Couch Time

I mentioned "couch time" in relationship to my summer goals on my Twitter feed (@stewardess), and Mary (@ILoveMyBirdTim) asked for more info.

There isn't much to say. In fact, I didn't even invent the idea, nor do I really know much about it. Like most things I know about I learned (read: stole) from someone else. I think Krista mentioned having couch time with her husband at a CCGNO event and I just ran with what I figured it meant.

Our couch time consists of 30 mins. to an hour spent together doing nothing. We have no distractions (computer, phone, TV) and just focus on each other. The first week we talked. The second week we solved a problem together. This'll be our third week in a row! Traditions have to start somewhere, right?

(For more info see Krista. She and her husband won "best couple" for their commitment to things like couch time. Impressive!)

Edit: Awesome article from the Love & Respect Facebook page about "face-to-face" and "shoulder-to-shoulder" time.
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150212146502849

Just in Time for Valentine's Day

I made this my desktop background.

Yes, I chopped the wood and built the fire myself.
Anything in life worth having is worth working for.

This one's for the kitchen.
I can't sing, but luckily I can cook.

Feel free to borrow, steal, post, print, etc...

May you love each other not in words or tongue, but in actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18

To Own a Dragon ~ Donald Miller

I liked Miller's conversational style of writing. I have also read Blue Like Jazz, which is written much the same, and is a memoir of his relationship with religion. This book explores his relationship with himself, God, and his lack of a father. Don put deep spiritual ideas in a fresh voice that allowed me to hear them again and think about them in a new way.

I have often wondered how people without a father relate to God as father. Miller is honest in his exploration of his own life and his search for validation. Even as a woman who grew up with a father, I learned more about who God is as a father, and that he's fathering me. My relationship with my earthly father is, as Miller puts it, just a "grunt" at the deep, permanent, unconditional relationship my Heavenly Father wants to have with me. Miller tells as story of a temper tantrum his mentor John's daughter threw one night at dinner. She didn't want to eat what John's wife had prepared, and chose to roll on the floor, cry, and ask, "Dad, how could you do this to me?" It's funny when a child doesn't understand that her parents aren't torturing her; they truly want what is best for her (in this case broccoli). Miller compares this to me, when I demand the same question of God. I forget that God isn't torturing me over this job, car, relationship; he truly wants what is best for me. Even if I can't see it; God wants what is best for me. Even better, he knows what is best for me. To quote, "If God was withholding something from me, it meant I could trust him rather than cry out, 'How could you do this to me?'" (Easier said than done.)

As a teacher, I appreciated his chapter on education. It reminded me that I am a missionary in public schools and can show students hope and validation. This is a relationship that again can only "grunt" at the relationship God wants with them, but if I can even give a "grunt" it might get them closer to that perfect relationship. I can show them that someone believes in them and thinks they're capable of success.

______
And yes, I did notice that the last two books I read were both written by D. Miller. Here are links to their websites:
Donald Miller Don Miller Is
Donalyn Miller The Book Whisperer

Father's Day

We all know that being a parent doesn't come with an instruction manual, and the one found at Fatherhood.gov doesn't really cut it. Somehow my parents raised me well. I have a feeling they learned how from their parents' example, not a website. In honor of Father's Day, I'd like to share a few of the things my parents taught me.

Daddy taught me (through example):
to love Mama.
to respect Mama.
to respect myself.
to do my chores.
One appreciates what one works for (or pays for).
I'm worth waiting for.
to budget my money.
be generous.
unconditional love and forgiveness.
to pray to God while making the best decision I can.
my daddy is the strongest man I know; God is stronger.
I can always come home.
hard work usually leads to more hard work.
don't quit.
success comes from hard work.

Mama taught me (through example):
to love Daddy.
to respect Daddy.
to respect myself.
to show love and affection to my spouse.
to think for myself.
to ask questions.
that a strong, independent woman submits to God's (and her husband's) authority.
to stand up for myself.
always do my best.
to never borrow money.
save for a rainy day.
unconditional love and forgiveness.
God is all powerful and all loving.
I can do anything I want, if I try my hardest and do my best.
I am loved, and special no matter what.

Being part of this family means unconditional love, support, encouragement, safety, work, and security.

Romance: Ardent emotional attachment or involvement between people; love

2 Vine Ripened Tomatoes: $0.97/lb
2 Bulbs Garlic: $1.67/lb
Organic Mozzarella: $4.99
Tillamook Smoky Chedder: $5.99
Whole Wheat Pita: $2.45
1 bottle Cynthiana: ~$12.99
Spending our first Valentine's day at home cooking dinner together and eating a picnic in the living room floor on the red ottoman: Priceless

Green Acres

It seems the producers of Green Acres had it right!

"City dwellers are more likely to dream of living somewhere else, and men in rural areas are far happier living there than women."

(him)
Green Acres is the place to be. Farm livin' is the life for me.
Land spreadin' out so far and wide;
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.

(her)
New York is where I'd rather stay. I get allergic smelling hay.
I just adore a penthouse view.
Dah-ling I love you, but give me Park Avenue.

The chores. The stores.
Fresh air! Time Square!
You are my wife. Good bye, city life.

Green Acres we are there!