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Whirled Views 3.27

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Good morning!

Today’s quote on writing is from an American novelist: “I try to leave out the parts that people skip.” 

72 Comments to “Whirled Views 3.27”

  1. 1. Gravatar by klasko 03.27.08 at 7:49 am

    Stephen King? Just a wild stab.

  2. 2. Gravatar by mommy 03.27.08 at 8:12 am

    I have a question for Lynn (and it’s purely a question, I have no hidden agenda): How are the wmb writers selected? Some appear to have an association with WORLD mag, but most don’t. How did you decide whom to invite to participate?

    Also, I would love to see more detail under their bio’s in “Meet the Writers.” I’d like to see more about them, especially background that relates to their qualification as writers here. Phrases like “claims to have a complicated past” aren’t very informative.

  3. I don’t know the quotation, but I’ll guess Ernest Hemingway.

  4. 4. Gravatar by StuBob 03.27.08 at 8:47 am

    Wild guess: Raymond Chandler. After all, he’s the one who said (something like), “When the story slows down, bring in a man with a gun.”

  5. I agree with Mommy (#2) about bios of the writers. We know more about any random “regular” than about any writer. i.e. Justus is cousin to Andre Seu. But we don’t know from the “Writer’s Bio’s” that Andre exists. Maybe she is only a guest contributor, but she does appear often. We know that Lynn writes books, used to be a navy woman, etc. But not from her bio. I’m afraid I’ve already told too much about my complicated past. (e.g. Stealing soft drink bottles for movie money. I may be hauled away to prison any day.)

  6. 6. Gravatar by mmacmurray 03.27.08 at 9:52 am

    I thought the quote sounded kind of Twain-like, but it’s not Twain. Oh well.

    Enjoying a spring-like morning here in southern Maine today - bright sun and temps in the high 30s/low 40s. :-) The crocuses are just beginning to come up through the ground.

  7. The quote is not from anyone I have ever read anything by, and I have read a wide variety of books. Maybe some of the guys know him? (I Googled, so I’m not going to say who it is.) Or, there’s that movie….

    I agree with those saying we know next to nothing about the writers on here. I’m not sure it is a problem, necessarily. In fact, maybe it’s best. I haven’t had any problems deciding what I like and don’t like in any one writer’s content. I might be unduly influenced in that regard if I knew more about them personally.

  8. 8. Gravatar by Lynn Vincent 03.27.08 at 11:12 am

    Hint on the quote: This writer is extremely accomplished and famous among readers of detective novels…

  9. 9. Gravatar by Karen O 03.27.08 at 11:21 am

    Mickey Spillane?

  10. 10. Gravatar by mumsee 03.27.08 at 11:32 am

    MMacMurray,

    We were looking at crocuses yesterday but more snow covering today. Expecting a winter storm this weekend, but you never know, could be sunshine instead.

  11. 11. Gravatar by Karen O 03.27.08 at 12:02 pm

    I’ve been pondering on something a bit, so I thought I’d pass it by “y’all”.

    There have been several posts over the months about what well-educated Christians should know, about intellectualism, etc. I have been challenged to keep learning, & to realize in which areas my own education may have been deficient.

    There seems to be somewhat of a consensus that Christians need to be conversant in history, on philosophers, & other such topics.

    But then I look at some (though not all) of the people in my own church. There are very good, Christ-loving, Bible-believing, prayer-warriers in my church. But of those, many could be seen as not being intellectual, not being “educated”.

    They probably know the basics of history, but not a lot more. They may even (gasp!) enjoy reading that Christian fiction that is often derided. They probably wouldn’t know one philosopher from another. And they have neither the time nor the interest to pursue more education.

    I wonder if these dear people would be looked down upon by some of the people on WMB.

  12. 12. Gravatar by Harris 03.27.08 at 12:02 pm

    Thanks for hint. Elmore Leonard.

  13. Karen O.,

    I know people in all camps. We need all in the church: godly prayer warriors who know “nothing but Christ and Him crucified.” Scholars in history. Artists: musicians and writers and painters. Teachers. Mechanics. Educated and uneducated, rich and poor, married and single. The prayer warrior cannot say history is bunk, however. I think Paul sums it up nicely when he speaks of the many body parts, and none saying to others, “I have no need of you.”

    I think we can argue on here about the importance of history (as I would do) without seeing the “uneducated” person in the pew as less important. Most of us have known people with little or no education who are extraordinarily wise and unsightful. My problem would be with those who are willfully ignorant: who pretend to know much about economics (or politics, theology, etc.) and have no interest whatsoever in the history of the subject in which they are presumed experts–those who argue without listening.

    I personally am very close to someone who’s a reverse snob: She has problems with rich people, people who’ve gone to college, people with artistic interests, intellectuals, and so forth. It gets tiresome (esp. since I fit some of these categories). She’s very smart, too, but she never finished college and she is a snob about those who have; she assumes that they are snobs, so she strikes first and harder. But God puts all of us into the body, and no part can say to others, “I have no need of you.”

  14. 14. Gravatar by NJLawyer 03.27.08 at 12:27 pm

    Karen O: NO!

    Everyone may not pursue some sort of degree, but that doesn’t mean they’re stupid or that they have nothing to contribute or that I can’t learn something from them. Everyone has something to teach. Moreover, having spent considerable time with highly educated and/or successful people, I believe that an education doesn’t mean you’re not stupid. Education does not mean that the person has common sense, logic and reason floating around in the noggin. But mostly, an education is not a measure of the depth of the heart. Who would you rather spend time with? The people you described or an educated, full of himself/herself smartypants who can’t comprehend the love of Christ?

    Let people read what they want to read! (I confess I’m finishing up Stephen King’s Duma Key, and it is scaring the pants off of me. If the man had trouble after his accident, all I can say is — he’s back! Absolutely creepy, but I like that every once in awhile.)

  15. Karen O,
    At one time I would have looked down on them. Being known as knowing more than other people was the most important thing to me growing up. (Not surprisingly, I hardly had any friends, but I didn’t much care about them anyway.)

    After I became a Christian as a teenager that was one of my biggest struggles (the others were food and trying to love my parents). I first got an inkling what it meant to have friends who really cared about me while working at a Christian summer camp at age 16. But it still took me until my senior year in college (only four years later) to realize just how much of an intellectual snob I was. My best friend was a C student, but a wonderful person, and I realized that the world needed her love a lot more than it needed my smarts.

    It still took a few more years after college to give myself permission to read popular fiction instead of only “literature.” And after having done my best for years to let people know how much I knew, for several years I stayed quiet in Bible studies at church for fear of showing off what I knew (I have a B.A. in Bible).

    I think I finally have found a reasonable balance. Those of you who read my blog know I still like to share what I learn/know, but I hope I do it as someone who is excited about learning and not as a snob. (I worried about yesterday’s post which mentioned my faster-than-average ability to learn.)

  16. My experience is that there’s an awful lot of Christians who have neither educated themselves nor value that education. Consequently there’s a lot of attitude towards those who do value that education, and a dearth of good solid deep teaching in a lot of local churches.

    And so the intellectual part of the church is impoverished and the church is suffering for it. There are those who would be a part of the body, if the church wasn’t so pathetically behind…

  17. Testing.

  18. 18. Gravatar by mommy 03.27.08 at 1:36 pm

    Notice that neither intelligence or education are a fruit of the spirit?

  19. 19. Gravatar by Karen O 03.27.08 at 1:49 pm

    Make it Man - Can you expound on that, please?

  20. “Notice that neither intelligence or education are a fruit of the spirit?”

    :roll:

    Now what’s that supposed to mean? We shouldn’t use the brain God gave us?

    Karen..
    Tell me how many college freshmen you know from your area churches are ready to face the anti-Christian rhetoric coming their way from secular academics?

  21. 21. Gravatar by Anlir 03.27.08 at 3:16 pm

    After much deliberation, I have decided to resign from regular participation on WorldMag. Here are my reasons:

    1. I stand accused of calling three individuals WorldMag bloggers “racist”, which is not only false, but is a particularly egregious charge, and a violation of the rules of participation, in my opinion. Per the editor’s request, I submitted my grievance to her via e-mail (twice). As no ruling has been given and the false accusation been allowed to stand for this long unchallenged, it appears I will not receive the justice I’m seeking.

    2. The level of dialog has taken a nose-dive. There are far too many individuals who are more interested in spouting the latest right-wing talk radio points (insults and all), and far too few individuals who are truly interested in presenting their ideas in a civil manner. It’s basically become a shouting match to see who can insult the other person with greater effect. The same people make the same empty statements and same accusations over and over again, and we get nowhere fast. Finding people who will engage in thoughtful dialog on here is extremely difficult.

    3. I’m tired. At any given time there are only 2 or 3 bloggers on here who are “liberal”. It’s not easy being in the minority all the time and constantly having to play defense when you’re vastly outnumbered. Faced with a rising tide of distortions, stereotyping, outright lies, mischaracterizations, along with just downright mean-spirited insults on here, this is no longer any fun. It’s become like the proverbial attempt to bail water with a lone bucket while the ship is sinking.

    4. I’m stupid. For a long time I thought I could help make this a different kind of blog, where people could disagree without being ugly about it and present ideas without being denigrated for it. I vastly underestimated that the rising tide of incivility that’s sweeping our country could be held at bay on here. Even more sadly, I underestimated my own ability to resist, and in the process became the very thing I was supposedly trying to fight against. For that, I apologize unreservedly to all.

    5. I failed. Oh boy, did I fail. I failed to recognize that many conservative Christians are just as underhanded, mean, unfair, and uncivil as everyone else is. I failed to recognize that I could appeal to the attributes that Christians used to be known for (kindness, graciousness, humility, etc.). I failed to recognize that there would be certain individuals on here who would have such an intense dislike of liberals that they would make it their mission to do everything they could to discourage dialog and attempt drive us off this site. But mostly, I failed myself in that I allowed them to goad me into becoming the very thing I was taking them to task for. I let my anger get the best of me and ruin what little goodwill I had built up on here. I dislike what I have become so I have to face it and do what is necessary to overcome that.

    I ask that Lynn remove my profile from the “Meet the Regulars” as it is no longer a true representation of me and I will no longer be a regular blogger on WorldMag.

    Baseball season is just a few days away and I’m looking forward to seeing old friends, “mound ball”, hot dogs and beer. In other words, something fun.

  22. Make It Man,

    I’ll take it a step further. Some in the church (fortunately a minority) make it a point that education is problematic, and speak of “intellectuals” as automatically out of favor with God. But I see the apostle Paul, Francis Schaeffer, and other intellectuals as God’s gift to the church. God hasn’t called everyone to do work that uses the mind more than the hands, but He has called some of us to do so. I don’t think we should despise those who have an education or who appreciate deep thinking. (And when I can’t keep up with an argument, I simply drop out and listen; I don’t feel called upon to point out that the arguers are intellectuals and thus sinful. It reflects badly on the church when we are suspicious of the mind–God gave it to us.)

  23. Goodbye, Anlir. I won’t miss the kind of rhetoric you’ve been using lately, but I do wish you the best.

  24. 24. Gravatar by llama 03.27.08 at 3:21 pm

    I guess that is why I like to go to the synagogue with my wife. No one ever bugs me there for any reason whatsoever and there is never a question I can’t get answered there. My wife and I, with our 4 college degrees between us, are the stupidest people attending it seems - and by a wide margin I might add. It is humbling experience and very useful as a Christian.

    It’s no wonder Jews don’t proselytize - there is no need too :-)

  25. 25. Gravatar by klasko 03.27.08 at 3:31 pm

    Anlir - I hate to see you go, but I do understand why you are leaving.

    I may not always agree with you, but I’d like to think that in the short time since my return we have had some thoughtful discourse.

    I too am getting tired of the shouting matches into which I have seen some threads degererate. I sometimes wionder if one or two of the posters on here don’t come spoiling for a fight. One in particular I wonder about who is this person going to be shouting down today? It seems to be a daily occurence. (For those who may be wondering, if the shoe fits…)

    Please reconsider and don’t go.

    Besides, we may yet prevail upon Lynn to give us that Princess Bride thread. ;-) At least stay until after she relents…

  26. 26. Gravatar by klasko 03.27.08 at 3:37 pm

    Cheryl and MIM - check out the intellectuals in the last few posts on The Curious Possibility of Resurrection thread.

  27. 27. Gravatar by drill 03.27.08 at 3:53 pm

    Karen O.: I always have a five-page test ready that I hand to people before I will interact with them at all socially.

    This cuts down on wasted time in getting to know someone who is either stupid (less than 50% right) or too smart (greater than 90% right). The test covers a fairly wide spectrum of history, philosophy, science, theology, and culture.

    I should note, however, that I have had a good deal of trouble getting these tests back actually filled out, for some reason. Once, however, I got one back that was filled out using some sort of code composed of unfamilar four-letter words repetiously used over and over. The words seemed, however, to be vigorously Anglo-Saxon in origin. The returned test was wrapped around a brick that was delivered through our picture window. I guess the person was in a hurry or something. At least they returned it - that at least shows a sense of responsibility which is sadly lacking these days.

    Theoretically, anyway, giving tests like this before you get to actually know people cuts down on having to deal with either 1) depressingly dumb or 2) insufferably smart people.

    It also helpfully quantifies how you have to treat different people.

    For instance, if someone makes a 50 on my test and they come to dinner, I can just give them an opened (expired) can of kidney beans and a dull plastic knife and then feed them on top of the washing machine (while in operation) in the laundry room. On the other hand, if someone makes a 90 on my test, I pull out the vintage wine, cook steak, polish the silver beforehand, detick the dogs, and put on a clean shirt.

  28. 28. Gravatar by klasko 03.27.08 at 3:56 pm

    As always, Drill - we can count on you for some perspective. ;-)

  29. 29. Gravatar by adios 03.27.08 at 4:07 pm

    Good bye Anlir.

    I will miss you.

    I will keep praying that you find your voice.

  30. 30. Gravatar by drill 03.27.08 at 4:33 pm

    Well, Anlir, I am sure that you don’t know half of us half as well as you should like, and you like less than half of us half as well as we deserve.

    But I feel your pain.

    Why, someone (I think it was Erasmus), once called me ‘grumpy’ and I sulked for over two weeks; my appetite fell off, I lost four pounds, and cut myself shaving three times in a row.

  31. 31. Gravatar by Victoria 03.27.08 at 4:40 pm

    Many people have stopped posting here and it’s too bad.

    I don’t see Xion anymore, or Outkast, Night Train said he was through, and now Anlir.

    Is this the way everyone wants it?

  32. 32. Gravatar by llama 03.27.08 at 4:46 pm

    Anlir,

    Let me get your points straight.

    You feel disapointed and tired of being unjustly victimized and overewhelmed by the many, especially the unnamed 3, who think differently than you do on so many issues and who don’t mind telling tell you so in ways you do not approve of. These people are uncivil, brainless, right wing, radio robots who are smarter than you and they don’t give up as easy as you do.

    So, you whine to them about these issues, having lost the debate, failed in your quest (what ever that was) and deciding to reluctantly quit the blog for these reasons. Maybe a time out is in order?

    Are we supposed to feel sorry for you or be upset that we behaved so poorly or both?

    Give us a sign.

    No child of God should ever be left behind.

  33. 33. Gravatar by NJLawyer 03.27.08 at 5:40 pm

    NEWS:

    I just read that the little girl dying of cancer has been visited by her father who was furloughed from prison.

    This is great news!

  34. 34. Gravatar by Victoria 03.27.08 at 5:43 pm

    Thanks NJL. What a wonderful answer to prayer.

    GOD bless that family

  35. 35. Gravatar by Karen O 03.27.08 at 5:56 pm

    MiM - So you were referring to Christians knowing why we believe what we believe, right? I wasn’t sure if you meant this or general knowledge or whatnot. Thanks for explaining. (And I agree that we should teach ourselves & our kids to know why we believe.)

    Klasko - As to your “if the shoe fits” statement - Unfortunately, there are some who truly don’t know themselves & wouldn’t even recognize that the shoe fits. One of the most offensive persons I ever knew was also very easily offended, but would say of herself, “I try not to offend anybody, & I’m easy to please.” (She was actually not easy at all to please, either.)

  36. 36. Gravatar by NJLawyer 03.27.08 at 5:56 pm

    Anlir, if this is about politics — this is the last thing you should quit over! It’s an election year, and as Bill Clinton says, politics is a contact sport. You shouldn’t take it seriously. That said, if I have upset you, I apologize. We all get baited. Arcadia and Erasmus baited me on the Resurrection thread. When I read things like that, I say what my old boss used to say: “what do they know!” You shared something very personal with us last week or so about your childhood. You’re not that little boy anymore. I urge you to rethink leaving.

  37. 37. Gravatar by Karen O 03.27.08 at 5:57 pm

    Cheryl - I’m in agreement with you.

  38. 38. Gravatar by Chas 03.27.08 at 6:03 pm

    Great news JNL! I saw a report on this on “The O’Rilley Factor”. I don’t know if that was influential or not. I’m just glad a dumb situation got resolved.

    Anlir, I’m sorry to see you go. We don’t want to have a situation where we all agree with each other. It makes for uninteresting dialogue.
    Besides, who am I going to “Yah,yah” to when the Gamecocks beat the Vol’s & Dogs next season?

  39. 39. Gravatar by SteveG 03.27.08 at 6:10 pm

    Anlir, don’t go!

    I’ve only been around here a few months, but already several of the people I most liked interacting with have left. Mr. Meaner and Xion aren’t around anymore, Outkast rarely is and I think there was at least one more who left publicly.

    There are still several people here that I like, but with every departure of a civil and intelligent participant, the level of discourse gets a little bit lower.

    Take a break if you need to, but don’t stay gone for long.

  40. 40. Gravatar by mumsee 03.27.08 at 6:16 pm

    Where is Anlir going this time and why should Anlir not go if that is what Anlir wants to do?

  41. 41. Gravatar by Victoria 03.27.08 at 6:19 pm

    Steveg, the other person who left was Random. He told us he would take 6 months off starting January 1st.

  42. 42. Gravatar by momoffour 03.27.08 at 6:24 pm

    Here’s a church question for you all. Any pastors, elders, etc. please weigh in. We have attended the same church for 10 1/2 years. It is a Bible-beleiving, wonderful church. A few years ago, a new couple came (having left a previous church for unknown reasons.) Within a year, he was an elder. Since then, things have started getting a little unpleasant. Fast forward to now, our church seems to have become a “business.” If you don’t do things a “certain” way (ie, the way this elder and our pastor do it), you are not serving the Lord completely. My husband and I have felt this for quite a while, but kept quiet not wanting to start a fire at church. But now, for some reason, MANY of the women in the church (all from different circles) have been coming to me to vent their frustrations with the leadership at church. Believe me, this is not a matter of not *wanting* to submit to church leadership.

    Pastors, elders, etc.–how would you want this problem resolved? Should we, as wives, approach our husbands and leave it in their hands? (From what I understand, most of the men feel the leadership has become too business-like and cold as well) What is the Biblical way to approach this?

    BTW–Anlir, please don’t go. Though we don’t agree on many things, you seemed to be one of the few who usually kept a civil head while disagreeing. Been praying for you, and will continue!

    Blessings!

  43. 43. Gravatar by Victoria 03.27.08 at 6:25 pm

    Mumsee,

    I rarely agree with Anlir, but I don’t want him to leave.

    How many people do you think have left in just the last 60 days or so, not to mention the last 4 months?

    One of the problems that isn’t addressed are those who DOG another poster, it’s become a regular SPORT.

    Everyone disagrees with ’some’ posters. The problem arises when some people decide they will critique others posts, DOG their posts, it can ruin a blog.

  44. 44. Gravatar by NJLawyer 03.27.08 at 6:32 pm

    Chas, I don’t care either how it was done, just that it was done. And considering the man was to be sent to a halfway house in August, it seems more than warranted. This was the right, decent thing to do.

  45. Momoffour,
    I can think of several ways in which a church might seem too “business-like” but I don’t know which you’re thinking of. Some churches focus too much on income vs expenses, especially in the short-term. Others try to “market” the church the same way a business tries to get customers, by appealing to what they think people wants. Others expect the ordinary people to do whatever the leaders (i.e. “managers”) say.

    Could you explain a little more what you mean?

  46. 46. Gravatar by momoffour 03.27.08 at 6:54 pm

    A combination of some of the things you mentioned, Pauline. For instance, last year my husband wanted to do some street evangelism. He invited some of his brothers in the Lord from the church. They were all excited to go! When the leadership found out about it, they all of a sudden put a bunch of rules on it. “Well, they must leave at this time SHARP, and we need to have a table set up somewhere with info on our church, and this, and that…” It took the joy out of doing what hubby felt God leading him to do.

    Another–we only have about 4 babies in the nursery at any given time. Well, the leadership decided we needed four adults in with them. It had to follow every rule they set. I play piano at our church. If I don’t start playing at “precisely” four minutes before worship service starts, I get the evil eye by our pastor. And goodness gracious, if it wasn’t a well-known hymn that I played then it was implied that my selection of song was not pleasing to the Lord. You just can’t do anything at our church anymore because you feel the Lord leading you. It has to fit into an enormous amount of rules. Am I making sense?

    Beyond the day to day running of the church, some groups have also become quite “cult-like”. For instance–(and homeschoolers here, please don’t take offense at this) all but about two of the homeschooling families at our church will tell you (and I HAVE been told many times) that if you are not homeschooling, you are not in the Lord’s will. My husband and I’s decision to not homeschool was made with much prayer.

    The main point is, it is not just me that has noticed the difference. If it was just me, I’d continue to pray and ask the Lord to change my heart (which I am still doing.)

  47. 47. Gravatar by mumsee 03.27.08 at 7:21 pm

    Victoria,

    Well, I went back to see what all the fuss was about and learned that, once again, Anlir is leaving us. That is his call. Like many, he may just be taking a short break. Or like some, he may find he has a life outside of here. Whatever works for him. I am afraid I find he extols his own virues so much, I no longer spend much time reading his posts unless they are in particular threads in which I have a particular interest. He has long past extended me the same tolerance. If others find his posts interesting, by all means, invite him to stay. But perhaps he just needs a break as so many do. Either way, his call.

    As for others, over the years we have lost several and gained several and some of the missing have come back with new names. Everybody is in different stages and each has his own needs. Random is on sabbatical and was joined by a few others. The threads seem much calmer now and the debate just as valueable. There are exceptions but note who is involved when those exceptions appear.

    Xion still posts on occasion as does Outkast and a few of the others. Some have left. Each person needs to make that decision. If Anlir chooses to stay, fine, if not, fine. I suspect he just needs a break and some things in his real life worked on. Continue to pray for him and see what God does. Though, for myself, I tend to pray more often for people when I see their postings than when they disappear.

  48. NJLawyer: Wonderful! Thank you for telling us–that was such a horrible initial decision.

    Momoffour: I’ve seen the church-as-business mindset. When I was 20-22, our church had a youth pastor, and one day it was announced during the service that the youth pastor had resigned, effective immediately. The youth were in shock–had he done something immoral? Was there a reason it came with no warning? It turned out that he had wanted to give several weeks’ notice, and the church said no. The reasoning was that “a person loses interest in the company once he has given notice, so leaving immediately is best for all concerned.” The youth were outraged–this isn’t a business, and the youth aren’t simply some business deal. What is supposed to be done in the church? I’ve learned to be a little leery of successful businessmen being in leadership on the board–they tend to be too quick to encourage debt, for instance.

    Anyway, I have no answers, just sympathy. It doesn’t sound good.

  49. 49. Gravatar by kBells 03.27.08 at 7:59 pm

    I’ve been thinking about threatening to leave, but since no one would beg me to stay, I would have to really leave and then I would have to find a new place where I could talk to people over the age of six.

    Anlir, I’d rather you stay. I’d hate this blog to become just a bunch of people agreeing with each other. What fun is that?

  50. 50. Gravatar by klasko 03.27.08 at 8:10 pm

    Chas - you’re right about my “if the shoe fits…” comment.

  51. 51. Gravatar by Victoria 03.27.08 at 8:30 pm

    Many times the one making the remark “if the shoe fits” is often trying to rid themselves of the shoe they are wearing, as the fit is rather TIGHT!

  52. 52. Gravatar by mmacmurray 03.27.08 at 9:20 pm

    Anlir, to echo what others have said, I’ll miss your input if you go but can also understand some of your frustration. Whatever you decide to do, take care.

    kBells, please don’t go! I would really miss the humor and wisdom of your posts.

    Mumsee (way back in #10), it looks like we’re in for more snow here, too. Four to eight inches are predicted for tonight/tomorrow. But it’s a spring snow and shouldn’t stay around long.

  53. 53. Gravatar by kBells 03.27.08 at 9:48 pm

    Mmacmurray, okay, I’ll stay.

  54. 54. Gravatar by mmacmurray 03.27.08 at 10:02 pm

    Oh good. You had me worried there, kBells. ;-)

  55. 55. Gravatar by klasko 03.27.08 at 10:04 pm

    Did you feel singled out, Victoria? I didn’t name any names…

  56. 56. Gravatar by klasko 03.27.08 at 10:04 pm

    My shoes fit just fine.

  57. 57. Gravatar by mumsee 03.27.08 at 10:04 pm

    NO!! I heard that Kbells is leaving! Please don’ go! We need you here to help us with our discussions! Please please please stay!

  58. 58. Gravatar by Victoria 03.27.08 at 10:12 pm

    Glad to hear your shoes aren’t to tight, yep I’m sure they fit.

  59. 59. Gravatar by klasko 03.27.08 at 10:15 pm

    My apologies to Karen O. I attributed the comment to Chas.

  60. No biggie. For me it’s like quitting smoking…

    I quit this blog at least once every day… :-D

  61. 61. Gravatar by mumsee 03.27.08 at 10:57 pm

    Just to give folks another small glimspe into life as a foster child. Hubby took the kids on their long awaited trip back to visit the old foster family and grandmother and brothers. After weeks of anticipation and phone calls and letter writing, upon arrival the kids were told nobody had time to visit them tomorrow, maybe Saturday (the day they return home the five hour drive). I sure hope this is the last heartbreaking visit back there they have to make for a while.

  62. 62. Gravatar by drill 03.27.08 at 11:19 pm

    Too many people should not get mad and leave. When you blog you use electrons. If too many of us stop blogging, there will be an electron buildup due to unused electrons (negative charge buildup) in Asheville or whereever the WMB servers are.

    This electron buildup could spread and cause massive solar storms (positive charges the size of Greyhound buses crashing to earth), the entire electronic network on planet Earth would crash, this would throw everything into a state of higgley-piggley, and eventually utterly destroy civilization as we know it, so that we are all back to squatting dejectedly in the mouths of caves banging coconuts together and trying to figure out how to keep from getting eaten by the neighbors.

    So KBells please do not threaten to leave. Think of the possible dire consequences.

  63. Mumsee,
    How sad for the children–I hope there’s something positive y’all can do to balance the visit out.

  64. 64. Gravatar by mumsee 03.27.08 at 11:40 pm

    Cameron,

    Hopefully they are learning that there are people they can count on but none so reliable as the Father. Our church folk have been absolutely wonderful about following through on ideas with the kids. It has been wonderful. They learned many years ago that they could not depend on their grandma (though she is the only rel to see them very often) but I think after experiencing follow through, they were hoping for more. Who knows, she may come through tomorrow after all.

  65. 65. Gravatar by Victoria 03.27.08 at 11:46 pm

    Mumsee - 64

    If this turns out badly, the children may never forget it, and most importantly it wont’ be a lesson they learn. They will blame everyone involved.

    Crushing the spirit of a child no matter how its done, even without knowing it might happen, is a horrible thing to happen to children. If this woman is really their grandmother, I would protect that relationship with everything I could muster even though she doesn’t deserve it.

  66. 66. Gravatar by Victoria 03.27.08 at 11:49 pm

    Mumsee

    I should have added. A bad mother, father, or grandparents are better than nothing, its a flesh and blood situation. It’s a link to who those children came from.

    I will pray for you.

  67. 67. Gravatar by kBells 03.27.08 at 11:53 pm

    Now I know I can’t leave,. Other then y’all being the only people over out of kindergarten who will talk to me I would hate to cause an electron buildup that could spread and cause massive solar storms (positive charges the size of Greyhound buses crashing to earth), so that the entire electronic network on planet Earth would crash, throwing everything into a state of higgley-piggley, and eventually utterly destroying civilization as we know it, so that we are all back to squatting dejectedly in the mouths of caves banging coconuts together and trying to figure out how to keep from getting eaten by the neighbors. That’s sound bad.

  68. 68. Gravatar by mumsee 03.28.08 at 12:02 am

    Victoria,

    That is why we continue to try by driving the kids the five hour drive once in a while and encouraging them to write letters and call. Sad to watch them watching the mailbox for anything in return though. Hubby writes them letters once in a while so they at least get something but it is not the same. And we need to protect the kids so it is a fine line. We appreciate the prayers as we need the wisdom of the One Who loves them more than we do.

  69. 69. Gravatar by mumsee 03.28.08 at 12:03 am

    KBells,

    I am so glad to know that the next time I read of a massive solar storm it won’t be your fault.

  70. 70. Gravatar by adios 03.28.08 at 12:51 am

    momoffour,

    Sounds like your church is in a bad situation. When the rules out weigh the promptings of the Holy Spirit it’s time to get out. Of course you should talk to the pastor honestly. If your husband feels the same way he should too. Why should the women have to speak through the men?

    And if anyone tells you that you are somehow out of God’s will if you don’t home school, smile politely and tell them they are out of their tree scripturally. It is starting to sound a bit cult-like.

  71. 71. Gravatar by Victoria 03.28.08 at 12:58 am

    Mumsee

    You have a tough job, but I’m sure you are up to the task. God bless you and your husband, and those fortunate kids who have you both to call mom and dad.

    God bless you and your family

  72. 72. Gravatar by Chas 03.28.08 at 8:59 am

    KLasko, I’m glad you cleared that up. I was really confused about a “if the shoe fits” comment.

    KBells: You would also have been blamed for global warming,credit crisis and the election results. Better stay.

    Every child needs someone to love it. Being treated badly is bad, being a “nothing” is worse. I’ll pray for you Mumsee.