Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Another Q&A

I have received numerous questions lately, which I am trying to put together in another Q&A post. Sadly, I have a way of "misplacing" a lot of the questions that I get. If you would like to ask a question, or if you have asked in the past and I have never yet answered it, please leave a comment below.

65 comments:

  1. YES! ok...Thoughts on courting vs. dating and what you want for your children?
    -and-
    What age and how to tell the kids about the birds and the bees. (Anything biblical on this? I am already having cold sweats over this one!)

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  2. Favorite scripture verse and favorite "Bible story," please.

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  3. Brilliant I love Q&A posts! I would like to know how else you encourage your children in their faith. I would be particularly interested in any materials you use (I think I asked this in the 'One Year Bible' post)

    Thank you...looking forward to your post!

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  4. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

    What did you think of college life for the short period of time you attended?

    How do you choose your children's names? Do you go on biblical significance or simply the ones you like the sound of?

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  5. I have a question about polygamy, how would you tell someone it's wrong, from the Bible. I think it is wrong and disgusting, but just wouldn't know what Bible verses to refer to. If you could explain it please.

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  6. I'm wondering how much, if any, computer teaching you do with the children. Personally, I think it is highly unnecessary for children below high school age. Even then, I question the necessity. When you do introduce computing, what skills will you teach first? Typing, using a specific program, educational games....?

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  7. I believe in God being in control of my family size, but something I have always wondered about is your stance on birth control, when you use co-sleeping to prevent your cycle so you can't get pregnant for around a year. It seems like that is still taking steps to prevent children. People who don't use this method have more children. Co-sleeping makes it so you have children when its more convenient for you, not just God giving you them when he sees fit. To me it doesn't seem much different than natural family planning method. Co- sleeping is purposely doing stuff just right, so your cycle doesn't return. I'm not tring to be rude or disagree. I really just would like to hear what you have to say about it, and if you have any Bible refences to back it up.

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  8. I've been waiting for this!!!

    (1) How do you deal with picky eating?

    (2) What homeschool curricula do you use, and does it vary by child?

    And gosh, I've had so many other questions and now I've forgotten them! I'll have to try to recall them.

    :)

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  9. Lookikng back through your previous blog posts I saw a bunch about the grocery game. Are you still doing this? If so, I read something, somewhere, that there were people who combined coupons and sales to get stuff for free, which they would then donate to food banks. Is this something you do or have done in the past?

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  10. I'd love to see a tour of your house!

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  11. I know your husband has the "Repentance Black List" and am wondering the reason for this. My pastor is on it and I have yet to meet a man who studies, reveres and knows the Bible more than him. (No, we don't worship him...LOL!) The Bible does say to "Repent Ye and believe the Gospel". So, I am wondering why you are so strongly against Biblical Repentance. I believe that if one does not repent of their sin they are not truly saved...so what are your thoughts on this issue?

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  12. Along with what Chilly wrote, I would like to know more tips about how you can afford to eat organic food at bargain prices, and what stores you frequent to get some of these deals. Thanks!

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  13. A couple personal ones, hope you don't mind!!

    I notice your girls in dresses. Do girls not wear shorts or jeans in your faith? Do you wear them?

    Ummm, trying to put this nicely...in your marriage and faith, are couples supposed to enjoy sex? Maybe to put it better, (since men always enjoy it) are women supposed to like it?

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  14. Yay another Q +A! I love pictures, so I was wondering if you could post some of your wedding and dating pictures?

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  15. How can I get my husband to lead his family spiritually. He works about 60 hours a week and all his waking hours at home are watching tv on the couch. I can't even get him to eat meals with us at the table. I am sure all I can do is pray and keep my attitude in check but I struggle with this because I just want so much more for my family. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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  16. (1) I know you are into healthy and natural living. Do you also use "green" cleaning supplies, toiletries (soaps/shampoos), etc? What is your approach to these kinds of things?

    (2) Are any of your kids anxious/nervous types? My oldest child has a tendency to get anxious and worry. For example, when I take him to swimming lessons, he worries if he doesn't see me the whole time watching him in case I may have left. Have you ever had to deal with this and, if so, what was your approach?

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  17. 1) What kind of music do you enjoy? Religious, secular, etc.

    2) What do you think of the Westboro Baptist Church (the one that pickets the funerals)? I know you're not affiliated with them. Where do you stand on their theology? Their actions?

    3) I recently attended a service where the pastor stated that married couples should not have sex when they cannot get pregnant, eg when the woman is already pregnant, has reached menopause, or if they cannot have children. Furthermore, it should be serious, with the focus on getting pregnant and nothing else. The gist of it seems to be that marital relations are just for procreation (I mean 100%), and not for strengthening the relationship of a couple. Where do you stand on this?

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  18. I too am curious to learn more about your life in Europe and how you met your husband and how you like living in America. I hope I do not come across as nosy, I am just interested!

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  19. I would also like to know how you handle picky eaters...

    My son has roughly 10 things that he eats. It is NOT junk. Cheese/yogurt/apples/chicken etc. I do not allow him to "get full" with junk food. He is very polite when he turns down food and will even try new things. He just doesn't like anything else. I do not want to make eating a stressful time for him, but it's hard when he never eats our planned family meals. UGH! Thanks.

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  20. When do you stop nursing if it is not when you get pregnant?

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  21. Haha.. I laughed out loud when reading some of these questions:-) I cannot wait to see how you answer them. Have fun!

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  22. Hair Is there a rule on how long it must be for the girls and how short it must be for your boys in your household??


    And also do you think it's wrong for a women to dye her hair??

    And How do you feel about makeup??

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  23. Oh, I forgot one - when you pray, is it in German or English? If German, do you use du or Sie for God?

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  24. 1. What are your thoughts on pacifism?
    2. If a new neighbor moved in next door and was a gay couple with a small child would you still witness to them? Would you allow your children to play with theirs?

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  25. TheCanuck: If the pastor is married I wonder if he practices what he preaches. He is CLEARLY NOT TEACHING THE WORD OF GOD. Paul said the marriage bed is undefiled and that couples should abstain only for times of prayer. His teaching, and it's his, not God's is...in a word: HERESAY! I'd hate to hear the rest....

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  26. I know you believe in letting God determine the size of your family but what if subsequent pregnancies would put the mother's life in danger? Having faith is one thing but standing in the middle of the highway and saying you trust God not to let you get hit by a car is foolish, so would becoming pregnant after being told it could kill you. What is your opinion on this?

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  27. I forgot to ask this in my first comment, what do you think of only giving the rabies and tetness vaccination when kids are older. I am not vaccinating my kids but have thought of only doing thoes two. Kids could easily get bit by a lose dog with rabies, or step in a rusty nail.

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  28. Dear Zsuzsanna,
    can you recommend any good parenting book?
    Thanks for your answer,
    Babs

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  29. What would be the #1 piece of advice you would give to teenage girls striving to live a Christian life (especially to girls who do not come from Christian families)?

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  30. Not a question, however, I'd love to see more authentic German recipes in the future!

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  31. You've said that the complications with Anna's birth have led you to believe that God is blessing your home births, but how can you be sure that that wasn't a warning for the future?

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  32. Are you against dancing? I know some Christians are.

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  33. Could you talk about how you discipline your kids? Tips on toddler management would be particularly appreciated. Thank you!

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  34. I would like to know why you believe that you will be rewarded in heaven for just taking Jesus as your savior. You said in an earlier post that you do not believe good works will get you into heaven.

    I also don't understand why you only stay involved in church activities and never talk about outreaches for the homeless or helping out local charities/ groups to show gods love and kindness

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  35. Love your Q&As! Here are a couple of questions that I would like to have answered:

    1) Your written English is nearly flawless. How is your spoken English? Do you have an accent?

    2) I believe you once said that you drive a minivan. With 6 kids, you must be about to outgrow it. Do you have plans to get a bigger vehicle?

    3) Do you plan to encourage your kids to get a college education? What would you consider good career paths for them?

    Thanks!

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  36. Zsuzsanna, I would like to know more about music, specifically for the Christian.

    I love hymns. We listen to them all the time. We also enjoy contemporary Christian music. The contemporary music we listen to (in our opinion) does glorify God, and is praise and worship music to Him, and not lyrics that are aimed to please and worship the flesh.

    I honestly have looked into this topic, with my husband, and neither of us could find any reason not to continue listening to the music we do. I would like to hear your opinion on this, and I could also provide you with examples of the music I'm talking about if needed.
    &
    Why don't 'most' baptists dance? We attend a wonderful baptist church, and I've only heard joking about this, but really I can tell the people that say this are serious! LOL... So no dancing at all?? Or just not provocative? My toddlers bring joy to us when they dance! I encourage them to do it, it's just so cute! They have all outgrown it, and my older children don't go around dancing, or shaking their bodies.... I'm just wondering. Both my husband and I come from unsaved families, and we are first generation Christians, learning as we go!

    Also :) I know you are against male OB/GYN (as am I), and I find it extremely creepy that a man would go into a field where he was examining woman's private parts all day, but I'm not so sure about male Family Practitioners who offer this in their practice. In your opinion would a doctor who went into the family practice field still be a perv if HE(male)_ offered gyn/ob services? And why? It is obviously not at the top of their lists (is it?) For the record, I would not go to a male Dr. period for an exam, BUT what if our family practitioner offered this? Otherwise he is a great Dr. who respects our conservative approach to medicine, and is there when we do need the help of modern medicine.

    Please forgive me for leaving this comment anonymously, I feel very vulnerable asking these questions.

    Thanks!

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  37. I like the question about gay neighbors. How would you handle that situation? I personally would never allow my children to visit the house of a gay family but would have no problems allowing their children to visit in my home.

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  38. I am getting a chuckle with so many questions about your (or your lack of?) German accent. At the same time, I have also wondered if you speak with an accent.

    I am curious about your thoughts on home church. We have no trouble in our area finding a doctrinally sound church. Our church has always been very separated and preached high standards. Our founding pastor retired about 5 years ago. The new pastor (who was raised in our church) seems almost afraid to preach strict separation and standards. He'll mention dress and music only generally, never saying exactly what is right and what is wrong. He doesn't seem to have a problem with dating, mixed swimming, prom, working on Sunday on a regular basis, working mothers/wives, and has even recently put his kids in public school! As my kids get older, home church is sounding more and more appealing.

    I wanted to say, too, I'm a regular reader. I am publishing anonymously because I follow your blog. I don't want this inquiry to get back to anyone. I'm not being gossipy; I'm really just citing logical reasons that home church appeals to me.

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  39. One more:

    How do you (practically) keep your home and your family going while you deal with hyperemesis during your pregnancies?

    If you've already answered that somewhere, forget I asked!! (I know we've talked about the spiritual aspects, but I couldn't remember about the practical.)

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  40. I'm very curious about how Germans are taught about the Holocaust in school.

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  41. what are your thoughts on the j crew at that features a boy's toenails painted pink by his mother?

    i am absolutely disgusted by it because it promotes gender confused children and we are celebrating that.
    it is disgusting. our boys are becoming more feminine and nothing is being done to stop it!
    sickening!

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  42. I'm curious about the things Karen R & Jessi are too!!!

    And also, what is everyone's middle names? (I have a name thing,Sorry!)

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  43. I'm another who would love to know what you learned about the Holocaust and the reign of Hitler while growing up in Germany.

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  44. Zsuzanna,
    I admire your great kids.

    Does your kids get sometimes moody, fight with each other? (They really don't look they would do that :-) )

    How do you react?

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  45. I am sorry...I though of one more. :) What is your stance on circumcision? If you can't answer in this particular post that you are going to write, that's fine. :) As a mom to a boy who has been circumcised...I am wondering if it is a "good" thing to do. I have heard yes and no but am curious to what you think. Thanks SO MUCH! :)

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  46. Dear Mrs. Anderson,

    what are the qualities and character traits a young woman really should look for when she chooses her future husband? And how can she know that the man she chooses to marry will truly be a godly man and treat his wife as it is written in the bible?

    I'm asking this because I sadly learned from some marriages of my sister or friends that the men, who are in the phase of the courship really good at "presenting" themselves as truly godly and faithful, sometimes turn out to be quite different once they are married. The range goes from abusive behaviour (such as frequent anger outbursts and loud yelling over the most petty things) to simply leaving their wive and their children for another woman. Then again some men, who a lot of women would have never considered marrying, turned out to be very good and loving husbands.

    Now, of course, I know that there is no such thing as the "perfect man", I, of course, am far from perfect as well, but I would really like to find a husband who treats me and our future children well.

    Best regares from Austria

    Cornelia

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  47. Do pets go to heaven? I'm assuming not but hope so. What about babies and adults in countries that have never learned about Christianity? What punishment do you think women who have an abortion should face? Is it OK to dress baby girls in little one piece sleepers and such or should they be in dresses too? You should do a modest fashion post to show what girls of all ages should wear (and not look Amish.)I also would like to know about the gay neighbors. Do you encourage your children to be disrespectful to any gay people they may encounter? I also would like to know about your accent. One more, is it wrong to allow your son to play dress up by putting on a pair of your shoes or something like that. If so, what harm is it causing by allowing them to play? DO you believe transgendered people are born like that, like people born with a heart defect for example? Thank you. I enjoy your blog very much, especially your posts on Anna! It makes me want to have a million babies all at once, although all of your children are adorable and seem so un-brat like.

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  48. You have said that children who are trained up properly would never grow up to be homosexual.

    Presumably, homosexuals are people who were not raised with the proper Christian values.

    Does this mean that homosexuals were once innocent babies like your Anna? Doesn't this mean their sexuality is the fault of their parents, not them?

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  49. Dear Zsuzsanna,

    you and your husband believe that women should stay at home and raise and homeschool the children.

    On the other hand, you only want female OB/GYNs, nurses and widwives, of which, if a lot of families would ditch the birthcontrol, we would need a lot.

    How do this two convictions go together?

    Greetings

    Maria

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  50. That's a great question! Would you be okay with it if one of your daughters wanted to become an OB/GYN physician or a certified nurse midwife to help meet that need?

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  51. why are you so against communism? What type of society do you suppose we live in? obviously our current capitalist society is failing us.

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  52. I was wondering if you could tell how your day breaks down time wise. How much time is spent homeschooling, Bible study with the kids, cleaning/cooking, etc? I am particularly interested in the homeschooling. Do you have a specific time schedule that you follow each day or is it more relaxed? Each family finds different ways that work for them and I was wondering what you have found works best for your family.

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  53. Not so much a question but a request - it would be really cool if you could do a short video diary of a typical day in the life of your family. It would be great to see your blog 'in action' rather than just written down!

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  54. Even though I am a Christian, is it wrong for me to allow my child to listen to mainstream music. I have control of what songs she downloads from itunes and i think allowing her to listen to women or men who have made good life choices shouldn't be seen as a problem. My daughter truly loves taylor swift yet i was recently told by a member of our church that listening to any type of mainstream music is a sin. help.

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  55. I want to know how you can justify hating people and praying for them to go to hell ("Why I Hate Obama" sermon) when Jesus talks about loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you.

    You spend a lot of time quoting from the Old Testament, but the New Testament gives SO MANY commands on loving one another.

    You make so many judgments about certain people not being "true" Christians, when you yourself forsake one of the main doctrines of the faith: LOVE!

    How do we know that YOU are the one who's not a true Christian?

    You and your husband don't seem to display the one characteristic that Christ was known for: His love for the hurting, broken, dirty and dying. Wouldn't you agree that those who are still in sin are dying? and broken?

    Don't they need our prayers the most?

    President Obama would fall into that camp, Mrs. Anderson, and you can tell your husband I said that.

    Samantha

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  56. If you knew another pregnancy would be fatal to you, would you continue to reject birth control?

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  57. Judy, I'm obviously not Zsuszanna, but it seems to me that if the music is not detrimental to your spiritual health and is something you enjoy, it's fine. Everyone has different scales of what they can deal with.

    Now, yet another question for the blog owner:

    Let's say you had an emergency during childbirth and went to the hospital, and the only OBGYNs on call were male. What would you do? Would your concerns about the baby trump modesty concerns, or would you try to find another solution?

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  58. How do you as a German feel about the Holocaust? What do you teach your children about the Holocaust? What do you teach them about Israel existing as a Jewish state?

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  59. What are your thoughts on global warming?
    Where do you get your news from? New York times? online?

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  60. Umm...whoever said she needed to be doing more outreach...if this isn't outreach, answering all of these questions, I don't know what is! ;)

    I've got one...I'm 27 weeks pregnant and a bit of a basket case, thinking I am actually in control of this pregnancy. Sad, but true...

    How do you keep yourself from thinking of the "worst case scenarios" during pregnancy, and actually enjoying the process? We have a small foster son and two other biological kids, and parenting them all day DOES cause me to be able to not think about it. I've had my share of bad pregnancy outcomes, so just curious what your thoughts were.

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  61. Please excuse me for not looking at previous Q & A's to find the answer to my question about when you stop nursing. No need to repost the same thing twice. Thanks.

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  62. something i've wondered. your church is growing, which is wonderful, and i was wondering if there were any elders in the church, and if so what their role is in the church? if not, then why? thanks! :)

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  63. I know this is a random question, but what do you think of girls getting their ears pierced? My family is pretty conservative altogether, but I was allowed to get my ears pierced when I was thirteen.

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  64. No questions, just blessings as you try to answer all the questions that have already been asked. I also recently did a Q&A series on my blog, trying to answer everything can feel a little overwhelming sometimes. :)

    I found your blog quite some time ago after first listening and enjoying your husbands sermons on sermonaudio.

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  65. I wrote one earlier in the post about your children's lemonade stand: Do you think a single man can be as effective a leader and teacher of a congregation? Or do you believe that pastors should have a wife, family, and life experience before becoming a pastor? (I did much better explaining myself in the post...)

    Also, did you let your children watch the William marry Catherine?

    Mindy

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Your KINDLY WORDED, constructive comments are welcome, whether or not they express a differing opinion. All others will be deleted without second thought.