Finding the right place

So, I am back at school and am no longer able to visit 'Coffee Roasters' very often. My dilemma is this: where is a good, quite, with free WIFI coffee house that is close to CBU? Starbucks does not count, nor does the Harvest deli. I really need a place that I can call my own, a place that is not so commercial.

In fact, the person that recommends a place and I like it, I will take them and buy them a coffee at that place!

"Coffee is Good...God is better!"

Funny part 2.

Okay, so I'm still here at Panera, and there is this family who are eating right next to me. The father met the family for lunch here at Panera, and it seems like a video clip out of 'Malcom in the Middle.' As soon as the father arrives the kids have to use the bathroom and want him to take them, while trying to inform the entire restaurant of this compelling revelation. The wife goes to stand in line to order the food, the kids are driving dad crazy. Placing the table tents on their heads, talking very loud, pointing, the usual stuff that kids do...Nevertheless, dad seems really annoyed...poor guy.

However, with all of this observation, I see patience, love and concern in the father. He really wants his children to engaged in a proper social behavior and to enjoy their meal together. He's annoyed, but, understanding at the same time. This reminds me of all the times I screw up and how many times our Heavenly Father is patient, loving and encouraging to me. Oh, crap...now I'm crying...

Funny

I'm at Panera right now. I just ordered my meal and the lady at the counter stated "Enjoy your lunch!" I said replied "You too!" Like she's going to have lunch at that moment. I feel very stupid right now....but at least this smokehouse turkey sandwich is great!

Leeland

I just got their CD...absolutley incredible!!!

The Phone Call...

On Thursday late afternoon I received a cell phone call from the drummer of one of my favorite bands "Deadsy." I had signed up to be part of their fanbase on Myspace, and gave the typical information (location, cell, age, mailing address). I never thought that they would call.

Basically, Alec (the second from the right) as asked if I liked the new album that was released on Tuesday and just to thank me for being a loyal fan. There last CD came out in 99', so its been awhile. We talked a little about music (he asked if I had any questions about the music) and thanked me for the last time.

WOW...what band would go and call every fan within their fanbase? Would David Crowder do that, would Joy Electric do that? I don't think so.

Also, if you have any incline of giving me a hard time about the style, premise or design of the band...I don't care! I don't judge them, and you shouldn't either...Its just music! I know that they cuss (a little, Led Zeppelin curse more), but then again so does the news, people in the mall and do we actually say something to them? Not really.

When a lesson just isn't good enough

Have you ever been pressed to teach something, and after countless hours of research you find that are still unprepared? I feel this way tonight. After spending a week at camp and really pouring over the passage I would discuss, I feel that my message sucks!

The plan was to break away from the topical lessons that I normally do, and teach a specific passage; Matthew 5, or most notably the Beatitudes. I have a plethora of books at my disposal, yet I still feel unprepared. I feel that I could give the message tomorrow and it will be okay. I want it to be great. I want to put the best effort in my research and have something that is beneficial to my students. So...I have decided to use the next week to put together a really good series. Wow...was this rant even necessary?

Books, books, and more books

Okay, so I have been tagged to produce an outlook on the following questions. Hopefully you will not be disappointed.

1. One book that changed your life: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I read this book during my freshman year at CBU. I have never been the same since or maybe it's because of Bakers?

2. One book that you've read more than once: Your First Two Years of Youth Ministry by Doug Fields. This book remains one of few reference books that I use on a daily basis. I found it (still) to be encouraging and useful, even after one's first two years.

3. One book you'd want on a desert island: The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven & David Borgenicht. Well I guess if your prepared for the worst, the rest is all cake.

4. One book that made you laugh: How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe by Thomas Cahill. Funny...not a mention of leprechauns or banshees.

5. One book that made you cry: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. It was so sad with when they shot the dog. Often times I more concerned about animals than that of my fellow peers.

6. One book you wish had been written: How to evangelize and still be an Introvert. I feel sometimes I miss so many opportunities to share, because I am too shy. I am expecting a laugh from those who actually know me.

7. One book you wish had never been written: The Gospel of Judas by Someone. Interesting, but really a waste.

8. One book you’re currently reading: Communicating for Change by Andy Stanley & Lane Jones. It my desire to become the best youth pastor I can. By that communicating is crucial. Communicating well is another story. Hopefully this book will give me a new perspective on preaching.

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli. I heard it was great. Been meaning to read it for a few years.

10. One book you’d like to write: The Introvert and the Ministry. No joke, I am in the process of researching this idea, that an introvert can be an effective leader and minister, which is true now. Mike you will get a free copy…just because you are rad!

Rough Waters

I have grown within the last few years to anticipate the coming storm of life. Meaning, when things are going way to good, I'm looking for that trial that's around the corner. As with this anticipation, I have also learned to take from hardships and extract what I am supposed to learn and grow from them. Today my storm has hit. Without getting too personal, I am in need of some great prayer. Family issues have surfaced and from this my parents will be placed in a very trying time. I find these times a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow in our faith. Call that a "Pollyanna" view if you will, but I am convinced that God is bigger than the air I breathe, the world I'll leave...He will save the day. As I was looking though some pictures from our recent summer camp, this picture brought me great joy. It makes no difference what happens and what falls into our lives, God is there with us all the way...Probably stuff we all know already.

My License

Today I was presented my license of the Gospel Ministry. My family came down from Tehachapi, California to witness this step in my ministry career. We went to the Old spaghetti Factory, it was okay. Then we went and got this license framed and matted. I love my job...what is a piece of paper?

Campus by the Sea 3

The group at the top of the hill...way cool!


Kris and with girls

Me and the hiking crew...I really needed a Starbucks that morning

Barrcuda Cabin 1 & 2...yes those are air-soft guns
The awesome Crystal from CBU!!!

Campus by the Sea 2

Okay for those of you who don't like to read 'thick' blogs here are the summer camp highlights and lowlights:

Highlights

• one week at the beach...YES!
• free from the distractions of life (iPods, computers, traffic, Mike Lovato..just kidding)
• students experiencing God
• pranks...or the lack of them
• meeting new people (youth pastors)
• being compared to a buffalo, and thus being named "White Buffalo"
• building relationships with students

Lowlights

• camp became 'scam-camp' within one hour of our arrival, some female students were already scamming cell phone numbers, excising their flirting skills...etc.)
• student leaders who dropped the ball
• the lack of good coffee
• dirty cabins...wow, my cabin became a dirty clothes hamper in 12 seconds!

Campus by the Sea part 1

Junior High summer camp...where to begin? Well, I took 24 students and 4 counselors (including myself) to the beautiful island of Catalina for camp. This was our second year here and let me tell you it was absolutely amazing!

I have to be honest, I was stressing (as most leaders do with camps such as these) and felt very weary. I'm the type of person who likes everything to be perfect and running on schedule. This was not the case. I had a sick leader who bailed at the last moment. So, God blessed us with my friend Crystal from CBU and she filled the spot. She was amazing and really connected with the students, one in particular. She was able to minister and comfort this student in a way that only God could have seen. I am still in awe of God's providence in this matter. All I can say is that Hanna was impacted by the awesome love and example that Crystal gave to us this past week.

God definitely worked in the hearts of our students this week. This has been my prayer for months and WOW...God meet us there at camp. Words and images can not describe the passion and love that these students experienced from this camp and ultimately from God himself. It is cool to see students really engage in worship, leadership, and love for one another...amazing!!!

With all that when on, our students came home on fire for Jesus. It is funny that the name of our ministry is called the Refinery, because these students ultimately offered themselves to be Refined by the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. They don't want to live numb lives, they want to feel love. From this, I am excited to get started on the follow-up this week...GOD is GOOD!!!!

Back from Camp

I got back from JH summer camp yesterday. I was tons of fun but very long. Look for more bloggs for inoformation and pictures.

Caught at Chipotle

Funny thing, normally my friend Mike and I go to Chipotle for lunch during the week. Today I took a different friend, and guess who walks through the door...yep, Mike and his wife. I thought that he would barricade himself inside his house to relax after a 2 1/2 week long mission trip. Nope! He walked in and his wife caught us...I think we need to go somewhere else.

Almost Here!

In one week from this Sunday I will leave for Catalina Island for our junior high summer camp. Last year was the first time we tried 'Campus by the Sea' junior high summer camp. The camp is facilitated by Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship, and should be very academic and fun at same time. We took about 12 students. This year we are taking 24!

Totally excited!

Summer Camp part III.

Centri-Kid is over...it is done! The week in two words...Controlled chaos! I had a blast, but I am exhausted. I have one week till the junior high summer camp at Catalina...where is my pillow again?

Summer Camp part II.

Centri-Kid is almost over....here are some highlights:

• Hanging with the kids...they are fun for days and laugh at my jokes.
• The awesome CBU food.
• God moving in the hearts of these kids...very cool.
• Networking working with other youth pastors ( I get tired of talking with Mike...just kidding. He's a cool guy)
• UNO till 11pm. Yep, this is really late for elementary students. I won every time!

Issues:

• CBU (should I say Provider) and there lack of understanding child psychology. They expect them to act like a church business meeting...boring! Kids will be kids...get a get grip, nothing is broken, hurt, or defaced. Running and ADD/ADHD is not a crime!!!!
• CBU aquatics. Your better off swimming in Cuba, less rules! If you are planning on swimming at the pool expect to have a 25 min. meeting on all the rules...they love rules. I guess its for safety...honestly your making kids cry.

Overall, its been a blast!!!

Summer Camp part I

Okay, so I was asked to be the lead staff member and take 20 3-6 graders to Centri-kid (a camp for elementry students). It is day three and I'm having a blast! It's very cool to see God work and move the hearts of these little guys. Also, you can actually see the ADD/ADHD floating in the air...good times!