Less Stuff, More Fun!

One of my favorite songs (it's even on my Advent playlist!).

I love examples like this of parents being creative with their children. As we look at this time of the year, there is pressure to believe that happiness comes from stuff. That if we can just buy our kids the right toys, buy our spouse the most expensive gift - then they will know that we love them. Then we will be happy.

But it's a lie. A vicious, soul-sucking lie.

Spend time together. Be creative with your family. Do the things that make you laugh and smile. That's where happiness is. That's how we will make treasured memories together.

Less stuff, more fun!

Amazing Transformation of a Homeless Vet

Here in the US, Veterans Day is coming up. November 11.

Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. On Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who died in war. On Veterans Day, we honor the all of the men and women who have served in our country's Armed Services.

Take note of this important fact on Veteran's Day: 1 in 4 homeless people in America are veterans.

The next time you see someone panhandling downtown, or hear a new story about homelessness, or hear of a cut in funding to programs to feed the homeless, remember that number. 1 in 4.

Check this amazing transformation of a homeless vet:

Happy Veterans Day.

The REAL Space Oddity

Why have I not seen this masterpeice before now??

And more importantly, why did this not happen before now? NASA astronaut Chris Hadfield performing David Bowie's Space Oddity in the International Space Station.

"Here am I, sitting in a tin can ..."

Get Your Groove On

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, getting his groove on at the Southeastern Synod Assembly, 2013.

Learning the Cupid Shuffle from Linda Few at the Southeastern Synod assembly! twitter.com/bishophanson/s…

— Bishop Hanson (@bishophanson) June 1, 2013