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Confessions of a Homeschool Dad
Dec. 5, 2006
I Know I've Got Pretty Good Kids When...
Child 1, the oldest, when told to go take a shower asks, "Can I clean up my room first?"
Child 2, the middlest, is singing the "Books of the Old Testament" song (better than the oldest) while doing chores.
Child 3, barely 2 and barely talking, gets excited when it's chore time and runs to the bathroom to retrieve toothbrush and toothpaste and brings them to me so that she can have her teeth brushed like a big girl.
Okay, maybe I won't have to sell them after all.
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Dec. 1, 2006
How Many People Would Make An Important Decision This Way?
There's a lot of ways to make an important decision. God gave us a mind to determine what decision might be more honoring to Him. Prayer is always an important part.
But, after all that, what would you do to make the decision?
I will admit that my faith has been too small to do it the way thay did in the Bible:
[Judas has deserted and the Apostles are holding a meeting of the disciples to determine who will be his replacement.] "And they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosed to take part in this ministry....
"And they case their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles"
So, they used their brains to figure out the two best candidates. That makes sense.
Then they prayed to God to pick the right guy. Absolutely the thing to do.
And then they cast lots. Huh? Cast lots?
Apparently they, unlike me (at least up until this point!) had faith enough that God could make a choice through casting lots (which apparently meant putting each of their names on a stone, putting the stones in a jar, and shaking the jar until one stone popped out). That is, manipulating our physical environment.
Frankly, I never thought of that. I'm pretty sure that most of the Church would ridicule that method. I'm sure the World would ridicule it.
That's a pretty good sign it's the right thing to do. I'm going to give it a shot on my next big decision....
How about you? Could you do this for major decisions?
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Nov. 14, 2006
Are Women More Easily Led Astray?
My wife has always said that she's glad that she doesn't have my position. She doesn't want to be responsible before God for our entire family's behavior. She doesn't want that kind of pressure weighing on her.
Recently, she showed me a Bible Study book (by a famous Evangelical Christian authorette) that she and some ladies in the church were working through that I wanted to get your input on.
Basically what it said (and backed up with Scripture) was that, while men and women were equal before God (both having the Spirit and, hence, direct access to Him), He put men in a position of authority because women are more easily led astray.
It gave lots of examples, starting, of course, with Eve and going on and on and on throughout the Bible. The essence was that women are more often busy being, to put it into today's language, "in the moment" and, given a well-crafted "moment", are more liable to be led astray.*
In any case, this led me to two questions:
1) Do you think that this (women are more easily led astray) is true?
2) How does this affect what we teach our daughters as they grow up? Is there anything specific to this topic that you're teaching your daughters?
* DISCLAIMER: The fact that I put "women" in a subject of a message or that said message contains potential failings of women does not mean that I hate women, that men are perfect, or that men have no failings. Furthermore, there is no expressed or implied idea that women aren't Godly creatures, can't be good Christians, or aren't good Mothers. It is assumed that the sometimes abusive audience of this blog understands that both women and men are flawed, imperfect beings. It is also assumed that the readership of this blog believes that those flaws and imperfections are worth examining in the pursuit of becoming better, more Christ-like people.
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Oct. 16, 2006
The Best. Diet. Ever!
Now, before you get too excited, I don't mean "the most enjoyable". I just mean that it is surprisingly effective.
About a week ago, I was playfully wrestling with my kids. And, as you know, it was all fun and games until Daddy got hurt. One of my kids threw her head back when she was laughing and trying to get away. Of course, her head smashed right into my face.
Overall, the injury factor was pretty low. Mostly, it was my lip that got gashed on my teeth. It bled a little bit, but no big deal, right?
Well, flash forward a week and it started to swell on the inside and it's rather sensitive. It's also positioned such that I can't really avoid it hurting as it rubs against my teeth.
As if that weren't bad enough, eating is a new experience in pain. It seems that every piece of food I eat has something to make the open wound feel like someone is running a very large needle through my lip. Repeatedly.
Cold water? ouch. Ketchup? Ouch! Salad Dressing? OUCH!
So, basically, rather than eating until I'm full, I eat until I have enough food in me that it's not worth the additional pain to get more food.
I wouldn't call it a pleasant experience, but it IS the Best. Diet. Ever!
I recommend it to everyone!
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Oct. 9, 2006
The Thing About Spouses
Some of you may not know this, but I have the best wife in the world. I realize that some of you may be under the delusion that either you or your wife are the best wife in the world, but you're wrong.
It may come as a surprise that I, some unnotable schlub in Texas found, wooed, and captured the perfect wife. In fact, it surprised me, too.
However, when I see other couples and how the wife talks to / about her husband, I know it's true. When I talk to other husbands and they are obviously hen-pecked and do whatever they can to stay away from home, I know it's true. And when I see women kick their husbands out of their homes for the most ridiculous things, I definitely know it's true.
THE THING
You see, the thing is that I frequently think that I don't have the best wife in the world. She could be doing more of this and less of that. It takes seeing other couples to understand what I have.
And I know my wife feels the same way. She was talking to a friend about our situation recently and the friend said something to the effect of, "He's such a godly husband. I hope you know how blessed you are." (Yes, the whole point of this post was to tell you that! - Oh, wait - maybe there's more...)
My wife said something like, "Well, I do now, but I often don't think about it." In other words, I could be doing more of this or less of that, so she doesn't think about the good stuff I do.
I'VE BEEN STRUCK - OUCH!
The thing that struck me was that many of us have the perfect spouse for us. At least, as perfect as it's going to get on this Earth. And we still want more of this or less of that and hold it against them that they do or don't do those things.
In other words, our ideal picture of a spouse is so completely unrealistic that we can ruin the spouse we have with it. Let me give you a picture of this:
My wife is a recovering perfectionist. As a result it is her natural reaction to point out what is wrong with the things that I do. So, when I've killed myself doing something for her ("stock up" grocery shopping at 5 different stores, repairing things, taking the kids on errands all day to give her some peace, or whatever) and the very first thing she tells me is what I did wrong, you can only imagine what goes through my head.
The same goes for when I finish a project and she says something like, "Okay, now this needs to be done." Huh? No, "Good job"? No, "You look hot [as by this time I'm drenched in sweat] - let me get you something to drink"? Just, "back to work!"
I'm not the smartest guy on the planet, but I can figure out that if, after doing something for my wife, I'm either going to get criticized or more work, I'm going to do a whole lot less things for my wife.
It's the same thing when we beat up our spouse with, "Why can't you do more of this or less of that?!" or "Why can't you be more of this or less of that?" or "It's your fault that this or that happened" or (for the women) "I thought you were supposed to be a spiritual leader!" or (for the men) "I thought you were supposed to be a help to me!"
You can see where this can lead.
LET IT GO!
Now, I don't know what your idea of the perfect spouse is, but I advise you to let it go. You aren't married to that person and, what's more, s/he doesn't exist.
I know we see things in real life and in blog life that make us sigh and imagine if our spouse would just do things like that. But the truth is that every spouse is a bundle deal - you get some really great qualities and some that aren't so great.
Not only can't either of us have all great qualities in our spouses, we would complain if we got it. Having the same human nature of the folks who put Jesus to death for not being religious enough, I'm sure we'd make up a problem with an all-perfect spouse.
So, as for me, I'm going to try to enjoy what I have. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go do something for the best wife in the world.
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Sep. 28, 2006
Why Do Women Hate Electricity?
I know what you're thinking. "I don't hate electricity! I couldn't get through my day without it!"
Yes, I know you couldn't. Which makes your hatred of it all that more confusing.
It just hit me recently when I was planning some romantic time for my wife and I. And I can prove it's true!
Here's my premise. Romance is primarily something women want and men provide (or don't, depending on your situation). And everything romantic is anti-electicity. Hence, women hate electricity.
Some examples:
Romantic Way of Getting Around - Car ride? No. Four wheeler? No. A nice walk on the beach. And if there is a vehicle involved, what is it? That's right! A horse-drawn carraige.
Romantic Source of Light - 2,000,000 candle-power spotlight? No. Halogen lamps with wonderful, warm tones and even light casting? No. Lit candles placed everywhere around the house / room. I'm beginning to think that women are firebugs, too.
Romantic Boat Ride - 6-engine Speedboat? No. 150' yaght? No. Either a small, white rowboat (and guess who ain't rowing!) OR a sailboat.
Romantic Heating Source - This is for those of you who don't live in the blast furnace of Texas. Propane-powered portable heat lamp? No. Central heat? No. A roaring fire.
There are many more examples, but I think you get the idea.
For some reason, women equate the Middle Ages with romance and so carry an ongoing hatred of electricity wherever they go.
What I want to know is WHY!
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Sep. 18, 2006
Discriminatory Science!
It has become a little ridiculous with the way that people are shouting what used to be serious charges like "Racist!", "Sexist!", "Bigot!", "Nazi!" that I thought I'd contribute a little here.
What is little talked about is discriminatory science. Science, in something I'm convinced has been staged by Republicans, if not "this administration", has become discriminatory. Racist! Sexist! Ageist!
And I don't know how they did it, but it is all manufactured by George W. Bush. Read my iron-clad examples below and I think you'll see why you need to vote Democratic this election:
- Did you know that 100% of the people who suffer from gestational diabetes are women? Sexism!
- How about that Sickle-Cell Anemia disproportionately affects blacks! Racism!
- And nearly 100% of the people that starvation harms are poor! Those Republicans have always loved the rich!
- Did you think your baby was safe? 100% of the people who die from SIDS are babies. Those Republicans even hate innocent infants!
- And it's not just the young. 100% of Alzheimers sufferers are elderly. Ageism!
- Were you aware the colorblindness disproportionately affects men! Oh wait - men don't count unless it's a specific minority.... Nevermind on this one!
There are countless more examples, but in any case, I think you can see my point. Even science, once the bastion of unbiased fact, is now discriminatory because of Republicans.
Can you imagine what else they're cooking up in their disease laboratories?! And that is why you should vote Democrat in the mid-term elections.
Thank you and good night.
[This ad paid for by Friends of Confessor Who Have No Sense Whatsoever and Aren't Above Base Lying and Manipulation To Get Votes]
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Sep. 14, 2006
Postmodernism isn't all that modern...
Have you ever heard people argue emotionally? It's a postmodern technique that says, basically, the feelings / emotions that a person has are true, regardless of fact.
For instance, I was listening to Sean Hannity recently and he played a little clip of when he was "debating" Rosie O'Donnell. Her entire arguement was speaking loudly, with passion, that something is obviously true.
When asked for proof, she said (loudly, of course) things like, "Do you read?! Do you read the British papers!?!" Asked which papers or what stories, her answer was basically that the "facts" of which she was convinced was "everywhere!"
In other words, she didn't have any actual proof for her theories. She was convinced in her own mind that they were true and therefor - POOF! - they were true.
POSTMODERN DEBATE IN ANCIENT TIMES
This is why it is basically impossible to debate (in its classic meaning) postmodern people. Debate requires the presentation of a position and then facts to back it up. Postmodernism has no facts but what someone feels.
I used to think that this was something relatively new. It turns out that I was wrong.
Back in Jesus' day, as you may recall, the Pharisees were seeking to get rid of Jesus. And one time, they sent out a crew of people to go get him while he was teaching at the Feast of Tabernacles. When they came back without Him, here's what happened:
Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?"
The officers answers, "No man ever spoke like this man".
[Confessor Translation: "Gee - He seems to be right about a lot of stuff...."]
Then the Pharisees answers then, "Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."
[Confessor Translation: "You morons! No important people believe Him, so He can't be right. Everyone that is listening to him has a demon!"]
Nicodemus (he who came to Jesis by night, being one of them) said to them, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and know what he is doing?"
[Confessor Translation: "Ummmm...you seem to have already convicted Him of something. Should you, you know....listen to Him and see if He is speaking the truth?"]
They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."
[Confessor Translation: "Are you some kind of moron, too? No prophet could ever come out of a dirty, rural, out-of-the-way, unimportant place like Galilee!"]
-John 7:45-52
Did you see how they "proved" Jesus couldn't be a prophet because of their feelings about Galilee (which was, back then, sort of the armpit of Isreal)?
Here's the great part in the notes of my study Bible:
"Actually, the prophets Jonah, Hosea, Nahum, and perhaps Elijah, Elisha, and Amos were from Galilee or close to it."
Yeah....but, other than those guys....
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Sep. 13, 2006
More Guarantees of Freedom, Less Actual Freedom
I've been reading over the last few months about the American Revolution and what started it, who did what, and how we pulled a win out of a pretty bad situation. So, when I was listening to the news and heard about all of the new freedoms we're going to give up, a thought occured to me:
We have more guarantees of freedom today than ever, but less actual freedom than when we were under King George.
Think about it - under King George, there were some basic rules. More or less, do what the king and his ambassadors say. Was there corruption? Sure. Could they house soldiers with you if they felt like it? Yep. Were we completely at their mercy? Without a doubt.
HOWEVER, whether it was because of better character then (less TV, ya know...) or something else, in reality, we were some pretty free people. Think about some of the freedoms we had those 230 years ago:
Free to open a business (as long as you didn't trade with the French - but who would want to trade with the French?!).
Free to hire (and fire) whomever you wanted. And you didn't have to pay any payroll tax, income tax, FICA, FUDA, SUDA, or any other of the 20% over basic wages we have to pay today.
No income tax. Make as much as you could or as little as you wanted. The King and his government weren't going to ask how much you made and then ask for 30% of it.
Speaking of taxes, King George was actually kind of a progressive king in that he basically applied "sales tax" to whatever was sold rather than sending a guy from house to house. And the tea tax that we got so upset about was around 7%.
Want to run a farm? Great. The king didn't care what kind of animals you owned, how many of them, or want you to put a GPS tracking device in each of their ears.
Education? Well, it's true that most people didn't have one. However, if you wanted an education, just get the area parents to chip in for a schoolmarm and open a local, one-room schoolhouse. No bureaucracy necessary - nor $10,000 per student in taxes.
The court system was extremely efficient. It turns out that not having an excess of laws meant that not a lot got broken. And if your neighbor hit you, you didn't take him to court. You hit him back.
Sick? Most likely you'd try some home remedy. Doctors were for once you couldn't stand up anymore. And, while you'd almost certainly die younger, it wouldn't be from seeing your health insurance bill or while waiting for your HMO Primary Care Physician.
Need drugs for some ailment? True, most of them didn't do much. But, if you could afford 'em, you could have 'em. If you couldn't afford 'em, you just lived with it. Can you imagine tens of thousands of people suffering from acid reflux and not getting their pills? Horrors!
Today, the taxes on everything we do are higher then the Founding Fathers could ever have imagined (though not has high as during the Carter administration...) There are governmental rules for doing anything that you are responsible for knowing at the Federal, State, and Local levels. Break 'em unknowingly and you'll face stiff fines and maybe some jail time.
With increasing survellience cameras everywhere (red-light cameras = surveillance cameras), limitations on your freedoms that bother others (don't try to smoke anywhere - and that gum smacking that you're doing is next!), and rampant waste of tax money (which means they'll need more, thank you), I'm going to go out on a limb and say were less free than ever.
Anyone want to go start a new country?
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Sep. 12, 2006
I feel so disconnected!
I admit it. I haven't been reading all of your blogs lately.
I've been so busy over the last few weeks that I just don't have the time to go through all of my favorite homeschooler blogs and see what is happening in all of your lives.
Well, I don't have the time for that and to spend time with my family. So far, I've opted for my family, but they're getting a little whiny....
So, for all of my close blogging friends (yes, that's you!), could you post a quick update as to what is happening with you?
Thanks!
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Aug. 29, 2006
Is Your House Lying?
In the work that I do these days, I frequently go to people's homes to confirm information that they've provided to insurance companies.
And before I get to the door, it is obvious that there is a "woman of the house". It is shown in the little things. Things you probably have at your house.
Whether it is the way that the garden is done, or the little cherub sculptures, or the sayings on rocks in the landscaping, it says "A woman lives here!"
And one thing that I see most often is various forms of little angels carrying signs, or tiles with a message on them, or just a word in the midst of a bunch of flowers. And that word is "Welcome!"
A LITTLE CONFUSED
And, yet, when I ring the doorbell, I am always appraised with concerned, suspicious eyes. And then there's the women who shout through doors, whether because of children or dogs or fear, for me to state my business.
Now, I know that I'm a big guy. People have told me that I intimidate people who don't know me just with my size. So, I can understand a little of that, I guess.
And I also understand that, at least in "the big city", there are a lot of people coming door-to-door to sell things. Usually, they're not particularly welcome.
But I still don't get who it is that is welcome. Because it sure ain't me.
WHO ARE YOU WELCOMING?
Now, my assumption when I see all of those little signs is that they aren't welcoming the person's friends. Certainly, they would already know that they are welcome, right?
I think I'm going to start making modern "Welcome" signs. They'll look like the ones that I see everywhere, except below the welcome, there will be some fine print:
"*Welcome only applies to known parties, parties who live in this neighborhood, or parties who otherwise have been informed that there are, in fact, welcome. Welcome offer is void for all other parties, who will be regarded with suspicion, annoyance, and/or outright hostility."
In reality, I understand much of the suspicion that is unfortunately wise in this day and age. However, if you're going to treat strangers at your door that way, would you please take down all of the cutesy "welcome" signs?
On behalf of strangers everywhere, thank you.
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Aug. 23, 2006
What is true? American Christianity or God's Word?
Here's something I came across recently:
"And which of you, having a servant plowing or thending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'?
"Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"
-Luke 17:7-10
Boy - that sure doesn't sound like the "Believe and Be Rewarded" gospel of a lot of the American church.
Imagine going into some of the mega churches (especially the "no negative sayings" mega-est of them all here in Texas) and saying, "Do what God tells you and don't even expect a 'Thank You'! Not only shouldn't you expect money falling from Heavan (the only "blessing" most Americans know), but you should consider yourself "unprofitable servants".
Somehow, I don't think that would go over well.
(Did you notice the Bonus, extra-short entry today? See? It happens sometimes!)
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Aug. 17, 2006
I am SO out of touch...
I've accepted the fact that I'm pretty much out of touch with "mainstream American society". As a committed Christian (meaning, I think, that I believe my Christianity extends beyond Sunday), that's just part of the package.
So I'm used to the weird looks I've gotten from coworker-guys because I didn't want to go to the strip club. I'm accustomed to the "Oh! Sorry!"s when people swear around me and assume that I'll break in pieces just because they've never heard me swear. And I now fully expect the unconfortable looks when I invite people to church events.
Something that I'm still getting used to is being on the "freak fringe" of the Christian community. Most people I meet at various churches who call themselves Christians (and I only say it that way because I have no way of really knowing) think I'm a little nuts, too.
Whether it's my "no women in leadership" stance, my belief that the Bible really is God's Word, or the fact that I homeschool, I know I'm considered the odd one in the room. But, in general, I still "belong" in the group, because they are (or are trying to be) committed Christians.
After this Monday, after "The Incident", I don't know if that's the case any more. And I'm hoping you can let me know if I'm just a huge freak or if I might be on to something here...
HOW THE INCIDENT CAME TO BE
You see, I try to listen to Christian radio when I can. My tastes run to Contemporary Christian generally, so I'll listen to one of a few Texas-based stations on the Internet when I can.
This Monday, I was listening to what seems to be perennially the "#1 Major Market Contemporary Christian Radio Station" (as far as the CCR industry is concerned, anyway) and was shocked at what I heard.
Now, before I tell you about The Incident, let me tell you a few things about me. First of all, I'm pretty hard to shock. I wasn't raised in a Christian household and I've seen a lot in my short life. I generally don't expect Christian behavior out of non-Christian society and have more or less gotten used to the things that a depraived mind will come up with.
And it is almost impossible to shock me with anything on Christian radio because of the milquetoast attitude that they feel they must carry to please most of their audience.
However, I was floored by the "news" segment of their morning show this Monday.
THE INCIDENT
The news segment started with the bubbly, happy DJette co-host of the Morning Show saying:
"Well...today is the day that most mothers are singing, 'It's the Most Wonderful Time Of The Year'. Most area schools have started today and...."
Ummmmm....Hello? Am I the only one seeing the problem here?
A Christian radio station is saying that "the most wonderful day of the year" for most presumably Christian mothers is the day they get rid of their kids!?!?
I mean, let's just forget that they are subconsciously using a Christmas song to equate "the kids leaving for school" with "the birth of our Savior". I'll assume that was unintended.
Am I just a big 'ol freak because I think there is something inherently anti-Christian about the "Thank God that my children (who God gave me as a blessing) are OUT OF MY HOUSE!" sentiment?
I think I'm going to have to move to some "middle-of-nowhere" country location and hide in a cave. Is there still room out there in Tennessee?
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Aug. 9, 2006
I'm So Torn On Lebanon
A friend sent me a note the other day about missionary work going on in Lebanon. It turns out that Samaritan's Purse" is doing relief work in Lebanon and asking for help.
They appeal to all of the hurt folks in Lebanon because of the Israeli bombing and they need food, medical supplies, etc. because the Israelis have cut them off. Samaritan's Purse is even going (so they say) run a ship with medical supplies through the Israeli blockade.
My initial response is that these were the people that harbored, fed, and encouraged Hesb'Allah for 25 years. Just to refresh your memory about these folks:
In other words, these folks are not lovers of freedom, hate America (and Americans), and destroy things (not their own things, however) when they get upset. So, why would I want to help them now?
And I know a lot of Americans that feel the same way.
"AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH"
Unlike Al Gore's factless propaganda, the Bible has some inconvenient truths for me. It turns out, annoyingly, is that we're supposed love our enemies.
Frankly, it's at times like these that I become a left-leaning Christian and start saying things like, "Well....let's see what it really says in the original text...."
Unfortunately for me, it is God's Word, and as such, it is Truth.
It's becoming increasingly obvious that His ways are not my ways.
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Jul. 20, 2006
Of beauty, Ben Franklin, and "good enough"
Okay, so you've probably read that Christie Brinkley and her husband are getting divorced.
And you've probably heard the follow-on questions/comments:
- "What kind of moron would cheat on a supermodel?"
- "How can we normal women measure up / keep our man when she can't?"
- "Why are all men pigs?"
I include the last one because it is a result of the complete lack of understanding that these (usually) women have. And ladies, don't worry. Men have the same syndrome (even if it works it's way out differently).
It's called "good enough syndrome". And it's completely wrong.
MEN'S GOOD ENOUGH SYNDROME AND BEN FRANKLIN
Men's Good Enough Syndrome (mGES) says that I, as a guy, can't get a girl unless I'm super in-shape, full-head-of-hair, mega-handsome HOT! It seems to be more true every day.
I have several single friends that have this crippling syndrome. They won't go out and try to meet women because they aren't super-hot, mega-handsome guys and (think) they can't compete with those that are.
To debunk this theory, I always tell them 3 things:
1) You don't want the women whose heads are turned so quickly by someone more handsome. Because there's always someone more handsome.
2) Benjamin Franklin was probably the least attractive man in history. While, in the end, an immoral man (that's beside the point for this discussion), he was swimming in women half (or less) in age in the US and France through the end of his life. If it's all about looks, this could never happen.
3) Take a look at the "hot women" marriages you know of. Generally speaking, the hot women are married to generally average looking guys. This, too, couldn't happen if it is all about looks.
WOMEN'S GOOD ENOUGH SYNDROME AND CHRISTIE BRINKLEY
While men worry about catching a woman, women who suffer with wGES are concerned about keeping a man. And they think, "If I'm more in shape, better looking, etc., I can keep him interested in me." It is these folks who are baffled at the Brinkley divorce and distraught about the implications of it.
And I have lots of good news for any of you who might, periodically, suffer from wGES:
1) The whole Christie Brinkely thing proves that it isn't about how you look. No matter how good looking you make yourself, there is obviously a much larger component to making / keeping a man happy. The fact that it was her 4th marriage also testifies to this. So take it a little easy on yourself, huh?
2) Yes, while I'd like my wife to look nice, what I'd like more is for her to look at me nicely. Do you know what the #1 thing I hear consistently out of mens' mouths about why they look for female companionship? "She [the "other woman"] doesn't get angry about everything I say, doesn't nag at me, and we can have a pleasant conversation. She might even laugh every now and then. Do you know how long it's been since I heard my wife laugh?!"
Honest. I have heard it so often that it was sort of amazing to me.
THE BIG SECRET
I thought I'd reveal "The Big Secret" for you, as well. Okay, so you probably know the main Big Secret - put Christ first and everything will work out. Maybe my secret is a way of accomplishing that. But, in any case, here it is:
If you treat your husband, no matter what his many flaws undoubtedly are, like he is more important to you, than your work (house or otherwise), your kids, or your girlfriends, he will be yours forever.
That's it. Easily said, but not easily done, I guess.....
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Jul. 19, 2006
Running Until Morning, pt. last
THE LONG DUSK
What seems like a number a years ago, dusk came up suddenly and I started running (See! I can learn my lessons, even if I'm not recognizing the signs of a waning day yet.)
The sun was faint at the top of the hill, but I kept running after it. Sometimes, though, the hill would get high and I couldn't see the sun anymore. The sky was still glowing, but I couldn't see the sun.
That's when I noticed that there was a trail of something that Mr. Expert Running Man must have left for me to find my way. I couldn't tell what it was, but the glowing dusk sky made it glisten.
Whatever it was, I could follow it pretty easily when I couldn't see the sun. I'd just look down and there was a trail of some liquid that led me in the right direction.
My plan is to keep running until morning. I've got to admit, I'm pretty tired and might stop any minute. But, as long as that guy ahead of me is leaving me a trail, I figure I'd better keep following it. It might not be there if I stop.
I don't know how long I'll have to run to get to morning. Will I have to run in dusk for another several years? Or will it happen today?
I keep straining my eyes to see if the light is getting any brighter. It doesn't seem to be, but at least it's not getting darker.
So, I'll just keep running.
Pray that I make it until morning light and that my burden will seem light.
I'll see you in the morning light.
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Jul. 18, 2006
Running Until Morning, pt. 6
DON'T LET THE DARKNESS OVERCOME YOU
I found out pretty quickly that I had to be careful about when I was running. Sometimes, after the nice, downhill side of another hill, I would stop and rest up for the next leg.
Unfortunately, I'd get lazy and sit there all day. Since it was almost night, I thought I'd wait until morning to start off again.
Boy, was that a mistake.
All I'll say is that bad things happen in the darkness. Things that make me happy to see the morning light again.
The trouble is that, sometimes, it seems like midday and a second later, it's dusk. While that's really strange, I've learned that if I'm not running by the time dusk comes, that I'd better start right away if I don't want the darkness to overcome me.
It may be harder to run at dusk, and I may have to run longer, but as long as I avoid the darkness, it's all worth it.
I think I'm getting better at recognizing the signs of the setting sun so that I don't have to go "all out" at dusk, but I still get caught standing still at dusk from time to time.
That's how I got to where I am today.
TOMORROW: THE LONG DUSK (THE LAST PART!)
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Jul. 17, 2006
Running Until Morning, pt. 5
THE DOWNSIDE TO COMPANY
Of course, having company isn't always a good thing. I don't know if my family doesn't realize that they're on my back or that they take it for granted, but they sure do some things up there that make life difficult for me.
For instance, maybe my kids are being a little rebellious or disobedient one day. Usually, that means that they're up there jumping around, climbing all over. Sometimes even covering my eyes, so I can't see where we're going.
Do you know how hard it is to run with a shifting load? Let's just say that it ain't easy. And then to try and do it blind!
But we get past those days and one of my kids may snuggle up to me and tell me that they love me. And I can tell that they mean it (they're too young yet to use that because they want something).
It's hard carrying all that love, but I always feel like Superman when they're snuggling up to me, so I can handle it.
The odd thing is that the biggest difficulty when I'm running is often my wife. I remember one time recently when we were talking about "feelings" (not my favorite topic), I had said the standard, "when you do this, it makes me feel like this" thing.
The amazing thing to me is that she actually said that she didn't care that was how it made me feel. She was going to continue doing her thing anyway.
It's moments like those that, if I'm lucky, I'll just stumble. Usually, I feel like taking them all off my back, putting them on the ground, and running off somewhere to wait for the darkness.
But I don't. I don't know if it's just a sense of duty, of wanting to follow through on my commitment to God, or that I've been in the darkness before and it isn't pleasant.
TOMORROW: DON'T LET THE DARKNESS OVERCOME YOU
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Jul. 14, 2006
Running Until Morning, pt. 4
THE FAMILY PACK
While there were less people on this trail, there still were some folks around. I met a nice girl and we ran together for awhile. I decided to make her my wife and she accepted.
Then, I got the surprise of my life.
You see, everything I had heard said that, when you started a family, they would run alongside you and encourage you and it would be good company for the run.
Nobody told me that, while they are good company (most of the time), that they climbed onto my back for me to carry while I ran.
Why doesn't anyone tell you these things!?!
So, now I was running for two. That's pretty scary on the harder parts of the hill. And it sure makes a guy tired. But, at least, I had company on the run.
MONDAY: THE DOWNSIDE OF COMPANY
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Jul. 13, 2006
Running Until Morning, pt. 3
IN THE HILLS
One day, I was determined to follow him through those hills and find out where he went. So, the next time I saw him, I ran after him into those rough, forbidding hills. I was right. It was the expert path. And it was hard. But, somehow, I was able to keep going.
The guy that I was chasing was certainly an expert runner. He got way ahead of me in no time, but I kept him in sight and just kept following after him. I had to admit, the air seemed cleaner, the view was much better, and there was a nice, refreshing breeze blowing that I couldn't feel on the path I had been running on.
I noticed right away that we were running into the sun. I couldn't honestly tell whether it was sunset or sunrise, but now the thing about "follow the sun" made sense. If I headed directly into the sun, I'd be on the right path.
It's a pretty good thing that I noticed that, too. Because soon, Mr. Expert Runner Man was out of sight over the next hill. So, I'd just "follow the sun".
At the tops of the hills, when I started to run downhill, I could usually see him more clearly, so I knew I was on the right track, anyway.
TOMORROW: THE FAMILY PACK
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