Speaking on Human Trafficking

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

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

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

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

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

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

TSR: Unpolished yet Loved & accepted

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

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

a clip from a documentary.

VLOG 17 TRT 4:23 FEBRUARY 2010

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

"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

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

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

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?

Braided Hair

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!

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

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?

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

2009 in Review

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

See it here: www.tonys2cents.blogspot.com

As We Forgive-

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

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?

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth

....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

See Video from Jars of Clay here.

Apparently Santa rearranges his schedule

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

Watch: December VLOG

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

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

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

Social Networking.

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?

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

What do you think of Wednesday's Picture?

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

How I spend Thursday Nights

"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!