aaaah...a finished project!

Well two full days and ZERO showers later, our bedroom "makeover" is about complete.  Aside from the random accessorizing (remember, I carry a purse) we are all finished.  New paint.  New closet doors.  Finally finished bed.  New lamp.  Trim painted.  New blinds.  Vertical blinds removed and curtains put up.  Took much longer than we thought.  Oh well.  It is much improved.  This was the only room in the house we had never done anything to...just in case you were wondering or are actually still reading this here post.  Well I am off to bed.  I want to write something more creative/theological and tell you how "creating" and trips to Home Depot point to the fact that we have been created in the image of the Creator.  I want to say that for me home improvement is not so much about keeping up with the proverbial Jones', but rather is a practice as old as time when God made this world "improved" and ready for habitation.  Actually, I've said pretty much what I wanted to say, and now I really do want to go to bed.  Peace and make sure you check out the pics of Sydnie's First Christmas. 

Christmas in Florida

Well it finally feels like Christmas...the weather is cold (at least Florida cold) and everything seems more festive.  Just wanted to share this picture from tonight.  It is so fun to have a little girl.  She loves her mommy.  Heather is such a good mom.  They are so cute together and it is immensely fun to have an "expanded" family this year--no offense to Caspian.  I don't have much else to share other than I am kind of exhausted, but in a good way.  Had a very full, yet enjoyable weekend of ministry--3 Christmas parties on 3 consecutive nights!  Fun.  Tiring.  Thoroughly enjoyed our college gathering last night, as it served as a reunion of sorts--numerous students back in town.  That is all for now.  Couple days more of work, then time off!  Can't wait.  Oh yeah--Heather and I are counting down the days for our first trip together since Sydnie--we will be doing a little x-country skiing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan come February.  They got 3 feet of snow last week.  Time for me to bust out the spandex.  Mental picture.  Don't stumble. Click here to check out one of our x-country skiing destinations. It is absolutely beautiful. 

Laughter is great.

Download sydnie_laughing.mov This was from a few weeks ago, but it still makes us smile.  Decided to post it...who knows why...kind of like most things I post.  Enjoy.  You will need Quicktime to view the movie

Preaching like Eminem?

So I'm driving home today and the ol' ipod is on "shuffle" and what starts playing but Eminem's hit song "Lose Yourself" from his movie 8 Mile.  Commence disclaimer...this is the only Eminem song I have on my ipod, but I will admit that I like it tremendously.  I'm not sure I could say that for all his music (though I have not listened to much of it), but this song in particular stirred several thoughts, so here goes...

Eminem has a DESPERATE HONESTY that cannot be ignored.  He is clearly a scarred, hurt and needy person, and understandably so.  Whether you like him or not, he does not shy away from telling it like it is (or at least how it "is" according to him).  He tells you the hurts of his life.  He tells you his dreams.  He tells you his failures as a son, husband and father.  He tells you how difficult success can be, and yet what it has brought him.  There is just a pervasive desperation as he sings the words about success being his only option--failure is not.  He makes me sad.  He makes me think I would like him alot.  I would love to talk with him.  Believe it or not, I think preachers could learn much from him, both in terms of style and content.  Granted, I am not talking about swearing in sermons, but honesy about the struggles of the pastor's life is greatly needed.  Desperation from the pulpit is needed.  Passion and a "holy swagger" is needed, where he tells it like it is without any apologies.  No sugar-coating.  No masks.  No gimmicks.  Just raw.  I think that is what the church needs from their pastors, and I think Eminem may teach us a lesson or two.