Shalom

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is like heaven. The people who receive a new home are struggling valiantly through life, but they've reached a point where they're overwhelmed and at their wits' end. Fathers have been shot in the line of duty; Mums have had cancer; houses have burned down; family members are disabled; children have died. They're living in caravans or in houses that are falling apart or that are inaccessible to wheelchairs. So their community bands together, local businesses donate their services and, in a week, a new house is built. This show is a testiment to what is good in American culture.

The show's like heaven because these people receive a free gift out of someone else's generosity - and because that gift is extravagant. The houses are opulent and designed to delight and satisfy the needs and wishes of the family. (Check out photos of a house, a little girl's room and a couple of master bedrooms.) It's also like heaven because of what the recipients say:

My wife is my best friend. Through this tragedy she's been there with me from thick and thin and this master bedroom is just a quiet place where she can escape to and she is finally going to be able to relax a little bit, and that is, it's just a huge blessing.
Carlton Marshall

When I first walked in the house, I was blown away. The old house was filled with stress and worry and the new house is absent of any of that. It's filled with joy.
Nathan Montgomery

I don't think I've ever been as happy in my life until I was at that moment right there when that bus moved . . . the thought that I'll never have to sleep in that trailer again - it's a wonderful feeling - the new home is more than I've ever dreamed about - and it's so beautiful. It screamed 'Here's your future, and it is bright'.
I was speechless when I walked in that front door - it is the most beautiful house I've ever seen . . . . I feel like I can take a deep breath and feel comfortable. That's the greatest gift ever.
Joey Stott

Having this new house, life is going to be 100% better, and I'm forever grateful to everybody who helped build a new home for me.
James Terpenning

I thought the direction of my life had come to an end, but after today I quickly
realised that I still have a life. The life you've given me back is a tremendous, tremendous thing.
Carlton Marshall

I will be thanking everybody for every day for the rest of my life.
Joey Stott

These words are a shadow of what is to come:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Revelation21:1-5