Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Mute Math





Well, last night was a blast...Tre bought me tickets to see Mute Math, so we headed over to Cat's Cradle. We met up with Ken & Brenda and we also ran into Alan and Gore. The show was amazing. Hopefully Ken will stop working 65 hours a week and find some time to post his thoughts on the show,(of course, I think he is going back to Cat's Cradle tonight to see some other random band) since he will be able to do what I can't: communicate music in a way that will make sense to readers.

Here is what I can say, Mute Math played their heart out, they left everything on the stage...They gave an A effort. It was very inspiring. When I lived in Seattle, we would go to concerts and the crowd was INSANE. It was crazy, the crowds here in Carolina seem to be real mellow. Which, Is more "me!" But, If I'm on stage, I think I would prefer a different vibe. Energy is always good, right?

Also, the opening act was a band from KC called Vedera. They were good, and Tre fell in love with the lead singer. I think if she asked him t o be a rodie, he would have left town last night with no questions asked. He was "star" struck for sure.


Anyhow, I would encourage everyone to check these boys out if you get a chance. And their new CD is now available. Sweet!

Monday, February 27, 2006

Birthday Time (lame)

UPDATE
Now I know some friends will be hanging out tonight. I asked Tre what he was doing tonight, he told me he had a date. BAD ANSWER, Of course I knew better then that. So, I'm looking forward to hanging out with some friends tonight.
UPDATE


My birthday is right around the corner, (sigh) 33 is closely approaching to my amazement. A certain sense of depression and nostalgia seems to grip me around my birthday. Moving forward: Necole is taking me out tonight. I think some friends will be there, but I'm not sure. I will give a quick update later tonight. Peace!

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Men's Health & Beer


Hmm, this is a really good brew...Although, it's not cheap, enjoy!

Also, I've have a new habit...I like to go to Borders, grab some coffee and read (for free) the magazines. Well, today I picked up Men's Health UK, let's just say this, the UK allows a lot more "skin" then we do here in America. I opened the mag to see full nudity. Two girls were setting next to me and watching the whole time...I quickly flipped the page. Crazy!

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Speaking Next Week




So, it looks like yours truly will be speaking @ Hungry next Sunday night. I'm a little rusty, but I have a lot of stuff floating around my head that I would love to share. Thanks to J & Jeff for the hook up. Also, please say a prayer for God's favor & blessing on the night. Peace & love.

Friday, February 24, 2006

Malcom Gladwell IS Blogging, SWEET!

Malcom Gladwell has started blogging. He is the author of two great books: The Tipping Point & Blink. Should be good stuff!

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Podcating.The Gym & God

I love win-win situations...It's one of my "life values" that I follow. It does not matter what scenario I'm in, business, church, relationships etc. I want to build a win-win culture. It blesses me, and those who I interact with.

Here is a win-win culture that I've been able to create...See, I have become more spiritual by becoming more healthy and working out. Each day at the gym, I'm able to multi task...When I workout, I listen to a message via my iPod. It feels so good, I get to focus on God (instead of the time on the treadmill) and allow great communicators to speak in my life. Today, I listened to Mark Batterson teach on being Wired For Worship. His message is still dwelling in my Spirit. Yesterday, I listened to Erwin Mcmanus teach on truly living, and last week I was able to catch Mark Driscoll message on leadership & church planting. Tomorrow, I've already got Rob Bell ready to go. How cool is that, 3 messages in less then a week. Thank God for leaders who are podcasting. It's another great tool to utilize in our fast paced world. It's another way to slow down, while we are speeding up. It's a way to connect with God, and still stay connected to the realities of our culture, we are busy, we are on the go, and that is not going to change. But, we can create win-win situations. Like listing to sermons on the gym. I bet Steve Jobs had no clue what type of spiritual impact he was going to create when he released the iPod...Peace & love!

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

The Lost Message of Jesus

I've finally found a book worth reading, thank God. I was beginning to lose hope, as the last few books that I picked up have been less then thrilling. Anyhow, below are a few thoughts:


As one young women put it, "I just can't bridge the gap between reality of my life and the message that my pastor and church elders teach. I want to should out that the emperor is wearing no clothes. And yet, even though I sense that there are many more people like me, there seems to be a conspiracy of silence that no one is willing to break,"


"My aim I the chapters that follow is to demonstrate that the core of Jesus' life transforming, though often deeply misunderstood, message is this: The Kingdom, the in-breaking shalom of God, is available now to everyone through me."


Back to the book....

Podcasting

I have added some podcast links to my blog template. So far I only have three, but they are all pretty good. I will be adding more in the near future.

The next two Relevant Podcasts will be featuring Donald Miller of Blue Like Jazz fame. Anyhow, what podcasts do you like? Leave a comment and let the rest of us know. It seems their are so many, it's hard to locate the good ones. Peace!

  • Theohacks

  • Mosaic

  • Relevant
  • Monday, February 20, 2006

    A Response To Poverty

    Chad responded to this post with a great question below:

    So Chris, I have a question, do you think World Vision is a worthwhile way to start helping kids in Africa? Suzanne and I sponsor a little girl in Nigeria, her name is Esther. We get her grades and all kinds of mail from her, is this one way to solve this issue. I would like to hear your thoughts, $35.00 a month makes a huge difference in her life, we are told. We would like to sponsor a few more.


    So, I thought I would share my thoughts on this subject. So, here goes nothing.


    First of all, I really do not have answers to this very tough question. I think I've been a part of the problem, as opposed to the solution. So, I have decided to spend the next year in learning mode. I want to try and get a balanced view on the issues of global poverty. Now, I may get on a soapbox, so forgive me ahead-of-time. Anyhow, what can we do to fight global poverty?

    First, we can't ignore the issue. I think EVERY Christian should educate themselves on what is really going on. I know something like 30,000 + will die today because of poverty...That is totally unacceptable. IMHO, if Christ-followers really understood the problem, and if we did not try and politisize the issue, then our hearts would be broken. The way we spend our time & money would (this is why I think I'm a part of the problem, because I have failed the world with the way I've spent my money and time) change and we would be more grateful for the life that God has given many of us here in the West.

    I also think the church has to do a better job of creating awareness. For the most part, churches are running (or sprinting) to the "burbs." Because of this, they hardly see any poverty or outward brokenness. We (myself included) desire to serve God in the safe spaces of life. We want good neighborhoods, great schools and safe environments to raise our family. So, I think the church needs to bring to light the significance of poverty and what is the Biblical response to this crisis? Without going into great detail, I can say for sure that it's our job to serve the poor. So, if poverty exist, (as it does) it's because the church has failed somewhere along the way. Look at the Book of Acts as a prime example, are we sharing what we have? Are we making sure their is no one who is in need?

    So, this takes me to another issue...Yesterday, I spoke with some folks and they were exhausted. Why, because they were fed up with how many church activities that they had to be at because they were leaders in their local church. Herein lies a major problem in regards to fighting poverty. The church is so busy doing bible studies, play dates, small groups, set up & tear down, leadership training, big events etc...It seems many Christians and churches have no time to serve the poor. Life is a blur, out of sight out of mind theory seems to ring true. It's not that we intentionally do not desire to help, but we simply forget because we are always running to the next "task." Honestly, do we really need to be at church more then two times a week? This is the problem with attraction-styles of ministry. We spend so much time and resources on ONE gathering for ONE hour per week. I think it's really important that we deconstruct our thinking and actions in this regards. We have to create room for folks to get out of the church culture and walk into the real world, that is broken and walks with a sense of hopelessness. I think this is the best form of discipleship. Western Christianity is so comfortable, it's like some sort of pop psychology has infiltrated the church. We need leaders who will stand up and call people to suffer for the sake of the Kingdom. Maybe, just maybe, life is not all about going to work, then heading to soccer (kids), and then going church?

    Please remember, I'm not spending much time on this post, so the above statements are not well defined. I know as Americans we have to connect with our culture. And I also know that the local church is the hope of the world. I just think we have to find a better balance.

    GO,GO,GO. If we would go and spend a week with the global poor, our lives will be forever altered. I think every Christ Follower should go serve the global poor on a consistent basis. It's really hard to see God's greatness within the confines of safety. I for one have wanted to do this for a long time, but I keep making excuses...No time, no money, etc. But the reality is this: God will provide, if we reach out in faith and prayer. So, within the next year, I want to go hang with Mark in Budapest and with Steven in S.Africa. They both have plans and thoughts on how they are going to serve the poor in their respected areas.

    Finally, to respond to Chad's question. Below are some practical ways in which we could help in this cause.

    1. Support Indigenous leadership is the greatest priority in my opinion. How can we, the church in America, or better yet the West, support indigenous leadership? (or organizations that are helping train indigenous leaders) This is a two-fold opportunity for us.

    - Connect and build relationship with local leaders. They really need us. They need our prayers, support and resources. They need to know that we care that their people are suffering, and we want to help them bring the Gospel to their regions.

    - I would put my money into these folks, but I think we have to up-the-anti. They need MONEY, not our tiny leftovers. How can we support them in ways that will truly make an impact? Here are 3 areas that I personally want to support. These areas are practical, but beautiful.

    1. Give to the local leadership. If they are financially solid, they will be more effective in ministry.

    2. Micro loans. We we can teach folks how to make their own money; then they can be proud and they can support their families. A micro loan is basically loaning a local third world person capital to fund their business. So for instance, they can buy X amount of Chickens and then sell the eggs at the local market. Therefore, they do not have to rely on "outsiders" for eternal support.

    3. Wells. Fresh water is huge. Many villages have no pure drinking water, so they are forced to drink water that makes them sick. This is a huge issue in 3rd world countries. So sad, could imagine drinking dirty muddy water. :(

    At the end of the day, this problem is so great and overwhelming; it can seem paralyzing. I think the most important thing we can do is: Act. Do something. Not feel guilt ridden...We do not need to take sole responsibility for global poverty on our shoulders; if Mother Teresa could not solve this problem, then it's highly unlikely that we can. But if we all do something, then hopefully we can add some type of value. And slowly, one person at a time, we can help end global poverty. Peace & Love.

    U2 & Eugene Peterson

    Great article about U2. Eugene Peterson ( author of The Message Bible) has a lot of interesting things to say about them. Peace!

    Saturday, February 18, 2006

    culture and adjustment

    Mark has some great thoughts on culture and adjustment, Check it out and enjoy!

    Friday, February 17, 2006

    This Is Not Good

    Millions more starving' by 2015.

    The church (including myself) can't allow this to happen!

    Apple Virus

    I usually never have to worry about computer viruses, well it looks like that may change. Beware, Apple Virus.

    Thursday, February 16, 2006

    Random Thoughts

    Last week I picked up the new Iron & Wine Live Sessions...Very good. This week I got Amos Lee's new live record...Very Very Very good. He has a new song on it, so that is real cool.

    Also,Ken has some great thoughts on Wahba's latest music project.

    Lakers lost to the worst team (Atlanta Hawks) last night. Makes me want to cry. C'mon lakers, Fire Mitch PLEEEEEAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEEEEE!

    Now, back to working on my business plan for Seattle.

    Ciao

    Wednesday, February 15, 2006

    Valentine's Day Is Over


    Now that Valentine's Day is over, and all the restaurants, flower, chocolate and teddy bear companies have made their money for the year, we can move on with our life...Although, I did buy Necole a new iPod Nano, and after helping her install it and download some music, we headed out to have some dessert at The Twisted Fork, Necole had the apple pie ala mode and I tried the caramel apple cheesecake which was so yummy. That being said, we can now all continue are regularly scheduled programs called life.

    Last thing, does anybody care about the Olympics? I don't think so!

    Monday, February 13, 2006

    Slooooow Night

    Decided to pull out the French Press to make some fresh coffee...Of course we had to add some Baileys Irish Cream to the mix...And to top it off, we have Amos Lee spinning on the iPod. Hmm, not bad, I hope your night is going as well as mine!

    Body, Soul & Spirit

    This morning I dropped Bailey off at school and headed to Shelly Lake to get some physical and spiritual exercise. It was cold, so I wrapped up. Well, of course I had my iPod handy (although praying and hearing Nelly, Usher and Kayne can be a bit distracting & alarming...Here is my prayer "Lord help me to live a holy life," here is Nelly "can't wait to get the girl in her birthday suit.") So, anyhow...I wanted to connect with God, but I also needed to get some exercise in. Here are some thoughts I had on my prayer walk:

    Don't listen to Hip Hop music while you pray.

    Praying in nature should be by far in everyones "prayer diet." It just helps and seems so right. I would encourage you to get out and connect with God. It doesn't feel like "traditional" prayer, it's more of a conversation...A time were two worlds collide and create a sense of beauty and mystery. Also, there are by far less distractions.

    BTW, listening to U2 while you pray is a good thing. The famed "I still haven't found what I'm looking for," song came on and it's such a beautiful penned poem. When you connect with God and culture it creates a sense of urgency. The last few nights Necole and I watched "Lord of War" and "The Contant Gardner," these flicks have caused such a great burden on my soul. There is by far to much injustice in our world. I feel deep in my spirit that God wants to use my life (and your life) to stand up for those who don't have a voice; who are marginalized and hopeless. So, I prayed for Bono and Steven to continue their works in Africa. That somehow, someway they can be a voice of love, grace and hope in Africa. I also thought of the Tsunami victims... I wondered how life is in Phucket; Since the world no longer seems worried about them, they are not "newsworthy" any more. Also, what about New Orleans, I hardly hear anything about that city...Are folks recovering, is there enough help? It's hard to realize that I can't change the world (per se) but I also can't allow my life to be one of inaction. How can I pray and connect with God, but ignore the struggles and grief that is taking place all throughout our world? We can't allow prayer to be an "inward focused, spirtual exercise," this is why prayer is dangerous. When you pray, God will cause you to act. And acting on the move of God is risky, and it may cause you to get out of your comfort zone. (what a thought)

    Also, I'm not all that proud of much of my pentecostal heritage. Sometimes I look back at my life and I want to throw up; So, I do the next best thing and block it out. In reality, I really do not connect with any "one" denomination; it's no longer important to me and I think it's counter productive to the story of Jesus and the cause of the church. I for one do not want to be improperly labeled because of of some association with denominations. That's why I love Acts 29 (although, they do have a system of beliefs that must be followed, but they are still open source and free flowing) & emergent. I want to be known as a follower of Jesus. Not a Pentecostal follower of Jesus, or a Baptist follower of Jesus, but just a follower of Jesus Christ. That being said, beware my Bapitst friends, Pentecostal talk is ahead. :) I'm so grateful that God has given me a prayer language. (gasp for air) Now, rarely do I discuss this, and I think my Charistmatic and Penecostal folks ABUSE this gift way to much, as for me it's very private. But, it's also glorious; I love the mystery and beauty that the prayer language brings. It helps me understand that I do serve a super natural God, that my walk with God is not only intellectual or formulaic; But God is much bigger than me and that is what I'm mediating on today...The bigness of God.

    All that being said, my prayer today was one of action, how can I be a voice of healing in our world? How can Christ use my life to make the world a better place? I don't know all the answers, but I guess that's why I'll be taking a lot more more prayer walks in my life.

    Last thing, I'm reading the Old Testament, by no means do I want to get into the "Bible controversary," but when I read the OT I get so MAD, so my prayer today was this, 'God, why did you kill (or allow) so many people, and why did you allow certain types of slavery?" Ok, more on that later this week. Peace and love and go on a prayer walk, it's good for the Spirt, Soul & Body!

    Sunday, February 12, 2006

    Church




    Went to Vintage 21 this morning, great service. I love the fact that the service is simple, creative and authentic. It's a no frills service, lots of reflection time and you get a sense that Jesus is front and center...Not a preacher or worship leader. (thank God) I'm really looking forward to seeing what God is going to do via this great church.

    Also, Tyler (V21 Pastor and non-blogger) spent some time this past week at the Acts 29 bootcamp...He shared some of Driscoll's & Acts 29 vision, which is to raise $300 MILLION dollars to help plant over 1000 churches by the end of 2010. WOW...That is BIG vision. Props to them for believing God to do so many great things in the future.

    Now, back to hanging with the family and enjoying a nice and mellow day. Peace & Love!

    Saturday, February 11, 2006

    Invite & Tithe or SHUT UP

    I just read a thought on another pastors blog. He has a 1000 member church in the DC area, they are reaching de-churched folks that are mostly in their 20's and early 30's. So in his post he spoke about those who complain a lot in church (church folks don't complain do they?) Anyhow, he tells people that if you don't invite people to church, you have no right to complain about the church...Because the church is in the "inviting" business, not the complaining business.

    So, I'm going to take this further...If you don't tithe or invite then you don't have a right to complain...If your a complainer, but not a tither and inviter, then your complaints are more inward focused. Another words, it's about you and what you like and or dislike etc. It doesn't matter if you serve in the church in some other capacity; In reality, every member of the church has a responsibility to invite and to tithe. And every pastor should teach this principle and have certain expectations (especially from folks who have been followers of Jesus for awhile.) That's true ownership. In reality, I should have done a better job of teaching these values in my church, I was WAY TO NICE!

    Also, the pastor that has the church in DC gives me much hope...Because he had to close down his first church plant. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Never Never Give Up."

    Also, while I'm thinking about this, I received an email from a former member of Sacred. The point of the email was not to tell me how wrong I was, or how disappointed he was that Sacred closed down..Instead, he said he was sorry for not working harder, and tithing and inviting more folks...Now, I'm not a guilt tripper, and this guy did a lot for Sacred...So, he does not need to feel bad at all...But, I enjoyed the fact that he took responsibility on himself, he was not a "blamer." So, that email was a true blessing. Peace & Love, and guilt is not from God, but truth can make us all better. So please take these comments with that in mind.

    MP3 Download, music mp3 downloads. ALLOFMP3.

    ALLOFMP3 seems to good to be true...BUT, it's legal and full albums are only $2-3 bucks...Via, Terry Storch.

    Fusion Razor




    This morning I took a shower, yea! Ok, well...I've been waiting for the new Fusion razor. I love the Mach 3 and I HATE shaving...So far, I've heard mixed results in regards to the new Fusion, which has 5 blades. Now, I did get a little nervous thinking about 5 blades rolling up & down my grill...But, this morning I gave it a try, and yes it was great. Since the price is close to the Mach 3, I think it's a win-win deal. I also think my hairy friend Ken will love this razor. (poor Ken, he has to shave daily, unlike me who shaves every other day) Anyhow, enjoy and the next time you are shaving you can thank me!

    Friday, February 10, 2006

    The Constant Gardener




    Just finished watching the The Constant Gardener. Compelling movie, sad stories that I assume all are to real. This is the type of movie that cause me to stay awake at night praying to God for answers to our F... UP society.

    Thursday, February 09, 2006

    The Grammy's Suck






    U2 dominated the Grammy's last night. I think Kanye was going to cry. Oh well...Honestly, I did not think this album deserved 5 Grammy's. Also, can someone tell Chris Martin to get a hair cut. BTW, the Grammy's overall were horrible, pure waste of time.

    Wednesday, February 08, 2006

    Blogger Web Comments for Firefox

    Blogger Web Comments for Firefox is a good tool to keep up with comments...Basically, if I go to someone blog, a qindow pops up with all the comments...Good tool, enjoy!

    Welcome to MSN.com

    Test

    Read more at my.msn.com/

    Rhythm & Balance And The Calling of God

    Rhythm and balance is what I'm searching for. Each day, I try to make sure I connect on many different levels, for instance:

    1. Spiritual-I'm currently trying (not always succeeding) to read 15 chapters of the Bible on a daily basis.

    Awareness-I want to always be in conversation with God. This is very important to me and I'm hoping that I can make this a lifetime habit.

    2. Physical-I've been going to the gym 4-5 times per week and eating a healthy diet. I feel good, no...I do not have a six pack yet, but my energy level is high and I feel like I'm making an effort to do the right thing. Also, today, instead of listening to music or watching the news, I brought the iPod and listened to an Erwin Mcmanus talk. Great combination.

    3. Family-I'm actually spending a lot more time at home because we are not working in the office anymore...From 5:30PM to 8:00PM I try my best to be with my family...Not only in close proximity, but I want to be present and active...Helping with homework, playing hide & seek, reading books and playing games etc. (which Bailey has to win or else she is VERY upset)


    4. Work-I love what I do, Real Estate is great. Yes, It's hard...But if work is not hard, then why do it? So, I'm trying to be very productive & maximize my time.

    However, there is one thing missing...And that is ministry...I'm trying to be patient and wait for God to unfold his purpose, but my personality is not one to sit around and twiddle my thumbs...I'm a dreamer, doer and I want to do something great for God and beneficial for the global church. I do not want Real Estate to be the totality of my life.

    So, this thought has me pondering why it is so difficult to wait. Most folks that I know are content with their lives, and jobs. Sure, they get tired of the grind...But, I feel like I'm tortured to do something more then the normal. Not because I feel better, or more gifted or spiritual then other folks...So, I'M pondering the "why" questions...Of course scripture always speaks. So this morning I was mediating and here are some scriptures that came to my mind via the voice of God:

    For preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't do it! 1st Cor 16:9

    And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in! Jeremiah 20:9

    Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
    Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.
    Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.
    We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.
    There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
    and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all.
    However, he has given each one of us a special gift according to the generosity of Christ.
    That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people."*
    Notice that it says "he ascended." This means that Christ first came down to the lowly world in which we live.*
    The same one who came down is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that his rule might fill the entire universe.
    He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
    Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. Eph 4:1-13


    If we are Christ followers, we are all part of the church, we are all called to minister to the body and to live missional lives for the sake of the worl. But, some of us are called to a specific role...It's be no means better, or greater, but the reality that I must deal with is simple...I will not live a life of rhythm and balance until I feel like I'm doing what God has called me to do. And that is to tell the story of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, his love and grace, his power and authority...And that is what drives me, that is what keeps me up at night. Here is why:

    When I was 18, I had a good friend that was killed in a drive-by shooting. I was VERY fundamental in my Christian beliefs back then, and I was tortured by the thought of him burning in hell. I could see his face and hear his voice. It's been close to 15 years and this still effects me. I heard Erwin say this today, those who grew up closest to God, like in a church or even in the West, are those who SOMETIMES struggle with searching for God...Because they do not understand what it's like to not know God, or to be without God. For me, I never heard the gospel till I was 16. Yes, you heard that right. I grew up in the states and I never heard the gospel. Anyhow, I think those who did grow up with God, have a hard challenge to keep that passion for God. A friend of mine said he struggled with Christianity for so long, then he saw the Passion OF The Christ movie and he realized that every time he read the Bible, he thought of it like a cartoon, it was hard for him to grasp the "adult" way of thinking as to the Sunday School lessons that filled his mind. WOW! As for me, I know how it feels like to wonder when you die; where will you go??? Is their something "bigger" out there? Anyhow, this is what drives me to share the Jesus story. And I think I'm stuck with a life long passion :) Peace & Love!

    Tuesday, February 07, 2006

    New Client & More

    Spent 8 hours with a client today, took him on a tour of high end homes. This guy is sharp and cool. He lives in New Zealand and Maryland, so jealous. He is also a corvette collector, diver, surfer, golfer and VP of sales for his company...Yes, he lives a rad life (at least from a distance). I think he will move to 5 points. We shall see.

    Necole and I always talk about living outside the box, we just do not desire the normal cookie cutter suburban life style...I guess it's just not us, we want to travel, explore, love and enjoy life. We desire to be truly alive. And we do not want to spend out lives on the soccer field if you know what I mean.

    Also, I had another client call today...She wanted me to pray for a situation that she is dealing with. I love the fact that I can do business and still be a pastor. Ya boy...God is good.

    Networking is my passion, I love to connect with people and help people connect with other folks...Networking is like the circle of life from a business perspective. I really enjoyed this quote via Guy Kawasaki:

    “It's not what you know or who you know, but who knows you.” Susan RoAne."


    My new client gave me a great complement, he has bought and sold over 40 homes in his life, and he told me I was by far the most capable Realtor and he has worked with and that I understood business well. Cool Cool...Now off to play some Halo 2, how ironic is that?

    Monday, February 06, 2006

    Super Bowl XL Commercials on Google Video

    Super Bowl XL Commercials, Via Jordon Cooper!

    coconutBattery 2.2

    Coconut Battery is a web app that determines how much charging capacity my laptop has. Which, is not much...My total charging capacity is 7%. So, now it's time to hit ebay for a new battery.

    Seattle Seahawks Got Robbed

    I was surfing ESPN and found these the two article in regards to last nights game:ESPN.com: Page 2 : Steeling one: Hawks get robbed

    ESPN.com - NFL/PLAYOFFS05 - Smith: Officiating was less than Super. Sad Sad Sad!

    I've Changed My Template

    I've changed my template, I was tired of the brown and I wanted to simplify my blog. I hate blogs that are busy.

    We had a great time at the Nussbaums last night. Way to much food. Of course, That is to be expected when Brenda is the host! We did have a few "on the edge to drunkenness" folks who were mostly women and their names shall remain private. Also, Ken broke out the cigars, which was by far the highlight of the evening. It helped me cope with all of Seattle's mistakes and Jeremy Stevens "I can't catch a pass but I get paid missions to try." Maybe next time.

    Also, life is becoming clearer to me right now. I'm connecting on a spiritual level that is nice and peaceful. The last few months I've spent time trying to reflect on my life, trying to identify weaknesses and areas that I can improve on. (Way to many to discuss now) But, I'm peaceful, I'm confident that I'm doing what God wants me to do. So, now it's off to work. Peace and love.

    BTW-Wahba, I'm also glad you got my message late...Saved me $15 bones. :)

    Sunday, February 05, 2006

    Seattle Blew It

    Congrats to the Steelers...Seattle made to many mistakes, had poor clock management and had a lot of calls that were a little on the weird side. (according to ESPN)

    You can't beat the Steelers if you drop pass after pass...They should cut Stevens, he SUCKED. And the poor kicker, I mean, could he have been put in a tougher position...? He barely missed two 50+ yard fg. WOW, that was a great pass by Randell EL. SWEET.

    My Super Bowl Prediction

    Yes, I'm rooting for Seattle...Therefore, my prediction is:

    Seattle 27
    Pittsburgh 23


    Wahba, you wanna bet? How about a $15 iTunes gift card???

    Friday, February 03, 2006

    Art Show

    Sample of Will's work.



    My friend Will, who is a great musician & artist is having an art show at GlanceGallery Feb 18th. Necole and I are going to try and make it...Hope to see you there.

    CNN.com Video

    I know every blogger has already blogged this...But, Bono does a great job. Enjoy!

    Musician/activist Bono addresses the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. Go here to see the video.

    Bono Speech

    Yes, I know every other blogger had already blogged this, but hell...I don't care...It's that good:

    Musician/activist Bono addresses the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. Go here to see the video.

    Thursday, February 02, 2006

    Thoughts By Merton


    "A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all. No man can serve two masters. Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire."
    --Thomas Merton

    Warning-Long Post Ahead

    I started reading Kyle Lake's book-Understanding God's Will . It's a little surreal knowing about Kyle's tragic death. It seems like his words are more true then ever. Kyle basically states that knowing God's will does not require a certain formula. For instance, I've been taught and I've also taught (and Kyle discusses this also) that if you want to know God's will, you need to do the following. 1) Pray 2) Find scripture to back it up 3) Discuss your situation with friends & mentors 4) and you must have peace in your heart. Now, I still think this advice is sound and wise, but I do not think it's necessarily biblical or the only way to find God's will. If you are like me, at one time in your life you did all 4 steps mentioned above and yet things just did not work out. So, I was thinking about my personal life...I'm trying to wrestle with the thought of knowing God's will or hearing God's voice. I have a lot more questions then answers. Sometimes I wish I could talk to God like Moses did on that mountain...Of course, like Moses maybe I'm not sure what I'm asking for. One thing I do know is this, I want to be confident that I can hear God's voice (His sheep will know his voice) and I want to be confident that I'm doing God's will, but of course I also understand that life takes it's unique turns and things do not always work out.

    Let me share some backstory...

    7 years ago I left my home state of Califronia on a journey to Dallas, TX. I took a quasi position at a church in Dalles. My buddy Rawd left Cali and became a youth pastor at this mega church and we wanted to start some type of mentor program....So, Necole and I packed up and went to Texas with no financial security(official jobs). Just a dream to do something for God with folks that we loved and cared for. Things were going well, but we found out that the jr, high youth pastor had fallen into sin with an addiction to pornography. So, the church asked me to take over the jr. high ministry. Now, I love to serve and help in any way possible, but if you know me, then you know that I'm not a jr. high youth pastor guy. I HATED that job...In the meantime I had a passion to church plant...After 6 months as the jr. high guy, I decided to resign my position. (and the security the came with it) Now, this was really hard, it was the first time in my life that I had a full time salary and I was working at a great church...I also had four times the resources as a jr. high pastor then I did as a church planter. BUT, I knew I was not the best guy for that position...If I stayed, I felt like ministry was more of a career then a calling and that was not my goal. If I was not passionate about what I was doing then I did not want to do it.

    The story moves forward....

    So, Necole and I decided to move to Seattle. We were going to wrap up some educational stuff and plant a church. 9 days before the scheduled move, Necole found out that she was pregnant with our first daughter (who BTW is the joy of life, along with her sister of course). So, now we found ourselves in Seattle with a whole new set of issues to deal with...(Life is so much easier without kids) So, we decided to move back to Dalles. We knew Dalles was not a long term place for us, but we felt at the time it was a better fit. While in Dallas I took on my first corporate job...The experience was essential and I know their was purpose...BUT, I also wanted to plant a church...So after months of praying and researching we landed in Raleigh, NC. We have been here for 3 years this month. The first two years were awesome...God was doing some great things...But the last year was a nightmare...I knew the church was not going to make it and Necole and I went through so many financial difficulties that our own church leadership was concerned with our life. So, we decided to deal with reality and close the church.

    WHAT...YOU ARE DOING WHAT...What the $%^$

    I was pissed when I found out my mother in law was moving from Raleigh back to Oregon. So, to make a long story short....Necole and knew that we did not want to live on the east coast while our family lived on the west coast, especially if the church plant was not happening. So, we have decided to move back to Seattle this summer. Now, here is the question I have...



    DID I MISS GOD???????????????





    Here is why I ask that question...

    It looks like their is a good chance that I will be going back to the same university that I left six years ago...And, If God allows, I'm pretty positive I will start or help someone start a church someday in Seattle. So, I wonder if I missed God the first time? What is the theology behind my questions...? I know God has done some amazing things in my life in the last 6 years, I've learned a lot. But, it seems ironic to me that I'm going back to Seattle to do what I wanted to do 6 years ago. What do you think?

    Wednesday, February 01, 2006

    God's network: How Christian business owners help each other get rich and go to heaven.

    Below is a link to an interesting article on how business and God collide. I have plenty to say about this, but no time. However, I do think this is an important subject and one that needs to be thought through on a deeper level. For instance, I'm a Christian business owner (I would prefer to call it a missional Christian who owns a business or something along those lines)trying to find a balance. It's hard to think about profits and the bottom line as the major force behind my business values. I would prefer that my business would give me more time and resources to help in ways that I could not otherwise. Anyhow, enjoy the article.

    God's network: Christian CEOs blend bible study and business - Feb. 1, 2006