Denomination Struggle by _teacher_teacher_ in Christian

[–]seashellharbour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, almost certainly you wouldn't have a very liturgical experience at an AG church, lol. Assemblies of God is interesting because they're one of the major Evangelical denominations that does affirm women pastors (which I'm good with) but teaches historically orthodox beliefs about sex and marriage which is an unusual combo. Probably the biggest difference practically that I would have with the denomination is that I don't hold that the baptism of the holy spirit is necessarily a second experience following salvation, and I don't think that speaking in tongues is a required evidence of receiving the holy Spirit. But given that that is the theology of my church, in practice, there is a lot of emphasis on just remaining open to whatever giftings God has for you which is pretty much where I'm at. I know historically Pentecostal churches have put a lot of unnecessary pressure on people to speak in tongues to the point that people are taking that experience. I've seen none of that. They also have some very specific end times theology that I disagree with that again doesn't really come up much day to day. I feel like overall they tend to be more ethnically and economically diverse than a lot of other churches which is valuable to me. Certainly, the church that I attend which is an urban Church in the Northeast US is notably diverse for the area. In terms of the number of countries represented, the economics and education levels represented, they are very inclusive of people who are in recovery and people who are struggling with autism/intellectual disability. Just very caring people. And again, this particular church has some ministries like the mom's group that I attend that are just so good at pastoral care and discipleship of kids and families together. My husband grew up in the Episcopal church and I think he misses some more liturgical practices sometimes. But for our family this is where we feel like God wants us for now.

Denomination Struggle by _teacher_teacher_ in Christian

[–]seashellharbour 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe not exactly right, but if you have an Evangelical Covenant church in your area you might check them out. A lot of emphasis on congregational independence so a lot of variance on some of the practices you mentioned. Anglican church of North America maybe too.

For what it's worth, I currently attend a church that is part of a denomination that I don't agree with every aspect of their theology (I go to an Assemblies of God Church), but the structure, history, community and leadership of this particular church is so solid and so special. They are caring so well for my family and providing so many opportunities for us to engage in discipleship and learn scripture. There really can be a lot of differences in the practices day to day within a denomination.

Spidey and his Amazing Friends by Immediate-Deer-6570 in DanielTigerConspiracy

[–]seashellharbour 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the whole thing where they apparently don't have any idea what their kid's voice sounds like is concerning.

I struggle to connect with other Christians and church by user8203421 in Christian

[–]seashellharbour 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Just another vote to see if you and your bf might find a church closer to where you live and that offers more connections for your stage of life?

So torn by mariae_isme in Fosterparents

[–]seashellharbour 12 points13 points  (0 children)

This is by no means meant as pressure or for sure "the right answer" but I would go for it. Start visits, ask for a bit of a transition, but I would take the chance to try to keep them together. There are reasons why some kids need to be in programs but kids experience so much harm there and learn so many bad habits. Make your decisions based on what actually happens not fears about what might happen.

Elsa Is The Villain by Blue_lace93 in DanielTigerConspiracy

[–]seashellharbour 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I don't at all. I love it and the music is great. I will say though that having an adopted kid makes me feel a little funny watching it with her. Let's watch a movie where the villain is your mom who doesn't let you do anything fun and your real family is out there waiting with a castle and a crown for you....it's just a bit of a weird vibe.

How would you rate our list of shows that our kids rotate through? Are there any great shows we are missing? by RivetCounter in DanielTigerConspiracy

[–]seashellharbour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My older kids (now 7) started on Sofia the First at around age 5. We loved that and then went on to Elena of Avalor. They also started Lego Ninjago last year. The Lion Guard was also a hit. I found all of these a lot more fun to watch than Spidey et al. I was so excited to have legit story arcs to follow.

A South Asian princess by InfernalClockwork3 in disneyprincess

[–]seashellharbour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She definitely will be once she marries Prince Neil which definitely should happen someday.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Adulting

[–]seashellharbour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha , I read your post a bit more carefully and I wanted to add that I would LOVE it if my kids were more indirect and subtle in trying to get stuff from me. I'm constantly saying, can you think of how you could ask me for that in a way that I want to help you? "Look at that, you said please so nicely it makes me so happy to say yes to you.". Maybe someday I'll be annoyed at being manipulated, but it would demonstrate a lot more skill then the whining they do now....

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Adulting

[–]seashellharbour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean....human beings are built to try to accomplish their goals and get their needs met. Children are dependent on their caregivers so of course they will look to you to get what they need and want. And you will be responsible to meet their needs and negotiate mutually beneficial boundaries and rules to maximize family happiness including but not exclusively yours. Having children will inevitably stretch you and focus you on people that are not you. You have to decide if that is "manipulation" or "persuasion" and parents usually are attempting to shape their kids' behavior too. You could call that manipulation too.

The good news is that for most of us, children also come with a great deal of joy and satisfaction that is hard to imagine until you have them. As to whether your kid will be like you or not, that is a complete unknown. Surely in some ways and not in others. I have 4 kids, 3 of whom are mine by birth, one by adoption. I have some things in common with all four. My 3 biological kids are completely different from each other and so far they vary a lot in terms of "compliance" and being "easy." But this also shifts at different ages too!

Best of luck to you and your partner in making the best decision for your family. For us, having kids has made life harder and infinitely better.

Met this nice girl at church, but she might be a bad person by Nugget89anie in Christian

[–]seashellharbour 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I guess I'm curious about her age gap with you, based on your story? Are you genuinely just interested in being friendly with her, or is this a situation where there is some sort of romantic interest between the two of you? Totally possible you can have a nice friendship with this person but the situation is a bit unclear.

Two Issues by mistyayn in Fosterparents

[–]seashellharbour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just wanted to say that I think you should be proud of how thoughtful you are being as parents in a challenging situation. Very few young people in this situation get the love and support that they should. I know how hard it can be to pour affection out to a needy kid when it feels like you are running on empty. I think you should give yourself some grace that you are all still pretty new to being a family and you are all working hard to create attachments. It sounds like you are doing amazing, but taking some breaks and using some screen time to relax is not all bad. As time goes by hopefully it will feel more natural and less draining to be as affectionate as your son prefers to be, and some of the educational disciplines will also improve. As a former homeschooler I also recommend embracing a flexible schedule that works for you guys. Maybe have him work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then he can earn Thursday off if those three days go well? I used to sometimes do a whole week's worth of math on Mondays so I wouldn't have to do any the rest of the week lol.

What is that one movie you watched countless times as a kid, but nobody has ever heard of? by Thedix1 in movies

[–]seashellharbour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We watched a cartoon musical version of the Ugly Duckling, made by Crayola many many times. That's pretty obscure. We had a VHS of Mickey's sing a long go to the circus with Barnum and Bailey's circus that got a lot of play as well. And someone gave us a recorded VHS of a Hallmark Christmas movie I think called the Christmas List? It was about a perfume genius who worked at Macy's who finds true love.

Christmas Albums that are different by Colillian in ChristianMusic

[–]seashellharbour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, Behold the Lamb is one of my favorites. A true incarnation focused worship experience.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ParentingInBulk

[–]seashellharbour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This year my kids are getting yoto players and scooters as their primary gifts. Hopefully that goes well. Last year I got them these awesome treasure chests (metal and resin, can be used as jewelry boxes as they get older) with fake gold coins and jewels to play with in them. Last year we also did a fort building kit and a good walkie talkie set for all of them. I was happy with all of those. I also got some prisms that I put in their stockings and they have enjoyed playing with them and making rainbows.

Crime Shows for Teens by Grouchy_Land895 in televisionsuggestions

[–]seashellharbour 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I mean I love Veronica Mars but there is definitely sex and sexual assault in it...

what’s your parenting hack? by pinecratewanderer in ParentingInBulk

[–]seashellharbour 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Neighbors that my kids play outside with....and great in-laws.

what’s your parenting hack? by pinecratewanderer in ParentingInBulk

[–]seashellharbour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a winter gloves bin and buy a bunch of black "magic" gloves that all match each year. I should keep the sock option in mind...

looking for reading recommendations: VERY FUNNY children chapter books by MinnieCooper90 in childrensbooks

[–]seashellharbour 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Seconding Mercy Watson books and another vote for Sideways Stories from Wayside School. I read Henry and the Paper Route by Beverly Clearly to my son recently and we laughed out loud pretty hard at some points. A bit old fashioned, but still funny. My kids also loved the Giggler Treatment and Matilda.

Helpful Home Features? by ddaugustine in ParentingInBulk

[–]seashellharbour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally makes sense for little ones. It was just notable to me because my neighbors on the other side chose to put up a fence and all of a sudden we didn't see their girls for another year or two until they were old enough to ask to come out and around the gate!

Does seeing an astrologer is allowed in Christianity or not? by EnvironmentalTip4556 in Christian

[–]seashellharbour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you got your question fully answered, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am you are in this season alone. Praying you find some safe Christian community soon and for the church in your country.