From the Washington Post
Nov. 17, 2006 at 10:34 AM
Blogging
The Washington Post, in partnership with Newsweek, is also doing an interesting series on religion and public life. They are asking a very diverse panel a series of questions. Here's the first,
If some religious people believe they have a monopoly on truth, then are conversation and common ground possible? If so, what would be the difficulties and benefits of such a conversation?Not surprisingly, Al Mohler's answer, The Truth About Truth has generated quite a bit of feedback and commentary. Other panelists include, a rabbi, a Wiccan, an Episcopal Bishop. This series should be interesting to follow.
I live in a very diverse neighborhood with Muslims, Hindus, Jews, atheists, and Christians. Religion comes up occassionally in conversations. I see a lot of common ground in our values, but on absolute Truths there is little compromise on either side. Still, we understand that as neighbors we need to respect the beliefs of the other, even if we don't hold those beliefs ourselves. For some reason, I actually find those without any strong convictions or beliefs to be the most difficult conversations. How about you?
Related Tags: blogging, education, Washington Post, Al Mohler, religion, politics
The Shadow Of Death
Oct. 11, 2006 at 10:47 PM
Blogging
"Why is that?" I reply.
"Look, the trees are all crying. " (She points out the window as the leaves drop by the barrel to the ground.)
I try to explain to her that the leaves are dying but the life of the tree will continue. I don't think she really understood. In time, she will.
Yes, it is a sad day. However, just like the trees of fall, the life of SpunkyHomeschool will continue. I may not understand how right now, but in time I know I will.My dearly beloved Dell has died. Born in the fall of 2001 in a small home with too many kids, Dell lived a good and quiet life for many years. That is until January of 2005, when blogging jolted her peaceful existence into a fenzy of hard labor. Dell tried hard to keep up. But as the family blogging empire grew, the wear on poor Dell became obvious. Amazingly, Dell never complained. She handled the daily beatings like a war hardened Marine.
Suddenly, last week, she developed a nasty cough. A virus was supposed. The family called world renowned Dr. Norton, but his diagnosis was unclear. Desperate for answers, an expert surgeon was called in and the family began praying for a miracle. Skillfully, the surgeon peered through the window of her soul and discovered a corrupted artery deep in her bowels. After a transplant and a necessary transfusion of software, sweet little Dell arrived safely back in the lap of her family. But the rejoicing was short lived. Today, a fatal error flashed across the screen. After two abrupt coughs and a heavy sigh, the screen went blank. Without warning she was gone. Frantically, the surgeon was summoned again in the hopes that he could perform CPR on the aging CPU. With deep regret he informed the family that he could do no more without incurring a great expense. He dutifully informed the surviving relatives that if there were Universal Computer Care Coverage this would all be taken care and encouraged a call to Hillary Clinton. In a state of disbelief, the family politely thanked him for his suggestion and sent him on his way.
A private service will be held for the immediate family. Cremation will take place at the city dump next Tuesday. (Vital organs will be donated.) In place of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to your favorite charity in the name of SpunkyHomeschool. (However, if anyone has a spare computer sitting around, alternative arrangements can be made.)
(Note: To avoid confusion for those who know my mom, it wasn't that Del.)
Assumptions That Affect This Blog
Oct. 7, 2006 at 10:43 AM
Blogging
It occurred to me the other day after reading a few comments that readers may be coming here with some flawed assumptions. Their ability to understand and enjoy what is written could be severely hampered and they could reach some equally flawed conclusions. Let's examine a few of them,
Assumption #1 I blog to try and convince people to homeschool. Let me publically state again, I am not a homeschool evangelist. (I explain that more in this post.) I didn't start this blog to try and convert people to homeschooling. I believe that if someone can talk you into something, someone else can talk you out of it. I hope people base their decisions on the Truth found in God's word not on the words of a blogger. I will help all who are looking for information on education and homeschooling, but I don't make it my life's purpose or the practice of this blog to convince you to do anything. If you are interested, my actual reasons for starting this blog can be found here and here.
Assumption #2 I will be fair and balanced when I discuss education. Coming to SpunkyHomeschool and asking me to promote the public schools would be like asking Pizza Hut to give you a taco. It ain't gonna happen. So if you're a public school parent looking for encouragement in your decision, you're barking up the wrong blog. You'll leave frustrated and maybe even angry. My blog is a personal space where I write the things that I believe about education and challenge myself to examine for areas of weakness. It helps me grow. If I only kept my opinions to myself, then there would be no growth for me. Are anyone's opinions fair and balanced?
Assumption #3 Post or comments are said in a harsh and critical tone. This is actually something I apply to all blog reading. I never assume anyone's tone is harsh or critical. As best as I humanly can, I attempt to read all comments objectively without any emotion at all. I assume ALL things people share with me are said kindly. Otherwise, I would always be using their tone as an excuse not to hear the TRUTH they may be sharing. I take what they tell me back to the Lord in prayer. The kernal of Truth that the Lord wants me to hear will become known, and the rest will fall like chaff to the ground.
This practice keeps me concentrating on WHAT someone is saying regardless of HOW they say it. I have found that some of the people that at first seemed the harshest in their words to me, were the ones who actually cared the most. They cared enough to tell me the TRUTH. This helps me concentrate on the words spoken and not how they are said. That's actually why I enjoy blogging and the exchange of ideas so much. People will tell me exactly what they think. I'm challenged and I hope they are as well. I write with a bit of sarcasm and humor (Okay maybe a bit more than a bit of sarcasm.) And I'll admit that some of the things I write are oten hard to hear, but they are never written in an angry or harsh tone. I hope that readers can accept that as true, in the same way as I accept that their comments are said in a similar way.
Now with that cleared up, I hope we can both enjoy our experience here at SpunkyHomeschool.
Bloggers and the First Amendment
Sep. 6, 2006 at 8:31 PM
Blogging
On his blog, Tim Vance seems willing to go the distance for his right to say what he thinks,Ligonier Ministries Inc., a Lake Mary religious publisher and broadcaster, is asking Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson to stop blogger Frank Vance from posting any more slurs about its president, Timothy A. Dick.
In the past five months, Vance's blog has described Dick as part of a "family of nincompoops," "a very corrupt man" and "a lying, thieving con artist," according to the lawsuit.
Two weeks ago, Dick and the ministry sued Vance for defamation, asking for unspecified monetary damages.It also asked for something that judges have historically refused to impose on news organizations -- a publishing ban.
Media lawyers call that "prior restraint."
At this time I'm weighing my options and haven't decided what my next move is. One thing is for certain though, I won't be backing down. If Tim Dick wants a fight then I say "Bring it on."Mr. Dick is the son-in-law of R.C. Sproul. This is one case all bloggers should take note of. (HT: Cindy)
In another First Ammendment issue, Scott Somerville let's us know that that blogs are not subject to the Mc-Cain Feingold Act.
Blogs are not subject to this ban, so from here to November 7th it's up to us to speak out for freedom of speech. You are welcome to use this space to endorse or criticize any candidate for federal office!So I'm confused. If Ligonier wins their case, does that mean bloggers can criticize someone running for President, but not criticize the President of a ministry? Blogs are still so new and the law is still trying to catch up. Greg Herbert, a First Amendment lawyer in Orlando, said,
"I think a lot of judges don't know what a blog is."Related Tags: R.C. Sproul, Frank Vance, Lionier Ministries, First Amendment, blogs, blogging
Mommy Blogger Open Post
Jul. 1, 2006 at 11:16 AM
Blogging
Since my site has been hit by many new visitors wondering what all these mommy bloggers have to say, I thought I'd open this blog post up to all the mommy bloggers. Share what you're blogging about. Inquiring readers, who are just discovering mommy bloggers, want to know what all the buzz is about.
I'll start things off by sharing a few announcements.
Sallie's is accepting nominations for the Blogs of Beauty Awards.
The Old Schoolhouse is giving away $100 from the Schoolhouse Store.
The Pregnancy Carnival is up.
Kim at Life in a shoe gave birth to number 8 and her first boy. Congratulations.
Please pray a miracle for this precious mommy blogger and her unborn baby, diagnosed with Potter's Syndrome. Her courage is inspirational.
Go ahead and tell us what's on your blog today. You never know who might decide to read it.
Related Tags: Mommy bloggers, Mommy Blogs, Mommy Wars, blogging, homeschooling, motherhood, home education
Tricks of the Trade
Jun. 24, 2006 at 8:24 AM
Blogging
Here are some others things I do to make blogging easier.
Bloglines. I have used this free service for some time. It allows me to categorize my blog reading. I'm notified when new posts are up at my favorite blogs. This saves me from having to constantly check each blog. I can also flag posts and "keep them new". This allows me to remember posts for future reference if I need it. I can also keep track of comments that way as well.
Google Alerts Google does a lot of my searching for me. They'll watch for key words and email an alert when things come up.
News Feeds. Many of my favorite newspapers also have feeds that will send an alert to my email. I subscribe to the ones that provide me with information on the topics I'm most interested in. I scan them for articles and then file them for future reference.
Spunky Jr. She's my blogging buddy and my oldest daughter. She helps me a lot to keep this site going. I'd be lost without her. Unfortunately, you just can't find help like her at a price you can afford. I'm blessed. She also writes for Regenerate Our Culture and team blogs for Beauty From the Heart.
On a personal note: I began reading blogs nearly three years ago, I never dreamed I'd write one of my own. Now I can't imagine not blogging. It's rewarding on many levels. Occassionally I'll receive an email like this:
Thank you for your Extreme Parenting post. Reading this opened my heart, mind and soul to doing what has to be done in response to a recent issue involving my son. I have printed it and put it in my purse for encouragement as we get thru the next few weeks of more therapy, new rules and structure to our family life, etc.It's exciting to get noticed by the Washington Post. But honestly it's the time spent with my daughter and emails like one this that make the effort the most rewarding.
If you have any "tricks" to blogging. I'd love to hear them. I'm always looking for new ways to do things and make it even easier.
Related Tags: homeschooling, blogs, blogging, Google, Technorati
Blogging the Bible
Jun. 9, 2006 at 11:23 AM
Blogging
I admire his honesty and willingness to dig in and learn about the Bible. Many say they don't believe the Bible but have never actually read it. Currently, he's up to the book of Exodus.I have always been a proud Jew, but never a terribly observant one. Several weeks ago, I made a rare visit to synagogue for a cousin's bat mitzvah and, as usual, found myself confused (and bored) by a Hebrew service I couldn't understand. During the second hour of what would be a ceremony of NFL-game-plus-overtime-length, I picked up the Torah in the pew-back, opened it at random, and started reading (the English translation, that is). I was soon engrossed in a story I didn't know, Genesis Chapter 34....
So, the tale of Dinah unsettled me, to say the least. If this story was strutting cheerfully through the back half of Genesis, what else had I forgotten or never learned? I decided I would, for the first time as an adult, read the Bible. And I would blog about it as I went along...
My goal is pretty simple. I want to find out what happens when an ignorant person ctually reads the book on which his religion is based.
Our family is reading through the bible. We're about ready to finish the New Testament for the second time. We haven't made it throught the Old Testament completely. I know there are guides to read through the bible in a year, but we're not taking it that fast.We're at Psalm 119. We try to read a little of both every night. Hopefully we'll finish before someone decides to move out!
Have you read through the bible as a family? How long did it take? We are also about to begin a family study on the Basic Truths of Chrisitanity. We'll all work through the book each day and once a week we'll get together and discuss what we've learned. What Bible study helps have worked for your family?
Related Tags: Bible, Blogging, culture, Christianity, family, parenting
I'm a Disinhibitionist....
Apr. 22, 2006 at 12:58 PM
Blogging
Daniel Henninger of the Wall Street Journal editorial page, opines that bloggers are contributing to the slide toward more open "wierdness" and "disinhibition" in our society. And even worse this wierdness is spreading like "crabgrass".
[I]t looks to me as if the world of blogs may be filling up with people who for the previous 200 millennia of human existence kept their weird thoughts more or less to themselves. Now, they don't have to. They've got the Web. Now they can share.
But there is one more personality trait common to the blogosphere that, like crabgrass, may be spreading to touch and cover everything. It's called disinhibition. Briefly, disinhibition is what the world would look like if everyone behaved like Jerry Lewis or Paris Hilton or we all lived in South Park.
As described by psychologist John Suler, there's dissociative anonymity (You don't know me); solipsistic introjection (It's all in my head); and dissociative imagination (It's just a game). This is all known as digital identity, and it sounds perfectly plausible to me.
There is one silver lining, if anyone threatens to sue for what I've written, I can just claim I'm mentally ill and therefore cannot be held responsible for anything I say or do.
Related Tags: Daniel Henninger, Wall Street Journal, Blogging, Homeschooling, Homeschool, disinhibition
