Males and Humor

I'm sitting here listening to my dh and son talk. It's a funny thing - men and humor. I'll readily admit, I don't get a lot of it. Things they think are hilarious, I just roll my eyes at. Of course, that makes them laugh all the more. Truth be told, however, I love watching them interact. They get such a kick out of each other, and their tastes are so similar. I savor these moments because I know they'll be gone before I know it. And so I groan at the gross or silly stuff, but underneath, my heart is smiling.

Teens and Socializing

Our son is completing driver's education. It's been interesting to see his reaction to driving. Whereas I was eager to learn, ready to hit the road with my friends to see where it might take us, he really has no interest in it. I thought this was unusual, but the more I've talked with other parents, the more I have found similar mindsets. Our children aren't interested in driving. Why?

In my day (translated "the dark ages") getting a driver's license was a rite of passage. I've noticed the same attitude toward cell phones today. Has this replaced the license? Teenagers stay in touch using these phones, and our son is one who keeps his phone accessible. Combine the phone with facebook, online video games and the like, and you have children who are interacting with their friends without actually being with them. Obviously, there are pros and cons to this type of socializing. What say you, o gentle reader?

For the Love of Books

I enjoy reading. Well, that's an understatement. I love reading - to the point that I have to be careful, or I'll forget about everything else. My tastes are varied, but I tend toward the classics, historical fiction, and biographies. Period pieces intrigue me, especially those set in ancient Rome and/or Greece. Some are written in such a way that it is hard to return to the present time.

It's when I'm reading a selection set in the period of the early Christian church that I wonder how our present day would look through such eyes. Sounds goofy, right? People rushing through the mall become shoppers at a market. The screaming fans at a football game are really those at the Colosseum. Especially do I wonder about the government, the church, and the culture in general. Are we repeating history? Confused thoughts at the moment...I'll write more tomorrow, when there's more time!

Rah! Rah! Miss USYea!

I'm probably the last blogger to comment on the Miss USA incident. If you haven't heard, a contestant (Miss California, I believe) was asked about her views on gay marriage. Her comment was gracious as she expressed that she didn't want to offend anyone but believes marriage is between a man and a woman. The judge that asked her the question was evidently upset enough about her response that he insulted her on his blog. Since then, it seems he retracted his statement, only to change his mind once again and stand by it, since she stood by her comments.

My first reaction to this was, why was this man a judge of the Miss USA pageant? His lack of professionalism, using insults and rude language to describe a contestant because he disagreed with her - seems like some eyebrows would be raised. But, maybe not.

As to the young woman's comments - the reaction to her politically incorrect answer seems to be indicative of an ever-growing lack of tolerance for Christians. It's ironic really, when you think about it. In this day and age of "tolerance" and "diversity," why are Christian views not tolerated? Various groups spout rhetoric of being nonjudgmental, only to judge others.

Now, do I think this type of lashing out at traditional, Judeo-Christian values will continue? Yes. Do I think it will get worse? Probably so. Why? Because our country has undergone a great deal of change over the past 50 years or so. Christians will understand what I'm talking about - a generation or two removed from the faith hurts future generations more than we realize. And while many mourn the passing of these values and ideals, Christians can use this as a wakeup call, if you will. Our culture, values, norms - none of these stand without Christ. It is through Him that we have our identities, that we live our lives as forgiven children of God. Although the world would try to take these things from us (and probably will take a lot!) it cannot take us from His hand. So we continue to live in this world, remembering that we are truly pilgrims. This is not our home - we live our lives in love, teaching our children of the Savior, and serving Christ by serving our neighbor.

And this leads me back to the Miss USA contestant. Do I believe she was serving her neighbor in her statement? Absolutely. Her witness rang clear, although she was not even talking about God at the time. Still, she told others that she believes what many still do, that the crown might be "taken" from her, but her beliefs cannot. Hopefully many young girls who watch the pageant learned a lesson about standing up in the face of adversity.

Date Time with Spouse

Since the beginning of the new year, my husband has insisted that we have date time each week. Insisted - isn't that hilarious? I mean, what wife wouldn't like to have date time? I know I was thrilled with the idea - until he introduced the rule: no discussion of the children! Well, since we have only one child, you can imagine that he is a topic of conversation quite often. Actually, as we quickly discovered, he is THE topic of the majority of our conversations. And why shouldn't he be? He is our son. We love him. We want what is best for him, blah, blah, blah. You know how it goes.

But my DH wants more. More time with us as a couple. More time to strengthen our relationship. More time to talk about our lives apart from our child who will always be our son, but who will soon be leaving the nest. At first I balked at the idea. Not realizing how often our world revolves around this teen, I thought it would be no big deal to discuss him for just a few minutes during our 4-hour-date time. Then I tried NOT talking about him, and I was amazed at how many times he came up in the conversation.

Mr. Prince Charming would grin and shake his head. "Nope. Not allowed!" Pretty soon I was laughing with him. And after the first couple of dates, we no longer had to purposefully focus on ourselves as an old married couple - it came naturally. We started laughing at old jokes, reliving earlier times, and planning for the future. We have found ourselves discussing hobbies to explore together and trips to take sans child. It has quickly become one of the highlights of my week.

And, do you know what has been the most amazing thing about date time? Since we started doing this (4 hours together, once a week), we've found ourselves more relaxed throughout the rest of the week. We approach our family time with renewed energy, and we can see the positive impact it is having on ....our son! Wow! Our Lord created marriage and when we do things to help our spouses, to spend time with them, to focus on just them...the blessings overflow to the rest of the family. Our Lord is gracious and merciful!

Goodbye to Childhood

The past week or two has been a time of transformation of our son's room. Gone are the cute little things from his childhood. Replacements include college gear, posters, and general items of interest...mostly music (at least, that's what he calls it!). And, in the midst of everything, his Bible and catechism remain bedside. It is one of those things for which I'm very thankful. He reads Scripture often and usually talks over his latest selection with his father. I consider myself blessed to be able to listen to their theological discussions.

As he leaves childhood and prepares to enter the adult world, we often wonder if we've done enough. Have we taught him everything he's going to need to know? Of course not! What we have accomplished, have we done those things well? Probably not. Still, it's becoming clear - he is clinging to the One thing that is needful. So, even if he doesn't become "successful" in whatever terms society chooses to attach to the word, he is victorious through Christ. He is mindful of his sinful nature and rejoices in his baptism. He looks forward to the Holy Supper each week and is comforted knowing that his sins are forgiven in Christ. He's a child of God - who is quickly becoming a man. Thanks be to God!

Easter 2009

It seems that I gave up my blog for Lent! Actually, I found myself with little time to post during the past two months. Hopefully I'll be able to attend to this more frequently. Right now, however, it is quite late, and I am a morning person. I shall add this mini-post and check back tomorrow!
Cristiana

Crafts, Projects, and Plans

I started the new year with several craft projects in mind. As of yet, I have not organized them in any fashion. Wish I could say this is not my normal way, but, ask anyone who knows me - organization is not my specialty. Yet!

So, how have I started the year being more organized? Well, my weekly schedule is now my screen saver. Having a bright orange schedule politely reminding me that I need to be about my home comforts is really working well. For one thing, it keeps me from spending too much time on the computer. You know what I mean, don't you? Just checking email once more. Or looking up that piece of information I really need. Or checking out airfares for summer vacation. What is it about this little electronic device that calls to me? And, of course, I must answer! But now, when I do, this message is there greeting me, basically saying, "Get busy and do your chores! Time for the computer later!"

So, now that I'm getting the house more organized, I'm ready to apply that to my projects. Here is the list of items I'd like to complete this year:

January - nothing! (I'm doing great, so far!)
February - 4 knitted dishcloths for friends (2 done; 1 in progress)
March - 12 knitted dishcloths (1 for each month) for a silent auction at church
April - purse/tote for my mother-in-law (knitting completed; need to assemble)
May - begin Christmas gifts for family/friends (have yet to decide what to make)
June - Work on Christmas gifts/Paint son's room

I think I'll just plan through June and see how things go. I'm really excited about finally getting around to some things that I've wanted to do for awhile. A major project I would like to do is design tatting ornaments to represent symbols of the church. I'll need to do some research on that first.

Time to get knitting. I might even try to post pictures of my projects. My goodness! I'm becoming quite savvy with the computer, aren't I? ;)

Cristiana

Home Comforts

We bought a fixer-upper a few years ago. It's coming together slowly. I really enjoy working on the house and started experimenting with various colors, carrying one color throughout the house. It's been a lot of fun, albeit a slow process. Hopefully I'll have all of the painting done by this summer. Then I'll begin to work on the outside - landscaping, etc.

During this time of year, we spend most of our time indoors. This winter has been particularly harsh and long. While we long to get outside again, we enjoy the coziness, the time for family...of course, cabin fever can be a problem at times, but, on the whole, it's a quiet time. It's as if we're resting, along with the rest of nature, just waiting for spring when we'll awaken and begin again. In the meantime, we read, play games, have long conversations, and enjoy each other.

I'm in a particularly sappy mood right now. We just have a couple of years left with our son at home before he graduates high school. I truly cannot believe the time has gone so quickly. He's growing into a fine young man, and we do so enjoy spending time with him. I'm going to miss him so much when he leaves (pause for a little sniffle!), but I'm sure he'll visit often...or else, we'll have to go to him. He'd be thrilled if we showed up just to hang out with him while he's away at school! :)

Cristiana

What Are You Doing with Yourself These Days?

I was asked that this morning, by a woman who was quite sincere in her question. I couldn't believe the words that came out of my mouth - Oh, I'm working online. It's a lot of fun. She seemed really happy for me, asked about the work, and left quite satisfied. I, on the other hand, felt terrible.

Did I lie? No. I do work a few hours per week online, but that's not my main vocation. Still, I didn't answer the way I should have. What I really "do with myself these days" (and all days!) is take care of my family and our home. Granted, I'm not best at housekeeping and my cooking wouldn't win any Pillsbury Bake Offs, but I work at it. So, why did I answer this woman by telling her about an online job? Because it seemed more important, more glamorous, more worthwhile than being a wife, mom, and homemaker? How sad! Sad because I felt she would look negatively on my "real" answer...and sad that I felt the need to answer that way.

As a result of this encounter, in the future, I'm going to make a conscious effort to explain my vocation to people who ask. In our present culture, I'm a mastadon of sorts, but I'm happy to be one. My family is the most important vocation God has given me, and I am thankful that I'm able to be home caring for them. Think I'll head to the kitchen now and bake some cookies!

Cristiana

Health Care...Not for All Children!

I watched President Obama sign the SCHIP bill that provides health care for all children (although I'm hearing that children means under 30 years of age!). Listening to him prior to and after the signing brought tears to my eyes. He spoke of children who didn't have such care; he talked about tucking his girls in at night... there was a lot of compassion there. What I didn't hear, though, was the compassion for the children who will never get health care, nor ever be tucked in at night. Those children sleep in a bed six feet underground...



As the president indicated, it says a lot about our country when we take care of those who are weak and helpless. What, therefore, does it say about a country that kills those very people? I find it so tragic that his first acts as president show his compassion for the terrorist prisoners who want to kill Americans and his lack thereof for the unborn...correction...some of these poor babies survive the abortion, only to be left on a table until they're dead.



What horrifies me more than a president who promotes abortion, is one who knows children survive these monstrous attacks, yet still insists they must be left to die!I don't understand that, can't wrap my brain around such a mindset. And I have a feeling it's only going to get worse.



Lord, have mercy.



Cristiana

Hey, Lucy! I'm home!

We watched the pilot episode of I Love Lucy the other day. It was really interesting to see how they pitched the original idea - many parts of the skit were used in later episodes. From the get-go, Lucy wanted to be involved in Ricky's show business career. And what did Ricky say? He wanted her to bring him his slippers and pipe, cook and clean, and be the momma to his children. It's really great, isn't it? There was no apology for wanting his wife to be that - a wife and eventually a mother. Whenever I watch this show...or others, such as Leave It to Beaver... I'm struck by how quickly we've changed as a society. Since the end of WWII, wives have ventured far from home. Yet, like Dorothy, I, along with many other women, have discovered there really is no place like home.



Being at the end of Baby Boomer generation, I've found that many women my age are more open to traditional roles than those even a few years older. Why is it this way? The nearest I can figure is that we were young children in the 60s; the radical changes did not impact us - we saw some, missed a lot, and comprehended very little of what was happening in our worlds. And for that, I'm so very thankful - thankful that my mother did not alert us to what was happening; thankful that she kept us in traditional, moral ways; thankful that our town, in general, was oblivious to the turmoil the nation was undergoing.



To be continued...



Cristiana

Our Children's Spouses

The older our son becomes, the more I wonder what his wife will be like. I always thought I'd wonder about things like, what she looks like, what she does for a living, etc. Instead, what I find myself concerned about, praying about, is that he marry a godly woman.

My mother married a man who was basically a pagan. He had not been involved in any church for years. He attended services with her for years before deciding to join our congregation. Mom was thrilled. Years later, I discussed this with her. She told me that it was important to "be on the same page" with your spouse, especially when children enter the picture.

As a parent, I understand her words more than I did as a teen. And I think how God told the Israelites to marry within their people...not to be rascist, not to be snobbish...but to preserve their faith. By marrying people who believed in false gods, the Israelites risked losing their faith and adopting that of the pagans. Today, I've seen children pulled in various directions by parents who have different faiths. How do the children view this? Is Dad right, or does Mom really know what's good for me? Why do they not agree? Perhaps neither is right...it's so tragic.

So now I'm praying that our son find a Christian woman, a woman who will be the mother of children raised in the Christian faith. And whereas in earlier days, there were quite a few around, today they seem to be fewer in number. Recently, however, our son brought tears to my eyes when he indicated how important it is to him to marry a Christian girl. Wow! To know that he's thinking about such things....who'd have thought it? Thanks be to God!

Is It Spring Yet?

It's around this time every year that I get really antsy for spring. Everything in me craves for sunshine and heat. Living in the north has many advantages, but right now, all of them are probably covered with snow! And those little glimpses of what is to come...those teasing days of warmth, where 20 degrees feels so cozy, a coat is not necessary...they come every so often, just often enough to keep me from despair, from thinking the winter will never end. In the meantime, we stay bundled up, visit with friends, and plan for the activities we'll do in a few months' time.

These winter days mirror my life in Christ. I so long for relief from the trials and cares of this world, and I know that one day, I'll be with Him in heaven. In the meantime, I persevere, strengthened by the gifts of faith and family, seeing glimpses of heaven in the Divine Service and the Holy Supper. These blessings keep me from despair; in fact, they enable me to help others, to give them comfort and hope as we continue our pilgrimage here on earth.

Cristiana

Dating, Part II

One of the things I love the most about my family is our ability to talk with each other. I do so treasure our discussions - even when we're disagreeing on something. I pray that our son continues to talk openly with us about his life. He and his dad have one of the strongest relationships I've seen between father and son, and I thank God for that. They discuss such serious issues, yet they're never at a loss for being goofy. As a girl who grew up in a family of women, I find this fascinating! Their viewpoints on things in life are so interesting to me...for instance, my idea of a beautiful woman is often quite different then theirs, yet they are almost always in agreement with each other.

Lately, in addition to dating, our family discussions have been focusing on President Obama and his administration. We prayed for him in church on Sunday, and we'll keep him in our family prayers, too. We hope he'll be a good, strong leader for our country, but how one can do that while being unable to recognize what human beings are, leaves us shaking our heads in dismay. When he spoke about caring for those who are unable to care for themselves, he did not include the unborn in that catergory. Lord, have mercy on us.

Dating 101

One of the greatest blessings of marriage is the gift of children. Many books have been written about the raising of children - especially in a Christian home. A plethora of information can be found concerning younger kids. My thoughts at the moment (warning: subject to change without notice!) are along the lines of teens and dating, since that's where our family is presently.

As a teacher, I've noticed that the entrance into the dating scene seems to include younger children than my generation (long, long ago). Students often "go out" in upper elementary years. Thankfully, the term "go out" doesn't seem to involve actually going anywhere; rather, it appears to be an announcement of sorts, that the two are a couple.

This custom surprised me considerably. I hadn't thought that we would be dealing with such matters with our child before junior high. It's no wonder that by the time a lot of the tweens reach the 8th grade, they've been dating for awhile. We wanted our son to develop healthy friendships with both sexes and to save dating for a later time.

It was by accident that I stumbled across a book that has proven to be quite a little treasure. Going Out, Getting Dumped, and Playing Mini Golf on the First Date by Tim Pauls is a book to be read by kids and parents alike. As the title indicates, the text is not forced, nor is it a list of dos and don'ts for teens who are dating. Instead, it beautifully sets out what dating actually is, looking at it from a Christian viewpoint, with emphasis on the relationships that we develop as children of God. I highly recommend it...it has provided a lot of starting points for discussions in our family.

More on dating next time.
Cristiana

Epiphany Moments

So, we're in the season of Epiphany...until the beginning of Lent, I believe. There were a couple of epiphany moments during a Sunday School lesson today. As I was speaking to the class, I addressed a young girl, using her as an example of how God sees us in our Baptisms. When I told her that the Father looks at her and sees Jesus, that she is His child now, that she is everything to Him...the look on her face was priceless. It was full of wonder, amazement, and what I imagine to be the look we all have when we're told something that is so great, we simply can't quite believe it to be true. And then...she smiled. It was such a smile as I rarely see - one I can't describe, but one I won't soon forget. I pray that she always remembers that she belongs to Christ.

My epiphany moment happened at the same time and involved the same realization. I know I'm a child of the heavenly Father. I know it, but I need to hear it, too. We are a people who live by our ears. The Word enters us through our ears and goes to our hearts. And we need to hear it...over and over again. Knowing it is one thing...hearing it told to me again and again, now that's even better.

In my charming relationship, I am loved by my dear husband. Knowing it is one thing, but hearing it again and again...well, that's so much better, isn't it? I can never hear the words, "I love you" too often. Neither can I hear of the Father's love for me too many times.

Cristiana

Hello!

It's a new year, so I'm trying something new - a blog. Granted, I'm probably one of the last to do so (only got a cd player a few years back!); still, I'm going to give it a shot.

The title, Our Charming Relationship, refers to Martin Luther's quote:

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.

I haven't done any research on the quote, but it rings true in two ways. Obviously, a good marriage is wonderful, full of blessings, many of which involve children. The other seems to be that marriage is a reflection of Christ's relationship with His bride, the church, and this would be the best of all relationships.

God has granted me a wonderful husband, and while we're both sinners who daily struggle with our Old Adams, we're also saints, baptized into Christ, living our vocations within our charming relationshp.

Cristiana

PS - The clip art of the wedding couple is from the following free site: www.webweaver.nu