Life, Love & Why

Evidence of Knowing God

2010-08-30T12:41:00.004-05:00

There is a great difference between knowing about God... and knowing God. We may know a great deal of theology, we may understand the Bible from cover to cover, we may be able to rattle of God's redemptive plan of salvation, or we may be able to stand toe-to-toe against even the greatest critics--it is possible to fill books with our knowledge about God and at the same time, know nothing of Him.

In Knowing God, J.I. Packer gives 4 evidences of knowing God:

Those who know God have great energy for God. The heart of those who know God beats with a desire to see His name and cause known. Those who know God will feel compelled to stand for Him... even at the great cost of their reputation (or even LIFE). Those who know God will also have a great deal of energy for PRAYER.

"... we can all pray about the ungodliness and apostasy which we see in everyday life all around us. If, however, there is in us little energy for such prayer... this is a sure sign that as yet we scarcely know God (Packer)."
Those who know God have great thoughts of God. The heart of those who know God understands that there is no other above God. Even in the face of our "losses or crosses" we understand that our God is in complete control. When the world around us crumbles, those who know God do not tremble... the know and trust.

"Is this how we think of God?... Does this tremendous sense of his holy majesty, his moral perfection and his gracious faithfulness keep us humble and dependent, awed and obedient...? By this test, too, we may measure how much, or how little, we know God (Packer)."
Those who know God show great boldness for God. The heart of those who know God beats with a courage that the world doesn't understand. They are not reckless, but they take great risks. They know what they are doing. They count the cost and do what is Right... no matter what the cost.

"They may find the determination of the right course to take agonizingly difficult, but once they are clear on it they embrace it boldly without hesitation (Packer)."
Those who know God have great contentment in God. The heart of those who know God rests easy. They have a peace which the world (and sometimes even they themselves) cannot understand. They are secure in the truth that Jesus has made peace with them. They rest in the fact that there is "no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)."

"There is no peace like the peace of those whose minds are possessed with the full assurance that they have known God, and God has known them, and this relationship guarantees God's favor to them in life, through death and on forever (Packer)."

Do we desire more that mere knowledge of God?

Do we desire to know Him? Then we must do 2 things: First, recognize that how much we actually lack knowledge of God. Ask (pray) Him to show your lack of knowledge to you. This keeps us humble and aware of our natural state. Second, seek the Savior. Jesus promises that as we seek Him, we will know God. The greatest single thing the followers of Christ can do is to seek Him through Prayer!

April Book - Invitation to Solitutde and Silence

2010-05-22T17:24:00.004-05:00

And now for the April addition of... "The world really does care about my opinion so I'll tell you what I think about the books I read." Or "Book Reviews" for short. I know nothing about literature. I can't tell you about imagery or prose or onomatopoeia... but I can tell you what I like or dislike so here goes.

Invitation to Solitude and Silence
by Ruth Haley Barton
pub. InterVarsity Press

"Ruth Haley Barton describes how she has discovered the real presence of God--the God who is present through the practice of solitude and silence. Her book invites you to meet God deeply and fully outside the demands and noise of daily life. It is a call to the adventure of spiritual transformation--an adventure that will lead you to freedom and authenticity, allowing you to become the person God created you to be (ivpress.com)."

Book's premise (no spoiler): One of my goals for the year was to read a book on certain spiritual disciplines... specifically those I struggle with. This book is (as the title slightly suggests) and invitation to solitude and silence; that which our culture seems to fear. Blaise Pascal pointed out that the only reason prison is such a dreadful place is that "people so much love noise and stir... the pleasure of solitude is a thing incomprehensible." But he also points out that it is only in stillness and silence that we can truly be refreshed and restored.

What I liked about the book: I love Barton's use of the life of Elijah as an example of our need for solitude and silence. She also offers VERY practical tools we can use in our pursuit of silence.

What I didn't like about the book: It's just a little boring... that's all.

Random passage: "We don't always think of caring for the body as part of our spiritual practice, but the story of Elijah that many times this is where it all begins.(pg 14)."

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

March Book - Vin†age Jesus

2010-04-19T13:01:00.009-05:00

And now for the fourth addition of... "The world really does care about my opinion so I'll tell you what I think about the books I read." Or "Book Reviews" for short. I know nothing about literature. I can't tell you about imagery or prose or onomatopoeia... but I can tell you what I like or dislike so here goes.

Vin†age Jesus
Timeless Answers to Timely Questions
by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears
pub. Crossway Books
re:Lit books

"In Vintage Jesus, one of America's most influential young pastors teams up with a seasoned theologian to lead you on a hilarious theological journey chasing Jesus through Scripture and pop culture. The authors provide timeless answers to twelve timely questions about the most important man who has ever lived. Each chapter concludes with answers to common questions about each subject (relit.org)."

Book's premise (no spoiler): Jesus Christ is easily the most influential name on the planet. His name is also one that stirs up the most controversy and confusion. Ask 100 people who Jesus is, you'll get 500 different answers. Driscoll and Breshears team together to evaluate the different views of Jesus throughout pop-culture and religion, and weigh those views against what the Bible says about Him.

What I liked about the book: Everything. No secret here, I am a big fan of Driscoll. I am very grateful for his writing and preaching and will continue to read and listen.

Specifically, I really appreciate Driscoll's depth. He is a very thorough teacher and gives a TON of information. And while you may think that might make this book read like a text book, Driscoll does a great job of balancing weighty information with stories and humor.

What I didn't like about the book: When I read books or listen to speakers/ sermons for my edification, I can't help but also think through the lens of what a non-believer (or even someone hostile to the speaker or the Gospel) might be thinking. There are times when Driscoll's sarcasm and humor makes me a tad uncomfortable. I catch myself thinking, "I think that this is hilarious, but someone else might use that as a reason to check-out."

Favorite passage: I don't think I will fully understand the impact that this passage has made on my ministry/ preaching/ relationships for a long time to come. I can't get this passage out of my mind.

Chapter 3 "How Did People Know Jesus Was Coming?"
pg 66

"Sadly, it is too common for churches not to speak of Jesus, which is a tragedy akin to a wife rarely uttering the name of her own husband. In our day when there are innumerable contradictory beliefs about who God is, Christians must be clear that their God is Jesus Christ alone so as to communicate the same central truth that Scripture does. No matter how many verses are used, the Bible has not been rightly understood or proclaimed unless Jesus is the central focus and hero (emphasis mine)."

Random passage: "There is even a Canadian nudist-arsonist cult that thinks the word 'Jesus' in the Bible is a code word for hallucinogenic mushrooms that are to be eaten before getting naked and lighting things on fire (pg 14)."

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

February Book - Prodigal God

2010-03-03T15:20:00.007-06:00

And now for the third addition of... "The world really does care about my opinion so I'll tell you what I think about the books I read." Or "Book Reviews" for short. I know nothing about literature. I can't tell you about imagery or prose or onomatopoeia... but I can tell you what I like or dislike so here goes.

Prodigal God:
Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
by Timothy Keller
pub. Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

"This volume is not just for seekers... Many lifelong Christian believers feel they understand the basics of the Christian faith quite well and don't think they need a primer. Nevertheless, one of the signs that you may not grasp the unique, radical nature of the gospel is that you are certain that you do... This book, then, is written to both the curious outsider and established insiders of the faith, both to those Jesus calls 'younger brothers' and those he calls 'elder brothers' in the famous Parable of the Prodigal Son." - Timothy Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (Introduction)

Book's premise (no spoiler): It's one of Jesus' parables that many of us are quite familiar with. It's the story we call the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). His premise is that we tend to focus primarily on the "younger brother" and secondarily on the father. While it is appropriate and important for us to learn what we can from their examples, we cannot fail to learn from the attitude and response of the "older brother."

This was my introduction into the mind of Tim Keller. I'd never read anything by him or heard any of his sermons. I was actually skeptical of book because of its title (I know I'm not supposed to judge them by their covers, but I do... don't judge me). It wasn't until one of my students asked me about the book that I decided I needed to be familiar with it. I mean, if a teenager is picking up this book, it's probably either really good... or really unsound/ unnecessarily provocative at the least, or theologically dangerous at worst.

What I liked about the book: Just about everything. It's a short book and easy to read. I'm not very smart so those are always wins for me. Aside from its brevity, I thoroughly appreciate what Keller has to say. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't expound beyond saying that like Keller hints in the introduction, the book has rekindled in me a desire to be ever close to the heart of the Father.
What I didn't like about the book: I was a little too long. I know I just said that its brevity appealed to me, but there were a few times where the book was a little redundant. And since I have a short attention span to begin with, I struggled at times to keep my eyes from glazing over.

Favorite passage: In Chapter 7: The Feast of the Father, Keller recalls the time a woman came to him to respond to a sermon in which he had just finished preaching about the fact that we are "accepted by God by sheer grace through the work of Christ regardless of anything we do or have done (pg 120.)"

"She said, 'That is a scary idea! Oh, it's a good scary, but still scary.'

"I was intrigued. I asked her what was so scary about unmerited fee grace? She replied something like this: 'If I was saved by my good works, then there would be a limit to what God could ask of me or put me through. I would be like a taxpayer with rights. I would have done my duty and now I would deserve a certain quality of life. but if it is really true that i am a sinner saved by sheer grace-at God's infinite cost- then there's nothing he cannot ask of me.' She could see immediately that the wonderful-beyond-belief teaching of salvation by sheer grace had two edges to it. On the one hand, it cut away slavish fear. God loves us freely, despite our flaws and failures. Yet she also knew that if Jesus really had done this for her-she was not her own. She was bought with a price (pg 121)."
Random passage: "In that society, most meals did not include meat, which was an expensive delicacy (pg 23)."

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

January's Book - Religion Saves

2010-02-11T08:18:00.011-06:00

And now for the second addition of... "The world really does care about my opinion so I'll tell you what I think about the books I read." Or "Book Reviews" for short. I know nothing about literature. I can't tell you about imagery or prose or onomatopoeia... but I can tell you what I like or dislike so here goes.

Religion Saves
+ NINE other MISCONCEPTIONS
by Mark Driscoll
pub. Crossway Books

"Religious people mistakenly think that they are saving people from such things as a fruitless life, sinful sex, bad relationships, unholy humor, wayard churches, evil birth control, and what they call 'strange fire.' However, religion never saved anyone, and religious answers to complex questions are simply misconceptions." - Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church (back of book)

Book's premise (no spoiler): "... we tried an experiment, opening up a section of our church's Web site for people to post any question, make comments about posted questions and vote... for their favorite question. ...And in the end, 893 questions were asked, 5,524 comments were made, and 343,203 votes were cast. I (Pastor Driscoll) answered the top nine questions in a sermon devoted to each. Here in the book we'll start with the ninth most popular question and work our way to the most popular question." - take from the first page of the book's introduction

What NINE questions does Mark answer in the book:

Question 9: Birth Control - There's no doubt the Bible says children are a blessing, but the Bible doesn't seem to address the specific topic of birth control. Is this a black-and-white topic, or does it fall under liberties?

Question 8: Humor - Why do you make jokes in sermons about Mormon missionaries, homosexuals, trench coat wearers, single men, vegans, and emo kids, and then expect these groups to come go know God through these sermons?

Question 7: Predestination - Why does an all-loving, all-knowing, and all-sovereign God will into creation people he foreknows will suffer eternal condemnation - and the Romans 9:20 answer seems like a cop-out!

Question 6: Grace - Of all the things you teach, what parts of Christianity do you still wrestle with? What's hardest for you to believe?

Question 5: Sexual Sin - How should Christian men and women go about breaking free from the bondage of sexual sin?

Question 4: Faith and Works - If salvation is by faith alone, then why are there so many verses that say or imply the opposite - that salvation is by works?

Question 3: Dating - How does a Christian date righteously, and what are the physical, emotional, and mentally connecting boundaries a Christian must set while developing an intimate relationship prior to marriage?

Question 2: The Emerging Church - What can traditional or established churches learn from "emerging" churches?

Question 1: The Regulative Principle - Do you believe that Scripture not only regulates our theology but also our methodology? In other words, do you believe in the regulative principle? If so, to what degree? If not, why not?

What I liked about the book: Just about everything!! I have to admit, I'm a big Driscoll fan. Admittedly, this is the first "book" I've read of his (although I have downloaded and read some of his free e-booklets). But I do listen to his sermons online and I am a regular reader of his church's blog. Pastor Driscoll tends not to pull his punches. He makes no apologies for his theology... regardless of who may be offended. That said, he doesn't offend needlessly. The book itself is pretty thorough yet not too lengthy. Good questions - Challenging/ encouraging answers.

What I didn't like about the book: Only this: Pastor Mark writes like he speaks. He is at times a little long-winded. And his thought train, while perfect for conversation or sermon, can be just a tiny bit confusing to read. Seriously, that's the only bad thing I have to say about this book.

Also, if you're a fan of guys like Bell, McLaren, Pagitt, Chalke, etc... you will HATE chapter 2.

I loved it.

Favorite passage: Hard to say. My favorite chapter is the one on Grace (chapter 6). Try this: "Therefore, my sin is not the hardest part of Christian truth to believe. What I sometimes find hard to believe is that God responds to me with pure grace. I receive grace not despite being undeserving--as one who has not merited grace--but actually as one who is ill-deserving because I am a sinful rebel at war with God (Chapter 6 - pg 110)."

Random passage: "Proverbs makes fun of all kinds of people, especially the sluggard, who, by definition, is someone so lazy that he experiences devolution on his way to becoming a slug (Chapter 2 - pg 54)."

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

A post I never thought I'd write

2010-01-29T04:33:00.003-06:00

These all seem pretty doable, right?

11 – Lose 35 lbs
34 – Learn to love vegetables
35 – Do something I hate to challenge myself
47 – Cook an exotic meal
75 – Go a month without eating at a restaurant
79 – Learn to cook 5 organic meals
83 – Buy all organic produce at a Farmer’s Market

Not necessarily easy... but doable. Well I think I can accomplish ALL of these bu focusing on another. But this one's not so easy. Not for me.

28 – Be a Vegetarian for a month!!!

Perhaps I was in the midst of a momentary lapse of judgment when I wrote that. I don't know. But I do know one thing, if I'm going to go a whole month meat-free, then I better make it February. It's the shortest month, after all.

I need some good vegetarian recipes. After doing some research, I've discovered that there are varying degrees of vegetarianism. There are vegans, who avoid any and all animal products in their food (going as far as to exclude gelatin and honey). There are lacto-ovo vegetarians who include dairy and eggs. Lacto vegetarians include dairy but exclude eggs. Ovo vegetarians swing the other way by including eggs by excluding dairy.

Then there are pesco vegetarians who allow some eggs, dairy and fish. According to Dr. Sears, this may be the healthiest form of vegetarianism for most people. And since I like fish, I'll opt for that.

Only thing is, I don't know any good vegetarian recipes!

So here's where I'm enlisting help. I start on Monday.

Keep a few things in mind:
NOT allowed on a vegetarian diet - beef, chicken, turkey, pork, venison, etc. For me, this will be especially painful in the pepperoni category.

These ARE allowed on a vegetarian diet - Any and all edible plants, whole grains, fish, eggs and dairy.

Suggestions?

Still Resolute

2010-01-27T21:49:00.005-06:00

I know it's nearly the end of January, but I've decided to share a few of my 2010 resolutions. I have my goals broken down into 4 categories, Physical, Financial, Professional and Spiritual. I won't bore you with all of my goals, but I will share a goal from the Spiritual Category.

As much as I would like to call myself a reader, I'm not sure that I deserve the title. Coffee drinker? Yes. TV watcher? Of course. Costco Pizza connoisseur? Without a doubt.

But reader? Probably not. I have the best intentions. Even worked through some pretty thick books during the Christmas break (3 of the Harry Potter books hardly makes me literati) .

The reality is, my stack of unread books is getting taller... as is my stack of "books I tell people I am reading but in reality I stopped somewhere around chapter 3."

In an effort to remedy this, I have given myself the lofty goal of reading at least one spiritually focused book per month. Here's my list:

1 Mark Driscoll book (my January choice... book review next week).
1 John Piper book
2 Brennan Manning books (this will get me closer to #16 on my 101 list).
2 Philip Yancey books (this will get me closer to #15 on my 101 list).
Donald Miller's new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

Here's where I need your suggestions!
I want to read 4 books on specific spiritual disciplines (Prayer, Meditation, Fasting and Scripture Memory). - suggestions?
That leaves me with one wildcard book. - I'm taking suggestions here too.

Thanks for reading.

#32 - CHECK

2010-01-20T13:02:00.003-06:00

There are some things that I swore I would NEVER do. But then I got married and some of those had to change.

For instance, my wife LOVES to golf. And she's good too! Her folks tell me that she has "a beautiful swing."

Well since I married a golfer... and since I work at a church where most of the staff are also golfers... I should become a golfer.

#32
Learn to Golf

Turns out, I'm bad at golf.

No... REALLY bad.

I'm "a danger to other golfers" bad.

Raise your hand if you're surprised. No one? Didn't think so.

For Christmas (of '08), Shannon's dad bought me a really nice set of clubs. AND he got us golfing lessons with a pro at the golf course he works at.

6 lesson's later... I'm still bad. I shot an 86 the first time out.

On 9.

#5 Check

2010-01-19T23:23:00.006-06:00

Well, like I said in my last post, I've "restarted" my 101 in 1001 list. Perhaps it's cheating, but as I re-read my list, I noticed that I've accomplished some already. Well I'm keeping those on the list so I can start out with a WIN!

# 5
Be a part of the solution in Africa

I know, I know... "Africa" is such a trendy cause. And there are SO many problems for which to be a solution. War. Poverty. AIDS. Malaria. Thirst. Hunger. Where to start? How do I make a lasting impact. How do I do more than put the proverbial band-aid on a broken leg?

I decided that the best thing I can do is bring others along with me on the journey. To share the burden that is in my heart and hope that it catches on. I am in such a privileged position to be able to influence high school students at Sun Valley. One of my favorite parts of my job is the Student Leadership Team. Last May, we started dreaming about how we could help meet some of the basic needs for our neighbors in Africa.

Long story short... we stumbled across an organization called Charity:Water. Among other things, Charity:Water exists primarily to bring fresh water (by digging wells) to some of the poorest communities on the planet. The cost to dig a well? Just $5,000.

For $5,000, they will dig a well that will provide hundreds of people with clean, safe drinking water. Enough to meet all of their cooking, cleaning and drinking needs. Since the beginning of the school year, our students have been hosting fund-raisers, putting on benefit concerts, and giving sacrificially so that they can answer God's calling on their lives to not merely be people of "good intentions," but people who really reach out in love.

So far, they have raised $4,287! Just about $700 shy of our goal of $5,000 by the end of the school year.

I know they will reach their goal.

For more information, please visit CharityWater.org. Or to help the students reach their goal, get in touch with me (Greg) via the Sun Valley Community Church website.

I'm starting my list over - Why?

2010-01-18T22:32:00.006-06:00

Because I can! THAT'S why! And if you have a problem with that, well then you can just go...

Wait.

I'm sorry. You don't deserve that. You are reading my blog, after all.

I'm feeling a little guilty because I made this list back in October.

Of 2008!

I really haven't done much of it. Plus... I want to change my list a little. And you know what I decided. I decided that it's OKAY! Seriously, I've felt guilty about not keeping up with my list so I just gave up. Then I realized... that's a REALLY STUPID reason to quit. Of all the things on the planet to be stressed about, my fun list of life goals should NOT be one of them.

So I'm starting over. Clean slate, as they say. I've recently been inspired my my hot wife and my good friend (and VERY talented photographer) Erin DeZago. Check out both of their blogs. Do it. Come back to this one later.

Here are my 101 goals I hope to accomplish in the next 1001 days. 1001 days from today (January 18, 2010) will be October 15, 2012. And I better finish on time cuz apparently, the world's gonna end a couple months later.

1 – Graduate College (projected early June)
2 – Go deer hunting with my dad… and kill a deer.
3 – Record a CD of my OWN music
4 – Find a doctor I like
5 – ~~Be a part of the solution in Africa~~
6 – Sponsor a child with Providence World Ministries
7 – Read the Bible in a year
8 – Camp in the woods for a month (survivor man style)
9 – Visit the original Starbucks in Seattle
10 – Take my students on a LeaderTreks trip
11 – Lose 35 lbs
12 – Buy a house
13 – Start an HSA
14 – Adopt a dog and name him Gunther
15 – Read every Philip Yancey book (3 of 8)
16 – Read every Brennan Manning book (1 of 14)
17 – Audit a photography class
18 – Take a beautiful picture of something common
19 – Take lessons for a new instrument (either piano, cello, mandolin, harmonica or drums)
20 – Visit Alaska
21 – Do a 7-day fast
22 – Run a mile with my wife
23 – Go deep-sea fishing
24 – Make a coffee table
25 – Invest
26 – Hike Picacho Peak with Shannon
27 – Hike Camelback with Shannon
28 – Be a Vegetarian for a month.
29 – Rescue someone
30 – Go on a motorcycle trip
31 – Tattoo
32 – ~~Learn to golf~~
33 – Be an extra in a movie
34 – Learn to love vegetables
35 – Do something I hate to challenge myself
36 – Give up something I love to learn something new
37 – Do 10 chin-ups in a row
38 – Do 100 push-ups in a row
39 – Play guitar and sing at an open mic night somewhere
40 – See a stand-up comedian
41 – Go to the Opera
42 – Have an entire conversation in Spanish
43 – Go for a morning jog everyday for a month
44 – Write a love song for Shannon and sing it for her
45 – Be alone for 48 hours
46 – Take a 24-hour vow of silence
47 – Cook an exotic meal
48 – Read a book in 1 day
49 – Write 10 poems
50 – ~~Join a co-op~~
51 – Go to Portland
52 – Eat Mexican food in Mexico
53 – Audit a photoshop class
54 – Design a website
55 – Go to a Jazz gig
56 – Wine tasting
57 – Buy a nice camera
58 – Grow an herb garden
59 – 2 words… Chia Pet
60 – Audit an Astronomy class
61 – Learn a new art
62 – Bet $25 on Black
63 – See 15 of the AFI top 100 movies that I’ve yet to see
64 – Buy stock in a company I believe in
65 – Ride a horse
66 – No soda for a month
67 – Video myself sleeping
68 – Collect all State quarters in both mints (59/100)
69 – Play hookie w/ Shannon and go out of town
70 – Get a Pedicure
71 – Contribute the max to an IRA for 6 months of a year
72 – Buy a rifle and a handgun
73 – Teach Shannon how to shoot
74 – Do a home improvement project
75 – Go a month without eating at a restaurant
76 – Go a week without buying anything
77 – Surprise Shannon with a trip somewhere
78 – Learn to work on my motorcycle
79 – Learn to cook 5 organic meals
80 – Ride my bike to work once a week for 4 months (actual weeks… not average)
81 – (when we have a house) – Audit energy consumption for 2 months.
82 – Then cut energy usage by 25%
83 – Buy all organic produce at a Farmer’s Market
84 – Raise awareness and $$ for a cause
85 – Be debt free
86 – Apply to be on a game show
87 – Buy a juicer
88 – Buy a food processor
89 – Try a yoga class… a macho one
90 – Learn to do a back flip
91 – Repaint my motorcycle
92 – See Switchfoot or Jon Foreman in San Diego
93 – Visit a coffee plantation
94 – Eat Sushi
95 – Fly first class
96 – Buy an original painting
97 – Share my faith with a stranger
98 – Start seeing a chiropractor
99 – Spend a week without TV or Moives or Radio or Internet (while at home - not while on a mission trip).
100 – Go mountain biking on South Mountain
101 – Save $10 for each 101 accomplished (including this one) and put it in my sock drawer… I MEAN… A bank guarded by ROBOTS!!

I've got to be honest... I changed some. Also, as I look back, I've accomplished quite a few of these. I guess I have fodder for the next few blog posts.

PEACE!

:: 3 Sets of Jones' ::

2010-01-02T12:12:00.003-06:00

One weekend, 3 different families set out to the coast to enjoy a weekend ‘adventure.’

The first family arrived at the coast late Friday evening. They unpacked their car and loaded all their gear into their sailboat… ready for their adventure. That evening, they ate dinner on the dock and headed off to bed early in the hull of their craft. They woke up late Saturday morning and shared a breakfast of bagels and fruit. They spent the afternoon sunbathing on the deck of their ship while sipping iced tea and discussing the weather… entertainment… politics… and other surface subjects. They ate dinner, went to bed, and woke up Sunday morning to do the same. They packed up their car after dinner, and headed home.

Same weekend… same coast… different family. They also got to the coast late Friday evening. After unpacking their car, they loaded their gear into their sailboat. They ate dinner on the dock and went to bed early. They woke up Saturday morning to the sound of seagulls and shared a quick breakfast. They un-tethered their sea craft, started up the motor and set out for their adventure. They spent the entire afternoon trawling around the harbor, looking at the other ships... maybe some fishing. They talked about each other’s lives… a little. “How was your week?” “What did you do?” “How are things going at work?” They got below the surface of each other’s lives… a little. Evening was spent docked in their spot at the harbor. They ate dinner, looked at the stars, and went to bed. They woke up Sunday morning to do the same. They packed up their car after dinner, and headed home.

Same weekend… same coast… family three. They got to the harbor late Friday evening. They unpacked their car and loaded their gear into the sailboat. They ate dinner on the dock but refused to call it a night. After dinner, they un-tethered their sea craft, started up their motor and set out for their adventure. It was dark now, already a mile offshore, they could still see the lights of the city. They decided that this was a good place weigh to anchor and sleep for the night. They awoke the next morning to see the sunrise, and set of to continue their voyage. They hoisted sail and ventured onward. Soon they couldn’t even see the coast anymore. They found themselves surrounded by a myriad of sea life… dolphins, whales, sea lions, birds, and they SWEAR they saw a shark. With only their sea charts and a compass to guide them, they were at the mercy of the wind and they went where it willed. They found an island a few miles off shore and landed for the night. They spent the night on the beach underneath the stars, listening to the sound of the waves. They talked about life! “What are your hopes and dreams?” “What are you fears?” “What do you think heaven will be like?” They lay on the beach, really getting to know each other. They lay on that beach learning each other… learning to live… learning to love. The next morning, they set sail towards home; more in love then when they left.

That Monday, they would all return to work and they would all be asked, “How was your weekend… what did you do?” And they would all reply with the same answer, “I went sailing.”

What will 2010 look like for you? We are all on a journey… we are all on an adventure. But what will yours look like? Will you just sit still, safe at the dock? Will you just soak up the rays and never get below the surface? =or= Will you simply test the waters? Will you open your eyes and see what’s around you but still play it safe and stay in the harbor, never really digging more than an inch deep? =or= Will you sail? Will you see all that God has to offer? Will you take risk? Will you submit yourselves to His will and His ways and welcome the adventure He has for you?!? Will you sleep underneath His heavens and embrace the depths of life… love… and why?

:: Obligatory New Year's Post ::

2010-01-01T20:46:00.008-06:00

Today marks the beginning of a new year and a new decade. Since I was born in 1980, today also marks the beginning of my 4th decade... the year my wife and I will both turn 30! As is the custom out here in the Blogosphere, I would like to look back over the last year.

If you want to skip on back to Facebook... wouldn't blame you.

Let me start by saying that 2009 was a year in which God moved in nothing short of miraculous ways. For as long as I have known Christ (over 12 years now), I have been praying that my family would come to know Him as well.

In April I was blessed (in the truest sense of the word) to be able to baptize my mom. Seriously, one of the best moments of my life!

Our next blessing came from my sister and brother-in-law.

I'M GONNA BE AN UNCLE!! Seriously, I love this little girl already and pray for her tons!

A good chunk of my generation has decided to leave the Church. They say they're disenchanted with the way things are done. They say the Church has lost her way. I'll write more about this later but, in short, they are arrogant... and wrong. Which leads me to the next blessing in our lives, Sun Valley Community Church. I could go on about how God is moving in this church. For now, I'll focus on things in which I am more intimately involved.

This year God led Robert (the High School Ministries Pastor) and I to start a student leadership team. Through their service and leadership, the students of Sun Valley have collectively raised over $4,000 in one semester (our goal is $5000 for the whole school year). This money is going to Charity:Water and will be used to bring a fresh-water well to a village in Africa.

Robert, the other two Student Ministry pastors and I also dreamt and developed an intern program for the student ministry. We took the program live in August. We have had one intern for the last semester and have 3 more on deck for this next semester.

Let's see, what else happened this year? Shannon and I got our own apartment in Gilbert. I got to take a group of 9 students to Jamaica. I landed a part-time job at Eddie Bauer (yes, I'm 29 and yes, I work at the mall).

As I look ahead at 2010 (or "Oh Ten"), I am looking forward to 2 things: What is God going to do in us this year? What is God going to do through us this year?

Also, the Cardinals all the way this year. There, I said it.

Shadow Proves the Sunshine

2009-05-22T10:31:00.004-05:00

Below is a copy of an email that I recently sent to 15 FIGHTERS!!

---------------

I'm gonna be really honest with you right now. I know there are quite a few names at the top of this email, but that just makes what I'm about to say all the more real.

This morning I was spending time praying and my heart became very heavy. As someone who ministers to teens, it is easy to become discouraged when I think of the direction most young people are headed. I know I'm 28, and that seems old, but I wasn't a teenager that long ago. But things sure are different now. When I was in high school, I was only offered booze once and I was NEVER offered drugs. That's not to say that there weren't a ton of teens doing that stuff, but it was fairly easy to stay away from it. Teens today are just bombarded with temptation and pressure. I haven't even mentioned sex yet. Almost ALL of my friends thought sex was something special. Most of my friends made a commitment to abstinence and most of those kept that promise. It seems like most young people have given up the fight and just want to blend in with culture.

Anyway, let me get to the point. If you're receiving this email it is because God brought you to mind today. Either you are a teen who I currently have the blessing of ministering to/ with - OR - I've had that privilege some time in the last ten years. God brought you to my mind to encourage me today. Like I said, my heart has been heavy at the thought that we are losing the battle for the lives of young people... but I'm wrong. When I think of you, I am reminded that there are young people who are in the fight. There are students who refuse to be typical. And the world is different... better because of it!

Here's what I think is happening. The Darkness is showing itself to be what it has always been... Darkness. It has stopped trying to look like the Light because it doesn't have to. People don't have to be fooled into Darkness. They simply want it. And while that breaks my heart, there is one good benefit. The Darkness makes the Light all that much brighter! The Darkness proves that the Light is there. How would we know what Sunshine is without Shadow.

Well you, my friends, are Sunshine. You may not always feel like that's true of you, but I know that is true of you. My heart was strengthened and given courage at the thought of you today. And know this, I am in this fight with you... and we will win.

#49 (ish) - Hopeless

2009-03-26T09:30:00.004-05:00

Back in October, I came up with a list of 101 goals I want to accomplish in 1001 days.

#49 - Write 10 Poems
I'm NOT a poet... I'm very bad. But here's my second of 10 attempts. Click here to see the first of 10.

Hopeless
Hopeless
I ignored the phone, but you kept calling
I refused the mail, but you kept writing
The longer and louder you knocked, the more hopeless my situation became
Hopeless… Hopelessly in Love
Great romancer, you’ve won me.
Not by empty gestures
Candy, cards, no
You told me you’d die for me
You did
You told me you’d live for me
You did
Hopeless… Hopelessly in Love… Hopelessly in love with the One
In love with the One who knows my fears
Who knows my heart… my hurts… my hopes
You said you love me
I said prove it
You did

I'm tweeting lunch

2009-03-22T09:26:00.009-05:00

... I had the Bleu Cheese Burger

Going to my grandma's

Just woke up

Ate some bad eggs this morning

Just saw the funniest movie ever

Who want's to go for bagels?

First off, a sincere apology to my faithful readers. Life's been crazy and I've been lazy. I know you've been waiting with baited breath for my next post and have been disappointed for the last month.
A special thanks to ALL of my readers... both of you.
Mom, Mom-in-law, here you go.

Okay, I'll admit. I'm usually WAY behind the trend on almost all fronts:
I've never owned anything from Urban Outfitter.
I just learned what an Ed Hardy t-shirt is 3 weeks ago (I'm actually okay with that one... what kind of TOOL will pay $106 for a t-shirt just becuase Brittney wears them?).
I didn't get a Facebook until 2 years after it started (I was still on MySpace... like the nOOb I am).
I've only posted 1 thing on YouTube... 2 years ago.
I've only been blogging since October.
Even as a kid, I was way behind on the whole slap bracelet craze (I was on the cutting edge of the POG craze, however).

Well recently, I decided to catch up with the rest of my generation and figure out what this whole Twitter thing is all about.

Basically, it's a free online service that allows you to keep everyone in the world updated on your status at all times. You just update your status from your cell phone, and anyone who has opted to receive your updates will get a text message on theirs. (side note, most Twitter'ers [aka Tweeters] us a special application on their iPhone... I'm still in the stone age so I just have to send an old fashioned text message)

Sounds harmless, right? Sounds kinda fun, right? Oh no, my friends! Do NOT be fooled. I thought it would be neat to be updated on my friends' status' throughout the day. That is until my fellow Tweeters started Tweeting every 5 minutes!
"I'm at lunch." 12:00 pm
"I ordered the BBQ pizza... mmmmmmmm!" 12:10 pm
"Should I get the Super Fudge Brownie or the Cheesecake?" 12:33 pm
"Leaving the restaurant now." 12:48 pm
"Traffic sucks!" 12:57 pm
"Just saw an old man picking his nose in his car." 1:01 pm
"OOOOOO... just saw the new Honda Civic Hybrid. GO GREEN!" 1:02 pm
"BBQ pizza = stomach ache and bad gas." 1:14 pm
"OH MY GOSH.... NEVER AGAIN BBQ PIZZA!!!" 1:22 pm
"Back at the office, 5 mins late for my meeting." 1:35 pm
"This meeting = BOOOORRRIIINNNGGGGGG!!" 1:42 pm
"Why do I always have to pee in the middle of a meeting?!" 1:58 pm
"That was the longest meeting of my LIFE." 2:15 pm
"Back at my desk." 2:18 pm
"Funniest YouTube video EVER http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs." 2:25 pm
"Email from old friend = ( :" 2:34 pm
"Conference call @ 3:00." 2:57 pm
"Conference call = BOOOORRRIIINNNGGGGGG!!" 3:13 pm
"Conference call is over... getting kinda hungry." 3:41 pm
"130,456 pts on Bejeweled. Suck on THAT @her_name_was_lola." 4:15 pm
"Still hungry." 4:22 pm
"Just ate my left-overs. BBQ pizza.... mmmmmmmmmmmmm." 4:30
"On my way home." 5:00 pm
"BBQ PIZZA + STOMACH ACHE + TRAFFIC = BAD DAY!!!" 5:13 pm

Needless to say, I've turned off the "receive a text message when a friend Tweets" option on my Twitter account. Looks like I'll actually have to call my friends to see what they're up to. Maybe I'll text them.

Poopie

2009-02-06T13:30:00.000-06:00

uh... scuse me?

twenty-five

2009-02-04T12:30:00.004-06:00

A couple of times a year, one of these 'about me' surveys makes the rounds. I usually ignore them... but what they hey. Here's my list of 25 random things about me.

1 – I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. I’ll gladly take a hunk of cheese over a candy bar any day.

2 – I’m an introvert… SURPRISE! I love people but given the choice, I’d much rather spend a day alone that with a group of people.

3 – I love movies. There are currently 18 movies playing at the closest theatre to my house. I’ve seen 11 of them… mostly by myself.

4 – I like to write poetry… I’m awful at it.

5 – I wish I had played sports as a kid. I played soccer until the 4th grade… that doesn’t count. I’m a big guy; I could have done some damage in football.

6 – I’m not an outdoorsman… but I want to be.

7 – I’m shy but I fake it.

8 – Meeting new people terrifies me… but I fake it.

9 – I would rather the words kind, generous, brave, and humble to be used about me than smart, insightful, disciplined, or talented.

10 – The thing that most enrages me is the abuse of power.

11 – My biggest fear in life is being old.

12 – I love my job.

13 – I love my church.

14 – I just read about how sociologists/ psychologists now put the age of the end of adolescence at 27ish… I’m afraid they’re talking about me.

15 – I’d rather go on an overseas mission trip than a vacation.

16 – Here’s why I’ll never make a good sports fan… I always feel bad for the losing team.

17 – I can’t watch boxing or UFC… it makes me nauseous.

18 – I’m addicted to coffee… but I have to drink half-caf because of my heart defect.

19 – I have a heart defect.

20 – Of all the countries I’ve visited… Honduras is my fave. I’d have no problem if God wanted me to be a missionary there.

21 – I hate wearing a helmet when I ride my motorcycle… by my wife makes me.

22 – I’m pretty sure I’m getting arthritis… already.

23 – My brain is like name Teflon… they just don’t stick

24 – I’m a morning person… usually asleep by 10:30pm.

25 – I want to own an English bulldog named Günter.

Best Super Bowl Ad EVER!

2009-02-02T11:43:00.002-06:00

Heroes starts tonight!!!!

Perspective

2009-01-26T13:21:00.002-06:00

Say what you will about the Bush family. This is one of the kindest and most loving things I've heard in a long time.

Youth Ministry 3.0

2009-01-16T15:35:00.020-06:00

I've decided to add a new segment to the blog. It's what I call "The world really does care about my opinion so I'll tell you what I think about the books I read." Or "Book Reviews" for short. I know nothing about literature. I can't tell you about imagery or prose or onomatopoeia... but I can tell you what I like or dislike so here goes.

Y outh Ministry 3.0:
A Manifesto of Where We've Been, Where We Are, and Where We Need to Go
by Mark Oestreicher
pub. Zondervan
dis. Youth Specialties

"Over the past several decades there have been three significant shifts in youth culture; each new shift brought with it different values and priorities in the lives of teens. Youth ministries adapted and responded to the first two shifts, but we're missing the boat on the third. The result? Youth ministry isn't addressing the realities and needs of today's youth culture. After nearly three decades in youth ministry, Mark Oestreicher has lived through a lot of those shifts himself. In recent years, he's found himself wondering what needs to change, especially since so much of what we're doing in youth ministry today isn't working (youth specialties)."

Book's premise (no spoiler): Using a clever analogy that equates technology to ministry, Mark is challenging the youth workers of America to re-think the way we do ministry. His suggestion is that youth ministry is still largely program driven and will only survive with a major overhaul. "The problem is this: The way we're doing things is already not working. We're failing at our calling. And deep down, most of us know it. This is why we need an epochal shift in our assumptions, approaches, models, and methods (pg 20)."

What I liked about the book: The first half of the book is a brief look into the psychology of adolescence. Over the last 50 years, adolescence has gone through 3 major shifts. We are in the middle of the 3rd shift. Assuming Mark is accurate in this description, this truth will prove extremely helpful in reaching teens.

What I didn't like about the book: The second half of the book is Mark's opinion on what to do with that information. Without delving into specifics, I think his suggestion is an over-correction. I do no like the suggestion that moving from what he calls Youth Ministry 2.0 to the new and improved 3.0 will require a major deconstruction of our youth groups as we know them. "One of the most important, dangerous, and courageous steps that any youth ministry needs to take if it's going to make the shift from Youth Ministry 2.0 to Youth Ministry 3.0 is to cut programs... The road forward must first go through the valley of doing less (pp 97 & 98)."

Favorite passage: "It's easy to see this quest for affinity in teenagers. They desperately desire to be included, to be a part of a social network, to feel as though as they belong somewhere (pg 41)."

Random passage: "What we must do as youth ministers is what Nelson Mandela did as a prisoner at Robben Islens: Discern the best way to use the times we're in to prepare young people to live in the world differently than most, as disciples of Jesus Christ (pg 12)."

My Rating:

Who might love this book: Tom Mulhern

Who might hate this book: Doug and Steve

Where I got it: Ryan bought it for me... that guy LOVES Amazon.

Have you read it? Comment!

Weigh-in Wednesday

2009-01-10T09:56:00.003-06:00

I'm less fat today (click).

What you're moving towards

2009-01-09T10:04:00.003-06:00

I don't have a car... I have a motorcycle. In Arizona you can ride year-round (although it's WAY cold most mornings right now!). I've been riding for about 4 years now. When I first got my bike, I took a motorcycle training course and I'm glad I did. As it turns out, riding a motorcycle is one of the most counter-intuitive things I've ever done.

For example, you'd think that when riding a motorcycle you'd want to stay vertical as much as possible. While that's mostly true, they teach you that you are supposed to lean into a turn. You'd also think that you should turn your handlebars in the direction you wish to turn. Instead, as you lean to turn, you are to push that handle bar forward. So if you want to turn right, you lean right and push the right handlebar forward!

The most important thing I've learned while riding. Your bike will go the direction you are looking. If you look right, your bike will start to veer right. When you're turning, they teach you to look way ahead of you... to where you want to go. Instinct tells me to look at the ground directly in front of me to avoid any treachery awaiting me at the corner. That is a sure way to lay your bike down. "If you look down at the ground, you'll end up on the ground."

You will go the direction you are looking. The same is true in the rest of life too. Whatever you are looking at... whatever gets your attention guides your direction. At my church, we have a term called 'negative meditation' (I'm sure we didn't coin the phrase, but that's the only place I've heard it). Simply stated, we cannot help but be consumed by those things we meditate on. If I dwell on the fact that I don't have as much money as I want or think I need, then my life will become about money. If I focus on the problems in my marriage, then my mind will be consumed by the flaws in my marriage... the flaws in my spouse.

I think the same is true of my own sin. What happens if my thoughts are dominated by a particular sin mine? What could be wrong with obsessing over trying to break a sinful habit? Obsession.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't take all of those things seriously. God is very concerned with our handling of our finances. He wants us to make healthy relationships and marriages a priority. And of course He wants us to take our sin seriously. Just like there's nothing wrong with checking my mirrors on the bike, there's nothing wrong with giving those things some attention. My focus should be forward, however. Too much time looking in the mirrors and I'm in trouble.

Focus. "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself (Matthew 6:25-34)."

My sweet Marilyn

I will miss you

2009-01-01T02:03:00.003-06:00

I will miss you, 2008. We shared many experiences together. Some of them great, beautiful, joyful, encouraging, uplifting. Some of them hard, ugly, frightening, sad, frustrating, heart-breaking.

We saw the 1-year aniversary of my beautiful wife and I -- You saw me perform the wedding of my baby sister -- You followed us through a move from Chicago, IL to Gilbert, AZ -- You were there through the frustrations and ultimate joy of Shannon's job search -- We saw the loss of my grandmother and an old friend -- You watched me gain... then lose... then gain again -- You followed Shannon and I on many adventures -- We saw wars and hatred -- We saw generosity and kindness -- We saw public figures rise and fall -- We saw hidden greatness step into the light

But mostly, we saw the Kingdom breaking gracefully into this world. Yes, I will miss you, 2008. But there are those around me who see something beautiful on the horizon of 2009... and I belive them. So, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

An experiment

2008-12-31T01:14:00.003-06:00

Hello World (and by 'world,' I mean 'the 5 people who read this blog'). This post is simply to inform you of an experiment I'm trying. If you know me, you may have noted that I'm a bit of a chubber. If you don't know me, check the pics.

I've decided to do something about it. I'm embarking on a journey of Fitness and Nutrition... and I'm cataloging it all for the World to see (again, I'm hoping those 5 people will now read my other blog too). I guess I feel that I'll be more motivated to be more disciplined if I know someone is checking in on me.

If you subscribe to this blog, then subscribe to my other one. If you don't subscribe to this one... WHY NOT?? Subscribe to both already!!

Please visit GregIsLosing.blogspot.com!

If I have not love

2008-12-22T09:17:00.006-06:00

I am terrified to share my faith. I'll be the first to admit that telling a stranger about Jesus scares the dittles out of me. I can always come up with a an excuse like, "I'm too busy... I'll be late to work." (I work at a church, by the way) =or= "I don't want to offend this person." =or even better= "What if I tell this person about Jesus and I make it seem lame? I'd rather someone cooler come along to share the Gospel with this person." (that's an actual fear of mine... lame? YES!)

Well I was exploring the blogosphere today and found this video on another blogger's site (you must visit this blog, by the way).

The guy in the video is Penn Jillette (of the magic duo Penn and Teller). Penn is an outspoken athiest. You might call him a super atheist. Mr. Jillette himself has said, "I believe there is no God. I'm beyond atheism."

If you're like me, and you can come up with a thousand reasons to not tell others about Jesus... then heed the words of the Super Atheist.

How do you get over the fear?

The Prodigal Jon

2008-12-18T09:09:00.006-06:00

This week I thought I'd highlight another of my favorite bloggers. His name is Jon Acuff and he writes a couple of blogs. The one I frequent most often is called Stuff Christians Like. That blog is dedicated to the wonderful world of the 'christian' subculture. For example, here's one of my favorites: #277. Crazy rapture products.

Most of the time they are just plain funny. But from time to time (and I'm sure this is Jon's point), I get convicted, or angry, or frustrated because he's right... we do some dumb things. I should probably point out that Jon is a very committed Christ follower. He's not just some angry guy out to get us 'real' Christians. He seems to truly love Jesus. He also doesn't seem like one of those super cynical Christians that says "I love Jesus, but I hate Christians." You know the type, they think most Christians are entirely too judgmental and will be the first to throw that stone.

Every once and a while, Jon inspires me. Today was such a day. At another blog of his (the guy writes like 20 blogs!!), he wrote this. Thanks for the swift kick, Jon.

I will not fall asleep

Black Friday Indeed

2008-11-28T19:36:00.006-06:00

Black Friday Indeed

Each year around this time, I start to wrestle with two warring voices in my head. The one that says, "Time to make my list!! Let's see... Xbox 360?... iPhone?... Tickle Me Larry the Cable Guy?" -- and the quieter, prophetic one that warns of the onslaught of consumerism headed my way.

I'm not going to lie, I LOVE getting presents. Sure, I like getting new things... SHINY things... things with BUTTONS and bright LED screens! But more than all of that, I love the look on my wife's face when she realizes that she picked out the perfect gift. I love the look on my parents' faces when they get to spoil their little... er... big boy.

But when I hear stories like this, I just want to be done with the whole dang circus that is the Holiday Season. I'm sure there was a time when this season really was about giving... loving... Peace on Earth... Good Will Towards Men and whatnot. Can we get back to that time?

what have we become?

A Ture Conspiracy

Did you know that on average, Americans spend $450 billion a year on holiday gifts?! That's $450,000,000,000!!
Did you you know that NOTHING kills more people every day than lack of clean water?!
And did you know that the estimated cost to bring clean water to EVERYONE ON EARTH is only $10 billion?!

I'm not saying that we forgoe the gift-giving festivities. I'm NOT saying that giving gifts is evil or wrong. But look at those numbers... something is wrong. What if we changed our priorities this year? What if we all gave up one gift and spent the money on something else?

It's called the Advent Conspiracy

Here are some great ideas!!

What are some of YOUR ideas?! How can we GIVE?! How can we change the world?!

6YearMed: Dayenu

2008-11-27T20:41:00.003-06:00

I love stories. I love telling them... I love hearing them. That's why the 'blogosphere' has such a draw to me. All over the world, stories are unfolding. And all over the world, people are desperate to share their stories with whomever will listen.

One particular blog that I follow is written by a woman named Danielle. She is currently a "6th year med student." She is currently working in a Neonatal ICU. She is a deep and passionate and gifted writer. As a doctor, she is close to many beautiful, or heartwarming, or funny, or sometimes tragic stories.

Dayenu

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is by far the most emotionally charged placed I have ever stepped foot in. The highs are high and the lows are devastatingly low. It is the first time since becoming a physician that I actually feel like someone's doctor. My parents will see me in the hall and wave, and every family member who visits their respective isolette asks to shake my hand. "So YOU'RE Sophie's doctor! Nice to meet you."

I recently discharged a baby boy home to his parents who had been waiting years for a baby. They struggled with infertility and multiple pregnancy losses until one day, they found themselves pregnant with twins. Two boys, who they gave strong, Biblical names. And then one day, and many weeks too soon, they met them. And while all I could think of was how unfair and sorry I was that they would only take one baby home from the hospital, their mom, a strong and compassionate woman with happy eyes, came back on Monday with a basket full of cookies. She brought them to the front desk, and asked to see, me, her boy's doctor.

She was thankful for all the care they received, and for her one baby who was home asleep on his daddy's chest. And for the moments she was allowed with her other son, right here, in this very hospital, before he had left us.

If I would have become a mommy, even for a moment, it would have been enough, and we are thankful.

But now I have one son, and he has blue eyes and perfect, kissable cheeks.

Dayenu.

If I had been born in the most prosperous country in the world, it would have been enough.

If I had been given shelter and food and education, it would have been enough.

If I had been raised by loving and gentle parents, it would have been enough.

If he had recovered from cancer, it would have been enough.

If I had been granted a job and friends and stability, it would have been enough.

But it's always more.

It would have been enough, and I am thankful.

Worst day of my life...

2008-11-16T09:15:00.005-06:00

... not really. But it apparently was for these young ladies!!

(okay okay, I promise this will be the last pointless post for a while. I'll try to contribute to the conversation in a more substantial way... thanks for reading!!)

(I'm not sure what's sadder, these videos... or the fact that I always find them!)

I'm sorry...

2008-11-14T12:51:00.003-06:00

... but this is way too cool not to share. You will call me a nerd, but I won't care!

John Williams A-Capella by Corey Vidal

What I was trying to say...

2008-11-11T19:47:00.007-06:00

A few days ago, I wrote a blog entitled "How Can a Thinking Christian _________?!" In it I expressed my recent disappointment with my Brothers and Sisters in the Church who have (I believe) gotten a bit off track with all of the hate they've been spewing. Perhaps my words were maybe a bit harsh (at least that's what I've been told). While I won't retract my sentiments, perhaps this will help explain my heart further... and more eloquently. I came across this article on the Relevant website. These are just excerpts, please visit the website if you'd like to read the whole article.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Battle of Words
by Travis Mamone
at RelevantMagazine.com

"When I first became a Christian, I was excited to learn from fellow believers all over the web and share my walk with them. Over the years, however, I’ve been seeing more and more arguments, debates and name-calling. It’s either one side accusing another of being “fundamentalist Pharisees” or someone being called a “liberal heathen.” And I, unfortunately, have participated in such arguments. So much for One God, One Faith, One Baptism.

I remember one person in particular, who used to frequent a Christian community on LiveJournal.... Whenever someone disagreed with her, she accused them of not reading their Bible enough or being “liberal heathens.” This was a person who was not happy until she had proven that she was right and everyone else was wrong. ...

But is all this arguing really worth it? Are we really teaching and correcting one another, or are we just tearing each other apart? The Bible says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). I don’t know about you, but to me arguing and name-calling are not very helpful...

...I pray for a great sense of unity within the Body of Christ. May we realize that we are all learning how all of this works, and that no one is perfect. And I’m praying for myself as much as I am praying for the Church."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lastly, I encourage you with a word from The Word.

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11 (ESV)

Wicked ill yo

2008-11-10T16:25:00.001-06:00

This is me (but cooler cuz it's British)

p.s. I stole this from another blog... a COOLER one.

How can a thinking Christian _________?!

2008-11-05T22:46:00.007-06:00

I'm not very intelligent. I'm not exceptionally wise. I'd be the first to say that I know precisely ZIP about politics. I certainly don't claim to be very aversed in all things theological. That said, I have a bone to pick with my brothers and sisters.

This election season has been called "the most important election in our nation's history." (Keep in mind that we said that about the last two too!) I'm not saying that it's not. What I am saying is that I believe many of us in the Church have once again gotten too tangled in things less important than we think. We've fixed a laser sight on the systems of this world instead of on Christ and His Kingdom (Colossians 3:1-4) ... and we've let it turn us into something entirely ungodly. I'll just quote a few of the hateful thing I heard this week.

"I don't understand how can a thinking Christian give their vote to a baby killer like Obama."

"I don't think you can be a Christ-follower and vote for a War Monger like McCain."

"It is a sin not to vote." - Show me!

"It boggles my mind how any Christian could support any Democrat..."

"If Jesus were alive today, he would certainly vote Republican." - Well, He IS alive... and as far as I know... He didn't vote.

"You voted for McCain? You must love war and killing." - LOVE WAR? What an evil thing to say about someone!!

"A vote for Obama is the same as a vote for Terrorism." - Equally evil!

and my personal favorite... "The Holy Spirit will not allow a person who is truly saved to vote for an ungodly man." - so a vote for the other guy is a sure sign that a person isn't saved?

Most of these are quotes from people I know to be professing believers.

These from the mouths of God's holy saints. Again, I do not want to belittle anyone for being passionate about their candidate. I don't think it's wrong to feel strongly about these things. But I will draw the line where we start making enemies out of those who oppose us. It baffles my heart that we (the Church) would make enemies of each other. It all but stifles my hope in the American church to hear someone openly doubt the salvation of another simply because they voted for the other guy. If anything, I would doubt the salvation of a heart capable of spewing so much hate. "Can fresh and bitter water flow from the same spring. No, bitter water cannot come from the same place as clean [James 3 :8-12]."

The fact that a Liberal is sitting in the White House doesn't frighten me because Christ is still sitting on the Throne. The American President is not the hope of the world. Nor are the American people or American ideals, for that matter.

The Church of the the Lord Jesus Christ is the hope of the world.

Needed: a swift kick

2008-10-25T11:14:00.006-05:00

The Kingdom is an interesting place. When I do something to grow as a believer, it is not only for my benefit, but for that of the Kingdom of God as well. That means, when I make a commitment to grow, I am not only committing to myself and to God, but to my brothers and sisters in the Kingdom. I was re-reading some past entries into my journal (man's diary) and I came across a commitment I made back in July...JULY... that I have yet to start on. I made a commitment to memorize 40 passages in the bible in 1 year. I have it broken down into 4 sections.

10 passages about or by Christ
10 passages about character/ virtues of a Christ-follower
10 passages about sin/ grace/ freedom
10 passages about the Holy Spirit

Today I started making my list. I decided to start with the second 10 (virtues). Here's what I came up with.
Contentment - 1 Timothy 6:6
Endurance - Philippians 3:12-14
Faith - Matthew 8:5-13
Forgiveness - Ephesians 4:31, 32
Holiness - 1 Peter 1:13-16
Honesty - 2 Corinthians 8:21
Integrity - Titus 2:7, 8
Purity of Thought - Philippians 4:8
Steadfastness - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Trust - Psalm 37:3-6

This is a Kingdom commitment, so ask me... quiz me... pester me about these.

A Room Called Remember

2008-10-25T10:18:00.004-05:00

I was given an excerpt from a book a few years ago. I don't know the name of the book or who wrote it (I'll find out, though). Here is an excerpt from that excerpt.

"There is no telling what trivial thing may do it, and then suddenly there it all is - something that happened to us once - and it is there not just as a picture on the wall to stand back from and gaze at but as a reality we are so much a part of still and that is still so much a part of us that we feel something close to its original intensity and freshness what it felt like, say, to fall in love at the age of sixteen, or to smell the smells and hear the sounds of a house that has long since disappeared, or to laugh till the tears ran down our cheeks with somebody who died more years ago than we can easily count or for whom, in every way that matters, we might as well have died years ago ourselves. Old failures, old hurts. Times to beautiful to tell or too terrible... The room called Remember, on the other hand, is a room where all emotions are caught up in and transcended by an extraordinary sense of well-being."

I was inspired as I re-read this this morning to take a step towards completing one of my 101 in 1001. #49: Write 10 poems. .::Here's attempt #1::.

A Room Called Remember

Here do I enter
To a room called Remember
Where the Past, once laid ember
Is Present

Though I thought that the Past
And all things that have passed
Were not meant to last
as they went

Here it is clear
That these things much less near
Old love lost, pain, joy, fear
Are not gone

Lost lessons let lapse
At the snap of synapse
Are as close as, hear Taps
See the dawn

Not for the sake
Of re-living the ache
Of re-feeling the quake
But to learn

He was there all along
In the silence and song
When the world all went wrong
As I yearned

Call+Response

2008-10-21T22:19:00.009-05:00

Have you ever had one of those moments that changes the course of your life forever? It's that moment when all of reality shifts a little further into focus... and it's almost blinding. I want to tell you about that moment for a hero of mine. And when I say hero, I mean it in every sense of the word. He has a vision for his life that inspires and humbles me. I want to be like him... I look up to him... and he's in high school! When Zach Hunter was 12 years old, he was studying pre-Civil War America. We all know about that dark time in America's history... when we were deeply involved in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. He was inspired and moved by the stories of people like Harriet Tubman and her Underground Railroad. He told his mom, "If I were alive back then, I'd be an abolitionist."

"You know, Zach, slavery still exists today," his mother said. "In fact, there are more slaves in this moment than in the entire 400 years of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade."

--CRACK!!-- This was that moment for Zach. His whole world quaked. He couldn't comprehend a world that hadn't learned from it's past sins. He started a movement called Lose Change to Loosen Chains. Is simple, you educate people on the horrors of the International Slave Trade and ask them to donate their loose change. That money is then donated to any number of organizations whose mission includes freeing slaves (IJM, FreeTheSlaves, etc.). Zach's story was really the first to open my eyes to the International Slave Trade.

Well today I heard about another great movement in the abolishment of slavery. It's called CALL+RESPONSE. CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.

Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.

CALL+RESPONSE.COM

Moving Woe's (Part 1)

2008-10-20T13:31:00.003-05:00

As Shannon and I are getting ready for the move back to the desert, our lives are a bit hectic.
This is our living room!

(can you see Shannon buried in the mess)

Chi-Town

2008-10-20T11:28:00.014-05:00

Well, my two-year and a half year adventure in Illinois is coming to an end. I hate to admit it, but this desert boy has really loved living here. Having lived in Arizona my whole life, it was really magical to live where there are 4 seasons (the leaves are changing right now) and SNOW. Even greater than that, it was great living near one of the funnest cities on Earth. Our apartment is only 40 mins due West of downtown Chicago.

As our time here is drawing to a close, we've decided to take as much advantage of the city as time will allow. Last week, Shannon's dad came out to visit for four days. During his time here, we went to Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, went to the top of the Sears Tower, and went on a boat tour of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Besides going to Wicked with my wife, the boat tour was the coolest thing we've done in Chicago. Basically, as we floated up and down the river, and eventually out into the lake, our tour guide gave us an architectural history of many of the buildings in the city. I know it sounds really nerdy, but it was facinating. Here are some of the sites:

This fountain was built to commemorate the reversing of the flow of the Chicago River. It took 25 years, but the river now flows out of Lake Michigan, instead of into it. The fountain shoots across the river for 10 mins at each hour, on the hour.

This is the Carbide and Carbon building. It was built in 1929, at the height of the Prohibition Era (1920-1933). As an act of defiance, the architects designed the building to look like a giant champagne bottle... note the top looks like the foil atop the bottle neck.
(it's covered with real GOLD!)

The new Trump Tower... 'nuf said.
(I'm pretty sure this is the one being built by the winner of the first season of The Apprentice)

The greatest skyline in the country (as seen from Lake Michigan).

Another great view of the skyline, this time right outside the Shedd Aquarium.

Our friend Melissa is in town for a few days and we'll be visiting the Art Institute of Chicago!!

stay tuned...

Snag

2008-10-12T22:32:00.005-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to Snag Films. Snagfilms.com is a website that features a catalog of documentaries for you to watch... for FREE. Not only can you watch them on the website (with a few commercial breaks), but you can 'sang' the film from the site and post it on your web page (Facebook, Blogger, Xanga, Friendster, WordPress, etc.)... FOR FREE (see below).

I just watched Supersize Me. I'm pretty sure everyone but me has already seen it, so I thought I'd see what the buzz was all about. If you are like me and have been living in a cave for the last 4 years, you should check it out... it's pretty disturbing. (let me warn you, there is some medical-related nudity and a small bit of coarse language). Morgan Spurlock (What Would Jesus Buy, Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden, and TV's 30 Days) investigates the effects of our fast-food addicted culture by exploring the effects on his own body. He, under the supervision of a team of doctors, embarks on a 30-day McDonald's only eating binge. He eats only McDonald's for each meal for 30 days. I won't spoil it for you if you've yet to see it, but the effects are quite shocking... even to the medical community.

More than just an experiment in self-abuse, the documentary explores the growing problem of obesity in our culture. Over 100 Million Americans are classified as either overweight, obese or morbidly obese. Obesity is the 2nd leading cause of preventable death... just behind smoking! Well, as an overweight man, I was moved to action by the film. While I have been taking my health a lot more seriously over the last 10 months, these last 3 weeks have been less than apathetic. It's time I start on a few of my 101 in 1001 goals. #11 - Loose 35 lbs and #42 - Go for a morning jog everyday for a month. I am NOT much of a jogger... so pray for me!

Supersize Me

WHAT?!

2008-10-09T14:27:00.002-05:00

weird ad... catchy jingle

Opening Pandora's Box

2008-10-08T22:14:00.007-05:00

This afternoon I was sitting at La Spiaza (my fav coffee shop in Downtown Wheaton). I was supposed to be doing homework and writing curriculum, but I was beyOND distracted. I'm not sure what it is, but I need a certain balance of privacy and stimulation when I have to concentrate. If I stay home, there's privacy... but there's also a lot of stuff to distract me (DVD's, wii, Shannon, books, Tivo, my Rubik's Cube, Keena). That's why I usually head to a coffee shop when I have to concentrate. There's privacy in anonymity, but there's also enough background noise to keep my mind from going numb.

But then I have those days when the balance is almost impossible to strike. Either, I keep getting distracted by listening to the random conversation’s going on around me (I’m nosy… sue me), or I get annoyed at the typical annoying coffee-house music playing. It’s usually some combination of classical music and obscure indie artists… so as to make all of us coffee-house junkies feel like we have ‘artsy-indy-street-cred.’ Well, today was one of those days. I was caught between two women gossiping about the pastor at their church and a mix CD of Death Cab, Flyleaf and Dashboard.

I just needed something interesting enough not be annoying, and discrete enough to ignore. I though I’d give online radio a shot (as I didn’t have my iPod and I have only Podcasts on my computer). I did a Google-search for ‘streaming radio’ and found this lovely website.

Pandora.com
Most streaming music sites I’ve visited are simply radio stations streaming their shows (commercials and all) on the web. This is completely different. It’s JUST music. And the best part, you can pick the artists you listen to. Today, I created my own ‘radio station’ and filled it with music I thought would help my situation. But about 3 songs in, I started hearing songs I did NOT know… but really liked. The website makes decisions for you based on the artists/ songs you’ve chosen! I have to say, the website figured me out pretty well (ironically, the website wanted me to listen to a good amount of Death Cab).

And an hour later, I still had yet to do any homework…

Leading the Charge

2008-10-03T13:00:00.004-05:00

This is an article I came across in Relevant (sept/oct 2008). I found it especially encouraging and energizing... especially during this current political frenzy. Read and Enjoy.

"Leading the Charge"
by Cameron Strang

Let's get this out of the way up front: I'm not a politically motivated person. Which is why I felt a tad out of place meeting Barack Obama this summer. And talking to John McCain. And doing countless interviews about faith and [the] shifting political views of our generation.

Yet I have unwittingly found myself thrust into the political arena, a place where people are vehemently passionate about their ideologies and platforms. It's an entire industry built around being right an proving your opponent wrong, and winning at all cost. It's a continual power struggle and- from my humble vantage point- seems a bit flawed.

I'm someone who tries to think independently and objectively, rather than simply follow what the pundits tell me to think. Because of that, I've realized I cannot fully embrace either political party. Both sides of the aisle have some great ideas and goals. But both also have areas where they simply get it wrong.

I know the power of politics and the importance of the process in our world. But I also know that, historically, real [and] lasting change has started first at the grassroots level long before it was ever legislated. Cultural mindshifts influence Washington, not the other way around.

Many Christians traditionally have voted Republican because of their justifiable conviction to protect the lives of the unborn. Now, many younger Christians are voting Democrat because of their justifiable desire to see our nation, the most prosperous in the world, address issues of poverty, global aid and the environment.

The problem is, many Christians vote these convictions, but that's largely where their personal involvement in the issues stops. Are the government leaders we vote for meant to do our jobs for us?

If God has given you a heart for the poor, or to see a reduction in the number of abortions, or promote peace, or help the sick, or to stand for strong moral values, or to be a better steward of the environment, then your personal focus needs to be on that- whether or not the President shares your same values.

The Bible reminds us to pray for our leaders, but it also talks about praying for those who persecute us. Thought I can't foresee any situation where this would be the case, what if one day every value Christians stand for, even religious freedom itself, was legislatively removed? Christians in China and many other parts of the world face this reality every day. Would it change us?

Dare I say, it might actually spur the Body of Christ here into greater action. Could it be that the loss of religious freedoms would ultimately be the best thing for American Christians because it would cause us to stand on our own feet rather than relying on the government to legislate our faith and values for us?

I've heard that only 5 percent of people who attend church regularly actually serve in any way. I've read that if every Christian in America actually tithed 10 percent of their income, we would have enough financial resources to wipe out global poverty.

There's more power lying dormant in pews across the nation than any government could hope to provide, and that's where our focus should be.

Many Christians want to overturn Roe v. Wade, but I don't hear nearly as many leading the charge on a national adoption movement. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, where are all of those babies going to end up? Christians should be focused on personal action regardless of legislation, not just waiting for the right number of Supreme Court justices to come along.

I'm not saying don't vote. Do. Vote your convictions and let your voice be heard- that's one of the perks of living in a democracy. But don't let politics breed division, or make you see people in a different light.

If you have a passion for an issue, rather than judging someone who doesn't share that passion or viewpoint, just go do something about it. Give your life to it. Be the change you want to see.

We need to pray for our leaders and our country, but always remember that our leaders and country do not define us. We are the generation that will shape the direction culture, government and social action will take in the next 50 years. It's not up to Washington, it's up to us- and I say it's time we step up and lead the charge.

But that means with our lives, our finances and our actions every day. Not just Nov. 4.

Reckless Abandon

2008-10-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

Here's another great and challenging article by the folks over at Relevant. It was inspired by the tragedy that took place between Korean missionaries and the Taliban just this past July. I'm just going to put a little taste here for you. Follow the link to the rest.

- Enjoy -

"You might wonder how that kind of logic sits with Christ followers like the original Apostles, or Dietrich Bonhoeffer, or Jim Elliot. Each of them, and many more, allowed their faith in God to lead them directly into harm’s way, and nearly all of them paid for it with their lives. So it seems that something fundamental to our message, and its delivery, has changed. Has our over-developed world of liability insurance and denominational actuaries and class-action lawsuits watered down ancient Scripture’s warning that this was all supposed to be dangerous in the first place? When Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble,” He wasn’t talking about losing the right to pray in school or losing our 501(c)(3) IRS tax advantages.
Matthew 24:9 says, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me” (TNIV)." Click on the picture to read on...

Dwell in the Tension

2008-10-02T20:31:00.002-05:00

I need a picture of this poem... something that will illustrate this tension.

A tension is here, and has always been here
Where we live in both gladness and sadness
It's called life in a Kingdom both distant and near
Where we live between boredom and madness

The tension is found where the Dark meets the Light
Where ugly and beauty collide
Where our hearts whisper "peace" while our voices scream "fight"
And the living have already died

No our King is not safe, but He's certainly Good
And He carries no sword nor a gun
It confused us at first; we assumed that He would
But you see, He has already won

So are we afraid in this tension to dwell
Between the world and how it could be
Where we see glimpses of Heaven through the fingers of Hell
And we're set free to be who we should be

I'll start with a list...

2008-10-02T20:12:00.008-05:00

I'm going to give this blogging thing another go. To start, I'm going to strait up steal an idea from a friend, Melissa. In Feb of '07, Melissa set out to accomplish 101 in 1001. That is, 101 goals in 1001 days. Well like I said, I'm gonna strait up steal her idea.

Here are my 101 goals I hope to accomplish in the next 1001 days.
1001 days from today (October 2, 2008) will be June 30, 2011.

1 – Graduate College (projected July 29th)
2 – Go deer hunting with my dad… and kill a deer.
3 – Record a CD of my OWN music
4 – Find a doctor I like
5 – Be a part of the solution in Africa
6 – Sponsor a child with Providence World Ministries
7 – Visit that child in Honduras
8 – Camp in the woods for a month (survivor man style)
9 – Ride my bike from West Cost to East Cost to raise awareness and $$ for a cause
10 – Go to Israel
11 – Lose 35 lbs.
12 – Buy a house
13 – Start an HSA
14 – Adopt a dog and name him Gunther
15 – Read every Philip Yancey book (3 of 8)
16 – Read every Brennan Manning book (1 of 14)
17 – Audit a photography class
18 – Take a beautiful picture of something common
19 – Take lessons for a new instrument (either piano, cello, mandolin, or drums)
20 – Visit Alaska
21 – Do a 7-day fast
22 – Run a mile with my wife
23 – Go deep-sea fishing
24 – Make a coffee table
25 – Invest
26 – Hike Picacho Peak with Shannon
27 – Hike Camelback with Shannon
28 – Visit my sister and brother-in-law in Vegas
29 – Rescue someone
30 – Go on a motorcycle trip
31 – Tattoo
32 – Learn to golf
33 – Be an extra in a movie
34 – Learn to love vegetables
35 – Do something I hate to challenge myself
36 – Give up something I love to learn something new
37 – Do 10 chin-ups in a row
38 – Do 100 push-ups in a row
39 – Play guitar and sing at an open mic night somewhere
40 – See a stand-up comedian
41 – Go to the Opera
42 – Have an entire conversation in Spanish
43 – Go for a morning jog everyday for a month
44 – Write a love song for Shannon and sing it for her
45 – Be alone for 48 hours
46 – Take a 24-hour vow of silence
47 – Cook an exotic meal
48 – Read a book in 1 day
49 – Write 10 poems
50 – Teach Melissa to grill meat
51 – Go to Portland
52 – Eat Mexican food in Mexico
53 – Learn Photoshop
54 – Design a website
55 – Go to a Jazz gig
56 – Wine tasting
57 – Buy a nice camera
58 – Grow an herb garden
59 – 2 words… Chia Pet
60 – Audit an Astronomy class
61 – See the Blue Man Group
62 – Bet $25 on Black
63 – See 15 of the AFI top 100 movies that I’ve yet to see
64 – Buy stock in a company I believe in
65 – Ride a horse
66 – No soda for a month
67 – Video myself sleeping
68 – Collect all State quarters in both mints (59/100)
69 – Play hookie w/ Shannon and go out of town
70 – Get a Pedicure
71 – Contribute the max to an IRA for 6 months of a year
72 – Buy a rifle and a handgun
73 – Teach Shannon how to shoot
74 – Do a home improvement project
75 – Go a month without eating at a restaurant
76 – Go a week without buying anything
77 – Surprise Shannon with a trip somewhere
78 – Switch to energy-saving light bulbs
79 – Learn to cook 5 organic meals
80 – Ride my bike to work once a week for 4 months (actual weeks… not average)
81 – (when we have a house) – Audit energy consumption for 2 months.
82 – Then cut energy usage by 25%
83 – Buy all organic produce at a Farmer’s Market
84 – Raise awareness and $$ for a cause
85 – Research socially conscious companies and buy clothes from them only
86 – Apply to be on a game show
87 – Buy a juicer
88 – Buy a food processor
89 – Try a yoga class… a macho one
90 – Learn to do a back flip
91 – Reupholster my motorcycle seat
92 – See Switchfoot or Jon Foreman in San Diego
93 – Visit a coffee plantation
94 – Eat Sushi
95 – Fly first class
96 – Buy an original painting
97 – Share my faith with a stranger
98 – Update my blog at least weekly
99 – Go on another LeaderTreks trip
100 – Go mountain biking on South Mountain
101 – Save $10 for each 101 accomplished (including this one) and put it in my sock drawer… I MEAN… A bank guarded by ROBOTS!!