RTD and Arvada

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I'm part of the Arts in Old Town Committee. One of the issues Arvada is dealing with is the building of an RTD Fast Trak light rail. The Arts in Old Town committee is involved because the station would require design and art.
This map explains the current proposal. The Red Heart is the station coming to Arvada/Wheat Ridge.

Black - New rail line or extension
Red - Existing rail line

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Famous Sister

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So I have a famous sister (in law). Over the weekend she hung out with a group of friends at Brian McLaren's house.

To me, that makes her famous. Awesome.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Ted and Gayle Quotes

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Quotes from the interview with Tedd Haggard on Larry King Live:

"I tried to pray more, fast, be more spiritual. But reading my Bible made me worst"
"Mr. Jones rescued me, I am thankful for him"
"These feelings are not a choice"
"I lost the ability to seek God"
"I became world wide unrighteous"
"It was just a disaster"
"I don't think the boxes work for me, I have some thoughts that don't fit the boxes"
"Jesus has never ever drawn away from me"
"I never thought of leaving the faith"
"Superstitions of the faith"
"I need mercy and grace"
Gayle
"I do know he's a sinner"
"We had a great sexual relationship in our marriage"
"It had it's seasons of distance"
"I knew he had struggles in his thoughts"
"I'm willing to go through the process"

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

MLK and Tuesday

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Today I was at our children's Martin Luther King's assembly. It was a time of poems, readings, songs all dealing with MLK's life changing speech "I Have a Dream." There were many moving moments for me as I saw 300+ children (over 60% of them of Latino decent, including our three, in the only dual immersion school in suburban mostly White Arvada, Colorado) take part and learn about this amazing man.

One moment in particular was a reading of examples of discrimination in the 60's. One read something like, "if I was a white child, I was told I couldn't play with black children."
At the end of the assembly, the MC got up and spoke of Lincoln and the many presidents who have made this a great land, of the progress we have made as a country. As I heard these words, I couldn't help think of the magnitude of Tuesday's presidential inauguration.

I felt so proud to be an American, and to be in a country that chose to elect Barak Obama as the first ever African American president. It was a very moving moment for me. Martin Luther King would be proud.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

A Man Died

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I've been reading different books about the atonement, the cross, etc. One example is "Rediscovering the Scandal of the Cross" by Joel Green and Mark Baker. I've always been interested in understanding the background of "penal substitution" as the primary way to describe Jesus' work on the cross. Seminary started that process for me, and I continue it on my own.

I guess, after reading much on the subject, I can't help but realize one thing. A man died for me. No matter how it's been described since then, what God meant, Paul meant, Mark meant, etc. etc. still, a man died for me and for you. That's pretty unheard of and it seems to mean a ton! It makes me feel humbled, it makes me wonder why would anyone do that, it makes me thankful.
It reminds me of John's words in John 15:13, "Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for a friend. You are my friends...."

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

Why I No Longer Hang Out At Coffee Shops

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I used to hang out at coffee shops all the time. My idea was to hang out with young people and strike up a conversation with hopes to be the kingdom to others. But instead, it became a place to do my own thing, stare out the window, or a place to feel cool.

While at all those coffee shops, I never helped the poor, fed the hungry, built any sense of genuine relationships, never offered anyone a job, or helped them with diapers for their children. In fact, the poor or 'out of place', were often unwanted.

And while I understand that cool people need Jesus, I choose to be in relationship with people in other ways.
Currently, I have relationships with many of the guys at our children's school, a lower income, mostly Latino elementary school. I've also done a few things at our church such as "Shining Star" helping families in need during the Christmas season.

I need to do more.

Today, I was at Starbucks doing some work and I saw dozens of people come in and out, some reading their spiritual books and bibles, others doing e-harmony and most, sitting alone, online. I sat there the whole time, alone, doing busy work and I remembered how I used to think that was so me.

Now, I'm no longer hanging out at coffee shops and I support those that do. But for me, I am spending my time differently. And if you want to meet me at Starbucks, I'll be there, but now, it means something totally different.

Have a great day,

Into the future,

davidT

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