In this thread, have you read Crunchy Cons? It is an interesting study of a new movement of earth-conscious, simple living, homeschooling, organic food loving Christians. It is a good one.

You are now one of my “Favorites.”

Blessings.

I’m glad you don’t find me to be overbearing when it comes to my faith. And your blanket analogy wasn’t offensive. I’d probably say my faith is more like my core than like a blanket, but I totally understand what you were getting at.

I totally get inspiration from other bloggers who are different than I am, like The Non Consumer Advocate, or Mrs. Green from My Zero Waste. Neither of them share my faith, but I still learn from them and count them as my friends.

What I think makes the religiousness of certain bloggers stand out is simply that they mention their faith, whereas more secular bloggers either have no faith to speak of, or simply don’t incorporate their religious beliefs into their day-to-day lives so much that it would come up in conversation (or writing).

That being said, I *don’t* think you are overbearing in your mentions of faith (to be honest, if you were, or if you seemed to me to be one of the “Sunday Christians” who’re so vocal and pushy, I wouldn’t read your blog, despite all the awesome tips I get from you). You remind me more of my “in-laws,” where Christ is simply part of every aspect of their lives, but not in a pushy or preachy kind of way. I kind of think of Christ as being like a blanket they wear all the time (though I think I’m wording that badly, but hopefully not offensively) to keep them warm, give them strength, patience, kindness, and purpose. So he comes up sometimes is all.

As for bread machines, I personally don’t use one. I feel like the bread lacks the discernible flavour of love, though I don’t look down on people who use them. I’d love to be able to do kneading and such w/ a standmixer, but I have a 1960s 4C, so it can’t handle bread. I mix my dough with a wooden spoon or with my hands, and knead it from there on the counter.