of War and Christianity – thoughts on love

War & Duty & Christianity & Love

My adult life has survived many wars from afar. The tribulation of the Middle Eastern countries has led to several battlefields some of which are still entrenched in showers of artillery today. Now, when I say I have “survived” these wars it actually means that I am living at the same time these battles are occurring. I have never been in the military, much less a war of weapons.

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Love Wins – Rob Bell

A Book about Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived

While I like the book’s title, its subtitle is what actually caught my attention – along with the fact that the fundamental (and not so fundamental for that matter) “Christian” community has screamed out against it. Rob Bell lived up to the hype. His approach toward discussion of the plausibility of non-traditional biblical interpretations is worth the read. Be careful, though. If you have shallow roots, you just might be replanted in the fertile grounds of Unitarian Universalism – well not quite, but somewhere in a nearby field where the bible can still be found.

I actually loved the book. While my convictions don’t align with a great deal of what Rob presents, I actually hope he’s right. I am sure that God calls many to heaven through faith in Jesus Christ (a faith that is actually granted by God’s Spirit to begin with). I am not saddened, however, if I get to heaven and find that he had another set of plans for everyone else.

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Amazing New Music

Earlier this week, I heard a song that caught my ear. Upon inquiry, I found that Josh Garrels‘ new CD is available for free download. Check it out…

2011 – Hiking with Samuel to Baskins Falls

Samuel and I have a tradition – the last weekend before school starts back up is “boy weekend.” This year included camping, fires, frisbee golf, golf and an exciting hike to Baskins Falls in Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Samuel proved to be a real trooper on this trip. Upon reaching the falls, we decided to climb our way to the top. On that climb, we crossed up a nest of yellow-jackets. This added a total of 17 bee stings to a 2.5 mile, uphill hike back to the truck. My son was amazing. He set a pace of determination and we prevailed. It is a weekend we will never forget.

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of Painful Memories

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing.

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