Adversity

We've all gone through it. Some of us are in over our heads in it! Adversity is not biased. It can touch anyone in any area of life, at any time.

Maybe in school…

Maybe in a relationship…

Maybe as a single mom or dad…

Maybe in your job…

I've had my share. I've learned that adversity reinforces, strengthens. It also challenges who I am at the core. It's been said that adversity doesn't build character...it reveals it!

I have to ask myself: Do I avoid adversity and take that path of least resistance? OR will I get my hands dirty and push…conquer…learn…understand?

Maybe it’s having that challenging conversation that I have been avoiding. Maybe it's procrastinating on a project because I have hit a mental block, challenging circumstances, economic woes, or whatever!

In these times we face, let's find out what we are truly made of. It is in those times that we can see our strengths and opportunities for growth. I would suggest that in those times adversity could serve us well. If we don't like what it reveals, change it.

A comfort in adversity for me is Psalm 91:15 - God promises us that He will be with us in our times of trouble. Sometimes I may not feel that. . . but I trust and know it's truth.

What is our perspective on adversity? Maybe it's to provide wisdom, a teachable moment, or provide us opportunities for compassion and empathy. I am much more empathetic when I encounter others who are experiencing my past / current pain! Finding someone to talk to about the situation helps too!

What adversity have you been avoiding? What are some challenges that you need to face head on this week?
My suggestion: don’t avoid adversity…face it and live!

**Logged for my future use and reference.

Tiger's 14th

I watched the US Open this weekend.  Incredible battle between Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods.

If a picture is worth 1000 words.... what is the caption?

A little day in your night

We stayed here in Seattle for about two months a few years ago - in the summer time.  We forgot what 9:30 PM looked like!  

If the picture doesn't tell you . . . it looks like about 6:30 / 7 Pm farther south!

A little hard to go to bed when it's light outside.

Planes, Buses, & Boats

We took a little trip to Seattle to celebrate Melissa's sisters High School graduation.  We haven't been to Seattle in about three years and with many of Melissa's family around, should be a good time!

We set off for adventure bright and early - Ahead of us a plane ride, a bus ride (which we volunteered for the sheer adventure of it), and a boat ride!  Here is the day in Hyper speed.  

WARNING:  Take a little Dramamine - the fast pace has know to cause dizziness!

One Year and counting

June 1st came and went. I just realized that I've been a part of the Crossroads team for one year. It went by so quickly! I am thankful to God for directing me and teaming me up with the Roadsters!

After celebrating our third anniversary this past January, we moved into our new office/cafe. As you can see from the pics . . . it's a pretty cool place. The coffee shop will be full service, hopefully in mid-August.

Today - one of our neighbor business owners used our Cafe to conduct an interview. That is exactly what we've been hoping for. I was able to talk with the interviewee . . . whose family is moving here from Flagstaff. I enjoyed meeting Tina and was even more happy we are becoming a third place for our community.

In a funk

I hesitate to write this, but I feel a little funky! Not sure why - just a little out of control with stuff. There is a lot on my mind:

:: Work related stuff to juggle. Outside of maybe accounting (no offense to numbers people) do we ever get a handle on all we have to manage. Maybe it's just me!

:: Am I being the dad and husband my family need. I feel sometimes that I am distracted by what I didn't get done, I have trouble being present for the family.

:: I am not exercising like I should - regularly!

:: My back has been bugging me when I wake up.

:: I don't like my head shaved or fuzzy - Now I'm sounding like a girl.

:: I need to get better at planning our monthly spending (got great tools at my disposal from my FPU class)

:: I want to run another marathon but not sure I want to put in the time and energy!
ARRRGGGHHHH!

I am extremely grateful for so many blessing God's given . . . Man, I am thankful - just feeling funky!

Thanks for letting me get this out of my head. I'm going to eat a bowl of cereal.

What do you do when you are in a funk?

Consoli-da-she-own!

A few months ago I contemplated changing blog formats. I liked what the Typepad offered but didn't like the feeling of once you go there - they've got you for life - feeling. What I mean is all the post on Typepad are non-transferrable to any other blogging site. It's a feature that some of the others offer . . . which is why I have decided to stick with Blogger (Blogspot). For the kind of blogging I am doing and for my "audience" - it's the right format for me.

So as to not lose any of the Typepad posts when I close my account (within a couple of days) - During the next couple of days I will be reposting the Typepad posts to my Blogspot account. If you've already read them, please bear with me. If you haven't it may catch you up as to what was on my mind!

If you want to view all the post from Typepad - Search by typing - Typepad - at the top of this page!

Wii Fit . . . Way fun!

If you've heard about our little compact we started at the end of last year, you probably know that buying anything new (besides the exceptions) is not in our plan this year.  We've been really doing well, although we haven't had much to blog about in that department.  Anyway, in a moment of weakness - we caved!  The Wii Fit component grabbed and wouldn't let go!

Needless to say it's way fun and half way through you don't even realize you are actually working out-breaking a sweat and breathing a little faster, at the beginner level!  This thing is pretty legit if you ask me and we as a family are having lots of fun and hopefully getting more fit along the way.  

A lesson in trust

I am rarely effected by the negative bad news we hear most mornings/evenings. With all the talk about gas prices increasing, the housing market tanking, and the most of our society spending more than they make, it can be a little bit of a downer.

Just a week ago I was in Walmart buying a few items and as I reached into the self check out change dispenser I found a penny with wheat on it! "Sweet, an old penny!" I thought. I looked at the date - 1924. That is one of the oldest I've ever handled personally.

I put it in my pocket and then felt God speak to mind and heart. I began to think of all that penny has been through before it got to my hand that day. In 1924, one could buy a loaf of bread for 5 cents. That penny had seen several presidential administrations, the depression of 1929 into the 1930's. A couple of World Wars, economic turmoil and upswing. How many times have we walked by pennies on the ground, thrown them in a wishing well, or disregarded their value. Countless times!

God reminded me that as this penny has been through good and bad times, it made it through economic struggles, I too will make it through rough times. I read the inscription on the front and it said it all to me - In God We Trust. May sound a little cheesy but it really reset my focus!

Back up outta my grill!

Not sure if this would give most a panic attack but . . . Look how those in the back get low and use the legs! I would need a little space in this situation!

How would you handle this situation?

If you haven't failed, you haven't lived

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

Best thing that's happened to me!

The last couple of days, have been memorable for my wife.  Yesterday she had some sweet oral surgery!  One wisdom tooth - GONE!, One crown . . . ON!, Three fillings - FILLED! All in less than an 120 minutes.  That's the equivalent of a radiator flush, oil change, and new tires.  She woke up doing pretty well considering.

Today she turned 37.  I am proud of her and now she's helping others now achieve their health goals.  She's the best thing that's happened to me.  Happy Birthday Love!

Free Music

Coldplay is giving away a new song from their new album "Viva La Vida" that drops in June.  If you want it click here!

Free stuff is cool.  Good free stuff is even better.  

What do you think of the song?

Exponential Conference Day 2 & 3

The conference concluded this afternoon with Rick Warren bringing it home.  He sat down on a chair in the middle of the stage and talked about ways leaders can build reproducing churches.  That was the reoccurring theme of the conference - Churches reproducing churches.  I believe that is the mission of The Church - to duplicate itself.  Many are doing that with plants or multi-site venues.  Multi-site seems to be a fad right now.  Not sure if it's a trend or full fledge movement.  

Here is a question.  Should all churches reproduce themselves? I am not sure about that.  As much as I would hope and believe our responsibility and call is to disciple/reproduce ourselves.  Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City, had a great point.  "Cell multiplication without a purpose is called a CANCER!" - Does that mean a church plant or a multi-site venue could be a cancer to the body of Christ?  Some churches are planting and multi-siting cause it's popular or the latest trend.  Purposeful?  That's between the pastor and God.

I enjoyed listening to Alan Hirsch.  He challenged thinking and brought some insight into church planting and different things happening in the Body of Christ these days.  

I didn't get to hear Scott Hodge (walked by him) but did like Vince Antonucci - what a great story of what God is doing in VIrginia Beach!  Some amazing things!

I will have to post some pics a little later - My batteries died in BOTH of my cameras!  We had a good time with the Wyatt's and got to hang out at Downtown Disney!

Exponential Conference - Day 1

Andy Stanley is a great communicator. Not just in the books he writes but in his style of communication. He spoke to a bunch of peers today and made his talk clear, helpful, and motivating. Here are some of the thoughts I had during his talk.

Andy Stanley

· Andy's got a cool authenticity.

· China's underground church is looking for models – (Security Model is what they have – "don't get arrested" model.

· It's foolish to allow a ministry thing to divide a family/family member.

· North Pt started with 1500 people!

· North Pt. has two churches 20 miles north and 20 miles south. 14 churches planted.

· The glue that holds it all together: Peter said, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God."

· Vision: a mental picture of what it COULD be fueled by a passion of what SHOULD be!

· Vision begins as a burden. What burden are you carrying?

· The WIN is when the vision is clear and communicated clearly.

State it simply:

· What are you trying to accomplish.

· Memorable is portable! Easy to remember – It's not easy (we assume everyone knows what you are all about)

· Vision doesn't stick . . . It let's us know how poorly we've communicated it.

· "create a church where unchurched people love to attend."

· ONE campaign– to make poverty history (compelling and clear)

· If we are committed to Growth and Multiplication - the statement must be simple/compelling statement in order to last

· Barrack Obama = Change (He will get to explain what it means if he wins)

· What is our one sentence job each day we show up for work.

Cast it Convincingly

· Nehemiah 2 – ultimate vision casting story.

· Wall was down for a while.

· Three components: Define problem, offer solution, why/why now

· People have to feel the problem – Craft the vision as the solution to the problem people connect to!

· What must be don? What would go undone if our church ceased to exist. When we answer that problem we see what our vision statement addresses.

· Businesses have created . . . the idea that we are the solution to your problem.

· Why plant in this community now? A clear vision motivates people to act.

Repeat it regularly

· In every organization there is a rhythm. What is our Rhythm?

· January: A good time to vision cast (or when ever attendance is up)

· Vision leaks . . . We repeat it regularly – recast, recast.

Celebrate Systematically

· When you catch someone living the vision out, living the mission. . . make them a public WIN that is celebrated! "When I say . . . a fully devoted follower of Christ . . . that is what we are talking about."

· Stories clarify vision –

· How do we Celebrate these stories . . . Systematically.

· What happened last week that made you feel successful at what you do here (at The Crossroads).

Embrace it personally and publicly

· Personal stories, celebrated – help others see you've bought in.

· Reiterate that their job was significant.

· Be intentional with sharing those moments. What COULD be and what SHOULD be will be clear on what God has planted in your heart.

Bad Children's Book Titles

There is an article in Newsweek that described a new book out to help kids cope with their parents (Mommy) getting a plastic surgery.  It's called "My Beautiful Mommy."  

It led me to find another list of bad children's book titles.  I am not sure I will be running out to buy one of these anytime soon.

Here is a sample:

"The Boy Who Died From Eating All His Vegetables" 

"Dad's New Wife Robert" 

"Fun Four-letter Words to Know and Share" 

"Grandpa Gets a Casket" 

"The Pop-Up Book of Human Anatomy" 

"Things Rich Kids Have, But You Never Will" 

"Pop! Goes The Hamster...And Other Great Microwave Games" 

"Your Nightmares Are Real" 

"Strangers Have the Best Candy" 

"The Attention Deficit Disorder Association's Book of Wild Animals of North Amer - Hey! Let's Go Ride Our Bikes!" 

Dr. Seuss these are not.  Any other book titles you'd like to share?  

Stuff Christians Like

I came across this blog today called "Stuff Christians Like".  There is some funny stuff on here.  This one caught my eye, cause I dabble with the graphic design.

Here some of my other favorites:  

#157 - Testamints - Sending Bad Breath to hell.

#118 - Slowly turning against Oprah.

#99 - Mixed bathing.

It's OK to laugh at ourselves!  It a sign of a healthy self-image.   Thanks to Scott for sharing this with me. 

If you read the blog, what were some of your favorites?

Back on baby!

I took a necessary break from blogging and my blogroll.  Just felt a little informationed - out!

I am back and plan to blog a little more frequent than once every three weeks.  

What have you recently got burned out on?

Text Questions. Get Answers.

This concept is not all that new - I've heard of a few churches doing something similar - but we are trying something new for us.  

Check out this link and post I just wrote that explains it all.

One Prayer

Originally posted on Typepad - March 31
This sounds like a revolution! Count me in this prayer!

Take a moment ... it's worth the watch

Originally posted on Typepad - March 24
I watched this this morning and had a moment with God!

Mad Church Disease

Originally posted on Typepad - March 24
If you haven't heard of this, this book was just finished and will be out next February. I know it's a little ways out but . . . I am looking forward to this read!

Check out the author (who is a regular contributor to Relevant Mag) Anne Jackson here.

Knee Jerk Reactions & Color outside the lines

Originally posted on Typepad - March 21
We've all had them before. Knee Jerk Reactions. We are too quick to jump to conclusions about situations without knowing all the facts. It's really easy to do when someone's actions don't match up to what
you're used to in your own life. I'm learning that behavior has it's roots lodged in the heart (both good & bad). To keep an open mind, at times, is the ability to hear without making judgments. When we don't
listen, we miss out on many new insights and possible experiences.

If someone would have told me that most of our music would be played digitally and it would be available to the common, not just the elite, that would have blown my mind. What about sending files through the
air (Bluetooth) ... It amazing even today!

I'm try to stay up on what's going on today, especially with my kids culture. But, sometimes I have to do some research to try to keep up & stay engaged in their culture. I like how one person said it, "When I'm engaged in their (our kids) culture, I can stay in relationship with them."

No one is perfect and we all miss the mark with each other! A recent quote from Perry Noble at NewSpring's Unleash Conference is relevant to this topic: "The older generation seems to always get mad at the younger
generation."

Shepard Fairey has this to say about culture and such: "My whole M.O. was very similar to skateboarding and punk rock, which was the idea that if the mainstream wasn't picking up on what you were
doing, create an alternative scene to the mainstream. My attitude was never 'I want to be an isolated person and do my own thing in direct opposition to the mainstream'; it was more like 'I need to be doing
what I'm doing, and I need to figure out how to keep doing it by any means necessary.' Alot of people think if you are into some sort of subculture or alternative culture that means you are anti-mainstream.
My idea was always 'Well, mainstream is kinda sucky a lot of times, but does it have to be?' It would be cool to educate people about the stuff that I'm into. Sort of enlighten the mainstream--raise the bar
all across the board rather than having to feel like an outsider forever."

How can this apply in dealing with the church and The Church?

I need to stop my Knee Jerks and let people color outside the lines. I just might learn something. And, then, someone might find the courage to take their next step towards Christ because I get out of the way.

What Knee Jerks have you experienced recently?

The Move

This week is known as the week of passion, the week of celebration not only Jesus' death but also his resurrection.  I am grateful!

We at The Crossroads moved into our new office / cafe this week.  Transition is not always easy. Communication and keeping positive are key components in helping ease tensions of change.  I am reminded of a couple of Charles Swindoll quotes:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

What is the hardest part to deal with when we have no control over a situation?

Dougie Depp

If you haven't checked it out...it's pretty fun!  

OK - I am done.

Face in a hole

Only Bob Ross can pull the white man-fro off!  Check yourself out!

39 is the new...29

March 14 is my birthday. I can't remember when it wasn't sunny on my birthday. Got to love spring time!

Looking forward to a great day:

_7:30 am - awaking to breakfast in bed (Oatmeal, toast, pineapple juice)

_ 8:30 am - Taking the boys to PE

_9:50 am - Going to Starbucks with the family

_10:15 am - Going to see "Horton..." movie with the family

_12:15 pm - Eating Lunch with my bro, mom-in-law, sister-in-law, and family

_2:00 pm - Getting the boys new shoes (may get some B-ball shoes too).

_4:00 pm - Return home

_7:00 pm - Light dinner (watching movie on iTunes - "Changing Lanes")

Now that's a great day!

Plans for year 39:

_I plan to exercise more - playing hoops, running, riding my bike to and from work!

_I plan to pray more. I am craving more of God in my life. Need to grow closer!

_I plan to work less. When I am home I want to be home and not "finishing" what I didn't get done.

_I plan to read more books. See work less ... I read a lot just want to read more.

If 40 is the new 30 . . . 39 is the new 29? I feel like I am 34!

The Madness Has Begun

Originally posted on Typepad - March 12
Today starts the NCAA men's b-ball tourney. Love this time of year.

Here are my final four picks: NC, Kansas, Pitt, UCLA || Pitt beats NC - 89-83 We will see!

Testing One, Two, Three!

For my three readers, you may have been concerned about no recent posts. Well I've been looking for another blog home. Check out the possible new spot.

I am liking some it's features, but not liking others. I will be weighing it out and let you know what blog estate I plant roots.

Stuck in a Small World

Originally posted on Typepad - March 07, 2008

My pastor and friend is a writer. This week his new book dropped called Stuck in a Small World. It will be a soft launch of the book but we are planning to roll it out in conjunction with the opening of our Koina Cafe (hopefully by the end of the month). Here is a brief look at the book:

"With the economy in limbo and life zooming at an out of control pace, the family unit is under attack. Common circumstances have plagued our society for years.

Wyatt tackles these issues head on addressing such issues as single-parent families, sibling rivalry, emotionally distant fathers, blended families, families with special needs children, and many more.

Stuck in a Small World came out of a personal experience, when at Disneyland the Wyatt’s found them selves literally stuck on the ride It’s a Small World. The boat stopped, but the annoying music did not. Meanwhile, the loudspeaker kept blaring, “Please! Do not exit your boats!”

With a painfully honest take on his own families stuckness, Wyatt offers a hopeful look at how we can break the cycle of dysfunction and rewrite the music of our family’s repetitive song."

I am looking forward to reading it.

Grappling

Originally posted on Typepad - March 6, 2008

I am talking with several people these days who are wrestling with many paradigm shifting issues. I am one!

Love for God is not an issue. It more of issues with the local church and The Church as a whole. I ran across this quote from Tony Morgan's blog.

"Real faith is dynamic. It's controversial. It's dangerous. It's constantly growing. It asks challenging questions. It involves mystery. You can't put it in a box. You can't keep it quiet. You can't out-grow it. You can't out-dream it. It's more focused on others than it is on self. Real faith gives me peace but makes me discontent to let things stay the same."

We are all on a journey to discover who we are in Christ. May that growth process never end.

What will Church look like?

Originally posted on Typepad - March 05, 2008

Barna released a report recently identifying five segments of church attendance.

From the report:
“The fact that millions of people are now involved in multiple faith communities - for instance, attending a conventional church one week, a house church the next, and interacting with an online faith community in-between - has rendered the standard measures of “churched” and “unchurched” much less precise.”

so, out of the following…which segment do you identify with more? if you would rather remain unidentified, just type in anonymous for your name and don’t link back to your blog.

Unattached - people who had attended neither a conventional church nor an organic faith community (e.g., house church, simple church, intentional community) during the past year. Some of these people use religious media, but they have had no personal interaction with a regularly-convened faith community. This segment represents one out of every four adults (23%) in America. About one-third of the segment was people who have never attended a church at any time in their life.

Intermittents - these adults are essentially “under-churched” - i.e., people who have participated in either a conventional church or an organic faith community within the past year, but not during the past month. Such people constitute about one out of every seven adults (15%). About two-thirds of this group had attended at least one church event at some time within the past six months.

Homebodies - people who had not attended a conventional church during the past month, but had attended a meeting of a house church (3%).

Blenders - adults who had attended both a conventional church and a house church during the past month. Most of these people attend a conventional church as their primary church, but many are experimenting with new forms of faith community. In total, Blenders represent 3% of the adult population.

Conventionals - adults who had attended a conventional church (i.e., a congregational-style, local church) during the past month but had not attended a house church. Almost three out of every five adults (56%) fit this description. This participation includes attending any of a wide variety of conventional-church events, such as weekend services, mid-week services, special events, or church-based classes.

What does going to church look like for you? how do you think “going to church” will look over the next ten or twenty years as our world gets smaller with technology?"


Thanks for Anne Jackson for the info.

Starbucks - Going back to the basics

Originally posted on Typepad - March 5, 2008

Much has been made about Howard Schultz taking the reigns back leading Starbucks. As a former employee, I appreciate the third place concept but beyond that I appreciate the value Starbucks puts on creating an experience for their customers - with overpriced coffee! Here is an excerpt from his letter to his employees. Read it in it's entirety here. By the way, I love how Starbucks refers to employees as partners.

We are at our best when we are entrepreneurial and courageous, push for innovation and reject the status quo. We are leaders not followers--we leave that for others.

We are the third place in the lives of millions of our customers. We are the coffee that brings people together every day around the world to foster conversation and community.

As Starbucks partners, we are bound together by the passion we have for our coffee and the customer experience. More than 170,000 of us stand for quality and an uncompromising ethical standard. We uphold our guiding principles by demonstrating respect and dignity for one another, and for our customers. (emphasis added)

I read the letter from Mark Waltz's blog.

I know all is not perfect with Starbucks but they do a good job at what they do. Like or dislike The Bucks?

Get the Message

I like the Message.

I am an alumnus of PLNU. I like Dean Nelson. I now like Eugene Peterson.
Check this (it's 30 minutes)



By the way, I am trying out another blog site. I am really liking it. There are a few other posts you won't see on Blogger. I may take the leap ... Stay tuned!

Eugene Peterson Interview

Originally posted on Typepad - March 4, 2008

I am an alumnus of PLNU. I really enjoyed learning from Dean Nelson (My World Lit. Professor). Gene Peterson, godly man. This is 30 minutes and he provides a great perspective on the Bible and stories. Great interview.

Liquid Gauging

Originally posted on Typepad - March 3, 2008

Somebody call Al Gore. With gas prices on the rise (summer around the corner, and all the middle east conflict) it is conceivable that American's will pay $4.00 for a gallon of gas. This is common in Europe.

Besides that think of all the other liquids that we are paying too much for:

_ Milk - $3.50+ gal.
_ Coffee - Leave Starbucks with out paying $4.00!
_Water - $1.50 bottle

What else do we pay too much for?

The best thing that has happened to me

Originally posted on Typepad - February 29, 2008

I am proud of my wife. Since August of 2007 she's lost 62+ pounds.

She is more energetic, confident, we are all eating better, and she looks healthier.

I appreciate her courage to try something to improve her health. And now, she's helping others achieve their goals too.

She's the best thing that has ever happened to me!

Phil. 1:3

After spending a good chunk of time ('98-'04) with these guys on a regular basis, I've recently have been reacquainted with the genuineness, the coolness, the greatness that is Danny Rhines and Wes Ohaire. More Wes.

Two words: Tri-Fecta (pictured to the right)

If you ever get a chance to meet these guys and eat lunch with them, you need to buy!

Who are two favorite people you like to hang with - with no pretense?


*I am diggin' Joseph Zwanziger and his all seeing eye. Much love the the peeps of TFH.

The 30 Day Sex Challenge

I've signed up for the challenge! Now, to tell Melissa . . .

I know what I think about this challenge. What do you think about this challenge?

The worst sound...

. . . known to man is the sound of a drill in your mouth! I got a crown on an upper molar yesterday. I am really glad to say . . . NO PAIN! Dr. Rama was great. His staff were great!

He ground the existing tooth down to the gum line.

Cleaned the exposed root that was slightly damaged but looks like it will heal/restore itself.

Filled two cavities - one on top and one below. BTW - I took one of these pics while the crown was going on.

Digitally created a tooth that looked just like my old tooth, sent it to this crown making machine and installed the tooth.

I great experience, that I would recommend to anyone who has to go through it - Great customer service.

Thank you Dr. Adri Rama and the Rama Family Dentistry Family - Scottsdale, AZ.

NOTE TO SELF: Floss daily!

Doug & Elaine, Elaine and Doug!

Like many, we (my entire family) are Seinfeld fans.  Who isn't?

So I am at LAX this morning, minding my own business when Julia Louis Dryfus strolls up.  Honestly, I am not a Star Struck kind of person! I really tried not to stare.  I really tried not to take a picture. 

Carpe Diem got the best of me!  Not sure when she would ever get the chance to take a picture with me again so . . . . 

She was nice.  I was nice too . . . I didn't use a flash!

Who is the most famous person you've gotten a picture with?  

Video Blog

I enjoyed a good day today. Thank you Lord! I miss and love my family . . .

Video Email

I am in Valencia this weekend as I serve on the Board of Directors for Higher Vision Church.  Video Blog day one . . . .

Computer Issues

The Super Bowl and the FBR open were memorable events here in Phoenix. We had a good time with family and lots of food as we watched the SB in a memorable finish! Half of us were rooting for perfection and half rooted for the underdog. Everyone enjoyed the game! Both my boys were into the game (the fourth quarter). Melissa said the boys lost their Super Bowl virginity - I think they are look forward to next year's game!

My computer disk died this past weekend too! I took it into the Apple store on Monday and they proceeded to put a new disk in the machine. The y "tried " to save the data - not sure I am too convinced it was completely unsalvageable but. . . . due to the warranty it was repaired. I've spent a lot of time reloading and recovering stuff. I rely on my computer . . . for too much. I am glad I am back up and jogging.

What do you rely on that would be difficult to be without?

Big Week for Phoenix

This is a big week for Phoenix sports.  Besides hosting the Super Bowl (Patriots vs. Giants) there is a major PGA tournament going on - although there is no Tiger there will be  4 of the top 10 golfers (including #2 & #3).  

The Super Bowl alone is supposed to bring in about 400 million in revenue for the city's economy.  

Ten of the top 20 viewed TV programs all-time have been Super Bowls!

I heard on the radio that some hotels are charging up to 8 times their normal price!

Companies are paying up to 2.7 million for a thirty-second ad.  That's a lot of cash . . . 

I forgot to add that the SUNS are playing the SPURS on Thursday!

If you are hosting a party, what is the best Super Bowl snack?

It's raining, it' pouring . . .

It is a rare day in Phoenix.  Rare!  It is sunny (or partly cloudy) 325 plus days of the year.  That leaves about 40 days a year for grey days or rain. 

 

It is not messing around today.  It has rained non-stop since 5 am and as of 4:15 pm, it's not going to let up anytime soon.

What is your favorite rainy day activity?

I can't believe I did this. . . .

I knew I was going to do it!  I left off one of my favorite drummers.  One that has influenced me and many others.  He can be heard on the radio, on any given pop station.  The thing that bothers me about leaving him off is that he and Vinnie are tops to me!  

Abe Laboriel Jr. has it all.  Besides being the backbeat for Paul McCartney, he's also laid down groove for Sting, Sheryl Crow, Clapton, Shakira, Jewel, Liz Phair, Vanessa Carlton, and both Simpson girls.  Here is a complete list.

Three words that describe his drumming to me:  Passion, Power, Passionate-Power!  Entertaining to watch and has such a solid groovy groove.

Rock on Abe!  Rock on!  For your drumming greatness and my forgetfulness . . . you get your own post.

Any others I've left off?  Who is your top three favorite drummers?

Favorite . . . Drummers

Now drummin' is near and dear to my heart. Inevitably someone who "should" be on the list will be left off. These are my favorites right now.

1. Vinnie Colaiuta: He is my favorite of all time. The dude is a legend to say the least. I first heard of him in the early 90's although he was playing with Frank Zappa way back when. His handle of odd times is incredible. I saw him at Yoshi's in Oakland and was glad my Wes and my family got to enjoy the experience as well. Probably not as much as I though! My favorite recording of his . . . Sting's Ten Sumner's Tales - Clinic on drummin'.

The rest are not in any order . . . .
2. Carter Beauford: Looks like he is having a blast behind the kit. Is the train that moves DMB.

3. Chris Coleman: His work with Israel Houghton is phenomenal. He has some of the quickest hands and feet. Makes it look easy.

4. ?uestlove: (Ahmir Thompson) This guy grooves and then . . . grooves some more. Nobody better in the Hip Hop / Neosoul world.

5. J J Johnson: Not to be confused with the Wynton Marsalis Trombone player. I've seen this guy twice live and countless on TV and DVD. Writes the text book at what a pocket feels like. If you ever see him . . . his head and shoulders tell the story. Simple, powerful, solid, money! John Mayer did well in hiring this guy.'

6. Stewart Copeland: For all the fighting that went on with The Police . . . They made great music. Stewart blended lots of styles to give them their unique brand. Rock has lunch with Reggae and coffee with Jazz. Great composer as well.

These Guys have had some influence on my drumming over the years:
Honorable mentions: Chris McHugh (Garth, Lincoln, Currently with Keith Urban) | Bill Maxwell (my childhood hero)- Andre Crouch, Koinonia | Steve Brewster (Faith Hill, Awake America - Lindell Cooley, Nashville Session Guy) | Scott Williamson (Nashville Session Guy, FFH, Lincoln) | Tony Williams (Jazz Great, Miles, and others) | Jeff Pocarro (Toto) | Alex Acuna (LA Session Guy, Weather Report, Koinonia)

Challenges in Church Planting

All church plants have challenges . . . some same and some different in nature.  

One of my friends (yes, I have more than one!) lives in Iowa.  He is on staff at a church plant there and well . . . it snows in Iowa.  Not sure I would like snow to as one of our challenges at The Crossroads!

Here's a pic of setting up church, in January, in Iowa!

Favorite . . . Snacks!

I've turned over a new leaf in the last couple of years. Just trying to take care of myself a little better. My top five snack foods. Not in any order:

1. Carrot sticks (dipped in ranch - when I'm feeling crazy)
2. Raw almonds (Trader Joe's)
3. A warm pita dipped in hummus. (23 seconds in the micro and enjoy!)
4. Cranberry Ice Pops - (Ocean Spray poured in the ice cube trays. Don't forget the toothpicks)
5. Smoothies with silken tofu and frozen berries (seasonal) Tofu is a great alternative protein source without saturated fat.

OK - who am I kidding! Here is the real list.

1. Melissa's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies - Great out of the oven. Incredible frozen treat - Don't knock it til you've tried it!
2. Peanut M&M's - I used to be a plain guy for years. Still like them, but loving the salty/sweet thing these days!
3. Pepperidge Farm double chocolate cookies. I don't care for the milk choco. Gotta be the dark. So light and crumbly . . . you blink and 4/5 are gone!
4. Fuji apples - Nothing like them in season. This seems like it should go on the healthy list but I really like them! The only stipulation with apples . . . I eat more of them when they are cut up wedges.
5. Grapes - Got to be careful not to eat too many at one setting. Love the purple ones!

Honorable mentions: Bowl of Cereal, pistachios, cashews, brownies (homemade), Snickers - really satisfies!, fresh pineapple

What are your top three?

Favorite . . . . Guitarist

I like lists.  Letterman's Top 10, Best Team Ever, Best Burgers in Town . . . you get the picture.  

Today I read an article about one of my most favorite guitarist. This is the first time a Christian artist has been featured in Premier Mag. It reminded me of how cool he is besides being a great guitaritst.  His personal instruction and direction changed paradigms in music for me.  It shows the impact someone can have, if only for a short period of time.

Not in any order:

1.  John Mayer - his cool factor is off the charts, can make SRV's licks sound like his own, and can write a good song!

2.  Lincoln Brewster - Getting to hang around him, for the selected moments in Modesto, made me want to be a better musician.  Just makes playing the guitar look fun.

3.  Wes O'Haire - Not as known, yet, as the others on this list but should be.  Groove, style and soul.  Well-rounded - can play Rock, Jazz, and Classical in the same set!  Heppest of cats and great friend.

4.  Joey Bombaci - The dude knows his stuff and his licks.  Can look at a guitar and tell you the make, model and serial number!  Enjoy his company.  Joey can be heard on any given weekend in the Alt. Service at CCV.

5.  Stevie Ray Vaughn - Need I say more.  All the four mentioned above own him gratitude.  Heart and Soul blues - "Little Wing" and "Pride and Joy" are my favorites.

Had the privilege of playing with three of my five favorite.  The honor was mine!

**Note:  Joey's picture was not available at time of push-button publishing.  He has a great dome!

Do you have a favorite, not on this list? Let me know.

Disappointment

I am disappointed.  I failed to fulfill the expectations of . . . myself.  I believe in the statement I saw on a Gatorade shirt that said, "The best inspiration is not to outdo others but to outdo yourself."I didn't outdo myself.  I set out to run in the PF Chang Rock N' Roll Marathon (Jan. 13) - read here.  I don't do the little things I did on my first.  

One was signing up and paying for it.  I didn't do that.  

The other was sticking to my plan.  I didn't do that!  

Third was getting sick.  I did that!  After being sick for about a week/half.  I never recovered

the motivation to run the marathon.  

As I watched the coverage this weekend I am disappointed.  My new goal is San Diego - June 1. I plan to go by the book.   It worked last time.  Why not again!  I feel/hear my athletic clock ticking. 

Any tips on how one may outdo their self?  Any external motivation tips?

Being Three is cool!

Our church turned three this weekend. We had CCV pastor Don Wilson speak. Being a church plant, CCV helped our start and we feel great being an extension of what God is doing through that body.

The Crossroads also commissioned it's first group of elders. Here is a quote I ran across a couple days ago that helps describe our group. "An imperfect system filled with men and women of integrity will function far better than a perfect system filled with men and women who lack integrity." That is what we have at The Crossroads.

I am glad to be a part of what God is doing in the Northwest Valley of Phoenix. Here are some pics of the weekend.

On simplifying life . . .

This quote really speaks to me in our world of never ending messages, advertisements, and information.

 "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak."-Hans Hofmann

It poses a question to me.  What in my life is unnecessary that can be eliminated?  

Happy New Year - Chug Contest

Last night my boys and I stayed up and watched the ball drop. We talked about our most special moment of 2007 and gave thanks, played the Wii, watch some Mythbusters and had our first annual Chug Contest.

The contest will be an annual New Year's Eve event. The Champion will hold the crown for the entire year. Now the audio is not so great we were trying to be quiet (Melissa and Gigi) were in bed asleep. (if you have an RSS feed you'll have to go to the blog home).

Congratulations to the winner!