Looking Back and Ahead

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It's the night before 2008 and all through the house
The little ones are sleeping and my wife and I are watching Hannah Montana on TV at Times Square.
Next year I'm doing a rave: blue hair, blue drink, strobing lights. Can you imagine it?


So what did 2007 bring?

1. Doing Things Together With My Wife. Rachelle and I stopped doing things on our own, which brought a lot of disconnect between us, and we learned to do things together - mow the lawn together, go to IKEA together, drop off the children together, make dinner together, do the dishes together, etc. etc. This has brought a new level of intimacy, honesty and oneness to our marriage. It's probably the biggest change in my life ever. It is because of this that #2 could happen.

2. We left our church Bethany. After 15 years on staff at Bethany (21 attending for my wife) God called us to leave and trust Him for the future. We feel excited and nervous but as Abraham (Genesis 12), we believe God asked us to leave and follow Him in faith. We feel He has promised to guide us and lead us into something amazing. Our desire is to change the world for Jesus.

3. No one in my family died, was in the hospital, or got crazy sick, which is a first in the last 5 years.

4. Great Shape. Even through quitting and learning a lot about myself, I continue to work out 5-6x/week, lifting weights, running, abs, and eating healthy (5 years).

5. I am not Special. I am Special. I saw myself at my worst this year, in self, and at my best, in Christ. I used to think I was something special on my own. That is false, I am hopelessly lost. I used to think I was not very special, but I am. In Christ I am uniquely made and a gift to Him and this world by His grace and power.

6. Made some headway in my issues with Anxiety. I have dealt with anxiety my whole adult life, but this year, I began to pray that God would heal me of it. He hasn't totally, and maybe He never will, but I do feel more in tune with the cure to anxiety - realizing I can't control my life and realizing that I can't figure things out without God's help.

That was a full year.

My goals for 2008:

1. Write. I love to write and I think I'm pretty good at it. I need to write a book, I have no idea what it will be about, but I have tons of material. I want it published by NavPress or someone like that. My goal is to eventually write 10-12 books.

2. Work with Mike Silva in Nicaragua/Latin America. Mike is an evangelist and friend of the family. When Mike preaches, people come to Jesus. He has invited me to lead worship with him world wide.



3. Work among Latinos together with Rachelle. Both my wife and I feel part of our new call is to work among Latinos together. My wife is not Latina, but speaks fluent Spanish and loves the culture and so do I. I also feel called to worship and the arts, developing young leaders, reaching postmoderns and living missionally locally and globally.

4. Love our new church.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

What Does a Man Do?

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So what does a man do the day after Christmas?
1. You Tube his son (4) on drums
2. Laundry
3. R' to Target at 7am (me, home arbitrating new stuff and who gets it when)
4. Did I mention the drums, LOUD! In our Living Room! Can you say sound paneling?
5. Water backyard
6. Work day on Saturday, things seem to break (and not get fixed) during the holidays right?

Hope your Christmas was great. Probably one of the best moments was adopting a family on 7th and Lime Ave in the LBC. We brought over $500.00 of new toys, clothes, ham I baked myself, a Christmas tree and carols. This was my wife's vision and heart.

Ten of our family members went to their one bedroom apartment, to visit Carinna, an immigrant single parent coming out of gangs and her 5 children ages 9 to 6 months. Her niece, teenager, is also staying with her during Christmas (here from Mexico). They both spoke of being abused as young girls by their parents and how they struggle forgiving them.

I spoke to them from John 6 of Jesus being the Bread of Life, of Him being our forgiveness, of the grace and mercy of our God. I told them that we hope the gifts would remind them of the love of God, that God knows everything and yet loves them no matter what. She kept saying how tough it is to forgive. We can't even imagine. She had tears in her eyes.

We listened to them, loved them, prayed together, our children playing with theirs as one family. They spoke mostly Spanish, but the language didn't matter, we were there in the Spirit of God and love.

I learned so much that night, that even beyond "giving" to a family in need, that the message of forgiveness and grace is what they need most. The pain in Carinna's life is evident, and no church or pastor can heal her, only the grace of God can and time.

And those gifts in her house, now opened, her children perhaps moving on to the next thing, represent more than gifts. They represent the grace of God and the forgiveness of God offered to her.

I don't think Carinna has yet experienced this forgiveness, but in a way she experienced it that night as our families in Christ, offered love and acceptance to one another. It wasn't just us giving to them, we all gave to one another. The rest is up to God.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Crowder at the Wiltern

Hello,

First act, the Myriad, good alt rock
phil wickham was ok.
Waiting for mr. Crowder. He'll rock it.

Davidt

In Rainbows, Radiohead Review

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Radiohead has been up and down for me through the years. Sometimes they're too intrinsic, sometimes I realize how influential and primal they've been to bands such as Coldplay, Sigur Ros, Keane and half the "British-alt" sound out there.

I started following them when "OK Computer" came out about 10 years ago. At the time, I saw them at the Greek Theatre and they mesmerized me. Then came "Kid A", "Amnesiac" and "Hail to the Thief" and I was off the bandwagon again.

Now comes "In Rainbow"....a CD (or I should say an MP3 download off their website for any $ amount) and all I can say is that I'm back on the bandwagon. Wow.

You know what I like about this album? It's accesability. This album has simple hooks, catchy intros and endings, while maintaining that Radiohead emo/atmospheric sound.

Take for example "Weird Fishes...." what a great guitar/drum/bass intro with the chord progression taking you places for 16 bars before the vocals come in. Wonderful. Then he sings "In the deepest ocean...." I love it.

"Nude" is an old song of theirs from what I hear, but what feeling as the strings, revolving synths and simple snare/hh/kick groove come in. Then the vocals come in with a haunting melody as the bass line kicks in. And something about going from a minor chord to a major chord in two measures that just works.

"Bodysnatchers" is just a great jam. Sounds like the old "U2" Vertigo/Pop/etc. which is a throwback to that 60's scratchy classic rock and roll sound, David Bowie and the Doors all wrapped into one.

"Faust Arp" sounds like a song from the 70's, like the "Mama's and the Papa's", but more haunting. "Reckoner" is awesome, I love that acoustic guitar lick with the "thrashy" snare, bell and tamborine sounds all creating a sort of gypsy-like feel, until the bridge comes in and it all quiets down to just vocals and guitar. Then back to the groove. This is probably my favorite track on the album.

"House of Cards" is a beautiful song, nice intro again with a layed back guitar progression and simple groove behind it. Great vocals, nice melody. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" is a favorite as an acoustic guitar player. It has that major to minor chord thing again which is classic Radiohead and a tight groove behind it. "Videotape" is a piano/Coldplay type song which perfectly ends the evening.

The whole CD flows as one from track to track, it's a journey, a circular path, but still one to walk. A CD you want to listen to as a whole.

Overall, I enjoyed this album.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

On our way to dmb if we survive

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On the park and ride bus to the hollywood bowl on a date with my wife to see Dave Matthews, big fan. But we think the bus driver may be drunk!

UPDATE#1: We made it. Now waiting at the ATM machine to get some $ to rent binoculars! Yeah, cheap seats. No matter. I'm with my baby.

UPDATE#2: Going home, amazing show. Dave is a machine.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Changes That Have Made a Difference

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Over the last 6 months, I have made some changes in my work habits that have reduced stress, increased my time with my wife, provided more focused time with our children and provide better boundaries between work and home.

1. Cancelled Texting. Completely shut it off. Not only is it off, I called AT&T and asked them to take it off my phone completely. This has given me more privacy, becoming available to people at work through email and cell but not texting. Texting was killing me, it was non-stop access to me 24hrs/day. No longer.

2. Close email App on days off. On my days off, I'll still blog and be online, but I don't open Apple Mail, Google Mail, nothing. This way I'm not tempted to send or read email, because once that happens you know what comes next, my mind is on work things, aways from my home or whatever other things I'm into at the time (resting, painting, exercising, reading, etc). This has been a hard thing to do, it took me about 2-3 weeks to detox, but I can say I'm now offline on my days off.

3. No email on Saturday nights. There's nothing worse than reading a nasty email the night before Sundays (at least for me as a pastor). Too many times I'll read an email, nasty or just asking for this and that and I'm off the deep end, working it, thinking, wanting to kill someone or myself. So on Saturday nights, I don't check my email. Instead, I focus on my own work for Sundays, reading, praying, late night prep at times, etc. But this is me time, God time, serving the Body time, versus distractions through email.

4. Daily focused time with my wife. Both of us are busy, she is a teacher I work at a church, we have three small children, life is hectic. But every day, most of the times at 7:30am, my wife and I talk for 20mns or so. We talk about our feelings, about our to do's. We'll ask questions such as "how are you feeling today?", "what do you want to talk about?", "what do you have to do today?". For my wife, on the days she works, it slows her down, giving her time to drink coffee while sitting down with me versus in the car, while on the phone with the babysitter, rushing to work. For me, it's focused time with my wife, to talk, to bear all, to be one. It's the best part of my day. Some couples call it "couch time", other's "coffee break," whatever it is, it's something we're doing and is bringing us closer than ever.

These things are simple, but if you're like me and have been addicted to email, texting, etc. etc. there's a price you're paying, and I was paying it. That glazed look while everyone's having dinner, that "aha, aha...." while my 6 year old is talking to me, or worse yet stewing over a work issue. Or just simply checking out during the night time routines - dinner, putting kids to bed, all the other little things that mean the most to my wife and our children, all because I am online, texting, answering emails when I should be focused on my soul and my home.

These changes have increased my "home focus" time by 5-6 hours/day, or 40-50%. No joke. I feel better, more focused, more relaxed, more balanced, more godly, more centered, and when Sunday comes I'm more ready to give it my best.

After all, I believe my soul, my wife and children, are still to be my #1 focus.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Where I Pray

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This is where I pray, worship, think, cry, laugh. Back yard, guitar, under a tree, family running around.

Peaceful.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

How I Eat

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Today is a good (and typical) example of how I eat.

To bring everyone up to speed, I am into fitness. I eat 6 small meals a day, lift and run/abs 6x/week. I've done this on a weekly basis since 2004.

I used to weigh 220lbs. now I weigh 185lb. I had no muscle tone, felt sluggish, ate pizza, ice cream, sweets, chocolate, anything and everything and felt terrible, my BP was 140/90, my cholesterol was high, went to the chiropractor weekly (not a bad thing btw), I was a mess.

Now I have strong arms, tight abs, strong legs and chest, firm back, I'm in shape. I feel amazing, have energy all day long, can't remember the last time I had to visit my chiropractor (abs and deadlifts are great "back-breakers"), my BP is 110/70, my pulse and resting rate are low. I have run a 5K and came in 10th place in my age category. I feel strong, I look great and younger than ever. I am committed to this for life.

I started with Body for Life in 2004, did Arnold's Body Building Program in 2005 and Dave Draper's Fitness Program 2006 to current.

So anyway, back to today:

Eating
Breakfast - Oatmeal (whole oats), brown sugar, non-fat milk. Together with 45grams of protein (Pro-Complex) in 10oz of water.

10am snack - Power Bar, water.

Lunch - Grilled Chicken Burrito, no guacamole, no sour cream, wheat tortilla, no chips, no nachos. water.

4pm snack - Low fat Cottage Cheese (1c), 1/2 c. Non-Fat Yogurt, string cheese, water.

Dinner - Baked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli (no butter, no sour cream, no salt).

9pm snack - Protein smoothie, 45grams of protein, sugar-free frozen strawberries, 1/2 a frozen banana, 10oz non-fat milk, ice, in a blender.

Exercise
Lift, 1 hour, Chest and back
Abs
Run, 20mns

That's a typical day. I'm not perfect, I'll eat pizza once a month (or twice maybe), I'll snack on wheat thins and string cheese or have non-buttered popcorn at times. My body is not perfect by any means.

I just eat healthy, exercise daily and feel great.

Want help? Ask me. Someday I hope to become a certified personal trainer to help people get in shape. This is both psychology and physical. I've already had 4-5 people commit to a similar program just by talking to me about it. The proof is in my commitment to it.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Now Is the Time

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Ok, so now I'm doing it....probably not until Nov/Dec, but at $399, the iPhone is a steal.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Done With Dancing

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I'm waiting for the SuperLiga 2007 futbol final tonight at 8pm and the commercial for the next "dance show" comes up. I'm done with dance shows! Anyone else?

It wasn't that great of a show to begin with, celebrities with no rhythm paired up with over the hill dance has-beens looking for a final big break. Enough already.

What else?

1. Little David (4) near cracked his head open tonight on the bathroom sink. In fact, he did, bled all over the place, but it stopped and he seems fine. We're watching him closely, but so far so good. I held him while he bled, my legs shaking while I held a rag to his head. He had "cradle cap" where he bonked, which made the whole thing worst.

2. Can't wait for the SuperLiga 2007 final tonight, 8pm and it's on regular TV, we need cable bad!

3. I will probably not lift tonight, usually I lift at 7pm after I help put the children down. But with the game, and the trauma of David's head injury I will lift tomorrow. I will do 15mns of abs in a few minutes during the game. Last week I lifted 3x and ran 3x, abs 5x, eating very well. I'm feeling better each week.

4. Today was just an overall emotionally draining day. Tough meetings, long conversations, some big decisions that I made today and now the follow through is coming and then the accident. I can't wait for that game!

5. Reading, "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Nouwen, "Ruthless Trust" by Manning and "Ragammuffin Gospel" also by Manning.

6. Meditating on Psalm 40, "waited patiently for the Lord...", Psalm 52, "return to me the joy of my salvation...." and Colossians, "the invisible God..."

7. Listening to, United "Came to My Rescue", Crowder "For the Glory of It All", Snow Patrol (Snow Patrol has some amazing haunting melodies, really feeling them these days).

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

How I made my presentations a little better | 43 Folders

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How I made my presentations a little better | 43 Folders.

Just good advice. We all do it. And I am tired of bullet points too.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Cut Tree Down

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Proud of myself - Today, I cut down two small trees from our side yard. Roots and everything. It's good to feel like I toiled the land. The best part? Walking into the kitchen where my wife and children were, holding the roots one in each hand and saying "Man, Roots, Out, Arghhhh"

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Going to Get Ice Cream with the Children

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I don't eat ice cream, but ice cream is a fun thing to eat especially if you're a child.

Today, I came home from work and took the children to get some ice cream. They looked through the cones and sandwiches, the pop ups and Snickers bars. They had a great time opening and closing the big glass sliding doors, all part of the fun.

That moment in the store, watching them sort through the many choices, made me smile and feel happy inside. It reminds me of moments of joy we all need to experience. Those moments that sometimes escape us but we are all hungry for.

It could be holding your husband's hand while watching a movie, it's writing an email to your sister, it's getting a phone call from a good friend. There are so many moments that are just pure joy but unfortunately we don't get enough of.

We miss those opportunities far too often because we are too busy with every day life. We reach for the beer and the remote, or we get stuck in the grind of the daily night time routine.

To take time to get ice cream is a gift life gives us, and doing so replenishes our soul. It makes us value life, appreciate those we love, and to be thankful for the little joys of life.

After our trip to the store, I was going to take the children home. Instead we drove up to our favorite hill (Signal Hill) and drove down the hill as fast as we could until our stomachs hurt!

Sometimes, when we finally take the time to do that special something, it is okay to take a little longer and fully enjoy the moment. You may just have a good time and feel a tickle inside.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Rain Down All Around the World

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Thought of the Day - Rain Like a Slip and Slide

Rain is such a beautiful word, we have all experienced it, felt it. In Spanish, a strong rain is called an "aguacero." I remember those hard rains when I was a little boy in Nicaragua. They made me feel a combination of fear (the loud thunder and thick drops) and of laughter (the cool mist, the loud noise on the tin roofs of our house, kids playing in the rain, riding down the dirt rock-filled alleys, like a poor man's boogey board surfing contest. Great memories.

In the Book of Exodus, God told Moses "4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions."

Rain down bread.

Funny image, but strong nonetheless. It speaks of "selfless provision." Bread means food, rain means provision, given for us selflessly, after all, no one can control when it rains.

We all have received "selfless provision" haven't we? A phone call from a friend on our birthday, a hug from a father figure during trying times, a song that warms our hearts, a sunny day, children playing on a slip and slide, a dark blue mountain at night.

Rain is all around us. But sometimes drought comes too. Do you need to ask God for rain today? Maybe the drought is near, or it's here right now. Rain is all around you, rain is near. Perhaps you're playing in the rain today, seeing rainbows as water hits the sun. Today, you are experiencing summer. Be thankful, let your smile tell the world you are having a great day.

Seek the rain from Heaven that only God can provide. He is bread, He is rain, He is laughter, He is peace. God, let it rain on us today, all around the world we're singing "rain down."

Have a great day. Into the future,

davidT

June and Everything After

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1. I did not get an iPhone last night and won't be getting one until they come down in price. Marketing is amazing, what a buzz. My budget: $200.00. For $600.00 I'd rather get clothes.

2. We're off to Palm Springs today for a few days for a family vacation. Very excited to get away.

3. "He restoreth my soul..." I'm looking forward to a time of restoration and refocus this summer. Much needed.

4. Reading Brennan Mannings' "Ragamuffin Gospel, Visual Edition" amazing book. I need the grace it brings.

5. Listening to..."Counting Crows-iTunes Essential"(compilation). Great songwriting. Good education for aspiring songwriters.

6. Rachelle and I are spending more time together, focusing on us after a season of focusing on others.

7. Exercise. Hit a lull about 2 weeks ago. I've only worked out 4-5x in those two weeks versus my usual 10-12x. Just trying to get through. I'm focusing on a better week coming up. If I can still do my abs every day (or so), I feel great. I lifted twice this past week and ran once. Sucks, but I'm getting through it. Better times ahead. My eating has been at 80%, needs to be at 90%. Had some "cookies" a few nights ago, pizza once three weeks ago, some snacks. Still eating lots of chicken, tuna, veggies, ham, hard boiled eggs, string cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, protein twice a day every day. Looking good, but need to take it up a notch.

Gotta go pack, have my morning coffee and get on the road (7:30am). First, we're picking up our 8 year old at children's camp (her 1st ever) and then off to Palm Springs.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

A video on Blogger!

A video!

davidT

I'm Praying for You

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Recently, a friend whom I hadn't seen or heard from in over 4 years called me, left me a voice mail to tell me God had told her to pray for me. She said she didn't know why she was to pray, but that she had to call me to tell me she was praying for me.

Wow.

That's never happened to me before.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

On My Country Nicaragua

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I was born in Nicaragua. I was just reading a site called "Nicaragua blogosphere" describing different Nicaraguans and their blogs. Most of these blogs deal with the arts, music, poetry, native artifacts and the like.

That's me too.

I guess each time I read stuff on Nicaragua there are two main things that pop up: arts and politics. And for good reason, we are known as a land of singers and poets and as a land torn by war and natural disasters.

I too am an artisan, I think in terms of music, color, shapes and images. I live in Long Beach, CA in the USA and have made my life here, I am an American and a Latino and many things in between.

I am proud of my heritage and artistic background because it's what God gave me as a gift and connects me to my country. I grew up with music all around me, guitars, marimbas, singing all day long, hearing stories and myths, talking religion, of Catholic saints and evangelical faith. I grew up seeing poverty, war, and yet also seeing a lot of normal life - education, cars, TV's, phones, shopping malls, grocery stores, eating pizza on the weekends, girlfriends and friends.

My father taught me people, music, God, church. My mom taught me sacrifice, joy, faith and strength. My grandmother taught me selflessness, sacrifice, pain and the love of family.

I thank God for Nicaragua my country of origin. It gave me music, the senses and much of what I am today. It taught me faith in Jesus, a love for people and for family. And I thank God for my country USA, for it has given me opportunity and freedom. It has allowed me to see and do things that most people may never get to do. It gave me my amazing wife, our beautiful children, my church and helped me find a way to use my gifts for the glory of God.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Listening To, Gas Lamp

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Note: This list of CD's are my personal preferences only.

Listening to:

1. "All of the Above" Hillsong United. This is the youth worship band from Hillsongs Church in Australia (as in "Shout to the Lord" but new). Songs like "From the Inside Out", "The Stand" and "Hosanna" are worth listening to.

2. "The Shins" All their stuff, those guys are just creative.

3. "Matt Pond" (still listening to him...) Acoustic, indie, violins, cellos, good vocals, good songwriting. I especially like "Several Arrows Later" and "Halloween".

I also recently visited a friend's new church plant here in Long Beach. They meet at the "Gas Lamp" on PCH. Their church is called Origins. It was good to be there.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Every Day

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Every day life. BBQ, reading the paper, birthday party. No pictures of me lifting, that's a big part of my regular life. That and playing music.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Gift Of Words

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Recently, I've heard that I have the gift of words. Hmmm, I'd never thought of that. I write and speak with my heart, in a way that people will feel something true of worth, of value and beautiful.

Here's a note from my uncle's wife. My uncle Tim is dealing with liver cancer. Please pray for him.

"Hi David,
thank you for your kind words and support.
I wanted to send you a message reply to your last email, but I am sorry, I was just overwhelmed with everything ( work, hospitals, etc...)
Your emails are written so well, and your wording is soft and comforting, I want to take the time to express my gratitude to you and Rachelle and especially to let you know, that you are blessed with an extraordinary gift with the ability to phrase your emails/letters so eloquently."

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Consuming v. Investing

Welcome back.

I was reading how .05% of You Tube watchers actually upload videos, the rest just come and watch.

Consuming.

The problem with that is at two levels - economically and creatively.

First, only a select group is making money off of You Tube. With all the young techies out there, how can this be? And by uploading a video, you're hardly making any money, but at least you're creating not just consuming.

Second, is the issue of who's actually creating? Not many. At least not many are uploading their videos. I want to watch, consume, listen, take in LESS and produce, create, give, speak MORE.

How does that happen? It means you have to lock yourself in a room, open your favorite book, novel, journal, pick up a guitar or piano or brush or video camera and create, create, make, make, make.

To create means to risk, to imagine, to have vision, to feel and live, to have passion, to not be afraid, to leave the bubble and comfort and then regain comfort and bubble and lose it all over again. It means to fail, to be true to yourself, to know thyself. To create means to think, to feel your heart beating, to stop, pause, reflect, let life hit you and respond to it.

We have too many consumers (paying $) and not enough entrepreneurs (getting the $). And beyond money, we are becoming a generation of spectators not creators.

I guess I'm a consumer most of the time, yet my passion and call is to create. I create sometimes, but most times I consume. I have to create more and I don't mean create problems either! : )

Let's create, let's act, let's lead, not just watch others do it on You Tube.

Into the future,

davidT

Coachella Speaks to Current Generation

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So I'm not there, but I'm checking out AT&T Webcasts Coachella Arts and Music Festival. Amazing music.

Reading the article in the LA Times, this festival is speaking the language of the current generation. How? In it's community, the voice they have (young people complained about ad banners last year), and the indie rock. There's a certain 'in the know' thing that goes with Coachella. I don't blame them, it's an amazing experience from what I hear.

Right now, I'm listening to Arctic Monkey (new punk) and Matt Costa (indie rock), nice.

Many of our musicians are huge fans of Coachella, it's al they talk about, some have been in the past or are there now. I wish Coachella would have a social cause they could get these young people excited about.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Gethsemane, 2007

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A 10mn. segment of Gethsemane, the Good Friday production I directed this year, Friday, April 6th, 2007. Amazing cast, musicians, set design, great impact.

Jay Wallace, lead (Jesus).



Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Talking It Out

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So Easter is over, time to reflect and today I had a conversation with Jesus, more of a fight really, a quarrel, whatever you want to call it. Like Jacob wrestling with God (I guess, wrestling is more church-safe than argument), either way, that's what I had.

I was singing Switchfoot's song "In This Life", which is a song to his wife (i think). I usually also sing it to my wife (and have), but today it was a talk with Jesus.

The topic was, "who are you?", "what is your message to the world?", "what is your church supposed to be about?" and "where have we gone wrong, because something is not right."

Something is changing in me. Something big and it deals with the church, the man I want to become for my wife and children, God's Kingdom, Christians and sinners.

I have been to seminary, I know the answer to those questions from the Bible and studies, but none of those sufficed today. I needed to ask Jesus directly.

"What is your kingdom about God? Is it about the Christians and keeping them worshiping, raising hands and growing? Is it about those not in your Kingdom yet? The poor, the hungry, the needy, the lost? Well, if it is about the "seek and save the lost" part, than why do your Christians complaint so much and argue with this?"

It seems most Christians I know want bubble gum-Chris Tomlin church with fluffy sermons or Biblical sermons (take your pick) that suit their needs.

The other day, an established Christian and I were talking about Easter versus Spring break. He said that those "seculars" call it Spring break, but that we know better, it's "Easter Break." Who the heck cares? Only Christians would care about such a thing.

The truth is that I used to be the same way, but I've changed. I also thought there was a divide between secular and sacred, Easter v. Spring. Most of that was well intended, I meant no harm, but really it spoke of pride of walls between myself and those without God in their lives.

So back to my argument with Jesus, errr, wrestling with God. I was asking Jesus to tell me what his church is about, how should I proceed from here. What did he tell me?

1. Read McLaren's book again "A New Kind of Christian"
2. Read the Gospels (Jesus first told me this while listening to Jay Bakker's conversion experience, see video above).
3. Read Paul's epistles (Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, etc).

So that's what I'm doing. Why? To get the heart of God once again. I know His Kingdom is about Acts 2:42 (community), Isaiah 6 (holiness), Matthew 5 (city on a hill), Great Commission (Matt. 28), Great Commandment (love one another, your neighbor as yourself).

But what does that look like for me? Maybe after this argument with God I will be left aching (as Jacob), hurting, sore, tired. But also as Jacob, I will hopefully be left with more of God.

Themes I am seeking to re-discover in my life:
1. Grace
2. Forgiveness
3. Basic message of Jesus
4. God's unconditional love
5. Stop judging people

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Crowder in the Studio

Welcome back. You belong here.

So David Crowder ("Here is Our King", "Wholly Yours", "No One Like You"), is in the studio recording his next post "A/B Collision" CD. Yes, I like Crowder, do his songs in church, etc. He's posting clips from their studio work. Nice.

This is of his EG player, not sure his name....shall find out, jamming, doing his EG thing. Nice. (EG name: Taylor johnson (aka: the kid)!!!!



Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

ALL Continuum John Mayer

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This is not me, nor is it John Mayer, it's John Mayer "for dummies".



Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

On Whom You Should Marry

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VIDEO - Erwin McManus, pastor Mosaic in Los Angeles, CA during Q&A at Columbia University.



grace,

davidT

Furniture For My Office

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I want this for my office. Table and chairs, $799.00. ouch! Maybe I can find something like it at the Goodwill.

grace,

davidT

Driscoll on Seeker Sensitive v. Missional Church

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Video - Mark Driscoll, pastor Mars Hill in Seattle, WA.



davidT

More Apples

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More little David and apples. Fun.



Oh yes, I speak Spanish here, so do our children, btw, and so does my wife (she's not Hispanic, but learned Spanish from my grandmother).

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Mark Driscoll - Nehemiah Week 4

Welcome back. You belong here.

I'm starting to archive videos that speak on themes I'm investigating. Sort of a video-cast of sorts on:

1. Reaching secular cities
2. Reaching postmodern culture
3. Engaging urban centers of the world (and U.S.)
4. Latin American immigration issues

I will also post my notes on the videos:

VIDEO#1 - Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill Church, Seattle, WA) Building a City Within the City (Nehemiah Chapter 4) Week#4



Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

February Update

Welcome back. You belong here.

I guess I do monthly updates now....

1. LB Emergent Pastors meeting a few weeks ago was interesting. At our table, one of the veteran pastors was pretty upset at the notion that veteran churches are not as relevant as they need be. Interesting, I thought he was more open minded than that. Yet, I understand. Who wants to feel irrelevant?

2. Good Friday is on it's way. I'm producing my second Good Friday show this year, I'm calling it "Gethsemane". Should be great.

3. Artist Retreat in full swing. I'm directing our third retreat this year, March 16-18th, we usually bring about 40 artistic types, which is a small miracle. Artist types normally don't commune, but God is working in their lives. The theme is "the Character of the Artist". Much needed among such types.

4. Cold, flu, nose drip, blah, blah, blah. I've joined the club. I've been off 3 days this week, sick.

5. I launch "Heaven" in Resonate this Sunday. Our creative team is building a city in our worship venue, working with new artists such as Micah who's performing her original song called, "So Far Away".

6. I miss my wife. We need more time alone. It will come. I was in tears regarding my love for Rachelle as I listened to "In This Life" a song about love on Switchfoot's latest, "Oh! Gravity." (good album, fyi, I like "Circles", "Awakening" and "Amateur Lovers").

7. Enjoying our children in our home. The other day I saw this picture of them sitting on our steps and had tears in my eyes about our love for them and how special it is to have our home for them to enjoy.



8. It's been great hanging out with my sister. She's here from Nicaragua, leaves next week. Monday for example, we went to the Jewelery, Garment and Toy Districts in Downtown LA and shopped, shopped, shopped.

9. Working Out, Persevering amidst illness and broken toe. This week I couldn't lift (perhaps Saturday) due to a bad cold (missed 3 days of work), and a broken toe (running is out), but I've been doing my abs and eating 6 small meals a day, power bars, tuna, oatmeal, cottage cheese/non- fat yogurt, chicken, vegetables, tons of water, no pizza, no junk, no cookies. Next week, back to lifting 4x/week, running 3x/week. Should be back to full strength.

I've been feeling pretty happy, focused, energize lately.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

January Update - The Cloud is Lifting

Welcome back. You belong here.

Stuff I am doing:
1- Work is super busy
2- Wishing I could finish my MA in Theology (no money, no time right now) perhaps in the Fall I can take 1 class (1 class=$1000.00, $0 aid)
3- Wishing I could lift 4x/week, doing more like 2-3x/week, running 3-4x/week, abs 4-5x, not bad, getting close to being at full force.
5- My goal is to be back at 100% starting in February (see why below).
6- My goal for 2007 is to gain 7-8lbs of pure muscle. Good realistic goal. It will mean I need to eat more of the good stuff I already eat (tuna, fish, protein, good carbs).

And oh yes, I broke my left pinky toe on Monday. How? Lifting of course. I dropped an olympic bar (40lb) on my foot. Ouch! No running or lifting for me this week. I hate it! And I feel overworked and underpaid.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Aguaceros, Finding Myself and My Music

Picture: "Aguacero" (downpour) in Nicaragua.

Welcome back. You belong here.

I think the time is coming to travel the world and find myself again, to be inspired and put new sounds into my music, into my creativity and mind, hanging out with souls that have life, with people that are changing the world in simple ways and with new sounds and new spirits from my childhood and the world. To talk to God, to listen to God, to hear what I am in Him and who He is shaping me to be.

To not know what the heck to expect, this is not a planned "do something Lord" but just a natural part of life, a time of silence and rest, a time to listen, to listen, to feel, to feel, to learn, to learn, to be broken, to be broken, to confess, to confess, to jump for joy, to jump for joy.

And to allow Him to break me, go through temptations (as Jesus was tempted in the Mt. of Olives) to be in the wilderness, to feel my dryness first hand, to cry in His presence, to feel Him and hear from Him once again, to pause and allow Him the room and the space to deal with me.

There are phrases I need to get in touch with again from Nicaragua and my growing up years such as:

AGUACERO - a really strong tropical storm. "downpour"

I have many memories of these storms from back home, and I need to be in that spirit and environment once again.

I need a sabbatical to feel again, to listen to God once again, to shed deconstruct behaviors and grow, expand, keep moving forward. Something like 3 months in the summer. A family vacation slash sabbatical to think, write, feel, hear, pray.

I feel like the last few years have been great years, much productivity and renewing. But it's also had clouds, depression, sadness and an overall "aguacero" in my life. I need to drink deeply from the well once again and take in the life all around me.

The trip may include:
- Nicaragua, my home (of course)
- Raymond Street (that's here in Long Beach, where I grew up)
- Africa
- India
- San Francisco (family)
- Seattle
- Oregon (family)

Not sure why, but I think those place may provide guidance and refreshment.

I have never felt more focused and passionate for the Kingdom and my Jesus than now, but I feel the need to refocus and pause before the journey continues.

There's something in my life, a timing, an age thing, a boundary, a change in my life, all good and natural things in a leader's/artist's life, a rhythm of sorts that tells me this is needed and right.

I don't want to burn out, I don't want to run on fumes or old systems. I want to keep growing, keep learning, keep afresh, focus on ancient truths that will never change and yet to keep them contextualized. Focus on the right objectives, goals and desires of God's heart for my life, our marriage, our children, our extended family and who we are becoming to our friends and neighbors.

What have I been reading? What has influence my thinking?

I've been reading "Isolation - A Place of Transformation in the Life of a Leader", reading about artists like John Mayer, Ricky Martin, Bono and their growth as musicians and artists and I find similarities in their process and their amazing success at doing the right things that inspire and move millions of souls and yet hold a child in need. From huge to small. That's what I am called to be.

How do I do this?

I need money ($5k), time off work (2-3 months) and places that would host me. Not sure how that's all going to happen and I hate not having my family with me, but if God wants it to happen it will happen.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Listening To

Welcome back. You belong here.

And Happy New Year to you too. The Rose Parade was beautiful (saw it on TV, should take my wife and children next year).

Inspiring me these days (available at iTunes and Amazon.com)

Music
1. Leeland, "Sound of Melodies" - Brit/pop, emo worship
2. Starfield, "Beauty in the Broken" - modern worship
3. John Mayer, "Continuum", blues/jazz
4. Keane, "Under the Iron Sea" - Brit/pop
5. Sigur Ros, "Takk" - emo
6. Mute Math, "Mute Math" - pop/emo rock
7. Switchfoot, "Oh! Gravity" - modern rock

Reading
1. 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and 2, Matthew 5, Romans 1 - on the qualities of a godly leader
2. "The Present Future" by Reggie McNeal - on the future of the Christian church
3. "The Great Omission" by Dallas Willard - on following Jesus as His disciple
4. "Liturgical Theology" by Simon Chan - on how and why we worship

Waiting to read
1. "The Starfish and the Spider: Unleashing the Power of Leaderless Organizations"

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT