Lives changed...

If you do one thing today, make sure you read all of this poster and then check out the website: kidsneedcamp.com

In florida and thinking

This is the view I woke up with today...

This is the thought process that has been going on in my mind (warning - I might have used a few CAPS LOCK words):

Why is everyone so upset about Rob Bell's book?  Why is everyone so upset about Rob Bell?  Why is everyone so quick to argue their point and get their voices heard?  

For all the good that CS Lewis' books have done in the world, there are people who disagree.  For all the good that John Piper's teachings have done, there are people who find fault.  After the hundreds of thousands of people who have learned and grown and encountered the Creator through Rob Bell's works, there are those who still call him a heretic. 

Does he claim to have the final word on theology?  Does he claim to interpret the WORD without error?  Yet all the critics attack and malign with little-to-no apology.  There are too many people right now claiming that they know the God of Grace, the God of Love, the God of Judgement, the God of (insert character trait here)... but Rob Bell does not.  Is it possible that Pastor Bell is right?  Is it possible that he is wrong? (The answer to both is YES!) 

Let's start adding our voices to the cause, showing the world a God who LOVES, who SAVES, and who GIVES of Himself freely to ALL.  And let's stop sinking our claws and judgment into a fellow brother in Christ who is already doing it.  Do you have to agree with everything he says?  (The answer is NO!)  I don't, but I would be foolish to try to oppose his ministry and his message just so that I can argue the finer points of theology with him.  Instead, let us join our voices and make the message that much louder.

Finally, I've been taking pictures each day in front of the mirror to show-case the burns, tans, and six-packs that have been forming during this week in Florida, and those will be uploaded at the end to give you a true appreciation for the hard work I'm doing now.

Thoughts from a friend...

... there is a reason February is only 28 days long - it doesn't deserve to be a full month!  


I'm not sure if you're anything like me, but 28 days is a long time to look at cold, snowy weather and remember that life is good.  One way that I maintain morale is through music.  If you could pick ONE song that restores your view on the world, that refreshes your soul and reminds you of better times, what would that song be?


Leave a comment with the artist and song, and I'll make a playlist. (If you use a reader or RSS feed, please click through to my site and participate.)  Thank you all.


P.S. In other news, we are in the middle of the home-buying process... maybe this time it'll stick.

HOMES

Either an acronym associated with the Great Lakes, or the places we all long for.  In the case of Liz and I: the unattainable.  We've tried to buy a home for more months than I care to think about, but we are continually bumped back to square one.  It reminds me of that game, "Chutes & Ladders".  Did you play it as a kid?  It doesn't matter who is winning or who thinks they're only moments away from victory, there is always a slide that takes you from the top - all the way to bottom.  We've been within 3 hours of closing when the floor dropped out.  We've also been within hours of offering on homes, when alternate offers have been submitted and accepted... this game sucks!

At any rate, we have looked at EVERY imaginable style of home, and we've put offers on several.  Of course, I came into the process with dreams of owning a beautiful English Tudor, or maybe a Greek Revival... but all of those dreams are crumbling, as I realize those homes are rare, and not for sale.

No, no... we are now putting offers on ranches, colonials, and split-levels that would make even the most unoriginal subdivision proud.  At this point, the homes we are likely to purchase make me wonder if it's worth it.

Another video

A friend introduced me to this.  I don't think these creatures actually exist, but I thought we should all be prepared, just in case.


MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

DPP #16-20 and then I'm done...

I've decided to cut this experiment short by a couple of days... I got behind, and then I decided that I've run out of things to photograph. (Honestly, I have TOO MANY things, but they're all in poorly lit areas (old house), and I am stuck using my phone-camera, without a flash, and they don't turn out.) <-- RUN ON SENTENCE?

At any rate, these are the ones I took before traveling to Nebraska (pronounced NE-BER-SKEY). Below each photo will be a brief commentary.

Ignore Chango, this pictures is of the green, shag carpet in the kitchen.  Oh, and also of the pink cabinets.  Oh yeah, also the avocado fridge and trash compactor. (Also, why does anyone need TWO fridges in their kitchen?)

The room we never use. Can you guess why? (EDIT: "One of the room(s)...")

From left to right: 30-06 w/ scope, bolt-action 22cal, double-barrel 12 gauge shotgun, single-barrel 12-gauge shotgun, another 22cal, WWII era rifle (unsure of calibre), and finally in the box under the ammo is a Smith & Wesson 6-shooter revolver (sorry it's not pictured).

One heck-of-an-old Bible. It's illustrated, and printed in the 1800's.

Finally, I want to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS.  May next year bring you all joy, contentment, and fond times with friends and family.  My prayer for the coming year is a new house.  :)

DPP #15

This is the only "nice" room in the house.  Don't get me wrong, the other rooms are GREAT, as in large, closeted, furnished, etc... but very outdated.  This room is all in good taste, with great artwork and a comfy bed.  Our guests stay here.