Welcome back. You belong here.
I don't eat ice cream, but ice cream is a fun thing to eat especially if you're a child.
Today, I came home from work and took the children to get some ice cream. They looked through the cones and sandwiches, the pop ups and Snickers bars. They had a great time opening and closing the big glass sliding doors, all part of the fun.
That moment in the store, watching them sort through the many choices, made me smile and feel happy inside. It reminds me of moments of joy we all need to experience. Those moments that sometimes escape us but we are all hungry for.
It could be holding your husband's hand while watching a movie, it's writing an email to your sister, it's getting a phone call from a good friend. There are so many moments that are just pure joy but unfortunately we don't get enough of.
We miss those opportunities far too often because we are too busy with every day life. We reach for the beer and the remote, or we get stuck in the grind of the daily night time routine.
To take time to get ice cream is a gift life gives us, and doing so replenishes our soul. It makes us value life, appreciate those we love, and to be thankful for the little joys of life.
After our trip to the store, I was going to take the children home. Instead we drove up to our favorite hill (Signal Hill) and drove down the hill as fast as we could until our stomachs hurt!
Sometimes, when we finally take the time to do that special something, it is okay to take a little longer and fully enjoy the moment. You may just have a good time and feel a tickle inside.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Friday, July 20, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Rain Down All Around the World
Welcome back. You belong here.
Thought of the Day - Rain Like a Slip and Slide
Rain is such a beautiful word, we have all experienced it, felt it. In Spanish, a strong rain is called an "aguacero." I remember those hard rains when I was a little boy in Nicaragua. They made me feel a combination of fear (the loud thunder and thick drops) and of laughter (the cool mist, the loud noise on the tin roofs of our house, kids playing in the rain, riding down the dirt rock-filled alleys, like a poor man's boogey board surfing contest. Great memories.
In the Book of Exodus, God told Moses "4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions."
Rain down bread.
Funny image, but strong nonetheless. It speaks of "selfless provision." Bread means food, rain means provision, given for us selflessly, after all, no one can control when it rains.
We all have received "selfless provision" haven't we? A phone call from a friend on our birthday, a hug from a father figure during trying times, a song that warms our hearts, a sunny day, children playing on a slip and slide, a dark blue mountain at night.
Rain is all around us. But sometimes drought comes too. Do you need to ask God for rain today? Maybe the drought is near, or it's here right now. Rain is all around you, rain is near. Perhaps you're playing in the rain today, seeing rainbows as water hits the sun. Today, you are experiencing summer. Be thankful, let your smile tell the world you are having a great day.
Seek the rain from Heaven that only God can provide. He is bread, He is rain, He is laughter, He is peace. God, let it rain on us today, all around the world we're singing "rain down."
Have a great day. Into the future,
davidT
Thought of the Day - Rain Like a Slip and Slide
Rain is such a beautiful word, we have all experienced it, felt it. In Spanish, a strong rain is called an "aguacero." I remember those hard rains when I was a little boy in Nicaragua. They made me feel a combination of fear (the loud thunder and thick drops) and of laughter (the cool mist, the loud noise on the tin roofs of our house, kids playing in the rain, riding down the dirt rock-filled alleys, like a poor man's boogey board surfing contest. Great memories.
In the Book of Exodus, God told Moses "4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions."
Rain down bread.
Funny image, but strong nonetheless. It speaks of "selfless provision." Bread means food, rain means provision, given for us selflessly, after all, no one can control when it rains.
We all have received "selfless provision" haven't we? A phone call from a friend on our birthday, a hug from a father figure during trying times, a song that warms our hearts, a sunny day, children playing on a slip and slide, a dark blue mountain at night.
Rain is all around us. But sometimes drought comes too. Do you need to ask God for rain today? Maybe the drought is near, or it's here right now. Rain is all around you, rain is near. Perhaps you're playing in the rain today, seeing rainbows as water hits the sun. Today, you are experiencing summer. Be thankful, let your smile tell the world you are having a great day.
Seek the rain from Heaven that only God can provide. He is bread, He is rain, He is laughter, He is peace. God, let it rain on us today, all around the world we're singing "rain down."
Have a great day. Into the future,
davidT
Saturday, June 30, 2007
June and Everything After
Welcome back. You belong here.
1. I did not get an iPhone last night and won't be getting one until they come down in price. Marketing is amazing, what a buzz. My budget: $200.00. For $600.00 I'd rather get clothes.
2. We're off to Palm Springs today for a few days for a family vacation. Very excited to get away.
3. "He restoreth my soul..." I'm looking forward to a time of restoration and refocus this summer. Much needed.
4. Reading Brennan Mannings' "Ragamuffin Gospel, Visual Edition" amazing book. I need the grace it brings.
5. Listening to..."Counting Crows-iTunes Essential"(compilation). Great songwriting. Good education for aspiring songwriters.
6. Rachelle and I are spending more time together, focusing on us after a season of focusing on others.
7. Exercise. Hit a lull about 2 weeks ago. I've only worked out 4-5x in those two weeks versus my usual 10-12x. Just trying to get through. I'm focusing on a better week coming up. If I can still do my abs every day (or so), I feel great. I lifted twice this past week and ran once. Sucks, but I'm getting through it. Better times ahead. My eating has been at 80%, needs to be at 90%. Had some "cookies" a few nights ago, pizza once three weeks ago, some snacks. Still eating lots of chicken, tuna, veggies, ham, hard boiled eggs, string cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, protein twice a day every day. Looking good, but need to take it up a notch.
Gotta go pack, have my morning coffee and get on the road (7:30am). First, we're picking up our 8 year old at children's camp (her 1st ever) and then off to Palm Springs.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
1. I did not get an iPhone last night and won't be getting one until they come down in price. Marketing is amazing, what a buzz. My budget: $200.00. For $600.00 I'd rather get clothes.
2. We're off to Palm Springs today for a few days for a family vacation. Very excited to get away.
3. "He restoreth my soul..." I'm looking forward to a time of restoration and refocus this summer. Much needed.
4. Reading Brennan Mannings' "Ragamuffin Gospel, Visual Edition" amazing book. I need the grace it brings.
5. Listening to..."Counting Crows-iTunes Essential"(compilation). Great songwriting. Good education for aspiring songwriters.
6. Rachelle and I are spending more time together, focusing on us after a season of focusing on others.
7. Exercise. Hit a lull about 2 weeks ago. I've only worked out 4-5x in those two weeks versus my usual 10-12x. Just trying to get through. I'm focusing on a better week coming up. If I can still do my abs every day (or so), I feel great. I lifted twice this past week and ran once. Sucks, but I'm getting through it. Better times ahead. My eating has been at 80%, needs to be at 90%. Had some "cookies" a few nights ago, pizza once three weeks ago, some snacks. Still eating lots of chicken, tuna, veggies, ham, hard boiled eggs, string cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, protein twice a day every day. Looking good, but need to take it up a notch.
Gotta go pack, have my morning coffee and get on the road (7:30am). First, we're picking up our 8 year old at children's camp (her 1st ever) and then off to Palm Springs.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
I'm Praying for You
Welcome back. You belong here.
Recently, a friend whom I hadn't seen or heard from in over 4 years called me, left me a voice mail to tell me God had told her to pray for me. She said she didn't know why she was to pray, but that she had to call me to tell me she was praying for me.
Wow.
That's never happened to me before.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Recently, a friend whom I hadn't seen or heard from in over 4 years called me, left me a voice mail to tell me God had told her to pray for me. She said she didn't know why she was to pray, but that she had to call me to tell me she was praying for me.
Wow.
That's never happened to me before.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Monday, June 04, 2007
On My Country Nicaragua
Welcome back. You belong here.
I was born in Nicaragua. I was just reading a site called "Nicaragua blogosphere" describing different Nicaraguans and their blogs. Most of these blogs deal with the arts, music, poetry, native artifacts and the like.
That's me too.
I guess each time I read stuff on Nicaragua there are two main things that pop up: arts and politics. And for good reason, we are known as a land of singers and poets and as a land torn by war and natural disasters.
I too am an artisan, I think in terms of music, color, shapes and images. I live in Long Beach, CA in the USA and have made my life here, I am an American and a Latino and many things in between.
I am proud of my heritage and artistic background because it's what God gave me as a gift and connects me to my country. I grew up with music all around me, guitars, marimbas, singing all day long, hearing stories and myths, talking religion, of Catholic saints and evangelical faith. I grew up seeing poverty, war, and yet also seeing a lot of normal life - education, cars, TV's, phones, shopping malls, grocery stores, eating pizza on the weekends, girlfriends and friends.
My father taught me people, music, God, church. My mom taught me sacrifice, joy, faith and strength. My grandmother taught me selflessness, sacrifice, pain and the love of family.
I thank God for Nicaragua my country of origin. It gave me music, the senses and much of what I am today. It taught me faith in Jesus, a love for people and for family. And I thank God for my country USA, for it has given me opportunity and freedom. It has allowed me to see and do things that most people may never get to do. It gave me my amazing wife, our beautiful children, my church and helped me find a way to use my gifts for the glory of God.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
I was born in Nicaragua. I was just reading a site called "Nicaragua blogosphere" describing different Nicaraguans and their blogs. Most of these blogs deal with the arts, music, poetry, native artifacts and the like.
That's me too.
I guess each time I read stuff on Nicaragua there are two main things that pop up: arts and politics. And for good reason, we are known as a land of singers and poets and as a land torn by war and natural disasters.
I too am an artisan, I think in terms of music, color, shapes and images. I live in Long Beach, CA in the USA and have made my life here, I am an American and a Latino and many things in between.
I am proud of my heritage and artistic background because it's what God gave me as a gift and connects me to my country. I grew up with music all around me, guitars, marimbas, singing all day long, hearing stories and myths, talking religion, of Catholic saints and evangelical faith. I grew up seeing poverty, war, and yet also seeing a lot of normal life - education, cars, TV's, phones, shopping malls, grocery stores, eating pizza on the weekends, girlfriends and friends.
My father taught me people, music, God, church. My mom taught me sacrifice, joy, faith and strength. My grandmother taught me selflessness, sacrifice, pain and the love of family.
I thank God for Nicaragua my country of origin. It gave me music, the senses and much of what I am today. It taught me faith in Jesus, a love for people and for family. And I thank God for my country USA, for it has given me opportunity and freedom. It has allowed me to see and do things that most people may never get to do. It gave me my amazing wife, our beautiful children, my church and helped me find a way to use my gifts for the glory of God.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Listening To, Gas Lamp
Welcome back. You belong here.
Note: This list of CD's are my personal preferences only.
Listening to:
1. "All of the Above" Hillsong United. This is the youth worship band from Hillsongs Church in Australia (as in "Shout to the Lord" but new). Songs like "From the Inside Out", "The Stand" and "Hosanna" are worth listening to.
2. "The Shins" All their stuff, those guys are just creative.
3. "Matt Pond" (still listening to him...) Acoustic, indie, violins, cellos, good vocals, good songwriting. I especially like "Several Arrows Later" and "Halloween".
I also recently visited a friend's new church plant here in Long Beach. They meet at the "Gas Lamp" on PCH. Their church is called Origins. It was good to be there.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Note: This list of CD's are my personal preferences only.
Listening to:
1. "All of the Above" Hillsong United. This is the youth worship band from Hillsongs Church in Australia (as in "Shout to the Lord" but new). Songs like "From the Inside Out", "The Stand" and "Hosanna" are worth listening to.
2. "The Shins" All their stuff, those guys are just creative.
3. "Matt Pond" (still listening to him...) Acoustic, indie, violins, cellos, good vocals, good songwriting. I especially like "Several Arrows Later" and "Halloween".
I also recently visited a friend's new church plant here in Long Beach. They meet at the "Gas Lamp" on PCH. Their church is called Origins. It was good to be there.
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Gift Of Words
Welcome back. You belong here.
Recently, I've heard that I have the gift of words. Hmmm, I'd never thought of that. I write and speak with my heart, in a way that people will feel something true of worth, of value and beautiful.
Here's a note from my uncle's wife. My uncle Tim is dealing with liver cancer. Please pray for him.
"Hi David,
thank you for your kind words and support.
I wanted to send you a message reply to your last email, but I am sorry, I was just overwhelmed with everything ( work, hospitals, etc...)
Your emails are written so well, and your wording is soft and comforting, I want to take the time to express my gratitude to you and Rachelle and especially to let you know, that you are blessed with an extraordinary gift with the ability to phrase your emails/letters so eloquently."
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Recently, I've heard that I have the gift of words. Hmmm, I'd never thought of that. I write and speak with my heart, in a way that people will feel something true of worth, of value and beautiful.
Here's a note from my uncle's wife. My uncle Tim is dealing with liver cancer. Please pray for him.
"Hi David,
thank you for your kind words and support.
I wanted to send you a message reply to your last email, but I am sorry, I was just overwhelmed with everything ( work, hospitals, etc...)
Your emails are written so well, and your wording is soft and comforting, I want to take the time to express my gratitude to you and Rachelle and especially to let you know, that you are blessed with an extraordinary gift with the ability to phrase your emails/letters so eloquently."
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Consuming v. Investing
Welcome back.
I was reading how .05% of You Tube watchers actually upload videos, the rest just come and watch.
Consuming.
The problem with that is at two levels - economically and creatively.
First, only a select group is making money off of You Tube. With all the young techies out there, how can this be? And by uploading a video, you're hardly making any money, but at least you're creating not just consuming.
Second, is the issue of who's actually creating? Not many. At least not many are uploading their videos. I want to watch, consume, listen, take in LESS and produce, create, give, speak MORE.
How does that happen? It means you have to lock yourself in a room, open your favorite book, novel, journal, pick up a guitar or piano or brush or video camera and create, create, make, make, make.
To create means to risk, to imagine, to have vision, to feel and live, to have passion, to not be afraid, to leave the bubble and comfort and then regain comfort and bubble and lose it all over again. It means to fail, to be true to yourself, to know thyself. To create means to think, to feel your heart beating, to stop, pause, reflect, let life hit you and respond to it.
We have too many consumers (paying $) and not enough entrepreneurs (getting the $). And beyond money, we are becoming a generation of spectators not creators.
I guess I'm a consumer most of the time, yet my passion and call is to create. I create sometimes, but most times I consume. I have to create more and I don't mean create problems either! : )
Let's create, let's act, let's lead, not just watch others do it on You Tube.
Into the future,
davidT
I was reading how .05% of You Tube watchers actually upload videos, the rest just come and watch.
Consuming.
The problem with that is at two levels - economically and creatively.
First, only a select group is making money off of You Tube. With all the young techies out there, how can this be? And by uploading a video, you're hardly making any money, but at least you're creating not just consuming.
Second, is the issue of who's actually creating? Not many. At least not many are uploading their videos. I want to watch, consume, listen, take in LESS and produce, create, give, speak MORE.
How does that happen? It means you have to lock yourself in a room, open your favorite book, novel, journal, pick up a guitar or piano or brush or video camera and create, create, make, make, make.
To create means to risk, to imagine, to have vision, to feel and live, to have passion, to not be afraid, to leave the bubble and comfort and then regain comfort and bubble and lose it all over again. It means to fail, to be true to yourself, to know thyself. To create means to think, to feel your heart beating, to stop, pause, reflect, let life hit you and respond to it.
We have too many consumers (paying $) and not enough entrepreneurs (getting the $). And beyond money, we are becoming a generation of spectators not creators.
I guess I'm a consumer most of the time, yet my passion and call is to create. I create sometimes, but most times I consume. I have to create more and I don't mean create problems either! : )
Let's create, let's act, let's lead, not just watch others do it on You Tube.
Into the future,
davidT
Coachella Speaks to Current Generation
Welcome back. You belong here.
So I'm not there, but I'm checking out AT&T Webcasts Coachella Arts and Music Festival. Amazing music.
Reading the article in the LA Times, this festival is speaking the language of the current generation. How? In it's community, the voice they have (young people complained about ad banners last year), and the indie rock. There's a certain 'in the know' thing that goes with Coachella. I don't blame them, it's an amazing experience from what I hear.
Right now, I'm listening to Arctic Monkey (new punk) and Matt Costa (indie rock), nice.
Many of our musicians are huge fans of Coachella, it's al they talk about, some have been in the past or are there now. I wish Coachella would have a social cause they could get these young people excited about.
Have a great day,
Into the future,
davidT
So I'm not there, but I'm checking out AT&T Webcasts Coachella Arts and Music Festival. Amazing music.
Reading the article in the LA Times, this festival is speaking the language of the current generation. How? In it's community, the voice they have (young people complained about ad banners last year), and the indie rock. There's a certain 'in the know' thing that goes with Coachella. I don't blame them, it's an amazing experience from what I hear.
Right now, I'm listening to Arctic Monkey (new punk) and Matt Costa (indie rock), nice.
Many of our musicians are huge fans of Coachella, it's al they talk about, some have been in the past or are there now. I wish Coachella would have a social cause they could get these young people excited about.
Have a great day,
Into the future,
davidT
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Gethsemane, 2007
Welcome back. You belong here.
A 10mn. segment of Gethsemane, the Good Friday production I directed this year, Friday, April 6th, 2007. Amazing cast, musicians, set design, great impact.
Jay Wallace, lead (Jesus).
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
A 10mn. segment of Gethsemane, the Good Friday production I directed this year, Friday, April 6th, 2007. Amazing cast, musicians, set design, great impact.
Jay Wallace, lead (Jesus).
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Talking It Out
Welcome back. You belong here.
So Easter is over, time to reflect and today I had a conversation with Jesus, more of a fight really, a quarrel, whatever you want to call it. Like Jacob wrestling with God (I guess, wrestling is more church-safe than argument), either way, that's what I had.
I was singing Switchfoot's song "In This Life", which is a song to his wife (i think). I usually also sing it to my wife (and have), but today it was a talk with Jesus.
The topic was, "who are you?", "what is your message to the world?", "what is your church supposed to be about?" and "where have we gone wrong, because something is not right."
Something is changing in me. Something big and it deals with the church, the man I want to become for my wife and children, God's Kingdom, Christians and sinners.
I have been to seminary, I know the answer to those questions from the Bible and studies, but none of those sufficed today. I needed to ask Jesus directly.
"What is your kingdom about God? Is it about the Christians and keeping them worshiping, raising hands and growing? Is it about those not in your Kingdom yet? The poor, the hungry, the needy, the lost? Well, if it is about the "seek and save the lost" part, than why do your Christians complaint so much and argue with this?"
It seems most Christians I know want bubble gum-Chris Tomlin church with fluffy sermons or Biblical sermons (take your pick) that suit their needs.
The other day, an established Christian and I were talking about Easter versus Spring break. He said that those "seculars" call it Spring break, but that we know better, it's "Easter Break." Who the heck cares? Only Christians would care about such a thing.
The truth is that I used to be the same way, but I've changed. I also thought there was a divide between secular and sacred, Easter v. Spring. Most of that was well intended, I meant no harm, but really it spoke of pride of walls between myself and those without God in their lives.
So back to my argument with Jesus, errr, wrestling with God. I was asking Jesus to tell me what his church is about, how should I proceed from here. What did he tell me?
1. Read McLaren's book again "A New Kind of Christian"
2. Read the Gospels (Jesus first told me this while listening to Jay Bakker's conversion experience, see video above).
3. Read Paul's epistles (Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, etc).
So that's what I'm doing. Why? To get the heart of God once again. I know His Kingdom is about Acts 2:42 (community), Isaiah 6 (holiness), Matthew 5 (city on a hill), Great Commission (Matt. 28), Great Commandment (love one another, your neighbor as yourself).
But what does that look like for me? Maybe after this argument with God I will be left aching (as Jacob), hurting, sore, tired. But also as Jacob, I will hopefully be left with more of God.
Themes I am seeking to re-discover in my life:
1. Grace
2. Forgiveness
3. Basic message of Jesus
4. God's unconditional love
5. Stop judging people
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
So Easter is over, time to reflect and today I had a conversation with Jesus, more of a fight really, a quarrel, whatever you want to call it. Like Jacob wrestling with God (I guess, wrestling is more church-safe than argument), either way, that's what I had.
I was singing Switchfoot's song "In This Life", which is a song to his wife (i think). I usually also sing it to my wife (and have), but today it was a talk with Jesus.
The topic was, "who are you?", "what is your message to the world?", "what is your church supposed to be about?" and "where have we gone wrong, because something is not right."
Something is changing in me. Something big and it deals with the church, the man I want to become for my wife and children, God's Kingdom, Christians and sinners.
I have been to seminary, I know the answer to those questions from the Bible and studies, but none of those sufficed today. I needed to ask Jesus directly.
"What is your kingdom about God? Is it about the Christians and keeping them worshiping, raising hands and growing? Is it about those not in your Kingdom yet? The poor, the hungry, the needy, the lost? Well, if it is about the "seek and save the lost" part, than why do your Christians complaint so much and argue with this?"
It seems most Christians I know want bubble gum-Chris Tomlin church with fluffy sermons or Biblical sermons (take your pick) that suit their needs.
The other day, an established Christian and I were talking about Easter versus Spring break. He said that those "seculars" call it Spring break, but that we know better, it's "Easter Break." Who the heck cares? Only Christians would care about such a thing.
The truth is that I used to be the same way, but I've changed. I also thought there was a divide between secular and sacred, Easter v. Spring. Most of that was well intended, I meant no harm, but really it spoke of pride of walls between myself and those without God in their lives.
So back to my argument with Jesus, errr, wrestling with God. I was asking Jesus to tell me what his church is about, how should I proceed from here. What did he tell me?
1. Read McLaren's book again "A New Kind of Christian"
2. Read the Gospels (Jesus first told me this while listening to Jay Bakker's conversion experience, see video above).
3. Read Paul's epistles (Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, etc).
So that's what I'm doing. Why? To get the heart of God once again. I know His Kingdom is about Acts 2:42 (community), Isaiah 6 (holiness), Matthew 5 (city on a hill), Great Commission (Matt. 28), Great Commandment (love one another, your neighbor as yourself).
But what does that look like for me? Maybe after this argument with God I will be left aching (as Jacob), hurting, sore, tired. But also as Jacob, I will hopefully be left with more of God.
Themes I am seeking to re-discover in my life:
1. Grace
2. Forgiveness
3. Basic message of Jesus
4. God's unconditional love
5. Stop judging people
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Friday, March 30, 2007
Crowder in the Studio
Welcome back. You belong here.
So David Crowder ("Here is Our King", "Wholly Yours", "No One Like You"), is in the studio recording his next post "A/B Collision" CD. Yes, I like Crowder, do his songs in church, etc. He's posting clips from their studio work. Nice.
This is of his EG player, not sure his name....shall find out, jamming, doing his EG thing. Nice. (EG name: Taylor johnson (aka: the kid)!!!!
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
So David Crowder ("Here is Our King", "Wholly Yours", "No One Like You"), is in the studio recording his next post "A/B Collision" CD. Yes, I like Crowder, do his songs in church, etc. He's posting clips from their studio work. Nice.
This is of his EG player, not sure his name....shall find out, jamming, doing his EG thing. Nice. (EG name: Taylor johnson (aka: the kid)!!!!
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
Saturday, March 24, 2007
ALL Continuum John Mayer
Welcome back. You belong here.
This is not me, nor is it John Mayer, it's John Mayer "for dummies".
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
This is not me, nor is it John Mayer, it's John Mayer "for dummies".
Have a great day.
Into the future,
davidT
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