Thursday, June 11, 2009

Back to the clean face


There's a possibility of me having to talk to some important city people this week and I figured the handlebars might be a little much for them.
I like to keep a new look just long enough for people to start thinking..."Is he seriously going to keep that thing on his upper lip forever?" When I reach that point...I keep it for 4 more days...then...something new.
It's the curse of the bald man. I gotta switch it up.
I think the eyebrows might go next time!

My blog life

I used to be the man with blogs.
Pumped em' out on a daily basis.
One to two a day.
Kept the blogs current from the Stirring.
Then...Moses.
Blogs became shorter...more like bullet points.
But I still got them out there.
Then...Facebook.
Perfect solution to the short blog.
I could upload them through Twitter on my phone.
Quick...easy.
So what to do with my blog?
I'm still thinking about it.
Any ideas?

Friday, June 05, 2009

Good advice

Eric and I meet every Friday morning...have been for a long time.
Every Friday is great...today was really meaningful to me.
After a french press and a lot of good advice I went into the office.
Closed my door...locked it...sat in silence...then picked up my guitar.
Not to put together a set...not to work on a new song.
Just started playing some chords and began to worship.
It was awesome and very needed.
Psalm 42- As the deer panteth for the water...so my soul longeth after thee. You alone are my hearts desire and I long to worship thee.
Couldn't even get through it...tears.
Thanks Eric...your friendship this year has meant the world to me!
God is good...Get alone in his presence...It changes everything!

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

No longer in kindergarten


Wow!

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Shoes

Thanks for the pic Brent...I stole it.
Today we finished off the last of the handing out of shoes at Cypress Elementary School. If you didn't know we raised money with a music, art and film festival called Erase the Dark, and we took the proceeds to put shoes on all the kids at the school. We handed them out last Wednesday and the kids flipped. When we left we got an order for 28 more shoes. Kids that had transferred in late. We got those to the kids today. All in all we handed out over 250 shoes! As we walked through the halls today I saw our shoes everywhere on kids feet and I couldn't stop smiling. Thanks to everyone that helped make this happen.
This is my 900th post. I've been doing this for a while.

It's official...

I grabbed www.DanLance.com as my domain.
Right now I'm forwarding my blog there until I have the full website running.
I know it's a pain but if you could update your readers I'd appreciate it.
I bought it for a few years so I promise you won't get another switch from me soon.
Thanks.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Hello again...

I realize it's been a month since my last post and that's really weird for me. I haven't stopped reading your blogs, I just haven't felt the need to blog for myself. I guess I kind of got the wind knocked out of me when someone stole my domain name. But I believe now that all of that happened for a reason. It forced me to dream about some new possibilities.

www.DanLance.com

I haven't bought it yet but it's available. I want to have a central hub where I can keep all the things that are going on in my life. Social networking, my blog, the Stirring, my book, and my album. The website would be motivation to get on those last two parts...my book and my album. I have about 6 rough chapters to my book that I haven't looked at since Moses was born, and I have about 10 songs rolling around in my head that I'm dying to get recorded. So hopefully this is motivation.
Yesterday I spoke at the Stirring about wanting to live my life loud. The blogs, and books, and albums that stay locked up in my head and room have no chance to change the world. So here goes...we'll see where this goes!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Easter


Amazing

Monday, April 27, 2009

Have you seen my nephew yet?


Joshua Thomas Lance
He's got the Lance forehead for sure.
I was leaving Costa Mesa at the conference we were at right when he was born. We were hoping it would happen when we were down there but he decided to chill for a week past his due date...bummer.
Can't wait to give him a noogie and hype him up on sugar...you know...good uncle stuff!
Congratulations Mike and Becky...he's amazing!

Lawn mower

Got a new mower today.
It' electric.
You can hear yourself think when you're mowing...it's awesome.
We had someone give us a mower which was a huge blessing but it only had one height setting and our yard grows like it's taking steroids.
I'm learning how to maneuver the whole chord thing but I like it.

Lame

Someone hacked my domain. Revrock.org has officially been stolen.
Godaddy is gonna get slapped!
I didn't get any notifications...it just expired...then some dude jumped on my url and is holding it for ransom.
Pissed!
What do I do?
In the mean time I've redirected my url back to www.reverendrockstar.blogspot.com

Monday, April 20, 2009

Answered prayers

So Alyssa made the flight with the three kids safely.
I was praying for God to send someone that would sit across from them that would help them out.
Alyssa just called me.
A bald guy with tattoos that looked like me sat across the ailse from them and Moses watched him the whole time and was calm.
God's awesome.
He sends bald, tattooed guys onto planes to entertain my son.
Thought I'd share.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Tomorrow

It's Alyssa and the kids last night in Riverside.
They leave to go back to Redding tomorrow.
Here's the scenario:
Alyssa, Zeke, Sofia, Moses, no dad, on a plane back to Sac.
Then a 2 hour drive back to Redding. Pray for my family.
I'm stickin' around for a couple days and then going to the Catalyst conference in Irvine.
Redding peeps...Do me a favor and keep an eye on my family while I'm gone...life of a single parent with three kids is intense.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

When home stops being home

It's happened before.
I'm fourth generation Riverside, born and raised.
But I went to Simpson college in Redding almost 10 years ago...wow, I'm old.
The first two years I was there, Riverside was always home.
I just went to school in Redding.
But the third year something happened.
When I would come to Riverside on break, things felt weird.
I missed my Redding friends, Riverside skies looked extra brown, and catching up with friends here wasn't as easy.
Right when Redding started feeling like home I moved back to Riverside...it was weird...it took a while for Riverside to become home again...but it did.
Well, a year and a half ago we moved back to Redding and it's happened again.
Redding is my home.
I love Riverside but it's not home.
My family is here and I miss them, but I miss my family in Redding.
I'm wondering what's going on and what I'm missing. I love my church. I love the blue skies. I love the pace of life. Redding is my home again...weird.
When we would go home last year to visit Riverside I would say I'm going home for vacation. Now I just say I'm going on vacation.
I love seeing friends and family here. Riverside will always have a special place in my heart but Redding is home now.
Anyone else experience this...it's weird.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Vacay

Next couple weeks:
Tomorrow- practice with worship team...enjoy time with fam
Sunday- Easter: 30-40 baptisms at the Stirring...unbelievable!
Monday- Sabbath...playin' some music that night...stoked
Tuesday- Work...all day staff stuff
Tuesday night- leave for Riverside
Wednesday - Wednesday- chill...hang with friends...family...hopefully see my nephew if he decides to be born while we're there...golf...chill...nap...turn 33...chill!
Wednesday - Friday: Catalyst conference with some Stirring homies
Friday night: Drive back to Redding...get home about 4am!
Saturday: Back at it!
It's gonna be a good couple weeks.
I'm might even blog a little more than I have been...don't count on it.
Shalom.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

You're welcome

Every parent needs a poop machine!

Well Alyssa left last night for women's retreat so it's just me and the kiddos for a couple days.
Moses was up last night at midnight, 1am, and 4am...yippee.
Zeke and Sofia were up playing forever in their room till 10pm.
That didn't stop Zeke from waking me up this morning at 6:30am...good times!

On to the poop machine...
Every morning we feed Moses and stick him in this weird jumper type contraption.
He poops instantly. It's amazing.
There are times he just looks at weird jumper type contraption and poops.
Every parents dream.
Scheduling poops is a little slice of heaven.
You're running out to the store...quick 5 minutes in the poop machine.
The play room actually has a moment that it doesn't smell like Satan's underbelly...to the poop machine.
It's the greatest thing ever.
They should make an adult version!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Busy weekend

Sorry for the blog silence.
Saturday was an amazing day.
Got up...helped Patrick and Bethany move...came home...dug out 5 stumps in my backyard...went to Sean's house...climbed a 75 foot tree in his front yard with a chainsaw and cut it down.
Not gonna lie...some of the most intense moments of my life...I captured some pics on my phone that I put up on Facebook.
Yesterday I led worship with an amazing team for all three gatherings...the Heaven series has been great!
We also finished up the caulking and painting of the pantry...Thanks Eric...it looks awesome!
More to come. I'm gonna enjoy a Sabbath with the fam today.
I preach this weekend at the Stirring...Salvation is the door...that's all you're gonna get...you gotta be there or grab the podcast :)
Shalom.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Thanks Josh!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I'm intrigued























I want to read this.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Did you see this?

Jason sent this to me...amazing.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Sabbath

Got out of bed today after 11...unbelieveable.
Haven't done that since pre-Zeke.
There were a couple times I was up to help out but the sleep was much needed.
My wife is a superstar.

Today it's been a lot of baseball with Zeke.
That's been the routine lately.
Here's the interaction we just had...

Hey Dad
Yeah Zeke
I want to hit the ball at your face and crack your head open!

I don't know if I've ever been more proud

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Here's my short U2 review.

First off...Erase the Dark ruled...that post is coming later.

Hagabeefy has some good thoughts about the new U2 album.

I like the album a lot more than he does but he'll come around in a couple weeks...just wait.

Here's my quick review:
- Really like the title track. Love the weird little pull off thing the Edge plays. Riff reminds me of Even Better Than the Real Thing meets The Fly.
- Magnificent blew my mind...love the lyrics...great!
- Moment of Surrender sounds like a great gospel song with the Edge playing Pink Floyd riffs in the background.
- Unknown caller. Love the music. But I'm a little weirded out by the monotone vocals in the chorus. Sounds like they're all drinking the cool-aid during the chorus.
- I'll go crazy is my favorite. Almost the Miracle Drug lick at the beginning. Love it. It's not a hill it's a mountain...love it...did I say I loved it.
- Here's the lull in the album: Boots and Stand seem like filler. You don't get that much with U2. A little disappointed. Both the songs have moments...but only moments.
- Fez is cool. Starts off a little shoe gazer.
- White as snow is great. Love the melody to O come O come Emmanuel.
- Breathe is epic. Love the cadence in the verses.
- Ceders is really cool. Mellow.

I really love the album as a whole.
You can definitely tell Lanois and Eno were writing with them...real different vibe.
It doesn't have your typical soaring anthem that you look for on a U2 record but I like the direction they went.
Every time I hear it I like it more.
I love albums that grow on you.
There aren't many bands that will get me out to the store on the release date but I will be at Best Buy when the doors open if U2 puts out an album when Bono is 98.
There the best ever and I will cyber punch you if you have somethin' to say about that.
Go buy the album and let it soak in.
It's like a great marinade!

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Erase the Dark























This is my life for the next two days.
Please come out and support.
The films will blow you away.
The performing artists are the best Redding has to offer.
And bring money because you will want the art that is being auctioned off in your house.
Let's raise a ton of money for Cypress and put shoes on half the kids in Redding!
Can't wait.
There's new surprises this year that I can't tell you about yet...you've gotta come to experience it.
Friday, 7pm, 10 bucks.
Come early...we might have to turn people away because of lack of oxygen in the room.

Monday, March 02, 2009

No excuses


U2's new album comes out today.
If you don't buy it today you can no longer read my blog and we have to end our cyber friendship...plain and simple...I hate to get extreme but this is U2 people.
No excuses.
Album review coming shortly.

Yellow shirt Mondays


Mondays are my Sabbath.
If you ever run into me on a Monday (and most Saturdays) you'll see me in a yellow shirt.
I have this one: The 2001 Jog-o-thon shirt, with kids standing in a row with shirts that spell Jesus loves you.
And I have a yellow Walk your talk walk shirt that was raising money for adoption.
I just came to this revelation this morning. I have no idea why I do this but these weird shirts bring a sense of normalcy to my life...something I can count on.
The only time I switch it up is with the red CUSH shirt that I've had since 1999. Steve and I still sport this shirt whenever possible.
I'm a pretty simple dude...
Mondays...yellow shirts...
Coffee...gray flannel sweats...and my 10 year old moccasins that you can smell 2 minutes before I arrive.
Do you guys have any weird habitual outfits?
Am I the only one?

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Lent

I'm switching it up this year because I pretty much suck at giving stuff up.
I'm gonna read N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope in the next 40 days to prepare my heart for the reality of the resurrected Jesus. I know I can stick to that.
Can't think of a better book to center my thoughts. (if someone says the bible, they will get cyber punched in the neck :)
Anyone else want in? I'd love to talk it through with someone. Let me know.

Moving weekend

Tomorrow we move into our new office.
Downtown baby!
Right above Nathan's tattoo
I'm gonna trade indulgences for free ink...brilliant
If anyone wants to help us move meet at the old office at 2pm
3468 Bechelli Ln. Ste E (Just south of Yaks on Bechelli)

Then we are moving Jeremy and Meg on Saturday at 9am.
Go here for the deets.

My back hurts just thinking about it. I need to start the advil cocktails now!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

New tunes


Got the new Listening ep in the mail today. Do yourself a favor and go check it out. I'm throwing a show with them and a couple other locals on Thursday April 9th. Their live show is unbelievable. We toured with these guys way back in the day when they were the Rock and Roll Worship Circus. Gabe rocks the leather pants like no ones business!

Monday, February 23, 2009

The silence

It's been almost a week.
I never do that.
I'm still trying to figure out facebook but I have to admit that it has stolen some of my social networking affection. It's quick and I can manage it on my phone in seconds...I'm lazy...sorry.
God is teaching me a ton right now.
Don't know if I could really articulate it in a blog so I wont.

This week...
Nate had his baby
My in-laws came to town
I spoke at the Stirring about Jonah.
God uses Jonahs...and Dan Lances...unbelievable!

I'm having a great Sabbath.
Life is good.
Shalom!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Staff meeting today

Nate and Erica had their little baby girl last night...amazing
so staff meeting went a different direction today.
We contemplated the normal christian life...
Matthew 10:7 As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
What the heck?!?
How did normal become showing up to church and going to small groups?

Friday, February 13, 2009

Happy Valentines Day dear

Our first date was Valentines Day 14 years ago.
I was 17...you were 16
I had hair...kind of
I was the baseball dude with the big attitude
You weighed 27 pounds and wore spandex hot pants for your volleyball games...hubba hubba
Look at us now...unbelieveable
The hair is long gone...the baseball days have been replaced with guitars and tattoos...you weigh 37 pounds now and spend your days with the three greatest kids to ever grace the planet...and you rock the hottest tattoos a female has ever rocked!
You are more beautiful every year babe.
I laugh more with you than anyone else.
So many memories...go many great times...so many hard times.
There is no one else I'd want to share this life with.
I'm the luckiest guy on the face of the earth.
Can't wait for the next 14 years.
Happy Valentines Day!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Cypress Elementary School opportunity

In April, the 5th graders from Cypress are going to camp---2 nights, 3 days- April 22-24. The school is looking for people who are over 21 and would be interested in being cabin counselors? Ideally, they would love 4 ladies and 4 men to be counselors. If anyone is interested please comment on the blog. This could be another great opportunity for us to deeper our relationship with this school. Thanks.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Sabbath

Slept in...thanks babe!
Omelet's
Genesis
Went to the gym
Played with the kids
Lunch with Jason (Yuet Bistro...amazing)
Hang with the fam
Madagascar...dinner...baths for kids...
Alyssa headed off to book club
Chillin'
Great day
How was your day of rest?

Thoughts on Sunday

Go here to check it out.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

The Archiver


Legit! Go check out Jeremy's stuff...amazing.

Friday, February 06, 2009

Don't miss Sunday

trust me.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

The office this week...
















I know I'm a little late.
We watch the office on line because our antenna lost the ability to pick up nbc.
But the first five minutes of the Office this week was tv royalty. When Dwight started the fire in the office and Oscar fell through the ceiling tiles I almost peed myself.
Well done Office...
Just when I thought it couldn't get more awkward you find a way to have people in the office slamming and destroying a copier against the door to escape a fake fire.
Well done indeed!
Hang in there Stanley...we're prayin'.

Conversations with Zeke

Me: Hey Zeke...did you get a card change today at school?
Zeke: Don't talk to me about that stuff!
Me: Zeke...did you get a card change???
Zeke: You don't worry about me dad!

Awesome.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

I'm back

Got in at 5:30pm from our conference.
Added an hour to our trip home because I missed the 505...good times.
Listened to some insane Kris Vallotton message in the car...need more brain band-aids.
Our friends Jason and Kim Day are staying with us for a couple days...they're out from New York.
My wife went to bed at 9:30pm...something about taking care of three kids for a few days all by herself...doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me :)
Thinkin' about going to Lynk tomorrow and Jesus Culture this weekend.
Anyone else gonna be there?

why...

do I stay up till 2am every night at conferences?
it's the one time a year I can actually get some sleep.
I get less sleep then when my son is screaming through the night.
I'm not very smart.
I should go to bed.
Maybe I'll check my google reader.
I'm not very smart.
Did I say that already?

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Long day


















Do most people go to church on Sunday's from 7:30am -10:30pm? Is that weird? There's a feeling my feet have at the end of every Sunday that is hard to put into words. Does my chin really look like that or is it just folded because of my hand? So many questions.
I'm leaving for our district conference with Nate tomorrow for three days. Goin' to bed.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Social Networking

So I broke down today and got a Facebook account.
I haven't had a myspace for about a year, and I was desperately longing for cyber friends.
We'll see what happens. If it takes more than 3 minutes out of my day it probably wont be worth it. Come find me and make me feel like we're really close even though I haven't seen you in 13 years :)
I do like finding people from high school. Found a couple of my baseball buddies from back in the day.
Is Facebook worth it?
It seems pretty cool.
Is it going to suck my will to live?
So many questions.

Too much

My mind is being blown on a regular basis these days.
I always want to have the posture of a learner.
That makes things interesting when part of your job entails teaching others.
God is so good and he is teaching me so much about his story and how I enter into it.
At some points I feel like it's too much.
Mind has been blown too many times.
So many holes in my mind, that it can't hold everything.
It's all spilling out.
I need brain band-aids.
Do they have those at Rite-Aid?

Thursday, January 29, 2009

My prayer this week

God...let me believe what is possible because I have Christ in me.

24 might ruin my life

Crap.
So good.
8 episodes in 3 days.
Is that healthy?
I had fair warning.
We're hooked.
Jack Bauer owns Chuck Norris!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Anytime...anywhere























I own people in Scattergories. It's all about Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer when you roll an R and you're listing animals. 3 points. Unbelievable. Can't believe I just gave that one away.
You guys can have your D & D parties (I mean Settlers of Catan parties) while you're trading your Pokemon cards but I'm stickin' with Scattergories.
Best game ever!

The fall to Babel

Narrative group tonight was out of control.
So much good stuff.
Genesis 3-11
The Fall to the tower of Babel.
Seeds. Serpent crushers. Shalom broken. Fig leaves. Sacrifice. Covering. Two trees. Two brothers. One acceptable offering. Noah. God closed door. No ruder. Baptism. Covenant. Covering. Exposing. Bricks instead of stones. Gathering instead of filling. Making a name. Tower. Confusing. Scattering.
So good.
Seriously...Tuesday nights...good times.
We are entering the story!

Monday, January 26, 2009

We're a little late


Alyssa and I don't have cable or anything but we have a sweet set up with Hollywood video that lets us rent a lot of videos whenever we want. Tonight we picked up the first season of 24. I know there's 87 seasons out but we've never seen an episode. I've heard a lot of hype. Is it worth the commitment. I told Alyssa if she didn't like the first few episodes we would try something else. Please weigh in.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

The joy of speaking

You prepare all week to say something.
Friday you put the finishing touches together.
You say it out loud and realize you have no idea what you're talking about.
You pray. You get up Saturday and change everything you prepared.
You put finishing touches together. Say it out loud.
This time you're ready to go.
Why does God have you spend a ton of time preparing a message through the week that you'll never speak to another person. I'll never know.
It's humbling.
I'm speaking about honor.
Maybe I should of expected that!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Speaking on Sunday

I'm speaking on honoring each other this Sunday.
Romans 12. This passage of scripture blows my mind.
Honor is humility in action.
Honor is loyalty when it's tested.
Honor is a posture that brings life.
In a world that fights be the greatest, Jesus says, not so with you.
I asked a random guy at Starbucks today what someone could do to make him feel honored. We talked for over an hour.
What could someone do for you to make you feel honored?
It might just end up in a sermon.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Dear J.J. Abrams

No one close to you has the guts to tell you so here goes...
Stop your shows after two seasons!
Learn how to land the plane my friend.
Alias...amazing...less amazing...suck my will to live.
Lost...amazing...less amazing...moving islands, and skipping through time...lame
Make another Cloverfield...that was entertaining...handycams suit you!
Bring on the hate mail!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Can't wait























Dos Dunlaps leaked the newest single from U2's upcoming album.
So excited. March 2nd.
Planing on a sick day to just stay home and put it on repeat...don't tell Nate!
There has never been a more talented foursome to ever craft a song!
Challenge that statement and I will eat you for dinner...try me.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

One of my favorite times in the week

7am
Fridays
Cypress Starbucks
Eric...Brent...Bible
Look forward to it every week
Wouldn't miss it for the world
We've been puttin' together this narrative theology study
Are there any things in your week that you look forward to doing even if it means getting there at 7am?
If there isn't, maybe you should start doing something you enjoy
Just a thought

Thoughts on Honor







We started a new series at the Stirring.
Honor...the lost virtue
Posted some thoughts here
I speak in a couple weeks about honoring each other
Romans 12:9-16
If we could only read 7 verses out of the bible these would be my 7.
Don't think you know it all...classic!
What's your favorite passage of scripture?

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Terrified

I start my narrative theology group in two days.
Genesis to Revelation...no big deal.
I've pretty much got the bible nailed.
Every time I open the story I realize how little I know.
Perfect position for a leader...terrified.
I'm really exited but definitely...terrified!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Zeke vs. Electricity

This is a story for those of you that know my son. He is 5 and he has already become an electrical engineer. Lights, fans, engines, wires...he's into it!
This week Zeke has blown the power in our house twice.
One instance came with a huge popping noise and Zeke screaming. I came into the front room to find this night light that was fried from ridiculous overuse. (Thanks for the nightlight Nana :)
Then last night Zeke comes screaming into the front room. The kids were supposedly sleeping but we go back there...the lights are blown...Sofia is screaming in a closed closet...and Zeke refuses to go back in the room. When I flip the breaker the little box fan in their room is still on.
We still have no idea what happened. I think it's better that way. I really want a nanny cam in their room but at this point I think ignorance is bliss.
I need to get to know some firemen in Redding...I'm not sure how long our house and Zeke can co-exist.

Friday, January 09, 2009

God and sleep training

So God showed me something the other night.
We are sleep training Moses. (Letting him cry at night without getting up to feed him every three hours). It's good times...if you don't have kids just program your alarm to go off for 30 minutes every 3 hours...repeat until you feel insane...then do it two more times!
We know what's best for him.
We don't want to him to be 14 and still needing mom every three hours for a snack.
We didn't abandon him...we heard every cry...we were deeply concerned...but we're more concerned with who our son will become then with his instant gratification.
After a half and hour of screaming that sounded like someone was poking him with spears, Alyssa went in, patted his back, and reminded him we were here.
She didn't feed him...that's not what he needed. He fell back asleep when he realized that we were still here with him.
I was talking to Christian about this today. I think we get addicted to feeding times and when God decides to start shaping us and let us "cry it out" we don't know what to do.
Part of maturing in Christ is realizing he is with us even when he's not giving us baby food every three hours. We get those pats on the back at different points in life that remind us of his presence and we are able to rest again knowing our father is with us and hears us when we cry.
He knows what's best.
He's concerned with who we're becoming.
He knows that adults drinking breast milk usually don't get invited back to parties.
Jesus likes to party.
Our kids teach us the coolest stuff!

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Worst news of the year

This is my friend Mark.
He passed away today at 5:30pm.
He was an amazing guy.
He was in a terrible motorcycle accident a month ago and has been fighting desperately for his life. We have been praying for a miracle.
He left behind an amazing wife and son and tons of friends and family.
I don't have any words.
Being 10 hours away makes it all feel unreal.
I haven't seen him since I left a year ago and I still imagine him laughing just like this picture.
Our prayers are with you Angie and Nolan. I can't imagine what you are going through. We are with you in prayer.
In the short time I knew you Mark, your life impacted me.
You are greatly missed.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

New book


I'm half way through...really like it. Go buy it here.
I'm gonna use some stuff for my narrative class.
Scot's got a great blog...check it out.
What are you reading lately?
I've been reading a ton of Paul's letters for our series called "Honor" coming up...that Paul guy...he could draft quite a letter.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

The Mentalist

Alyssa and I were switching stations and came across this show called the Mentalist.
I'm voting that the worst name for a television show ever.
Seriously...what were they thinking.
That name went around a table of a bunch of people with lots of money and they all agreed that the Mentalist was a sweet name...unbelievable.

What's your vote for worst name of a tv show?

Monday, January 05, 2009

Sabbath


Chillin with my son strapped to my belly.
Did some readin' today
Did some sleepin' today
Alyssa's puttin' together a sweet dinner
Gonna get a movie on later
Nice relaxing day

Saturday, January 03, 2009

A couple goals for 09

I'd like to get the rough draft of my book done...that's gonna require that I actually start writing again.
Record some music...that's gonna require that I actually start writing some music
Fit comfortably into these size 33 jeans that fit before I gorged myself at Christmas...that's gonna require that I stop eating like someone is paying me to do so.
I got some work ahead of me.
There's my goals.
What are yours?

Thursday, January 01, 2009

I'm alive

Longest blog silence ever...sorry
10 days in Riverside
Didn't open my computer once
Lots of time with friends and family
Gained 87 pounds
Played 3 rounds of golf
Three great Christmas celebrations
Ridiculous amount of gifts for our kids
New years celebration...three words...if you were there...you know!
Drive home...8 hours 15 minutes...I didn't drive the speed limit...I own the grapevine...I'm gonna write a book on traveling with kids...it's gonna be called, "the art of ignore." pretty catchy don't ya think?
I'm back...It's good to be home!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

We're here

Got up at 3am...left at 4am
600 miles
9 hours
2 stops
3 kids
Good times
I had forgot what traffic was.
Now I remember!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

OUCH!!!


Smashed my head on the corner of the door of the car today...good times! Shaving around the wound was not fun.
We had a little family Christmas this morning...it was awesome.
Dollar store gifts for the kids and Alyssa made these sweet towels with hoods on them for when they get out of the bath. Zeke's has a Z on it. He thinks it's a cape.
Gettin' ready to leave for Riverside. We're gonna take off Monday morning at about 3am...good times...drive while kids are sleeping.
I'm leading worship tomorrow at the Stirring. Nate called me tonight and feels like puke so there is a possibility that I'll have to speak tomorrow. That would be interesting!
Let's pray for Nate.
Last blog till Riverside.
Pray there is no snow on the grapevine...chains are not my friend!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Pray for Mark


Go here to hear all the details.
A friend was in a terrible motorcycle accident and needs prayer.
Please join us. Thanks.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

20's-40's

That's the temperature range for this week.
I love it.
Cold is my favorite time of year.
We keep it 65 at our house.
Our sheets turn into thin strips of ice...Awesome.
We leave for Riverside in a few days.
I just know it's gonna be 87 on Christmas...unbelievable.
I'm soakin' it up while I can.
Bring on more snow!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Staff Christmas Party

We leave in about an hour.
Last year this party was one of the first things I did in Redding.
Moved into our place...bought some toilet paper...went to a party.
I got to meet the team that makes up the Stirring leadership.
I remember leaving the party so excited about this new adventure.
I had no idea how amazing this year would be.
It was about this time last year when I was I-chatting with my wife back in Riverside and she showed me a positive pregnancy test...what a crazy year!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Erase the Dark

It's that time of year again.
This morning we had our first dreaming session for Erase the Dark this year.
It's our music, art, and film festival that we are having in March this year.
We're raising money again for Cypress Elementary School.
We have some amazing ideas.
Can't wait till we get the line-up of artists.
I'm pumped!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

My wife is amazing

She just sent all our old vhs tapes in to get converted to DVD's. Now I have about 7 DVD's of old Ember shows and hilarious stuff that happened on the road. It's my Christmas present. It came early. Oh well.
So funny seein' Alyssa, the Spoken boys, Fume, the sailor, Sean G., Q, and Schultzy 8 years ago. So many great memories.
One question: Who was the chubby guy that sang for the band with the out of control beard, baggy pants that always wore a bandana?
I've gotta get the guys copies of this. Classic footage. Terrible quality but that adds to the epic-ness of it all.
I need to write some more songs.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Started a new book tonight

The Drama of Scripture by Craig G., Bartholomew and Michael W., Goheen
Good stuff so far.
There were 358 women in my house tonight for a Christmas card / craft thingy...I escaped.
Great Sabbath today.
Slept
Played with my kids
Got pulled over for speeding right in front of Zeke's school and got let off! Is it physically possible to go 35 mph on Churn Creek?
Took Zeke out for a video shoot for a Christmas film
Helped Alyssa get the house ready
Went to Sean's to avoid the estrogen party. Thanks for dinner dude!
Read
Blog
Bed

Saturday, December 06, 2008

The joys of a lawn

When we moved to Redding a year ago I knew we were moving into a town home with no yard so I gave my mower to a guy that cut yards in my neighborhood. I think I might of given him my weed eater too because I couldn't find it today. Now that I have a yard again I need to cut the grass. I borrowed one from my neighbor today but I'm in the market for a cheap reel mower like the one pictured above or an electric mower. Anyone got one sitting around or know somebody? I could use a weed eater too. I got my eyes on Craigslist.

Friday, December 05, 2008

You're welcome

Fighting...

to not get sick. All day I've felt a little off. Stomach churning.
Everyone in the world is sick right now and I don't want it.
I especially don't want my wife and kids to get it.
That's all. I'm goin' to bed.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

What am I going to do?


I already have my eye on a couple boys in her class at the Stirring that have been gettin' a little too close.
Sofia's the cutest kid ever!
At least she's the most uncoordinated kid on the planet...maybe that will keep the boys away...you can only hope.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

What would you include?

I'm putting together the outline for covering the Bible in 13 weeks.
What do you include?
What do you leave out?
Creation...Deuteronomy 23:13...Sinai...Ezekiel 23:19-21
Jesus...Pentecost...Ehud (the left handed judge that stabbed the really fat king and lost his sword in his belly and his attendants thought he just had really bad gas)...
Seriously...so much good stuff...how do you narrow it down?
Thoughts?

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Looking ahead

I'm gonna put a ton of time coming into the end of the year developing a curriculum for a narrative theology group I want to start in January. Genesis to Revelation. The narrative of the Bible. Creation...The Fall...Israel...Jesus...the Church...
Love it.
Can't wait.
Any interest?

Monday, December 01, 2008

New series

We're starting a series called Simple at the Stirring.
I spoke yesterday to kick it off.
Matthew 13...the weeds...Worry and Wealth...God has a better way.
I really desire a simple, focused, single-minded life.
I want the life that is truly life!
Go check out the podcast. It should be up in a day or two.
I'd love to hear thoughts.
Had a great Sabbath today.
Slept in...time with fam...worked out...amazing food...time with friends...Heroes...amazing!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

The mouth


Right before this picture Moses had eaten 4 pacifiers and a turkey leg. Look at that mouth...amazing!

Friday, November 28, 2008

My black Friday purchase

I got Zeke a bell for his bike. $2.99 at Target. His other one broke. Can you believe 3 people died today trying to shop for something that no one will care about in 3 days like this bell. We live in a very confusing place.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

It's official...

I'm a 530 area code guy!
It's been a year...I took the plunge.
No more 951...crazy.
It's gonna suck gettin' that old english Inland Empire tattoo removed from my stomach.
I'm a Reddin' boy...yeehaw!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

It's a toss up...

Would I rather...
change cell phone carriers
Have someone pull out all my teeth with a pipe wrench or
Have some one kick me continually in the crotch for an hour
I truly can't decide
I got some crazy deal to switch to Sprint but it's sucking my will to live

Tears on my keyboard


Pray!

Alyssa spilled the beans


I found out what I'm getting for Christmas.
Not only can you get it at Walmart...but I hear it smells like a BBQ stain on a white t-shirt.
Is there really anyone in the world that would look at this ad and go out and purchase this stuff.
I apologize if you're wearin' some McGraw right now...smellin' like rose petals and cow patties!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Sabbath

Sorry it's been a while.
Today we got up and got a chance to say goodbye to the Dunlaps.
They came in last night on their way to Oregon...so good to catch up...way to short...can't wait till Christmas.
I got a nap that was amazing.
Bank, Walgreens, and Winco with kids...not so restful.
The entire population of Redding was in Winco today...crazy.
Worked out.
Put the kids down for nap...let the wife nap.
We have friends that are coming up today to check out Simpson for their daughter.
They are going to take our kids tonight and let Alyssa and I go on a date...amazing!
We're gonna go to dinner...come back...feed Moses...go back out.
That's the most alone time with the wife since the baby...can't wait.
Hope you get a day of rest this week.
Shalom

Saturday, November 22, 2008

The living room


This is the new office / kids room / extra bedroom for friends and family with the help of an aero bed / sweet room for life groups.
This morning I had the life group leaders over to talk about the new year and I'm stoked.
So excited to be so closely connected to all of our groups.
I love to hear what God is doing.
I feel alive in a living room with leaders...it's in my DNA.
What makes you come alive?
This morning I had our life group leaders in

Friday, November 21, 2008

Back at it


The post Moses era has taken me away from my gym routine.
Today I returned.
I'm switching gyms.
I'm going to Fit One...it's right by my house.
Fitness 19 feels like its in Weaverville.
That doesn't help me go when I have a hard time convincing myself to go anyway.
Look for me when you're driving down Hartnell.
I'll be the obnoxious guy that is posing in the window.
Seriously...why the huge wall of windows facing the street?

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Did someone steal my banner?

No idea what happened to it.
Can you view it because it looks like a big black box to me.

I wanna see the world through his eyes!

Almost caught up

Getting caught up on Heroes has been the thorn in my flesh.
Badly hacked versions of season 2 online.
Subtitles that took up half the screen in season 3.
We finally got to episode 5 and 6 in season 3 so we could watch it on nbc.com...priceless!
Creepy clown guy.
Mohender is mo-lamer
We're getting close.
I can almost enter conversations with people again.
Why is my life so lame.
I need a hobby or something.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Great moments in speaking

Sunday at the Stirring I was talking about the Green Elephant in the church and I started talking about how Alyssa and I use cloth diapers for the kids. The message was not about cloth diapers...trust me.
Anyways...I was talking about choices we've made and how I see it as worship, not brownie points.
I thought I said scraping poop out of my kids diapers has turned into worship for me, but Juan and Nate said they heard me clear as day say, "it's worship for me when I scrape poop out of the toilet!" I'm still convinced I didn't say this but they assure me that I did.
Amazing.
I have no idea why I was talking about poop and worship anyways.
I should probably stick closer to the script.
Oh...the joys of speaking to crowds of people!
I'll forever be the "scooping the poop out of the toilet worship guy!"
Brilliant.
Anyone else hear it?
I'm having Nate post the 7pm gathering for the podcast. I got my poop straight that time!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Patrick is my hero!!!

I now have wireless in my house. Patrick is awesome.
I'm blogging from my front room as I neglect my kids that are crying :)
It's been a great Sabbath so far...gotta go.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

wireless, inlaws, projects, bond, environment

That's been my last few days...
Still no wireless in the house...hence the sparse blogs
Inlaws came in on Thursday night
We've been doin' projects like crazy...
Hanging and trimming door
Ceiling fan
Kitchen light
Blinds
Water line
Leaks
Grout
Gutters
Trim
Closets
Saw the new Bond flick last night...wow...two words...axe to the foot!
Bringin' the green elephant this weekend to wrap up the series.
That's my life.
Monday...wireless internet
After Monday...blogs are back!
Stick around.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

You've officially been pimped...

Adam needed some love to tell the world that his blog has moved. Go give him a blog hi-five.
In exchange for blog love I'm getting some tech love in setting up my wireless connection.
We totally need to move back to a bartering society...that would be awesome.
The only problem is my skill set kind of sucks.
I could pray for you.
Sing you a song.
Teach you how to be mediocre in golf.
Preach at you.
Give you advice that doesn't work in raising kids.
Pick paint colors for your house.
Pimp your blog.
That's all I got!
I'd probably go hungry in that kind of society...bummer.
I need to get good at a hobby or something.
Would anyone trade goods and services with me? Whatcha got?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

I have internet...


after a week of fighting with at&t and an hour and seventeen minutes on the phone with them tonight before life group...good times.
we only have one jack in the house that works and that's in the bedroom.
only problem...Moses sleeps in our room right now...hence the dark picture.
can anyone tell me how to use my wireless router? it would be amazing to get on the internet and be able to see the keyboard.
I promise to have a productive post soon...

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Off to a retreat

Our staff is getting away for a couple days.
Can't wait.
Time with God.
Time to be refreshed.
Time with friends.
Sean's cookin'.
Should be sweet.
No blogs till Saturday.
Try to survive!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

One of these things is not like the others...


It's a new day.
Thanks for the post Longbrake

Did you miss me?

I haven't seen the internet in 6 days.
In that time I have...
Packed up an entire house
Painted an entire house
Moved into a new house
Spoke at the Stirring about the political elephant in the church
Go listen to it here if you want. I know Hagquist is chompin' at the bit
We have a new president
I have 104 blogs to read
Pretty crazy 6 days.
It's good to be back!