Enjoy That Beautiful Family

Welcome back. You belong here.

You know how sometimes people say things that stick with you? Well, in the last few weeks we've had an amazing time with family and friends and something that I hear from them often is "enjoy that beautiful family you have..."

I have a beautiful family and I am committed to enjoying them. First my wife who is my partner and friend for life. We are becoming one more and more each passing month, each passing year. Even this weekend, I felt so in love with her seeing her host family, seeing her speak and open her heart in conversation, doing the little things to make things happen, it's amazing to me. I also do my part to love her. Tomorrow I stay home with the little ones while she goes to Target at 6am for their 75% off sale.

And then we have our three "hermosos"- our children, 7, 5 and 3. Sigh of contentment...do I enjoy them? Yes.

Today, we went on a bike ride. Little David who goes waaay too fast for me, Canela who is fun to ride with because everything I do is perfect (innocence is bliss), and Isabela who loves being a part of the pack. We had a great time going twice around the block.

Then there's David's red wagon near the trash and I smile. You ask why? He loves to stand on the wagon and look inside the trash bins. I know, I know, counseling right?...I don't get it either but he loves trash, trash trucks (he has three of them) and can't wait till Wednesdays when the trash comes by our house. I love that little boy.

My life is filled with joys and I am thankful for them all. It also has it's sad moments, even this year we've experienced some ups and downs, but they hardly dim my happiness and thankfulness for all God has done in our lives. God has been faithful and we worship Him and thank Him for His strength and peace in our lives.

This weekend it's New Year's Eve, and what will we do, party? eat, drink and be merry? We'll be home with our children who'll all be asleep by 8pm and Rachelle and I will babysit Charlie our 8 month old nephew.

And when he's asleep, we'll watch TV, sip some champagne, embrace, kiss in the dark, dance by ourselves in the quietness of our family room and go to bed together just past midnight. I love my life.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

I'm the Man

Welcome back. You belong here.

Fitness Update: (so far this week)...

Monday - ran 30mns, abs
Tues - did arms/legs, abs
Wed - did chest/back, abs
Fri - did arms/legs
Sat - ran 30mns
Sun - did chest/back, abs

Eating at 90%.

Note: I workout in my garage where it's cold and windy and now my iPod broke and I'm dealing with the December blues but I won't give up. PERSEVERANCE, one of my favorite words.

You too can do it. Who needs a New Year's resolution? How about a today resolution!
Getting in shape is good for your body, mind and soul.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

My iPod is dying

Welcome back. You belong here.

So our little Isabela (5) dropped my iPod on the hard kitchen tile a few days ago and so now the iPod is near dead. I'm trying to restore it back to OG, load all 2000 songs back and hope for the best. Not looking good right now.

New iPod? My iPod is 5 years old after all, but...I had decided going into this Christmas that I couldn't afford a new one.

That decision just got challenged 100%.

And with the $1000.00 I'm spending today on the clutch of our old truck...not looking good.

Clutch

iPod

Clutch

iPod

Clutch...Getting to work

iPod...hours of listening pleasure

Tough one.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

UPDATE: Clutch, DONE, $1000.00
iPod, DONE, it's officially dead.

A Secret: There is No After the Holidays

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Here's a secret we're all aware of, there is no "after the holidays." You know how people say, "I'll see you after the holidays..." No they won't. If they don't want to see you now, they won't want to see you then either.

Well, the secret is out.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Fitness Update: Struggling through the December blues.

Last Week:
Lift: 2x
Run: 3x
Abs: 4x
Eating: 85%

That's not bad, but my plan is twice that. December is such for me, mostly it's emotional. So I try not to get down but to hang on, do what I can each week, and NEVER give up, always PERSEVERE.

I am pushing through the holiday syndrome slowly, working through the December blues - the loss of loved ones (father and 2nd mother), slight depression, Christmas church stress. I know these times (injury, depression) are a part of the sport, so I do my best and look forward to Monday.

My plan for next week:
Lift: 4x
Run: 3-4x
Abs 4-5x
Eat at 95%.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

I'm Not Shopping Today But Did Last Night

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Every time I go to the mall I hope no one sees me.
"Do I know that person? Yikes! I think they're from church, noo!", "Wait, that's not them, yeaaaaah!" "That was a close one...."

Funny, being a last minute shopper is hard work but fun.

And yet, I'm done and today Saturday, I am NOT SHOPPING. I am praying for all those that did or are shopping right now. Remember, it is better to give up that parking spot than to receive. And don't say anything to anyone you'll later regret.

Tomorrow, I do the 10:45am and 6pm services. The 6pm is different from the 10:45am in that it's an adaptation from the 9 Lessons and Carols, our is 5 Lessons and Carols and includes live readings, and invitation and benediction, worship elements from all our worship services (traditional/contemporary/modern), beautiful images, moving videos, a quiet and meditative lobby display and of course songs of Christmas.

We went through the dress rehearsal last night and it went very well. I especially enjoyed singing with Bianca, one of our new vocalists. We sound good together.

I hope you have a great Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Prayer for the day: "Come Lord Jesus Come", from Rev. 22.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Helping a Family in Need

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Jesus said to do this....

Today, our extended family brought over $500.00 worth of gifts to one of the poorest families in Long Beach - Maria the mom, and her 4 children Ana (9), Jesus (11), Juan (12) and Maria (13). The husband is an alcoholic and wasn't around. Maria is from Oaxaca and has lived in Long Beach for 7 years and in the States for 13.

They live in a studio in a dense part of Long Beach, the children's bunk beds are in their living room/tv room/dining room, there was a strong stench in the apartment, but the place was neatly kept and the children were well behaved.

In attendance was Rachelle and I, my sister Marcia, our three children, my wife's sister Suzanne, my wife's sister Meredith, her husband Tom and their baby boy Charlie, my wife's mom Lynette and dad Dennis Baker.

My wife cooked them a turkey (her first ever and it was to give to a poor family, my wife is amazing). Together, our combined families brought them new wrapped gifts - school uniforms, Barbies, new pants, new dresses, shirts and shoes, bubble bread and even a Christmas tree. Both our girls gave their very best/favorite dolls and Isabela (5) used her own saved up money to buy a Barbie for them.


The family is part of Long Beach Friend's Church, where Yolanda and David Hamm attend. Yolanda was my contact person through Eric Marsh from Grace Long Beach and Hope for Long Beach and has an ongoing relationship with this family. Yolanda leads a Bible study of 12-13 people including Maria and other Spanish speaking families.

My wife cried when we first got there and could hardly finish her opening words of thanks and appreciation. This was my wife's project and vision.

It was a meaningful experience. There's a relationship with the family and a Spanish speaking local church (very important), and from our children, to all of us, to Maria and the family we we were all touched by the love of God. I read from Matthew 1 on the visit of the magi to see Jesus, the tough circumstances Jesus was born into, yet when the magi came, they worshiped Him and so did we.

I was also moved that our children saw a place they're not used to and yet to see children that are just like them - happy, hoping for Barbies and trucks, that go to school, that speak English and Spanish and have bikes. When we got home they spoke of their time there... Canela (7) said "there house is small."

At the end, we worshiped together and sang "Silent Night", "Noche de Paz" and of course, "Jingle Bells." It was an amazing night which gives me perspective on how much we have.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

What is Good?

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One of the temptations for me this time of year is to focus on the negative - what hasn't been done, what I'm not doing well. I can focus on my office being a mess, my music being in too many piles, my body not being as defined as I wish, the children's room being too messy, too much dirty laundry, not enough time with the children, missing too many deadlines, etc. etc. etc.

Instead, I should focus on all the great things in my life. How? What am I doing about it?

1. Realizing I'm in that mode and admitting that it stinks.
2. Asking my friends to keep me focused, to remind me of how great my life is, to feel free to tell me when I'm off
3. Apologize often
4. Take a deep breath
5. Pray, ask God to change my attitude
6. Read the Psalms, read 1 Peter 2 on being holy
7. Give to others, focus on others
8. Make a list of all the great things in my life

Two weeks ago, our girl Isabela (5) was in the hospital feeling very sick. Today, she was in the school play, smiling and having a great time. She's still feeling some minor neck pain, and is on a second dose of ab's, but is feeling much better. God has been faithful.

Tomorrow, we go help a needy family with school uniforms, a Christmas tree, new pants and shirts, a new dress for the mom and new toys for the children. Our whole family will spend time with them, making their Christmas special. We have so much. They're on welfare, the dad is an alcoholic, the children have very little, they live in a poor part of town, immigrant family.

And as far as all the house, the deadlines, it's not that bad. All those things are fine, things are getting done, and those that aren't, they will get done eventually.

Having a stressed out day? Wish you had more money, less to do's, more time for you? Give to others. Give, give generously. God will give you a new perspective on life.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

My Sister is Here

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My sister Marcia is here with us from Nicaragua. It's great to have her here, I have missed her. We are looking forward to time together with family this Christmas.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

In the E.R. tonight with our 5 year old

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Please pray for Isabela (5), she's at the ER right now with my wife (I'm home with our other two). Isabela has a fever, and now her neck hurts, pretty sore, so we worry about meningitis. Although she's showing signs of improvement from her flu like symptoms, fever is going down, eating a little more, she can hardly move her neck, so we had to take her in.

They'll do a spinal tap, first one for her and our family, so I'm feeling down but I know it's the right thing. We can't take any risks. We're praying all is fine and they find nothing except a bad flu and swollen nodes, etc. That's what I expect, but we have to be sure....

Bummer. Long night just got longer. Thank you for praying.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

UPDATE-1: We took Isabela into the ER and the doctors determined she didn't need a spinal tap because they don't think it's meningitis. Relief!! But they did a CT scan just in case and they found a small absess, basically pus near her neck that is causing her all the pain, combined with fever from a bug, she is a mess. So she's still at the hospital, they had to admit her and she's on antibiotics.
Best case scenario - The antibiotics get rid of the absess and she goes home tomorrow.
Worse case scenario - They operate on her, going through the mouth to drain the absess.
We're praying for God's will, but we're really praying for #1.
Please pray for her on this.

My wife is wasted, on the couch layed out, didn't sleep at all last night. She hasn't been home in 24 hours.
I slept two hours last night, sending out some emails, picking up, dropping off our other two.
We're working together, asking all the right questions, and becoming one in this whole thing for our little girl.
Canela and David Dennis are in school today, David is now with his grampa, I'm about to go get Canela. Isabela is sleeping right now.

We had Isabela's little friend Keyla and her mom drop off some crayons and coloring book and a Barbie note pad. I almost cried, I felt so touched. We've been to their house a few times just serving them with our love and they are here for us now. Amazing.

Our whole family has been near, I sure wish my mom was here (she lives in Nicaragua) and how I wish my grandmother still was around (she died 2 years ago this December).

God is with us, she will be okay, God is near, we are in His hands.

UPDATE-2:
Isabela's fever is better, the antibiotics seem to be working. Still in the hospital, they're doing tests for various viruses. Her neck pain is also improving, she has more energy. The abscess on her neck doesn't require surgery at this time, they're treating it with the antibiotics. We're wanting her headaches and neck pain to continue to improve. She's making progress. Today was a better day for her.

UPDATE-3:
Isabela is home. She came home Thursday night, after 4 days in the hospital. Amazing. It's so good to have her home, sleeping in her own bed. She's feeling better each day and today she's back in school. I thank God for all He's done to heal Isabela. Our 7 year old has strep throat, she's home from school today, but you know what, God is faithful. Seeing Isabela recover has been a huge encouragement. Her neck is better, her fever is gone, she's doing better each day, still on antibiotics for 10 days as part of her treatment for the abscess in her neck. We are praying it's gone by now.
Thank you for praying for her. Rachelle and I are recovering this week.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Hearing God in People

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A theme I've been needing to hear lately is this: God speaks through other people into my life, my situation. And second, you are a gift to me.

Somewhere along the pastoral, Christian kid life, I believed that I hear God, and that I have something to offer the world through my life, music, Word, etc. But the idea of me hearing from people, to have them be Christ to me, to have them be a messenger of God's wisdom into my life is newer to me.

But I know it's true. Samuel spoke to David regarding his sin with Bathsheba, he spoke to him in a relevant way, speaking of sheep to a shepherd.

My wife says things to me that are God talking. Now I'm realizing that more and more! Duh! She'll tell me things like "we should invite Nikki and John over, and offer them to live with us for 6 months..." Yikes! But I know God speaks through her.

Speakers, music, the Word, prayer, these are all natural ways for me to hear God, and I feel God has done that with me for a long time. Although you know what, I feel that He's speaking to me more and more through music. Just today, he was telling me to bless Jeff a young worship leader. He was telling me I should love him more, embrace him, bless him, tell him what I see in him as a young 22 year old young man without a father, with his mom living far from him. I haven't really wanted to, but God keeps telling me to do it. I hate when God talks to me!

But listening to my wife has been an amazing thing for me, not just being the spiritual leader myself, but realizing that she leads with me, that God leads our home through what she says, in her time in the Word, her impressions, I think she has a gift of exhortation or wisdom or prophecy, something like that. I was just recently hearing her talk to her sister in such a clear, concise way that wasn't easy necessarily, but was very true and helpful. Wow, I was amazed.

I've had people tell me a few things along the years that were true but not very nice, but I love them for it. Once a singer told me, "you're very condescending..." I was, and don't struggle with that as much because her comments made me begin the process of confession, repentance, change, awareness, etc.

There are books, Devotional Readings from the Renovare line that speak to this idea. I don't know which ones but I'll find out from our SF pastor. He speaks this language often with me, the set-up team, the child care workers, and it speaks to something I need to adapt into my heart and thinking.

For you are my brother and you are a gift to me. You are Christ to me, you speak to me, sharpen me, edify me, I need you and you need me. We are in community with each other, you have the ability to hurt and lift me up. I give you that choice, I open my heart to it, for you are my brother, my sister. You are Christ to me, you are the Body of Christ, if an ear speaks (well, that's weird but you get it), I will listen, when I speak you can listen.

I am not alone, the Word, prayer, worship are some of the ways God speaks to me, but I believe you are the voice of God too, and even if your words hurt me and I reject them, even if you are wrong, even if your own flesh and sinfulness gets in the way, I will see that as a gift, and a chance to surrender and trust Christ, Jesus for those tough moments, but I will not see you as anti-Christ, for the Spirit of our common Father is also in you. He prayed we'd be one, so I want to be in relationship with you my brother, my sister.

I hope you also take that risk to open up, to receive, to be in authentic Biblical community with me and those you love. I am a gift to you, you are a gift to me. Let's receive one another as such.

For further reading:
1. "Hearing God" by Dallas Willard, 1999

Amen.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Marriage Conference and My Great Life

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My wife and I are at the Family Life Today marriage conference in La Jolla, CA this weekend. Wow, amazing time. I haven't been online much (blogged once, email two, three times, no surfing, no work stuff). The content has been amazing, the room is great (Radisson) and the cost is awesome - FREE for Pastors and wives.

But even if it wasn't free, we'd be here, it's great. We've been married 11 years, three children, house, house remodel, 13 years of ministry, 8 years of teaching for my wife, we have a real life. What is wrong someone asked us? Why do you need to go to a marriage conference?

This has been scary but rewarding. We've talked about things such as:

How is our sex life going?
How do you feel about our communication?
How do you think we're doing in our companionship?
Would you still love me if I tell you how I feel about you sometimes?
Did you know that I get scared for my life when you drive! : )

Things like that. We've talked about all those themes this weekend, scary? Yes, but amazing. Great rewards too.

We've talked through lots of real issues, but for both of us, coming from pretty conservative backgrounds it's been good to say, "our marriage is fine, but we want to make it great. And to get there, we need to say of some things (such as sex, attitudes, etc) that they need improvement." You want to know about our sex talk heh? Sorry! You'll have to call me for that one.

Anyway, it's been amazing to unmask the scary "how is our marriage question." Yes, I felt afraid, so did Rachelle, after all things are great right? Yes, but we've been picking up some dust, some bad habits, some unspoken themes. It's bound to happen, after all we've been busy raising three small children for the last 7-8 years, we dealt with two deaths, a remodel, the loss of our grandmother, seeing her through the last years, months and days of her life. Gone are the days of eating out every night, watching TV every night, being young and free, spending with no cares in the world.

And we DON'T want to become busy raising a family, scheduling life and dance lessons, school and vacations while our marriage gets stale. We want to have a fresh, vital, real marriage. And so how do we get there?

This weekend has helped us, it's brought up things we've been meaning to talk about, it's encouraged us, it's made us feel like the sky is the limit. It's brought us together even more, from 85 to 95%. It's made our marriage current because we're talking about current themes, desires, hopes, visions for the future.

I'm so amazed at the grace of God, his love, his ability to work in our lives. I'm soooo amazed at the love I have for Rachelle, the real, tested and tried 11 years, 3 children, real marriage and real love I have for her and her for me. Honeymoons are great, this is awesome.

We're growing in so many areas these days. First, in our marriage as I've said, that's the foundation, the granite underneath it all, second, in our relationships with couples, friends, community, authentic Biblical spiritually forming communities. We both now have that, which has been a journey of years to get here. Third, our missional work, serving our lost neighbors, loving our unconnected friends, praying for our children to become men and women of God. But most of all, our passion for this Jesus, this Man-God, his Message of hope and forgiveness to the world, to me and you, to believers and to those not in the Kingdom. Our burden for people has only increased, for the poor, children, inner city Long Beach, for racial diversity, for a vision for the world, for Nicaragua, for Romania, for Russia and Africa.

We feel we're at the best we've ever been, not because we're perfect, in fact shedding that idea for these two conservative Christian kids has been the most amazing thing, but to understand grace, forgiveness, the experience that in each other, to extend that to each other, has been a most satisfying experience. And the sex has been great too.

So we feel like we have our best years ahead, and we walk this line with an awareness of our uglyness, our sin, our desire for self, division and self-protection. But we walk together, with Jesus and His Spirit as our hope and breath, and these three little people who follow us, watch us, learn from us and whom one day we will see leave us. We want to do great things for the Kingdom of God, and we realize more and more that it's not our striving, but His Work in our lives and hearts and minds that will accomplish this.

And we realize that our friends are watching, Jeff and John, Annie and Justin, Nikki and John, Jake and Jessica, John and Howard, Corrie and Ana, Sarah and Gary, Kyle and Dennis. These are our other friends, some our children, some our peers. We have much to give them and to receive from them.

All this makes me glad, makes me love Life and Jesus and our families, our heritage, our background. It makes me aware of realities such as illness, aging, suffering, all of it as parts of our lives. But His Word and prayer and His people, His mission, all compel us forward. We have much to live for, so we are doing it. I hope you are too.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

My Over reaction Levels Are Up, Asking Why

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This morning's interaction with my wife regarding cookies...She's at work today, I'm home with the children.

My wife: "can you make sure the cookies are in Isabela's backpack and David's backpack, they're for Kelly and Tracy."

Me: "what! I can't do that, who's going to give them the cookies? Shouldn't someone give them the cookies personally! Why don't you just ask me to give the cookies to them myself...."

My wife (tears): "that's ok, don't do it."

Me: "I'll do it, that's fine..."

My wife: "I gotta go."

Yikes! Talk about me being off my rocker. I'm off lately, dealing with bouts of anger, quick tempered and just over reacting to everything, feeling like little things are hard, can't do this, can't do that, I'm already doing so much, look at me, look at me, life is hard.

Something's off.

So I've been thinking about what it is. First, I just know something's not right. That's half the battle, acceptance that this is not good. I apologized to my wife, I feel so lame, but I know she loves me. But I have to do something.

What is my plan?
1. Called three friends and told them the scenario
2. Asked them to pray for me
3. I'm writing about what is causing all this. Usual culprits - grief, emotional overload, stress headaches in the AM's, my body feeling overloaded from emotional stress, Holiday Syndrome. My father, 2nd mother, all died in December. My concussion, in December. In November of this year, I fell off a Christmas stage (no major injury just a sore knee and ankle), then I got sick last week and it's still hanging on to me.
4. Thinking of God's graces. I just wrote down 5-6 contentment moments, thinking of Doña Lupe, she came over yesterday, made dinner for us, cleaned the kitchen floor and did laundry, all in two hours. She's my uncle's mother in law and she's going to help us out a few times a week, taking care of our children and doing some housework. This allows our children to be home by 3pm versus 5pm and get into their home routine. It's so awesome. Things like that.
5. Breakfast with my father in law. We talked this week, just praying, talking church, ministry, life, so good for me.
6. Called new mentor. Bill is a friend of dad Baker's. He's a pastor to pastors. Today I called him, and so hopefully we'll meet in the next few weeks.
7. Stay away from destructive behaviors, vices, sins. I'm asking friends to pray about my usual escapes (except for PlayStation 2 (can't afford PS3).
8. Praying, exercising (as much as this cold allows me to, very frustrating!), resting (slept 10 hours last night).
9. Vacation, I took this week off.
10. Weekend get away with my wife. We're going to the FLT Marriage Conference, I'm so glad to be with her and talk this through, mend, heal, be one.
11. Dinner with friends. On Monday, we went out with some good friends to enjoy Indian food, laugh, go to the WoW store and just have fun together.

I don't want to be like this, but the Holiday Syndrome hits me like clockwork every year, it's like a wave that I can't avoid, can't stop, but can recognize it and try to reduce it's effects on my wife, children, and ministry. I want to be filled with God's ways not my ways.

Perhaps you deal with Holiday stuff and you're beginning to notice the symptoms. Do you realize they're there? And what will you do about it? As my father in law said, anger is neither redemptive nor productive. It's time to do something about it.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Ortega Means the Dark Ages Again

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With Ortega all but officially back in power in Nicaragua, the country will go back 10-20 years economically and most of all in U.S. relations. Ortega is buddy buddy with Chavez and Castro, so all notions of a "new-softer-gentler" Ortega are non-sense. The man is corrupt, a communist and a U.S. hater. This is bad news for my country of origin, and my family who lives there.

What is good about this? The poor will be cared for, medical benefits will increase, education will increase, $$ on defense will increase. But so will religious restrictions, U.S. travel, free trade, etc.

Bush will probably wait and see. My guess is he's too busy with bigger fish to fry (Iraq, North Korea) to really care and rightly so. Nicaragua offers very little threat to anyone. But the connection between Venezuela, Cuba and now Nicaragua, offers a triangulation that few can ignore.

Expect sanctions, Nicaraguans on the U.S. side will have little chance of going home (or maybe little desire!), and expect a slow but real migration by businesses, hotels, tourism, resorts, airlines, etc. from the country. Just when things were looking up in Nicaragua, this comes.

But remember, almost 40% of the Nicaraguan people voted for Ortega. They wanted this. Why? Their alternatives were more rich-eat-poor U.S. educated U.S. puppets (such as Montealegre and Ruiz).

Now, we all wish Hertiz hadn't had a massive heart attack just weeks before the elections. He was a moderate Sandinista, hated by Ortega but with a leaning towards U.S. relations. I hope my family gets out of there soon.

Oh and today I am home with a bad cold, sniffles, sore throat, etc. arghhhhh....

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

This is How My People Vote

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This is how my people in Nicaragua vote. Today, the Nicaraguan citizens decide if Daniel Ortega (the Sandinista tyrant of the 80's) returns to power or if a Harvard educated U.S. puppet runs the country, gets even richer and once again forgets the poor.

What a choice!

My prediction, sad to say, Ortega.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Training Update

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So what does it look like for a someone like me who is into fitness, weight training, running, lifting, eating 6 small meals a day, lots of tuna, protein, yogurt, cottage cheese, and no to pizza, cookies, ice cream, etc. etc? What does it look like for me in October?

This is a time of finding a new rhythm. The summer (long summers here in Los Angeles, CA) rhythm is coming to an end. The warm days are almost over, its getting darker earlier, the cooler nights are here to stay, holidays, etc.

Time to start eating, pause on working out, see you in January post-new years' (man, I'm fat!) resolutions? Not a FAT CHANCE! But change is in order.

Two weeks I lifted 3x/ran 3x, abs 5x, eating at 90%.
Last week, Rachelle had migraines for three straight days, then time change Sunday last week, and I only ran 2-3x, abs 2-3x, eating at 90%. That reminded me up of the change that is coming.

My body has been telling me two things (key, always listen to your body)
1. Lift heavier weights, increase in the # of exercises, move towards bulk in the next few months
2. Work out in the AM's not in the afternoons or evenings.
3. Conserve energy in light of holiday syndrome is coming (grieving, sadness, some depression, etc.)
4. Eat healthy, no pumpkin pie, holiday baking, etc. I don't need it.

So my new plan:
1. Time - I will once again work out at 7AM. For the last year I've been working out at 4pm or 8pm. I will run in the mornings, lift in the mornings, and be done by 8:30am.
2. Arnold Level 2 Plan. I have been following Dave Draper's plan for the last year, which is higher rep, lower weights, which has given me more definition. It's time to go back to Arnold, for bulk, and mass.
3. Eat more good stuff. This means more tuna, more chicken, more brown rice, more veggies, more healthy stuff. This does not mean, more food, it's more good food - Mexican and pizza are not considered good food.
3. Go hard and be consistent. Through Thanksgving, Christmas, grieving (both my father and second mother died in Decembers). Go hard, don't look back, be focused.
4. Take a break as needed. Rest 2-3 days a week, enjoy family and friends, sing carols, enjoy a movie with my wife, play cards with the children, go to church.

The sport of weight training requires movement and adjustment, lest you get stuck and stop or become unmotivated and just go through the motions. Never!

That's the commitment. I start right now.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Contented Day

Welcome back. You belong here.

Right now, I'm having a contented moment, and a contented soul.

Like many of you, I'm a striver, achiever. In fact my #1 strength on a test called "Strength's Finder" is ACHIEVE. Bummer for me right? That means I'm always longing for more, for better. In my exercising for example, I pursue to be the best, to work out 6x a week, lift 4x a week, to eat healthy every day. And I do, I live there all the time and I actually get there most weeks, I've actually been into this fitness thing for now three years, I've been very consistent, and now I'm in the best shape of my life. As I said I'm an achiever.

But...

That means I don't always enjoy and stop to smell the roses, or enjoy a fall day when life is good. It's not that I see what's wrong all the time, it's that I am often too busy pursuing my goals to notice the beauty all around me. Sometimes people tell me, "David, your life is amazing RIGHT NOW, not someday." I have a hard time seeing that sometimes. I'm an achiever.

But today, I'm having a contented moment...a content day...a cease striving and know that I am God, life is beautiful, life is great day.

Do you need one of those days? I do.

What does that look like for me today? Is it that everything went perfect, got a raise, a good doctors report, a new guitar? No, in fact today, I had a content moment amidst lots of normal life and even some challenges.

First, our car blew a radiator hose while in downtown LA with my wife and children in the car! Usually that would be a disaster for this non-car tech guy and I would blow a hose of my own! But we got to a service station, a man from Mexico repaired the hoses, and in a few hours we were on our way again.

Other things that I've experienced....On Sunday, a friend gave me a note saying, "David you touch my life every time, thank you...." On that same day, another friend waved at me while getting ready to lead worship and said, "Go get them David!" that was so fun...after church another friend told me, "I'm going to put you on my prayer list and pray for you." Later that day, another friend told me, "David, you are already affecting my life." Later that evening, a new person to the church came up shook my hand and thanked me for I'm still not sure what, he just kept saying thank you, thank you. Strange.

Remember the guy that fixed our car? I got to share the love of Christ with him. He told me he had been a Christian when he was younger but that working as a mechanic had been hard for him and now he often found himself giving in to temptations and to the pressures at work and the comments from his fellow mechanics to "stop trying to be different and just be like everyone else..." He told me he didn't want to be that way. I told him that he didn't have to be, that inside of him lived Christ, that the light of Jesus is stronger than the darkness all around him, that the wide road leads to destruction and many take that path, but the narrow path leads to life and salvation and happy are those that choose it. He said, he wanted to be different. As he fixed my hoses and put freez-on back in the radiator, he said, "I will remember what we talked about today...thank you." Cool.

I was just in the garage about to lift my weights and push through another workout, I love doing that, I'm into weights. But instead, I came in here and typed this moment for you and me. I will probably work out later tonight, today it's chest and legs/abs, but right now, I want to enjoy this moment, enjoy life, enjoy God's little gifts of grace and love, the words of people and how they fill my life, to see my wife and hang out with our children.

I told Rachelle just a few minutes ago of my experience. She smiled and said how glad she was that I was giving myself the freedom to enjoy.

Tomorrow, I will surely keep pursuing greatness, new things, finish projects, do the right thing, lead, serve, grow, expand the Kingdom of God. But I wonder if God didn't show me this moment to remind me that it's not my striving that makes things happen, as much as my praying makes radiators leaks go away.

It's what Paul reminds us in Philippians when he says, "rejoice in the Lord always....rejoice" and when the Psalms say, "unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who strive." I still don't get the balance between rejoicing and achieving and maybe there is no balance, it's all rejoicing, it's all seeking God and resting in Him while doing your daily work. I'm not a lazy person, so it's good for me to rest in Christ. It's the attitude inside of me that is changing, it's the joy amidst the leaky radiator, the freeway traffic, it's something inside, it's something others give to me, it's something God surrounds me with - His peace, His joy, His strength.

So I will not forget this day and this moment, and I write you this note to share this with you in case you need the encouragement to cease, to stop striving, toenjoy, to listen to the fall leaves in your home, to enjoy the pumpkins on your front porch, to thank God for the people in your life.

Yes, the work the mechanic in downtown LA did was average, my guess is I will have to get an original part very soon and do it right, not bad for $30.00 and getting home without a tow truck. But in the mean time, I'm content with today and this moment, and I will take it with me for a long time to come.

May you receive the life around you in Jesus and His love, His grace, His goodness and friendship. May you rest this week in His kindness and direction, His provision in your life - people, things, love, family. And may you give that life to those around you who may be in need.

For one day, you may bump into someone that is striving and achieving and who needs to stop and smell the roses.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Web Based Project Manager

Welcome back. You belong here.

I like this so far. Web-based project manager for my artisans as we plan Good Friday 2007, Christmas Eve 2006, Spring 2007 teaching series for AM and PM, etc.

Christmas Eve 2006 >Basecamp.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

I Just Want you to be My Friend...leave me alone!

Welcome back. You belong here.

Ever been in a situation when you have to cross that line from being a friend (meaning I don't speak truth into a situation) to being a real friend and speak truth with grace?

I'm in that spot right now and it's not easy. Whether young or old, I see a generation that wants me to love them and accept them but with strings attached, in other words, "as long as you don't tell me what to do."

I agree, no one likes to be told anything, but even the mere mention of God's truth, of consequences to their actions is hard for some. In some cases, the actions are harmful to others and to themselves and still I get "leave me alone...just be my friend."

What is a friend?

Solomon speaks of this:

8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless--a miserable business!

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no-one to help him up!

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Truthfully, it's also hard for me when I fall and others try to help me, or better yet they tell me things before I fall. But I'm learning the need for truth in my life - "David, that was unkind, David, that went long, David you didn't show up." After all, I do those things....I have to accept them.

So I try to be a friend, which to some means you stay on the surface, and yet try to reflect truth with grace and kindness. This is not easy for me, but I find it's needed in the Body of Christ. Some respond with acceptance, others respond a week later, others leave the church. Jesus told the adulterous woman, "you are right in saying you have no husband..." OUCH! Truth exposes reality, but then Jesus said, "go and sin no more..." Grace, help, acceptance.

Which way do I lean? I have a hard time saying things nicely without offending people. So I say them in fluffy ways and then one day I make myself clear and people are shocked. I am working on always being clear, to the point and having things well thought out, with advice from others, checking my math twice as they say, before I make that phone call.

Ultimately, I know I can't change anyone, only the Spirit of God can. I can only ask God to use me to speak words of truth and grace, and err on the side of grace always! People know they're screwed up, I know I show up late to things, I know I drop off the children late (sometimes!)....I need grace, help, a plan to improve not to be condemned.

On the other hand, you and I need truth, to talk about the things we're doing that hurt ourselves and others and to help people through those times.

Restoration, restoration, restoration, that is the goal of discipline, of truth in all this, Jesus came not to condemn the world, but that the world would be saved through him. That's my desire.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

What is Significance to Boomers, GenX and GenY

Welcome back. You belong here.

Some observations in working with three different generations. What keeps them motivated? What do they get into? What do they not tell you with their mouths but through their myspace, silence, body language, etc. What makes them tick as far as feeling connected to an organization?

Boomers
1. A role, title, a stage. In other words, I find that Boomers need to know they are on the "team", that they have a role to play, and that they are unique in that role.
EX - It's important for our leaders to know they are in charge of the Christmas Eve Service.
2. Excellence. Boomers (this is a no brainer), value things that are well done. Efficiency, organization, clear assignments.
EX - A good rehearsal is when we start on time, end on time and finish the job.
3. Personal space. Don't talk to me for too long, don't call me too often, don't touch me!
EX - One of my musicians often reminds me not to hug him.

Gen-X/Busters, etc...
1. Involved and valued. X'ers value being valued. "Do you love me" seems to be their never ending question. In other words, even though I don't show up to things, and am too busy to show up to meetings, do you still want me around?
EX - One of our photographers came last night with near tears in her eyes, wanting me to use her photography even though I hadn't seen or heard from her in weeks.
2. Time spent one on one. If you value me, you'll mentor me one on one, not in a group because I won't feel valued. I dont' want to be one of your people, I want to be the ONLY one.
EX - After a long rehearsal, some of our musicians want to talk in the parking lot for 2-3 hours.

Gen-Y/Millenials/etc...
1. Many things all at once. Collaboration, relationships, working together not just with my peers but with the bosses.
EX - My painters often ask me about big events in the church, when are we going to do the Good Friday show? What about the annual meetings, when do we get to lead that?
2. Social causes and stop playing church with me. It's not enough to do the job, but it has to matter. And btw, why is church so weird?
EX - Last year, 300+ people came to a music and art show called the RoboShow, all put on by GenY'ers, which benefited the "Invisible Children". They raised a ton of cash.
3. Let's go play basketball and go skating. Soooo different than the Boomers and GenX, GenY wants to do group things aaaaallll the time.
EX - After a midnight rehearsal, all the guys invited me to go skating at ElDo. I went home!
4. Mentor me, don't teach me stuff. I've noticed this generation knows a ton of stuf, they need me to be their friend not their leader. Tricky, when I still have to lead them, but although tempted to do it the old fashion way and talk about vision, values, blah, blah, blah, I have stick to the plan - relationships, servanthood and bbq's at my house to have the RIGHT to speak into their lives.
EX - We had 20 artisans at our house last month for a bbq. For boomers that would have been one bbq too many. For GenY I am planning MONTHLY bbqs.

There is much more but that's a start. What do they all have in common?
Passion. I find that for the most part, all generations have a passion in their hearts for something greater than themselves.

I count it an honor (actually it's nuts) to work with all three generations right now. I respect each generation's thing while praying God can use me to move all of them towards Christ likeness and a passion for the Kingdom of God.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

How We Make Our Money Work

Welcome back. You belong here.

A while back a friend said, "David, now let's talk money...how do you do your budget?"

As far as our income and expenses, I am a pastor and my wife works part time (2.5 days/week) as a public school teacher, we live in Southern California so you do the math. We live paycheck to paycheck.

Inspite of that, we give almost 20% of our income to charitable organizations. We believe God is pleased when we give. We don't give out of plenty, or obligation, but out of a belief that God wants us to give to others.

How do we make ends meet?

- First, we feel God has already given us more than we need. We live in a mansion, our children all have their own room, our bedroom is bigger than most people's homes, our house is worth a ton of $, we are in our mid/late 30's, and are relatively healthy.

- Debt, we drive used cars that are both payed for. I pay for seminary out of our own pocket (big sacrifice and it means 10 year plan). We have credit card debt around $4k left from our remodel which we pay $300.00 on each month. No car debt, no clothes debt.

- Starbucks. We don't eat out, we don't get Starbucks. We brew our own Smart N Final coffee every day, and Rachelle makes dinner (even after working all day), 4x a week. I make dinner 1x/week.

- Baby sitting. We pay $700.00/month in baby sitting, but Lucy also helps us by cooking 1x/week and cleaning the bathrooms and vaccuum 1x/week.

- Lawn mow, oil change. I mow the lawn 2x/month or so, and change the oil every 3-4 months. That saves us about $100.00 every 2 months.

- We use coupons for groceries, and again we DON'T EAT OUT! Eating out is usually 20-30% of people's expenses. We don't do McDonalds' for lunch, Chili's for dinner, or Steak House on the weekends.

- Movies, DVD's - we rent 2-3 movies per month, fun for us.

- We use Debit card not a credit card for monthly expenses so we are only spending what we have.

- We write Debit purchases in check register immediately.

- We shop with a list and only buy what we need. We go into a store with a plan and buy just that.

- We buy 20lbs of chicken when it's on sale at $1.77/lb. Watch for any meat sales. This is the most expensive item.

- We save $100/month for car expenses, etc.

These choices allow us to do greater things. We do family vacations every year, this year we went to Oregon. We do marriage vacations once a year, this year it was Pasadena. We bought half the ticket for my mom to visit us this summer from Nicaragua ($700.00). We had so much fun together.

Our budget is tight, and like most, we'd love a 10% raise and I wish R' didn't work. But this is because of the choices we make each month to live in plenty in things that matter and live in little in things that don't matter (like Starbucks brewing up new drink prices). And we get to own a home in Southern California, not a bad deal, although we sometimes feel like moving.

Basically, R' works so we can have a babysitter and give to charity. If she didn't work, we couldn't give 20% away. Instead of her not working (which she is ready to do), we are giving half her income to charity. We can live off of my income alone, but we couldn't give as generously, but we'd still give for sure!

In a year or two, R' will stop working, and then either my salary will need to go up by 15% in the next two years (good luck!), or we downsize and rent out our upstairs room (which is basically an apartment for 2 single or married people.) For now, we've told the Lord Jesus that our upstairs room is for missionaries in our city that may need a place to stay. We have an extra empty room downstairs where R' and I can sleep.

So my question to you is: How much do you give? I could ask you many other questions, and you may say you can't give because you can't afford it. But the reason we do a budget and keep to it is not so that we can have more for US, but so that we can give to OTHERS. This is our #1 budget conviction and we believe is the reason why we feel like millionaires.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Invest on Mobile Technology

Welcome back. You belong here.

Watching a show last night where Vernon Irvin, executive Vp of VeriSign was being interview, they do internet verifying of signatures online, mobile devices for ringtones, text and the like. The vp was saying how most youth today use the technology but have no clue on the infrastructure required and on how to make money from working in this growing, exploding industry.

Vernon Irvin Bio:

Communications Services, Vernon Irvin is the highest ranking African American in the technology industry. He has more than 20 years of experience with companies in the communications sector and is widely recognized for his work with the mobile ringtone service, Jamster. Irvin also serves on the Network Reliability and Interoperability Council, which partners with various agencies and the communications industry on homeland security and emergency network issues.

How do I get started? I don't just want to use myspace, blogger, firefox, cellphone and a laptop, how do I get into the game and profit by working on the infrastructure? He said this is a multi-billion industry. No kidding! There are 33 million myspace users.

He said he started with a CSE degree, heck, that's what I have! Hmm.....this could subsidize a lot of Kingdom stuff in the city.

Anyone?

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Dedication this Sunday

Welcome back. You belong here.

---- Press Release -----

To all Resonate artisans, craftsmen and servants, be sure to come this Sunday, Sept. 24th at 8am at Bethany Church Long Beach, CA for the Resonate Dedication in both 8:15am and 10:45am services.

Pastor Greg will dedicate us in front of the elders, deacons and congregation of Bethany Church. Exciting stuff. Let's step up and show our passion for King Jesus and this new generation.

Let me know if you''re not coming so I can start feeling bummed now.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

david

Humility while Leading

Welcome back. You belong here.

There have been many lessons in leadership for me these last few months, mostly good. Yes, I've had the occasional moment of wanting to hang the painter who the day we were supposed to get our murals done, decided he had something else to do. That was fun.

But I've learned a lot about humility while leading.

I'm the music and performing arts guy at Bethany. Don't ask me how I ended up here, I just did. I'm also worship leader for our Resonate emergent service, modern experiential, blah, blah, you know the type. I also do the morning contemporary deal. It's crazy.

When I started doing Resonate at the beginning of the summer I wanted seperation and uniqueness from the AM services, while maintaining unity in the values of our church such as the 4b's, life change, spiritual formation, etc.

Resonate had an amazing music group early this year. By the beginning of the summer, most of them had quit. Way to go new guy! Was it something I said?

But for the last two years, on the sidelines, while the old Resonate band led, had been 4-5 young men and women who have been wanting to be the 'next awesome thing' in Resonate, and instead, bummer for them, here they get me. Btw, I was asked to do Resonate and turn it around, not the other way around.

My choices were two:
1. Do my thing, my songs, my style and 'call people to my vision' doesn't that almost sound good? Which would have been stupid! or
2. Humbly learn from the 4-5 young men on the sidelines, allow them to lead WITH me, not FOR me, actually learn their songs, have them input into the order of things, the room set-up, etc. and instead of calling myself the MAN, I changed their strings, put batteries in their effects, cleaned their guitars, bought them a drum set and bass rig, bought them power bars for our rehearsals and had them (and their many other hungry friends) over to my house for a bbq. Genius!

The band sounds amazing, there is trust in the team, I've learned a lot of United songs which I didn't really like at first, and the future of Resonate is in place. And I get to lead worship together with them and see people actually get into worship (as compared to the AM crowd).

You see, that takes humlity and vision. Humilivision, vishumility, whatever. But most don't like it. It would make me look better if I came in the first day and said, this is my show, my songs, etc. You follow me. Other staff would have said, "wow, David is really in charge over there!" Instead, I served them, learned from them, fed them (often), earned their trust, visited them at LBCC (where most attend), and now we are leading together. And in that trust we have built, I am now able to say to them, "let's do 5 songs and a Scripture reading, instead of 10 songs and a lot of hype..." I can now say to them, "we all get to set-up the drums together, that means no one gets to worship while the drummer is working." Stuff like that.

I should be a worship consultant. I could make millions! Maybe I will someday.

The other day, a fellow staff came in and saw what we've been doing, the best comment was what he said in the car, "what you're doing there David is genius, real genius." God is good.

Now, I get to do the same with three actors, one of which recently wrote a poem we now call the "penis poem" which he read at a church event. Bad idea. Three dancers who are too busy to dance except they keep calling me to dance, huh? Two painters who I think are in love, and 6 band members who feel like the old guy who came in to improve Resonate is actually helping them.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Long Beach Pastors

Welcome back. You belong here.

Today, 30 or so pastors under 40 met at Cal State Long Beach. Eric Marsh at Grace Long Beach and Brad Fieldhouse at Kingdom Causes organize the quarterly event.

Do you know why I like these events? R-E-L-A-T-IONSHIPS. Those slashes were getting on my nerves!

Yes, it's awkard being with the big hitters, little hitters, no hitters, in Long Beach Kingdom work - Parckrest, Bethany, Revolution, Grace, First Lakewood, and many church plants... And not everyone is fully integrated, some are more connected than others, some are more isolated, some more relaxed, and after all, we've all got regular jobs to tend to so who has time for "group assignments"? Well, I do.

Networking, job opps' for the future, praying for a pastor with hepititis, helping two Latino pastors meet Roger at Parckrest and Lou at Grace are all part of the process. And you see how funny pastors are, we are all so weird, wanting to take over yet doing it in a kind way.

The speaker Dick Kauffman from Harvest Church in San Diego spoke on "Missional, Grace and Gospel" centered churches. Amazing stuff. When he got to the part on the Gospel, I raised my hand, tears in my eyes and came forward to receive Jesus as Savior while the organist played "Just as I am"...I even got a Bible and the Gospel of John for free, well not really, but the gospel still does it for me!

What's needed at these events is more time together, more conversation, more from us. I missed the last meeting but this morning I was excited to go and it was great. And we have to visit each other more, be in each other's churches more often. I've visited over 20 churches in Long Beach in the last few years, just saying hello to my fellow pastors. Of course, most of us pastors 'work' on Sunday mornings, but when I get the chance I do it. It's a good way to say, "God bless what you're doing here..."

I still don't know what this group will do together, but that's not the point. Networking and relationship is the point, then it's up to us to follow up. For me, I want to hire me an exec pastor, a spiritual formation (sf) guy and a worship guy.

Hope you can do the same in your region.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

MySpace

Check out myspace site:



Check me out!

grace,

davidT

Back Update

Welcome back. You belong here.

My back is still sore but better. Sore as in sore to weightlift and run. It's pretty good for most other activities. I mostly feel it on my left buttock, like a pinched nerve.

It's been 6 weeks since I injured my lower back doing heavy squats. The first week I rested, the second week I was impatient and lifted and ran, bad idea. I was down for 3 more weeks. Last week I lifted twice and ran twice and felt better. This week my plan is to lift three times and run twice. So far so good.

My routine is:
lift - 4x/week
run - 3x/week
abs, daily
eat 6 small meals a day
protein drinks
vitamins
water

Today, I felt the best I've felt since the injury.

My eating is very good, sticking to the plan - 6 small meals a day, protein drinks, multi-vitamins, lots of water, no sweets, no high carbs, fried chicken or fats.

For example for dinner I had:
1 chicken breast, bbq'd, plain
1 c. rice
1 corn tortilla
veggies
water
no smores for me!

For my last meal I had a protein drink (50g), string cheese and apple, water.

The injury put me back 2 months. That's how long it will take me to get to where I was, so go injuries, they are a part of the weightraining sport.

Today I did arms and legs/abs. I took the day off today to be home with the children's first day back in school. My wife starts work tomorrow.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Treat them With Respect

Welcome back. You belong here.

I want to become a great leader, always learning not just skill but character.

With Labor Day on our minds, here's "what workers want in a job" with my comments. Maybe you can ask yourself the same thing:

A Public Agenda Foundation study, coauthored by Daniel Yankelovich, came up with these top ten qualities that today's workers want in a job:

1. Work with people who treat me with respect
- I can think of at least two people I need to show more respect to
2. Interesting work
- I think what we do is pretty interesting, after all we use mics and spotlights
3. Recognition for good work
- I need to be better at this
4. Chance to develop skills
- We do this well, I often hear people say they're learning from each other and fulfilling their dreams
5. Work for people who listen if you have ideas about how to do things better
- I am learning how to change our traditional church culture by finding places where new ideas can be explored
6. A chance to think for myself
- I need to be better at this
7. Seeing the end results of my work
- We do this well, both weekly and in our annual events
8. Working for efficient managers
- I am not very efficient, so I have efficient people around me who are
9. A job that is not too easy
- We do this well by moving ahead artistically and in challenging and emphasizing character not just skill
10. Feeling well-informed about what is going on
- We do this well, communication is good both up and down the ladder

Our organism is pretty sound, we're focusing on character, community and creativity but we have room to improve.

Into the future,

davidT

Fun Day and Time Alone

Welcome back. You belong here.

Happy 5th Birthday Isabela (3rd from the left, Kyra on the right joined us), "mi reina".

Prior to that, my wife and I had a great time away on a mini-retreat for our 11th year anniversary. Great time together.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Who's to blame for the U.S. obesity epidemic?

Welcome back. You belong here.

It would be easy and warranted to say that you and I are to blame for eating pizza, burritos, fast food and soda (and ice cream). But restaraunts, fast food, McDonald's all make major $$ off of over eating Americans.

That will never change, so you and I have to change our eating habits. I did three years ago and I haven't looked back since.

You can too. Ask me how.

Who's to blame for the U.S. obesity epidemic?

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

New Blog

Welcome back. You belong here.

I'm starting a new blog on the new beta Blogger. It's almost ready and I'd love it it I could be more honest with it, like an invisible blog but just on the world wide web. Maybe I should add passwords like my friend Tim has done on his blog.

I get tired of writing what I'm supposed to write versus what I'm really going through. That's probably why I haven't been writing much publicly, it's public!

Somethings are not meant for everyone, but yet again I have the need to have everyone know what I'm going through. Why? Therapy, narcissism, all of the above.

I do trust God, and I do seek Him daily (well, most days), and I do hear voices in my head.

Being that only 2-3 of you remain, I'll give you the password and you can do the same with your sites. Can you tell I hardly slept last night as I'm making no sense! (I was up late loading the update for Reason 3.0 on the laptop, still not working).

Today, Rachelle and I leave for our mini-marriage getaway. We're stopping by a craigslist potential to look at a dining table. We currently use a 6-foot church like folding table. It keeps me humble, I actually bought the table for my grandmother.

My back hurts today and I feel all over the place with worries, but I'm keeping strong in prayer and seeking God.

This week I've been reading Psalm 145:

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.

4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.

5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [b]

6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.

Today, I am choosing to meditate on God's works in my life (see concussion Dec-June). God has been faithful.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Wow, Long Time

Welcome back. You belong here.

Well, it's been forever, over a month since I've been here.

I hurt my back lifting 2 weeks ago and I'm hurting (heavy squats, lost concentration for a second and tweak!) Pain, pain. Ice bag, chiropractor, advil, all day every day. It's better, but uncomfortable and haven't done much lifting in those 2 weeks. But I'm eating according to plan and I can't WAIT to start lifting and running again, abs too.

I took some pictures of my progress until the injury, abs look good, chest, arms, legs. Need attention on shoulders and delts. Not bad, three years in. Will post some day, but not here, not now.

I haven't read many blogs either, not sure what's going on, just haven't felt inspired to write here. I write a lot, just not here.

Lots of stuff going on, spoke last Sunday night, first time in over a year, felt good, just got a book on communication once again. I am still at Bethany, yes I am, worship and in the Fall will start leading worship in the young adult service at 6pm. My job there is to develop Jeff, John and the rest of the next-gen worship leaders.

This Sat. is our 11th anniverary, I took the week off to celebrate, give Rachelle two days away alone at her parents house while I'm home with the three little ones and then over the weekend, we're at a hotel for 3 days, 2 nights alone. Can't wait. Little ones will be with her parents. 11 years is truly amazing, I look at her and I love her in a deeper way than even a year ago, after her illness, my concussion, recent job decisions, our marriage is more real than ever.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Daily Report

Welcome back. You belong here.

I'm losing readership according to my #'s, my guess that's due to my infrequent posting. So it goes. I may post more often some day, but for now it is what it is.

Thanks for reading if you're still here.

What am I doing these days:
1. Reading everything out there on "Liberation Theology" for my seminary paper due tomorrow (MA, Theology)
2. Re-entry from a great vacation in Bend, Oregon. I don't want to go back to work...
3. Building and mobilizing two creative teams for our Fall teaching series. One is on the HEART (evening), the other on EMBODYING THE LIFE OF CHRIST (morning)
4. Building a stronger worship band, musically and spiritually, discipleship, mentorship of young people
5. Evaluate why our Center of Music and Arts Camp didn't work this summer, we only had 6 sign ups, change in leadership may have been part of it
6. Desiring more time with our children
7. Needing a date with my wife, scheduled for next Monday night, catch a movie, talk, go out to dinner (We celebrate 11 years in August, I want to go to a marriage conference in La Jolla, CA and get away for the weekend in a nice hotel).
8. Tweaking my working out routine, goals are: cut 5% of body fat, increase 5% muscle, move to heavier weights and increase to 4 sets instead of 3
9. Eating is going well, cutting out a few grams of carbs and fats here and there, plenty of tuna, brocoli, salmon, chicken, rice and fruits, water all day long
10. Enjoying some new t-shirts (size M) and necklaces (accessories), new pants (size 33)
11. Crying, laughing, singing. Last night I was in tears while I lifted and sang "Take Off My Shoes" by Delirious from their "Mission Bell" album. Great song, I was in tears, hands in the air, cyring out to God in joy, determination, thankfulness for His mercy and grace inspite of my rotten attitude.

Cant' wait for my mom to return from New Mexico (in 10 days).
Got a nasty note from someone in the church about loud guitars and drums. Oh well. I like loud guitars and drums. I'm over it, hope they are.

Tonight:
6pm - Dinner
7pm - Lift (arms/back/abs)
8pm - Finish Paper

Oh, and I'm daily trying to figure out what great thing I'm supposed to do and how to use the PhD in Life that I have for the sake of others.

I need to spend more time alone with God, His Word and in prayer, my soul longs for it. Last night and today, I've been identifying with Christ's sufferings, realizing that even when work is hard, when I feel down, that the presence of Jesus is in it all (that's what Philippians 3 says, read it).

It's hot today! Arghhhh....

I gotta return a phone call from Jesse, director of the Long Beach Rescue Mission, who wants a Spanish band for his outreach in August. I think I'll do it.

I need to talk to Mike Silva about going to Guatemala with him in November to do a crusade and outreach to the poor. I would help with music. I feel I need to go, raise my own support ($1500.00) even if my church doesn't support Mike at this point.

There you have it.

Back to reading Gutierrez, James Cone, Sobrino and the rest of the Liberation theologians. Pretty good guys.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Summer Thoughts

Welcome back. You belong here.

World Cup Note: Brasil 3, Ghana 0, No contest. The Gahna team seemed overmatched, nervous, tentative, maybe in awe of the Brasilians. Not a very entertaining game.

Summer Thoughts:

THE BEST TEACHERS to help us enjoy summer are little children. They do not yet work in offices. They do not own calendars with tasks crying out to be done. I love to see the parks fill up with young life each summer. … I am joining them for a day, lest I grow old before my time. … As a child, I was quite successful at living life fully, because I had not yet learned to live by the calendar. I lived by heart.
Macrina Wiederkehr, in The Circle of Life

I live by heart, sometimes it drives me nuts because I can't keep up with it, and sometimes you have to live by the to do's and urgent needs.

But on a day like today, I'm living by heart - painted Isabela's (4) toe nails and taught her a song on the piano , played trucks with David (2), and put Canela's (7) name on her Groovy Girls suitcase. My to do says do homework, lift (chest/back, abs), vacuum and spot clean. I'll get to that shortly, right now I'm doing what's most importat.

We leave for Oregon on Thursday, I can't wait. Vacation is good.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Fitness Update

Welcome back. You belong here.

I've been into fitness for about three years. Prior to that I would run once in a while, eat without control (feel bad but do nothing about it) and didn't know what a dumbell really was. Last time I was into fitness was high school. I was about 40lbs overweight, high blood pressure, tired all the time, coffee was the way to get through. I wasn't sleeping very well and eating without self-control. My body type does not do well with that. I got soft, soft and softer. I look at pictures of myself from back then I look pretty unhealthy.

Through that time, my wife was my motivator, working out every day with videos, weights, aerobics, abs, everything.

Then I got serious. It started with Body for Life back in Sept. 2003. Weight training, running, abs, 6 small meals a day combining quality protein for muscle building with tuna, power bars, salmon, vegetables, chicken and tons of water.

CONSISTENCY is very important as well as flexibility. I've had to adjust my workout routine based upon injury, seasons of the year, illness, rest. For example:

My exercise process has been:
Body for Life - 12 weeks/12 weeks/12 weeks
Arnold's Body Building Plan A - 1 year
Dave Draper Fitness Program - 1 year (current)
Eating plan - Body for Life (almost 3 years)

Breaking down some more:

Here was my routine about 6 months ago:
Lift - 4x/week
Run - 4x/week
Abs - 6-7x/week
Eating - at 95% of plan

Then a lamp fell on my head.

Back in Dec. of 2005 I suffered a pretty severe head concussion. I was dizzy and suffered from headaches for almost 6 months. Then my wife was ill with a severe virus that affected her whole body, she missed work for 5 weeks with joint pain, rash, fever. She is better now.

During those months of illness I continued to work out but at a different pace.

Here was my routine during those 5-6 months of illness:
Lift - 2-3x/week
Run - 2-3x/week
Abs - 3-4x/week
Eating - at 80% of plan

Today, I feel much better from the concussion and my wife is about 90% back. Looking at my body, face, midsection, muscle tone, I have not grown in muscle density and have about 5-6lbs of extra illness/winter layer. But things are changing.

For the last 3-4 weeks I've returned to form and am eager to change things up to grow and improve.

Here's my current workout routine:
Lift - 4x/week
Run - 4x/week
Abs - 5-6x/week
Eating - at 90% of plan

I'm getting back on track. Illness will change things, but the key is not to stop, EVER! I am committed to working out and eating healthy as long as I live or as long as I can.

Some of my goals for the summer and Fall 2006:
1. Switch from Dave Draper's program to Arnold's Intermediate Plan
2. Eating plan at 90-95%
3. Increase muscle tone by 10% and lower body fat by 10% (5-6lbs)
4. Run 4-5x a week. My body type needs aerobic, fat burning exercises
5. Take pictures and post (in garage). It's been more than 12 months since I las took pictures of my progress, it's time to do this again.

How to get started? I recommed Body for Life. It's a 12 week program which combines eating and exercise...yes, there's nothing new under the sun.

The key word is: MOTIVATION. What is your motivation to get started? That's what you want to think about first. Second, write out your obstacles, third get a partner and get started.

I could give in to stress, tiredness, busyness and life. I could easily gain 40lbs. in 6 months and lose everything I've gained in the last 3 years. It's possible, but it probably won't happpen. What keeps me from doing that? MOTIVATION which basically comes down to wanting to do great things in life and needing a healthy body to do it and the love for my wife and children not wanting to leave them alone early because of illness, and the CHANGES I've experienced. That keeps me going every day.

You can do the same or more.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Graduation O' Rama

Welcome back. You belong here.

In our worship band we have music educators and parents and people, which means this week is graduation o'rama week, and it's great.

Graduation is a time of celebration, of shedding a few tears and years, (I did at Isabela's (4) preschool graduation last week), and of feeling proud of those we love.

I remember graduating from CSULB, very boring ceremony, long, thousands of names read over and over again, but in the end it was about having my grandmother with me, my wife and those I loved right next to me to celebrate my special day. And finishing a Computer Engineering program was a HUGE sense of accomplishment. It was tough, I almost didn't make, but God held me through it.

Then a few weeks ago, I was walking through the Talbot Seminary/BIOLA (where I attend) graduation lawn as they prepared for their event. The ancient school podium was out, the black backdrop, the white lawn chairs on the beautiful green grass, the portable stage with two side ramps for easy on and off access, the speakers, the huge school insignia in the background and I must say, I shed a tear thinking about finishing my Masters' degree some day.

In most programs I would be done by now, an MBA (Master's in Business) is about 30 units. I have completed 35 units of my Master in Theology out of 63, so I'm half way there and it's tough with a full time job, a real marriage and three real small children and a ministry to run. But it's my passion and area of expertise so I'm committed to finishing. It's good for pastors to go to Seminary don't you think? Even worship guys!

So I get graduations, they are great times of challenge, discipline, tradition, pride, a sense of progress and hope. I look forward to finishing my Masters at Talbot and graduating from that awesome seminary one day. I will do it.

Perhaps you have a dream for more education. As you sit in the sun, or wonder how many names the announcer can butcher, or wonder how much longer you have to wait, ask yourself, is there something here for me? Is there something I should start, finish, accomplish in education, a skill, a discipline? Is it getting in shape, is it being more committed to the Scriptures, is it doing more with your life? And if so, commit to doing something, the little things, finishing, starting, get going. Perhaps you can start school again in the Fall.. You're not too old, too young, too smart, too done to do school.

Leaders are learners, keep growing, keep challenging yourself, that's the best thing you can give to others, being a person who keeps growing, especially in their love for Jesus and people.

Have a great day and Happy Graduation!

Into the future,

davidT

Motivated by "This is Love:"

Welcome back. You belong here.

It's been a while since I've been here, it's nice to be back.

Lately, I've realized that the next season of my life is largely motivated by my growing desire to have people know the Love of Jesus Christ.

The more I study theology, do weekly services and spend time with people, the more I realize it's not church that changes people, nor tradition, nor politics or voting for the right person. It's understanding that no love is higher, no love is deeper, no love is wider than the Love of Jesus for you and for me.

The verse that's been the focus for my future has been 1 John 4:
10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

What great love, what great hope for my friends and family. I can't think of anything else I'd rather give my life to than to help people receive this amazing love, and to be completely satisfied with such fullness. Then our lives will not long for the things of this world, money, power, relationships, all good things, yet they cannot fill the human soul with meaning and love.

We call this the Gospel message, the Message of Jesus Christ, the grand story, the narrative of the glory of God.

My life is given to you Jesus, your message and your world. Here I am Lord, send me.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE:
10am - Isabela's (4) preschool graduation
12N - Grand Central Market with my mom who's here from Nicaragua, my wife and our children
2pm - Nap (missed the Argentina fútbol game)
4pm - Playing outside with children, sprinklers, bikes as my wife planted flowers
6pm - Run, abs
7pm - Dinner (late for us but we were having a great time outside)

COMING UP:
Lift? I could, but I don't like to lift this late especially on the night before Sunday
Change strings on guitars
Study for seminary

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Relationship Goo and Coming Out of My Super Hero Eggshell

Welcome back. You belong here.

I need to become more Emotionally balanced
Counseling – I’m a good candidate for long term counseling (said Laura, my counselor after 8 weeks of therapy). I agree.
The safety net was gone at 12yrs old, came to abuelita who caught me, she was my other safety net, but now that’s also gone. Now it’s just me (and Jesus and the Body) and the courage to have God lead me forward and to the vision He has given me
To lead my wife and children
I don’t want to get stuck in emotional goo

Emotional goo keeps me from doing God’s work
Relational goo is not always bad, but sometimes it paralyses me
I will not lose my heart for God, my wife, and our children in the process of becoming more focused and courageous
The cost will NOT be my heart, Jesus nor my wife or family
The cost may be relationship, separation anxiety

But that cost is no cost at all, the real cost is in NOT doing what God tells me to do
Things are eventually better when you do what’s right in God’s eyes, although relationships may change
For example – My relationship with staff, with my wife and children are all changing this year. WOW!!
I am moving from adolescent goo, "I need you, you’re my mother and father, hold me, kiss me, love me", to passion, purpose, intentionality and CORE
I will always need those things, but I'm becoming more aware of their negative effects and where they came from (see Nicaragua childhood)
MY CORE IS – The Gospel, God’s Glory, Evangelism, Worship, the Arts, the Word, my wife and children, my family in Nicaragua

I want to lead our children from this CORE not from relational goo
I want to lead with vision and purpose, not relational goo
Goo and relationship sustain vision not the other way around, Vision is 1st.
Vision comes from sitting on the porch with God late at night, talking, listening to His voice

I am coming out of the Super-hero eggshell
Inside of me, there is a Super-Hero
I am making better choices these days
This is a season of SWINGING BRIDGES for our church and my personal life
In other words, I haven't landed, we're on the bridge, it's swinging back and forth, it's uncertain, but we're in it together and it's taking us to the other side, to the landing

I am looking for the landing
I am getting ready to land
This BRIDGE may last 1-2 years
The landing will be my life for the next 10-20 years
I am learning to be more courageous and take the risk to be TRUE to God's call on my life
Yet, that process requires more FALLING APART, in other words, being true to my pain, aches, sadness, hurt
But that hurt leads me somewhere, it’s not the end
I’m discovering my heart for evangelism once again, for postmoderns in LB

My wife and I are doing 40 Days of Discovery – ends Sun June 4th, 2006, to discover God and His will for our lives
During my wife’s recent illness - I became the GLADIATOR, I had been the poet and priest but I became the hairy chest, sword in hand, come on I’ll lead us through the mud babe, machete in hand kind of guy
I became EL ZORRO!
I am great at being a priest and poet
I do that well and it's very important, like Job, and Moses and David
But they were also GLADIATORS, I am becoming both

My challenge is to not hang on to the past but to lead forward
My challenge is to lead versus hanging on to relational goo and shrink back
My opportunity is to lead with passion, love and clarity

The future is NOT clear, the future is God and His vision
I don’t know the future as a futurist as in man-centered future.
My future is prayer, faith, vision from God, from listening to His heart, from the burden in my heart, like Nehemiah, like Paul, like Solomon asking for wisdom

This is like adding a second story to my house which we did 2 years ago.
I have to strengthen the exisiting foundation and add parts of a new one
So I can build up and grow up
It's expensive, dirty, lengthy, a huge mess!
But now we have a 2-story house
It was all worth it
We use it to live life and share it with others

And my holiness has to increase
My wording while leading has to go up
My language has to go up
My schedule focus has to go up
My love has to go up
My prayer dependency has to go up
My budget
My down time

My vacation
My annual planning
My rest and fun
My exercise and eating well
My speaking out against sin, selfishness

My education and training has to increase
My simplicity has to increase
My musical skills have to increase
My relationships have to increase
My asking for help has to go up
My being honest about my weaknesses has to increase
My reading has to increase
My time with Rachelle has to increase

Jesus has to increase
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus has to increase
Jesus has to go up
Holy Spirit has to increase
Father has to increase
More of Jesus
Less of me

That makes sense now...I get it!

Some things have to GO
Wasting time may have to go
Sitting around on the computer may have to go
Emotional overload may have to go
Sin has to go
Out of control schedule has to go

For the sake of growing up and becoming more mature in Christ
For the sake of my wife
For the sake of our children, 7, 4 and 2
For the sake of my joy
For the sake of the harvest and the Kingdom of God until I die or He returns

What about you? What's your goo and egg shell? What's the super hero inside of you look like? What has to increase, what has to go?

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

What do You Cry About?

Welcome back. You belong here.

I am often amazed how much I learn about my leaders just by going to their work place, their home, seeing their car (ouch!). Most of the time, we spend time with leaders in a controlled environment, staff meetings, rehearsal room, church. And most of the time it's an environment we control.

Last week I visited Russell's job. He is a civil engineer and works on Auto-CAD most of the day. In the arts, he does media work for us as well as arranging details for our parks and off campus events, he plays bass, plays in one of our bands and is a good friend.

Russell dreams about running sound, doing podcasts, doing his job well, being a good dad (he has four children 7 and under). He cries about...actually I'm not sure what he cries about, I need to ask him that next time.

I dream about: An urban church in Long Beach.
I cry about: Selfishness and self-centeredness. My own as well as others.

There are a few questions Leadership Wired recommends we ask when getting to know our people.

1. "What do you dream about?

A person's dreams are powerful revealers of passion. When a person starts to talk about their dreams it's as if something bubbles up from within. Their eyes brighten, their face glows, and you can feel the excitement in their words.

2. What do you cry about?

Passion can be uncovered by peering into the hurts deep inside a human soul. The experience of pain or loss can be a formidably motivating force. When listening to a story of grief, you hear a voice thick with emotion, you see watery eyes flooded with feeling, and in that moment you glimpse the intense connections between a person's deepest pain and their greatest passion."

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT