Today my brother, Jeremy, took me to the cafeteria in the business building that he works in. It is a completely organic cafe and I felt like a total yuppie eating there. My organic salad was served in a biodegradable and recyclable bowl.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Going Green
Today my brother, Jeremy, took me to the cafeteria in the business building that he works in. It is a completely organic cafe and I felt like a total yuppie eating there. My organic salad was served in a biodegradable and recyclable bowl.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Joyce
Today I received a phone call from a woman who lived alone and had no food in her house. She was unable to get any herself because of her medication and the fact that she was in a wheelchair. The person who was supposed to be coming to bring her food never showed and she was without a meal for a while. She asked us if we could help. I was the only one in the office, so I was unsure of what we usually did for a case like this. I remembered the money that kids raised for VBS that was in my drawer for this exact purpose! I picked up a couple students, Josh and Mikey, and brought some groceries over to here. She was such a wonderful woman, and we were so blessed by her joy and thankfulness. The Lord provides the needs of all of us. Joyce was my reminder of that today!
WARNING!
Done and done!
I graduated on Friday from Biola University! 3 1/2 years of great professors, passionate preaching, close community, crazy adventures, 1,000's of pages read, hundreds of papers typed, and lots of money spent! I could not have had a better college experience. I am especially thankful for the friends and family that supported me financially, emotionally, and with many prayers! All I got to say is "BYE-ola!!!"
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Update From Me
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Desiring Silence
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hang in There...
Friday, December 5, 2008
Reenie, The Christmas Elf
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tantrum
Monday, December 1, 2008
On the list for this week...
- Finish January curriculum
- Super-staff meeting
- Guy's Group
- Kick off Christmas Revolution series at Youth Group
- Write 2 papers
- Read Speaking to Teenagers by Doug Fields
- Obtain Marriage license
- 3 Meetings on Thursday
- Pre-marital session
- Ministry weekend in LA with Joni and Friends (Disability ministry weekend)
6 Months
Friday, November 28, 2008
Yester-thanks!
- My grandma informed me that she read my blog! haha
- Had a wonderful dinner (of course!)
- Played the alphabet thankful game.
- Reenie dropped pumpkin pie... she made up a funny word out of her anger! haha
- Watched THE GODFATHER!!!
- Ate a lot!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Just Some Thankful Thoughts
- Kaitlin and our relationship
- The sound of rain outside
- The ways God provides and directs my life
- The cool conversation I had earlier this evening with the high school guys discipleship group
- Henri Nouwen's book, In the Name of Jesus
- That I'm almost done with school
- The fact that God loves me unconditionally, even though I don't think he should or that I should have to earn love that great
Monday, November 24, 2008
In the Name of Jesus
Friday, November 21, 2008
Wordle...My New Favorite Thing!
Light Safety (Part 2)
Micro-Gospels
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
FIT
- Run or exercise once a day (I started with a mile today--which was difficult since I haven't been exercising in a while-- but hopefully I'll get up to 2 or 3 a day).
- Stay in the Word daily.
- Pray for our marriage and relationship.
- I've been watching The Peasant Princess sermon series from Mars Hill Church by Mark Driscoll. It is an amazing series on the Song of Solomon. It makes me so excited to be married, have a wife, and be a man who will lead her.
- Healthy eating. Here are my favorite healthy foods: grapefruit, quinoa, protein bars, red peppers, celery, yerba mate green tea, lean turkey, egg whites, and lots and LOTS of water!!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
GLOW: The All-Nighter (Part 1)
9:00pm-10:15pm Check-in and Bounce Houses in Sanctuary
10:15pm-11:00pm Game Competitions (Human Pyramid, Spaghetti Game, Energy Drink Toast, Baby Food Thanksgiving, Chubby Bunny, Diaper Eating)
11:00pm-11:45pm Glow Dodgeball
11:45pm-12:00am Board Bus
12:00am-12:30am Drive to In-n-Out
12:30am-1:30am Eat at In-n-Out
1:30am-1:45am Board Bus
1:45am-2:00am Drive to Aliso Viejo Ice Palace
2:00am-3:30am Broomball
3:30am-3:45am Board Bus
3:45am-4:15am Drive to Church
4:15am-4:30am Group Rally and Sermon
4:30am-7:00am Free Time (Leaders: Set up your Rooms!)
Youth Room- Music, Coffee, Food
Sanctuary- Bounce Houses
Room 101- Movie and Popcorn- Napoleon Dynamite
Castle Room- Profile Pics
Room 103 - X-Box, Wii, Boardgames
7:00am Parent Pick-up
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
4am Diagnosis
- My Parotid gland is swollen
- My ear hurts and itches
- Other glands surrounding my ear are inflamed
Monday, November 10, 2008
Let The Countdown Begin...
Friday, November 7, 2008
Here I go...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Light Safety
This sign was outside the mall. It bothers me for a couple of reasons...
- Those are NOT the correct lyrics!
- Halloween is tomorrow... why don't they tell us to be safe when crazy people can disguise themselves and commit crimes more easily!?
- It's not even Thanksgiving! Shouldn't someone be warned not to choke on the wishbone of the turkey before light accidents?
- We're not in kindergarden!
- Decoration accidents aren't that common. At least I hope so. If they are, you don't deserve to put them up.
Playing with Light
This is what we set up for youth group last night. It was a great night of conversation and wrapping up our series on vision: Rooted, Growing, Serving, Sowing. The environment was warm and inviting. More and more I am finding that the tone we set before youth group, whether with music, candles, prayer, smiles, and encouragements sets the tone for how the night runs. I don't attribute it all to the "stuff" we do because God can do anything through anything! However, I still stand by the fact that environment is important. If anything, we can create space to allow God to move, not our expectations.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Questions for Action
- What does it look like for me to begin preparing my heart and soul for marriage?
- What does it look like to be productive in all areas of my life (relationships, work, spiritual, school)?
- What does it look like to internalize disability in regards to spiritual formation?
- What does it look like to finish strong this last semester?
- What does it look like to be others focused?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thank God, God Suffers!
Tabernacle
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, So Fast!
- Woke up late and still felt like I woke up early
- Made a pot of coffee and only had 1/2 cup (sin!!!)
- Lunch at home with the fam
- Sermon prep touch up for Sunday
- Bathed
- South Coast Plaza with Kaitlin (color scheme decisions for furniture... still no decision)
- Dinner at Wahoo's
- Updated wedding registry
- Watched "The Notebook"
Monday, October 20, 2008
simple.
Friday, October 17, 2008
PCI Youth Podcast #4
Josh, Kaitlin, and Mark are back for round number four! Joining them on their discussion on COMMUNITY are their friends Yazz and Paul. This group tackles the truth about being yourself in community and growing together in fellowship. Don’t worry, it’s not all serious. Somehow the following topics are brought up: flying monkeys, eye patches, seal laughs, foot talent, and LOL cats!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
"Happiness is Having a Cat"
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
My Prayer for Us All
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Work Anywhere (and other things on my mind)!
Monday, October 13, 2008
So Much and So Little
- Biola Youth Conference - This was way fun. We talked about how " The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Not only that, there were some sweet pics with the Jesus mural!!!
- Hindu Temple- Kaitlin and I went to a Hindu temple with our World Religions class. It was an interesting experience, full of dancing, crazy artwork, loud bells, and chanting. There was a lot of beauty in the worship, but I sensed a lot of spiritual strongholds. I spent most of the time we were there praying.
- Hanging out with students- This has been a blast. A lot of my relationships are starting to grow with students in the group. Each day looks different and there are always surprises. This is what ministry is all about, though.
- Wedding plans- Coming along well. Kaitlin is making our wedding awesome! She is working so stinking hard, and I feel like all I do is say "Yeah I really like it!" I'm so excited... Less than 3 months away!!! CRAZY!!!
- When God Weeps- This book is really interesting. It was written by Joni Erickson Tada (a quadriplegic) and she is speaking in my Theology of Suffering and Disability class next week. I really am enjoying exploring suffering on a deeper level. God is using this book in little ways in my life right now.
- Little encouragements- I have been blessed by so many things and so many people. It is incredible to me! I love random things like this!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Prodigal Blogger
Saturday, September 27, 2008
100th POST!!!!!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Help me out here!
- Yes, we need to be relevant in the culture, doing all we can to be "in the world, but not of it" and bringing Jesus to people.
- No, we are to preach the word of God and leave the conversions up to the Holy Spirit. We cannot make Christianity look cool, because the Gospel is offensive and Scripture doesn't show people focusing on relevance.
- Both. I hate this answer. It seems to be the easy way out. I just don't see both possibilities equal. One has to be more important. ...I think.... actually i really don't know...That's why I'm asking YOU!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
It's Christmas in My Office!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hello Autumn!
- Fall (Jon Foreman)- This is amazing. I have posted on his other albums before, but this was the first in the series. It has a mellow feel and deep lyrics.
- Live in Paris (Diana Krall)- This is by far my absolute favorite fall album. Jazzy and fun! I first heard it my senior year of high school and fell in love with Diana's liquid-like voice. The best song on this live album is by far A Case of You. Listen to it! Also check out Love Scenes, another album by Diana.
- O (Damien Rice)- A great artsy album! This is a fall classic in my book. Damien and his back up singer bring beautiful melodies to the world!
- Poses (Rufus Wainwright)- It just has a great euro-folk vibe that is perfect for this tie of year.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks! The ultimate fall drink- nothing can compare to this! I just can't get enough. You know that fall is on its way when Starbucks releases this awesome beverage!
- Good Earth Tea- Both sweet and spicy. So good!
- Chai Tea Latte (or add espresso for a Chai Bomb)- Another classic. You can't help but feeling close to others you drink it with.
- Pumpkin ANYTHING! Bread, loaf, cookies, pie, muffins...you name it!
- Soup/Stew- so fall-like and cozy. Makes you feel like home!
- Pies and apple crisps!
- Crunching leaves
- Driving in the rain
- Reading poetry
- Being creative
- Deep conversations
- Cooking
- Museum visits
- Apple Picking
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Hmmm...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
crazy love.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Good Morning, Australia!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
4 Things I Need More In My Life
- Prayer. I need to talk to God a whole lot more. Not only that, but I need to just listen to him. A couple weeks ago I was driving in my car, texting, listening to the radio, and eating fast food. I remember stopping in that moment of craziness and thinking God, I don't want to forget you in the midst of all these noises and distractions in life. I can combat the danger of these things taking over my life with prayer.
- God's Word. I must see the amazing gift of the Bible to us. I need to be filled with verses so that I can encourage others. It must be the lens in which I live out the rest of my life, make decisions, and speak to others.
- Wise Counsel. I was reminded today of the beauty of encouragement by other Christian brothers or sisters. God uses them to speak to us and point us to Him! He also gifts others with understanding and wisdom that we cannot always see in our own circumstances.
- The Holy Spirit. I REALLY need the Holy Spirit! I must be filled. Empowered. Led. Encouraged. I don't put enough emphasis on the Spirit's work in our lives. People I know who actually listen to the Holy Spirit are the ones who seem to "get life."
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
PCI Youth Ministy Podcast!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Nun Beauty Contest
Monday, August 25, 2008
People Hunt!
Monday, August 18, 2008
What I Learned Last Week
- I really like podcasts. My favorites are Simply Youth Ministry, Relevant, Desiring God Ministries, and Rockharbor. For some reason, I really like listening to people talk. I think I even like it a bit more than music.
- I am way more Republican than I thought, or at least more pro-McCain than I thought. I really like his view on education, vouchers, spending, abortion, and energy. I guess I'm a liberal Republican (for those of you who like labels).
- When a coffee-drinker stops drinking coffee, he goes through withdraws. I am four days coffee-free and the headaches have stopped. The only caffeine I have had is a couple sips of diet coke and a cup of green tea.
- Carpet laying is difficult. I have laid almost 800 sq. feet of carpet yet. I am gaining more skills than expected in this job.
- There is a difference between working for the church and working for God. They overlap, but ultimately, working for God is more important. I have to remember that!
- Writing things down is very important. If I don't, I forget major deadlines.
- Fast food makes you feel bad...fast! I can't even communicate how crappy I have felt because of the crappy food I have been eating. I am in detox mode.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Olympics Opening Ceremony
Friday, August 8, 2008
Turn It OFF!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Quick Update
- Youth Room painting
- Falling off the ladder while painting (!)
- Making Runs to Lowe's 3 times a day
- Buying curtains in Santa Ana
- Celebrating Christi's birthday
- Reading a great book called Brothers, We Are NOT Professionals by John Piper
- Date night with Kaitlin!!!
- Apartment hunting
- Teaching a mini-sub-series on Sabbath
- Prepare the rest of Sabbath teaching
- Finish painting Youth Room
- Lay Epoxy flooring for the coffee shop area
- Beach Day- Youth Group
- Social Problems discussion board and vignette assignment
- See an apartment
- NT Theology Precis (x4)
- Spend QUALITY time with my girl
- Rest in the Lord!!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Yesterday, A Day of Encouragement
- Matt McGill. Matt was one of my high school youth pastor at Saddleback church. He is one of those people who have found the carful balance of academic/intelligent Christianity and servant ministry. I respect him a lot. I ran into him at Starbucks. It has been a long time since I talked to him, but hearing his encouragement concerning youth ministry and seeing where God has been leading him was awesome.
- Dr. Yoshikawa. My awesome greek professor of 2 years, now currently my New Testament Theology professor. We met to discuss Schreiner's New Testament Theology and talk about our ministry experiences. His encouragement came out of his successes and failures. I value his words and was uplifted by his exhortations.
- Katie Powell. My boss and Resident Director last year. I served on her RA staff and we had so much fun. I caught up with her life this summer and talked about mine. We discussed "Vision." I love vision. It gives us purpose and direction. I am totally excited for Katie's vision for South Horton Dorm next year!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Demolition
Monday, July 28, 2008
2Busy2Blog
- I am currently house/dog-sitting my Kaitlin's place. She and her family are up in Lake. Tahoe. It is totally not fair. At least I get to catch up on reading for NT Theology.
- Ninja Warriors was awesome. On friday night, we had Guy's Night/Girl's Night. The guys played amazing obstacle courses and had a pool party. It was so much fun. I have a sick battle wound.
- Youth Room demolition begins tomorrow. There is nothing like highschool guys destroying loads of furniture and ripping up carpet.
- I caught up with an old friend over coffee. It is great to see how God is shaping other people's lives. I am always so encouraged to see Divine activity!
- I may be the last person on earth to hear this album, but I finally am listening to Coldplay's Viva La Vida! Absolutely amazing!
- I love grapefruit juice!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Summer Camp 2008
Last week, I ventured up to Centrifuge Camp near Yosemite and Lake Tahoe with 14 highschoolers and 2 other leaders. It was and amazing time of crazy activities, great conversation, and inspiring worship. I feel like our group grew a lot closer, especially the guys.
The Funny Things of the Trip:
- "Holy Grounds" Coffee Shop. I mean c'mon... really?! I thought "Common Grounds" at Biola way bad, but Holy Grounds?!?!
- OCYPG. Also known as "Orange County Youth Pastor Girl." She was a youth worker who actually looked like a male youth pastor. Strange...
- "WOW!" This was the phrase of the week, especially with the guys. Ever put two "W" signs on either side of your open mouth? It makes the word "WOW." If you turn your "W's" upside down, you have the word "MOM." Twitch back and forth and you have the sentence, "WOW MOM WOW!" This was our silent volleyball cheer. Excellent.
- "Anyone like Jazz?" During the talent show (for the campers to perform), a middle-aged mom (who was a counselor, I guess) got up and performed a mediocre vocal jazz number. It was awkward.
- Pillow Fight. Think blood. Lots of it. And crazy highschool boys. Some with shoes in their pillow cases. Other just swinging pillows out of masculine rage, but failing to make and contact whatsoever. After the fight, there was a gracious and loving "Congratulations!" and "Good fight, man!" Wow! Guys are so much different than girls!
The Spiritual Highlights/Quotes from Our Students:
- "I finally know exactly where I am with the Lord. I know I'm not perfect, but I am starting to be secure in my identity as a Christian." This is such an honest response. So many of us try to deny where we are in relation to God. This student understands where he is. This is the first step to spiritual growth.
- "For the first time, I feel secure in my salvation. I know exactly where I would go if I died today." This was such a moment for this student. I saw how frightened he was when he wasn't secure in his salvation, but Jon (our other counselor) took him through some scripture and prayed with him. God's Word reassured his salvation. Praise Him!
- "I feel so comfortable taking off my mask and being real." This has been my heart for these students: to see them be real with who they are to themselves, others, and God. This trip was marked by authenticity and "taking off masks." It was amazing.
- "We are all so different, but we are like a big family. I feel like we all have each others' backs!" This realization came from the guys in our group after the huge pillow fight with other churches. They guys caught a vision of community, brotherhood, and journeying with each other.
Praise God for the work that he is doing in and through our group. The students have come away more missional-minded, community-focused, and self-aware. I personally have come away from camp with deeper relationships and a more clear vision for leading our group. Seeing the transformation in the lives of the students is what fuels ministry for me. I am so blessed with an awesome group and that the Lord has allowed me to take part in and witness the great work of His Kingdom!