The one near me is actually in Austin County. I wonder if we have a Historical Society? I will have to check it out! I am starting to realize there are quite a few of these around me. :D

I just found out this is very close to my home. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/bbe05 I would love to learn more, but the address is withheld. I realize it is not an "open to the public" type of place, but was wondering if any of you could think of a loop hole. ;) It might be nothing, but I do not even know where to start with figuring out who I would even contact. Ideas? Suggestions? Thanks!

my very brief thoughts: no matter what the Bible says on this issue, even if you could prove these gifts were DONE, God is in the buisness of bringing the dead to life. It is fine for them to have died out, and it is fine for God to bring them back to life. His perogative not mine. Now, I will says this is one of the reasons I cannot believe in sola scriptura. It subtly attempts to box God within the words of the Bible. :D

We have big hairy Tarantualas EVERYWHERE right now! There was one on the front door last night, my dh came rushing in as I was about to open the door saying, "DON"T OPEN THE DOOR!" Door opens inward and the Tarantula would have been right by my head. :tongue_smilie: I am trying to acclimate. :glare:

Oh dear me! I saw the guitar issue on FB, but this brings it to a whole new level. :grouphug: I will be joining in you the wine and chocolate. For me it was having to finally buy a new truck (which triggered a bunch of finacial/budgeting issues I have with dh). Then the next day having ds 10 look me in the eyes and swear if I let them watch a certain NatGeo show (we have been TV free during the days) they will just simply sit quietly and watch. I go upstairs to get some crochet things together and up he comes with a complete look of horror. Turns out he did not sit quietly, but started wrestling with his twin, next thing you know they have busted out his front tooth prosthetic. :glare: This of course just adds to my financial/emotional/triggered mess of an attitude. At which point I send said child to his room, where a 3 hour screaming fit ensues. Yes, he is 10, but it turns out I got confused on which twin had actually taken his Aderall and this one was functioning with no meds. The only reason the police weren't at my door is because we live in the middle of nowhere. :tongue_smilie:After seriously considering boarding school, a long talk with my mother (who offered to let me fly the twins to her for a few weeks), and another long talk with dh the day closed. Today, I only lost my second flock of guinea hens :tongue_smilie:. ....and I am struggling with a bit of jealousy because dh got to go to Vespers and his music practice where they take turns bringing different wines to drink! :lol:

Actually, this is why I started this thread. I to needed to have a bit of a rebellious/reckless phase, but it is not what is best for my family and long term goals. So, here we are, back to a budget. ;)

Obviously you underestimate how cool and calculating we can be. ;) As per your argument, I do not think it is women functioning on "pure emotion." :lol:

What I find a bit funny about these types of arguments (as put forth in the article) is that there seems to be a real lack of understanding how women dressed throughout history. Just think about the many cultures throughout the world that reside in warm climates. Some of the most "masculine" African tribesmen are surrounded by topless women. Corseted waists and massive clevage were very prevelant in some cooler climates. Belly dancers? Togas? I just do not get it! :D

:lurk5:

I am not sure about it being illegal. It is not the trains fault. Usually there is a problem or back up with dispatch. You can complain, but if they have to choose between making you wait or potentially causing derailments further up and down the line...Well, I would choose wait. It is also good to remember that most of the railroads have been in place longer than the auto roads. On top of that, your dealing with an entity that is completely separated from our government. You could try contacting AREMA. Edited: dh said that in extremely rural states (his example was Montana) Engineers can be known for stopping their trains for lunch. He said contact the State DOT and they will be able to direct you. Or call the railroad and ask who the Road Master is. I guess this is the Sheriff of that portion of the railroad. Good thing dh is home for the holiday weekend, I learned something. :)

Ugh! That is a hard one to call as it is a holiday weekend. If the area is hot to the touch, tight and painful, I just might. Dd had what I thought was a spider bite that turned into MRSA. I was in the same boat on a friday and took her in. Even then her Dr told me if it got any larger to go straight to the Children's Hospital. Granted it was quite a bit larger than yours. ;) Then again you might be able to make it till Tuesday, but if it is still infected then I would go.

Oh! Please keep sharing! I did not realize how helpful this was going to be for me. If you do not mind sharing ages, number of kids and an approx monthly amount, I would be very thankful!

Dh and I are trying to figure out an reasonable amount to budget monthly for homeschooling. If you had to break down expenses monthly, what do you think is reasonable for a family with 4 kids 11 and under?

Can someone help me understand the difference between these? Which one would you recommend? Thanks!

:iagree: These are MY non-negotiables and what I consider right theology, but I also recognize that God is much bigger than what I can understand.

I saw these yesterday and was so excited!!!

Another twin mom, but I am going to be the dissenter, I loved the first years. They are now 10 and I was literally shopping for military boarding schools earlier today. ;):tongue_smilie::001_huh::lol: Please do enjoy them!!!!

Nice!!!! Love the pony!

I took twins and a 1yr old camping at that age. I even stayed at the site by myself when dh went into town for church services. He still remembers taking a ton of flack from little old ladies, "You left your wife where?!!!!!" I'm a rather independent sort though and love being outside. :D

OP, do Muslims have a similar meditative prayer to what the EO use? Like the Jesus Prayer? I know that when I am in similar situations, I will do what is appropriate for the environment (bow my head), but I will probably be reciting one of the EO prayers. It is a great opportunity for me to focus on what "my" priorities are in coming to the conference, and it helps me distract myself from anything I might find offensive. ;)

These are some of my favorite books! I was very gratefully gifted all of them may years ago, and refuse to part with them. The Fisherman's Lady is my personal favorite. Highly recommend if you can find enough copies.

:iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree: What a difficult situation. When I was young, my mother was in a very similar situation just with an additional child already born. She tried to hide it from me as I was only around 8 yrs old. It wasn't long before I figured it out. I remember feeling so sad. Shortly thereafter the longterm relationship she was in ended. What was the most difficult was watching her cry and go through a severe depression every year around the same time. For all the talk about this being the best decision for us at the time, I watched her suffer for years afterwards. One evening was so distinct. I was getting ready to leave for college and I walked outside for a change of scenery. There was a breathtaking Az sunset. Then I caught site of my mother with tears streaming down her face. I asked her what was wrong and she said she was just remembering ******. She said she had to name her, remember her, this was HER day. I was looking at the stunning sunset, hearing the happy chatter of my younger siblings and faced with the stark reality that for all my mother's words about the rightness of her choice...she would have done anything to go back and undo it. No matter how scary the now is, I am convinced your friend will come to regret this decision. :grouphug:

So happy for you! :grouphug:

Was it Strauss who came out of the hotel after Rossi? That confused me. Was she drinking Jack and smoking with him? The whole episode was confusing.

I remember hearing this, believing it, teaching it, becoming rather unsettled by it, feeling like it made God really small and limited in His healing, and finally coming to disregard it entirely. I cannot fathom a God that brings the dead to life, multiplies loaves and fishes, and has all the power of Creation, having the least trouble healing, replacing, or creating more pieces of anyone's heart. (to use the op's illustration.) I loved before dh, I love dh, and should anything happen to him I am sure I would love again.