tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.comments2012-09-01T02:11:22.190-04:00hillsideslideUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-27795087872109038562010-07-22T13:14:50.619-04:002010-07-22T13:14:50.619-04:00you know, you're good at gentle butt-kicking.
...you know, you're good at gentle butt-kicking.<br /><br />i will get on it.<br /><br />:Dhillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-86679440908833942572010-07-22T12:57:22.660-04:002010-07-22T12:57:22.660-04:00So is there going to be a part 2 to this series at...So is there going to be a part 2 to this series at some point? <br /><br />:::prod:::Alisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03447952644086630435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-70946923070234169862010-06-18T12:39:45.231-04:002010-06-18T12:39:45.231-04:00thanks for stopping by Samurai- late is beter than...thanks for stopping by Samurai- late is beter than never!<br /><br />i understand taking things personally... i especially feel it with this issue.<br /><br />yep. we are all sinners. <br /><br />however, I just can't compare a loving committed relationship to porn, murder, envy, etc. <br /><br />not that i don't have lots of other sin going on... <br /><br />i see how those are harmful. but, relationships, love... those are high, high things in my book (in THE Book, in fact).<br /><br />meanwhile, if you're not gay, then behaving as though you were would be "against your nature" and, as I understand it, sinful.<br /><br />so.... no kissing the boys for you! ;)hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-43723170128141706152010-06-18T10:05:57.432-04:002010-06-18T10:05:57.432-04:00I am late to the party, but some quick thoughts. ...I am late to the party, but some quick thoughts. <br />We are indeed to love one another. God loved us enough to send Jesus. While Jesus loved those He came into contact with (i.e. woman at the well, the lepers, tax collectors, prostitutes, pharisees, disciples, etc.) He still called sin sin.<br /><br />I have no idea who is, or who is not, going to hell. God alone is judge, and He sees the heart (and the end from the beginning). It is pretty clear that to the extent we judge others, we will be judged as well.<br /><br />As i understand God's word, homosexuality is a sin. Here is the thing... i am a sinner too. I struggle with pornography - this makes me an adulterer. I struggle with calling my fellow human beings idiots - this makes me a murderer. I want the fancy car, i want the luxury vacations i want the mansions (at times) - this makes me a covetous.<br /><br />We are all seeking out God (even Atheists, and i am sure they would disagree with me).<br /><br />I do not plan on diving any further into this debate. Ask Alise - i suck at debating. i take it way too personal. And it is not about me in the end.<br /><br />I pray that God continues to stir up your heart and mind. May He reveal all that he has for you - and your readers. 8)<br /><br />a brother in Christ, by His grace, and for His glorysamuraihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-768412042792742632010-06-03T16:27:56.278-04:002010-06-03T16:27:56.278-04:00Disqus is incredibly easy to add. I don't do a...Disqus is incredibly easy to add. I don't do anything that isn't easy. I just love having threaded comments now. It makes me happy.<br /><br />And I totally understand about being judgmental right back at the judgmental folks. It's incredibly easy. And wrong.Alisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03447952644086630435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-43040880962789857832010-06-03T13:53:20.308-04:002010-06-03T13:53:20.308-04:00@Alise- 1st, I wish I had Disqus commenting syste...@Alise- 1st, I wish I had Disqus commenting system. If I get serious, I guess some changes will be in order.<br /><br />Part of what I'm grappling with is MY attitude towards xians with a diff point of view. I feel like I'm the victim (ouch, never a good mentality), my righteous indig is justified. I'm realizing (these things cycle/spiral.... didn't I already know this?) that, regardless, I can't play Judge.<br /><br />And, it's funny that you attribute things to me (like, listening) when I often attribute them to you. We both kind of flesh that out in our conversations. I think it's a joint discovery/uncovery. :)<br /><br />thanks for commenting!hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-79785380370547664892010-06-03T09:47:05.878-04:002010-06-03T09:47:05.878-04:00"The bottom line is that if you don't thi..."The bottom line is that if you don't think the things you do goes against your understanding of Jesus, then that is between you and Him, but you truly can't blame other Christians who may see some things differently." <br /><br />Well, you may have just summed up my next post in ONE SENTENCE. Nicely done.<br /><br />There are plenty of things we wrestle with as we try to live out our faith. My hope is that, rather than draw lines in the sand, we can learn through and from one another... in relationship.<br /><br />Gosh, you've touched on so many things... wish we could get together with Alise and some coffee and just talk talk talk :)<br /><br />One of the things that comments like your's (on feminism & submission) or Alise's (on evolution) highlight how, depending on our background & specific faith communities, some topics are a big deal for some and not even on the radar for others. -that's fodder for another post, I suppose.<br /><br />Hope you stay tuned for follow up posts. I appreciate your contribution!hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-74034942422709277612010-06-03T08:51:31.700-04:002010-06-03T08:51:31.700-04:00Honestly, I hate it when Christians pull the "...Honestly, I hate it when Christians pull the "you're not a real Christian if you believe/don't believe X." It tears people up no matter who says it. I think people have enough questions about their faith and when we throw that into the mix, we just beat them up even more.<br /><br />I get the idea of iron sharpening iron, and I think we do well to gently ask people to examine their strongly held ideas, but as you've taught me, I think we do that better through asking questions rather than telling people what they SHOULD believe. When we ask why something moves someone or why they believe something or for their back-story, I think we open up to a better dialog. When we just start off determining who is and isn't a Christian based on our own limited (and it's ALWAYS limited) view of God, we just shut the conversation down.<br /><br />Good thoughts!(and some stunning quotes. Just...wow.)Alisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03447952644086630435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-14519103853328216172010-06-02T23:56:21.679-04:002010-06-02T23:56:21.679-04:00Hi Tina. I just want to say that it is not up to ...Hi Tina. I just want to say that it is not up to me to say who is and who is not a Christian. I do feel that we need to pay attention to things we are taught in the NT, but even if some people don't, I'd never go so far as to say that they don't love Jesus, have a relationship with Him or that they cannot be Christian.<br /><br />As I've shared with you in the past, I've wrestled with the passages about wives being submissive, and I don't like those passages, yet I have to admit that they exist, so they must be there for a reason. I don't like to submit, but I do. . .but so does my husband, so I guess for me it's part of marriage. I wouldn't just lie down and be a doormat, yet Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek. I tried to make a comparison with my feminist feelings and your feelings about being gay before, yet I don't think you saw much to compare there, but I think the struggle is comparable in many ways. The bottom line is that if you don't think the things you do goes against your understanding of Jesus, then that is between you and Him, but you truly can't blame other Christians who may see some things differently. <br /><br />I really don't like the Christian Right, and I think they have many things totally wrong. We aren't supposed to be greedy, yet they support large greedy corporations. We are supposed to be peacemakers, yet they are zealous about war. I can't say those people aren't Christian, only misguided and I think that the whole "prosperity doctrine" is merely getting your ears tickled (hearing what is pleasing to you or a way of justifying greed and other things I don't think Jesus would approve of).<br /><br />Lots of things to ponder, and sexuality is only a drop in the bucket.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-66587043957829666652010-06-02T21:28:10.933-04:002010-06-02T21:28:10.933-04:00Hi Bev, thanks for commenting!
First of all, I do...Hi Bev, thanks for commenting!<br /><br />First of all, I don't know where your musical tastes lie, but Jen's first cd, Kansas, is one of my all time fav albums & I highly recommend it. Her lyrics come through as searching and honest in the struggle to live out one's faith.<br /><br />I'm with ya on the love one another & God.<br /><br />I'll post more on this soon, so I won't go into great detail just now.<br /><br />I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. And, I totally can relate to the liberal in some ways and conservative in others. People are complex!<br /><br />I guess what I am grappling with is not the "is it a sin" part of sexual orientation... I'm more concerned with how we Christians deal with conflict & differences in theology amongst ourselves.<br /><br />I mean, if it's not sexual orientation, it's some other "hot topic." <br /><br />How do we deal constructively with our differences? How do we remain in community... and, even, strenghten it?hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-46145373466960415242010-06-02T21:13:39.608-04:002010-06-02T21:13:39.608-04:00Hi Tina. Thanks for the invite. First off, I'...Hi Tina. Thanks for the invite. First off, I'm not familiar with Jennifer and her music. I'm not sure why you wanted to hear from me, but I'll give it a try.<br /><br />Jesus left us with two commandments and they are, "Love one another as I have loved you" and "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." And actually, I think there is a third, "Love your Lord, your God, with all your heart." I think on the judgment day, we are going to be held up against these commandments above all others.<br /><br />That said, I think Jesus still believed in sin and the concept of sin, or He wouldn't have told the adulteress to "Go and sin no more." And that is where my quandry lies.<br /><br />Do we just say nothing is really a sin if we believe ourselves to be loving and forgiving people? What about things like gossip and lying, which I admit that I even do? We do forgive adultery, but it is usually after the fact and after the person is trying again to do marriage right, albeit with another partner, and adultery is not usually an ongoing situation among Christians, and among most non-believers, but something only done a time or two. If we are going to weigh sin, I would put murderers, rapists and especially child molester/rapist/murderers at the top of the list of really, really bad sins. Yet, I've often been told that to God, sin is sin. I dunno, I think that gossip hurts a lot of people, and surely a lot more than two people of the same sex that love each other. I battle often with my own sense of fairness and right and wrong according to our biblical knowledge and what seems right to me. In my own eyes, when I gossip, I think that is a far greater sin than anyone's sexual preference, if that makes any sense to you. . . yet there are admontations in the NT that says don't do that (gay sex), so I can't totally toss it out. <br /><br />I am liberal in the political sense, but somewhat conservative in the biblical sense, if that makes any sense, and if it doesn't, well, it doesn't to me either. But that's where I'm at on this issue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-79509851021046203052010-05-26T20:45:45.288-04:002010-05-26T20:45:45.288-04:00Thanks for popping over Kristy!
I noticed that ne...Thanks for popping over Kristy!<br /><br />I noticed that neither you or Alise mentioned "time." As moms, I would think that time is a limited commodity. And, energy.<br /><br />As for the insecurity, I can relate. However, I don't think you have anything to worry about there. Your blog is great.<br /><br />Stacie was the one who told me about yours. She said it was one of the funniest ones out there.<br /><br />Hormones. ...Those.<br /><br />Being single, I don't have quite the opportunity for feedback that I imagine a spouse might offer. <br /><br />For instance, if I'm a jerk or unfun to be around, would anyone TELL me?<br /><br />So, I asked a friend the other day if I come off as "girly" in the emotional department. Her eyes got instantly huge and had this scared "i better not say anything" look. <br /><br />Then she said, "It might be hormonal."<br /><br />And then I remembered that we just spent a "fun" night out and I didn't even try to pretend that I wasn't hugely depressed.<br /><br />So, the answer is yes. I get moody. It's the hormones. ;)<br /><br />Regardless.... we press on!hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-56930411634001867492010-05-26T17:52:22.716-04:002010-05-26T17:52:22.716-04:00Whoa. I don't think I remembered/realized that...Whoa. I don't think I remembered/realized that you have a blog. Sorry it's taken me so long to stop over.<br /><br />What stops me...<br /><br />1. Like Alise, the winter. I hate winter and I know I have some sort of undiagnosed seasonal depression. Nothing seems funny, interesting, inspiring, etc...<br /><br />2. Insecurity. sometimes I feel like I shouldn't even bother because I'm not any good anyway. It's paralyzing at times. I struggle with this in all areas of my life. Ick.<br /><br />3. Hormones. I have MAJOR hormone issues going on. Up and down all the time. I notice that at certain times of the month, I'm witty, funny, upbeat and see roses everywhere. I could write everyday. At other times, writing on the internet seems pointless when there's so much death and destruction going on. <br /><br />There you have it :).Kristy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816266165596643837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-37323169012973776142010-05-26T17:05:56.373-04:002010-05-26T17:05:56.373-04:00thanks for all of the nudging, Alise.
And, it'...thanks for all of the nudging, Alise.<br /><br />And, it's great to hear that I've been an encouragement to your writing.<br /><br />I've gotten SO much out of it, especially over the past few months.<br /><br />....<br /><br />i totally get the fear thing. sometimes, I get my mind blown when I consider who all can be reading. You know, you speak differently to different people. And diff people have diff interests... but, I suppose it all evolves organically as folks comment.<br /><br />The Virtual Village participates in its shape.hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-28272582771228348042010-05-26T16:26:31.197-04:002010-05-26T16:26:31.197-04:00A) Soooooo glad to see you back! It was thrilling ...A) Soooooo glad to see you back! It was thrilling to see your blog pop up in my feed and have it be a NEW post. ;-D Super exciting!<br /><br />As for what stops me? <br />1. Depression. My winter posting is always way less than my spring/summer posting. I'm sure if it were averaged together, I'd probably have twice as many posts from April to August each year than all the other months. I get bummed out in the winter due to the unending grey in WV and it makes me not want to post. <br /><br />2. Fear. I don't WANT to be afraid of posting my thoughts, but I'm terrified that if someone doesn't agree with my thoughts, they might not like me. Which is awful. Or I'm afraid that I'm writing into a void. I totally thrive on feedback (not so much an introvert!) and when it's lacking, I tend to think, "What's the point?" and just shut down.<br /><br />I'm so thankful for your encouragement. I'd have likely given all of this up long ago if not for you!Alisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03447952644086630435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-73687277562717562352010-05-24T11:04:47.970-04:002010-05-24T11:04:47.970-04:00Hi Samurai! Glad you stopped by.
Yes, I'd...Hi Samurai! Glad you stopped by. <br /><br />Yes, I'd run across a Van Gogh quote, loved it, and started googling them. He's good some great quotes.<br /><br />See ya around~hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-88201520214445758502010-05-21T09:55:14.974-04:002010-05-21T09:55:14.974-04:00An interesting quote indeed. And i liked that he ...An interesting quote indeed. And i liked that he was honest enough to state which side of things he felt he was on.<br /><br />I also wanted to thank you for stopping by the "dojo". Hope you have a great weekend.samuraihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01321283615472742550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-30290530132379724322010-04-26T11:30:20.502-04:002010-04-26T11:30:20.502-04:00Yeah, I can get on board with the dormancy thing. ...Yeah, I can get on board with the dormancy thing. And I agree that we can give too much time to guilt, but I think that reflecting on how we use our time and determining if it's a growth period or a lazy period is probably a beneficial thing. <br /><br />And trust me, even with the kidlets, there's plenty of time for idleness!Alisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03447952644086630435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-17797980454694824402010-04-26T10:55:27.544-04:002010-04-26T10:55:27.544-04:001st, I think if you've got kids, you're no...1st, I think if you've got kids, you're not idle.<br /><br />2nd, better or not, it's still qualitatively different. Just describes a variation in the reality landscape that we may be missing. And, i think it points to hope, patience & process. Sometimes there is a dormancy period while things underground are gearing up to fuel a growth spurt or blossom. If that's what's going on within me, then it helps to relax and not load the shame (there, that goes back to your SCL/naked post) of "laziness" on, when it's really something else entirely. Shame eats up the energy needed for growth. The recognition that this time IS being used (just no fruit yet), nurtures the possibility of something yet to come.<br /><br />That's how I see it anyway.hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-44335642238124189692010-04-26T10:45:01.755-04:002010-04-26T10:45:01.755-04:00I'll have to think about that. I like to think...I'll have to think about that. I like to think that some of my idleness is a hand-tied type, but I fear that the primary thing that ties my hands IS laziness. If the end result is that nothing happens, I'm not sure if it's a whole lot better to be the second type. :/Alisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03447952644086630435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-54064747674753172022010-04-08T10:43:46.400-04:002010-04-08T10:43:46.400-04:00I'll be visiting the bear center this weekend....I'll be visiting the bear center this weekend.<br /><br />I'm so looking foward to meeting all the bears there,and using up all the pictures in my disposable camera..:)<br /><br />I wonder if I'll get to see Lily's new baby..(fingers crossed)..:)<br /><br />Thank you for the nice pictures..:)<br /><br />Elizabeth in MinnesotaElizabethhttp://elizabethpaulason.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-85866758716666169052010-03-11T16:47:30.087-05:002010-03-11T16:47:30.087-05:00Really, I think my favorite part is at the end whe...Really, I think my favorite part is at the end when he's going to go play ping pong. Because really, that's about how shocking the whole "gay thing" really should be. Interesting, but not as interesting as ping pong. <br /><br />And they can play too. Which is also awesome.Alisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03447952644086630435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-6101100372361414002010-02-25T15:39:30.828-05:002010-02-25T15:39:30.828-05:00Hi Eljabo! Logo is showing Buffy now, which is a ...Hi Eljabo! Logo is showing Buffy now, which is a happy thing. I hope that can help off-set the disappointment of not having "Chinese Bu-ffay" ;)hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-18494171172714276032010-02-25T06:57:09.276-05:002010-02-25T06:57:09.276-05:00You just reminded me how much I love Buffy! I nee...You just reminded me how much I love Buffy! I need to watch the whole series again although I don't have the super cool Chinese version!Eljabohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13249449378798632874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12532203.post-30868202379033072412010-02-24T22:43:30.413-05:002010-02-24T22:43:30.413-05:00Alise, you have been very YOU for as long as I'...Alise, you have been very YOU for as long as I've known you. I'm sure there's "yet to be revealed" stuff, but you've always been wayyyy more to the Authentic side of the Public Persona Spectrum.<br /><br />As for being a bully- Gandhi and the nonviolent movement stress looking at ones'self first. Not saying you are a bully (I don't see that), but it's a good way place to squeeze that concept into the conversation.<br /><br />And, sometimes, the actual bullies do need a smack-down of sorts... like on Scrooged when Carol Kane's character says, "Sometimes you have to slap them in the face, just to get their attention."<br /><br />(Buffy would just kick their butt and stake them into dust. ...but we're Christians and we don't DO that)<br /><br />As to your last sentence- to quote Tom P, and for the second time in a day- <br /><br />Amen.hillsideslidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014417398973109652noreply@blogger.com