Pious jerk

Today, Ethan and I went over to the park to play before it was time to take a nap. Ethan loves the swing, so of course we spent a fair amount of time swinging. We sat there swinging for a long time. We watched a dozen boys and girls of various ages running around playing tag. The social network of kids is awesome. I could have watched them engage with each other all day. It's truly fascinating.
As we were swinging, a dad and his two year girl came over to the swing next to us. For those of you who know me well, you know I like to get into my little zone and not be bothered. This guy didn't want to uphold the man code of "the nod and acknowledge then go about your own business" rule. He started asking me a lot of questions. Where you from, how old's your boy, yada, yada, yada. It wasn't until he told me what he does for a living that I showed some reasonable interest in him. He came from Nebraska to Colorado Springs to set up a missionary network specializing in children's ministry. Religion, the only reason I warmed up to him is because he's religious.
I'm not exactly thrilled with how I acted with this guy, in fact I think I acted like a complete pious jerk. I could have spent some time with him and really gotten to know his outreach and his heart. But I wasn't interested because he interrupted me. And when we finally did start having a conversation about religion, everything I said sounded judgmental and pious. I never even introduced myself or caught his name.
Just a daily reminder that I'm not perfect. I'm selfish, I'm a pious jerk, I'm judgmental, I'm arrogant, I'm boastful, I'm greedy, I'm inconsiderate, I'm a sinner. This is the true condition of my heart. When the light exposes the darkness, this is what becomes visible.
Jesus' death paid for sin, and Jesus rose again conquering death. I no longer have to be conquered by ugliness and death (death, physical and emotional). I can repent and turn my heart to Jesus, and know that all things can be done in Christ. That is comfort, that is joy, that is peace, that is daily sanctification. I am righteous because of the grace of God, not because of my actions, my thoughts, or my desires.

"Peasant Princess"

For those of you who haven't heard Mallory and I go on and on about this sermon series we just finished listening to together, it's titled Peasant Princess, and it was the best thing we have done as a couple sense our premarital counseling. It is a ten week sermon series put together by Mark Driscoll. Pastor Mark Driscoll started a church in Seattle called Mars Hill, and is by far one of my favorite pastors to learn and study from. This particular series focuses on marital relations. Many pastors avoid the topic of sex or label it as "dirty". Sex is not something to be ashamed of, within marriage. What our culture has done with sex is what is to be ashamed of: adultery, homosexuality, fornication, pornography, lust, you name it. The reality of sex within marriage should not be avoided, but should be taught. Culture is twisted and producing ungodly relationships that end in nothing but heartbreak and death (death of relationships, self-worth, self-value, and ultimately the death of marriages). Marriages need to be taken seriously and respectfully. How do you do that? Stop being selfish. We are a selfish culture. Start by putting some work into a relationship, instead of expecting work out of it. Listen to this series, it's worth it. Even if you're not married, it will show you the godly way of cultivating relationships and handling yourself in a respectable manner.

http://peasantprincess.com/

Coming home

So lately I have been lucky enough to come home to welcome home drawings on the driveway when I get home from a long day at work. Mama and Ethan get out there with their chalk and doodle a huge welcome home message for Dada. Normally its in huge writing and says something along the lines of "welcome home Dada", along with various artistic doodles of footballs, stars, and moons, and all the little things Ethan loves. This has happened several times now.

It totally lights up my heart to see a big embarrassing message scrolled across the driveway in honor of Dada coming home. It makes me feel so wanted, its awesome. I struggle with having to spend so many hours away from them, so its nice to know you're at least missed.

Still vomit free, continued

So to continue my previous blog, I'm still vomit free. Last night, Sunday, both mom and Grandma got puked on at the same time. It was nassssttttyyyy...

Still vomit free

I thought that title might get your attention. So an interesting fact is becoming more and more prevalent in the Lockhart household. I have yet to be puked on. Now, mama on the other hand has been projected on now several times. Today was no exception:

Ethan and I spent the afternoon drawing and coloring pictures. We thought it would be cool to give mama an art gallery event today when she got home from work. We showed her our Mickey Mouse drawing. We showed her our lady bug drawing. We showed her our heart drawing. We showed her our moon and stars drawing. After we had shown her all of our hard work, Ethan decided he wasn't quite done yet. He still had one more splash of creativity in him. He gave mama a great big hug and blurp- vomit all over mama's shoulder, shirt, shorts, and legs. Oh it was a good one too. Not to brag or anything, but I have still yet to be puked on. It was awesome.