Monthly Archives: May 2011

Unfinished Fiction: Sometimes You Can’t Go Back

Posted on May 31, 2011 by elizabeth

I’m doing something a little different this week. Occasionally I like to write fiction. I’ve got a whole slew of unfinished stories and I thought I’d post a few here–just for fun. Maybe your input will motivate me to finish … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | 16 Comments

How do my kids build strong faith when church is all fun and games?

Posted on May 30, 2011 by elizabeth

I sometimes worry that my kids expect church to be fun — like a McDonald’s Playland with a few glitter-glue Bible verses thrown in. They have this expectation that church will be interesting and relevant: a hip, talented rock/worship band, … Continue reading →

Posted in OC Register Column | 22 Comments

Safe at Home

Posted on May 29, 2011 by elizabeth

I feel very small and insignificant when I travel. I am, for better or worse, an unabashed homebody. I like to nest and put down roots. I thrive on creating predictable schedules and a nurturing haven for my many children. … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Faith, Religion | 10 Comments

Observations from Chicago

Posted on May 24, 2011 by elizabeth

1. Dude, a lot of people smoke here. I was out walking in Lincoln Park and passed like three different people smoking. Three. That’s a big number. In Orange County, pretty much NOBODY smokes. At least, not publicly. We’ve sorta … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness | 20 Comments

It’s all fun and games until someone gets Left Behind {can we stop with the Rapture jokes, already?}

Posted on May 24, 2011 by elizabeth

The Rapture jokes? I’m so OVER them now. Look, I grew up in a system like that. Some/most of our beliefs garnered mockery. And yeah, I’ve had my own share of joking this past week. But now, something nastier is … Continue reading →

Posted in RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 20 Comments

How do you go to church when you don’t trust your pastor?

Posted on May 23, 2011 by elizabeth

I don’t trust pastors. I want to trust them — but I’ve experienced so much church-related devastation that I seriously doubt whether I can ever again believe the best about their motives, preaching or how they conduct their lives. My trust … Continue reading →

Posted in OC Register Column | 22 Comments

I Survived The End of the World (In 1988). We CAN know, yo! p.s. the world isn’t ending on May 21, 2011!

Posted on May 20, 2011 by elizabeth

I was going to write this, but it’s a story best told aloud. This is a true-life story about how one day when I was 10 years old, I actually believed the Rapture had happened and I’d been LEFT BEHIND! … Continue reading →

Posted in My Videos, RecoveringEvangelicalsAnonymous, RecoveringFundamentalist | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

My week in pictures

Posted on May 20, 2011 by elizabeth

I dyed my hair Black-Violet and got purple feather extensions. It was time for a change. I feel all dramatic and inspired now. I went to Church to pray in silence. It was cold and windy outside, but I paused … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness, Life in The OC | 11 Comments

Why I believe in Purgatory…and why I still have questions about it….

Posted on May 17, 2011 by elizabeth

I haven’t truly prayed for my grandfather’s repentance. I mean, I’ve said a few half-baked prayers. But mostly I’ve been so full of rage, betrayal, disillusionment and heart-ache that I’ve found it easier to just pretend he doesn’t exist. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Liturgy & Sacrament, RecoveringFundamentalist | 48 Comments

To Bikini or Not to Bikini—THAT is the question, yo!

Posted on May 16, 2011 by elizabeth

“Mom, I’m the only one wearing a one-piece,” my oldest daughter told me yesterday after attending a friend’s swim party. “Everyone else is wearing bikinis!” “Did anyone say anything?” I asked. “No.” “I doubt anyone thought you looked weird or … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness, Parenting--toughest job out there | 100 Comments