IntenseDebate

11 years ago @ http://www.rageagainst... - What I Want You To Kno... · 0 replies · +3 points

My mom was a young widow when she was just 22 years old. My dad died on Dec 23 in their home when his heart had an aneurysm. She found out a few days later that she was pregnant with me. She did remarry, and that man is the dad who raised me as his own. Even adopted me. Things haven't always been easy for her as she's processed that. It's heartbreaking and complicated. Thank you for sharing your story today. I am so sorry for all that you and your kids have lost.

12 years ago @ http://www.rageagainst... - Questions of eternal s... · 0 replies · +3 points

Exactly! I grew up with shoes on. But after having friends who are Malaysian and removing our shoes in their home I adopted the custom. Yes, the house is cleaner -- not just what you can see, but the pesticides, allergens, mold, floor of the grocery store ick, etc. that you can't see.

Most people are gracious. Some look at me like I've asked them to remove their pants.

We hosted our house church every week several years ago. A couple who were attending noticed we didn't wear shoes. When she asked about our shoe rule she told me I should ask everyone else to remove theirs. I said I wasn't sure how that would go over. She encouraged me to just ask people to remove their shoes. So, I did. And have ever since. With a few exceptions, it hasn't been a problem.

15 years ago @ Jennifer V Davis - To Speak Blessings · 0 replies · +1 points

This hits me especially close today. My oldest daughter was just diagnosed with ADHD and a mood disorder. Sometimes I have been beside myself trying to discipline her and understand why she acts how she acts. In the heat of the moment when I have felt completely helpless I've said things to her I wish I hadn't. Over the past few weeks we sought some professional help, and as I've come to terms with her diagnosis, I find myself spending more time heaping hugs and words of blessing on her. Her diagnosis hasn't disappeared, but some of the horrible symptoms and behaviors are better. I can't help but wonder if some of that doesn't have to do with my change in attitude.

15 years ago @ Maurilio Amorim - How Are You Wired for ... · 1 reply · +1 points

I'm with Lawrence. I can see all four of those in myself.

Part of the mystery of creativity to me is being open to which one will descend on me at any given time. Yes, there's work and intentionality. But, often either the idea takes flight or it doesn't regardless of how intentional I am.

15 years ago @ Stuff Christians Like ... - Listening to devil music. · 0 replies · +2 points

My youth pastor used to show us videos about how satanic heavy metal music was. They talked about backward masking and Ozzy Osborne biting the head off a bat because the devil told him to do it or something like that. Now I know that was all a bunch of made up crap.

I didn't particularly care for heavy metal at the time anyway. So it didn't affect my choice in music.

I can laugh about those videos and how adults overreacted and tried to "protect" me and my peers. But, once I grew up and realized a lot of that stuff was made up to manipulate me, it just made me cynical and I began to wonder what else I was taught at church that wasn't true. This had led to a season of questioning and doubt about a lot of things. While I still hold to the basic tenants of the faith, I've changed my views on most fringe issues. (I even voted for a Democrat <gasp!!> and Armageddon was *not* ushered in.)

I'm sure my years of doubt, questioning, and cynicism weren't the desired outcome of my youth pastor or the other adults in my life.

15 years ago @ Michael Hyatt Blog - Why Great Teams Tell G... · 0 replies · 0 points

Yes! I would love to have a copy of this book!! Yes, I would read it!!

As a former worker in the service industry I am fascinated in what makes good customer service. I've worked in a grocery store, hotel call center doing customer service for properties worldwide, and tech support for a business information hub. Also, as the daughter of a pastor our family worked as a team to help members of our congregation as well as random people who found us via the phone book. Now, as a mother of two young children I want our family to function as a team empowering my children to make decisions and contribute to our family. I'm also part of a house church where the emphasis is on everyone contributing rather than on a few people leading everything. This sounds like my kind of book!

15 years ago @ Mary DeMuth - When the Wolves Howl f... · 2 replies · +1 points

Yep. I was on staff at a church plant that was led by someone who fits this description. I was badly wounded. Others were, too. Even now, though, I am somewhat remiss to call this person out as a wolf. I want to give the benefit of the doubt; I want to believe the best.

I'm also a pastors kid. Growing up, we PKs see a lot of wolves dressed up like something else!!

The Church is broken because it's full of broken people. We all need the grace God gives us in Jesus. But, once you're bitten by someone you should be able to trust, it's hard to trust others. I'm currently in a church under leadership that is wholesome, healthy, and good. I've healed a lot. But, sometimes the jaded voice creeps in and mistrust forms. It's quite a path this following Jesus business...

15 years ago @ Stuff Christians Like ... - Making horrible trades. · 0 replies · +1 points

I'm glad to know my girls aren't the only ones who make these completely nonsense trades. My oldest often takes advantage of my youngest in a trade. In our house it's Littlest Pet Shop toys. The power of the Silly Bandz have yet to penetrate my household.

15 years ago @ Mary DeMuth - Breathing is Better th... · 2 replies · +1 points

This is something I'm learning.

Last week I had a tough time. I was kicking and kicking when I needed to be breathing and resting instead. Like you, I wrote about the experience on my blog.

15 years ago @ Lindsey Nobles - My Terrible Tally · 0 replies · +1 points

I used to keep tally more than I do anymore. It's not worth the energy, is it? And it does damage to relationships. More often now I worry about whether I owe a friend something -- a returned favor or reply to an email. I need to learn more about receiving and letting people give to me w/o expectation of anything in return.

I appreciate your honesty, Lindsey.
My recent post I know how you feel

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