Thank you, NR, as always your responses are helpful.

I never thought of "unequally yoked" in this way. I always thought of marriage and close, personal relationships such as close friends and such, but not with regards to "teachers". But, it makes sense. Like Luke says, (poorly paraphrased), "...you will be like your teacher once you have been fully trained..." Where do they spend most of their time as children? At school. Interesting...

Wow! Thank you. I hadn't heard some of this. You've given me some things to look up. I appreciate all the information you shared.

Thank you for the short overview. That helped to have a summary.

I'm really seeing God deepen my faith and understanding during this time. I have drawn closer to Him during this time and I am thankful in many ways for that. It's not easy, though. I'm also finding that the present church culture is sad, period. We aren't alone, believe me. I know many, many people looking for the same thing.

Thank you for responding. What are the differences, if you don't mind explaining? I, too, am Calvinist, but I'm trying to understand the reformed point of view in comparison to that. I know end times opinions are varied and I don't consider that a point of contention, but I am interested in what most reformed people believe. Or, are they as varied as non-reformed? :) I appreciate your response.

Here's a little background before I delve into my question. My dh and I were saved as youngsters. I when I was a little girl and my dh when he was a teenager. We have been members of Bible churches for our adult life and I would say that that is the church we have really been grounded in and it has discipled us the most. We respect John MacArthur highly and would attend his church if we lived in California. :) We have been in between churches for almost 2 years. Our present church is another Bible church in our area, but we are finding the same disappointing issue to be true of this church as other Bible churches we have attended. Knowledge without a lot of heart. And, all the Bible churches we've attended have had pastor/teachers from DTS (Dallas Theo. Seminary). We have really liked the teaching of those graduates, but have found, of the churches we have attended, that they lack warmth. (we've attended several, 2 we were members) Our present church is also very limited on children and we want to attend somewhere where at least more children exist. We aren't looking for more programs for our children because we probably wouldn't participate in those anyway. I say all that because a friend of mine who has a Bible/Baptist background has started attending a PCA church. She loves it and her parents love it too. They also have the same background and they say it reminds them of their churches when they were very young. So, we are intrigued. I've done research and readings online and read what John MacArthur has to say regarding infant baptism and the Bible and much more. I do know this PCA church does not believe that the infant baptism saves the baby, it's just a convenant. I'm not completely kosher with that biblically, though, but I don't know if it's a point of division. I also have trouble with sprinkling vs. immersion. But, again, I don't know if it's worth dividing over. I've also read the PCA website. I'm still searching and all my searching just brings up more questions and confusion. Has anyone been in my shoes? Has anyone gone into the Reformed churches from a Bible/Baptist background? Any help and guidance is appreciated. Sorry this turned out long. Trust me, it could have been so much longer! :) To make it easier, one main question I have is what is the difference between Calvinism and Reformed Theology? I thought they were the same. Thanks!

He had a bm earlier today, but then the mild ache came back later. The front part of his stomach started hurting too. He showed us that it hurt around his lower right side and more near his back. I started thinking kidney something. But, I'm not sure what that means either and what symptoms to look for. He hasn't presented any other symptoms and he went to sleep fine tonight and has remained asleep too. I'll see how he wakes up in the a.m. We've pushed on his stomach and rubbed it for him for comfort, but he doesn't react like it's tender at all. Who knows. He might be coming down with something else too?

those "good 'ol days" doctors, huh? :)

what should I be watching for if this continues? I've only heard of right side associated with appendicitis. Is there anything minor that this could be? He's acting normal, eating normal, playing, and just fine otherwise. I just want to be prepared. I guess if he is still complaining about it tomorrow we need to head to the dr., that is if nothing happens before then. I'm just wanting to find out what my other possibilities could be.

we do a lot of what you said. Every time we are in a moment with him we ask him what he could have done differently and tell him how that makes others feel. I always end it on a positive note by saying, "Now, go and do better because I know you can." I just feel like I'm always in correction mode and wonder if he really "gets" it. We share with him how his sister feels when she hears us getting onto him constantly and how his actions affect others too. We try to really get across that he is responsible for his behavior and speech and noone else can do it for him. I just don't react in a good way initially and I know that has to crush him time after time. He might be more bothered that he messed up instead of really thinking about what he did to mess up. I've been praying that the Lord let's me see my son as the child he is instead of the adult he may or may not turn out to be. I will be trying to let a lot go and just work on one or two things at a time that might be a struggle for him. I also try to personalize it, too, and think about how many flaws and struggles I have and how I'm glad I don't have someone breathing down my neck every day. I would break if I had a mom that responded me at times and that's just not a good thought. Thank you so much for the response. And, yes, one day I'll be looking back and I don't want to have regrets. Each day is one day closer to him growing up and I don't get a second chance at this job. But, thankfully, at the present time, every day is new.

for sharing and for the resource info.

we spend many evenings going over what we need to do differently, but then fail the next time. He does react to positive reinforcement better, but I guess I just get lost in the negative and lose my way. Our situation, too, is one that many of the issues could be overlooked, but we let it all get to us. I've thought often that we need to just pick one or two habits to work on and let the rest go, unless absolutely necessary. I appreciate your post very much... thank you.

How do you parent a child who really doesn't realize their undesireable behavior? My ds8 has always been a reactive personality, easily frustrated, etc. It seems we are always directing him. I feel like sometimes it's me acting, speaking and guiding him more than he does himself. How do you help this type of child? I feel like we're crushing his spirit even though we feel like much of our discipline and guidance is necessary? How do you get through to a child who doesn't really seem like he understands your reasoning or explanation? I hope I'm making sense. Am I up against maturity or a difficult personality that is just difficult? He's a perfectionist type personality and doesn't like correction unless it's his idea. :) He's not argumentative or sassy or rebellious and I don't want to create that by my failure as a parent. I don't think he really "gets" what he does or how he "is". I feel like I'm failing him as his mother because I don't know how to effectively parent and guide him sometimes. I pray for him daily and we are constantly training character and repeating Bible verses relating to our character, etc. I obviously want him to not turn into a difficult adult. I have family members who are and I see similarities. I even have a close family member who professes to be a Christian, has great knowledge, but that I still see struggle with his personality weaknesses. (he doesn't see those weaknesses, unfortunately) I don't want my ds to be like that. I'm trying not to let that affect me, but I can't help but think what his future could look like and I feel responsible for him and how he will turn out. He has a sweet heart and is really a good kid who isn't defiant and doesn't desire to be a difficult person. He desires to do what's right, but doesn't seem to really connect his undesireable attitude at times. It has to be very obvious for him to get it. Most of the time, though, I feel like I'm crushing him instead of being effective. I appreciate any insight and advice. Sorry this turned out to be long. TIA...

My dc are 8 and 5 (almost 6). I want them to see the importance of their alone time with the Lord. Are they too young and should I let them do it when they have the desire as their faith grows? I don't want to manufacture anything, but I also know I need to shepherd them too. How can I start implementing this at their ages? We have family Bible time every day, but I'm wondering when it's best to start them in their own quiet time. I would appreciate ideas on how to implement it too. Thanks!

it is annoying. I've let her do it and then I tell her "enough". I'm glad to know I've not done something to mess with her head. The child's never known anyone except Mommy and I've spent every minute with her and cared for her, etc., so I don't think she's insecure. Thanks for the reassurance.

I'm not overreacting, but I'm just wondering where this is coming from? She plays with baby dolls, but she is wanting to be one or a 3 year old or someone younger. Should I stop this or just wait it out? Is there something else I should do?

Oh, no, I'm okay! Really. :) My dh actually already got some semi-gloss paint to paint over what he already did just to be safe. He would rather have what is best for a bathroom anyway. Thanks for all the responses. It does look like it's a mixed opinion and no definite answer. And, yes, I agree that the flat paint shows more spots where you wash it and doesn't wear as nicely. We used flat paint in our living room and you can see those flawed areas where it was washed or rubbed against. But, it's liveable and I'm not complaining. We wouldn't be painting right now anyway, but due to the hurricane we had to make repairs. Fun! Thanks again for the responses.

Thanks!

We painted our bathroom and used some paint we already had. We didn't think until later if it was the kind to use in a bathroom or not. Well, it's a "flat" paint and if I remember correctly it wasn't recommended for use in a bathroom or kitchen. But, "recommended" and "absolutely not" are two different things. We originally used this paint for our living room so I don't have any background on it's use in a moisture filled room like a bathroom. From my search online, I've seen more responses to not use flat in a bathroom because of the moisture. However, I've seen some responses that say it's no big deal. My google search only turned up "Yahoo answers" which is like a message board and the responders aren't necessarily home improvement experts. So, those answers don't satisfy me. Can anyone confirm if using a flat paint in a bathroom isn't okay. My dh is out now going to the home improvement store to get another kind of paint just in case, but if it's no big deal I can stop him. Thanks!

Okay, I've been on this weight loss roller coaster since my dd was born. She will be 6 in Feb. I'm not grossly overweight, but need to lose at least 30 pounds, 40 would be even better. But, every time I get on track and begin to better my lifestyle, it lasts for awhile, but then after I start losing weight something psychological happens. I almost get scared to lose weight. Does that make sense? I somehow sabotage myself. Can anyone relate or am I just crazy by myself? (boy, I hope not!)

thanks for allowing us to be on the prayer list. We are thinking of re-listing it sometime in Jan., but not sure yet. I pray for the best for those of you still listed.

Odd question, I know, but my dd has a Baby Alive that is well loved and needs to be cleaned. I'm wondering what to use that would clean her well. She needs to be cleaned inside and out. I've used baby wipes in the past, but it just doesn't do a good enough job. Her mouth and insides are dirty because of feeding and "eliminating". Any good cleaning hints would be appreciated. Thanks!

a doll house and accessories? Also: - nicer Dr. kit, not the little Fisher Price toddler kit, since she likes to pretend. - I second Polly Pockets. My ddalmost6 likes these too. - adding machine, typewriter for pretend office play. - coupon book with fun things to redeem (date with dad, date with mom, back rub, bubble bath, make favorite dessert, etc.) - gift card - Easy Bake oven Best wishes! I'm going through the same thing for my ds8. :)

for pms, mood, rage, etc., etc. I've not used the cream consistently enough to give advice regarding it, but, I do agree with the fish oil and no sugar diet. I suffer from PCOS and pms issues and that kind of diet was encouraged. I was also encouraged to eat a lot of greens. I've not done too well with my optimum diet here lately, but know where I need to be. I just wanted to add some other things that I take that have helped me extremely well. I take Evening Primrose Oil, Stress B-Complex, Vitex and Brevail. Here is the website for Brevail: www.brevail.com. I started taking Brevail a couple of months ago and I've noticed such a difference! It has really helped with my PMS and emotional issues relating to hormones. I really think the Brevail has been a major help. Just fyi, it helped me to get a dosage schedule that worked best with my supplements. A midwife suggested the following for Vitex and B Complex: - Vitex: 2 in the morning and one at night - B Complex: one in the morning and one at night These were two that she said work best like this. The others I just follow the dosage on the bottle or ask the health food store associate for help. I just wanted to share my experience with you. Hope you find something that works for you!