Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Bounce your eyes…

Avoid her…

When you’re in her company, play the dweeb…

A dweeb is the opposite of a player. In relationships players send and receive social signals smoothly. Dweebs do not. When a player wants to send attraction signals, there are certain things he’ll do. He’ll flirt. He’ll banter. He’ll smile with a knowing look. He’ll talk about hip things. In short, he’ll be cool…

As a married man, however, a little social suicide is very much in order. Always play the dweeb. Players flirt…learn to un-flirt. Players banter…learn to un-banter. If a woman smiles with a knowing look, learn to smile with a slightly confused look, to un-smile. If she talks about things that are hip, talk about things that are un-hip to her, like your wife and kids. She’ll find you pleasant enough but rather bland and uninteresting. Perfect.

- Every Man’s Battle, p. 171

OR, as Paul says it in 2 Timothy 2:

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

1. Find full time employment, even if that means moving

2. Completely deactivate facebook for 1 month…we’ll be friends again, I promise

3. a) Call my mom more often and b) work smarter, not harder; managing time more effectively

4. a) Work out 4 times a week and b) get more sleep

5. Kiss my wife 5 times every day

6. Trust God recklessly (gulp.)

7. Spend “enough” time (According to Dev) with my wife & daughter (i.e. squeeze a date night in every week, no matter what)

8. a) Consistently chew with my mouth closed and b) wear tighter jeans

9. Challenge & empower other men to live a better story

10. a) Spend at least 5 minutes a day praying for other people and b) share Jesus more often

While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it…thanks Mario Kart.

In a recent article, Tim Keller addresses idolatry with relevance, clarity, and precision. His insights definitely strike a few chords with me. Here are a few quotes:

“An idol is something you rely on instead of God for your salvation…”

“We tend to worry about drugs, drinking, and pornography. But it’s not bad and nasty things that are our biggest problems. Sex, work, and money are great goods. They are intrinsic to our being made in God’s image. If God is second place in your life and one of them is first, you’re cooked. These things are candidates for first place because they are so great.”

(How does someone identify their idols?)

“Look at your daydreams. When you don’t have to think about something, like when you are waiting for the bus, where does your mind love to rest? Or, look at where you spend your money most effortlessly. Also, if you take your most uncontrolled emotions or the guilt that you can’t get rid of, you’ll find your idols at the bottom. Whenever I hear someone say, “I know God forgives me, but I can’t forgive myself,” it means that person has something that is more important than God, because God forgives them. If you look at your greatest nightmare—if something were to happen that would make you feel you had no reason to live—that’s a god.”

A synopsis of his new book, Counterfeit Gods:

At times, the path to manhood can be like a gauntlet, or maybe more like a hazing. I feel myself being stretched. Some of my dreams are not currently being realized, my will is not being done. Working BIG hours, but with relatively small wages. Sleep debt. I’ve forgotten what most of my friends look like. It seems leisure time is occurring as frequently as a lunar eclipse. And, I’m getting chest hair.

A while ago, I was challenged by a teaching (by a guy I know) to do whatever it takes to “suck it up” and provide, even if the work or the wages is beneath my resume, skill, pay grade, or interest. (Being teachable hurts sometimes) Because my context is the 5-1-7, things aren’t ‘blinging’ right now. School districts are mostly contracting and retirements are being put off. Thus, a full-time teaching job has been illusive. So, I do a part-time night school gig and I sub all around the area, racking up a few ticks on the o-do-meter. I work a bit with another part-time job, and a bit with another job, and then there’s another part-time job, when I can squeeze it in…but the bills are paid, and even the dogs have enough food to eat.

But hear me, I’m not complaining. NO, I’m pressing on. Honestly, it’s cool. I’m okay because I think I’m learning contentment. I think I may be able to say (for the first time in my life) that I’m (kind of) content…maybe. Either way, I’m beginning to feel comfortable with my discomfort; because I read somewhere that His grace is sufficient and in another place that trials are the odd redemptive force that is refining, building, and bettering me.

Much has been given. I’ve got a little girl in the oven and she’s almost done a-cookin’. I’ve also got the Mrs. who, bless her heart, is doing her share and then some by staying in the full-time work saddle – in addition to her maternal duties. Further, there is a slew of blessing that I’m not mentioning and even more that I’m probably not even aware of.

I’m also noting the characteristics of The Divine Father. He provides, He does it from joy and love. No grudge in hand, He is happy to meet needs without mulling over questions about merit. I can also take a specific cue from His Son’s relational dynamic with His bride, the church. He laid His life down, poured Himself out; provided. He perpetually equips, cares for, and encourages. Can you dig it?

Recently, I heard Dan Kimball mention, “pain = growth.” That’s true, so I’m trying to consider “it” pure joy. Beneath the blows I’m attmepting to say, “thank you sir, may I have another!”

I’m trying to make it hurt so good.

My bill from Consumers Energy this month: $496.40 – that’s only the gas bill.

$496.40.

Seriously, $496.40.

I’m going to go throw up now.

My pretty wife caught a grouper while we were in Key West, I have been meaning to post this…



My sons; Bruno looks on curiously while Beau collapses after some heavy drinking.



Behold thy glory — I made ice-spikes in my yard to flaunt my artistic genius.



I hung out with my pal Seth last Friday night – Kung Fu Panda was awesome!