Monthly Archives: November 2011

Seductive promise of perfectly happy, obedient children feeds abuse

Posted on November 28, 2011 by elizabeth

What seduces a parent to follow the inherently abusive ‘child-training’ practices taught by Michael & Debi Pearl? Simple. It’s the sparkling promise of perfectly obedient, unflaggingly cheerful children who will grow up to follow God all the days of their … Continue reading →

Posted in Michael & Debi Pearl | 56 Comments

My appearance on Anderson Cooper’s daytime talk show airs this Friday, Dec. 2nd #NoMoreDeadKids

Posted on November 28, 2011 by elizabeth

A few weeks ago I was invited to Anderson Cooper’s national daytime talk show to share how I was prepared for parenthood by being indoctrinated into the abusive “child-training” methods of Michael & Debi Pearl. I shared my firsthand account … Continue reading →

Posted in Michael & Debi Pearl | 15 Comments

Christmas Village Scenes–in fishbowls!

Posted on November 27, 2011 by elizabeth

Christmas seems to bring out my usually dormant inner crafter. I’m sorta obsessed with Christmas. Growing up fundamentalist, we didn’t celebrate Christmas because it was a “pagan holiday.” As an adult, I just love everything about Christmas–especially the decorations! The … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations | 8 Comments

Occupy San Francisco: my conversation with a protestor

Posted on November 26, 2011 by elizabeth

Philip Oje, 26, is precisely the kind of radical every societal revolution desires. Young, earnest and idealistic, Oje joined Occupy San Francisco on September 30th, 2011. He wants nothing less than to totally change the world. “Ideally, I’d love to … Continue reading →

Posted in Societal Commentary | 41 Comments

Mary’s Shelter: Changing Lives, Two at a Time!

Posted on November 26, 2011 by elizabeth

You’ve heard of the 12 Days of Christmas, right? Well, I’m joining with some of my favorite blog friends to celebrate 12 Causes For Christmas–a peaceful, joyous revolution of charities working together. My beloved friend, Joy, is hosting this Blog Hop and … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith | 7 Comments

Love can change the world (and make you burst into song at grocery stores!)

Posted on November 23, 2011 by elizabeth

For the first time in 9 years, I’m not having nightmares before the holidays. What is different this year? In the past year, I discovered the unconditional love of God. Love has changed my life. Love has erased all fear. … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness | 22 Comments

Because I just plain suck at being a work outside the home mom

Posted on November 22, 2011 by elizabeth

I quit my job. Yeah, the one I just started. I KNOW! I KNOW! OK? I know. I’m lame. But here’s the plain truth: I suck at working outside my home. I miss my kids too much. I don’t handle, … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness, Humor, Life in The OC | 45 Comments

Tears of despair & tears of Thanksgiving

Posted on November 21, 2011 by elizabeth

“Get down on your knees and repent,” my grandmother said. Her voice was quiet, cold and fully controlled. Nobody defied her. And so, I knelt. “Say the prayer, admit that your life is a failure and a mess.” I said … Continue reading →

Posted in Friday Gratitude Lists, Fundie Hierarchies, RecoveringFundamentalist | 30 Comments

What I’ve Been Reading: “Grace-Based Parenting,” “Not Alone” and “Grace For the Good Girl”

Posted on November 18, 2011 by elizabeth

Last week I flew out to New York City to join Anderson Cooper’s daytime TV show and talk about the abusive child-training methods of Michael & Debi Pearl. During the flight, I read “Grace Based Parenting” and it was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | 9 Comments

Why I Wear a Veil in Church

Posted on November 17, 2011 by elizabeth

I grew up in a church where all the ladies wore head coverings during worship and prayer services. The idea was that a woman’s hair symbolized the glory of humanity and as a symbolic sign of respect for the preeminent … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism | 45 Comments