Has your wife ever asked you “What are you thinking about?” and you responded “Nothing” because actually nothing was going through your head at that moment? Your wife has a hard time believing you are not thinking something because a women’s brain is almost always thinking of something. Our men’s small group is reading “For men only” by Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn. The chapter we are reading this week covers the difference between the way men‘s and women’s brains function. Our brain functions like a computer screen in this way: We pull up the internet, then we close out the internet and pull up our budget, then we close out the budget and pull up our calendar, then we shut everything down and do nothing. A women’s brain also functions like a computer screen but in a different way: she pulls up the internet, the budget, the calendar, all at the same time and they never shut down. (Men try asking your wife what all she is thinking of at any moment and see how long the list.) On top of thinking about 10 things at one time women have pop ups that show up from nowhere. These pop ups maybe from an event that happened 10 years ago but in a women’s mind it is real and it is now. Here is where is I get myself into trouble. My Mr. Spock logical brain in conjunction with my big mouth says “That happened 3 years ago, why can’t you let it go”. Men most women don’t do this intentionally and would love to get rid of the dreaded pop up. Try to be patient, understanding, and just listen.
2008.05.04
2008.04.23
2008.04.19
Getting Married
I was informed by my 5 year old son that he does not want to get
married and never wants to leave home. My 4 year old daughter countered
with she would like to get married now. After I picked my jaw up off
the table and started breathing again, I told her that she could not
get married until she 30. I also told her that all men were scum. After
this conversation decided to started putting $10 a week aside for bail
money. That way my wife can bail me out after tossing boys off our
front porch. But after figuring up the total amount that I would have
save between now and when she goes to high school I would only have
enough to toss 3 or 4 boys. So I decided to put it in God's hands since
he is the only one who can help in this situation.
I have a new prayer that will I pray every night.
God grant me the serenity to accept the man my daughter will marry,
strength not to beat him senseless if he hurts my daughter,
and the wisdom to teach her the right man to marry.
If I wait till high school to teach her the right man to marry it will have been to late. The time to teach is now. Everyday, reassuring her that she has value and teach how she should expect to be treated. I have also started to pray for the man that one day she will marry, even though I do not know this man. I believe God will bless him and prepare him for her.
I found this on the internet and thought I would share it with other fathers.
Application for permission to date my daughter
2008.04.17
2008.04.15
2008.04.14
Frozen Flowers
This morning I had a chance to do the right thing but being the logical thinker I am, I shoved my foot in my mouth and half way down my throat. I share this story with you guys hoping that you won't make the same mistake.
I was walking out to the truck this morning and I noticed there was frost on my windshield. I started up my truck, walked back in the house and told my wife about the frost. She came out frustrated and disappointed because the flowers were tipped over on their side and maybe dead.
Insert foot in mouth.
I told her "I don't understand what the big deal is, there is a lot more important things to worry about then some dead flowers."
"Don't you understand that the kids and I worked hard on those flowers and the kids look every day to see if they have bloomed." "You didn't have to say anything but I am sorry."
Guys this is were I really appreciate my wife being honest because she could have just got upset with me, never said anything and I would have no idea what she was mad about for 2 days until I did something else to make her mad and then it would have come out.
Rewind to the part where I inserted foot into mouth. What I should have said was "I am sorry that happened." Not sorry because I did something wrong but sorry that happened because I love you and the kids and this is important to you.
I know there is someone sitting there reading this story, scratching their head and saying "Why should I apologize, and you are right there are things more important then dead flowers." I used to think this way and as a man that is my first thought (obviously since I ate foot this morning) but which is more important being right or being righteous with the woman you love.
2008.04.12
Men's Bowling Night
Please join the Journey group for a fun evening of bowling and fellowship. Invite your fathers, brothers, co-workers, cousins, step-brothers, half brothers, 2nd cousins, neighbors, random men you meet walking down the street, and of course yourself. Monday Night April 14th 7p-9p at the Incrda-a-bowl on 151st cost $10.
If your schedule changes at the last minute you are always welcome to show up if you didn't register.
