Men are from Venus and Girls are from...?

I thought you might enjoy this exercise from last Sundays' Senior High youth group. One of the topics the kids wanted to discuss was "Dating - Christian Style?" So we had an initial activity where guys and girls were separated and they each came up with lists of questions for the other. Then the group reconvened and answered before presenting them to the mixed group. The differences are a trip! High schoolers are such funny creatures... just exploring their little world and making unwittingly true commentary about the rest of us while they are at it.

I color coded everything using the traditional pink/blue (red/blue - its clearer) motif so you would know who is who asking/answering. Enjoy! If you have your own question/answer feel free to submit it in blog comments!
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boys questions for the girls:

1. Why do girls go to the bathroom in pairs or packs?
1. So we can gossip or avoid being gossiped about or to borrow female hygiene items

2. Why do girls buy so many clothing and accessory items?
1. To look good for you. Plus we like shopping and when we shop, we’re bonding with each other.

3. Why do girls cry during movies (chick flicks)?
1. Because they’re sad. And maybe we connect to something that happens.
2. Note: Jessica has never cried in a movie

4. What do girls seriously want?
1. Loyalty. Honesty. Trust. And openness, communication, being yourself, a sense of humor, being a best friend, sensitive (comforting), being up front about ending a relationship. Seriously, don’t cheat. Be a man – its going to hurt to end it, but its better that we know up front

5. Why do girls think they have to be so manipulative?
1. We are afraid to say the trust and don’t want to hurt the other persons feelings.

6. Why do girls call sports ‘stupid’?
1. STEREOTYPING!

7. What is a good first date?
1. Not a movie! Dinner or anywhere public you can talk, like Starbucks or mini-golf – not at a house.

8. Why do girls expect us to know what they are thinking?
1. Because its hard for us to put into words and you rush us and cut us off and we’re afraid of your reaction or rejection.

9. Why do girls expect them to do so many things for us?
1. Not all girls expect to be waited on! But we expect courtesy and respect. We want you to be a gentleman. Compliments are greatly appreciated.

10. Why are girls such whiners (a general statement – not all are)?
1. We’re just more verbal than you are. Whining is sometimes just trying to keep conversation going and break the silence because you won’t talk.

11. If you could be a transformer, what would you transform to?
1. Not Megatron

12. What do you like most about guys?
1. Eyes, hair, smile, height (we like taller than us), shoulders. But those things are only part of it. We also like gentle boldness, a sense of humor, being willing to talk, being yourself, treating you like a friend, intelligence, and being able to hold a good confident conversation.

13. What do you dislike most about guys? (pet peeves)
1. Egotistical, treating you differently around their male friends,

14. What is the purpose of playing mind games with guys?
1. Some girls think they have to do that to keep it interesting and to keep you around.

15. Why do some girls hold grudges for so long?
1. Our emotions are more easily hurt and your lack of communication keeps the problem going. Girls want guys to realize what they did.

16. Why are girls so mean to each other?
1. Some are competing for guys’ attention because of their own insecurities.

17. If you could only have three things on an island what would they be?
1. Music
2. Physical Activity (like a ball)
3. Chocolate

18. If you were in any Star Wars movies would you be a Sith lady or be a Jedi lady? Would you join the empire or the rebels?
1. Rebels!

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girls questions for the boys

1. Why do guys take so long to make the first move? Why do they refuse to be leaders? Are they waiting for a signal, and if so, what is it?
1. Because we are supposed to know what you are thinking but we don’t. We are afraid of being rejected. Good signals are having conversations and giving eye-contact.

2. Why are guys secretive about their feelings?
1. We are NOT! Why are you not more observant?

3. Why do guys ask your opinion and feelings and then they get upset with the answer?
1. You don’t answer the question the way we wanted you to or just avoid it.

4. Why do guys act so macho?
1. We want to impress girls and we don’t know how to do it

5. Is it ok if a girl doesn’t do her hair and makeup?
1. YES! (is it okay we don’t??)

6. What does a girl need to do to get noticed?
1. Be yourself, talk, and wear good perfume. Be outgoing.

7. Are guys as worried about their looks as girls are?
1. No. We don’t wear make-up and we shave our heads.
   
   
8. Do guys have a problem with girls driving?
1. No, if you don’t crash or multi-task.

9. Do guys always want to pay on a date or do they think they have to? What about the King of Hearts Dance?
1. We think we have to pay. It doesn’t seem like a date if you split the cost. For King of Hearts, it should be on an individual basis – talk about it.

10. Why do guys use girls sexually? Why do guys like girls who dress provocatively?
1. It is genetics – physical appearance is more important to guys than girls.

11. Do guys realize when girls are two-faced?
1. Yes! And we dislike it. With a fiery passion.

12. What are guys’ biggest worry when impressing girls? What do guys think impresses a girl?
1. Rejection or failure.
2. Guys trying to be funny and strong (macho).

13. Are guys interested in a relationship or just dating?
1. Depends on the guy and the girl. It’s high school. Its not life or death.

14. How would guys feel about a girl asking them out? Does it bother guys if a girl calls? What’s the biggest turn off that a girl can do?
1. Awesome, fine.
2. No, unless it’s repetitive and/or late at night.
3. Bad smell, high pitched voice, two personalities, manipulative/melodramatic

15. Why do guys like girl on girl action?
1. Because its hot and 2x the fun.

Yee-Haw!

We had Country-Western Family night at the church and I thought I'd play the part nicely... fit right in with the kids during line dancing! Like the pigtails? This is part of a new ministry to get families involved with one another in their home vocations.

Enjoy the photos!

Joy

My dear Jeni Falkman was proposed to this evening by her Colin Grangaard.
From what I understand, she said yes...!

This is a coupling of two best friends and their marriage will be a blessing not only for them, but for all of us surrounding them.

Cheers to Colin and to my Sister From Another Mister!

Jeni on the first day of seminary (2003)

My sister from another Mister

Jeni and Colin

p.s. Jeni - I hope you don't mind I jacked two out of three pics from your Facebook. I didn't have a copy of our twin pics! Do you have it??

Yael Naim - New Soul

It is a beautiful Israel singer named Yael Naim singing her "New Soul." I think there are a number of really beautiful theological/blessing images in there. If you need to
read the lyrics alongside go to this site:

http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/y/yael_naim/new_soul.html

One of the ways I understand the life of faith is that we are simply
getting used to our new bodies of freedom, gifted to us by God. When you are captured in His promises, it is not so much that sin is taken from you, but that you are taken out of sin. You are a "new soul"
trying to find your way in this world, no longer claimed by sin, death, and the devil.

Utterly delightful. If you like Naim, check it her CD on iTunes and you can find the rest of her work with lots of her music in Hebrit.
Hope you enjoy! I thought you might appreciate it.

Yes, yes, it is definitely chickie muzak as my dear friend Jake would say! I may not be as music savvy as my dear Jeni Falkman is - and my powers of description fade in comparison (Jeni, would you like to write something here? - I won't pay you, but you can have the publicity!). And yes, I know this is popular and somewhat kitschy as a result. But I'm in love and I thought you could fall into the joy alongside me.

Cheers!

The Wisdom of Pat

Pat is my dear parishioner who is not only struggling with Alzheimers', but after his recent kidney operation, the doctors discovered he has six months or less to live due to end-stage malignant, malicious body-wide cancer. I visited him this evening and was so glad to have worn my collar because he recognized the office immediately. He held on to my hand and did not let go. I gave him a little back rub and he kept making sounds of relaxation - thank God for touch!

I am posting this not only to ask for prayers for him, but also to share one of the most insightful quips of the week:

Pat's Wife: Okay, Pat. You behave yourself for the nurses!
Pat: Why?