Archive - Uncategorized RSS Feed

Top 10 Things I Didn’t Buy Dad at the Christian Bookstore

October 18, 2011 in Uncategorized 33

If you’re not following me on Facebook, you’re missing out on amazing status updates and pics like the following:

 

The Miracle Face

 

This, my friends, is an artistic rendering of the face of our Lord, the eyes of which track you across the room lest you forget His words I am with you always.  While I know this to be true, His presence is not creepy as represented here.

::

Last week I was perusing my local Christian book store for a bday gift for Dad.  The number of things I passed up was more than 10, but for brevity’s sake, I give you the Top 10 Things I Didn’t Buy Dad at the Christian Bookstore.

{Please excuse my awkward photos as I was attempting to be discreet while taking these pics}

 

10.  John 3:16 Faux Silk Tie

Textile Bible

Having a tie that reads John 3:16 is about as cute to me as those sweats with words on the tooshie.  Who wants to draw attention to their gut or their butt?  I guess if you were looking to be reminded of that Scripture, a tie would be a handy place to keep it.  You could also switch it up for the “Fruits of the Spirit” tie, depending on your mood.   Dad doesn’t really wear ties, so this was a no-go.

9.  Hunter’s Tee

Bambi’s Family

Dad’s more of a “get in the studio and create something” kinda guy, not a “go out and kill something” kinda guy.  So I didn’t think this t-shirt was appropriate for his bday.  Nor did I think the juxtaposition of Psalm 42:1 with hunter’s paraphenalia was a good way to lay hold of the vibe David was going for when he penned the words, As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.

8. The Solar Powered Praise Flower

 

Batteries not Included
 

This flower will do a little dance and make a little praise when it has enough energy from the sun.  It also invites squeals from small children and incessant barking from my pups.  Didn’t think this was the best way to express my love for Dad.

7.  Sprite Offering Can

Not very Spritey

This one threw me off because I found it near the coffee mugs.  Dad doesn’t drink Sprite, nor does he collect offering in his home, so I didn’t think was appropriate.  But, for the Youth Pastors out there, this Sprite lookalike can would be perfect for Punking a kid in youth group.

Oooh, sure I’ll take a Sprite during the middle of service.  Oh wait, it’s not a Sprite, it’s a guilt trip that says “God loves a cheerful giver.”  Doh-there goes my Sprite money. 

Also comes in Red Sea {Red Bull} and Perfect One {Pepsi One}.

6. Discipleship Trading Cards

Moving along to the toy section, I found this packge of 114 disciple trading cards.  Which disciple do you think would be the most coveted? John got his head chopped off, but Peter was the one who was called “The Rock”.  I’d keep mine sealed and  unopened for future sale on Ebay.  This one just didn’t say “Dad” to me.

5.  Fallen Angel Action Figure

Fallen Angels Wear Black

I knew this action figure wasn’t Dad’s style, but for 75% off I almost bought it for my boys.  Then, I couldn’t find any Lucifer’s.  They must have sold out last Christmas.  But, where are all the Good Angels?  Gabriel?  Michael?  I wanna see what kinda heat they’re packin’.

4. Cupcake Tote

Cupcakes are from God

I almost sprayed my coffee when I saw this tote.  Does the designer truly think that God gives us free reign to enjoy all the cupcakes one person wants???  I guess the designer also didn’t think to include the rest of I Timothy on this bag.  Ya know, the part where it says: 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  Dad doesn’t need a tote, so I put that one back on the rack.

 3.  BFF Tote

All out of the blue ones

Almost got this one for Dad to take to work, but then I realized hot pink isn’t really his color.  Besides, I have big issues with calling Jesus my bff.  BIG ISSUES.  {Backing away from the soap box now}

 2. Crown

Crown made out of resin {plastic}

I guess if you need a visual representation of the fact that Jesus is the King of Kings, this here crown fits the bill.  But, I think it’s a little small for Jesus’ head, don’t you? And, I feel like it needs more bling.  I always get Dad hats for bday and Christmas.  I needed to find something different.

But, first the number ONE thing I will NOT be buying Dad for his birthday:

1.  Crown of Thorns

TOO DANGEROUS!

While I’m sure Dad would welcome the experience of trying on the Crown of Thorns, what would he do with it afterwards?  Halloween costume???  {that’s too weird}  There are numerous warnings on the back of the box to keep the Crown of Thorns away from flames, pets, and children, because it is made out of REAL thorns and is very sharp and dangerous.  {GASP!}  And, the most prohibitive reason I didn’t buy this for Dad?  It’s $69.99!!!  I think he would rather me donate the money to his iPad 2 fund.

I almost left the store empty handed.  But, alas, I remembered the Christian music section.

And, all the chatter about good Christian music in the comments last week.

So, I got him this:

Music for Kids and Adults!

The highly anticipated and eagerly awaited new Gungor album, Ghosts Upon the Earth. 

I know it’s good because I bought one for myself.  And, I know Dad will love it becuause he’s the one who introduced me to Gungor in the first place.

::

Is this kind of marketing any different than when Jesus turned the tables at the temple?

A Special Announcement from Pop Parables

September 29, 2011 in Uncategorized 26

 

World Wide Celebrations

 

It has been exactly ONE year since Pop Parables was first launched!

All over the world, people are celebrating…something.

Okay, maybe they’re not celebrating Pop Parables, but I sure am!

Yipee!  {throws confetti in the air because apparently fireworks are illegal}

This is normally the part where I say how amazing all of you readers are, how I wish I could be sitting with all of you in Starbucks right now, how you’ve all helped me to learn and grow and make Pop Parables what it is today, and how you are all my best friends in the whole wide webz.

And, even though that is all really quite true, I think you all deserve a little bit more than lip service.

So, to thank all of you lovely readers, I’ve decided to spruce things up around here.

Read as: Change is coming!

Simmer down, simmer down.  The changes won’t be on par with the earth shattering changes on Facebook this week.

But, in just two short weeks, this here little bloggity will be getting a MAKEOVER!!!  {sorry, I’m not Oprah, so I couldn’t make it happen in an hour or less}

Since I’m not partial to multitasking, I won’t be publishing any new material over the next two weeks.

However, I WILL be re-posting some of my all time favorite posts from year gone by-the likes of which some of you have never seen!

I should also add that the changes will not just be on the surface.

I’m deteremined to make Pop Parables something better than it is today.  I’m envisioning a place you can count on to provide inspiration, encouragement, tips, advice, and maybe a little LOL’ing every once in awhile.

But, before I get to that point, I need your help!

I’m conducting a survey of Pop Parables readers.  If you’ve EVER read a post, even just ONE post, or maybe a few posts, I’d love to get your feedback on the bloggity action.

It’s only 10 simple and pain free questions.  I know you can do it!  Please say you will?  I will love you forever and like you for always!

Oh, I almost forget the best news of all!

When, Pop Parables comes back looking all new and fabulous on Friday, October 14, I know you’ll all be doing the ugly cry.

After you wipe your mascara off your cheeks, you’ll have an opportunity to enter a giveaway that will include a BUNDLE of Pop Parables.  I haven’t quite decided what said bundle will include, but I assure you it will be a little sumpin sumpin all of ya’ll will wish you had.  Hint: will include massive amounts of entertainment.

So, mark your calendars for the reveal, or start following Pop Parables on Twitter or Facebook to stay up to speed.

In the meantime, PLEASE complete this survey.  Your answers are totally anonymous.   You are changing the world! {well, at least my world}

GO HERE FOR POP PARABLES SURVEY

 

A How to Guide for Dividing Labor without Dividing Your Marriage

August 2, 2011 in Culture, Uncategorized 13

...if you don't have a happy heart!

The August 8 cover of  Time magazine features an image of a husband and wife battling The Chore Wars. 

Sociologist Jopepsh Pleck states that Inequity in the gender division of labor gets rediscovered in pop culture every seven to 10 years as a new generation of women enters early parenthood and that’s the issue that they see.  What’s interesting is that the current generation of young moms {that’s me!} is seeing more equality than every before. 

Author Ruth Davis Konigsberg, points out that men are actually doing more work around the house than ever and division of labor is nearly equal in American marriages.   And, not only are they sharing their household chores, but they see it as integral to the health of their marriage.  In a 2007 Pew Research Center  poll, 62% of married adults said sharing household chores was the third most important ingredient in a successful marriage (after faithfulness and sex).

::

Before I had kids, I had never even considered what the term division of labor would mean for me.

For the first 7 years of our marriage, Mike and I didn’t even give much thought to who did what around the house.  Things just got done.  And, while we both worked and/or attended university, we had a lot more time on our hands to be sure each task was checked off the to-do list. 

But, since having children, the biggest challenge in our marriage revolves around the division of labor.  With 3 little ones age 4 and under, there is infinitely more work than one could imagine. Not to mention that we are now homeowners, which brings with it the additional challenges of the {unplanned} bathroom reno, yard work {which we despise} and general upkeep of the household.

The pressures of keeping it all together have at times overwhelmed me to the point of tears.  Since I lack the gift of domesticity, I struggle to maintain an orderly household.  And, while hubs and I are still working out the kinks, I’ve discovered a few things along the way that have helped to ease the tension between us. 

And, now I share them with you!

A How to Guide for Dividing Labor without Dividing Your Marriage

Create a list of tasks.  Take a week or 2 to write down every.single.task that each of you does to keep your household functioning.  {Bathing yourself doesn’t count, but you should still do it.}  You’ll be surprised at how much needs to be done and how much your spouse is already doing that you aren’t aware of!

Agree on what’s important.  {This is a biggie.}  People have different ideas of what needs to be done and what’s just borderline obsessive. 

Divide the tasks according to who enjoys them most or who is the most efficient.  If no one wants to tackle cleaning the toilets, alternate the responsibility.  Throw traditional gender roles out the window, and focus on your individual strengths here.  In our family, hubs is the doggie groomer and kid barber.  Most moms tackle those jobs, but Mike is just so much better at it than I am, so it’s his area of responsibility. 

Know that the division will not be 50/50.  It’s not possible for the division of labor to be split straight down the middle.  That’s why it’s important for each partner to take on the tasks that they enjoy. 

Just because a task isn’t on your “To Do” list, don’t fuggedaboutit!  Be sure to support your partner in their tasks.  Put your toe nail clippings in the garbage.  Don’t leave them on the table for your spouse to dispose of.  Once in awhile, take on a task for your spouse “just because”. 

Accept your partner’s way of doing things.  If you want something done a certain way, you’ll need to take on that task yourself or have a civil discussion about your preferences. 

Outsource.  If you have the resources, bring in some outside help.  Having your teenage neighbor mow the lawn twice a month could relieve a huge burden.  Or, what about hiring a cleaning service to come in once every few months to do a deep clean?  Use the time and energy saved to do something special together. {I didn’t say sex, but I know that’s what you all were thinking.}

Git ‘er done! {DUH!}  Be responsible for actually completing your tasks.  Don’t wait for your spouse to remind you. 

Evaluate how things are going.  Periods of transition {new baby, new job, even a change of seasons} can increase or decrease the work load.  Be sure to assess if the division of labor is still working, or if you need to play musical chores. 

Most importantly, approach each task with a servant’s heart.  Especially if you don’t particularly enjoy a certain task, think of it as serving your spouse and your family and putting their needs above your own.  A verse that I like to keep at the forefront of my mind is this:

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  {Philippians 2:3-5} 

::

 What tips or suggestions would you add to my “How To” guide?

How do you divide the labor in your home?

 

{Photo courtesy of Rachel Hyde}

 



Captain Underpants: Top 5 Lessons in Building Community

May 22, 2011 in Culture, Uncategorized 39

Kaleb & Lukas

Those are my 2 oldest boys.  Ain’t they caaaa-ute?  ;)

Kaleb is in the midst of that lovely period known as potty training.

Normally, I don’t broadcast such news because it is an excruciatingly painful and humiliating process to potty train a child.

Anyone who tells you otherwise has only just begun the journey and is in for a load of crapola, in more ways than one.

::

The other day, Lukas overheard me telling my hubby, Mike, that it was high time we ventured to Target and had Kaleb pick out some underoos.

Ever the supportive older brother, Lukas eagerly interrupted our conversation with this statement:

“Mommy!  Mommy!  I have a really good idea.  We don’t have to go to Target.  Kaleb can just borrow MY underoos!”

In that moment, I tried really hard not to laugh.  He was just being loving after all.  And, in a houseful of boys, encouraging sharing is always a good thing.

But, how did he get the idea that underoos are meant to be shared?!  Because, they aren’t.  Ever.  Ever, ever, EVER meant to be shared.

I’ve retold this story a few times since that day.  And, today, while talking to my bff Cindy about community, it hit me: THIS is a real life pop parable.

Lukas was offering Kaleb something intimately his.  He wanted to encourage him.  He wanted to be in the journey with him.  He is so excited for his little brother to grow up.  And, the best way he knew how to show all of that, was to share his underoos.  {Mental note: teach Lukas a love language that doesn’t involve unmentionables.}

In Christian circles we call that community: doing life together, being Jesus to each other, iron sharpening iron, and all that good stuff.

Yet, I know some of you out there are lacking community and don’t know how to go about building it.

As a person who has moved many times, let me assure you I’ve had my fair share of experiences in building community.

In each place that I’ve lived, it’s the community that I long for when I leave. 

It’s the community that I get homesick for, the family that supported me when my real family was thousands of miles away.

So, I thought I’d offer my Top 5 Lessons in Building Community. 

None of these is earth shattering, but if you put them all together you’ll be on the road to finding the kind of friends who you can’t live without, friends who become like family.

{Caveat: I’m talking specifically about building community at your place of worship, but I think these things can apply in all areas of life, too.}

1.  Be friendly…seems like that should go without saying, but I’ve come across a lot of unfriendly people complaining about not having friends.  To find a friend, you have to be a friend.  ‘Nuf said.

2.  Try New Things…do things that are out of your comfort zone.  Sit in a different area of the sanctuary than you normally would.  Get involved in a ministry opportunity or service project.  Sign up for a class.  Check out a small group. 

3.  Share Stuff…but, NOT your underoos.  But, do share your crap.  Well, at least your figurative crap, not your literal crap.  Don’t go around verbally vomiting all of your deep, dark secrets.  But, if it’s appropriate in a small group setting and relative to the conversation, reveal some of your struggles.  You don’t have to give a ton of detail.  Just enough to say that you’re human and willing to admit your imperfections.  You’ll be surprised at how this opens the floodgates with others to reveal their crap, too.

4.  Get together outside of the normal setting…if you meet someone you connect with, ask them to meet up outside of church or small group.  Grab a cup of coffee.  Plan a playdate.  Catch a concert together.  You’ll build some shared memories, and have a good time!

5.  Be patient…it takes a loooooooong time to build community.  In my experience, it takes an average of 18 months to 2 years to get really connected.  That’s a long time, I know.  During that time, you may feel lonely, unnoticed and like you don’t fit in.  Just give it some time, and don’t give up.  Just repeat the first 4 as often as it takes. 

::

What advice do you have on how to build community?

Do you think people should share underoos?

Don’t go just yet!  Do you enjoy reading Pop Parables?  If so, would you be so kind as to vote for me as one of the Top 25 Faith Blogs by Moms?  All you have to do is go here, and click the thumbs up.  You can vote EVERY DAY until June 8!  While you’re there, be sure to vote for my friend Melissa Brotherton, too.

Pop Parables Movie Night: Love and Other Drugs

April 6, 2011 in Uncategorized 20

In my former life as a non-blogger, I never would have watched this film.

The trailer (Warning: the trailer is rated “R”) makes it obvious that there is a lot nudity, gratuitous sex, and vulgarity. 

But, when I saw the title I knew it would be an easy tie-in to my ongoing and seemingly unending sex series. (I’m thinking of changing this from a series to a TAB on my blog-I don’t think I’ll ever be done talking about it.)

So, this week we used our free Redbox rental code (you can get one every first Monday of the month by signing up here) to rent Love and Other Drugs.

Synopsis from Redbox:

Academy Award® Nominees Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway co-star in “the smartest, sexiest and downright best screen-melting romance of the year” (Parade ). Hathaway delivers an unforgettable performance as the free-spirited Maggie, who meets her match in a charming Viagra salesman named Jamie (Gyllenhaal). Maggie and Jamie leap into a no-strings-attached affair, but no matter how hard they try to keep things “casual,” they can’t help falling under the influence of the ultimate drug…love! Rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for strong sexual content, nudity, pervasive language, and some drug material.

Romdramedy

Love and Other Drugs doesn’t fit quite fit into the rom-com genre.

It more appropriately garners this label: the romdramedy. 

It’s romantic.

It’s comedic.

It’s got drama.

The romdramedy.

 Some of my favorite films that fall into the romdramedy category are Notting Hill, As Good As It Gets, and most recently, The Switch (also surprisingly well done, starring Jennifer Anniston and Jason Bateman). 

::

Mike and I fast forwarded through the numerous sex scenes, and you likely will want to do the same if you choose to watch this film.  Also, beware that the f-bomb is dropped constantly, and is probably the most used word in the script. 

All that aside, I found the love story of Maggie and Jamie likable and revealing of deeper truths than are often explored in the genre. 

While the ending is predictable, the story line takes the scenic route to get there.  And, I enjoyed the scenery. 

This coming from a girl who generally doesn’t like rom-coms, but, of course this one is different anyway because it’s a romdramedy.

And, Mike and I both agreed that it was MUCH better than we anticipated, and we had no viewer’s remorse over this film.

Hooked 

Early on in the film, Maggie sets up the entire premise of the movie, when she says this to Jamie

This isn’t about connection for you.  This isn’t even about sex for you. This is about an hour or two of finding relief from the pain of being you.  And, that’s fine with me see because all’s I want’s the exact same thing.

By the end of the film, we discover that none of these things are actually true for Jamie.

It isn’t just about sex.

There is something good about Jamie.

And, he actually does need connection, maybe even wants connection.

And, Maggie wants connection too, even though she has been wounded by past relationships.

::

I just finished reading a little book called Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting our Children.  While this book is defnitively”secular”, the scientific evidence convincingly offers proof of God’s perfect design for sex within the covenant of marriage. 

So much of the neuroscientific research presented in Hooked was seen on screen in the film. 

Take this for starters, about oxytocin, the neurochemical present during sex that is primarily active in women:

Oxytocin, however, is values-neutral.  Must like dopamine, it is an involuntary process that cannot distinguish between a one-night stand and a lifelong soul mate.  Oxytocin can cause a woman to bond to a man even during what was expected to be a short-term sexual relationship.  She may know he is not the man she would want to marry but intimate sexual involvement causes her to be so attached to him she can’t make herself separate.  This can lead to a woman being taken off-guard by a desire to stay with a man would otherwise find undesirable…

What is even more amazing is the way in which the release of this neurochemical creates a desire for more sex:

Oxytocin is released in the female as this behavior [sex] persists, bonding her to her sexual partner and creating  a greater desire to repeat the activity with him.  When a male engages in sex, vasopressin is released, bonding him to his partner and also stimulating the desire for more sex….In short, engaging in sex creates a chain reaction of brain activities that lead to the desire for more sex and greater levels of attachment between two people.

::

If you believe that God is the Creator of the universe, the Creator of mankind, you can see that He purposely designed these chemicals to react in this manner.

But, did He really say that sex is to be reserved for the covenant of marriage?  Did He?  Or is that just some Puritanical nonsense we’ve drummed up and can’t let go of?

Save your answer to those questions for my next post!

Your Thoughts

The big question this film seeks to answer: is it possible to have empty, meaningless sex or does any and all sex mean something?

Does sexuality have any connection to spirituality?

What’s your response?

Page 1 of 512345»