Birthday Present

My work took me out to lunch for my birthday today because they could not do it on my actual birthday (June 15).

One of our children's leaders, Naka Pioha, gave me two bottles of "Izze" drinks from Starbucks. I thought it was cool anyway. I have no idea how they taste because I put them up on my bookshelf at work. Has anyone had one?

Im BACK!!!

First of all, not one person left a comment so that means nothing exciting happened or you all were too lazy to write about it.

The retreat was a lot of fun. We stayed in a mansion in Palm Springs and it was on a golf course. There was a pool, and they had a golf cart that I took out. It was a very peaceful time where I could just relax and not worry about anything. It was way too short though.

Gone For A WEEK!!!!!!!!!

Paid Vacation!!!

So I get to go on a retreat for a week in Palm Springs. Now, there are a bunch of "Church people" going, you know like my three bosses, and other ministers, so I am not sure what to expect. I will let you know if it was boring or cool. I'll tell you all one thing...I am the youngest one going.

So for the next week, I shall not blog...but please let me know what is going on. I appreciate it.

Thank You Tessa!!!

I would like to preface this by making the statement that I am no good at basketball...

So, Feb 2003...a few friends and I began to play basketball at the Crestview apartment's basketball court. Being a "punk rocker" as people label me, I did not have any "jock" clothes (basketball shorts, shoes, etc), so I played in my Dickies and my "not" basketball shoes. (Ouch)

This year for my birthday, my girlfriend Tessa bought me like 4 pairs of basketball shorts, and a pair of basketball sneakers. I played again for the first time in a while tonight with Patch, Rachel, Shea, Jeff, Taka, Tachi, and Sachi and it was wonderful. No more blisters, no more uncomfortable running. Tessa, you are the best!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you!

I Am Being Left In The Dust!!!!!!

Congratulations to Travis and his NEW FIANCE SHAUNA!!!!!




But let us evaluate this. First of all, my very first roommate Jason (In Bowles) got married the summer after my first semester at APU. Then Andy goes ahead and gets married last summer. Now Adam is getting married this summer. Cory decides gets engaged, and now Travis. What is happening with my roommates? Dan, beware dude! Aside from roommates, Steve is engaged (again). Sean and Desiree were always married. Brian got married. Fudge.

I guess I shall be the last. I sure as crap better be someone's best man though!

I'm not going out like that...

The wives and fiances of all my roomates...Match them to the correct dudes.

Lyndsay................ Adam
Robin.................. Andy
Shauna................. Cory
Sarah.................. Travis
Christina.............. Jason

Who Are "The Poor" in the Bible???

The Poor:

I recently gave a sermon on how Christians need to go out and feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and so on. However, my friend Bernie came up with an interesting question...

"Where do we draw the line?" He was talking about the fact that there are people that are dressed not too shabby asking for some change/money. Skeptical, Bernie asks himself, "Why do they need money? What are they doing to do with it?"

On the other hand, there are people who are on the streets selling cherries, oranges, flowers, you've seen them. They are at stop lights, at intersections trying to sell you something to support their family. Bernie references these people as the poor people we need to help. Why? Because they are trying to live and need help.

Bernie did not say that people who just ask for money should be overlooked. He asked the question "how do we know what they need." He is fed up, as am I, with people who ask for money on the street, then when offered food or water, complain and just want money. Obviously they are not that hungry if they are turning down food.

Taking into consideration what Bernie was talking about, I am wondering about the over 560 Bible references on commands to take care of the poor. Are the poor people in the Bible the people who are on the streets asking for money? Or are the poor people in the Bible, the widow working barely making it, the struggling person who has one cloak and works all day for half a day's wage, or the parents that can barely afford to feed their family because they do not make much money? I just do not know. I have a lunch meeting with an Old Testament professor Bruce Baloian tomorrow and I am going to ask him. If you are interested, stay tuned and I will post his response.

Personally, I think the poor people in the Bible are people like the widows who really cannot make it on their own and need help. I am not so sure that they are people who have kind of nice clothes on, out on the streets asking for money. What do you think? I know Cory will respond to this. Perhaps Travis will as well.

Learn How To Drive!!!

Introduction:
For all that do not know I work in Long Beach, CA which is about 30 minutes away from the city in which I live, Azusa. It is about 30 min away when there is no traffic. Driving to work in the morning takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

So today I was driving to work at about 8:15am. I got to the 605 Freeway and I was on it for a while. It must have been about 8:33am (I looked at the clock), when some dip stick driving behind me decided that it would be a good idea to go around me (driving over a double yellow line into the carpool lane, though it was only him in his car) and then perform a death maneuver to get in front of me without slamming into the guy ahead of me. The problem for this drivers training reject is that he pulled in front of a CHP officer.

Not only did this guy cut across a double-yellow line, but he jumped into a carpool lane without carpooling anyone. Then, he nearly ran me off the road because we are in traffic so the car in front of me was not that far from me and the car before him was about to stop so this guy made me slam on my breaks so that he would not run into the side of my car.

To my joy, the CHP pulled the guy over. I just want to send a message to drivers everywhere...watch out for morons on the road. And if you happen to be one of those people who just should not be driving, carpool with someone!

Twice on the Same Spot Along the Path my Foot Shall Never Step

Like stepping in a river:

Have you ever placed your foot in a moving stream? It is a cool experience. You might have pulled your foot out because the water was cold. Perhaps you placed your foot back in the water. Maybe even in the same spot. Though, you did not really step in the same spot as once before. The water which your foot struck the first time has long passed down stream. Impossible it is to step twice in the same spot in living water.

So it is with life. Once we have begun a journey, we can never go back and walk alongside tracks previously set. I am thinking about this now because I have turned 23. I remember last year. I definitely remember the year before. I also remember when I was 18. 16. I even remember tid bits of when I was 5 and 3. Though I have the power to recollect, I have not the power to revisit.

I miss the past. Not all of the past. Quite frankly, I wish I could go back and change more than a few things. However, there is a certain peace that lay beneath the memories of the past. In reminisce, I can be free and know that everything will turn out okay, insofar as I am here in the present and it has turned out so.

I will never be 22 again. I will never attend Azusa Pacific University as an undergraduate student again. I will never live in the Bowles Apartment Complex and hang out with the same "mafia crew." Nor will I skate past Ellie and wish for the courage to talk to her. I will never score a goal with the water polo team again. And I will never relive the anticipation of setting up to play a show as the lead singer and guitarist of 3XR.

What I will do is remain strong in Christ and press on to what I believe God has called me to do. I will respect and take care of Tessa so long as God has me do so. I will shepherd my youth group, and teach whomever God commands me to teach.

But there will never cease to be a time that I look back, sigh, and continue along the path that God has set before me...

I Don't See Dead People!!!

So today I saw, for the first time, the movie "Gothika." I am really not one to be afraid of "scary movies" insofar as I know it is all Hollywood. They usually end up pretty stupid anyway. I did like "The Sixth Sense" however. The phrase, "I see dead people" has been the butt of many parodies.

After watching "Gothika" I realized that people actually DO believe in ghosts. I personally do not believe in ghosts or wandering spirits. I do believe that demons and angels exist. I do believe in demon possession and angels showing up to help people, but no way do I believe in a soul wandering around haunting people, places, or anything of the sort.

On the other hand, I dare not say that people who tell "ghost stories" are all necessarily crazy. Nor do I suggest that they, all anyway, are making their stories up. I have not really come up with an explanation. I fluctuate from believing that maybe they are demon possessed temporarily, or encounter a demon and their mind makes it out to be a ghost because their imagination fabricates what it cannot understand. I have heard probably hundreds of ghost stories. More than a dozen have been stories that are not made up, supposedly, but are told as actual accounts of events that took place.

Do I believe those stories that people have told me in what appears to be genuine? Perhaps, but I think I believe them in a different light. I guess there are many different perspectives to all issues. What one would say is a ghost encounter, I might call a demon, a psychologist would call a hallucination due to dissociatve identity disorder (DID) or schizophrenia, and a sociologist would call lack of peer relations, and so on.

I suppose the point of this blog is to suggest that there are many different confusing and unexplainable phenomena that occur. Correspondently, there are many different ways to view the phenomena. Is there truly a "RIGHT" perspective? Or are we to make sense of what we see given our experience, beliefs, illusions, and knowledge all combined?

Feed Your Mind!!!

I will be honest, I hated reading for years. I remember having to read in Jr. high and I could not stand to do it, partly because I am self diagnosed A.D.D. I remember in high school I would avoid reading at all costs. I still managed to make really good grade so I figured, "I don't have to read."

By the time I got to college, I began at a Jr. College, I could take an English course, not do any reading and still receive and "A" for the class. No problem. When I transferred to UCSB, I was going to major in astrophysics, and the only reading is word problems and equations (which I still enjoy).

But you know what God went ahead and did? He called me into ministry. So I transferred to Azusa Pacific University where I learned the hard way, thanks to professors like Bill Yarchin, Matt Rindge, Matt Hauge, that I need to read if I am going to understand what on earth they are talking about. What is more, I could not sluff my work anymore because these professors were on the ball.

So I learned that I needed to read. But what was I to do? I hated reading; I got bored easily and would fall asleep after about 3 pages. How on earth would I finish a Rindge or Yarchin book?

I began by first reading the prologue to find out what the book was about. I learned that most of the time I was really interested in what the author was going to attempt to communicate. Then I opened the book with new eyes. These were eyes that actually wanted to figure out what the author was talking about and learn something.

Now I'm ridiculous. I have already purchased about (no exaggeration) 15 books this summer. I have completed 3, and I am working on two other books right now.

Here is my point. The more you feed your mind with knowledge, theory, grammar, et cetera, the more powerful you will be in life. The more you know, the more you can do, and the more you can do, the more you are a valuable resource.

These are a few reasons why Dr. Bill Yarchin states that reading is important.

1. "Good for you" Selfishly: It will help you out in the long run so that you are well educated and can work in important "high-paying" fields and make a lot of money.

2. "Good for the world" Beneficial to others: The more you learn, the more of a resource you are to help others out. People can learn a lot from you if you know what you are talking about.

3. "Good for the community/society" Prosperity: Well informed people are needed who can bring a depth of perception to issues everyone faces.

4. "Reflection" Spiritually: Cultivating the mind

Hey, if you still do not want to read, this is not a blog to persuade you to do so. I am just providing you with some great advice that one of my role-models and brilliant professors gave to the student body at APU. Find books that interest you, read them, and apply them. Blessings

Today is Their Day.

Today I had three graduations to attend, two Jr. High graduations and one High school graduation. I was also invited to lunch to honor one of the graduates and to a graduation party later in the day.

All of this to say it was a busy day full of sitting down for hours and listening to people speak about stuff I won't remember. If you have been to a graduation, you know what I am talking about. I am out in the sun, it's hot, boring, and I can think of places I would rather be. Then I realize something, it's not about me. This is a special day for students in my youth group who are moving on from Jr. High to High school or finishing High School and beginning adult life in college. It is a very proud time for these students and I have to tell my self, "Today is their day. Rejoice with them and support them by being there to be a part of their joy."

I am very blessed to be the pastor of many awesome students. I am very proud of all of them and want to take the time to recognize a few graduates.

From 8th:
Kelsey Erdman
Kelli Buffum
Alex Glen-Miller
Clifton Johnson
Anissa Lore

From 12th:
Megan Islander
Alicia Story
Kari Boyce
Tione Bailey
Joseph Ryan Johnson
Shane Dixon
Matt Koble
Rodney "Zan"

Congratulations!!! I pray that my students stay close to God and abide in Jesus Christ. God, lead these students down the path you want them to take, and may they glorify you and further your kingdom. Amen

Thankful for Youth Leaders!!!

I began working as a part-time youth pastor in February. I began full-time youth ministry in April, though I could not actually work the full-time hours because I was still at APU. Anyway, I began with NO leaders. The youth group was at 15-20 solid attendants when I came. It got to 63 in May. I was overwhelmed. I had no idea what to do. It is very difficult trying to run a youth ministry and keep everything in-line when you do not have any volunteer support.

Last week, my friends Ballad and Betsy came to check out the youth group and fell in love with the students there. They decided to be a part of the youth ministry.

This week, my roommate Dan and another friend Jesse came to check out the youth group and it looks like they want to stay as well.

It is such a blessing that after 4 months of praying and getting really nervous, God provided the youth group with 4 AWESOME leaders. I know Dan has a lot of experience as does Betsy. I know that Jesse and Ballad are very enthusiastic. Ballad has already connected with one of the youth girls. It is so amazing to see God working in the youth group.

A youth group can grow and grow, but numbers are not important. The importance lies with how well students are being reached and connected with someone whom they can trust. Furthermore, a healthy youth group consists of students being impacted by role models and loving leaders. I feel that the youth group I have been blessed to serve in is getting there quickly.

Cold Cash and Colder Hearts

Unfortunately, this is how people, yes even Christians, view the poor and those who need help.

"They are sick, they are poor
And they die by the thousands and we look away
They are wolves at the door
They're not going to move us or get in our way

Because we don't have the time here at the top of the world
Yea we're doing just fine
Here at the top of the world

We hold our own by keeping our hearts cold
Different god, darker skin
They are just not a burden that we'd like to bear
They are living in "sin"
Just throw out a reason for us not to care

Because we're feeling alright here at the top of the world
Yea we're doing just fine
Here at the top of the world

We've learned money matters most
So we keep our cards held close
Here at the top of the world
We hold our own by keeping our hearts cold

We learned what matters most
So we keep our hearts cold

They are no one
They are no where
They are not our problem
Not worth saving
Nonexistent if we keep
Our hearts cold

They are no one
They are nowhere" ~Dustin Kensrue from THRICE

We need to change this. Christians need to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, take care of the sick, and visit those in prison. (Matthew 25:35, 36)

To Stand On A Box: The wrong method for sharing God's Word.

My roommate Dan was just talking to me about an experience he had on Friday night.

Some guy stood on a box outside of the Covina AMC 30 with this to say:

Guy on box: Have you ever lied?
Respondent: Yes
Guy on box: What does that make you? A LIAR!

Guy on box: Have you ever looked at a woman and had sexual desires?
Respondent: Yes
Guy on box: What does that make you? An ADULTEROR!

Guy on box: Have you ever stolen anything, even something small?
Respondent: Yes
Guy on box: What does that make you? A THEIF

Look, we as Christians do NOT need misinformed people like this guy on the box. What is more, people who are not Christians do not need guys like this getting in their face and telling them that they are going to hell. These people really make me mad. The message of Christ's love needs to be expressed in love. I am sure Dan will respond to this blog with more information so stay tuned. Hint, hint Dan. Dan Neufeld. Dan my roommate. Social security number...okay okay.

What Do I Do With It?

I mentioned the following statement in a sermon I was privileged enough to be able to give to our Sunday night college service called Halogen.

I graduated from a great school, Azusa Pacific University. During my time at APU, I had some phenomenal professors, such as: Matt Rindge, Bill Yarchin, Matt Hauge, Gerald Wilson, Keith Reeves, John Hartley, Mike Garrity, Ken Waters, Bruce Baloian, Paul Shire, Steve Wilkens, Gary LeMaster, Telford Work, Craig Keen, John Culp, Don Peavey and Junia Pokrifka-joe.

I also had an awesome campus pastor, Chris Brown.

I was filled with so much knowledge. Because of the people mentioned above, I know a whole lot more about myself, about God, about Christianity, and about the Bible. However, that knowledge means nothing if I keep it in my head and do not transfer it to my hands and do something with it. I want to be a person who takes what I know and applies it to how I live.

A Nation Divded Against Itself Will NOT Stand!!!

During Jesus' ministry, the Pharisees accused him of driving out demons by the power of Satan. Jesus replied, (I am paraphrasing) "How am I going to drive out demons by Satan? A nation divided itself will not stand. Therefore, if I am using Satan's power to destroy Satan's kingdom, does that makes sense?"

Well, Let us apply Jesus' words to today. I am so sick of Americans complaining about, "The war this, George Bush that, I'm going to cry." Listen, you may not like George Bush or his choices. But you know what? He's YOUR PRESIDENT!!! That means, for now, he is your leader as an American so support him. If he is doing something completely wrong like Pharaoh's killing of innocent Hebrew babies, then stand up against him. I do not see him doing that. If you want to vote for a different president next time around, do it. Until then, support the leader you have now lest our Nation fall even more than it has.

If Americans would stop complaining and spend some of that energy helping people out or making a difference, we would have an awesome nation. But no, we complain and bicker. It will never stop. No matter how great someone is for the presidency, CA governor, whatever, you will always find some reason to complain. So just bite your lip and support.

Shopping Cart holders have gone too far!!!

Recently my roommate Cory Pina included a post on his blog titled "Please Move Your Cart." Here is a short piece from Cory's blog:

"Aren't we supposed to be the ones who take our shopping carts back to the shopping cart station instead of push them into the empty parking spot next to us where I always run into them? I believe we are." ~Cory Pina

The other day, my other roommate Travis and I were shopping. Of course, there were carts everywhere on the Ralph's parking lot. But that is not the peak of the rudeness of the day. Our last errand to run was to go to Marie Calendars and pick up a strawberry pie. Oh, I could taste it when we were talking about it. Fresh strawberries topped with Cool Whip, and then washed down with some cold milk. My joy was soon robbed by a lady who, after emptying her shopping cart, decided to place the shopping cart horizontally across the ONLY available parking spot near Marie Calendars. Then she had the audacity to look at me, smile, and then walk away from the cart.

How are you going to look someone in the eye who you know is trying to park, leave your shopping cart in the parking spot you know they want, smile, and then walk away? I felt like getting out of my car, taking the shopping cart and placing it on her car's hood.

When Cory says, "We" he means Christians. He is talking about Christians setting an example and being a people that respects others and serves others. I agree. Christians should be a people who really strive to make other people's lives better. Sometimes that is as simple as putting a shopping cart back in its original spot, opening the doors for people, allowing others to go ahead of you in line when they have less stuff than you, and so on. I suppose it also involves having patience for those who are just plain rude and don't understand the concept of "Other people."

Read the complete description

One of my professors and mentors, Dr. Bill Yarchin, gave the senior class and the rest of those attending chapel a challenge to read. I have taken this challenge and have read three books thus far and am planning to read many more.

When buying books on half.com, which is the greatest thing in the world for buying books, make sure to read the description of what you are purchasing. Last night I received two packages. One was a book that I ordered. The other was a book, but it was a book ON TAPE. So now I have this book in my car's tape player. It is not so bad, but it was funny to listen to, "The Creators" on tape. Now there is some monotone guy talking about Hinduism, Buddhism, and so forth in my car.

Get your BUTT out of the Road!!!!!

As many of you know, I have a shirt that reads: "Smoking Sucks"

I happen to find smoking repulsive. Now don't be sad, if you smoke that does not mean I do not like you. I have plenty of friends that smoke. Take the occasional roommate cigar time (which I am NOT a part of).

It is one thing to smoke. It is something else entirely to flick your stupid cigarette butt on the ground. I especially love it when I am driving and the burning embers of someone's cigarette flies across my windshield because that person decided to toss it out of his car while driving 70mph.

I think people should be fined for throwing their cigarette butts on the ground. Furthermore, if they are caught they should have to pick up 100 cigarette butts and turn them in to the "Get your butt out of the road" offices that should be established. Am I the only one who thinks it sucks that people throw garbage on our streets?