PENSIEVE

A most excellent lesson in parenting

A few instances during my Parenting Series, I've mentioned others who have influenced and shaped how I parent (Day 2 and Day 22). 

I forgot to mention Bill Cosby.  Seriously.

During the mid-80s and early 90s ~ my 20s ~ I watched Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable negotiate the oft piranha-filled waters of parenting.  What I liked best about the show was the intelligence and involvement of both parents; I can't think of another show that has since portrayed such positive images of a mother and father. 

As parents and lovers.

For fun today ~ but also as instruction ~ I'm sharing a video clip that left an indelible mark in my memory.  This episode (I think the show's pilot) has come to mind countless times during my parenting experience, and if you haven't seen it, you need to. 

You'll want to watch the entire clip; at the three-minute mark comes an eloquent speech by a son to his father.  I can't help but wonder how differently Cliff's response would be today, in a pop culture that sometimes (at least on television) elevates a child's expression over wise parenting.

 

 

Parenting Teens & Tweens, Day 22

We're nearing the end of our 31-day Parenting adventure; I'm grateful for those of you who are following the series.  Again, I'm not writing this because I think I know it all or because my kids are perfect.  I'm just a mom with three teens who has a little experience under my belt, and my kids are turning into the kind of decent people I hoped they would when I entered this world as a mom. 

Thanks to those of you who have subscribed in a reader or by email!

My father's day gift to you (you're welcome)

Revised:  I cannot get enough of Ben Crane; I love how he's using his platform for good...and how he's single-handedly changing the face of golf through humor.  I'm sure his videos are funnier if you've watched him as a golfer, but they're wicked awesome even if you haven't!  I think I've helped raise $1,000 for charity with my clicks alone....

Farmer-meets-Deliverance, Pimp-meets-Steven-Tyler, Bodysuit-meets-Wrong and Pretty-Boy-Meets-Pleather--this ain't your daddy's PGA ~

aka Ben Crane** (bodysuit), Bubba Watson (farmer?), Rickie Fowler (Bieber wannabe), & Hunter Mahan (Lord help him!), the PGA's exclusive (ahem) boy band. Apparently some people will do anything to raise money for charity...which instantaneously raises my estimation of aforementioned some people :).

And I missed this last year, but Dad Life is six shades of FABULOUS!  I saw my husband in a few of these guys....

Tulsa's Church on the Move opened their 2010 Father's Day service with this video which makes me wonder what the rest of the service entailed.... 

 

**Bonus:  From Ben Crane, who has been getting a lot of questions about how he looks so good...

• "If you're angry, use the sledgehorn."
• "I...experience Zone."
• "I'm speaking to you as we speak, from the now, in the middle of the now..."

Ohmylanta, clicking around Ben's site, I'm his new biggest fan!  He's a "follower of Jesus, he and his wife are very passionate about supporting charities that help disadvantaged people in the world, and he knows how to have fun."  J'adore!

 

You know I give chocolate when you subscribe in a reader or by email, right?  (Or is that I eat chocolate...?

No excuses, daggum it!

I can live for two months on a good compliment.
~ Mark Twain

When someone pays you a compliment, how do you typically respond?  I know what my go-to mechanism is and I’m curious if you can relate.  I double-dawg-dare ya to make the jump to Connect to watch my latest vlog--less than two minutes--then share your thoughts!

 

Poster created at Despair, Inc.

Scripture quotes is from the NLT, Proverbs 12:24

"I ain't got time to take no pictures, snap your eyes and remember the moment!"

Quite possibly the FUNNIEST thing you will EVER hear about remaining a virgin until marriage.  There's a lot of reason to laugh but John Gray makes his point well about anticipating the honeymoon after an intentional looooong wait!  Don't miss out by clicking away before you watch it!!

"My wife gonna be the first woman in history with a two-piece velcro breakaway dress, Vera Wang easy on, easy off!"  

Rollin'...

on...

the...

floor...!

Hat tip:  Ted Gocke

I don't wanna live like I don't care....

I Refuse by Josh Wilson....convicting without condemnation, a song that preaches.  There's a huge difference between thinkin' about doing something and doing something.

Bonus:  If you live in the Chattanooga area, hear Josh perform this and much more--he's joining Matthew West for J103's Listener Appreciation Party on Friday, March 11.  Don't miss it!

 

Lyrics, for your convenience ~

Sometimes I, 
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone’s alright 
When I know they’re not.
This world needs God
But it’s easier to stand and watch. 
I could pray a prayer and just move on
Like nothing’s wrong.

But I refuse.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

I can hear the least of these 
Crying out so desperately, 
And I know we are the hands and feet 
Of you, oh God.
So, if you say move,
Then it’s time for me to follow through,
And do what I was made to do.
Show them who you are.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

To stand and watch 
The weary and lost 
Cry out for help.
I refuse
To turn my back 
And try and act like all is well.
I refuse
To stay unchanged,
To wait another day,
To die to myself.
I refuse
To make one more excuse. 

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

Uncensored: What I REALLY think about the sponsors at Blissdom...!

{Disclaimer:  Remember...I'm n e w to this whole vlogging deal and I still don't quite know how to edit.  I'm sure there's a way to make this shorter but I'll learn that for next time, k? :) }

 

 

Kellogg's Share Your Breakfast

Unilever's Don't Fret the Sweat

Tide's Get Out Cafe featuring Stain Release 

 

{More links to come...I'm out of pocket at Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition's Greater Chattanooga build and it's kinda hard to track down all 42 sponsor links right now!!}

 

My favorite family tradition

Ever wondered what you get when you cross "shy" with "exhibitionist"?  

Me...

vlogging...

because I love what I'm talking about so ding-dang much I have to TELL you, not write about it.

Curious?  Or are you the kind-hearted type who won't leave me hanging on a limb to dangle ALL BY MYSELF?  

Please...click through to (in)courage today.  It might just spur you on to love and good deeds ;).

 

What women (REALLY) want

You know how you can hear a song without really listening to it? And then when you do listen, you realize how potent it is?  Such was the case for me with Santus Real's "Lead Me."  

If you're familiar with this song (or click through to listen now), do you agree or disagree with my post title?  I'm curious to know your thoughts....

The inspiration for the song.  

Beautiful shades of Grey

Watching Dancing with the Stars is one of my weekly guilty pleasures.  In the unspoken places of my mind reserved for self delusion I believe I could do what the stars do if only Derek Hough would take me on the dance floor or Maksim Chmerkovskiy had his way with me.  Those boys are the habañeros of dancin'--not just hot...their moves are incendiary!

This year's frontrunner is Jennifer Grey and I'm pullin' for her because--

• she represents 50 spectacularly
• she doesn't let an ol' titanium plate in her neck to stabilize her spinal cord get in the way of incredible execution
• she conquered cancer
• Patrick Swayze's ghost is nearby (though I might be getting my movies tangled just a leetle ;) )
• "Bueller...Bueller..."
• Nobody puts baby in a corner!

But mostly because her lines and technique are exquisite or sharp or fluid depending on what they're supposed to be.  Plus, I applaud her determination, veiled in performance but obvious in practice.

Watch tonight's performance; I actually clapped when it was over!  She and Hough earned the season's first tens, an indicator of what we have to look forward to.

Chatty Flashmob

On Sunday afternoon--while we were prowling downtown Chattanooga!!!--a flashmob broke out in front of The Tennessee Aquarium!  Le s i g h...of all times for me to tour the Hunter Museum...when Footloose comes to the Scenic City!  How fun :).