Granny58

Yeah, me too. I also didn't appreciate the dramatic music and gaping mouths when the guy said he would have difficulty dating a transgender. I would have difficulty too!!!! ESPECIALLY if I was in the reproductive years and wanted children.

Best. Comment. Ever. LOL.

I had a family medical issue for 2 days, come back and there's a dozen more pages! Holy smokes. So perhaps this has already been stated, but I just read the People article and in a sidebar it stated that in Anna's family each child was given one 15 minute session with their mother each week to discuss feelings and issues. Well, right away - THAT'S SICK! But it could explain why Anna ISN'T going to her parents for support.

some people who cheat then over compensate, extra attentive, extra nice. She may have thought things were superb! "he has been lazy about getting in shape," I wonder if it is indulgence or depression that has led to his weight issue.

Ya know, I AM actually all into the truth, and light and overcoming darkness and Jesus and all that.....so even though it's not my kind of service, I get it. However, one needs to WANT to get it and I just don't think that Josh really does. I don't know...I could be wrong, but I just feel he's going through the motions. And he will remain unsatisfied with his life if that's all he's getting from it. Free Josh.

divorce for adultery IS allowed in the New Testament, so it wouldn't be hypocritical, unless she has specifically said she believes it is even in such circumstances.

Dare I say it? "Free Josh?" Never thought I would, but I can see it.

Your last sentence about his education hit me. It's actually very sad, the way his life has gone so far. Didn't he always dream of becoming a lawyer? And he evidently doesn't believe this fundamental level of Christianity, though he may be a liberal Christian. But none of it squared up with his parents' dreams for him. I do hold him accountable for cheating on his wife, this is no free pass - but my god....if only he had been encouraged to lead his own life. Is it too optimistic to hope that his parents see the problems with this type of parenting style and allow more freedom? You can still be a moral person without this degree of repression.

Wow, this is fascinating. How do you know this? I'm copying and pasting for my own future reference :-)

I'm not sure....I thinking that allowing God to choose only means when having the type of sex that can lead to children. As for the other varieties, that would fall under the sodomy category and I would bet that is off limits for a fundamentalist couple - though of course who knows what happens in privacy.

AFAIK, it is NOT unblbilical to have sex for enjoyment and relationship, only that one not stand in the way of a natural pregnancy happening.

It seems that they follow the Old Testament rules for when intimacy is allowed, and as far as I remember sex during pregnancy is permitted.

in fact, my parents were/are (1 still living) quite great, but not perfect, and I see in those imperfections how they shaped many of my decisions and personality traits. I don't blame them, but I wish I had wised up sooner. Good or bad - parents are fundamental influences.

I don't think he is particularly religious as well. Not all children, after all, of religious parents end up with the same beliefs. He's young yet though ( in actuality) and may come back to it when he's had a bit more life under his belt. I was the same way in my 20s, but as I matured I became a much better Christian. He might do himself and all involved a favor and just stand up and say "I don't have the same beliefs as you! I want to lead a secular life."

I think our parents are critically important in our personality development. And who even knows if Josh is blaming them. The thing is, he may not even understand those influences....yet. When some more maturity sets in, and he sees his children's life develop, it may all hit him. Personally, I didn't realize the impact my parents had on me until the last couple of years - and I'm almost retirement age!!!

Speaking from a Christian perspective, which I assume you mean, you ARE forgiven of your sins if you repent and accept Jesus as savior. However, God being who He is, understands the motivations of the human heart. If you think salvation is a get out of jail free card and can sin at will, then you don't understand redemption and you are not yet forgiven. it is when you understand your sins and repent (and mean it) that you are forgiven and this change of heart also makes one not wish to sin further. People will sin, still...because that's how we are...and the saved will repent.

all this and more! I want Anna to stay and work on their relationship IF she wants to, not because she must.

I like that idea. She can see that you don't need to be at her extreme to be a Christian.

I think their statement could be taken 2 ways, the father AND Anna ministered to girls, or Anna ministered to girls after accompanying her father to the JDC.

it's not really up to Anna's parents to have a statement about this. Anna and Josh are adults.

I didn't know what this discussion was about, but figured it out from your post. That makes me sad.

I like how they put in a little bit of show between commercials. That's awesome.

Maybe it's the show staff posing as friends.

the economics student going to Toulouse - finally! Somebody who doesn't need a grand ballroom and granite countertops. Very refreshing. I liked her.

Flemish Brabant search, woman = "ugly American." Good grief woman, loosen up. Your children will not implode with a tiny bit of change, in fact it will be good for them. Your choice of the castle on the acreage was ridiculous. And the statement at the end, "it's just important that we are together as a family" is utter bull crap. It was important FOR YOU to have the most American type home you can find (meaning size). Your precious little darlings are too wild for parquet floors? I pity anybody then who has to deal with them. Ugh, so annoying. Poor husband, whipped.