Our Backyard

So my family is re-facing our backyard to a nicer lounge area! It's a work in a process, and one requiring a bit of labor - however, I think it is coming out quite nice. I'm excited for it! Perhaps a party at our house will help bring in the fresh season and the fresh look to our outdoor area. So far... so good. :)

San Diego Part Two

At Coronado, we found ourselves feeling as sudden burst to be goofy, be creative, and do something we've never done before. Our mission? To become street performers for a day. Our skills? Any instruments to be found in my car's trunk.

We headed to the main square and began to blow a harmonica, smack a mini Remo, and shake a studio-shaker. People gathered, surprisingly! Maybe it looked like we knew what we were doing! Honestly, I would have preferred bringing a guitar, cajon, and harmonica(s), but this had to do. Unfortunately, Micah broke my shaker from hitting it on a fountain too hard - a memory which the loss is completely validated.

After performing, we walked to one of the nicest hotels (on our side of town) I've ever been to. Feeling out of place by not wearing a yuppie polo shirt and tie, we walked the main strip over to Starbucks. Cheating the system, we bought one large drink and requested two smaller cups of ice - this way, we could split the large drink into smaller "grande" portions. Oh yes, we felt very clever.

On the way back to our car, we made up our own language - using only words, names, and from Star Wars: Episode I "The Phantom Menace." Yeah, I know - we're weird. But we loved it! We make ourselves laugh way too often. And for that fact, I am proud.

We then drove to Encinitas (a favorite San Diego get-away for me) for dinner. Javi fell asleep on the drive down there, thanks to slow traffic. All we needed at that point was food, energy, and a dare for Micah to do something crazy.

At dinner, we realized (once again) everyone was dressed fancy - except for us! It was like the Lords of Dogtown walking into a ballroom in Phantom of the Opera (not so extreme, but you get point). None the less, we afforded dinner and enjoyed it immensely.

On our way out, we dared Micah to tell the waitress/host, this sentence: "I love you, and I think you're beautiful." It was simple, elegant, and full of partial truth on Micah's part. He was so terrified to do it! Javi and I gave him the "pep-talk," assuring him all would be okay if he followed our guidelines.

Finally, Micah's moment came to shine. The sorta-Ann-Hathaway-look-alike (with glasses) stood at the entrance of the restaurant. Javi walked ahead. I walked behind, for support, in case she slugged my best friend. Sure enough, Micah smoothly spit it out, looking like a elementary, nervous school boy... and what's even better - the girl was flattered beyond compare. Micah pulled it off and felt confidence brewing in him for the remaining day... and most of all, Javi and I got a good laugh and memory at our friend's nervous expense. Come on, what are friends for?

The drive back seem to take forever. Traffic. Beautiful sunset. Traffic. Cars stopping. Micah shouting his head off. Javi throwing in random high-pitched notes from being too tired. Traffic. All of our faces sunburned and slick. However, it was a memorable two hours back. I'd rather be with my two best dudes - anywhere in the world - even stuck in traffic, then to be without their friendship.

Disneyland was blocked out, so Downtown had to suffice. My camera ran out of memory, so the remaining portions remain in our memories. The highlights? We decided to sneak into the pool area, at the hotel, laying out our tired-selves on the lounge chairs. The cool evening on our face. Ahh, the bliss of relaxation. We devoured a huge brownie and apple cobbler, making ourselves feel more stuffed than a teddy bear.

At the Disneyland hotel, we all sat on one couch together... collecting strange glances from people that walked by. Yeah, but we didn't care. They could think what they want - we were tired. We had an amazing day together. We were entitled to all fit on a couch and close our eyes for a small nap. In fact, we deserved to do so.

Overall... having shared the main highlights with you (like inches on a ruler, leaving out the centimeters), I will conclude with is this:

I love my two best guy-friends. Always have, always will. This day will be a day to remember, in the books. Whatever happens to us, in future times, may we always remember everything we've done. From childhood, to teen years, to where we're at now. We shall keep on going, in life, in friendship, on to new levels we have yet to experience. But for now... all is well. All is well.

San Diego Part One

I didn't want the day to end.

As I watched the morning emerge, driving on the 5 freeway south (for two hours), I knew today was the day for escaping pressures of life for a single 15 hours of pure freedom, with my closest guys. My longest childhood friends.

Of course, at SOME point we had to take a wrong turn, right? I got off the wrong exit, around mid-point, only to discover a mysterious place actually called "Pirate's Cove." Hmm. Strange. Quickly back on route again...

We reached our first destination: Old Town San Diego. It felt like we were on the set of a cheesy Mexican film, passing through old buildings that resemble the Texas frontier of early years. But the food... ohhhh, the amazing food. Old Town Mexican Cafe is perhaps my favorite Mexican restaurant of all time. Sure, we couldn't afford "the good stuff" (plates with mounds of carnitas and pollo, bowls of avocado, baskets of hand-made tortillas), but even the less-expensive burritos and tortas were filling and satisfying like no other restaurant near home.

We then drove to the Gas Lamp District. Compare it to Old Town Pasadena - but grittier, more blocks, and a nice 5-story, outdoor mall. With street longboards under our feet, we cruised the streets as our feet pushed us wherever we wanted to go. Even though Micah fell off a few times, we all made it out alive. Mmm, there is seriously nothing like having a white chocolate mocha in my hand, a longboard to get me around, and no feelings of time running out or places I have to be. Even getting lost was fun! We lost our sense of direction and had to circle a few blocks before reaching our parking street again.

An eight story parking lot is a longboarder's dream. Smooth ground. Empty spaces in secluded areas. Downhill slopes, smoothing out into flat land, repeating its self over and over again. I was in heaven.

Now, a good downhill slope can only be tackled by "carving" a longboard. Much like surfing waves on cement, it's no easy task. Daring myself, I rode down a two-way hill, leading into the busy streets of the District. The other guys chickened out half-way, from the board speeding too naturally fast. I found the courage to reach the bottom - without getting run over by a car or shooting out in the street at the end of the hill. Yes, I can proudly boast of that and feel good about it. As Micah would say, '"Skiiiillllz."

After skating around the streets, we found ourselves in need of a remedy: more skating. Sweating like professionals, we drove to Sea Port Village - a beautiful strip of land upon a harbor. Rolling past the walking crowds, we rode to the harbor's edge. Ships on our left, rolling ocean on our right. This was truly turning out to be a beautiful day.

Riding back, we hopped in my lovely red car and drove to Coronado Island - a highlight of our day. The only way to get to Coronado is over a massive bridge. Just one way there... one way back.

To be continued...

Never Lose Heart

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." - Romans 5:1,2

By His grace we stand (and rejoice) in hope of God's glory. Knowing this goodness of God, we can stand faithfully in our belief (even when life is looking grim).

It is God who directs our lives, and if we cannot see many results in life, do not become discouraged. God grants us contentment, even without results.

We stand in hope of His glory. Faithfulness in Him.



Focusing on life's results can be a burden! So as I push past any results that aren't what I anticipate... I can do it for God's pleasure and for my Heavenly Father to smile. When I'm standing and rejoicing in the glory of God, my treasure is in heaven.


When we lose sight of our here-after, we lose heart.

When my faithfullness grows weak, and when things in life are uncertain, I know one things is for sure: that Jesus Christ loves me with amazing love. Even with all my "why's" and questions and "woes"... I know that my Lord loves me and holds what's BEST for me. That knowledge gives joy!

My life and periodic faithlessness really points me back to God's faithFULness.









As merely a man, what can I offer in life? Truly? Most of the time, we're confused, we're apologizing, and we're hopeless without our Lord's direction! What am I to offer?

Just remember, God loves the servant more than the service.

As God's own child, He wants me to grow properly - the way a child of God should grow. He loves me because He is in love with me.

How can I be faithful?

Because HE is faithful.


Yesterday, in the midst of my struggling day, I took evening time to run around my neighborhood's streets. Endless thoughts were in my head, wearing me down from all that entangles me. As I stopped jogging for a brief moment, I felt a cool, soft breeze hustle every tree around me - and all was quite in my head, except for these words, which ring true:

"Be sill, and know that I am God."

Look to the heavenly skies, and be still. Know that He is God.

Schooling...really something good?

School can be a brightening thing, if looked upon with abnormal eyes. The tendency, I truly feel, is for us (who attend school) to view our education with limited eye-sight.

It’s all about what we “get in return,” what “happens to us” – in the sense of an outcome.

Instead, I think we ought to try viewing school through the eyes of “what can I give?”



Everything changes now. Classes that are difficult suddenly become a challenge to the complacency of human nature’s laziness. Fear of poor grades suddenly rises to a pedestal that promotes “The Power is in the Hat” (as the common phrase goes). Tired and sleepy we may grow, but working hard is a trait very few can proudly boast of. Why not become the uncommon?




There is a balance, as is with everything in life. Must not go too far, to forget those qualities in us that REALLY count, in our Lord's eyes - nor, must we ever forget about giving our love each and every day to our utmost capacity . Those two things surpass all grades from a textbook. However, let us not grow weary of working hard on the field that is before us... so that we may later build our house upon it.

The End of Something Special

There’s something quieting about leaving the school I work out, knowing it's shutting down.

Is the realization that I might not ever see some of my kids again?

Is it the chance of not returning to this work field?

Is it entering the unknown, from all my previous work experience, to possibly a bigger ocean (I’m nervous to swim in)?

Is it all the memories I hold, helping to shape kids’ lives?

Is it letting go of being part of all the fragile, important lives, I have come to cherish?

Each and every day… being there for them when they cry… correcting them, like a caring father, when they get out of line… encouraging them in their victories… seeing a side of their daily activites (that even some parents won’t see)… and most of all, making their day a better one.

I'll miss being able to make school something they look forward to.

From the kids that I first met, to the newest additions enrolled, I shall miss them all. I still remember meeting the first ones. Evan. Faith. Isaiah. Rachel. Cameron. Hmm. A season I’ll never forget.

It’s almost a bleak feeling, wondering if things will ever be the same as they once were. The correct answer? No, things will never be the same… no matter where I go.

Everything changes, yet, one thing still remains: the certainty of a new horizon.

Sundays.

Sundays...

Sundays are hands-down the longest day of my week. Energy being burned up every hour. Singing my guts out. Playing multiple instruments. Dealing with people I don't know well. Enjoying my day with the best people in this world - my best friends. I have a family, at church, really... and church is my life.

There IS a side of Sundays that incorporates pure madness. Sure, everyday can bring such craziness, but nothing compared to a Sunday. Oh, the aromas of coffee, tempting me to have another cup. The chemistry of craziness, between my best dudes and me. This is what I get to live out every weekend!

Sundays are long days.

One Day.

One day, I will stand at this spot, look at that same mountain... and all will be fulfilled within me - for me and my Disney desires. Why must Japan be so far away? *sigh*

Oh, sure, it costs money, takes time, and requires a bit of independence (that will eventually come) - but there is no reason to hold back the reality of traveling one day. It can happen. I dare even say: it will happen one day.

Even though Disneyland is a massive part of my life (always has been), a place such as Disney Tokyo Sea will live in my heart for reaching beyond our southern California limit. I've been to all four corners of the United States. The south. The East coast. Hawaii. The northern regions. Soon, a time a will come to step upon foreign countries.

I will be ready.

Riding Unknown Bicycles

So.
Someone left their bike in my daycare classroom, and it's been there all week. I'm assuming it belongs to a person from the church, and that person just assumes my classroom was the least important room out of the whole campus, haha... however, I don't mind, really. In fact, the kids decorated the bike with "My Little Pony's," so I'm sure the person will appreciate the upgrade.

I took it for a little spin, earlier this week. I think the kids thought I was nuts... and totally enjoyed it.

A Forgotten Outlook

Working with kids enables me to see a side of life so many people let go of. Even though parents have kids, family members have little siblings, and people often remember what it was like to be a kid... I get to live every day of the week with kids that surround me with a fresh, forgotten angle on life.

There's so much I could write about what they teach ME, but perhaps I'll save that for other blog entry. Bottom line is, the kids I work with often show ME a thing or two in life. They demonstrate an outlook on circumstances... that I tend to forget, at times.

For me, working at a school encourages me to become who I truly am, deep inside. Very few jobs can carry that weight. I watch all my kids at work... the good, the crazy, the hyper, the silly, the studious, and the funny... and I remember what it was like to be a kid, too. Life revolves around certain joys. Cool toys. Laughing. Starting "clubs." Drawing pictures. Watching animated films. (Wait, that sort of sounds like my life NOW - but even still!!!! You get the picture.)

Tonight.

Just saw the movie "Taken," on DVD, tonight. I always think to myself and wonder, "what kind of father will I be some day?" All I know, is after watching THAT movie, I am driven to be protective, sharp, and an awesome "kick-bottom" dad, like Liam Neeson. BIFF! POW! Seriously, that guy is the man. Dang. No one's gonna mess with my daughter. Huh-huh. Or I'll hunt 'em down. BLAM!!!

Why do action flicks want to make guys hit something?

(*punches pillow across room* HAHAA - take that!!!!)

Anyway. The end of a week has landed, once again! A good week, I might add. Of course, school is a continual spiral of concern... and work drains all my energy (from taking care of the most awesome kids ever)... but I sincerely enjoy my life. It's rewarding, though never easy.

By the way, I am seriously craving some "chile verde con huevos" at this time of night. Mmmm. Tengo hambre.

My thoughts tonight:
- Will I find the right job for me? Will that job be able to carry me into a full-time career? What AM I to do?? Will I be able to balance the needed things in life with a good hand? Can I make proud those who care?

- Why do worries always eat me away? Like a worm in an apple... or a termite in a garage.

- Why must my heart feel such a sudden drop over things that don't always deserve such sadness? Something is not right in me. I can be better. I will keep on trying.

The Life of Best Friends Pt. 4

Enjoy.

Verses From Psalm 119 For Today

“I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways, I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” Vs. 16

“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!”Vs. 2

“I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!” Vs. 7,8

“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way. Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.” Vs. 37, 38


Lord, may everything that I do... be on the right course that YOU have for me. Have Your perfect will be done in ME today. Help me to seek You, and not grow weary; help me to praise You with uprightness of heart; help me to turn my eyes from this world and focus on what really matters in Your word. Your love and kindness is all I need to truly live. Thank you for being the God of all! You are worthy of my praise! I fear You, I love You, and I trust in You today.

Strength for our Soul

The book of James talks about many issues that cause us to love God – and live better each day. This is what I learned today, from chapter one...

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (vs 12)

Blessed is the man who endures temptation. Hmm. I like that. We know that temptation comes in many formats, moments, sizes, and cunning displays. The biggest picture I see in my mind, when thinking of temptation, is Joseph running away from it.

I pray that I can “run” from the things that pull me in – or rather, that can pull me AWAY from God. I want to be bold enough to drop all things that weigh me down. I want to give up my way of thinking.

Giving into temptation not only hurts me, it can hurt others. Most of all, it hurts our Lord. When the temptation comes, I can either play dumb and pretend like I don’t have control, or I can run as Joseph ran – and become stronger, victorious, and give the glory to God.

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Do no be deceived…” (vs 14-16)

Sin begins with ME. My desires lead to temptation - if those desires are not the Lord’s. My desires lead to sin - if they are against the will of God. It is MY desires that bring forth temptation! It is from those desires that enticement comes! I crave to love God under trials, so much so, that no distraction will bring me down. Cause those distractions lead to sin.

As we know, sin is what we want to avoid at all costs. Sin is missing the mark.

“Therefore, lay aside ALL filthiness and overflow (abundance) of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (vs 21-22)

Laying aside all filthiness is laying aside everything that is not of God. God is pure. God is love. God is Holy. God is perfect. “His ways above our own” should be the motto we repeat daily – and throughout each day. Being on our own, being with others, being in a moment when temptation can arise, being distracted, and even being unsure or afraid… we must live out “His way above our own.”

Receiving God’s Word, with meekness. Hmm. Realizing we don’t deserve His constant, never-failing love in our lives. Seeing His hand upon us, in spite of our shortcomings. Living lives that are bent towards Him. We are to receive His Word. Not just have it around for when we feel like it. Not even just for READING. We are to RECEIVE it, to accept it, and to allow a cultivating change in us.

“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives in his own heart, the one’s religion is useless.” (vs 25, 26)

Wow. What a powerful statement. By considering ourselves to be “right on with God,” and not holding back our tongue, but rather, deceiving our own heart… our religion is useless. God holds a standard. His love, arms, and mercy are forever strong , holding us close. However, we must not cheapen His grace. We must not persuade ourselves to be doing “okay.” If our lives do not make us uncomfortable, then I pray we do not become complacent.

To avoid being useless for the Lord, to avoid living in the red-zone of life, we ought to pick up our cross… deny ourselves… and not be branded with this world. Reading and praying are essentials. Obeying is key. Trusting is needed. Not quiting is right. Never taking a break of reaching towards Godly passion is our motivation. Putting ourselves last…that is love.

Being a doer of the Word is one of those phrases we hear quite often. It’s almost a common-knowledge fact, amongst believers in Christ. But is it a reality for us? Is it a practiced truth about our lives? Can other people see us – and say that we are doers of the Word of God? Sure, we can hear it, we can hold it,and we can even memorize it… but unless we DO it, what good is having it merely in our heads?

How do we become doers of the Word? By putting in the time to practice what we ought to. We are meant to live for something bigger than us – bigger than our emotions. By creating space in our lives to read the Word, to pray upon it, and to ask for God’s will to be done, may we spark a supreme love for Him.

“…keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (vs 27)

To keep ourselves unspotted from the world is tough. Let us not forget, however, although we are IN the world , we not of OF it. We belong to a higher calling – the upward call of Christ Jesus. We are His sons and daughters, going against the flow of everyone else. He will be honored. We can lay down our lives for His sake. We don’t have to be comfortable. In fact, we shouldn’t be.

So much to consider. So much to process. So much to apply! But really… it’s nothing we can’t handle, with God’s power. It takes each day of our lives. And THAT is encouraging. Walking with God is not a college class, where we only have a matter of days to get our homework done . We have our entire lives. We have His entire mercy. We have His sacrifice on the cross, which enables us to come to our Father at any time. We have His entire plan and ability, in the Word of God. We have each other to come to and press onward, making all things worthy.

Let’s press onward. Let’s not give up. Let’s always be doing better. Let’s “receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is about to save” our lives. Let’s live another day, another week, with victory.

Let’s have nothing else blocking our way for having supreme love for Christ.

His Way Over Our Own

Keeping what's important for growth as our first, top priority... this is what we need. This is what we want in our hearts. This what brings us joy, peace, and a proper path of integrity in all things.

So what is important? Doing God's Word.

What does God's Word say about life? Well, read it to find out.

What will happen, as a result of reading? Over time, as you KEEP seeking Him, your thoughts will become His thoughts... your wants will become His desires... and your life will be bent towards doing what is right in all things. Pray for this to be so - and not just a one time deal. Over and over again. Believe in the God who made the universe, the God who holds your breath in His hand. Don't doubt.

Where do we begin to find our answers? Pray for Him to show you what you need to learn, and begin reading until you find instruction. Psalms. The Gospels. Life examples of Godly men (and women). Proverbs for wisdom. Don't stop. It may take minutes. It may take a course of hours, spread throughout your day. It may take weeks. But don't give up. Learn how to live. Practice it. Try challenging yourself to do God's commands - in all areas.

Bottom line: read the Word always.

Wake up to it, walk with it, eat with it, share it as you talk, and let it become the threads in life that keep you from falling apart at the seams.

Psalm 101:2-3
"I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me."

Let this be our prayer.