Where Have I Been?

That's my question to myself. I most definitely have not been here - on this blog - writing anything. I've been out blog surfing on so many other sites, soaking up the thoughts and threads of others, making comments, thinking of expanding further here, but then not. I've also been reading alot of books. I tend to be a fast reader and almost absorb books, especially if they are well written and something I connect to. I realized the other day, one of the times I feel most like myself is when I am reading a book. I also feel very much like me when I get to play tennis, but there aren't very many opportunities for that, so I'll stick with reading. And going to church. I feel like me when I go to church, especially if I get to sing "Be Thou My Vision". My husband is out of town on business, and I was wondering what the little man and I would be doing this evening . . .maybe we'll go to church. I am very blessed that there is a wonderful presbyterian church just a few miles from me that provides excellent childcare, and has a great evening service. I used to go to a mom's program there on Wednesday mornings, but it hasn't worked out so far this year. In some ways I'm relieved to not be going because I didn't always feel like I fit in there - at the mom's group. Maybe I should try it out again.

A great quote on parenting from Barbara Curtis, actually an excerpt from her open letter on the Ezzo parenting philosophy:
"The Ezzos take as their starting point that our society has become too child-centered. In looking around me, I can only disagree. At no time in history, I believe, have parents ever been so self-centered. So many daily parental decisions are based on society's encouragement not to neglect their own needs."
And this:
" Although the discipline of children has deteriorated drastically in the past generation, I do not believe it is due to the fact that parents are putting their children first."
Amen. I am striving to parent in a way that let's my child know that his thoughts, needs, and emotions are valid and I want to hear them . . .even if it's uncomfortable or inconvenient to me. I have MANY issues with the whole Ezzo thing, but I thought Barbara's statements spoke to the heart of why that parenting philosophy can be dangerous.
More thoughts, quotes and comments along these lines to come.

Tragedy Beyond Words

I actually have no time to post this right now, but my head is swirling with thoughts & reactions to the Katrina devestation. I'm going to mention other bloggers, but don't have time to link them at the moment - I only know how to link the slow way and I'll have to do it later when I have time. This is a tragedy beyond words - beyond comprehension, beyond anything I've ever seen in this country. I hope my words, wonderings, and heartfelt expressions here will not end up sounding hollow in the midst of what my fellow americans are going through right now.

-A quote that I want to include from Barbara Curtis: "All my own complaints and "stuff" just seems so trivial compared to this threat to our country's integrity." It sure does put things into perspective. The things I was so amazingly and immaturely upset about 24-48 hours ago are nothing compared to facing a future with no home, no job and no school for one's kids. The folks of the gulf coast will have to completely reconstuct their entire lives, probably in a place no where near where they were living, admist complete strangers, having to rely on the kindness of fellow countrymen to get some sense of normal again. They all are dealing with loss of loved ones too.

-Criticism of what is happening and not happening down there is not something I feel I can do at this point. Trying to place blame at this point detracts from the problem solving and resourcefulness that needs to be on everyone's minds. It's very difficult to simultaneously criticize and brainstorm and pray for how to help that entire region. Hugh Hewitt is taking the lead in the blogworld in this arena and I applaud him.

-I know the job of the Armed forces in the situation in N.O. is tough . . . they will have to probably end up shooting Americans who are looting, and committing unspeakable acts of violence. I don't even like having to write that, but it is the harsh reality.

-One of my worst fears in the midst of this whole thing is that the terrorist will take this opportunity to "kick us while we're down", so to speak. I'm praying for God's hand on our country at this time, and that any attempts by them to do so will be thwarted.

- President Bush and all the other county, government and state officials need our prayers right now: prayers for wisdom and leadership.

-The blogworld is doing an amazing job at mobilizing people and getting out information on what is happening and what is needed. I hope I can be a positive part in that, in whatever small way I'm able.