Real Life of Dan 1 Peter 1:13

A New Blog

2010-06-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

When someone starts a blog, it's usually because they are motivated by something and want to write about it. At times they might blog often or at times they might not blog again. I do confess I am more on the not blog again side. I seem to average about a blog every six months or so. I know I have the time and there is always thoughts running through my head. But as many like me, I don't often blog about it. But that's going to change, well at least with another blog, I'm starting: Taking back Modesty. I want to address something that God has put on my heart for quite sometime. It bugs me and saddens me at the same time. Modesty is disappearing fast, and I don't think it will improve unless something is done. I'm sure most men are not going to speak out about it, but I am. So if someone does read this, cruise on over and give me your honest input.

Everyone needs enocuragement

2010-02-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

Whew! It's been a long time writing on this blog. Here goes:

Lately I have been in contact with several people, whether it be on-line or in person that needed some sort of encouragement. A passage of Scripture always popped in my head -
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 -
That is why we never give up! Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

So I shared those verse with them, adding to their status or telling them.
The responses have been - "Thanks I needed that", "So, So true", "Amen, Amen", "Wow that's powerful, etc.
It does make me feel good that people were encouraged by it. Ever since I memorized
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, I remind myself of the verses in times that are hard or confusing for me. I always want others to be reminded that this time in life will pass and there are better days to come. I could have just responded to them with a "I'm sorry" or "This is what you should do..", instead I just shared the verses with them. There at times we don't know what to say or all we can think is the cliche words to sympathize with them. They usually don't work and at times make things worse.
I like how in Acts 4, a man born with the name Joseph, gets a nickname, Barnabas. Barnabas means, son of Encouragement, a great nickname to have. He was so well known for being an encourager they just called him, Barnabas. I know I am not the most encouraging to people all the time, and sometimes I am lacking in mercy. I know many have not gone through what I have, but they have bad days too. It might seem small to me, but it's different to them. Everyone needs encouragement so why not give it? It can be awkward and we might not have the right words to say to them, but maybe a verse or even a ear for them to talk into. We might not get the nickname for being encouraging, but we should always remember, everyone struggles, so let's try to be encouraging when they are.

He conquered!! Just like He said He would!!

2009-04-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

The two of them ran as fast as they could. One was a bit faster than the other, but both ran with anticipation, excitement and some doubt. The lady that told them, was trustworthy and seemed sincere about what she was saying. Could it be?! Did it really happen? Was this women just saying nonsense? They were told it would happen, but didn't really get it. Was this really what He had said? As they approached the tomb, I wonder what they thought? I wonder what they felt like? They lost their dearest friend, their leader, their Savior who had died a cruel death. Did they feel like a child does when a loving parent comes home? Or when they are told they are getting a surprise. Were they saying in their head with glee and a little apprehension, "No way, no way, I hope it is true."? With the excitement and wonder of what they were going to see, they made it to the tomb and saw nothing but linen cloths and an empty tomb, nothing else. I bet they just thought "Wow He really did it, He did what He said He would do!" As they headed back to the house, I bet they, were laughing together singing praises, shouting Alleluia, but with some reservation. They were excited but did not want to draw attention to themselves for the fear of what had happened days earlier. I suppose they could hardly contain their emotions. Running through their heads, are praise and anxiety, with the recollection of the words their Lord had said to them. The probably wondered "Where is He? Will we see Him?" They could not wait to tell the others!
To be there at that time was probably crazy, and full of wonderment. Their emotions running everywhere like some roller coaster ride. Doubt, Joy, anxiousness, praise, fulfillment, confusion. They did not know what to do, but later were told to go see Jesus in Galilee. I bet they felt like it was the greatest thing to know He did what He said He would do. They did not lose Him, He did rise on the third day as He had told them. They did not get what He meant, but now it all became clear. When they saw Jesus they did not know of if was a ghost. It became clear when He ate with them and instructed them. Some still in their joy they doubted. Could this be? They touched Him. It's really Him!! Alleluia He is Risen!!!

It would have been great to be there, to see the disciple's emotions. To see Jesus, to touch Him, to see His smile, to hear His voice, just to be in His presence would have been awesome! Jesus did it for me!! He did it for His disciples, for everyone! Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, for all of our sins, then He conquered death. He did it for us!!

Things that bother me

2009-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Things bother me at times, but I just let it go, but some things just keep coming up. I got the list idea from ysmarko, which he got from someone else. Well without any further delay....

TV commercials and advertisements
They annoy us all in some way, but I am focused on the ones that are not around or in this state. These are stores and restaurants that are not within 200 mile radius of where I live. I see them on local channels and cable channels. I would understand if I see something about a place in Chicago on WGN, but when it's also on local stations as well. Here is a list of ones I commonly see: CiCi's Pizza, Ruby Tuesday's, Golden Corral, and Tractor Supply company (a redneck's dream store). I know there are others but it just annoys me that they advertise and those places are not even close to here. Sonic was the most popular one, but they finally opened up one near me in Santee. So I can take them off the list and I am less annoyed.

People who don't wash their hands after using the bathroom
I don't need to go any further on this one.

Blinkers
I know many people that this bothers them. But many people don't realize they do it. It's either never using their blinker and almost causing accidents or leaving their blinker on for a very long period. I once drove along a lady for about 70 miles until she finally turned her blinker off. She had to finally change lanes. But then there are those who cut in and out of traffic with no regard to using their turn signal. The one that annoys me the most is the time of turning. They pause but you don't know what for or which way they are going or they turn it on the whole time they are in an obvious turning lane. It like they think - hmm I'm in a left hand turning lane and waiting for the light to turn green, maybe I should turn in my left signal so people know for sure I am turning left.

Oxymoron Christians Oxymoron Christians break my heart more than they bug me. I could have used hypocritical, but everyone is, no matter what they believe.
Why is it people claim to be Christians for years and years, then years later live like they never knew Him. Or they are Christ-like in public life, but online or away from anything related to being Christian they are a whole different person. Why can't they just be real, surrender it all, not parts. This goes along with ysmarko's about Christians giving other Christians a bad rap.

Junkmail
I get it online like we all do and I get it in my mail box at home. Every hour or so I check my e-mail and I have to delete my bulk mail box, and at times my inbox get some. Just because I am a Christian, I don't want an e-mail about what I should boycott or would make my mega church better. I go to an average size church. Other than the occasional sicko bulk mail, I don't care what this Acai drink does for me or how much I can make for google even though google won't pay me.
My youngest daughter loves getting the mail. Most of the time it's bills and adds from every store. I throw most junk mail away, what a waste of paper. I can't opt out either. I don't think it will ever end.

Professional athletes
Why oh why can't those who have this gift and talent stay out of trouble? Why oh why do they let themselves go? It's not just famous star athletes but anyone who gets paid to play a sport. I despise it when I hear of an athlete get in some sort of trouble with the law and ruin their careers (Vick). Or they get away with a crime, when an average joe or jan would go straight to jail (Lewis). Another is, they get paid a ton, and they get out of shape and don't try yo improve their game. Examples: Tony Gwynn, he is in the Hall of Fame but, he did put on some weight and his knees took the toll. Shaq, A sure HOFer but his free throws, awful, had a ton of time to improve it, he is also out of shape and put on weight. Others are the same. Have you seen the guts on some veterans or some guys who are awesome that could do better if they got into better shape. They have the money for someone to kick their butts to get them in prime shape.

There is more but I must digress.

What is Love?

2009-02-02T16:16:00.000-08:00

I know that question brings thoughts of a song and a movie but really, what is Love?
We often think of love as this wonderful feeling of belonging, being needed and wanted. Love is not just what we feel. It might be part of it, but not even close totally defining it. Love is not kissing and hugging that's just the by-product, like cheese comes from milk. Love is so loosely defined now a days that some people have been confused by what love really is. Love is not always nice or allows us to do what we want. Real love at times requires sacrifice, correction and toughness. Love is not all soft and easy going. Love is not always simple, nor is it to be expected. You don't always get love when you give it, but we still should love. Love constantly requires action, with no room for slacking. When we as people make bad decisions, someone who loves us should correct us. When we are about to hurt ourselves someone who loves us should stop us. If I did not punish my children for the wrong they do, is it because I love them? No, it's quite the opposite.
I correct them so they will learn the right way. I guide them so that they will make choices that please God, not others or just for themselves. God's love is the same way towards us.
Jesus lived a life of constantly defining love. This includes His actions towards the religious leaders. It was not just to show the error of their ways, but because He loved them. God did not have Jesus sacrificed for the good people on this earth, He did so that all could be saved from their own death and destruction, separation from God. God's love is not condemning but to steer us in the right paths. 1 Corinthians 13 explains love well.
That's what love is. The whole Bible is like His love letters to us, and it's not all mushy stuff you get in a card on Valentine's Day.
Proverbs 15:32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

My Jesus is worth living for!!

2009-01-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

I’m a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. I’ve stepped over the line.The decision has been made.I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.My past redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sidewalking, small-planning, smooth-knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, worldly-talking, cheap-giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, position, promotion, applause or popularity.
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience.
I’m uplifted by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my God reliable. My mission is clear.
I cannot be bumped, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of my adversaries, negotiate at the table of my enemy or ponder at the pool of popularity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I’ve stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a DISCIPLE OF JESUS.

Jesus:
I will fight for You!!!
I will die for You!!!
I will go For You!!!
I will live For You!!!

quoted from Jeremy Johnson on the Worth Dying For Album

December 2nd and my Christmas Music

2008-12-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

It's the day after Christmas, so I thought I would share a bit about my Christmas music addiction.

December 2nd is the day Christmas season officially starts in our home. My son's birthday is on the 1st, so we give our son the focus before we decorate and play our favorite Christmas tunes. I know many people start way sooner and stores bust out their stuff the day after Halloween. My problem is I always have to refrain from playing Christmas music when Thanksgiving comes and goes. It might seem strange, but I really like Christmas music. I have about 15 CDs of the stuff and every year I seek out at least one new one. Now I know you think that most Christmas music they play on the radio is horrible. Unless it's oldies, I do agree. But the stuff I have rarely does get general market radio play. This year at work Sabrina and her co-workers were annoyed constantly about the horrible "Christmas" music that is piped in at Verizon. They usually turned it down. Finally Sabrina took some songs and put it onto a memory card and they got to enjoy about an hour or so of real good Christmas music. Funny thing is they can play a type of Christmas music but can't say Merry Christmas.

If I was allowed to I could play Christmas all year round. I cannot pinpoint on when I got "addicted" to it, but when December 2nd rolls around, I load all the CDs onto itunes and pick my favorites and put it on my ipod. It might be unusual to see me rocking out to Christmas music, since my style is the more raaaar kind of stuff. There are rock bands that take traditional songs and make it there own style, but I do enjoy the soothing soft tune about our Saviors birth. I am even playing it now as I type out this post. The main CDs I enjoy are put out through the years, by Tooth & Nail Records or BEC Recordings (Happy Christmas Vol.1-4 and X Christmas). Various artists from their labels and a tiny bit from others, get together and record their favorite Christmas songs or sometimes they write a new one. No matter what style I tend to enjoy them all. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and the like are hard to find cheap, so I only have a sample of their stuff. If I could I would love to get every Christmas CD I ever wanted. I don't like the chorus, orchestra,country, unnamed artist compilations, Lennon/Oko, and most general market radio wannabe Christmas CDs. Other than that I like tons of Christmas music.

HAPPY BOXING DAY!! The Christmas music by the way gets packed up on New Years Day. That's our boxing day.

Baby Jesus: How special was his birth?

2008-12-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

I put this is a little newsletter article to the youth, I thought I would share it with you. I will continue to elaborated on Christmas even. It obviously will go beyond Christmas, but the celebrated of Jesus' birth should not go beyond one day.

Prophecies fulfilled, a miracle birth celebrated like no other, gifts given fit for a king. So fragile and small, the child could do nothing, but eat, sleep and cry. But this one child would be celebrated and revered by so many. One man would live until he saw this baby (Luke 1:25). This child was also a fugitive of a king, but wise men still sought him (Matthew 2). The story of His birth has been told to many from His first day on earth and will be continued to be told to many more. Songs, plays, movies, and many more presentations, tell of His birth in some way. His actual day of birth is not clear, but one day was chosen to celebrate it.
December 25th and the season leading up to it, is celebrated around the world by many walks of life, on every continent. No other birth is more celebrated and told of than the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is seriously amazingly ridiculous that one child would have such an impact on the world, before he was even a year old. His birth so celebrated, is also unforgettable by the fact that it shows how it was a start to how He lived and died, and then conquered death for us all, that too is seriously amazingly ridiculous!!!
I hope you to will celebrate His birth thinking about how special it was. I hope you will also celebrate His birth beyond the CHRISTmas Season.

My Daughter Asks: Are you going to vote for me?

2008-11-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

I voted today. My youngest asked me a question before I did. She asked "Are you going to vote for me?" I am not sure if she meant something else, but I responded with: Of course, I am voting for your future. She responded by asking: "For when I grow up and be a teenager?" And I said "Yes." (She is 4) I was thinking of her, my other kids when I voted. I wanted to show I cared what happens in California and the U.S. I wanted to show that I am letting my voice be heard, even if the outcomes do not go my way. I was also thinking of all the other kids in the US.

I do want to go off about the Propositions but I will spare you all. As a Christian I do want to say, think about kids. What do they need to really know? What does there future hold with the decisions being made? What does the Bible clearly say? If you are a Christian why be for things that are clearly against God's Word? Even if we are sinners we are not to practice sin. This has to do with everything we do, not just what is popping up in politics.

"Love is to be serious. Hate what is evil." Romans 12:9. It does not say anything about hating people. It says don't embrace sin, but flee it. That's why I voted for her.

Day 4 (or 5) of National Youth Worker Convention 2008 in Sacramento.

2008-10-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Day Three (or 4) Youth Worker Convention

2008-10-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

My day was not as fun as yesterday, but it was a blast too. It was fulfilling and challenging. It was a weird thing also my ring fell off today while I was clapping. It has really come to a point that I have lost a lot of weight. I did not lose the ring, so don't worry. No stupid remarks today, which is good, hehe.

What I did for the day I got up after falling asleep last night trying to watch a movie. I slept so well that I did not wake up until 8. Which is rare since my kids never have done that and my schedule won't allow it. We all got ready and went to the exhibit hall. Rode the unicorn, played some boat game and looked at all the cool wares and freebies people had. I even won a big pickle, which Sabrina and the kids would have loved. Then we went to the general session, which the comedy and worship were great but the speaker bombed. I'm not trying to be mean, but it was just like a lecture. We left early to lunch (a long with many others) and then went back to the exhibit hall. David and Amara bought a bunch of resources and stuff for their youth group. I just had fun getting all the freebies and chatting with people. Later we all went to separate seminars and then met up to got dinner. After dinner we went to the general sessions and stayed for the comedy night. It was awesome, I laughed so much my face hurt. One guy (Thor Ramsey) even changed his act and went on to tell jokes that people got bent out of shape about. None of them were bad, but I guess some people are rigid and can't take a joke. Equally funny of how he told of how people reacted to them. Then we came back to the hotel, hung out for a while and went to bed.
Who did I run into Lon and Carla Hanson. They have been helping with the youth in some capacity at Central Christian Church for 22 years! I remember Lon and this other guy Mark, the teacher sitting in on youth group boring us to death. It's not that they were bad, Mark's teaching was just over our heads at times. Lon and Carla have stepped in every time a youth pastor has left. They have basically kept the youth group a float during the time with no Youth Pastor. John Watts was just a parent of two kids that were in my youth group at Lemon Grove Christian Church. Now he is the Youth Pastor there! He seems to be doing well, and soaking up everything at the convention.
Where I ate Magnolia Grill, for lunch. I had a avocado and turkey sandwich, with a Henry Wienhard's cherry creme soda (yummy yummy),and for dinner we traveled to Elk Grove at Deahna's sister Cheantelle's house. We had BBQ chicken, rice and corn. The dessert was awesome, it was banana pudding, and some sort of cookies from Pepperidge farm and bananas. I had too much of it, it was hard to resist.
What I thought about the seminars and general sessionsMissed the first seminars, general session was a disaster of a history lesson. Again not to be mean, it ws a lecture that brought back the days of taking Western Civilizition in college (is this in the test?). Second was awesomely funny. Mike Pilavachi, a youth pastor from England. He had told hilarious stories from the Bible that were a little messed up humorously. He said it was the Greek, well what he got from it, which was equally funny. His accent added to it too. He used the stories to show how God can work in people no matter how. He also reminded us of the youth we have and how God can use us to reach even the most resistant. Amongst all the laughing It help me come to full circle in what I was already contemplating about how things are going at Easy Valley.
And what mood I am in Not satisfied. Why? From all the seminars, general session, conversations with people, I have come to a point about how I am doing things presently as a Youth pastor. I have been so content and have grown reluctant to push. I just do not want to do the things at East Valley that I had done to me in former ministries. So I resisted change and to move us as a group. But when you hear constantly what not to do or go beyond the basics in Youth Ministry. It's time to move. I don't want to be a hindrance, I want youth to be stretched and not so comfortable. So that's why I am not satisfied. I want more!

The Magic Unicorn!

Me in a moustache, getting ready to ride "The Magical Unicorn. " You gotta be macho!

Me riding the Unicorn.

David riding the unicorn.

Some boat balance game we played. David beat me three times.

Day 2 of the Youth Worker Convention - officially day one

2008-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Wow what a day it was! This was a packed and fun filled day. Very inspiring speakers and with wild and crazy thing to do.

Dumbest thing to say while in elevator: "Oh no, there goes the weight limit" - I said this as a joke but did not realize the lady coming in was not here for the youth convention. We were pretty packed when she came in.

What mood I am in I was in pain and anguish for a while there. My lips then burned of the feeling of them being on fire for a while. Why? I ate a nice tasty orange pepper called the habanero (which they use in pepper spray/mace!). It was yummy then bam it hurt, it burned, it tickled in a bad way (I can't explain what that means) I felt dizzy a bit, I could not talk, tears came out, my nose ran, I could not really function other than run around in pain. It was not like a jammed finger or stubbed toe pain but, like almost breaking a bone, but in your mouth pain. I know that's a weird way to describe it, but David just cracked up as I was in anguish. Amara was a trooper and ate a less hot one a serrano pepper. She was sweating and tears coming out of her eyes. I did not see her eat it because I was dying myself. David laughed at her too. We should have recorded it all on video. Why did I do it? I got $60 bones to use on Sermon spice, an illustration, and creative ideas for lessons web source. I am in a good/great mood now. It was a fun day and can't wait for tomorrow!
Here comes the pain & suffering. There is Amara about to eat hers too.

Suffering from pepper

Even more suffering. If you can see I was crying and my nose started to run.

What I did for the day: Well it all started with the early bird seminars. I went to one called Spiritual Sabotage (with an additional longer title. David went to the seminar: Rap it, Tag it, Speak it. Then we all met up and ate lunch and went to the general session. I was supposed to go to a seminar afterward but none of them seemed interesting or I already did not know. So I walked around the exhibit hall where everyone is advertising there organization ans selling their whatnot's. I later found David and Deahna hanging out at the pool, which was a tad cold, but the hot tub was, well hot. We all went to dinner and then to the next general session. After that David, Amara, and I went to the exhibit hall and then back to the hotel room. We were watching a movie but I fell asleep.
Who did I run into: Wow it was several today. First person was Ken Rawson. He was texting me trying to find where I was, he even left his seminar to see me first which was kind of funny and cool. He texted me "look for the fat guy". He's not fat though. It was cool to see him again. It's been over ten years since I have seen him, but we have talked over the phone, e-mailed and trash talked each other on Fantasy sport leagues. We later ate lunch together with his wife Jen, to catch up. Then I ran into a former youth Mike Collins who was there helping out. He is a youth pastor in Tracy. I did not remember his name at first, so I ashamedly asked him. It was cool that he remember me, but I am the type to be unforgettable (hehehe). I ran into another former youth who is a youth pastor at a church in Modesto, Russ Cantu. Then at one of the general sessions, I ran into Kevin Neuner, and his wife Danielle. We went to school and had many adventures together. He is a Youth pastor at Abundant Life in the Bay Area. Sadly there was even some people I did not remember who they were or even recognized their face. I just said hi and the normal hey how's it going stuff.
Where I ate We ate at the popular place everyone seems to go to at these conventions, Upper Crust Pizza. It's all you can eat Pizza and salad. Yummy ( A youth workers dream). For Dinner we went to a Sushi place. I had a Bento box (Teriyaki) and some soup, and everyone else had sushi. It was called Amakari. It was scrumdidlyumshish.
What I thought about the seminars and general sessions: The Seminar I went to was cool, it was about preparing youth beyond their years in Youth group and getting them ready to be in the world and not be of the world. A times we just have them do their time and as they leave they leave behind their faith. David and Amara's was about bringing the Hip-hop culture into view and just using it in a way for youth to express their faith. Which is a cool way to do things with youth.
Wow! The first general session was awesome. Sherwood Carthen was the speaker. He was so intense,uplifting, and very funny. "Amen by myself" - his favorite saying. He spoke on us being in the wilderness (Matthew 4)
The Next seminars I skipped (lazy I know). The next general session was a bit different. We had three speakers, who had about 18 minutes to speak and then we texted questions to be asked after we discussed the subject with people in the crowd. The first speaker was not really impressive, but the next two were cool. The second one talked about reaching out to the gay community (by Andrew Marin), which is probably the last subject you would think about hearing at a youth convention. It was good to hear since we don't even talk about it at our churches. Since we reach out to other sinners, why not all? It's those sexual sins that we seem to frown upon more in church than say gluttony or hypocrisy. Even so it is a hard subject matter, but I do think we must go at it with gusto and not reluctance. After the second speaker, Shane Clairbone came on stage. He is the cross between a hillbilly, a hippie and radical Christian. Which is not bad, just funny and quirkiness all together. He talked about how his ministry/community and some other stuff. His basic idea was we need to be more focused on our people than stuff to reach people. The three speakers and then discussion was unique and cool at the same time.

Day One of Youth Worker Convention - well sorta

2008-10-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Convention technically did not start yet, but they did have some pre-convention things going on. So here goes:

What I did for the day: I got up early packed my stuff and headed to the airport. I flew from San Diego to San Jose. Met up with my mom who I had not seen in almost a year (she lived in Oregon). We then met up with my brother and his wife and went to a cool breakfast restaurant. Then we took off towards Sacramento with another of his youth leaders (Amara), and checked into the Hyatt. After hanging out a while we walked to get dinner. While we were walking we noticed some lady trying to push her car out of the street. It looked like she had been in some kind of accident and she was acting a bit strange. I As we helped he push her car to the side of the street, I asked if we should call for help and she said she did not want to get in trouble, so my brother and I seemed confused as to what to do. So reluctantly we left after trying to figure out ways to help her. Later walking back I noticed a wan parked in a dirt lot that had the door wide open, which was strange in the middle of the night. It was a Youth for Christ van but no one around. I sure hope it was not broken into. So I locked it and we went back to the hotel. Strange things happening in down town Sacramento.
Who did I run into: I ran into Les Christie in the hotel lobby. He was my old professor at SJCC. He is the Chairman of the Youth Ministry Department at William Jessup University (new name of my old school) If my brother, his wife, and his youth leader Amara count then I ran into them too.
Where I ate: For breakfast I ate at "Stacks" in Campbell (where my brother and his wife lives) with my mom. She wanted to take us out for our birthday. For Dinner We went to "the Melting Pot" in Sacramento. It's a Fondue restaurant. We were there from 6:15 to about 8. It always really fun and interesting to eat that way. It was very expensive though. But hey we deserve it was our birthday
.
What I thought about the seminars and general sessions: We did not have any yet. But there was a late night concert (Telecast). I did not go to it thought. Amara went and said there was about 15 people (yeeouch).
And what mood I am in: Tired, very full and excited for tomorrow. I hope I get a ride on the unicorn.

Me, My Brother, and my mom.

At the Melting Pot

This is how much dinner was for 4 adults and one child. It was well worth it.

The gang at dinner

Giving Fiona a shoulder ride

Going to the Youth Worker Convention

2008-10-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow very early, I am going to travel up to the bay area and meet up with my brother David and his wife. Then we are going to the Youth Worker Convention. It's put on by Youth Specialties. I agreed to blog about my happenings while I am there. My plan is this:

What I did for the day
Who did I run into (old friends, teachers, etc)
Where I ate
What I thought about the seminars and general sessions
And what mood I am in
If you are interested that's great. It will be surprising if more than three people read my blog. So I'll keep you posted.

Palin's Baby name generator

2008-09-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

This is seriously funny. I read this post from YSMarko. Sarah Palin is a strange person when it comes to names. No, I am not showing I am for her or against her either. Tell me what your name is.
Mine: Dust Chinstrap Palin = Dan Rosch
Chap Poach Palin = Daniel Rosch

YS Marko's post about Sarah Palin's Name generator

God's little miracle

2008-08-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

About four months ago the kids and I where out walking one day and we saw all these caterpillars crawling up this wall. They were black, had yellow dots with spikes on them. Tabitha tried to grab one but it spooked her because of the spikes. I grabbed one for her and we took it home. We put some leaves and stick in a large tin and put it in. I looked up the name for it and made sure it was a butterfly and not a moth. I found out they climb until they find a place to make their cocoon. As soon as I read about it I went and looked at it and it had crawled out on the floor. I put it back in the tin and put it on top of the turtle's tank. Later I looked and it was gone. The kids had been doing their homework so they were not messing with it. So I preceded to look for it everywhere, later the kids tried to help but we had lost it. So some caterpillar is crawling around our home and could die.
About a month later the kids and Sabrina went shoe shopping and I just sat down at the computer to check on my fantasy baseball and whoosh the little black blurr comes out from under the table which holds the turtle tank. I turn and look and there it is... God's little miracle flying around my home. It flew to the window and rested. It had just hatched from it's cocoon and it was still getting strength for it's wings.

I left it until the kids came home and I showed them the butterfly. It was so cool because we thought we lost it and it had died somewhere. But we got to see one of God's cool miracle of creation and how he made a spiky caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. In all his power he made a small beautiful thing for us all to see.

I then gently took it and let it go outside on a tree. The cool thing was Tiana and I just saw one or the same one again yesterday. So it reminded me it write about it. It also reminded me that God loves us so much that with such a insignificant thing in this world, he cares for, us too. It seems crazy to me when I think of what God has done for me and for others. Why can't others who don't believe see that too? Well I will live my whole life out telling others about God, his miracles, his sacrifice and his love. May it be a butterfly or a child's sweet kind words of love that sets a heart toward God.
Here is a picture of it before I released it:

Men cannot say they do not know about God. From the beginning of the world, men could see what God is like through the things He has made.This shows His power that lasts forever. It shows that He is God. (Romans 1:20 New Life Version)

Wow it's been a while

2008-07-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well I have a ton of posts I would love to write about but I am procrastinating and I am busy, busy. Anyway, I have been busy this Summer with everything. I am doing things with the family (adventures everywhere), church stuff, coaching soccer (yeah I know, I don't like it but I can coach it) and misc. I also challenged my niece to read the whole New Testament in 6 months and I am going to read the whole Bible. She gets a snazzy t-shirt if she does it and another if I don't finish. Well check more for later if you care.

Results of loser contest

2008-05-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well last time I check, which was the day we had to weigh in on the "Are you a bigger loser than Marko", I weighed in at 200 and I ended up in 15th place (in men's , 25th overall). Out of all the people (176 of them), I placed pretty high. I will continue to try losing weight and exercising though. I would like to get to 190 at least. My wife says my chest is back to being bigger than my gut so that's good, I guess. Will all my muscle I still look big, but people who see me constantly have notcied I have lost weight or say I looook gooood (as someone put it).

Mormon's view of salvation is skewed

2008-05-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Why is it skewed? Well for instance Lorenzo Snow once said "As man is, God once was, and as God is, man may be." Mormon's strongly live by this belief even though it is not even in the book of Mormon. Mormon's believe that once you die, you go to one of the three heavens (clearly not doctrinal Christian belief). Then when you "finish" this process, you become a god of your own planet. But that is only if you are male, pity those who are female, you are pregnant for eternity. Don't forget you got to earn it to get there though. Sadly, I don't see what females earn.
So their salvation is based on that. Not, you believe in Christ you are saved (Romans 10), you live for him (because He is Lord of your life), and you go to heaven. That's it, which is simple compared to the Mormon beliefs. There is no salvation by grace, no blessings of Christ atonement in the Mormon doctrine.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."(Romans 5:8, read the whole chapter to get the whole picture). Although you should not take one verse and run with it, this verse from chapter 5 shows God grace for us. We don't have to earn it. No matter what we did or will do by His grace He sacrificed His one and only son (Don't forget Romans 6:1). Sadly, Romans 5:8 clearly is in contradiction of Mormonism's view of salvation. There are many more verses I can reference from the Holy Bible or show it's not in the book of Mormon, to show how salvation is in Christ through his grace, not earned.
To add to the comments from my previous post (see I have a renewed passion)
It's true when people truly accept Christ, they don't know everything about what it means to live their lives as Christians. But, they are looking to the Lord now for how they live their life. They want a Savior, to guide them. To call out in prayer "save me Jesus", is not a cry of "Help Lord should I follow Christianity or a cult?" It's a cry for help, a cry for the Lord Jesus Christ. To sincerely want Christ as Lord in their life, see Romans 10, especially, verse 9-11. As I have commented before the "Jesus" Mormons believe in is not the one Christians believe in and follow. Their belief's are strange to begin with, they even believe that Satan and Jesus are bro's. So again the Mormon "Jesus" is not my (and Christianity's)Jesus. So with all that said (err typed) to throw in the Holy Spirit into the mix of Mormon salvation or salvation would be nonsense. Their definitions of grace, salvation, repentance, etc. are totally different meanings. It all comes down to this. You call upon the Lord (Romans 10:9), you decide to sincerely follow him (Romans 10:10), you trust in him you are saved (Romans 10:11). Some might even say what about Romans 10:12 - "...Everyone who calls on the name of Lord will be saved." Again the Lord is Jesus Christ of Christianity not Mormonism. For more refernces see also Romans 6:23, Romans 4:4-5, Romans 5:1-2 (or just read all of Romans), Ephesian 2:8-10, John 3:16-17, I Corinthians 15:10. Or you can just read the whole Bible starting the the New Testament first.

For more clarity, wisdom and knowledge of Mormonism, go to Mormon Research Ministry A great ministry site challenging the claims of Mormonism since 1979.

I won movie tickets to Expelled

2008-04-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago I got this e-mail about a contest to win tickets to Expelled. So I entered it but the e-mail adress was wrong and I noticed they purposely spelled gmail wrong so I resent it with the correct adress and I won two tickets to Expelled. Free tickets are always awesome. It was movie I wanted to see, so now I can, without paying an arm and a leg to go see it. IF you don't know about the movie check out my previous blog I commented about it.

Weight loss

2008-04-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone read this or cares. I am down to 204. But....Sabrina bought a new scale and I actually weigh 211. So I guess I was heavier before and I am not closer to 200. I am a bit disappointed but I am still going to keep trying.

I Have a renewed passion or interest

2008-03-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

Mormonism is my new interest (again). I know it sounds weird. I am not converting to it, I just want to study it and reach people who are being deceived by it, as well as those who are actively deceiving others (Mormon missionaries).
Well let's just say it's been a passion, hobby, interest, or whatever you want to call it, for a long time. I this time around I want to look into it a little more.
The Background:
Since I was about 9, I think I have known about Mormons. I had some neighbors that were Mormon's living across the street behind our house, and some Jehovah Witnesses living one the same street as us. What's even more weird was my mom and step-dad were in a cult at the time too (the Devil probably loved that neighborhood). My brother's and I would play with the kids of the families and learn about some of their beliefs or sometimes their parents and people they were connected with would try to tell us about their religion. But for some reason, I always thought it was a bunch of baloney to begin with (I think my brother's did too). The thing was I was not a Christian, and did not really have any beliefs myself. I did believe that God created the world, but that was about it. At 12 when I was in my first permanent foster home, I was in Boy Scouts and I met Jon Cope. He was from a Mormon family and he had transferred into my troop. We became best friends and I learned a ton about Mormonism from him. Several years later we both ended up attending Central Christian Church (a whole other story). That’s the place I became a Christian and later begun doing Youth Ministry. During my years as a youth and adult at Central Christian Church, I often crossed paths with Mormons. I made fun of them; I even teased them after they had come over to a house I was at. For about a year I even called people “mormon’s” if they were being dumb. When I was at San Jose Christian College, I took a Cultism class, in which part of the requirements was to visit a cult or religion. My visit to a Mormon ward (not church) was a unique, eye-opening experience. It surprised me and saddened me at the same time. From that day at I wanted to know more about Mormonism. After I moved into a house in the college owned, I had Mormon’s and JW’s come visit (it was right nest to the college) each time they came I invited them inside and had some discussions with them. Most of the time they never returned, but on occasions they would come back a second time. But usually they never returned. It’s probably because I was so aggressive with my questions and rarely let them talk beyond their replies. Every where I have lived, if they came by, I would do the same, with the same results.

To be continued

Week 5 of losing it

2008-03-10T02:12:00.000-07:00

Well I am down to 210 but I don't see then difference. Maybe the scale is off or something. I know that I will be big, but hopefully my gut will go away. I wish I could drop muscle but it's pretty impossible to do that. My muscle was great to have when I was young but no point now. If I reach 200 I'll be happy. That's my first goal.

10 years!!

2008-03-03T17:40:00.001-08:00

Sabrina, my love: We have been together for 10 years!! 10 years of growing together in our relationship. 7 (almost 8) have been as husband and wife. It's been a great 10 years and I am glad you are mine and I am yours.

Week 3 of weight loss

2008-02-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

Well I only managed to lose 2 pounds. I did not over eat I just did not count my calories. I went snow boarding and chowed down at lunch cause I was so hungry. That could have been something to do with it. Plus this week was so busy, I hope week four I can exercise more. Current weight 214.