Doug Van Pelt

Dat Nguyen

I reviewed a really cool pair of earphones for the last issue, which I really like, because of the lightweight nature of the earbuds. They are high-end headphones that don't come cheap, but unlike others that are a little heavier, these are super lightweight, snug like an earplug, and thus achieve a lot with lower volumes. Anyway, I got an email from the publicist about a special offer, which I'll pass the info on here...





As you can see, it's a buy-one, get-one-free deal. I reviewed the m5 earphones. For more info, go to www.futuresonics.com/atrio/




I am reading Dat Nguyen's book, Dat, which is a fun read. The guy has great attitudes about life and its challenges. It was no fun to see him play for the hated Texas Aggies, but was real fun to see him play so well for the Dallas Cowboys, who I have liked since I was a little kid. I grew up in Dallas and was there when they won Super Bowl VI, but for some reason I latched on to the Miami Dolphins at the time. I didn't come around to the silver and blue side until watching their great "Doomsday II" defense during the season of 1974, when we were living in the suburbs of Washington, DC. If you can root for the Cowboys there, you can root for them anywhere. Living in the Austin area, I'm able to see all their games on tv here, which is not the case in Dallas, due to the ocassional "blackout" of non-sold-out games.

We are here in the Houston area, and we think that my wife's grandfather will pass away any day now. His wife died last year about this time and his health just whittled away, as if he lost the will to live on without his wife. He is a believer, so the good news is that he will soon transition out of life in this body into a new, wonderous life in another one. It's hard to imagine what that will be like, as even an old, tired body and spirit will both likely get rejuvinated in a miraculous and instantaneous way. I believe that death is a part of life. It's just odd that our culture tries to kind of not think about it. 100 years ago it was not so much this way. The whole family would likely see "grandpa" die in the bed in the living room; but our culture tries to ignore it -- probably because it's kind of uncomfortable to face our own mortality.

Skepticism Schmecktishism

My heart goes out (metaphor) to skeptics.
Sometimes doubt can be a stoppage of the life force (faith and hope) that flows to and from the heart. Perhaps, like cholesterol, stuff jams up the flow and keeps the heart from being refreshed with life-giving nutrients. It hurts to be cut off from hope.

One example could be looking at a 'word from the Lord' that someone writes or shares and deeming it to be of little to no value or a "fakery," something someone tries to pass off as the very words of God for someone, a fluffy feel-good and simplistic declaration that things will be alright. A little skepticism is good, because it can keep us from being duped. Too much, though, might stifle emotion. Just like love, faith is not a feeling, but faith without any feelings is ... (I would say "sad," but sadness is an emotion, he he) ... missing something.

If we assume that "God doesn't work this way" or "that way," then we might miss God doing something cool in that particular avenue. Sometimes, when I read a "prophetic email" or something with that kind of angle, I judge it to be not much more than an encouraging word with biblical principles. I don't apply it to my life as if it's God's specific message to me for such and such a situation. If I did ever hope to apply such a "word" to my life, it would be after passing through several layers of skepticism and questions. I don't dismiss, however, that God could sometimes operate in this way.

It's kind of a "head gets in the way of the heart" thing. This can happen on so many levels, but it effectively (maybe) keeps God at arm's length away from the doubting heart. I am convinced that God can sufficiently satisfy the intellectual questions that a sincere heart has -- concerning His existence and His presence in the world.

I don't live in the "Feelings Department," but I'd hate to permanently leave never to return to emotions again. I am very thankful that man is a balanced creature -- with mind, body, and spirit -- or emotions, will, and logic.

Anyway, a possible way to touch that part of your being with a God imprint is to do works of service: to help someone else. Whether that's meeting a physical need (feeding someone or repairing their kitchen sink) or an emotional one (like listening to someone's problems). Biblically speaking, this is one way to be in God's will and to do what He wants to be done on earth. Perhaps this will allow your emotions to flow. It's not about you, and in giving yourself outside of yourself, you might actually enjoy a benefit that could be labelled "giver's joy."

Rest is Nice

Taking a relaxing day off after finishing another deadline, as we prepare to take another day off to give thanks. There is much to be thankful for -- EVERYTHING!

I'm sitting down this morning watching the Mortification, Live Humanitarian DVD. It's fun listening to Steve Rowe talk about his music and the bands that influenced him. I have to admit, though, that I'm an egomaniac that is out of control and I get some sort of twisted kick out of hearing him drop my name. I'm a dunce.

An interview with Rachel:

What do you think of God?
Why are you asking me these questions?

Just cause I want to. I want to know. So, what do you think of God?
Are you going to put this in your magazine?

No.
Your blog?

Yes. So? What would you like to say?
I'll have to think about that. I really don't know.

What are you thankful for?
I have a lot of things. You really want to ask me that? cuz I'll have a lot of things.

Yeah.
One, is Biscuit. You. Mommy. Kaela. Electricity. Marvin. Spot. Tiger. Mary. Martha. Food. Water. God. Jesus. That's all I can think of right now.