Christmas has passed and now we are hours away from finishing our year! I am grateful for an amazing Christmas celebration and VACATION time I was able to share with my wife and family. I had some great time to rest, too. I am also grateful for all that God has done this year and grateful simply for being able to see another year of God's Grace.
I have been in 1 Corinthians 9 recently where Paul talks about running the race as one who is determined to win the prize. I sense this passage will take me through January and in preparation for the next season of life God has for me and our family. For all the Young Adults reading this blog, next week is our Winter Retreat, and we will talk through what it means to live our lives in God's ways. This includes knowing your passions, gifts, and abilities. I am currently reading a new book called "Living a Life on Loan. According to the authors, it is important to live your life and they made an acronym.
Loves-Live your passions and dreams.
Intersections-Be aware of where your life intersects with others.
Fortune-Steward your resources for God.
Eternity-Remember you are made to live beyond earth. Store up your treasures in Heaven.
I plan to share some of these concepts at our Retreat. If you plan on going and have not yet registered please call 650-364-6304 asap or email kirstend@peninsulacovenant.com
We have three more months of waiting for Baby Gap and it has been an amazing time of preparation. Today, we even were able to buy our crib and baby dresser/changing table with the generous gifts of our family. God is providing.
Mark your calendar for THE DEEP January 12, happening at our home.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Celebrating Christmas on the Street
We had an awesome night Tuesday December 19th.
(Video Below)
We had prepared specific gifts for all our friends on the street with the generous donations of Project Christmas Tree and the faithful giving of our Street Church teams. A group gathered to bake cookies and wrap presents at PCC, and Andrea and Jodi shopped all day long to complete our needs. With a larger team than normal we showed up at on the street at 9pm and served dinner. We had a meaningful time of Christmas caroling, praying, and reading from the Bible and then presented everyone with a personalized gift just for them. The best part of our time was our Bible Study and prayer. In Luke 2:8-20, the Angel gave the good news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, who just like our friends on the street, were outside in the cold at night. The shepherds were not highly esteemed or rich by any means. Many in society at that time would have looked down on these meek laborers who hung around with smelly sheep. Because of this you might think that they would be the last to hear the news of God's son being born, but God chose them to be the first to hear. God's choice says something. The news didn't come to kings in fancy palaces or the the priests in the temples. God went to the humble and simple out in the fields. That's why we go out to the streets because God cares for the poor and loves them. Watch the video and see God's work (below)!
(Video Below)
We had prepared specific gifts for all our friends on the street with the generous donations of Project Christmas Tree and the faithful giving of our Street Church teams. A group gathered to bake cookies and wrap presents at PCC, and Andrea and Jodi shopped all day long to complete our needs. With a larger team than normal we showed up at on the street at 9pm and served dinner. We had a meaningful time of Christmas caroling, praying, and reading from the Bible and then presented everyone with a personalized gift just for them. The best part of our time was our Bible Study and prayer. In Luke 2:8-20, the Angel gave the good news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, who just like our friends on the street, were outside in the cold at night. The shepherds were not highly esteemed or rich by any means. Many in society at that time would have looked down on these meek laborers who hung around with smelly sheep. Because of this you might think that they would be the last to hear the news of God's son being born, but God chose them to be the first to hear. God's choice says something. The news didn't come to kings in fancy palaces or the the priests in the temples. God went to the humble and simple out in the fields. That's why we go out to the streets because God cares for the poor and loves them. Watch the video and see God's work (below)!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Choosing to be at his feet
I got home from the gym and it was 7:30pm. Usually Monday nights Wendy and I both work out, have dinner, and relax the night away. Wendy was already in bed because she was feeling sick and wanted to get her rest so I unexpectedly had the night to myself. I immediately conjured up my to do list. I wanted to shower, eat, finish laundry, start packing for our Christmas trip, organize my bills, watch some of my TIVO shows that I haven't watched in weeks, email some friends, empty the dishwasher, and write this blog. I decided to shower first because I was sweaty and it would give me more time to think through my agenda a little more. It was almost within minutes that the course of my night changed. I turned the water on and it was as if these words were spoken. "Mary has chosen what is best." I had my eyes closed as the hot water was beating down on my head. It felt so refreshing and then again, "Mary has chosen what is best (Luke 10:38-42)." That's it. Those words in just that one line fluttered through my mind. I stood there thinking. How did that get in my mind. Did I just think it or did something trigger that? It was a simple sentence actually spoken from the mouth of Jesus to his friend Martha about her sister Mary. Just as quick as the words came, an image came to my mind. The picture was Martha standing in front of Jesus with her agenda in hand. In my mind I could see her holding a to do list in one hand and a kitchen pot in the other.
She stood there realizing her well thought out busy plan really wasn't the best for her at that moment. I only saw the picture in my mind... but I knew how she felt. She felt a little awkward, singled out, and a little ashamed that she elevated house hold chores above time spent worshiping Jesus. That was exactly how I felt. And why shouldn't I? I had been truly longing today for some time to just read and journal. I had made my plans, but God ordered my steps. I actually felt relieved, even though I felt humbled. How could I have missed what was best? I finished my shower, warmed up some leftovers, and made myself comfortable with my journal and Bible. It was such a sweet time of reading, praying, and reaffirming my trust in God in this day and this moment.It was the best use of my time. (And the great thing was that I ended up being able to complete everything else I wanted/needed to do, as well (Hence, this Blog is written). See Proverbs 16:9. And I had more awesome revelation through Psalm 127, that I'll blog about later.
This Tuesday 12/19 we will meet at PCC's Fireside room to wrap gifts for the homeless, bake some goods, and go out to Christmas carol on the street.
She stood there realizing her well thought out busy plan really wasn't the best for her at that moment. I only saw the picture in my mind... but I knew how she felt. She felt a little awkward, singled out, and a little ashamed that she elevated house hold chores above time spent worshiping Jesus. That was exactly how I felt. And why shouldn't I? I had been truly longing today for some time to just read and journal. I had made my plans, but God ordered my steps. I actually felt relieved, even though I felt humbled. How could I have missed what was best? I finished my shower, warmed up some leftovers, and made myself comfortable with my journal and Bible. It was such a sweet time of reading, praying, and reaffirming my trust in God in this day and this moment.It was the best use of my time. (And the great thing was that I ended up being able to complete everything else I wanted/needed to do, as well (Hence, this Blog is written). See Proverbs 16:9. And I had more awesome revelation through Psalm 127, that I'll blog about later.
This Tuesday 12/19 we will meet at PCC's Fireside room to wrap gifts for the homeless, bake some goods, and go out to Christmas carol on the street.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Choosing Humility and Simplicity
(In theatres now THE NATIVITY! See it with your whole family, invite others and discuss.)
I wore my red, cashmere, Gap socks this week. (The socks I won from our Christmas party last weekend). I really like them. If you weren’t there have someone tell you about the “White Elephant” game we played. There was quite a bunch of socks to choose from and steal. I “coveted” the socks of others. Yes, it’s true, I must admit I had a little camouflage and argyle envy from Drew, Steve, and Ben. But I also experienced some interesting thoughts and conviction during this game, too. This season of going through the book of James at PCC and my own devotional reading in Luke 1 & 2 has caused me a lot of reflection. I have been spiritually stirred these two ways: #1 with my own lack of humility and #2 with my abundance of things. First, as I am reading about the birth of Jesus in Luke and reflecting on God’s humble beginnings I am amazed. With our own little baby on the way I am even more sensitive to the God’s choices to become a baby. I have been feeling the movements of our little one over the past weeks and marveling at how that must have felt for Mary to feel God move in her womb. And how about the other elements of this radical story? You know like the peasant girl factor (Mary, who needed savior herself read Luke 1:47), the donkey, the musty manger, the announcement to not so highly esteemed shepherds, etc. Just think about the fact that God chose to come at a time in the world when medical technology was at a bare minimum. He could have come and been born in a hospital in the year 2006, with the comforts and luxury of America, but no! He was born in third world circumstances in Israel. He was God, just think about the choices he made. Amazing. Then think about his life: what he owned and where he lived. How much money did Jesus store up in the bank? Nothing. And did he worry and fear God wouldn’t provide food and clothes for him? No. He lived simply day-by-day and trusted God. So, just looking at all those socks piled up on the table the other night reminded me at how much I/we truly have in this country. We have access to anything and everything we want and in most cases we get (or buy) all of our needs (and almost all of our wants) met. So what should my/our response be if we truly want to be like Jesus Christ? I leave that question with you and pray that your Christmas season involves some time to reflect on this topic. It’s a messy journey that requires humility and simplicity. I am right there with you.
Tony
12/17 This Sunday: After Sunday at 6 in the Fireside room is CHRISTMAS CAROLING, APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS WITH THE 50PLUS MINISTRY! Come join us for an intergenerational night of celebration.
12/19 Tuesday 7pm
Meet at PCC to make Christmas cookies and gifts for our homeless friends. Then come down to Menlo Park for Christmas Caroling. Fireside room 7pm. Email jodi210@hotmail.com
12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com to RSVP. Bring $5 for stuff.
12/29 Friday MEN'S NIGHT OUT 8pm Pizza @ BJ's in Foster City and Broomball 9:30-11:30pm
more info tba.
12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6. Karaoke, comedy, food, etc.
January 5-7
Winter Retreat in Twain Harte. Brochures will be available this week. See the literature rack in PCC’s worship center. Sign up now for $65 before the price goes up.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Young Adults Christmas Party recap
Thanks to all who came, served, hosted, and participated in our Young Adults' Christmas Party! It was this last Saturday night December 9th. The rain didn't stop our travels since it was a "progressive dinner event." For more pictures scroll all they way down to the end of the blog or see the slide show on www.myspace.com/yapcc
We started at Christina's House (pictured here with her cousins below).
We had appetizers, mingled around, and had the fun activity of creating Christmas card pictures with a box full of Christmas costumes.
The Wong Family jumped in the fun, too, with Prince Owen Alibaba.
After a time of ice skating in Foster City and eating BJ's Pizza we ended up the Jen and Glenn's House for Dessert and Hot Cider. The Christmas gift exchange game took on a new twist with socks and secret hiding elves with upgraded prizes. Everyone brought and wrapped up socks that we traded White Elephant style.
My shirt says: Re gift Responsibly.
We started at Christina's House (pictured here with her cousins below).
We had appetizers, mingled around, and had the fun activity of creating Christmas card pictures with a box full of Christmas costumes.
The Wong Family jumped in the fun, too, with Prince Owen Alibaba.
After a time of ice skating in Foster City and eating BJ's Pizza we ended up the Jen and Glenn's House for Dessert and Hot Cider. The Christmas gift exchange game took on a new twist with socks and secret hiding elves with upgraded prizes. Everyone brought and wrapped up socks that we traded White Elephant style.
My shirt says: Re gift Responsibly.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Christmas Choices continued
This week at PCC Gary Gaddini, our lead pastor, challenged us in such a perfect way.
How will you spend your time and will you dedicate it to God? Do you have a Godly perspective with your faith and how you live it out?
If you weren't able to hear the message check it out! REAL FAITH HAS PERSPECTIVE 12/3
So taking this challenge, and trying to dedicate our time to God, Wendy and I had a family meeting. I live for things like this. I am not fully sure why, but I love planners, palm pilots, calendars, etc. I love knowing what is going on today and what to expect (as much as I can) for tomorrow. Honestly, this can be bad, because I love having stuff to do all the time, so planning in such a way helps me see where I need to back down and relax. So we both plotted out the remaining days of December (less than three weeks until Christmas. We made sure we knew what parties (we have four) and other events we're going to this month and made sure to carve out together time, rest time, work out time, and Christmas shopping time. It was such a welcomed and refreshing decision to make choices regarding our time for communication purposes, but also so that we can enjoy the season and not feel overwhelmed. We have one friday where we made sure to do nothing. We both but a big NOTHING over that date! We want to be home to rest and pack for our Christmas travels.
When you can spend some time receiving the gift of God's peace. Make sure above all else, that you make time for that. Even as I type I am convicted of how easily I don't allow God to lead me beside quiet waters! Psalm 23 has been such an encouragement and gift to my soul! I hope you know how much God loves you!
I hope you who read this are able to enjoy this season because even in this blog I am going to list a BUNCH of options of things going on this month. I hope you can be a great manager of your time and not feel pressure to do it all! Three important things for this weekend.
12/9 Main Street Cafe 10:30am 150 Elm St. come for breakfast! and
CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 5:30PM (RSVP on Evite)Starts at Christina Stenstrom's and ends at Glenn and Jenn Wong's house.
12/10 Sunday at 6 in the Fellowship Hall and
PCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT SUNDAY 7:30PM After Sunday at 6 (NO young adult dinner).
12/17 CHRISTMAS CAROLING WITH 50 PLUS MINISTRY Fireside Room 8pm.
12/19 TUESDAY NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND GIFT MAKING FOR THE HOMELESS: Email Jodi210@hotmail.com to get involved. Starts 7pm PCC.
12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com to RSVP. Bring $5 for stuff.
12/29 MEN'S NIGHT OUT 8pm Pizza @ BJ's in Foster City and Broomball 9:30-11:30pm
more info tba.
12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6.
1/5-7 Winter Retreat and Snowboarding Twain Harte/Dodge Ridge
How will you spend your time and will you dedicate it to God? Do you have a Godly perspective with your faith and how you live it out?
If you weren't able to hear the message check it out! REAL FAITH HAS PERSPECTIVE 12/3
So taking this challenge, and trying to dedicate our time to God, Wendy and I had a family meeting. I live for things like this. I am not fully sure why, but I love planners, palm pilots, calendars, etc. I love knowing what is going on today and what to expect (as much as I can) for tomorrow. Honestly, this can be bad, because I love having stuff to do all the time, so planning in such a way helps me see where I need to back down and relax. So we both plotted out the remaining days of December (less than three weeks until Christmas. We made sure we knew what parties (we have four) and other events we're going to this month and made sure to carve out together time, rest time, work out time, and Christmas shopping time. It was such a welcomed and refreshing decision to make choices regarding our time for communication purposes, but also so that we can enjoy the season and not feel overwhelmed. We have one friday where we made sure to do nothing. We both but a big NOTHING over that date! We want to be home to rest and pack for our Christmas travels.
When you can spend some time receiving the gift of God's peace. Make sure above all else, that you make time for that. Even as I type I am convicted of how easily I don't allow God to lead me beside quiet waters! Psalm 23 has been such an encouragement and gift to my soul! I hope you know how much God loves you!
I hope you who read this are able to enjoy this season because even in this blog I am going to list a BUNCH of options of things going on this month. I hope you can be a great manager of your time and not feel pressure to do it all! Three important things for this weekend.
12/9 Main Street Cafe 10:30am 150 Elm St. come for breakfast! and
CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 5:30PM (RSVP on Evite)Starts at Christina Stenstrom's and ends at Glenn and Jenn Wong's house.
12/10 Sunday at 6 in the Fellowship Hall and
PCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT SUNDAY 7:30PM After Sunday at 6 (NO young adult dinner).
12/17 CHRISTMAS CAROLING WITH 50 PLUS MINISTRY Fireside Room 8pm.
12/19 TUESDAY NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND GIFT MAKING FOR THE HOMELESS: Email Jodi210@hotmail.com to get involved. Starts 7pm PCC.
12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com to RSVP. Bring $5 for stuff.
12/29 MEN'S NIGHT OUT 8pm Pizza @ BJ's in Foster City and Broomball 9:30-11:30pm
more info tba.
12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6.
1/5-7 Winter Retreat and Snowboarding Twain Harte/Dodge Ridge
Monday, December 04, 2006
Young Adults Christmas Party
Host: PCC YOUNG ADULTS
Location: Christina's House
When: Saturday, December 9, 5:30pm
Phone: 650-364-6304 X252
PCC'S YOUNG ADULTS' CHRISTMAS PARTY!
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9TH!
FUNKY SOCKS REQUIRED!
As a Christmas theme we are asking two things:
#1-WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO WEAR COLORFUL AND FESTIVE CHRISTMAS SOCKS TO THE EVENT SO YOU CAN SHOW OFF TO EVERYONE AND #2-EVERYONE MUST BRING 2 PAIRS OF BRAND NEW WEARABLE SOCKS WRAPPED UP FOR OUR GRAB BAG GAME! (ONE PAIR OF MEN'S SOCKS & ONE PAIR OF WOMEN'S SOCKS WRAPPED UP TOGETHER--MORE DETAILS AT THE PARTY)
This party ALSO requires that you do a little moving. We will be going to at least 2 locations BUT WE MAY HAVE A THIRD LOCATION STILL TBA. WE want everyone to carpool so we can bond in the cars and take up less space for parking at our locations.
5:30pm Meet at Christina Stenstrom's House
(Appetizers will be served)
7:15pm-Foster City Location TBA Bring $20 for possible activity and to donate for food at the end of the night
8:30pm Meet at Jenn & Glenn Wong's House
(Dessert & Drinks will be served)
Location: Christina's House
When: Saturday, December 9, 5:30pm
Phone: 650-364-6304 X252
PCC'S YOUNG ADULTS' CHRISTMAS PARTY!
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9TH!
FUNKY SOCKS REQUIRED!
As a Christmas theme we are asking two things:
#1-WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO WEAR COLORFUL AND FESTIVE CHRISTMAS SOCKS TO THE EVENT SO YOU CAN SHOW OFF TO EVERYONE AND #2-EVERYONE MUST BRING 2 PAIRS OF BRAND NEW WEARABLE SOCKS WRAPPED UP FOR OUR GRAB BAG GAME! (ONE PAIR OF MEN'S SOCKS & ONE PAIR OF WOMEN'S SOCKS WRAPPED UP TOGETHER--MORE DETAILS AT THE PARTY)
This party ALSO requires that you do a little moving. We will be going to at least 2 locations BUT WE MAY HAVE A THIRD LOCATION STILL TBA. WE want everyone to carpool so we can bond in the cars and take up less space for parking at our locations.
5:30pm Meet at Christina Stenstrom's House
(Appetizers will be served)
7:15pm-Foster City Location TBA Bring $20 for possible activity and to donate for food at the end of the night
8:30pm Meet at Jenn & Glenn Wong's House
(Dessert & Drinks will be served)
Friday, December 01, 2006
Christmas Events for Young Adults
THIS WEEK and BEYOND
12/1 THE DEEP TONIGHT FRIDAY 8PM Basement of PCC
12/9 CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 5:30PM (Evite available now)Starts at Christina Stenstrom's and ends at Glenn and Jenn Wong's house.
12/10 PCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT SUNDAY 7:30PM After Sunday at 6 (NO young adult dinner)
12/17 CHRISTMAS CAROLING WITH 50 PLUS MINISTRY Fireside Room 8pm
12/19 TUESDAY NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND GIFT MAKING FOR THE HOMELESS: Email Jodi210@hotmail.com to get involved. Starts 7pm PCC
12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com
12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6
1/5-7 Winter Retreat and Snowboarding Twain Harte/Dodge Ridge
Remember to check out our myspace.com/yapcc
12/1 THE DEEP TONIGHT FRIDAY 8PM Basement of PCC
12/9 CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 5:30PM (Evite available now)Starts at Christina Stenstrom's and ends at Glenn and Jenn Wong's house.
12/10 PCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT SUNDAY 7:30PM After Sunday at 6 (NO young adult dinner)
12/17 CHRISTMAS CAROLING WITH 50 PLUS MINISTRY Fireside Room 8pm
12/19 TUESDAY NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND GIFT MAKING FOR THE HOMELESS: Email Jodi210@hotmail.com to get involved. Starts 7pm PCC
12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com
12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6
1/5-7 Winter Retreat and Snowboarding Twain Harte/Dodge Ridge
Remember to check out our myspace.com/yapcc
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