2008 Reflections

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Top 20 End of 2008 reflections.

1. I've given my all to my new job
2. I've worked hard to learn a new culture and climate (cold, snow, -10 degree weather, firewood, etc. etc.)
2a. A personal joy has been to see Mark and Anne feel at home at church
3. I'm living a much more missional (serving others) life than ever before and am excited to see that grow in '09. I've enjoyed serving at EL Foster Elementary school with my wife Rachelle
4. I have to get back in to shape in '09 (I've basically taken 10 months off and I feel terrible)
5. I've played with some amazing musicians in '08
6. I've not been to Red Rocks, Veil, Steamboat, Co. Springs
8. I long for spiritual formation and soul care with a few close friends
9. I've been to the mountains twice (not a big fan)
10. I've not been skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing
11. I've been to downtown Denver many times (nice town)
12. I know just about every store in downtown Arvada (Old Town)
14. My wife and I are doing amazing
15. Our children are working hard at adapting to a new school, house, friends, church
16. We went sledding yesterday, it was fun
17. Facebook and Twitter are ok. Not sure what the big fuzz is. It seems fake to me.
18. I wish I could blog the way I want to blog
19. I know myself better today than a year ago

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

How to Start

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I think I'm going to work hard at keeping songs going by playing the intro to a song and start the song. Unless someone else does it. This will keep the mood going.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Serving Others

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My heart is upside down. This morning, Rachelle our children and I spent time at our church's "Shining Star" Christmas party. "Shining Star" is a program that helps families in need during the holidays. We had about 100 people in the room, free pictures w/Santa and free food.

We sat with David and Clarissa and their two children. They all attend Foster Elementary where our children attend, a low income, 65% free or reduced lunch school where about 1/3 (about 100) of the children receive aid from the school's food bank.

It was so weird sitting with them, because we know them and have talked to them many times at the school. We didn't know they would be there, and they didn't know we'd be there. They were the "family in need" and we were there to "help families in need." Very strange.

I mostly hung out with the Spanish speaking families, translating, helping, hearing their stories. I walked Maria and her mom out to the car and their rear tires are completely bald. Remember, we live in Denver, CO where tomorrow we expect 1-2 feet of snow. Maria has three small children, her husband left her. Her mom is here during the holidays to give her a hand.

This coming Friday, I will be helping at deportation center here in Denver, CO. There will be over 300 people waiting to be sent back. They bring groups of 50 in, and we will play music, spend time together, praying, hearing their stories. I am expecting that to be pretty heavy, especially during this time of the year. I was reading in the paper today that many immigrants are going back due to the winter (no jobs in landscaping or construction), immigration laws and the bad economy. Families are being split. We hear similar stories at Foster Elementary.

I am so glad to have a chance to help others, sometimes I feel so helpless. What can you do this Christmas to help a family in need?

Weather report: Tomorrow, high of 18, low of zero (yes zero).

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Cold

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I don't like feeling cold. The other night it was a record low here in CO, about 5 degrees. I couldn't fall asleep it was so cold. Heat, multiple blankets, layers, layers, nothing helped. It was just plain freezing.

Today was not as bad, but around 8pm, even though we had the fireplace going it got super cold again. The wind kicked in, I could feel it in my chest. Sometimes I come home and I realize I can't take off my jacket, that I need to keep it on even though I'm inside the house. It's been that cold.

It's supposed to be 50-55 the next few days. And then down to the 30's again.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Themes and People That Inspire Me

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1. Will Smith - I'm actually not a big fan of his acting, but his recent desire to be about more than money and ticket sales inspires me.

2. Obama - We were watching him and Michelle with Barbara Walters the other night. I admire his accomplishment, our first African American president, and standing against the tide.

3. Honesty. I admire honesty especially about the broken areas in our lives. The other day I hung out with a friend for coffee and we had a good honest talk. It was refreshing.
4. Comfortable with Pain. I don't know many people that are comfortable with their pain. Most cover it up, give a solution or speak of it in past tense. Pain is a part of our every day lives, and the truly courageous people are those who talk about their pain and seek to live a life of hope and change.

5. Conversation and Collaboration. I work best in small groups with highly creative, collaborative, open-ended people that get things done. It's a slow process, and many see it as a waste of time but goals get accomplished best in relationship. Here ideas are refined, we hear each other's questions, and we encourage each other.

6. Grace. If not for grace, I'd be in a ditch somewhere. My life is marked by my need for grace and as a result, I try to be a person of grace to those around me.

7. Mystic/Visionary. I live inside my head, but see the future clearly. I don't always know what to do with this information, but I'm at my best in a group where honesty is welcomed and where we can talk about how to change the world in community.

RANDOM THOUGHT: I have about 13 readers on this blog (I'm famous), and I hope to continue to share life with each of you along the way. If you have a blog, send me your link too.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

No Snow

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It's supposed to snow today, but nothing yet.
I'd like to run a 5K on Thanksgiving next year, but I need to get in better shape.
I ran a 5K a few years ago. I ran pretty fast and got a t-shirt.
I'm not a big football fan, if the Lakers were on (as for Christmas Day), I'd be all over it, or Beckham, Dodgers or if John Mayer was in concert (which I think he will be later tonight).
I like concerts, conversation, pubs, relationship and sports.
I like exercise, music and technology.
I like being home.
I like going out with a few close friends.
I like guitars, guitars and more guitars.
Amps and pedals are great too.
I like all things Mac.
I like helping people in need.

Yesterday, a few us went to an HIV/AIDS clinic in Denver to help. We served food, moved furniture around, cleaned up the food warehouse.

A few days ago, we put together a Thanksgiving food box with our church and gave it to Maria and Miguel, parents from EL Foster (our children's school). They have three children and Miguel just came back from Louisiana where he went to look for work but no luck. It was a very moving experience, especially because they are a family we know and see at school every day.

Last night I played music and it was average, people were sick.

There's a song called "Dance for You" that I've been singing around the house:
"Jesus, quiet my heart/Help me let go/'Cause I want to dance for you/I want to dance for you/You are My King/.
I need to quiet down and let go. I want to sing, live for God for the rest of my life.

We're getting ready to go have dinner with our friends. Better go get ready.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Random

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Random thoughts:
- It's cold.
- Sunday nights, we have Family Council (starting soon)
- We have great young leaders at church (had an artisan meeting today)
- Today I played the piano
- Little David and I just got back from the store (saw SteveB)
- My fire won't start (wet firewood, bummer)
- Did I say it's cold?
- I'm hoping to be part of the Old Town Art Walk committee in '09 (got an invite)
- R' is trying to record Jack (our dog)
- My battery is at 29% right now
- Children are eating donuts
- I'm watching the Fray at the American Music Awards and the guitar player played for our youth group a few weeks ago (kind of crazy)

A lot of life happens in just a few minutes doesn't it...

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

My Not So Ironic Life

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Peter Rollins speaks here about the irony of Christianity, using the irony of say someone who mocks 70's music, clothing and style while wearing it themselves. In the same way, he says we as the church can hear the truth of the Gospel without actually heeding it.

A radical change in my life the last few years (as well as Rachelle's), has been that the talk of mission, social justice and relationship, is becoming true in our lives. We're still far from being as consistent as we'd like to be, but something different is happening.

The way we are living a missional life is in a few places, our neighborhood, the children's school and around town. As I've said before, we live in suburbia, mostly older White neighbors, semi-retired with some families of high schoolers. We have little in common with many of our neighbors but we still have good relationships with most. How? Daily, we are outside, talking, going across the street to ask how things are going, following up on previous conversations, talking shop.

For example, the other day I was raking our leaves and because of the friendship my neighbors and I have, JR from across the street said, "Hey David! Don't forget to unplug your hoses once winter comes. The water inside can freeze and the pipes can break and flood your basement!" That's no spiritual conversation, but it's normal stuff that creates relationships and caring for each other in practical ways. I feel JR and I are good neighbors and enjoy each other.

The school is the other place where we are living this missional life. Both R' and I are there just about every day meeting parents, and my focus is to get to know a to of the Latino moms and dads.

I've had good conversations with many Latino parents (Jose, Jorge, Carlos, Sergio, Micah, Octavio and Kayla, Ms. Amanda, Ms. Chumacero, Abbie and Tim, Suzanne, Michelle and John, Ms. Leigh, Alma, German) and others. The other day, Octavio told me he sees me around the school so much, he thought I was a bilingual teacher!

The other day, Maria told Rachelle that her husband had to leave Colorado for Louisiana a few days ago to look for work. He will be gone for 4-6 months, they have three small children. We are going to help them out this Christmas together with our church and the school.

The other day, Octavio asked me about God and where I go to church. He told me he's not very committed to God but he wants to go back. A few nights ago we went to a Foster Family night out at Red Robbin where we had over 40 parents and children. Both 'R and I made it an effort to meet just about everyone and introduce parents to each other. We learned so much about many people. One of them is Amy who is the school's counselor, and we found out that night she is divorced and yet continues to raise her children and serve at the school.

Lastly, we are beginning to be involved in the new business development area of Arvada, Old Town. A few weeks ago I went to their Board of Directors meeting. Tomorrow, our family is volunteering in Old Town to hang Christmas lights and just to be a part of the community. Old Town is a growing sector locally, with new businesses and younger people coming in. It's totally different than EL Foster, where it's mostly lower income families and immigrants, but we feel we can be an influence in both the hip parts of town and in education.

Our new church supports all these efforts, and in fact celebrates what I'm doing because it's part of our vision as a church. It feels good to live this way, a more consistent life that is more and more missional and not just church-centered.

The other day I was interviewing a young leader for a graphics/video job at Foothills. We got talking about church and vision and my role there. We talked about the usual stuff - production, good videos and good worship. But what made a difference in her is when I began to tell her of my work outside the usual church activities.

It made things real and told her that church is not just about making sure the coffee is made and chairs are set up (very important things btw)...that's is not what Jesus told us to do. And hopefully she met someone who's life is trying to be about helping the practical needs of those around me, in our school and city.

That felt good.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Live Election Blogging

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Today, I feel proud to be an American from Nicaragua. I feel proud to see our country grow in it's race wars. It's a very proud day for our country.

270 votes needed to win.

5:36pm (MT): Wish national news were on
5:37pm: OH is to early to tell, 20 votes, if it goes to McCain, he has a chance
5:38pm: If FL goes to Obama, doubtful, it would be a shock
5:42pm: Watching Univision, good coverage. 70% of Latinos are for Obama
5:46pm: I project Indiana going to McCain (could've gone to a Democrat for the first time in several elections)
5:53pm: I'd love to be in Chicago tonight
5:55pm: PA closes polls in a few minutes, very important state
6:01pm: NBC, calling PA for Obama
6:04pm: Not looking good for McCain right now (it's not over just yet), 102 Obama, 34 McCain
6:08pm: Obama bowling on election day, no style points!
6:18pm: Waiting for more results
6:20pm: Senate seats, going to Democrats
6:23pm: Nader, 1% so far
6:33pm: waiting some more...

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Early Voted

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Today I "early voted" for. It was my first time early voting being that CA doesn't have it and CO does. It made me feel proud to make my voice be heard.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Going to a Board Meeting

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The Historic Old Town Arvada Association is looking to elect board members for '09. They're looking for people involved in the community who want to see Old Town revitalized and to be a place where people "want to live, learn, work and play."

Old Town has plenty of hokey/country/small town'nes to it, mixed with a growing modern feel. It's a mixture of hip and unhip.

R' and I have been to just about every movie theatre, guitar store, coffee shop, restaurant, flower shop, leather store (for a friend), in Old Town. We've enjoyed the D-Note, the Arvada Public Library and Bliss Cafe. The light rail and a new boardwalk are all part of the new renovation.

R' and I are going to their board meeting Tuesday night (open invite) to present our ideas and to see how we can volunteer.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Playing EG in a Band

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I've never thought of playing lead EG in a band (say on craigslist), I've usually played acoustic (some electric) and sing, but I'm going to try it and see what happens.

The other day I played EG (with someone else doing the leading) and I really enjoyed it. I'd like the challenge to improve my chops.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Steve Jobs Speaks Russian

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I am updating my iPhone firmware on my jailbroken phone. At start up, a picture of Steve Jobs raising his arms, saying Priviet (hello) in Russian came up for a second and then disappeared. How about that.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

After Nearly 7 months, My Sprinklers Are Working

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My sprinklers are now working. Yeah. They are on a timer (10mns) per zone (10 zones). It'd been almost 10 years since the sprinklers in this house worked, in fact, the wires to the timer were buried behind drywall. This is not changing the world, or feeding the poor, but it's part of making our new home, home.

Just in time for winter, oh well (people tell me it will most likely snow in October). We're supposed to "blow out" the sprinklers (new term for me), in the next few weeks, but look out for next spring!

Btw, we're hoping to get to Estes Park (never been there) in the next few weeks to see elk up close!

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Pedal Board

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Little things mean a lot. Last time I had my pedal board together I lived in a different state, house, job, etc. etc.

Today, I put my new pedal board together. A good sign of my new life.
Listening to: "Look After You" by The Fray (local Denver band).

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Inspite Of

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This week I was feeling out of it, things bugged me, people, places, etc. But amidst it all God did some amazing things. For example, one person this weekend told me about how they had a bird feeder stolen from their front lawn. That simple story gave me such perspective when a few days ago someone turned over our bench from our front lawn. It just helped.

Many things like that happened this week. I saw God do His work in people inspite of not doing well personally. I feel so humbled when that happens. It's good to feel like we're not the ones "helping" God, but realizing that God works even when we are off.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Today I Played Outside the Democratic National Convention

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I live in Denver, and this week is an amazing week to live here. Today, I played music at Creek Front Park outside the Pepsi Center at the Democratic National Convention. It was a unique experience.

The best part of the day was talking to a person who wanted money. I gave him my lunch and two bottles of water. We also met Chris, a person who needed to know that God could still forgive him, he's a sex offender.

But more could have been done. I'm still thinking of what that all means. I just know that to do worship songs and pray is not everything, we have to do more.

It's so amazing to be here. A lot of police and Denver SWAT around, many protesters, the typical anti-abortion trucks with offensive grotesque images and then your average t-shirts with crazy stuff on them like the one with a picture of Obama and Hillary, "Bro's Before Hoes"

I'm going back this week to serve some more and also hoping to catch Rage Against the Machine at the Denver Coliseum on Wed.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

A Car Hit Us

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While at our school's parking lot, we came out and noticed someone ran into the side of our car. It's still running, it's not totaled, but still. We don't have collision, but we have uninsured motorist, but no note, no license plate, it was a hit and run.

We've been staking out the school parking lot trying to find the car that hit us. I remember the car when I parked next to it, and from the color of the scrapes on our car that must be it.

What a hassle. We just dropped a bunch of money last week to get the transmission and other stuff fixed and now this.

Arghhhh....


Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Obama and McCain at Saddleback

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UPDATE: This article says the same thing.

Watching the Obama/McCain Saddleback videos on YouTube, one thing is very obvious to me:

McCain - MODERN
Obama - POSTMODERN

Based upon your worldview, even more than the issues, my guess is you will vote for the candidate that "sounds good" to you, which in turn speaks to your world view. Of course, some people ride the fence, but that's different.

Are you a modern or a postmodern? Type it into Wikipedia and see how the candidates and you compare.

Pretty exciting elections this year. We actually get to vote between two different worldviews and the shift that is happening all around us from modern to postmodern.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Dont' Have to Be Bound

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One of the big things I've learned over the years is that I'm a loyalist and sometimes to my detriment. Instead I'm learning to be real and honest, personally and in every aspect of life. That's brought me a lot of freedom in the last few years, freedom to follow God and not be stuck with myself.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Gotta Get Out

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Sometimes like this week I get tired of church events, church planning, production, etc. I know that when I get to this point, I need to get out.

For me here it means going to the D-Note, to Old Town Arvada, to downtown Denver, to the Old Town Picking Parlor (guitar shop).

My dreams:
- Own a coffee shop/music/art venue in downtown Arvada (like the D-Note)
- Music (in the church, globally, record, produce)
- Mentor young artisan leaders through Spiritual Formation
- Volunteer with immigrant Latino parents at EL Foster Elementary School

How am I doing accomplishing these dreams:
- Thurs/Fridays R' and I are going to Old Town Arvada to have coffee and get to know postmoderns and young adults
- Both R' and I are volunteering at EL Foster (PTA President and Parent Liaison starting Aug. 12th)
- Leading worship
- Mentoring young worship leaders
- Have lunch with church leaders at Old Town and EL Foster area

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

So Out of Shape

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I'm so out of shape. Moving is tough on your mind and body you know. Some that would see me would say, "oh, it's not bad David, you look fine." But I know my expectations and goals, and I am out of shape. I am soft and pudgy. My weight is the same, but my tone is bad.

Of the four months since we moved, I've worked out a total of 4-5x. That's about once a month! I was doing 6x a week just a few months ago.

Doing something about it...

Last week
2x-lift
2x-run
abs-3x

Eating - not very healthy. Still eating oatmeal, protein and power bars, but need to eat less overall.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Anti-Immigration and Racism

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The anti-immigration movement here in CO is interesting, a Latino pastor here in Denver feels that the anti-immigration issue will one day be our racism of the 60's. We will one day look back on it with the same type of regret.

In LA, we were at a different place in terms of immigration reform. You obviously have intense feelings on both sides, but here Latino rights are still fairly new.

We are involved in helping Latinos in our community. This is the reason our children attend EL Foster, the only dual immersion school in Arvada, CO.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Friends

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We have some friends over from So. Cal this week, very nice to see them. We feel loved.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Happy 4th

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Today we painted our clubhouse.
Artist: Isabela Trigueros.
Assisted by, the rest of us.

Happy Independence Day.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

My Life as an Artist

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The other day someone asked me if it's tough doing things differently. I said, in some ways yes and other ways things are new.

Some things have been different, not as I'm used to. But other things I've wanted to see grow are happening more quickly. I have more of my artisans involved in secular music than before. Maybe 10-12 of the team I work with are involved in music all over town, from Denver to Boulder and everything in between. No one playing at Red Rocks just yet, but there's an indie type music feel that is here.

For example, there's a band one of our percussionists is in called Mestizo Rocks. Very nice eclectic rhythmic music. Mark sings and plays percussion. So that's something pretty exciting for me.

There are also a lot of missional artisans involved in multiple ways across town. One of our bass players leads a band that plays at the Race for Cure in Denver. They play classic rock and roll while people run the 5K, marathon, etc. Others from different organizations pass out water bottles just to serve the community. Great stuff.

Another one of our young leaders is opening her own graphic design business tonight at 8pm. She's renting a gallery in downtown Denver with her friend. Another one of our leaders is doing a film festival, another one of our drummers does a drum collective which is like a clinic for young drummers all around town that brings in big drummers all year long.

Another guy is the general manager for a theatre in downtown Denver, and then we have 4-5 young worship leader types that are recording their 2nd or 3rd cd's, playing at coffee shops, etc. Another one of our guitar players is an architect involved in local missional work wit his company, has been to Nicaragua to build an orphanage, etc. Lots of good stuff like that.

So the challenge is helping the church worship, and connect the dots between the arts and God. That's a weekly task. The other task is to help people be more connected to one another and find a home, because even though they all have some connection here, they don't all feel connected here.

There are many opportunities. My hope is that I can get through the initial shock of being here, of learning a new church and culture, of working through all the internal changes within me, just trying to workout regularly again (moving is depressing), so that I can get to the fun part of the job.

The church also has around 80-90 acres of land here in Arvada, CO that it may sell or develop. The vision that is coming is to ask God for ways to use that capital to invest into Denver, into artisans, to help the poor, the serve the kingdom of God worldwide. Sometimes, I'm in meetings deciding over these things, being asked for my input and I feel humbled. I ask God for wisdom daily.

I also have a group of my two staff worship interns with whom I have a spiritual formation group. Last week we read Thomas a Kempis regarding temptation. It was uncomfortable, but I felt so thankful to be doing such work with two young lives (22 and 30) building into each other, seeking God together while leading this work.

Then the lead pastor here is a man I admire and love more each day. He is the reason God drew me all the way here. I hope to be like him more and more in all he does, from seeing his daughter be married last month, to water rafting, to leading the church from attraction to mission. I admire him and feel honored to serve under him.

If I can just figure out Boomers, and find my nitch of young leaders and be more about the city than the church, and the snow thing, I think I can do this and have a great time doing it.

And of course, someday I hope to do my music. To record an album with a great group of friends and make some great stuff together. I'm not writing much these days, not a lot of inspiration, work is hard, but I know that will come in time.

And if I can just develop 2-3 deep friendships that will carry me during my time here, again, I think I can do this. And if I can just workout again and get my body back, I think I can do this. And if our children and my wife can survive the move, I think I can do this.

Well, I think that's all the things I'm working on these days....all while trying to be more humble before God, seek Him more and become more of a giving person.

I've done some amazing things in my time, especially in music, and right now I'm not doing those things yet, but I feel all that will come and things can be even more full than before.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Mowing the Lawn as a Sign

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It seems like everyday someone in our new neighborhood is mowing the lawn. I think it's because most of the people that live in our neighborhood are old (late Boomers with teenage kids) and/or retired. I mean, every day someone (men and women) is fixing their yard, mowing the lawn, planting trees, weeding, seeding, 7am, 6pm, 2pm no matter the time of day, it's non stop.

When we first moved in, it took me about 3-4 weeks to mow my lawn so it got long and "not as well kept" as the neighbors around here. Hey, moving is stressful and tiring! So guess what I got in the mail the next day? A ticket for not mowing my lawn! I called the city or Arvada, CO and they told me someone in my neighborhood (anonymous of course, else I would have had a little talk with them) ratted me in. Amazing. Even right now, my 50 year old retired neighbor is out there with his blower working away.

It's just not what I'm going to spend my time doing around here. I bet I'm going to get another ticket someday...

Side note: There's something here (literally in our back yard) called cotton wood (new to me). The allergies from that tree are killing me.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Such Kindness

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Always amazed by kindness
Tonight I experienced it
Him over there, wow, such kindness and humility
A lot of great feelings all around
Great people

Others, yeah not so sure
But most are just wonderful
Willing to give all they have
For the sake of God's kingdom

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

I Feel Handicapped

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I feel handicapped
My mind wants to enjoy and live
To work hard and live fully
But something inside my heart is weak
Something that makes me feel handicapped

My mind is weak, my body is not right
I wish to be a machine without any weaknesses
When will I be completely strong
When will I be perfect
Not gonna happen
This is who I am

A moment of life came to me
Right in between these sad thoughts
And I took action and led the way
Lived and engaged the moment before me
One small push and the little birds flew
Without my help, they were ready to fly

My face and their faces were filled with smiles
As my heart raced once again with something inside
A mixture of joy and concern
My heart aches like a spike in my flesh
My eyes clouded with questions, what is going on?

I know it's my friends
They're always around me
Why don't they ever leave?
How great would it be if they would never come back

But they're here to stay

My hands are weak
My heart is weak
Anxiety comes like a ghost, unannounced
It just hits me like a ton of bricks
So much going on
My mind can't handle it all

I trust and look up
There is a God I know
I lift my eyes up to the mountains
And ride my bike
All day long

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Three Months Later

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We arrived here March 1st and it's now June 1st (or so). Random thoughts three months into our time in Colorado:
1. This week I've had more moments where I've said "I might be here for a loooong time"
2. Music and creativity in the church takes patience, self-denial and lots of relationships
3. Some people have to go
4. Others you can't imagine ever losing
5. I want to own and manage a club/coffee/music/arts venue in Old Town Arvada
6. There are a lot of beautiful parks here in CO, today we played at one 1 block from our house the size of El Dorado Park back in the LBC, we had a great time playing fútbol, racing, freezbe, the children were racing down a hill on their red-wagon
7. It's really hot today (90F), first time we've been hot in CO, more to come I hear
8. R' and I are having a great time supporting each other through all the changes
9. I have some amazing musicians I'm working with on Sundays
10. I'm playing drums in a punk/emo band on Friday nights in someone's basement, starts at 9pm
11. We got a ticket the other day for not "mowing our lawn" sucks!
12. I like the sound of the trains
13. I actually want to go fishing, ATV'ing and horse back riding (crazy for this city boy!)
14. I hate country music (still)
15. I can't wait to go to our first Rockies-Dodgers game and wear all our Dodgers gear (all five of us)

Some days we cry, some days we laugh, three months in, it's getting better. The children miss their home, their friends, we keep making new memories here in CO one day at a time. Today at the park was another beginning.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Mountains or Beach? Neither

Welcome back. You belong here.

One thing about moving to CO from CA is that people have assumptions. First, people assume that we're rich which we're not (can you say low housing market?). Second is that we miss the beach. I don't surf, so I don't miss the beach that way, but what I do miss is the ocean breeze and seeing the ocean, running next to it.

And I don't like the mountains either, I'm not into skiing, hiking, fishing, snow boarding. What I am is a CITY PERSON.

I like cities, their diversity, their people, cultures, I like what a city brings in its night life, clubs, sporting events, freeways and no I don't miss the traffic or crime.

So when people ask me "do you miss the beach?", or when people say "you'll love it here, do you snowboard?" my answer is always the same, "I am a city person." So my two favorite spots here in CO so far are: downtown Denver and downtown Arvada, CO.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

I Am What I Miss

Welcome back. You belong here.

What do I miss about Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA? (the short list):
1. Diversity - Latinos, Cambodians, Philippinos, African American, etc. etc.
2. People of different backgrounds as friends, learning from each other, sharing life together, from children to teenagers and adults
3. Thinking about the world not just local news
4. Nice shoes, clothes, hairstyles
5. Style
6. Sense of community, those that love So Cal, feel they belong to something special
7. Carne Asada
8. Spanish
9. The weather, the weather, nice sunny days with a light breeze
10. The ocean
11. People we know
12. Streets we know
13. Freeways and quick access to everything
14. Our family
15. Our neighborhood, our home

I realize that a lot of what I miss is who I am, especially when it comes to diversity.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Walking with God

Welcome back. You belong here.

I don't remember many times when I could say
I've walked with God
Except during times of crisis, times of despair
When I was almost forced to do so

What do I mean, "walk with God?"
To ask versus talk, to listen

I hardly ask anyone for anything
My way to cope is to be in control
Control by learning, control by doing
Control myself, control others

And when things don't go my way
Depression or anger are the two emotions
That tell me that something's wrong

Do you know people that talk this way:
"I was talking to God the other day," or
"God, tell me what to do in this situation."

I know people like that
They walk with God
They talk and listen
They have what appears to be an "on going conversation"

I asked a mentor about this once
"How did you learn to walk with God?"...
"I haven't always been this way"
"I learned this after trying everything else"
"Nothing else seemed to work"
"I realized I need to walk this way"

That's my problem
Most times I feel I don't need to walk this way
I got it under control
I'm supposed to do it myself

When you're in control
And you want to do it your way
When pride and selfishness
Self-justification or hurt
Cause you to want to control everything around you
It doesn't matter what God or others say
You're doing all the talking

But when you learn to ask
To seek and listen
To walk with God
Things seem slower
You don't have to have all the answers
You don't seem to rush to get things done

You're dependent on something greater
And you feel, how can I put it,
Like you're leaning on someone else
Don't get me wrong, it's still you in that moment
But you feel like you're walking with a friend

Once upon a time
There were two friends walking along
They were talking about the recent events
Of how their best friend had suffered
Of how they missed him
Suddenly a stranger approached them
And joined their conversation
He walked along side of them

And this friend spoke to them from his life
With perspective and wisdom
Of people from the past that brought wisdom and hope

"Did you notice how are hearts were warmed as we walked?"
That's what it must feel like to walk with God

Last week during an hour or two
I think I walked with God
It felt great
I hope I can do it again

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Where is Home?

Welcome back. You belong here.

It's good to be home, but where exactly is home?
The sea breeze, the palm trees
Running without a shirt on
The people, the world is here
Friends I miss, people I love
My family
This is home

Yet...

The mountains and open space
The new opportunities, a fresh start
The chance to be at a grass roots level
The chance to change the world

So, where is home?

Earlier today I was driving up to a park to see some friends
As I approached the curve side there was a woman, two little girls
And a little boy
Their faces were familiar, their smiles warmed my heart
They were my family

So I told myself, really, wherever they are, is home
Wherever we are, I'm home
Wherever God says to go
That's where I belong

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

What Kind of Cleaning is Spring Cleaning?

Welcome back. You belong here.

Boxes, boxes and more boxes...moving does that, boxes everywhere you look. So today, as I sorted through tons of stuff (too much stuff), something interesting happened.

Today I got rid of a ton of files, pictures, music, folders, books I've read. They all represent a time and a place in my life that is now over.

It's amazing how much of my previous life has ended, I guess it's all still in me as life never leaves, but there are things that are no longer in front, they're now behind me.

So as I sort through stuff I find myself feeling better. I am looking forward to new books, making new memories, to living in a new present. It sort of feels like someone has died and I'm getting rid of all their stuff.

Spring cleaning? Well, it's 20 degrees and snowing right now, my fingers are almost frozen. But something about this process makes me look forward to the future and I guess that's what spring is all about. It's The Spring of My Soul.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Post It Complete

Welcome back. You belong here.

Lifting today (1st time in Colorado), I was remembering how when I used to lift back home (Long Beach, CA) I used to have a post it in my garage that said "Future Ministry". I had 6 or 7 other similar notes that had significant events written on them (illness, death of family, marriage, etc). Underneath each event, I wrote "God's Faithfulness" as God brought me through some difficult times.

Now that I'm here, I can write "God's Faithfulness" underneath "Future Ministry", that post it is now complete.

While lifting in my new garage, I couldn't help but feel God's joy and pleasure all around me. It was a beautiful day, a day where I felt the happiness of God. Our new ministry assignment is a dream come true in so many ways.

Yes it's been hard moving, getting used to a new job, church, city, people, schools, etc. We don't know many people here and our family and trusted friends are all back home. But today was a new day. God's faithfulness became a reality, it's always been there, today it just became tangible.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

When I look at the Pictures

Welcome back. You belong here.

When I look at the pictures
Of rock stars and wanna be's
I can almost believe
I can be
I can be

But I know better
I know better
I'm me

When I watch the videos on You Tube
And see the guitars glitter
In the ambers and reds
As the crowd grows wild
I can almost believe
I can be just like them

But I know better now
I know better
I'm me

Me is what I am
Not what I see on TV
Me is not that bad
It's actually pretty good

If I put the pursuit down
To follow what's on TV
And instead embrace the real me
What would be of my life?

It would be priceless
It would be filled with rightness

To pretend I'm all that I do
Is not that fun anymore
It drives me away from truth
It keeps me from being in the flow

I want to be me
I want to be free
Release me from the theater
Of acting on a stage

Instead I want to say hello
And talk and listen
And feel completely scared
But knowing I am me
Knowing I am free
From the old me
Into the new me

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

While There's Still Time

Welcome back. You belong here.

New job, new city.
Overwhelming, always something to do
A person to call, a vision on a napkin
A meeting to have, don't forget to talk to the boss

And my life at home
What matters most
Waits, listening to the conversation in the car
It goes something like this
"Today was a long day
Today was overwhelming
Today I met with the boss"

And they read books
And stare out the window
Every time we cross a railroad track
Our little boy says, "Mom, mom, you look that way
I'll look this way"
Lots of trains around here

Time passes so quickly

Our girl is sad her older sister no longer sleeps in the same room
Tears each night of how hard it is to be alone
The older sister is glad to be on her own
She pushes to grow up
She pushes forward
Life moves forward
We stay behind

Time passes so quickly

While there's still time
I will look left and right at the railroad track
While there's still time
I will sleep in our girls room once in a while so she won't feel alone
While there's still time I will be proud that our eldest is growing up
And kicking a soccer ball in the backyard with her new friend from across the street

Time passes so quickly

While there's still time I will help our little boy clean up his room
While there's still time we will go on another bike ride by the creek
While there's still time we will clean the tree house and paint our names on it
While there's still time I will record their voices in my mind

Yesterday I met a man who plays guitar and sings songs to God
I heard a recording of his two young daughters playing piano as he played along
One played the low keys, the other the highs

This man told me
That he has a cyst in his brain
That he had a seizure two weeks ago
This man is young

He told me of his dream
To one day see his young girls grow up
And play this song for them
Of them playing along
High keys, low keys
While he sat at the piano playing along

While there's still time
While there's still time
While there's still time
I will play along

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Crowder Goes to Mexico

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Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Crowder in Colorado

Welcome back. You belong here.



Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

What Am I Doing?

Welcome back. You belong here.

What have I been doing lately?
1. 1st time ice skating (I tell you, these Coloradians, they love their hockey!)
2. My new stage, Easter look called "Radiance" stars, stars, stars
3. Easter egg hunt (nice sunny day, dry)
4. Good Friday (Surrender Room)

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

If This World Could Only Change

Welcome back. You belong here.

If you would never leave me
If these chains would not pertain
To this fragile mind, to the fear inside my head

Then my life would be so great
But share with you again and then
I would become the man you want
You want me right?

Don’t leave me, don’t leave me
You’ve never left
You know I can’t go on without you
I can’t make it without you
Don’t leave me
In this place
Don’t leave this man
In this lonely place

If I would only stay right here
And not go back to that place
Of fear and worry, of anxious not's
Not strong enough, not sure enough, not anyone

To see the canyon below
This crazy thought is trying to show
That life is bigger than my little head
My little head, is filled with big thoughts

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

New Things

Welcome back. You belong here.

Hot AND cold water to brush my teeth
Rolling down the window, honk the horn
Talk to the driver next to me
In the middle of a minor blizzard to ask for directions

Special squeegee for snow
Frozen driveway
It takes longer to get in and out

We’re tired by 7pm
Working hard to think about everything
We don’t want to take our coats and hats off
It takes too long to put them on!

How do we get to church?
64th doesn’t go through to Wadsworth
70 Saturday, 40 Sunday and snow

Yes but…

Fun to play in the snow for children
Bike ride in cul-de-sac on a sunny day
New house is amazing
Terry’s gift of grace

Gary and Cindy’s kindness
Canela said, very organized house!
Canela – I’m an artist, I like to read and I play the piano
Did my first CO snow angel
Snow is so quiet and beautiful
Mountains seem blue and white

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

It's Not Going to Fall Apart

Welcome back. You belong here.

The story goes on
Just before it starts
And already I’m thinking it can’t be
When it appears to be

It’s so easy to lose your sight
When there’s a log in your mind
What I long to see is right in front of me
But all I hear is what the voices tells me at night

It’s going to fall apart
It’s never going to last
Ignore it all, forget it all
It’s going to fall apart

I fight to stay awake
To the dreams I have received
My life is beginning again
Anything can happen, anything can happen

It's not going to fall apart
This time it'll be different
It's not going to fall apart
The house of cards is built on strength

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Down the Street

Welcome back. You belong here.

Down the street there is a family, they have three children. Our little boy rode bikes together with them this morning (nice sunny day) and so I joined in on my bike as well. Not a family I would normally hang out with, but trying to break through my stereotypes.

Things that are different here:

1. Colorado Tan (store down the street)...is there such a thing as a Colorado Tan?
2. Cold all day long (25F). Yes, it's also sunny and we like that, but I'm getting tired of putting jackets on/off/on/off/on/off. I'm thinking of just sleeping in my jacket tonight.
3. Churches everywhere. Wow, I counted about 20 from school to home today. Some even meet inside other churches. My friend told me that "even the snow is Christian in Colorado", maybe he's right.
4. Making a difference. There are plenty of people here that have no faith, no sense of God. I met many of them at the YMCA this morning while working out, at the Juice Stop, at Big 5, children's school, at Office Max. Both Rachelle and I have had many opps to talk about God and serve people.

One example was Rosa at the children's school EL Foster, a bilingual inner city school. She spoke no English and was trying to register her boy in preK. Rachelle busted our here Spanish skills to Rosa's huge surprise and helped her out, we hung out in the parking lot for 10-15mns. Good stuff.

So far, this has been an amazing experience for us all. Lots of grace, lots of redemption, lots of dreams coming true. It's almost too good to be true. I want to blow it all up and self-inflict pain.

Today a friend told me, "don't dump on your own parade, it'll soon dump plenty on you without your help." After being in a blowing up mode for the last few years, it's hard to accept grace. Jonah (Jonah 4) had a hard time with it as well, remember the worm? I am that worm, just want to eat a good thing away and destroy it instead of enjoying it.

Better go and just enjoy this beautiful day.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

It Happened Around 1:30pm

Welcome back. You belong here.

So it happened around 1:30pm on the first day of our move to Colorado. It hit me as our four year old broke down in tears, seat belt on, his little Cars shoes on, wearing his “cool pants”, surrounded by what seemed to be our whole garage in the back of our Volvo Wagon saying, “I want to go home.”

And so I broke down. What little David sees in his head as “home” will never be. What he feels in his mind as the comfort of his room, the sound of his fan as he sleeps and the peace of his family in the kitchen will never be.

We are moving to Colorado. We are not going back home. Everyone misses their house.

It hit me even more as our nine year old who sat next to David also began to cry as I imagined her saying, “I know David, I also want to go home, I’m sorry David.”

We’re all just tired from what little David called, “driving for ten days.” Yes, driving from Long Beach, CA to Denver, CO feels like ten days. And being up since 4am on three hours of sleep doesn’t’ help either.

Things are better now. M&M’s and naps seem to help everyone. It is true we will not be going home any time soon, but what awaits us will soon become home again.

There may be more tears along the way, more arid Arizona mountains and more hours left in the car. But I have a feeling that just like sweets and naps have a way to help things through, Colorado and our new life will too.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Theme Verse Dec-Feb

Welcome back. You belong here.

We've been "lacking wisdom" just about every day lately. So James 1 has helped us through:

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

On Simplicity

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Simplicity deals with, well, I'm actually not sure how to word it because it's not an easy thing to describe.

There's a lady at school, here name is Anne who is simple. She wears older clothes, not fashionable, she would come with her baby in a sling, a hammock like pack.

Anne compresses her trash, she burns it in the back yard, she wears no makeup, she is a very simple person. She is not poor, she is not better than thou telling everyone how her "faith" is better than your faith. In fact, she has me "believing in her religion" just by her actions.

Her daughter and our daughter Isabela are friends, they are both in first grade. She is amazing, the girls are having a sleep over here this weekend.

Anne lives simply, no traps.

Simplicity can easily turn to ascetism, the despise of all material things which is not what Jesus taught. We are to enjoy a good beer, a nice haircut, a great piece of furniture. That's part of God's gifts to us.

For me, a simple life choice I've made is to turn off the data plan and text feature on my phone. The phone I have is complicated and trinketty enough as it is! My compulsion is checking email and being connected all day long. So a few months ago I called AT&T and asked them to turn off my data plan, which cuts down $20 off my bill, another choice towards simplicity. I feel FREE.

The other day, the data plan was back on. So for the last few days I've been compulsively checking email at the stop light, the library, the post office. It's horrible. I called the phone company again and they said the data plan is off on their records, I'm not being charged, it's just a tech error. So it's still on. I hate it, I don't know what to do. I am going to try to turn off the data feature on the phone and see if that works.

Simplify, declutter, degadgetize.

There are so many other aspects of simplicity - fast on blogging, computer time, focusing on creation, not shopping at Wal-Mart for their unjust work practices, etc.

One of the other choices we've made as a family is to go put our children at an elementary school in a "poor part of town". People ask me all the time, why not put them in the fancy, "best schools"? I said, I want to live differently, and make a difference in the lives of our children and others.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

How to Begin

Welcome back. You belong here.

The tension between starting and ending seems like a swinging bridge
It tilts forward and backwards, not knowing which way to swing
The hope of a new beginning, mixed with the sorrow of broken promises
The anticipation of a great start and the ability to move as one

People that serve and lead and love and learn
Those are people to die for and dream with for the rest of your life

To not put on a thing called church
But to hang out with people in my living room
Worshiping God
Reading the Scriptures
Praying for one another in authentic community
We call it "family council"

And every day talking to people without Jesus
To Robert the mail man
Who has 100's of illegal DVD's and war stories to tell
It's what he does to pass his time
He needs something more

To Gil the real estate guy who came by my house
Big smile, firm handshake
His face all over my neighborhood store

He sat in my living room
Would never set foot in my cool church
We spoke of homes, moving and faith
It felt like the most genuine church I've had in years

To not fight wars of old
But to go to a hilltop and be transformed
By authentic relationships
With a few guys that love one another
Over beers and smokes, sin and grace
Theology and cheesy 80's music
That's what transforms

I've tasted of that sweet wine and had plenty of drink from that wonderful spout
It's transformed me
It's forever changed me

I have been transformed by church maybe once or twice in my life
Church doesn't transform, Jesus does
Jesus, relationship, authenticity
People that live differently than I do
I love Jesus but not the church
But if the church could only change....Can it?

To hang out with people that challenge me to serve the poor
(I don't need to amass more stuff)
To go to Africa, Latin American and serve the poor, the children
Is what transforms

To do beautiful music, to write passionate lyrics
With a close group of friends
To create and dream, to paint and see beauty
To inspire others and push the boundaries
To dream and inspire, to live in the ideal of beauty and truth

To recyle, eat healthy and save the earth
To work for a great tomorrow and a happy ending to our planet
With my wife and children living passionate lives
To create experiences together with them
To live from their air
To breathe into them

To see young people believe
To help them see that God forgives
To help them see the value of discipline and hard work
To hear their dreams to change the world
And actually see them do it
And to come along

That's what transforms
That's what I am here to do
On this earth
Until I see you face to face
It's Jesus in me
The Spirit in me
The Father in me

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Why Do I Wait?

Welcome back. You belong here.

Why do I wait for a song to come after these sad moments?
Sometimes, the moment is but that, something you feel and it goes away
The stress of it all, it overwhelms me
I battle between the ok and the it's not ok
When nothing gets done, every room is undone
Every corner seems endless, nothing feels settled

And that moment is nothing special
It's just that, a moment of feeling like you can't keep up with it all
And in fact you can't
But then, you do

I just want to finish something
A room to be complete
A project to be done
I wish I had 10 hands and 2 heads
Maybe I do

It'll get done
Not sure how
Not sure when or who
And tomorrow more gets on the list
More new things
I want the list to go away
I don't want to see it ever again

To trust, to pray, to stress out
All are mixed into one

Wait, here it comes again

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Letters to the Zanders

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How many of us church people have been influenced by Dieter Zander? I have. From New Song Church to Willow Creek, Axis, Young Leader Network, BayMarin Church, ReIMAGINE, leading worship, books, tapes, etc.

Dieter had a heart attack a few weeks ago and is in recovery. Updates at Dieter Zander Update

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Spiritual Retreat

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I'm off with my amazing pastor friends to a spiritual retreat at the Hilltop Renewal Center near Big Bear, CA. It's always crazy trying to get away with moving and all, but it's so good at the same time.

I'm looking forward to praying, resting, talking, playing in the snow. Where I'm going there will be a lot of snow, so this is a good test for me.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

I Bought a Weapon Today

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I thought it would never happen but it happened yesterday. I bought our 4 year old his first pirate sword, patch, flag and telescope combo.

That happened way sooner than I expected and in fact I told myself I would never buy our son a weapon. Funny.

I actually wish I had bought one for myself!

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Pretty Worn Out

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Crown molding is not easy, it takes a looooong time. Have you done crown molding? No? Then, you don't understand. Have you done crown molding? Ok, you get it. It takes a loooong time and I'm tired.

I actually enjoy doing it, the angles, the cutting, the nailing, the look is nice. But I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

What is crown molding? See image.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

It's a Beautiful Day, Yet Real

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Today has been a very beautiful day for me. I feel happy inside. What's causing such bliss?

1. Listening to "You Are Holy" by Nordemann (my wife's cd)
2. My wife loves to worship to this CD during the day which makes me tear up thinking how lucky I am to be married to a woman who worships
3. My wife and I are painting the ceilings together and it's going well (living room done). More today (kitchen, bedroom)
4. Children are happy. Yesterday they were playing "horsey" around the house which means little David (4) is in the front as the horse, poor kid, Isabela (6) is in the middle with a scarf around David's neck, and Canela (8) is in the back grabbing on to Isabela's hood. It's so fun to see them go.
5. Finalizing details on our next steps. Asking God for wisdom.
6. Writing songs, lyrics, writing on the piano, very creative time for me right now.

It's a good day. A day of work and tears, laughter and trusting God for tomorrow. Sometimes I can find God really easy in the dark nights, but I think I need to find God in the Sabbath rest as well, in the "great is thy faithfulness" days as well as in the "Lord, where are you" days. I've had both recently and both are great, in fact I think that although much more challenging, the nearness and kindness of Jesus in the dark nights is much sweeter.

UPDATE: My friend Susie's husband Larry fell off a ladder sometime this week and cracked his skull open and has internal bleeding. He's at UCI Medical center right now and they may have to go in and do surgery. Susie sang with me for 10 years at Bethany and is a dear friend.

God is faithful.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Compulsive Cleaner

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Here's what I want for my birthday (April), rings and cleaning gear.

I like to clean, bit compulsive about it. For example, while my wife is cutting carrots, chopping up broccoli or shredding lettuce, again WHILE she's doing this, I'm by her feet, picking up leftovers with my dustpan off the floor. Yeap, pretty compulsive! It's my gift.

The ring is to celebrate our new marriage, our 12th year anniversary. I recently read that every great marriage has a combination of old and new marriages. Both R' and I feel 2007 was the beginning of a new marriage for us, we've made many positive changes in how we do things. I bought her a beautiful modest diamond ring yesterday and this is the ring she will buy me, Titanium, wide (10mm) band, swirls and a small diamond.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

How Many Things to Update?

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How many things can a person update in one life time?

Myspace.com
Blogger.com
Facebook.com

This is getting ridiculous.

Although I must say I like Facebook | David Trigueros a lot right now. We'll see how long that lasts.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

How to Respond to Challenges

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God shapes me during times of illness. I guess he does that in all of our lives. Think of Job during his on going losses, think of Martha during her brother’s death, of Peter’s mother in law, and the little girl’s parents to whom Jesus said, “she is but only sleeping.” That was tough to hear.

I don’t like it when my wife is sick, or our children are sick or anyone I love is sick, it scares me. Yet I know this is one of those two or three things in my life that God uses to grow me into His child.

The others are:
1. Illness
2. Things I don't know how to do
3. Unresolved situations

All these things cause anxiety in me, stress and a feeling of overall lack of control. I don’t like to not know how to do something, or feeling unloved or feeling like I’m not good enough. I don’t like having to compensate for this attitude by being more than I am. It leads to burn out and resentment even bitterness which leaves me vulnerable to making stupid decisions.

How I respond:
1. So I pray and I keep working at it, and I trust God and I get nervous and
2. I write about it and I pray again.
3. And I work, and engage life and do what I can to keep going and
4. I take breaks and play music and sing to God.

When life throws me into those moments of weakness, I usually retreat and run, that’s how I cope. But instead, I am learning to be the hero my wife needs me to be, the knight in shining armor, her rescuer and helper.

So today, instead of sleeping all day while she’s not feeling well, I will engage, help her out, and do some work. This is what’s best for me and for her.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

A Recession That is Coming

Welcome back. You belong here.

Is there a recession coming?

Mortgage Problem
Unemployment at 5%, highest in last two years
$100/barrel last week

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

Driscoll, McManus...Comparison

Welcome back. You belong here.

Podcasts I'm enjoying:
1. Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic Church in Los Angeles, CA (listening to his December 2007 Christmas series)
2. Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill in Seattle, WA (listening to his message from the "Creative ChurchConference, May 2007")

Erwin - Passionate, creative, relational, challenges Christians not to be judgmental, preaches acceptance, can come across as wishy-washy, not enough of a fundamentalist, traditionalist.

Driscoll - Quotes Luther, harsh, bold, passionate, fundamentalist, preaches against moralism as a substitute to the Gospel, can come across as ego centric and critical, but in love with Jesus and the Gospel, not religion or moralism.

What I learned from both of them:
1. Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his message of grace and mercy
2. Christians often get in the way of this simple message
3. Love for those not yet followers of Jesus

Great examples.

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT

What I'm Listening To

Welcome back. You belong here.

Enjoying these days:

1. Over the Rhine, "All I Ever Get for Christmas is Blue" from "Snow Angels", "Later Days" from "Good Dog Bad Dog". Amazing vocals, great songwriting, so moody, I love it!
2. The Frey, "Vienna", "Heaven Forbid" from "How to Save a Life"

About Over the Rhine:

"Look no further than the lyrics to this track for what animates Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist, the married couple at the heart of Over The Rhine: “I hope this night puts down deep roots / I hope we plant a seed / ‘Cause I don’t wanna waste your time / With music you don’t need.”

Have a great day.

Into the future,

davidT