[thomer]

Well, I grew up in a Dobson-style home, and thought that was the 'godly way'; much like many of you.
I always had a very legalistic view of God, and truly believed that God punished me and others for being 'bad'.
When I was fresh out of highschool, I started going to a church that sold TTUAC on their back table, and I bought it and read it, and thought it was the best thing since sliced bread - it fit right in with my punitive view of God. Fortunatly, I left that church after only a few months, after realizing that they were not loving to anyone who didn't agree with their views. I was also slowly learning about grace, and the love of God, so going to that church made me a bit uncomfortable.

I then discovered my current church, where they taught that God loves you unconditionally and never purposely tries to mess up your life or hurt you. I met my DH there, who loves me unconditionally, and through that I learned about God's love for me.

In my first year of marriage the following things happened...
Read 'What's so Amazing About Grace'
Watched a friend parent her child punitively and saw it only made the situation worse
Continued to be counselled about God's love through my husband and friends at church
Did a search on Christian Unschooling, and found GCM


Honestly, the first time I came here, I kind of lurked around a bit, and remember seeing someone's avatar and thinking "That kid isn't smiling because her mom doesn't spank" Now I thank God that I found this site before I ever had children!

I you all so much!!!!!!