B'Licious

Scratching head...

2008-12-18T01:53:00.002-07:00

He Man Sings!

2008-10-27T13:59:00.001-06:00

Connections

2008-10-19T15:02:00.002-06:00

Friends have told me often that I am a connected person. I know a lot of peeps. I think that is partly because I've been fortunate enough to meet people in different parts of my life (work, school, church, etc.). But most importantly, I've done more than just say "K.I.T!" after I see them, I actually HAVE kept in touch (or at least tried :).

How? Well, I actually write things DOWN (phone numbers, emails, Facebook, etc.). I basically ask myself the question: Is this person worth keeping in my life, regardless of distance? If the answer is yes, then it is simple what I should do - stay connected.

What's the value of staying connected? It keeps us together rather than apart. It gives us room to continue to develop those relationships, even from afar. It allows us to serve one another; to reach out and grab hold of those that need help. It gives us the ability to answer the question, "Do you know somebody?" with a bona fide YES.

There's a verse in the Bible that says "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body."

We are all a part of a larger body, whether we realize it or not (Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, hello!!??).

Let's take care of that body by keeping it working together for one another, and not letting go.

"Where the Pale Dwell"

2008-07-22T02:37:00.014-06:00

I was recently in Portland and Seattle seeing my college friends. It was awesome. And it was beautiful. Both of those places this time of year are great because it shows off the lush green foliage (man, I love that word) that the rains bring all year. Later that weekend I met some locals, and when I said that California was similar to the Pacific Northwest in many ways, they agreed, paused, and said with a grin, "except that we're pale." I can't argue with that.

I think that the lack of sun may be the one of the reasons I don't pack up and move there. I honestly don't have a problem with the rain. I grew up in Texas, where thunderstorms are common and fun to listen to. It's the cloud cover. The lack of sunlight.

And we may joke about "the rain" up there, but there's actually some medical legitimacy about this thing. There's something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that can cause lethargy and depression by those that suffer from it. I even wonder if I have a tad bit of it. They even have these things called "light boxes" that operate as a type of therapy for those that don't get enough of it.

Freaky, eh?

All to say, I have realized that I am a creature of the sun. And don't get me wrong, I like being tan, but not like this...

Do you suffer?

Um, Pale Force anyone?

Leaving Room

2008-06-16T23:27:00.006-06:00

Recently, every time I order a coffee, I am asked, "do you want to leave room?" And the answer is always yes (My great aunt, who only drank it black, used to say, "That ain't coffee, that's SYRUP!!").

I am a planner. Sometimes to a fault. I recently finished my spring semester, and suddenly I found myself with all of this free time. Well, I solved that...more stuff! A voice-over class, ministry opportunities, and the like, are filling the void. But perhaps that is the problem. With my planning/organized bug ingrained in my skull, I have potentially crushed something very vital: spontaneity. Being spontaneous means having freedom; the freedom for the unknown and unexpected. The freedom to exhale. BREATHE!!

Could I become a PRISONER OF MY OWN PLANNING??!! Let's hope not. Yowsa.

So, I'm learning that while a planned outlook is just fine and dandy, I need to leave room. Room to travel. Room to be available. Room to explore. Room to date. Room to have random, ridiculous, stupid-for-no-dang-reason fun. Yeah.

What do you need to leave more room for?

Bo Diddley (1928-2008)

2008-06-02T14:56:00.002-06:00

A true legend. Unfortunately I never got to see him live.

R.I.P.

Blog BULLIED

2008-05-08T02:53:00.004-06:00

I have been the victim of a bully. A blog bully.

Mandates. Deadlines. Punched in the monitor face. Agony. (Nini, I hope you're happy). Which leads me to the question, what does a blog "stand for?" Is it here to please the readers? Is this a newspaper? The Onion? Do we write with an agenda? Or is it endless babble? Where is God in all this? Um, help?

I'll admit, I read my friend's blogs. I find them quite interesting. I can't get enough. It's addicting. MORE CRACK, PLEASE!!!

Why do you read? Why do you write? I'm hooked on phonics.

I am Guilty

2008-04-25T01:21:00.004-06:00

Of procrastination here. I vow to return.

Pray for me. Seriously. It's getting bad.

TAGGED!!

2008-03-24T23:36:00.008-06:00

Alright, I am obeying this task from the mighty Sarah, who has done her deal.

I'll tag Kristin (who needs to blog more anyway), Cara and Charlie because I know they'll do it. And oh so well.

Here's the schtik:
1. link to the person who tagged you.
2. post the rules.
3. share 6 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. tag at least 3 people.
5. make sure the people you tagged know you tagged them by commenting to them.

1. I like the band Huey Lewis & The News.

Still.

2. I always buy a People Magazine when I fly. Part of it is keeping with traditions, but part of it is the sleazy guilt I enjoy feeling when I buy one, because regardless of the cover at the time I fly, it WILL be bought.

3. I like wind. In all facets. For example, one of my pathetic creature comforts is sleeping with a fan. I think part of it is the white noise. I also love the fact my car has a sunroof. I am also the type that would also prefer rolling down the windows at 30 degrees and blasting the floorboard heater so my toes become snausages. Oh yes.

4. I am a trivia freak. I like to tell people that I have "a wealth of useless knowledge." I was actually part of a college bowl trivia team that made the regional Pacific Northwest finals. How? Why? Because I watched WAY too much TV as a kid until college. So, basically, my pop culture knowledge stops at 1996. Try me.

5.I'm a throwback. I am a lover of the "Golden Age of Comedy." When was that? Late 1960s to early 1980s people. I think I get some of it from my dad. We're talking Carol Burnett. The Pink Panther Movies. The Best of the Johnny Carson Show. Smokey and the Bandit. CANNONBALL RUN II!!

Let the cheese flow people. Let it flow.

6. I want to attend a Monster truck rally before I die.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2008-03-17T00:45:00.000-06:00

Back by popular demand...

The First Time

2008-03-13T02:11:00.014-06:00

Tonight in my Family Therapy class, my professor made an interesting comment. "The second time I do something, it ain't real no more." I think what he meant is the first time we experience something, it holds a newness (see "NEW" blog :), a uniqueness, a freshness that can't be duplicated. I can relate. For example, I've been to the Philippines twice, but the second visit can't hold a candle to the first. Why? Because that experience was unprecedented. Because I was exposed to things I had never been exposed to before (extreme poverty, authentic Philippine culture, etc.). And while the second time was special in its own way, the trip lost some of its original luster.

You can't repeat "a first." It's just like that commercial jingle, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

I wonder, can we recapture the freshness, the fervor, that some of those firsts provided? I'm sure we can all remember "the first time" we've done something or been somewhere, but can we remember the second? The third? The 99th? I could go on...

And I think we can equate that to our faith sometimes. When I see people who are new believers, their passion for God is unequaled. Because its raw. Because they've experienced something for the first time, and they want more.

However, as time passes, I think it's possible to just as easily sink into a seasoned state... of dullness. Lukewarm. Just plain numb. I'll be honest here, I've had my moments.

Sometimes when I flip the channels, I see people preaching with passion. It's as if they're talking about something for the first time.

In some ways, I truly believe they have. :) I just hope in my own life I can grab hold some of that fervor of my firsts, and take them with me.

Things I Love

2008-02-13T23:29:00.011-07:00

With Valentine's Day upon us (aka "Singles Awareness Day." so S.A.D.) and no lady in my life, I thought I would share some of my current loves:

People Watching

I think we all can agree, we love to people watch. I can't get enough. How people interact, behave, be odd, and, well, whatever else they want to do, I find utterly fascinating. Just don't stare too much.

The Love Boat

Now, granted, this is a "love" themed blog, but I actually DID love this show for a time. Honest! Gavin McLeod, Bernie Kopell, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange (nope, I didn't have to go look up their names :) and crew were representin' on the Pacific Princess back in tha day. I think they're still stuck on that boat (and in the 80s).

Ping Pong

Yeah baby! I use to play this thing to death in college, then shortly thereafter at Mount Hermon. We have it at work, but, ahem, certain people won't play with me. :) But yes, I could play this thing until limbs start falling. Watch out for ping rage!

Tony Campolo

Even though he looks like Homer Simpson, Tony. Is. Awesome. He's a former baptist minister and sociology professor that pulls no punches in what he thinks or says about the Gospel and current issues. I don't agree with 100% of what he says, but it's pretty darn close. And he's been on the Colbert Report. Twice. Not bad. Check him out: http://www.tonycampolo.org/

Jamiroquai

If you want beats while you eats, in the car, in da club, Jamiroquai is where it's at. They brought back disco, baby. And I can't thank them enough. The beat don't stop.

And this,

What do you love?

For Nini...

2008-01-24T23:40:00.000-07:00

So, I now have realized that the consequence of making personal goals public opens yourself up to, well, accountability. :) THAT being said, it's time to blog. More. More often. And I've realized the past few have had some, um, substance to them. So, to dumb it down (yet stay funky), it's TIME TO DANCE!! TEACH US, SOUL BROTHA #1, JAMES BROWN!!

R.I.P.

Goals

2008-01-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

So, the beginning of the year brings the advent of "New Year's Resolutions." I prefer to use the word goals because "resolution" sounds like something only the UN does. Say what you want, but I think goals are actually good things. It suggests a start and a finish. And the joy of the journey in between it.

I've decided to post these for all da world to see because it helps keep me accountable. Oh yes. Otherwise, I'll only have to answer to me, and well, I know where that has gotten me. Oh Lordy.

Ok, here goes! (In no particular order) (NOTE: some goals may have some "inside lingo" to myself. Only I will understand. This is intentional. :)

1. Blog more. It helps me process.
2. See Led Zeppelin live. This will happen. Somehow. Yeah.
3. Lose 25 lbs. (Tapeworm, do your work!)
4. Unleash the Regrettable Music Blog to all the world and let its glory shine forth.
5. Finish another year of grad school. And live.
6. Get my voiceover career started and let voiceofgibson.com be put to some use!
7. Play that dang guitar.
8. Know and love God more.
9. Know and love others more.
9. Turn my Apple from silver to another color. Red, green, or blue will do.
10. Use that $300 travel voucher I earned to somewhere other than Bakersfield.
11. Do everything I can to help The Brickhouse get opened in 2008.
12. Eat paste.
13. Finish this stinking list. Yeah!

What are your goals? You know you want to score.

Still Thankful

2007-12-06T01:59:00.000-07:00

So Thanksgiving has come and gone, but I think being thankful is not something that should be limited to a certain time of year.

Every time I pray, I give God thanks. For many things. I think it all comes down to attitude. Perspective. Focusing on what we have rather than what we don't. It's simple to say, but hard to put into practice.

I heard something during a sermon I caught wind of in Big D recently, and thought I would share the love of things to be thankful for:

"Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.

Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means you're alive."

It's the Music that Moves You, Pt. 1

2007-10-25T00:40:00.000-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to see a folk singer by the name of Martin Sexton. I love this guy because he simply emits natural energy. No, no I'm not becoming a New Age convert, but what I mean is the guy, well, doesn't need batteries. He just goes.
He has a joy about him that immediately radiates when he starts singing, and it's infectious. Heck, he's even got a song called 'Happy.'

Just him and a guitar. He's powered by the music.

I've come to the conclusion that without music in our lives, we would be incomplete. Sometimes we take it for granted, because it's always there: in the car, over the Safeway speakers when you're getting tomorrow's milk, or when you're at a party and the mix will either make it either epic or epically tank. Music is powerful; it stirs up emotions and memories that nothing else can. And... silent dancing? Not happening.

I've been blessed to have music around me the latter half of my life, and for the most part indirectly. Many of my good friends are talented musicians. I own way too many CDs. My concert attendance is long and memorable. The place where I work we sell music. It's everywhere I look and listen. And I can't get enough of it.

"Without music, life would be a mistake." - Friedrich Nietzsche

And music has been around FOREVER: since biblical times, baby. Heck, look at the book of Psalms, they ARE songs.

I think God designed music to be a beautiful way for Him to be praised and adored. I know it is one of the ways I draw closer to Him. A blessing.

"The music that really turns me on is either running toward God or away from God. Both recognize the pivot, that God is at the center of the jaunt." - Bono

"Busy... but good."

2007-09-24T01:34:00.000-06:00

When I engage in small-talk with people, my response to the question of when they ask me how I am doing lately has been fairly consistent: "Busy... but good." I've decided I am going to put that phrase on a t-shirt. Why? Because I think we all can relate...

But there is the "good" busy and the "bad" busy, I think. The bad, of course, is the one that involves burnout, exaustion, over-commitment, and desperation. Eventually, we'll shrivel into a little ball and evaporate. Poof.

The "good," however, is one where we are pursuing our passions fervently and, while those seasons of life may seem full, they are, well, filling.

When I lived in Colorado, I didn't work the whole time. There are moments when I still long for the solace, the quiet times, and space I was granted during that season of my life. Little responsibilities. Healing. I thank God for that time.

Now that am back in the throes of work, school, and ministry, I do think I would rather be in the state of busyness, rather than just sitting on my butt. Heck, even scripture reminds me that lazyness ain't cool:

"Proverbs 10:4"
4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.

I don't think I'll go poor, but I certainly won't produce. I won't bear fruit.

So, even as I write this at 2:30 am, I press on, asking God for strength, and drinking a freaking vat of coffee.

What's in A Name?

2007-08-29T01:20:00.000-06:00

So school's in session, again, baby. One of the classes I am in this semester is entitled "Multicultural Counseling." The name in itself of the course should make it for interesting fodder.

Yesterday we participated in an exercise that is simple yet profound. We got in groups and shared with one another something we all had a story to tell about: how we got our name. The answers were simple, humorous, thoughful, and symbolic. One person shared how their mother wasn't given a middle name because she was birthed in an incubator, and the doctors thought she would not survive. Her son said, "well obviously they were wrong!" :) Others has religious significance. Some names had become "Americanizations" of their given names to make them more easy to pronounce, understand, and in some cases, conform. Many, of course, took names from their ancestors and family heritage.

I also noticed how some people took sacred their middle name, and the fact that it wasn't shared all too publicly. Interesting. In my case, I actually go by my middle name, and always have. It's my mother's maiden name. I'm proud to have it. It's me.

All of this made me want to look in the Bible and see how the simple naming of a person held great significance. Many times God would give people new names to symbolize how He had changed their lives. Saul = Paul. Abram = Abraham, etc.

All to say, I believe God does value us, He sees us as significant. Unique. And it all starts with a name.

How did you get your name?

"Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart? I Do!"

2007-07-31T02:41:00.001-06:00

Last Friday my friend and I went to the opening night of "The Simpsons Movie." Some may not like the show, but I love it. I think it has a good balance at reminding us that we can make fun of ourselves. And I need a good dose of Homer-isms sometimes, baby. I can't believe the show has been on for 18 YEARS. Freaky.

Anyway, to top it all off we went to Mountain View. Why? Well.. The Simpsons did an ingenius thing and partnered with 7-11, transforming 12 of them in the nation into "Kwik-E-Marts" from Springfield lore. And one of them was 15 minutes from the theater. Woo hoo!

We took photos...

Identity

2007-07-31T01:42:00.000-06:00

It's a simple question. It usually comes up when you first meet a person. And it usually will be the second or third one asked after you find out their name. It goes something like this, "So, what do you do?" How that question is answered may tell alot about yourself or the people you are asking that question to.

There are many ways it CAN be answered. "Well, I work for...," or, "I'm a doctor." "I'm a father and a husband." "I am a follower of Jesus." "I'm just a dude." One of my professors, who is a therapist, says he tells people, "I play tennis." I guess what I'm trying to get at here is that we all identify with something in who we are. Sometimes that means "what we do." So, what is it that we DO?

Are we trying to make a statement like people who have a bevy of bumper stickers? I always find that fascinating...

I am currently taking a class at church entitled "Is Your Calling Calling?" It looks at how the bible looks at everyday work, and asks the question, are we just as valuable being, for example, a doctor, or a toolbooth operator? Tis' been intriguing.

SO, what do we place value in? Where do we find our identity? It is our jobs? Is it our relationships? Our family? Our faith? All of the above? I think that is another reason why I want to become a counselor... Hmmmmmmm....

We Need to Laugh, People!!

2007-05-24T01:42:00.002-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to see Conan O'Brien in San Francisco. I feel spoiled because I actually saw the red-haired beast in New York as well. I love Conan. I mean LOVE the guy. Why? He's weird. Not in a bad way, but the way that makes you stinking pee your pants funny. Many share my sentiment. I'm watching him right now as I blog, actually!

I keep realizing that we need laughter in our lives. Or at least I do. It's therapeutic. Heck, it's been proven. I learned in class there is something called humor therapy that can be used on anyone who needs a laugh. To lighten their spirits. To make them smile.

The friends I keep have a sense of humor. Some make me laugh uncontrollably. I'm drawn to funny people. I think most of us are. I even find it to be an attractive trait. Wha? Yes, it feeds my soul.

And on the other end, it's hard for me to be around people that are too serious. That are dry. That are boring. That can't take a joke. I mean, COME ON!! Met peeps like this?

Maybe we take ourselves too seriously sometimes. Don't. Stop.

Do what Conan says.

Minimal Living

2007-04-09T16:42:00.000-06:00

I read a bumper sticker not too long ago that said "He who dies with the most toys... is DEAD." I think we all get the point. We can't take it with us.

I recently moved into a studio apartment on my own. I've been digging it. However, my square footage shrank quite drastically from my previous residence with roommates. Thankfully, however, I didn't have much "stuff" to transport, and I have to say I'm pretty darn proud of myself! I have moved my fair share, from as little as 5 miles to over 1200. And everytime I try to purge some of my things. It's therapeutic, actually.

I've lately become a proponent of minimal living. To streamline. Consolidate. Purge. Simplify. Why do we need more, more, MORE?

My friend made the observation that there are two types of people: 1. When standing in a front doorway of a dwelling, what's most important to them is look at what's "inside" the house. 2. The other is, of course, the type of person that values what's "outside.". I would definitely have to say I would fall into the latter if I were to choose between the two. I live in a beautiful place, and for that I am very thankful.
It doesn't matter if I live in a XL-sized shoe box. :)

For me, as long as I am near friends and community, that IS what is most important, and that's where I want to be. Love people, not things.

I recently stumbled upon a book online entitled "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Simple Living." I actually have not read it yet, but I just ordered that sucker on Half.com. I'll let you know what I think...

Anyway, in it, it lists what it calls
"The 10 Laws of Stuff." Drumroll...

1. Stuff breeds. The more you have the more you need.
2. The useless stuff crowds out the good stuff.
3. Dust, bugs, rodents and moisture all love stuff. The more the better.
4. Stuff tends to stay where it lands.
5. Stuff expands to fit the space available. The more space the more stuff you think you need.
6. Over time stuff becomes invisible After living with stuff we don't see it.
7. Stuff costs you money more than once.
8. Stuff has a powerful effect on your state of mind. Useless stuff is a burden. It weighs us down.
9. Stuff takes value only when it is used.
10. Stuff doesn't make you happy, you do!"

Good thoughts, hmmm?

Minimal Living. It's simple. And that sentence alone explains it.

LISTEN!!!

2007-03-24T03:43:00.001-06:00

I am finding more and more in my life the value of listening. It especially comes into play when counseling. We recently watched some videos in class of different promiment therapists practicing their "craft" on a client. Despite their dramatically different techniques, what I found in common with them all was that they were all very observant, patient listeners. That's priceless.

In relationships, I am finding just listening to a friend's voice -- a voice that wants to be heard -- is all they need sometimes. To be heard. Perhaps that is because others were not willing to take the time to listen. I think we all desire to be heard.

The ability to understand others starts with listening, I believe. It's simple, yet hard to practice. Amen, people?

We desire for God to listen to us when we cry out to him. When we are desperate. When we have questions that we think demand answers. But God speaks to us, too, and wants us to listen to him as intently as ever.

Proverbs 8:34
"Blessed is the man who listens to me..."

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

2007-03-16T14:02:00.000-06:00

A "Counselor" In Action

2007-03-03T02:55:00.000-07:00

Coach Maurice Cheeks, you are my new hero.

Back to School

2007-01-25T01:30:00.000-07:00

So I stepped foot into a classroom tonight for the first time... IN EIGHT YEARS!! E-GAD MAN! It was surreal. The profs, the fellow students, #2 pencils, backpacks, syllabi, binders, it was all coming back to me. But it was a good feeling.

For those who don't know, I am pursuing a Master's in Counseling Education at San Jose State. I hope to be a collegiate career counselor down the road. That would be cool.

It took me awhile to have the desire to go back to school. A LONG while. I swore when I graduated that I wasn't going back to school EVER. That was then. 1999. Journalism major. Funny how things iron out when God gives you different passions to pursue. For me, it's been a journey, but a well-needed one. I did not make the decision to go back lightly.

And personally, I tell people to NOT to go back to school for the sake of "going back to school." You have to want it. To crave it. To authentically pursue it. If all those things align, then I say knock yourself out. Do it, do it.

BTW, did anybody watch that movie with Rodney?

Grace

2007-01-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

I live off of Grace St. I hadn't thought about the name so much until recently, and that is because I have experienced "it" and witnessed the same in varying degrees. A couple examples:
1. seeing my car get smashed, then within the timeframe of a week being "graced" with a loaner, selling my junker for twice as much as I had originally hoped, and then getting a better one from these guys:
.
Figures. :)
2. watching my roommate emerging from a coma and internal bleeding in the ER to being almost a fully functional walking and working miracle, and proclaiming God's grace with every new day he is blessed with. It blows me away.

I was talking with a friend of mine who works in the local prison, and he sees men who have been completely broken by coming to grips for the wrongs they have done. It is sobering. Yet despite this, it seems that perhaps they themselves are positioned to experience grace more so than I would ever understand or even fully grasp. A quote by the St. Rose of Lima says "without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase." I'm not sure if I can disagree with that.

Other great insights:

"The doctrines of grace humble a man without degrading him, and exalt a man without inflating him." - Charles Hodge.

"Grace does not excuse sin, but it treasures the sinner. True grace is shocking, scandalous. It shakes our conventions with its insistence on getting close to sinners and touching them with mercy and hope. It forgives the unfaithful spouse, the racist, the child abuser. It loves today’s AIDS-ridden addict as much as the tax collector of Jesus’ day." - Philip Yancey.

Secrets

2006-12-21T03:07:00.000-07:00

I have been recently thinking about the whole concept of secrets lately (not to be confused with Conan O'Brien's Secrets... which is EPIC!) It's interesting because there are many facets to it. Corporate secrets exist to protect business ideas, practices and concepts. Personal secrets are held for a variety of reasons.

And then, of course, there's the secret santa...?

Speaking for myself, I know or have known alot of secrets through the years. And the reasons they remain secrets are ones that I can either understand, or have built a trust and respect with the person who has shared them with me. But sometimes I wonder... why do we have them? What are we protecting? What are we HIDING? Is this a good or a bad thing?

I am realizing more and more that I need to continue to be a transparent person. To be vulnerable. To walk in integrity. And to not have any skeletons in my closet. There's a book entitled "Who You Are When No One's Looking." I haven't read it, but I think I get the gist. Be real. Be honest. With yourself.

I keep reading in the news recently of many prominent leaders "falling from grace" because they have led double lives and practiced hypocrisy. Some of them festered and held on to secrets in their past, and never came to grips with them. And then the secrets eventually surfaced, and they became overwhelmingly dectructive and devastating for that person. It's sad and disheartening to witness.

I think sometimes secrets can lead to worse lies and deception than rather coming clean with our own fallibility, weaknesses, and struggles.

I'm sure there are secrets we all carry that we're not proud of to this day. Myself included. But the consequences of the intention of keeping some of these buried for eternity may come back to haunt us in the future. Is that risk worth taking? Does it grieve your heart, your conscience, your spirit, when you think about things you have buried for a long time? Forgive my serious tone here, and I certainly am not implying anything, but I DO believe we can all relate to this in one form or fashion, whether vicariously or directly. It's very interesting. Thoughts?

The Mott

2006-12-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

Behold. What you see before you is present day. It is nothing but ruins now, a vast wasteland of what used to be an epic bastion of social glory. The Mott House.

The Mott House is a place I lived in for three years. It was a quaint little villa. Red with white trim, a bit run down (our neighbor kindly called it "beach junk"), but it had its own character. While small, it still housed 5 guys at one time. And the friendships built inside these walls I will never forget. It finally got the wrecking ball after years of legal battles with the county of Santa Cruz, and, um, our next door neighbor. Props to you Doug and May Stevens!

I have fond memories of this place. Waffle Sundays, the firepits, Space Out, KegNog, Hello Summer!, Ben Fox busting open his head when we moved in, The Christina Aguilera "Drrrty" Bathroom, Josh's encounter with "Jack," Linda's "Tradition," Stack N' Jack, S.O.D., the leather couch, the hobbit hole (aka "the shack in the back"), the cleaning lady beratement, bennett almost burning down the house every time he cooked, kuma, java j, free internet cafe (thanks to Yahoo!), hot tea, larry and brooke fox random visits, the row boat, the bad plumbing, the dryer that caught on fire, the foliage, and so much more... (am I forgetting anything? boys?)

This blog is dedicated to (in no particular order): Kuma "The Wonder Dog", Josh Fox, Joe Fox, Ben Fox, Joe Ruppert, Ben Bishop, Aaron Fox, Pete McCorkle, Brian Martin, and Steve Rude.

Is there a place you called "home" for a time in your life that you miss? Do tell...

To tide you over...

2006-12-11T02:01:00.000-07:00

Forgive my lack of blogging lately. My brain is stirring, indeed, but my writer's block continues. HOWEVER, let me share:

My job requires me to look at many album covers on a daily basis, and let's just say, some are more, um, colorful than others. Here is one that will make you blush:

Teach us thy ways, Clifford...

200,000!!

2006-11-29T02:14:00.000-07:00

So my car has now reached epic proportions...

Hitting the 200k mark is a first for me in my lil' blue Honda Civic. Some facts:

-I bought it with 78k
-I have owned it for 5.5 years
-Do the math = 22k miles a year (and some change)

I have witnessed many things in my blue beast, including:
Any car milestones, insane road trips, or other random facts you care to share? I'm listening...

Gobble gobble, ya'll...

2006-11-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

Vote, you fools!!

2006-11-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

Do it, do it.

Verse of the Day

2006-10-26T14:35:00.000-06:00

Sorry about my lack o' blogging lately , but I thought I would unearth this practice and share some tasty wisdom from the Good Book: It's my life verse, actually...

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight."

Thanks to Aaron.

BRAND SPANKING NEW!!!

2006-10-07T12:44:00.000-06:00

So yesterday was the Grand Opening of Safeway near my house. It was a long time comin', as they had been working on this sucker for many months. It actually replaced the old Safeway right next to it, which had become, um, well, gathering moss. So when Safeway 2.0 was unveiled, it was, indeed, epic. Bigger, better, and NEWER.

I, and I think many, are fascinated with the newness of things. Words come to mind when you think of new: CLEAN. SHINY. SMOOTH. FRESH.

We like to see new things replace the old. It's an ushering of a new season. A new chapter. A new car (I wish!!).

I did a search and noticed that the word "new" appears in scripture 264 times. I think God's got something there. :) He wants us to be a new creation. The old has gone. The new has come.

Sabbath with the Sasquatch

2006-09-25T01:28:00.000-06:00

So last Sunday I had the unique opportunity of visiting the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton with some friends of mine. Oh man. Let me just say, it was quite the experience. We met Michael, the, um, curator. It's weird. He seems like a really nice guy, 60, retired, and with a good head on his shoulders. And yet, he truly believes he saw one of these things when he was 5, and he's "been obsessed with it ever since."

All to say, he has a sense of humor, too. There was a Harry and the Henderson Doll prominently displayed as well.

And let's not forget, there was a LIFESIZE poster and the video was being replayed of the infamous sighting:

The guy even had a photo with Paul Reubens, who played Pee Wee Herman. Pee Wee has personally visited the museum. TWICE.

All to say, I now know more about the history of the sasquatch than I ever did, or ever wanted to know. The audio recordings. The fossils. The footprints.

Do I believe? No, I'll just stick with Jesus, thank you. :)

So, um, ever had a random encounter with the "paranormal?"
(insert eery music here)

The Golden Handcuffs

2006-09-10T18:50:00.000-06:00

"Golden Handcuffs - An incentive given to existing employees in hopes that they will decide to stay with the company."

So I have recently become introduced to the term "Golden Handcuffs." The definition above is basically the gist of it. I believe the term that has been around awhile, but perhaps not used as much. All to say, it is a phenomena that I think many people suffer from. It is that tension between staying in a job that is "secure": has good benefits, you have stock options, is predictable, pays well with expected annual raises; the other end of the spectrum is that perhaps the job is not enjoyable, in fact, miserable, is not using your gifts, and is an all around "soul-sucking job" (that's for you, Linus). You've settled. You feel stuck. You're wearing the golden handcuffs.

It's a delicate balance I believe. The dynamics also can change when you get married and have kids because your vocational freedom and choices potentially narrow. You have a new responsibility to provide for your loved ones. It's not just about you anymore. It involves sacrifice.

My question is, to what extent is that sacrifice? If it IS the case, should we remain in jobs that make us miserable because they are secure and "put food on the table?" Or should we take the risk, follow our dreams, and use our talents and passions in a new type of a career path? And if so, are we prepared to start over? Or can we channel those passions into simply a hobby? Or both? Or neither? And what exactly does that all look like? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. This is why I want to become a career counselor...

Thoughts?

The Hairy Chair

2006-09-02T03:12:00.000-06:00

There is a place nearby where I live. It's called The Hairy Chair. It perplexes me. In fact, it haunts me. Um, let me explain. :)

For some reason, when I think of the term "The Hairy Chair," I don't think of a simple barber chair with hair-snippings on it. On the contrary, I think of some type of hairy, creepy, breathing organism with two eyes, just sitting in there, waiting for me, making me feel very uneasy.

It kinda reminds me of Gossamer: the red-haired, chair-shaped beast from the Looney Tunes cartoon when he was scaring the fur off of Bugs Bunny. Remember that dude?

And then who can forget Chairry, the beloved, mascara-laden, feminine chair that graced the floor of Pee Wee's Playhouse. She was always happy in that weird house (especially when the secret word was uttered). I just didn't get it. Can chairs inhale?

So, as I get my mail at the PO Box next door every day, I see The Hairy Chair. And to this day, I haven't gone inside. Perhaps it's because I'm afraid. Of being eaten.

The Santa Cruz Disease

2006-08-26T11:39:00.001-06:00

Let me divulge and diagnose what I like to call the "Santa Cruz Disease." Many suffer from it. I have. It's basically an affliction that exists in many beautiful places around the world. I attribute it akin to a hippie mentality of sorts. Basically, people who suffer from it really don't "live" here. They exist. They live in Santa Cruz simply so they can say they live in Santa Cruz. It's similar to people who wait tables in Maui so they can live in Maui. Make sense?

And don't get me wrong, that's cool for a season of your life. However, you can get caught in a rut of the disease I believe, and it becomes a vicious cycle. You lack passion. Purpose. Direction. Goals. You then begin to develop complacency. You become apathetic. You simply stay afloat and begin to drift. You don't LIVE.

I heard a sermon recently talking about INTIATIVE; how God did not design us to simply watch life pass us by idly and wait for Him to take action. In fact, the world is shaped by people who take initiative. Leaders of nations, for example, both good and bad. Human history shows us that. I believe God wants us to be PROACTIVE in everything we do in life: to strive, to pursue, persevere, be decisive, and be a responsible steward with the things we can control. Of course, what that looks will be different for how we are wired and gifted individually, but the overall message I believe remains consistent: He simply wants us to JUST DO SOMETHING.

I have many friends who are in the same boat as me personally in that we are looking for jobs. It's a challenge. And it can be draining and discouraging at times. But the one thing I desire for myself and my friends is to avoid is the distraction of living where we live and just, well, chill. Lord, let us NOT suffer from the disease!

How do you cure it? Well, for me, I actually had to leave this place to find clarity in Colorado, and I was able to gain a better perspective from the outside looking in. For others, it may not be as drastic, but I think identifying it alone and WANTING to rid yourself of it is a huge first step. Go where God leads you, follow, and ACT.

Do you suffer from it and not even know it? Have you?

Ahhhh, Weddings...

2006-08-21T02:58:00.000-06:00

The past couple of weeks I attended my seasonal slew of weddings. The latest I think I have traveled the farthest that I can remember for one. It was in Winston-Salem, North Carolina near the campus of Wake Forest University. My best friend from college, Kyle, got hitched to a gal he met in Indiana after his Notre Dame law days. He'll be working for the Department of Justice very soon (of which the FBI grilled me for a character reference :). He's a good man so I was more than happy to spend the weekend in Smokesville for him. His uncle-in-law is the president of Wake, so we got to dine at his crib for the reception.

Very southern, and very classy. Me like bricks.

This is the eighth wedding I have been in. EIGHTH. Kinda funny, at this stage of my life, not only are most of my friends getting married, but they are popping kids, too. What the?

At the other, my friends Dawn and Brian got married here in SC. It was awesome: good times, great beer. Oh yeah, weddings also let you rub shoulders with some shady characters as well...

Got any wacky wedding stories to share?

Home

2006-08-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

It's 1:11 AM as I type this, and I just got back from taking my cruiser out to Natural Bridges and back for the first time since I moved back to Santa Cruz (9 mile barge... yeah, that's right!).

Coming back has had its bevy of emotions: the familiarity coupled with a newness, rekindling old frienships and making new ones, feeling grounded in one way but unsettled in yet another. However, taking that ride did so many things; it made me thankful for all the uniqueness that makes SC what it is: the tressle, the boardwalk, the homeless dudes, the lighthouse, the burritos, etc. The beauty and the weirdness all rolled into one. And being back in the place I spent six years of my life, and plan to spend more.

As I look ahead, there are still those unknowns: the job, the woman, ministry, but what I DO know is that this is where God wants me to be. And it feels good, dude. :)

Where is "home" for you?

Control

2006-07-10T00:40:00.000-06:00

Control. It's an interesting word when you think about it (not to mention AMAZING songs by both MuteMath and Janet Jackson). It's something we all want, we crave, we desire, in our own lives. We want to control our future. We want to control our career path, our relationships, and I think sometimes our own happy endings.

However, I have found in my own life, and I'm sure we can ALL relate, is that as much as I'd like to be IN control, in actuality, I have control of about, oh, .01% of it. There will always be circumstances, people, events, and decisions that will be made regardless of my input and involvement. The loss of a job. The sickness or death of a loved one. And I have to let it go and let God direct, lead, and guide. It's easier said than done, no doubt, but it can become a simple process when you think about it: Sovereignty takes over. Faith and dependance begins.

So I'm NOT in control, OK??!! And I've come to grips with that. But I know who is.

James 4:13-15

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Psalm 62:1-2

"My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

What things do you try to control? Do you succeed?

Verse of the Day

2006-06-29T23:53:00.000-06:00

So, I think I just might make this verse of the day a recurring theme on this thing. I like it. And today's selection (thanks Theresa!) is kinda central to this latest season in my life:

Hebrews 12:11

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Going Back to Cali

2006-06-24T23:36:00.000-06:00

That is all... :)

My Friends Dan & Nick

2006-06-10T09:38:00.000-06:00

This is a blog about my friends Dan and Nick. I saw them recently in Santa Cruz. :)

This is my friend Dan Kimball. Dan likes to drink. Water. He has nice hair. He's written a couple of books. And he doesn't sleep enough.

This is my friend Nick. He is quite fond of Monte Cristo sandwiches. He likes going to the gym. He likes to eat meat and rice. He wrote a song about it. He also likes to drink. Other stuff. And, as you can see, he's quite dashing...

Both Dan and Nick like to smoke pipes.

Aren't they a cute couple? Indeed.

Verse of the Day

2006-06-06T01:42:00.000-06:00

Sorry that my blog has been gathering moss lately, I plan to post one shortly chalk full of vitamins and minerals, but for now will share some wisdom a friend pointed out to me awhile back:

Psalm 119:130

"The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple."

Amen.

Abilene

2006-05-17T15:14:00.000-06:00

I was in Texas this past weekend (native, baby!), and trekked to a town I had never been before in all my years living there... Abilene. My Dad took a job there recently, so I decided to check out his new digs. FYI, Abilene is about 3 hours west of Dallas, where I grew up until I was 13. Abilene reminds me of Loveland alot in that while there are many people that live there (over 115,000), it still has a small town feel. Abilene also has three universities in town (all private, religiously affiliated), which is a good thang.

And MOST important, famous people from Abilene:

-Hollywood dummy, er, I mean, vixen, Jessica Simpson!

-Angels pitcher, John Lackey!

-And the most epic, boxer turned actor, Randall "Tex" Cobb!

Anybody who reads this actually been to Abilene? Your thoughts?...

Before and After

2006-05-10T01:33:00.000-06:00

FYI, these pictures were taken about 6 years apart...

The other dude is my friend Marcus from college. He's married and has a lovely daughter now.

God is good. :)

Battling the Obesity Monster

2006-05-03T21:12:00.000-06:00

Today as I perused the daily newswire, I came across a wonderful thing.

From the AP:
"The nation's largest beverage distributors have agreed to halt nearly all sales of sodas to public schools — a step that will remove the sugary, caloric drinks from vending machines and cafeterias around the country. Under the agreement, the companies also have agreed to sell only water, unsweetened juice and low-fat milks to elementary and middle schools. Diet sodas would be sold only to high schools."

I think this step is AWESOME in the fight towards curbing kids from leading an obese life. And schools are just as culpable as the home in my opinion. In my own life, I ate terribly as a kid. But, I don't blame my parents for this as far as my own snacking in the home. I think it was a time where nutrition was not being promoted in our grocery stores, our schools, and most-certainly our culture. In fact, it was my parents' desire to get healthy in their fifties that helped partly inspire me to get healthy in my own life as I entered my late twenties.

However, I DO partly blame what I ate at school to contribute to becoming an obese youngin'. I always ate at the cafeteria, and the stuff they offered then was CERTAINLY not nutritious from a general standpoint. And I drank alot of soda. ALOT. Some of us think soda isn't that bad, but when you look at the numbers, they are staggering:

One 12 oz soda - 150 calories
Vitamin D Milk - 160 calories, 8 grams of fat (that's more fat than a chocoate chip cookie!!)

A daily consumption of these things equates to 15 pounds a year. I'm sure you've heard of the "freshman 15" your first year in college. Wellll, I abused that. Like twice as much. (2am nightly runs to Taco Bell didn't, um, help either (sorry Ben :)).

All to say, I think this move and cooperation between the large beverage makers and the U.S. public school system will go a long way in the fight against obesity, and I think the significance of this shouldn't be taken for granted. Bravo, baby!

The Brotherhood

2006-05-02T00:51:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I was in Southern California for a tasty annual occasion. Every year, my bros from college and I make it a point to get together and watch some baseball. It's a cool thing; not only that we catch some sweet games (we've hit Seattle, the Bay Area, and Spring Training in Arizona thus far), but the fact we still do this I think is a rare thing these days.

We've got a bond not only through the school we went to (Whitworth, sucka!!), but more importantly, we all lived in the same dorm together. It is called MacMillan Hall, or better known as MAC Hall. It's the only all-male dorm on campus, and is the closest thing to a fraternity you can get (for a Christian college, heh). We even have our own logo:

Good memories came from that time in my life. Good traditions, and, um, good pranks. Streaking, potato cannons, the "portable" nativity scene, silverware on the President's lawn, the bucket, Operation Hotwing. I could go on. :)

I'll admit, there's alot of dorm pride here, people, but I'm not going to make any apologies, either... WE ARE MAC MEN!!!

Anybody got any stories of their own collegiate tomfoolery?

MEGACHURCH!!!

2006-04-16T21:02:00.000-06:00

Oh man. As I blog on this glorious Easter Sunday (He is Risen!), I witnessed an Easter production at a megachurch that my cousin works at in Colorado Springs on Saturday. The, um, play, was gargantuan. Ginormous. Colossal. Mammoth. Pythonic (ok, you get the picture...). This had to be the biggest performance I have ever witnessed. We're talking Vegas-sized proportions here, baby. I thought Celine and Elton were going to come out soon riding elephants. They had a guy who works for Circue Du Soleil come to be a consultant on this thing. There were tigers in cages.
Fireworks. Trapeze artists from the rafters. A dude was literally on fire.

I was like, wha?

All to say, I'm sure they spent a pretty penny on this sucker. NOW, despite all this, and my own cynicisms about megachurches, the kicker was indeed when they asked those in attendance (in an audtorium that held 5,000, COMPLETELY sold out) to "pray the prayer" and give their lives over to Jesus. I was floored as I swear almost half of those in attendance uttered those words out loud all around me. It was overwhelming, earth shattering and exciting to know many were taking a first step of faith into a new life. I sincerely pray they walk in that faith in the coming days.

So, I guess what I'm saying is while I may have my own personal observations about megachurches in general (some good, some bad), this is all to say that God must be doing something in a big way at these congregations, and many lives are being impacted by it. What we may lose in intimacy, we gain breadth. And while I don't see myself straddling an elephant, tiger, or setting myself on fire for the Lord anytime soon, He's doing His thang in various unique and kooky ways to reach others. We worship a kooky God folks, don't forget that...

Voices Inside My Head

2006-04-11T17:09:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I took a trek up to Seattle and Portland. Part of it was to see friends, part of it was to check out a grad school, but the main piece was to record a voice-over demo tape. You see, it's been kind a dream of mine since childhood to pursue broadcasting in some sort of professional path. I basically wanted to be the next John Madden when I was a kid. This weekend was the first step of pursuing that dream.

The recording session itself was so much fun. The peeps I did the session with, Chris Taylor and Barb Hughes (www.hughestaylor.com), are married and do this for a living. I actually got in contact with them through a mutual friend (thank you Raptor!!), and was impressed with their enthusiasm, encouragement, and professionalism. After laying some initial tracks down, we decided that my selling point was "attitiude without accents," meaning the ability to convey wit and sarcasm without a particular accent. It was great. Even though I had not been in front of a microphone in a while, it was surprisingly comfortable. Part of it was the fact I was a DJ in college, spinning disco and funk, and calling an occasional basketball game here and there.

So now I wait for the mixing and mastering take place. When all is said and done, about an hour's worth of tape will be condensed to roughly a minute and a half. I should get it in about a week (for those who want to hear it, throw me an email...).

After that, I begin, um, "selling myself" via a web site most likely, business cards, etc. I'll probably do some pro-bono stuff too to build my resume as well. I'm stoked. I'm not sure what will come of this (I realistically see this as supplemental income), but I'm thankful I have taken the first step to unleash my weird voices to the world! Muhuwahahahahahahahahahah!!!!! (cough cough cough)

Baseball is Bliss

2006-04-03T22:13:00.000-06:00

So I just got done watching the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. Florida won in a blowout yawner. Despite this epic event, today I was actually more excited because, well, it was Opening Day for Major League Baseball.

Ahhhh yes, BASEBALL!! The National Pastime. Me loves it. There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting at a day game, throwing down a cool one and a dog, and taking in the sights and sounds of the park. It's funny how much I love watching the game, because I stunk at it as a youngin'. I actually struck out at tee ball. TEE BALL! Despite my lameness, my intense fandom has never subsided. Even with all the steroids scandal going on, I still root. Woot.

Every year my buddies from college and I get together for a reunion of sorts, and it always involves going to a baseball game. This time around we will hit Southern California. It's great. Not only are they awesome guys, but they share my affinity for sports, and we connect like no other in our sports geekdom moments of bliss.

If I haven't communicated it thus far, I am passionate about the game of baseball. And, as you can see, I had a "moment" with an umpire at a game recently, and thankfully my man Jeremy "Juice" Lee saved me (and him) from some inevitable bludgeoning...

Whew!

To close, forgive my obvious bias, but I HATE THE YANKEES!! I found this photo, and while it's a bit profane, I whited it out a bit, but it's basically how I, along with millions of others, feel about the pinstripes. Make sure you read the photo from right to left...

Sorry Yankee fan. :)

Tradition!

2006-03-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

So a couple of weeks ago I went to an Ash Wednesday service. I was raised in the Presbyterian Church, and part of its ritualistic practices on the first day of Lent are where ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross to be reminded of the season leading up to Easter.

I guess you could say I wanted to "get my liturgy on." Honestly, though, it comes down to one word for me: tradition. Indeed, tradition and ritual I think plays a big part of our lives, from the big to the small things. It helps us remember where we came from. It helps us hold on to some order and structure in our lives in the midst of chaos. It gives us things to look forward to.

For me, my random traditions range from eating egg casserole once a year on Christmas morning that my mom makes, buying a People magazine every time I fly (yes, I just admitted that), getting together once a year to watch a baseball game with my college bros, being a groomsmen in a wedding at least once anually (number 8 this summer! sigh...), NYE with the Ghetto Favorite, and, when I lived at the Mott House, "tradition."

What are your traditions that you hold dear?

The Feds

2006-03-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

So I met with the FBI recently. (Not kidding!). Indeed. Basically, a good friend of mine (who shall remain nameless, heehee) is taking a job with the Department of Justice (DOJ baby!) in D.C., and apparently anyone who takes a government job is subject to an extensive background check. So, that involved an agent driving up to good ol' Loveland and meeting with me in person (required). They asked me questions about our friendship, his character, loyalty to the U.S., and other fun stuff (i.e. "did he use any recreational drugs?", "does he have any skeletons in his closet?"). Good times.

I have to admit this is my first official "brush with the government." Anybody have any fun Federal Encounter stories? Share away! :)

I Got the "No Bloggin' Blues..."

2006-02-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Oh baby oh baby
I got the no bloggin' blues

I ain't got no wittyness to dish out
All I can do now is pout
I clean my clothes with Shout

Oh baby oh baby
I got the no bloggin' blues

My brain has needed to cool
My students think they're too cool for school
I wish I could play pool

Oh baby oh baby
I got the no bloggin' blues

Soon I will return to bloggin' once more
But for now I must dream up new tales of lore
Dang, I need to go to the store!

Oh baby oh baby
I got the no bloggin' blues

Just call me Mr. Gibson...

2006-02-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a first in my life. I TAUGHT! Yes, I was a substitute teacher at a local Christian school. They called me at 6am, asked if I was available, and I said "I'm your man!" Four coffees later, I was ready to corrupt those little young minds (kidding!).

After some initial nervousness, it was great. These kids are AWESOME. I have been in many classes back in tha day that had a handful of disrespectful little rotten misfits (one class I was in brought a teacher to early retirement. literally.) amongst them, but this school is filled with kids that actually listen, seem engaged, and are genuinely NICE.

I have to admit, it was weird being in a position to tell them that yes, indeed, they could go to the bathroom, sharpen their pencil, and go to their locker. I was in a position of authority baby! What the?

Kids are fun, man. One gal who I swear is going to be a Dr. Bunson Honeydew type, brainiac astrophysicist when she grows up proceeded to tell me my partial color blindedness came from a genetic mutation (you callin' me a mutant?!). Another began to affirm that there was a demon in the burritos that he threw during lunch hour. And another asked me if that was my REAL hair color. Classic.

One of the teachers I interviewed with said he classifies teachers into two types:
1. Those that love kids, plain and simple, and see it as one finger of ministry.
2. Those that are passionate about a particular subject, and teaching is one way they can pursue and promote that to students.

I would have to agree from what I've observed, generally speaking, and would say that I fall into cat 1, because I ended up subbing 9th grade Geography and 6th and 7th grade Bible. While teaching about the Bible was awesome (I'm teaching about the Bible??!! What the?), I can't say I get all that amped about state capitals and the seven seas. Maybe I did at one time. I drew some pretty sweet maps in my day, but that time has passed, man. Like passed away. Dead.

Anyway, all to say, I have even MORE respect for those that teach and have taught. It's not for everyone, and you have to have a backbone to do it. Do I have it? Maybe, but I think I'm growing a tail...

The least of these

2006-02-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Matthew 25:39-40

"When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

Today I watched Bono speak at the National Prayer Breakfast to President Bush and members of Congress. It was powerful, not because an "Irish Rock Star" (as he refers himself to) had the platform in which to speak at this level and time, but the content of which he spoke. Bono encouraged national leaders to give MORE to fight the AIDS epidemic in Africa. People are dying. We have the resources to make it stop, and we need to continue to act. In many ways, it's that simple.

In my own life, I grapple with my role in social justice, eradicating poverty, and the practical application of compassion. Not just at a global level, but a local one as well. Feeding the homeless, cleaning up the streets, visiting a shut-in, etc.

I want to know where I fit in all of this. I sponsor a child through a charitable Christian organization. Her name is Gladys. She is 11. And she is living a life now where her physical needs are being met. And God is impacting her spiritual growth as well. I know this from the letters she sends me. I can't believe I have the opportunity to be a part of this person's life, thousands of miles away. It blows me away.

But sometimes I wonder, is that enough??? Should I be doing more in the area of service, time, money, or simply amplify my voice? I don't ask these questions out of compulsion or guilt, but truly wonder if I should be doing more, something different, or continue doing what I'm doing.

When I visited the Philippines, I met believers, who, despite their "poor" living state, were some of the most thankful, humble, and faithful people I have ever met. Ever. God brought them out WRETCHED conditions and provided them a place where they could lay their heads, be healthy, and live a full life. And they are content.

In the grand scheme, it reminds me of the things I AM thankful for, and have much to learn and grow in the area of contentment in my own life. It's especially relevant now, as I have been feeling like I am "in the wilderness," seeking emplyoment, purpose, direction, and trying to be obedient in the midst of it all out here. It ain't easy, but as I strive towards personal contentment, I pray I can help others in need gain that Godly contentment in their own world of chaos.

Ahhhhh, Loveland...

2006-01-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

So, I have officially surpassed the 5-month mark of living here. Some thoughts and observations:

- It's a great place to raise a family.

- They have a Waffle House (this is a good thing :)

- I like having the Rocky Mountains in my backyard.

- This place has auto mechanic shops like Santa Cruz has taquerias

- Loveland is the home of "Garage Sale Mutants." I have never before witnessed the carnage displayed of rabid, hardcore, frothy-mouthed people who get to a sale at the BUTT-crack of dawn (6:30 am - 30 minutes BEFORE the sale starts), all while it's 17 DEGREES outside and there is snow on the ground. Christine, you were right...

- Where ELSE can you find a town that has an ammo store and maternity shop RIGHT next to each other?

- Flannel is king.

- While Loveland may be the place everyone sends their mail to get postmarked around Valentine's Day, personally, I live in a town of IRONY!! (sniff sniff)

- It's a good place to get healthy.

- And they have this store here:

Epic.

The Value of Friendship

2006-01-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

When I visited Santa Cruz over the Christmas break, I had the opportunity to re-connect with some of my good friends. And it was, indeed, good times. I don't say this boastfully, but I say it in true thankfulness that God has put an abundance of wonderful people in my life that I am fortunate to call friend.

You've gotta love friends (NO, not that horrible song by Michael W. Smith, the standard background theme for high school graduation youth group videos back in the 90s. thanks Jason). But more importantly you have to love the uniqueness of friends. They bring out different parts of us, and allow us to shine. For me, it's being able to discuss politics and current events with one, living out my faith with another, chatting about sports and music with another, sparring pop culture randomness with yet another, and, well, talking black stuff. :) They say the sum of its parts make the whole. For me, my diverse friendships with others make me whole. God wires us so uniquely, yet not only do we co-exist together, but we grow, learn and change from one another's differences, shaping us into who we ultimately are as a child of God. It's a cool thing.

Don't take your friends for granted. They're a part of you.

Food Nostalgia

2006-01-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a religious experience. Well, first let me preface this, ahem. About a month ago I heard that there was a particular pizza chain that lurked near CSU (Colorado State University for all you out-of-staters). It's called Pizza Pipeline. When I heard this, my heart leapt. You see, Pizza Pipeline was a large part of my college training table in Spokane. It was so good it was bad. We would eat from the Pipeline at LEAST three times a week. It was glorious. It's all about the garlic and cinnamon tricky sticks! (to all you Whitworth readers, you KNOW what I'm talkin' bout baby!)

Other traditions shared in Spo-Compton (aka SpokaVegas, Spo-Ghetto) involved the bottomless steak fries at Red Robin, the garlic bread at Tomato Street, deep fried oreos at The Onion, and nightly 2am runs to Taco Bell with BP in his beat up Cherokee. Ahhhhh, the memories... I think that's why I was so heavy in college. Ok, not THINK. Duh. I have pictures.

It's funny how food is such a central part of who we are. I was over at a friend's house a couple of nights ago, reminiscing about our favorite Santa Cruz eating establishments. The epic Vallarta Burrito. Marianne's. Linda's (may I shed a tear right now?). Good food emits good memories. It makes our brain and stomach work together for the common good. I think everyone can identify they've had a conversation that started something like, "man, the BEST (insert food here) I've ever had was at a place called (insert place here), blah blah blah..."

Can I get an amen? It's a good thing. I like talking about food. And I like eating it even better.

So I bit down on a Pipeline pizza pie for the first time in over SIX years. And man, it was all I imagined it could be and more... pure unadulterated bliss.

Back to the gym.

Gym Rat

2005-12-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

So, in the midst of my "waiting" (um, see last blog) these last few months in CO, the one thing I HAVE been consistent with is going to the gym. One of my personal goals when I came out here was to be more physically healthy, and with God's help, I have been able to do that. One of the fruits of the spirit is self-control, and for me it has been controlling what I put in my mouth (I joined Weight Watchers. Woo woo!), as well as motivating myself as to how hard I wanted to work off the weight I put back on after "Atkins withdrawl." It's not been an easy road over the days, months, and years, but God has taught me discipline in the midst of all of this, and for that I am truly thankful to Him. Today, I've been fortunate to lose all that weight I gained back (and just a leeeetle more). Actually, now that I think about it, I haven't been this thin in TEN years. Wow. Thank you God.

So yeah, you can call me a gym rat I guess... (gnaw, squeak, gnaw)

Oh, this is what I look like now (please forgive the nudity)...

The Waiting Game

2005-12-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

We're all waiting for something. A job. A roommate. That special someone. Heck, my computer temporarily crashed, so I was waiting to have it fixed. But it most cases I think, we're waiting for an answer. Or at least, that's been my situation, waiting to see how God will reveal himself to me through answered prayer, and WHAT that answer will be. Lately, it's been to wait. Sigh. So, what do we do during the waiting time? Is it a good thing? Wellll, recently I have been thinking that it wasn't, but I was reminded a couple of weeks ago through a message about "The Gift of Waiting." I realized that waiting clarifies what you really want. For me, I've been in the process of starting over. While hard at times, it has been rewarding, because I think when you start over you build character, and God makes you stronger for it. I can affirm that. Also, waiting prepares our hearts to receive; receiving the renewing and restoring power of God in our lives. I can attest to that as well. So, as I wait, I thank God for His gift of waiting, and take it one day, one step, at a time in faith of what is next for me in this life that I lead.

I'll share a quote that was shared to me:

"You keep us waiting,
You, the God of all time,
Want us to wait
For the right time in which to discover
Who we are, where we are to go,
Who will be with us,
and what we must do.
So thank you... for the waiting time."

John Bell

So, cold...

2005-12-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

It's minus 1 degrees outside right now. I'd just thought I'd share.

Lookee, the lake done froze over!

Um, brrrr...

Wonderful Maker

2005-12-05T01:40:00.000-07:00

So, we officially got the first "noticable" snowfall (as in, it stuck) in Loveland yesterday (see my infamous dusted Honda below).

It's cool to see the white stuff in my front yard again, it's something I honestly haven't been exposed to since my Whitworth days (props to Spo-compton!). Refreshing. Cold. Um, flaky.

Over thankgiving I had a chance to go to Rocky Mountain National Park for the first time. Stunning.

I am contantly in awe of the perfection of God's handiwork around me here, and feel very blessed. When I think of the word creation, "beauty" or "majesty" are usually the first things that come to mind. However, Joe and I have been walking through the "Doctrine of Creation" in the OT, revealing how even more of God's character is revealed through His creation. Creation can give us hope in the midst of crises (Psalm 33), and knowing God created the world with a built-in order and design (Proverbs 8:22-31) gives me comfort and peace in my own trials of chaos and disorder. It's that peace that trancends all understanding. All I have to do is look out the window.

Mind you, while I'm basking in all of this Godly beauty, I also need to mention that it's FRICKIN' FREEZING!" 9 degrees as I type. Time to snap some limbs.

Love is the Greatest Revenge

2005-11-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

The title of ye blog is the name of the album by the dudes I refer to as "The Tremolo Boys." Tremolo (www.tremolomusic.net) is primarily comprised of Justin Dillon and Ben Patterson, and they made the trek to CO to play a gig, give a seminar on the faith and arts to churches, and wrestle some crocodiles (yes, that's an inside joke).

Good times were had by all; they talked to two churches, had an epic accoustic gig at a Borders in GREELEY (aka "the edge of the earth"), and even fit in a radio interview at KCSU, the college radio station for Colorado State University.

While I personally dig the record and the songwriting, it's the idea I most admire. (NOTE: To all of ya'll who know ALL about this, please forgive me, but I had to dedicate a blog to this) They are giving 50% of all their royalties to charities that the fans choose quarterly at this web site (www.loveisthegreatestrevenge.com).
Justin talked about how he felt convicted to tell his story through music to a very dark industry, and by communicating that through song and conversation, that is a way he shares Jesus with others. Amen. I appreciate these guys personally because they walk the walk in their faith, not godless chatter. I pray that God amplifies this idea, and blesses them for their efforts.

http://www.myspace.com/tremolomusic

Beauty

2005-11-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

So, I've been thinking about our "image" lately. Joe gave a sermon on "Beauty" not long ago, and he touched on how God created each of us so uniquely, so beautiful, so precious, yet we have distorted that view of beauty throughout history and our culture. It has become even worse recently, with the inundation of the Internet, and, well, the drive behind MTV. Sex sells, and that's a sad fact. However, I am thankful for ministries such as XXX Church and Covenant Eyes that help keep men accountable from looking at porn, which can be so destructive. This is something I strongly believe in. Anyone feel convicted about this like I do?

It's funny, now that I live in CO, I am finding that people here are a little more "plain," so to speak, in that coming from a place like Santa Cruz where image, dress, hair, etc., seem to be more emphasized in importance, it is almost the exact opposite here. Of course, there are the occasional stylish peeps, but I honestly haven't seen as much flannel and camoflauge pants since I lived in Texas. It's cool. Different. And people are accepted as they are.

On the other hand, I don't think there's anything wrong with keeping ourselves groomed and, well, less disheveled (I LOVE that word). You gotta paint the house. My friend just got a job at a salon, and I think it's great to create an atmosphere where you can get taken care of aesthetically. It's a form of wellness, and I think we all deserve to be well.

Oh yeah, speaking of, um, "beauty," there was a recent oil spill in Lake Loveland, and I mopped it up with my follicles. My new dew. What do ya'll think? :)

Mount Hermon Lovin'

2005-10-26T15:51:00.000-06:00

So I had lunch on Monday with my friends Benji and Ryan in Denver. It was also a reunion of sorts. Benji is a recruiter for Wells Fargo, while Ryan sells insurance for AAA in Visalia. But our friendship is rooted in Mount Hermon, which goes back a good seven years. We had a common love for God, stupidity, fellowship, and ping pong.

Mount Hermon was a GREAT experience for me. I worked two summers there, and met some of the most unique, fun, Godly, and weird peeps that I won't ever forget (dare I break out the term 'mutant' on here? :). I am thankful to still have close friendships to this day from there. I still have good memories of chillin' in the LZ, jettisoning to In-N-Out in Milpitas, visiting the Satan House and the baby in the jar my first week there, Uno at Denny's at 2am, watching about a dozen romances blossom and fizzle by the end of the summer ("aka" Mount Hormone), riding kiddy trikes in a SC parking lot, and hanging a stuffed monkey from a bridge. MH made me eventually fall in love with Santa Cruz, and so I decided to stay and spend 6 sweet years there. Heck, I even kept my P.O. Box there the whole 6 years despite the fact I moved around the county just as an excuse to go back up and get a whiff of the mount. That's devotion, baby!!

Props go out to Thumper, Burt & Fidget, the Ghetto Favorite, Snoopy, Roo, Nutsy, Mickey, Gecko, Bobio, Daisy, Mulan, TR, Pantra, Balou, Rasmussen, Ball, One Dude, Neb, Tech Vest, Bickle, Crazy Ian, Todd, Benji, Monkey Fingers, Mouse, Linus, Charlie, Coondog, Dallas, Robin Hood, and all the other peeps who blessed my time there, and some of whose "real" names I don't even know to this day (is that bad?).

Mount Hermon is pretty well known in the camping realm, if perhaps only by the fact that SOMEBODY has either worked there, camped there, or knew somebody that did. I call it "Six Degrees of Mount Hermon." It's kinda freaky when you think about it, actually. (Can you say BUBBLE?!). So, I throw it out there, have any personal MH connections and/or good camp memories? (NOTE: no disrepect to my Camp Hammer peeps)

Jobby Job

2005-10-19T09:10:00.000-06:00

So I have been officially in the throws of job searching since I came back from my Texas tussle. I have to admit, though, it has taken some prayer and discipline to get into this job searching "mode," as it is something I haven't hit the pavement for in FIVE YEARS. Ow. Looking for a job is a full-time job in itself, as I'm sure many of you can relate with me on that one...(your prayers would be appreciated in aid to my quest!)

The types of jobs I have been pursuing have spanned many industries, with many skill functions. My overall desire and theme, however, is common in that I want my interaction with people to increase more than my previous, Office Space, cube-dwellerdom job.

You see, I LOVE people. I feed off of them. It's my desire to build relationships, and if I can do that in a vocational environment, then praise God.

It's funny, I've noticed that generally-speaking, the jobs that involve the most people interation and relationship building (ministry, teachers, retail, waiters, baristas, counselors, etc.), are the least paid, while the ones that pay the most are predominantly occupied by jobs that cater to independent, introverted people. i.e. engineers and scientists who LIVE in their cubes crunching numbers, only coming out of hibernation to reload their staplers and gnaw on a chicken bone and top ramen (sorry, overgeneralizing there. don't take it personal my brainy peeps! I am dumb!)

In an interview I had at a coffee shop a few days back, my prospective employer asked me what I thought of the term "customer service." I said underappreciated. And I think that holds true as far as what the world deems as valuable. Scripture is so clear in that we are not to conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2), and I think that we need to truly value what is the most important: people over profits, love over liquidity, and relationships over, well, ramen. :)

Estes Excursion

2005-10-18T01:12:00.000-06:00

So on Friday CB and I went to Estes Park to see Justin Fox lead worship at a youth conference at the YMCA of the Rockies (no, it's not just a big gym, people. hello!). There's a special place in my heart with the YMCA actually, as it was the first place I ever encountered Colorado. My family went on a vacation when I was just a wee lad (circa 1988), so returning to this place for the first time in 17 years was quite fun, stirring up all sorts of good emotions.

Justin is great. The Foxes are like a second family to me, so it was good to get some Foxy lovin' in da Mountains not too long after I have moved here to CO.

The conference itself was awesome. There were about 200 kids at that gathering, and there was an altar call of sorts at the end, and I swear about 90% came down to be prayed for. I thank God for people who are in youth ministry. It takes constant energy, insanity, a big heart, and patience, and I think of friends like Cara, Sedgy, Nelly, Bianca, The Pattersons, Eric SD, Wat, and others. I am thankful to see them use the gifts and passions God has given them. My youth pastor, Kevin Anderson, played an integral part of my walk of faith during my junior high and high school years in Santa Barbara. He basically modeled Jesus to me. I hope we all can do the same.

Austin City Limits - Part II

2005-10-03T17:37:00.000-06:00

Soo, the latter half of my time in Texas was spent with my sis. I don't get a chance to see her that often, so it was great I got to hang a bit longer with her and her hubby. I also got to see her Grand Opening of her jewelry store, Eliza Page

(shameless plug: check her out, yo!: www.elizapage.com).

It's very chic and in a great part of downtown Austin, so I think she'll do just fine business-wise. The party itself was great: 150-200 peeps, and I even got to meet some quasi-celeb-rities. I'm proud of my sis!

I love Texas. I don't miss the heat and humidity, but I do miss the people, the southern hospitality, and the FOOD. Oh man, there is no place better to get Tex Mex or BBQ anywhere else, I'll tell you whut! I lived there my first 13 years of life, so the "Native Texan" moniker will never leave me. A sort of Texan pride, if you will, ahem. I own a mug that says "If you lead a good life, say your prayers, and go to church, when you die, you will go to TEXAS."
That's good theology, ya'll.

Crowder's Church

2005-10-03T10:54:00.000-06:00

One of the highlights I had the sweet opportunity to be a part of was going to David Crowder's home church, University Baptist Church (UBC) in Waco, TX. He had a CD release gig there for his new album "Collision."I went with my friend Erica who used to live in Santa Cruz and is now a teacher in Austin. Fun times!

The church itself was actually something I kind of expected: minimal, small, and intimate.

Very cool.

I am a big fan of David, personally, primarily of course because of the music he creates to help lead others into worship,

but also because he's just an all around great guy. I think it's alot easier to be fans of musicians when you know that their character and humility remain intact despite their success. A friend of mine said "money amplifies your personality." I think that's true in many ways. In David's case, he remains to be a very down-to-earth guy, approchable, kind, funny, and that good kind of "weird." I'm a big fan.

(for those of you who can't read my bad stencil on that paper, it says "I Miss Santa Cruz" :)

Austin City Limits - Part I

2005-10-03T10:47:00.000-06:00

Ahhh, the Lone Star State. Yes indeedee, just got back from the state capital, and it was awesome. I was there for three reasons: to go to the Austin City Limits music festival, and to see David Crowder's home church in Waco, and hang with my sister and go to her new jewlery store opening (second and third posts forthcoming). The festival itself was tasty, and HOT. The official temp on Sunday was 108 degrees (no, that's not a misprint). Not only that, but to top it off, there was this dust cloud that hovered over Zilker Park the whole time. With the combination of heat, humidity, sweat, and dust, I was ready for the Lord to take me right there and then.
Aside from the death hotness (a friend said it's the type of hot that makes you not afraid of hell anymore), the bands were GREAT. Of all the concerts I've been to, it was the first time I'd actually been to a "festival format." Basically, that means that they cram over 100 bands in three days, half a dozen stages, and let the people loose. Pandemonium at its best.

You gotta love musicians. They can be flamboyant, stupid, brash, and still have thousands of adoring fans screaming their lyrics back at them. I don't understand it exactly. My Kenyan friend Moses, who is friends with Bono, won't go to a U2 show even though he's been offered free tickets because he doesn't understand the "rock star thing" (did I mention he's on crack, too??!!). Well, even though I don't understand it, I love it. I love going to concerts. LOVE it. I don't know if it's the blood rush to the head, the energy, or maybe just the music itself, but I dig it with a shovel. It's just fun, ya know?

Looking ahead

2005-09-23T11:41:00.000-06:00

So I've talked about this in the past before, but I thought I would finally blog about it. I am convinced that in this life we lead, a large part of what keeps us driven, gives us hope and excitement, are things to look forward to. Plain and simple. It can be a myriad of things: a trip, a holiday, travel, seeing friends, events, celebrations, seasons, concerts, buying something, classes, new job, marriage, children, new adventures, etc. It is simply the departure from our regimen, the daily mundaness that we all experience at one time or another, that gives us passion and gets us stoked on life.

Although it is one of the most referenced verses in scripture, I constantly return to Jeremiah 29:11:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Meditating on that gives indeed gives me hope, excitement, and finding comfort in resting in the unknown. His plans for me are good, and that indeed is something I look forward to.

Personally, I am looking forward to going to Austin this weekend to hang with my sister and her hubby, seeing some phatty concerts, possibly help the Red Cross for hurricane relief, see some old friends, and ingest some good ol' Texas BBQ. I also look forward to friends coming to visit out here this fall, getting a job, catching the first snow, growing deeper in God's word, losing more weight, pursuing Biblical counseling, making new friends, going to Europe, and, well, I could go on.

What are you looking forward to? (crickets chirping...)

Where the beer flows like wine...

2005-09-20T11:41:00.000-06:00

So Joe and I went on a tour of the New Belgium Brewery on Monday. New Belgium are the makers of Fat Tire, among other spirits, and are currently the 13th largest brewery in the world. Admittedly, it's the first time I've done this sort of thing. I'm not a big beer drinker per se, but I do like to sample the malted hops once and a while.

What fascinated me the most was not the process of how they make the beer, but the unique culture that New Belgium creates for their employees. Everyone that works there gets a free case of beer a week, and after one year with the company they get a custom-made cruiser bike (sweet!). Also, after five years, they are awarded an all-expenses paid trip to Belgium for a week, where they basically visit bars and drink beer. Oh man.

My theory has always been, no matter where you work or what the job entails in itself, half of the enjoyment and fulfillment of the job depends on the people and environment. Basically, you could be shoveling horse dung for a living, but if you enjoy working your co-workers and are building relationships, then it can be a fun and rewarding job (with the aid of a gas mask, of course).

Every employee at New Belgium also becomes a shareholder with the company, and participates in profit sharing. Basically, when the company does well, they do well. Joe and I talked about what that looks like in a church today. Ideally, you want to create an environment where those that attend truly do feel a sense of ownership and value, and Lord-willing that feeling that you are a part of something and bulding it together would translate into the desire for servanthood, obedience, fellowship, the giving of gifts, making disciples, and loving one another in that community. I pray we can all strive for that type of healthy environment.

I'm currently looking for work out here, and after going on this tour, heck, you may be soon referring to me as "Beer Barista Bennett." Seriously.

Oh yeah, they gave out free samples to everyone who went on the tour. Yum.

God's Store

2005-09-10T02:45:00.000-06:00

So I went to Costco today. Unfortunately, it has been a whole month since I last went to the one in Santa Cruz. Part of the problem is because the nearest one from Loveland is about 40 miles in Westminter, just outside of Denver. Admittedly, for a while there I was being wooed by Wal-Mart as a possible contender with their "Always Low Prices." However, after coming back from a 1 1/2 hour buying extravaganza, I was reminded that am still a big fan of Costco. BIG FAN. I refer to Costco as "God's Store" because everything is, well, so big, and dang if it ain't holy!

I mean, where else can you get:

1. Free samples (I think I ate seven different things today... a whole freaking meal in itself!)
2. Tommy Boy and Black Sheep DVD 2-Pack for $18.99
3. 1000 Splenda packets in a nice yellow box
4. A trip to Tahiti
5. Tires
6. Return a computer up to 6 months after buying it, NO questions asked. Whew!
7. "Cheaper" gas
8. 17 cent digital photos
9. $1.50 polish sausage and a drink
10. A dog (well, I wish)
11. Amongst other things...

Heck, when I used to work back at Mount Hermon, before the staff meeting we would walk through all of Costco right before they closed. We didn't even buy anything (because we were po'), but simply strolled around in awe of all the good, goooooood stuff.

Since moving here, I have given up my California plates, my Mount Hermon PO box, my dignity (well, maybe), and my sacred BUTT phone number. But I will NOT cease my Costco membership. Change is good, but sometimes you gotta hold on tight to the things you unconditionally love.

Long live God and his beloved store.

Retreat!

2005-09-06T18:20:00.000-06:00

Ahh yes, Labor Day weekend. Epicness happened in Estes Park. It was Blue Sky's first retreat as a church. It was great meeting people from different stages of life, and I am always in awe of how God creates us so uniquely. There were definitely more of the kiddies running around, as young families are a large part of the makeup of this church, so it was a definite reminder that I'm in a different place. A good place.

The theme of the weekend was about purpose. We meditated on Isaiah 40, where God reminds us of how He is bigger than all of us and the temporal plans we may selfishly set out for ourselves, but that we can find comfort in His character, His steadfast word, and that we are his flock. As we were amidst the beauty of his creation (at 9000 ft.),

it was a good reminder, and very timely for me as I am in that stage of life, trying to hear what God wants for me in career, vocation, and growth as a believer. I find peace that in many ways, it's as simple as following His will, and obey his commandments.

Joe Schimmels baptizied his firstborn, Andrew, in Lilac Lake. A special moment.

A Call to Prayer

2005-09-02T10:09:00.000-06:00

I'm not going to post long on this topic, all to say that I am heartbroken by what I have been seeing on TV these last few days. The Katrina disaster and its wake has been very hard for me to swallow. Say whatever we want about the response, timing of it, etc. (I'm not going to make this a political blog), but what we NEED to do is pray. Pray for wisdom for our leaders to use the funds to help those immediately who need it, and pray for justice and peace to prevail in that region so that the looting, rapes, and utter chaos that is going on may stop. Pray for healing for those that are sick and wounded as a result of this tragedy, and pray that in the midst of their suffering and desperation, they would cry out to God and receive the unconditional, unending love and hope that He offers us through His son.

"Welcome to Colorado!"

2005-08-29T15:57:00.000-06:00

Indeed, that has been the theme of the week. Do I feel welcome? Heck, yes!! (Thanks, Hannah) First week highlights:

- Hail storm on Tuesday
- I live with a dog that smells like a skunk
- Found out Joe Fox is gonna be a daddy (WTH?)
- Saw an old face (with long hair now), Dave Terpstra ("Jello"for all you old school Mount
Hermonites) preach at a megachurch in Denver on Wed. The band was LOUD!!
- Took the "Real Age" test online (I am apparently 30.6... ack!) Take it and tell me how old ye be! http://www.realage.com/
- Went to Colorado version of Hades (the dump) to unload Christine's garage, in Uncle Jesse's truck!

- Joined a gym and Weight Watchers (keep me accountable my peeps!). I'm going to get healthy out here, dad gumit!
- Re-united with Graceland drumming legend, Josh Martin, in Denver, then his band Salient led worship at Blue Sky Church in the breakadawn. Good times.

More "deep thoughts" to come, at some point...

Broken Monkey

2005-08-21T19:14:00.000-06:00

Oh man. Where do I begin? Well, I'm glad to dust off this blog (ack ack) by telling of my mad crazy "Broken Monkey" road trip to Colorado this past week. Why broken monkey? Because the one I bought in Mexico a couple of years back got it's legs CUT OFF via my buddy Christine. We took a photo. Quite symbolic (um, I guess). OK, to the hills!

Anyhoo, we were off, stopped in Bakersfield to have a nice surprise din-din with Ursula from ye olde Graceland days, then we went to Vegas, baby, Vegas!! At 3am. It was insane driving in the dead of night and then coming across this bright mecca in the distance.

Vegas. What an insane, surreal place! There is indeed nowhere like it; the lights, the shows, the sin. It's a dark place, I tell ya. One of our cabbies told us about one of the fine adult establishments we could visit (Christine was in the car at the time, mind you). It's sad, but we realized it's an ingrained mindset that exists there. I pray ultimately the darkness can be pierced in the desert.

Next day, we were driving along fine and dandy, then randomly decided to stop at one of the lookout points in Utah. It was bee-utiful. However, when we got out of the car, we heard a nice steaming, spewing sound coming from under the trunk. OVERHEAT! Thankfully, and I do consider this a blessing from God, there was a trucker and his hitchhiker compadre parked there at the same time. With some water bottle help, they helped us get back on the road safely. If they weren't there, we would have been stranded in the middle of NOWHERE. BFE. You get the picture. Angels, they were! Thank you Lord!

After that hiccup, we arrived in Loveland at 5am. Oh man. I think we're gonna break the trip up next time. And now, I am here, safe and sound. It's hot.

I'm not quite sure what God is up to with me here, but I DO know that this is where I'm supposed to be in this season of my life. The adventure begins...

We love you, monkey.