Read through the Bible!

A word about dress-codes ~ Lake Adorn 2011 ~

AN IMPORTANT OBSERVATION ABOUT SWIM ATTIRE, FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

In the past two years, we’ve had a dress-code policy that we copied from high-school camps, where we required girls to wear a dark shirt over their swimsuits. The reasoning was to honor their brothers (guys), and protect them from temptation.

We now believe that this is unreasonable, counter-productive and unbiblical for several reasons.

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death ~ James 1:13-15

The dress code was...

1. Counter-productive

Girls are not to blame for guy's lust problem. And demanding that girls wear dark shirts will not cure what is being birthed in our own hearts. In fact, it will exacerbate the problem guys have, by providing them a sheltered environment where they don't have to face life's difficulties like real men.

2. Ineffective

It gives men a fake cure, and doesn't really protect them at all. The brutal fact is, if a guy wants to lust, he can find other ways, e.g. iPhone. So what are we to do? Take away iPhones? The real issue is lust, not normal swimsuits.

3. Legalistic

The lengths we go to in order to shelter men's lust problem ends up being at the expense of the women. This is legalism. Because we end up saying, "Girls, since guys cannot control their eyes, you should wear dark shirts in 90 degree heat all weekend."

4. Immature

This isn't Jr. High anymore. We are adults who can act and dress like adults. I think there are better ways to deal with temptation than these. Namely, by men admitting our weaknesses, practicing self-control, and being immersed and transparent with other guys.

So I am lightening the burden off the girls, and placing more of it on us men to stop crying, suck it up, guard our eyes, and treat women like our sisters.

But men aren't the only one's who need the Gospel...

While we men sometimes blame others for our lust problems, girls may adhere to a “standard” of what their supposed to look like, based on what they think guys want to see, or what other girls look like. This too is a failure of appropriating the Gospel. We are not going to the Lake to impress one another. We are going in the image of God, and in the community of grace that God has called us to be.

Sooo.....

Wear what you are comfortable with, and what will allow you to fellowship with others.

It can be a... 

• Two-piece (within reason, of course. Be tasteful, not tantalizing)
• Tank-top
• Shirt
• Shorts
• Long, flowy spring-thing 
• Onesy 
• Three-piece suit
• etc.

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking (or swim attire), but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 14:17

Let us devote ourselves to these last three.

~ Christopher Lazo

Attn: Girls on the Lake Trip

If you are a gal going on the Lake Trip, you will want to take note of this when we leave on Saturday...

You will need to be wearing or have all you need (in backpack on bus) for the Lake until 5pm on Saturday. 

The reason for this, is that the girls Cabins will not be available until 4:30pm, so you will not be able to go straight there to get ready for the lake. We will be getting there in the morning, and having a full day at the lake, so it will make things easier if you just come prepared for the lake right away.

Any questions? Ask chris@realitycarp.com

Going on the Lake Trip? Make sure you follow our event page on Facebook!

Dominic Balli needs a new bassist

An open letter to Adorn, from Dominic Balli,

"We're looking for a new bass player and we’re holding open auditions.

After more than two years of rocking together, we’re bummed to see our boy Zach Rudulph go, but excited to see what this next season holds for all of us.

With the brand new album “American Dream” in the canon awaiting a July 26 release, and a summer full of local Cali dates as well as fly dates in Nevada, Arizona, Montana, Kentucky, Colorado and possibly Hawaii, 2011/2012 are shaping up to be an exciting time for the Dom Balli crew.  

If you’re willing, please spread the word, through FaceBook, Twitter, etc... to your local worship leaders, music departments and any musicians that you know:

Dominic Balli is auditioning a new Bass player. All applicants must live within a reasonable distance of Northern Los Angeles County/Southern Ventura County, CA., have a flexible schedule, and be able to do tours up to two weeks long. Each applicant must be a legal United States resident and be able to travel in and out of the US without hindrance. 

He or she must be a born again follower of Christ, and a professional musician with a servant attitude. Reggae, hip hop, black gospel, and ministry experience are a plus! We are looking for a broad range of ethnicities in our applicants. 

If you're willing, please spread the word and pray for our search."

Note: only current (or future) residents of Southern/Central California need respond.  

Auditions will be held the week of May 23^rd in Los Angeles, CA.
 
If you are interested or have any leads please email: 
dominicballimusic@gmail.com