Welcome back. You belong here.
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
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Random
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Friday, November 07, 2008
My Not So Ironic Life
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Live Election Blogging
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Friday, October 31, 2008
Early Voted
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Going to a Board Meeting
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Playing EG in a Band
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
Friday, October 10, 2008
Steve Jobs Speaks Russian
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
Sunday, September 28, 2008
After Nearly 7 months, My Sprinklers Are Working
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Pedal Board
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Inspite Of
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Monday, August 25, 2008
Today I Played Outside the Democratic National Convention
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Friday, August 22, 2008
A Car Hit Us
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Dont' Have to Be Bound
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
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