange. They are letting me go home after 10pm tonight (they take that 48 hrs. thing kind of seriously around here).
Comment by Laura in KY (June 8, 2008 @ 11:16 am )
Laura,
Just love on your baby and don’t worry about us! Delete my emails, get rested, and know we love you!
Comment by Amy Scott (June 8, 2008 @ 10:02 pm )
Just wanted to say thanks for posting the link to the story about Audrey Caroline!! What an amazing testimony to God’s grace in the midst of suffering.
Take care!
P.S. Can I come munch in your garden when it produces!
Comment by Mel (June 11, 2008 @ 8:55 pm )
Hey Amy,
I did a photo book for my hubby too! I’d love to see yours, but the link doesn’t work for me.
Comment by Nancy - Lessons Learned on the Farm (June 17, 2008 @ 10:58 am )
Nancy,
Apparently, the link expires after 24 hours. So here’s a new one, but it won’t last long.
Comment by Amy Scott (June 17, 2008 @ 12:42 pm )
Hmm, that link still doesn’t work for me. Your link is really different than mine. http://tinyurl.com/5j4ol3
Is yours in the gallery part?
Comment by Nancy- Lessons Learned on the Farm (June 17, 2008 @ 1:25 pm )
OK, I moved it over to the gallery part. Try this link.
Comment by Amy Scott (June 17, 2008 @ 2:52 pm )
That one worked. Great job Amy! I bet your husband LOVED it. :O)
Comment by Nancy- Lessons Learned on the Farm (June 17, 2008 @ 3:21 pm )
Re: Then and Now–really hit home with me. Some of it I could have really related to more earlier on (oldest is almost 4, youngest is almost 2), but it does make sense and make me feel I’m not crazy! thanks for linking to that!
Comment by Michelle (June 19, 2008 @ 10:26 pm )
Re: then and now
oh, amy, please just “throw your kids to the wolves(outside)” and blog about this! It’s right up your alley, and I’ll hang on every word!!! I did love it an related to it. it quite reminded me of your “thinking outside the box” post.
Comment by Andrea@Flourishing Mother (June 20, 2008 @ 7:32 pm )
Andrea and Michelle,
It’s totally my heart not to set up my children for the isolation and lack of support, community, lifestyle components that weigh on the stay-at-home mother. There are some things that are unchangable, but we should do the best we can with what we have control over. The way I see it, I can continue going on the same path or we can make decisions to put those supports in place.
I have great intentions to flesh this out more, just never get to it. Part of the reason is that I feel somewhat that I have to write a complete thought on it, I’m not sure how much is helpful or distracting about my processing it. For example, I could fix that last sentence (will take me forever) or I can leave it as it is and hope it makes some sense.
I’d be more inclined to do that if my blog stayed true to its orginal design (small note to my friends and family)–just talk candidly, but I feel somewhat obligated (?) to take more care with my words and thoughts to respect the reader. I go back and forth.
Comment by Amy Scott (June 22, 2008 @ 10:00 am )
Maybe you could just offer small nuggets at a time about aspects you do feel “sure” about and just get the dialog going.
But then again, this is your blog and you need to keep control of its output. Don’t let us, your readers, push you around.
: P
The isolation and lack of support topic could definitely be a very full and fascinating one, and could even lead to some ideas and solutions (without compromising convictions, I mean).
Tackle it when you’re ready, in your own time.
Have a great week, Amy!
Love,
Ruthanne
Comment by Ruthanne (June 22, 2008 @ 11:01 pm )
Regarding the Droperidol and Diphenhydramine - I haven’t tried Droperidol, but have definitely had some success with Benadryl (Diphenhyrdramine’s more friendly name
)…but it’s similar success to Phenergan - you are so stinking sleepy / drugged, it’s difficult to enjoy the success, you know?
I have been meaning to let you know, though, that I did find a miracle cure, at least for me. Through my out-of-the-box allergist, of all people. My OB is so conservative and hesitant to try anything, but this allergist is crazy. He gave me Prednisone at 19 weeks (partially to figure out if my headaches and snot problems were from allergies or a sinus infection, partially to mess with the HG) - within 24 hours, ALL the nausea was *GONE*. No traces. AND, the most amazing part, so was all of the weakness and exhaustion. I was able to stand up, even pick up my 40 pound 2 year old! Anyway, he put me on a 5 week taper, and while the step downs have been brutal, it seems to have stopped the HG. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Anyway, let me know if you have any questions, I don’t want to dominate your sideblog thing here.
I was nervous about trying it until I did a lot of research, so I can probably answer any basic questions you might have, at least from the vomiting mom perspective.
Comment by bean (June 23, 2008 @ 2:10 am )
Please tell us the two ways that I ought to know the baseball video is staged. Because I’m not figuring it out.
Comment by Amy Flanegan (June 27, 2008 @ 3:15 pm )
1. Catcher is right handed at the beginning, then left handed at the end.
2. She flips the ball back to the outfielder. Why would a ball girl not hold on to a ball that was just hammered (and probably warped)? It is her job to gather those balls and keep them out of play.
Am I right or am I right?
Comment by jeff (June 27, 2008 @ 4:25 pm )
Jeff,
Those weren’t my two things. I thought you were right about the catcher, but my son told me he’s holding his glove, not wearing it. (I checked; he’s right.) I’d tend to agree about #2, but maybe that’s the epitome of coolnesss. So, I still see two things. What are they?
Comment by Amy Scott (June 27, 2008 @ 4:41 pm )
Ruthanne, Yes, good topics. Just sitting down with quiet to write–very scarce these days. My olders like to talk, talk, talk during quiet time, and I find myself in a different season with that (as opposed to tucking them all into bed). I feel like I am “made” for quiet and reflection and yet someone is always wanting to hang, get some feedback, talk, cuddle, or whatever.
I should shoo them away, but I am getting to be a softie as I get older. Plus, my olders made me feel guilty this week when all they wanted to do was study Bible verses with me while the littles were down. 
Bean,
I understand that prednisone is a steroid. I don’t know much about the safety of that during pregnancy, never having dealt with asthma (isn’t that the normal use?). I did take Abuteral (spelling error there), but I didn’t notice any help with the nausea. Definite decrease (but not elimination) with antihistamines. How did your OB feel about that? Is it just a general cost-benefit thing? I will check to see if there are any studies done on that with pregnant women….
Comment by Amy Scott (June 27, 2008 @ 5:21 pm )
I think I see someone in the audience dropping the ball down to the girl, right?
Comment by Tammy L (June 28, 2008 @ 10:55 am )
I didn’t see that. There’s still two really easy ones that you don’t have to squint to see.
Comment by Amy Scott (June 28, 2008 @ 11:00 pm )
Hi, Amy! Yes, it is a corticosteroid, which completely freaked me out at first. My OB is *extremely* conservative, so he doesn’t like this plan at all. However, I have a very outside-the-box allergist who wasn’t sure if I was struggling with a sinus infection or allergies (on top of the HG - no fun), so he wanted to put me on Prednisone to see if it fixed the symptoms (allergies respond to Prednisone very quickly). He also knew that it was an aggressive HG treatment and felt that I was not receiving good care from my OB and wanted to jump in.
He explained to me that before the newer asthma drugs came out, he (and every other allergist or similar doctor) had given Prednisone to thousands of pregnant asthmatics and was fully comfortable with a 5-week taper at this stage in the pregnancy (weeks 19 to 24). I researched online as well, and everything I read backed it up. He also pointed out that there have been significantly more studies of Prednisone in pregnant women than Zofran - the risks are known and generally are easy to avoid.
If you are in the right stage of pregnancy (generally the second trimester), there are not mentionable risks to the baby (hardly any of the steroids pass through the placenta), and for the mom a 5 week taper has only minimal risks as well. If you continue on for longer, the risks increase. I wouldn’t have gone past 6 weeks after my research.
Anyway, it’s interesting to look into, and it literally was like a miracle for me. Ashli McCall’s book has a lot of information as well. Hope that helps! (Sorry this is so long)
Comment by bean (June 29, 2008 @ 1:49 pm )
The catcher! The catcher! his glove switches hands!
Comment by sara (June 29, 2008 @ 3:22 pm )
I have made that dough recipe two times now! We love it!!! I have also made her baking mix, and made pancakes out it! Totally yummy! I did have to make quite a bit of mix. Eight people can eat a lot of pancakes!!
Comment by Kelly (June 30, 2008 @ 9:31 am )
Regarding Guns/Martydom: Piper brings up an incredibly good point, however I think he stops short and ends up with a faulty conclusion.
They had a gun, yet chose not to use it against the natives to whom they brought the gospel. To the disciple who had no sword, Jesus said, “sell your cloak and buy one,” yet he said two were enough. Jesus told Peter to put away his sword, but he never told Peter to get rid of the sword. The Lord merely admonished him in his improper use.
We are commanded to defend the defenseless; while this involves more than the threat of physical harm, this command is difficult to follow without a weapon. My concern is less for my personal defense…indeed I may chose to die for Christ with a loaded weapon at rest at my side. But I find it in conflict with my mandate to protect my family and fellow man from evil to shun all weapons.
Our trust and security is always in the Lord, but it is still a practical reality that personal gun ownership godly citizens deters crime and restrains evil, while it encourages a society where we may live at peace with all men and enjoy the safety and freedom to share the gospel.
-Eric
Comment by petersonclan (June 30, 2008 @ 10:05 am )
Re: Avent bottles
We’re expecting baby this month and I was thrilled to see Evenflo has returned their classic glass bottles to the shelves. Was wondering what I was going to do…thought this would be a good solution.
Comment by Ginny (June 30, 2008 @ 10:58 am )
eh, I need to read the comments before mine - especially 83 & 84. Sorry. Phooey on the catcher. So, what is it?
Comment by sara (June 30, 2008 @ 9:54 pm )
I loved that article by the pro-choice atheist who is now a pro-life Catholic. I’m intrigued by the notion that how you viewed s*x would affect how you viewed abortion. I’m willing to bet most Christians share the same views as the godless in our culture on this topic, yet say they’re pro-life.
I’ve just spent an hour or so reading her blog–conversion diary. Christendom could use more people like her. She’s so fun to read. I enjoy her thoughtfulness and honesty. Thanks for linking to her article.
Comment by jo (July 1, 2008 @ 12:37 am )
Hey,
Thanks for the pizza link-I tried the dessert pizza and it was fabulous. Here’s a link to a very similar recipe but it saves the rising time; I also add garlic to the crust.
Comment by Mel (July 1, 2008 @ 8:10 am )
I see I did not link the recipe properly.
Her it is:Quick and Easy Pizza Crust.
Comment by Mel (July 1, 2008 @ 8:11 am )
Regarding the staged baseball catch, here are two ways you can tell it’s staged: (1) she’s not looking at the catch (2) the crowd behind the catcher would be going bonkers, not just sitting there.
Comment by Amy Scott (July 1, 2008 @ 9:05 pm )
Watching “Where the blank is Matt?” moved me to tears since I’ve been spending most of my recent evenings immersed in John Piper’s “Let the Nations Be Glad!”. Those beautiful people, all so different, had enough in common that they all had a blast joining in the dance. Yet most of them are so lost - makes me long to be sent!
Comment by Amy Flanegan (July 3, 2008 @ 4:44 pm )
May I refer here to the thread about the ‘QuiverFull’
belief, and the Mark Driscoll video?
I had never heard of Driscoll before this. I had heard of the QuiverFull mindset from a scriptural viewpoint, not as a mandate.
What I’m really confused about is this: Did those who condemned Mark Driscoll actually listen to the whole teaching?
I kept thinking, as I was listening to him speak, that surely those who so roundly dismissed him as ‘extreme’ had heard a completely different teaching than I heard.
I heard him give a thoroughly Biblically-balanced viewpoint of conception. In fact, I thought he bent over backward to accomodate those who are not of a ‘QuiverFull’ mentality.
On another subject, I was offended by his broad, inaccurate, unjust characterization of homeschoolers. He characterized homeschoolers as ‘judgmental’, but his comments about homeschoolers were probably the most judgmental I’ve ever heard!
ITA with the viewpoint he related, early in his talk, of the parents of 13 children who visited with him in his home. If anyone noticed, they specifially said they do not expect (certainly not demand) that other Christians share their conviction about not using birth control.
If I’ve offended anyone here with my response, I honestly did not intend to. I am a tad frustrated because a number of people here didn’t seem to hear what he actually said.
For the record, I grew up in a Christian-in-name-only family. We went to church a lot, but my dad wasn’t saved (thankfully, he was saved late in life) and my mother was an extremely angry person who resented my existence. She was a feminist before there was a such thing. I grew up thinking of children as burdens because I ‘caught’ her attitude. I often said I would NEVER have any children at all.
I was a rebellious teen who reflected the sorry state of my home life. My parents were constantly at each other’s throats whenever Dad came home; most of the time he escaped into his work.
As a result of my rebellion, I made foolish choices at the age of 17 and became pregnant by the guy I was dating - I did love him as much as I could, though I truly didn’t know love because I didn’t know the Lord.
He ‘did the right thing’ and we were married months before our first son was born. That was a tumultous time for me, as I carried much guilt and remorse - plus, I had no maternal instinct whatsoever.
After he was born, I began, little by little, to read the Bible. When the first son was almost 2, the second son was born. It was quite some time before I went back to church.
I ‘happened’ to watch a Billy Graham Crusade one evening, and the convicting power of God gripped my heart. I literally comprehended the gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time in my life.
I can honestly say that when I began to get into God’s Word and allow Him to soften and change my heart and life, He enabled me to love my children as He loved me. It was a gradual but a very real thing which endures to this day.
God had a lot of work to do in my heart, and He has been faithful to do it.
Today we’ve been married more than 35 years, we have six children (at least four in Heaven), and four grandchildren.
I truly thank God for a husband who did the right thing and I truly thank Him for every child I have, even (especially!) the one(s) who came at inconvenient times.
A scripture that comes to me often is in a letter Paul wrote to Timothy, where he mentioned women ‘being saved so as through childbirth’ (my paraphrase). I don’t pretend to know the full ramifications of that scripture, but I do know that the Lord began a wonderful work in my life when I became a mother - even though my entrance into motherhood was obviously not the way He had ordained it.
In Genesis 50:20, Joseph told his brothers that ‘what you have meant for harm, God has used for good’. That’s the way I feel about my entire life. Glory to God, from whom all blessings flow!
Comment by Claire (July 6, 2008 @ 10:25 am )
Amy, we were thrilled with Josh Groban’s performance, too, but what about that Josh Hamilton story? This is one Home Run Derby we will never forget!
Comment by Barbara (July 17, 2008 @ 10:55 am )
The photos of the real estate listings had me laughing hysterically. My window repaired with sheet rock is no longer an issue for me.
Thanks!
Comment by Renae (July 19, 2008 @ 12:35 am )
Thanks for the link to Your Developing Baby site. We recently learned we are expecting our 7th. there will be some serious challenges this time around, but we know we and our lives are in God’s hands. My children have been asking a lot of questions about the developing baby and I just might have to get my hands on that book to share with those interested. My children have already had great joy in seeing the videos you linked. Thanks.
Comment by SmockLady (July 20, 2008 @ 2:19 pm )
Congratulations SmockLady!
Comment by Amy Scott (July 21, 2008 @ 3:38 pm )
I don’t guess I actually qualify as a mother of many anymore. It used to be number 6 put you over the line but these days you have to have at least 10 to be considered a MOM
I have 9 not counting miscarriages.
I have to say that I disagree with Jenni, a bit. We never really got that many negative comments but I do agree they were usually from people closer to us at church than from the world.
I personally enjoy talking to the cashier at Wal-Mart and it is one of the benefits of living in the south where the checker actually looks at what you are buying and comments. But then again living in the south I can’t buy ice cream at Wal-Mart; it’s too far away. I have to buy my ice cream at the Pig down the road. The Pig is a regular Cheers.
Finally, children in large families have a way of making themselves unique. Our family is positively eccentric on many levels. I like the Ecclesiastesish comment from the Gilbreth’s in the forward to Cheaper by the Dozen:
“Our father had only 12 children, our mother, 12 only children.”
Finally, I think that when you decide to live a lifestyle different from the world and the church, it is up to you to meet people where they are and put them at ease. It isn’t good to develop a chip on the shoulder, which I don’t think Jenni has only it is often the product of being different.
Comment by Cindy (July 25, 2008 @ 8:56 am )
This bailout mess makes my blood boil. Who forced all these “victims” to take risky mortgages? We tried to buy what would have been our first home in 1987. We were told by the lender that we qualified for a 7% fixed rate mortgage, so we had a house built. We took our two little boys to see the progress every week. We picked out all the colors and even had one room specially designed to be our homeschool room. A short time before the house was done, we were told we wouldn’t qualify for the original rate and they offered us a balloon. Even though we were devastated, we said no and we didn’t get a house for another seven years. Stupid, huh? Of course, that was before this bunch of clowns took office so I guess we would have actually had to take responsibility for our bad decisions. How unAmerican.
Comment by Barbara (July 31, 2008 @ 9:23 pm )
Oh my. That poor family! We will be praying for them as they seek to find their son. What a horror!
Comment by Lady Why (August 5, 2008 @ 5:20 pm )
doesnt’ look like the boy made it.
http://www.columbiamagazine.com/print.php?sid=24380
Comment by Jen S (August 6, 2008 @ 1:22 pm )