Pastor Eric

True Orphans

2009-05-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Serving children in distress I've learned an entirely new language filled with adjectives and identifiers used to define the state of a child at any given time in their heart break. "True Orphans" is the toughest spot for any child to be in: no one left, no family that claims them, sometimes- everyone dead, more often- completely abandoned. The infants in this little video are True Orphans: no first name, no last name, just weeks old... now in our care. Holding them today- again I realized what a miracle, a gift from God, their presence with us at Siempre is and how thankful I am to share in this incredible work.

You're invited... to "come and see" what The Lord is doing at Siempre. If we don't, who will love these children? They need care for a lifetime- they need immediate attention today- without your support... who will protect and keep them?

join us...

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Siempre's newest resident- a two week old nameless little girl

Thanks Mom's for all you do.

New Property... New Promise

2009-04-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

This little video shows our new property at Siempre Para Los Ninos, our children's home in Tijuana, Mexico. New property holds so much hope and promise. The building we'll put there- Lord willing, (and I'm pretty sure He's always willing for us to help those who are hurting), will be a home to 36 children- 18 infants from birth to 18 months and 18 from 19 months to age 3. Hopefully they'll all find homes with "forever" families... those who remain will join our Siempre family.

This year is the 5th anniversary of Siempre. We've had several babies... they're still with us... big kids now. The complete focus of our new work will be to rescue babies- they're the most vulnerable in society when life falls apart. We can't rescue them all, but this is our start. You're invited. When you're ready for change the best way to achieve it is to make and keep a big promise. We're promising a new home. God is too good.

blessings,

Eric

We're Not Alone

2009-04-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

>"Our destiny, in my opinion, and we might as well get started with it, is [to] become a part of the planetary community. ... We should be ready to reach out beyond our planet and beyond our solar system to find out what is really going on out there."<
Edgar Mitchell, retired US Astronaut, member of 1971 Apollo 14 moon mission

I'm all for space travel. I was one of those kids who always imagined traveling to other worlds... never crossed my mind that it might not happen in our life times. As an adult, it would be no problem to come up with a quick list of folks who either a) act like they're from another planet or b) might be better off living in a distant galaxy!

Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Matthew 4:17

I believe in His Kingdom... very near... all around us, within us... I believe in Jesus. Don't know what's "out there." Do know that today, April 20, 2009 is the anniversary of the Columbine killings. Know that life is hard for people in the community we live in... probably in your community as well. I'm certain that as exciting a call Ed Mitchell makes to "reach out beyond our planet," I'm thankful God saw fit to reach out to us with His Son, Jesus Christ and plant His Kingdom within our hearts to prevent the anger, violence and killing that springs up in the heart of people. I think we've got a load of work to do right here on planet earth, in love, right now.

Words like repent don't seem relevant any longer- they repel us -but if we're looking for change, why look to the skies? God's given us His Kingdom- not "pie in the sky" but the opportunity to love, serve and share right now, right here, today.

Space exploration and serving in love aren't mutually exclusive- I'm all for both -just want to make sure that before we start exporting values to other galaxies we make sure we've got love covered, or are at least giving it our best effort, here and now. But if the opportunity should avail itself- take an alien to lunch -one more opportunity to break bread and make friends in His Name.

blessings,

Eric

Sunday Afternoon... mowing the lawn...

2009-04-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

There has to be a metaphor in it somewhere: preach two services, meet and greet the fellowship, anoint a friend for healing... then I come home and mow the front and back lawn-91 degrees out -peak of the afternoon... I'll be out past midnight working with the homeless on skidrow- should have been napping but I mowed the lawn and loved every minute of it.

Life gets full of things that shouldn't play a part and then so much that should be there in abundance... slips away. You fill in the blanks for your life- I'm holding my cards close today. But if it all feels just a tad overwhelming- go mow the lawn, sweep the porch, wash the car: you'll be better for it. I promise.

Simple strides- one end of the yard to the next -even added the cross cut, on diagonal... doesn't look bad... it'll look better in two or three weeks. But my mind found order, my spirit, peace. I was only doing one thing in one place- mowing the lawn -and when I was done... I stood back, examined my work- and said, "Not bad."

I'm ready to get back to work- thanks to time in the yard. It's good to be simple minded ;-)

blessings,

Eric

getting involved

2009-04-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

Yvon Chouinard (left) founder of the outdoor clothing company Patagonia, and Wayne Lynch, pictured with their surfboards at Santa Cruz Island, Mar Meada. Picture by Tim Davies.

cool photo. It's from an article you can read here, in the Brisbane Times... ain't the internet great? The article briefly covers Patagonia's ability to survive the downturn in the world economy, Choinard's business model and background and their forward thinking outlook on saving our planet's resources. All pretty good stuff.

I confess, it was the photo of the guy Choinard's walking with Wayne Lynch- a 58 year old former cult status surfer that drew my attention to any of it -he's my generation and he was always cutting edge in the water... and apparently he's still alive! But the final words of Patagonia's owner got me writing. He said:

>"I'm a doom bat," he insists. "But, you know what? I'm a happy doom bat. Because as long as I feel I'm part of the process of doing something, I'm not part of the problem. I'm part of the solution, and I feel fine about it."<

"As long as I feel I'm part of the process..." I like to feel that way too. Nothing worse than feeling like we're not making an impact or working towards the greater good. If our efforts only enhance our own well being... they also take away from the greater good. When we invest ourselves in work that lifts up everyone- we lift up ourselves as well.

It's what I love about the church... about God's Kingdom... about my small part serving in it... making a difference and confidently reaching out our hands to others letting them know that they're invited to join the greatest cause on the planet- to save all of creation, in love, through service in His Name.

You're Invited. What are you doing with your life? What images will you hold dear some day? I'm guessing both the guy from Patagonia and Wayne Lynch kind of like this photo... out of the water, after a surf, working together with a common goal- far later in life than they'd ever imagined when they were in their 20's... both probably wondering why they didn't get started any sooner... why they let so many days slide by...

We don't have to let another day slip away. Get involved in the process. Until you do... you're only part of the problem. And that's not a photo anyone wants to keep in their "golden years."

blessings,

Eric

God... and medical miracles

2009-04-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has survived pancreatic cancer for over 8 years... he's now in the hospital fighting renal failure. While in the hospital he's contracted two really horrible infections. He's fighting for his life... again.

Another friend recently discovered a growth that's turned out to be possible ovarian cancer- she's waiting for surgery... anxiously waiting... as her husband, children, family and friends lift her up for healing.

The little movie at the top of this blog is a representation of a surgery another good friend had just a few weeks ago. She's a long time running partner, a marathoner, an Ironman... who had to cut almost every kind of work from her life as they've done one surgery after the other hoping to address the multiple problems she's faced in her spine.

Reading over this, it occurs to me- stinks to be my friend! Look what these really good people are having to endure... and so I pray. I pray for healing. That Christ, our Great Physician, would move in the areas they need it most, that He gives all the care givers concerned: wisdom, compassion and insight beyond their own abilities, and that He comfort the hearts and fears of my friends and their families.

God's in charge of the miracles that surround us. Sometimes, He uses doctors who refuse to quit until they find a way to ease the pain. Never ceases to amaze me how they handle the human body. Sometimes He uses family who come along side us in love. He always moves with His Spirit- sending strength we never thought we had -to help us make it through the challenging seasons we confront.

What season's of healing are you, your friends and family facing today? You don't need to know the inner workings of all that's happened to help them or to be healed. You only need to know The Father- He knows our name... He knows our deepest need... He's God and He's ready to move with miracles that will amaze us all. Our part is to ask, to trust, to love... and to never give up.

Today I'm praying for a friend recovering from back surgery, another who waits for surgery- uncertain of her future and one more who's fighting for his life in a hospital bed... so very sick. Join me in praying for their healing.

If you have someone you'd like me to pray for- email me, or better yet, put the request in as a comment and we'll build a fellowship of healing prayer that invites Jesus to move in us all.

May He richly bless those we love today. He's too Good.

blessings,

Eric

More than "The Hard Things"

2009-04-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

>"You know, it doesn't make sense. It's not fun. At a certain point, it's not even giving me that relief anymore. It's just this compulsion that I can't break. In that sense, I'll always be a drug addict," Sheff said.

"I think I can be someone who no longer uses drugs," he added.<

Nic Scheff, author of TWEAK, said that for an article in CNN today. He's the son of David Scheff who wrote the poignant book BEAUTIFUL BOY about his son Nic's downfall into addiction to drugs and in particular- meth. It's a book that breaks your heart.

Too often people "outside" the vicious cycle of addiction are quick to assume addicts are somehow just weak or unwilling to do "The Hard Things:" to suck it up, "just say no," build better disciplines... but it's more than that... after reading Nic's story in Beautiful Boy, I've recommended the book to more family members of addicts then I can recall. It's a story that let's us see ourselves within the cycle and reminds us of just how quickly anyone of us can find ourselves on the front lines in the battle for our own sanity as addiction eats away at those we love... at us.

I've prayed for this young man I've never met, before... praying for he and his family today. I've helped families through times of relapse with the familiar and comforting reminders: "failure is part of success," "It's not about falling down- it's about getting back up," and I believe them... God is powerful and He created us to thrive, He is "The God of second chances." That said, I know it's easy to fall into a place of acceptance. That this is just who we are- if it kill's us, it kills us. Nic Scheff's words are powerful:

"You know, it doesn't make sense. It's not fun. At a certain point, it's not even giving me that relief anymore." Which one of us hasn't felt that way in some area of our lives before? But he closes with incredible hope: "I think I can be someone who no longer uses drugs," he added."

"I think I can..."

Is there an area of your life that needs changing today? Maybe it's an attitude, a discipline, an unmet goal, a habit that needs breaking, an addiction... Life's not about falling down- it's about getting up. Ask Nic. He's giving his sobriety another shot- he's dreaming of a life without drugs in control... a new hope, a new life. I'm praying for his success and for ours as well.

God created us to be so much more than "consumers." He created us to thrive. Together, in Him, we can. Failure is part of success. If you're living through personal or even a very public failure today- success is out ahead -stay faithful, seek help, trust God... life's about more than the hard things... it's about learning how to trust God, trust each other... and continue together. We can thrive.

Monday Morning Mindset

2009-03-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

Trestles Update 3-30-09 @ Yahoo! Video

4 guys made it out... that's this morning, Monday, March 30, at Trestles... "our" surf spot... or at least very near by... good to see that a few guys are in the water- regardless the very small swell conditions. Looks like fun... the spring break crowds will gather.

A recent report disclosed that the average American spends 8.5 hours a day of "screen" time. Eight and a half hours in front of a computer monitor, a television, some sort of screen... every single day... a third of our lives... it was enough to motivate me to get on my bike and ride Saturday morning- but I found myself "surfing" the Internet today instead of joining my 4 intrepid friends there in the line up... more screen time.

It's spring! Easter's just day's away. Never a better time for a new beginning in Christ. No better opportunity to embrace the glorious words of the Psalmist who cried out: "This is the day that The Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" I'm going to turn off my computer and enjoy the day. Hope you do the same.

blessings,

Eric

a helping hand

2009-03-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.” Proverbs 3:27,28

We're learners. We can't help ourselves, it's how God made us: to learn. The big issue in life isn't what we learn but more how we use what we've learned. As children, we didn't get to choose our family's socio-economic background or their level of education- we grew into awareness surrounded by both the good and the challenging of our particular spot in life. Not much more than a century or so ago- our families position in society determined OUR place in the world. That's changed in most of the developing world... not everywhere... but certainly in nations that insure an education for every child and in areas where the Internet, TV and newsprint tell stories of the wealthier nations where people have stomachs full enough to pursue their dreams and those images ignite new hopes and dreams in the hearts of children and young adults that thought they'd never break away.

Neither of my parents ever learned to use a computer: they just didn't see the need. When I first got a crack at a keyboard- at Golden West Junior College- the fall of 1972, long before the PC, Internet or blogging, -I got into it. It was one of my favorite parts of my 2 semesters in junior college- full on computer access for every student in every field of study, required. Orange Coast Community College District was WAY ahead of the curve. The heart of a school was a massive computer room filled with an IBM 360 that we hooked up to with monitors, took tests on and even pushed those old funky computer punch cards into: what fun!

When I became a teacher and was asked to head up the Apple Computer program at our campus, I jumped at it. Getting boxes of new Apple II's and IIe's to set up quickly became a highlight of the week- that and spending an extra 30 minutes or so a day on one of the first computer games that went beyond "PONG," "Escape from Rungastan." If I remember right, the monochrome green monitor would flicker on and as the 5 inch floppy began to spin, words came across the screen: "You are in a room."

It all sounds pretty simple now... but we felt like we were on the brink of something that would change our lives... little did we know that in just a couple of decades we'd spend much of our days in front of brightly lit, incredibly colorful LCD displays, with larger screens then we had on our televisions in the 70's and 80's and carry "smart" phones in our pockets with more computing power than anything anyone was even working towards. A quarter of a century ago I wrote on the need for computer literacy among educators and leaders as an essential tool to our successful growth as a society. I was passionate about it... believed it then, believe it still. Think I felt like I'd found a place where I could finally help... a new way to help.

In retrospect, it's easy to see that our time with computers often causes as many problems as possibilities. My wasted time on "Escape from Rungastan" was pure innocence compared to some of the heartbreaking ways people have used this new, powerful tool and as a society we seem to have forgotten the basics of every tool: be careful- they cut both ways -be it a knife or saw or a laptop or desktop... tools are just that- tools. We choose how we use them.

Use your time online in positive ways. And when someone has obviously lost their way online... point them back in the right direction. One of my favorite new "helping" tools online is www.letmegooglethatforyou.com.

A friend has a question: about... well about just about anything... and you go to www.letmegooglethatforyou.com, type in the question you think will help out and then send them the link the site produces. Let's say you need help with your Spanish. Go to the site, type in: How do I say "How can I help?" in Spanish? Click the link to see your solution.

Pretty cool.

The writer of Proverbs said we should lend a hand whenever we can... think he would have liked this cool new tool online. It's just one more fun way we can help!

the first soup line?

2009-02-03T13:13:00.001-08:00

Free breakfast and lunch at Denny's - all across America - from Maine to Malibu... I wonder if they have a Denny's in Malibu?

Left the office to check out our local Denny's response to their national "free Grand Slam" breakfast campaign. Impressive, to say the very least. The place was packed while lines of people waited patiently, in the beautiful 80 degree weather, to be served. Many looked as if they could really use the free meal. Denny's was turning no one away. Smiling employees everywhere- a manager even handing out rain checks... though the skies looked as if they'd never met a storm or had as much as a drizzle pass their way... we took rain checks. Can't wait to go back and get those extra 1,000 calories or so to lug around my middle!

Back in the office- checking the news and reading about millions responding to the free breakfast deal -pictures like this one came to mind. So disturbing. It's one thing to watch the homeless on skidrow line up each week for the meals we serve with Jackets for Jesus. Quite another to watch the neighborhoods around our church empty out and stand in line for a free meal. If I'd picked a soundtrack for the moment it definitely would've been Bob Dylan's "Hard Rain Gonna Fall."

This news item was just above the Denny's story online: "Bailed Out Wells Fargo Plans Las Vegas Junket." The story tells about the 25 billion -that's 25 thousand million- (about a thousand times what Manny Ramirez turned down to play for the Dodgers this year) Wells Fargo took from taxpayers to stay in business- and how they're now planning to take their leaders on an all expense, luxurious week in Vegas. My favorite quote was from Wells Fargo's representative when asked by the press why the junket's still on, he said the: "event is part of the bank’s culture."

Snappy response- I plan on using it next time I go over my credit limit on my Wells Fargo card: "It's part of our family's culture."

Two ways two major corporations are responding in this time of national financial crisis. For the first time, in a long time, I think it'll definitely be Denny's that leaves a good taste in our collective pallet and Wells Fargo... well, I'm afraid they're about to discover that the commercials just aren't true: what happens in Vegas, hardly ever stays in Vegas.

"Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is given to you. God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied." Luke 6:20,21

blessings for the day,

Eric

Heaven

2009-01-12T22:43:00.000-08:00

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Jesus John 14:1-3

I believe in Heaven... Jesus promised us that The Father has a Home big enough for everyone who follows Him... that He's preparing a place for us... you and me... in Heaven.

Last Saturday I got the call that a friend I'd been with just the night before had died... he'd been fighting cancer, not much older than me, loved fishing on the ocean... we'd once crossed paths, fishing on the same boat, hundreds of miles at sea...God gave us the opportunity to get to know each other better over the last year or two. God invited Danny into His church at Central Community and I'm certain that when he took his last breath here, Someone took his hand as he was ushered into God's Eternal Kingdom.

Our kids have always felt like I'm a little too comfortable around death. From as early as they can remember they've shared the heartbreak as families have called our home, looking for their pastor, when "the end" is near. I've been in more circumstances of death than I ever care to recount... just thinking about it brings so many good people to mind... and I thank God for The Promise of Heaven... of Home.

I've wept with so many good people but I've never felt that it was the end. Heaven is our Home. Our loved ones who go before us are a precious deposit in The Hands of our Loving Father until The Day we're all Home. "What a Day... Glorious Day... that will be."

Danny's home. I'll miss him. Not long ago he gave me a couple of boxes of expensive lures and jigs for saltwater fishing... can't wait to use them... to catch a fish- always thought I'd bring a story back to tell him -now I'll just quietly say: "Thanks for the hook up buddy." Hope there's fishing in Heaven.

I learned this poem as a child. Someday it'll be read at my funeral:

God grant that I may live to fish
until my dying day.
And when it comes to my last cast
I then most humbly pray,
When in The Master's landing net
I'm peacefully asleep
That God may judge and grant me
good enough to keep.

"I'll Meet You In The Morning" It's an old gospel song- don't hear it much anymore. I downloaded it tonight and listened to it for the first time in years. My uncle John and aunt Lurann Denton use to sing it together... became almost famous for it... had a 45 record of it and everything... they'd get to the chorus and turn to each other- like so many other gospel groups would do and begin to shake hands as they sang: "I'll meet you in the morning, I'll meet you in the morning, with a "How do you do!" and a "How do you do!" Each time they did it I could just imagine Heaven being like the lobby of the church on Sunday morning- the whole church family waiting to welcome us -shaking hands, smiling, maybe even singing... I like that image of Heaven... a happy home. I'm glad my friend Dan's out of his pain and into God's Paradise... one of the many I hope will "meet me in the morning."

Heaven... what a great hope to hold onto... is it your hope today?

many blessings,

Eric

Happy New Year... 2009... living out a great theme

2009-01-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a month or more... thought I'd start the new year by posting links to videos of our Christmas Party at Siempre Para Los Ninos- our children's home in Tijuana, Mexico

2008 Christmas Party at Siempre Para Los Ninos @ Yahoo! Video

and Jackets for Jesus Christmas Party on skidrow.

2008 Christmas on Skid Row - Jackets for Jesus @ Yahoo! Video

Each event was hugely successful because of the positive support of so many people, both at our church home, Central Community, and our extended family of support. People just like you and me. (a bunch of times IT WAS you and me!)

I try my best to live by a simple maxim: "Everybody wants to do something good for God- they just don't know how." These video's are made possible by people who've opened their hearts and lives to discover some of the good God wants them to do and have given themselves to it in ways small and large.

I'm praying that each of us opens our hearts to listen, learn and live in God's Grace in 2009 - doing all the good things we were not only created to do - but also those things that fulfill us in ways we've yet to discover. May God richly bless you in your creative pursuits of serving Him while meeting the needs of others. May He receive all the glory, now and forever.

richest blessings,

and happy new year!

Eric

The Back Packs are Here!

2008-12-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

I've already handed out over 200... and that great big stack of boxes still occupies the corner of my office. You're invited to get a free backpack, fill it with everything you think you'd like if you were homeless and return it for Jackets for Jesus Christmas Party on the streets of LA, Sunday night, December 21, 2008. As in everything we do: You're Invited! If you've never been to skidrow- it's a great first night to go. Call me for info... or backpacks!

blessings,

Eric

Thanksgiving Update

2008-12-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

2,850 dinners served on Thanksgiving Day. Over 500 volunteers. One ton of potatoes peeled in just 28 minutes. 2,231 dinners prepared in 58 minutes.

One amazing day for God.

He's too good.

thanks so much

If You've Volunteered to Cook a Turkey... God Bless You!

2008-11-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

Volunteers have been bringing in roasted turkeys all day long... and Thanksgiving is still a few days off. My last blog was all "turkey talk." Here's more of the same. A video recipe that claims to get a 24 pound turkey cooked in just 2 hours! I'm giving it a try. Why not spend $10- bucks, buy a 20+ pound turkey and try it yourself? Cheap fun, you can impress your friends and when it's golden brown- do a good thing and donate it towards our Thanksgiving dinner.

just a few days off and I can't wait!

many blessings,

Eric

Incredible Turkey Recipes - Simple and Complex

2008-11-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

What your turkey could look like... without the ribbon

That's the link to the LA Times hot tip for your Thanksgiving turkey. They give 4 options- 4 results -tastes tests and some really simple how to do it yourself instructions- click this link to their article. Give it a try on one of your turkey's this year. Everyone should cook more than one... one for your own household and however many you can cook to give away. We need them at Central Community for our 21st Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Cook a couple for us! We'll be feeding well over 2,000 people this year.

Mom's recipe- or at least one of her simple turkey recipe's -is foolproof and puts out a great bird for the table every time. You can find it here at one of my blogs from last Thanksgiving.

Only one thing better than waking up to the smell of roasting turkey on Thanksgiving morning- taking some time out of our day to serve the less fortunate -who might be alone or hungry without our help. Get involved this Thanksgiving. Volunteer at your local church, food bank, whoever's helping out.

If you living in Southern California, share Thanksgiving with us at Central Community- volunteer -cook a turkey -come eat with friends... whatever works best for you. You're invited. We don't want anyone to be alone or hungry this Thanksgiving.

Know that I'm thankful for you,

many blessings,

Eric

moderation

2008-11-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

we are what we eat... ouch!

From a list on MSN this morning covering the "worst drinks in America" this calorie vault from 31 flavors: the large Heath Bar Shake. Check out the stats:

1. The Worst Drink in America

Baskin-Robbins Large Heath Bar Shake

2,310 calories
108 g fat (64 g saturated)
266 g

I've been trying to lose a few pounds. Think I'll listen in to the good doctor's advice on this one and remember "moderation in all things."

blessings...

We're #1

2008-11-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

one of many empty homes in 92508

92508, our zip code. We rarely hear about our enclave on a hill outside of Riverside, California. We've lived here 16 years- watched orange groves come down -gas stations, shopping centers, department stores, fast food and dozens of other little businesses spring up like wildflowers in a field with the changing of the seasons.

We've enjoyed watching the value of our home rise over the last decade. It's been fun living in the heart of a neighborhood that became "the" community to live in if you wanted good schools, safe streets, great parks, etc... We've loved Orangecrest.

Last night- while working in the kitchen -national news on in the background, I heard Brian Williams on NBC talking about 92508... our zip code... the Orangecrest neighborhood of Riverside, CA USA. According to NBC we've earned the distinction on the most repossessions of any zip code in the nation. Tried to confirm it online this morning but found no other details. Just the same- there they were -interviewing homeowners and those losing their homes, in my neighborhood- on national news.

Better than a plane crash or natural disaster- but I'm not losing my home... yet! 1 in every 5 homes in our little zip code- well little by California standards -is currently being surrendered to the bank. We've watched friends pack up and leave in the middle of the night. We also have friends who've bought the home of their dreams at rockbottom prices. The real estate crash is a mixed blessing. Just one year ago we were equity rich beyond our wildest dreams... while our adult children had no hope of ever owning a home. Today? Our 24 year old son is getting ready to buy a house at the lowest prices in over 20 years- maybe more.

When we lived in rural Indiana, in years when the crop yield was particularly good and farmers were getting rich on high prices- some wise old farmer would always point out that "if it's good for us now, that just means someone else is losing their farm somewhere."

Today- we're #1 -hopefully in these difficult financial times we all learn to lift each other up, build community, help our neighbors who are hurting, (it could be us), and love The Lord. He's with us through it all. He's #1

many blessings,

Eric

If I Was In Charge of Our Pension Plan

2008-11-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

I have a small pension through the Pension Plan of the church of God, Anderson, Indiana. The people of Central Community have done their best over the years to give to it as the church was able. Debi and I don't have any plans for retiring... but I've learned from my friends that age and retirement comes upon us whether we plan for it or not... so we're thankful.

Our retirement is in the "aggressive" portion of the portfollio... just couldn't stand to be anything less than aggressive :-) It's cost me big time. Out about 30% or more of our investment in the last month alone. That's nothing compared to lost equity in the house! I've always struggled with the church participating in general mutual funds... the folks at the pension board have heard... or at least listened to my complaints as pastor's pensions were invested in tobacco, alcohol and abortion funds... that doesn't even begin to mention the military/industrial complex. There are plenty of really good socially and morally motivated and directed mutual funds- we're not serious participants and they haven't been broadcasted.

Sad.

But that's just one guys opinion. Industry needs investment and if the church feels good sharing a bed with these guys... more power to them.

If I was in charge of our pension plan? This week I'd invest everything in Ford and General Motors. Not just because they're trading at all time lows. Definitely not because I'm a huge supporter of the auto/oil industry or that I even drive a Ford or GM vehicle, though I have owned both. I'd do it now because I believe in the American worker. These two company's employ almost 400,000 US workers between them and countless other industries around the world depend on them. If I'm going to lose my retirement... and I get to choose- call me old fashioned, but I choose going out with working men and women.

The people leading our auto industry haven't always led the pack... but I believe the right people will rise to the top and the best decisions will be made. Lord only knows what GM and Ford may be producing a century from today- rapid transit?, smog free, oil free vehicles...? jet packs?! You go George Jetson! Wouldn't it be fun to be a participant in a worker based industry that keeps the world moving?

Just my morning thoughts on todays economy. Hope your retirement- more importantly, your eternity, is safe and in His Hands today. To all of you who served: Thanks So Much. Think of you all often as I visit Mom's grave at Riverside National Cemetary. Happy Veteran's Day.

many blessings,

Eric

The Optimist Creed

2008-11-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

from a friend in my email yesterday... I Believe It!

Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Be too big for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. Christian D. Larsen

Buckets of Love... and Thanksgiving

2008-11-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

21 Years of Free Thanksgiving Dinners at Central Community. Each year we go through hundreds of turkeys, thousands of potatoes, hundreds of pies and more love than could be measured on the Richter scale as we serve thousands of turkey dinners- with all the trimmings -to all those in need in our community. It's an incredibly expensive endeavor and we could never do it without the loving and generous support of the people of Central Community. They're amazing. Along with their friends and family's, they peel a ton of potatoes, cook a couple hundred turkeys and work non-stop for as long as a week making sure everything is just perfect. Whether it's taking a reservation or delivering a dinner to someone who would otherwise be home and alone... it somehow all gets done... it's amazing... our very own opportunity to share in the miracle of giving thanks. God is too Good.

Love Buckets! That's a picture of one. Our staff put them together to hand out at this weekend's services. People will take them home- set them on their kitchen table, a dresser, atop the TV, and each day they'll dump their change in the slot. Sunday, November 23, we'll collect them- bust 'em open -have a crew of people count the change and use it to pay for everything that's not donated for the dinner. This year we plan on feeding at least 2,500 people. We'll need $5,000- to make sure the job gets done. It'll happen- one little love bucket at a time.

Jesus fed thousands by multiplying just a few fish and a little bread in a kid's lunch bucket. We want to do the same. In fact Jesus promised that we'd do even "greater works than these..." Kind of hard to imagine. But we're entering another November, another season of Thanksgiving, in faith believing. Our first Thanksgiving dinner together at Central Community- Thanksgiving Day, 21 years ago -we prepared to feed 200: cooked the food, set the tables... and no one came.

We shared Thanksgiving dinner together- then tried to find something to do with all that food! A home for battered women... filled with nearly 200 taking shelter at the holidays... welcomed it in joy... they'd prepared nothing. Jesus used our first Thanksgiving Day Dinner to remind us that someones always waiting to be loved... if we're just willing to not only open our eyes to the heartbreak around us but to open our lives and share in Thanksgiving. In 2008, we plan on doing it by the bucket full!

What are you doing with your "buckets of love" this Thanksgiving? God's been so very good to us... a struggling economy can't take His Grace, Mercy, Healing... his invitation to share in Thanksgiving, away.

You're invited to Thanksgiving with us. If you're not able to make it out- we even deliver -we don't want you to be alone or hungry on Thanksgiving. And if you're like me- and God's blessed you by the bucket full -you're invited to fill up a love bucket to help share the Thanksgiving expense. Or maybe you know someone who can donate pies, turkeys, fruit... don't let this miracle season slip away without taking note, without getting involved. God created us to be a blessing. It's what our hearts yearn for in the darkness. We can fill this Thanksgiving with buckets of love.

many blessings,

Eric

a genuine heartbreaker

2008-10-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

some rumors... you just hope are true :-)

guess I'm still buying lunch today!

it's my new favorite picture because...

2008-10-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

Abbie and Vanessa

Every Wednesday afternoon, almost without fail, I have the opportunity to take a pretty wonderful group of people to Siempre Para Los Ninos, our children's home in Tijuana, Mexico. The first thing I do is hand off my camera to one of the kids to take photos for my email updates. Kid's use to fight over the camera... now, not so much. Some weeks pleading is required to get someone, anyone, to assume the responsibility.

I don't blame them. I can't stand looking at my one afternoon a week at Siempre through a viewfinder instead of out on a bike ride with the kids or just hanging out. Some weeks, dozens and dozens of photos are snapped- I'll use 3 or 4 -the rest stay in exile on my hard drive. Each week, it seems that a new photo captures my heart - usually because it captures the very best of Siempre. This photo definitely fits that category.

Life isn't always pretty... it's a hard lesson every child abandoned into the loving arms of Siempre was forced to learn the hard way... watching a family, friend, a stranger... walk away after signing them into our care, for the rest of their lives. Life can hurt. Every child at Siempre knows this as well. There's not a child on the planet who, having been abandoned- for whatever reason -by their biological family, doesn't lie down at night with dreams of reconciliation, of a fantastic return, of some sign that they really were loved and cared for...

Hope! That's why I love this photo. Hope, through times of hardship and heartbreak, somehow, miraculously, God restores Hope. He's too good... He's God. This snapshot of a fleeting hug between girls born thousands of miles apart- totally different tragedies -today, loving one another like sisters is one small part of the miracle God invites us to share when it seems that life has slipped away and there's very little left to live for... hold on! Hope- just like Abbie and Vanessa have found -is waiting.

"God's not slow in keeping His promise, He's patient..." Wait on God. He always delivers. Hope, restored, is His specialty. He did it for Abbie and Vanessa. He can do it for you. Don't give up. Hold out for REAL Hope in Him. It's on the way.

That's why I love this picture. Besides, aren't they great looking kids?

many blessings for new hope in our lives today,

Eric

a "banner" year

2008-09-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

me... again.

I've never been overly comfortable with photos of myself. We've rarely used them in our outreach materials and each time we have- it's a battle for me. Vanity...

That version of our logo goes up on a new banner this week in front of Central Community. The sign's 16'x4', I occupy about 3 feet of it and I'm hidden behind the churches name... even still... it's hard to adjust to. I'd make a lousy movie star- all those glossy 8"x10"s to autograph. So many people looking at your face!

"You're Invited!" is pretty much all the banner says: church name, service times, phone # and web address. Our vital statistics for anyone who might be searching for a church- a welcome mat to the thousands who drive by each day -"You're Invited!" On each side there'll be a banner for our upcoming craft fair, (October 25th, you're invited to that as well!), hopefully this will be the beginning of a "banner" year.

I'd like to learn to effectively use our corner to reach out to everyone who passes by. When you see the banners, let me know what you think. And if you never get to Riverside, You're Invited to listen in through our podcast or at our website, my pictures there as well... don't let it hinder you :-) Just remember: You're Invited!

H.A.L.T. something to consider

2008-09-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

"It is "unthinkable" that legislation would not pass by end of week, White House says."

The Last Judgement... not for the American way of life... but reading/watching the news these days one would think Michelangelo's great work had jumped out of the Sistine Chapel and now cruises Wall St. stalking our banking system... waiting for a wrong... or even worse, a delayed decision.

Big expenditures- from buying a house, car or boat -it's hard to find a financial adviser who doesn't recommend taking your time, checking out all the options, looking for the best deal and talking it over with your family as you evaluate how hard it's going to hit the pocketbook versus a positive return. Interestingly enough, many nationally known financial guru's seem to ignore their own advice when it comes to the current crisis. Don't need to name names- you've probably read and seen them on TV just like I have as they talk up a plan, not even a week in the making that will be one of the largest financial expenditures in the history of humanity. A little bigger than a new home, car or boat.

The entire situation's reminded me of a simple lesson my old friend Ed Jones, Colonel in the USAF, retired... now with The Lord... as a member of our Pastor Management Team - when things would get tough - not uncommon occurrence in a church - he'd ask us to take a deep breath before making a big decision, to pray about it and tell the little story of the acrostic that helped keep his decision making balanced: H.A.L.T.

WWII, Korea and Vietnam- and a collection of other military actions -from props, to jets, to squadrons of B-52's, Ed had been in more tough spots than most of us will ever imagine. Even still, I can still hear him counsel me, as we struggled to meet Central Community's humble financial needs or stretched to do all we believed God created us to do... to H.A.L.T.

Never make a big decision when you're:

Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired

I've tried to remember these simple words. Too often I've failed to heed them and it's usually cost me. I miss Ed. He was one of the many people God's placed in my path to build, enrich and encourage me... he was a trusted adviser, great friend and brother in Christ. His witness speaks to me still. In his 60's, retired after serving his country for a lifetime with great distinction, he'd left God out. On the golf course one day he felt a strong urge, as if he'd heard a voice, to "come home." He left the course immediately- never one to disobey and order -went into the house to check on Jesse, his wife. "Every thing's fine here. Don't know what's bothering you." Doubt, an uncommon and unwanted guest in his mind, filled him with dread. The words of a buddy in arms from WWII came back to him: "When in doubt, read Philippians." Digging through old mementos until he found his unopened new testament, he read straight through Paul's little note with the BIG MESSAGE to the church. Strangely moved, walking into the kitchen, he said: "We're going to find us a church home!"

Breaking into a smile, hugging him gently, Jesse praised God. Years of prayers were suddenly answered. Then the phone rang. Picking it up, responding in joy, Ed said: "We'll be there this Sunday!" Central Community was in the middle of calling tens of thousands of residents of our community inviting them to check us out. Ed and Jesse did. Ed led many of our ministries for years, stood by his pastor through thick and thin and on the day he died was surrounded by the men of the church. His funeral was in our sanctuary and afterward the large crowd walked into our park for the well deserved honor guard and air force fly over.

I miss him still.

After Ed received Christ he longed to be baptized. We baptise by full immersion: pool in front of the church, family gathered round, hand on Ed's shoulder, I asked if there was anything he'd like to say before he went beneath the water. He thanked God for his family, for a call home, for a phone call from the church... and then he said something I'll never forget... as I held that old warrior in my arms the last words he said as he went beneath the water were: "I never want to hurt another living thing as long as I live."

Ed had seen horrible things. He'd led squadrons of B-52's as they carpet bombed villages filled with people. He was following orders... but he couldn't get it out of his mind... he'd told me so much... now it was ready to leave it with The Lord. God is too good.

Ed was far from perfect. He knew the consequences of spending a lifetime carrying the dark nightmares only a soldier knows. He was quick to encourage every man and woman in uniform, to thank them for their service... he knew the burden they carried. And he reminded me that no matter how great the crisis, it's a good idea to check ourselves before we pull the trigger on that life changing decision. Are we hungry, angry, lonely, tired? Wisdom might be far from us- better to wait -some decisions go with us to judgement day.

Watching TV, looking at all the tired faces of leaders so sure of themselves, can't help but wonder if they've had a friend like Ed... someone honest, wise and experienced enough to remind them to HALT before they jump off this cliff. Don't know what big decisions you're facing today but they very well might change the course of a thousand lives... a million possibilities... have you taken the time to eat, calm down, seek wise counsel from good friends... to rest? To HALT? If not, before you change the course of history, you might want to sleep on it. Judgement will wait. What's the rush?

blessings,

Eric

One Trillion Dollar Bailout

2008-09-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Would You Feed The World?

It's serious business. I'm curious,if you'd been in charge of fixing the financial mess- would you have bailed out the banks from the top down? If you're a US taxpayer- it's what we're in the process of doing.

One Trillion Dollars: one million, million- if they stretched dollars from your house into space- it'd reach the sun, if you started a business when Christ was born and lost a million dollars a day, you'd be in business for for another couple hundred years before you lost a trillion dollars... if you started counting to a trillion right now, as fast as you can, you'd still be counting in the year 32,000ad and you'd still not get to a trillion!

Over 1.2 million homes went into foreclosure in the US in 2007. Most experts believe another 1.7 million... possibly as high as 2 million will go into foreclosure in 2008. Spend one trillion dollars from the bottom up and the US taxpayer could have given every family facing the loss of their home a cool $500,000- to get their house in order. Imagine- 2 million Americans saved from losing their homes, able to pay their lender, settle with their credit card company, get a fresh start... and all that money... every penny of that same one trillion dollars would still have ended up in the hands of the bankers.

Too generous a bailout? Why not $50,000- to 20 million US families facing a financial crisis? That's still one trillion dollars. Talk about an infusion of cash into the economy!

Top down or bottom up? What works? What last? What steps apart from the political arena and steps into the crisis with care and compassion?

God reached out to heal our relationship with Him from the bottom up. Gave His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to live poor, abandoned and rejected... eventually crucified by the power brokers of His day... but the dispossessed, the sick, rejected, the working stiffs... followed Jesus. Because He worked from the bottom up, in love and sacrifice, His church is still healing around the world today. Not everyone believes in God or has placed their faith in Christ... but there's almost universal acceptance of His Love, His Life, His Lessons... it's hard to resist people who give completely from the bottom up.

Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston and much of the Texas coastline. Imagine for a second that you sent money to help out, only to discover that it went to a collection of wealthy leaders in Dallas... when you complained, you were told that your giving would "trickle down" and eventually reach those hurting on the coast... once everyone in Dallas had their house in order.

Sound crazy? Sort of like sending a trillion dollars to bankers in NY, hoping to save a family in Riverside?

Credit... it comes from the Latin, credos: it means belief... as in I believe in you- so I'll give you credit. (Wish I could find a link to the radio commentary I heard on this so I could give them the credit!) In church we're more familiar with the term as "creed." I believe our political leaders need our prayers for wisdom- now more than ever. We can also pray from the bottom up... remember, 2 million homes in foreclosure means 2 million families at the end of their hopes and dreams... so many of them live in our neighborhoods, attend Central Community. Please keep them in your prayers as well.

Me? I'm still trying to calculate the tithe on a trillion dollars!

blessings,

Eric

a shadow of talent

2008-09-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

Trestles - 9-8-08 -Boostmobile Pro

It's happening out there in the ocean...really... we sat on the beach, like we do every year, when the world's greatest pro surfers come to "our" break... our son John and I hang out, dream of surfing like the stars and sit in the midst of the very, very best of surfing. I snapped this shot with my cell phone to remember the day.

Kelly Slater snaps all the way back.

John, sitting right next to me on the sand, took this insane photo of 8 time world champion Kelly Slater absolutely destroying lowers. Admittedly, he has a much, much nicer camera than my cell phone offers... he also has way more experience shooting live shots, surfing and otherwise... even still... my photo doesn't deserve to be on the same page.

This move, you don't have to be able to do it, (few can), or understand how difficult what's happening in a split second, (few do), to appreciate it's beauty. John's captured an artist at work in one of his finer moments on a very cool wave on a sunny southern California day... what more could you ask for?

Look closely at the heart of the photo. Waves come and go in a moment. Riding a wave's so unlike hitting a golf ball, running a race or most other sports. The wave, the rider, the moment... it's all so transitory... here for but a flash... gone as quickly as it came... impossible to predict exactly what might happen... so fleeting.

That's why I love the heart of this photo... a shadow of the moment. Even a wave, the rider on the wave, here today and gone today, for a moment, cast a shadow. A shadow on the water... in seconds the water changed, lighting changed, ride ended... nothing that was just seconds ago remained... and yet this photo captures the shadow of a surfer, of a life... a shadow of talent.

The writer of James said:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

So much that is good in this life is brief: a day in the water, a great wave, time spent with your son... but every good and perfect gift is from above... unlike shadows on water... so brief an entity most would never notice... they're eternal: love, hope, joy, all gifts from God... all remain... as we remain in Him.

John's outgrown me as a surfer and as a photographer. Makes me proud. Sitting together on the sand made me miss so many mornings sitting together in the line up... this evening I realize some of that time may have just been a shadow... not to be missed but to reflect on in thanksgiving. God's given us something more lasting that we share- His call on our lives -the opportunity not to sit but to stand together for Him, our Father in Heaven, The One Who gives every good and perfect gift. He is not shifting, He's eternal in love, hope, peace and joy.

I took a random shot of the ocean with my phone- and remembered a good day together. John took time to focus, to catch a shadow of the talent of a great surfer and in the shadow... God spoke to me... a little focus... the right tools... The Gift of God... When we humble ourselves to the gifts of those around us, we have the opportunity to discover the wonder of His unchanging love for us as He speaks in His Still, Small Voice. Are you listening? Looking?

blessings,

Eric

You Can Do This!

2008-09-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

I usually edit the walk through video's before posting them online. Add a little background music, cut out most of the garbage, put some cool titles at the beginning and end... think it helps me express my otherwise suppressed artistic "self." It's fun.

This little video clip was taken with my Nikon Coolpix digital camera in the movie mode. Just push a button or two and start walking and talking. When I connect to my computer- the movie- actually something called an AVI file -uploads right alongside my photos for the day... sound and all. It couldn't be easier or less complex.

Interestingly enough- people are usually very impressed with the video. Once edited, I normally upload them to my yahoo video page. Where I've got a couple dozen or more random videos from Siempre, Kenya and life.

You can do this. Whether you'd like to build a home for a missionary, take a simple video, learn to edit it, figure out how to post it online or even how to make a blog with the video as a lead in... You Can Do This. If I can - You can.

You're Invited! It's a thread that runs through all we do together in our ministry. If you're ready to do something new in your life- something worth sharing - or you'd just like to let people know what's already going on... something you'd like the whole world to read, watch or hear about... I can help. I can point you in the right direction... in fact... if you've been reading- you can do exactly what I did- just what I wrote about in this blog -and publish to a potential audience larger than most people can fathom. Or not. It's up to you.

Something real... I like the walk through videos because they show that at the end of our talk- when it seems that so much faith is beyond our understanding -a little good work leaves something real behind. Are you making an impact with your life today. You can. I can help.

blessings,

Eric

too much talking

2008-09-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

Siempre's Boys dressed and ready for school - 9-1-08

Siempre Para Los Ninos - our children's home in Tijuana - one of my favorite spots on earth. A few of us spent Labor Day Weekend, laboring around the place, mostly sanding and painting in our new mission's house at Samaritan House @ Siempre Para Los Ninos. This morning, Monday, September 1, 2008, Theresa woke up early and started cooking her final meal of the weekend for the kids before they headed off to school. I snapped this photo with my phone just before the boys walked off with Brenda and Bianka guarding over them. After a great long weekend together- couldn't have felt better about our work in Mexico -what's gone on in the past, what's yet to come in the future and especially what's happening right now. God's incredibly good.

Jumped online this evening and cruised through the sites I track on a daily basis when home. So much of it seemed trivial in light of housing kids so recently abandoned into our care. We'd slept in the new building- in sleeping bags on air mattresses -dreaming about the day Samaritan House is packed every night with groups from across the country and around the world sharing the hope and vision of Siempre. Our time in TJ wonderfully renewed my perspective yet dampened my enthusiasm for the bloggers I follow. Writers were putting their theology into posts and comments with long threads of online arguments... not what they'd call them... but it's what they are.

Don't want to minimize the depth of their concerns or come off as prideful, arrogant or condescending... I mean... truth be told, each debate sucks me in and I want to respond and put in my .02 cents... sometimes I do. This evening, wasn't nearly as tempted to enter the fray- reading their Jack Handy like "Deep Thoughts," I wanted to say: "Wish you could have been with us last weekend." "Wish you could have had breakfast with Siempre's kids."

So very thankful I had the opportunity to be there- no computer -cell phone off -working at something that feels so real... if you ever feel like there's just too much talking going on, you're invited to share the miracle at Siempre. Every visit's a gift from God.

blessings,

Eric

a night with my siblings

2008-08-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

My sister said the best part of last night was looking over and seeing her brothers and their wives enjoying the night together... this morning... it's the most important statement I take away from our evening with John McCain, Barack Obama and Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback's Civil Forum.

We're not together, all of us in one place, all that often. Incredibly appropriate that we were when a preacher, one we all respect and love, invited a couple of politicians to share their views on some of the tough topics of today. It's how we were raised... Kat pointedly reminded me of that as we left the church. Even still, listening to her lecture me, inwardly I was smiling... thinking how proud I am to have such a fantastic "little" sister. Such an amazing brother-in-law in Dan. The evening didn't challenge my politics or sway my vote... but it did remind me that we've been blessed with the gift of family. Thanks Kat and Dan.

Tolerating older brothers... and we're a trio who often require a great deal of love... must be a special gift God gives little sisters. I use to look at my Aunt Lois with such love- I can barely write about her because I've missed her since the day she died... almost 20 years ago. She had all these older brothers. My dad was one of them. She was the baby. Uncle Meredith and Aunt Lois raised a wonderful family, discovered great success, shared a beautiful love for each other and were fantastic on the social scene. They would have loved being at Saddleback's Social Forum. Only thing that would have made it better for them would have been if Dad, Mark, Glenn and John could have been there as well, as their guests, enjoying the moment in the limelight... fighting over politics... united in Christ.

I really didn't learn anything new last night... not about the candidates- but it was very cool to see and hear them in person -not about Saddleback or Pastor Rick, I still stand in awe of all they've accomplished and all they continue to do in His service -not even about my sister, she's loved and tolerated me... all three of us her entire life... God is too good.

Last night I was reminded of how very blessed we've been to have a little sister. How blessed I've been to have a great friendship with her. I realized it's what I liked so much about dad and Aunt Lois... they were so very close. Kat and me, well, we couldn't have asked for any better. Danny and Timmy have been just the older brothers we needed. Last night- we were all together -and it was good. Kat's friend was right... it was "just a little like Heaven." Made me think of one of the angels in our family- Aunt Lois -this morning, can't get her off my mind.

Don't know how long it's been since you've spent an evening with your siblings. Don't know if it requires "America's most powerful religious leader" (Rick Warren, according to Time Mag) and the two people fighting to hold the title of President of The United States of America, to get you and your siblings together... that's what it took for us... that and a loving little sister. (Mom use to be able to do it with just a birthday cake!) Whatever it takes- I suggest you do it. The four of us have lived through a bunch of presidents and we'll probably survive whoever's elected this time... can't imagine having lived a day of my life without each of my siblings in it. Last night was a great reminder.

Just a little like Heaven after all...

blessings,

Eric

Thanks Guys

You're Invited! Samaritan House @ Siempre Para Los Ninos

2008-08-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

Samaritan House Walk Through 8-6-08 @ Yahoo! Video

Wednesday afternoon we'd been hanging out with Siempre's kids when I suddenly remembered my camera was still in my pocket! No photos! I quickly handed it off to the children and asked them to take a few quick shots. When they were done, I asked Pastor Israel to walk me through our newest building, our newest ministry - Samaritan House @ Siempre Para Los Ninos. What a blessing.

The video's nothing special... but the images... your work... your investment... your gift to a community in poverty, the children of Siempre, the church and so many others waiting to serve. Thanks so much. Some day our new missionary will live in the missions house 3-4 days a week and travel the rest of the week in the US telling the story of Siempre -inviting people to come and serve at Samaritan House @ Siempre.

Until then... it's still me doing the inviting... Debi and I are going down Labor Day weekend. No big hotels, big plans or big expenses... just work. We'll stay in Samaritan House- bring sleeping bags and blow up mattresses to set on the ground. We'll wrap up the last days of summer the same way we opened our summer- working at Samaritan House. In the evening we'll head out to Rosarito for dinner- we might even bbq. We plan on having fun! We plan on serving Him.

Best part of the whole deal? You're Invited!

Watch the video- the song is Healer, by Hillsong. Then email me- or call -we'd love to close out the summer with you.

blessings,

Eric

He Gets the Job Done

2008-08-05T07:37:00.001-07:00

Ken, getting down to business

We make a good team. Ken and I started serving together when we were 30 something... the TV show "30 Something" was still on the air. Our kids were young and the work at Central Community was just getting started. We worked hard through our 40's - the entire decade -now, entering the middle years of our 50's, Ken's got a birthday coming up... but I'll still be older... we're still pushing. Our work in Kenya barely began until we were 50. Our kid's aren't "kids" anymore- they're all grown up. Ken and his wife Trish, (who's got a birthday also), are grandparents. Not many pastor's... not many people... are blessed as richly in their careers as we've been. God's been too good to us- we still enjoy working together and I think Ken would agree, we make a good team.

A leader in his own right- I've never... and I mean never -seen Ken get bent out of shape because he didn't get the attention he deserved, the raise or the pat on the back... and Ken's deserved more attention, raises and pats on the back then he's received. He's not only preached when I've planned to be away- but stepped up when I've not been able to preach: whether it was the Palm Sunday I'd spent a week in the hospital or the Sunday after mom died... and everything in between... Ken's always stepped up to the plate. He's counseled, married, buried, visited more people than I could count, writing his ministry across countless lives in our work together. He's been there for my family in our times of crises... and we've had them... and when the big and little decisions of our work together have been made it's almost always been after a closed door meeting with Ken- seeking his advice and perspective. He tells "the truth in love" and after so many years has learned to anticipate our steps as well as spur us on to greater work.

He gets the job done.

Together... I don't think God wants us to build His church any other way. I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to share so much of our lives and ministry together with Ken and his family. If you've never taken the time to get to know Ken- you should -you won't be disappointed, I promise. Don't know what the next 16 years has in store- but I'm sure thankful for the last 16 working side by side with Ken.

Great leaders build great leaders. The group of people Ken's worked with in Mexico alone... building 17 homes, 14,000 sq ft in and around Siempre and the church at Siempre, rebuilding a burned out church while ministering to the pastor who'd lost his family- horribly burned to death in the church... hundreds have sweat and labored by his side- in total humility asking for nothing more than the opportunity to serve... just like Ken.

I'm not preaching this weekend- Ken is -you'll grow by sitting right up front and listening in, giving your whole heart. Ken knows what he's talking about. He's lived it. More importantly, He knows Jesus. I'm just proud to know him.

Have a great month Ken. Happy Birthday Trish and Ken! Thanks for everything.

blessings,

Eric

Pastor Ken... looking up on life

weep with those who weep...

2008-07-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

God did incredible things at Central Community last Sunday morning... The Holy Spirit was moving up and down Arlington Ave! Below is a video clip of Pastor Greg Laurie's words Sunday concerning the death of his son Christopher. Please keep his family and the fellowship at Harvest in your prayers through these days.

Debi and I watched this together and shed tears, wept and prayed for the family. Let's remember: "This world is not our home."

Pastor Eric

we write with our lives

2008-07-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

photo from www.Harvest.org

'Last Lecture' professor dies at 47

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose "last lecture" about facing terminal cancer became an Internet sensation and a best-selling book, has died. He was 47.

University spokeswoman Anne Watzman says Pausch died early Friday at his home in Virginia.

Pausch was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer in September 2006. His popular last lecture at Carnegie Mellon in September 2007 garnered international attention and was viewed by millions on the Internet.

In it, Pausch celebrated living the life he had always dreamed of instead of concentrating on impending death.

The book "The Last Lecture, " written with Jeffrey Zaslow, topped best-seller lists after its publication in April.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

I wrote about Randy Pausch and posted his famous video, here, early this year... today, he's gone. Thanks for your parting thoughts.

Most people don't get the opportunity to write a book, give a speech, say goodbye... Pastor Greg Laurie, of Harvest Christian Fellowship, the church I've pastored next to for over 20 years, lost his son to death- tragically, in an auto accident, Thursday, July 24, 2008. I'd never met him... I've learned more about him in the hours since I've learned of his death than in the 20 years we've been next to Harvest.

My loss.

His name was Christopher- he leaves behind a loving family, at home and in his church -because he was writing his book with his life every day. Read more about his life and pending funeral plans at www.Harvest.org. No "Last Lecture," as nice as that would have been for the world to capture insight into his heart, soul and dreams was necessary. We see his witness at work in the church and the world. He wrote with his life.

The beautiful and timely graphics that support the ministry of Harvest Christian Fellowship, Harvest Crusades as well as most of his dad's work- books, speaking, conferences, etc... were designed by Christopher. They remain on bumper stickers, book covers, program headings and in so many other places, known to his family... known to God, that tell a small part of his story... part that will be left behind for everyone to share, enjoy and remember him with.

Pastor's do funerals. I've presided over the burial of far too many children... held parents in my arms as they've had no choice but to trust God in their greatest trial... where else would we turn? Only God can speak to that darkness, that pain... Only God can restore hope when we're left with heart break.

My prayers this morning are for the family of Christopher Laurie... a man I never met... but one who left an impact on our work as we strived to be better than we could be... looking at the high quality graphic designs of Harvest- in their printed material -knowing we could be better. My prayers are for his brother, his mom and dad... I work with my children on staff and know the blessing and pride Pastor Greg must have felt as well. Today, can't begin to imagine the feeling of loss... the heartbreak... how he'll return to the office, the pulpit... plan for Harvest Crusades... God alone gives strength for these moments... comfort? It's probably a long way off.

Pastor Rick Warren writes in "The Purpose Driven Life" that we need to think more about death, not less... he's right. Everyone who loved and knew Christopher will think more about death for the rest of their lives: in each empty moment- in every time they would have turned to him- in the eyes of his children... in his art... his unknowing "Last Lecture" that remains.

But Christopher's not lost... He's Home. Hard as that is for those who love him- he's home. My prayer today should probably be for Randy Pausch, don't know much about his relationship with The Lord... just his love for life... pray that today He's Home as well.

Life comes at us faster than we're ready for... we write our "last lecture" with our lives- one day at a time. Hope you're writing a Masterpiece for Jesus in all you say and do today.

Keep the family and friends of Christopher Laurie in your prayers. So sad.

blessings,

Eric

Buy Your Dad- brother, son, Mom, sister... someone... a sweatshirt

2008-07-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

I bought one of each - at $9.99 each, here, at the ESPN store online. Should have bought one from every school they had. Sadly, they didn't have the great university's I graduated from - Cal State Long Beach or Anderson School of Theology. But I know folks who're going to love the one's I bought. Do something nice today- buy someone a sweatshirt and give it to them for Christmas. Don't forget to look for the $5- off code at the top of the ESPN page while shopping.!

my kind of afternoon

2008-07-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

Riding off with Pastor Israel and the boys of Siempre on our bikes

Tuesday afternoons I meet with staff and work in the office. Thursday afternoons I finish the weekend message. Wednesday afternoons I ride bikes with the kids of Siempre. That's my new favorite Siempre photo- I'm the wide body in the midst -digging every minute of it.

Take an afternoon- invite the neighbors -go ride a bike. It's my kind of afternoon.

blessings,

Eric

I'm On Your Side.

2008-07-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

More importantly, God's on your side. God loves you. God not only created you, He cares for you... today, right now.

The other day I read a blog on how all bloggers are complainers- haven't been able to get it out of my head -too much truth in it. When we write, it's easy to focus on the problem instead of the positive. Mentioned this to a fellow blogger and he got pretty defensive. No offense intended. But I think it's good occasionally to look at, to read, to listen to the message we're sending out to the world. Too often it's filled with unhappiness.

I want you to know that I'm on your side- even when we disagree -I believe in what God's doing in people... more importantly, I believe in what God wants to do in you. If I can ever help- let me know.

because, I'm on your side... I believe in you.

blessings,

Eric

Gasoline may be $4.50 a Gallon but...

2008-07-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

pretty cool- an F-14 at its best!

"Those numbers may seem small, but military items can sell for pennies on the dollar compared with what the Pentagon paid. Last year, federal agents seized four F-14 fighter jets sold to domestic buyers by an officer at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif., for $2,000 to $4,000 each, with proceeds benefiting a squadron recreation fund. When F-14s were new, they cost roughly $38 million each."

The quote's from this article on MSN. Couldn't remember the story- and they didn't give a citation... but I found it on the LA Times, here.

another cool shot

I'm no military genius. But I figure when you can buy four - count them: 1, 2, 3, 4! F-14 fighter jets- made with our tax dollars at a ballpark price of 38 million each -for less than $12,000- that's a bargain!

Just a little info for your afternoon.

Eric

before sunrise

2008-07-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

I ran for years, every morning, before sunrise. So many hundreds, no thousands... (as unbelievable as that might seem), runs, that most of the sunrises have slipped from my memory. Many of the dark mornings, long before sunrise, somehow remain. Things happen between 4am and 5:30am that most of the world misses. As my wife would say- most of the world is glad to miss -but whether it was a long run alone or out with friends, surfing by the light of HB pier or just trying to find my way in the dark on my bike, kayak or our old boat... there's something cool about being out there before the world wakes up... being the first one to meet the day.

Then, there are the sad things you happen across.

A few years back, making the 9 mile run from home to church- I was pushing it pretty hard and feeling pretty fit about 7 miles out. A late summer morning, sun still at least an hour off, I saw a pick up truck stopped in the middle of what's normally a very busy road. Two men were talking and all I heard them say was: "Did you see that albacore?"

I love to fish for albacore. The prospect of albacore running on Arlington Ave., 60 miles from the nearest beach... not to mention another 60 miles from any normal current they might feed in, caught my attention. Not even Charlie Tuna hangs out in Riverside. Slowing my pace, I crossed the street and cautiously approahed the huddled men at the tailgate of the truck. There, crumpled on the ground, was the lifeless form of a man who had been hit at least twice. Once by the original vehicle and then by the man in the pickup.

Distraught, he'd stopped, and when the man driving behind him pulled up he'd run to him and asked: "Did you see another car?" Running, in my own world, I heard the call of the sea: "Did you see that albacore?"

I doubt the victim- already dead or dieing -heard a thing. We were not the best rescue crew in the world. One went to call for help. The man who hit him, struggled to put the pieces of his dark morning together. I did what I've done at so many accident scenes with too many people dead or dieing: quietly, in my running gear, I knelt on the asphalt and prayed... knowing that God hears, God sees, God knows... we can trust Him.

Help came- I gave my statement -then finished my run.

I've allowed some of my fitness to slip away and that early 9 mile run is still a couple of months off. But now days I run with my cell phone strapped to my shoulder. If I see something that touches me- I stop and use it to take a picture. If someone needs me- my phone rings and I walk while we talk. And if someone's ever crumpled in a heap on the road again- I'll dial 911.

I'm connected... 24/7.

Somedays I'll pass the spot on the road where we stood over a seemingly lifeless form and wonder if he survived. Other days, driving by the spot, I smile- thinking back on the brief run of albacore on Arlington Ave.

Before sunrise... so many things happen... they're waiting for you.

4th of July in Riverside

2008-07-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Debi and Julia enjoying pre-fireworks music at Fairmont Park. We decided to check out the local action after visiting Dad and going to lunch in Orange County.

Family's get ready for the big event- lakeside -in beautiful 80 degree weather with an incredibl sunset followed immediately by a "fingernail" moonset.

Over 25 minutes of fireworks... incredible show over the lake. We left with the masses after an amazing grand finale... all so close we lay on our backs to watch them explode overhead. Fireworks were still going off well after we left.

Kudos to city officials, volunteers, sponsors, community leaders... a great event- good fun. Hope your 4th was fantastic!

Eric

just one of those months...

2008-06-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Dow Jones Graph - May 26-June 26, 2008... OUCH!

after 5 years of work...

2008-06-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Siempre Para Los Ninos - September, 2004- the gray building was our first church, built in 2001, replaced with the new beautiful church in 2006. The little yellow house was Pastor Israel's old house, replaced in 2007, with his beautiful upstairs apartment. That's Siempre... the little flat roofed building in the back of the shot. This photo was taken from just about where the newest building, below, now sits.

Samaritan House @ Siempre Para Los Ninos - as we wrapped things up Sunday night of Memorial Day Weekend, 2008.

Building dreams with your life requires time, patience, hard work, faith and most of all God's Grace. Without The Grace of God to guide and undergird us in our work, where would we be?

Occasionally we'll take someone to Siempre on a Wednesday afternoon and they're overwhelmed by our 12 or 13,000 sq ft of work - at work for God in the little community we serve on the edge of Tijuana, Mexico. Looking at it all, getting to know the kids, our staff... shaking their heads, they'll say "How'd you do it?"

Smiling, I usually think of the five years of work before Siempre was ever built. I reflect back on names and faces of people who worked hard, gave sacrificially, drove trucks filled with food, tools, luggage across the border in the middle of the night when customs agents decided not to let it in. I remember the first families we built for, their children, the mom raising her kids under a tree... what it felt like to give away a home... the miracles... Pastor Israel and his family, Alejandro, Aracelys, Hernan, Alejandra, Bianka, Brenda... Mickey... so many miracles... most of them with names and faces.

Then I remember... we didn't do it at all- God did -we were just blessed to be used by Him. In those first 5 years we never imagined what these last 4 years have brought into our lives... so many wonderful children... the miracle of Siempre... it means always.

Sometimes, when people ask what we'll do next year, I get a little anxious and again I remind myself- this is God's Work -we'll do whatever He has in store. He hasn't failed us yet. Most people go a lifetime without ever genuinely experiencing the opportunity of sharing a work that's guided by The Hand of God... to know that they played a part in something that pleased Him in ways that we can't begin to imagine. To be touched by His Eternal Spirit in our work- and know it -know HIM- His presence in all we do.

At the end of each two day building trip we get a little cocky and say "We Built That!" and it feels great! But the longer we serve Him the easier it is to see that He's been using us to build all along... we've been tools in His Hands... He built that! and He invited us to share the miracle.

Miracles still happen. Some of us just take 5 years to see them coming. Now that Siempre's up and running you can come and share the miracle any Wednesday afternoon. Lord willing, we're going this week. You're invited!

siempre,

Eric

or check it out at siempre's web site

Worth the Drive to Town

2008-06-10T16:02:00.001-07:00

Pastor's Dan, Dave (with microphone) and Martin... (I clicked the shot)

Panel Discussion Group

Drove into Los Angeles today to share in a panel discussion with a group of pastors who've stayed longer than most in their current ministry. I've pastored here at Central Community in Riverside, CA since February, 1988... over 20 years... guess I qualify.

It was a good time with good people. Listening to the other pastor's on the panel, I could relate to their stories, hopes and heartbreaks... listening to them share... even as I shared myself... realized how much was going unspoken. Pastor Dan talked about waiting on God to speak before moving... thought about how many times I'd jumped in with both feet without slowing down to listen. Pastor Dave shared about walking with a church through her pain... reflected back on so many minutes I thought would never make it into hours, much less days and weeks... the pain had been overwhelming. Pastor Martin talked about the craziness of trying to keep it all together, personally as well as in our ministries, while under the demands of church life and leadership and the need for personal escape time. I thought about how many days running with a friend, surfing with the crew, lunch with a brother, cycling on a Saturday, Kayaking in the evening had just saved me from going bonkers... these guys knew my journey and it felt good to hear their hearts and see how they're holding up under it all. I was blessed.

The church is a small building on Florence Ave, just west of Florence and Vermont... flash point for the Los Angeles riots... the pastor's new, his name is Brian, a young guy in his 20's, fresh out of beautiful North Carolina... his office window sits directly on the sidewalk of Florence Ave... a long way from the green beauty of Chapel Hill. Listening to him briefly, sharing a wonderful lunch of catfish with some of his people and the other pastors, couldn't help but wonder what the next 20 years had in store for Pastor Brian. Praying that God uses him to do more for Jesus and His church than he ever dreamed or imagined.

Life happens fast... 20 years will come and go before he knows it... before we know it. Living to make the best of today.

blessings,

Eric

unexpected sadness

2008-06-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Mom's death didn't sneak up on us... she was 85, had been very sick, hospice came to the house to help out... we knew she was going home. Even still, I find myself grieving in unexpected ways. Yesterday, June 6, would have been mom and dad's 62 anniversary, mom died 3 days shy of the big day. We took dad out to her brand new grave at National Cemetery and wept together.

I've kept myself busy all day long- trying to fight off the urge to return to the piece of dirt where I know mom's not -but longing to feel her presence.

Friday, driving home from the grave, my 93 year old father sitting beside me in the car- clutching a sun wearied rose from one of the remaining arrangements -wept and sang... it was heart wrenching... he's been singing the same old Irving Berlin song since the morning she died: What'll I Do?

"What'll I do
When you are far away
And I am blue
What'll I do?

What'll I do with just a photograph
To tell my troubles to?

When I'm alone
With only dreams of you
That won't come true
What'll I do?"

I've always loved to hear my father sing... but not this... it's too sad. We talk about mom being in Heaven, what it might be like, how she's with Jesus... and we take Hope... don't know how people without The Lord face death. Even still, today, this first Saturday without my mom in my entire life, I'm just a little blue... can't help but wonder: "What'll I do?"

in it together

2008-06-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

That's my family- at Disneyland, November, 1961 -I'm the really cute guy next to my sister Kat, getting "cooked" up front. My oldest brother, Danny, is on the left and Tim on the right. Dad and mom seem to be getting a kick out of watching their kids stew a bit... we were all so young, each of us just kids...

Mom loved Disneyland- back in the days when entry was free and in the evenings it was easy to take a stroll down Main St., shop a little, and dole out tickets saved from past trips to us kids. Gold "E" tickets were a rare commodity... usually saved for the older boys adventures while Kathleen and I rode Dumbo or the Merry Go Round on the dreaded "A" or "B" tickets at the front of the book. I'm guessing that with four kids in the house any escape was welcomed and one that offered so much diversion must have been wonderful.

Mom died this morning, a little before 2am, June 3, 2008. We held hands and wept together, prayed and then released her, with tears, into the Main St. of eternity. Heart's broken, hope securely fixed on the promises of Christ, one more time we were all in it together... never to be all together again until we're Home with The Lord.

That's our family... that's my mom... she gave us more than we could have ever asked for or imagined. She loved us with her whole heart. What she always wanted most is for us all to be in it, regardless how hot the fire, together.

Can't imagine life without her. I'll do my best to keep her constantly in my heart, live out her practical faith daily, remember her sense of a "higher calling" and do my best to see God's Big Picture in everything. Our family stew, stirred carefully over the years by mom, has seeped to the core of my being. I'll keep her memory alive in my life, in my actions, in my love.

Main St. in Heaven is packed with good folks I love. Tonight, as the little white lights in the olive branches begin to twinkle, I imagine mom just getting settled in...enjoying "The Evening Light" waiting, until we're all in it together again.

love you mom

Together... WE CAN!

2008-05-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend, 2008... siempre fiel... always faithful. Enjoy the video.

siempre,

Eric

a few "raw" reflections

2008-05-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

I took the little video at the start of this blog, Friday morning, May 23, 2008 - as they prepared to unload materials for our Memorial Day Weekend build at Siempre Para Los Ninos in Tijuana, Mexico. The photo was taken Monday morning, May 26, 2008 -shortly after we dedicated the building... 2 days, 3500 square feet, months in the planning, tens of thousands of dollars in fundraising... today, not completely finished but pretty darn close... not furnished or painted... but ready for the pioneering groups who'll be the first to lead mission's trips to Samaritan House at Siempre... it's hard to imagine another Memorial Day Weekend is behind us.

When we built our first church it took months to actually have a congregation- today -that little church has been torn down and rebuilt as Pastor Israel leads a thriving, growing congregation... they're planting a new church on their own in a new community. It took months after we built our children's home, Siempre Para Los Ninos, before we had our first children- today, our directors, Alejandro and Aracelys have their hands full with over 30 children, a full staff and face the challenges of who can get into Siempre... Don't know how long it'll take us to find a new bridge building missionary to live in the apartment we built atop the new building... or how long until each week is filled with work groups... but I know it will happen... God is faithful... even when we're faithless... but we're doing our best to remain faithful.

Watching the faithfulness of the workers- listening to the witness of their faith in a hammer's fall, the swoosh of a paintbrush, the constant cry of our generators producing electricity for the worksite... I was blessed just to partner with so many fantastic people... people with a heart for God, a heart for children at risk, a heart for people living in poverty... we had such fun... we shared a miracle... hope you can catch just a bit of it in the video and photos.

many blessings... many thanks...

siempre,

Eric

you should read John's blog

2008-05-21T22:29:00.001-07:00

Our son John- at his college graduation last December, with our daughter Julia

You should read John's Blog. Today he wrote about a funeral we shared... Julia ran the office, John ran the media, I buried Mary... a woman ready to meet her maker at the end of a full life. John speaks his heart, my heart as well, in today's posting. Check it out here. I'm not going to write about it... not much anyway... my mother's dying... doing the funeral for another mother, so close in age to my own, took it's toll.

John tells the best part. My father's great aunt Laura... guess that would be my great, great aunt Laura, died in the early 1900's and is buried near the graves of my grandparents in Princeton, Indiana. Her final words are engraved in the black granite tombstone she rest beneath: "Tell the church I love Her..."

Visiting Mary, the woman I buried today, while she was in intensive care, some of her final words were spoken as she reached her hand to grasp mine, eyes closed... tears trying to work their way up into the dehydrated lids... same words as my great, great aunt Laura... you could have pushed me over with a feather... it was like I was standing in the spring grass on that little plot outside of Princeton again: "Tell the church I love her."

Today she's at Home with The Lord. Hope she gets to hang out with Aunt Laura in Heaven.

I've been doing my best to guard my heart against the days to come... sitting with dad, now 93, I told him the sweet story of Mary's passing, her final words to me. Reaching out, dad looked me in the eye and said: "Eric, when you know I'm near the end, remind me to say something really good. To 'tell the church I love her.'" Processing the words I'd share today, I realized again that there are no worries for dad, for mom... they've told the church they love her everyday, in all they do. She's been our life... and I'm glad, no regrets, only humbled that God would use us.

Those are our children- my parent's grandchildren, the great, great, great niece and nephew of Aunt Laura and they love the church. Today they told Her with their lives... and made their old man proud... more importantly, made their Heavenly Father proud. Hopefully, however eternity works, aunt Laura and maybe even Mary, were able to share the joy.

In the midst of the sadness, it was a good day. Thanks for reminding me John.

Tell the church I love Her.

Eric

money

2008-05-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 15, 2008
We're not the first to notice and double-take. Penthouse Media Group Inc.'s ownership of a Christian dating website called BigChurch.com has been mentioned by a few publications, but usually as an ironic side note. Understandable. It's kind of a heavy (yes, quite loaded) subject. However, PMGI CEO Marc Bell tells WebProNews, in an exclusive interview, it's just business.
Read more about it here, or here or here.

"The root of all evil." "Money makes the world go round." Whether it's God's Word or the words to an old song, it still comes out smelling like, "money, money, money, money... MONEY!"

Read about Religious leaders in the Bible, the newspaper, the history of almost any national church agency... folks get in trouble when it comes to money. Can't begin to imagine all the lonely people heading to what they think is a church run dating site that's actually owned and operated by Penthouse and linked to all their porn sites. Ouch! The love of money must be a stench in the heavens. This kind of news sure stinks.

I met my wife in a bank... so I guess money was involved... she was the teller, I'd come in to do whatever kind of banking a college kid does and fell in love, couldn't speak... wouldn't trade the moment for a lifetime of chatrooms and "matches" on the net. Not saying it doesn't happen in wonderful ways- call me old fashioned -still remember the dress she was wearing, the necklace, her eyes, hair and tan... neither of us had a pc... they hadn't invented pc's. If I'd met her online, would I say: "Still remember her avatar... the cute little cartoon smile... it's animation." Stupid.

Hate to see what penthouse will do to bigchurch... but nothing that bigchurch didn't invite, didn't ask for... didn't take the money for... it all came down to money. We choose who we do or don't sell out to- best to choose a long time before someone sets the money on the table, no matter how much it is, that we're here for Christ. That's all. Otherwise the world will eat us alive.

A Firm Foundation

2008-05-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. Jesus Luke 6:48

We built a house once that was hit by a flood. I drive by the house and the foundation weekly... they're about a mile a part. The house sat in a newly developed ravine where the poor of Tijuana were buying lots from the Mexican government. Central Community spent $15,000- in materials and a weekend in labor building a beautiful home to shelter a family. Several years later the 100 year rains hit- washed down the ravine - filled the house with mud in the middle of the night. The family escaped in the darkness, moving with the mud flow out the highest window. They spent weeks cleaning out the mud and eventually a truck came and lifted their home and planted it on higher ground.

The foundation, built firmly on the rock, still remains.

For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Jesus Luke 14:29,30

I took that photo yesterday at our children's home in Tijuana, Mexico. Lucio and his employees are midway through completing the foundation for our new building. They've laid every foundation we've built on for the last 6 or 7 years. Their work is strong and secure to work on... Me? I'm at the spot I always get to in the final days before our Memorial Day Building trips... I know it's going to happen, we've got over 9,000 sq ft of building on our campus as evidence to God's faithfulness- after this weekend we'll be well over 12,000 sq ft of building to serve our little community, to house the children of Siempre, to invite people with heart and passion to come share The Lord in serving the poor. Even still, must be my personal insecurity, I dread the thought that someone might look and say: "This fellow began to build and was not able to finish."

And so we labor on.

Pastor Ken's in Mexico today, putting the final touches on every last detail. He and John Juhl have gone over every possible plan, ordered lumber, nails, counted windows... Ken and I spent part of our morning yesterday doing one more run down on the finances- "if we have to build with just the money we have... if we raise x more dollars... if we meet all our goals..." We're giving it our best shot. Our workers will give 100%. Workers from the community will come along side us for the weekend and give it all they've got. God will under gird and in miraculous fashion- Monday morning of Memorial Day weekend we'll dedicate the new building. I'm sure of it.

That doesn't mean my mind doesn't ponder all the "What if's...?" A list too long to continue.

I was there Wednesday afternoon- I saw it with my own two eyes, stood on it with my own two feet: we have a firm foundation. It's almost complete. That can't be taken away. Property's paid for, foundation's paid for and almost ready, God's opened the door... now we're ready for builders.

Floods will come. Challenges and trials are part of life. The foundation remains and Siempre sits on high ground- The Highest -God's Firm Foundation.

I'm more excited than ever to be a part of all God's using us to do in service to lost, abandoned and impoverished children in TJ. Our new building's an open invitation- beds for 64 workers, a dining hall and kitchen, showers, and an apartment for a new missionary... we're praying that you'll come and fill it up with people who long to share a new work, bring a new hope, reach out in new ways... but build on a firm foundation.

Siempre. It means always. I can't wait for Memorial Day Weekend! You're invited to share the miracle. It's a James 1:27 kind of thing. We're building on The Rock - what we do in the lives of these children for God will never be undone. I can't believe God's invited me. Hope you'll join us.

siempre,

Eric

Golfing for God... well almost

2008-04-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, April 26th and I'm getting ready to head out to fundraising golf tournement for our children's home in Tijuana, Mexico - Siempre Para Los Ninos.

Siempre's 2nd Annual Golf Classic - dozens of people have been working for months to make sure it all comes together just right. 100 or more golfers will play and hopefully many more people share in the silent auction and dinner afterward. It's a GORGEOUS DAY - sunny, clear, desert like heat... everything's in place for an incredible success.

Now it's in The Hand's of God.

The money for this year's golf classic will help pay for- or even better, completely pay for, our new building at Siempre on our newly acquired property. Thought I'd write about it for awhile, thought better of it and decided to post this little video I shot last week instead. Hoping you'll join us in our work someday. Hear people talk about working together... covenants... Siempre is the result of what happens when people stop talking... and really work... promising to give the results in service to God. Churches from as far away as Florida, Ohio and Washington have spent days or weeks at Siempre. Pastor's and churches from all across Mexico have visited and held meetings at Siempre. Children, Siempre's Kid's, are the better for it all.

Check it out. If you'd ever like to get down to some really good work for God- James 1:27 kind of work - the kind worth giving your life to, contact me. We're hiring a missionary.

blessings,

Eric

it use to be neck ties and dancing

2008-04-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

"I do believe that we must come to terms with the sin of autonomy that dominates our practice."

autonomy
au·ton·o·my
Pronunciation: \-mē\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural au·ton·o·mies
Date: circa 1623
1: the quality or state of being self-governing; especially : the right of self-government
2: self-directing freedom and especially moral independence
3: a self-governing state

I think it dangerous to even use the term autonomy in relation to the church because it is quite the opposite of New Testament teaching.
Dr. Ron Duncan, A Needed Conversation paper (page 4, paragraph 1)

The first quote is from a church of God blogger I enjoy following. So extreme that the image of all those mormons pulled out of Texas in hopes of rescuing their childeren- big hair, glassy eyes, lock step, came to mind.

The second quote, sadly, was apparently given much thought, read over by a number of instructors at the church of God's school of theology- put in my time there -and even vetted through leaders nation wide before it was sent out in desire to begin "A Needed Conversation" supposedly among peers. It didn't bring to mind images of cult like behavior... it reminded me of a book from the '90's... 1990's... think it was titled "When Managers Become Leaders." It may have been an essay.

Desperate times.

I've never sat down and talked with Dr. Duncan- but giving him the benefit of the doubt -guessing he's just like the rest of us, doing his best day in and day out. Just can't stand it when someone decides they're opposed to a certain way of doing something, then they suddenly have a collection of Bible verses to back them up. Mind you, generations went before them with their very own stack of Bible verses on why something was The Only Way God wanted it done.

It's a tough way to begin "a needed discussion." "I think we should talk about this practice in the church- it's a sin -it's dangerous -it's quite the opposite of New Testament teaching... let's talk about it."

Sound's like someone's fishing for a fight. I'm not in it. They can fight on someone else's time. I've got work to do.

"Free moral agents" I always liked the term... made me feel a little like a ball player. "Free will," pretty well accepted theology- plenty of Bible verses to back it up. Autonomy... wonder why we'd want to be anything but autonomous? Just imagine the churches in Ephesus, Corinth, any of the New Testament churches... without the letters of Paul we have almost no idea how they governed themselves... and Paul's letters didn't exactly get there by fax, phone or email... they were probably years apart. What happened in between?

We don't know.
God watched over things.
Godly people did their best.

At the heart of this "needed discussion" hope that's still what's happening. Hope people still remember that's how God's always built His church. I hope.

Both of my grandfather's were buried without neckties. They were early leaders in the church of God reformation movement and they considered all "outward adornment" a sin. Kind of like those mormons in Texas... without the extra wives. Their zeal and early enthusiasm for The Kingdom has always been an inner motivation... and one more good excuse not to wear a tie... even if I'm pretty sure their idea of New Testament "TRUTH," like that of those pushing the current discussion, might have been a bit misplaced.

There are so many more important battles to wage. Loving, serving, sharing... this is where I plan to spend the rest of my life, the rest of my ministry. I've got a clear Biblical mandate- like the old song says: "from Genesis to Revelation... I believe it all." If Dr. Duncan wants to spend his time on the "sin" of autonomy... you go brother. No worries from me. In fact, this might be my final word on the subject... but I doubt it!

sorry for the late night wandering thoughts... believe it or not, started my morning on the same subject. I've given it a day- good enough.

blessings,

Eric

Kobe Bryant, Fast Cars, No Brains

2008-04-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

It's got lawsuit written all over it. The posted video of Kobe Bryant apparently jumping a car speeding by at 50 mph. Bet the Laker's didn't see that one coming when they set up off season restrictions in his contract. No snow boarding, sky diving... and oh yeah, don't jump any cars moving at high speeds either.

Don't have a clue whether it's real or not. Don't care. Have little doubt that Kobe could accomplish the feat... a time or two... but hey, you've seen him when his game is off... jump a second too soon or for that matter a second too late... and a winning season becomes our season of discontent. Ask Shaq.

Changing shoes. Want your kids outside pulling stupid car stunts? Nike's the brand for you. Ask Kobe. Want them winning championships? He wore Adidas for that.

It's a cool piece of special effects or a really stupid way for the young, rich and talented with too much time on their hands to put their bodies at risk. Injuries are on the horizon as kids in Muncie, Indiana and around the world, bored after a long winter, try this at home. Not sure what the message of the commercial is meant to be. Living in Southern California throughout Kobe's career- we all know he's great -jumping speeding cars? Better leave that to someone without a shoe contract, or assets for that matter. Lawsuits will follow.

enjoy the video...

don't try this at home.

blessings,

Eric

My Week... so far...

2008-04-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

It all started normally enough- after preaching our services at , Central Community, rested for the afternoon, then headed out to the streets of skid row in Los Angeles for our weekly work with Jackets for Jesus. I'd battled a tooth ache all weekend, so... Monday morning bright and early I was waiting at my dentist office. Fortunately they said they could make the pain go away in a matter of days. Unfortunately it was going to cost several thousand dollars. I walked. Told them I'd live on Motrin until I could make a decision.

That's my friend, Joe, he's a professional fishing guide, member of Central Community and all around good guy who's been trying to get his pastor out on his boat fishing for a year or more... life get's busy... we'd agreed to get together Tuesday morning for a few hours on a local lake. He picked me up just before 7am, beautiful bass boat in tow, me hauling a mouth load of pain and the promise of a dentist who said she'd just pull the tooth for $125- the next day. Fishing ahead, end of pain in sight, we headed out for a great morning.

I've only fished with a guide once before in my life- and never on fresh water -if you've never done it, I highly reccomend it. And if you're in Southern California, give Joe a call, he works all the main, and some of the not so main lakes. Sat back on his boat, used his gear, he even taught me a completely new style of fishing. It's been awhile since I've fished fresh water and even longer since I've targeted large mouth bass. We slayed 'em. Well actually we didn't kill any of them- but we caught a bunch- keeping a few of the larger ones in the live well for a end of morning photo before sending them back to where they belonged, sore lips, but ready to fight another day. While fishing, the tooth pulling dentist called and said she could see me in two hours, it was an early end to our day but I needed an early end to the pain. Here's me before the big release.

also caught this incidental catfish on plastic... this guy went to a friend for dinner!

The dentist ended up saving my tooth and shipping me off to an endodontist who operated with a cool microscope shoved down my mouth... interesting... feels much better now... after 3 days of dental work and several more to come.

Skipped out on Siempre Wednesday and spent the afternoon with friends at CBS Studios in Hollywood for American Idol Gives Back. Getting tickets to the event seemed too good to be true... apparently it was. Ended up being a first come first served kind of deal and we didn't make it in- just a parking lot away from the stars! Still had a great night with friends- stopping in Pomona for dinner -a first for me. They were all natives of the area and Debi and I were able to eat enchilada's and chile relleno while hearing stories of growing up in Pomona. Way better than American Idol!

More dental work Thursday morning. Worked all afternoon then preached in our Thursday everning services. Worked and rested Friday morning then spent the afternoon with mom and dad. Clicked this shot while visiting mom at the nursing home. We'd picked up dad, where he lives with my brother Tim and his wife Nancy, gone through Del Taco, then ate with mom. It's odd the changes in life we can adjust to: dad living with Tim, mom in the nursing home... both amazingly confused much of the time with so little short term memory and the long term fading fast. Makes an afternoon together so sweet. Once mom had tired of us... or actually dad was ready to go, forced dad out for a hair cut then back to Tim's.

Debi and I ended the evening at dinner together in Orange County, waiting for the traffic to ease before we hit the freeway home. It's Saturday morning and I have a full day scheduled, but that's my week... so far... it's been a good one, a painful one, an expensive one, another one... filled with miracles and wonders... hope your week was equally amazing.

blessings,

Eric

a friend to pray for...

2008-04-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

Kyle Loza- X-Games Gold Medal Champion -and pretty dog gone near the edge of insanity with his new jump - aptly titled, Electric Death. My sister Kat sent me the link and asked me to pray for him as he prepares for San Diego on Sunday... after watching it... loving his parents... decided we all need to be praying for Kyle.

These guys push it way past the edge- way past my imagination- pretty cool. Thanks John for not riding!

Good Luck Kyle!

you're in our prayers,

Eric

ps
praying for your mom and dad too!

I Might Have to Miss Siempre...

2008-04-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Join Simon, Paula, Randy, and the Idol contestants in the live studio audience!
Idol Gives Back
Wed April 09, 2008
Arrive no later than 3:30 PM

"Thank you for placing a ticket order to Idol Gives Back. This page is your ticket. Please print this page and bring it to the show with you."

Having to change my plans for Wednesday. American Idol... I've been a fan since day 1! Now we're going to be there for the taping of Idol Gives Back... well sort of... most of it was done at the Kodak Theater, last night, Sunday, April 6th. We'll be part of the Hollywood makes it all look live, with the judges, contestants and a "special performance." I can't wait!

Keep your eyes on the show Wednesday night... we've got 16 tickets!

Eric

PS
Tickets for American Idol and other cool shows here

This was in my email this morning.

Congratulations, you have successfully registered 4 ticket(s) to attend the recording of Idol Gives Back on Wednesday April 09, 2008 @ 3:30pm. To retrieve and print your tickets online (if you haven't done so already), please visit the following URL:

pretty cute

2008-04-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

"Raise a child up in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it."

enjoy,

Eric

Best April Fools Caption Wins a Prize!

2008-03-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Keep it clean. Keep it fun. Best April Fools Day Caption wins a prize! This should be really easy.

Eric

the passing of a friend and teacher

2008-03-31T17:11:00.001-07:00

Dec. 30, 1938 - March 30, 2008

Dr. Gilbert Wayne Stafford, 69, died peacefully Sunday morning at his home in Anderson, Ind., surrounded by his family.

I never felt comfortable calling him "Gil," even when he asked me to... he had earned the right to be called Dr. Stafford. He read my papers, listened to me rant about things I knew so little and was always quick with a word of encouragement when I was ready to walk out on seminary. I'll miss him. He's the only church of God writer I've required our staff to read. When I had a "Big" question about what was going on in Anderson, he always took my calls, he always listened. I'll miss knowing he's there.

He knew and admired my dad... our dad's knew each other... his brother and I shared a friendship... I liked that...

The passing of a friend... of a teacher... hold him close Lord... set him free.

thanks for his part in our lives.

life... it's a family thing

2008-03-29T10:43:00.001-07:00

I don't know the people in this picture, but they've dominated a good part of my thoughts and prayers for a month or more. My first cousin Jeannene is married to a good man named Rusty- the woman in this photo, Tonia, is his daughter, with her husband Steve, one of their boys and dog, in front of their American dream- the home they built for their family.

Tonia's in a coma and has been for weeks. She suffered a cerebral hemmorhage and now fights for her life while her boys: husband and sons, wait... can't begin to imagine their pain. Don't know them... but they're family... sort of... we seem to have family salads these days. It's not all one course- a little more mixed up than when we were kids -but it's all good. Life's a family thing. Plenty of families are hurting and crying out for hope. I just have a connection to this one- and so I pray.

Tonia's husband has been amazing, keeping family and friends current with a running blog- you can read it at: Tonia's Blog.

Each Christmas Jeannene and Rusty send us a Christmas card- last Christmas it was of their dream home, nearly complete. A place big enough for all their family to come together. Most years it's a photo of their kids- more likely their grandkids- more specifically their grandsons: 10 in all if I remember right. Debi and I laugh together looking at their blessings and after the hundreds of other Christmas cards are down, Jeannene's usually remains, all those little boys... what a miracle.

Two of them have a mom who needs prayer. When you read this, say a prayer for Tonia- her family needs her whole and home. Pray for her husband- he needs strength for the days to come. Lift up her sons- can't imagine how they miss their mom. Pray for my cousin Jeannene and Rusty- don't know how you watch a daughter go through this- but they are and they need our prayers as well.

If you've done that- take a minute to pray for your family... maybe it's like mine... a little mixed up, with people in it you've never met. They could probably use your prayers today. Every year... almost every time we talk, Jeannene invites us to come and visit... we always say: someday. Life's fast. Someday quickly slips away. My life would be so much the better had I taken the time to know this part of my family. It would be so much easier to reach out to Tonia, her husband and boys, had I done it while they were well and whole. Now I reach out in prayers for healing, strength, restoration... hope...

join me, it's a family thing,

Eric

We Can Do Better

2008-03-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Check This Out

Not wanting to jump from a post on positive personal development to taking pot shots at an easy target... but this doesn't seem like the smartest move on the planet earth. Makes me wonder about all those long waits to get searched at the airport or waiting to cross the border in TJ with my valued US Passport... that was made in Thailand?

outsourcing...

timely advice

2008-03-13T21:29:00.001-07:00

"Work hard enough at your own self improvment and you won't have time to be critical of others."

or something like that... it was in a bunch of quotes I read the other day... I believe it. I believe living by it could change me. It could change the world.

This was the last of many waterfalls we visited Tuesday morning... Multomah Falls. Absolutely beautiful. Snows are melting in the mountains, it was raining... water was everywhere and the falls were full... guess that's what a waterfall is all about, rivers being full when they hit the cliff and overflowing... falling... water falls. It doesn't take much effort, gravity takes care of it all- the running downstream, the falling, the violent impact... the water just falls.

Critical comments, negative attitudes, refusing to believe we can, come just as easily. It's easy to believe that our situation, society, life... pulls us that way.

Positive attitudes, faith, working at our own self improvment takes effort- we've got to swim upstream -against the way of most of the world... but even water can fall, it only takes gravity. Change requires a choice, it takes faith, determination, a willingness to think, to dream, to work for the best in our selves- to pull it out -building one day on the next. Believing.

We can.

blessings,

Eric

hanging out with Debi

2008-03-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

Debi- in front of our rented Dodge charger -cruising the Columbia River Gorge

We've been married over 28 years and we still have a lot of fun together. Speaking in Portland this week and Debi was gracious enough to join me for a few days. She laughed when she saw the rental car: called it our "G" car... not exactly sure what that means. It's a fierce looking Dodge Charger. Not a bad little ride.

We hadn't been off the airplane for an hour and we decided to head up the Columbia River Gorge and count waterfalls. Drove the old historic road out to Multomah Falls then returned by way of the 84. Stopped at every fall, hiked up a number of them, took lots of "fall" photos. Got wet. Got cold. Had Fun!

I'm blessed... still love hanging out with Debi and most of the time she still loves hanging out with me. Eating dinner in a student dining hall at the college, then spending the evening in a class as a "guest lecturer." Mostly just answering questions for the instructor. We'll cover some important stuff... but in the back of my mind I'll see Debi at the waterfalls and smile.

Sometimes the sidetrips are the best part of life.

blessings,

Eric

mi familia

2008-03-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

Wil Denton, my dad - hugging his grandson, my nephew, Phil Hamer

I'm in Mexico this morning getting ready for my nephew's wedding. He and his fiance, Dalene, chose to get married near the water, at the Marriott, not far from Siempre Para Los Ninos, our orphanage in TJ. My dad didn't get to come, so some of us gathered for a bit of family time with mom and dad before making a run for the border... it's the kind of stuff our family does... do what we can to include mom and dad in all the big events, even when they won't remember them an hour later. We want to be with them. Looking at this photo from my phone this morning I realized that Phil will remember.

Someday he and Dalene will look back on their final moments before marital bliss- taking time to hang out with grandparents. Dalene's grandmother came all the way from S. Africa for the wedding... friends have gathered from across the country, around the world, and the family continues to grow. God's Good.

Hope good things are happening in your family today; that it's growing. At dinner together last night, laughing, someone said we looked like a gathering of the UN... that's OK with us.

congrats Phil and Dalene!

Uncle Eric

Do You Froogle?

2008-03-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

It's easy- in your browser type: www.froogle.com. (the period at the end isn't necessary) You'll see a screen that looks a lot like google- in the search window type the name of any product you've thought about purchasing and presto chango- there's a list of the entire internets marketplace and the price listings for the savvy comparison shopper. For example- let's try one together -check out the deal of the day in my side bar - look to the immediate right on your screen. Click it and you'll find the DeWalt 36v Lithium Ion 4 tool cordless combo kit at a crazy low price. Then take the name of the tool kit - DeWalt DCX6401 - type it into froogle and you get something that looks like this.

Pretty cool! Test it out on a few things. What's on your desk? What kind of shoes are you wearing? What kind of computer do you have? Check their replacement value, then be ready to shop with the power of the internet at your fingertips... unless of course you lose them to one of the two very cool saws in the DeWalt kit!

Imagine if you could froogle your friends, your fiance, your church... that'd take the mystery out of a whole bunch of up and coming challenges. God keeps that part of life a mystery, for good reason. Think of the number of people we'd ignore because they just didn't seem of value to the world. The value God places on each of us is why we celebrate Easter. He loves us so much He was willing to give His Only Son, Jesus. No froogle necessary- you and me -no Higher Price has ever been paid for anything in all creation.

Things and people... we get our values confused - not God. We value things, spend our lives chasing them. He values people, created us and gave everything to redeem us. What a great God. What a Loving Father. What a Fantastic Reason to Celebrate Easter!

blessings,

Eric

ps
be careful with those tools!

easter.com

2008-03-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

Preparing for Easter begins long before Christmas. Sometimes it entails mailers, phone calls, daily prayer... it always is a time for introspection and personal evaluation... it's The Story all history hinges on... don't know why it never occurred to me until today- but in preparation I typed www.easter.com into my browser- I was redirected to... Hallmark!

Easter.org is a church in Minnesota... a collection of other .somethings following Easter run in their own random ways... left me thinking about my heart this Easter, my personal preparation.

When Jesus told the disciples one of them would betray Him, something incredible happened- they looked around at each other, then to themselves and finally spoke the question of their hearts out loud: "Is it I, Lord?" They weren't even clear if they'd betray their Lord and they'd been preparing for that moment 24/7 for 3 years- weve got just about three weeks.

Easter. Prayer always helps me. This year I may do a little additional searching as well. Hallmark can snag the domain name but they can't mess with The Miracle. We're invited to get ready... I want to be ready... together, we can go to Easter.

blessings,

Eric

a little liberty

2008-02-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

We take alot for granted... a friend of mine is getting ready to lose his drivers license because of his health. That's happened to me. He's no longer strong enough to ride a bike, or walk very far, so once the license is gone... he's waiting on others for a ride... there's little joy in it. People pat you on the back, say they'll step up- and they mean it -you just feel like the world becomes so much larger and suddenly everyone seems so condescending, even when they don't mean to be.

Had a seizure a couple of years ago and thought they might pull my license- a good friend in Kenya is a driver for a living, drives for me while I'm in Kenya -thought I'd do all I could to earn the extra income to move he and his family to the states before I'd live at the disposal of everyone around me again... it'd be tough to earn that much money... but it'd be harder still to beg a ride to Mexico every Wednesday afternoon or a ride home from the church every Sunday night after Jackets for Jesus. I've built my life around good health and the liberty of a big car.

Getting my car washed this morning- it needs it! Half of Mexico still clings to it from last weeks rain storms. That's my bike on the rack on the back of the car. Take it with me to Siempre Para Los Ninos on Wednesdays and ride with the kids. Yesterday we rode for nearly an hour on mud rutted dirt roads, through the village, out to the bluff overlooking the ocean where we threw rocks and watched for passing whales. An incredible way to spend the afternoon... and it's my job... without my license it would become so much more difficult. My world would shrink.

It's happening to my friend. He's an outdoorsman, an adventurer. He's stood on hills overlooking Prague and dug human bone fragments, the final reminders of ancient battles from the dirt with his bare hands... Doctor's look at his medical charts and think: "Buddy, the least of your concerns is driving!"

I can't relate to his loss, but I know how I've felt... it's a fear that never leaves you. Driving, riding a bike on a sunny afternoon, getting around on your own... they all become liberties that taste just a little more sweet when one's lived without them.

Yesterday I lived out a little of my liberty: drove to Mexico with Debi and Julia, rode my bike with the kids of Siempre and Pastor Israel, and thought of my good friend Walter... he would have loved every moment of the wonderful day. If you've got the good health and ability to experience a little liberty and you're squandering it by sitting inside and reading this blog... shame on you... go out and enjoy it while you can!

Parting Thoughts

2008-02-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

I missed it... it was on Oprah, don't get much time in the afternoons for Oprah. The doctor's say he's within months of his death after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Now, ready to give his traditional "last lecture" not at retirement, but for life, Randy Pausch, professor, stands in front of his students to impart some life lessons. Well worth watching. Glad I finally had the opportunity to catch it.

Spend a few minutes with this at risk of shedding a tear, being reminded about why we do what we do... delete it... and it's probably not going to kill you but you might just be slipping past one more wake up call to live out your dreams.

Life's fast, don't let it pass you by.

blessings,

Eric

Let It Be

2008-02-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

Incredible clip from musical "Across The Universe." Sad... Beautiful... song of the day is Let It Be. Thought of this.

Eric

enough

2008-02-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

In just a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
Hosea 6:2,3

A friend of mine is near death... or possibly just very, very sick... but the doctors don't give him much hope. He's not anywhere near ready to give up. When they asked if he wanted extra measures taken in order to save his life in the event his heart stopped, or he quit breathing, he said "Absolutely! Do whatever's necessary!" He's not ready to leave. He loves life, his family, a good meal with friends... and now so much is in the balance.

I'm not even certain he believes in God.

Sharing his story with my 93 year old father the other day, I told dad my concern- that we'd prayed together, but I wasn't sure of our friends faith. Dad looked at me with a wisdom that comes from a place I've not yet experienced and with a calm, reassuring voice said: "Don't worry if he believes in God. God believes in him."

It's the kind of theology many would consider heresy... we've placed so much of our relationship with The Father into 4 spiritual "laws" or an easy to follow "Roman's Road." We sometimes forget that long before we turned to God, long before we considered the cost of the cross or the celebration of creation... God believed in us. He spoke us into being and when we lived as if we Had no Father, He never, ever forgot that He had children. He pursued us with the loving gift of His Only Son. Like a dad, determined to see his kids succeed in life, He believed in us: He is faithful when we are faithless.

My dad reminded me of that this week. He loves me.

Enough... it's a word pregnant with imagery... "More ice cream?" "No thanks, I've had enough." "Please mom... why can't I?" "Listen, I've had just about enough out of you!" "Just a few more miles to go... can you make it?" "I'm done. Think I've had enough." "Do you need any money?" "I can cover it... I've got enough."

"Enough... is enough."

God comes to us in love... we're near the end, we just don't see it yet, we're near the end every moment of every day... "Today is the day of our salvation." God offers us His Love: He believes in us- He created us- He went to a cross for us- He's prepared a place for us- a whole bunch of everything is all about us... and we embrace the simple joys of life- stare God squarely in The Eye, settle for all we see and feel and say: "No thanks God, think I've got enough."

The prophet Hosea cried out:
In just a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
I believe it... Today I find hope in the reminder that God believes in us... He believes in me... He believes in my friend, so very near his end and that's enough for me. I can trust God and that's enough... more than enough... enough is enough... together, we can press on to know Him more. He's too good.

I'm praying that you... that my friend... that each of us are fully able to embrace His wonderful Love for healing and redemption. It's enough.

blessings,

Eric

blogs grow...

2008-02-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

church buildings grow too

That's Central Community's Welcome Building. When I came to Central Community, just over 20 years ago, people in the church referred to it as "the chicken coop." I'd been here a year or two before I discovered that it was never really a chicken coop. It'd just been built on a severe budget with a design aimed at simplicity... a shed... just an old chicken coop. The building would never be mistaken for a chicken coop today. Over the years it's been changed a bit at a time... the picture above was taken 5 or 6 years ago during one of the buildings many upgrades.

Ken, our Associate Pastor, the one with real knowledge about building, pointed out to me long ago that we'd have been better off just to tear the thing down and build new. He's right of course. But the process has been such fun.

It's the way I feel about my blog. It's a little welcome into my life... for whatever it's worth. Started simple and it's grown: song of the day, deal of the day, joke of the day, weather, news, links, verse of the day, photos, movies... facets of media development we never imagined just a decade ago and it continues to grow as my knowledge base expands. Occasionaly someone will ask why I spend the time on it and I think of that "chicken coop" and how much joy it's been to watch it transition into Central Community's front door.

That's where the blog's going: blogs grow. Hope you'll stick with me for the joy, the journey, the invitation into a little bit more of how God's working in our ministry, our world, our family, me. Maybe you'll start a blog of your own. If so, email a link so I can clue into your journey from time to time. God created us to do this together.

blessings,

Eric

A Priceless Gift

2008-02-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

We received one, no two priceless gifts when we met and had the opportunity to work together with Dr. Harold and Darlene Sala in Kenya. They're founders of Guidelines Ministries- Dr. Sala's heard around the world on radio. They've also reached millions through preaching, serving and with encouraging words online and in more books than I could ever imagine writing. They're both amazing... for God... and His children.

Not long ago Darlene wrote a short piece about Jodi's birthday celebration on the streets with Jackets for Jesus. I downloaded the mp3 file so you could hear not only the beautiful piece written by Darlene but also the compassion in her voice as she reads it as well. It's at our "Song of The Day."

I was blessed to listen in... I know you'll be blessed as well. God's Good.

Thanks for the kind words Darlene. Know that you and Dr. Sala are always in our hearts and prayers with great fondness and admiration.

blessings,

Eric

PS
You can check them out, listen online or find out where you can listen in your own community at Guidelines.org.

FREE Flapjacks!

2008-02-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

7am to 10pm at your local IHOP... take a friend!

February 12th is National Pancake Day... who knew? You can read more about it at this link to IHOP's Home Page. Not a lot to be said on a topic like this... except, I know what my wife's getting for Valentine's Day!

Follow my lead, your Valentine will love it. Stop in for some free flapjacks. Eat a couple to be polite, or even better, invite some friends, spend the day taking the local homeless community in for pancakes... then when you've had your fill... take one home, freeze it, pop it in the toaster Valentine's morning and how can you miss? What better way to show your love than a two day old pancake, reheated in a toaster, in love...

Better yet, go get a card, write a poem in it, get some flowers and a gift and give them to your Valentine over breakfast Thursday morning... or today and tell her you just couldn't wait... and the pancakes are still free.

Remember to kick in a nice donation as you leave to help out a local charity. There's an IHOP right by my gym! Spin class then pancakes... I can't wait!

blessings,

Eric

Pretty Cool

2008-02-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

I discovered www.hulu.com today. Actually someone pointed me in their direction... it's a web site where you can watch television shows from many different networks and producers on your computer... when you want... the office, the apprentice, house, the simpsons, they all seem to be there... more importantly, for me, they've got FUEL TV... FREE! I use to have cable, before discovering the wonders of over the air (OTA) HDTV. When I paid for TV, I paid an extra $10- a month for access to FUEL TV, hated doing it, but it was one of the few stations on cable I enjoyed. I've not missed cable, but I still miss FUEL TV... but not any more.

Don't know a thing about hulu.com, I've spent less than ten minutes at their site. Am looking forward to checking it out in the weeks to come. Guess you have to receive an invite to participate in the beta version I'm using, otherwise, there's something called www.openhulu.com, filled with commercials. I just checked it out- seemed ok to me, everything from 24 to WKRP In Cincinnati, all free. Didn't try watching any of it.

This isn't an advertisement... or an endorsement... just a "golly gee whiz I found this cool new site." And I'm allowed to invite some folks to join me on this beta, commercial free, adventure. So... if you'd like to fill up on The 808, Philip, or never miss SNL again, sleepy head... let me know, and I'll put you in for an invite. Take control of your TV!

I'm going to look into an hdmi cable and a wireless keyboard for my laptop and lay around and watch surfing all day long Monday! I've got a couple years of FUEL TV to catch up on!

blessings,

Eric

I'm Going On!

2008-02-09T03:28:00.000-08:00

Mark and Wil Denton - February 8, 2008

I come from "good stock." A family of preachers, story tellers, followers of Christ with a shared history in the church of God: general offices in Anderson, Indiana... headquarters in Heaven. Debi and I spend every Friday with mom and Dad, neither have been in good health for a couple of years and they live with my brother Tim and his wife. Yesterday, Uncle Mark was down from Washington, where he's retired wonderfully with his wife Barbara, and we had the chance to do what we do when we get together: talk about the church, tell stories and sing... it was a good day. The kind of day you walk away from with a very real understanding that it may be the last time you spend a day like that with those people... wish you could have been with us.

Dad, in the red/striped shirt is 93, Uncle Mark, in the dark shirt, is 90. They were born in Princeton, Indiana: 927 N. Seminary St., two of the three youngest of 9 children. Dad and three of his brothers were called to preach: John, Glenn, Dad and Mark, built churches, led revivals, preached camp meetings from one end of the country to the other. Aunt Lois, the youngest of the family, who like Aunt Helen, sang beautifully for The Lord as well, died almost 20 years ago in Anderson. Uncle Glenn died last summer at the age of 95. Dad and Uncle Mark remain, living legacies. I digress... but God is so very, very good.

When I was a kid, the times we were all together were some of the highlights of my life... they all seemed like giants... lovable dad's, normal guys when they were a part... but together... almost untouchable. I think all my cousins would agree, when "the boys" began to sing, preach, tell their stories... it was a little like watching Clark Kent run into a phone booth only to fly out with the earth shaking power of SuperMan! Friday afternoon, dad and Uncle Mark sang again, beautifully... I tried to sing along... but I'm from a much more uncertain generation... the generation that inherited the mission, the music and thankfully The Message. But even still, in their 90's, when the song got going, I knew to go quiet and along with my children, now adults also, smile and enjoy the fact that we were just in the same family as these guys that God has used so well. He is too Good.

As the afternoon came to a close, we sang one more old song: I'm Going On. Hadn't heard it in years... but our hearts and voices swelled, all of us together as we came to the chorus: "I'm going on, I'm going on, until The Final Triumph, I'm going on. I'm going on, I'm going on, until The Final Triumph... I'm going on!" 90 and 93: 183 years of life- singing out loud, doing their best to rattle the windows, each one arm in the air, victory in their eyes, in their voices, most importantly, in their hearts... it was easy to see that they meant to go right on.

Our family- the Denton's -has not been spared heartache. We carry our fair share even still. But we've been given the church... somewhere at some point... each of us has had the opportunity to do what so many others have done... to "see the church." We've seen her at work in our families: spotless and radiant, filled with power and spreading glory in the midst of our mess. My testimony of my Friday afternoon is a simple one- "I've seen the church!" And she's beautiful, worth working a lifetime for, purchased with The Precious Blood of Jesus - One - in His Love and Grace, wonderful in the witness of the redeemed... I have seen the church! Glory!

In so many of my weekly updates about our work in Mexico, Los Angeles, Riverside and even Kenya, I find myself closing with these simple words- "wish you'd been there." Friday afternoon, wish you'd been there. Thankful our kids, Julia and John, had taken their afternoons to join us- it was fun to watch them use their phones to make video of their Grandpa and Great Uncle Mark singing... even more fun to see the child like wonder in their eyes and realize... even if they didn't recognize it right then... that they were seeing the church as well... inspired and thankful... when we hugged one another and headed out our separate ways, I left with a song in my heart- hope it's yours today - "I'm going on!" The Final Triumph is yet to come.

blessings,

Eric

Video Blogging

2008-02-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

My son John keeps a video blog... sometimes... you can check it out at the end of this blog. I enjoy it... I like video blogs in general... but he's my son, what can I say?

One of my favorite video blogs is by a computer tech billionaire who meets with his buddies and they pass the video camera around like a cookie jar, filming one another as they each share their perspective, discussing the big changes in the computer industry. Our son recently graduated from California Baptist University, here in Riverside and he said it was common in Missions classes to have live video discussions with missionaries from around the world using SKYPE. That'd be easy to save and post as a video blog. It's all so cool.

A couple of years ago we'd taken a building group to Kenya from Central Community. I was preaching in Kitale, it was videotaped, saved, compressed and then Ken, our associate spent a day or two trying to upload it for our Sunday morning services at home... I think half the message made it... next time we'll just make a video call to SKYPE in Nairobi, film the message as a video call and have someone in Riverside record it! Much easier... maybe...

Anyway... check out John's blog... consider dusting off your seldom used video camera and making one of your own. It's one more great way to "Go! into the whole world..."

blessings,

Eric

Read This Blog

2008-02-01T23:36:00.000-08:00

Pastor Steve Rutenbar teaching the masses, just outside Kitale, Kenya

http://www.kenyarelief.blogspot.com/

Read and follow Pastor Steve's blog. Stay current on their time in Kenya in this crisis. You'll grow, I promise. When people ask how we started our work in Kenya, I tell them we went to the univeristy of Steve. It's true. The man's heart for Kenya is huge and he's taught me more than I could ever thank him for. Keep Steve, Dan and Jeff in your prayers today. Continue to pray for the peace of God to move in Kenya.

blessings,

Eric

Flying First Class

2008-01-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

Air Force 1 - First Class Seats!

Living near a major Air Force base we see some pretty cool jets. Air Force 1 is a fairly common sight in our skies. Tuesday afternoon, walking out the door of our house with a friend, looked up to see Air Force 1 against cloudy skies... always a little awe inspiring... read in this morning's paper that our local police chased down some kids spotted from a helicopter, getting out of a car with something that looked like a rifle, while Air Force 1 was flying over my neighborhood. Ended up being a student, dropped off from the local High Schools band practice, with his flute in case. Just a couple of blocks away from our house... such drama!

And the say Britney Spears has all the fun.

I've never flown in a private jet- I guess technically speaking, Air Force 1 is about as public a plane as you can get, -I've never even flown first class... but whenever the president flies over our house it's not hard to see that he's got some pretty cool wings. Has to share it with every other president. Only has it for another year or so- bet he's going to miss it -but just the same, doubt if he starts to fly coach.

When you get ready to vote- remember, someone's picking up a pretty cool ride with the election. It may be how I decide to cast my vote... "Who deserves Air Force 1 at their beck and call?" What would really throw the election into a tail spin, no pun intended, is if one of the candidates pledged to fly SouthWest Airlines, stand in security lines with 2 ounce tubes of shampoo, then eat peanuts in unassigned seats with the rest of us commoners... she/he might get my vote! I'm guessing THAT's not going to happen anytime soon.

Flying First Class... it's a luxury... hope whoever wins, hope our current president remembers that everytime they fly. Kid's with flutes are counting on them!

The Word of Peace

2008-01-27T07:18:00.000-08:00

Man waves a machete in Nakuru, Kenya. 1-27-08 SKY News

I'm not preaching today. That's unusual. Rare. I preach 4 times a week, or more, at least 50 times a year. I've not preached for two weeks... it's been a good break and I've enjoyed listening to God's Word as our son John and our friend, Pastor Dean Witkop, have shared my regular preaching schedule. God has blessed us.

But I should have been preaching... in Kenya... but the church was burned to the ground. Today, Sunday, January 27, we would have been wrapping up our Nairobi crusade after preaching in Kibera. The church is gone. The crusade would have been the same as last years- outside in a parking lot in the market place with large loud speakers, followed by the Jesus Film. The market places have been burned to the ground. Curfews are in place. The only crowds that are gathering - gather with machetes, bow and arrow, rocks in hand... hearts filled with anger. Even funerals for those killed in the rioting have quickly become flashpoints of violence and death.

The Word of Peace seems to be silenced... but God is not dead or deaf to our prayers.

Religious leaders from across Kenya are building a coalition of faith, crying out for peace. Spiritual leaders from around the world with a heart for Kenya are flying into the storm with a heart to serve. And the church, too often silent in times of crisis... so quiet as Rwanda faced her day of reckoning... is in prayer... praying for peace... praying for God to show how we can serve in this miserable moment for Kenya.

People fight poverty around the world. Violence happens in silence to children, women, the elderly, the disabled, the disenfranchised in every nation... in America. Jesus walked almong "the least of these..." and promised that when we did the same, we were serving Him. Christ has placed Kenya in our hearts but you don't have to go to Kenya to meet the need. Each of us live in community's filled with those in need of The Word of Peace in their time of heartbreak, loss, confusion, pain, poverty, hunger, anger, sin... and when it seems the skies are silent and we get no immediate response, God is working - in us - we're the one that prayed. He longs to give us a heart to serve and a willingness to share ourselves with those far from His Peace- wherever they live -whatever the reason.

May you richly experience The Peace of God today.

blessings,

Eric

stupid people tricks

2008-01-23T16:09:00.001-08:00

A man fishes next to the water outflows of the McGuire Nuclear Station near Lake Norman, N.C., on Monday. Lake Norman supplies water to the plant, but has shrunk by nearly 94 feet.
1-23-07 Associated Press

I love to fish... I grew up fishing the San Gabriel river, at the OC/LA line in the outflows of Edison's oil burning power plants. I've fished, kayaked and surfed in the area surrounding the outflows of San Onofre Nuclear Power Plants... those stories are more than just a trip down memory lane... just one more reason why it shouldn't jar me to see some guy fishing in the rancid outflow of a drought stricken lake... in the shadow of a nuclear power plant... but it just doesn't look smart.

Capable of incredible creativity, drive, talent, love and expression- we -that's people in general- sure do some stupid things. In fact, in the hiarchy of human foolishnes that's caused grief for generations, this guy's not even worth mentioning. But I'm guessing the photographer had to shake his head in disbelief as he clicked off the shot. I'm certain this is one fisherman who's granny would gladly set him straight on the foolishness of his ways. It just makes sense: the drought's draining the lake, the reactor's sucking water at record rates, the water's supposed to come out clean... but we're also supposed to get our rebate checks quickly, we're supposed to be able to trust our elected officials, we're supposed to expect the toys we buy not to be covered with lead based paint... the list of things we're supposed to be able to do, that we can't count on, is longer than our arm... than both arms... so why's this guy fishing there?

I'm guessing he's just thrown in the towel... or he thinks the bad things that could happen, won't happen to him. We do that when we need a release, when we don't know where else to turn for help... we'll go anywhere. No one really believes a bar is "happy" during Happy Hour. No one really thinks the car they buy will "turn them on." No one really considers Disneyland "The Happiest Place on Earth." Especially the one buying the tickets. But we still run to Disneyland, the car lot, happy hour, the pond radiating behind the power plant... because everybody's got to go somewhere when they don't know where else to go.

"What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

Mordecai, kind of a grumpy old guy, said that to Esther, when things were going great for her- while her people faced destruction -kind of a word to the wise... or A Word from The Lord. I like to think it was the latter. Esther had lost her family, then been ripped away from all that she had left, to be held captive by a king searching out a new queen. Her beauty had saved her, now her background could kill her, if she said something, or she could keep her mouth shut: things were going better than expected... why make waves?

Then Mordecai... there's always a "Mordecai..." we just usually ignore them. Esther didn't. She quit fishing next to the nuclear power plant and saved her people. Well, it wasn't quite like that, but you get the drift. She stepped up and did the right thing at the right time for the right reasons: because she could. Who knows, it may have been the only reason God put her in that position of power.

Each of us have days next to our very own power plant... hanging out, doing something we shouldn't be doing... or not doing all we could be doing... it's in those moments, when we least expect it, that God sends a Mordecai kind of message, then it's up to us, what will we do? Save our people or surrender to more of the same old sorry stupid people tricks?

We choose.

Don't know where you're fishing today or what shadow you're living in but I do know that God has a plan for today and that just maybe you're facing... all of us are facing... a "such a time as this" moment. What will you do?

Write and tell me about it- I'd love to make my next blog about your response. And hey, stop fishing next to nuclear power plants. It's stupid!

Eric

Running to Live

2008-01-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

Wesly Ngetich, 34, who won Grandma’s Marathon in 2007 and 2005, was shot through the chest with an arrow during fighting in his hometown, not far from Masai Mara.

Something wonderful about running in Kenya... the history of the worlds great runners combined with the beauty, altitude and mystery of what might be hiding in the predawn graylight keeps the mind alert, senses reaching out and heart beating fast reminding you of life and each precious step in it. Kenya is normally a runner's paradise. Marathon stars are recognized and lifted up nation wide.

They've made huge targets in the current violence and chaos. A number have been injued... now another has been killed. An arrow shot through his chest- seems impossible -out on the trans mara, rural, beautiful and now covered in blood.

Look at the photo- VICTORY! - so quickly slipping away... Life. God opens doors, gives us an opportunity and we give it our best... or not. Wesly, named I'm sure for John Wesley, the great reformer. No clue if Wesly was running to or from the violence... today... we have the opportunity remember Kenya, remember Wesly, to run. We have today. Keep the family of Wesly Ngetich in your prayers. What a waste.

Here's a short video of a day we spent in the trans mara in February, 2007

cry freedom

2008-01-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

Continue to pray for our friends in Kenya. Pray for peace.

Many in the west don't realize that much of Kenya's press has been silenced by the government during this crisis. Youtube has become a primary news source. You can stay connected daily at this Kenya Link.

blessings,

Eric

I Might Have to Go...

2008-01-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

My heart's hurting for Kenya... it seems so wrong not to stand beside them in their time of pain, violence and chaos... I might have to go- sooner, instead of later. Our group was to leave Tuesday morning, Jan 15... but with the violence and chaos since the elections, it only seemed prudent to cancel the trip. Don't think I could handle watching our group caught up in the middle of another nations anger over political and social issues I don't begin to understand.

"prudent..."

But my heart remains so full... praying for a solution... don't even know what I'd do if I went. Guess part of me just wants to hold my friends, embrace our young work, tell people how sorry we are... let them know that we're not just friends from afar and we'll visit when everything's good... but to show them we're willing and ready to enter their pain, their heartbreak, their chaos... I don't begin to know how to express it.

Matatu's- that's one in the picture. They're little minivans, one of Kenya's major forms of mass transit, that get jammed with people- often until they're hanging out the doors. We jammed that little matatu to make are way outside Kakuma, a refugee camp near the boarder with Sudan in NW Kenya. People begged for rescue, greeted us in love, pressed names written on paper into our hands, told us stories of loss that were beyond grief or understanding. Then we jammed back into our little matatu- windows closed against the dust of the Sahara Desert- even in the 122 degree (farenheit) heat... you've not lived until you're jammed into a matatu at plus 120!

It begs the question: "Why would ANYONE want to go back!?!"

A popular saying when we were in Kenya was "It's easier to get a visa into Heaven than into the United States." The popular saying now- after the elections -is "It's easier for a Luo to become president of the US, (that would be Barack Obama), then to become president of Kenya!" Poverty soon becomes futility. We wanted desperately for a Maasai pastor we work with to visit us here in the US. He received his passport in Kenya only to be denied a visa by the US. Devestated- he emailed me -"What am I to do now?"

I know what he did: got back into a matatu- paid his schillings and headed towards his home outside Narok. Walked the long single track path alone to his little manata and passed the news along to his family- walked the 120 kilometers he walks every week through the wilderness of the Masai Mara visiting the 4 churches he pastors and gave them the sad news... they'd been praying. Maybe I just need to hug Pastor Samuel and tell him we're disappointed too... but sitting in my office, that could hold several matatus, that Samuel's entire home would fit neatly within... the "prudent" thing to do, that which I'll probably do... is to stay... until I know how I can help.

God's Grace is Amazing. It's not abandoned the people of Kenya, the people of the US, or anyone anywhere... it flows in and through us... filling us richly with His Healing Power, even when we're not sure what to do. Until then, I long to be "faithful in the meantime." It's my prayer for you as well. I'm guessing you have places to go.

blessings,

Eric

Quick! Get out Your Credit Card

2008-01-09T23:48:00.000-08:00

Reebok Precision Heart Rate Monitor

Buy it at this link for just $19.99! An incredible deal on a great heart rate monitor. Check it out!

Eric

a different reality

2008-01-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

Surfing... "Surf to live... Live to surf." It was my motto for too many years. That said, we never dreamed of waves like the one in this video- think that's Laird Hamilton, but not certain, probably at Jaws- a big wave in Hawaii that you want to stay away from: unless your last name is Hamilton, Angulo, Long, or one of the other quickly growing water legends- going where no one has gone before -or for that matter probably should go. Absolutely insane.

A world in crisis- rigged elections, churches burned to the ground while people are taking sanctuary, almost 200,000 young Americans serving and bleeding in Iraq, children around the world living hungry and in fear of the day... and surf... HUGE surf...

I'm not sure- but I'm guessing as he was towed into this wave, as he began to take the drop, as that HUGE mountain of water began to pitch- the rest of the world slipped away, total focus took over and the surfer's survival, if only for a few seconds, maybe a minute or two, became a different reality. Survival, success, seeing tomorrow, suddenly required the ability to not only be completely in the moment- built on years of training in the water, a lifetime of team work with those who pull you in and now must be quick at the rescue if you go down- one thing, one wave, required that he push all else out of the way. Sounds just a little bit liberating... incredibly frightening... lonely.

"Surf to Live. Live to Surf." I was never very good in the water, maybe "good," certainly never above average, even when I was in the surf for hours, every day, every year, around the world... still just ok. But I remember the drops that in the moment everything else slipped away... and the ones where fear refused to leave, responsibility occuppied my mind no matter how many waves I took and rode or fell on... soon, long before I approached the status of "waterman," yet decades after I first paddled out, dreaming of riding perfect surf... perfectly; I figured out that other things needed to occupy my life besides surfing. It was a good realization, for me.

Even still, something about the awe of this wave, this rider, this moment captured on video felt like an invitation to a different reality. I have no doubt that once a person learns to accomplish this kind of focus in one discipline it generalizes into the rest of their life... or at least into their pursuits... my prayer today is that a generation will be lifted up in Kenya, in the United States, in Riverside, in me... with a desire to pursue The Peace of God, His Grace, His Love, His Presence with the same singleness of mind given to this massive wave. It's one way we can start great in 2008. A different reality, His Kingdom, awaits us. It can be our defining horizon in the year to come.

Eric

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Our Son John- with a borrowed pick up truck -moving out

Empty Nest Syndrome... I've heard alot about it... guess we're getting ready to experience it first hand. Both of our kids have lived away from home and both... for one reason or the other, have returned. We've never had them both out at the same time, until now. They found an incredible deal on a beautiful apartment and just like that- quick as that old pick up could pull into our driveway, they're gone and Debi and I are empty nesters.

Our kids,not really kids at all, Julia, now 26 and John, 24, are both pretty amazing people and we've always enjoyed their times at home. We work together, travel together, play together... they've grown up to be people that I enjoy hanging out with... but life goes on and "to everything..." Debi and I celebrated the new year home alone... no need to leave on a light downstairs... turned out the porch light as I headed up and felt a twinge of nostalgia capture my heart... or maybe arithmia... at my age...

2008 - the edge of new adventures in the Denton household. It'll be interesting to see how the two of them learn to coexist in an apartment. It'll be interesting to see how Debi and I remember how to live together again, without one of the kids under our roof, after 26 years. We're open to all advice.

A well meaning friend high fived me when he heard the news. It didn't feel like a high five kind of moment to me... not sad... just not celebratory either. I understand so much more of what my elders once taught me about the "necessary losses" of growing up- the transitions -this is one of them. I'll miss so much about them being here...

and I still work with them every day!

God's been so very, very good to us- may He richly bless you in the new year to come.

Happy New Year!

take care Julia and John.

Dad

in case you missed it...

2007-12-27T21:48:00.000-08:00

I like posting the little videos of our work in Mexico, Kenya, Los Angeles and of course in Riverside. It's fun to track how many people watch them each day- a few recently breached the 1,000 views threshold- my total video views are approaching 20,000.

Chump change on the net. Yahoo put together the above video summarizing the years top viewed internet videos- billions of views in the US alone... BILLIONS! I don't watch many internet videos other than the ones I make, a little egocentric but who's got the time? Apparently millions of people in the US alone... so I enjoyed catching up on what the rest of the nation had clued into last year. Hope you enjoy it as well.

Any time you want to check out my videos on YAHOO, just go to this link and you can see them all. They chronicle much of our work together and always bring back great memories of life changing times around the world. God is too good.

blessings,

Eric

all I want for Christmas

2007-12-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

Debi and Christina - Christmas, 2007

Christina "Petunia." That's what Debi always called her when she lived at Siempre. Her young mother was in the crisis of her teen years when in tears and heartbreak she left her only daughter with us... signed away her birth certificate, entrusting her to our care.

We all fell in love. Christina's a very special kid: cute, charismatic, loved by everyone and always quick with just the right word to say... the kind of kid who could be president of Mexico some day. When her mom showed up pregnant again, now married, and wanting her back over a year later, heartbreak- and hope -moved throughout the household.

Debi and I spent our Christmas day driving across Tijuana at sunset with Alejandro and his family looking for Christina's new home, fearing the worse, hoping for the best. God answers prayer. Her mom, now 20, is fantastic and is married to a hard working young man. There's a new little brother- a cute guy -and the family recently received the gift of a home built especially for them, a cute litte 400 sq ft bungalow, by a local Christian ministry. Christina had all she wanted for Christmas... all any abandoned child wants for Christmas... to be home with her family- safe, secure and loved.

Her step dad's paying for school, she loves her new teacher, she's gaining weight, and before we left her grandmother and uncle stopped in with Christmas gifts. It was all Debi and I wanted for Christmas- to see that she's doing well, that she's safe, warm and loved. Sitting at the border for almost two hours waiting to get back into the states, we didn't complain- some things are worth the wait.

Siempre, it means always... when a child's given into our care, we plan for life... and when something wonderful happens... something we're not prepared for, like a mom getting her life in order and desperately needing her daughter back- we want to be ready -to continue to lend support and love as a family begins to build new hopes and dreams. We left with warm embraces against the cold night, well after sunset, Christina's family thanking us and inviting us to return whenever we could. It was just what we'd wanted for Christmas- just to see that all was well -with our own eyes, and God gave us the desires of our heart.

I hope you had a fantastic Christmas and received more than you ever imagined in the day. May these final days of 2007 be filled with miracles and wonders as we prepare for the year to come.

blessings,

Eric

just a taste

2007-12-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

An incredible time on the streets Sunday night serving with Jackets for Jesus on skidrow. It was our 19th Christmas in the heart of the city and God blessed it in ways we could have never imagined that first frightening night on the streets almost 1,000 Sundays ago. God's taught us so much, we've made so many amazing friends and we've been given the opportunity to serve that no one deserves. God is too good.

A couple hundred of us celebrated in the serving last week while nearly 900 men, women and children received backpacks filled in love. I only got a couple shots on the streets... some video before the packs were in the truck... this is it... just a small taste of our evening. enjoy!

Eric

Buy a Kid a Rug

2007-12-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to buy braided rugs at K-Mart for $20- off.

The plan was to go get two $9.99 rugs and walk out with a couple cents in my pocket... didn't work. But the rugs are cool and buy 3 for $30- and you'll only pay $10- or get the bigger one for $24.99 for Alejandro and Aracelys and pay only $5- bucks. Or go buy one for yourself.

Our first year of our children's home in TJ we learned that carpets don't work: dirt, fleas, punch... you name it. But winter time tile and concrete floors can be cold on kids feet when they jump out of bed. Saw this coupon and thought we could all pitch in and take a bunch for free. K-Mart's on to cheap guys like me and it's not free... but pretty cheap. Check it out.

keep a kid's feet warm for Christmas!

blessings,

Eric

always on my mind...

2007-12-11T02:41:00.000-08:00

Denton Family Photo - September 10, 2004 - Dad's 90th Birthday

Opened one of those long Christmas letters from old friends last night and sat down to read up on what's been going on with their family in the last year. They're forever frozen in the mid-nineties in my mind... yet life has moved on... they've lived in several different states, added three children to their family and earned enough stories to easily fill a three page Christmas letter that must have been difficult to edit: knowing what to add and what to leave out. Each year their little missile keeps us feeling somewhat connected, though we're now miles and newly added experiences apart.

Learning to play the guitar, the two of them once sat in my office, long before kids and new careers and he played the guitar as she sang an old song I'd been fighting the chords to find. His fingers laid them down with ease and deliberation- showing me each move, allowing me to follow along. She lifted her voice in grace with words that haunt my heart from that sweet Willie Nelson ballad: Always On My Mind.

Reading their new adventures, learning the growing lives of their children, absorbing their stories of intentional living for Christ- one lovely moment together wouldn't let me go- a singular segment of time I doubt they'd remember... and the faces of so many I'd loved filled my heart... bits and pieces of the song came back to me, "little things we'd said and done. I just never found the time- but you were always on my mind... you were always on my mind."

We've been blessed, they're two among so many. I'm closely related to most the folks in the photo above, many whom I haven't had contact with since the photo was taken three years ago. Add to that the great number of family not in the photo and multiply it by the amazing number of people who've loved us like family- who we rarely see any longer and like the friends in the Christmas letter are now far from us and it still doesn't even number all those we see day in and day out, week in and week out, who we love so deeply and love us wonderfully, yet we never find the time... but you are always on my mind. We're so blessed.

At the bottom of our friends Christmas letter, not hand written in, just part of the print that went to everyone, the closing salutation read simply, "missing you." It struck a chord. I knew exactly how they felt... to everyone we love, missing you. To all those who've loved us and keep us in their thoughts and prayers: missing you. To family far and near this Christmas, missing you... to those no longer with us: Uncle Glenn, Uncle John, Gary, Gerald, Ed, Villora... so many more each Christmas... missing you... but you are always on my mind.

To live with intention... I think one of the first changes I'd make is to begin to find the time; to hand write that note of love, to make that phone call, to stop in and visit, to sit down together for a meal, to break the barrier that's kept us apart, to reach across the schedules and miles, "while today is still called today" and reconnect in love. "Little things you've said and done" like playing guitars and singing together in the office... have not, could never slip by unnoticed.

I went to bed with so many of you on my heart. Woke up at 2:30 and needed to write... the picture of my family is just the beginning of so many we love... so many as we approach Christmas who are in our thoughts deeply... so many of our friends captured in two simple words for this season: "missing you."

Missing you this morning. Praying that God sweetly surrounds you with His presence and comfort and that you know you're loved... that you're not alone this Christmas.

missing you,

Eric

ps
song of the day... not too tough to figure out... try playing it on your guitar. Wish I could hear Scott and Terri sing it again.

Late Night Thoughts On Going Fast

2007-12-06T23:44:00.000-08:00

LOVE the Blue Angels. When I was a kid- in the '60's -they would occasionally practice out of Los Alamitos Naval Air Base off Katella. We lived on the border of OC in Long Beach and by the time those guys were up, they were out over our house. Don't know if it was because we grew up on El Dorado Golf Course and there was plenty of open space, but somedays they'd fly all day long, working on routine after routine to the great delight of every kid for miles around. We'd climb up on the garage roof and howl each time they broke the sound barrier- every house in the neighborhood had cracks in the plaster walls and it wasn't all that uncommon for a window to break. Vietnam was in full gear- 500,000 young Americans at war -body counts beyond heartbreak... Skip from around the corner was killed... nobody was worried about keeping the Blue Angels in check. They were artists at work.

Now I live not too many miles from March Air Base in Riverside, CA. We've watched the Stealth fly in and out, seen Air Force 1 sit on the tarmac, caught the Thunderbirds numerous times and were even buzzed by the B-1 once, pilot tipped his wings just as they fell back and he exploded from what seemed to be a couple hundred feet off the ground into orbit... all very cool. But nothing to compare to summer days with a bunch of kids coming into our yard, onto our garage roof- no houses to block the view over the park - and standing in awe as the Blue Angels went by in formation... I swear we could see the pilots waving... it was huge when they'd tip their wings down toward us kids... each of us imagining we were in the jet. When the sound barrier would shatter the skies we'd cover our ears and cheer. May be one reason I've got such lousy hearing.

When I fly it's in the comfort of a comercial jet: bad food, movies and my laptop are expected. The only time I flew out of Los Alamitos Naval Air Station was with a friend who took me soaring. We were powerless, silently sailing in the wind for less than ten minutes before touch down. It was sweet... but it sure wasn't the Blue Angels. Last time I remember hearing the sound barrier being shattered, I was with my family at Edwards Air Force Base for a shuttle landing. It's two signature booms shattered high thin clouds, leaving ripples in the sky like a stone in a pond. An image that's always stuck.

Kids, hanging out in the summer, we never equated the Blue Angels with the war. It didn't occur to us that the smog that filled the skies of Long Beach and burned our lungs on bike rides might be filled with jet exhaust. And the impact of shattered sound barriers- well that was just cooler than cool -who cared if it knocked down a house or two. We weren't exactly environmentalist... we were dreaming of going fast, flying high, wing tip to wing tip in tight formation with our friends. Hopefully we've matured a bit in the last four decades. But watching this video that crossed my laptop, old memories flooded through me like cleansing rain and the kid inside me wanted to go fast again... or at least stand on the roof and howl with my buddies at the guys living and flying our dreams.

Late night thoughts on going fast... on looking backwards... on glory days... The guys flying the jets were probably just ten or twelve years older than me, if that. Somewhere, if any of them are awake tonight, they're looking back on that summer with a view from the skies and I can't help but wonder if they smile, or even remember the kids who looked up in wonder from the old garage roof and cheered them on. Thanks guys. We were wishing it was us. Sometimes I still do.

Christmas Begins with a Decision

2007-11-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

istockphoto.com is a great resouce for art when you're looking for something just a little different than the everyday free stuff online. Bought this nice piece of art for this weeks message there. Making the most of it and using it on the blog as well.

Upside- plenty of high quality graphics in just about any format. Downside- they're not free, not expensive, but definitely not free.

Hard not to envy the pastor who approaches Christmas, or any message for that matter, with a staff person in charge of setup and design... must be cool. But, if your working environment requires you to learn to do your own design- they're a bunch of really good sites with some excellent art and it's all a whole lot cheaper than even the workman's comp for the extra staff. Struggle is, everyone has to live with less than pro graphics... not to mention the extra time and learning curve.

Text in this mid-Thanksgiving- pre-advent weekend is Isaiah 9:6- "For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given." Talking about beginning Christmas with a decision. You can listen in to the message at Central Community's Media page.

Looking forward to celebrating Christmas in the days to come- I like the focus on one very special day in our spiritual life -it's a good thing.

Merry Christmas!

Eric

Check out the song of the day on the side bar - a little "belief" music from Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks... and you can never get too much of that!

Black Friday Toys

2007-11-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

Hit Best Buy this morning, not early, nothing crazy... list in hand, hoping to score a few fun toys on sale. Picked up a couple of gigs of ram for my laptop- installed it myself... a few videos... micro SD card (2G) and a 4G flash card. Also did a little impulse buying- bought a HDTV USB tuner, again for the laptop. I'd owned one before but returned it for poor performance- with the price lowered to $39- for the weekend, they got me again.

The clip of the game above is the first thing I recorded- unforntuanately, for me, I turned off the game and messed with the software... stupid... ended up being a great game... maybe an all time college highlight... and LSU provided joy for the season in Arkansas.

Me, I made the guys at Best Buy just a little happier.

Hope your day after the holiday was an easy one. That you were able to rest, shop, relax, watch a game, a movie, dork around with your computer... whatever it is that makes you happy... the Christmas Season is upon us... 2007 is down to days, not months or weeks. I plan on making the most of the rest of 2007. Hope to share some of it with you... when I'm not messing around with my laptop!

enjoy the song of the day - a good song every day!

How to Cook the Perfect Turkey

2007-11-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

Wash your hands and get to it!
Rinse the fresh or completely thawed turkey thouroughly- run some water through both ends. Make sure you've removed the neck- up front - and the giblets and heart, in a little white bag, out the back. Do with them as you please: the neck's ok for soup stock- put a some water on the stove in a large pan, throw the neck in and let it boil...add more water throughout the day, salt and pepper, season creatively, toss in all the cool veggies you can think of. The giblets you can sautee for dressing, toss into broth on the stove, feed them to the neighborhood cat, throw them away.

Get your roasting pan ready- I reccomend the good foil ones you can get for a buck or two at any local market. Put a quarter cup of water in the bottom of the pan and a bit of vegetable oil. Put the turkey in the pan- good old traditional breast up, or go if you cooked a number of turkeys, or are just feeling a bit risque, put the thing in breast down- the thought is with the breast down, they never need basting and remain moist. Pour more vegetable oil over turkey and rub it all over the bird, inside and out, getting your hands completely messy.

This is a great time to turn your oven on to 375 degrees for preheat. Drip oil across the kitchen floor while also leaving an amazing smudge on oven... eveyone will know YOU cooked the turkey. Let the oven heat up.

Now comes the real fun. How do you want your turkey to taste? I'm famous for my jalapeno turkey- it's quick, easy and mouth watering! But you can use anything, or nothing in your turkey. Cook the dressing in a pan- everything goes faster that way.

Traditional Turkey: salt and pepper the oiled bird, make an aluminum tent that folds long ways with the pan, creases longways down the length of the turkey and stands an inch or so above the bird- crimp it with your fingers on to the side of the pan and you're ready to put the bird in the oven.

WARNING: those aluminum pans that are so handy have a tendency to rip on the bottom sliding in and out of an oven rack, making a HUGE mess as the bird cooks- just belive me. Either place it carefully onto the rack or BETTER put it on a cookie sheet and slide the whole thing into the oven. Check it occasionally after a couple of hours. You can go to Butterball's site where they have a cool little calculator that tells you exactly how long to cook your bird... or just read the wrapping the bird came in. It's done when the legs wiggle freely. If you tied the legs up behind it's breast- it probably says something about you as a person.

Me, I fill and cover the bird with peppers- sliced wide open jalapenos and every other kind of pepper I can find at the store. Stick an orange or two in there - block the openings with fresh apples - put green onions or anything else you like around the bird. Claim that thing!

The last hour- spoon juice over the top- or buy one of those fancy basters and squirt the thing... enjoy yourself. I've cooked dozens and dozens of turkeys... now days I stick it in the oven before I go to bed and pull it out when I wake up. Piece of cake- perfection. You can pull the foil off the bird for the last 30 minutes to give it a cool brown look.

Have Fun!

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Central Community's, Free, Community Wide Thanksgiving Dinner- if you'll be alone or without on Thanksgiving... don't be... please join us for a day of great food, fun and one more wonderful reason to give thanks. You're invited. And I'm cooking at least one of the turkeys!

first solo trail ride

2007-11-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

That's my new bike... a Jamis or Janis of some sort... I know it's full suspension: forks and frame. Rides like a dream. The last couple of Monday's I've ridden with my son John- same trail in a local canyon -about 9 total miles. Normally I follow him and listen as he gives me warnings about rocks, ruts, hills- both up and down -and in general do his best to keep me on the bike and off the dirt... I've got a habit of hitting the dirt when we ride the trail... it worries him. I've yet to fall off the new bike- praise God!

Anyway... today John was out to the beach with his girlfriend, perfect fall weather, sunny, warm... an open invitation to go out and play. Debi worked in the yards- so I jumped on the bike and headed into the canyon all by myself, wondering if I could remember the trails and make it back before sunset. Managed both and even stayed in the saddle.

There's one great spot on the ride where the trail heads down into a tree covered creek. It's so cool to hit the water fast and hard- completely soaks my cletes everytime and everytime I'm amazed I make it through the water without falling. Today, checking out the water, I neglected to take a look at the up hill on the other side of the creek and came right into a deep rut, front tire got stuck and in an instant I was almost down... but then not... pedaled out of the rut, pulled the tire out and cranked it up the hill, heart beating fast and wishing someone had been behind me to watch it all.

I've discovered that most times when life almost takes us down with an unexpected rut, forward movement can save us- the ruts quickly behind us and we're on to the the next challenge... life's always filled with new challenges... the Psalmist had it right when he wrote "I lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." The hills, the climbs, the challenges make us stronger, better people when we keep moving forward.

Riding home on the streets, enjoying a fantastic sunset, it was a good lesson to remember on this perfect autumn day. The weekend was so full- today was so restful -the ride was just what I needed. Hope you had the opportunity to do a little of just what you needed this afternoon. It can get you out of a rut... even if it gets you in one at the same time!

blessings and bike rides,

eric

song of the day is always good for a bike ride- listen in- what fun

Running to Win

2007-11-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

March 2, 2008, Lord willing, I'll be standing at the starting line of the Los Angeles Marathon. Not great timing... Easter's early in 2008, so I'm slipping out at an important time in the life of our church. But the sad reality hit me a couple of months ago- I'd resigned myself to accept that most of my best running was behind me... what a depressing thought. Realizing I needed a big goal to get myself back on track I mentally registered for LA and got to work. I'm up to 40 mile weeks and broke 12 miles on my run this morning- every run alone. That makes it tougher... but it'll stay that way until I'm fit enough and fast enough to run with other folks- I'm still being passed by the aged and infirmed -but little by little, things are improving.

I've run ten or twelve marathons, but LA was my first, March 3, 1991. The poster's framed and still hangs in my office. Ran it once. Running a marathon's not such a big deal- worse case scenario, you sit on the curb and rest. TRAINING for a marathon, now that's a big deal. I spent years of my life staying "marathon ready." Any weekend that came open, I could head out and run a marathon- and I did on occasion. Never qualified for Boston- but never was rushed to the hospital either.

Ran my last marathon 6 years ago... it was horrible and promised I'd never do it again... but I must miss it, more likely it's just been long enough for me to forget how much it can hurt when things don't go well.

Training for my first LA, I was 36, thin and fit. I'd been running for years but was clueless to training. Never read a Runner's World or Running Magazine, had no clue what Race Place or Competitor were and learned about long runs from a friend at a New Years Eve party just 8 weeks before the race- so I started running 15 every Saturday. Just did my daily 7.5 twice. Ran it in a t-shirt and some dolphin shorts my sister gave me for Christmas... I saw overweight guys on the course wearing cut-offs and converse... who passed me, don't know if they finished. My official time was 4:04 - long before timing chips or I learned to wear a watch and mark splits.

My real time was probably 10-15 minutes faster. Started way in the back: 20,000 people back, and grooved to Randy Newman blaring out the speakers as runners jumped in the sunshine to "I Love LA!" Hope they still start with that. Then Mohamad Ali was in the starters box and I moved as closely as I could, HUGE crowd, wanting to see him as the crowd shouted: "Ali!, Ali!" Who knows how long it took before I ever crossed the starting line.

The race was filled with wonders and miracles, barefoot runners and running Elvis's, (who beat me by a mile even though they stopped in every bar on Sunset!), it was all so new. The front half was like a party... and then the work began. It's been said that the marathon doesn't start until mile 20... it's just a 6 mile race... truer words were never spoken. I made it through those final 6 miles- they were filled with enough stories for a book- church choirs singing in the front lawn- best friends slipping out of the crowd to run with me- my sister calling my name at the final turn... and the finish line... Los Angeles Marathon, Where Every Runner's a Star! I was embraced by an older woman, probably 40 or so, who walked me through the lines, put my first ever finishers medal around my neck and told me what a great race I'd run.

I'm going back!

Suddenly I can't wait! New point to point course- I know what that is now and it's my favorite kind of marathon to run. I have a new goal- no longer looking back, now firmly out in front of me. I'm training again. I'm going to run to win- to win my race, one day at a time, one mile at a time... looking forward.

If you've read this far... you're either family, a writer who wonders how this is all going to wrap up, or someone ready to make some big changes, ready to start looking forward, ready to embrace the excitement, fear, adventure and the unexpected the future holds. There are so many ways to go about it but some constants run through them all: set a BIG goal, start training, don't quit. You'll flesh out the fine points as you work through it. Remember, "Reader's are Leaders." Make friends who are stronger and better than you- then stay open to learn from them.

You can do it: GO, DO, BE.

After running my first marathon I wrote a long article on it that was printed in a national magazine- I just might try to dig it up and read through it again. Follow my blog- at the end of this marathon I just might write a book! Our best miles are still ahead of us. Let's run them together.

blessings,

Eric

Listen In to Randy Newman at the song of the day in the side bar
OR... join me for the marathon- just follow the link LA Marathon

Make a Difference!

2007-11-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Artivists, a film festival promoting films that speak out on current social concerns- particularly focusing on poverty, children, and animal rights (you can learn more about the festival at their site, www.artivists.org),has selected Glue Boys for showing this year, learn more about Glue Boys at www.glueboys.com. What you'll read at the web sites is such a small part of the story. Every film has film makers, dreams, hearts longing for change and voices crying to be heard behind them. We see the celebrity images of excess and too often forget that behind every talking head is a human heart, a spirit in motion, lives, families and almost always, issues that run through the fiber of their being... Artivist hopes to acknowledge and encourage these voices. That's a good thing.

The festival would have never caught my attention- I'm not exactly their prime audience -but for the selection of Glue Boys. Philip Hamer, an exceptional human being, who just happens to be my nephew, is the man who made Glue Boys. So many of the people who've helped pay for it, labored and prayed through the process and spent time in Kenya working on it, are people I know and love. Our son John had the opportunity to work with Phil, shooting daily among the street kids of Kitale, and that's one of the many sparks that finally began our work in Kenya.

Next weekend I'm going to my first film festival to view Glue Boys. I'm excited. It's a reminder that one heart, one voice, one person can still make a difference in a world that quickly diminishes the power of one. I've seen the film plenty of times. I've held Charles and Thomas, two of the primary street children followed throughout the film in my arms. Now we have the opportunity to share with Phil, the crew of the film and their families as this good work is recognized at the heart of entertainment world, Hollywood. Good on you Phil. Way to go Kat and Dan. I couldn't be more proud of you John. Best of all, the story of street children will continue to be lifted up and we'll be forced to respond... we can make a difference- Phil is. We can.

See you in Hollywood!

Danny... and Kung Foo Fighting

2007-11-01T11:00:00.001-07:00

That's my buddy Danny. He lives at our children's home in Tijuana, Mexico. He and his brothers were the first kids to move in over three years ago and we've become pretty tight. Danny can be a quiet guy... I'm not real quiet... so when he gets excited, starts running and playing, I feel like life just might be alright, even if he has been abandoned by his family. Yesterday Danny was having a great day running and playing with the older boys. Occasionally he'd run by me- as if playing tag -lay one one me and say something in Spanish or just look up and smile. Since I didn't understand a thing he was saying I responded as any level headed, college educated pastor would... I gathered him up in my arms and started singing, "Everybody was Kung Foo Fighting..." It always draws a laugh and is well worth being the fool for the moment just to watch him smile. Give it a try today. Don't know all the words- but listen in at the side bar- it's the song of the day.

blessings,

Eric
Song of the Day - Kung Foo Fighting - Listen in.
Click to hear music file