Wed 24 Sep 2008
Going on trips always holds unexpected surprises. There are so many variables, and so many things that can happen. Last time on our trip, I finished my Spanish book. This year, I want to get well into my German book 
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Last night, I saw the stars. It’s silly to go on and explain anything about them - look up on a clear night and you’ll understand everything “I saw the stars” entails. But I’ll try anyway, and say that it is one of the most amazing experiences to look up and see what God has created, and think of the earth in relation to the stars. It was surreal last night, and I wish I had taken a blanket out and lied on the ground for a while. We don’t have a very big place to view the stars from, since a house is right next to us and there are trees and things around, but what I can see is incredible. It just blows my mind. It makes me want to call out to God and proclaim how amazing He is.
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I am back to “debating” at a forum and at times it’s driving me nuts. I really need to take a break, and have been planning one halfheartedly for a while, but I haven’t brought myself to tear away from the threads I’ve gotten myself entangled in. It is making me do funny things like have an increased heart rate (as far as I can feel) and flex my jaw. Of course, to think that everyone should agree with me would be to say that I’m right - but undoubtedly, I’m wrong and mistaken often enough. But it hurts my head to see some of the things that get said.
Sort of in the same vein (IE “frustrating” and “confusing”, I can’t figure out why people think it’s so gross to discuss things like armpit hair. I guess I spend too much time at the LHC - Long Hair Community where everything gets discussed in the health forum - there’s a 288 reply, 29 page discussion titled “The “I don’t shave” thread!” Of course, some people get in with their opinion on why they do shave, and others shave sometimes or occasionally, etc. But I guess I thought that when I grew up I stopped thinking armpit was a dirty word and that it was OK to see armpit hair without being embarrassed.
It is strange to see a secular community who are not ashamed to not following society’s rules - that say to be a woman you must shave/remove all visible hair other than on your head, you must wear make up, you must do this, etc., and it’s strange to think of other groups of “conservative Christians” trying to follow them and feeling that they are indeed obligated to do so by society and our culture itself. What’s up with that? Am I missing something?
What do you think (I wish I could add a poll) - are we bound to our culture’s ideals as far as they are not sinful?
Posted by Bonnie under Uncategorized
September 24th, 2008 at 9:02 am
One is bound by a great many things as long as one is “conservative Christian” — it is what conservatism is *for*. One’s eyes are bound, too; and so it is hard to behold the picture others can see of one.
Look at the stars, Bonnie.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Even in conservative Chrisendom, each beleiver has their own set of convictions. As long as they line up with God’s Word, their ok. I’m not sure about armpit hair and makeup, but as long as they don’t distract others from seeing Christ through us, I don’t think it matters. That’s just my opinion and haven’t really put a lot of thought into it.
Thanks for making me think out of the box a bit, Bonnie! And I know what you mean about the stars- and sunsets and simple beauty in God’s creation.
We’ll be praying for you as you go on your trip!
September 24th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I think there is a fine line between imprisonment to culture and bearing a good testimony for Christ.
I agree that I think it’s rediciouls society has made all those rules… but at the same time I’m not sure how far, as Christians, we should buck them when it causes such a ruckus in a bad way. It’s one thing when our convictions lead us to do things which the world says “They’re weird to do that. Thats why I don’t tye myself to a relgion” As opposed to “That’s disgusting and crude!”
I think it’s hard for us to be a ‘light’ to those around us, when we don’t take care to make ourselves clean and presentable *by societies standareds*.
So there are my thoughts… I certianly don’t think it’s wrong or sinful, or yucky to not shave armpit hair, but I do wonder if it would negetivly effect my witness for Christ?
September 26th, 2008 at 1:31 am
I would agree with Prairie Sunrise. As Christians, we need to think about how we’re representing Christ. It’s not bad to think about how we’re representing homeschoolers, either. Do we want the world to see us, conservative Christian homeschoolers, as unkempt and messy, disregarding hygiene and grooming? For that’s how most would see a woman who doesn’t shave.
I do think shaving looks nicer, but aside from that preference, I want to be aware of my image and what impression I give people of Christians and homeschoolers. They already think we’re weird enough.
Of course, it shouldn’t lead us to sin or compromise or be immodest, but things like this don’t fit that category.
October 1st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Interesting, Bonnie. I agree with you though, you need to take a little break and just enjoy some of God’s creation without having to argue- excuse me - debate anything. Debate is good, but even God rested, so why shouldn’t we?
On the poll thing, if you figure it out, I promise to vote as long as it is anonymous!
October 11th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Interesting. I think it may be obvious from the way I live that I do not believe we are stuck with the cultures ideals, maybe I should grow a beard, it would save me the time shaving in the morning. And the stars? Have you ever sat out on a cold winter night watching them? It’s awe inspiring because the cold air is so clear and you see so many more stars, then the northern lights come out and I could watch forever! It’s humbling to think that our God made them all and yet he still cares for us.