Christian Sees Those Ahead...

Sunday nights are generally when my wife and I meet with our small group. We normally talk about that day's sermon. We are presently in the middle of a series on gender, sort of along the lines of Restoring Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

Near the end of last Sunday night's meeting, I brought up a survey that I read that says a lot of men see love and respect as synonymous terms. Most women, on the other hand, see these terms as very distinct from each other.

The discussion that followed seemed to reinforce that very idea. Early on, our group leader, Mr. Jones, said something to the effect of, "I don't think you can have love without respect." Later on he asked the question, "So is it possible to love someone you don't respect?" He did so in his usual manner, which is to say in an open and honest manner, lacking any tone of condescension or disapproval of the notion.

Immediately the lovely Mrs. Jones answered something to the effect of, "Yes, you can love someone without respecting them. You won't follow someone you don't respect, but you can still love them." Her response had no hint of trepidation or sarcasm. It was truly uninhibited, (yet) loving and respectful. Mr. Jones nodded an understanding nod.

This exchange was a beautiful example of a Husband moving beyond his own perspective and including the perspective of his Bride. This exchange gave me the impression that Mr. Jones has been loving his wife as Christ loves the Church. It was natural and flowing, giving the impression that this is the normal course of their conversations.

Mr. Jones' willingness to question his own paradigm in an effort to understand how others think and feel was inspirational to me. I hope to one day to be more like him.

This post was posted with the permission of Mr. Jones. Yes, that is his real name.

Big News!!!

Yes, really big, read all about it on the McDaris Family Blog. Go read it now, I'll wait here.

Announcement: Cigar and Theology

Just a heads-up for those of you in the L.A./Orange county area: I will be hosting a Cigar and Theology Night in the near future.

In addition to the fine cigar and theology you bring, there will be good beer and tasty ice cream. Partaking of cigars and beer is not required, but extreme peer pressure will be applied to those who plan not to eat ice cream.

I'm still working on a place and time. If you are interested, send an email to: ibeabrian@gmail.com.

I think the topic up for discussion will most likely be, "The persistence of sin in the life of the believer." I think one of the Pyro bloggers mentioned it a month or so ago (maybe on one of the solo blogs) but I can't find it now. If you remember reading the post and know where it is, let me know, please.

UPDATE: Link to the proposed discussion topic found here.
h/t to Even so... at VoV.

Texas

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I went to the great state of Texas for a business meeting. We arrived a day early so we could have more time to sightsee and hang out. We stayed at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. Nice place, really. The business part of the trip was as expected with the usual meetings on how to sell more effectively, and get some deals on what I sell.

Tricia was able to meet some of her friends from Texas. The food was good, the people were nice and now I know that "all y'all" is the plural of "y'all".

My wife made a funny.

Here it is. And while you're there check out what my one year boy old can do.

Kevin Rocks! (or Rhymes)

Kevin over at Encyclopedia Kevinannica wrote a little diddy worthy of link. Thanks for the shout out.

This comes with a big H/T to Ann at Everyday in Grace. Really, check her blog, good stuff!

And since Kevin mentioned it is National Poetry Month, I thought I would repost my last (read "most recent", and yes that is a threat that I may do it again) cheesy poem.

Seaside Single Wide
(A Trailer Trash epic)

Found my spot on the shoreline
Ten paces to the dry side of high tide
Is where I'll park my trailer in no time
My own little seaside single wide

Toes in sand, I lean back in a resin chair
With an Avo burning and a cold Guinness
Watch the sun setting, smell the sea in the air
What tomorrow brings, I couldn't care less

I woke before dawn to a new sensation
A storm blew in, and the waves washed me out
So now my single wide is floating in the ocean
Along with a sinking feeling and rising doubt

Quickly find my single wide is not seaworthy
As it has already become an aquatic habitat
I was swimming in a riptide by six thirty
Using a resin chair as a make shift raft

Homeless but alive on a rocky shore
With nothing ahead of me but sheer cliffs
I begin to climb soon my body is sore
Takes forever and a day to reach the precipice

Exhausted on the plateau I can only lay
On this hard flat and steady stone
Both of us warmed by the sun's ray
Thinking this is where I'll build my home