Real Sex.

I recently read a book called Real Sex written by Lauren F. Winner. Stephanie and Megan recommended this book to me, and I attended a conference this weekend where Ms. Winner was speaking so I wanted to read at least one of her books prior to meeting/learning from her.

Let me say that this is easily THE MOST refreshing “Christian book” I have read in a LONG time. Granted, I haven’t, until now, had a lot of time for reading other than what I do in the bible due to school, so forgive me for my limited view of things. However, I don’t think my opinion would be different in any other circumstance.

I would like to challenge, without saying too much more, all of my Christian friends to pick this book up. Male or female- pick it up. Give it a whirl. It’s a quick read, divided nicely in to manageable chapters and subsections, and it is an important book.

It is officially titled Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity. Why do I hear the screeching halt of your interest even from here? I know- Chastity? Seriously? Like- chastity belt and the father has the key, lame, annoying, impossible, pointless, antiquated chastity? Yeah—that.

Whether you are “single” or married, this book, I believe, is an important read. It is NOT about “staying pure” before marriage. It does deal with that issue, but the real issue is how Christians look at sex. This obviously deals with marriage since the biblical context for sex IS marriage… but this is not going to be a droning diatribe on staying pure until marriage, or why you need a husband to really be complete. If you’re single and reading this blog—you need to read this book. If you are dating—you need to read this book. If you are engaged—you need to read this book. If you are married, YES—you need to read this book.

This book is the first I’ve read in a while by a contemporary Christian author whose vocabulary and intellect shine through in a God-honoring and Claire-challenging way. Not that I’m some genius, but after reading Plato and Dostoyevsky, ol’ JP and friends feel pretty lame. I often feel patronized when I read Christian literature, and frankly sometimes I feel like I’m dumbing down my brain in order to absorb the minimally challenging teachings. It is a tremendous joy to feel challenged and curious about this woman’s ideas, and to feel interested and not obligated about the subject. After all people- what are we MORE interested in culturally than sex?

A few tidbits addressed in the book that might pique your interest:

-Should sex be communal? What does THAT mean?

-Do we have the RIGHT to have pre-marital sex?

-What lies does society tell us about sex?

-What lies does the Church tell us about sex?

-How do pornography and masturbation influence healthy sex lives?

-What IS ‘good sex?’

-How does birth control change our view of sex?

-Why isn’t “True Love Waits” an effective idea?

-What is the point of practicing chastity anyway? When I’m single? Married?

I know for lots of you ladies you’re about up to your ears in dating and “woman” books. Let me just say that I understand you, and I don’t think we should always be thinking solely about our identities as women- but also as a larger group. I DO think it is healthy to think about how we are sexual beings, and what that means as a Christian- how do we deal with that? This isn’t a book for women- it’s for people. It happens to be written by a very wise and well-educated woman. I implore you to consider reading this—an entertaining, challenging, and potentially very provocative read, if nothing else.

Also, I’d love to hear from you if you do decide to read it, or if you are interested but want to know more before you look at the book. OR… if you want to borrow the book (it is currently reserved but you can get in line!).

Not sure what else to say, but consider it, eh? Oh- and I think every youth worker, pastor, college leader, and other categoried person should read it to. So really, no one is excluded, I’m not just talking about twenty-somethings. READ IT!

It's Getting Old.

Matthew was supposed to arrive here Thursday morning at 6:30am... and actually arrived (after four cancelled flights, 18 hours in what sounds like the crappiest airport on earth (no food, no tv's...nothing)) Friday night around 9pm.

The time when he was supposed to be here, but wasn't was awful. It was bad for me- I had cleared my schedule and literally done all possible homework-- had nothing left to do. But it was so much worse for him... no food, no distraction, nothing to do but sit in an airport after ZERO sleep. Thank God, he finally arrived and we had a great four days together.

While I was missing him it literally ached (aches, as he's gone again... flying even now, as I type) to think of how much I miss being with him. I was so sad, and I AM sad every time we have to say goodbye or are confronted with life WITHOUT eachother. And yet... I couldn't help but thank God for how wonderful it is to miss someone that much. To love someone SO very much, and KNOW them that well, and care for them so deeply that you feel physically ill when you can't be with them... it's pretty amazing.

In the end we had a wonderful time together and were reminded yet again of how much we love eachother, and how much FUN we have together. We also realized yet again that this whole long distance thing is getting old. Now with just under three months (holy crap) to graduation, and under six months (holy crap!) til the wedding, I am starting to understand more and more why people say engagement sucks... not to mention long distance relationships. You'd think it would get easier to say goodbye after nearly two years of it... but it keeps getting harder.

The redeeming part of all this is how wonderful it is to be with him... and yes, even to miss him when it comes right down to it.

This was a little mopy, sorry. I'll put some pictures up soon and that wil be fun, I promise.

Thanks for coming love, I had a wonderful weekend.

DONE!

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that I survived the colloquium!

It went really REALLY well, and I am SOO exhausted. It was a great experience, and I'm SO glad that it is over!

Next stop.. .graduation!

Thanks for all the prayers and support!

Tomorrow.

Holy Crap guys.... its tomorrow!

My Colloquium is LESS than 24 hours away.

So far I'm doing pretty well with not freaking out. I, of course, had a weird dream about it last night, so I woke up feeling weird about it, but over the course of the day those panic feelings have subsided.

I made "mimi brownies" (mmmm) for it too, and the combination of baking from scratch and just occupying my time in a constructive way today was important and enjoyable.

I really can't believe that this time tomorrow the culmination (besides ACTUALLY graduating) of my academic career to this point will be complete. Amazing.

Hope you all have a great week... I'm sure I'll post when its over!

Thanks for the support thus far, even though so often its hard to understand what it is you're supporting!

Ghost Rider.

I like cheesy action movies.

I like comic-based movies.

I have absolutely NO desire to see Ghost Rider.

If you stoop so low as to see this movie, please comment and tell me if it is as bad as it seems it will inevitably be.

Feels Like -5.

And yes, it does.

One week from this very moment, I will be finished with my Colloquium. And hopefully, I will have passed. I guess I'm assuming I will have, but who knows.

I have officially finished all the "work" associated with the colloquium. Susan, my dear experienced Colloquium-taker has offered to go over things with me Thursday, so that will really be the last step!

I met with my advisor and she looked at me and said "Why are you here? Oh yeah, you're you." She went on to say that my perfectionism and organization will pay off, and has paid off, and the work I've done over the last four years has lead me to this. It was actually a very nice little pep talk. So anyway.... one week from today!

In other news:

It is cold in New York!

I made wheat pizza dough with M.C.Smith and have decided I will try my hand at some real bread this coming Thursday. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yoga kicked my butt (and abs, and thighs, and triceps, and shoulders, and back, and chest...) on Friday- the male instructor was intense.

Bible study was great on Saturday- it was good to see you ladies.

So great to work out with you, L.Rogers!

Great to see you Alexis! And for that matter, Sabrina! Ryan's was pretty cool.

Mmm.... Staci and I went to a steak house on Friday for dinner for restaurant- another 3 course fabulous meal- delicious!

Took myself to a movie, at lunch in the theater, and it was a great time. I like that I'm happy eating or movie-going by myself... it's very calm. I recommend it. Take yourself on a date.

Lots of "bad news" this week for friends...and to all of you, I'm sending out love to you and am very sorry. You'll be in my prayers.

Fantastic to see Dash, E, and I- as seen below, of course!

And that's about it. Not too much going on, just that ol' Colloq coming up, but things are good.

Hope you all are doing well!

Claire

Pictorial: Smash and Gilbert

Some pictures from my visit yesterday with Dash, Ian, Elizabeth, Gilbert, and Sulivan.


SOO CUTE!

Dash isn't quite tall enough to ride his toy.

His toy, by the way, is named Burt Reynolds.

He's able to walk AND palm a ball now- watchout!

I got to feed the little one and cuddle a bit- he's So sweet!

So cute.

He loves his mommy and daddy!

Here he's holding one of Ian's shoes and it was so cute- it was half his size!

Carrying the shoe into the kitchen to mom and dad.

Gilbert as the anchor of my "dynamic" picture for my photo class.

Gilbert needed to investigate/rub the camera.

Fancy boots, eh?

Yikes, terrible of me, but I got some cuddlin' in with this little guy, and thus have satiated my desperate longing for the Herm. It doesn't go away, but it is eased by this fellow.

I love his little lip in this one.

Place to go!

A little comfort food.

On a mission to get the ball.

Dash wanted to drink from the bottle. Ian showed him.

The he insisted on having it- and it seemed cruel to refuse him
after it had been demonstrated for him.

But in the end, the juice trumped the bottle.


I had a great time with Ian and Elizabeth. It was so fun to see Dash- he's getting more mature all the time! And great to get some cuddles from Gilbert, too.