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.  

The best thing, though, was this...

Merry Christmas 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!

I was out with a couple of students today and we saw this sign.  Either Easter is being celebrated really early, or the city of Irvine has too much time on their hands. 

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!!!" 

Orange County?

Update From Me

Okay, it has been so long since I have blogged (I feel like I have been saying that all semester!) so I guess I'll just do an update with all of the things I wanted to blog about in one post.  Let's start from the most recent and move backwards....

Youth Group Christmas Party!!!  We decorated gingerbread houses, made ornaments, had a white elephant gift exchange, and wore ugly sweaters!  My sweater was homemade and absolutely scrumptious! 

Earaches and Doctors...  So my earaches came back really strong this week.  I went to my regular doctor (now for the 2nd or 3rd time for the same thing) and he still didn't know what was going on, so he recommended me to an ENT specialist.  They determined that I probably have TMJ (a jaw disorder) and it's pushing up against my ear, and if there is wax in it, I experience a lot of pain and itching.  So I need to clean out my ears about once a week and rest me jaw (ear soft foods, massage it daily, and try not to yawn...is that possible?).  The craziest thing was the table with morbid instruments in the ENT office. Take a look!  

LivingSpaces!!!  This is my new favorite place.  Kaitlin and I frequent it about once a week or so.  We have already bought a loveseat for the condo and we are still looking for a couch.  However, what keeps us coming back is the free Starbucks coffee and homemade chocolate chip cookies!  Seriously!!!!  It's the best date ever!!!

Joy Joy Joy!!!  Last Saturday was Pacific Church's annual Christmas Choir Dessert Theater.  It was such a nice evening, and I decorated a table that Kaitlin and I hosted.  Watch out Marth Stewart! (I must watch too much HGTV!) 

Well, that's about it.  I can't wait for a delicious meal tonight at Mastro's with Kaitlin's family and grandparents!!!  And, oh ya... I GRADUATE TOMORROW!!!!

Desiring Silence

I read Mark Driscoll's blog today about silence and was really convicted.  I want silence so badly right now, especially after doing a paper until 3am and waking up late for a 8am meeting and rushing from there to class.  The semester is officially over for me (except a few papers I need to turn in via email) and I graduate next Friday.  I hope that I am able to enter marriage at peace and rest (I'm sure the Caribbean shores of Anguilla will help with that...YAY HONEYMOON!). Until then... 

Hang in There...

9 days until Graduation.

One month until our wedding!!!

Tree Shananagins

TOO MUCH FUN:

AS CLOSE AS WE WILL GET TO A CHRISTMAS CARD:

CREEPY/CUTE?:

I FELT BAD FOR THE SHORT ONES:

SISTERS:

JAMIE STUCK BEHIND THE TREE:

THE FINAL TOUCH:

Reenie, The Christmas Elf

While looking for Christmas trees, Reenie really got into the jolly spirit and danced.  She also warned me not to back up into "Doug" (a douglas fur tree) while I was filming her.  Let her know what you want Santa to get you...she'll put in a good word for you.

Tantrum

I really just want to blog right now (or go to bed), but I have to write a 5-7 page paper and 4 sermon outlines.  Then class at 9:30am before 3 meetings.  

Yes, I am complaining.

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

Today marks the 6 months that I have been working at Pacific Church of Irvine!  I have loved every minute of it.  The community is very tight-knit (something that other churches I have been to do not have), the people are fun, and the body of believers seem open to learning and trying new things.  There are so many people I appreciate and Kaitlin and I could not ask for a better place to be in this point of our lives!  So, with 6 months down and many more to go, God bless PCI! 

Yester-thanks!

Some highlights from yesterday's Thanksgiving festivities:

• 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!

Just Some Thankful Thoughts

Right now I am really thankful for...

• 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

In the Name of Jesus

Currently reading this book (for the second time...I read it about 4 years ago).  It is an amazing read and really quick.  Nouwen has so much wisdom to share on Christian leadership based on his experiences working with the disability community.  I highly recommend it!

Wordle...My New Favorite Thing!

So I discovered the most amazing thing online today... Wordle!  You can inset texts or a website and you can create sweet word designs.

Here is a Wordle based on a devotional I wrote on Exodus 34:

This is one based on my interests on Facebook and blogger:

This is what I got when I entered my blog website:

Light Safety (Part 2)

You may remember my post not to long ago on the terrible mall sign on Light Safety.  Well, I just so happened to exit the mall a different way last night, and as I turned around, I discovered A NEW LIGHT SAFETY SIGN FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!  I think these are so lame!  Anyway, here is Light Safety Sign #2: 

Micro-Gospels

Yesterday I started discipling a student through the book of Matthew.  He wanted to learn what this whole "Christianity thing" really was rather than buy into his parents faith.  I was so excited to see his maturity in the situation.  He really has a hunger for truth.  So as I we went through the first couple chapters of Matthew, I was so encouraged by the micro-gospels I saw within the larger context of the Gospel of Matthew.  In almost every other verse I saw whispers of redemption, salvation, hope, and Jesus!  It focused our time to talk about salvation and the Messiah!  Praise God for his meticulousness in speaking to us and revealing the truth of Jesus Christ! 

FIT

So today I began my healthy kick!  I am shaping up for marriage... which is in like 50-something days! Not only do I want to be in fit physically (nice abs, decent guns, defined pecs... you know...the things ladies like), I also want to be spiritually fit and well equipt to lead and serve Kaitlin as my beautiful and glodly wife!  So here is my plan/the things I am focusing on:

• 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!!!

I love getting into shape both physically and spiritually.  When I do it combined, I feel good!  So, ya...that's what I'm up to.  (P.S.-Kaitlin told me I have been slacking in blogging, especially about myself, so there ya go!)

GLOW: The All-Nighter (Part 1)

Last Saturday/Sunday, PCI Youth Group had an awesome all-nighter!  We had bounce houses, In-n-Out, games, food, broomball, glow dodge ball, video games, and music.  It was a night to remember, but I can't seem to catch up with enough sleep.  I worked 20 hours straight!!! But it was totally worth it!  I don't have pictures yet, but will post them in the next couple days.  Here is a play-by-play of the night:

8:00pm-9:00pm  Set up

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

4am Diagnosis

So I woke up at 3:55am this morning and could not go back to be for the life of me!!!  I tried and tried, but my ear was hurting so badly.  I have yet to see the antibiotics kick in.  Since I couldn't catch any z's I decided to research my symptoms.  My findings were as follows:

• My Parotid gland is swollen
• My ear hurts and itches
• Other glands surrounding my ear are inflamed 

What does this all equal?  Otitis externa?  Check wikipedia...

Otitis externa ("swimmer's ear") is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Along with otitis media, external otitis is one of the two human conditions commonly called "earache". It also occurs in many other species. Inflammation of the skin of the ear canal is the essence of this disorder. The inflammation can be secondary to dermatitis (eczema) only, with no microbial infection, or it can be caused by active bacterial or fungal infection. In either case, but more often with infection, the ear canal skin swells and may become painful and/or tender to touch.

Let The Countdown Begin...

2 months (exactly) until our wedding!

January 10, 2009

Here I go...

This week was a long and crazy week, filled with discouragement and amazing encouragement.  It was as if God was challenging me and testing me, but he always blessed me with great things.  Anyway, I am leaving right now for San Diego with my dad and brothers.  We're just staying one night.  Hopefully I can get some work done too.  I am writing student leader retreat curriculum for spring, working on Sunday's sermon, and trying to figure out stuff for our All-Nighter Nov. 15.  (P.S.- Let me know if you want to help out!  We need as many volunteers as we can get!!!)

Light Safety

This sign was outside the mall.  It bothers me for a couple of reasons...

1. Those are NOT the correct lyrics!
2. Halloween is tomorrow... why don't they tell us to be safe when crazy people can disguise themselves and commit crimes more easily!?
3. It's not even Thanksgiving!  Shouldn't someone be warned not to choke on the wishbone of the turkey before light accidents?
4. We're not in kindergarden!
5. Decoration accidents aren't that common. At least I hope so.  If they are, you don't deserve to put them up. 

I feel better. Glad I got that out. 

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.  

Questions for Action

My old boss and mentor, Katie Powell, is famous for starting sentences with "What does it look like for/to..."  I used to think it was really funny, and it is kind of fun to impersonate her.  However, I find myself asking other people questions with her famous preface.  I have also been thinking of some of these questions for myself.  Here they are...

• 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?

Yeah... I need to ask myself these questions.  They are very abstract, but they force me to think practically.  I love seeing what things can become.  I think that's why my advisor, Lance, calls me a dynamic learner.  I just pray that I can start to use these questions as a springboard to action.  

Thank God, God Suffers!

"Without Christ, suffering is utterly pointless...it is pure evil." (Doug Mazza)

I am glad to serve a God who is well acquainted with suffering and pain and death.  It gives me hope for all the crap in the world and in my life.  He knows the pain we feel.  I think we all forget that we serve a God who suffers. 

Tabernacle

I went to a tabernacle simulation yesterday.

It was really cool.

I want to be Jewish.

Check it out here.

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Saturday, So Fast!

Today I ...

1. Woke up late and still felt like I woke up early
2. Made a pot of coffee and only had 1/2 cup (sin!!!)
3. Lunch at home with the fam
4. Sermon prep touch up for Sunday
5. Bathed
6. South Coast Plaza with Kaitlin (color scheme decisions for furniture... still no decision)
7. Dinner at Wahoo's
8. Updated wedding registry
9. Watched "The Notebook"

It's starting to sound like a chick-day...

simple.

simplicity.  

it really is a lost art.  

i wish i was better at it.  

PCI Youth Podcast #4

LISTEN HERE!!!

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!

"Happiness is Having a Cat"

FALSE!  Happiness is NOT having a cat. Unfortunately, the woman driving in front of me this morning thought otherwise.  In fact, she believed that this was true so much that she got a license plate frame that announced it to the world!  What the heck!?  Why would you advertise that you are the Crazy Cat Lady?!  Some people...

My Prayer for Us All

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you man know him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may come to know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  

Ephesians 1:17-19

Work Anywhere (and other things on my mind)!

It's so incredible that I can just bring my laptop and work anywhere!  Technology is so rad.  I very rarely stop to think about how much our lives have drastically changed because of it.  So anyway, I'm doing sermon prep for tomorrow night and getting some things together for guy's discipleship group tonight at a local cafe (it's actually a part of a local Orange County church... it's pretty funny, but that's a whole other blog post!).  

I have been mixing around some thoughts on the theology of suffering and what that means for my ministry.  Like usual, Kaitlin has some awesome insight.  I swear, I learn things from her daily.  Please read her blog post on the topic.

Our all-nighter is coming up soon! We call it an "all-nighter" rather than a "lock-in" because we actually leave the church and do things like In-n-Out and broomball!  I can't wait!  The theme is "GLOW" and it will be off the charts!

What else?  Oh, ya... I have amazing friends!  Kaitlin, Mark, Yazz, Rich, Steve... you are all such a blessing.  I have loved hearing about people's lives recently.  God is good and is doing amazing things in everyone's life.  To Him be ALL the glory! 

 

So Much and So Little

Recently, I have had SO MUCH to blog about, but SO LITTLE time to do so.  Life is crazy--full of wedding plans, school, work, relationships, being sick, and very little down time.  However, the Lord has blessed me with strength to get up in the morning and do it all over again.  Here and there I see God in the ordinary and am recharged!  Isn't it amazing that our awesome God is real and involved in the daily?!  It's so rad.  

So anyway, these could all be blog posts by themselves, but I the time is short.  I will do my best to recap the highlights of all things.  Here we go:

• 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!

Well, that's a little recap.  Hopefully I will be on top of blogging.  If not, just check my Twitter.

Prodigal Blogger

I left my blog

Sought a new, cool blog

One that had a cool look

And savvy widgets 

But I wasn't happy

I was out of place

I missed blogspot

I wasn't quite sure 

If it missed me

I came back to check

And was welcomed

With open arms

And I'm home.

100th POST!!!!!

HAPPY 100th POST!!!!!

It is with great honor and bitter-sweet parting that I announce that painting galaxies will no longer be in service.

Yes, this is my last post on Blogger.

My new blog can be found here:

www.joshsaenz.com

please update your Google Readers, blogs, and what not.  

I love twitter!

I really like this little thing called twitter.

check it out!

Help me out here!

Okay, I am really struggling with this question and I want to get some responses, so please help me out!

Is it Biblical for us to aim to be "relevant" in reaching people or are we trying to take over the Holy Spirit's role of convicting them and inclining their hearts to Jesus?

I see two or three possibilities:

1. 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.
2. 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.  
3. 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!

Help me out here... PLEASE!

It's Christmas in My Office!

Unfortunately, this is NOT what my cubicle looks like, but I wish that it was.  You see, this week I am working ahead on my sermons (for a class and for my sanity during Christmas/graduation/wedding time).  I am listening to lots of Christmas music, drinking peppermint mochas, and diving into the nativity story!  It's loads of fun!  You really ought to take a random day and celebrate Christmas.  It's awesome! 

Hello Autumn!

Today is the first day of Autumn, and I am more than thrilled!  Kaitlin has been gracious enough t listen to all my "Fall" and "Autumn" talk and obsession.  It really is my favorite season, and I am going to write about the great things that make it what it is!

In an attempt to create a holistic fall experience, here are the things you should include in your life:

Music Albums

1. 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.  
2. 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.  
3. 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! 
4. Poses (Rufus Wainwright)- It just has a great euro-folk vibe that is perfect for this tie of year.

Drinks

1. 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!
2. Good Earth Tea-  Both sweet and spicy.  So good! 
3. 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.

Food

1. Pumpkin ANYTHING!  Bread, loaf, cookies, pie, muffins...you name it!
2. Soup/Stew- so fall-like and cozy.  Makes you feel like home! 
3. Pies and apple crisps!

Activities

1. Crunching leaves
2. Driving in the rain
3. Reading poetry
4. Being creative
5. Deep conversations
6. Cooking
7. Museum visits 
8. Apple Picking

Please add your fall excitement and experiences on the comments! 

Hmmm...

Wow I really don't blog that much anymore do I?

I could use the "I'm busy" card.

And I really am.

School.

Work.

Wedding plans.

You know...

In fact, I got to run.

More wedding registry stuff.

Crate&Barrel.

Macy's.

Target.

crazy love.

Francid Chan's new book, "Crazy Love" is a real gem.  I am reminded of the fact that one person's passion really does matter, that it's all about God, and it's all worth it.  This book has breathed a spirit of fresh air into my life and ministry mindset.  I have been blessed by good old Mr. Chan!  Check out the website that goes along with the book: www.crazylovebook.com

Good Morning, Australia!

So yesterday I went up to LA to film a live interview for Australia's version of "Good Morning America" called "Morning Sunrise."  They interviewed another Biola student and me on sexual/substance abstinence and our community standards at school.  It was a cool opportunity to share our beliefs both personally and corporately (Biola and Evangelicals).  Check out the story here: http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/index.html?autoplay_id=9726320#embedded-video-top.

4 Things I Need More In My Life

1. 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.  
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. 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."

PCI Youth Ministy Podcast!

Yep, we have a podcast too!

You can listen here.

Or subscribe in iTunes here.  Just click on "Subscribe in iTunes" on the bottom right.

PCI Youth Ministry Blog

Check out the new Pacific Church of Irvine Youth Ministry Blog!

Summer 2008 Video

Nun Beauty Contest

Recent news has been circulating about a beauty contest featuring nuns.  This is intended to honor and expose the work that nuns are doing.  They will be able to log onto a MySpace-like website and create a profile.  Website visitors are then able to vote for the nun they think is the most like a model.  My favorite part is that the nuns have the option of posing in a veil or the traditional habit!  Some sources say that the contest is off, but I am not sure.

Read the full article here.

People Hunt!

Last week, PCI youth embarked on an intense hunt for "Irvine's Most Wanted" around the Irvine Spectrum.  Their mission was to collect the mysterious puzzle pieces from these leaders who were in disguise.  The hunt lasted approximately 1 hour and ended with ice cream sundaes.  Awesome. 

What I Learned Last Week

1. 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.
2. 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). 
3. 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.
4. Carpet laying is difficult.  I have laid almost 800 sq. feet of carpet yet.  I am gaining more skills than expected in this job.  
5. 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!
6. Writing things down is very important.  If I don't, I forget major deadlines.  
7. 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.  

Chocolate Rain

Olympics Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was incredible.  It was one of the most artistic performances I have seen in a while.  There was a little bit of everything: pop stars, human calligraphy, modern dance, classical chinese costumes, drums, lights, flying people, and fireworks!  With all of this glitz and glam, I was a little troubled.  I got the impression that the whole 16,000-person performance was one big facade attempting to cover up the pain and suffering of so many people in China.  There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the Olympics in China and I believe that there should be concern!  I have heard that the country has spent billions of dollars to "cover up" the parts of the city that are not so great.  I am interested to see what these 17 days of Olympic games holds for the world and what will transpire.  I see this magnificent performance having a ot to do with Christianity.  We too easily put on performances for people and for God.  It's so dumb, but we all fall prey to it.  I pray that we wouldn't try to put up facades in our own lives to cover up the messy parts.  God wants to do amazing things with our weaknesses.  If only we would all let Him. 

Turn It OFF!!!

I have been learning the difficult art of turning off my cell phone or leaving it in the car when spending time with people.  I have noticed (thanks to Kaitlin) that I am always distracted and thinking about work.  So, in order to maintain my sanity and a healthy relationship with those around me, I have committed to leaving it in the car.  And, come on, the world is NOT going to stop revolving if I don't answer a text message immediately!  In fact, this may help me remember the heart of the Sabbath (which I taught on Wednesday night: God is God, I am not, and I have been set free by the Cross of Christ).  It is easy to believe that we are gods when we think that everyone needs us immediately.  So, I'm sorry if my text responses are delayed and I miss your call.  It is important to me, but I don't want a divided heart.  I'm sure you understand.

Quick Update

My recent activities:

1. Youth Room painting
2. Falling off the ladder while painting (!)
3. Making Runs to Lowe's 3 times a day
4. Buying curtains in Santa Ana
5. Celebrating Christi's birthday
6. Reading a great book called Brothers, We Are NOT Professionals by John Piper
7. Date night with Kaitlin!!!
8. Apartment hunting
9. Teaching a mini-sub-series on Sabbath

Still to do this week:

1. Prepare the rest of Sabbath teaching
2. Finish painting Youth Room
3. Lay Epoxy flooring for the coffee shop area
4. Beach Day- Youth Group
5. Social Problems discussion board and vignette assignment 
6. See an apartment
7. NT Theology Precis (x4)
8. Spend QUALITY time with my girl
9. Rest in the Lord!!!

Signology.

Yesterday, A Day of Encouragement

Full time ministry is trying, draining, and full of unexpected surprises.  I highly doubt that any person involved in this kind of life does not face the discouragement from self, satan, or others.  Let's face it, we do NOT live in a perfect world.  Discouragement and failure are inevitable. This post is not a downer... it's an upper!  

Since ministry is often a "high-risk" discouragement, it is important to fill yourself with the encouragement of God, His Word, and other people. Yesterday, I was graciously brought to three people I respect and admire, all of whom encouraged me and brought joy to my life.

1. 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.
2. 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.  
3. 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! 

God is faithful to keep us going!  Yesterday he showed me that he uses others to encourage me  a lot.  I hope to be the same kind of encouragement to others.  

Demolition

Demolition began today for our Youth Room Remodel!  

Try this math equation out:  High School Guys + Furniture + Roof = ?

Watch this for the answer!

2Busy2Blog

Wow. I can't believe it has been so long since I have blogged.  My bloglationship is obviously having some rough spots.  Forgive me!  Well, here is a recap of where I have been and what I am up to:

1. 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.
2. 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.  
3. Youth Room demolition begins tomorrow.  There is nothing like highschool guys destroying loads of furniture and ripping up carpet.  
4. 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!
5. 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!
6. I love grapefruit juice!

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!