Tony's2Cents

Filmaking underway

2012-02-11T23:45:00.000-08:00

Today was a preproduction day of scouting locations, meeting with hair and make-up people, discussing costumes, and rehearsing (in my living room). Our team was all over the city getting things ready for our shoot that starts Thursday!

I'm most impressed with people passionate about art that they would be willing to give their time for free to not only make a good story, but simply to work together-knowing that something supernatural happens in the community of filmmaking!

Here's some lighting testing going on in the FOX theatre in which we get to shoot! We are so excited!

One of our special crew members is a long time Bay Area, filmmaking native: Ned Kopp (below). He's been working in films since the 1970's. He's worked with Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, Bill Cosby, Robin Williams, and now us. He's giving his time totally free because he loves filmmaking! He knows what he's doing and it's great to listen to all his stories. What a humble guy! And below is Tammy Calderon. This will be her second film she's worked hair and make-up. It's awesome to watch her light up and give her input. She'll also be bringing some of her students from her cosmetology program to help! Thanks everyone!

Here is our director below, Kerwin Kuniyoshi, sharing his vision for the film! Within two writes of the script he nailed what he was looking for, and is taking a risk, but one that is very creative and worth it!

If you'd like to support the film--please go here: http://www.indiegogo.com/168-Film-Festival-SF-Team-1

If you'd like to donate food for the cast/crew email tonyg@wearepcc.com
WE ARE IN NEED OF:
cases of 24 bottles of water (need about 6 cases)
2-12 packs of assorted soda
2 Large Salads
2 Big Safeway Deli Hero Sandwiches
4 loves of bread ( 2 wheat, 2 white)
2 jars of Jelly
2 jars of peanut butters
3 cases of cup of noodles
2 bags of apples
2 bunches of bananas
2 bags of grapes
2 boxes of SPOONS, Forks, Knives-plasticware
1-package of napkins
1 large bag of trail mix
2 boxes of granola bars
1 bucket of licorice and other assorted candy
1-First aid kit

Soul Food night tonight! w/ PCC young adults

2012-02-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

My next SHORT FILM PROJECT.

2012-01-12T15:08:00.001-08:00

Every filmmaker needs to gain experience and exposure. Film contests and fests are a great place to start! Consider supporting our endeavor!

Click hear to support http://www.indiegogo.com/168-Film-Festival-SF-Team-1

and watch this video for more info!

Fundraising Video for the 168 Hour Film Festival from Radiologie on Vimeo.

Tenderloin Weekend!

2012-01-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

What an awesome time!

A Radical change...

2011-11-09T23:12:00.000-08:00

So, every year for almost a DECADE, we've been doing a WINTER RETREAT the first weekend of each year with our PCC young adults. It's always been a great time being together, sitting around by the fire, singing, praying, and of course snowboarding. Watch videos of some of the past years here:

2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI6KYFnOTls

2008: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvkoY6TKpgg

2007: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmH14mrxp1I

2006: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mRa82wuG1Q&feature=related

But after reading RADICAL by David Platt, and really wrestling with what it means to FOLLOW JESUS this season, I sensed God leading our ministry to make a radical decision. Instead of going to the mountains to shred some snow this season, we'll be walking the streets, praying, showing grace and preparing the way for God's kingdom in one of of the most needy places in our Bay Area: The Tenderloin of SAN FRANCISCO. (It was chapter 3, 5 & 6 of Radical specifically that challenged me).

JANUARY 6-8 2012 come SERVE...come FOLLOW JESUS..and expand God's kingdom by praying, showing grace, and discipling the Tenderloin w/a great ministry called SF City Impact.

I want to be the Church. I want to disciple and multiply community. I want to see God's power. I want to love the poor and sacrifice my time and resources for the glory of God. It was evident that our young adults were also craving this, too! So, I thought this season we could do without a trip focused on us having fun in the comfort of our traditional winter cabins with fireplaces, to join a radical movement, a church seeking to radically love the poor.

THE MOST amazing part is our friend AUTUMN BUZZELL, currently serving in Ghana will be back in California for the same weekend with her mission leaders John and Stacy to join us and spend time sharing stories and preparing us for our MAY 2012 mission to CITY OF REFUGE, serving and loving on African orphans and kids who've been rescued from being trafficked into the fishing industry. How radical is that??? Ghana and the Tenderloin. Sharing stories with people in San Francisco being freed from addiction and violence with what God is doing and how he is rescuing and transforming people across the world in Africa from slavery to freedom.

The schedule will be something like:
Team time, Worship gatherings, sharing stories with fellow SF City Impact friends,
City of Refuge (John, Stacy, Autumn) teach us what God is doing in Ghana, music, etc.
Work in the Rescue Mission, Volunteer Center, Kitchen, Thrift Store or Construction and
Street Ministry (prayer walking, door to door showing grace: meeting immediate physical needs, laying hands on people for healing, etc).

MORE INFO on this serving retreat AFTER THE FALL RETREAT (Nov 18-20 at Mt. Hermon).

Renewed

2011-09-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

Someone from our church family took a picture of me while I was leading one of our PCC worship gatherings Sunday. It's rare that I'm in a tie but here's some proof. Our 9am gatherings are more traditional and so music and dress a more traditional expression. (I love how my hands in are in the "prayer position," it almost looks staged).

I spoke through Colossians 3 emphasizing verse 23 as part of our summer RENEW focus.
To listen go to http://www.wearepcc.com/#/sundays/messages

Whatever you do, work at it as though you were working for the Lord and not for human masters.

I was renewed in huge ways this summer through the book of Colossians. God has shown me how to renew my mind to who I am and to who he is! We have the fullness of Christ (2:10) and I want to live this every day, worshiping him in everything I do. We don't have to ask God to give us fullness-we have it already by faith-those of us in Christ. Worship isn't just singing, Church isn't just Sundays in a building. Worship is our life, and the Church is God's people on a radical mission to bless and love the world to see God's kingdom expand! (For more on my church thoughts see:

http://tonys2cents.blogspot.com/2008/09/rant-on-word-church.html

Don't "go to" Church part 2

my VLOG on the Church

Casting Call

2011-08-16T22:40:00.001-07:00

One of my passions is filmmaking. I love being sets creating stories and seeing art come to life. But I also love being on sets because of all the conversations I get to have with people about God! It is quite a mission field for me!

One of my fave shows is having a contest so I entered!!

It's easy to vote, you just login w/ Facebook or Twitter, or your email! And you can vote very day, once daily, until September 9th.
Vote here:

MAD MEN CASTING CALL
DIRECTIONS
1-Log-in (Top Right of page using FB, your email, twitter)

2-Create profile (takes 1 min! Don't be alarmed if you're confused! You'll figure it out!).

3-Vote-by pressing RED VOTE TAB under my PIC (SEE # of votes CHANGE & it says "Thanks for Voting.")
YOU DON'T HAVE TO "LIKE" the page, Just "liking" the page doesn't count as a vote.

4-Vote every day around the same time. They clock it
every 24 hours thru your computer. CONTEST ENDS 9/9. It's all about the # of votes. Top 10 highest men & top highest women are entered in Semi-finals.

5-You can invite others to join in on the event, too!

Thanks so much for the shameless self-promotion!
9th place for the men votes as of Sunday 8/28

HUGE THANKS to my good friend John Meyer who took the photo for me!

Much Ado about SOMETHING Amazing!

2011-05-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

I tried to turn it down a couple times. My life always seems so full as it is. I shuttered at how much work it would involve volunteering with twelve kids attempting to perform Shakespeare (in the original language), especially twelve kids with English as a second language. And as far as I knew none had ever acted in any capacity before. It seemed quite challenging. But I'm extremely glad God didn't allow me to miss this opportunity. About six weeks ago, because of the encouragement of a passionate parent/neighbor of mine (Emily Devitis), I sat down with this local committed teacher, Sarah Coyle, who explained her big dream: to give her kids an opportunity to do something they'd never done before (and might not ever get a chance to do). Due to many school district cuts, public schools have no room for extras, let alone the arts. My heart melted and I agreed to direct this group of 4th and 5th grade students in scenes from Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing."

I first only agreed to one hour a week. The realized it needed to be two, then three hours, and on some weeks four hours with the last week being as much time as I could! And with a lot of prayer we pulled off two performances on Friday and I must say, they nailed it! I was so proud of them. (We have one show left next week. WED JUNE 1, 6-6:30PM ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL). Needless to say I grew in love with them (even when they forget their lines and add lib things about Chuck E. Cheese and Red Lobster. Yes it happened, and it was one of the funniest moments in the performance).

My mother-in-law painted facial hair for the guys. It added so much and gave them a boost of character.

The backdrop/set was designed and constructed in a great community collaboration (I love this word).
It all started from Emily Devitis (my neighbor) who connected me to the school. Then she and Jen Alexander (artist extraordinaire) designed/painted the set. It's beautiful.

5th grade Victoria, in blue below, plays Beatrice. She will also get a scholarship to attend Broadway By the Bay's Youth Theatre Conservatory! There was even an article written about her and our production on Patch.com Read it here. http://redwoodcity.patch.com/articles/whiz-kid-performs-shakespearean-comedy.

The kids had never experienced wearing a microphone before. Having amplification added so much to the performance.

My long time friend, Erica Wyman (actor and director as well, below in the pink), with her Broadway by the Bay connections hooked me with the Boys and Girls' club two years ago. And now she agreed to help partner in this little production. She arranged a great sound system and invited Broadway by The Bay's Development Director Tyler Bennet and Executive Director Jim Gardia, to watch the show. They greeted the kids afterward and just gushed all over them which made the kids feel so amazing! We are so thankful to Broadway by the Bay for covering our costumes, as well! They were a perfect fit for the show!

Afterward I teared up talking w/ the Principal and the BBB staff. God is doing something amazing. I love how he intersects our gifts/passions with the kingdom. This was such a practical way for me to love on our city and bless the schools.

My favorite part was hearing the kids' reactions. They knew they had accomplished something beyond their abilities, they felt good about themselves, experienced teamwork, and they were already dreaming about a "Midsummer Night's Dream for next year"....We'll see about that..

A not-so subtle reminder of Grace

2011-04-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

After I returned from lunch I found this note on my car.

"Nest time I we key your car Dummie | your welcome"

Really? I guess Parking one inch ON the line caused some one some grief in their day.

Or who knows maybe I cut this person off or took the spot they wanted. I have no idea. But getting this note elicited emotions in me. (Enough to blog about it, obviously). Part of me laughed at some of the spelling mistakes and made some assumptions about the person that actually took the time to write the note (For which I'm sorry that my thoughts quickly ran to judgment). Then I was sad to think what it would take to cause a person to choose to use their energy in such a negative way. Then I was humbled. I had to stop thinking about myself as a victim and think about the person on the other end of the situation. And so I prayed for hope in this person's day. I know my parking job was not responsible for "making" this person angry..perhaps they are feeling low because they are unemployed, going through a hard relationship. lonely, or maybe they have even hurt because other people have called them names. Or what if, this is extreme, but he/she may be living under emotional and/or physical abuse from others. Or it could be none of those things.

It could be as simple as this person just made a one time bad choice in the course of his/her day that hurt another person (me), like I do a lot to other people. And this person needs grace..just like I do for the way I act..and the way I park. God..thank you for reminders like this. Either way, today I pray that this person, that myself, and that every reader of this story knows that we have a creator who loves us and who always gives us second chances when we cross the line--in any and every way. This creator, this savior, this God who loves us will never demean us, and never call us "dummie."

Come see my film. Support the Arts. Support the Poor.

2011-04-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Time...Time to slow down.

2011-04-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

I've not made much time to blog lately. Notice the difference: I said I didn't "make" time, not I haven't "had" time. I've had lots of time, but I've had to make the choice to use my time in different ways on many, many other things lately. I'd like to be blogging more, honestly, but I have to sacrifice the long postings for more short updates--as in 140 characters on Twitter or Facebook. It's a humbling realization but I should not be doing as much as I'd like to be doing (or think I'm capable of doing). I have a huge to-do list. And I don't say that for pity, I actually enjoy accomplishing a lot of things and usually take on more things **outside of my job description** because I want to and it feels great, I like to help others, and I feel satisfied in my accomplishments, etc...but I'm seeing that God is teaching me to be careful in all the freedom he's given me. Sometimes he lets us choose all the things we want to do and other times he's clear what he wants us to do and what he doesn't want us to do. Right now, I'm in a season where God is telling me to wait, put things off, let go, and that I have to say NO more often, schedule less, and not be a slave to technology. With that comes accomplishing less and the challenge to keep my worth and identity rooted in Jesus. My worth doesn't come from what I do, but from who God says I am. Ephesians chapters 1-3 declare this loud and clear.

It reminds me of this picture my mom sent me. Check out this car wreck.

The passenger and driver were OK, thankfully. Sometimes I think about my life and how fast I am prone to go...and I'm grateful for the ways God allows me to see the need to stop and just be. Sometimes this comes from times of pain that I have no control over, sometimes it's because I got exhausted taking on too many things, and other times it comes because my kids need me to be dad and run around the house with them.

I don't want to pass these moments by and not learn anything, As if to say, "Whew, that was a close call." Because sometimes it's a lot closer than we think and consequences to disobedience or wrong alignment of priorities way deeper and dangerous to our life that we know. And we don't even realize what God is doing, saving us from, or how he is protecting us in the heavenly realms. Just how this driver and passenger from the the car wreck above must have felt when they took in what almost happened to them---take a look at the rest of the picture. This is crazy. This is real.

I realized God may be giving me a new word for the season. SLOW.
(but I also am connected to the word REMAIN).
John 15: 1-5
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

The Next Gap Kid gender is...

2011-01-27T06:20:00.000-08:00

My 1 year old's L's

2010-12-22T14:54:00.000-08:00

Cutest thing. My daughters L's are are said like Y's. Every time she talks in her little voice I wanna just stop time.

Here's a few of my favorites:

Yook at me. (Look at me)

I yike it. (I like it)

Heyyo? (Hello?)

I yove you. (I love you).

Where's my yammy? (Lamby)

Rant: Santa Stance 2.0

2010-12-22T02:54:00.000-08:00

I was in Starbucks with my kids the other day. A woman leaned over to our table and made eye contact w/ my 3 year old.

"Is Santa coming to your house to give you gifts this Christmas?"

My three year old was bewildered and averted eye contact to me as if to say, "Help!"

I laughed and told the lady, "Mom and dad give the gifts at our house."

Then she said, "Well.. HE's coming to MY house to drop off gifts."

AWKward.

Can't you see how this adult perpetuated saga makes for craziness at Christmas. (Why is Santa going to give her gifts and not us? Well, kids...) Thankfully we've had the talk w/ our kids. It's a story, pretend like the princesses of Disney.

I wrote THIS POST on Santa 2 years ago and I still stick with it adding a minor modification. Saint Nick was a real person in history and we should (read in the article below), appropriately reference him. But I don't think it's appropriate to go to all ends to build a child's belief in Santa as necessary part of Christmas because it comes with ramifications. I've heard two stories in the past weeks where preschool parents have had to deal with kids being told (pushed perhaps) at school to believe the story of Santa to the point where it confuses or scares them. (Someone is coming down our chimney? Why does my neighbor get more & better toys from Santa than me?) This brings up the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Leprechaun issue...my kids have enough lies & fears to battle every day I don't need to add to their thinking that little pixies are flying around their room. (This reminds me a friend made up a story for his toddler to get her off pacifiers. He said a fairy came and took them for other kids to use. Some time later the kid was hoarding her blanket and toys in fear and asked her dad when the fairies were coming to take them to other kids).

This is a must read article. I don't always agree with Pastor Mark Driscoll, but I think he is right on with his (click here) Santa Stance.

S-I-X

2010-11-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

I love marriage. Today I honor my wife and in thanks to God celebrate our six years of marriage and 11+ years of friendship.
----
Art that hangs in our room by friend/artist: David Nyquist (painted during our wedding celebration). Inspired by John 15. Our wedding word was: ABIDE. Here's some fave pics of our GTEAM!

11.12.2004 Redwood City Ca

Chicago Dec 2004

London March 2005

Italy May 2006

Hawaii November 2006

Our 1st child is Born. March 2007

Portland April 2007

Las Vegas April 2008

Our 2nd daughter is born February 2009

San Francisco October 2009

Tahoe Summer 2010

Love our family!

Six years, Six amazing years with my wife!
I'm so grateful to have this friendship with Wendy Rose, the most significant relationship of my life!

Here are the vows I said to her on our wedding day six years ago and that I will renew with her this weekend!
I, Anthony James, take you Wendy Rose to be my wife!
I realize God has entrusted you to me as a gift. I commit before God, our family, and friends to love you by first devoting my heart to God, following Jesus Christ, and living in the Holy Spirit.
I love you, and know that I can only do this through God. Because of this, I vow to be your faithful husband to strengthen and forgive you through grace and to give you courage when you need it. I will be your biggest fan. I commit to praying for you and encouraging you to become the woman God created you to be so we can glorify him together (Psalm 34:3).

Me, the Film Critic

2010-11-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Someone gave me a film on DVD and asked me to preview it and give feedback. Man, it was not easy. Here's my response.

Hi __________ thanks for dropping off the DVD. I appreciate you seeking me out--because film is a huge passion of mine. I did pop it in and watched the first few 15 mins.

Y'know, as a self-proclaimed "film buff, "I love movies and 1st and foremost I appreciate people trying to make films. It's a lot of hard work to make it all come together. Being a film critic or an American Idol judge is not my intended desire cause I'm more of a pastor and I want to "nurture people." :)--But you asked for some feedback so here goes:I have some thoughts:

-It seemed like the target was teenagers or even younger tweenies---so maybe that's why I hard a hard time jumping into it...and I had a hard time believing the acting, the main girls/boy were big caricatures which serves a point, but maybe is better for something like a youth group sketch--One technical note was that I had was that I had hard time reading the screen during the the online chatting scene. Maybe it was the DVD quality but I'm just saying.

I have to be honest I didn't finish it because my time just feels so precious and can be limiting w/ kids, family, ministry and my own creative pursuits and it didn't grab me in the 1st 15 mins so I didn't finish watching it. I feel bad but I wanted to be honest about my feedback since you asked.

I hope I don't offend you and I don't mean to be presumptuous or arrogant by any means.--but I just read this article passed on by a friend and it made me think of this film:

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/film/features/23250-why-are-christian-movies-so-bad

I hope this is OK and I would be happy to chat w/ you by phone or even talk w/ the producers of it. I'm no expert, but I love films and have my own experiences w/ film making that give me a somewhat biased opinion. :)

Let me know how/where I can get the DVD back to you.

much thanks
tony

------------
I dont' know how Roger Ebert does it. UG!

Dad Life

2010-09-05T22:09:00.001-07:00

This video speaks to my life as a dad, especially to being a dad with daughters. I loved it my wife and I laughed! :). Hilarious.

(Thanks Uncle Jack).

Gas station glasses..
daughters
manscape
water parks
Minivans..
grills
Disney Videos--(of which, yes, I have cried!).
Nigh-Nigh Songs

Validation

2010-08-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

Great little short film on something we all need, (Not just free parking), and how when we get it-or don't get it-it effects others. Moving little piece. You never know how your actions impact others.

VALIDATION

My daughter thinks I'm a vampire

2010-08-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

It all started last week when my father-in-law was reading a Sesame Street book to my youngest daughter (1.5). As they were turning pages she pointed to The Count and said, "Daddy."

He alerted us from the living room and we all had a good laugh. Then later in the week my wife noticed my daughter was looking in the Sesame Street books for the purple skinned "Daddy" on her own. Should I be alarmed? Is it the widow's peak? The goatee? Or maybe it's my Transylvania accent or the way I laugh?? I know I have teeth issues but yikes!!AH-AH-AH!!!

Human Trafficking: Myself

2010-08-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Wow. I have barley blogged this season of life. I have an excuse. It's summer. Summer is like living one full year in the span of ten weeks. It's like the crazy "J Term" college thing (what is that anyway?) where in 3 weeks of class you fulfill a whole semester of credits. Summers with PCC are always amazingly life changing, fun, full of new life and people, and for me and countless others in our church family and staff it means full schedules. That's why I haven't made time to blog. I really haven't had enough time to do a lot of things I wished I could. So the other day I laughed to myself wishing I had a clone and had a sci-fi-like day dream.

I dreamed if I could clone myself-- I could do so much more. I could go to every event I wanted to attend and was unable, participate in all the great happenings summer had to offer. I would make TONY#2 do all the things I can't do in a normal day. I'd (Tony#1) stay home with my wife and kids and send my clone out to make appearances at parties, concerts, hospitals, birthdays, weddings, funerals, meetings etc. Tony#1 would get enough sleep, hang out with people, and still be on top of all the bills while Tony#2 would get up early to work-out (somehow both bodies would share the same affect of exercise) and he would stay up late answering emails, returning calls and texts. I'd even make him get another job to earn some extra money-(cause I've got dental bills to pay) maybe waiting tables cause I've got some experience in that. Life would be great and with out complaint. Than seriously within minutes it hit me...that I was actually coming up with a plan for trafficking myself. I was dreaming of cloning a being in which to force labor upon him. I actually saw images in my head of ME in chains being ordered around be ME and forcing work on me. Wow. It was time to set me free.

It was a deep moment where I realized the twistedness of my brain. I actually needed to apologize to God and change my thinking! I'm so prone to feel guilt for things in which I can't do or wish I could do more. If it were up to me (and if I refused to take my wife's wise counsel) I'd be burning my candle at both ends, out every night, "doing great stuff" but depleting myself in an incredibly unhealthy way. This is perhaps a theme and challenge of my life, being STILL (my word for the season) and finding value and worth in God and his love alone. I really enjoy doing things, helping people, and serving but I there are too many good things for one person to be able to do them all. And at times I slip often believing that when I am doing and working (albeit great things) than I have attained or earned God's love and favor. But God created limitations for good reasons. He created me, all humans, with a need for sleep, dependence on him and others, and the IN-ABILITY to be omni-present so that others would become interdependent on each other and wouldn't be dependant on one person, especially one pastor. I was humbled as I thought of myself "trying so hard to be like God" that I was even stepping over lines TRYING TO BE GOD. My mind is still wrapping around this. I've had to let things go, disappoint people, and say no (to great "godly" things) even when it hurts to do so. I'm reminded God calls me to sacrifice but doesn't call me TO BE Him, just BE LIKE Him, and even he rested at creation and Jesus found many moments to rest and pray alone. God I'm sorry. God renew my mind. God, thank you for saving me and creating me, only ONE me. Thank you for setting me free..from me.

Bringing together some of my favorite things

2010-08-11T21:08:00.001-07:00

Broadway by The Bay Partners with Boys & Girls' Club from Tony Gapastione on Vimeo.

Inspiration

2010-08-11T21:04:00.001-07:00

Anew

2010-06-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Dave Shearin, my good buddy, parter in ministry (Street Church's pastor), makes his acting debut in a beautiful little short film by some friends I have through the Academy of Art! Way to go Andrea & Jae.

Somewhere called STILL

2010-06-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember being a part of my church family, I have been encouraged to pick a word for each season of life. This summer season it was obvious that God was calling me to be STILL.

There are many ramifications for that. Making time to simply rest. Carving out to be be quiet. Intentionally saying no to busyness..just making time TO BE STILL. The past few weeks, the first few weeks of summer have been crazy, good, busy, a whirlwind. I graduated Seminary, welcomed in our 20 interns, kicked off young adult summer groups, celebrated my 4th Father's day and my birthday (whew)..and now I get some time to actually reflect on it all..

God-ronically, this week coming up with be spent recovering from some mouth surgery will have me laid up this week recovering..and being STILL...to which I'm thinking I should just go with a grill.

Helicopter Hat

2010-06-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

"Can I wear your costume & helicopter hat?"

Genesis Film Fest

2010-06-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

I would like to invite you to the first annual GENESIS film festival.

Date: Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Santa Clara University, St. Clare Room, Library-3rd Floor
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130423393635645

The Genesis Film Festival will showcase the best student work during the past year. Genesis embraces the gift of storytelling, and students are challenged to create films that revolve around the human condition and social justice.

Short films will be screened from the following categories through faculty selects: Visual Communication, Intro Digital Filmmaking, Narrative, Documentary, Expanded Cinema, and Capstone. Awards will be given to the top film in each category as well as Best Screenwriting and Audience Choice.

Sponsors include: Avid, B&H Photo Video, Final Draft, FotoKem, Keycode Media, Kodak, Pro 8mm, SCU, Snader & Associates, and VMI.

Free Admission
Reception following at the de Saisset Museum
Check out the Genesis commercial, “The Confession” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPqoMz-pkWE

Upper Room Worship Gathering

2010-06-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

Had a sweet night of BEING THE CHURCH with multiple churches coming together to worship in music and prayer. 6 different worship leaders from different churches. I loved it!

Thankful for X-Factor
Watch the Video on Youtube here!

Lost: No More (spoiler alert).

2010-05-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

My wife convinced me to stay up last night to watch the Series Finale! So glad we ditched our DVR plan for the next day. It was well worth it. From what I am seeing the reviews are mixed. But I don't care, I'm not miffed. There was so much I loved. And it reminded me of the value of my own life and loved ones!

One thing's for sure, I love being able to see God through media, TV, film, art..and it isn't the stuff that we expect nor totally agree with, but we can see God and be touched by him as we brush up against beauty, pain, truth, life..and specially through the mystery of life's unanswered questions in Lost. Watch this Video.

This is big picture that I take away from the message of Lost:
Life is about relationships (living in community), healing (both emotional in reconciliation and physical), finding and embracing a mission (we all have a purpose in life), seeking light (I obviously interpret this for THE light I seek), and overcoming any obstacles (the Island, Smokey, the others) in order to do so! All around...pretty cool and...we truly don't need to die alone..(thanks Vincent).
But I'll be honest. There was one slightly cheesy, over the top, and possibly a jump the shark moment, The Stained glass window in the Church Building. A Cross, A Yin Yang, other religious symbols. Ya, Ok. We get your message. I've seen it on car bumpers: "We can all co-exist now and in eternity."
Since I loved the show so much I'm willing to forgive that :) cause I saw God so much in the story, and was moved in many ways. But I do just want to acknowledge that we can still see God, be touched by him as we encounter truth and beauty in the world even when we don't fully agree with everything theologically (like allocating Jesus to just "a way" among many paths to enlightenment). But with that said, it was great TV in so many ways and touching emotionally and spiritually in so many ways. (I cried yes, and held my wife a little longer last night as we prayed :)!

And least/most importantly...I'm totally fine w/ all the unanswered questions. What about the Dharma Initiative, the Island, the numbers??? There's a lot of room for interpretation and it's good that they didn't give every answer. Does life? Does God? Besides, the writers probably didn't have all the answers either. I like this blog's take.

So, it's time to move on. Let go.

Aloha Lost..
I'm found...... and I'll live like that.

VLOG 18 May 2010 TRT 4:58

2010-05-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Watch May Vlog here

I like to talk about this...a lot.

More Quotes from a 3 year old

2010-05-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

These all came out tonight.

5/15/2010

Me: Ok, now lets pray and be quiet so we can listen to hear Jesus talk to us.

(after a minute)

My Daughter: I don’t hear anything I think he’s sleeping.

Me: (deep breath) Well, Jesus actually doesn’t sleep in Heaven.

My Daughter: (Perplexing look)

Me: I know we just finished reading about Jesus calming the waves on the boat & and he was sleeping in that story, but now in Heaven he doesn’t sleep.

My daughter: I think he’s just talking to other people so we need to wait until he’s finished so he can talk to us.

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

My daughter: Lets pretend I’m Mary and you’re Joseph.

Me: Ok, lets get on the donkey and go to Bethlehem to have Jesus.

My daughter: No, we have to get married first and go to Tahoe.

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

While praying for our victims of human trafficking, (I call them kid slaves with my daughter), I told her that many of them are orphans so we need to pray for God to give them mommies and daddies.

My daughter: What’s an orphan?

Me: A little kid who doesn’t have a mom or a dad.

Me daughter: Why?

Me: Well, uh, (gulp) because some parents left or some died (gulp)..so we need to pray for them.

My daughter: Dad….don’t die…

Mr. Bill Goes to the Dentist

2010-05-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

Remember Mr. Bill? This guy popped in my head the other day and I youtubed him. Funny thing? The first one that came up was his trip to the Dentist. Wow, how I could relate. You gotta watch until the end, it's a good one.

Lighting up Hollywood

2010-05-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a great time in SoCal: Studio City at CBS Studios. Four of us spent the day with hundreds of other Hollywood types at Biola's 15th annual conference for Christians in Media and entertainment.

In between workshops on Film Making (one of my faves by Stan Williams), new technology, and good story-telling we were seizing any opportunity we could to pose in front of CBS logos while checking out sets , sound stages, and the scenery lots.

Here I am with my pal Gabe. He directs the PeaPod group (a media/arts academy at the Redwood City Boys and Girls' club) .

Here's me below (looking like Shark boy. I blame the wind for my "hair-fin."), with Paul Skidmore: up and coming film-maker extraordinaire who tweets regularly and gave a crazy good workshop on the future of technology and film-making. (His last film he just used his iPhone pretty much to direct, location scout, produce, etc).

One of the moments that stands out is when I was escorted- like a criminal-out of the conference, while I was sitting in the front row in front of everyone. They thought I was bootlegging some of the never before screened footage in a new trailer for the third installment of the Narnia films: C.S. Lewis' Voyage of the Dawn Treader. No joke. They warned the whole audience that they had to be super tight on security and asked us to have integrity not to leak it out. So I put my phone down and didn't even want to touch it during the three minute clip. After the trailer finished and every one applauded for Walden Media president, Michael Flaherty ... I grabbed my phone to tweet my response and check others who were posting under the twitter hashtag #bmc10. Just then, about 5-10 minutes after the trailer in the middle of the guest speaker Q&A-- a security guard crawled out the front middle row and said, "Sir, I need you to come with me..and bring your phone, too." So funny..I was paralyzed. "Excuse me?"
Here's the pic I took of Ralph Winter and Dick Cooke, minutes before I almost got tazed.

Just kidding, they didn't taze me but I felt like yelling that out. "I'm innocent, don't taze me bro!" I was taken to the back stage area where I was surrounded by an entourage of some tough guys types :) and Biola Media officials: Peggy Rupple and Kathy Cooke. Both women were very kind apologized repeatedly saying it was just protocol and they just needed to take every precaution. Peggy even bear hugged me to smooth it over. Good thing cause I almost wet myself. It was definitely awkward but now makes a great story. I shared it Sunday Night with my Church and they cracked up. (I totally understand they had to crackdown). They made me go through my phone's pics and videos and then set me free. Even though I was completely innocent--it was a weird feeling. My heart was beating fast, I was sweating, and trying not to think of what this could do to my illustrious career but hey..you know what they say in Hollywood-any publicity is good publicity right?Some one later commented--"Now you now how Jesus feels." Well, Jesus was falsely accused for calling himself God, whipped and beaten innocently for the sins of the world, not falsely accused of bootlegging--not quite an equal comparison, but worth a little chuckle. If anything, I'd say after my experience I now have more sympathy for Hollywood rebels like Lyndsay Lohan.

Besides my almost arrest, another highlight was how Twitter was used incessantly during the day. I must have tweeted a quote every ten minutes or more. Then-found a group of people to have dinner with via a "Tweet-up!" Gotta love it! Shout out to the Daily Grill crew!

We topped of our night with in a cool little private CBS screening room watching the film: "Like Dandelion Dust." Quite the emotional roller coaster-see behind the scenes here. Cool story about two families who are intersected and torn apart by the love of one little boy and his adoption, one is his biological family and one is his adopted family. It comes out in September. Bring Kleenex. Here we are with Director Jon Gunn and one of the lead actresses Kate Levering.Overall I loved the conference. Besides some of the cheesy music that played (a Jazz version of "Here I am to Worship,") and a few "oversaved" (in the words of comedian Michael Jr.) vendors tabling their merchandise at the conference, this event was well worth it. And I hope I get to go again. Maybe I'll get a free ticket for suffering the Christ-like humiliation of being forsaken and accused of bootlegging..hmmm...:)

I heart Hollywood. I love the creativity, potential, the stories and most definitely the people! God God! Go Biola! Way to go.
I pray God continues to do great work through his people to tell amazing stories that changethe world and impact those in the theaters, on set, and behind the scenes.

See a review from Christianity today here.

God Answers . com

2010-04-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Have you checked this out? GOD-ANSWERS.COM

Cool tool to connect about questions, interact with Scripture--and people all around the world.

I just finished giving my 2 cents on "Why can't I feel God's presence? I know he is with me.

When it comes to feeling God, I am with you. I wish I could "feel" him more. I know I am not an exception, but I think I am more sensory and emotional in how I was created so I enjoy feelings a lot and they have a profound effect on how I respond to God. I know God has created all of us that way somehow, with emotional needs. I find myself longing for a "feeling" of closeness with God and I love when I “feel” close to him. But I wonder if that can become dangerous. Usually my “feeling” of God is connected to something I have experienced like music, a film, and time with my family, silence, a creative space,

or beautiful place. Sometimes feeling close to God also is a result of things I am doing (obedience, character growth, serving), and the opposite is true, also. I don’t feel close to God when I’m in disobedience, lazy, and selfish).

But I think we must be careful in trying to seek out feelings to measure God’s closeness to us. I don't see much in scripture when it comes to "feeling God," but there are some truths that I could share with you that encourage me when I am discouraged with how I “feel.” I think of when Jesus told Thomas (the doubter), "Blessed are those who believe with out seeing." John 20:28-30. Thomas only believed Jesus had risen from the dead once he saw. Jesus pointed to what we think as being a crucial element in our faith journey. I had a counselor one time tell me that Paul told the Colossians in chapter 3 to use their mind to think about things above.” So when I felt lonely, far from God, or lacked “that feeling,” I could use my “holy imagination,” according to my counselor.

I thought it was great wisdom. So, now when I don’t feel God, I remind myself of God’s truth from scripture and picture Him close to me. Most of the times these God pictures are of parent/child moments that I long for or have experienced in my life with my own parents or with my own kids. One time I had a picture of God’s closeness in the form of a coach (and I am the farthest things from a jock). All that to day that we really are called to utilize our mind, the way we think will affect the way we feel. I’m certain of this in my marriage (see this post) and my friendships with human beings I see and touch, so it is for sure true with how feel with God, whom I cannot see or touch. We think when we don't feel God, and then he must not be there with us. But think about how James tells his readers to draw near to God and he will draw near to us. There’s something mystical to be said about our relationship with God and we are also responsible to act in our relationship with God. We shouldn't just sit and wait for God to come near to us; although he already is we must acknowledge him and seek him, too. With that said, I don’t think there is anything wrong with simply asking God that you might feel him. (Matthew 7: 7-11 says ask, because God’s a good Father who likes to give his kids good things). Just be read for his answer. He may tell you to trust and obey him (Psalm 37:3-6), or to rely on his love that his grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). But I’d simply encourage you to ask for more of his presence in your life, more awareness of his closeness to you. I hope you will be surprised by what happens, and whatever happens, may you choose to praise him no matter what, for God loves you and those he loves will lack no good thing (Psalm 34).

Check these out

James 4:7-10

God's a good father who loves to give his kids good things. Matthew 7.

Psalm 34

Psalm 37:3-6

Film and Theolgy Wed

2010-04-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes movies, and even if they don't-- they like to talk about them, sometimes longer than the car ride home from the movie theater. Imagine getting to talk and ask questions of the movies and the makers of those films that you just watched!

This weekend I got to participate in a truly unique experience that merged my two loves: Film and theology. The inaugural Bay Area Windrider Film Forum was so creatively satisfying for me. I got to watch films and then talk about them with their makers! What a great opportunity. For over 5 years I have been a Seminary Student working on my Masters of Theology (about 9 weeks from now I graduate). It is kinda crazy to get a Masters in "studying God," --cause obviously you can imagine studying God isn't as easy as just filling in a multiple choice test and walking away with a diploma. In Seminary we try to interpret the Bible's letters and stories through context, dissect its history, and write way too many papers. I'll leave Seminary with way more questions than I started but I'm seriously stoked to be a part of a Seminary that values looking for God and studying theology by looking to what's going on in culture through media and especially the the arts with emphasis on film. So Fuller Seminary helped sponsor this forum (which started at Sundance) and I was so glad I got to be a part of it. (Not only did I participate by watching films and taking in the Q&A-- I got to help interview some of the film makers for some video promo blurbs in the future. Which gave me a backstage look into this great event).

Here's quick rundown:

April 8th: Thursday Evening
Opening Night Presentation and Film
6:00 pm Introduction and talk with Producer Ralph Winter (X-Men, Star Trek)and Fuller’s Chap Clark: I loved hearing about the Hero's journey.

7:30 pm Opening Film: AFTER THE STORM (what a great documentary on how kids in New Orleans processed Hurricane Katrina through putting on a musical).
Q&A with Writer/Producer James Lecesne
and Producer John Priddy

April 9th: Friday Evening
7:30 pm Film: SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS This was a pure blow-out night. What an edgy film that dived head first into God's healing power and how according to Mark Ruffalo director, "We don't always get the healing we want, but we get the healing we need." It's a drama about a crippled DJ (actor/writer Chris_Thornton) in modern-day Los Angeles who discovers that he has the power to heal everyone but himself mixed in the hard and raunchy life of skid row and the punk rock scene of LA. Both of these guys shared some of their own stories of film and faith and it was moving.
Q&A with Director Mark Ruffalo
and Writer/Actor Christopher Thornton
Read a review here.

As you can imagine people lost their minds over these two guys. Some true Hollywood fans emerged out of the film goers as well as the theology students and staff. It was quite fun to watch how people of all ages were star struck, frothing at the mouth for some celebrity face time, autographs, and pictures, and all in MENLO PARK of all places. But the attention was well deserved, Sympathy for Delicious was a dark and beautiful film that I hope many people get to see. In Mark's words it was "Rough and Holy."

April 10th: Saturday Afternoon
2:30 pm Films: A set of award winning shorts
QUEEN OF CACTUS COVE,
SHORT TERM 12,
WAITING FOR A TRAIN

One of my favorite films from the event was SHORT TERM 12. This 20 minute masterpiece was disturbingly delicious, (can I use the two words together?), written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. It truly invaded me while I watched it. The story is about abused teens living in a group home and how the adults, broken and messy themselves deal with the kids..as well as their own issues.

It took everything in me not to beg, (but I kinda did ask/hint) the director to cast me in one of his future films. I really sensed incredible artistic genius in him and his talents, and I would love to be connected to art like that. I actually got to interview him, (twice actually)and hear his story. He's VERY humble, I like meeting people like that in general but especially when they are film makers. I sincerely applauded him for his piece! I think I was more starstruck with Destin than the Friday night guys. I loved Short Term 12's music, the set, the actors and of course the story. This 20 minutes is full of gritty sadness, with true to life characters but that are also lovable and raw. It makes you think about hurt and often forgotten/unseen kids in our culture but it also caused me to look inward to my own life of hurt and how that has affected me. We all are affected by our hurts and just because we get old, doesn't mean we "grow up." Purchase the film and support! Read an interview here. We will screen this film at our Serving Retreat this next weekend.

Q&A with Writer/Director Anna Christopher (So great to meet her, loved her Spirit!).
Writer/Director/Producer Destin Cretton,
Producer/Director Oscar Bucher, (We shared a moment about balancing being dad/family man with pursuing dreams and creativity. That was really cool).
and Director/Writer John Hindman

I got to sit with John Hindman for 15 minutes. I was nervous at first thinking I would feel small and insignificant with this big movie director. Although he was bold, confident, and fully willing to share his opinions --he was honest and authentic about his own spiritual journey. And later I found out ANSWER MAN was his directorial debut. I loved the film because it dealt with dark issues of death, alcoholism, awkward relationship stuff, and major father issues while being cloaked as a "Romantic Comedy," so as I was laughing I could address some of my own sadness and realizations of my own personal life.

April 10th: Saturday Evening
5:00 pm Reception with Filmmakers
7:00 pm Film: THE ANSWER MAN
Q&A with Writer John Hindman,

Two thumbs up for this great event. Two thumbs up for the marriage of theology and film!

A little taste of Heaven through music

2010-04-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

In February I had the privilege of joining BOSS Church (Bayside of S. Sacramento), along with some other PCC Young Adults, on a retreat. Not only did we experience great connections with each other, we connected with God in beautiful ways through music. I have to admit, and I hope I don't sound harsh or judgmental, but I get surprised when the church-GOD'S PEOPLE, doesn't respond in such an outwardly expressive way. (View via FB here). I know that we all have different ways we worship, but imagine standing before our great God...and checking your watch, or playing with your cell phone. I find it hard to believe that when captured by such love, beauty, purity, and HOLINESS we won't just burst out crying, dancing, and/or fall flat on our faces. I think encountering God must be expressive, that's why I loved this time worshiping with song and dance. And I am so excited that Sam, the leader of the band, will be joining us for our Fall Retreat in September (17-19). What made this gathering time so meaningful for me was the way we worshiped our ONE God together, being that some of us didn't even know each other, and came from different places, and ethnic backgrounds, but it was God's love and a love for him that brought us unity. I'm really looking forward to being together at this retreat in the fall.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T14:18:00.001-07:00

Resurrection: Rob Bell from The Work of Rob Bell on Vimeo.

To Tattoo or not to Tattoo...

2010-04-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

In light of my last post (Marked by Love, not Cutting-which btw we are still having podcast issues through our website update, sorry). I am answering a question posed on our God Answers website, where people can chat around Q&A!

Here's the Q:

Should Christians get tattoos or body piercings?

I’ve read a lot of discussion online about this in light of Leviticus 19:28…but it seems so legalistic. Jesus calls us to obedience and to Himself. I can see how we are called to put our focus on God and respect our bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit, but so much thinking seems old covenant.

What do you think on this issue?

Here's my A:

Our bodies are God's temple, and we are called to honor God with our body, says 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. We are also encouraged to offer our body to God as worship in Romans 12:1-3, so one could definitely make the case that tattoos (which I'll focus on for this post, but piercings are included) are an expression of worship. That's where I'd stand. First, I'd make the case that we need to carefully ensure our heart is what is connected to how we use our body, as well as how we act, (our behavior whether it be our language, sexual conduct, or tattoos). Jesus chastised the religious leaders of the day with how they focused on judging the outward appearance/behavior and often neglected their inward heart condition and attitude, see Matthew 23:24-26. Jesus cares about what's in our heart because he says it affects what comes out of our mouth, so I'd say the same thing about tattoos. If our heart is to honor God that will be reflected in our "body art." Therefore I would encourage someone who desires to tattoo themselves with this caveat: that it honors God and is an extension of who they are, their worship. For those against it and worried about the judgment of others from scripture in Leviticus 19, I'd be very careful with that verse as the Levitical Law also forbid things like cutting hair and facial trimming (I'd be in big trouble), eating certain foods, and how women should deal with their menstruation cycles that all are "acceptable" for those that may be against tattoos today. So I say that this is a matter between God and the one desiring a tattoo, since there is no direct New Testament reference for or against it. We have freedom, we just mustn't use our freedom to sin (Galatians 5:13). And I do think that some body art could cause others to stumble so we must be careful (1 John 2;10 and Romans 14:21-22). This doesn't mean we ONLY need to get crosses and pictures of Jesus tattooed on us, either, but in my opinion, just ensure your tats evoke beauty, mystery, worship and in some way point to God.

I also know of some who have tattooed their body (many before Christ, but also some after coming to Him), and then been convicted by the Holy Spirit to get it removed. We also shouldn't use scripture to manipulate or justify the idea of tattoos either. I once heard someone trying to convince me that Paul had tattoos from Galatians 6:17 which says, "I bear the marks of Jesus on my body," which is clearly a reference to his scars of persecution and not tattoos. By the way, I have tattoos myself and I am planning my next one later this year. But in line with Romans 14:21-22 I will be careful to exert my (strong) opinions on others as I don't want to make others stumble. Paul said, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause a sister or brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves." This is obviously a short answer to what I think is a gray issue, which would be much more fun to talk about (and exchange tattoo showings) face to face! But the bottom line, I believe we are free to tattoo our bodies just like I am free to shave my sideburns and enjoy a nice prime rib steak.

For a more extensive article on this subject see:
http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/tattoochristian.htm

I love how he calls it a "disputable" matter.

Now, besides if it's OK with God, there is a whole other conversation to be had about tattoos. It's it wise or foolish? Just google tattoos. I have to say some tats, again in my opinion are just plain dumb, and waste of skin space. I laughed, rolled my eyes, and felt sick looking at some of the choices people have made. Some, just plain creeped me out, I'll admit. But this is my western opinion. Some tattoos in the East are completely cultural. Another funny I saw was a tat twittered of Ashton Kutcher (by Mr. Kutcher himself), on a guy in Russia, even Ashton was a bit surprised by it. I wonder how many people look at their tattoo 5-10 years later and question their discernment. So make sure you know what you are getting yourself into!

The Sound Room: Marked by Love, Not Cutting

2010-03-25T15:49:00.001-07:00

This podcast is very raw, disturbing, and possibly may be hard to hear for some! My guest in The Sound Room will have to remain nameless (you'll have to find out why through listening to the podcast), but her story is touching because of how God interrupted her life of "cutting."

It's a true gift to hear this story on The Sound Room. Our guest vulnerably shares her story of the four different times in her life when she was sexually abused. These events caused her such great shame that she began to believe lies that she deserved to be hurt and therefore took on the habit of harming herself through cutting. But God marked her life by his love and she was never the same. Instead of taking a knife to her arm to inflict pain on herself, God marked her with his love and she tattooed her identity as a "Loved" on on her arm, the same place that previously was marked by a knife. Listen to her story and pass it on to others. This is a significant word for teenagers today, women, abuse victims, or anyone struggling with justice from being hurt.

Just in case you don't know:
THE SOUND ROOM (TSR) can be found and subscribed via iTunes!

When someone will do whatever it takes to get what they want...

2010-03-18T23:07:00.001-07:00

That's the making of a good story. A story we want to read, watch, or hear. This is Zach. He's an actor. I don't know much about his life other than what I read here, but it's a good story. But he has a story of wanting something really bad, and overcoming the obstacles, his own physical challenges, to get it. That's the making of a good story. A character who wants something and will do what ever it takes to get what they want, completely changing in the process. So, like I said, I don't know much about Zach, but his story encourages me. We are called to OVERCOME. This story encouraged me because it's someone conquering the odds, and I love it when it's someone fulfilling a dream within the arts.

Some Sex Stats

2010-03-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

I found myself reading a book and just took some pics of interesting effects of sex before marriage.

PCCYA serving

2010-03-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

This week was read across America and I was stoked to read to kids in East Palo Alto. (See Ellen and Candice talk about it here). I'm very grateful that I see more and more that we continue to live out our vision to be a SERVING COMMUNITY!

God is NOT a White Man

2010-03-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Check out Michael Gungor's song WHITE MAN.

Hear his thoughts about the song

The Sound Room: Love is an Orientation

2010-03-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

This podcast is hot! My guest in The Sound Room is Andrew Marin, founder of the Marin Foundation, activist, author, pastor, and lover of Jesus and all God's created people. Truly a privilege to have him in The Sound Room. The church is challenged with loving and bridging relationships to the Gay Community. Andrew is building those bridges. We all have something to learn. Check out his blog, buy his book, and join in on the conversation.

(Read my friend Matt Nightingale's post on Andrew to get to know a little more).

PS: I love how Andrew posted the podcast on his website and refers to me as "Tony G." With a last name like mine, abbreviations are necessary, I guess! It's like I'm "McG" (film-maker)!

Just in case you don't know:
This podcast is called THE SOUND ROOM (TSR) and you can subscribe via iTunes!

I love Andrew Marin's faith and love, compared to he others in this clip spewing hate. But I also love how Andrew even has compassion on those harshly judging others.

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

2010-02-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

Church Shopping/Christian Consumerism.

Speaking on Human Trafficking

2010-02-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

I started following Jesus because of two amazing friends, high school students, that followed Jesus faithfully and radically. I believe that youth can/are used by God in great ways. This morning I got to speak on Human Trafficking at The King's Academy, thanks to the invitation from a PCC High School Student, Esther Smith, who attends TKA. I co-taught with friend, former human trafficking victim, Jill Ranes to a few hundred students. I felt their potential and had a momentous time praying with them. Jill gave these students another face to human trafficking. She was used in the Bay Area, as an American citizen, for ten years in an organized crime ring of pornography in her twenties. It's happening all over the world, perpetrators are kidnapping children and taking them to the US, but it also happens right in our back yard on college campuses, in airports, with the use of drugs and manipulation. Jill is exposing this issue and expanding it. She is speaking about her plight and helping to bring awareness, so that other might be rescued and healed, too. We just recorded her story for The Sound Room (Podcast) which will be up in a couple weeks, so watch for it.

We started out by reading ISAIAH 58 AND PRAYING FOR GOD'S LOVE TO SHINE AND BRING FREEDOM TO THE CAPTIVES.
After, the high school chapel, we viewed some art made by the Jr. High Students around the issue.

The HS chaplain said these students have raise almost $5000 for the issue.

The Sound Room: The purpose of Marriage

2010-02-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

It's the last few days of February, the month where we typically think about love, red hearts, romance, and gifts from that special person. This podcast deals with marriage specifically. Guest speaker Brian Rhen, talks about the purposes for marriage but also addresses love languages, pre-engagement issues, and the need for personal and relational reflection. He addresses the downfall of divorce, God's ultimate use of marriage to convey his love, and the need for PURPOSE in marriage: Reflect, submit, be shaped, and walk with God.

This podcast is called THE SOUND ROOM (TSR) and you can subscribe via iTunes! I'm really stoked on the stories we've captured. I really want to encourage you to listen in, pass them on, and let us know how you are impacted. This podcast features BRIAN RHEN, pastor, friend and my neighbor.

The Sound Room: Emotional Intimacy

2010-02-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

As we finish out February, the month where we typically think about love, red hearts, romance, and gifts from that special person. This podcast isn't about dating or marriage specifically, it's about EMOTIONAL INTIMACY, which is important to every and any relationship: friends, family, co-workers, Church family, and especially in marriage.

I really like how God moves so differently in each person he's created.
I've had this podcast going for about three and half months now. It's called THE SOUND ROOM (TSR) and you can subscribe via iTunes! I'm really stoked on the stories we've captured. I really want to encourage you to listen in, pass them on, and let us know how you are impacted. This podcast features BRIAN PERSON, personal friend and counselor to both me and my wife. He discusses the challenges to healthy emotionally intimacy in this conversation that deals with boundaries, honesty, and addressing red flags in our life.

A family Fued night

2010-02-19T23:36:00.000-08:00

The young adults participated in a PCC Student Ministries' Fund Raiser and... we LOST BIG TIME (to the 50+ Ministry)! But we had cool shirts (Thanks to our YA team mate from S. Africa-Charmaine) and a team name. Way to go Mellow Yellows.

And we are unveling our new website designed by our own Andrew Dunn of Peal Designs. Great job, Andrew!

check it out www.pccya.com

Psalm 139

2010-02-19T15:00:00.001-08:00

I love Psalm 139 (read here). Even since my first weeks of following Jesus, I found great comfort from this truth. In my seminary class we were dissecting some questions about it. Here are some of my thoughts.

1. Are verses 1-18 good news or threatening news?

When someone is lonely, feeling attacked, and frustrated, the feelings are the farthest thing from love, acceptance, and purpose. It’s a feeling of chaos and being utterly out of control. I think that this is good news for one to cling to, to fall back upon, and to choose to believe when all human circumstances are bleak. It’s a wonderful truth that even when darkness is all around and we are being ridiculed and scoffed; God is close, and ordaining our days for a significant purpose. This would have been a comfort for King David. But I love thinking the reverse. For those wicked, those wanting and clinging to darkness, the enemies of God's anointed (David), they don’t want to hear that God is there with them, in their darkness. But according to this psalm, there is no place on Earth one could go where God is not. God is in on the battlefields of war, the strip clubs, the back alleys, the human trafficking rings, the closets, the abandoned and rural hotels used for evil and treachery. So Psalm 139 can be bad news for those who think they can run from God. But He is there, very present. And this brings home in retrospect when victims wonder where God was during the harrowing pain of their past.

2. How do verses 19-22 follow from verses 1-18? And verses 23-24 from verses 19-22?

I love how 19-22 seems out of place, but it’s a human way of thinking. The psalmist is conscious of the goodness of God, dwelling on his grandeur, intimate power from 1-18 and then all of a sudden the thoughts of the wicked, those who opposite of the qualities of God enter the psalmist’s mind in 19-22, hate is present. It’s these people that have probably propelled the psalmist to remind himself of the truth of God’s character when it is being clouded by the wicked circumstances in which he finds himself. It’s an abrupt change that then is partnered with the thought of repentance, a need for God to lead him away from those thoughts in his mind in 23-24. Once those thoughts in 19-22 gain some momentum the psalmist must ask for help, to be searched that these thoughts would be wiped clean, back to mediating on the greatness of God.

3. What images for God does the Psalm use? E.g., is God father, or lord, or creator – or what?

God is seen as a lover, maker, creator, knitter, artist, an invisible presence, a writer, healer, leader, and a conscious.

This psalm comes to mind a lot when thinking about pregnancy and the value of the unborn child. As a father, I used these words to pray over my children in utero, and I constantly want to share these truths with my daughters. I want them to know how valuable they are to God and that God is not only with them at all times, no matter what they do, but that he was making them and forming them in my wife’s womb. I have cherished memories of praying and singing over my wife’s belly while I felt little kicks and movements. It’s a beautiful thought. I also regularly like to share this word with those who are celebrating birthdays. It’s such a great time to reflect on one’s purpose from conception and birth that God was at work creating, knitting, making, preparing, and ordaining all the days of our lives. This is good news indeed. If you can today, thank your mom for allowing God to use her womb to bring you life!

Unhealthiest City in America

2010-02-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

New show coming in March. What do you think about obesity, healthy food, and making changes for sustaining life?

TSR: Unpolished yet Loved & accepted

2010-02-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

This is a great word for February, the month where we typically think about love, red hearts, romance, and gifts from that special person. This isn't about dating or marriage, it's about finding love and acceptance as you are. I love what Oswald Chamber says, "No love of the natural heart is safe unless the human heart has been satisfied by God first."

I really like how God moves so differently in each person he's created.
I've had this podcast going for about three months now. It's called THE SOUND ROOM (TSR) and you can subscribe via iTunes! I'm really stoked on the stories we've captured. I really want to encourage you to listen to Judy Peterson's story. Judy is a friend, pastor, wife, speaker,lover of God, a loved one of God, and a messy disciple seeking to faithfully live out her life. She experienced Christ one Sunday after a long night of bartending in quite the most unique way. She now speaks and shares her story to crowds around the country, but specifically, she meets daily with college students at my alma mater: North Park University in Chicago (which causes me to like her even more). She shares God's love right where people are, she doesn't gloss it over or sugar coat it, and she doesn't focus on changing people's behavior. She focuses on the heart, for it is our heart that dictates how we live. And it's God's job to change our heart which affects how we live anyway. She's funny, bold, and so humble with how's she's found beauty and truth within her own brokenness and specifically through the pain of multiple miscarriages. This is a story to pass on. Do you feel unloved? Do you feel so dirty, sinful, and so far from God that you feel it's impossible for God to forgive you? You need to listen to this podcast! You are loved and accepted..the question is, will you be accepted and be transformed because of it? Will you accept the invitation of Jesus to come and dance with him?

More quotes from my daughter

2010-02-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

2/9/10

While waiting in line at Starbucks, my daughter (Isella) points to a doll and says:

“Daddy, I need to hug that teddy-bear.”

___________

Isella: I need a birthmark, dad.

Me: You have one on your face, it’s a freckle.

Isella: No, I need one for Jonah.

Me: I’m not sure what you mean, Isella, I’m sorry.

Isella: (frustrated), I neeeeeeeed one for Jonah. So I can find it. (She brings her Bible over). The pages won’t stay open.

Me: Oh, you need a bookmark. You want to save the place so you can find Jonah again, huh? (Jonah has been one of her faves lately).

__________

1/30/10

Me (noticing she's picking her nose), Isella, if you pick out a boogie put it in the garbage.

Isella: Dad, I’m just going to rub it off (as she motions to flick her booger on the floor).

___________

1/13/10

Isella: Daddy, look I have a pineapple,” (after picking up a pine cone on a walk).

Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus

2010-02-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

a clip from a documentary.

VLOG 17 TRT 4:23 FEBRUARY 2010

2010-02-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Every season I find a word to mark me. One word to prompt me to remember the many goals I'm trying to live out. This season of 2010, it's PEACE. Are you in a hurry? Are you frustrated with your to-do list? Are you working late? Are you neglecting yourself, your friends or family? Come to Jesus to find rest in him. Watch my vlog here.

Child Molestation

2010-02-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

"When a child is abused, their spirit is killed."-Oprah Winfrey

I know people personally who have been victims of molestation. I have seen, heard, prayed, and cried with those who have been abused by those they trusted: friends, siblings, parents, and even pastors. I'm so saddened by this deeply, hurtful reality of life. Oprah Winfrey, who needs no introduction, sat with four men convicted of child molestation and heard their stories, interviewing and asking hard questions to uncover what has happened to millions.

You can watch this episode here.

This Oprah Winfrey show rattled me, frustrated me. Honestly, I was sick, sad, disgusted..PISSED OFF. I'm a parent of two girls. I listened to men who raped, manipulated and took advantage of little girls...children. These men KNEW their victims personally. They had relationships with these girls. They earned their trust, groomed these girls, and took advantage of that. One man molested his own daughter.

I was propelled to pray for molestation victims, for healing, and for God's power to set them free. If you, or anyone you know is a victim, would you stop right now and pray. May God's love come over you, may you/they believe, feel, and follow him and understand his closeness.

It was hard not to self-righteously judge these men. I want justice, and these four men are paying the price of their actions. But at one point I consciously had to remind myself that I am just as loved by God as these men. And God can and will forgive these men if they ask, seek, and receive it from God...just as I have been forgiven for the way I have sinned against God and others. (Next week, Oprah said she will have interviews with mothers, babysitters, and others..women who have committed such crimes).

I appreciated this interview because these men exposed tactics that parents, anyone who cares for children, need to know. One man said he had power over his victim because the parents of his victim neglected their daughter. This is another motivation for parents to prioritize loving their children. The convicted molesters said that parents need to look for cues, watch their children with other adults around them, and trust instincts. "Kids don't lie about being touched, listen to the children." And if you are being molested today: TELL SOMEBODY. It is not your fault.

The Sound Room: Addicted to Serving

2010-02-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

I've had this podcast going for about three months now. It's called THE SOUND ROOM and you can subscribe via iTunes! I'm really stoked on the stories we've captured. I really want to encourage you to listen to our most recent episode. David Shearin is a changed man.

He's a great servant with our Street Church, and it's because of his story. He once was lost but now he's found. Liar, thief, and drug dealer is now currently and forever more a son of God, a co-heir with Christ, a loved one of God, a house for the Holy Spirit to use!

Lord, Save Us From Your Followers

2010-02-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

See the Trailer here.

Another great documentary. (Watch for the confession booth in the clips below).

Watch clips here.

Lamenting & Remembering Haiti, again and again

2010-02-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

It seems the blogosphere and other social media outlets have forgotten about Haiti. For a couple weeks, lots were tweeting and updating about the devastation. Now, for those of us far from it, life is once again "normal." Just peruse your recent updates. It's Oscar time! "Who's gonna win the Superbowl?" And hey, Lost is back on! Such a weird thing. I was looking tonight and found nothing, news home pages have moved on. I'm convicted because so have I. I am so comfortable and insulated from such pain. It's just like when Hurricane Katrina happened. After a month the news changed and then many of us far from it went on to living our lives. But then I remember seeing a documentary one year after, and New Orleans was still a chaotic mess. And still today it needs major help. Almost five years later, teams are still rebuilding the city, but we rarely hear news about it. Sadly, I'm thinking the same thing will happen with Haiti.

I'm currently studying Psalms through one of my seminary classes. We were studying Psalm 88 & 89 which are amazing, strong words of lament. I appreciate the words of Psalm 88 that fully express pain and suffering with out falsifying joy or even trying to muster up hope. It's not that hope is fully gone, it's just a reality of how we can feel at significant times in life. I love that the Bible doesn't shy away from this expression of grief. We aren't meant to just put on the happy face. God can handle our sorrow. One of the pet peeves I have is when we, the church, expect ourselves (or other people ) to "forget what happened during day, and just celebrate." It's as if we think God wants us to put the pain aside, forget about it, and buck up so we can focus on him. (Ever heard this on a Sunday?). I think it is perfectly biblical and right that we can focus on God IN our pain, or just cry miserably TO him about our pain. We aren't meant to put off the suffering of life in nice little compartments. In fact, if we leave out lament, we miss out on the totality of experiencing God's word. With that, for one of my seminary assignments, I wrote a lament for Haiti, as Haiti.

A Lament for the people of Haiti

You are the God who saves,
You are the one who restores us in our suffering.

Please hear our prayer.
We beg you to listen to our desperate plea for help

We have been pummeled to the ground.
We are like those in a grave.

We have suffered death within seconds.
We have lost our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers.

Everywhere we look we see weeping and wailing.
Day and night we hear the cries of the orphans and widows.

Foreigners have come to ransack our meager belongings.
They have come to steal our children to other lands.

Will this tragedy have no end, oh God?
Will you intervene and save us from this terror?

Some point their finger and blame us, for our transgressions are many.
We are called the cursed ones of God.

We know the news has spread to the world.
Our disgrace has made it's way to every person.

Yet we are already yesterday's news.

Have you no mercy, oh God?
Will you leave us hungry and thirsty?

Our bones are crushed and our skin is cracked.
Our tongues are dry and our stomachs turn within.

Yet God we know you are have not forsaken us.
You can do no evil.

We will tell our souls to trust in you,
You are worthy to be praised.

We need you to remember your promises.
We need you to send your saints to bring light to this darkness

Patiently we wait for you,
In this dry and sun scorched land we will wait for our salvation.

With blood on our faces and tears in our eyes, we will wait for you.
As we cry and lament for our life and our land, we hold on to you.

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

2010-02-03T13:39:00.001-08:00

Braided Hair

2010-02-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

When I walk through my city I love seeing the diversity of God's people. We are a colorful people. I continue to feel the urgency that we, God's people, accurately reflect this within our worship Gatherings. Join me in praying for God's kingdom to come with and through his people.

View BRAIDED HAIR Link Via Youtube

Hate, hate, go away!

2010-01-31T09:19:00.000-08:00

I'm disgusted. I'm blown away that hate could really exist like this-especially with people who want to connect their hate with God. In my opinion this expression of hate is just a bit short of actually taking a life. It's murder with words. This group, inappropriately self-titled a church, is known for traveling around the country to cut down, curse, and basically verbally abuse people. They show up at military funerals, gay pride rallies, and this past week to a high school in our area. Gunn High School exists about twenty minutes from our Church's campus in Redwood City. Gunn has had five student suicides this year, and apparently because of that Westboro Baptist church believes it warrants their group spewing hate through chants and signs. I could barely stay one minute on their website: godhatesfags.com (little "g" god for sure) because I got chills and felt the haunting feeling of what it feels like to be demonically attacked. I caution you if you want to visit their site. It's a gross misrepresentation of God's truth.

Read more on what happened at Gunn this week in an article here.

One of the banners they were holding up, "Fag Marriage," has an upside down flag and a sexual silhouette. Other slogans say, "God is your enemy, God hates America, You're going to Hell." It's just ridiculous. I'm saddened that these actions, albeit by a very, very small minority, still attract and draw negative attention to God and his church. This is not the Church that God intended us to be. God is a God of love an kindness, who changes us by his love. He doesn't demand behavior change in this graceless, hateful way. I pray God's love over these people--and that through them the victims of their hate would experience, somehow, the true and just love of the real God!

Romans 2:3-5
So when you, a mere human, pass judgment and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.

Denver Colorado Recap

2010-01-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

I'm typing from the airport reflecting on time spent this week in Colorado with the Midwinter Conference. As a pastor I am a part of a bigger movement of people collectively called the Evangelical Covenant Church,
It's an annual conference where we all gather in one place to hang out, encourage each other, wrestle through current issues, and learn.

It was a good week. I missed my family incredibly, but had so much fun skyping with them almost daily. Technology is amazing!
Here's a pic of them, above, participating in our worship gathering from Co from the comfort of our home in Ca! Isn't that so cool that we could do that!

Had great times of tweeting incessantly, drinking coffee, reading, journaling,

and applying much chapstick--the CO wind did me in for two straight days. I looked like I had lip gloss on, my lips were so shiny. (Yes that is Covenant Chapstick. Actually is Compassion, Mercy, and Justice chapstick). So, there were days when I had a hard ime smiling cause my lips hurt so bad, but hey, it was worth it.

I also sat with many pastors chewing on issues of the church, transition into adulthood, and what it means to be REBORN! I loved it.

Especially great was being able to sit with fellow pastors serving young adults and to talk about what God is doing and how best we can equip this generation for maturity in Christ and living the mission of God passionately.

I got to hang with one of my best buddies in the world, Matt Nightingale. Former PCC staff member for eight years, we are still connected and I love it. One night were walking down the trendy streets of downtown Denver (totally cool to hang there), and we heard screaming tweens. Come to find out Nick Jonas was playing a block from our hotel. Hilarious.

Matt and I roomed together, laughed all night long, talked about theology, marriage, Pop Culture, prayed, and podcasted together (stay tuned for those). You really should read his blog as he's a better writer and more consistent than I am. He shared his experience there.

Huge bonuses of the week were 1-that I got to see two movies (ON THE SAME DAY!) Since I had three days of no breaks and lots of mind-work, I needed to decompress. So I saw Daybreakers (Beware! I don't watch horror flicks, but there is some major blood in this movie--It's a vampire movie so it's to be expected-but it was a great story with some huge themes of redemption, and tons of Anthropology issues--even a resurrection moment that is undeniable) & The Book of Eli--Hugely recommend this flick if you can handle apocalyptic films. There is an obvious work of God in that film. Second bonus was that I got a ton of free books! Woot!

And another highlight was that I go to make a new pal! I had an instant connection with this dude: Gilbert-a Sacramento local, Covie pastor. I felt like a tween myself with how much we were texting and tweeting. Loved it. I also saw many people from the past, (and unfortunately said way too many times "We should do lunch," that never came to fruition. So much going on and not enough time). Got some lovin & schmoozing from fellow covies, and a great German lunch from John "Octothorp" Boyd, were I learned a ton about social media. Totally dug that time. Also wanted to shout out to Neil, Angie, Casey, Tara, Marti, Judy, Tim, and Dane-who I had significant 5-10 minute convos with that highlighted my time. I also come away with a great appreciation for the leaders of our denomination, while growing my love for my own PCC church family. On a personal note, I got to connect with old buddies, Erik Strom, Hefti Brunold, and Jake Horn (not pictured). Very thankful to share some times over food and coffee. And another important reconnection was with my friend pictured below:

This is Justin, aka "Sandpaper." I was in Justin's wedding 11 years ago. I was glad to have some time to remember friendship requires saying hard things. Proverbs 27 says both that wounds from a friend can be trusted and we are to sharpen each other like iron. Justin did that.

I'm on my way home. Full, a bit tired, but thankful for what God showed me and did in me. I was loved on by him, reminded that I am a mess, and grateful that he accepts me. So now, to take some time off to rest and be present, fully present with my family. I will be shutting down the computer and turning the cell phone off for a bit!

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

2010-01-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

How do you feel about smoking? How do you feel about these signs?

2009 in Review

2010-01-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

Every year I do this for my family, both of them. Every year for the past 6 "New Years that I've had with Wendy and now my two kids, I put together a year in review. I edit together all the videos from our year and we watch it around the end of the year. I also began to do it with our PCCYA church family and our tradition has been to watch the footage at our Winter Retreat in January. It's a look over the whole year in retreats, times together, and the fun of living community and serving community! I'm so stoked and blessed to be a part of our church family. It seriously is amazing to watch what God did over the year and to be reminded of all those who have come and come. Sometimes it's hard to watch, knowing some have walked away from God and our community, but other times our eyes filled with tears knowing some of those who've left have been called by God to other churches, jobs, and the mission field. This past week we watched this video. I was truly proud and thankful. Here's the link.

PCC Young Adults 2009 in Review from PCC Young Adults on Vimeo.

VLOG 16 January 2010 TRT 5:20

2010-01-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

See it here: www.tonys2cents.blogspot.com

As We Forgive-

2010-01-04T14:54:00.001-08:00

January 17th we will host this film in our worship center. As the New Year starts, many of us are reconsidering relationships, and hopefully renewing our commitments to live in reconciliation. Nothing can challenge our own selfish grudges than hearing stories of those who have forgiven the unthinkable: Murder...full on genocide. It's hard to believe that I could live in unforgiveness of someone who's snubbed me in some way in comparison to these Africans releasing those who have slaughtered their family..killing their children. Make it a point to join us Sunday Night January 17th 7pm.

As We Forgive Film

Live your story...a Good Story

2009-12-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

As the New Year, and new decade approaches, I'm not making any New Year's resolutions. These super-hyped, trendy-faux goals can end up becoming self serving to-do lists that end up causing guilt in hindsight come February. Besides, I have enough things to do on a day-to-day basis. Instead, I'm seeking out a better story--to intentionally live life with moxy. Inspired by Donald Miller's new book, A Thousand Miles in a Million Years, I've connected some serious dots with my love of art/film/books to real life. I truly recommend you get disturbed by this piece of work, what I think is one of the best books of the year. It woke me up and reminded me that I'm not just living for the perfect American dream: nice house/car, big paycheck, and 2.5 kids..nor am I living for the American Christian dream: comfort and security. I'm living for that "silver screen experience." It's what we all spend $10.50 for:, (minus the popcorn and sticky floor) action, complexity, ambition, sacrifice, and satisfaction when the credits roll. Except in real life it takes a lot longer than a mere two hours. A good life story takes years and years of wrestling with pain, addressing fears with courage, pursuing meaningful relationships and serving others in a way that costs and costs big time. It's trusting that in the messy process of learning to forgive, denying self, fighting for justice, loving family, enduring pain, and complaining about delayed flights-our character is transformed. And that's the point of a good story..and the point of a life: character transformation. Thanks to Donald Miller for that reminder. So, when I spoke this past Sunday I tried to weave all these things I was learning into a conversation to share with our church and created an artistic space for us to express our stories. It was a memorable time. I was completely inspired and felt like a photographer in a dark room putting together an exhibition. I invited the church to think about our life in scenes, by reflecting through piles of pictures and images. We identified "inciting incidents' in which we were forever changed by some pain, challenge, or obstacle in which we were undoubtedly propelled into action, into living a good story. We then journaled, drew, or wrote on these images to tell a collective story together and hung them up on a "story line." My hope is that we as God's people choose to submit our stories to each other, too, sharing and spurring one another on in our journeys. Listen to my message here.

Memorable concepts from the book:

The most important elements in a movie is the story.

There is purpose in every scene, every line.

A movie is moving-going somewhere.

With out story experiences are just random.

The same elements that are important to a story are important to life.

To know your story, ask yourself what you want in life. If we don’t want anything, we are living boring lives. If all we want is “stuff,” we are living vain lives.

When we live a story we are telling others around us what we think is important.

Nobody remembers easy stories, Characters must face fears with courage.

Happy & sad things in life are used to color the story.

TELL A GOOD STORY WITH YOUR LIFE

Plan your story with God, and live it intentionally

Good stories don’t happen by accident

Story: a character who wants something & overcomes conflict to get it

Map out a story for your life. Map out a story for your family. Live story.

We are designed to live through something, not just attain something.

The point of the story is the character arc, the change

The point of the story is never the ending, it's the hard work and character molding in the middle that helps us appreciate the ending.

Really good stories are not full of security and comfort, but change & action.

There is an “inciting incident” which forces the character to move, to face fear and conflict

God wants us to live beautiful stories, but there are forces at work against us.

From Facebook see Video on my blog here:

How will you celebreate New Year's Eve?

2009-12-28T00:59:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth

2009-12-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

....and the other 26. Every one of these little chompers are coming out and new ones are going in.

This year, I'm happy to say, it was quite bare under our Christmas tree. My wife and I decided that our children would only get three Christmas gifts each year, (Grandparents and extended family are extremely generous anyway so it's not like our kids are deprived). Three gifts connect to the Kings/Wise Men who brought frankincense, incense, and myrrh to Jesus. This sounds all spiritual, but we really like the symbolism, and the way it keeps us disconnected from materialism. Wendy and I also chose not to get gifts for each other this year, since honestly we just want to go out on dates together, but also because we have to save for my dental work. I feel so bad about all the teeth bills I am accruing and can't justify asking for any other gifts. All I want is my teeth! This full mouth reconstruction, complete with every tooth crowned in some way, has been going on for almost seven years now. In 2006 I blogged my discouragement, and I'm happy to say, that although things are progressing slowly, they are progressing. Even though I still battle discouragement, I'm content and seeing God at work, just like when I found hope in 2007 here, or when I blogged in March of this year that he provided! Eventually all $1100 for came in for my mouth necessity! At this time we are still fully debt free! It's making for a truly great story because I have no idea how God is going to come through in the future, but he I know he will. The most recent challenge unfolds in the New Year as we wait for God to provide tens of thousands of dollars. Yep, we are not buying a new home or starting our adoption process yet, (although we wish we could), we have to lay down this cash simply to put teeth in my mouth. CRAZY! So, I'm not asking Santa, I'm asking God to provide and trusting he'll provide for each of my 28 teeth at $1300 each. It will be a Merry Christmas, even if it's in June.

Love came down at Christmas

2009-12-25T13:13:00.001-08:00

See Video from Jars of Clay here.

Apparently Santa rearranges his schedule

2009-12-23T11:14:00.001-08:00

Overheard a mom explaining to her daughter that Santa was coming to their house early. The daughter was confused. "Why does Santa have to come early, Mom?"
"Well, Santa's very busy on Christmas Eve and loves to get some of his visits out of the way early. So it works out perfectly so we can leave for vacation!"

VLOG 15 December 2009 TRT 4:59

2009-12-21T07:46:00.001-08:00

Watch: December VLOG

Ahhh..Christmas! Jesus and...our...garbage.

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

2009-12-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Do you like White Elephant Parties? Why/Why not? What's a lasting memory of a gift you got or gave?

Social Networking.

2009-12-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this video on Social Networking? Or this one?

Life is different than 10 years ago when I graduated college and didn't have a cell phone. Life is different than just 6 years ago when I didn't have a blog. Life is different than just on year ago when I wasn't on twitter. Some days I just need a break from it all. It's nice to turn it all off and rest. Maybe humans should take after bears and hibernate.

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

2009-12-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

What do you think of "updated/modern" nutcrackers?
(Yes, these are nutcrackers).

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

2009-12-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

What do you think of lit up Nativity sets in front yards?

How I spend Thursday Nights

2009-12-01T14:42:00.001-08:00

"Tough Guys!"

Here's some pics of the class of kids I get to hang out with on Thursday nights. It's one of the highlights of my week. These guys (and there are more girls in the class than pictured but most of all left before we started taking the pics) mostly teens in RWC/Menlo schools are creme of the crop and have all been selected for a unique arts program (described below). The guy on the right in blue is Gabe, one of the Boys& Girls' club's leader. He's a great dude, and I hope he joins us on our Winter Retreat! *He's also featured in the video link below.

By a gracious grant from Adobe and the Black Eyed Peas these kids have a phenomenal space to work their creativity. Full dance studio, computer lab for editing videos, and an amazing sound studio to record their music. It's a very amazing thing that they chose Redwood City to be a site! Watch the Video.

Each weeknight they have electives like acting, movie editing, sound mixing, dance, etc. in which they can take. It's a great program in association with Broadway by the Bay that I am so blessed to be a part of it. I get to teach acting on Thursday nights. I come home full and energized with these kids' stories, their craziness, and their imagination (which is a post for another time). All of them learning skills and developing their talents to make a difference and live a better story than the streets are offering them. We are working on improv skills, acting for the camera, and most of all, learning to tell (and live) a story that is worth watching (and living).

These kids are talented, amazing, and the future!

iMix: November Music

2009-11-28T12:59:00.000-08:00

Check out some faves of mine for November. All available to purchase through iTunes.

Serving an early Thanksgiving Lunch

2009-11-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

Tuesday lunch to honor teachers of EPA's Edison Brentwood Academy.

Encouragement for your Christmas spending

2009-11-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

Trade as One. I love this organization

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

2009-11-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Celebrating 5 years with my wife.

2009-11-12T16:03:00.001-08:00

I love marriage. Today I honor my wife and in thanks to God celebrate our five years of marriage and 10+ years of friendship.
----
Art that hangs in our room by friend/artist: David Nyquist (painted during our wedding celebration). Inspired by John 15. Our wedding word was: ABIDE.

11.12.2004

Chicago Dec 2004

London March 2005

Italy May 2006

Hawaii November 2006

Isella is Born. March 2007

Portland April 2007

Las Vegas April 2008

Luisa is Born February 2009

San Francisco October 2009

Five years. Five amazing years with my wife!
I'm so grateful to have this friendship with Wendy Rose, the most significant relationship of my life!

Here are the vows I repeated to her this morning, the same ones I said 5 years ago!
I, Anthony James, take you Wendy Rose to be my wife!
I realize God has entrusted you to me as a gift. I commit before God, our family, and friends to love you by first devoting my heart to God, following Jesus Christ, and living in the Holy Spirit.
I love you, and know that I can only do this through God. Because of this, I vow to be your faithful husband to strengthen and forgive you through grace and to give you courage when you need it. I will be your biggest fan. I commit to praying for you and encouraging you to become the woman God created you to be so we can glorify him together (Psalm 34:3).

More quotes from my daughter

2009-11-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Reading her children's Bible and stopping on Jesus' Baptism.
Isella: "Where are their feet?"
Me: "Under the water."
Isella: "Can I see them?"
Me: "We can use our imagination and pretend."
Isella (She then held her breath and acted like she was going under water to look).

11/6/09
Isella: “Daddy, can you bring Giggle Baby {doll} upstairs?
Me: "Sure (as I got to pick her up)."
Isella: "On your shoulders.”

11/6/09
Isella: “Daddy, can you make a big poop so I can see it?”

11/5/09
Isella; “I’m a girl. When I get bigger I will be a woman. And I will marry a man. I will marry YOU, Papa.”
Me: (emotionally touched) "Aww, come here, I want to give you a kiss."
Isella: “Nah.”

10/26/09
We got Isella and Lulu some "Butterfly Baby" dolls.
Wendy: "What do you want to name the Butterflys?"
Isella (Matter of Factly): "Cyrill and Cereal."

10/11/09

Isella: "Look at this birdie- he’s on a leaf (pointing to picture)."
ME: "Yep, birds fly in the air and land in trees and they sit on leaves."
Isella: "And sometimes they poop in the air and it falls on people’s heads."

Happy HOLYween

2009-10-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Be innocent of Evil.
Romans 16:19-20.

If you are in the Redwood City area celebrate 10/31 Saturday Night 8pm PCC Worship center.

Be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Albeit cheesy--My daughter loves singing this song.
She loves yelling, "Underneath your feet!"
And the great part--IT'S TRUTH.

Ernest Love

2009-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Based on PCC's iLove series, here's today's piece from the devotional book.
----
Armed with sanitizer bottles, I went to Africa to help orphans and share God’s love. Briefed on cultural expectations and safety issues, we were warned to never drink the water or eat village food. We were supplied with “safe food” that we would eat out of the children’s sight. I was happy to oblige if it meant keeping my stomach free from “issues.”
Matapila, a Malawian village with a feeding center, hosted kids who walked miles for their only meal of the day. One little boy attached himself to me, with no shared language (other than laughter). Ernest held my hand in line, swung my wallet chain around, and played tic-tac-toe in the dirt with me as he ate.

Many times he offered to share his food with me. I always politely shrugged it off because I wasn’t about to steal food from an orphan nor did I want a slow, agonizing death by food poisoning.
One day, after I turned down his offer of a little potato, he got up to speak to a translator. She translated for me: “Ernest is concerned about you. He says you must be hungry because he hasn’t seen you eat all week. He wants to share his potatoes.”
What? He’s concerned for me? Crazy thoughts raced through my head. When was the last time Ernest washed his hands? Would this be my last meal? Could I somehow fake chew but not swallow? Lord, help me!
Earnest waited, looking at me with compassion in his eyes, holding out his dirty little hand with one small potato. Time stood still. Then it hit me. This little orphan was showing me the full extent of his love, the un-sanitized version. He sacrificed his only meal of the day. I held back tears. I took that no-frills potato and ate it. He was beaming. We sat there silent, both chewing (and swallowing). It was an amazing moment. Sitting right next to Ernest felt like I was sitting right next to Jesus.

Questions to Consider What fears (or sanitary issues) hold me back from loving others? Who is God calling me to love?

Prayer Abba Father, thank you for showing me love through Jesus and his sacrifice. Help me love others. Help me to see loving others as a way for me to love you and help me to be loved by you through others, even ones that would surprise me or that I might normally avoid.

SECURE ME

2009-10-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

YOUTUBE LINK
SECURE ME
Am I secure in your love?
In life and in death,
secure?
I express my pain
and the bain
Of what I think my existence may be
With another missed opportunity
To brag on myself,
Displaying my trophies on a shelf
striving to dot all the i's on my agenda ..
Whether in love, friendship, or work
The hostility
of unmet expectations and dreams
Tears me at the seams,
Oh, Father forgive me..these schemes
They reveal my lack of understanding your love
And my position, in YOU, with YOU
Regardless of push gone to shove
You are the one who always will Be
Still and forever a mystery
YET you make yourself known to me
Open these blind eyes to see
I'm your creation, subject of your love…
forgiven and free
Father, shepherd, healer, artist, lover, husband, and creator
Empty me of all that’s not you
Secure me, surround me, fulfill your plans in me
That I might be a lover like you, a worshiper of
Yours.
Pure,
Fully Secure...
Now, IN you,
I'm able
to give and live
real life not just a fable
Face to the street,
humbled at your feet,
with my heart to the city,
this contrite heart you will not despise..
….i love.
Because. You. first .loved. me.

Metal detector encourager

2009-10-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Anyone who's been through airports knows how taxing, stressful, and sometimes just plain lame getting to your plane can be. There's check in, those luggage tag things, security, delays, screaming kids (sometimes their mine), and you fill in the blank. There's more than enough to make airport users lose their sanity. Take my experience this week where I was chastised by some rubber glove wearing TSA lady who verbally slapped me on the knuckles. Like the nun Meryl Streep played in Doubt, she held up my zip lock bag for my toiletries and tisk-tisked me because it wasn't the right size. Really? Come on.

But here's a tale of one TSA guy who chooses to tell a different story for the hurried business travelers and burned out tourists.

A TSA security guard, stopped me through the metal detector as I handed him my ID and boarding pass. He held up my documents, looked at my name and then looked me in the eyes.

TSA Guy: Anthony, do you know that your name means highly favored by the Lord?
Me: Uh, ya. I think I knew it was something like that. Thank you.

I'll admit I was in my own little "get to my gate," world. I didn't expect that. I had to do a double take. I knew my name meant something like priceless or praiseworthy, but the way he said it jolted me awake. It was like God was reminding me of his love for me, that God was in that mundane moment that I might have written off. I needed that. And then I eavesdropped on the guy behind me whose name was named Joshua.

TSA Guy: Joshua. Do you know what your name means?
Joshua; Uh..No. Um..What?
TSA Guy: It means God saves. Like Yeshua...Jesus. It's the same meaning as Jesus.
Joshua: Oh, ok, wow..thank you.

Then I watched this TSA guy stop every person and do the same thing. He looked at their documents and told them the meaning of their name, with a genuine, warm smile. It was like he was on a mission. Here's a pic I tried to sneak with my cell phone. He's in the blue, blurry shirt.

It really was incredible. Affirming people's value through their name, the one thing he could make personal. Names are meant to be significant and to see this guy making it his goal in his job to encourage people, (in a not so encouraging place), is very commendable. So incredible that I had meet him. His name was Jeff and I was sorry I couldn't return the same favor he extended to me, but I at least wanted to really thank and affirm him. I told him what he was doing was awesome and I had never experienced anything like that before. Then I wrote down my blog address and told him I would write about him in the next couple days. I will remember this guy and continue to tell his story. So Colorado Springs Jeff, TSA guy, if you are reading this:: Thanks for making a difference in my day. God is using you. You deserve a promotion. I'll pray for that! I hope more people take their jobs as seriously as you do and find ways to make a difference in peoples lives. You are intentionally brightening people's days. Intentionality doesn't have to be big, it just has to be intentional.

And, Jeff, TSA guy? Could you.. maybe.. train others to be as friendly as you? It would revolutionize airports around the world. World travel would never be the same. And maybe could you take your skills to the DMV? *and sorry if I broke any laws by taking your picture. It was all in the name of telling a good story.

Back from Colorado Springs.

2009-10-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a great few days gathering with leaders from around the country who are a part of our denomination the ECC. Loved our time talking, wrestling, and praying through the future. We got to stay in this great retreat center by the Navigators called Glen Eyrie. The grounds have a castle here's the view.

Discussion and idea sharing.
Reporting on ministries serving and teaching young adults around the country.
Closing out our time in prayer. God, please lead us.
reflecting, not hiking, and horse poop...

...and what every tourist does when they visit the Garden of the gods, beautiful place with crazy rock formations.

an ignorant, foolish, or silly person

2009-10-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

I recently tried out Scrabble for a few rounds. Humbling for me since I played my wife Wendy and she beat me... blindfolded. Normally, I would avoid games that take intellectual left brain skill (ie: I hate Trivia Pursuit), cause I opt for games where I can act and just make a fool of my right brained self. That kind of competition I can do! But I wanted to play Scrabble out of shear desire to try and feel smart---- it didn't work. There's quite a distinction between "feeling" smart and "being" smart. (That was pretty profound, huh? Maybe I AM smart).

On the serious side, I've realized that when it comes to my mind--I'm definitely not a "scholar."(among other things). I''ll never be the tweed-coat clad theologian pastor puffing a pipe and sitting next to the fireplace deliberating on the profundities (now there's a good scrabble word) of Biblical interpretation. I'm not much for heady conversations. Don't get me wrong-I like details, information, and "knowing" all I can about the Good News but I lean more toward the touchy feely side of the Gospel. God's story is a fact--that we choose to believe but I also believe we must choose to feel the Good News, too. I might not be able to debate systematic theology and get an A (after all read this:) cause what, (or who), I really know is Jesus, the love of God, and his Spirit-empowered, world-changing story of hope. You'd think that would be enough, but honestly... I sometimes have to fight to believe this---the truth that this--God's love and his transforming power in my life--is enough. You see, a lot my brokenness (on-going and from the past) enslaves me to comparisons.

I have no plaques, degrees, or scholarly achievements from any prestigious places hanging on my office wall. I probably never will even if I do finally attain my Masters one day. In fact, not only do I lack lots of intellectual credentials, I'm void in a lot of areas: For instance:

I had to ask someone one time what the acronym MLB stood for, which goes to show that I'm not in the know at all when it comes to sports. Admittedly, I often feel small when conversations come up and I can't contribute stats, college football projections, or any pertinent info on baseball, basketball..not even ping-pong is on my radar. Your Grandma could beat me.
I pretty much know nothing about mortgages, escrow, stocks and/or bonds. Although I wish I had the ability to play the market and own a house, I'm just happy that God provides just enough for our little family..check to check.

If I pick up a hammer or screwdriver--beware!! Run for the hills and protect your children. I suck dirt at fixing things and couldn't build a block, let alone a house. My wife's had to accept that the bar for my handyman skills is low and she's just happy when I'm able to change a light bulb, or fold up our double stroller (-think sumo wrestling). When I attempt to fix stuff my thumbs end up paying for it. Besides have you seen my thumbs?

Sorry to all my gamer friends but as for video games you won't want to pick me for your team. I can't join in on that past time, I'd rather go to the dentist than play video games.

This list could go on. Things in this world that I just don't know, won't ever know, and realistically don't ever want to learn.

This is when I realized I'm a simpleton and I'm OK with it.

This post is not about self loathing. It's actually about self acceptance. God really spoke love to me this as I was coming to terms with my limitations...which are actually not limitations but specific freedoms which increase my ability to be who God created me to be. I'm growing more and more in my understanding of God's full love and complete acceptance of me and who I am. That I'm a man, made in his image, capable of leading and living passionately for him and also leading my wife and kids by his power and love. And when I stand before him one day he will not be judging me on how on my knowledge of sports history stats or the makes and models of cars.

What matters is knowing HIM, loving him and loving others! Whew!

So with what I know..I will fight. With what I am passionate about. I will live a life of worship and I will (try) not to compare myself to others. I will resolve to know Jesus! I will choose to love God and seek to serve others with His love and power. That's what makes us truly wise.

If you feel like me, Please read:
1 Corinthians 2

We need to be eloquently well spoken, intellectually knowledeble or put together to be used by God. We just need to know God, be ourselves, and let Him work through us. God can even use a simpleton.

VLOG 14 September 2009 TRT 4:59

2009-09-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phf8aaVN7Sc

Quotes from my Daughter

2009-09-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

We keep a little journal of things that our daughter, Isella (pronounced EE-Sella), says, Sometimes she has us cracken up and other times just in awe of the way her mind works.

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

Isella: That’s a cantaloupe (pointing to what she thought was an antelope).

--------

Isella: Papa, where is Jesus Right now?

---------

Isella: What are you doing?

Wendy: checking to see if the dishwasher is clean or dirty. What are you doing Isella?

Isella: I’m just hanging out.

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

Isella: I love faces. My face is furry. (She got that from Elmo, I think).

-------

Tony: I’m going to eat cereal.

Isella: Good for you, Papa!

--------

Isella at chiropractor’s office, after watching Wendy get an “adjustment” she says: "Mommy has BONES."

----------

Isella: Daddy’s going to work and taking his feet.

----------

Isella: Happy Mothers’ day Daddy. (a week after the actual mothers’ day).

---------

Isella: Mommy what are you making for dinner?

My wife: Pasta with broccoli and sausage…

Isella: and syrrruuuppp!

-----------

Me: Please be careful on the trampoline

Isella: If I fall down a Doctor can help me and look in my ears.

---------

Me: What do you want for lunch?

Isella: DINNNEEERRRR!!!

-------

Me: What story should we tell tonight?

Isella: Let's talk about a dog named Barb.

City on our knees

2009-09-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

New song from Toby Mac. What do you think? (I like the song wish we didn't have to look at trendy toby the whole time :).

Here's the story behind it:

Bad Theology bugs me

2009-09-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

Whether it's pointing to a building and calling it "a church," (or saying, "go to church"), I get the heebee jeebies when we (Christians, people who claim to follow Jesus) misuse or incorrectly speak about God out of ignorance or especially laziness. But this week I encountered another layer of bad theology.............. in an attempt at humor.

I love reading greeting cards. In fact, when my wife and I are on dates, we often stroll into the Hallmark aisle and read cards to each other. I can easily hit the floor laughing hysterically. Give me a witty scenario poking fun at regular life or celebrity pop culture, a fart reference, or just a good knock knock joke..it doesn't take much.

But this card didn't make me laugh.

Front of Card

Inside Card

HUH? Happy Birthday? Go enjoy your sins?

I love to laugh but there's some things that aren't funny.

Mentoring boys to men.

2009-08-30T23:54:00.000-07:00

No, this post is not about that musical quartet from the 80's.

This video from Donald Miller's group, made me think of our beloved little Cameron (pic below), who we as a PCC family have seemed to adopt as our own-of which I am so proud of his mom, Bristol, and our whole PCChurch family, for all the love around him.

The Mentoring Project - Elephant Musth Cycle from The Mentoring Project on Vimeo.

I get to be one of Cameron's official mentors-as I am one of his "God-parents". This is no trite job in my opinion. Coming from andItalian background and having Godparents myself--all I remember about my GP's is that they gave money on my birthday and Christmas. I don't remember the "God-part." As far as I can remember we didn't talk about God, pray, or share anything intentionally spiritual. But when I did see them, they were loving, friendly, and always full of cheek pinches and good food! (As every good Italian does, which we could also argue is deeply spiritual). But for me, I want to be intentional with Cameron in significant ways, (as well as any kid in my life, especially boys: who need to be taught how to be men)! So, when I see Cam, I try to hug him, say that I love him, prayer over him, or remind him of how God has created him for special purposes. (It's not hard to believe when you see him playing guitar and singing).

Tonight at La Tartine, Cameron and I shared a bowl of Chowder and talked 3.5 year old stuff. Later he asked me to take him to the bathroom.
We waited in the cafe hall for the "boys room," and it was taking a long time. Meanwhile..more 3.5 year old convo happened (lots of questions and asking "Why?" when I gave an answer). The guy before us must have had some serious business. The "Girls' room" was open and I suggested it to Cam since we could have easily have snuck in and used it (and honestly I just wanted to speed up the process), but Cameron really wanted to use the "Boys' room," and insisted on waiting. It hit me how monumental that is..using the "Boy's room," it's a rite of passage: another step for boys to feel manly! I loved that little moment! Cameron wasn't about to sell himself short and he was willing to patiently wait. And I'm glad we did!

Intentionality doesn't have to be BIG, it just has to be intentional.

Look into a child's eyes, affirm him/her, put your hand on her/his head and pray a blessing, kneel down and hug a child and ask about their day..then really listen, put a child on your shoulders and parade them around while singing their praises and shouting their name,

Be intentional. Intentionality is a lifetime... and it's a lifetime of five minute interactions, week long trips, two-minute phone calls, three page letters, hour-long conversations, weekend retreats, afternoon adventures...

This is NOT the End of the Road.

Nothing like it

2009-08-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have taken this week off to relax post summer stuff and to restore for the fall. Although I'm still tired (but no where near as tired as my wife who nurses our often sleepless youngest 2 times a night, thank you Wendy!), I've had just amazing times with my wife and kids. It's not like we're vacationing in Hawaii (oh how I wish), we're just home hanging out, swimming beneath piles of laundry, dishes, and diapers, but we're just home together, eating together, doing errands together..It's good! Often, I literally find myself saying in my head, "Thank you God! I love being a husband and a dad," as I chase my oldest around the house and listen to my youngest squeal with baby delight as she watches. Last night I was out for a few hours and when I came home the girls were sleeping but I just had to go in and see them. I just watched my daughter sleep. I put my hand over her and prayed. Thanking God and asking him to continue to bless her, protect her, and grow her into the person he has created her to become. There is nothing else in the world like this. Gratitude, pride, fulfillment, and hope..even in exhaustion, there is nothing like it. Nothing. I'm so stoked to have this awareness and realization come often! It's needed because honestly, there are just as many tiring/difficult times competing with those beautiful moments, that I could easily forget God's goodness and find hundreds of things to complain about. Here's a few shots of those times of joy...

Here's my daughter Isella sitting in a tub ("Look at me, Papa,") we are using to collect school supplies for our friend Autumn's class in EPA. Her 1st graders who got no crayons and barely any supplies because of CA budget cuts. If you'd like to contribute let me know! She and her co-workers are in huge need.

And here's Lulu, just smiling as usual non-stop with her amazing chubby cheeks, while we got to enjoy some downtown RWC.

Brad Pitt quote

2009-08-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

There was an article in BILD, a German newspaper, this past week about Brad Pitt. When asked about God it quoted him as saying, "I'm probably 20 percent atheist and 80% agnostic. I don't think anyone really knows. You'll either find out or not when you get there, until then there's no point thinking about it."

VLOG 13 August 2009 TRT 3:26

2009-08-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

August 2009 Vlog
(Thanks to producer-Israel Soler:)

I'm refreshed

2009-08-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's not that I got any more sleep than usual, it was the simple fact that I got away. During a full and busy summer, I had a vacation! I started out my summer blogging about what I was anticipating, and I just finished it a few days ago....TAHOE! One full week. Relaxing. Beautiful. Ahh. For Californians it like a cheap Hawaii. Thank you God for creating it and giving my family the opportunity to go. It's a special place that we've gone with my wife's family for the past 5 summers, now my kids get to enjoy it.

Despite cold water, we loved the beach. The above picture is me with my oldest daughter. It was so fun (and surreal) to just float together with my little, almost 2 1/2 year old. The conversations were hilaroius and memories...so lasting.

During down time I read, (thanks to family members who entertained my daughters). I read (half-way) John Eldridge's new book, Fathered By God, but also this article by Stephen King in Entertainment Weekly (No EW is not a gossip mag, although I'm often embarrassed to be seen reading it in public by it's covers one would wonder if it was some tabloid). It's actually a great source for me to stay connected to (and praying) for pop culture as well as my main source for what movies to see.

Anyway, the famous Stephen King talked about being addicted to "screens." TV's, Computers, Phones, etc. You really should read the article and ask yourself if you spend too much time watching Youtube, facebooking or.... reading blogs maybe?

As I read it, I was so glad I decided to go through my vacation week SANS computer. That's right a full seven days, 168 hours with no email, facebooking, or twitter..and because reception was spotty up in Tahoe, my thumbs rarely were seen trying to text message (unless it was my wife) and my iPhone was forced to take some alone time, too. It was so nice to be completely free. I had much time to play, read, and not feel the need to check messages. I felt very out of the loop. It felt like 1999 again, when I didn't have an email, laptop, and the only phone I owned had a cord. I'll have to try that again. Seriously, I need to consider disciplining myself more. I already have an outgoing message on my cell phone almost apologizing for not getting back to people quickly. It's just too much sometimes. What is it with our culture? Instant and constant accessibility: Texts, emails, facebook, twitter, fax machines, and those annoying cups with strings ...
More on this later...and more on being refreshed..looking forward to what's next!

I love imagination

2009-08-13T01:22:00.000-07:00

This summer I taught improv classes for kids. Crazy kids all under 13 creating amazing, chaotic, and outrageous stories performed with out a script, funky props and costumes. What a great reminder that God created us to dream, create, and expressively live a good story! Although God wants us to mature we mustn't ever lose our ability to believe in the impossible as we become adults, especially with our faith. Kids have this innate ability to think, create, and imagine new worlds, new creatures, and new stories. I see this completely in my daughter. She loves wearing her "clicky shoes" (tap shoes, sort of) with her bathing suit, pajamas, or any item of clothing for that matter, while she runs around playing house and chatting with her dolls. People say that as kids grow up, adults teach them that it's not possible to see the impossible (IE miracles, wonders). No wonder why we have generations of adults, and sadly Christ following adults, who don't believe that God, the God who created the multi-milky universe, could still heal the sick, give sight to the blind, or raise the dead. And therefore we have generations of Christians living boring stories (lives) and passing on a stale faith. It's movies and stories like "Where the Wild Things Are," that remind me there are adults in the world that still can imagine the unending and wonderful possibilities that still await us who dream...especially those who dream for God and his kingdom.

I don't want to "GO" to church, either

2009-08-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

This somewhat humorous (although dangerous) happening is another compelling reason for the need for correct theology. The church is God's people on a mission, not a building we sit in on Sundays.

If we lived a better story, maybe our kids would want to join the amazing adventure that God has given his people. Get rid of the language, "Go to church." This minimizes God's plan for us be active in engaging with the world in love and to be sharing life passionately with one other. The church is not a place that you can go. The church is a group of people on a mission so the correct question is: are you a part of the Church? Therefore, the question can not be: "Do you go to church?" It's not just semantics... it is good theology.

Anytime I can talk about this I will. And thanks to this 7 year old from Utah for helping me out.