The host from the show probably did that on purpose.

I'm glad you got a good night sleep. It's amazing how a good night sleep can make so much difference.

I know you think I harp on this too much, and I also know that you are definitely AGAINST spanking, but you have totally not interpreted what you just wrote about the actual Bible quote re: spare the rod--"He who spares the rod hates his son" means that if a parent DOESN'T use the rod, he hates his son (that's what 'spare' means)--"he who loves him is careful to discipline him" means exactly what it says, that discipline is the greatest form of love. Just for grins and giggles, why don't you ask your preacher what the Bible verse is saying--he should have had training in interpretation of the Bible. It doesn't really matter what the Bible says anyway, because you're going to do whatever you want to do regarding discipline and/or spanking, it just seems that you keep looking for justification not to spank. If you don't want to spank, then DON'T. If it comes back to bite you on the butt, then you'll have to deal with it at that point--maybe you'll be able to find some other book to tell you what to do for whatever the situation is at that time.

Yes, you were a funny girl. I thought the trippy optical illusion pictures was even funnier.

You know my thoughts on spanking, similar beliefs as yours, but no matter what I totally respect that you are educating yourself about the various opinions on the matter from a variety of sources to draw your own conclusions.

Sorry I didn't fully explain myself about the spare the rod thing, b/c I was doing about three things while I was writing this. Anyway, what I read said the "rod" is not a literal rod, but meaning that you must discipline your child. It goes on to tell some more stuff to further explain this, but I have to go now, so I don't have time to explain.

You are probably fighting a losing battle in explaining this rod thing Christi. Some people must interpret the Bible literally as if it were written recently in today's English to a contemporary culture, instead of in ancient Hebrew to an ancient culture. I wonder if she is the one looking for justification -- to spank. I did some spanking, and I'm sorry that I did.

Hey, ya'll. Mimi is Christi's mother.

Oh, yeah, I forgot to say that I've heard good things about that book, and our church did a study group on it. I've heard the argument that the rod was used for gentle guiding and discipline comes from the word disciple, which means teach. I think that sounds good, but I've always wondered, don't shepherds sometimes have to hit the sheep with the rod? I'm not talking about beating, but I would imagine they might give them taps or little spanks to get them doing. That's how I envision it, but I've never spent much time hanging out with shepherds. I know I had to spank my dog to when he was little to teach him what not to do. I don't know why I'm so concerned, since I don't want to base my parenting on animal training methods anyway.

Dogs, kids....really, what's the difference? I'm sure TJ would eat from a bowl on the floor if I'd let him!

That was what I was talking about the book saying. It says the shepherds didn't actually use the rod to beat the sheep, they just used it to guide them to where they needed to go. It also said that in the twenty-third Psalm it says "thy rod and thy staff they comfort me". It said that we wouldn't envision God with his rod "wailing away at our heads and our bottoms at every wrong turn we made."

I don't believe in the "rod" as a literal interpretation--I think it's how people talked in more ancient times. Anyone with any sense or compassion definitely doesn't want to beat their children (or their pets for that matter) with a rod/stick/etc. I don't think the Bible is meant to be literally translated, especially in these more modern times, but is meant to be used as a guide to living a good and wholesome life. I have no need to try to justify spanking--yes I did spank my children, but it was used only when necessary, usually as a last resort and very seldom. I NEVER beat my children and would NEVER condone anyone beating another person unless it was for self-defense. My children, one of whom happens to be Christi, turned out to be kind, caring and compassionate adults and I'm happy to say that neither one ever physically hurt another person or went to jail or (as far as I know) ever did anything worse than normal adolescent antics/pranks/etc. No, they weren't perfect and they still aren't, but they were brought up with manners and rules and taught to care about their fellow man, and I am VERY proud of both of them! And I never had to spank them with a rod or switch or brush or any item other than my hand. A quick swat or two on the backside never hurt anyone, but will definitely get the attention of an unruly child, and sometimes that's all it takes is getting their undivided attention. I'm sorry Anvilcloud thinks I'm so ignorant as to literally interpret the Bible, but I do believe that if people today studied and lived by what the Bible teaches (figuratively and applied with a modern concept) that the world would be much better off. It has, by far, the best printed information you can get for living your life, no matter what era you live in. There are many good lessons to be learned there. I didn't mean to start preaching--what I did want to convey is that I love my children and my grandchildren VERY much and I only want what's best for all of them and don't want them to do ANYTHING that would hurt any of them. So, Christi, if you don't believe in spanking, then, for God's sake, don't spank your children! That's totally up to you and Trey (not just you). The most important thing that you have to do is LOVE them, unconditionally!

Sorry Mimi, I am sutiably chastised and hanging my head in shame and embarrassment. Blessings.

uVe BEEn p3Wned

What the heck is p3Wned???

you know i spank me some monkeykids when timeout and verbal stuff doesnt work.