Oreos & Cool Whip

I would like to introduce you to my new love.. Oreos and Cool Whip. Yah I know it's not the most healthy choice of snack/dessert. BUT, do we always have to care about the nutritional value? I say NO!! So next time you find yourself at the market, seek out heaven. Seek out Oreos and Cool Whip! Your life will never be the same...

A "Man's Man" ??

A few days ago I was adding stuff to my Christmas list using Target.com as a reference point. They divided the search up into age, price, gadget guru, etc. The one category that really stuck out however, was called, "Man's Man". I obviously made fun of it and then clicked the link to go to the items that were designated only for the "Man's Man". While going through the list my mind took off to another place and I began to ponder what a "Man's Man" was. Not what society or even Target describes as a "Man's Man", but what came to my mind. So here it goes kids!

A "Man's Man" is...

A man that's ok to admit he's wrong. He's strong yet gentle all at the same time. He loves his wife/kids more than life. He encourages His wife to take the reigns of their spiritual relationship and push him to grow. He's a hard worker as well as dependable yet values every second he has with family and friends. He serves without looking to be served. He loves without expectaion of love in return. He only drinks stout beer and loves Irish rugby! ( OK maybe not ) : )

So those are some of the things that come to my mind. This whole idea of what a man is, is really hard for me to swallow. I have friends that would fit the societal "Man's Man" model. I don't think however, that the societal Man's Man is the same as the Jesus version of a Man's Man. Jesus didn't run around shooting guns and blowing things up. Wasn't oppressive to women or people that were different. He didn't go to sporting events, get hammered, and invite other men out to the parking lot to have a "chat". He didn't shame people into serving Him. He didn't drive a huge truck with giant tires. And no matter how much it hurts, Jesus did not sip down a pint or two while watching Irish Rugby...

Jesus, the ultimate Man's Man, came riding in on a donkey. He shared with everyone that Love was the greatest thing of all. He taught that we are saved through grace. He served man, child, and women and asked nothing in return. He looked beyond what we see with mortal eyes and saw people as cherished pieces of art. He saw value in all things. And, He gave His life so we could live.

Maybe this will spark something in you as a Man. Maybe this will spark something in you as a Woman. Could be a positive or negative spark. Either way, reflect. If you have something to add or a point of view which is different, i invite you to respond to this post. ( Fade in Military-esque marching music here! ) It's time that Men not let themselves be defined by a societal label. It's time for men to explore who they are and where they need to grow. It's time for men to be just that, MEN! ( Fade out the Military-esque marching music here! )