Thursday, May 15, 2008

Remembering Moms


I had this story sent to me and thought it was thought provoking following Mother's Day.


After many long months of cold and winter, we are finally coming up to spring and BBQ season. Therefore, it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this outdoor cooking ritual, as it's the only type of cooking a real man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ, the following chain of events is put into motion:
Routine:
1. The woman buys the food.
2. The woman makes a salad, prepares vegetables, and makes dessert.
3. The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - drink in hand.
Here comes the important part:
4. THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL More routine:
5. The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
6. The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bringanother drink while he deals with the situation.
Important again:
7. THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
More routine:
8. The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces and brings them to the table.
9. After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
10. Everyone PRAISES THE MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
11. The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off' and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women!


Guys, when it's true it's best to just laugh with them.


Griff

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Parenting Parents


This issue of parenting our parents was deeply personal for some of us. For others it is definately something we need to be thinking about and possibly working on to prepare for the future. Glen passed on these obesrvations and suggestions:


  • It is important that the family works together on what is best for the aging parents. This is not a time for sibling rivalry or turf wars. The issue is what is best for the aging parent.

  • Support is a group effort. It may not take a village, but it does take a community. Prayers and questions of concern mean so much.

  • Additional tasks given by family members far away create great frustration because most of those providing the care are already overwhelmed. If you cannot do it yourself, don’t suggest it.

Carol Abaya at http://www.sandwichgeneration.com/ is a good resource for parenting your parents.


God’s promise has great meaning as we age. It would be a good one to memorize or place in prominent location as a reminder. Isaiah 46:4 (God’s Word Translation) Even when you're old, I'll take care of you. Even when your hair turns gray, I'll support you. I made you and will continue to care for you. I'll support you and save you.


Griff

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Spiritually Green?


I hate to admit this about myself but I have been pretty skeptical and critical when it comes to environmental issues. I have probably been sort of a jerk about the issue at times (just ask my wife). Honestly, I just didn't care that much about it. If it was super easy to do something I would but if it took any effort on my part I didn't care enough to act.

I am not sure what you thought about Matthew Sleeth's story but personally I was challenged in a new way. I have never thought about the environment in light of the two greatest commandments. How can I love God more and how can I show my neighbor love. Appreciating and caring for the environment from that perspective makes so much more sense and gives me motivation I have never had before.

I really appreciated how Matthew the issue a spiritual one and kept it from being political at the same time. I appreciate that he is willing to live into what he believes in ways that are practical and simple.

I know we are making some changes in our household. I hope you are in yours. In the end it is a personal issue that has profound effects on the world around you. I hope you let those questions lead you. Will this show love for God (and what he has given me), and will this show love for my neighbor (and future generations).

So what kinds of things have you decided to do?