The divorce rate in the United States is at approximately 50%. I come from a family who has been divorced. Yet, I am very much in love with my wife (call me a romantic). So through rough times and good, we have made a commitment to stay married. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been easy.
We got our wedding rings weeks after we actually got married. Within weeks, we had an argument and I ready to get divorced. We were in a grocery store parking lot. I pulled off my ring and threw it to the ground. I heard it bounce as I stormed home. My loving wife, in an amazing moment of humbleness, searched for and found my ring, then followed me quietly home. I think her humble attitude and quietness shocked me and made me realize that she was wanting to stay together as a married couple.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Man and Woman, pt. 1
Throughout my life, I have heard several different interpretations of the Adam and Eve story. The story starts out with Adam needing someone to help him, a companion (Genesis 2:18-20). The concept of woman, having been created from part of man, leads to the idea that man and woman shall join together to (re)make the one flesh (Genesis 2:21-23). This is the original idea of marriage (Genesis 2:24).
Most know of the (in)famous Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:17). It was mentioned before God even created Eve. Now the serpent comes along and tempts Eve. "Come on. Surely God won't kill you if you eat the fruit off that tree." (My paraphrasing). Eve eats the fruit and "gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6)
One version of this story has Adam being tricked by Eve to eat the fruit as if she was as evil as the serpent. Another version may paint Adam as a dufus not recognizing the fruit and eating it when she hands it to him. I believe he knew and chose to eat it. (This idea was taught originally by the pastor of our church.)
What is love? What do you do when your in love? Would you give up everything even if you knew it was wrong?
Adam was told that he would die if he ate of the fruit of that one tree. I wonder if he ate it because she had already eaten some. Did he love her so much that he would sacrifice himself beside her? When God comes and asks Adam about the 'incident', he does not lie. "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Genesis 3:12) The woman given to him. He loves her and feels responsible for her actions. He does not say he was tricked. Adam instead admits that it was his choice.
There are things that have happened in my life where I have let my wife make the choice, even though I may have felt uncomfortable about it. Do I regret the choices I let her make and the consequences that followed? Some of them. Here's the thing though. It's not something that will make me despise her. It does not keep irritating me, like a splinter in my hand that I can't get out.
I used to get bothered by some of the little things that she did. I found that if I truly value our relationship together, I should not dwell on them. I love her. And I would give up everything in my world for her (and daughter).
"When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothing else
He'll trade the world
For the good thing he's found
If she's bad he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend
If he put her down"
('When A Man Loves A Woman' by Percy Sledge)
Most know of the (in)famous Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:17). It was mentioned before God even created Eve. Now the serpent comes along and tempts Eve. "Come on. Surely God won't kill you if you eat the fruit off that tree." (My paraphrasing). Eve eats the fruit and "gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6)
One version of this story has Adam being tricked by Eve to eat the fruit as if she was as evil as the serpent. Another version may paint Adam as a dufus not recognizing the fruit and eating it when she hands it to him. I believe he knew and chose to eat it. (This idea was taught originally by the pastor of our church.)
What is love? What do you do when your in love? Would you give up everything even if you knew it was wrong?
Adam was told that he would die if he ate of the fruit of that one tree. I wonder if he ate it because she had already eaten some. Did he love her so much that he would sacrifice himself beside her? When God comes and asks Adam about the 'incident', he does not lie. "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Genesis 3:12) The woman given to him. He loves her and feels responsible for her actions. He does not say he was tricked. Adam instead admits that it was his choice.
There are things that have happened in my life where I have let my wife make the choice, even though I may have felt uncomfortable about it. Do I regret the choices I let her make and the consequences that followed? Some of them. Here's the thing though. It's not something that will make me despise her. It does not keep irritating me, like a splinter in my hand that I can't get out.
I used to get bothered by some of the little things that she did. I found that if I truly value our relationship together, I should not dwell on them. I love her. And I would give up everything in my world for her (and daughter).
"When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothing else
He'll trade the world
For the good thing he's found
If she's bad he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend
If he put her down"
('When A Man Loves A Woman' by Percy Sledge)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Fascinating, energetic speaking
I have been complimented by some of my students about my teaching style. Common descriptions will include words like energetic, passionate, caffeine overdose (from a co-worker). I just try to make it something that people will pay attention to, rather than be lulled to sleep by a monotone.
I ran across this post at my favorite links blog, Neatorama. It's a video clip of a talk by Clifford Stoll. He may not follow the "rules" of how to give a good speech but his style keeps you watching. Now, I don't necessarily believe I am in his league as far as the energy and passion (let alone intelligence) he shows in this clip, but I realized that my classes occasionally looks like this clip.
I ran across this post at my favorite links blog, Neatorama. It's a video clip of a talk by Clifford Stoll. He may not follow the "rules" of how to give a good speech but his style keeps you watching. Now, I don't necessarily believe I am in his league as far as the energy and passion (let alone intelligence) he shows in this clip, but I realized that my classes occasionally looks like this clip.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Crazy, man. Crazy.
Things that have happened since my last post:
- CM has decided to start climbing me like an indoor rock climber while I hold her. She digs her toes into my belt and grabs hold of my shirt. I can literally move my hands/arms away from her and she will stand there, the little cliff climber.
- People give me more courtesy when I have her. People let me through doors first, they let me in line first at the checkout, etc. I'm not saying I don't get my share of rudeness, but prior to CM, I didn't get much politeness either.
- My parents are spending a great deal of money on CM. We'll get about one box (or more) per week w/ clothes and/or toys in it. Mrs. and I knew that this stuff does cost money but we didn't know how much until one of the vendors sent the prices on the receipt w/ the order. I'll leave it at that. (Side note: Mom, save some money for the next grandkid or two, also!)
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