The Shack

After hearing some of the buzz surrounding this book, and running into a display of them at Barnes & Noble last weekend, I picked up a copy and read it for myself.

It's really interesting how the Church at large is responding to this book. On one hand, you've got Eugene Peterson (The Message) & others giving it rave reviews. On the other, there are prominent Christian leaders decrying it as deception and heresy (one even calling it goddess worship - I'm sorry, but did you even read the book? Oops, I won't spoil it by elaborating on that one.)

Firstly, I liked the book. Read it through in a couple sittings and plan on reading it again, kinda like watching a movie a second time & catching what you missed.

Folks, remember that this is a work of fiction. Read it as such. It's not meant to be a resource from which you should base your theology. The Shack tackles the subject of the Trinity, something that has been tying knots in theologins' heads for centuries! In creative literary form, the author illustrates the relationship & interplay between the members of the Godhead (one God, three distinct individuals, but they're all One, but three...there we go again!) and the personal, loving relationship God desires to have with us. Again, remember that this is a fictional novel, but it beautifully paints a picture of how a loving, relational God desires to walk with us, day by day, moment by moment, just like He walked with Adam in Eden before the fall.

I think it'll challenge you in different ways, and with it entering a 4th printing & talks with major studios about a motion picture version, the sheer circulation of this story may give you opportunities to share with others the nonfiction relationship you have with God.

Christmas 2008

Never saw this one coming...

Who would've thought, just a few weeks ago, that we'd be spending this Christmas without mom. Jen & I were all prepared for the usual holiday travels...Christmas Eve at my folks' house, followed by Christmas day at her mom's house. We were even going to cook the ham mom gave us for Christmas Eve. Mom would've been proud - the ham was amazing!

Due to tight finances in recent years, my family would "pledge" (yeah, right!) not to buy gifts for one another. We'd always seem to find a little something for each other. A regular tradition was for my brother Dan or dad to go to the nearby Walgreen's store & buy inexpensive Christmas gifts (if you've ever been in a Walgreen's at Christmas, you know the type of gifts I'm talking about...over sized candy cane pencils, motorized plush animals that play "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer", etc.) We'd share a Christmas Eve dinner together. A "Funny Face Contest" was almost sure to ensue at some point during the meal. It was raw, it was fun, it was real. A family who loved each other & loved the chance to gather together to celebrate Christ's birth. God has seen our family through so much!

Never saw this one coming...

I've struggled with what to write for this post. Do I stick to "safe" terms? A "typical" Christian with a chance to be an example to others in dealing with the loss of a loved one? Don't get me wrong. I firmly believe that God truly works out "all things for the good of those who serve Him." I've seen it firsthand, and there's not a bit of doubt that God can use this.

Doesn't make it hurt any less.

The loss of my mom has left a gaping hole in my heart. There are times that I remember something she said, see a picture of her on the refrigerator, watch my infant daughter do something new & instinctively want to tell her...I never knew I could weep as deeply as I have in the past few weeks. There are times I wonder if the wound will ever heal.

But healing does come from our Intercessor.

Jesus experienced the depth of loss I'm going through. He sees my tears & is forever faithful. In the midst of the tears, I have found myself increasingly grateful for the gift God gave me in my mom. Truly blessed. My mom was not only a parent, but a friend, a mentor, someone who'd give me a swift "kick" when I needed it. All I can say is "thank you," with a sense of gratitude impossible for words to describe.

As much as I would've liked for her to stick around on this earth for another 15-20 years, God had other plans. In the midst of this season of loss, I'm reminded of something so powerful, it pierces through the sadness.

Mom's with Jesus - how wonderful is that?

Here comes the snow

This year is looking to repeat last year's snowfalls, at least this early in the season. We could see more than a foot of snow by tomorrow, plus another 4-8 inches may be on deck for Sunday night...then ANOTHER round of snow next Tuesday.

Today, even with the impending winter storm just hours away, was a beautiful, sunny day. This afternoon we laid mom to rest. We said our goodbyes, then had a simple ceremony at the grave site.

Many thanks to everyone who sent their condolences.

The post I thought I'd never write

I still can't believe I'm about to write this. My mom's supposed to read this, keeping up on the latest Olivia news, and email me back from her work address. She always liked showing coworkers the latest photo or video of her little Ollie.

Mom passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Tuesday, December 9th.

I had the extra blessing recently of 4 months with mom as a house guest. God was working things out in my parent's marriage & our guest room here at camp was her sanctuary. She told me, just before Thanksgiving as I helped her load her belongings in her car for the trip home, that words couldn't describe her gratefulness for us opening our home during this time.

I'll especially remember her morning ritual...when I'd get Olivia up & put her on the floor, the pitter patter of her feet was mom's cue to come upstairs for breakfast. Mom & Olivia would share the berries from their cereal. They loved each other so much. Olivia would just squeal & run into my mom's arms...mom always said that was the best part. God's healing touch in the arms of a toddler.

I would give anything to hear her footsteps coming up the stairs once more.

I love you, mom!

Black Friday

I know this is a departure from the tone of my usual posts - new cars, Olivia's latest exploits, etc. However, the recent reports from this year's "Black Friday," the busiest retail sales day of the year, have struck a nerve & I feel like I need to vent.

Make no mistake about it, the Walmart incident in New York was no accident. Throughout the night, over 2000 people gathered outside the store, jockeying for position in anticipation of "getting the deals." Unwilling to restrain their materialistic lust, people started pounding their fists and pressing against the glass at 4:55am. Seeing the doors bowing inward against the force of the crowd, Jdimytai Damour, 34, and 5-9 other Walmart employees attempted to keep the doors from breaking inward. The doors shattered & the crowd rushed in, knocking Mr. Damour & the others to the floor. Staff & emergency responders attempting to provide aid were jostled & shoved by the mob, even as rescuers were trying to administer CPR. Mr. Damour was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital about an hour later.

It gets better. As police & security were attempting to clear the store following the death, some shoppers were indignant, yelling back that they'd been in line since the previous day...

...and they kept shopping! Witnesses described the behavior of some as "savage."

Are you sick yet?

I used to avoid shopping the day after Thanksgiving solely because of the crowds. I'll never shop again on "Black Friday." I don't want to be associated with an event that brings out such disgusting behavior, where the value of a human being isn't worth missing out on 50% off a video game console, or a cheap DVD player.

God help us!

What a ride!

Ok, the pun's intended in the title of this post. Jen and I had originally planned on keeping both our paid-for automobiles (her Corolla & my Ranger) until the arrival of Prowitz baby #2 required us to purchase at least one additional vehicle capable of carrying multiple kids.

We were hoping to wait until next August before taking the plunge. However, when Jen was told the day before Thanksgiving that her car was literally a rolling timebomb ("I wouldn't take it on the highway" was our mechanic's advice) costing twice the value of the car itself to repair and her Monday commute fast approaching, we went into accelerated car purchasing mode.

After a lot of talking, praying, and pad thai noodles for lunch today, we ended up buying a Nissan Xterra. To Bob Peterson & the staff at Saturn of Greenfield, thanks much! You helped ease the stress of a major purchase like this with your personal attention, humor, and lack of pressure. Thanks to you, we won't miss Thanksgiving dinner with Jen's family up north on Saturday, and Jen can go to work on Monday with a vehicle that won't fall apart.

And dang, Bob! That spilt cup prop looks SO real!

28.8 miles

Yesterday, I took the day off from work & joined my friend Rodney on a nice ride on the Glacial Drumlin Trail that runs from Cottage Grove (near Madison) to Waukesha. Since it's been a while since either of us has tackled a ride longer than 20mi, and time was a constraint, we hit the Dousman to Waukesha section. A really nice ride, plus I'd like to check out more of the town of Wales when I get a chance. Round trip from Dousman to Waukesha & back = 28.8 miles.

I remember in high school, my friends & I biked from Oconomowoc to Neosho & back, about 25 miles total. Until yesterday, that was my longest non-stop ride. Hey, a new personal record!

My goal is to bike the entire trail, which is about 53 miles, by next summer.

Oops - a follow up

For those of you wrote expressing your ammusement at my misfortune of watching the wrong "Journey to the Center of the Earth," I got to see the right one last night.

Watch out for the jumping fish!

A movie oops!

Ok, so I wasn't looking too close at the covers when I rented a movie from the Redbox from our local grocery store. I had a cart of food, and was looking forward to a night at home, watching a movie with Jen. I checked available titles, saw a couple covers for "Journey to the Center of the Earth," and thought that'd be a fun one, so I tapped one, paid for it, and left.

I knew we were in for it when Greg Evigan (wasn't Brendan Frasier the star?) was the headlining actor. Greg Evigan? Wasn't he the star of "B.J. and the Bear" in 1979? Yup, and "Private Road: No Trespassing" (1987), and as a spot character on "Melrose Place" in 1997?

Ok, to his credit, Greg Evigan has a long and distinctive acting career, but he's not Brendan Frasier, and I didn't see the "Journey to the Center of the Earth" version some of you saw in theaters.

Oh well, maybe next time...

100th post - The Announcement

I just noticed I've past the 100th post mark for my blog. Ta da! And with that milestone, I get to announce on thedavewave.com the anticipated May 16, 2009 arrival of Prowitz baby #2!

A fun experience

This was kinda fun - a friend of mine told me of an opportunity to help with a race sponsored by The North Face. Seems they needed some folks to watch their stuff overnight before the 6am scheduled start of the race. In return for providing night security for their aid stations, we'd get a free tent. Not a bad deal!

There wasn't really an ideal spot to pitch my tent, plus it was raining on and off, so I decided to spend the night in my truck. Around 3:30am, a couple rental trucks arrived. I helped the guys unload 648 gallons of drinking water. Just before 5am, some of their staff arrived to start setting up the aid station. I got to help with that until almost 6:30am and the first of the runners had come through.

I have a weird daughter...

I was watching Olivia today when I heard a banging sound from around the refrigerator & caught this. That's my girl!

Gear Review: Trango Cinch

Well, after my last gear review, I'm sure most manufacturers would be quaking in fear should their product's performance incur my wrath.

Trango, fear not. I've been using the Cinch for almost a year now, and I absolutely love it. Super simple design, and rope literally flows through it while belaying, but locks off securely in a fall. Be aware that the lack of friction when the device is unlocked works both ways. Lowering someone of near-adult size takes some practice, and since one hand is occupied holding open the release lever, your brake hand takes all the heat (literally!)

The learning curve is worth it. I highly recommend the Trango Cinch (retail $69) for your gear rack.

Day off with dad

Taking time off with Olivia today. Before lunch we decided to go to the playground across the drive from our apartment. It's kinda funny - it's tempting when you see all those cool toddler/ child toys at Walmart to want to lavish them on your child. Olivia likes going down slides? We should buy her a slide. She likes water? We should get a little kiddie pool.

Then Jen reminds me of where we live. Wanna slide? Walk 100 yards to the commercial playground at Timber-lee's campground. Wanna splash, head down to the lake. When she gets older, there's the 40' climbing tower, archery range, horse trail rides, etc.

I didn't have access to all that growing up...

LUCKY!

Gear Review: DON'T BUY THESE!!

Ok, I realize that the title of this post is a bit harsh, but over a couple year's experience with this brand of outdoors footwear, they've earned it.

If you're looking for shoes that will surely disappoint, then Merrell® makes the shoes for you. I don't know what's happened to them. Merrell® used to sell decent shoes & boots. I have an older pair of mid-weight Gore-Tex® hiking boots that are still going strong...then I bought my pair of polar mocs, a slip-on shoe for cooler weather. Within a few months the inner lining had worn completely through. Not much fun to wear when your heel gets jabbed by an exposed plastic shell.

Then I bought my Gore-Tex® approach shoes. Vibram® soles, waterproof, workhorse of a shoe, right?

Wrong!

The heel lining wore out within a couple months (anybody got some duct tape to cover the edge of that plastic heel cup?) plus the "waterproof" Gore-Tex® lining leaks like a sieve. My toes were squishing in 'em last week during heavy rain.

Bottom line: Avoid Merrell® shoes like the plague. They look nice, but the quality's just not there anymore.

A long time comin'

Hey guys! I can't believe that it's been so long since my last post. I'm busy training our new intern here at camp, plus getting started on a new semester at school. Got a lead on a new college that I can start after Beacon University closes next May. Similar degree program, plus the cost is about the same.

The family's doing well. Jen starts back at school tomorrow. Olivia is growing like a weed. Watched her tonight and noticed that the top drawers in the kitchen are no longer out of reach. Where did I put those safety latches...

A busy summer & a surprise

Hey everyone! Sorry for the rather big gap since my last post. It's been a pretty bust summer here at camp...combine that with my online college classes, and Jen finishing her degree...you get the picture.

Here's a bit of a shocker - the college I just started taking classes thru is closing! Financial crisis is what they called it. They're going to finish the 2008-09 school year to allow current seniors to graduate on time, and help underclassmen (like myself) get plugged into similar online programs at sister schools.

Didn't see that coming!

What I'm reading...

Just sent off my book report on "The Servant," by James C. Hunter. I really enjoyed reading this book. It both affirmed some of the things I'm already doing and challenged me to grow in other areas.

I think the principles in this book are so vital to effective Biblical leadership that I'm considering making it required reading for staff in my department who are moving into leadership roles.

Stormy weather!

We've been under some pretty nasty weather the last couple of days. Yesterday was the day of tornados. I even got to video record some of our belongings before heading to the basement. Needless to say, I didn't have to make use of our Renter's Insurance (reminds me, the annual premium is due next week!)

The radar image is from the actual time of this post...yup...like, right now. We're looking at the possibility of more severe thunderstorms for the next few hours. Tons of rain, lots of lightning, and high winds are forcasted for today.

I'm published!

Hey everyone, guess what? I'm a published author! Ok, not planning on changing careers or anything, but it is kinda cool.

About a month and a half ago, I received a phone call from the editor of an online magazine, Faith and Fitness, wondering if I'd be interested in writing an article for their June/ July issue (they got my name off a Christian adventure program website.) After thinking about it, I thought "why not?"

You can read it here:
http://www.faithandfitness.net/node/181

Updates

I realized, looking at past posts, that I kinda left you hanging, especially with the May 7th post. So, to fill in the gaps, here's what happened...

(1) ACA inspection. Everything went really well for us, both as a camp and for my department. My supervisors got a kick of my "Yes" answers to the inspectors. They'd present the standards...I'd answer "yes." Fifteen minutes or so & I was out of there.

(2) Mother/ Daughter Retreat. What a bunch of fun! We had a blast with the ladies, leading them through different problem-solving activities. I got feedback after the event that our activities were a hit with many.

Summer is upon us!

I still can't believe that my summer staff are arriving in 5 days. We've got a few classes tomorrow, then some weekend activities we're running for Family Camp, then it's here. Around 100 fresh faces, many new to Timber-lee, beginning almost two weeks of training in preparation for summer ministry.

Pray for us, that God is able to use us in powerful ways that leave our campers forever changed.

"And so, since God in His mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up." 2 Cor 4:1 NLT

Busy, busy, busy!

Just washed the dirt from my belayer hands. Hard to believe we're already into the second week of May. Just a few short weeks and I'll be welcoming my new summer staff. I'm kinda excited because the entire crew is new to Timber Challenge. Like working with blank slates. I'm looking forward to investing in them.

Our American Camp Association inspection is next week. I'm about as ready as I can get. The ACA inspection is a kind of peer review, with "site visitors" coming every three years. Good way to ensure high standards.

This weekend we'll be working "outside the box" a bit - I'm accompanying two of my staff to a hotel in SE Wisconsin, where we're providing teambuilding activities for a mother/ daughter retreat sponsored by a nearby church. Should be fun!

Back to school...the latest

Well, registration is drawing close. Hard to believe that in three weeks I'll be starting classes online. Though the thought of diving into 3 years of college is a bit daunting, I think it'll be worth it.

College Algebra? Yuck!

The church blew up!

At 1:26pm on April 2nd, First Baptist Church in Oconomowoc was completely destroyed in a gas explosion. Fortunately, no one was in the building at the time, and none of the construction or utility workers were seriously injured in the blast.

Now, you might be asking, "wasn't your dad the pastor of that church?" He was, but the church board let him go a few months ago for reasons I won't get into...let's just say "church politics." Had he still been with the church, he would've been in his office at the time of the blast & we wouldn't have a dad/husband/grandpa. God works in weird ways.

I'm back!

I know, I know...left ya hanging after that last post. Lots of things have happened...

(1) Jen's final test results turned out great. Nothing to worry about.
(2) Olivia celebrated her first birthday on April 2nd. This picture was taken before she really got into her cake.
(3) Still getting over the flu. Wouldn't you figure, the weather is getting warmer, you actually want to spend time outdoors...and I get sick. At least the 102 fever is past, just have to get over the fatigue and nagging cough.

Ugh, I hate hospitals

Just a quick note - Jen's day surgery went fine. Her doctor said everything looked good and the initial results look good. Final test results should be done in 3-5 days.

I'm continuously reminded through this that our days are ordered & numbered by God. There's nothing that Jen & I have done to deserve God's favor, like He owes us one. It's because He loves us immeasurably that He chooses to involve Himself in the details of our lives.

He cares...the God who spoke the universe into existence cares. In the midst of life's storms, that's where we find the peace and strength to face the unknown.

Thanks to everyone who has remembered us in prayer.

How many Olivias?

Been playing with Photoshop this morning. How many Olivias can you find in this picture?

I read an article on "cloning" yourself or others in photographs. After playing around with Photoshop a little, I feel like I've only just touched on what's possible with the software.

Olivia goes sledding

This evening, Jen, Olivia, and I went for a bit of a stroll...ok, Jen & I strolled, while Olivia enjoyed the ride in a borrowed sled. We noticed that Olivia was kinda dragging her mittens in the snow as we went along. Well, she noticed, too after awhile & decided to taste the funny white stuff on her hands.

Apparently she doesn't like it too much!

Update on the weather - looks like the heaviest stuff is going to stay just to our west, with us getting a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and some snow later on Sunday.

Seriously, it can stop snowing now...

I feel like the weather has dominated my posts as of late, but I had to laugh when the National Weather Service issued ANOTHER warning for this weekend, with another 7-13 inches Sunday.

Trying to take today off from work...sort of. I still have some things I have to do, but not until later this afternoon. Given that Olivia is at her babysitter's house, I'm taking this opportunity to catch up on some needed rest, tidy up the house a bit, and run some errands.

Waitin' for my order

It's been a few days since my last entry. Yes, the snow did come, and even more is on the way. Fantastic winter here at Timber-lee.

Ah, the title of this post...I'm sitting in the Golden Dragon restaurant, waiting for my order. My brother Dan and his girlfriend Deb are coming over for dinner tonight. Again, gotta love being able to do this on my phone.

Ah, more snow cometh...

One word describes our snow cover this winter...AWESOME! Being in charge of the cross country ski program here at Timber-lee, I've felt myself at the mercy of really sad winters for a few years now. I'd have the "pleasure" of informing groups that we either (a) don't have any snow, or (b) don't have enough snow to ski without damaging the equipment.

No so much this year! Sure, we've had to cancel a couple classes here & there, but it's the exception, not the rule. Had skiing this past weekend, but it got warmer & rained yesterday. Conditions are a bit iffy right now...but that's ok. We've got another 10-14 INCHES coming tonight.

Just in time for tomorrow's ski classes & this weekend's high school winter camp.

UPDATE: at 2:30pm CST, the National Weather Service is forecasting up to 20 INCHES OF SNOW for our area! That is nuts! All the school groups scheduled for the next couple days have rescheduled for later this month. Where's my shovel...

Back in WI

Well, the trip to NY came to a close Sunday, but not before getting to check out Word of Life Camp. Their Snow Camp was AWESOME! I especially enjoyed the cardboard sled races. WOL Camp is a Bible college, where the 400+ students learn both theology and camping by running the summer and winter camps. Very impressive.

Update on the arm...turns out Jen has the same problem, and we've narrowed down the suspected causes to one...Olivia! When we put her in her car seat, it causes our right arm to twist weird momentary while supporting all her weight. Advice from our chiropractor...stretching exercises.

They fixed it!

I really should be hitting the sack, but I thought I'd take advantage of our newly restored internet connection.

The classes I taught today went really well, plus we made some good connections with students. Might even see some as summer staff at Timber-lee in a few months.

Later...gotta teach a teambuilding workshop in a few hours.

They crashed the network!

Good morning, folks. The internet is down here at EBI, so I'm forced to resort to my phone to stay connected. Gotta love technology!

Our meetings have gone well, and we've made good connections with EBI students and staff. Gotta teach some classes this afternoon, then head to the Eastern Mountain Sports store in Pittsford (no trip to NY would be complete without a pilgrimage to EMS....maybe buy a new hat!)

We're in New York!

Well guys, we arrived safely at Elim tonight (11pm EST). The travel was fast and uneventful...until we hit whiteout conditions south of Buffalo, NY. Cars & semis in the ditch, traffic slowed to 35mph. Pretty hairy until we got closer to Buffalo, then it was pretty decent the rest of the way to Elim.

Gonna hit the sack. We're both pretty bushed.

Zzzzzzzzzzz

Pray for my arm...and my trip!

Hey guys, I could really use your prayers. I pulled a muscle in my right arm and it smarts! It's been like this for over a week & the pain is getting a little old. Those of you who know me know that I have a pretty high tolerance for pain...

Also, I leave for New York on Wednesday with my friend & co-worker Matt for a few days at Elim Bible Institute. I'm going to teach some camping classes & talk Adventure Ed with the college's president. Matt is meeting with their internship director to discuss partnering with them, which could mean a steady stream of summer staff & LCMs that Timber-lee could invest in.

Just checking in

I realized it's been a few days since I posted anything. Nothing huge going on at this point. I got my acceptance notification from Beacon University...it's official, I'm a college student again. Probably start classes this summer.

I leave for New York on the 23rd. Heading back to Elim Bible Institute, this time with my friend Matt, to teach some classes & promote internship opportunities for Elim students. I may be meeting with the school's president to talk about what it would take to start & run an adventure education program at Elim. Could use your prayers.

Olivia's got TWO teeth starting to peek out now. It's so fun to watch her grow - it's happening so fast!

It's here!

Well, 2007 is officially history, so that can mean only one thing...ok, it could actually mean a number of things...but anyway, it's time for my 2007 "Best Of" collection of photos taken over the past year. I've created a public gallery on my photography site, www.prowitzphoto.com, where you can view or even purchase prints of selections from the "Best Of" collections from 2005 to date. Enjoy!

To view them, click on "Purchase", then "Best of" Collection under "Public Galleries."