Welcome back. You belong here.
I miss my mom. I was looking at pictures of her today and it made me miss her. I live so far from her (she lives in Nicaragua), it's been almost two years since I last saw her. It's been too long.
A year ago we thought she'd come live with us, but it didn't happen. We then moved to Colorado and life changed. We've now been here a year, and perhaps she can come be with us in 2010. Perhaps everything has a perfect time and place and purpose I can't see. All I know, is that I'd like to see her sooner than later.
Have a great day,
Into the future,
davidT
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Easter at Foothills 09
Welcome back. You belong here.
Easter at Foothills 09.
Have a great day,
Into the future,
davidT
Easter at Foothills 09.
Have a great day,
Into the future,
davidT
Friday, March 06, 2009
RTD and Arvada
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Famous Sister
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ted and Gayle Quotes
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Friday, January 16, 2009
MLK and Tuesday
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Monday, January 12, 2009
Why I No Longer Hang Out At Coffee Shops
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Sunday, December 21, 2008
2008 Reflections
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Friday, December 19, 2008
How to Start
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Serving Others
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Friday, December 05, 2008
Cold
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Themes and People That Inspire Me
Welcome back. You belong here.
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
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
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
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
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
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