I've always had a thing for analogies, parables, and the like. As
teaching tools, they use every-day situations and ideas to explain
complex principles, making those complex ideas a whole lot easier to
understand. Often, they can explain ideas that would otherwise be nigh
impossible to explain accurately.
Jesus Himself used
parables all the time in His teaching. Sometimes this was to make the
teaching of a certain principle easier. But often He didn't give an
explanation. He simply allowed people to take from the "nice story" what
they would- an act of mercy, given that we are each held accountable
for following the doctrines we understand.
In an engine there are all
these parts that move and do things, and pretty much none of those
parts are interchangeable-- you can't really put motor oil in the
transmission and expect things to work right for very long.. and vice
versa.
The same thing applies to society- men and women are different (I know, big surprise there, right?). God created us to be
different- to think and act differently.
Even our perceptions and
communication styles are different. Sure, equality in the workplace is a
good thing, but we are still different from each other. There are
things that men do better than women, and there are things women are
better at than men. You can't expect to mix things up for equality's
sake and expect society to function effectively for very long.
Our Father created men to be physically stronger so they would have the
strength to work and provide for their families. Men- husbands and
fathers are also charged with providing for and protecting their families.
This protection isn't just from the physical dangers that can break down
doors and invade, but the more discreet and insidious dangers that can
filter in through the seemingly harmless avenues of media and social
influences.
My amazing baby brother and his family
He also created women to be strong- in very different ways. Women- wives and mothers have an amazing capacity for emotional and physical endurance and giving. This endurance and giving is needed as women become mothers and teach their children both the basics and niceties of life... while maintaining a home- cleaning, cooking, laundry, mending, child care/education.
Sure, men can fill women's roles in the home.. and women are capable (thanks to our modern society and technology) of being the breadwinners, but there is still value in starting with the traditional template:
A while back (ok, so it was probably more like 2 years ago), I read an article about the adult dating scene (vs the teen dating scene). The author focused on the sifting process- how do you pick the keepers?
It was suggested to write a Top Ten list- one through five being your absolutely-gotta-have, deal-breaker type issues, and six through ten being things you'd really like to have but are willing to compromise on.
In my own attempt to write a Top Ten list, I only got to 6 or 7. After that, I couldn't think of anything that was worth actually writing down... and honestly, in a recent attempt to recreate my Top Ten list, I discovered that I've forgotten numbers 6 and maybe-7.. maybe they weren't so important after all?
But here's what I remember:
1- Spirituality and Religion.
My religion is a big part of who I am. It informs my opinions, thoughts, and attitudes about most everything- politics and social issues to child rearing theories and gender roles, personal financial management to home management and logistics. My ideal guy is my equal in what we believe.. and the level of commitment we feel.. and our long-term relationship goals.
2- Financially responsible.
At this point in my life, I'm not really interested in being with someone who is still "getting there." My ideal guy has his ducks in a row. He earns enough to provide for himself and a family. He manages his money and doesn't spend more than he earns. He knows how to AND DOES save. I'm not a gold-digger, not materialistic... I've just been-there/done-that.. and I don't wanna go back.
3- Health.
As things age, they break down- this includes cars, homes.. and the human body. The trick is to manage the problems as they arise. If he's got his issues appropriately managed, then we're golden. Unmanaged physical problems or mental illness is a deal-breaker.
4- Family.
I was nearly 2 when my parents brought my first sibling, home from the hospital. I was perfectly naive about where babies come from, but the idea that I, as a little girl, could some day be a Mommy was just the coolest thing in my mind! When I was 18, I learned that I will never attain the role of mother through the usual avenue- my babies must come as a gift of love through another woman. Therefore, my ideal man must want parenthood as much as I do. He has to be as motivated to be a parent as I am. He must be willing and able to do what's necessary (see #2) to bring children into my home.
5- Common Courtesy and Respect
I went out once or twice with a guy who didn't trust that I knew my own mind. He'd ask me a question about my faith, then after I answered, he would tell me I was wrong. BIG mistake- he just hit my single solitary pet peeve. I'm pretty sure I know better than others what's going on in my own head and heart. After all, I'm the one in here ;) Also, I'm smart- I have good ideas once in a while. I'm spiritual- I get inspiration occasionally. Please don't automatically dismiss my input.
I've found a lot of guys who have three or four of five. I've found some who have made excuses for why they don't measure up (From someone who DID measure up at a young age: "Excuses are like armpits- we all have two and they both stink."-- love you, Dad!)
I've liked many of them.. a lot.
Some have asked and I've contemplated marrying.. seriously.
But I haven't taken anyone up on the offers. I don't want to compromise on things that are so very important to me. These issues are truly deal-breakers. I'm not perfect, and I'm not expecting someone who's perfect. But I do want someone who knows how many ducks he has, where they're supposed to be, has them basically in a row. I want a whole person.
Am I being unreasonable? What would you expect in a potential mate?
Those of you who have been to peopleofwalmart.com, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, you may want to just completely skip this post and come back next week.
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Are you SURE you wanna keep reading?
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Really, Mom.. I think you should skip this post.. please!
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Alright, if you insist- here's a video for your -entertainment- horror.
It doesn't take much from that site to make me feel downright
gorgeous!!!.. and give me a complex about my truly fabulous taste in fashion! Am I the only one who cares what they look like when seen in public?
I don't wear billboard tee shirts. Yeah, I own a few, but I wear them when I'm doing yard work. But before I go to the store, a shower, and change of clothes is in order.
I don't own anything that shows whaletail.... or gratuitous/saggy Cleveland.
The only time anyone sees my "other" cheeks is at the pool.
I don't have any tattoos.
I have two piercings.. one in each earlobe.
I don't think my hair is capable of achieving "big hair."
My pants all fit properly, and don't create muffin tops.
If a shirt gets a hole in it- retired!
Sure, we shouldn't judge a book by its cover.. but do you realize what you can tell from a book's cover?? Title, author, maybe a little bit of what it's about. You may even be able to tell how often it's been read.
What do your clothes say about yourself?
I've been gathering pictures and memes about grammar, and I thought I'd share some of them with you today. See, poor grammar, improper punctuation, inaccurately auto-corrected texts are a bane on a reader's life... on the life of anyone on the receiving end of written communication.
But today, I'd like to start with punctuation. Improper punctuation is almost to epidemic proportions. The things proper/improper punctuation can do!
Change the entire meaning of a sentence.
Save a life with proper punctuation!
Accuse the innocent with creative punctuation.
Clarification is everything!
Have a rocking good time with proper punctuation.. and better company.
While texting has its own rules, at least be clear.
On a professionally custom-painted pickup.... and they call themselves "professionals"... ?
See, proper punctuation can define, save a life, exonerate the innocent, clarify, and even improve a party. On the other hand, improper punctuation can do the exact opposite.. in addition to making you look like a full-on doofus.
So which are you?
So, in conclusion, a note from Grammar herself:
This public service announcement has been brought to you by:
They're
Over There in Their Yard.. about to Pare a Pair of Pears.
