Monday Update

The week(end) that was:

Well, I guess it's not technically a part of the weekend, but this past Thursday night Mandy and I went to the Sierra Butte Baptist Association Christmas Dinner held for ministers and their families. It was nice catching up with old friends who really aren't that far away, just terribly busy. Congrats to Brad and Jessica Hays on their good news! This weekend was fairly calm for as busy as it was. Our little buddy Dozer had a good time at the new Dog Park in Chico. Saturday morning I started out early and groggy. I got to the dog park before they even opened and had to park outside the gates. It seems that Chico has really bad fog in the morning and Saturday was no exception. I watched him play for about an hour with some other (messy) dogs that managed to soil me as well. I spent the rest of the morning in preparation for Sunday either by doing music practice or getting ready for Sunday school. I went to get Mandy from work and then, yup once again, we went to the dog park. This time there were a ton of people (and their dogs) running around like crazy. It seems like a cool place to go. The funniest part was when Dozer watched the big dogs lift their legs and he tried to do it too. It was, according to Mandy, really cute. Weird girl.

That evening we had the Mall Invasion. That was a good time although by the end my feet were dead from walking around the mall a billion times regulatin'. I guess that's why you don't walk a lot when wearing Converse. There were quite a few people from both Churches that showed up and we all seemed to have a rockin' time.

esterday was a good church service. Things seemed a little "slow" in the first service. As in, "I-think-we-all-need-to-get-up-and-take-a-field-trip-to-Starbucks-for-some-caffeine-because-honestly-it's-bringing-me-down" slow. Maybe it's just me projecting the fact that I had a pretty rough time getting started yesterday morning. It was fun doing Christmas songs though. I tried doing more of them because what usually ends up happening each year is that I wait till it's almost Christmas and then I wish I had more time to sing more Christmas songs. Meh.

That night Mandy and I had a good time watching an old movie that we both like.

Ok, more like she sits politely while I quote most of the lines.

"The man on the motorcycle, I hit him with a burrito!

Where I am at the moment:

I'm in the office. I woke up this morning feeling pretty sick. I think I have a sequel to the first cold. Like most sequels, I didn't ask for it, and it probably will be worse than the first one. Although Battlefield: Earth never needed a sequel to be bad.

On my to-do list this week:

This week is the business meeting that I get my youth budget in. I hope it goes well – God provides exactly what we need. Also, I have to get with Brad about State Youth Conference. There isn't anything big planned until Sunday. Saturday I have to do some practicing with the bus in preparation for my test on Tuesday the 16^th. I eventually need to have an important talk with somebody about something cool. (it's not a baby.)

Procrastinating about:

I think I'm getting caught up. I have been putting updating the website. Honestly, that thing drives me nuts. I am too impatient for it.

Book I'm in the midst of:

I pretty much abandoned Vintage Jesus for the time being. I just got another book in that I've read before but lost called The Radical Reformission: Reaching Out Without Selling Out that I actually would like to read again. I think the first time I read it, I missed a lot of stuff. It should be a good and fast read though.

Music that seemed to catch my attention this past week.

I started to listen to some Relient K a lot this week. Also, it's funny but lately I've been listening to some older Papa Roach from back in the day when I had spiky black hair, wore all Dickies, and was angry a lot. (no, I was not angry a lot this week – Heh)

Oh how the world has changed. I guess it's been a retro week. Check out Last.fm if you haven't already. It's pretty sweet.

How I'm feeling about this week:

I'm hoping my cold (or possible Bronchitis which the only advantage to is the fact that the cough syrup they give you makes you not care about being sick, or even getting stabbed I think) doesn't get the better of me and turn me into a whiny jerk all week. I'm pretty sure it won't but if you see me and I am being a whiny jerk, feel free to correct me then give me some DayQuil or some Halls Mentholyptus or some Riiiiiiicola! I seriously turn into a cough drop drug dealer when I am sick.

Thank you Jesus – Zing! (Andy will get that one)

So, what would be a horrible movie sequel? Also, what do you do when you are sick?

I Would Just Like To Say

That Trip Lee seems to have better and more frequent theology in his music than many modern Christian worship leaders. Just saying…

An excerpt from "Real Vision" Album: 20/20

These days in the church, most cats got it twisted/Don't let them fool you on how we supposed to live this/For instance, some say to "come to Christ for riches/Or maybe your blessing," but my question is "what is this?" Cause that ain't the gospel, that "if you put your faith in Him/To come to the Savior, and then you'll rake that paper in?" Face it friends, they made Jesus their holy ATM/Paul would be appalled, this gospel would be disgrace to Him/This false gospel strips Him of His flyness/He's more like your servant and less like His Highness/So please don't buy it, that idea is absurd/Jesus said the Christian life can be strife and it's filled with hurt/ Look homie I would hate for, cats to get that fake stuff/And never know it's wrong cause they won't open a page up/I pray we erase the wrong views and embrace the Holy Word that testifies to us about the Savior

I Think We Sould Realize...

...things aren't so bad.

Monday Update

Hello all. I thought I'd steal this idea from Mark Oestreicher (Marko) who does this most Monday mornings. I thought it would be a good way to help organize myself and let others know how I am doing. Hope your week goes well.

-Chris

The weekend that was:

Thanksgiving was an awesome time. Instead of just a typical weekend, I'll include Thursday and Friday in this one.

Thanksgiving Mandy and I started the day (after coughing our heads off - we've both been sick since before my birthday) with a football game. The game was between my youth group and a youth group from another church. We had a good time even though we lost miserably (which had nothing to do with having half as many players). No one was hurt (seriously) though I am pretty sore all over but that may be from all the coughing. After that we had an awesome time with family for Thanksgiving dinner. In all, there were 18 people plus 2 dogs at Mandy's parents. Her family came up from Saugus (SoCal) and her grandparents came over as well as my parents.

On Friday we went on a hike in Bidwell Park (pics on FB soon), did some shopping, and then went back to Mandy's parents to celebrate her grandpa's 80^th birthday. What an awesome time. I didn't get much of a chance to get to know my grandfather, so this was really cool. He's a funny guy and a strong believer.

Saturday I helped a youth raise funds for SYC (and I'm still sore from all the pine needles and leaves we picked up), went home for a nap, and then caught the tail end of a concert in Paradise.

Sunday was Church. In the morning was a great communion service where I got to play one of my favorite Crowder songs. We had lunch at my house with my parents and then went back to church at night. My arm and voice were sore while I was doing music but it was ok.

Where I am at the moment:

I just registered my youth for SYC finally. I wish I could have done it earlier but it's been hard getting commitments from everyone. 9 total so far. I have some time this afternoon to try and get some reading and studying done. I'm going to do my best to get back into the swing of things since last week was fairly calm and relaxing. (I said that like it was a bad thing)

On my to-do list this week:

This week is a bit of a normal one. We're starting a new quarter in Sunday school. This time we're going through Thessalonians which I am excited about. Other than normal studies during the week, my church is having a silent auction to raise money for our Christmas Missions Offering. Sounds boring, but it's actually really fun. I'd like to go to Sam's church this week but the auction is the same night. This Saturday we're having our 2^nd annual Mall Invasion. Basically what happens is adults from our churches dress in disguise and the youth have to find them. The first team back wins a prize. Hopefully we won't get kicked out of JC Penny's again. Last year the employees weren't too happy with another church's youth – not mine, whew. I think we're just going to avoid that store altogether. I need to find some time to get my lenses fixed in my glasses. Dozer the Wonderdog who is in the midst of getting his big dawg teefs made them his new chew toy last night. He even took them out of his food bowl (AKA off of the nightstand) and brought them into his room (AKA under my bed).

Procrastinating about:

Getting pictures of people in the Mall Invasion sent off to the people doing the booklets.

Putting up pictures of this weekend on Facebook so everyone can see 'em.

Catching up on my blog reading.

I have my Commercial Class B driver's test coming up on the 16^th. I really have some re-learning and practicing to do. I think I should have a chance tomorrow to get it done.

Also, there are a few people I promised to make business cards for. Maybe tonight after I read.

Book I'm in the midst of:

I keep trying to finish Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll. It's a good read but my mind does not want to be that academic right now. I just got a book from Purple for my birthday called the The Way of the Heart which looks interesting. I think my brain will go along with that one a bit easier.

Music that seemed to catch my attention this past week:

Guilty… The Killers. I know, I know. Also, some music from Reach Records. I know, who listens to rap right?

How I'm feeling about this week:

Things are good. I just need to stay on top of my list. Hopefully tomorrow I can get most of my "have-to-do's" done. If I try to play catch-up on Thursday I will be stressed. I am hoping that Mandy and I will also finally be done with our colds. I'm stoked though. I get a new book in the mail as well as a new MicroSD card for my phone. Hello 8GB of music!

In God We Do Not Trust

This was written by Pastor Mark Driscoll from Seattle. I would encourage you to read this.This has helped me a bit in formulating more of my own opinion and also voices much of what I have felt during this political season.

-Chris


View the original post here.
_________________________________

In God We Do Not Trust
Mark Driscoll

In my years of pastoral ministry I have worked very hard to not be political. I believe that my job as a pastor is to preach and teach the Bible well so that my people make their decisions, including their voting decisions, out of their faith convictions.



This election season which has dominated the cultural conversation for many months has been particularly insightful regarding the incessant gospel thirst that abides deep in the heart of the men and women who bear God’s image. Without endorsing or maligning either political party or their respective presidential candidates, I am hopeful that a few insights from the recent election season are of help, particularly to younger evangelicals.

First, people are longing for a savior who will atone for their sins. In this election, people thirst for a savior who will atone for their economic sins of buying things they did not need with money they did not have. The result is a mountain of credit debt they cannot pay and a desperate yearning that somehow a new president will save them from economic hell.

Second, people are longing for a king who will keep them safe from terror in his kingdom. In the Old Testament the concept of a peaceable kingdom is marked by the word shalom. In shalom there is not only the absence of sin, war, strife, and suffering but also the presence of love, peace, harmony, and health. And, this thirst for shalom is so parched that every election people cannot help but naively believe that if their candidate simply wins shalom is sure to come despite sin and the curse.

The bottom line is obvious to those with gospel eyes. People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve. To help extend naïve false hope as long as possible, a great enemy will be named and demonized as the one who is hindering all of the progress to atone for our sins and usher in our kingdom. If the Democrats win it will be the rich, and if the Republicans win it will be the terrorists. This diversionary trick is as old as Eve who blamed her sin on Satan rather than repenting. The lie is that it’s always someone else’s fault and we’re always the victim of sinners and never the sinner.

Speaking of repentance, sadly, no matter who wins there will be no call to personal repentance of our own personal sins which contributes to cultural suffering and decline such as our pride, gluttony, covetousness, greed, indebtedness, self-righteousness, perversion, and laziness. And, in four years we’ll do it all again and pretend that this time things will be different. Four years after that, we’ll do it yet again. And, we’ll continue driving around this cul de sac until Jesus returns, sets up his throne, and puts an end to folly once and for all.

In the meantime, I would encourage all preachers to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and repentance of personal sin. He alone can truly atone for our sins. He alone can deliver us from a real hell. He alone is our sinless and great King. And, he alone has a Shalom kingdom to offer.

Lastly, for those preachers who have gotten sidetracked for the cause of a false king and a false kingdom by making too much of the election and too little of Jesus, today is a good day to practice repentance in preparation to preach it on Sunday. Just give it some time. The thirst will remain that only Jesus can quench. So, we’ve still got work to do….until we see King Jesus and voting is done once and for all.

SCC on GMA

I couldn't not post this. I have a feeling I will write more on this later, but I at least had to put this up for the 2 of you that read this blog more faithfully than I write it.



For those of you that read this on Facebook, use this URL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh2VFkF7NLo&feature=related

A History Lesson

Turn it up, and listen.

Music... before it was what it is today. I love the basses frantically playing their notes.

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 written: 1804–08

Ode To a Venti - A Bit Of Poetry

Oh Triple-Venti-Caramel-Mocha, you are my friend. Your sweet chocolate and caramel remind me of simpler times. When as a child I would frolic and play. I would run with my friends to the ice cream truck in the hot central-valley sun awaiting the vast array of treats within. Yes, simpler times.

Triple-Venti-Caramel-Mocha, your espresso wafts through the early-morning air. The sweet perfume permeates all that is around it. Harmoniously, beckons me with its song of indulgence. The espresso reminds me that I have grown up and the the simpler times are left to only memory and the short time that we have together Triple-Venti-Caramel-Mocha. You blend the old and new so perfectly.

Triple-Venti-Caramel-Mocha, your cup glints the first light off of it's lid. It sits there, magical brew contained within. The design will last through the ages.

Triple-Venti-Caramel-Mocha, you are truly a work of art.



Pepto-Bismol, you are the true friend who stays long after the fun is gone. You are the friend that lets me know that things will be ok long after the Triple-Venti-Caramel-Mocha is gone. Pepto Bismol, through drought and storm you have helped me continue to walk when I could not stand anymore. You are why I can still have my silly Triple-Venti-Caramel-Mocha.

Thank you my friends. You help me through my day.

While I'm On a Roll

I have recently found that Lark News is a good place for Christian news. Take this article on the new video game called Altar Egos: Rumble in the Pew, the latest church staff craze.

Here's a quote from the article:


"I like ripping up the hymnals. I don't know why," says one executive pastor who asked not to be identified.

Matches often get ugly as virtual staff meetings and Sunday services go badly wrong, with people hurling folding chairs and offering plates at each other, and yelling Bible-inspired insults ("I'm gonna lay you waste, snake." Whack!)."


So go and check out LarkNews, you'll thank me for it. However, if you don't thank me I'm gonna lay you waste, snake!

Stuff Christians Like

So it has been a while since I've done the whole "I-thought-this-was-funny-so-you-should-too" blog but it's mostly because those times have been filled with less-than-bloggable-but-still-funny LOLcats, LOLdogs ,and even the occasional LOLgraph. (Did you notice how I still posted links in the same breath that I was saying why I wasn't going to?)

You all know I love a good sarcastic ribbing. Or a good satirical shake-up. Even as I type this I am thinking that there are far too many hyphens in this post. All that aside, I have stumbled upon a great site.

Basically a rip-off of the not-as-funny stuff white people like, a guy has made a great humor site called Stuff Christians Like. Here is an excerpt (one that I continually guffawed at while reading).

#154. Breaking up after a retreat.

Next to unpacking, dumping your boyfriend or girlfriend is our favorite thing to do after a church retreat. We can't help it. The retreat speaker always tells us on Saturday night, "If there's anything you need to lay down before the cross tonight, to give up to God, come down and do it. Don't wait, this is your chance." And you are the first thing we think of. So we decide with our retreat friends that we are going to do it. This relationship is over. And then on Sunday afternoon when we get back, we call you and have the following conversation:

Girl:
"The retreat was good, it gave me a lot to think about."

Guy:
"Really? Like what?"

Girl:
"Well, I think you and I have grown apart."

Guy:
"You've been gone for 44 hours and were 119 miles away, what do you mean?"

Girl:
"God just really laid it on my heart that I should focus on him and not this relationship."

Guy:
"God told you to dump me?"

And so forth. The moral of this story is that if your girlfriend or boyfriend is going on a retreat, you better go too. Unless it's an all girl's retreat. And mission trips are even worse. Your girlfriend is going to start seeing Mark, that awkward but kind of cute guy, in a whole new light during that mission trip. It's a light called, "Look at Mark feed hungry children in Africa while my boyfriend plays Xbox back in Ohio."

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Unlike many things that I link to, this one actually has quite a bit of spiritual "impact," if you will. Most of the time it's all laughs but every-so-often there's a post that will hit you (or smack you) in a good direction.

So, check out some of the stuff Christians like. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Hey People

You know, I really love blogging. I do. But, when people say...

"Chris... when are you going to update!!11!!!1??"

...and I do, and then nobody says a word.

Well that makes me a sad panda. So come on people, say something. I like to hear things. I will say something too.

Oh and by the way, congrats to the lovely Mandy who just finished her first writing assignment for Lifeway. Whoo!

(Because "April-ing On" Sounds Lame)

Hey party people. It is I returning victoriously... from... something. Not sure what though. I think it was a Pollo Asada Burrito from Meeho's. Deliciouso!

So, anyhow, I keep getting yelled at to update my blog. Not that I didn't want to, I have just been extremely busy for quite some time. With what? Well...

I just finished leading an Easter choir at my church which was an amazing time. Pics? Maybe. There were about 140 people in my church Sunday and it was great to have so many new faces.

If you haven't heard, I got into an accident last week and my car is in the body shop. Not a big deal, just a pain in the neck (get it?) to get around since the magic age for renting a car is 25 and not 24. My neck was hurting for a while but it went away so we'll see what happens with that. My knee put a crack in the dashboard. Whoo!

I'm going on day 2 of my little 2 day sabbatical that I really shouldn't have put off for so long. My intent for today was to catch up on things that I've been putting off. Instead, I did pretty much nothing today and I've decided that really isn't a bad thing. Hey, if God took a day off, what makes me think I can go without one? I've been sort of running ragged the past few weeks and it's mostly because Mandy and I haven't stopped long enough to see each other much. That's really hard on me because I'm like a golden retriever that gets lonely without the one it is attached to (go ahead... make the dog/master joke. I don't care). We got to spend a lot of time together today which was wonderful because it's so rare. (I imagine this is where I would put that absence makes the heart grow fonder). Here's a tip kiddies, the secret to a great marriage... don't ever see each other! (I keed, I keed)

Actually, Mandy and I are having such a great time together. Every so often times will get tough but it's nothing (by God's grace) that we can't handle. She is such an amazing woman and it's so great to see us grow closer to each other and closer to God. If I'm honest, I've learned that it is when we actively seek what God would want for us that we grow even closer as a couple.

All in all it's been a great month. I got to see someone very dear to Mandy and I come to know Jesus only yesterday. Whoo! I can only hope that Mandy and I can keep this person from doing so many of the silly things we've done. I am not worthy of the call I've been given yet I am overwhelmingly thankful that it is the one I've been given.

Wow! What a month! I guess it's a good thing I sat and did this. Thanks to you annoying blog readers for bugging me enough to do this. HA!

Peace out fo'rizzle.

(Or something like that)

Easter

Hey everyone! If you didn't know already I've been directing a choir at my church. We're having our Easter performances soon and you are totally invited to come. I'd love to see you there.

Here are the times:

Saturday March 22 @ 6:00pm
Easter Sunday March 23 @ 10:30am

Music

Hey, check out my buddy Nate Dean.

Awesome stuff. I still remember being in a band with him in high school.

I knew this kid was going somewhere.

A Dialog of Note

Me: "Have fun tomorrow, wherever it is you're going."

Friend: "Actually, I'm going to a funeral."

Me: (Embarrassed) "Oh... Well... uh... don't have... too much fun... then... I guess."


(Thank you mouth, how's the foot taste?)


.

The Intensity and the Rush Were the Lie

In mere seconds,
I circle the edge of the deep end
the cement is slick
the water laps against the tile and stone overflowing
I feel the cold bitterness edging my feet.

I hear the lifeguard yell a warning
I hear a parent tell me to heed their cry
I hear the slap of the ground against my feet
I feel the chill between my toes.

I can't stop running, the joy of it all seems so significant.
I dodge past people and obstacles, running for more.
all the while the water beckons,
all the while it creeps beneath my feet
and causes me to slip.
I feel a blow

I hear a circling of water.
all the while it had beckoned me, it was hushed,
it was quiet, I was unaware.
Now it circles my nostrils, it surrounds me.
It pulls me deeper, it holds me captive.
Holds me silent.

I hear splashes, I hear yells
I feel the water falling away,
I feel the hands of those who would pull me up.
Breathe.

I lay upon the cement while the water drips from my fingertips.

For You Single Christians Out There

Yeah... this should do it.



Wish I woulda' had one.


Taken from this sermon


(p.s. mandy pointed out that you can still play footsies... foiled again!)

Snow!

So we have a bit of snow in P-Town today. Keep in mind that even though it may not look like much, these are taken in parts of Paradise with very low elevation. Some were even south of Paradise.

I mean snow in my yard? That doesn't happen.

Fur Thoze uf us hoo wnet to paradyze hi skuul

We should all feel intelligent now.





ht to ysmarko

Sometimes I Learn

What I have learned is that sometimes... it is better to stay quiet. Others have said things far better than you. Sometimes all you need to do is listen to what those who have come before you have said and try to become their dreams.

Here is what I have learned.

"Preach the Gospel at all times using words when necessary" “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.” “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” -St. Francis of Assisi “Peace if possible, truth at all costs.” “Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us” - Martin Luther “When you see a man with a great deal of religion displayed in his shop window, you may depend upon it, he keeps a very small stock of it within” “The anvil is not afraid of the hammer.” “Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self.” - Charles H. Spurgeon “Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee.” -Saint Augustine “Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.” “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.” “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Something Wonderful

I have a wonderful friend, a wonderful gift and a wonderful wife. Her name is Mandy and she has a blog.

Here.

I'm proud of her. A Facebook and a blog in the same week.