Rockit

So I finally gave in and got another Aussie. I grew up with a blue merle - Cory - and have always wanted another. I've been inspired by the black tri's Alta and Maverick that are both great biking, snow, and frisbee dogs and wanted one of my own. After watching a dog-surfing competition 3 weeks ago today Jeana, Edgar, Missy and I went to Heartfire Farms where we met Rockit and a few of his littermates. I wasn't actually planning to buy one that day but when I saw him it was over. Jeana almost bought his sister! Rockit turned 11 weeks yesterday - I can't wait till all his vaccinations are done (18 weeks) so that I can bring him to Dog Beach! He's super cute but a lot of work too - the first week or so he wouldn't sleep all the way through the night (small bladder) and is still not completely potty trained.

Since last time...

Stanford - the road trips begin :) Rolled up to Stanford with Jeana, Jen, Steve, and Shelly to watch Jen and Shelly's bro Brandon race track.

Sea Otter - riding in Demo Forrest in Santa Cruz crashed hard off a log (see pic on right) and broke a brake lever which Hayes replaced for free at the show! Also bruised my "rotator cuff" which is still healing! Hopefully we can race this event next year!

Downieville - 9 hour haul up past Sacramento - so worth it though - trail ranks up there with goose. Best downhill ever. First time shuttling a trail.

Ironman - West coast tour. 10 states: CA, NV, AZ, UT, MT, WY, ID, WA, SD, ND. 4 National Parks: Tetons and Yellowstone (see pic on right) thanks Jeana for a great birthday!), Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower. 5,000 miles. 5 bikes. 15 mpg. Jeana and friend Drew finished their first full (140.6) Ironman in Couer d'Alene, Idaho - she claimed afterwards that she'd never do another one (of that distance) but I don't believe her :) Got to meet "dad" in Missoula and Mom's mom and 4 sisters near Aberdeen, SD.

Tom Mendoza Leadership Video

Tom Mendoza is executive staff at NetApp - which happens to be my company's (EMC) biggest competitor.  In this 50 minute video (http://streaming.nd.edu/mcob/deannov5/leadership.wmv) he discusses how to be an effective leader.  I like in his closing thoughts how if we find something that we are passionate about the money will come.  He also mentions that it is not about the money or the position, but what we use that position to do. I see this relating to how with God's many blessings that He gives us - it is ultimately about how we use them for His glory.

Religion does a lot of bad stuff

In the following YouTube video, Penn (yes from Penn and Teller) who happens to be an Atheist speaks of how religion does a lot of "bad stuff" but how this one fellow that handed him a Bible was such "a good man". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM This story illustrates how the most effective way to share God's love sometimes can just be by being "good" and just plain loving on people.   Penn also comments that if you really believed that faith in God was required for eternal salvation but didn't tell anybody about it then that would be like seeing a truck barrelling down the street at someone and not telling them to move out of the way.  If you really loved someone, wouldn't you want to save them?  But again - we shouldn't proselytize - relationships trump vision so we should always focus on the relationship - and leave the "conversion" to God.  Otherwise we may be doing more harm then good...but when those times happen we must remember to focus on the message on not the messenger - after all - if somebody in a Ford truck hit you, would you sue Ford or the driver?

Faith then Facts?

So I was one of many that was brought up in a Christian home, going to church/sunday school every week, as it was just part of the "tradition".  As I've mentioned before - it wasn't till I actually came to college and found Newsong church that I really felt my faith had been "activated" and that I could start really living it out.  It wasn't just "my momma's church" as Dave G. always said.  As I walk now with a good friend that found himself coming from a similar background with the church - unfortunately instead of being "activated", he found himself "de-activated" - some reasons could include "pushy" even "decieptful" evangilistic techniques that were used on him on campus during college.  Being the engineer that he is - he is taking a very logical, systematic approach now to resolving some of the doubts and questions that he has not only about Christianity but Faith and Religion in general.  So I come across Lee Strobel's books "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" - hoping they might provide some of the answers to his questions - and I found myself asking the question - how should we come to believe in God?  Faith first? - that would be like the faith of little child - which although great - allows much room for doubt and questions to arise.  Whereas - if we are to do it like my friend (and Lee Strobel!) then we would find ourselves building a foundation of truth - to build and activate our faith upon - so that we might also be able to answer those hard questions as well.  I'm sure there is no right way - Faith first or Facts first - but whichever route you take - I think it is definitely important to build both as strong as possible.

Prayer

When you are around someone for long enough - for instance in a marriage - you know what the other person wants and needs - essentially you know their "will".  One way I feel that we can get to know God's will is through prayer - just spending time with Him - getting to know Him.  Again the relationship should come first.

Currently I am trying to be more intentional about getting back into the habit of praying first thing in the morning before all of the interruptions of work and everything else come into play.  Then also as the last thing before I go to bed.  Whether being "still" with God or going out for a "prayer walk" I have definitely noticed God speaking to me.  I tend to think that God always speaks to us - it is just up to us to listen.

JRA

So a few days ago I heard from the living room what sounded like a balloon popping.  I didn't think too much of it but when I got my road bike down this morning to go for a spin I saw that it was indeed my rear tire that went kablooey (I don't even know why!). I only had one spare so I figured it wouldn't be good to ride without a spare tube (note to self always have and carry at least 2 spare tubes).  So I decided to just pump up the Chumba and roll out on that.  It was nice getting to hit some of the trails in Talbert park off the side of the bike path because I usually can't hit the dirt since I'm on the road bike so I tried to look on the bright side of things in that way.  Then as I was on route home coming back onto Warner off the bike path I went off a curb and I heard a pop and saw a bunch of bolts flying in the air.  Gulp.  Looking down I notice that the bolt holding the front of the rear shock to the frame busted and with the force of the shock it busted the frame mounts also (see picture above).  Wow.  Of all the rides - no big air - no crazy downhill - just - a curb.  JRA - Just Riding Along.  Crazy.  Anyways, so then again looking on the bright side I figure it's probably best that it didn't happen on some trail ride (like Noble that we are doing this weekend!) where I wouldn't be able to ride out.  So I rode the rest of the way home without sitting, in hopes that I wouldn't bust it up anymore - man that's a good arm workout!  Turns out it would cost probably about as much to fix as a new frame will be so I think it's time to say goodbye Mamba and hello XCL.

Relationships Trump Vision

Somebody asked me last week at the Burrito Project booth at the Justice N.O.W. event at Newsong if we were doing anything to get these people off the street - essentially asking if we had a "holistic" approach.  After speaking with Ted, we decided that was not our purpose.  At least for now our focus is on building relationships with these people and praying with and for them.  Relationships should come first - vision will come naturally.

Love your enemies

Last night we had quite an experiance with Naomi and Janet.  Much to their dismay they recently got their bikes stolen.  The bikes were actually given to them by one of our core members Steve.  We formed a circle and prayed together.  Steve prayed an amazing prayer that whomever now has the bikes has a greater need than Naomi and Janet - and that God bless them.  Very powerful.  As much anger as they might have had for the theives - that just shows how we must love even our enemies.  They were also both torn up over the fact that they had also just within the past week lost their church.  Apparantly somebody at the church told them that they were not welcome, I hope and pray that this was a miscommunication and that Janet and Naomi can find another church soon.  

Burrito Project

I had the oppurtunity to represent the burrito project at Newsong last Friday at a Justice NOW night where they had worship given by both Newsong's and Rock Harbor's worship team - they opened up a section for dancing and boy the party was hopping (literally!).  If you'd like more info feel free to check out our pod site on the Newsong community page here: http://community.newsong.net/group/burritoprojectfullerton

Basically we make some simple bean and rice burritos and deliver them to the homeless in some of the local parks in Fullerton.  We also deliver water, snacks, clothes, hygeine items, and other stuff that gets donated.  That is high level.  On top of providing the daily necessities, our mission is to form relationships with these people and pray for them and with them, the most powerful gift we can give them.

We just represent the unofficial Fullerton group - you can find more info for the (also unofficial) national group here: http://www.myspace.com/burritoproject

Is there a church for everyone?

Yes and no.  I believe in the one (small "c")  catholic church.  All Christians are able to agree on the "major" items like the divinity, Jesus death on the cross, and that he will come again.  The "minor" items like infant/believer baptism, ordaining men/women ministers, communion, purgatory, indulgences, etc. I don't believe we should be splitting hairs over.  Some people may have the theological background to decide for themselves one way or another, but I myself choose to focus more on having the "personal" relationship with Jesus and living it out.  I have learned recently that this aligns well with the "Pietist" movement that has influenced the style of Newsong church so for now it seems like a good place for me to be, especially since it's roots come from the Lutheran church, which also happens to be the church I grew up in.  I will continue to study theology and church history, and if I feel called to make a stand on any of these issues, then I may have to choose another church.  But for now, I pray that I can both grow in my faith through the Newsong community and continue to serve with them on efforts like the burrito project (http://community.newsong.net/group/burritoprojectfullerton) among other things.

My Walk finding a Church

Born and raised, baptized (Holy Cross) and confirmed (St. Paul's) in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).  St. Paul's Lutheran in PB was where I attended 1st-8th grade and where my family went to church after we transferred membership from Holy Cross after some "pastoral issues". Coming to UCI for college I struggled finding a church home.  For some time during freshman year I went to Concordia's service as I had a friend (James Wilson) going there at the time.  At some point during that first year I found a church that some of my dormmates were going to called Newsong.  Although not Lutheran, it appeared to share the same core beliefs.  The style of worship was very different to me - what I call ultra-contemporary.  St. Paul's had a contemporary service (at least for a while) but Newsong was at a whole different level.  Incorporating video, lighting, song, dance, and skits among other arts - seemed to speak to the college-age generation very well.  I attended their regularly for some time and eventually went through the "Connections" class to become a member.  I became involved in ministries like "Front-line" helping with ushering and parking.  I also joined the mountain bike ministry where I met my friends like Ted and Edgar.  I soon met Travis and started a surf ministry with him also.  With my newfound community I felt as though I really made this church my "home".  I felt energized and "on fire" for Jesus, singing and dancing undignified. Within the past few years I became introduced to the (Roman) Catholic Church and am now realizing that I had many misunderstandings of the Catholic Church.  I have been going weekly to "Inquiry" sessions where I can ask questions I've had regarding the church.  Many of the church's teachings regarding Saints, Mary, Purgatory, Confession, and even Indulgences make "sense" although maybe not necessary and at times even seem a little "scary" in the sense that I feel they might detract from that which is at the root of our faith, Jesus. But in the words of an old friend "However you get your Jesus on".  So now I come to the final question: "Who has ultimate authority".  I feel that if I can be convinced that Peter was truly given this supernatural ability to bind and loose and that the Pope and bishops have attained this also through Apostolic succession, then I would be need to become Catholic.  At this point however, I am not convinced, and I am in regular discussion with members and leaders within various other churches including Pastor Bill from Christ Lutheran Costa Mesa and Ed Salas from Newsong to ensure that I do my due diligence and am able to make a knowledgeable decision.  My prayer is that God can lead me to the church where I can best grow in my relationship with Him and serve him here on this earth.

Geese

Cool intro to the church sermon yesterday...Ever seen Geese (or other birds) flying in the "V" formation?  Did you know that they can go over 70% further because of this?  You probably would see a similar percentage if you studied road bikers...My point is - we are made to live in community.  We can be so much more effective with others by our side.  Ok, it gets better, when one goose gets sick, shot, etc. and goes down, 2 geese go with them to the ground and stay with him till he either gets better or dies.  Then they rejoin another group and go towards the common goal.  Beautiful, isn't it?

The Trail 70

Here's a picture of the Trail 70 up next to my roommate, Tiger's monster of a bike (recently sold for lack of use).  Exciting news!  I passed the motorcycle exam yesterday so now I have my license!  I also got the Trail 70 registered and insured so now it is technically legal to ride on the road - no freeway though with a top speed of 45mph (which is pretty hard to get to!).  I've only taken it on a few local streets so far.  My goal is to ride it to Ted's in Fullerton after the weather clears up :)  I need to find some local trails that allow motorized vehicles so that it can be on the trails that it was made for...

Take up your cross

A friend asked me recently "Why would such a loving God allow us to suffer (and some seemingly more than others!)?"  I also just recently had a dream of being nailed to the cross - I could almost feel the pain, but I'm sure not even close to what Jesus endured.  I feel that we all have our crosses in life and that we all suffer in our individual ways.  Some physically, some mentally, some spiritually.  It is up to us to get through the "suffering".  God is there for us through it.  It is indeed most times a mystery as to why we suffer in the ways we do.  Sometimes I feel it is through our suffering that we can grow closer to God and even bring others closer to Him.

Joy comes in the morning

Woke up this morning 5am.  Couldn't get back to sleep.  Figured there must be a good reason why I'm up at this hour.  I pray.  God speaks to me.  Sometimes I think it's easier to hear God when it's quiet all around.  Maybe it's because everyone else is sleeping so he can focus on me - just kidding :)  I look out the window and it's dark.  I ask God "Where am I suppose to go?" thinking that I want to go out biking, or to the beach, or something but I realized I was actually asking Him where I am supposed to go "with my life".  I'm currently looking at the Catholic church to determine if it might have "the fullness of the truth" that it claims to have.  That would be a big move for me so I'm taking my time to learn the differences, and most importantly pray - I believe God will lead me down the right path.  For whatever reason, he just hasn't fully illuminated that path to me yet.  Or maybe he has and I just haven't fully opened my eyes :)  My eyelids are getting a little heavy after getting only 5 hours sleep :(  But overall I thoroughly enjoyed my morning spending some time with God, praying, reading, walking, singing, and dancing.

Eat your vegetables

Parent's tell their kids to eat their vegetables because they know it is what is best for them even if the kids don't know it yet.  I've heard of indulgences being the Catholic church's way of essentially telling the "lukewarm" of how to live a more holier life: praying, fasting, charity, etc.  This certainly seems better than the indulgences of old that (among other disagreements) ultimately caused Luther to post his 95 thesis in an effort to reform the church.  Back in the 1500's when the Reformation took place, the Catholic church was using indulgences as a way to raise money - through telling folks that they could purchase these indulgences granting their dead loved ones passage out of purgatory.

As I mentioned, it seems like the Catholic Church has definitely made forward progress in their use of indulgences (among other things), however I am still not convinced that it is the best way.  As a first step yes, we must tell our children what to do, but then very quickly we must explain to them the why so that they will not grow to be resentful but rather have the correct posture - desiring to do these "good works" as an outpouring of the love that we have already recieved from God as a free gift in the form of His son.  

It is my opinion that largely the Catholic Church has fallen down in it's attempts to ensure the correct posture but rather has primarily resorted to "scare tactics" to ensure that it's members do the right thing.  It is my opinion that we can do the right thing, for the wrong reason.  We do not actually benefit from the "good works" that we do unless done with the correct posture - and that is not that we would desire any reward here on Earth (like the prideful Pharasees) but rather seek that which is eternal.