Home Is Where The Heart Is

The past couple weeks the Wonderdog residence has been host to a number of travelers, and I've loved it. I loved how our condo was full of life. I loved talking to our guests about where they've been, what they've experienced and what they thought of Canada, and Central Ontario.

It got me thinking (we're ditching the condo in favor of a house later this year) what kind of home I would like to have.

(I haven't really talked to Mrs Wonderdog about this, so I'm not sure if it will actually happen)

Ideally I'd like to have an open home. The kind of place where people feel welcome to stop in anytime. They kind of place where travelers can stay for a night or two while exploring Central Ontario. The kind of place where community exists. Where people feel welcome and loved, even if we've never met before. The kind of place where food and drink are plenty, and joy fills the air. The kind of home I think Jesus would have had.

I'm not sure how realistic this dream of mine is, but I like to think it's doable.

The Fire - Follow-Up

So I've thought about the video I posted yesterday. I think the guy might be off a little bit.

a) I don't think it's God's desire that people go to hell. I don't think he takes pleasure in sentencing someone to eternal damnation.

b) I don't think God took pleasure in Jesus' crucifixion.

c) (at 2:17) He says "If multiplied all the physical things (Jesus) had gone through times a thousand, it still could not cover your one sin." Didn't Jesus' horrific crucifixtion cover ALL of our sins?

d) I don't think Jesus died just so we can punch our ticket to heaven. If I remember correctly Jesus said he came so that we can have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.

What do you think? I'm no biblical scholar, so it is entirely possible I may be off as well.

The Fire - Video

A friend sent me this video. I'm unsure how I feel about it. I think his heart is in the right place. I think he makes some good points. But when he says Jesus' sacrifice isn't enough to make up for our sins... Isn't that why Jesus was sent? Maybe I missed something, but I thought God wanted everyone to be saved, but he makes it seem like God will take pleasure in sending people to hell. Maybe I'm misinterpreting what he is saying.

I'd love to hear what you think about it.

Click To Play

STORY

I am going to THIS any way I can. For serious, I will hitch-hike my way there if need be. Anyone want to come with me?

Fixed

So last week I told you how I like the Fail Blog. Well, I've discovered another blog that is (I guess) the opposite. It's about fixing things. Check out "There I Fixed It" HERE.

Books

I stopped by the Treasure House on the weekend for their "Hello Summer Sale" and made my way over to their books section. You see I LOVE reading. Especially reading books by guys like Mark Batterson, Erwin McManus and Rob Bell. Those guys mess me up big time.

But this time I left the store empty-handed. Well, noty exactly empty-handed. I left with an even longer list of books I want to read. I think I'm around 20 now. There was no way I could pick just one. ARGH!

What's on your "To-Read" list?

Fail Blog

I love reading the Fail Blog when I'm having a bad day. It always brings a smile to my face.

What's your "pick me up"?

A Great Radio Promotion

30 years ago a radio station's promotion ruined a baseball game. But it was a GREAT promotion. The local rock station decided to have a "Disco Demolition" night at the ball park. Listeners could bring their disco records and they'd be blown up between games. SOunds good right? It became so much more. Here's the video from that night in 1979.

Incomplete

When I look at this picture I have all sorts of feelings.

Happiness.

Love.

Hope.

Thankfulness.

But also stress, worry, pressure and to be honest, I feel like a failure.

She deserves something better. A husband that looks like Brad Pitt, is as smart as Steve Jobs, as funny as Will Ferrell, as kind and loving as Mother Theresa, and someone that knows what they are doing.

But that's not why I feel like a failure at times. It's because I'm failing in what God has called me to do. I'm called to lead... no... propel her into a deeper relationship with Christ. A relationship that is dangerous, radical, unpredictable and unlike the life we live right now.

I often lose sight of this. I think if we have a nicely furnished house, 2 cars in the driveway and an overall feeling of safety and security then I'm doing alright. But truth is it's so much more than that. If we aren't actively advancing the cause of Christ then we are living far below potential. If we aren't helping people encounter God, then we're not cutting it. If we go to church on Sunday, raise our hands in worship, put a cheque in the offering, but fail to engage our neighbours who have never had an encounter with God, then we are failing.

God has blessed me with an incredible wife. One who selflessly gives of herself and loves me so much more than I could ever imagine. It is my duty as a husband to lead her into the kind of life that is uncomfortable. One that makes most Christians feel uncomfortable. It is my duty to refuse to settle for a "normal" life, and to strive towards a life that makes an impact for the kingdom.

I like the way Mark Batterson puts it: "don't accumulate possessions, accumulate experiences."

The Motherland

One of the things on my bucket list is to go back to Estonia, the land of my ancestors, and tour the country for a couple weeks. Ideally I'd like to do this with Crystal before we have kids, and once again once our kids are teenagers, and make sure we visit my family's homesteads.

I've been to Eesti a couple times on missions trips and fell in love with the country. I'd really like Crystal to fall in love with the country too.

Tallinn, Estonia from Alan Duff on Vimeo. (Excuse the stupid music)