Thoughts on What I Think

I just returned from my 30 year reunion at VFCC (Valley Forge Christian College). YUP, I am old! :)
Had an awesome time with friends that I haven't seen, well... in thirty years! Some, I had seen 28 years ago at weddings and such and one friend that moved to my home state of Virginia I have seen since, but otherwise, besides keeping in touch via Facebook and Christmas cards, that was it.
There were 22 of us that attended the actual dinner. I know that doesn't sound like a lot of people, but it really was a good turnout. The other classes had less than we did, so I was very pleased.
Great to reminisce and share old times and laugh.
Also, got to hang out at a really neat Bed & Breakfast (my first encounter) about 10 miles from campus. It was a beautiful Victorian home and my three best friends from school days and their hubbies all stayed there. So, we had an awesome time. Again, reminiscing. And did I mention that we laughed a lot?
One of the activities that we attended was the Friday morning chapel service at VFCC. Chapel is required every weekday.
Okay, so here are the thoughts I was thinking (is that redundant?)
Chapel service was good. I was struck, though, by the dress-code or lack of one. I know, I'm old, I already said that, but, come on folks, this is a Christian college and this is a incubator for ministry and excellence, right? Can't we at least wear a decent shirt, jeans with no-holes and something besides flip-flops to chapel?
I know, we're trying to be "culturally relevant" (that term scares me sometimes) but it's not like these kids are out in the world reaching people while they're in chapel. There needs to be some semblance of standard here. I'm all for reaching people where they are at, but I'm also for there are correct times and places for casual and sloppy clothing.
I just think our culture is changing so much and we are trying to fit in so much that we are forgetting who we are and that we do need to be different. I am NOT saying that we hang on to the old just for the sake of hanging on to the old. But I also think there is danger in trying to be just like the world in everything we do and say.
I know it's a dangerous subject to open. But I did and that is what I think. What's wrong with looking nice? What's wrong with dressing up (not even dressing up, but just wearing decent pants and a decent shirt)? What's wrong with wearing shoes instead of flip-flops or going barefoot? Which one will exclude people? Which way will include and make people feel more comfortable?
I realize our culture has become extremely casual and informal. Not only have we done it in our dress, but in our morality. And I believe that the two can be connected. I did not say that just because you dress casually means you are immoral. (I am one who loves to walk around in a t-shirt and jeans.) But, I do believe that we have let our guard down as Christians and we have accepted the "norm" of society as our own norm. I think clothing is just one of many areas that we need to be careful with. It also includes issues of what and how Christian women should dress and modesty. Okay, there, I said it! You may not agree, but that's what I think.
Anyway, we had a great time and did I mention that we laughed a lot?

BOOK REVIEW #2 - Find Your Strongest Life

Well, here it is. My much anticipated 2nd book review. HA. Just kidding.

But I did just finish reading my second book published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and wanted to share my review with you.

The book is entitled: Find Your Strongest Life - What the Happiest and Most Successful Women Do Differently and the book was authored by Marcus Buckingham.

Personally, I did not care much for this book. Here are my reasons:

1. The book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers which means (to me) it's going to be a book with some sort of Christian world-view. Right? Well, nope, not even a little bit. I am sure Marcus Buckingham is a great guy, but he didn't mention God one time in the book. There was one chapter where he used a certain lady as an example and the fact that she had a "great faith" as he termed it. But that was it. I was really surprised.
I guess because, to me, any success at all that we derive in life, male or female, comes from the Lord. And He is the One who is in charge of our lives. He is the road map that we need to direct our lives and He is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

2. The premise of his writing was based upon an experiment he conducted on the Oprah Winfrey show. He had 30 women come to the show and talk about why or why not they felt their lives were meaningful, fulfilled, etc... I, personally, have a difficult time with Oprah these days. She has openly talked about her New Age belief system and I don't think that I want to draw from that kind of input.

3. This book was filled with many statistics and examples of women he had talked to over the course of his research for the book. It had the feel of a "women's lib" kind of take from the moment I started reading it.

It was basically just your typical self-help kind of book. I gleaned nothing new from this one at all. I found this book to be geared more toward the working business-minded woman who wants a career above all else. Nothing wrong with that, mind you. But, because of that, I found that his basic premise of what constitutes "success" to be flawed.

There is also an on-line quiz you can take, which in just a mere 23 questions, gives you your strengths and weaknesses. Both of my daughters took this and neither of them felt the quiz was at all accurate.

Finally, in my opinion, it doesn't matter how many quizzes I take or how deep I look within myself to find out what motivates me, energizes me and keeps me committed; I can never reach my fullest potential without Jesus Christ. I have had to juggle a marriage with a full-time job, have had to work outside the home when my kids were little to help put food on the table and have had a time of getting to be at home and homeschool my children. All of these experiences in themselves have not helped me to have stronger relationships, stronger kids, stronger joy. The one and only thing that has kept me through the wonderful and difficult times has been my relationship with Christ. He made me and He knows what is best for me. He knows me inside and out and if I am listening to Him, then He will direct me and show me the areas in which I am weak. Does that mean I don't seek wise counsel and find out more about myself and how I fit in this world in which He has placed me? Certainly not! But the counsel I seek is wise counsel based on God's word. I do not think this book's philosophy or approach are things that will benefit me as a Christian woman, wife and mother.

Tea from Gay Pa-ree

Most of you know that I am a collector of teapots and teacups.

Well, my very thoughtful aunt just returned from Paris and brought me back this adorable tea set.

I just had to show it off!