Thursday, August 21, 2008

What Happens in Vegas...Gets Posted on the Blog

Saturday, 8/16/08: Vegas is one of those places that we just wanted to see. When you watch the Ocean's movies, you see characters that grew up here. Vegas holds a special magic for them, all wrapped up in dreams, Sinatra, and who you know. Anything can happen in Vegas.

You can understand the initial attraction. There are replicas of every major destination in the world: Paris, New York, London, Italy, and even Disney World. The water fountain display in front of the Bellagio is fantastic. Hoards of people walk in every direction, pouring in and out of stores, casinos, hotels and restaurants. There is an excitement in the air, and the promise of fortunes to be made.


However, there is also a shadow cast over this city that echoes of something less than desired. Late into the night, pictures and lights flash in every direction, people line the street offering prostitutes within 20 minutes, street children sell candy from a box, and noise is everywhere.

When you pan out, you see what is really going on here. Indulgence in any form is available. You can have anything you want, but at a great cost. That is always the moral to the story, isn't it?


Sunday morning, we attended Hope Baptist Church on our way out of town. The pastor, Vance, spoke about the realities of adultery, and the importance of protecting your marriage and investing in it. His message was not one of condemnation, but of hope and encouragement. His love and compassion for the people of Las Vegas was evident, and it was clearly his calling to shephard a church there.

1 comment:

Nancy said...

wow. you are in vegas? lol Michael is on the phone with James right now. Very cool that you were able to meet up! I love this entry. The way you describe everything.. I feel like I was there...