God does that sometimes...
1. My acoustic guitar was not working (my bread and butter)
2. My electric was too loud (some were complaining)
3. I broke my friends' amp (stepped on a cord and broke the volume knob)
4. The singers were saying I wasn't singing loud enough
Well, that pretty much is everything I do that went wrong:
1. Play electric
2. Sing
3. Play acoustic
I'm glad I didn't play the piano tonight. Humilty is like broccoli, good for you, but it sure smells bad.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Letters From Russia
I started a new blog:Letters From Russia in preparation for my trip to Russia, July 15-31st. I will be going with a team of 12. I will be playing music, and helping do a youth camp for orphans near Moscow.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
No Squats Tonight, Tomorrow Yes
I enjoy heavy squats, they're hard, no one likes to do them, but they make your legs strong and tight. I superset them with leg curls, good mornings, straight leg dead lifts and calf raises. Then I wrap up the session with some ab work. Currently, I'm doing some new abs stuff called "Core Max" which includes planks, levitations and gravitational ab work. Tough. Plus the traditional crunches, reverse, and the rest. The ab routine takes about 20 mns. and the leg workout about 45mns. This morning I had no energy, and tonight, I am burnt. So I only did the abs, no legs....I always feel disappointed when I miss a day, but tomorrow will soon be here and I'll get back into my squats.
I work out 6x/a week. 4x with heavy weights and 2 days of treadmill, abs every day.
I work out 6x/a week. 4x with heavy weights and 2 days of treadmill, abs every day.
Monday, March 14, 2005
I'd Buy an "It's A Grind" Franchise
I've liked their focus more than their coffee.
“Too often, people open coffeehouses just to make money, losing focus on what’s really important,” said Cox. “Simply put, though profit is great, it is not the driver for opening this business, rather, it is the result of creating exceptional experiences for everyone we meet, every time we meet them.”
“Too often, people open coffeehouses just to make money, losing focus on what’s really important,” said Cox. “Simply put, though profit is great, it is not the driver for opening this business, rather, it is the result of creating exceptional experiences for everyone we meet, every time we meet them.”
Monday Grieving Report
It's only been 9-10 weeks since the death of the most influential person in my life, my grandmother Amanda Morales, 78 who died Jan. 3rd, 2005. She lived in our home, helped raise our three children, was my wife's mentor and friend and companion, and my wisdom, advice, cultural connection. She was my "gallopinto, nacatamales, queso frito and pinolillo", (all Nicaraguan foods).
Mondays are tough. It's my day off, I'm home and I cry often, like just a few minutes ago (therefore the post). Fridays are also hard. They say in grief recovery - Time and Space. I'm not afraid of the time, the silence or the memories. I don't try to forget the pain, or work, work, work and stay busy. It's okay to cry. On the other hand, I don't sit around in her empty room, waiting to fall appart, I keep moving on, trusting God, praising Jesus when I'm laughing and when I'm grieving, in every season of my soul. Plus, we have three small children, so life goes on.
"Be Patient With Me, I'm A Grieving Person," says the button I got from my grief support group when my father died four years ago. I remind myself of that often, "David, be patient with yourself, you're grieving."
How does this currently affect me? Oversensitive, over-emotional. An artist like me doesn't need more emotions, I need less. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I am who I am, but at times like these I pray for:
1. Restraint
2. Focus
3. Trust, trust, trust
4. Obedience
5. Talk less
6. Speak up when needed
And don't 'leak' in an uncontrolled, unplanned, unaccountable way. Especially when I'm speaking (125, 1x/month) or leading worship in front of 800-900 people every week. That's not the place. There's good in being honest and real, but there's also an accountability to give hope in the middle of my pain, and bottom line, sometimes it's good to just shut up and listen.
Our 3.5 year old has an ear infection, she's better. We're going to check her hearing, we want to make sure everything is normal, sometimes she turns things loud and we wonder....hmmm. Normal stuff, right? But right now, I overfeel everything. Worrying, overcaring, overprotecting, not trusting God. So last night at Resonate I asked my close friends to pray that I would trust God. Then a friend sent me a song he's doing next week. It's been on my mind all day. Please pray this for me and anyone else who is seeking to know why we should trust God:
"Those who trust in the Lord...are a strong mountain
Am7 B7 Em7
They will not...not be moved
(2x)
VERSE 2:
Em7 B7
Those who trust in the Lord...are as Mount Zion
Am7 B7 Em7
They will not...not be moved
(2x)
VERSE 3:
Em7 B7
Christ the King, He sets my feet...on a firm foundation
Am7 B7 Em7
That will not...not be moved
(2x)
CHORUS:
C B7
Though the world moves like mad
Em7
You, Oh Lord, are faithful (You alone are faithful)
D2/F# G C B7
Jesus, you, you will not...not be changed
I want to be a strong mountain, to not be moved. Not that I don't feel, or acknowledge pain, but that when pain comes, when silence falls, I will run to God and trust in Him.
Mondays are tough. It's my day off, I'm home and I cry often, like just a few minutes ago (therefore the post). Fridays are also hard. They say in grief recovery - Time and Space. I'm not afraid of the time, the silence or the memories. I don't try to forget the pain, or work, work, work and stay busy. It's okay to cry. On the other hand, I don't sit around in her empty room, waiting to fall appart, I keep moving on, trusting God, praising Jesus when I'm laughing and when I'm grieving, in every season of my soul. Plus, we have three small children, so life goes on.
"Be Patient With Me, I'm A Grieving Person," says the button I got from my grief support group when my father died four years ago. I remind myself of that often, "David, be patient with yourself, you're grieving."
How does this currently affect me? Oversensitive, over-emotional. An artist like me doesn't need more emotions, I need less. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I am who I am, but at times like these I pray for:
1. Restraint
2. Focus
3. Trust, trust, trust
4. Obedience
5. Talk less
6. Speak up when needed
And don't 'leak' in an uncontrolled, unplanned, unaccountable way. Especially when I'm speaking (125, 1x/month) or leading worship in front of 800-900 people every week. That's not the place. There's good in being honest and real, but there's also an accountability to give hope in the middle of my pain, and bottom line, sometimes it's good to just shut up and listen.
Our 3.5 year old has an ear infection, she's better. We're going to check her hearing, we want to make sure everything is normal, sometimes she turns things loud and we wonder....hmmm. Normal stuff, right? But right now, I overfeel everything. Worrying, overcaring, overprotecting, not trusting God. So last night at Resonate I asked my close friends to pray that I would trust God. Then a friend sent me a song he's doing next week. It's been on my mind all day. Please pray this for me and anyone else who is seeking to know why we should trust God:
"Those who trust in the Lord...are a strong mountain
Am7 B7 Em7
They will not...not be moved
(2x)
VERSE 2:
Em7 B7
Those who trust in the Lord...are as Mount Zion
Am7 B7 Em7
They will not...not be moved
(2x)
VERSE 3:
Em7 B7
Christ the King, He sets my feet...on a firm foundation
Am7 B7 Em7
That will not...not be moved
(2x)
CHORUS:
C B7
Though the world moves like mad
Em7
You, Oh Lord, are faithful (You alone are faithful)
D2/F# G C B7
Jesus, you, you will not...not be changed
I want to be a strong mountain, to not be moved. Not that I don't feel, or acknowledge pain, but that when pain comes, when silence falls, I will run to God and trust in Him.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Become a Problem Solver
Today, I'm listening to a CD (on the iPod) by Phil Cooke, Hollywood producer/director, on "Networking and Problem Solving", a talk he did at Biola University.
On Problem Solving:
1. The Problem you solve, Provides the $ for Your Life. You're trading your problem solving skills for a salary.
2. The Problem that infuriates you the most is probably the problem you were born to solve. Ask yourself, "what drives me nuts?" "what do I really hate?" Chances are that's the problem you were born to solve.
We are no bigger than the size of the things that annoy us. If you are bothered by petty-little things, you may be a petty little person. Ouch! Start worrying about bigger problems.
3. The Problem you solve, determines your salary. I pay my housekeeper one thing, I pay my attorney a lot more. I pay them for the size of the problems they solve. Solve problems and people will pay you for it. You solve a $150,000 problem they will pay appropriately.
4. Everyone has a Problem they need solving. Learn to solve people's problems and it will make a huge difference in your life.
5. When you solve Problems don't expect $ Rewards. Networking is about connecting people, it will come back to you.
On Networking:
1. Don't Ask for a Job, Ask for Advice. "I wonder if I can get your opinion on becoming a....can you give me some advice." And then ask, "who else do you recommend to help me with this?" And often it will gravitate towards the job you're looking for.
2. Show Up in the Right Places. Invest in going to the right conferences, seminars, etc. Go to the top things in your industry.
3. Invest in yourself. Stop waiting for your company to pay your way to seminars. Invest in yourself. And do your homework before you go.
4. Create a Log Line for Your Life. A one line trailer for your life, your dream, your vision, have it ready, not canned, but short and sweet. The higher you go in meetings, the less time people have. "Life is a Pitch and then You Die." Book. Be short, sweet and to the point.
Making People Successful:
1. Don't Keep a balance sheet. You may connect people, but they may leave you out in the cold. Let it go. Move on. Otherwise, you will be known as the complaining type.
2. Become a Person Who Makes Things Happen. Don't drop the ball, don't miss the deadline, don't show up late. Solve problems and you will become a magnet for people.
3. Give People Hope. Motivate them. Everyone needs hope. You will be their friend for the rest of their lives. It's all about hope. Learn to motivate people.
4. Be a Good communicator. Learn to write well, how good is your handwriting? Learn to communicate. Nobody wants to network with those who can't talk. Be direct and to the point. Be discerning with those who like to 'visit.'
5. Become an Expert. Find an area where you can be the very best there ever was. Write an article in your trade magazine, "Guitar Magazine," "Florist Magazine," etc. They will put your picture and name at the bottom and people will think you're an expert. Speak at a conference, do a workshop, for free, start small. Develop a reputation of being an expert in a certain area.
6. Build a Network of Relationships. "I'd like to get to know you, can I take you out to lunch."
David's Thoughts: Wow, great stuff. When I first heard the tape I thought, fake, dishonest. Oh, how wretched my flesh is, for how often do I think these thoughts on my own and try to mask them for the name of being in ministry, a pastor, humble, etc. But these are life truth principles. Take what you can, learn from the best and be the best in the Kingdom.
Friday, March 11, 2005
So Proud of Catalyst at Biola
Catalyst, a band from Bethany Church, Long Beach, with Chris Darjany (Kevin, David D and Mike) as the lead singer/sonwriter has been leading worship at Biola's Missions Conference this week. We went tonight and the guys did an awesome job.
They played outdoors for their "Under Heaven" evening session. Great music, great speakers, great event. I am very proud of Chris and his growth as a worship leader and servant in the Kingdom of God. His band has played at CSULB and now at Biola. Very nice job guys.
They played outdoors for their "Under Heaven" evening session. Great music, great speakers, great event. I am very proud of Chris and his growth as a worship leader and servant in the Kingdom of God. His band has played at CSULB and now at Biola. Very nice job guys.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
iSight from Russia, Will it Work?
I'm planning on taking my iSight to Russia when we go in July. Will I be able to do a live video chat with our church? What will I need in order to do this?
Spirituality for All the Wrong Reasons, Eugene Peterson
Eugene lays it on the line here. Lots of strong opinions about relevance, institution, spirituality, and children crying in church.
Spirituality for All the Wrong Reasons.
His thoughts on relevance seem right:
"I think relevance is a crock. I don't think people care a whole lot about what kind of music you have or how you shape the service. They want a place where God is taken seriously, where they're taken seriously, where there is no manipulation of their emotions or their consumer needs."
and:
"I think the besetting sin of pastors, maybe especially evangelical pastors, is impatience. We have a goal. We have a mission. We're going to save the world. We're going to evangelize everybody, and we're going to do all this good stuff and fill our churches. This is wonderful. All the goals are right. But this is slow, slow work, this soul work, this bringing people into a life of obedience and love and joy before God."
Spirituality for All the Wrong Reasons.
His thoughts on relevance seem right:
"I think relevance is a crock. I don't think people care a whole lot about what kind of music you have or how you shape the service. They want a place where God is taken seriously, where they're taken seriously, where there is no manipulation of their emotions or their consumer needs."
and:
"I think the besetting sin of pastors, maybe especially evangelical pastors, is impatience. We have a goal. We have a mission. We're going to save the world. We're going to evangelize everybody, and we're going to do all this good stuff and fill our churches. This is wonderful. All the goals are right. But this is slow, slow work, this soul work, this bringing people into a life of obedience and love and joy before God."
Monday, March 07, 2005
Too Much Reality in Church?
The review in the LA Times regarding "Fat Actress" has a comment I think can happen in church:
"TELEVISION REVIEW: The star of 'Fat Actress' seems to lack control over self-disclosure."
I'm into story in the church as much as the next guy, but there's a line I see being blurred between "God in my story", "my story in God", etc. and lack of control over self-disclosure because after all, "it is my story."
"TELEVISION REVIEW: The star of 'Fat Actress' seems to lack control over self-disclosure."
I'm into story in the church as much as the next guy, but there's a line I see being blurred between "God in my story", "my story in God", etc. and lack of control over self-disclosure because after all, "it is my story."
Friday, March 04, 2005
My Wife Misses Abuelita
After reading this, I cried in gramma's room for about 6 minutes non-stop.
Dear Family and Friends,
I want to share with you my memories of Abuelita:
Today is Abuelita's birthday. I miss her so much.
I miss hearing her call me from her room.
I miss her sneaking up on me while I'm on the couch watching tv to ask me
something important.
I miss hearing her television on as she watched her nightly novelas.
I miss hearing her talk on the phone to her many, many friends and family
members.
I miss her almost silent shuffle as she walked down the hall.
I miss her cooking.
I miss her emptying the dishwasher every morning.
I miss her sitting and eating her toast with coffee after she finished the
dishes every morning.
I miss talking to her about my latest theory on our children's health,
developmental stage, etc.
I miss getting her phone when it rang and running to wherever she was to hand
it to her so I wouldn't have to say hello.
I miss her singing with her radio worship songs.
I miss her listening to her radio shows about natural health solutions.
I miss hearing the sewing machine as she mended and sewed.
I miss taking her to get her hair done.
I miss her going with me on my errands.
I miss her sweet voice.
I miss her laughing hysterically every Sunday night as she watched her
"payaso" show.
I miss her tireless, endless, patient love for everyone.
Who will...
Who will teach me how to be a better mom?
Who will be the ultimate example of selfless sacrifice?
Who will sew on loose buttons, mend tears and make the girls dresses?
Who will teach me by her example how to be a better housekeeper?
Who will just be there when David is gone at night?
Who will teach the rest of the great grandchildren "gimme five" when they're
nine months old like she did with all three of our children?
Who will care for our children like she did?
Who will be the extra comfy lap to sit on?
Who will give me a Godly perspective on all the happens in life?
Who will give me wise advice on any topic?
Who will know me day in and day out like you did?
Why did you have to leave so soon? I miss you so much.
Love,
Rachelle
Dear Family and Friends,
I want to share with you my memories of Abuelita:
Today is Abuelita's birthday. I miss her so much.
I miss hearing her call me from her room.
I miss her sneaking up on me while I'm on the couch watching tv to ask me
something important.
I miss hearing her television on as she watched her nightly novelas.
I miss hearing her talk on the phone to her many, many friends and family
members.
I miss her almost silent shuffle as she walked down the hall.
I miss her cooking.
I miss her emptying the dishwasher every morning.
I miss her sitting and eating her toast with coffee after she finished the
dishes every morning.
I miss talking to her about my latest theory on our children's health,
developmental stage, etc.
I miss getting her phone when it rang and running to wherever she was to hand
it to her so I wouldn't have to say hello.
I miss her singing with her radio worship songs.
I miss her listening to her radio shows about natural health solutions.
I miss hearing the sewing machine as she mended and sewed.
I miss taking her to get her hair done.
I miss her going with me on my errands.
I miss her sweet voice.
I miss her laughing hysterically every Sunday night as she watched her
"payaso" show.
I miss her tireless, endless, patient love for everyone.
Who will...
Who will teach me how to be a better mom?
Who will be the ultimate example of selfless sacrifice?
Who will sew on loose buttons, mend tears and make the girls dresses?
Who will teach me by her example how to be a better housekeeper?
Who will just be there when David is gone at night?
Who will teach the rest of the great grandchildren "gimme five" when they're
nine months old like she did with all three of our children?
Who will care for our children like she did?
Who will be the extra comfy lap to sit on?
Who will give me a Godly perspective on all the happens in life?
Who will give me wise advice on any topic?
Who will know me day in and day out like you did?
Why did you have to leave so soon? I miss you so much.
Love,
Rachelle
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Tomorrow Would Have Been 79
My grandmother would have turned 79 tomorrow, March 4th. She didn't make it. She almost did. She died Jan. 3rd, 2005. This has been a tough week.
Thank you for remembering as we grieve.
Thank you for remembering as we grieve.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
I Need New Glasses
Ever get that squinting, itchy eyes, watery, blurry sense? It means, your going blind, slowly. Well, it also means (like it does for me), that it's time to renew my eye glasses prescription.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
What's the Future of the Arts in the Church?
From an email I sent to a friend asking some great worship questions:
What is the biggest challenge between a pastor and worship leader?
Currently, bringing Arts Transformation to the forefront of the Arts at Bethany. To go beyond Excellence and Relevance to Community/Creativity/Character and Commission.
What have you seen to be the biggest change in the role of the "worship" pastor in the last ten years?
I am a pastor to the whole church, not just to the Arts, and not just to one style of worship, but to all styles, contemporary, postmodern, traditional, etc. The role of the WL is changing from being the 'chief dreamer' to creating and 'atmosphere' or ethos for others to dream, the 'provoker of dreams'. Also, WL's are becoming pastors to the whole person, preaching, counseling, leading missions trips, training leaders, and doing ministry together. We also should pursue a full musical and theological education by getting a Masters in Music or a Masters in Theology. WL's also should pursue the writing of theologically accurate new songs of diverse musical genres.
What are some of the things that make this relationship unique?
WL's are artists, independent, creative. Our pastor is not an artist, is afraid of change (by his own admission), and is more conservative. But he is willing to learn, to worship, willing to learn more about Artist Transformation, etc. I also have to be able to communicate our vision clearly, with consideration to the overall vision of the church, and in a way that will 'work for him'.
How does this relationship impact the rest of the team?
I have to protect our senior pastor, love him, serve him, honor him in front of other Artists. They cannot see our inner conflicts or things we're working out. I can be honest about my desire to create and his conservative nature, but otherwise, I am of one heart and mind with our pastor.
What’s your opinion on the pastor being the lead worshipper?
The spirit of the pastor should be of a lead worshipper. A pastor who worships His creator with his community is very important. As far as him writing songs, or painting that's according to individual talents and gifts. I do think that today, leaders lead my example. So if you want a 'worshipping' church, start by worshipping yourself.
The story of David and Saul. What are your thoughts? (Envy, Jealousy, Etc.) How does envy and jealousy impact the relationship between worship leader and pastor?
If the WL wants to preach, and the preacher wants to WL there is a problem. If so, and if the WL is gifted to preach, lead, then he may need to plant a church. If not, his or her influence should be focused on leading and serving his or her Artists.
How can a pastor support the ministry of his worship leader?
For us, it's about relationship and communication. We pray together every Sundays, he 'talked up' our last "Heart of the Artist" getaway. I am also working on laying out a 3 year plan for the Arts in areas of missions, equipping, home Bible studies, and Artist Transformation. The WL should communicate his vision often (every 6 months) and clearly to the lead pastor. They can't read our minds.
What is your opinion on pastor led churches vs. team led churches?
The future is of pastors as cultural architects (Erwin McManus' term), pastors who create a 'vision environment'. We are moving away from Easter-in-a-box, Christmas-push-and-play environments, and towards original expressions of the Spirit, perhaps borrowing from other churches and re-designing. The WL has to be an encourager of dreams, but must also keep the vision of the Church at the front of the Artist. Lastly, I believe Artist Transformation is an area of much need. In 2005 we are developing Artist Communities, or small groups, Artist Retreats, Missions trips and dinners to encourage relationship, spiritual growth and accountability amongst our Artists. Please pray for us in this.
What can we do to celebrate the song of others?
Write better songs, write songs of different styles (Gospel, R&B), write theologically accurate songs, write songs of Missions, more WE songs, and record, record, record.
We also need to develop a new vision for the Technical Arts area, to move towards Spirit led tech artists, who can develop a team technically but can also help them grow in character, community and creativity. Churches would be wise to move towards having a Pastor of Tech Arts. This could be as a lay-leader or as a pastor in training.
One last thing, we also need to make room in the Church for Artists who are called to Hollywood, to the bar, to Disney and to prepare them both in the Music Business as well as in their faith.
What is the biggest challenge between a pastor and worship leader?
Currently, bringing Arts Transformation to the forefront of the Arts at Bethany. To go beyond Excellence and Relevance to Community/Creativity/Character and Commission.
What have you seen to be the biggest change in the role of the "worship" pastor in the last ten years?
I am a pastor to the whole church, not just to the Arts, and not just to one style of worship, but to all styles, contemporary, postmodern, traditional, etc. The role of the WL is changing from being the 'chief dreamer' to creating and 'atmosphere' or ethos for others to dream, the 'provoker of dreams'. Also, WL's are becoming pastors to the whole person, preaching, counseling, leading missions trips, training leaders, and doing ministry together. We also should pursue a full musical and theological education by getting a Masters in Music or a Masters in Theology. WL's also should pursue the writing of theologically accurate new songs of diverse musical genres.
What are some of the things that make this relationship unique?
WL's are artists, independent, creative. Our pastor is not an artist, is afraid of change (by his own admission), and is more conservative. But he is willing to learn, to worship, willing to learn more about Artist Transformation, etc. I also have to be able to communicate our vision clearly, with consideration to the overall vision of the church, and in a way that will 'work for him'.
How does this relationship impact the rest of the team?
I have to protect our senior pastor, love him, serve him, honor him in front of other Artists. They cannot see our inner conflicts or things we're working out. I can be honest about my desire to create and his conservative nature, but otherwise, I am of one heart and mind with our pastor.
What’s your opinion on the pastor being the lead worshipper?
The spirit of the pastor should be of a lead worshipper. A pastor who worships His creator with his community is very important. As far as him writing songs, or painting that's according to individual talents and gifts. I do think that today, leaders lead my example. So if you want a 'worshipping' church, start by worshipping yourself.
The story of David and Saul. What are your thoughts? (Envy, Jealousy, Etc.) How does envy and jealousy impact the relationship between worship leader and pastor?
If the WL wants to preach, and the preacher wants to WL there is a problem. If so, and if the WL is gifted to preach, lead, then he may need to plant a church. If not, his or her influence should be focused on leading and serving his or her Artists.
How can a pastor support the ministry of his worship leader?
For us, it's about relationship and communication. We pray together every Sundays, he 'talked up' our last "Heart of the Artist" getaway. I am also working on laying out a 3 year plan for the Arts in areas of missions, equipping, home Bible studies, and Artist Transformation. The WL should communicate his vision often (every 6 months) and clearly to the lead pastor. They can't read our minds.
What is your opinion on pastor led churches vs. team led churches?
The future is of pastors as cultural architects (Erwin McManus' term), pastors who create a 'vision environment'. We are moving away from Easter-in-a-box, Christmas-push-and-play environments, and towards original expressions of the Spirit, perhaps borrowing from other churches and re-designing. The WL has to be an encourager of dreams, but must also keep the vision of the Church at the front of the Artist. Lastly, I believe Artist Transformation is an area of much need. In 2005 we are developing Artist Communities, or small groups, Artist Retreats, Missions trips and dinners to encourage relationship, spiritual growth and accountability amongst our Artists. Please pray for us in this.
What can we do to celebrate the song of others?
Write better songs, write songs of different styles (Gospel, R&B), write theologically accurate songs, write songs of Missions, more WE songs, and record, record, record.
We also need to develop a new vision for the Technical Arts area, to move towards Spirit led tech artists, who can develop a team technically but can also help them grow in character, community and creativity. Churches would be wise to move towards having a Pastor of Tech Arts. This could be as a lay-leader or as a pastor in training.
One last thing, we also need to make room in the Church for Artists who are called to Hollywood, to the bar, to Disney and to prepare them both in the Music Business as well as in their faith.
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