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Thursday, November 29, 2007

THURSDAY AND THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMMM!!!!

Good Thursday Mornin' Yall,

I hope each and everyone of you had a great Wednesday and ready to start a new day - Thursday. It is a chilly 37 degrees with a windchill of 32 degrees here this morning. The sun is shinging as well. It's suppose to be a little cooler today than what it was yesterday. They are predicting some Severe Thunderstorms here for Sunday. That is a big change from the ICE they were predicting on Monday night. They said this morning that front was going North of us and we wouldn't have any ICE. We will see. One never knows what the weather will bring to us here in Arkansas. It is unpredictable at times. But we have no choice in the matter, we just take what we get.

Well, I know I'm late in posting this morning. I have been comtemplating on how or what to post about. I seen on the news last night and this morning as well something that has me disturbed. Some of yall may have heard it as well. I think I will talk a little bit about it this morning. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or step on anyone's toes. That is NOT my intention here to do that. The last account I knew, THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY AND WE HAVE A RIGHT TO OUR OWN OPINIONS. At least I hope we have. No one has told me anything different yet. This is a piece that was posted on our local television station this morning:

Spanking Inside the Home: Should that Right be Taken Away?




JONESBORO, AR -- The issue of weather or not parents can legally spank their children is being raised in Massachusetts. A nurse has written a bill that would ban parents from being able to spank their children inside their own homes in that state.
The potential for this has raised a lot of questions across the country, as parents on both sides of the issue voice their concerns.
Gerald and Marsha James have four children that they home school.
"My oldest one is 17 and he's in 11th grade. I have another son that's fourteen, he's in 8th grade. My oldest daughter is 11 and in sixth grade. My other daughter is nine and in third grade," said James.
While she loves each of her children, she and her husband use spanking as a form of discipline.
"We spank our children for willful disobedience. We don't spank them if they've made a mistake. There's times when my children make mistakes that I need to come along beside them and I need to teach them and train them," said James.
A proposed house bill in Massachusetts would ban corporal punishment or spanking inside homes there.
Region 8 parents we talked to disagree.
"These are my children and I'm raising them and I know them better than anybody else and I know what works in their life," said James.
"They're probably good in their intent. They don't want to see children suffer and I don't want to see children suffer but it's something that is unenforceable," said Gerald James.
People on both sides of this issue are very passionate about what they think. While the James family does spank their children and feels that's the right thing to do, we spoke with one psychologist who said she feels it doesn't accomplish anything.
"First of all it doesn't work. Kids just get sneaky. They don't really learn anything from the spanking except it is ok to hit," said Psychologist Dr. Hope Gilchrist.
But for Marsha and her minister husband, they see spanking as a commandment from God. They say spanking is something they feel will help their children in the long run and while they say they do spank, it is usually used as a last resort.
"My children have been set up so that they have an authority in their life and there's consequences when they don't follow that authority," said Marsha James.


Okay people, what do you think? What are your thoughts on this? You can leave them on my comment section if you want. This just really bothered me last night and this morning when I heard about it. Now, I am going to give you my thoughts on this. Like I said before, I am NOT here to offend or upset anyone. I look at it like this: DID THE GOVERNMENT CARRY MY CHILD INSIDE THEIR BODY FOR A LONG 9 MONTHS? DID THE GOVERNMENT GET CUT ON WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD? DID THE GOVERNMENT PAY MY DOCTOR BILL FOR MY CHILD BEING BORN? WAS THE GOVERNMENT THERE WHEN I HAD TO CHILDREN TO SUPPORT ME? DOES THE GOVERNMENT PAY FOR MY CHILDREN'S CLOTHING, DOCTOR BILLS, MEDICINES, AND FOOD PUT ON THEIR TABLE? IS THE GOVERNMENT HERE TO COMFORT MY CHILD WHEN MY CHILD HAS A BAD DREAM OR GETS HURT AND NEEDS A SHOULDER TO CRY ON? DOES THE GOVERNMENT HELP MY CHILD WITH HIS/HER HOMEWORK? IS THE GOVERNMENT THERE TO TAKE MY CHILD TO THIER BASKETBALL OR SOFTBALL GAMES? I THINK NOT!!!! LET ME REPEAT MYSELF: I THINK NOT!!!! Okay, I look at it this way, unless the government is doing any of these things for me, then they have no right whatsover to tell me what I can and cannot do to my child. I was brought up getting spanking with belts and willow switches. Now, don't get me wrong here, my girls do get spankings, but NOT beatings like some do. And I think if you don't bring your children up with some kind of discipline, then they are not going to turn out to be a good person. It all starts at home. That is what is wrong with this world to day I do believe. Too many people trying to tell us what to do. We are the parents. We do what we see fit to do. Hubby and I LOVE our girls very much. We do not abuse them in any way. They just have to be taught discipline and also to know what is right and wrong. I guess I will be quiet on the issue now. I could go on and on and on about this. But I won't. I don't want to step on anyone's toes or anything like that. It just really bothered me when I heard about this. I'll move on for now.


Hubby will be home sometime tonight. Our oldest daughter has basketball practice tonight as well. Our youngest daughter has cheerleading practice after school. I have laundry to do today as well. There are so many things that i need to do, but just don't have the energy to do it. LOL. I might be a little lazy here. LOL. I still have to put my villages up. Maybe this weekend while hubby is home that will motivate me to do it.


Well, yall take care and have a great Thursday. May God Bless Each and Everyone of You. I hope I have not offended anyone with my post and if I have, I am "TRULY SORRY". That wasn't the intention. I just had to get it off my chest.
LOVE & HUGS

25 comments:

Tammy said...

Here I am playing catch up this morning...lol!

Our blogs are to express our opinions and if anyone does not like it there is an X at the top right hand of the screen.

This is a hot button issue with a lot of folks.

We do believe in spanking, but that being said, we always used it as a last resort. I believe that parents set the example and teach, teach and teach some more. Thusly, my children never needed much "hands on" disipline...lol!

Lots of children do need protection from abuse and I believe some standards do need to be set. Safeguards and such. Some people just have no business whatsoever having children!

Well, I'll hush for now, teehee!

Nan said...

A little spanking never hurt anyone. Not abuse, but gentle discipline. We turned out OK. Of course, I was the model child! LOL
Nan

Dawn said...

I spanked. My daughter doesn't. I still think a little paddle on the butt hurts nobody and gets their attention!

Have a great day, Karen.

Talk..to..Grams said...

I got spanked when I was a kid and I spanked my kids and they turned out just fine! One is a missionary, one is a Baptist preacher, Karen has a big time job, Kelly is our care giver and works two jobs and Nancy is our sweetheart!! They are great adults and if people would take more time with their kids things wouln't be so bad now!! I don't mean beating and abuse! That is not good!!
Ok, Kelly is taking the computer for the rest of the day!! Love and Hugs, Grams

Chrissie said...

I agree, Karen. It seems the Federal Government's goal is to take care of us from the cradle to the grave. Many of these presidential candidates want to do the same. Slowly but surely the noose is being drawn tight on those who desire to have the freedom to live and work and train their children as they please. Somewhere I heard that pediatricians are taking children aside and asking them if parents or others hit them and such. It's a scary world we've got out there, when we can't even trust our doctor's to respect our privacy, and the privacy of our children. This idea that it takes a village to raise a child is nothing but socialism, and government control.
God bless you and yours, Karen. Thanks for sharing this and I will be in prayer for Wisconsin and our County. God bless America!
Chrissie

Anonymous said...

You know what my parents spanked me and I am fine and turned out fine. I spanked my kids and they are fine. I see nothing wrong with it. A little spanking on the rear is good for all once in a while. I do not mean abusive but a little pat to get the message across.

Brenda said...

Some of the worst brats I've ever known came from families who's parent's didn't believe in spankings. I think a parent should use every means possible to avoid having to spank a child, but when all else fails, paddle that little butt and get their attention!

Hootin Anni said...

Karen, I would be honored to have you add me to your blogroll!!

I will jump back over and add YOU to my 'friends list' and we can visit each other more often!!

Ya --you got that right, Southern Comfort! :::rubbing tummy and lickin' lips::: "Yummy"

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Yep, spanking is one of those things that most people have a definite opinion about. And it is every person's right to make that decision for their children. Notice I said every "person's" right, not the government's right to make that decision.

I spanked Jessica and my Mama spanked me. I said, "spanked", not beat or abused. There's a big difference in a paddle on the bottom and a beating.

That being said, spanking doesn't work with some kids. My sister Ducky was like that. If you paddled her she did something even worse than what she did to get the paddling. Mama had to take away privileges and such with her. Now me, you could just threaten me with a spanking and it got my attention right quick!

I always used spanking as a last resort after everything else failed or when Jessica deliberately sassed me or challenged my authority.

I know not everyone uses spanking to discipline their kids and if it works for them, well and good. I just think every parent should have the right to make that decision whether or not to spank without the government sticking their nose in the matter.

Okay, I'm done now, LOL! ;o)

Have a good evening, Karen.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Carole Burant said...

Hello dearest Karen:-)

I've got company coming in an hour but have a little time to visit some of my blogging buddies!

Spanking...my 4 brothers and I got spankings when we deserved it and I spanked my sons when needed for discipline. It was always just a couple of swats with my hand which probably hurt my hand more than their butts! lol Children need discipline...ever since the government has gotten involved by saying that we parents cannot lay a hand on our children in punishment, I've noticed that children today do what they want and there is no discipline or respect in them whatsoever. Saying all that, I know that some parents overly abuse their children and that's not right at all. But the government needs to keep their noses out of our homes.

Karen, my friend, you can say whatever you want on your blog...it's YOUR blog and don't ever feel the need to apologize for writing down your thoughts and feelings. I respect everyone's opinions and in return would like them to respect mine...they don't have to agree! lol

I wish I did live near you, I'd go help you decorate:-) Take care my friend!! Love you! xoxo

Anonymous said...

No offense taken, but I believe that spankings=abuse. Wrong in so many ways. What on God's green earth does spanking teach a child? Discipline comes from teaching and talking.

Mary said...

Karen,

I just wrote about this subject for Memory Verse Monday. This verse tells us exactly what we should be doing:
Proverbs 13:24 says, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."

However, this verse cautions us against beatings:

Proverbs 19:18 "Discipline your son while there is hope, but do not (indulge your angry resentments by undue chastisements and) set yourself to his ruin."

I believe that today's youth are in BIG trouble because they are not disciplined properly. Discipline shows love as well as a hug. I know that I was disciplined when I was young for being willfully disobedient. That is part of learning.

Thanks for bringing up this controversial subject.

Blessings,
Mary

Cecil said...

Karen..First of all, thanks for praying for Munchkin... and thanks for the awards!! How sweet of you... Second of all.. I believe in spanking a child.. I don't believe in abuse. I don't believe in disrespect either. So many kids today have no respect for anyone... because the parents don't teach them and they treat everything and everyone around them like dirt. If you've ever worked with the public, you know what I mean. I have seen kids slap their parents and tell them what to do... not with my Mom and Dad! And I can attest to the fact that my Mom and Dad had 5 girls who treated everyone we came in contact with with respect or else.. and guess what? none of us has scars... As a matter of fact, we have all turned out to be decent, law-abiding citizens...

Simply Shelley said...

To discipline our children is our God given right.How dare the goverment try and take that from us!There's not enough God fearing young people in the world today because of the goverment interfering in the way parents correct their children.I certainly don't beleive in child abuse, but a good old fashion spanking, is what some children need to put them back in line.And we as Christian parents are commanded to do so! I agree with Mary in her comment about Proverbs 19:18. There is a proper way to discipline children. It should not be done in anger ,but in love! Thats where the stop and count to ten helps.I have been guilty in the past of disciplining my children when I was anger and found myself regretting it and asking my child and God to forgive me.God help us all, when a parent no longer has the authority over their own children ,but the goverment has the say so as to when and how we discipline them.
Very good and thought worthy post, thanks Karen.

Blessings Shelley

Anonymous said...

I like others, was spanked and my children have been. I have children who were also abused. They know the difference between a loving swat for discipline and the other they endured. My older son even once told my ex he had taught him much and taught him well; but there was no reason for the manner in which he taught him; but also thank you; as through that he learned how not to be. I agree, this is a parental choice; not governmental.

Thanks so much for your comments. I am finally able to comment again,but have been around reading!

Cheryl said...

Hi, Karen,

I came over from I think it was Regina or Shelley's blog. I just want to say that I think spanking is necessary and the last sentence in this article is the way I feel. "My children have been set up so that they have an authority in their life and there's consequences when they don't follow that authority," said Marsha James."

I want to instil in my children a respect for authority. If they don't learn that from me where will they learn it? Also, in learning to respect their parents authority, hopefully it will make respecting God's authority a bit easier. When we do not respect God's authority there are consequences, sometimes a person may not realize the consequences until they die and are not where they want to be.

Anyway, here is a verse that goes along with my thought:

Proverbs 23:12-14
12 Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. 13 Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. 14 You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell.

Now, I do NOT beat my children but they will be spanked if they need it. They do not need it very often, thankfully.

The government seems to be trying to become the only authority and that is scary.

Well, that's my opinion on this. I try to base my life on what God says in His Holy Word, for He is the ultimate authority.

Take care, Karen.
Cheryl

Lib said...

Hi,
I found you thru Miz.Tammy's blog. You have a nice blog here.I enjoyed my visit.
Blessins', Lib

Shari said...

Karen,

If they get too sassy or disobedient, they get a slap on the rump. All this "no spanking" stuff from the gov't is extreme. They think it's abuse, though some are abused. There's a balance between discipling and abusing. A friend told me that a cop once told her, "You can spank your kids,...just don't leave a mark." That alone speaks volumes.

I woke up this morning to a fresh coat of snow-about two inches of it and there's a storm coming tomorrow. Stay warm.

bj said...

Spanking and abuse are two different things, as we all know. I spanked my kids when it was REALLY, REALLY necessary but I can count the times I did on one hand. I don't like it...but I know it is neccessary at times. I always cried harder than my kids did. Now...grandchildren!!?!! I pray nothing ever happens between them and myself that would warrant a spanking...I just couldn't do it. I'd have to leave that up to their parents as I ran, not walked, out the front door with my hands over my eyes!! lol
I don't believe the government has the right to tell parents that they CAN NOT spank their children!!
hugs to you this morning,
bj

Joyce said...

I am a first time vistor to your blog. I just read all your comments and I can not add anything new to the topic. I believe in spanking not abuse. My 2 girls turned out to be very respectable adults. Children learn what causes them pain and most will end the cause of the pain. I have tried to remember when my girls got their last spanking and I believe they were under 10. God helped me raise them and the 2 of them honor God each day. I do not have grandchildren yet and I will leave the displine to their parents. The government should not have a say so in my home. I have observed childen in eating establishments and I see the ones who are spankeded and the ones not. There seems to be no respect for their parents who do not spank.

zztop357 said...

We were spanked as Diane said, I spank too!!!The kids learn fast that wrong hurts and right gets hugs!!! I have one rule they learn fast, DON'T
LIE TO ME!!! I won't spank if you tell the truth.BUT you lie to me you lose perks and awards and get a spanking too.
If they don't learn at home you can visit them in prison later on. I also have another rule...do something wrong in public get punished in public.Only takes one time ;).
I hope you have a good weekend.
God bless you all.
Donna

Cecil said...

Hey Karen... It's Friday.. I know you said you might not be able to come on today.. thanks for stopping by my blog.. I am still feeling pretty rough.. but I will get well... sigh... I will!! :) .. Thanks for checking on me.... I hope you enjoyed your time with your husband.. My husband will be home tomorrow... he's been gone a week today.. I am glad he'll be home tomorrow night! Have a good weekend... Cecil

Grandy said...

Great post, Karen!! I was drawn over here from Renie's site because I love the Lamp Leg "Major Award".

Interesting how Dr. Spock had said that spanking would damage the children's self esteem, and I believe I read somewhere that Dr. Spock's son commit suicide? Horrible any way you look at it, but says something about self esteem.

Thanks for the courage to blog about it!!

Granny said...

I've always had mixed feelings about spanking. For me, like so many others who commented before, I consider it an absolute last resort.

And yes, I've spanked, although not often and usually to keep them from danger. I don't slap faces and it's a hand on a butt, nothing more.

That being said (and this is your resident flaming liberal, yellow dog Democrat, speaking), I don't believe a swat on the butt rises to the level of abuse and if it breaks them of the habit of running into traffic, it may be necessary.

Barring abuse, I think it's a decision each family should make for themselves and I think Massachusetts is throwing out the baby with the bathwater. Laws against abuse? Certainly. Our kids are treasures and deserve protection and safety. No child should live in fear - ever.

But even I agree the government sometimes goes too far, even with the best of intentions.

Anonymous said...

I came over from nunnies attic ...the lovely Julie...

I was spanked when I was younger also... it taught me to respect my elders... which you rarely see anymore... it taught me that I had to face the consequences of my actions and to realize that if I was doing something wrong...by golly I wouldnt do it again...unless I wanted another spanking ... I didn't... lesson learned..

The Government has taken GOD away from us.... tried to tell us we cant say MERRY CHRISTMAS... tells us we have to be politically correct so as not to offend anyone... ENOUGH ALREADY!!

I fear for this country... for the power that is being ABUSED by OUR Government... ... it frightens me to think they are now telling us what we can and can not do in our own homes...

That is our sanctuary... abuse NO... discipline YES

JO