Tying a couple of things together…

I lurk at blogs. I comment on some, but not on others. And if I comment on a person’s blog and refrain for a while, it doesn’t mean that I’m not checking in. One of the blogs I read on occasion is the Pan Galactic Blogger Blaster . He has some great insights on the character of women that I was thinking about touching on when writing on Fireproof. So, I’ll just point you out to his post .

Here’s the ultimate problem with Promise Keepers, 40 days of pitching woo like Kirk Cameron, and singing those crappy Jesus is my boyfriend songs: we encourage men to quit being men by telling them to confess to made up sins to keep the women in their lives happy. Then we tell them that if they don’t perform up to a certain standard, say 40 days of pitching woo like Kirk Cameron, they are not good Christians. Women, it is time to take a stand against such non-sense, examine our own hearts, and repent of our own sins.

There is nothing wrong with being romanced, and I am romanced by Josh quite frequently. However, wishing he would behave like Kirk Cameron’s character in Fireproof is lust and is breaking the 6th commandment, among others.

I think we have this whole pitching woo thing backwards. I mean, yeah, men are supposed to love women like Christ loves the church. But they’re not supposed to be singing those silly “This is the air I breathe” songs to us. If men are like Christ and women are like the church, then we’re supposed to be singing in praise of our husbands. (Forgive me if this is sacrilegious) Ever think of your husband in terms of being a mighty fortress or a sword and shield defending? That whole Fireproof thing has it wrong, sure it makes for entertaining “This is how you do not reintegrate your soldier” movie watching, but the fault does not just lie with Kirk Cameron’s character being an ass, the woman who plays his wife is also behaving in a very sinful manner.

Sure, husbands should pick up their wives slack when the wives are weak, likewise wives to do the same. But we’ve had 30 odd years of trying to get men to behave like women, and that is enough. I pray that I may do better at showing Josh I appreciate him for being a man’s man, and teach Mallory to appreciate the protection and rough and tumble care he provides. And I pray that somewhere out there, there is a little boy who is being raised to be proud of his mannish behaviors and follows God, not just like a lamb to the slaughter but as a triumphant warrior.

Things that have caught my attention…

I’ll do more on open theism later this week, I hope. At any rate, here are some things that caught my attention.

First off, Josh and I watched “Fireproof.” We need more pro-family movies, and I’m glad that it was made. It gives a good law and gospel presentation. And I think there are some things about the movie that are enjoyable. I wouldn’t recommend it to military or public safety families, however, as there are some very touchy issues that are resolved by Kirk Cameron’s character asking Jesus into his heart, and we all know repentance is the first step in a long healing process.

I was going to rake “Fireproof” over the coals for these military/public safety family issues, but decided it wouldn’t be profitable. I do have one profitable point to make: the movie and “Love Dare” book and seminars are probably not as great as they’re cracked up to be. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about building marriages and stuff like that, but “The Love Dare” is marketed in the movie as, “Pitch woo like Kirk Cameron,” and that can lead to some major sixth commandment breaking in the hearts of women. Women, your husband is going to court you in a manner that fits his personality. Don’t lust over a particular method when your husband is doing his best at his vocation as husband.

Further, “Love Dare” is pitched as law. Kirk Cameron’s character repented of his sins because of his wife’s reaction to his attempts, but then he needed to continue performing the law. There is nothing particularly special or unique about “Love Dare” or any other marital counseling book. You can’t do these things like they are the only way to spice up your marriage. Take what works for your marriage and use it, and reject what is unappealing to you and your spouse.

How did Josh and I renew our relationship after he got back from Iraq? By listening to Issues, Etc. , and the NARN . OK, and going to Twins games and Orchestra Hall. But, we’re nerdy like that.

Speaking of Pirate Christian Radio … here are a couple of good episodes of Fighting for the Faith:

On infant baptism

On law and gospel

Oh, and I am not going to comment on expanded military operations in Afghanistan… I’ll piss too many people off because, face it, you don’t know me, I don’t know you, and we can’t have a proper discussion. I do have an opinion, and Josh is not going to get deployed, and there are currently no rumors indicating such.

Finally, Mallory's cast is off!

Quick update...

So, Josh was offered a job with the reintegration effort, so I've been organizing Mallory's part time child care. Plus, poor Mallory did break her leg on Tuesday. She is in her hard cast now, and has learned how to navigate around with it. She's a quick study. She also figured out that she can drag bags around using her leg... signs of a life long purse habit... At any rate, it has been a long week.

Next week doesn't hold promise for much posting time. Besides adjusting to our new routine, it is also Cousin Amy's wedding! People talk about going to Jared's... she's marrying Jared!