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John Baw at the Wild Ox Blog posted about a book he just finished reading. I’m going to have to get it.

The book is “Surprised by Hope” by Tom Wright, the Bishop of Durham in the Church of England. John cautions, “This book contains a little to offend just about everyone form the Pope to the most Reformed of Evangelical Protestants.” In fact, John says the author talks about praying for the dead. BUT there’s a lot of good stuff in there, apparently.

John goes on to say,

In this book Tom Wright attempts to show that the ultimate hope for the Christian is not to die and go to Heaven, and that this planet is not just waiting to be thrown off a cliff at the last judgement. He advances an altogether more biblically grounded understanding of our future hope which is, surprising for many, not at all about “going to Heaven when you die” but rather about being a co-heir with Christ in a new Heaven and a new Earth. This concept comes as a shocker to many within Evangelical Christianity. This shocker naturally changes everything. His explanation of Heaven as another present dimension to life here and now is also extremely useful as well as certain implications of, for example, Jesus being in Heaven in a material and bodily form right now, and not in a non-material state floating somewhere in the by-and-by as most Christians believe.

That’s been my rallying cry for several years now…  of COURSE we should be concerned about the by and by - eternity’s a very long time! but we lose SO MUCH of what God intends for us by ONLY being concerned about the by and by!

Branson, Missouri, is a great place to escape during the winter time (or, so we’re told. Can you tell it’s time for us to take a vacation; I keep writing about places to go!)

Branson is well-known as THE entertainment place of the Midwest.
Now you can stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and be a guest of the
Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel when you’re in Branson. The hotels offer access to restaurants, shops and boutiques, a lovely walk along the river, and even a town square with a lights & fire water fountain.

From what I’ve heard, Branson is sort of like Vegas when it comes to entertainment - there’s tons of live shows, theaters, dance troupes, and even an annual ice carving. Both of these hotels are near to-die-for golf courses, museums, lakes, theme parks, you name it! And don’t forget that Jim Bakker’s ministry is located in Branson. Of course everyone remembers his fall - apparently he’s been restored and is doing quite well in ministry.

I haven’t been to Branson yet. We went to Missouri when I was a child and greatly enjoyed the trip. If we go to Branson, we’ll be sure to say at the Promenade - it’s a lovely hotel! I wish we could go right now! The Hilton’s offering a Winter Escape package. They’ve also got bed & breakfast, shopping, golf, and family packages throughout the year.

I just spent over an hour cleaning our bedroom, in which the future fur hat cat knocked over a half-full glass of coke that was sitting on my night stand. All over the bed, my books, pill bottles, everything. What a *mess*.

I’m sipping a large glass of Emergen-C in the hopes that it will help me combat the dust and germs I’m stirring up, cleaning.

I made two glory hoops the other day. I need to run by WalMart and get some ribbon to finish them off. They’re delightful to dance with! Red and gold, like fire! When they’re done, I’ll post pics.

I’m slowly working my way through the book of Matthew. Got to 5:13, which says we’re the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its saltiness, it’s no good. WOW. That’s powerful. How salty am I? What would make us un-salty? I asked Uncle Google, and this sermon popped up. It’s a good read: http://mcdonaldroad.org/sermons/00/0520.htm

I’ve come to the conclusion that there should be a single, all-inclusive kitchen gadget - a deep-fry/blender/food processor/grill/bread machine would be VERY nice.

Morey’s Piers in New Jersey is having a holiday sale! But you’ve got to act quickly - the sale is over January ninth.

For those of you who don’t know, Morey’s Piers is one of many fun things to do in New Jersey! They are the largest amusement pier in the world.

It’s a great place for a New Jersey Vacation for you and your family. Morey’s Piers is located in Wildwood, NJ, which is near Cape May and not far from Ocean City and Atlantic city. Their website is “the” place to find hotels and motels in Wildwood and the surrounding area.

Morey’s has over 100 amusement park rides, two water parks, and boardwalk attractions. They’ve even got roller coasters! Obviously right now it’s a little chilly to be thinking about a water park (!!) but if you hurry and buy your season pass before January 9, you can save nearly 40% on the water park pass! How’s that for a <a href=”http://www.moreyspiers.com” title=”Jersey Shore”><strong>Jersey Shore beach Vacation</strong></a>  eh?

Morey’s does birthdays, group events, youth groups, corporate picnics, and offers company discounts. I’m not sure if they offer the discounts to non-locals (their site says “companies and organizations” but if you plan on bringing a group, it’s worth calling to inquire. Here’s the web page you need: http://www.moreyspiers.com/goodanyday.htm

Back down to 198.4! Hurray!

I started physical therapy yesterday at the chiropractor’s office. I didn’t do much - about 20 reps on the cruncher machine and about 40 on the pusher machine (I have no idea what these things really are - medieval torture devices designed to afflict the abs and low back). I’m REALLY feeling it this morning. Rusty promises that my back will feel better, though, as I strengthen the muscles back!

I also saw a sleep specialist yesterday. It was odd seeing a doctor who looked as young as my daughters!! Is that a sign that I’m getting older? :blink: Anyway, she thinks I might have sleep apnea. I snore like a bear and with the weight gain it’s a distinct possibility. (and apnea will keep the weight on, too!)

Today I am cleaning house - and I mean CLEANING. I’m going to bleach everything!! We’ve gotten the house de-Christmassed. Now I’m going to give it a thorough cleaning. We need to start packing (but where would we put everything???) so we can show the house and have it not look cluttered.

PLEASE be praying for four things. Declare them because we know that this is God’s will:

#1 - That we find the house He wants us to have in Greensboro. We’re going to look at some, probably tonight, and we have one where we both really feel drawn.

#2 - That God will provide us with the money to fix this house up for sale - we need to replace some floors, a shower, the carpeting, and then paint. We’re probably looking at $2500 if we do it all ourselves.

#3 - That a buyer will show up and offer us a million bucks, or at least a fair offer, on our property.

#4 - That we’ll be able to quickly and easily secure financing on the new house.

Thanks guys!!