My Feeble Attempt at a Blog

Epitaphs revisited

2008-03-16T00:45:00.001-07:00

Okay, so... now that I’ve posted those thoughts, here are a couple of things to know:

No, I am not planning on dying anytime soon. Nor do I need suicide counseling. At least at this juncture. I am extremely blessed to have the love of a wonderful family and a job that I look forward to going to (when I’m scheduled).

The whole idea of epitaphs and life as a vapor really had me thinking. Maybe it’s my graphic design side. Maybe it’s my random side. Maybe it’s my desire to get people to think about what life is all about. Or maybe it’s because I’m still trying to make ends meet and move my family into our own place before we all go crazy here at my parents’. Whatever the reason, I’m looking at starting epitaph as a line of designs, mainly for apparel. I’ve submitted a quick design to myshirtcrowd.com for voting. Please submit your votes when it comes up! (I think next month or so?) And let me know what you think.

All in all, I’m hoping that these thoughts and ideas will get you and others to start thinking about what their life is all about. Don’t take it for granted. Please. Love someone until it hurts. Laugh until you cry. Make sure you tell everyone in your life how much they mean to you. No regrets.
Solo Deo Gloria.

Epitaphs revisited

2008-03-16T00:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so... now that I’ve posted those thoughts, here are a couple of things to know:

No, I am not planning on dying anytime soon. Nor do I need suicide counseling. At least at this juncture. I am extremely blessed to have the love of a wonderful family and a job that I look forward to going to (when I’m scheduled).
The whole idea of epitaphs and life as a vapor really had me thinking. Maybe it’s my graphic design side. Maybe it’s my random side. Maybe it’s my desire to get people to think about what life is all about. Or maybe it’s because I’m still trying to make ends meet and move my family into our own place before we all go crazy here at my parents’. Whatever the reason, I’m looking at starting epitaph as a line of designs, mainly for apparel. I’ve submitted a quick design to myshirtcrowd.com for voting. Please submit your votes when it comes up! (I think next month or so?) And let me know what you think.

Epitaphs

2008-03-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

Epitaphs. They’re a funny thing, aren’t they? Take Alexander the Great, for example. His reads: "A tomb now suffices for him whom the world was not enough." Mel Blanc’s reads, "That’s all folks."

Some of you may remember the ubiquitous commercial for Tombstone frozen pizza - "What do you want on your tombstone?" Jack Handey of SNL’s "Deep Thoughts" fame once wrote, "I hope that when I die, people will say, ’Gosh, that guy sure owed me a lot of money’."

But what really is the summary of a life? And what will be written on my tombstone? What will be remembered of me? I mean, here I am, 31 years old -- a husband, a father... pianist... friend?

I guess you can blame all of this on TNT’s decision to air the movie, "Meet Joe Black" a couple of weeks ago. Of course, as life goes, I missed the end of the movie on TV, and so when I saw the DVD at the library, I went to check it out. As the final scenes played out on the screen, it was Anthony Hopkin’s words that struck me the most. Facing the certainty of death, he faced it bravely, stating these poignant phrases in a conversation with his daughter:

"I want you to know how much I love you.... Don’t worry about me... I have no regrets. And I want you to feel the same way. Everything’s going to be okay."
"I love you Daddy."
"That’s why it’s going to be okay."

And it hit me. What legacy am I leaving behind? James 4:14 says it best: "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (NKJV) What am I doing with the time I have here? If I were to die tonight... is everything going to be okay?

We spend so much of our lives searching... wanting... wishing... and in 31 short years, so much can happen. How many years do I have left? We don’t know. The Bible reminds us that it’s "appointed unto a man once to die, and then the judgement." (Hebrews 9:27) What will be left on my epitaph? What single memory will my life hold for those whom I hold dear?

Lord, help me to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me. Let me rest knowing that if I were to die tonight, everything will be okay. Not because of what has been settled or not in my bank accounts. Not because I have or haven’t obtained everything I wished for here. But let it be because I chose to love as Christ did. And let that make all the difference.

Amen.

So tired....

2008-02-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

It's 10am in the morning now, as I gaze blankly into the computer screen. "Write something!," my brain tells me. "I know!," I speak into the empty oblivion. "But what?" No response. Like I expected one. Nobody else is here.

But there it was. "Come home." The words reverberate in my head. "Ye who are weary... come home."

"But I'm not done yet! You don't know what I want to do still!," my mind protests, though my body and soul are weary and urge me to think and say otherwise.

"It's time to stop blaming the world. Time to stop moping and feeling sorry for yourself."

"Okay," I sigh. "So, what's next?"

Thus begins another chapter in this life. The weak and weary traveller. On the road to...? Who knows? All I know is that I'm learning quickly that sunny paths aren't always in the forecast. Life isn't always what you want it to be. And... well... if it was, then there wouldn't be a way for the dirt and the grime to wash away.

I guess that's my prayer. That's my hope. Is that the storm is passing. That these dark clouds that have been shadowing me will bring a much-needed cleansing rain to my tired soul. And maybe... just maybe... there'll be some friends to meet me out in the rain.

After these messages...

2007-11-17T13:54:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I've got lots to post and lots to say, but no time and ability to do so... So, for the moment, sit back, relax, and enjoy these quick little tidbits of fun:

"This is Not a Game",
an article from the New Yorker Magazine
and "Animation vs. Animator"
from Deviantart.com

(ht to marko)

Okay, so... what did I sign up for?

2007-06-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I got this e-mail earlier today, and... well, I'm used to getting the junk e-mail telling me that I just won a $500 Starbucks gift card or free iPod or whatnot, but... really? A John Deere tractor? What mailing list did I sign up on to get this one??? Just had to share...

On a "lighter" note...

2007-05-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I don't know whether to laugh or cry, but... I had to share this one with you. Boy... when the Spirit moves.... well... just watch the video. And enjoy.

Onward Christian Soldiers....

2007-05-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Mark Driscoll at the Resurgence website posted an interesting blog about this video. Apparently, they produced it to be shown and given out as a gift to the attendees at a Church Planters' conference. However, after the initial screening, the video was criticized by Bill Hybels, and the thousands of copies shipped to the conference ended up not being distributed.

It's an interesting take on the leadership of the church, and it's an interesting thought on the fact that many of us don't want to face -- that church isn't something for guys to "do." I think Mark hits the nail on the head in many aspects here, though his technique may be a little out there. What do you think? I'm going to watch it again at some point, but I thought I'd throw this out there to get your feedback...

A recommendation

2007-04-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

Music. It infiltrates so many areas of our lives - think about it - just the mere mention of do re mi or "bright copper kettles" sends melodies of "The Sound of Music" into your minds. With that notion in mind, Greg Laurie and the Harvest Worship Team has produced an album rich with simple yet profound theological concepts and truths. It's a project called "Praiseworthy," and it's available now at praiseworthy.harvest.org in both mp3 and CD formats. Enjoy. It comes with high recommendations. :-)

Another tragic wake-up call....

2007-04-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

"Where is the hope? I meet millions of Americans who tell me that they feel demoralized by the decay around us. Where is the hope? The hope that each of us has is not in who governs us or what laws are passed or what great things we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working in the hearts of people. And that's where our hope is in this country; that's where our hope is in life." (Charles Colson)

I know that I must be among the thousands of people blogging about today's tragic turn of events at Virginia Tech, but... for some reason, I couldn't get it out of my mind. And though I'm not completely a fan of Charles Colson, this quote, which is featured at the beginning of Steven Curtis Chapman's album, "Heaven in the Real World," keeps echoing in my heart as I watch the news, whether it be the shootings today, or the tragic events happening throughout our country and the world on a daily basis. Where is the hope? Where is the peace? Do we truly believe it when we say, "He is our hope; He is our peace?"

Do we honestly agree with the confession that my only comfort in life and death is "that I belong - body and soul, in life and in death - not to myself, but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has competely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him?" (The Heidelberg Catechism, question 1)

Over the past months - and even year - I have become increasingly aware of, and consequently concerned of, the widespread movement of our reliance on God and His power and protection to the reliance on our own works and deeds to give us that comfort and assurance. Modern-day movements call for mystical reflection and prayer through the scriptures using new-age techniques such as labyrinths and mantras, Christian "self-help" books aim to give us the new answers to questions about life and purpose, and Christian pastors claim that prosperity is what God promises. All the while, the world looks on, hoping to find a solid answer for the misery they're experiencing. For the troubles they find themselves in. But, sadly, for the most part, it seems to be without merit. Where is the hope? Again, I ask - where is the peace?

It's time that we step up again and LIVE for Christ. It's time that we TRUSTED God's Word. I'm tired of going from church to church hearing a simple sermon on how to better my life. I'm tired of hearing from emerging church leaders saying that all we need to do is physically embody Jesus to the unchurched world through our actions. Am I alone in hungering and thirsting for a generation of people to take God at His Word - that the ONLY hope that we have is the hope that is found in a relationship with God? That that relationship - and that alone - is the answer to all of our problems?

Sure, it's good to feed the poor. Sure, it's good to try to help other people better their lives. But come on, people - not at the expense of sound Biblical doctrine and teaching!!! Charles Spurgeon put it best when he said, "The need of the hour for today's ministry is believing scholarship joined with earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that it sets men on fire." (Charles Spurgeon)

The answer is God's people, earnestly empowered and set on fire by the honest and brutal truth of our depravity and God's atonement, changing the world for the Glory of His Name. That, and that alone will bring us the peace we have been looking and waiting for. It's not enough to try and skip the middle part to do it on our own - even for the "honorable" sake of not offending people.

People are looking for answers - especially in the wake of today's tragedy. It's time we take this, as Christians, as a total wake-up call to find our hope and comfort in God alone - and to be renewed by His Truth and His Word.

Any thoughts?

To be... or not to be?

2006-11-12T00:19:00.000-08:00

As I sit to write this, there are several thousand things running through my head. It's been an interesting week, having gotten a call on Monday morning telling me that my dad's mom, "Ba-chan," as we called her, had suffered a heart attack and was taken to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital.

After almost a week of watching her degenerate from complications from pneumonia and heart failure, we finally said goodbye to her Thursday afternoon. It's weird having someone close pass away; especially if it's not something that you've experienced before... Just a reminder of the brevity of life.

The Rev. Billy Graham was once asked the question, "if you could meet yourself at the beginning of your career, what would be the one thing you would tell your younger self about your life?" His answer? "The shortness of it." James, in his epistle, reminds us of this when he writes, "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:14, NKJV)

But what is life all about? That's what's been on my mind tonight, after having a long sit down discussion with the Buddhist "priest" that performed tonight's service. Honestly, it was rather disheartening and sad, if you ask me. You see, according to him, Buddhists believe that there is no God; no Creator - and thus, no beginning or end. The present is just that - the present.

So, what is there to look forward to in this life? "Nothing," came the bleak reply. "To reach enlightenment, we must inwardly come to the realization that we are nothing." Really? Is that what we're hoping for? What is life all about?

I must agree with Rev. Masado when he said that we must realize that we are nothing. But to stop there would only be half truth. Paul sums it up best in his letter to the Romans when he writes:

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25)

What do you think? What is the meaning of life? What gives you meaning? I thank and praise God that He has rescued me from the wretchedness that is me. My heart breaks for those who search so hard to find "enlightenment," only to have it stop there...

...but more on that later...

In the meantime, please pray:

1.) For our family as we deal with the passing of Ba-chan
2.) For our finances as we hadn't budgeted for this trip and are fearing that the last week that we spent with my family will be taken out of our paychecks.
3.) For the members of our family who do not know Christ. That we would take advantage of the opportunities we have to share the Gospel with those who need to hear it. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Thanks. :-)

God bless,
Darryl

Just so you know...

2006-10-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

An endorsement for doctrine

2006-08-06T00:40:00.000-07:00

John Piper, on his ministry site, Desiring God, wrote this article about the need for doctrine and the difference it makes. It should only take a little bit of your time, but it's worth the read.

Find it here.

A Friend of Discernment

2006-08-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

One of the most interesting ideas thrown my way over the past few weeks has been the one of unity within the church. While unity is a noble goal and a worthwhile goal, the question must be asked, "at what point does the importance of the goal diminish the importance of discernment?" It's been interesting to me, over the course of several conversations - many with leadership in ministry, including pastors - to hear and think about the notion of doctrine being divisive. To hear and think about the idea that we are united in Christ, and as long as people are reaching people for Christ, then we should seek to be unified with them.

"I used to be opposed to the likes of Benny Hinn and Joel Osteen," said one person. "But I had to come to terms with the fact that people are coming to Christ through their ministries, and so to be divisive towards them would be hurting the cause of Christ."

Really? John Piper, in the advertisement for the 2006 Desiring God National Conference, says it plain and simple:

"Those who talk like this - 'Christ unites; doctrine divides' - have simply replaced a proposition with a word. And they think they have done something profound. And fresh. When in fact, they have done something old, and stale, and deadly."

At what point, then, does doctrine and discernment become necessary in our quest for Biblical Truth in an age of Postmodernism? And how do we, as a Church body seeking for God's glory, work towards that while many churches turn their hearts away from Biblical Truth for the sake of numbers?

Has it really become forbidden in our churches to seek the Truth? To dialogue about doctrine? Has Satan actually fooled us into believing that people don't want answers? That this generation is turned off by absolute Truth? I, for one, am worried and praying that God will raise up leadership in the Church that will call for sound doctrine and Biblical excellence. Is that too much to ask?

In an effort to equip and challenge whoever may read this blog, I have added a new section to my links on the right hand side. I urge you, take some time to read through these articles. There is nothing more dangerous - especially in this day and age - than to simply follow your faith blindly. It's a scary world out there, folks, and I pray to God that we don't succumb to Satan's attack to dismantle us from the inside out.

God bless,
Darryl

Defining "church"

2006-06-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

This last week, I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker of mine who tried to describe to me the mentality behind the seeker-sensitive model of church that Willow Creek used. In that model, Sunday morning exists not as a place of edification, nor as a place of evanglism, but merely a bridge towards deeper Christianity. While, as he mentioned, 20,000+ people may attend an entertainment-driven "watered down" Sunday morning service, about 8,000 of them are the core members of the church, attending midweek studies and groups that serve to strengthen their faith.

Really? Is that what church is all about? Trying to trick people into becoming Christians? What about the other 12,000? Does anyone in the ministry care that those 12,000 people may just be comfortable going to church on Sunday, thereby fooling themselves into believing that they are Christians and saved when they really are not? What is more dangerous?

It's been an interesting journey; experiencing "church" on such a wide scale. I've been to visit churches of almost every type of denomination. Calvary Chapel, Baptist, Southern Baptist, Charismatic, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Non-Denominational, EV Free, Friends - and each of them have sought in the past to do "church" differently. Yet more and more, churches are leaving their traditions and roots behind for the latest trend in church growth or marketing. But why does the church exist? What is the meaning of "church" as we know it, and why do we continue to meet from week to week?

Ask most pastors, and you'll probably get a different response than what a congregant would say. That's why I'm asking you. As an aspiring Pastor, I feel that sometimes I am wrong in thinking that my job is to teach the Word of God - with clarity and integrity - for the equipping of the Saints to do the work of the ministry. Therefore, that's what I look for in a church. Am I asking too much? I'm not asking to be entertained; I am asking to be taught. I am asking to be shown how to live my life in accordance with God's Truth for the sake of the Gospel. I am not asking to be told what to do; I am asking to be shown more and more the character of God in a corporate setting so that I can be better equipped and empowered to do the work that God is calling me to do.

What do you think? Why does the church exist? What is its purpose, and what do you look for when joining a church? Is it merely a place to meet friends with a common interest? Are you looking to be entertained? Have I set the standard too high, and am I asking too much?

Somebody please explain this to me, as I am beginning to feel all alone out here.

Thanks,
Darryl

Because it bears mentioning...

2006-05-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's not too often that I come across a ministry site out there that really catches my attention. Sure, I'll visit certain sites merely for information, but this site really has pulled some great resources together and in a really attractive way. Tired of cheesy church sites? Want to have some questions answered? Looking for meaning in life? Try this site here. If anything, you won't find any of flannelgraph pictures of Jesus here.

Although if there was a flannelgraph website around... no, nevermind.

Is it any wonder...?

2006-05-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

I think this proves my point...

2006-05-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

Click here. And be scared. Is this really what Evangelical Christianity is coming to???

A Biblical illiteracy crisis

2006-05-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after hearing a message given by Francis Chan on The DaVinci Code, I felt that I had to follow up my last post with a plea for Biblical literacy among Christians. I think what struck me the hardest is that the status of the current church puts many Christians on the same level as the cults. I mean, do you really think that a devout Jehovah's Witness actually studies their Bible to get the answers they give? No! Most of what they pass on are deceptive teachings that are propogated from their teachers and leaders, and the emphasis on needing to "search the Scriptures" (Acts 17:11) to test the truth of their teachings is simply non-existent.

But what about us? As Christians, I believe we have a responsibility to search the Scriptures; to be Biblically literate, always ready to "give an answer for the hope that we have." (2 Pt. 3:15) Otherwise, what is it that separates our truth from the "truth" that the cults propogate?

It's that sort of reliance that many Christians have on their leaders that I believe is at the root of our fear in the upcoming release of the DaVinci Code.

So... please... take this to heart, and crack open those Bibles. :-) You might just be suprised at what God has in store for you when you do. :-)

Happy studying!
Darryl

The DaVinci Saga

2006-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so with all of the buzz going around about the upcoming "DaVinci Code," I thought I'd throw in my two cents, for whatever it's worth. After all, I haven't read the book - much like many of the Christians who are talking about it, it seems. However, my reason for not having read the book is more attributed to the fact that I am a dad to three young kids, as opposed to being opposed to reading it for the sake of my faith. Give me a break.

Honestly, I wonder if all of the controversy surrounding the book in the Christian world is simply founded in the insecurity that the Christian churches at large are facing in America - that we have simply focused too much on feel-good, fluffy messages without much content and Apologetics that when something comes along to challenge our faith, we have no other recourse but to coil in fear.

C'mon, folks - we're in a battle here, and it's time that the Church takes its stand and trains its members to be prepared in and out of season for the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Maybe when the leadership of the Church starts focusing on teaching the Bible - and teaching people how to use it - and less on making people feel good, we'll be better prepared for the next go-around.

As for me, I'm sick of hearing about the DaVinci Code from Christians. Do they really think that I am so weak in my faith that I'm not prepared to face this head on? Thank God for the Pastors that have given me the confidence in my faith that I need to know that a simple work of fiction will not come close to shaking it.

Just my two cents. Again. :-)

Important Distictions...

2006-04-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

Brad Bell, the pastor of the Well Community Church in Fresno, recently gave an incredible message on spiritual formation and how that is different for each person. I encourage anyone and everyone to take the time to listen to it. It's affirming to know that the dialogue I enjoy with many of you is an essential part of my growth as a Christian - so, thank you. :-)

As with any journey, some steps take you forward; others force you to retrace your steps and choose a different path. Still at other times, it's good to sit and think. Today was one of those days. It's been great to dialogue with a few people about the last post that I made on here, and especially great for me to be forced to engage myself in a real discussion about intelligent faith. Too often, Christians are not thinking for themselves anymore. But don't get me started on that one.

With that in mind, I do need to make an important distinction. Both in my research of the Emergent Church movement and in my dialogue with others on the subject, I have had to come face to face with the realization that not everyone who identifies themselves as "emergent" (or fall into that category whether they like it or not) is a "problem church."

In fact, a few of the leaders of this movement who have sparked my interest have written a letter in response to recent criticisms. I encourage you to read it and take some time to actually think for yourself about the kind of church that God is calling us to be. Again, it's not about simply taking sides. It's about engaging our minds and searching for the Truth. It's not about feeling good as much as it is about us growing together in this journey we call faith - THAT is the Church. Just please... don't stop thinking for yourself.

A disturbing trend?

2006-04-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

Over the past year, I have found myself increasingly intrigued by a movement in the church that is labeling itself as "emergent." Various articles have popped up from here to there, and churches labeled as "emergent" have seemed to run the gamut of conservative Bible-teaching dispensational churches to the more liberal "view the Bible as a nice allegory" type. Whatever the case may be, this certain demographic of churches is seemingly latching on to the words of what some may call "the great theologian of our time": Bono. Is he really, though? True, many of the lyrics that he has written deal with the deep longings of the human soul to connect with God. A sort of wrestling with honest, real faith that many, if not all Christians, can relate to. But what is at the core of Bono's teachings? And is it dangerous to connect one's faith to his leadership?

Consider this: in recent concert events, the band has reportedly been urging their audience to chant, "Jesus, Jew, Mohammed - all true," with the picture "Coexist" behind them on the screen. "But he's a professing Christian," some would say. Really? I beg to differ.

Consider that in a recent interview with U2's front man, Michka Assayas, Bono was quoted as saying, "You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. "

What are the implications of a church teaching Bonoisms rather than the Bible? Bono has repeatedly come forth with a cry that the church desperately needs to hear - that the poor and the hungry of the world need to see the church put feet to its faith. But at what cost? What happens when a young or vulnerable Christian goes to church and see's Bono's words held up in such high esteem? Would he then not assume that Bono's other words are just as well thought out? The Bible warns us of such false prophets, does it not? Wolves that come in sheeps clothing? If one can separate the two and make the distinction clear to his congregation, then great- the church needs to hear the challenge to serve that Bono so eloquently presented at the recent National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. But please, make the distinction. Social justice at the cost of the Gospel is not the way to go. Furthermore, Bono's claims in the prayer breakfast itself undermine the church and its authorities, stating that "[the church] has perverted the gospels and the Holy Scriptures since they were first written." Oh really, Bono? Peter? Paul? Perverters of the Gospels

I think a recent article in Christianity Today sums it up best when they wrote:
"Bono has said repeatedly that Christianity without an element of social justice is empty. We agree. But a Christian's pleading for social justice without worshiping God regularly within the community of the church is little more than activism for its own sake. Any person can stand outside the church and critique its obedience to the gospel. Part of God's call on a Christian's life is to walk inside and die to self by relating to other human beings, both in their fallenness and in their redeemed glory." (Christianity Today. March, 2003, Vol. 47, No. 3, Page 37)

What do you think? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on this... D

Open Forum #1: Bibliolatry?

2006-04-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been wrestling with several questions recently, and this has been one of them. So... will you help? I'm interested to hear your thoughts, not to mention find out who reads this - or who even cares. At any rate, here's the topic- let me know what you think...

Is it possible to idolize the Bible? What would that look like? How can I tell if I'm falling into that trap? And what do I do about such passages as 2 Tim. 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:15-16?

Again, your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

Thanks,
Darryl

Mark Your Calendars...

2006-03-12T23:47:00.000-08:00

McChrist?

2006-03-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry... this really is only for those of you with a sense of humor about our faith. It may take a minute or two to download, but... for me, it was well worth the wait. :-)

Enjoy!

Click here.

How well do you know me?

2006-03-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

For instance, did you know...

Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Disneyland® Cast Member (Go Narration Attractions!!!)
2. Starbucks™ Barista
3. Worship & Media Pastor
4. Graphics/Publications Artist

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Sleepless in Seattle
2. American History X
3. Down With Love
4. The Goonies

Four places you have lived:
1. Cerritos, CA
2. Valencia, CA
3. Fresno, CA
4. Milpitas, CA

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
2. The Colbert Report
3. The Simpsons
4. #1 Single

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Hell (a.k.a. Disneyland)
2. San Diego, CA
3. Home
4. Sacramento, CA

Four websites I visit daily:
1. myspace.com
2. miceage.com
3. ocregister.com
4. kfi640.com (for Dr. Laura)

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Tofu (I know, but...)
2. BBQ Chicken from L&L Hawaiian BBQ
3. Does coffee count?
4. Gummy Bears

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. back in Fresno
2. in the OC
3. Hof's Hut with the New Life group
4. in bed

Four friends who I have tagged that I think will respond:
1. Breyon
2. Anne
3. Jen H.
4. Melissa H.

Hot Potato... help me! :-)

2006-02-28T22:58:00.000-08:00

Help My Potato Reach All 50 States!
	Click on the button below to see how fast my network of friends can pass this potato to all 50 states!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2006-02-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to Jeff Wetherell and his blog for this one... enjoy.

Click here.

My Comfort; My Shelter

2006-01-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've last posted. Life has been crazy, and even now as I stop to type this, I hesitate, knowing that there is a pile of work that still awaits me, even at 10 o'clock at night.

I said earlier today in a conversation that I longed for authenticity. And I guess for too long I've been a hypocrite in that. I haven't wanted to share my struggles on here for fear of what others may think; of what others may say. But I guess that's part of the journey, isn't it? That's why we need community. Why we need each other.

I'm no more perfect that any one of you. In fact, I often wonder how much less perfect I am. But together, in our common bond as imperfect people, somehow... somewhere... I still believe in a God that brings our imperfections together for His glory. The question is - where will we find it? Or will it find us?

Over last weekend, I had the opportunity to finish a book that I had been longing to read since I bought it. It's a book called, "Stumbling Toward Faith," by Renee Altson. Wow. Add that to my list of "must-reads" for anyone in ministry. I doubt if she'll ever read this, but... for Renee: thank you for allowing me to see that vulnerability in the life of the Christian is allowable. No, strike that - it's needed.

And because I can't say it as eloquently as she does... I'm going to include an excerpt from her book here.

Pray for me. Pray for our family. And Lord, I believe. Helpest thou my unbelief.

"as part of our connection with god, we read the following passage over and over:

“suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.does he not leave the 99 in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?and when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘rejoice with me; i have found my lost sheep.’ i tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

at one point the facilitator asked us to think and journal about what we felt, about what would happen, if we were the sheep waiting for the shepherd, and we saw him coming: what would he say?where were we?how would we react?

i sat in that church, sprawled on the floor, leaning against a sturdy pillar with my eyes closed, trying to imagine that moment, trying to be that sheep.

my mind showed me a dusty, dark place.i was alone, it was quiet.there was only the occasional moaning of the wind.there were no birds, there was no shade.

i heard the shepherd coming a long way off.he was whistling.

“hey,” he said to me. “i have missed you.i am so glad i found you.”

he extended a hand to wipe my tear-stained, dusty cheeks.

“come back with me,” he said.“come back to the others.”

i shook my head and pulled away.

“no,” i said.

he looked surprised, but it did not change the immense compassion on his face.

“no,” i said again.“i can’t go back.i don’t want to.i don’t trust the other 99.i don’t want to be hurt again.please don’t make me be hurt again.”

the shepherd sat down on the ground next to me.

“okay,” he said quietly.“i’ll just stay here with you then….”

the shepherd waited with me for a long time."

(From the book, "Stumbling Toward Faith: My longing to heal from the evil that God allowed," by Renee Altson. Published by Zondervan Publishers.)

Great Is Thy Faithfulness...

2005-11-21T22:38:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I finished my first day of work at Fremont Community Church, and am working at getting us into this house over the Thanksgiving break:

I can't write much more now, but all I have to say is that GOD IS GOOD, and that His faithfulness has been incredible over this entire transition! I can't wait to see what He does next in our incredible journey! Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us! I'll let you know more as I get more time and information. But for now... it's off to bed!

-Darryl-

The Saga Begins...

2005-11-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

A long, long time ago... okay, maybe not that long ago... well, yesterday, to be exact... we finalized plans and I signed my contract with Fremont Community Church to begin working there THIS MONDAY!!! AAAAAUUUUGGGHHH!!!

So that means insane packing and cleaning and shopping and what-have-you-not to get everything together to find housing tomorrow and begin working on Monday. But... God has opened so many doors for this to happen so far, and He has been faithful each and every step of the way, so to Him be the glory! Just please continue to pray for us as we take this next step of faith, trusting in His provision to get us into a place and settled sometime during the Thanksgiving holiday. Whew!

I'll have more info and hopefully pics as we get things a little more settled, but if there are any of you in the Fremont / San Jose area that can give me a few pointers (I'm always good for a nice Cantonese style Chinese restaurant recommendation...) for the area, let me know.

At any rate, it's exciting - to know that we are in the center of God's will, and to know that He has placed us where we're going... God has been incredible over the past few years as I've watched Him grow and stretch us - I can't wait to see what He has in store for us in this next chapter of our lives! Please pray for us!

Thank you everyone - and as soon as we get settled, you'll be hearing from us again!

God bless,
Darryl

Surrender...

2005-11-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NKJV)

Tonight at The Well, Brad gave an incredible message about the things that would keep us from following God wholeheartedly. (If you don't go to the Well, it's worth subscribing to the Podcast. Just go to the link above and click on "well radio." And as I thought and prayed about it, I began to realize that there is so much that I need to do to get my life completely right with God. Not that I need to, though - just to clarify for those of you who are doing the "Losing My Religion" study with Shadd... It's just that as I desire to be closer to Him, the questions then remain:

1.) How much am I willing to really lay at His feet in surrender?

2.) How much do I really trust Him with all that I am?

3.) How much do I believe that He will really take care of my every need?

As life has seemed uncertain over the past weeks, my prayer is that God would continue to help my unbelief, allowing me to lay more and more of myself at the foot of the cross. What are the idols in my life? I think the biggest idol I struggle with is me. What a daily burden it is for me to lay myself down for the sake of the cross. Why do I do what I do? What are the fruits being borne?

Lord, I pray that you would be glorified in my life, my family, and all that I am. For those of you who have fallen victim to my struggle against me... forgive me. I love you all.

-D

Busyness...

2005-09-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know that it's been a while since I last posted, but... life has gotten incredibly HECTIC with a capital... well, make that all capitals. :-P Just keep us in prayer, as we're trying to figure out life with two jobs, laundry, kids, ministry, and all that that entails. All I know is that I'm going to really need the Lord's strength and guidance in all of this!

I think, as much as I like the connections that I can make on Xanga, that I'm going to continue updating this site, as I can check it from anywhere, where as Xanga is blocked at FUSD... We'll see.

That's it for now, but keep watching - I'm going to try and make another update later this week, if not tonight...

Beyond the Gates...

2005-08-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, can I just say that I am excited about this movie? I just got the preview kit here, and am planning to screen it at our church... keep watch - it looks like a great one! :-)

I couldn't resist...

2005-08-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I couldn't resist... even though I'm not a big one for church videos, I thought I should share this one with you... enjoy! Just click on the picture above to go to the site, or on the link below, then click view preview.

http://www.ignitermedia.com/realchristians.asp

Weddings, new jobs, and moving sites...

2005-08-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's the deal. Last Friday, I got a call from my old boss at the district office here in Fresno Unified. Turns out that they decided - three weeks before school starts - to reinstate the budget for the music programs they cut over a year ago, and now, one week before school is scheduled to begin, they're set to hire again. Ack! Lucky for them, they called at a point in time when Jen and I had been praying about finding additional income somewhere, because we have been really struggling this month. Ugh. But - as it turns out, God has been incredibly awesome in the opportunity, and opened the door for me to go back for the district to work half-time (which includes full benefits) at the high school RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE CHURCH!!! Wow! So, needless to say, as Jen and I have been beginning our work as the informal youth pastors at Friends, this will open up some amazing doors of opportunity to work with several of the high school students over at Hoover. Please keep that in prayer!!!

On another note - I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT LAURAL & SEAN ARE GETTING MARRIED THIS WEEKEND!!!! Aaaaaaaaugh! I wish that we could be out there to celebrate with them, but my job and lack of finances are preventing us... so... if you know them, be sure to wish them well and pray for them! Their wedding is scheduled for Sunday early evening, and I'm sure that Laural's running around all over the place getting ready. So... Laural or Sean - if you're reading this, CONGRATS! You two are an incredible pair, and Jen and I wish you the best! :-)

Okay, now for the decision that I'm facing with these blogs... As Jen and I have found ourselves delving more and more into youth ministry, we are also finding that sites like Xanga and MySpace are attracting a huge amount of traffic with our youth, and the youth of our community. As scary as it may be to read through some of those blogs, we are also finding out that the connections made through the blogrings on Xanga have brought my site there more and more traffic, allowing me the ability to share the Gospel with many of the students that I used to help teach over at Roosevelt while I was there. With that in mind, I'm praying about moving my blog completely over to Xanga... what do you all think? Would you follow me over? Or do you even care? :-) I'm hoping that you'll be able to help me make my decision, so... let me know what you think. Oh - and also be praying for the kids who have been visiting my Xanga and MySpace sites - it's spawned several ministry opportunities already. :-) If you're wanting to find me there, my site is as follows: http://www.xanga.com/DDote77

Hope you all are doing well!!! Comment back, will you? :-) I miss you all!!!

-D

To be (tolerant) or not to be (tolerant)?

2005-07-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Ugh... Okay, so Jen's watching some program on PBS called "Globe Trekker," and they just got done with a segment they filmed at an event called "Spacewalk" in the San Francisco area. What got me was as the correspondent got onto the bus for the event, she admitted - on camera - that the whole trick of the event (which was to stage random acts of dramatic art along various stops in the city) was to stay one step ahead of the police. Then, when the police came and broke up the "party," the next thing we hear is "well, I guess that San Francisco isn't as tolerant as they should be." Is it just me, or is PBS just trying too hard to cross the line? I mean, excuse me, but did we or did we not get on the bus knowing that it was AGAINST THE LAW????? HOW DENSE CAN YOU BE?

Okay, so that's my rant for the night. Sorry.

Other than that, praise God for Matthew! Today he and I prayed together to ask Jesus into his life for the first time!!! It's amazing, and I have no clue of how God is going to use him, but I pray that this would be the first in a number of steps that we'll watch him take as a Christian for the glory of God! :-)

What about you? This Sunday, Pastor Robert's going to be talking about Caleb, and... well, I just thought that I'd add in the thoughts I wrote for this week's bulletin here so that I can share them with you all... Enjoy!

~~~~~~
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... ...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"

(Hebrews 12:1)

~~~~~~

Believe it or not, when I was in high school, I ran on the school’s cross-country team. Before you get all excited, though, there are a couple of things you should know. First, my motives weren’t completely pure. I didn’t join to get in shape. Nor did I join because I wanted to expand my horizons and get involved with sports. The real reason? There was a girl that I was attracted to that ran on the girl’s cross-country team, and I knew that if I joined, I would have opportunities to spend time with and get to know her. As much as I wanted the plan to succeed, however, it didn’t. As my desire to get to know this girl faded, so did my desire to run cross-country. My desire to show off and win races gave way to complacency and finally, my decision to quit the team, especially after I found out that the girl I had been attracted to was dating another guy.

Looking back, I know that it’s kind of silly. I mean, people will fail us. At some point or another, if we place our faith in someone else or something else, we’ll end up disappointed. Maybe you’ve been placing your trust in your work. Maybe it’s in what you have. Maybe it’s a relationship or a friendship. In fact, for the time being, that work, possession, relationship - whatever it may be - has been your reason for wanting to get up in the morning. I know that when I was racing, and that the girl was watching, I’d run faster. But are you truly happy? And what happens when the bottom falls out? You lose your job? Your possession breaks? Your friends fail you?

Paul often likens the Christian life to a race. Yet rather than placing our trust in the things of this world, we are called to place our trust in God - who will never fail us. As we read through the story of Caleb this morning, we see the Israelites being faced time and time again with a choice - in whom will they place their trust? Whose side will they choose? God’s side? Or their own? Sadly, we know how that story ends.

Caleb and the Israelites weren’t the only ones who face that choice, however. It’s a choice that we must face daily. Whom will we serve? It’s the same choice that was set before the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:15.

"See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgements that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish..."

Which choice will you make? As we studied today, Caleb followed God fully, and that made all the difference. Caleb’s trust in God and His promises kept him going even when it seemed impossible to go on. What happens in your life when life seems impossible? It has often been said that Christians are like tea bags - you don’t know what they’re made of until you put them in hot water. What flows out of you when life becomes hard?

Maybe it’s been a while since you trusted in God. Since you were running the race for Him. You placed your trust in Him at one point, but as the choices were set before you, other things got in the way. That’s why I believe He has placed the choice before you once again. The question is, which choice will you make?

In the race of life, we are the ones who will ultimately determine whether or not we will succeed and finish the race. How will you finish? What are you running for? Maybe you’re running from God. Turn around and run to Him. He’s right there waiting for you. God has promised you victory, no matter what you’re going through.

"In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) That is His promise to you. The question is, what choice will you make?

What is the goal?

2005-07-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

So... after starting down the road of youth ministry at our church, I am forced to ponder the question, "what is the goal? What is our purpose?" No, I'm not trying to build another purpose-driven ministry (for those of you who are wondering... I know you're out there!), and no, I'm not going to spend the next forty days of my life trying to find my purpose. I know what it is, but I also never thought that ministry would be such a battle. Pray for me, and pray for the kids. Am I really wrong in thinking that what these kids need is exposure to the Gospel? Am I really wrong in thinking that God is the only one who can turn the hearts of these kids? How much guidance do I need to give, if any? Ugh.

Special thanks to Jeff Wetherell who helped remind me of the real purposes of Bible Study. I'm finding that I'm missing my personal time and study in the Scriptures, and that my study times are directed more towards building a defense for the ministry I feel God is calling me to. How can I find the balance?

I long to get my hands dirty in ministry again. To get down to a real level of seeing God's Word transform lives as it's being taught and shared. Maybe this is my wake up call. Maybe....

This is where I'll be...

2005-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ten years after I went to my first crusade... I'm now leading our youth group there. Look for me online! :-)

Seasons of love...

2005-06-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so call me a OCHSA sellout, or question my walk with God.... but Rent is opening in the theatres November 11th of this year! :-) Apple Trailers has a nice lengthy trailer up... hopefully this musical endeavor will turn out better than its predecessors... Phantom of the Opera :-)

Maybe I should study up on the Methodists....?

2005-06-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

75%

Fundamentalist

64%

Reformed Evangelical

61%

Neo orthodox

57%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

57%

Emergent/Postmodern

39%

Classical Liberal

25%

Roman Catholic

11%

Modern Liberal

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

Cry the Beloved Country

2005-06-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, so am I the only one who didn't hear about the 1994 genocide in Rwanda until recently? A retired missionary couple from our church shared their experiences from the middle of Rwanda during the genocide this last weekend, and it really shocked me to find out that such an event could largely go unnoticed here in the States! Granted, I was part of the MTV generation at that point in my life, but I don't recall any of this being discussed to the extent that it should have been during my high school years.... Does anyone else know about this? I mean, besides having seen "Hotel Rwanda"?

Stupidity and Broken Hearts

2005-06-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, pardon me as I rant a little...

First, this past weekend, a new DVD came out locally that has caused quite a controversy. Entitled "Fresno Uncensored," the DVD apparently portrays young teens and gang members throughout the valley engaging in illegal activity, including illicit sex, drug use, and the possession of semi-automatic weaponry. The Fresno PD then went, using the video, to arrest 20 of the people in the video, many of whom had violated parole - ON CAMERA. Some people never cease to amaze me.

I don't know what's been more aggrivating, though - the reaction of some of the public, which believes that the arrests are a violation of these people's right to free speech, or the fact that all the Christian community seems to be doing is shaking their heads and saying, "that's horrible." Whatever happened to the belief in the power of the Gospel to change lives? To change our community? Instead, all we have are a bunch of conservatives who would rather sit together in their small groups singing "kumbaya" than to express a concern and broken heart for the people in our community caught up in sin. It's sickening, really. It's just like what Hudson Taylor wrote - "I am unable to bear the sight of a congregation of a thousand or more Christians rejoicing in their own salvation, while millions are perishing --lost."

How can we, as Christians, pretend that this isn't happening, and criticize everyone else for not taking care of the "problem?" Don't we realize that the problem is sin, and that we might hold the key to the solution? Arrgh.

Okay, enough on that. Please be in prayer for our city and community if you would. Pray for revival and pray for hearts that would be broken for our city. We really need it. There's too much of this purpose-driven seeker sensitive church mentality that builds churches on programs and relies on them to accomplish the job, rather than relying on the power of the Word of God.

With that having been said, I'm going to turn my attention to the recent scandal from the OC. What is up with our schools?!?!?!? And what is up with our teacher's unions? Am I the only one that finds all of the politics in the schools disturbing, to say the least?

When I was working for Roosevelt, I had no choice as to whether or not I wanted to join the union. I had to, or else lose my job. It was aggrivating to see my money go towards measures that I didn't want to support, candidates that I didn't want to support, and even more aggrivating to see my money go to fight candidates and measures that I agreed with!!! Now to hear that the teacher's unions are raising their dues to fight Schwarzenegger's proposals??? AAAAAUUUGGGGHHH!!!! And yet they have the audacity to complain that there's not enough money in the districts, and that the district is taking away too much of their money! Grrr....

At any rate, this whole situation in the OC stinks. It makes me wonder if it's all a ruse to cast blame on the president's no-child-left-behind act. Lord knows that there's a lot of opposition to that here in California with the teacher's unions. Ugh.

Do they really know how I drive?

2005-06-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Thought this was interesting -

Your Personal Day of Death is... Thursday, December 7, 2062

That's the information I got off of deathclock.com. Wierd.

Tagged!!!

2005-06-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

3 names I go by: Darryl, honey, pastor
3 screen names I've had:DDote77, Darryl.H.Dote, encountergod
3 physical things I like about myself: Eyes (so I can see),Fingers (So I can play the piano and type), and Mouth (So I can eat) :-)
3 parts of my heritage: American, Japanese, and um... American?
3 things I am wearing right now: Old Navy shirt, Old Navy Jean Shorts, and generic Costco socks
3 favorite bands/musical artists: only three??? Ugh. Well, here are three of them - Tori Amos, Ginny Owens, Bruce Hornsby (I also like David Benoit, Jim Brickman, Michael Buble, Dr. John, the 7:22 Band, Chris Tomlin, and the Passion Worship Band, just in case you were wondering...)
3 favorite songs: Three Wooden Crosses (Randy Travis), When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Victory in Jesus (The Crabb Family - what can I say? It's catchy.)
3 things I want in a relationship: trust, laughter, and affection
3 physical things about the opposite sex that appeal to me: eyes, smile,
3 favorite hobbies: reading blogs, watching movies, surfing the web
3 Things I want to do badly right now: Take a nap, Watch Episode 3, cuddle with my wife
3 things that scare me: my kids growing up too fast, losing my wife or kids, seeing the local high school students and what they are into
3 of my everyday essentials: coffee, coffee, and e-mail
3 Careers you have considered or are considering: movie critic, author, graphic artist
3 places you want to go on vacation: Orlando, Broadway, anywhere without kids
3 kids' names you like: Matthew, Jacob, & Danae
3 things you want to do before you die: Watch my kids grow up to be Godly men & women, Pastor a church, See the people I have been praying for come to know God.
3 ways I am stereotypically a girl: N/A
3 ways I am stereotypically a boy: I get easily hooked on Goldeneye or Risk, I know how to hook up big speakers and stereo systems, I like movies with lots of explosions
3 celebrity crushes: Sarah Polley, Olivia Burnette, Alexis Bledel

Okay, I tag Jen (my wife), Sarah Ma, and Myka

Conservative & Proud of it! :-)

2005-05-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

Your Political Profile

Overall: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Social Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Ethics: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

How Liberal / Conservative Are You?

Eggs Benedict...

2005-04-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, let me just begin by saying that I love my wife. She's the best. If you haven't gotten a chance to get to know her, you can check out her blog here - jendote.blogspot.com. Drop her a line and tell her she's an awesome woman. I guess I'm just lucky. :-) Earlier this week, she took on yet another job at the church - this time paid - as cook for our church's daycare ministry. She has displayed an incredible servant's heart in trying to do all she can to help out where she can... and I'm proud of her. Just had to say it. :-)

In other news, you're probably aware that we have a new pope. If you don't, it's time to get out of your cave. :-) Am I the only one wondering what this new pope will bring? On one had, I don't think that he has the potential to be the charismatic world leader that the Catholics were calling for in their new pope. Which, I might add, as a pre-millenialist, relieves me. Just the words they were using, and the fact that one of the main issues they thought was of importance was bringing peace and resolution to the middle east were concerns for me. Maybe I've just spent too much time reading the Left Behind books and listening to Calvary Chapel pastors. It's just wierd to hear it in the news in those terms. All the more, it just reminds me that we need to be ready, because in essence, we have never been closer to the return of Christ than we are right now. Are you ready?

On the other hand, the views of this pope on remaining staunchly Catholic concerns me. His words about how Protestants are "deficient" raise some definite red flags in my mind. I mean, I realize that we as Protestants are not completely correct. We are led by sinful men, after all! But on the other hand, am I alone in seeing a huge barrier of pride built up on both sides - Protestant and Catholic? Mistakes have been made on both sides, and rather than acknowledging them and trying to bridge the gap, we are trying to remain distinctly our denomination, rather than seeking to do the Lord's will. I guess that that's one of my pet peeves - remaining true to a denominational stance on an issue because it's what we've always done, rather than truly asking ourselves, "what would bring glory to God?" I mean, the schism of the early church wasn't started to be divisive. It was meant to guide some misguided opinions back to the heart of God. Pride, however, got in the way - and I continue to see and hear it on talk radio. I mean, hey - listen to the Frank Pastore show whenever Catholicism is brought up. Talk about your prideful Protestants that want nothing to do with Catholics, sometimes being outright harsh. Ugh. Christians bewilder me sometimes.

What would it look like for us to honestly seek the heart of God? It's something I need more and more work on, and maybe if you get a chance, you can drop me a line and see how I'm doing. God knows that I need it, and that I'm far from where I want to be. Besides, it might give me a better idea of who's out there reading this thing. :-) Maybe together we can help each other on towards lives lived for His glory. Just some thoughts from a passing traveller.

On a lighter note...

2005-04-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe this is fake, but... what's sad (and extremely scary) is that I've been to churches where this can easily be the case....

http://www.larknews.com/april_2005/secondary.php?page=3

525,600 minutes...

2005-04-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've refrained from blogging for a while, partly because I've been so incredibly busy with kids and Easter stuff at church, and partly because I've been trying to keep from commenting on the overbearing news from the past few weeks. Add to that the devestating losses of both Sarah Anne Basso and Robert Hampson, as well as an announcement of pregnancy from Myka & Darryl Stephens, and you've got yourself a pretty good reason for procrastination, I guess.

So much for the inevitable, eh? The Terry Schaivo case and the passing of Pope John Paul II have flooded the news for the past weeks. I don't think I've heard about much else on the talk shows for as long as I can remember. So what's my take? Sin. That's all I can seem to think about the Terry Schaivo case, and in my mind, it only bears the fact that in my own life there are so many people who desperately need to hear the Gospel. I mean, what would have happened had the lives of the judges been different; changed by the grace of God to respect and love life as a gift from God? What about Michael Schaivo? I guess the burning question in my mind is, what else do I expect those whose lives are given to sin to do? Shall we be suprised when sinners give in to temptation? No! I don't know; maybe I'm being too hard on myself, but I desperately pray that God would send revival not only in my own heart but in the heart of His people around the world. Sin is rapidly finding a foothold in our culture, and the only hope I believe we have is the Gospel. Have you heard it? Check out this site if you've never heard about what Christ has done for you.

Now... about the pope. Okay, even though it might shock my mom to hear this, the man was a great man. I mean, here is a man used his power and abilities to topple communism, build bridges, and reach out to millions of people. I honestly do believe that he has had an intimate encounter with God, and allowed his relationship with God to permeate his religious life. Now if only that message would be preached from the anvils of every Catholic church - that Catholics need their religious life to be fueled by an intimate relationship with Christ, and that the term isn't something simply reserved for Protestants.

So what do I think about the next pope? Maybe I've just read too many Left Behind books, but... what about the fact that the Vatican puts a great deal of emphasis on trying to build bridges between the Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land? What about the fact that the Vatican holds a significant amount of influence over the European nations? Just some thoughts I've been having... We'll see. All I know is that we've never been closer to the return of Christ than we are right now.

So... that's what I have so far. Now it's time for me to finish eating and head off to bed. Hope you're all doing well, and that you'll come back and visit my blog when I have some lighter material to read through. BTW, Anne and Jen - it was absolutely great to get a chance to visit with you this weekend! And Hilby - next time don't drive off so fast!!!! Love you all!

2005-04-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Only my kids...

Who knew?

2005-02-24T23:37:00.000-08:00

WHAT DISNEYLAND ATTRACTION ARE YOU???

Ten years of working there have paid off...

The Parking Lot Tram: The uncredited workhorse of the Disneyland resort. You take visitors from the largest parking lot on earth to the front door of Disneyland and back again. You aren't the picture of glamour and most wouldn't even think you provide any sort of excitment, but without you no fun could be had at all. You don't mean to, but you seem often sour. You get little respect and sometimes get lots of scorn, but yet you are faithful and eager to please. People need you and you need them. Your simpleness is the perfect backdrop to showcase the eager smiles of children riding you for their first time to the Happiest Place on Earth.

What Disneyland attraction are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

The Gospel according to Southpaw and other misgivings

2005-02-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, so my wife gets home the other day and tells me that I have to visit the website for a guy named "Southpaw." Apparently the local Christian radio station played his song - a Christian parody of the classic, "Baby Got Back," and then announced the website for this guy. Thank God for DSL. At any rate, as I watched the music video of his song, "Baby Got Book," I was struck by the fact that Christians all over the place are watching this, passing it along to their friends, and saying, "isn't this cool?" I mean, hello - the local Christian radio stations are playing it!

At any rate, the more and more I thought about it, the more and more frustrated I got. Maybe it's just me, and maybe I'm taking this the wrong way, but... after reading through some of the recent posts in the Worship folder on BUBBS, (BIOLA's online community) I don't think I'm getting too far off-base by saying that I find it sad that Christians aren't the ones at the forefront of the world, starting trends. Instead, we're trying to ride the coattails of all the world has to offer. Just look at the music section at your local Christian bookstore. You'll probably find a poster that compares the newest Christian bands to their secular counterpart. And what does the world think? I mean, sure, there's exceptions, (like Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and Pax 217), but for the most part, the world just sits back and laughs. So is it any wonder that movies like "Saved!" are so funny? Maybe it's because it's what really happens in Christian circles. Sad, but a convicting point, I think.

Speaking of "Saved!" and how the world views Christians, may I just say that my heart and prayers go out to Anne Basso and her family in the light of the loss of their daughter. What is going on with Christians that they feel like they can belittle one another in the name of Christ? It reminds me of the scene where Hillary Faye chucks her Bible at the pregnant girl (sorry, I can't remember her name offhand), saying, "I'm filled with Christ's love!!!" Do you really think that by publicly berating Anne and her decisions you'll win people to your cause? Do you honestly believe that the way you're coming across, Anne would even stop to consider your thoughts or arguments? It angers me that the Christian community at large fails to show love and compassion in the name of furthering their message. Our agendas should never come before the Gospel, for we must remember that it is the by the power of the Gospel that we are changed! Where in the world did we ever get the notion that we can hide behind the name of Jesus while we beat our brothers and sisters to death? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

At any rate, that's my rant of the day. Sorry I don't have much more to say that's pleasant. HIlby updated her blog. Twice. Yeah! :-) It's always fun to read hers, and if you haven't, then you're missing out. I can't wait for our ten year reunion.... Go Griffins! :-)

There's just so much to share and so much to write, but... it'll have to wait for a time when I'm actually done with my work. More to come....

Tell me it's not true?!?!?

2005-02-02T23:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm looking for a clever name for our church's Easter egg hunt outreach, and I came up with this: http://www.touchet1611.org/BunnyShoot.html Sorry. Just had to share.

While we're on the same note of hoping that things aren't true, here's a fun website that I love to waste my time on... www.larknews.com.

More later.

28 Years Later

2005-02-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

Sounds like it should be a horror movie, doesn't it? :-)

Okay, so I go last week to attend my son's first performance in kindergarten at his new elementary school, and let me just say that it's a surreal feeling when it's your kid on the stage. You know, like it's a big sign up there, flashing "hey - you're old!" You know those telltale signs - like when you start hearing songs that you remember buying on a cassette single being played on the Time-Life infomercials during late-night TV. It's like one day you just wake up and are supposed to be grown up. But am I? I mean, hey - I still love to eat at McDonalds. (Sorry to all of you vegans out there... and I know you're out there.) I still love to sit and play a good round of Goldeneye on the Nintendo. But then... Nintendo? That's a whole 'nother can of worms.

So now I'm 28. The big two-eight. Who'd have ever thought I'd be... here? I certainly had never thought of it before. I mean, sure, I definitely had plans to be married... but never to someone as wonderful as Jennie. Sure, I definitely had plans to have kids... but never thought that they'd mean so much to me or be such a huge part of my life. And sure, I knew that I'd want to go into full time ministry... but never thought that it would land at my feet while I was struggling to figure out what to do when Fresno Unified cut all music positions within the district. BTW, can I just say that that was one of the dumbest moves I've ever seen? But don't get me started.

At any rate, I'm going to end now because it's late and I'm sure that I'm no longer making any sense. Suffice it to say that this is my obligatory last post of my 27th year of life, and that I'm going into my 28th year with everything that I could have ever dreamed of and more... well, except maybe a Mac. And a house. But... who knows God'll bring. Each day He's challenging me more and more to trust in Him. I think I'll give that a try...

Help! I'm a blogaholic!

2005-01-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, so at one point in my life, I would rush home and check my e-mail first thing, waiting to hear those three magic words: "You've Got Mail." (To quote Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail") Those three words could make or break a day. Oh, you know what I mean - you've done it before, too. Don't tell me I'm the only one. But I digress.

Those days are now past. Now? I have over seven different blogs saved in my favorites folder - three of which are from people whom I have never met - that I check constantly, hoping that they'll have an update to the saga that is their life. Humor, drama, reflective... these blogs seem to give me insight into lives that I've never known about before. But why? Am I the only one? Why am I so consumed to read about Stacey Hoffman's latest encounter with her legless grandma? Why do I check Hilby's blog every hour to read the latest on her quest to settle down in her spinster chalet? Ugh. It's addicting, I tell you, addicting.

And so... thus ends the confessions of a blogaholic. I need to go now so that I can read more blogs. :-)

2005-01-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Matthew started his first day of kindergarten at his new school - Bullard TALENT - today! According to his teacher, no problems! We're looking forward to his first performance with his class next week! Ack! The life of a school parent! :-)

Nap attack!

2005-01-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

Jacob falls asleep in the funniest positions...

Why is it that kids never seem to fall asleep the way we want them to? 11:30pm last night, I walked into Jacob's room to find him like this at the end of Fantasia. :-) Funny how Fantasia seems to do this to kids... must remember to get myself a copy at the Wherehouse...

For Jacob.... the concept of bed just never seems to catch on. Reminds me of Garfield and his "nap attacks."

While I'm at it, why is it that kids fall asleep at the worst times - like just after you order $10 worth of food for them in the drive-thru at McDonald's... (stuff I wouldn't eat myself) - and yet stay up when you're wanting them to go to sleep??? Does this entertain God? Or is this the infamous "curse of the parents?" Hmmmmm....

Twenty-Five Questions....

2005-01-18T22:46:00.000-08:00

1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A SECOND HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
LOL... a first house would be nice. But other than that, I'd love to live somewhere in the OC - where I could be closer to my friends in So Cal...

2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?
Probably my 1995 Harvest Crusade T-Shirt. I never wear it anymore, (my wife made me put it in storage) but it holds some sentimental value to me. That, and my 40th anniversary Disneyland Cast Member T-shirt. Ah... the memories. :-)

3. WHAT'S THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?
Passion Hymns

4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
About 6:30am or whenever the kids wake up... whichever comes first.

5. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?
Sleepless in Seattle.

6. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I already play the piano, so if I could pick another instrument, I'd love to learn how to play the guitar... I mean, more than the three chords that make up the entire Vineyard library of songs. (j/k... well, not really... but you know what I mean if you've ever played on a worship team)

8. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
Definitely a gas-guzzling polluting SUV. I'm not one of those "hug a tree" people. After all, IT'S ALL GONNA BURN!!!! (j/k... no, really.) I would like an SUV, though.

9. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE AFTER LIFE?
Definitely. Do you? If not, check out www.harvest.org/knowgod and tell me what you think.

10. FAVOURITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick and The Polar Express, both by Chris Van Allsburg.

12. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
To be in two places at once. No wait, three. Or four.

13. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?
Nope... I'm a wuss.

14) CAN YOU JUGGLE?
Again, nope... I can, however, make lunch for myself, my wife, and my kids all at once. That's gotta count for something.

15) THE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
Just one? Well, that's hard to say. I have, however, been trying to contact some of the people from my past, so maybe one day I'll have it narrowed down to one. Some of the people up on my list to contact... probably Christina Cruz, Jeanne Cotter, and Joseph Girzone. Haven't heard from them in a while.

16. FAVOURITE DAY OF THE WEEK?
Hmmmm... depends on the week. But I do like Thursdays - it's a venti for the price of a grande day at the Starbucks in Albertsons. Mmmmmmm.... Starbucks.

17. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR/VAN?
At the moment... some of the stuff that we couldn't find a place for when my parents last came to visit.

18. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
Hamburger. With Mozzerella. Oooh... what I wouldn't give for a good RubyBurger right about now.... Hey - just because I'm Asian doesn't mean I grub on sushi!!!

19. FROM THE PEOPLE YOU WILL SEND THIS TO, WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Well, I'm not exactly sending it

20. WHO'S LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
See 19.

21. WHO DID YOU RECEIVE THIS FROM?
Jen Hampson's blog: hampsonbaby.blog-city.com/

22. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FLOWER?
Daisy

23. DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?
I don't know... Have I seen you before? (hee hee... j/k)

24. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEAL?
Depends on my mood. I do love the Island Fried Chicken at the Loft Hawaiian Restaurant in Cerritos... But then again, I've been wanting a RubyBurger ever since question number eighteen....

25. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM JOB?
To be a pastor - someone that could teach the BIBLE (how about that for a concept?) - IN CONTEXT and ACCURATELY - and yet keep the congregation awake and learning at the same time. Props to Brad Bell at the Well Community Church for doing such a good job of that already. :-)

Day of Rest...

2005-01-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Funny how life changes once you have kids. It used to be that I could go all day without a nap, and now I feel like I need one - or two - just to make it through the day. Am I really getting that old???

I'm finally getting the hang of this blog thing... Don't know if I'll have the discipline to keep it up, but it may be a good place to start journaling my thoughts and prayer requests. I just don't know if anyone besides you will read it. Kinda interesting to think about, though. How many people are interested in my life? And why share it with the world? Wierd. I would have never thought of it earlier. But that was before Prodigy. The whole CFPM58F@prodigy.com thing. Before we could make up our own e-mail addresses, and back when modems dialed at a measly 2400 bps. Funny. But I digress...

If you're around and reading still... please pray for my wife Jennie. I love her dearly, and I know that her health hasn't been the best it could be. She suffers from hypothyroid, which causes her to be easily fatigued... I know she's not doing well, and we're hoping that once our health insurance is up and running (as of Feb. 1, 2005), we'll be able to get her into the doctor. I just hope it's not too late, as she's been having funny things going on with her heart and breathing. Scary. I can't imagine losing her, and the thought scares me - but she's brought it up on more than one occassion, and so... just please pray.

Okay... well, it's time for my nap, so... gonna close for now. If you're a friend that's dropping by to see what's been going on with my life... would you send me an e-mail? I'd love to hear from you. Tell me what's been going on in your life, and maybe give me some idea of what I should write about here.

BTW, if you want to read an interesting blog, check out Hillary Greenlee's. It's over at http://evedaughter.blogspot.com/, and is just a fun read for anyone who's looking to kill some time. In other words, it's much more interesting than mine.

But I'm rambling. So. I'll close for now. Bye. Later. Ciao.

Okay, so...

2005-01-15T01:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, so tonight has been interesting, having read through some more of the blogs that I have found of people who have been a part of my life... I even found that one of my friends from high school had her first baby, and that another friend of mine - both of them fellow Disney alumni - has had her third! Wow! We're all getting old!!! :-) At any rate, my kids are in bed and going to sleep, and my wife is heading to bed, so... time to log off for now. God bless!

Okay, here goes...

2005-01-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, so earlier today I was searching for random people online, and found several blogs for people I knew... so... I thought I'd try this out and from time to time post some thoughts that are on my mind. I don't know how long this will last, but... here goes! :-) Enjoy, and e-mail me if you want.

Thought of the day:
Why is it that the people of Fresno can vote overwhelmingly to raise our tax to save the zoo, but are in a quandry as to what to do about budget problems in our school district?

More later...