I didn’t grow up in a denomination that followed the Lenten tradition of giving something up for the season. I think I might have done it once, but that’s it. I did decide to give up something this year. Sugar drinks, specifically pop and coffee drinks. Now this might not be a big deal to some people, but I love my sugar drinks. I’ve tried many times to cut back on them without a lot of success. So this is major for me. However, so far it has not been a big deal. I just think – ok, if you drink one of those it is the same as spitting in Christ’s face. He died for you. The least you can do is give up your sugar addiction for Lent. Somehow putting it in that light makes it completely different than just saying I want to give them up to lose weight. I am choosing not to focus on the fact that it might also make me lose weight over the next seven weeks. That truly is not my motive. And David could attest to the fact that I’m mighty attached to my mochas and Coke/Pepsi so this is a good choice for me. Did anyone else give up something for Lent?
I mentioned recently that we were doing some little homeschooling-type things with Caroline. Rest assured we are not trying to raise a super child. I have no intention of pushing her and trying to accelerate her learning so she’s some kind of whiz kid. However, I do want to expose her to little things as appropriate. I bought her a LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set one night in early December when I was Christmas shopping at Target. She has played with it multiple times daily since then.
Last week I decided to see if she had learned any of the letters after playing with it. I THINK SHE KNOWS JUST ABOUT EVERY LETTER AND A LOT OF THE SOUNDS!!! I’m not kidding! We do talk about letters sometimes when we read books and we do have some ABC books such as a Noah’s Ark book, etc. But I could not believe it when over several days I checked to see what she knew. Sometimes I would ask her where the (insert letter here) was and before she pointed it out to me she would say the sound! Wow! I had no idea! (As a side bonus, since the fridge is right next to where you walk into the kitchen, she sometimes gets distracted by it on her way in to see me and so I get a few more minutes to get things done while she’s playing with it. LOL!) Anyway, I highly recommend that little set.
So about BlogHer. I’m curious about something. Several months ago I looked into BlogHer and considered applying. I decided not to do so because I didn’t like how much control of your blog you had to give up in order to participate. But even more than that, I didn’t like the little links to random blogs that always show up under their ads. I had clicked on some and, more often than not, was sorry that I did.
Recently I clicked on one because the title caught my attention and it was related to a topic I am very interested in. I can’t begin to express how sorry I was I clicked on it. There is no other way to describe some of what I read other than as p*rn*gr*ph*c. One phrase in particular was stuck in my head the rest of the day. It was so s*x*ally graphic I can’t even come up with a polite way to explain it. So here is my question to anyone who wants to answer. Do I just have horrible luck when it comes to clicking on BlogHer links or have other people experienced this as well? It seems like almost any site I go to has a potty mouth author.
Now I realize that BlogHer is not a Christian network, but some of this stuff would be offensive to anyone who was even moderately conservative about language and s*x*ual content. I’m sure that they would be just as offended coming to a blog like mine that talks about sin and Christ and salvation, but still. Anyway, I’m just wondering about other people’s experiences with this. I think the idea of promoting women bloggers is so great and I know some women who read here use BlogHer so please don’t (PLEASE DON’T) take this as an attack. I’m just sincerely curious about how other women view BlogHer and how they interact (or don’t) with the links when they come across them. Do I just have a horrible track record?
And, has anyone else picked up on The Next Big Thing in Christian blogging circles? By this I mean how teachings on patriarchy swept through so many Christian blogs for a few years and the teachings caused so much grief to so many. I think I’ve identified the next topic that I think is going to cripple people’s faith and I’m wondering if anyone else is noticing it. And, no, we’re not going to discuss it here, even if people identify it. I’m just curious if anyone else has noticed a real spike in blogging about this particular topic.
Oh, that’s so neat about Caroline knowing the alphabet! 🙂
I never click on any ads from blogs, so I can’t answer your question about the BlogHer ads/blogs.
The text Big Thing? No clue. I’ve pared down my blog reading to 36 blogs. I’m happy to keep my head in the sand on this one! 🙂
Sallie, We love the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics, too! Our oldest child learned his alphabet very early. But getting him past that point became a huge obstacle. He showed a lot of interest in learning to read (and now that he is five he devours books quicker than I can screen them for him), but at the time I couldn’t help him connect that letters made sounds. It was the song that did it. “Every letter makes a sound.” He immediately made the connection. He was about 2.5 at the time. Within a year, he was reading, and I give all the credit to LeapFrog!
So…about the Next Big Thing. You’ve got me curious. I’ve been down with morning sickness and having trouble reading in general…now I’ll have to look for it.
Hi! I like your blog, I just came across it and have been poking around and reading it. I think it’s great that you are giving up something for Lent; I am Catholic and I just wanted to say that as long as your journey brings you closer to Jesus; that’s the point so you are totally right to say that if your goal is to lose weight – as difficult and admirable as that is – that’s not really what Lent is. I gave up horsing around and spending time on things that don’t bless my family so I’ll get back to doing my grocery list 🙂 just wanted to say hi!
Well, I grew up Catholic, and we always had to give something up besides meat for Lent. I tried giving up my math homework one year; this resulted in a discussion with my mother about how it really didn’t glorify Christ too much if I gave up something I didn’t care for. Bummer. This year, I can’t think of what I should give up. Having an almost-6 month old means I have given up on lots of sleep….being at home means we’ve given up on tons of extra spending. Living in Wisconsin in Winter means I’ve given up really driving anywhere…. 😉 You get the drift. My goal instead is to spend time reading my Bible every day to Liam.
I think I may have identified the ‘next big thing’ in blogging, but maybe not. Mind if I email you about this??
That is so sweet she knows her letter already…I still remember the very first book I ‘read’ by myself. Granted, it was a book my mother read to me over and over again, so I had it memorized, but I still ‘read’ it from rote! And we all know that repetition does help the kiddos learn!
Good for you…those little activity/workbooks they sell at the grocery store are great too, before you start officially schooling her. Good luck!
🙂
Wild guess here on the next big topic: Frugality. More specifically, Christian frugal living and homemaking.
hmm….can’t say I’ve noticed patriarchy as the next big thing that will cripple faith. I don’t see it as a bad thing though…to see how men and women fit into God’s scheme of things within a loving context. Not as a you mustn’t, but as a you shouldn’t because God’s plan is thus and such. So I’m not entirely sure what you are talking about in it being a bad thing…. you’ve gotten me curious about what you mean.
The one thing I’ve noticed a spike about lately in blogging is Titus 2 mentoring.
I should have said…
I asked about BlogHer because I was curious, not because I plan on applying.
And my take on The Next Big Thing is from a Protestant perspective. I should say that to clarify that not everyone may think this topic is necessarily a dangerous thing.
ladysown, I used patriarchy as an example of something that was enormously popular in Christian circles in recent years, especially in homeschooling circles. It still is popular with some people, but for many people it was a topic that the enemy used to shipwreck or seriously damage their faith and walk with God and others for a season. I realize some people here will believe strongly in the teachings of patriarchy, but for others even dabbling in those teachings was disastrous to their walk with Christ.
I’ve never used BlogHer. I love stumbleupon (I know it’s a very different kettle of fish) it’s cool because you can block ‘adult’ sites.
The patriarchy thing fascinated me, but then I found that the sites that went on and on and on about it either from a pro or a con point of view had lost all sight of the wonder and beauty of God in the midst of it and I decided not to visit them anymore. I did post my own thoughts about marriage and servanthood recently, but that’s as far as I’d go on the topic, I think like all things it’s a journey and a learning thing and about growing deeper and deeper in Jesus.
I don’t know what will be next? The Oprahisation of Christianity…I only say this because a few sites have mentioned her recent foray into spirituality and whether they like it or not…I don’t really know much about Oprah really.
Have a great day and I hope you have lots of fun home schooling your little one.
Blessings
Sarah x
The next big topic, going to agree with Beth, Frugality and Homemaking, especially as we are in these hard economic times.
My daughter has either that exact same thing or something similar and her kids love it.
Hmmm… do you know WHY I was thinking of you last night as the guys and I were glued to ESPN? 🙂
BlogHer is definitely not for conservative or Christian bloggers – it’s just the way it worked out, I think, but most bloggers there are for more liberal.
I am sooo happy you wrote about the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set being good. my little girl loves magnets and I was thinking of getting it for her but not sure it is wroth the money.
I don’t know what the next big thing is, but do all Christian bloggers have to sew and/or knit? It’s a definite trend I’ve noticed. So much so that I registered for a knitting class thinking I should be doing it, too, but luckily I came to my senses. I have two boys under 4 years old. The last thing I need are knitting needles laying around the house…and knowing our crazy life, that’s all they’d be doing because I certainly do not have time to be crafty.
hmmm…the next big thing??? Maybe something to do with Calvinism and/or Reformed theology??
I really have no idea!
Now I am really curious!!
Jen –
Haha to the needles. I have a 6 month old little guy at home, and I never even gave that a thought! Talk about babyproofing in the strangest places…perhaps I should crochet more often. 😉
As far as all Christians knitting/sewing, I’m not sure. I crocheted and sewed before I confirmed my faith in Christ. Perhaps it is just an old fashioned hobby that some enjoy. Personally, I like knitting and sewing, even though it is expensive from time to time. It calms my nerves when everything else is all kittywompus – I’ll do a bit of reading in my bible, and then think about what I read as I knit or crochet.
That, and with a 6 month old, I don’t get much else done, so seeing a row or two appear after a few minutes of sitting and talking with my husband makes me feel productive. 😉
Sallie, aren’t you going to tell us what The Next Big Thing is? : )
Oh, and on Lent, I gave up eating after 7, so basically fasting from 7 to 7. I feel SO much better overall, it’s wonderful and hardly a sacrifice. Although I am ravenous when I wake up!
Hello, I have noticed some Christian bloggers having Ads on their blogs. I understand they get paid to do so and that is fine. However, in my own personal opinion some of the Ads are for offensive products. One Ad is for the tv show “The View” which I feel is a bad influence. They bash Catholics, the President and many Conservative figures. I have expressed my concerns to the bloggers and they get defensive. Like the Oprah discussions going on now, I realize everyone has the right to their own opinions but I feel as a Christian I have a moral obligation to alert others about the damage some of these “entertainers” do. Too many of them are the role models our children are looking up to.
The next big thing – Christian environmentalism….it’s already here.
Well, let’s see… What I’m thinking about is definitely more doctrinal as opposed to the more generic Christian living area. (Although doctrine touches all aspects of our lives…)
I’ll eventually throw my idea out there, but not yet. I know a lot of ladies only stop by here every few days so I’ll give them some time to chime in too. And believe me. I’m not saying it IS The Next Big Thing. Just that I’ve noticed a lot of discussion about it and it makes me wonder…
Brenda, I can’t believe you came here and mentioned that basketball game! After I even showed a picture of Caroline in a Purdue bib you come here to remind me of our loss last night. I thought you were so much nicer than that! (Just kidding) Good win for Purdue. I have to say I really do like Matt Painter. He really seems like a class act. And if MSU doesn’t win the Big Ten, I would SO MUCH rather Purdue win it than pretty much anyone else, especially Wisky. I CAN’T STAND Bo Ryan. 🙂
I’ve never given anything up for Lent either – until this year when I decided to give up candy and shopping on Sundays. (Candy every day of the week, shopping only on Sundays, just to clarify!) I do find that I think about candy in a different way if I think about it in comparison to Christ’s sacrifice. (that may seem like a funny thing to give up but believe me, I am addicted to candy and eat A LOT of it…) So like you, Sallie, I’m hoping for a side benefit! Of course, I am hoping that the first benefit of this Lenten season is that I will draw nearer to Christ. I also gave up shopping on Sundays because it was becoming a bit of an addiction – waiting to scour the ads in the Sunday paper, how quickly I could go out and “conquer” the deals! I didn’t go this last week and I didn’t miss it – I spent my time at home in bible study and productive work, and I felt like it was a much more effective weekend!
I’ve often thought that about Christmas cards and photos also.
I’d be interested to know what the next big trend is in blogging… I always enjoy your “take” on things even when we don’t agree 🙂
I am Baptist, so I’ve never given anything up for Lent, but have many friends who have. I don’t think anything possibly wrong could come from giving something up this time of year to help you remember Christ’s sacrifice for you.
Blessings!
Lacey
I noticed a lot of bloggers are discussing Protestants converting to catholicism. Is that it?
Haha, Sallie….
Poor Bo Ryan. He’s one of the most underrated coaches in the country. And even though I reside in the grand state of Wisconsin, I gotta say….
I’m so sick of Wisconsin sports.
There, I said it. Staple gun me to the wall and call me a traitor. I’m tired of hearing about UW Madison constantly. My alma mater, UW Whitewater, made it to the championship and won for football for D3. Did we get accolades like UW Madison? Noooooooooooo………….because we’re not the grand ol’ red and white team. Boo.
So as I tell my husband (who is a HUGE Wisconsin fan)…..I like the coaches and players as people the good Lord created. But I’m sick of their team.
😉
*steps off soapbox* That feels better… 😉
Is it the home church movement?
I gave up ice. It is a small, but constant reminder. It is not extravagant – costing nothing. It is not very public. It helps remind me of Christ’s 40 day fast in the desert before starting His ministry.