Manhood - Part 5

What lens are you looking through?

In 1896, Berkley psychologist George Stratton published the findings from a study in which he wore mirror glasses that inverted his view of the world. For three weeks his view of the world was literally turned upside-down. At first he would get nauseous whenever he would move his head, let alone when he tried (and failed) to walk. But after about a week, his eyes and brain adjusted so that he saw the world as normal again, and was able to function as he had without the glasses (Craig Boreth, How to Feel Manly in a Mini Van, page 4).

This quote reminds me of the need I have for God to define me as an individual and to reset my spiritual compass to true north. I need Jesus Christ. Without His atoning work in my life I would be separated from the redemptive and restorative power of God. I would be subject to the view of self and world that comes through the lens of sin that once sat upon my face. Talk about being upside down ... wow!

Isaiah 53 says so poetically that Jesus was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering... He took up our infirmities, and carried our sorrows, He was stricken, afflicted, smitten and pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.

By His wounds I am healed. That is my story on this Good Friday. That God loves me, gave His life for me by coming to earth through the person of Jesus Christ, suffered death on a Roman cross some two thousands years ago, was buried and three days later arose from the dead. I believe this... I have centered my life in Jesus Christ and I have reconciled with my God. Now He is in the process of transforming me into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Jesus has placed new lens on my face.

This is my story. What is yours? I would like to hear it.

Have a blessed Easter and thanks for stopping by!

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Adrian

Manhood - Part 4

"How to Feel Manly in a Mini Van"

I can be a sucker for a good deal. I actually found a book on Amazon.com for a penny (plus $2.00 for shipping of course) a few weeks ago with the above title and could not help myself. I had to buy it because the price was right. That's an unwritten law for men, you know. Besides, I thought it could be used as a ministry tool. Now mind you, "I" do not need such a book, but I am suspicious that some of my friends may. So I really bought it for them.

All kidding aside, society seeks to define men in ways that contradicts God's original design. Most men I know seem to want more in life and often demonstrate an unsettledness that either drives them forward in determination or deeper into despair. Would this be true to your experience or observations as well? What contrasts or contradictions do you see regarding where men are today compared to God's original design described in the Bible?

Also, what does it take to transform a man back to God's original design? Is it attainable, if so then what process is involved? Could the answer be a dog and mini van? Hummmmmm............. :-)

P.S. As a pastor I am sworn to secrecy. So men, if you want to read my book I won't tell anyone about your struggles. Remember, I bought it for you! :-)

I bet you are dieing to see a picture of a mini van tent, aren't you? Check this out!



NICE!

OK, one quote from my new book How to Feel Manly in a Mini Van for your enrichment. Author Craig Boreth writes, "I am reminded of a quote from the movie, The Man Who Wasn't There: When you are in the maze you go through it willy-nilly, turning where you think you have to turn, banging into the dead ends, one thing after another. But when you get some distance on it, and all of those twists and turns ... why, you find out they are the shape of your life."


Thanks for stopping by!

--------
Adrian

Manhood - Part 3

This experience started it all!



Yes indeed. The day after Lisa totaled my Jeep on I-480 I discovered that my "manly man" Jeep had a pink airbag! You talk about a blow to the masculinity! I waited 47 years for such a vehicle. It was Army Green in color and "trail rated." It was a "man's man" kind of vehicle. It came directly from the showroom with the smell of "testosterone." What more could a guy ask for? But a pink airbag... what's up with dat?

Well, the Jeep has been replaced and I have moved on. Now, I am proud to say that I drive a mini van and it feels good! Not only that, I found a great deal online for a "mini van tent." Yes, that's right. A mini van tent that attaches to the lift gate and transforms the average "run of the mill" people hauler into a state of the art "recreational vehicle." NICE! All feels right in my world once again.

Emotion ... feelings. Words that are not commonly associated with men. However, men are emotional beings. Yes a man's focus may be different in someways from a that of a woman when it comes to understanding and demonstrating emotion. But nonetheless, men have and value emotion too. How do you see emotion playing out in a man's life? How does God intent for it to be used?

Does anyone have a "Real men drive a mini van" sticker I could have?




Thanks for stopping by!

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Adrian

Manhood - Part 2

I wear the pants in my family ... because I is da Man! These pictures prove it ...





That's Buster and he is the latest edition to the Halverstadt family. He is a nine month old shepherd/beagle mix that Lisa and Tim brought home from the Lake County Dog Shelter last Saturday while I was at work. Needless to say, I was quite surprised when I got home to discover a dog had moved in to my castle!

So you are probably thinking "how does this prove that Adrian wears the pants in his family?" Well, it's like this, I decided 29 years ago that "I" would make all of the major decisions in our marriage and Lisa would handle the minor ones. And, getting Buster was a minor decision. So you see, "I" actually made the decision to get a dog even though I didn't know it at the time. ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT? :-)

The only issue I have found with my decision making process is determining the difference between a major and minor decision. So far, all of the decisions in 29 years of marital bliss have been minor ones (or so Lisa tells me). But, I want you to know that "I" am ready, willing and capable of making a major decision when one comes along ... cause, I is da man!

All kidding aside, the scriptures teach that man is to be the "head of the wife" in Ephesians 5:23 and elsewhere. Some may think that is an antiquated notion in the 21st century. Is God's blueprint for familial organization dated and demeaning to women? How could a women ever reach her fullest potential if she is not independent of a man's authority? What does biblical male headship mean to you?

I would like to chat more but I have got to go... Lisa gave me a "honey-do" list that I need to finish up before I can go to the office. Another one of those minor decisions, don't you know?



Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian

Manhood

What is man that Thou art mindful of him? (Psalm 8:4)

That is a question asked by one of the Old Testament prophets in an attempt to understand God's perspective on man. Why would He love us so? What is it about man that God would give His life in ransom for man? That is a question each generation asks and the scriptures clearly answers in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son ..." SWEET! That says it all, does it not?

But let's play off the first part of the above phrase for a moment. "What is man...?" Good question, huh? What is God's expection for a man today? What is a biblical definition for mansulinity? Sounds like good fodder for discussion to me!

What say you? Can you embellish this subject with me for a few days? As you contemplate the Christian male role today what topics/subjects come to mind for discussion? Who is man to be by oringinal design?

(Lady bloggers, I would really like your perspective on this subject. I understand if you feel compelled to post comments anonymously. But by all means, be sure to read the comments posted over the next few days. If nothing more you may get a chuckle from the men!)

Thanks for stopping by!

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Adrian