Big Man, like most boys, is competitive - very competitive. He can turn almost any activity he participates in into a race. Want to work a puzzle? Mom has to work one too and it becomes a "puzzle race" to see who can work their puzzle first. Need to take a bath? Well, Big Man can take his bath faster than you can. Want to play Legos? Of course, it has to be a race!
Just how do you race with Legos, you may ask? Big Man gives each participant (himself and Mom) an empty base on which to place Legos. Mom is only allowed to use 2x2 pieces and he only uses 1x1 pieces (which makes it harder to win). The first one to fill their board completely with the correct size pieces wins. And since our Lego container is a huge toy box (Big Man inherited all his dad's Legos as well as receiving many lego sets of his own) this can take awhile.
Another favorite race - and Big Man just now challenged me to yet another one - is a coloring race. In this race we each sit down with a coloring page and box of crayons and the first one to finish their coloring sheet neatly wins. Now this race is a bit subjective, but Big Man NEVER rushes just to win. He colors as neatly as possible. I see this as the OCD coming out, but I'm also very glad he always does his best.
My favorite type of race is our puzzle races. In this race we each work our own puzzle. The puzzles must have the same number of pieces to make things fair. Big Man would never consider himself at a disadvantage because of his age. On the contrary, he knows that he's faster because he's younger. After all, I've told him that very thing countless times after trying to chase him down when he's running away from me. He loves our puzzle races. And at age five he can work a 100 piece puzzle in an amazingly short amount of time. Maybe there's something to this race idea after all. It's certainly more fun for him than having Mom help him. Because he never needs help when working a puzzle. When he was younger he would get furious at me for suggesting he try certain puzzle pieces in certain spots.
Well, I have to go. I've been challenged to a coloring race and I'm currently losing because I'm sitting at my computer instead of coloring my sheet.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Book Review - Everyday Greatness
Everyday Greatness by Stephen Covey is really a compilation of short stories, essays and book excerpts by various authors, organized by what Covey calls principles of Everyday Greatness. Each story and quote has at one time appeared in Reader's Digest magazine. Covey ties the stories together and offers commentary and additional insight on what makes each story an example of everyday greatness.
Although over 400 pages in length this book is easy to read. Each outlined principle is accompanied by three examples of individuals who demonstrated that principle in their lives. In reading through these stories I learned more about the background of several famous people - background of which I was previously unaware. I was also introduced to many people who have - other than among a few who keep their names alive - have passed into obscurity but who truly epitomized many of the principles of Everyday Greatness. I plan on following up on the stories of several of these people to learn more about their lives.
Additionally, at the end of chapter there are several pages of short quotes and paragraphs which instill the essence of the principle being studied. This is one of my favorite aspects of this book. Although some of the quotes are a stretch to apply to the given principle most are incredibly accurate and excellent quotes. Many are also funny, which to me was a bonus. For example, when highlighting the principle of quality, this quote by Claude McDonald was listed, " If hard work is the key to success, most people would rather pick the lock."
Also included in each chapter is a page called Reflections with several questions for the reader to ponder. I also very much enjoyed these questions since they made me pause to think about how I can better apply these principles to my life. This is an excellent resource and would also be a great jumping-off point for discussion of the book with a good friend or loved one, although they were written mainly to use for a time of introspection since they ask very pointed questions about your own values and principles.
My overall opinion of this book is very favorable. I enjoy Reader's Digest so it follows that I would enjoy a compilation of works that have previously appeared in that magazine. My main critique as a Christian reading a book published by a Christian publisher is that I would have enjoyed more discussion as to why these principles should be important to me as a Christian and Biblical references which would tie them to my personal walk as a Christian. I understand that Reader's Digest is secular and the stories in this compilation do not represent a religious undertaking, but because of the publisher I perhaps expected at least some reference to Christianity. - Most of these principles - integrity, respect, charity, responsibility, simplicity to name a few - are directly applicable to me in my Christian walk. But when you remove Christ from the equation I am left to wonder why they would be important. And that of course is what each of us must answer for him/herself, and is not the purpose of this book.
Although over 400 pages in length this book is easy to read. Each outlined principle is accompanied by three examples of individuals who demonstrated that principle in their lives. In reading through these stories I learned more about the background of several famous people - background of which I was previously unaware. I was also introduced to many people who have - other than among a few who keep their names alive - have passed into obscurity but who truly epitomized many of the principles of Everyday Greatness. I plan on following up on the stories of several of these people to learn more about their lives.
Additionally, at the end of chapter there are several pages of short quotes and paragraphs which instill the essence of the principle being studied. This is one of my favorite aspects of this book. Although some of the quotes are a stretch to apply to the given principle most are incredibly accurate and excellent quotes. Many are also funny, which to me was a bonus. For example, when highlighting the principle of quality, this quote by Claude McDonald was listed, " If hard work is the key to success, most people would rather pick the lock."
Also included in each chapter is a page called Reflections with several questions for the reader to ponder. I also very much enjoyed these questions since they made me pause to think about how I can better apply these principles to my life. This is an excellent resource and would also be a great jumping-off point for discussion of the book with a good friend or loved one, although they were written mainly to use for a time of introspection since they ask very pointed questions about your own values and principles.
My overall opinion of this book is very favorable. I enjoy Reader's Digest so it follows that I would enjoy a compilation of works that have previously appeared in that magazine. My main critique as a Christian reading a book published by a Christian publisher is that I would have enjoyed more discussion as to why these principles should be important to me as a Christian and Biblical references which would tie them to my personal walk as a Christian. I understand that Reader's Digest is secular and the stories in this compilation do not represent a religious undertaking, but because of the publisher I perhaps expected at least some reference to Christianity. - Most of these principles - integrity, respect, charity, responsibility, simplicity to name a few - are directly applicable to me in my Christian walk. But when you remove Christ from the equation I am left to wonder why they would be important. And that of course is what each of us must answer for him/herself, and is not the purpose of this book.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Garden Camp
Princess accomplished a new "first" in her life this week - she went to a new camp without knowing anyone else in the camp. This was a big deal for her since she has always balked at going to any camp, with or without friends. Just a week before garden camp started she was trying to convince me that she didn't need to go but mean mommy stood firm and insisted she had to try it - and she absolutely loved it!
The first day of camp she didn't cry or use any excuses but I could tell she was unsure of being left with strangers. When I picked her up she had an entire flat of plants to take home and she talked the entire way home about her experience. She learned how to mix dirt, make cuttings and transplant plants. But even better in her opinion was the snack machine. I gave her $1 each day for a snack but she decided to use her own money to buy more snacks most days (I don't have a clue how much she ended up spending). She also made a good friend at camp - Will. She and Will played frisbee in the afternoons and in general enjoyed each other's company. For some reason Princess always takes up with boys and not girls. Perhaps this is a bad sign for the teenage years? But at least she had fun! She was excited to go every day and ended up with lots of plants for the house. And the best part? She wants to go to camp again next year - success!
The first day of camp she didn't cry or use any excuses but I could tell she was unsure of being left with strangers. When I picked her up she had an entire flat of plants to take home and she talked the entire way home about her experience. She learned how to mix dirt, make cuttings and transplant plants. But even better in her opinion was the snack machine. I gave her $1 each day for a snack but she decided to use her own money to buy more snacks most days (I don't have a clue how much she ended up spending). She also made a good friend at camp - Will. She and Will played frisbee in the afternoons and in general enjoyed each other's company. For some reason Princess always takes up with boys and not girls. Perhaps this is a bad sign for the teenage years? But at least she had fun! She was excited to go every day and ended up with lots of plants for the house. And the best part? She wants to go to camp again next year - success!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Book Review - The Hole In Our Gospel
When I first picked up The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Stearns I thought it would be about Stearns' personal journey to becoming the president of World Vision. What I discovered as I read the book was so much more powerful and potentially life-changing for readers. While Stearns does share parts of his life before and after becoming president of World Vision this book focuses on how Christians can have an enormous impact on the poverty and injustice in our world by actively being the hands and feet of Christ.
This book is directed at Christians, particularly Christians in America. It is human nature to focus on what is in front of us and not to be overly concerned with those things which are far removed from our presence. Christ, however, calls His followers to show compassion toward our neighbors in need (see Luke 10:25-37 and Matthew 25:31-46 ). In America the 21st century Christians have both the financial and physical means to literally reach our neighbors in the remotest parts of the world. This book is a call to all Christians to work together to reach these people for Christ by showing His love in tangible ways - feeding the hungry, providing for orphans, and helping the sick among others.
Stearns does not confuse works with faith. He makes it completely clear that he in no way thinks works replace faith. But in an excerpt from his book, "...God expects our lives - our churches and faith communities too - to be characterized by these authentic signs of our own transformation: compassion, mercy, justice, and love - demonstrated tangibly."
This Biblical principle should be familiar to all Christians. The book of James makes it quite clear that faith without works is dead (see James 2:14-26)
The only part of this book I struggled with is the title. I believe the gospel of Christ is whole in that "..while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 The gospel of Christ can be demonstrated in the ways Stearns shares in his book, but I don't believe those acts are the gospel - they are ways to share the gospel of salvation through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection. This did not take away from the underlying message that I as a Christian in America have been entrusted with financial blessings over which God made me a steward. I don't believe I was given these blessings just so I could live comfortably or "keep up with the Joneses". I am called to love my neighbor and one way to do that is to share these blessings with those who are, in many parts of the world, starving to death.
After reading this book I believe most Christians will be convicted to reexamine how they are using their time, talents and treasure to share the love of Christ with those in need.
This book is directed at Christians, particularly Christians in America. It is human nature to focus on what is in front of us and not to be overly concerned with those things which are far removed from our presence. Christ, however, calls His followers to show compassion toward our neighbors in need (see Luke 10:25-37 and Matthew 25:31-46 ). In America the 21st century Christians have both the financial and physical means to literally reach our neighbors in the remotest parts of the world. This book is a call to all Christians to work together to reach these people for Christ by showing His love in tangible ways - feeding the hungry, providing for orphans, and helping the sick among others.
Stearns does not confuse works with faith. He makes it completely clear that he in no way thinks works replace faith. But in an excerpt from his book, "...God expects our lives - our churches and faith communities too - to be characterized by these authentic signs of our own transformation: compassion, mercy, justice, and love - demonstrated tangibly."
This Biblical principle should be familiar to all Christians. The book of James makes it quite clear that faith without works is dead (see James 2:14-26)
The only part of this book I struggled with is the title. I believe the gospel of Christ is whole in that "..while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 The gospel of Christ can be demonstrated in the ways Stearns shares in his book, but I don't believe those acts are the gospel - they are ways to share the gospel of salvation through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection. This did not take away from the underlying message that I as a Christian in America have been entrusted with financial blessings over which God made me a steward. I don't believe I was given these blessings just so I could live comfortably or "keep up with the Joneses". I am called to love my neighbor and one way to do that is to share these blessings with those who are, in many parts of the world, starving to death.
After reading this book I believe most Christians will be convicted to reexamine how they are using their time, talents and treasure to share the love of Christ with those in need.
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