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There are so many interesting topics of discussion to be found online. Things that give you pause, or just make you think. Here are a few posts and articles that I find worthy of contemplation and discussion. Happy Reading!
A Wise Mother Guards Her Time, by Mrs. Fuentes at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. This was a shot in the arm for me and a good reminder to make good use of the limited number of hours I have each day. It was timely because I’ve felt compelled lately to get into some in-depth Bible study. Of course, that will require better time management.
Black Americans and Liberty, by Walter Williams at Townhall.com. This resonated with me because like Mr. Williams, I have often thought that if there were ever a group of people in America who should be deeply distrustful of excessive government intrusion, it should be the black community. But for reasons that he, and I for that matter, cannot fathom, the black community continually and enthusiastically welcomes the taking of our liberties in exchange for unfulfilled promises and unearned handouts which are basically bribes in exchange for votes. There was one area with which I took exception, and that was his neglect to mention the lack of personal responsibility in the black community that has contributed to many of the problems there. I’ve read enough of his writing to know that it was probably an oversight on his part, but it was a big one.
Abortion’s Long Route to Rare, by Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post. As many states are passing and debating legislation requiring ultrasounds for women getting abortions, the “pro-choicers” are in an uproar. Ms. Parker, whom I often disagree with, makes an excellent, rational point this time: Why is this medical procedure the only one where people actively campaign for a lower threshold of informed decision-making? Well, we know why, don’t we?
Busy Doing What?, by Tracey at In Word Adorning. Tracey contemplates the busyness that encompasses much of church life compared to the percentage of said activity that adds to spiritual growth or the vitality of our Christian walk. Like me, she has concluded that it’s okay to sit out some of this stuff. This was excellent. I hope you have time to read it.
Does Anyone Remember 1931?, at The Market Ticker. I am an economy watcher. There, I admit it. I don’t often blog about it for several reason, not the least of which is that many people find it boring. I’m no economist, of course. I am only marginally competent about the basics of how our economy is supposed to work. But I do know that one of the glaringly distinguishable marks of a growing economy is that people who want a job can find one. There is no such thing in reality as a jobless recovery, even though the media keeps cranking out the good news that the worst is behind us. This piece takes the indicators apart in understandable terms and sets the record straight.
Everyday Miracles, by Diane at Tomato Soup Cake, written for LAF. One of the sweetest women in the blogosphere, Diane tells her story of God’s favor and her triumph against all odds in a society which insists that what she is doing can’t be done. She is a single, homeschooling mother. And did I mention that she’s a full-time homemaker as well? Enjoy this story of faith in God and His provision.
Thanks Terry, I have a lot of respect for your blog and I’m honored to be mentioned among such thoughtful and insightful reading.
What Tracy said…. thanks for including me Terr♥
And I’d like to second your first recommendation: A Wise Mother Guards Her Time… just a really great article and very thought provoking. Because of Mrs. Fuentes’ words, I am actually considering scaling back on my blogging (maybe cutting down to one or two posts a week.) Her thoughts are definitely something I need to hear…. over and over again, it seems!
I read Kathleen Parker’s article, too, and was really impressed. I think I saved it to Delicious, too, so great minds think alike
!
What I thought was so interesting was that she tries to be honest–that if we’re going to say we want it to be rare, and we’re not just saying that to get elected, then we have to act on it, and try to reduce it.
What I don’t think Parker has grappled with is the inherent inconsistency in her position. I’m glad she wrote this article, because at least she’s being honest. But here’s the rub: if you want abortion to be rare, you have to have a reason to want it to be rare. She takes it as a given that abortion is bad, but that we can’t outlaw it because it trumps a woman’s rights.
But why is it bad? The only reason it can be bad is that it’s ending the life of a baby. And if it’s ending the life of a baby, then it is wrong. Period.
I’m glad she wants it rare. I’m glad she dislikes abortion. But she has to realize that if she dislikes it, then she’s inherently admitting that the fetus is a baby, and not just a glob of tissue. And if it’s a baby, then it has rights. It’s not just a woman’s issue.
So it’s a good article to make one think–and to make one pray that Parker will take that one step further and realize the holes in her own thinking.
Sheila from To Love, Honor and Vacuum
Yes, Sheila, that’s an excellent point. If abortion is a good, or even harmless thing, then why should be attempting to make it rare? Ms. Parker’s logic breaks down considerably as a pro-choice writer.
However, like you, I applaud her willingness to call pro-abortion activists to the carpet about the fact that really do not want to make abortion rare. It’s just a good soundbite that makes them sound reasonable to those of us who know that a fetus is much more than a “blob of tissue”.
I would be interested to hear the logistics of Diane’s story. How does a family survive with no income? Or it is simply that the income does not come from working outside the home?
Did you take the time to read her story? It is quite inspirational and faith building. Whether or not you agree with her, it can only confirm that God provides the means for us to walk whatever path He calls us to.
As to you specific question, I think it is simply that the income does not come from outside the home.
However, I am hoping the Diane stops back by to elaborate for you, Nurse Bee.
Hi Nurse Bee! I’m glad to hear that you find my story interesting☺ I’m sure that you understand that I’d like to maintain the privacy of myself and my children by limiting the amount of information I share about the specifics of our financial situation☺
However, I think I stated in my article that I do have an income, and that it is very small… I barter for many of the things and services we need. I make things to sell and provide childcare from my home. I also mentioned that I receive no money from the government: no Welfare or food stamps or anything like that. (not that I have anything against those.. quite the opposite in fact!) If I were to “crunch the numbers” it would appear that our income is far from sufficient, but somehow the Lord has made our little bit stretch each month to pay our bills… and truly, all of our needs are met. If you have any other questions, I’d urge you to read the article Terry mentioned… and here’s a post I wrote about one specific way the Lord provides for us: http://tomatosoupcake.blogspot.com/2009/04/gleaning.html
~☺~
Rereading this, I’d like to clarify a bit by adding one word to my fourth sentence: “However, I think I stated in my article that I do have an income, and that it is very small… additionally, I barter for many of the things and services we need. I make things to sell and provide childcare from my home.”
☺
Thank you for replying, I did read the article, I guess I just missed that part. And I think childcare is an excellent way for moms to make some money while at home. I am so very thankful for our own excellent babysitter!
Terry,
Hey there friend, Happy Mother’s day! I hope you’re having a great one. I am spending my first with my little angel snuggled up next to me as I still rest and recover (I overdid it physically the other day and was feeling it and so wonderful hubby put me on bed rest for the day
) from the C-section. Life is good.
I did read the first link, don’t dare take the time to read the rest as cutie pie could wake up any second here
but wanted to say it was a timely encouragement for me, even at this stage of parenting (or perhaps one could say ‘especially’ at this stage). I find God has given me this instinct/desire to focus most of my attention during the day on baby Selah, so much so that if I have too long of a visit or even use the internet for too long, I feel a sense of regret, like I missed something. Now many would brush that off and say “oh that’s just silly guilt” or something but I really believe it is from the Lord, already honing in my heart a desire to protect my time and energy and keep them focused on what is important. So eventhough most of what I am doing with Selah these days is feeding, changing and holding her while she sleeps, even these things need to be guarded and I can’t expend my energies too much elsewhere or I won’t have whats needed for her (and also my husband of course!).
Thanks for the link, and again, praying you have a fabulous Mother’s day.
-Nicole