Monthly Archives: February 2010

Atheist Week

Posted on February 28, 2010 by elizabeth

I like atheists. Even the ones who call me a stupid believer. For some reason, their epithets just don't get under my skin like attacks from fellow believers do.  Most of all, I appreciate an atheist's ability to reason. It's … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith | Comments Off

Growing up inside a communal home

Posted on February 27, 2010 by elizabeth

I grew up inside a communal Christian home. I can sum it up this way: when it was good it was very, very good. But when it was bad, it was horrid. We called it a "missionary training home" and … Continue reading →

Posted in RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 10 Comments

How many children must die before Mike & Debi Pearl are held accountable?

Posted on February 24, 2010 by elizabeth

Another child has been "chastised" to death after her parents followed the "Biblical" child-training methods of Michael & Debi Pearl.  Mike Pearl is justifying his teachings and solely faulting the parents. Again.  But do we, as Christians, really accept Lydia Schatz's horrific … Continue reading →

Posted in Childbearing, Current Affairs, Michael & Debi Pearl, Parenting--toughest job out there, RecoveringFundamentalist | 73 Comments

New Wave Homeschooling: no denim jumpers here, thanks!

Posted on February 23, 2010 by elizabeth

Homeschooling isn't weird anymore. In fact, it's actually kinda hip. I love that homeschooling has moved beyond the stereotypes and is emerging as a source of progressive education. As someone who only experienced homeschooling within the confines of religious fundamentalism, I … Continue reading →

Posted in ADD, Education | 43 Comments

Why I’m considering homeschooling (again)

Posted on February 21, 2010 by elizabeth

Last week I expressed my frustration over homework. Writing that post helped me realize that homework is symptomatic of a greater problem: our broken public education system. The second realization came this weekend: my children don't have time to wait for … Continue reading →

Posted in ADD, Education, Parenting--toughest job out there | 51 Comments

Mommies with cancer–pray with me today!

Posted on February 19, 2010 by elizabeth

I'm a pile of mush this morning. I woke up at 5am feeling troubled by the news I received yesterday that a mommy I know was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.  It seems so outrageously unfair for a young … Continue reading →

Posted in Grief&Loss | 9 Comments

Homework is stupid

Posted on February 17, 2010 by elizabeth

Especially homework for kindergartners. Actually, if I had it my way, kids K-6 would not have homework. If the energy our family has wasted on homework could be converted into solar energy, I'm certain it could power our city for a year. Seriously, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Parenting--toughest job out there, Societal Commentary | 49 Comments

Beginning the Lenten journey…

Posted on February 17, 2010 by elizabeth

For me, fasting is a vital spiritual practice. It reminds me in a particularly physical way that I am not merely flesh. I am spirit and soul.  In many ways, fasting is my teacher. It reveals the emotional attachments I … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Liturgy & Sacrament | 7 Comments

The big picture

Posted on February 16, 2010 by elizabeth

We took a spontaneous trip to San Diego on Valentine's Day. My favorite part was driving over the Coronado Bridge. It's a spectacularly high bridge that connects the mainland to Coronado Island. For me, it's terrifying but also, strangely exhilarating. … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Funny Kid Stories, Her Royal Mommy-Ness, Life in The OC | 6 Comments

Love makes me feel like a good person

Posted on February 15, 2010 by elizabeth

He sidles up next to me, slips his hand into mine. "Mommy?" "Yes?" "Am I a good person?" "Yes, of course!" But his face is troubled and I can tell he's trying to work something out in his mind. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting--toughest job out there, RecoveringFundamentalist | 35 Comments