in which I am chastened

I am loving this quote from Marvin J. Ashton:

"When one considers the bad feeling and the unpleasantness caused by contention, it is well to ask, “Why do I participate?” If we are really honest with ourselves, our answers may be something like: “When I argue and am disagreeable, I do not have to change myself. It gives me a chance to get even.” “I am unhappy and I want others to be miserable too.” “I can feel self-righteous. In this way I get my ego built up.” “I don’t want others to forget how much I know!”

"Whatever the real reason, it is important to recognize that we choose our behavior. At the root of this issue is the age-old problem of pride. “Only by pride cometh contention.” (Prov. 13:10.)

"If Satan can succeed in creating in us habits of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier then for him to bind us with the heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives. A contentious spirit can affect almost any phase of our lives. An angry letter written in haste can haunt us—sometimes for years. A few ill-advised words spoken in hate can destroy a marriage or a personal friendship, or impede community progress."

role model

From now on, I'm getting my parenting tips from this guy....

...and sometimes we whine

"Greatness is best measured by how well an individual responds to the happenings in life that appear to be totally unfair, unreasonable, and undeserved. Sometimes we are inclined to put up with a situation rather than endure. To endure is to bear up under, to stand firm against, to suffer without yielding, to continue to be, or to exhibit the state or power of lasting." - Marvin J Ashton

nothing says "I love you" like a pickle

I think we can all agree that Costco is awesome. My friend, Jill, was showing off her most recent mass-quantity finds the other day, when it was revealed that she doesn't like pickles. I find this unfathomable. (It's unf...with...without fathom.) In spite of this, she purchased a 4 Litre jar of gorgeous gems of flavor, also know as pickles, for her family. What a beautiful expression of love!

Disclosure: I like to eat pickles with peanut butter. Spoonfuls of peanut butter in one hand and a pickle in the other, sliced pickles sandwiched between peanut butter and bread, or the ultimate "to-go" variation: hot-dog style - I'm sure you can picture it. I'm resigned to the fact that most people will never be able to bring themselves to sample this delicacy, and I'm truly sorry for their loss.

Really though, I'm just curious what other people love to eat that I would find unfathoma... unfatho... without fathom. (Thank you Megamind, you complete me.)