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.

Painted Patio

Last summer, we bought the house.
Previous summer, we married.
This summer, I do nothing.
Here's the first nothing I did: a painting on the patio for a best friend. I set up everything on a Sunday afternoon and used the easel which my husband bought for my 30th birthday for the first time. It was a sweltering and relaxing afternoon. Luckily there was a breeze, and coupled with the heat, this allowed the paint to dry faster. I always hate waiting for the paint to dry. I'd been inspired just the previous day by our book club book Eat, Pray, Love (see below post) which spoke about words. I thought I had a word to describe the aforementioned friend, and when it was the topic of Sunday's sermon, I knew I had a winner.

James 2:12 speaks about the crown of life promised to those who love God and persevere under trial.

I also heard the quote, "Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held her ground."

Plus, this definition of self-discipline, which is a form of perseverance, "The key to self-discipline is to remember what you want."

They both describe my friend, as does the definition of this verb. Persevere: to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.

The title of the painting? Mary's Word.

Romans: 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
whom he has given us.

^{James 1:12}
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the
crown of life
that God has promised to those who love him.

Ah, Summer!

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

Top 10 List

Favorite Authors (Sort of in Order)
1. William Shakespeare
2. C. S. Lewis
3. Jane Austen
4. Orson Scott Card
5. The Apostle Paul
6. Max Lucado
7. John and Stasi Eldredge
8. Jasper Fforde
9. Jen Lancaster
10. Edward Rutherford

Ender's Game

Orson Scott Card is one of my top 5 fave authors. This book kept me riveted. It opened my imagination to science fiction. Just the thought of training in a virtual life sized video game in zero gravity! And the brilliance of Ender. How he defeated not only his opponents, teachers, military leaders, but the GAME itself. Card is a brilliant writer. He keeps so many personalities believable. He sees the workings of government and the human mind clearly. I'm glad Card transformed his short story into a novel. A must read for any science fiction fan.

As of 2008 there was talk of a video game.

Ender's website.

Card's website.

Scott Card previews the comic book. While you're over at You Tube, if you have spare time check out all the fan created movie trailers.

Eat, Pray, Love, One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia.

The book club is reading this book currently. It provides some great discussion.
The idea that resonated with me (besides all the pasta, pizza and bread!) during the EAT/Italy portion of this book was the idea of each city having a WORD. According to a resident, Rome's word is SEX. Even with the Vatican right in the middle! (The Vatican's word is POWER). Liz says New York's word is ACHIEVE, while Los Angeles's word is ACHIEVE (both verbs - I guess we American's can't sit still). A friend from Stockholm says that city's word is CONFORM. I don't know the word fro my city (unless it's CONSTRUCTION!). Of course the logical next question is, "What word describes me?" Mary says that she can think of words that describe her at different times of her life, but not one word to define her at all times. I have yet to discover my word. I have a theory, though...

The View from My Kitchen Window

Not much to say except I could have posted this almost word for word. Just change the photography part to cooking and you've got it. These past few snow days have given me rest, and hopefully energy to get back in the swing of things. I cooked lunch today for the first time this year (I know, very un-domestic-goddesslike of me), and it felt good to be creative. I hope it's enought to jump-start me.

Anyway, while I was in the kitchen, I had the window open (of course) and I wanted to share with you what I could see. I love seeing the beauty in all seasons.