Doug Van Pelt

Interns, oh those interns!

I've gotta hand it to Rand and Kelly -- they've really dug in, chipped in, and delivered some great work, creativity (both writing and graphic design) for this issue. It's been some late nights and a lot of work, but this issue is shaping up to be a great one. I can't wait for everyone to read some of these stories. I'll tell you more when it's about to hit (just remind me, okay?).

Received 5 CDs last night at the PO Box. From the Legacy/Columbia Records label, I got 5 remastered re-issued Journey albums. I prefer the first one with Steve Perry (Infinity) to all the others, but it was a real treat to get Infinity, Evolution, Departure, Escape, and Greatest Hits. Fun.

I'm still listening to music to rate for this new issue. Some that come in with high ratings include: Starflyer 59, Showbread, The Devil Wears Prada, and Drop Dead, Gorgeous.

My oldest daughter just left with my parents for a two-week visit to their place in Florida. I hope she has a blast. We're going to miss her. Both my daughters were set up with AIM accounts, so now I get IM's from them during the day. They're so cute.

"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body..."
the words of Saint Peter, who was killed upside-down.

P.S. Jesus taught love, and He also affirmed every Word about the Father in the Scriptures (Old Testament), which means there's also a list of 7 things that get God really mad. Hmmm. Real emotions...God? I believe so. It helps me frame my reference of the James 4:4 discourse (read it @ friends of the world vs. friends of God) when I hold up the concept that our ambivalence towards God, our rejection of Him, or our apathy towards Him -- that's like "flipping him the bird." It's like tell him to (bleep) off. I believe God can handle that, and He probably doesn't flip out like some of us would if we heard that kind of language being directed towards the Creator of the universe; but I think it paints a realistic picture of love vs. hate vs. apathy. No choice is a choice. So, all that to say this: God is a person. He'll treat you as equally as the richest people on earth (maybe even better), and we owe it to Him to fall in love with Him. He is irresistable ... if we only consider Him and believe (cling to, trust in, rely on) Him.

P.S.S. For someone who "falls away" from God or abandons the faith... If Calvinists are right (and they don't conclude that "this brother was never saved in the first place," which smells like an easy cop-out to me), then this person might still go to Heaven when they die. Won't they feel dumb (for maybe a split second), as they realize how wrong they were (that there IS a loving God...He DOES exist and can be KNOWN)!?!

Posted by Doug Van Pelt at July 28, 2006 10:20 AM