True Value Hardware

Here is the hardware store where I (Deric) am blessed to work.  Inside it has a U-haul, a Just Ask Rental, a Fed Ex, and a Radio Shack.  Good people, good work, and a good business.

Thrift Store Things

Today as an activity after our staff meeting we made our way to Monte Vista's thrift stores.  We made off like bandits.

Rebecca got these skis and boots, which are the right size and are in good condition, for a total of $12.

And I got these handmade and practically brand new boots for $25.  These should fit in fine around Alamosa, but I definitely don't want to be a poser.

Deric's Bedliner Birthday Investment

Since I (Deric) bought the truck I have wanted to invest in a paint-on bedliner, but I could never justify the cost.  Knowing full well that I would not spend my birthday money on anything for myself, Rebecca encouraged me to spend it on something I wanted or needed.  While walking through Walmart, something came over me and I spontaneously decided to do this long-awaited project.  It took longer than I anticipated and it required more product than recommended, but the end result was rewarding.

Trying not to paint myself into a corner.

This was just after I realized would be needing another gallon.

Project completed and person content.

Dinner in Darkness

Yesterday when we returned home from running errands, our power was out (who knows why...there was no wind or storm or anything).  We had about an hour of daylight before it got dark.  And we were hungry. Around 6 o'clock I (Deric) asked, "What should we do for dinner? Fast food? Take Out?"  Then I suggested, "What if we use our camping stove and cook something?" Rebecca thought that was a fun idea.   So I made grilled cheese and tomato soup on the camp stove while Rebecca got a salad, fruit, and drinks ready.  We ate our dinner on the front lawn under the stars without any intruding light from street lamps.  The evening was delightful with the clear sky and cool temperature.  We look forward to the next time the power goes out!     

Skiing in Monarch, 2-16

It was a perfect day for skiing: sunny, blue skies, packed snow, and no crowds.  Deric and I went with about 6 other church members for a day of skiing at Monarch Mountain, about 2 hours northwest from Alamosa.  It was only Deric's 4th time skiing, but he did a great job! 

 

Valentine's Day: Ice & Sand

Happy Valentine's Day from the San Luis Valley!  :)  We had a fun afternoon excursion which included a short hike to Zapata Falls and exploring the  infamous Sand Dunes.  We were energized by the majesty of nature...We love our new home! 

Over looking the Valley, at the beginning of the trail.

Zapata Falls

The coolest part was watching the waterfall silently flow behind 2 feet of clear frozen ice.

Slip 'n' Slide!
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Sand Dunes.
Driving to the dunes...
"Where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." - 1964 Wilderness Act


It was like walking in a really cold desert.




That's "D +R" not "P + R"  :)
This guy walked right in front of our car as we drove slowly...
Mt. Blanca in the sunset's light.

The Shack

 I (Rebecca) just finished reading The Shack, by William Paul Young.  I'd heard much controversy about the book, so I read it with a critical eye.  I've concluded that it's very interesting, thought-provoking, and I felt encouraged and blessed as I read it.  On the other hand, its theology isn't entirely biblical, specifically in regards to the characters of the trinity and in the problem of suffering/evil. Overall, I agree with my former theology professor, Craig Smith's advice: 

"Read it, but read it carefully. The power of teaching theology via narrative is that

it can sometimes bypass the mind and take root in the heart without the reader being

aware of what is happening. In the case of The Shack, there is some potential for this to

be damaging to the development of a healthy Christian worldview. On the other hand,

for the Christian whose worldview is firmly rooted in Scripture and who reads

discerningly, reading The Shack may be an extremely edifying experience....

...Apart from theological issues, The Shack is worth paying attention to as a cultural phenomenon. A great many people have read/are reading/will read this book and they are not all Christians. In fact, the book is being read by startling numbers of non-Christians who are very interested in talking about the ideas it contains. As Christians, we must be ready to take advantage of interest in The Shack as a bridge to sharing the Gospel. If we are ready to do this, we may well find that The Shack provides an important intersection of faith and culture, allowing us to make a significant impact in whatever spheres of influence God has given us."

Click here to find helpful resources on The Shack.  This link includes articles on the book's theological strengths and weaknesses, and also includes a helpful article on how to use the book as a tool to start conversations with non-believers.