May 24, 2005 11:43 PM
Who said it? #1
Okay, this is not a fancy-schmancy contest, but something really simple because I like to give away stuff.
So, the first person to comment, correctly naming the author of this quote will receive his or her choice of any of my books - autographed.
"The first idea the child must acquire in order to be actively disciplined is that of the difference between good and evil; and the task of education lies in seeing that the child does not confound good with immobility and evil with activity."
Since I like to give away stuff and I also like people to read my books, I plan to do this from time to time.
Comments
Hello Barbara,
I just finished reading your book (literally just finished! It's 11:00 pm on a Tuesday night!) and was SO moved for the first time in many years (I don't "move" easily!) I just had to visit your website! I'd like to submit that quote comes from Maria Montessori.
I am so excited that there is a Mother as experienced as you that doesn't come from a "perfect" background yet is so successful as a Mommy. This has given me the first hope in years. I come from a less than desirable childhood and am raising four kids two of whom are teenagers and I felt I have ruined them. The younger two I have 5 and 7, I spend all my time worrying that I will ruin them as well....
Thank you for giving me a new view as a Mommy and hope...for the first time in years....
Posted by: Ruth Williams | May 25, 2005 2:15 AM
Yay! You are a winner, Ruth! In just two and a half hours.
Please email me your address and which book you want and I will get it in the mail today!
And thanks for the kind words! As my friend Zan Tyler says, God doesn't have to have a lot to work with in order to do great things in our lives, or in the lives of our children."
Posted by: barbaracurtis | May 25, 2005 7:19 AM
Hi Barbara!!
Yay!!! I'm so excited!!! You have no idea how special this is to me! Winning this book with your autograph is total confirmation for me!! I think this may be my turning point... Praise God and Thank You Barbara. I humbly request "Dirty Dancing at the Prom, and Other Challenges Christian Teens Face".
Like I told you in my post, your book, the Mommy Manual, moved me more than I have been moved in years. I'm an avid reader of self-help books, most of which I never finish reading. But yet I keep searching...I think the fact that I could finally relate to an author and the fact that you weren't "raised the perfect christian woman" to begin with, yet you have built such an awesome relationship with the Lord and your children, really got my attention.
Another key issue is that only recently I finally realized that it was okay that I don't know how to "mother" instinctively. That even though I didn't have a role model, I could learn! What a concept! Then, here I happen upon your book and you have modeled that for me!! A message straight from God! I think alot of Christian women would benefit knowing that they are not doomed to the way they were raised. I wish I could shout this from the rooftops!
Yet another part of your book that slapped me in the face with reality is that what I do will affect the next five generations. Wow. I, like you, look back and see abuse, neglect, divorce, incest, etc. and felt I could never produce anything good coming from such "bad stock". But you made me realize it's up to me to change that. But most of all, you have done it so you are living proof, which is sooo important to negative thinkers like myself. We need PROOF!
One thing that I would love to learn, maybe a book you could refer me to or an article, a website....any advice on "starting over in the middle". Ummm, I mean now that I am smack in the middle of raising my four children two are teenagers, two are under 9, how do I start now and make the changes that can affect even my oldest who will be 17 next week! Isn't it too late to help him? I am sick with worry that I have completely ruined my chances in raising him. My two older boys are reaping the sown seeds of bad parenting on my part all these years... :(
One more thing, my youngest child has autism. You have boys with downs syndrome, very different, yet the fears and cries to God are similar. Any reading or advice for that?
Thank you, thank you, for following the Lord's voice to write and tell your story. Thank you, Thank you for this "little contest" which was a confirmation for me. I anxiously look forward to reading this next book!!
Ruth Williams
Posted by: Ruth Williams | May 25, 2005 1:32 PM
