Thu 9 Mar 2006
Yesterday, Carmon, and before that Jon, discussed the new trend called Crunchy Cons. For a full report you can read Carmon’s words. I like the idea of Crunchy Cons because as someone in Carmon’s comments said it is like adding granola to yogurt, each person adds a different amount of crunchy. The truth is we all think different things are important. And they are. Working out our salvation sometimes means we practice our common principles differently.
I would like to apply that to the homeschool community. Sometimes I think the homeschool community wants everyone to be vanilla pudding. I have blogged about that before. While we never did join ATI we did look just like an ATI family on the outside. We even agreed with many ATI values but we were NOT Gothard followers at heart.
Last week a homeschool mom asked me if I wanted to learn to bake bread. Whoosh, did that bring back a flood of emotions. Of course, I KNOW how to bake bread; I have been homeschooling for 20 years. I know how to buy wheat and grind it and make it. But I don’t. Not at this time. I gave all my Y2k wheat away. I didn’t want that sitting around making me feel guilty for 40 years. At first I told her about having boys and no time. Then she told me about a mom whose boys make all the family bread. Yes, my boys COULD in a pinch be the breadmakers and they DO do all the housework etc. Oh, she said, are you the family that does BASEBALL? I could see immediately that I had been kicked out of the club. Yes, since Doug Phillips has never written about BASEBALL, it doesn’t make the homeschool cut.
Poor Doug that is a big burden to bear. I sure hope he writes about baseball soon.
He could mention that it gives the whole family fresh air and sunshine which in turn brings good cheer. We don’t miss the spring by being indoors too much because of baseball. It helps the children practice submitting to evil authorities (umpires). It teaches teamwork and knowing your place. It destroys visions of granduer made up of castles in the air. There is no crying in baseball; you have to take responsibilty for your own mistakes. It gives parents a chance to cheer for their children and not just bark out orders (you know you bark out orders). It develops muscles but not those obnoxious football ones. It requires skill & intellect; the perfect neoclassical sport. I bet you can guess that I could go on all day. I could.
So those of you who are friends with our man Doug, please pitch him the idea of writing a column on baseball.
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What a shame! That conversation would have bothered me too. How could anyone equate Godliness with baking bread and not playing sports. Ugh.
I’m with you Cindy. My son is currently involved with a basketball league organized and run by a 16 year old homeschool boy. He went to his parents and asked if he could start this league and they said….show us your plan, how will you execute this? He managed to form 4 teams, secure a location, hire a ref., and raise the funds to pay for the above. We have homeschool boys, private school boys and even (gasp) a few boys that attend public school. Well, praise God! Maybe our boys can be a light on that court. They are expected to honor one another, submit to the coaches and ref., and respect them. We are 0-2 and let me tell you the wonderful discussions we have had this early into the season. And my dear son is one of the youngest boys so he does not get much playing time. This has been a very positive experience and I’m so thankful for this opportunity. Now, this doesn’t mean I’m going to sign my boy up for football that requires 7 days of practice, 4 hours/day. That is just not going to happen.
I sound like a broken record….balance, balance, balance.
Btw, I have absolutely no desire to knit. I must not be very spititual :rolleyes_wp:
Enough ranting from me.
Have a blessed day.
Janet
Comment by Janet (March 9, 2006 @ 11:12 am )
I don’t understand why people (and homeschoolers in particular) would be against baseball. In my area a lot of homeschoolers play sports and I never gave it any thought until you blogged about it last year.
Philip played when he was younger. It was a hard year because Vince was switching to his sales job so he did sales in the evening and his day job (office manager) during they day. The only time he was home was suppertime and that was when Philip had his practices and games.
I asked Richard if he wanted to play baseball this spring and he got all excited and said he’d better go practice. The next thing I knew he was out throwing the basketball through the hoop and doing push-ups (in his school uniform) out on the back driveway. I went out and asked what he was doing and he said he was getting ready. He thought I’d said play basketball. When I told him baseball, his face fell and he said he didn’t want to do that–he just wants to play basketball or soccer.
Comment by Jeannine (March 9, 2006 @ 11:20 am )
spiritual, that is :redface_wp:
Comment by Janet (March 9, 2006 @ 11:27 am )
It helps the children practice submitting to evil authorities (umpires).
LOL That’s such a good attitude, Cindy, as I am a firm believer that we all need practice in that area….esp me.
Dana in GA
Comment by Dana (March 9, 2006 @ 11:51 am )
Umpires can be evil..especially when they call pitches a foot outside and low, strikes:-) Right Mama? Actually they usually get the right call so when they mess it up we can cut them some slack…sometimes.
JJ
Comment by James Rollins (March 9, 2006 @ 12:36 pm )
Janet,
Donna almost has me wanting to knit. I guess I will take up philosophical knitting just like philosophical farming.
Comment by Cindy (March 9, 2006 @ 12:50 pm )
I heard part of the author’s interview last week on the radio, and realized immediately that we share a lot in common with “Crunchy Cons”. I knew I didn’t fit in with my conservative, Republican sub-culture, but I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut to avoid being labeled erroneously “liberal”.
Oh…you evil old baseball people.
How dare you not bake your own bread and play an ORGANIZED sport and yet call yourselves Christian homeschoolers? The next thing you’ll be telling me is that your boys want to talk to girls without promising marriage first. Decadent!
~Sorry, I’m in a goofy mood today - Sandy
Comment by Sandy (March 9, 2006 @ 1:10 pm )
Posts like today are why I really love your blog. (although my sons play soccer).
Cindy - I know you have mentioned watching the Braves - thought I might suggest that your family might enjoy watching the Georgia Tech baseball team sometime if you are over the Atlanta way. Georgia Tech’s team is number 1 in the country and I’m told are great to watch.
Comment by Kim (March 9, 2006 @ 1:19 pm )
Kim,
I have actually seen GA Tech play baseball several times. Only it was 20 or so years ago. I am sure the boys would love to watch the #1 team. They are in Atlanta a couple times this season.
Comment by Cindy (March 9, 2006 @ 1:40 pm )
When you compared baseball muscles with football muscles, it reminded me of this. Groothuis (author of Truth Decay, among others) would completely agree with you on the intrinsic value of playing baseball, especially when compared to football!
Comment by Brandy (March 9, 2006 @ 4:41 pm )
“I guess I will take up philosophical knitting just like philosophical farming.”
If you think for a moment that I’m gonna start knitting you’re barking up the wrong tree!!!
Comment by Tim (March 9, 2006 @ 8:11 pm )
If your boys are over to watch GA Tech and they would like/need some hospitality we would be glad to have them for dinner or whatever.
Kim
Comment by Kim (March 9, 2006 @ 9:02 pm )
I haven’t been homeschooling for twenty years, but I do remember the pressure I felt in my early years of teaching to conform when all the older homeschooling mothers around me were wearing corduroy jumpers with big, Battenburg lace collars and drinking tea, a la Emilie Barnes.
I have nothing against those things. I actually love Battenburg lace and think Emilie Barnes has been a beautiful model of loveliness for us ladies.
However, it felt great to get to the point when I felt comfortable to just be me — a homeschooling mom who doesn’t really like tea, but who loves good, strong coffee and whose personality feels most comfortable in colorful, vintage 60s shift dresses found on eBay (when I’m not pregnant or trying to lose baby weight, that is — which is actually most of the time, LOL).
Your post was really funny, Cindy. We actually buy our bread once a month in bulk from one of those bread outlets that sell Brannola and bagels for a buck a bag. I can just imagine the look on your face (or perhaps the look you were trying to hide) when asked by the mother if you wanted to learn how to bake bread.
Comment by Ruthanne (March 10, 2006 @ 12:55 pm )
I really do not enjoy sports, but I love you and I think your blog is one of my top five favorites. You make me laugh while making great points.
I hate sports because I just do- nothing to do with any spiritual reasons. I strongly dislike the color orange in clothing and household decorations, too, but I see no reason to try and spiritualize my tastes.
I wrote about ‘who’s your guru’ a while back, and what I really wanted to say was the problem with gurus is quite often not the fault of the guru. It’s the people who follow the guru.
So will you be my guru? =)
Sorry, I know I’m being more than usually incoherent. I’m giddy.
Must go pack.
Comment by deputyheadmistress (March 10, 2006 @ 4:06 pm )
Can you believe I am wearing an orange sweater today? I am.
But I know something you would really hate. Auburn Tigers: sports teams wearing orange. I don’t like them, either.
Comment by Cindy (March 10, 2006 @ 4:32 pm )
There are very, very few venues left in this industrialized, feminized society where boys can be in the exclusive company of other boys and older men. Sports remains one of the last frontiers, and I appreciate the good, the bad, the ugly, and, yes, even the spiritual opportunities it has provided for our family.
Comment by Izzy (March 10, 2006 @ 9:09 pm )
Good point, Izzy. We haven’t even scratched the surface on the feministic issues that keep boys away from sports as well as guns.
Comment by Cindy (March 10, 2006 @ 10:24 pm )
Why? He would just criticize it.
Comment by Mojo (March 11, 2006 @ 12:34 am )
Though this conversation has probably run its course, I humbly suggest it be kept from degenerating further into speculative gossip.
Not everyone will agree with the finer points of conviction a particular current “homeschool guru” will espouse but if a leader who is investing his life into restoration of the biblical family has a particular view on a controversial subject, he probably has well thought-out reasons, just as those of opposing viewpoints have theirs. I would expect a person of conviction on either side of the matter not only to live their beliefs but speak about them — charitably, of course — as well.
Satan is out to tear these various leaders down. Let’s not join him. Please let’s pray for these normal, sinful men for humility, clarity of mind, teachable hearts and integrity.
Remember Ephesians 4:29. Let’s edify.
I deliberately chose to post to the comments section rather than email Cindy privately as I’m addressing everyone here. I’m not out to be the holier-than-thou speech police. These two cents of mine are meant more as an honestly friendly reminder for all of us, myself included, to guard our tongues and fingers.
If anyone here is genuinely interested in what Doug Phillips thinks about sports and baseball specifically — pro or con — perhaps they could email him directly. I’ve noticed in his blog Mr. Phillips seems to respond often to honest inquiries about topics like these. It doesn’t mean anyone of an opposing viewpoint will change their mind but at least it will give the man an opportunity to speak for himself.
I’m not a confrontational person (though I am getting bolder as my gray hairs increase
) and I really, truly desire not to recklessly offend. Thanks for allowing me to express what’s on my heart.
Comment by Ruthanne (March 11, 2006 @ 2:49 am )
Ruthanne,
I am a bit baffled by your comment. Please clarify where you see speculative gossip.
My post wasn’t really aimed at Doug Phillips who I admire in many ways. It was meant to make a lighthearted point. I won’t say funny :lol_wp:
Brandy,
That was a great link!!
Comment by Cindy (March 11, 2006 @ 5:40 am )
Hi Cindy.
My comments were a response to Mojo’s comment #18 which, in its brevity, sounded resentful and seemed like it could lead to unfruitful venting.
In the meantime, however, I think I need to learn not to take your wry sense of humor quite so seriously. Though I looked past it in my first comment, this post brought back to mind the Gregg Harris discussion of a while back which left a mildly bad taste in my mouth (not any deep-seated grudges here disqualifying me from partaking of the Lord’s Supper, just a slightly negative vibe.) I shouldn’t have let that color my thoughts on this post.
I think there is a balance between exhorting others not to blindly follow fallible men vs. ending up tearing them down, even subtly. (Hey, I’m right there with you — I was burned by GKGW {though not so much by the scheduling issues as much as by how to train children with an acutely hyperactive disposition, but this is beside the point} and those scars haven’t disappeared quickly or easily.)
It sounds as if I have my antennae extended a bit too far and it would behoove me to draw them back a bit before their little muscles get strained. Although I do stand by my thoughts (I don’t think there was anything terribly off-base as a general caution), would you, Cindy, please forgive me for having my gossip meter on overdrive and being too sensitive to your post? I’m really, truly sorry.
I hope you have a lovely day (no matter what the weather) up there in northern Alabama with your beloved, your sweet young maiden and your manly, baseball-loving sons.
Love,
Ruthanne
Comment by Ruthanne (March 11, 2006 @ 9:30 am )
Ruthanne,
My husband read your comment late last night when he returned from work and showed it to me. It took us some time before we realized it might be in reference to Mojo’s comment. We actually read your comment before Mojo’s.
I know that my wry humor confuses some people and believe me when I say I am not nearly as wry as I would enjoy being. I hold back in order not to confuse people totally but I have had thoughts of someday having an anonymous blog satire.
My personal take on criticizing homeschool leaders is a bit different from yours. I am a long time homeschooler and I LOVE homeschooling. I think it is good for the movement to criticize itself and to honestly look at its failings. In the end it will only be a stronger, better movement.
While I like Greg and Phil, I don’t think it hurts them or the body of Christ to stand accountable for what they say. I don’t think either man would take my criticisms in the wrong way. Nor do I write them off totally because I disagree on a few points.
Certainly general Biblical warnings to edify are not misplaced in the comments except perhaps when they become personal, because at that point they are not edifying either.
Ruthanne,
I really like you and want you to enjoy this blog but I also hope you can think through some of these issues. I don’t want to be controversial but I do try very hard to be honest. Honest disagreements are not unhealthy to the body of Christ, which is why on this blog I hope you will feel welcome and so will Mojo.
Comment by Cindy (March 11, 2006 @ 9:57 am )
Cindy, I do totally understand and appreciate your points. I really don’t dispute them — really! I do concur that honest disagreements can be healthy and of COURSE I believe leaders should be accountable for what they say and that they are not above being questioned or challenged when appropriate!
I think this just comes down to us having contrasting aspects of our personalities and that we approach things differently. Either of our viewpoints, if taken to an extreme, can be detrimental. Likewise, when kept in check, both approaches are beneficial.
No hard feelings whatsoever, Cindy. I hold you in high regard and very much look forward to our paths crossing someday at a literary tea or political event here in our fine state of Alabama.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day tomorrow!
Comment by Ruthanne (March 11, 2006 @ 4:56 pm )
Thank-you for the gracious reply, Ruthanne. I know it is too easy to misunderstand each other over the internet( a major drawback!)
I look forward to meeting you someday too. It shouldn’t be too hard as we aren’t that far apart!
Comment by Cindy (March 11, 2006 @ 6:06 pm )
Cindy I love the post. Just followed the link over here. I blogged about this yesterday after reading a Townhall article and finding the subject on a few blogs. I’m going to add your link to my post. You make some great points.
Spunky
PS We’re NOT ATI either. But that’s a blog post for another day.
Comment by Spunky (March 11, 2006 @ 10:00 pm )
Are you crunchy?
No, this isn’t a question about what kind of peanut butter you want on your sandwich. This is much more serious. Or atleast to some people it is. The question of who is a crunchy has floated around the blogosphere
Trackback by SpunkyHomeSchool (March 11, 2006 @ 10:06 pm )
Where I live, if you are homeschooler that does NOT participate in a sport or something extracurricular, you are “out of the club”. As a single mother, I don’t have the funds or the hands to do those things. But I do bake bread (not as often as I’d like), along with using good ‘ole store-bought bread. :lol_wp:
Comment by Janet (March 11, 2006 @ 10:20 pm )
Janet,
I agree that many homeschoolers excel in running around. I don’t participate in anything all year except baseball and that is after school on most days. I truly believe it is a blessing sometimes when we can’t afford to run around so much.
Comment by Cindy (March 12, 2006 @ 8:54 am )
I’ve enjoyed reading this back and forth in the comments. I confess to being a follower. And I get burned every time. I jump on lots of people’s bandwagons and think that I need to do this, that or the other thing as a homeschooler. I think it’s an acceptance issue with me. Anyway, it takes a lot of wisdom and maturity to be able to appreciate the writings and views of the “gurus” out there and not become a blind follower at the same time. That’s why I value you Cindy and Ruthanne too.
Keep on hitting that baseball and GO BRAVES!
Comment by Meredith B. (March 12, 2006 @ 1:49 pm )
Cindy,
I love your wry sense of humor! I think you blog very well and I always sense a graciousness and down to earthness (is that a word?)in what you write.
If you ever do the anonymous blog, please let me know the address and I promise not to give you away.
I think if you lived on one side of me and Carmon lived on the other side, I’d be perfectly happy.
Comment by Jeannine (March 12, 2006 @ 9:04 pm )
Just today a friend of mine told me a story that I think applies. She says that a friend of hers gets a kick out of going to homeschooling conventions and just standing in a line he makes up (I assume he wrassles a coupple of kids or his wife into pretending to stand in line with him). Before too long somebody else will wander over and join the line. Then somebody else. Then more people. And when the line gets long enough (whatever that is), he leaves.
We homeschoolers have a tendency to be like that, at lest in my experience. I am uncomfortable with this tendency to go stand in line without knowing an awful lot about what I am in line for. Of course, I generally won’t stand in line long even for something I want. My feet start hurting and I have to go sit down.
What Doug Philips does or does not think about baseball isn’t really the point I got from Cindy’s post.
What I see is that some people seem to need him or somebody like him to tell them what to think about baseball. They’re lining up behind a phantom, because so far as I know, he’s not addressed it or asked anybody to ‘line up here and hear the word of the Lord on Baseball.’ If somebody’s waiting to be told by a guru what to think about baseball, I wouldn’t necessarily say it was the guru’s fault.
The way Cindy said it was cute and sweet and funny, and I was just more obnoxious about it, but not on purpose but because I can’t seem to help being irritating even when I don’t mean to.
An orange sweater, Cindy? I guess you can’t be my guru after all. I only line up behind gurus in pink.:p
Comment by Deputyheadmistress (March 14, 2006 @ 1:21 am )
I dont know how to respond. We are a homeschool, swim team, soccer team and t-ball team family. We buy our bread..of course my wife could make the bread..but she is busy parenting and teaching and being a fantastic wife.
I cant imagine..”hey son..put down the ball and glove and bring your dad some wheat..we are baking today”. Nope. Not in my house. Baseball it is.
Comment by The Ohio Guy (April 18, 2006 @ 9:15 am )
I was doing a search in Google becuase someone said that my name and baseball came up in search they did. So please forgive me for posting here without permission.
My wife, kids and I are christian and are heavily involved in sports. I do play baseball, and my sons play soccer. It is my belief that God has placed his people in all walks of life so that we may be the ‘Salt of the Earth’. If all you do is sit at home and bake bread and talk about how bad the world is, then what good are you?
Half the guys on the men’s amametuer team I manage and play on are christians. The other half is not, but they see the way we react to the evil umpires and situations that do not go our way. After a few of the games, so of those non-christians go to a bar. A few of those times, I go with them as does another player that is strong in his faith. That’s what being a disciple of Christ is all about. Being able to walk into any situation or place and show the love of Christ.
I’m not a guru in orange or pink, it’s actually purple(team jersey color) this year. I have my own set of burdens that I struggle with.
DP - Birmingham, AL
Comment by Doug Phillips (June 7, 2006 @ 5:37 pm )
Oops, I forgot to spellcheck the above comment. Please ignore the typos and missing words.
Comment by Doug Phillips (June 7, 2006 @ 5:39 pm )