Can you give an example of persecution here in the U.S.? Genuinely interested. Have you experienced the 'subtle social shaming'? Of course, I understand if you don't feel comfortable sharing that. Here is an example of an experience in my area which has lead to my feeling on the matter. :) A local church and pastor held weekly prayer sessions before school at a local elementary. (This was NOT the annual meet-you-at-the-pole thing) This went on every week and was held in the middle/front of the grounds, all students would have to walk past on their way in. It was of course easily noted by the students which of their fellow-students did not participate. When asked to stop, they refused, they complained about being persecuted and that this is a Christian country and that they were great guys. Ultimately a lawsuit was issued to demand they stop. The school board stepped in and said 'no meetings of any kind' and no adults on campus who weren't parents of a student. The ruling was overkill but did at least address this parent's concern. The pastor immediately declared that this was an attack on Christianity and he vowed to stand just outside the school grounds and continue praying for America to return to the right. He had vocal community support. In my opinion, he was not only not being persecuted but he damaged the name of his church and was a very poor example of Christ.

Yes to this. In my area of the country "Christian" means Protestant Calvinist preferably non-evolution believer. HA I am not Catholic so I don't know how they feel about it, but I am a non-Calvinist Protestant and I get tired of saying "no, not all Christians believe xyz". I know it is much harder for people of other faiths and for atheists.

That made me laugh. Thanks, I needed that. :)

I wish this were so. Or maybe I wish I lived where I could believe they were a small minority. Unfortunately, I live in the South (North Florida), where it is quite common to discuss the 'End Times" and the "attacks of the 'world' on true believers" and the ever popular 'them' that are destroying our schools/town/faith/country/whatever with their political correctness. And by political correctness I mean anything that is not exactly the way it was "When I was a child". They are not a small minority nor are they harmless eccentrics, they do constant real harm to the cause of Christ. I like to think I homeschooled my kids to keep them away from the religion in the schools. ha Sorry if this sounds bitter but too many years here have worn me down, and given me little to hope for in organized religion. Fortunately I know that God is not confined by religious denomination.

I have used Homeaway twice, once in Sarasota, FL and once in Phoenix, AZ. I was very happy with my rentals both times.

Thank you Joanne for the link. I really appreciated the article. I think I will share some of these thoughts with my daughters, especially the bit about modesty not just being about outward appearance.

I'm not the poster but I think she meant that the MEN needed to take responsibility for removing themselves from situations.

I confess that, just as the writer of the article warned, I often roll my eyes at the real problems because I am besieged with friends that 'cry wolf'. I live in a highly 'religious' community and have seen far too many of the obnoxious folks. I hear about the "War on Religion" and the "War on Christmas" endlessly. I hear how it is a badge of honor to be persecuted. I am thankful that I was introduced to the love of Christ before moving here or I would not find Christianity appealing. I know, logically, these people are the minority and I know it is not fair for all Christians (myself included) but sometimes I feel like Christians deserve a little 'push back'.

really good article, thanks for linking. I read patheos every now and them but I missed that one.

It is one of those things that has an unspoken truth to it but that truth may or may not be accurately explained or useful. I have only heard about Shadow-self second hand and the topic is on my list of things to investigate, just haven't gotten to it. Yes, the traits we have that we do not like (hate yourself is an overstatement) are things we do not like in others. Partly because we just don't like them :laugh: But partly because it is a reminder of ourselves and our failure to stop or address the issue. For example, when I see a mother busily shopping while her child is trying to tell her something (doesn't matter if it is important or not in this context), I feel regret for the opportunities I may have missed with my children. That doesn't mean I hate the way I raised my children, I think I did a pretty good job, and I truly enjoy them as adults. But I judge that mother and I judge her more harshly because this was something I know I have done and it pains me to be reminded. That is a small, relatively non-complex example, the other issues I contemplate are too tangled to express cleanly in a single post. :)

Does anyone have experience with either the regular or homeschool Rosetta Stone French? My youngest dd wants to study abroad in France and I thought the daily deal today on Amazon sounded good. Regular French level 1-3 for $199.00 Then I saw that they had level 1-5 Homeschool for $263.00 Any experiences to share?

Totally agree with this.

I love your book list. I wish I could find a group like that. I belong to a book group at church that only discusses inspirational books (that makes sense but is fairly limiting) I used to belong to a group that used books as an excuse to get together and drink wine and chat. It was tons of fun but the books were strictly limited to 'chick lit' and some of them made me cringe. :001_rolleyes:

Yes. We are not near one so when we travel we have been known to set aside a half day to go visit. :)

But what about all the valuable insights I have added via underlining and marginalia? Some say 'used' some say 'value added' B) :lol: :lol:

I choose other for conventions. I have been to both State and Local levels, I would prefer secular but the only available option is religious. I attend the most useful workshops and ignore the other stuff.

so cute...awww

Many years ago when I would visit my parents (non-coffee drinkers) they would offer me frozen, instant, decaf coffee powder. The SAME bag, year after year, it just kept going back in the freezer. ha ha... I love my parents, :001_smile: but they could not comprehend my 'coffee thing'. One year they bought a special treat. Decaf, fat free, sugar free Vienna International Coffee in the little rectangular tin. :sad: I actually choked down a couple of cups of that. Dad has moved into 'town' now so I can run out for the real stuff if I need to when I go visit.

She might just be really awkward and shy. Are you willing to extend an offer to have her over for coffee and kids play date? That might help settle nerves if that is the issue. Otherwise, put it down to "people are strange".

I totally agree with the above posters who would have some coffee (regular drip or k-cups) on hand for guests. If for some reason you choose not to, please let them know in advance. signed...coffee lover who would be devastated to discover a coffee less world. :)

I don't think those two are comparable. I also would object to taking children inside a strip club. But the bare human body is not inherently inappropriate and topless nudity is not the same as the "Full Monty" :)

14 right. Some I knew but changed my answer. ha...Why do I do that? Thanks for the link. I have a weakness for quizzes. :)

When did "Mom" become a synonym for 'Google" "Map Quest" and the Yellow Pages? "where is such and such?" "when does x open?" ''When was the last time we changed the oil? Really, people...keep track of your stuff. And if you want to know about some event or store Call Them Yourselves.

The one girl said it was 'probably wrong'? probably! good grief I really hope the other child is okay and that her parents can help her deal with this.

deer and rabbit I think. I have never tried it but a friend that lives in a State Forrest uses it on her fruit trees and bushes to keep the deer away. http://www.permies.com/t/1805//Sepp-Holzer-recipe-animals-trees