Josh E's Blog

Back...to the Future

2008-07-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday reality slapped me in the face. After a GREAT week at VBS, I quickly realized there were many things that needed to get done and not a lot of time to do them.

One such thing was preparing myself--and a teaching--for the weekend services. With the entry of little Larissa Joy into the world (Todd and Hilary's newborn baby girl =) came the opportunity for me to teach in "big church." I was excited and anxious.

The amount of time I had to prepare wasn't the only thing that contributed to my anxiousness. I also discovered I was nervous about teaching the adults in our church family. The last such opportunity was over a year ago.

I found myself entertaining this line of thinking: "I hope I can do as well as the last time..." It wasn't long before God reminded me of His promise: "As good as things may have been in the past, I have even better--and different--things for your future." Immediately, I felt at peace. Why would I aspire to something in the past when I serve a God who's always interested in doing a new thing, and who changes me from glory to glory?

I don't want to go backwards; I want to move forwards. I had a great time in services this past weekend and it's because I was freed up to be who I am today--not backtrack to who I was a year ago.

Even Greater Things

2008-06-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Now that V-B-S is D-U-N(!), I'm reflecting on the past week and months. I'm choosing to call to mind the things I have heard God say and do.

Mercy, grace, restoration and redemption. I received these as VBS season promises from the Lord back in April. Another: "As good as things have been, even greater things will I, the Lord, do for you in your future."

Today I could write pages about God's grace upon me and the Assembly Team the week of VBS. Everywhere and every time we lacked, God made up the difference--and then some. His grace was sufficient. We learned again that we can ask God...and He will give us what we need. The team prayed a lot during VBS week. We saw God answer those prayers.

I've fallen more in love with VBS this year. Not the event, per se, but the people (not least of all, the kids!), and in short, the whole experience. It's a mission trip for our whole church family. This year, I walk out of VBS with a newfound trust in the Lord.

The joy and excitement of the kids during VBS week is contagious; it got all over me! God is restoring broken places in my life. He is releasing me from places of confinement and into the freedom to be like a child--the child He created me to be.

My challenge today? To continue in the momentum and direction He has begun. VBS is not a 5-day detour that ended by putting me back where I started. I am a different person today; I am in a different place--by His grace. And I ask Him for continued grace to call to mind and walk in the things that He has done. There's no better way I can thank Him than that.

A Brief Pause

2008-06-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Taking into consideration the date of my last blog entry, it would seem I've taken a break from writing them. This was an unintentional and, hence, unofficial break. This entry, however, is to inform you that I will officially be taking a break from blogging until post-VBS (Vacation Bible School).

Until then... V-B-S is F-U-N!!!

Ornery!

2008-05-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you." (Psalm 32:8, 9)

Recently, our clothes dryer broke. Timer died and it stopped producing heat. $90 minimum for a repair estimate and another $60-$100 to fix it. After a couple of weeks of using friends' dryers and searching Craigslist, I found a serious deal. Last night I finished installing our "new" dryer at about 8:30. It cost me 10 bucks.

When I picked it up, the generous seller helped me load it into my van. When I went to unload it last evening at home, I had every intention of pulling it out myself, with the help of my trusty hand truck. I figured it would come out easier than it went in. It didn't. That's because--surprise, surprise--I was trying to do it myself.

A couple was walking their dog down the sidewalk towards me and my initial thought was to try to get the dryer out before they got to me. What is that?! (Hint: That's called PRIDE). I wasn't able to get it out on my own. "Can I give you a hand with that?" It's a bit frustrating but also funny to me now that my temptation was to say "no" to the offer to help. What was I thinking?! I am happy to say, however, that said temptation did not have the final say; rather, it was very fleeting. Instead, I said, "Sure!" As a result, the dryer came out quickly and I thanked the man for his help.

The dryer episode immediately came to mind as I read Psalm 32 this morning. Another translation of verse 9 says this: "Don't be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track." (The Message). My pattern in similar "dryer-situations" has often included being prideful and ornery. Here's how I apply this instruction and truth to my life today: God's way of doing things works--really well. My way stinks much of the time. I'm grateful that God's way prevailed in this recent example...and I continue to pray for the death of my pride. That's not a "bit and bridle" that I want in my life. It keeps me "in check" in all the wrong ways, and keeps me away from God and His ways that lead to life.

Still Good

2008-05-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

After everything is said and done (and before, and during!), God is still good.

Yesterday, I had what most people call "a bad day." It started out fine but quickly went south about mid-afternoon, and pretty much continued in that direction until I fell asleep! I won't go into why because it's not nearly as important as how I responded. I will tell you that it wasn't any one thing, and that it was both practical and spiritual.

I can't generally do much about the things (circumstances) that help produce a "bad day"... but I can do something with me.

I thank God that I have grown to a point in my relationship with Him where I can be real with what's going on inside of me. (He can see it all, anyway, so no point in trying to deny or hide it!) Yesterday, I let Him know how I was feeling. It wasn't pretty. I didn't try to feign religiousness...and for much of the time, I did this without beating myself up (an all-too familiar pattern from my past).

A lot of things strike me when I read the Bible. Here's a couple: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, REJOICE!"; and "in everything give thanks" (Phil 4:4; 1 Thess5:18). Why? So I can be a "holy" Christian? No! Late last night I finally began to turn the corner on my "bad day" as, one by one, I started thanking God for the people He has brought into my life.

It's hard to stay ticked when I'm thanking God for His goodness. It's always there. I just need to adjust my gaze and force it to find rest in the right place.

Supersize Faith!

2008-04-30T16:22:00.001-07:00

VBS Isn’t Just for the Kids!

I recently attended our first Vacation Bible School (VBS) Worship Team practice for 2008. YEAH!!! Greg Martinez is our leader this year and did a fantastic job of leading us. We spent the first hour of our time together not practicing. This was a GOOD thing! Greg shared with us his heart for the team, and led us a couple very helpful exercises.

First, we were asked to spend a few minutes thinking about and writing down two things that we want to thank/praise/worship God for in this VBS season. Next, we wrote down two things that we want God to do in us in the months to come. After that, Greg pulled us together, has us join hands and pray.

How exciting to get a sense of God’s larger purpose! Before the musicians even touched their instruments, and before the singers even listened to any of the songs, we sought God together for His plan for us this season, and came away with something specific and personal.

I’m WAY excited about VBS this year. I am grateful to God for giving me some very specific words about what He wants to do in me over the next few months. Grace, mercy, restoration, redemption. These are some of the things I hear Him saying. And it continues: “The best is NOT behind you; as good as things have been, I have even more in store for you.” I didn’t realize I am in a season of my life where I am in need of renewed hope. Now I do! …And I’m leaning on His promises. He will do SUPERSIZE things in my life this season.

Sticks and Stones

2008-04-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished teaching Intern Class here at church. Four mornings per week, the interns (and some of the residents) spend an hour together with a different teacher. This morning (Thursday), it was me!

I’ll state for the record, teaching a 7am class is the LAST thing (time) I would chose to do ANYTHING…other than waking up to a cup of coffee while reading my Bible. At this time of day, I feel I have about as much to give as a flattened toad on a Texas highway. Still, I’ve been teaching Intern Class for probably 6+ years at this time…and I love it. It’s a great example to me each week that God’s grace is indeed sufficient for me(!)

This morning, we talked about the unique ways God has made us. To begin, I asked each person to pray a word of thanks to God for some SPECIFIC way He had made them. We didn’t quite get it the first time around, so I had us do that again. THANK YOU, GOD—the second time through was markedly different, as each person identified a very particular spiritual attribute God has placed in them. “YES!!! That’s what I’m talking about!” Such was my exclamation (yes, even at that early hour) following the last prayer.

I closed our time together by emphasizing why it is SO important that we thank God for how He has made us. These are three things that came to mind:

Giving thanks to God frequently (as the Bible says, “always”), grows in us a thankful heart. This will drastically change our outlook on life (increase our joy, hope, etc.)
Thanking God for a specific way He’s made us is a part of acknowledging and receiving His calling on our lives. It’s also makes the statement that we are His possession, His precious children.
The spoken word is HUGELY powerful. That old “Sticks and stones” statement is only half-true (the first half). Words can have a more lasting effect than many physical things we’ve experienced. God SPOKE all creation into existence through words. THAT’S POWER!

I love a lot of things about Intern Class. Just being together with those incredible young people is but one. I end up learning a lot from them. I also love that God uses these class times to encourage, remind, challenge and instruct me.

Today I am freshly reminded of the importance of laying hold of, and declaring, that which is true of me in God. It’s not prideful to that. It’s my statement to God that I’m His…and that I’m REALLY happy about that.

Three Weeks Later

2008-04-24T08:29:00.001-07:00

I just got back from a three week mission trip to Southeast Asia.

KIDDING!

It’s been three whole weeks since my last blog entry. Where does the time go??? My last entry was on the heels of our Spring Break event for the Junior and Senior Highers. Since then, I’ve either been sick (again, with my whole family) OR been in major “go” mode, getting things off the ground for our upcoming mission trip to Colorado and Mexico this summer (not kidding!). Looks like around 20 of us (youth and adults) will be making the journey south of the border in July. I’m VERY excited about all of that!

I’ve also been working on creating a blog for that mission team. It’s going to be (I believe in faith) THE place to go to find out the latest greatest info about our team’s preparations. Here’s a recent entry:

OK, so Saturday’s team serving day with The Coastlands campus fam was out-of-control F-U-N!!! I LOVE what the Interns and Residents have done with their Saturday cleaning responsibilities. There is A LOT that has to get done EVERY week in order to clean the building/grounds and prepare a place to welcome our church family and guests into our church home each weekend.

I am convinced that there are few serving opportunities that are as fun as Saturday cleaning. If you don’t believe me, try it yourself sometime! =) I am grateful for the time our team spent with the campus folks. We can learn a lot about the heart of serving when we do it with people who are walking in it day-in, and day-out.

After a yummy pancake and sausage breakfast, we ventured over to the “Secret Garden” by the front lawn for several games of high-speed Dodge Ball. Then we journeyed back into the building and split up into teams to clean. I think we may have finished in record time, as our Dodge Ball games took a little (lot?) more time than planned! We finished around 12:30 and enjoyed a cheeseburger BBQ lunch courtesy of Michael and Priska and the campus family.

Thanks to everyone for your great attitudes and willingness. You are a GREAT team. Don’t think for a moment that what you gave on Saturday doesn’t matter. IT DOES! And it is preparing your hearts for our soon-coming mission trip.

Until next time…

Nation Spring Break '08

2008-04-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

This past week we had close to 40 youth (6th-12th grade) attend The Nation Spring Break '08. During the 3 days' activities, we ate together, served together (beach clean up and on-campus projects), bounced around at Sky High Sports together, conquered coasters together at California's Great America, and rounded out the week together with a ridiculously fun night of games and live music on Friday night.

One of our goals for Spring Break was to reach out to youth who do not attend our church. I'm excited and grateful to God (and to our youth who invited friends!) for the 8 youth who signed up for the main program, as well as another 9-ish who attended "Rock 'n' The Nation" that Friday night. 15+ guests with us during the week is a huge success.

Friday night was the highlight of the week... What a great way to round out our time together! This event, the brainchild of one of the dads in our church, was complete with Xbox and Nintendo Wii game systems, DDR, pool, foosball, ping pong, air hockey, AND the live 8-bit music of our very own Mas! Mas! Mas! and Hello Geno. The night, according to one of our guests, was "more fun than Great America!" (That about says it all!) The recurring comment about the night from both youth and adults: "This was really, really fun!!!"

Indeed it was fun... And a big reason for that fun was the heart, vision, and preparation that went into making it happening, as well as all of the adults who made it a well-covered, safe, and welcoming environment. The youth had a great time because they were able to "let their hair down" in appropriate ways... As a result, I believe they learned/experienced more of who God has made them to be. We might just be on to something with "Rock 'n' The Nation." I think we'll be doing events like it again...

Epiphany

2008-03-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

I had an epiphany about marriage last night. I'm excited--and a little bit startled--by the realization that suddenly came to me. I'm excited because this "discovery" gives me something very practical to do; I'm startled because it's surprising to me that the realization feels so "new" (as though I'd never thought of it before).

It came to me in the form of these two questions: 1) What if I asked my wife what she really enjoys doing when we're together; and 2) What if I asked her what she really appreciates me doing (with our boys, around the house, etc.). Both of these are summed up in a principle of marriage I think about often but put into the form of a question much less frequently. The question would sound something like this: What else can I do to bless my wife...and what more can I do to serve her?

I think I'm pretty good at philosophizing about things like this but have lots of room for growth when it comes to finding practical ways to actually DO SOMETHING! God has given me great vision and goals for my marriage... But what am I doing to accomplish those things? The two questions in the paragraph above are SO simple...but their answers could have a profound readout in my relationship with my wife.

I'm looking forward to asking the questions and excited about what the answers will give me to do.

Praying for My Boys

2008-03-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

I love to pray for my boys when they go to bed. The prayers are longer or shorter depending on how late it is for them--and for me! (If I'm home late from a meeting and they're already in bed, I'll quietly enter their room, put my hand on their heads, thank God for them and bless them; it takes all of 3o seconds. I am convinced God still hears it. =)

I often pray that they will fall in love with the Lord from an early age. Then I bless them with a statement like this: "May your life be characterized by radical obedience to God...seasoned with oodles of grace."

I want my boys to obey God because they come to understand there's nothing better than a life lived like that. I want their obedience to stand out--as a hallmark of their deep love for God. I want their deep love for God to motivate them to trust Him and His ways so completely, that they look forward with excited anticipation to following His instructions for their lives. I'm talking about genuine love--not a counterfeit impostor rooted in empty religion and fear-based compliance.

This is a prayer for my own life, too. I want my obedience to increase because my love for my Maker grows deeper. I want to live a life characterized by listening to Him and following His lead. This is the best way I can express my love for Him. As my obedience increases, my love grows--and I become more intimate with God. These things not only go hand in hand, they're inseparable.

I love to pray for my boys. And as I pray, I am filled with hope for their lives...and that gives me even more hope for mine.

Living the Works of Jesus

2008-03-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

I had a great conversation with a friend yesterday that got me thinking about my own life. He is passionate in his belief that any words we say (about God, His kingdom, etc.) ought to be substantiated by works that are consistent with those words.

Jesus said that the world will know we are His followers when they see (and experience) our love--for each other and for the people of the world. He also said that when come to know the truth, the truth will set us free.

We've got to hear the truth in order to know it. For a teacher-type (like me), this is easy; I can turn most opportunities into a teaching (doh!!!--I think I've done it again!). The important question is, am I also living my life in a way that confirms that teaching? And, am I leading people in that way? One of the (many!) areas God continues to challenge me in is extending His love in practical ways to the people around me. This should start at home, then extend outward.

Just the other day, our neighbors gave us some hand-me-down toys for our youngest. This is at least the second time they blessed us like this. The Lord gripped my heart as I realized this, and a question followed: What have I done for them--our neighbors?

As I (re)assess my priorities, I ask: "God, help me to seize every opportunity to demonstrate Your love in practical ways to the people whose lives intersect with mine." I have to remind myself again: I don't have to preach a sermon to spread the Good News.

Oh, Yeah--REST!

2008-03-12T22:16:00.001-07:00

Speaking of rest, I've been telling myself (and my wife) that my new nightly goal is to be ready for bed and in bed by 10pm. I don't generally go to sleep that early but if the teeth are brushed, the chores are done, etc., I can unwind by reading a book, a magazine or just watch a little TV.

It's 10:18:30 right now. I'm late; I've missed my goal. Might as well keep playing on the computer. Just kidding. You have my word; I'm done for the day!

Looking forward to that book...

An Unexpected Break

2008-03-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

My family and I experienced an unexpected break this past weekend. No, no one gave us an all expenses paid getaway to Hawaii; it wasn't anything like that at all. Instead, apparently someone gave us the stomach flu.

Van, our youngest (10 months old) got it first, and like the rest of us, is still very much recovering. Jaden, our oldest (4 1/2), got it perhaps the worst, which has been his pattern with stomach ailments; he called out "bucket!" many, many times over a period of about 40 hours. My wife, Jessie, got it nearly as bad. I bowed only once before the porcelain throne but was still down for the count the whole weekend. Today (several days after contracting this thing), we're feeling about 60%.

Whenever I get considerably sick like this, I wonder: "If I were better at knowing when to rest, would I have gotten this?" Whether the answer is yes or no, I'm thankful for the thought. It causes me to reflect a bit on my life, my priorities, my struggles...and my relationship with the Lord.

For the past couple of years, I have felt God challenging me to rest. Hebrews 4 says that there still exists a sabbath rest for God's people. In the Psalms we hear God say, "Be still and know I am God." Why have I had such a hard time stopping to rest? Is it because there really is so much to do? (When won't there be?) Is it because I'm a committed and hard-working believer? (Or are these just covers for being driven?)

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us to not worry about tomorrow. Here's what I'm discovering: Resting has as much to do with trusting God as anything else. (It's also an issue of obedience vs disobedience...but that's another discussion.) TRUST. Do I believe God is faithful regardless of what I do or don't do? Will I count on His gracious provision when I'm on the move AND when I'm still? Or do I think that His activity in my life is dependent upon and determined by mine--as if somehow He can't move if I don't move first?

We all have certain things that will continue to challenge us throughout life. The apostle Paul spoke of the thorn in his flesh. Some things we overcome; with other things we continue to fight the good fight. This doesn't discourage or depress me. Rather, I'm freshly provoked to engage in battle once again. The strange thing about rest is, the fight is about laying down (my) weapons and implements, not picking them up.

I want to trust God more with more of my life. I wonder if doing so could even result in better physical health..? I know with confidence that it will benefit my life and deepen my relationships--with people in general, with my wife and kids, and most important, with the One who gave me life in the first place...and who promises to give it to the full.

Trust

2008-02-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, I marry people. That is to say, I officiate wedding ceremonies from time to time. (Lest there be any confusion, I'm happily married to just one person--my beautiful wife, Jessie!!!)

Recently, I reworked our personal budget with the help of a good friend. Amongst the adjustments I made was a decision to use income generated from performing wedding ceremonies to partially fund our family vacations for 2008. This is not what I've done in the past, so it was a faith step because there's no way I can insure I'll perform enough weddings to fit the bill.

Not long after, an I-need-to-put-my-hand-to-this-and-make-something-happen mindset started to creep in, and I began to stress out a bit about all of this. "I need to do X number of weddings this year to fund our vacation time." "What if I don't get that many?" "What if I don't get any?!" I like to think of myself as a pretty faith-filled guy. This was anything but that.

A couple weeks ago, I was reminded of God's promise: "Put ME first, and I'll take care of the rest." I had been thinking I needed to promote/advertise myself in order to "make" these opportunities happen. This is so far from the heart of why I do weddings in the first place. (I am grateful for the income...AND also count it an amazing privilege to have such an integral part in the joining of two lives. I had all but forgotten this part.)

I decided to let go and trust God. Within a couple days, I received 4 phone calls from brides looking for an officiant! Thank You, Lord, for the reminder...and for Your faithfulness. I was riding high for a couple of days until one by one, 2 of the 4 potential weddings fell through. I booked one, was about to book another, and then realized the date of the ceremony was during our family vacation--which hadn't quite made it onto our calendar yet. BUMMER!

Once again, I found myself doubting. The ceremony was on the Saturday of vacation. We'd be coming back on Sunday. Maybe I could drive 3 hours back to Capitola, do the ceremony, then drive another 3 back to the vacation house, and then drive home the next day. Oh me of little faith! I wrestled for a few days with this; in reality, I wasn't really thinking that I would actually leave vacation for a day...but I was having a hard time letting go of the thought of MONEY!!! (Let's be honest here.)

God reminded me again: "Put Me first; trust Me; I am faithful." I called the bride, told her I wouldn't be able to perform her ceremony, and gave her the names of some friends who could. Bummer... Just one wedding booked. Then, THE VERY NEXT DAY I received 2 more calls from brides and a message from a local wedding coordinator to whom a friend had referred me; she had a couple more ceremonies in mind for me.

This was never a crisis. I wasn't on the brink of financial ruin. In a way, it can seem like a petty thing. Nevertheless, I know this process has been one in which I felt the pull of "mammon," the temptation to make my own way, and the inclination to not believe God.

There have been some very "big things" in my life that have shaped me. But the "little things" have, too. This is one of them.

I don't want to serve two masters. Money can buy my family and me a cozy spot on the side of a lake. It won't, however, turn me into the husband and dad God can make me. Only God can bring the solidity and strength of character that will benefit me and the people I lead. I want more of that.

Another Judgmental Thought

2008-02-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Just a quick thought to follow up on the last entry. Unrighteous judgment divides/separates people from each other. Righteous judgment separates unrighteousness (sin,"stuff") from people.

I'll share with you a litmus test for my own life. The next time I begin to have a thought or "feeling" about someone, I want to ask myself a couple of questions: 1) WHAT am I thinking and WHY am I thinking it?; 2) Is what I'm thinking drawing me closer to that person, or pulling me away from them?

I'll say it again: I want a heart that is increasingly moved with increased compassion for people. I want more righteous judgment in my life that helps me more accurately identify brokenness in people (and in me!) AND motivates me to separate that stuff from the precious, gifted children God made them to be. Mercy triumphs over judgment. I like to win...and with regards to this topic, I want to live every moment like I'm playing to win.

Something Worth Fighting For

2008-02-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if I'm more judgmental as a Christian than I was before I gave my life to Jesus.

10 years ago I surrendered my life to Christ. Funny, I still feel like I'm just beginning! Like, I'm just beginning to have some victory over judgment in my life. Judgment is meant to give us an understanding of right and wrong. Problem is, judgment stripped of compassion quickly becomes condemnation.

I've been thinking a lot about how Jesus reacts to hurting people. When He saw crowds of wayward humans, His heart was moved with compassion. He felt their distress, depression, and loneliness.

Knowledge happily partners with conceit (it "puffs" us up) but love strengthens and changes people. Am I really sometimes more judgmental now...? Yes. When my knowledge of right and wrong becomes misapplied judgment on a person for what they're doing, I end up on a pedestal. Though I would never say with my lips that I'm better than anyone else, I might very well say it with my life--or at the very least, my thoughts.

I don't want to condemn! I want to love. So I've been praying to God to move my heart with compassion for His people. As a result, I am beginning to see glimmers of His character in my own. I can't make this happen; by my own efforts, I'll just end up doing what I really hate doing. Then, the judge and the judged both end up robbed.

By the way, I'm not condemning myself, either; I'm just being honest. There are things in my life that need to change; that change is something I'm willing to fight for.

Momentary Superhero

2008-01-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

Wintery, blustery gusts of wind; salty ocean water spray tingling our faces; gray and white clouds moving swiftly over choppy, turbulent storm swells. Jaden on his red "Firestorm" 2-wheeler (with training wheels); me with the while Styrofoam glider, complete with bright orange and red stickers hand-stuck by Jaden himself.

Saturday morning between the storms (so it seems!). We live just down the street from "The Cove"--or Sunny Cove, as some call it. This is the beach I spent a LOT of my summers (and the rest of the year) on when I was in High School. Great spot. I love it!

Jaden got off his bike and I parked it next to a massive Cypress tree, using the partially exposed roots as a bike stand. Off with the shiny black "Hot Wheels" bicycle (actually skateboard) helmet and on our way down the still rain-soaked, terra-cotta colored cliff to the sand below. Winter beach! In other words, not much beach to speak of.

Jaden puts his finger to the side of the cliff, touching the tiny streams of water gravity insists on pulling down to the cool, wet sand below. The wind isn't as strong down here...but enough to give some serious lift to the glider--and cause it to do some pretty sweets loops. I climb up on the cliff to give the glider an even better chance at gaining altitude. I pull back my arm, then launch it forward, and RELEASE! The light-weight plane takes off and begins its first of two maneuvers: the loop and the sharp right-hand turn. It's a great moment...until it lands in the surf below. "Oh no, Daddy; my plane's in da watuh!!!" "It's ok! I'll get it, Jaden!"

Of course, it's winter and I'm not dressed for the surf. So, off with the shoes and socks, up with the legs of my jeans, and into the water! I managed to get the fuselage without too much difficulty...but where are the wings? They come out too easily. "Over there!" Some folks in a Volkswagen Westfalia on the cliff have spotted one of the wings. A couple more attempts and a soaked left pant-leg and I've got 'em! Both wings are in my grasp. My friends on the cliff cheer. I give them a thumbs up and shout "THANKS!"

I'm a superhero...for a moment. (At least in my own mind; Jaden didn't actually say anything but I did rescue his plane. Never mind that I was the one who launched it into the water in the first place!)

Then I had a thought. My friends on the cliff--they could see something I couldn't see. Perspective. They had a view I didn't have. From the beach, the white foam wings didn't stand out much from the the white foam-capped water in which they floated (at least they floated!) God's got great perspective for our lives. That's one of the reasons He's so good at helping us. Friends have a unique perspective, as well. They, too, can see things in us we can't see. That's what I want for my life: A God and friends who can see what I can't...and who lovingly draw my attention to it. That's what I want to be for my sons, too. A dad who will help them to see what they don't see. That's superhero stuff in my mind. We don't have to rescue someone from a burning building. We just need to be available for God to use us to help someone see what they can't see on their own. You never know; it could mean the difference between being lost...and found.

That's Kingdom.

A New Chair

2008-01-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine bought a new car. He did something I've always dreamed of. He won an auction on Ebay for a car in Texas and drove it home. That's a two-fold blessing: a new car and a road trip. But wait... There's MORE! I think it might be a four-fold blessing... New car, road trip, winning the auction (c'mon, that's exhilarating!)...AND bringing his son with him. Dad and son, new car, Texas BBQ, road trip--dude! Does that sound fun, or what?!

As my friend told me this story, my heart stirred at the thought of doing something like this with my own son someday (he's 4--or, as he says, "foh-anna-haf"). Then I remembered I did! Just the day before, actually! (How quickly we forget these things.)

On Tuesday, Jaden and I drove over to San Jose in my van to pick up a really nice leather chair Jessie and I bought the night before. We didn't plan on buying a piece of furniture that day; but we had been looking. (By the way, we got a smokin' deal on a floor model--WAY discounted and already broken in!) So, we didn't have a vehicle to bring it home with us that night. As we talked about how we were going to get it, I quickly became excited about the thought having a daddy-son moment the next day.

Getting a new piece of furniture is fun...but spending time with my boy on a mission--that's a memory in the making. These are precious moments to me--and to him as well. And just think: this is how God feels about us. He loves spending time with us. When's the last time your went on a road trip with your Daddy? He's just waitin' for you to hop in His ride.

Bugged

2008-01-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

"You just gotta have faith!"

This statement really bugs me.

There's a rampant misconception in the world that if we just had more faith, things would work out the way we want them to. This saddens and frustrates me at the same time because it can make people feel disqualified or unworthy if they don't have "enough" faith. I have two problems with the "faith" statement above. One, I think this misconception comes from a misunderstanding about what faith is. Two, how we want things to work out isn't always what God has in mind.

I just finished teaching Intern Class. We're wrapping up a study/discussion about the dreams and desires God puts in our hearts. We talked about some of the great examples of faith in the Old Testament: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Joseph, Moses... All of these were people who had strong desires and dreams for specific things to happen to them and through them. What great examples for us to follow! If we forget the details about their lives (or don't read them carefully), however, we can foolishly think that these people were extra-special. People who were uniquely equipped with extra measures of faith. They were actually just like you and me.

Paul says of Abraham in Romans 4 that he was unwavering in his faith. I disagree. Well, not really... I just feel the need to elaborate on that statement. The overall story of Abraham's life tells us that he was indeed a man of faith. He did have his moments of doubting, though. He and Sarah had a hard time believing they would have son together; he lied to a foreign king that Sarah was his sister--because he was afraid... I'm sure Joseph had his moments, too--in jail, wondering how in the world would his dream come true. And Moses... Well, Moses protested and argued with God that he was the right one for the job God called him to do.

Here's the point. Faith isn't about never having doubt. It's not (only) about believing something in our mind. It's about putting one leg in front of the other and walking--as though we knew which direction to go to reach the promised "land." It's active; it's scary; it's messy; it's broken... and it's imperfect because we are. Faith moves--even when it doesn't intellectually "believe." It's moving towards something we can't see but believe (read: act like, live like) is already there (Hebrews 11:1).

What's your dream? Is there something God put in your heart that you've lost hope for? That you can't believe could actually happen? It doesn't have to be a "big" thing--like becoming the next Billy Graham. It could be something very day-to-day--like something being healed or made right in a relationship you have; or getting to know a neighbor who you want to share the Lord with; or growing closer to God; or...?

Do you feel intimidated by all the great men and women of faith in the Bible...and around you? Well, guess what? You've got the same DNA. You're from the same family. That's the wonderful revelation in Galatians 3. When we put our faith in Jesus, we're in God's family and become children of Abraham. It's not a pipe dream; it's the truth--and it's yours to claim.

Hope Postponed

2008-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

Here's Josh E's expanded translation: When your hope for something gets drawn out and dragged through the dirt, your desire, passions and courage get tired, sore, and weak. BUT... When the longings of your heart are fulfilled, you are renewed, revived and sustained; the fulfillment makes you like a fruitful tree: strong, steadfast and alive!

I was reading in Genesis 25 this morning. It's the story of Isaac and Rebekah, and their desire to have children. Isaac pleads with God that his wife would give birth. The word used to describe Rebekah is "barren." Along with "infertile," the word "barren" is still employed to describe the state of not being able to have children. It's a cold, sad, and lifeless word. It's also used to paint a picture of the bleakness and lifelessness of a landscape. It's a hopeless word. It's a word that we use to describe ourselves, our situations and our world. But it's not a word God uses to describe us.

God answered Isaac's prayer. 20 years later, Rebekah gave birth to twins. Twenty years later. That's a long time to wait, isn't it? It's similar to Isaac's father and mother's story. Abraham and Sarah waited many years for the fulfillment of their desire to have children. It finally happened for them at an age when most people are already dead.

This isn't just about having kids; it's about the life God wants give birth to--in and through you. I can relate to this. Can you?

What's grown barren in your life? Have those dead places begun to encroach upon neighboring areas in your heart? God wants to revitalize your hope. While you and I will not experience the fulfillment of every desire we have in this life, God wants to and will satisfy many of longings in our hearts. Hope isn't about what's already in our grasp. This is a critical understanding. It's very important that certain things remain out of reach because hope is meant to keep us going and trusting in our Provider for what we don't yet have. But God isn't stingy, either; and He doesn't dangle carrots in front of us without actually letting us enjoy eating them from time to time.

Is there a desire in your heart that has become tired? Has your hope grown dim and your longings become weak? Are you grieving the death of something God wants to resurrect? Go to Him again. Ask Him again to fulfill that thing. Know that He intends to draw you closer to Him as you wait. AND ask Him to show you other desires that He has placed in you as well. He won't gloss over your pain. He will bring refreshment into the dry and weary places in your heart.

Time For Something New

2008-01-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

This is your life. Are you who you want to be?

These words are from the song, "This is Your Life," by Switchfoot. I got to see them play live a couple of nights ago at the Foursquare Next Gen "Imagine" summit in Anaheim.

Of course, this conference wasn't just bands playing music. There were numerous speakers from inside and outside Foursquare, including Pastor Jack and Glen Burris. The conference was all about investing in and raising up the next generation of spiritual leaders.

So, why the reference to the Switchfoot lyrics? Well, honestly, it's a pretty catchy song and the chorus keeps repeating in my mind. Still, there's more to it than that. (I'll get to that in a moment.)

It's a new year. The time of year when more people purpose to make change and do new things than any other time of the year.

I wonder what God thinks of New Year's resolutions... My hunch is, God wants us to live every day like it was New Year's. After all, He makes it clear in His word that He loves to do new things. Reflecting on what was, looking forward with expectation to what will come, and committing ourselves to a life of continued change is a life pattern we do well to follow. Daily.

Imagine was a God thing. And I'm not overspiritualizing it. Godly men and women planned this conference...and God directed how it went. One of the recurring themes of the conference ran like a thread throughout the 3 days. Desire. Dreams. Ambition. Possibility... Numerous and very different speakers ended up touching on these and other related themes. Created in the image of a creative and passionate God, we are people designed to dream big and relentlessly pursue becoming and doing all God has in mind for us to become and do. Every speaker challenged us on this point.

"This is Your Life" is one of Switchfoot's more well-known songs. I'm guessing that's why they played it... And I also can imagine God smiling as He gazed upon His kids this past weekend, and enjoyed His divine orchestration of things. This is your life. Are you who you want to be? These lyrics could have been the subtitle for the Summit. Can seem like a small thing but I believe God intended for all these things to weave together to paint a wonderfully colorful prophetic tapestry--with varied parts that spoke to the hearts and stirred the imaginations of the thousands attending.

It's New Year's; it's your life. Are you who you want to be? Don't settle for second best. God has so much more for us than that. Let's reach out and chase after it...and not let go of our dreams.

Oh, How Do I Love God's Word? Let Me Count the Ways!

2007-12-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Psalm 119 is an amazing piece of Scripture. You can't read more than a few verses without seeing the pattern: This Psalm is ALL about God's word and what it produces in our lives. In the first 80 verses (that's just what I read this morning; 96 more to go!), I counted 77 references to God's word: "decrees," "word," "commandments," "instructions," "promise," "regulations," "commands," "laws." Now, I didn't excel in math when I was in school, but that's nearly one reference per verse!

Underlining and counting all of these was exciting for me in my reading this morning. Even more exciting was discovering all of the wonderful benefits and fruit that are produced in our lives as we read and keep God's word. Here's what I found:

Joy
Integrity
Thanksgiving/a thankful heart
Purity/wholeness
Increased ability to resist sin
Rejoicing
Delight
Satisfaction
Wisdom
Counsel
Life
Resurrection power
Encouragement
Understanding
Practical life skills
Happiness
Reassurance
Goodness
Hope
Freedom
Comfort
Songs (about all of these things!)
Steadfastness/Anchoredness (OK, I know that's not a word!)
Fellowship/belonging
Good judgment
Knowledge
Unity
In general, Good Things!

That was what I discovered in the first half of this Psalm! What a great reminder about the point of reading God's word and keeping His commands. It's not about getting in my 15, 30 or ___ minutes of devotional reading done every day. It IS about getting the living word into my being and my experience AND DOING WHAT IT SAYS as best I can SO THAT my life will begin to blossom and bear much fruit.

Jessie and I have a Meyer Lemon tree in a terra-cotta pot next to our front porch. Boy, are those citrus blossoms fragrant! (I want that more of that kind of sweetness in my life.) The tree itself isn't that impressive. What is impressive is the amount of fruit such a small tree is producing--so much that it can barely support the weight added to it! But as long as I keep picking those lemons, that tree will continue to flourish.

I want to have that kind of bountiful produce in my life--the kind that is in such abundance it needs to keep being picked. And so I pray, like David, Lord give me eagerness for Your word! And may it be more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

The Magic Kingdom (in Detail)

2007-11-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

Bursts of colorful light illuminate the dark night sky and bring a warm glow to spectators' faces. Loud explosions pierce the silence of space and send shock waves you feel in your chest. Fireworks set to emotive music. Then snow. Yes, snow. Well, not really snow...but it sure looks like it, and falls like it, too! Christmas in The Magic Kingdom where, apparently, a million dreams can come true this season (and probably will, as a visit to Disneyland is a dream come true for most kids!)

There are some smart people working for Disney.

Not that smart is the point but it sure is the reason for the fullness of the "magic" you experience at D-Land.

Last week, my family and I spent two days in Disneyland. We had a fantastic time. Interesting, though, it was very tiring, and we had our moments--but those aren't the first things I remember. In general, I keep thinking, "Man, that was really, REALLY fun...and good...and...I think we need to make this an annual family tradition!"

Before this past week, I had never thought about why so many people think Disneyland is the end-all, be-all. I had never thought about why it's so alluring and so...FUN! On several occasions, while waiting in (not-very-long-thank-you-very-much!) lines for rides, I was struck by the detail of the surroundings (think, the pre-ride). The Indiana Jones adventure is a great example of this. Rides at Disneyland aren't just about the (thrill of the) rides. They're about the whole experience; they're about what leads up to the ride. They're about being in a different world.

I could talk on and on about all of this...but I won't. Here's the point: regardless of the fact that Disney is bringing in profits by the bucket-load, the people responsible for making this place what it is have taken great pains and care in creating what we experience after purchasing our pricey Park-Hopper passes. There has been and continues to be great attention to detail in every corner of the park.

I don't want to overspiritualize Disneyland, and I'm not going to. But I'm perfectly fine using a modern-day experience that MANY people are familiar with as an illustration of a spiritual principle. After all, Jesus did this constantly, drawing spiritual analogies, metaphors and parables from the natural world around Him.

Here's my theory: Detail is one reasons why Disneyland is so alluring. What's the big deal about detail? Well, God is all about it--detail, that is. Before we were in the womb, He knew us and already had plans for our lives. He created us, giving us giftings and talents, and made us unique--not a carbon-copy to be found in 6 billion plus. He knows the numbers of hairs on our heads and keeps tracks of the number of tears we've shed. He has created infinite variety within each person...and He highlights these things as being the very things that make us special--that make us who we are.

When I'm at Disneyland, the details make me feel thought-of and welcomed. A place has been made for me (and I definitely pay for it!) The next time I'm at Disneyland, waiting in line for Splash Mountain, or cruising through the underwater land-and-cartoon-scape in the Finding Nemo submarine, I want to take a moment to tell my sons, "See how much detail has gone into creating this ride (and pre-ride)? God has put even more detail into creating you." He thinks about you, He knows you, and He has a place for you.

Yes, there's even more than fun to be had during a trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Unwrapping Your Gifts

2007-11-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

I currently oversee the Junior High youth group at The Coastlands. We're about a third of the way into a 12-week series called "Rock Solid: Building Our Lives On Solid Ground." The overarching theme is obedience, and one of my goals for this study is to help our Junior Highers apply to their lives the things they're learning. I've been telling them that God wants us to progress from knowers to doers. Knowing God's word is HUGELY powerful in itself. But even more powerful--and more to the point of what God calls us to do in this life--is putting the things we know into practice so that lives will be changed (ours and others').

The paragraphs that follow are from the outline the Junior Highers read this past weekend. Mainly, I wanted them to understand how precious and gifted they are as unique creations of God AND that God gave them their uniqueness/gifting for the purpose of blessing and serving others.

What a joy and a privilege to lead young people in God's ways!

You are unique.

Not unique weird—unique like, God created you, fashioned you, formed you, put you together…in a very distinctive and exceptional way. On purpose!

God gave you gifts.

Not gifts like the presents you’re looking forward to finding under the tree 37 days from today. These gifts are actually better—way better…even though they may not seem that impressive at first. They’ll last a lot longer and serve you much better than anything you unwrap on Christmas morning.

These gifts come in a package.

Not a package wrapped in fancy paper and ribbon. No—instead, these gifts are wrapped in the package called you. That package is infinitely more amazing than the best and most creatively wrapped Christmas present from the pages of Martha Stewart Living. You are the container of these gifts…but you might not know it. They’re yours to unwrap… and God wants to show you how.

These gifts are yours…but they’re not really for you.

These gifts are truly appreciated only when they’re used for others. Instead of comparing yourself with others and wanting to be like them, God wants to show you who you really are—the person He made you to be—so you can feel good about that person, love that person…and use your gifts to bless and serve others. It doesn't get any better than that.