Going back to my two posts prior to the give away (have you signed up to win yet???), one of the thoughts that has occurred to me is this: If our past church decisions concerning contraception and women's ordination have led us farther and farther away from creedal Christianity, what will our current and future decisions do? Here is a point in case:
After the election of Gene Robinson to bishop (an openly gay man in an non-celibate relationship), ScrappleFace posted this farce. This was a joke. The point was to provoke the question, "What's next?". Well, the farce has now COME TRUE a mere 4 years later.
Hat tip to First Things. They have an excellent article (all their articles are excellent) discussing this at length and the implications for interfaith dialogue. Otherwise, I'm still digesting....
Monday, July 23, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Another link along the same lines...
Heather from Stepping Heavenward left a wonderful comment (thanks, Heather) and a shocking quote from GK Chesterton. It is so good that I had to put it into a regular post so that it wouldn't be missed....
"Given an attempt to escape from the nature of things and I can well believe that it might lead at last to something like 'the nursery school for our children staffed by other mothers and single women of expert training.'
I will add nothing to that ghastly picture, beyond speculating pleasantly about the world in which women cannot manage their own children but can manage each other's."
Here is a link to the entire essay. It was written in 1927....and again (why am I so fascinated by this reference? :) ) there is our old friend Malthus. I think I'm going to have to go read some of his writings.
"Given an attempt to escape from the nature of things and I can well believe that it might lead at last to something like 'the nursery school for our children staffed by other mothers and single women of expert training.'
I will add nothing to that ghastly picture, beyond speculating pleasantly about the world in which women cannot manage their own children but can manage each other's."
Here is a link to the entire essay. It was written in 1927....and again (why am I so fascinated by this reference? :) ) there is our old friend Malthus. I think I'm going to have to go read some of his writings.
My mind is kind of whirling around right now.....I need to spend some time distilling this down a bit before I post more or I'm afraid it will be just 'gobbldygook'!
Do you have any thoughts or comments?
Friday, July 20, 2007
She wore a lovely green Malthusian belt....
Birth Control. Whew, that is a subject that can cause some real divisions even among like-minded folks, isn't it? And it is a subject that is frequently on my mind. I've gone from extreme to extreme in my life and I'm trying to find, if not a middle ground, a godly understanding.
Last week, I read a post from a pastor in my own denomination concerning feminism, birth control, women's choice, etc. The subject matter was typical feminist rhetoric, but with the addition of some personal attacks against women to whom she disallows the freedom of chosing their own values. Remarks were also made directly about another pastor in our denomination concerning her fitness for motherhood because she also held values with which the author disagreed. (The article has since been modified to remove some very offensive statements, but the gist of the article is still the same.) In the comments, I found this statement...
"And I have no sympathy for those who would teach that contraception is wrong and that you should just leave the pregnancy up to God - if you do that, there's going to be lots of pregnancies"
Keep in mind that this is from a Christian who is supposed to believe that God is GOOD - and what he gives you is GOOD - and that his will for you is GOOD (Matt 7:11; Luke 11:13). Do you see the contradiction in this statement? Whether or not you believe Christians should be using artifical contraception, let's hope your argument doesn't rest on "if you leave it to God, there will be lots of pregnancies". Geez - you've practially made the argument for your opposition!
Yes, if you leave "it" - "it" being the size of your family - up to God, he very well may BLESS you with a large family...but on the other hand, He may BLESS you with a medium or small family. The point being what He gives us is always GOOD! Why do we trust our own limited "knowledge" and "understanding" when there is a God of perfect wisdom to whom we may turn? If we trust Him, he will lead us through seasons of fruitfullness and seasons of fallowness. Both are needed for a bountiful harvest!
Back to the original article, the woman whose motherhood status was questioned has responded with a godly grace and restraint. She also linked to an interesting Touchstone article on the history of the birth control question in the church.
Ok, the Malthusian belt. I was positively thrilled to see to see this reference in the article. I'm currently reading Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Huxley uses a reference to Malthus with the contraceptive equipment/fashion statement known as the "Malthusian belt". I had a sneaking suspicion about Malthus' politics, but hadn't looked it up yet. This article provided the impetus. Here's what I found. If you've not read Brave New World - go out and purchase a copy pronto. You'll be ASTOUNDED and saddened by his "prophetic" vision of the future. Well, I was. It is particularly telling that he wrote his book in the early 30s - right around the time discussed in the Touchstone article.
Now, off to pizza, wine and a movie night with hubbie....
Last week, I read a post from a pastor in my own denomination concerning feminism, birth control, women's choice, etc. The subject matter was typical feminist rhetoric, but with the addition of some personal attacks against women to whom she disallows the freedom of chosing their own values. Remarks were also made directly about another pastor in our denomination concerning her fitness for motherhood because she also held values with which the author disagreed. (The article has since been modified to remove some very offensive statements, but the gist of the article is still the same.) In the comments, I found this statement...
"And I have no sympathy for those who would teach that contraception is wrong and that you should just leave the pregnancy up to God - if you do that, there's going to be lots of pregnancies"
Keep in mind that this is from a Christian who is supposed to believe that God is GOOD - and what he gives you is GOOD - and that his will for you is GOOD (Matt 7:11; Luke 11:13). Do you see the contradiction in this statement? Whether or not you believe Christians should be using artifical contraception, let's hope your argument doesn't rest on "if you leave it to God, there will be lots of pregnancies". Geez - you've practially made the argument for your opposition!
Yes, if you leave "it" - "it" being the size of your family - up to God, he very well may BLESS you with a large family...but on the other hand, He may BLESS you with a medium or small family. The point being what He gives us is always GOOD! Why do we trust our own limited "knowledge" and "understanding" when there is a God of perfect wisdom to whom we may turn? If we trust Him, he will lead us through seasons of fruitfullness and seasons of fallowness. Both are needed for a bountiful harvest!
Back to the original article, the woman whose motherhood status was questioned has responded with a godly grace and restraint. She also linked to an interesting Touchstone article on the history of the birth control question in the church.
Ok, the Malthusian belt. I was positively thrilled to see to see this reference in the article. I'm currently reading Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Huxley uses a reference to Malthus with the contraceptive equipment/fashion statement known as the "Malthusian belt". I had a sneaking suspicion about Malthus' politics, but hadn't looked it up yet. This article provided the impetus. Here's what I found. If you've not read Brave New World - go out and purchase a copy pronto. You'll be ASTOUNDED and saddened by his "prophetic" vision of the future. Well, I was. It is particularly telling that he wrote his book in the early 30s - right around the time discussed in the Touchstone article.
Now, off to pizza, wine and a movie night with hubbie....
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Our Labra-dudette
Our labra-dudette is Sophia - aka: Sophie, Soapie, Soaps, Dopey. She's a great dog: Just enough smarts to be dangerous, just enough goofiness to keep us always in stitches. She was a rescue "doodle".
The Common Room family shared some recent "then and now" photos of their dog Donovan. Now, Donovan may not be a labradoodle (waiting for comfirmation from The Common Room), but he sure looks exactly like our Sophia! What do you think? Go check out Donovan and compare him to Sophia...
THEN:
The Common Room family shared some recent "then and now" photos of their dog Donovan. Now, Donovan may not be a labradoodle (waiting for comfirmation from The Common Room), but he sure looks exactly like our Sophia! What do you think? Go check out Donovan and compare him to Sophia...
THEN:
Do you pour out your alabaster jar?
Baby Blue just posted an excellent essay about sacrifice, particularly women who serve their husbands and families with little or no earthly "recognition". It was written in response to a very distressing post by an Episcopal clergywoman who ridiculed women who chose the high calling of motherhood and wifehood eschewing the world's version of "fame" and "fortune". (These links are not at all necessary to enjoying the essay.)
The essay on the "Alabaster Jar" is an encourgement and challenge! I hope you'll take the time to read it.
The essay on the "Alabaster Jar" is an encourgement and challenge! I hope you'll take the time to read it.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
cheating summer
I think I'm cheating summer.
Today, my middle son (7) enjoyed anther afternoon of digging in the sandbox with his bestfriends next door. I stepped outside just to have a listen (they are so close that sometimes they all bicker like siblings, so we keep close tabs on the temperature of the interraction) and was delicately distracted by the buzzing and whirring and screeching of a hot, humid summer afternoon here in the south. The June bugs, in their shiny, metallic green shells, were buzzing around my herbs. There were various species of "bee" also making the rounds. And high above me came a distinct, rising screech. It was definitely the screech of a bug - almost a crackling screech - rather than a bird or animal. I've no idea what it was, but it was quite loud!
I stood there thinking how lovely this hot and stifling afternoon really was to my senses, if not to the comfort of my inner thermostat. My husband would cringe if he knew what I did next, but he'll read my blog and know...I'll come clean anyway... I went inside and opened a window. And, no, I didn't turn off the A/C .
But somehow, by sitting inside my home so nice and refrigerated - and perfectly still , I feel like I'm cheating summer and also cheating myself out of the same. I've missed the soft clamour of nature!
I think I'll be keeping my window open...
Today, my middle son (7) enjoyed anther afternoon of digging in the sandbox with his bestfriends next door. I stepped outside just to have a listen (they are so close that sometimes they all bicker like siblings, so we keep close tabs on the temperature of the interraction) and was delicately distracted by the buzzing and whirring and screeching of a hot, humid summer afternoon here in the south. The June bugs, in their shiny, metallic green shells, were buzzing around my herbs. There were various species of "bee" also making the rounds. And high above me came a distinct, rising screech. It was definitely the screech of a bug - almost a crackling screech - rather than a bird or animal. I've no idea what it was, but it was quite loud!
I stood there thinking how lovely this hot and stifling afternoon really was to my senses, if not to the comfort of my inner thermostat. My husband would cringe if he knew what I did next, but he'll read my blog and know...I'll come clean anyway... I went inside and opened a window. And, no, I didn't turn off the A/C .
But somehow, by sitting inside my home so nice and refrigerated - and perfectly still , I feel like I'm cheating summer and also cheating myself out of the same. I've missed the soft clamour of nature!
I think I'll be keeping my window open...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Who ate the Baby?...I ate the (Dutch) Baby
While visiting Meredith over at Like Merchant Ships, I came across a wonderful recipe for a cobbler that reminded me of a Dutch Baby...only in reverse, and on a stove top.
I'd never heard of these until I visited a bed and breakfast in near Harrisburg, PA. It was so delicious that I had to find a recipe. I make it every now and then for family or guests - it makes a wonderful addition to the breakfast or brunch table. It is puffy and light (not light as in calories), with a slight crunch. The batter is only slightly sweet - so you can add macerated fruit without making the dish overly sweet. Let me know if you try this! Or if you have a different recipe.
Here is the recipe:
I'd never heard of these until I visited a bed and breakfast in near Harrisburg, PA. It was so delicious that I had to find a recipe. I make it every now and then for family or guests - it makes a wonderful addition to the breakfast or brunch table. It is puffy and light (not light as in calories), with a slight crunch. The batter is only slightly sweet - so you can add macerated fruit without making the dish overly sweet. Let me know if you try this! Or if you have a different recipe.
Here is the recipe:
Dutch Baby
Ingredients: 1/2 c milk, 1/2 c flour, 1/4 c sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 stick butter. You'll need an oven-proof/stovetop-proof dish to cook this in. I recommend a good cast iron skillet.
Preheat oven to 425. Mix the milk, flour, sugar and eggs. Set aside. Melt butter in a 10-inch iron skillet. Tilt the pan so that the butter coats the sides. Pour batter into the skilet and cook, without stirring, for 1 minute. Place the skillet in the oven and bake until puffed and golden (12-15 min.s). Top with fresh berries and a bit of cinnamon.
I've also tried dropping berries or fruit into the batter and it is delicious that way, too! Thanks for the reminder, Meredith, I think I'll make this for breakfast tomorrow!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Containing your laundry mountain
This is an idea that struck me a couple of weeks ago, and it is working beautifully! This is a standard canvas "sweater sorter" that I picked up at Target. Each child has their own "shelf" for clean clothes. As I fold and stack their clothes, I place them on their shelf. Part of their chores is to clear off their laundry shelf each day.
I've been trying to do laundry daily, but have gotten tired of having laundry piled up on my dining room table each day. I love this because it keeps my dining room table clear!
Let me know if you try out this idea and how it works for your family.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Self-examination
Recently, some online friends and I were discussing how we, as Christians, honestly examine our lives in order to discern our spiritual health. There are the obvious "slips" where we make big mistakes from which we can either choose to repent or we can choose to continue in sin. But, how about the times that we, neglectfully, allow ourselves to become "backsliders"? How does this happen? Are their signposts or redflags which might indicate a digression?
Today, the HeadMistress at The Common Room published
Pilgrim's Digress in which she offers some insight to this question from A Pilgrim's Progress.
Today, the HeadMistress at The Common Room published
Pilgrim's Digress in which she offers some insight to this question from A Pilgrim's Progress.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Peals of Pentecost
"Pentecost and the public life" is the subject of an exciting article at First Things . Here's a snippet:
What does a Spirit-filled society look like? We should ask what it sounds like. For the first thing Paul says is that the Spirit makes us noisy. “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,” he says (Eph. 5:18). Though he condemns drunkenness, Paul implies that the result of being filled with the Spirit is quite similar to the result of being filled with spirits. “They are filled with new wine,” said the skeptics about the babbling disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:13). It was a plausible mistake.
For Paul, the Spirit doesn’t make us placid and mild, quiet and retiring. When we’re filled with the Spirit, we cannot not speak, and our speech breaks out in boisterous psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Being filled with the Spirit means being filled with music, in our mouths and in our hearts. A marriage filled with the Spirit is full of noise, harmonious and melodious noise, joyful noise. C.S. Lewis wrote that a Christian society would be a joyful society, rollicking, lighthearted, exuberant. Paul agreed.
It's a short, but encouraging read.
What does a Spirit-filled society look like? We should ask what it sounds like. For the first thing Paul says is that the Spirit makes us noisy. “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,” he says (Eph. 5:18). Though he condemns drunkenness, Paul implies that the result of being filled with the Spirit is quite similar to the result of being filled with spirits. “They are filled with new wine,” said the skeptics about the babbling disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:13). It was a plausible mistake.
For Paul, the Spirit doesn’t make us placid and mild, quiet and retiring. When we’re filled with the Spirit, we cannot not speak, and our speech breaks out in boisterous psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Being filled with the Spirit means being filled with music, in our mouths and in our hearts. A marriage filled with the Spirit is full of noise, harmonious and melodious noise, joyful noise. C.S. Lewis wrote that a Christian society would be a joyful society, rollicking, lighthearted, exuberant. Paul agreed.
It's a short, but encouraging read.
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