The Lounge Online

Visit the Lounge

2007-05-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Over the past two years, there have been many cool stories with great lessons posted on this blog. Please feel free to read through them as often as you like! This will likely be my last post on this site and possibly the last post for some time.

Although we aren't blogging anymore, we are still teaching classes. Come by the Lounge at the Foster Road church of Christ to meet some cool people and attend some cool interactive classes.

We'll be looking forward to seeing you!!

Be blessed!

Quiet Time

2007-01-31T23:02:00.000-08:00

When is the last time you spent quiet time with God? No, not the quiet time right before bed. I mean the last time you devoted time to finding a spot without cell phones, TVs, MP3 players, or computers. A place where you can sit down with your Bible and talk to God. Jesus did it. In Mark chapter 1, verse 35 reads "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

Jesus actually got up early and left the house to find a place of solitude so he could speak with His Father in Heaven. When is the last time you had that kind of conversation with your Father in Heaven? He is there waiting for you. He wants to listen and get close to you. Go to Him and talk.

Tonight in Youth Group I challenged everybody to try this: Sometime this week find a place to spend ten minutes with God. Bring your Bible with you and...
1. Pray. Ask God to direct your life so you can spend more time with Him. Ask God to reveal to you where you need some help and where you selfishly walk right by His arms. Ask Him to help you revolve your life around His schedule and make sure you revolve around Him in your everyday schedule.
2. Study. Open your Bible and read . Pick a book and go through it over the week or just pick a Psalm or just pick whatever you have been wanting to read or even just pick wherever you open it! The point is to read it and try to find what God is telling you. Find some lines that appeal to you and commit them to memory.
3. Praise. Praise God with words and song. If you have a favorite song, sing it. If you have a favorite psalm, read it. Whatever you do to show God praise, do it.

If you do this, you will be blessed. You'll be blessed to have spent some time in solitude with God. You will be blessed to have a deeper knowledge of the His Word. And you'll be blessed because you are seeking His kingdom and righteousness.

Try this. And please feel free to email me or post a comment and tell me how God blessed you through this!

Vince

The time has come...

2006-12-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

This time of year is usually associated with "resolutions" or goals for what we want to accomplish in the new year. For me, it is going to be a very different year as I will, for the first time in over 10 years, only have one "actual" job. Of course, anybody who knows me knows that I will still be doing all sorts of things (maybe more than before) but I will not be collecting a check in return for my services. I'm looking forward to it even though it will mean I have to make some sacrifices.

As you read this, I hope it gets you thinking about your life. What are your goals for the upcoming year? What are some things you haven't been doing as well as you can? What sacrifices are you willing to give up to achieve those things?

Some of my goals for 2007:
Read my Bible daily. Not to prepare classes but for myself.
Coach one of my kids' sports teams. I used to do this...
Build shelves in my garage. Yep, I might have to use a saw!
Submit our QI program at CHC for an award. It's getting close...
Support my wife's business continue to grow to where it is a true second income.

Yep, that's a few of them. So what are your goals? Here's how to set a goal: Be SMART!

Specific - Don't just say "lose weight"... lose how much??
Measureable - How will you know when you get there?
Attainable - What do you have to do to get there? Is it possible?
Realistic - Is it even something you "want" to do? Is it something you "can" do?
Tangible - Can you feel what it's like? Is there something that drives you towards your goal?

Of course, these are just guidelines to help but the main idea is that YOU set a GOAL for yourself and try to get there. People who set goals tend to be much more successful than those who don't. So in 2007, be ready to take on some new challenges and reach a little higher!

Be blessed!
Vince

New Orleans

2006-12-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

I was in New Orleans last weekend for a conference and had a chance to visit alot of the city. The first thing I noticed was all the closed down businesses. Even in the French Quarter, where the flooding damage was minimal, there were many closed businesses. In other parts of the city, the flooding damage from Katrina was obvious. There were entire neighborhoods unlivable. Still not even cleaned up! And it wasn't just poor neighborhoods... we went though a ritzy part of town where these big beautiful houses were practically destroyed. Some were still charred from fire. Others still had spraypainted words like "911" or "Please Help" or "Pets Inside".

This picture shows where the water line was on one house. There were literally thousands of homes like this or worse.

As sad as that is, there was hope. The city was trying to "return to normal" and the reality is that it likely will... in a few years. Right now, the most hopeful thing in the city is the churches! Yeah, the churches, along with some other local organizations, are taking matters into their own hands and fixing up houses and people's lives. I visited the Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ that runs "Operation Nehemiah" which helps build homes of church members. Others help people find houses to live in while they wait for theirs. Between the damage I saw and the hope I found, there was more than enough fodder to make me want to go help myself! And don't be surprised if I do... maybe in 2007?? We'll see.

On another note, I did get to see many of the things the city is famous for... good food, good music, and good times. We had beignets at Cafe Du Monde which were awesome. We ate at Mother's (President Bush ate there last month). We also walked down the Riverwalk (a big mall near the Mississippi). Also, we went to Jackson Square, which is a famous corner of the French Quarter and home of the Saint Louis Cathedral. All in all, it was an "action packed" four days.

Oh, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were staying at out hotel because Brad Pitt was filming a movie called "The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons" which was being filmed at our hotel and is due out in 2008. We watched a little of the filming (I even accidently got myself put into one of the scenes before being asked to move). They drove by us in a white Rolls Royce so I can now say I "saw" them!

In the end, it was a very good trip. I learned alot about how much bigger the world is... and realized how quickly it can be destroyed and how people have the ability to overcome so many adversities. I think we can learn from the churches in New Orleans who seem to be living this verse everyday and showing that it's true:

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Think about it. And Be blessed!
Vince

The BEST Holiday??

2006-11-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that Thanksgiving is a great holiday. And the more I think about how fun it is, the more I like it. My family didn't have too many Thanksgiving traditions when I was a kid. We always ate a pretty good meal with family (though I do have a pretty small family). But that was about it. I mean, there were no certain houses or times or traditions or anything like that. It was just a nice day off to hang out -- sometimes we did something special, sometimes we didn't. And that was fine with me!

Now that I'm an adult (supposedly), I have a new love for Thanksgiving. I get to have the day off from work, spend extra time with my kids and family and extended family and now get the chance to establish some family traditions. So this year, we will be hosting a family Thanksgiving dinner for the first time and I'm pretty excited about that!

So with that in mind, here's my top 5 things I hope happen this Thanksgiving:

5. The Dallas Cowboys lose on National TV.
4. I catch the game winning pass in our Family football game on a beautiful throw by Dorian.
3. Derek and Dante play together better than Pilgrims and Indians.
2. Everybody who comes over our house leaves well fed physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
1. Bobbie gets so many compliments on her food and house and looks and personality that she is extra motivated for her after-Thanksgiving shopping spree and finds a great flat panel TV and Wii game system for practically no money and gives it to her most excellent husband for Christmas! :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

GOBBLE GOBBLE

Life can be scary!

2006-10-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

This time of year always reminds me how scary life can be. I mean we got ghosts and spider webs and skeletons and witches and other scary stuff out in front of people's houses. We got thunder and lightning and rain. We got scary movies being released in the theatres and movie stores. And have you read the headlines in the newspaper recently? On top of that, it is SO EASY to move away from God - now that's scary!

I was thinking about all the costumes people will dress up in over the next week. Halloween is a time when we get to sort of transform ourselves for one night into somebody else without feeling like a complete loser. What if we all dressed up as somebody else everyday? Now THAT would be scary! But I was thinking how many of us try to do just that. We might not change our clothes but we do change our personalities so we can fit in with a certain group of people. I know I've done that before. You know... when you are feeling real unsure of yourself and you know it just doesn't feel right. Have you been there? Yep, I'm pretty sure we've all been there.

There are alot of reasons people do this - and they aren't all bad. As a matter of fact, even people in the Bible did this. Did you know that Abraham once told his wife to pretend she was his sister so he could live in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20). Then there was Esther. She didn't reveal her true identity and used her new role as Queen to save Israel (Esther 2). Jacob pretended to be Esau (his older brother) to trick Isaac into giving him a blessing (Genesis 27). The devil appeared to Eve in the form of a snake (Genesis 3). Even Jesus himself did not reveal his identity to two men he discussed spiritual matters with while walking on the road after his resurrection (Luke 24).

The key is this. While there may be times where it will seem natural to act like somebody else, the truth is that God loves each of us the way we are. He made us each unique for a reason. And He wants us to trust in Him at all times and in all situations. So when you dress up for Halloween (if you do), remember to be thankful for who you are and for the Lord who loves you. And if you get scared as easy as I do... keep your light on!

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Some random thoughts...

2006-10-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Do you realize its been almost a month since I've last posted! Since I don't want to get too far behind and lot alot on my mind, I'm going to post a few thoughts to get me back into it...

As I sprayed to cover up Fila's farts last night, I remembered our class. How have you been smelling lately? The aroma of Christ or the fart of Fila?

Pepperdine YouthFest is coming up next month. Are you going?? We need to get a list started of who is going. We will only be able to take 5 this year unless we get another chaperone, so talk to your parents about getting their car involved.

On Sunday mornings we are discussing money. I'll be talking this week about giving. Over the next few weeks we will be talking about spending and investing. If you want to learn something about cash, you gotta wake up early and get to church on Sunday!

It was very cool to see John get baptized. I love the fact that people of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, etc. can share the most awesome thing together... life with Christ.

Well, I will have more over the weekend but this was a quick post to get me back in the spirit of posting. I hope you all have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!
Vince

Youth Ministry Team!

2006-09-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

Four years ago when I started as the Youth Minister here at Foster Road, I felt like I had almost no idea what I was doing. Then over the next 12 months I realized I was right.

Then over the next 12 months I worked very hard to figure it out. I went to Youth Minister training courses, attended Youth events, and read lots of books. And one theme kept coming up over and over... you can't do it alone!

So I began to envision a Youth Ministry Team. A team of volunteers that would take on a small portion of the tasks and classes and connections that make-up Youth Ministry. Instead of me trying to do everything and never actually getting it all done, this team would each do small things and hold each other accountable to make sure it gets done. Sounds like a pretty good vision, huh?

Then certain situations began to force the issue. Last summer, I had to take a Wednesday night class and would miss 16 weeks of Youth Group! So James Leonard came along and volunteered to teach the Youth Group while I was gone. We worked out some kinks and he was an awesome change of pace for the teenagers. I had the first member of the Youth Ministry Team. Now what?

So over the past 6 months, the church has been making a definitive effort to get new teachers involved. During this effort, we recognized Rona Ball as a potential teacher for the Junior High class... a class we haven't had for years. She was excited about it and I had yet another person on this Youth Ministry Team. But I still couldn't quite organize it yet...

So then I go to Chicago for a week and realize I need a teacher for the Youth Group since James was busy and I'm gone. Carl Van stepped up to the plate and taught an excellent class. I was excited to hear that the teens enjoyed the class and he enjoyed teaching it. So he decides he could be one of the official "back-up" teachers. Now I had one more Team member.

Over the past few months, Dale Morris has said he wants to be involved in teaching. The hard part was finding which age group he would feel most comfortable in. Finally, with the start of the new Junior High class, Dale decided that was the class. And with that also volunteered to be a part of the Youth Ministry team.

So we have it... 6 members... Vince, Bobbie, James, Rona, CV, and Dale.
So they will each begin playing a role in Youth Ministry in different ways. I'm excited to see what the power of six will accomplish in this Ministry and am even more excited to see how the teenagers will connect with these adults. I thank each sincerely and wish many blessings upon them the teenagers!

Drew's Baptism!

2006-09-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago (yeah, I'm a little behind), Drew Senior was baptized into Christ! He has been earnestly seeking God for some time now and finally became overwhelmed with the urge to be baptized. We are so excited for him because we know it brings the promise of forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Drew has been an awesome part of our Youth Group for years now but I'm sure he will be making an even greater impact as he matures in Christ. Drew had his whole family (from several different towns and churches) all visit to watch his baptism and encourage him in his faith. And that is what we are the most excited about... Drew's faith journey is merely beginning and we can't wait to see how the Lord works in his life. Congratulations DREW!

Flew in from the Windy City

2006-09-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

While in Chicago last week, I was trying to blog nightly about the trip, but found that I was too tired most nights to actually make any sense! So instead, I'm going to blog about it now and summarize my trip with a shorter but better blog!

So I flew in Friday morning. I got in at 7:00am and thought I would have to wait until 3:00pm to check-in but the hotel had a room waiting for me! Sweet! So I got some extra sleep before I went for breakfast. I found this pancake place that serves the pancakes with all sorts of creams on top. I wasn't sure about it but I tried it... man it was good! I had chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla cream with strawberries on top. I have to admit - one pancake was plenty!! Then I went walking around and eventually ended up at the White Sox game. I sat right behind home plate but hung out in the outfield lounge until the game started. It was a good game but the White Sox lost 5-4.

Saturday I attended a conference all day... not fun but that's the real reason I was there. Then we went to dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse. Neat concept. You get the greens from a buffet and then they bring various meats to your table. Great food but very filling!

Sunday we had an off-day so I went to church at the Northside Church of Christ in Chicago. It was a cool little church of about 20-30 people. The regular preacher was away so they had a former member come preach. Turns out he now preaches down the road at another Church of Christ. They were very friendly and even let me be a part of the service by doing the closing prayer. I had a great Bible class and Worship. That's one of the best things about being in the Church... you have family everywhere!

After that, I went to the Field Museum where I saw all kinds of cool stuff like dinosaurs and mummies. They have the King Tut exhibit but I didn't want to pay the $15 to get in - yah, I'm cheap! Afterwards, we went to the Navy Pier for dinner, shopping, and fun. We ate a very cool Italian restaurant that overlooks the water. I had Lobster. Yeah, this time I wasn't cheap!

On Monday I had conference all day again and was too tired to do much else afterward! Tuesday was conference all day again but we went out to another Italian restaurant afterward. It was near the John Hancock Building. Also, I went shopping at Marshall Fields. This place is an entire city block big and nine-stories tall! Amazing. There were lots of other stores like that also. They are on the Magnificent Mile. Another cool thing I saw was the Chicago Tribune Building (more pictures here) which has pieces from other buildings from around the world cemented into it's structure. There were things from the World Trade Centers, Great Wall of China, Buddhist Temples, and something from every state. Very cool.

This post doesn't come anywhere close to fully describing how much I saw (and didn't see) in Chicago. I wrote this over several days and have decided to post it as is. Let me just say it was a very cool trip but next time I go I want to take my family. It just wasn't the same without them...

Of course, you know I have to throw in a Bible verse for you. So in the spirit of Chicago and it's tall buildings... Ephesians 2:19-22

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

Notice that we are all part of the same building. That's why you can enjoy service with other Christians no matter where you travel. We really are one big family!

I can't wait to see you all Sunday! God Bless.

I want to go to Heaven and play!

2006-08-18T00:26:00.000-07:00

"I want to go to Heaven and play and run around and give you a big hug. In Jesus' name. Amen."

That is how Dante ended his prayer tonight before he went to bed. The prayer started off the same... "Dear God, thank you for me, thank you for Vince, thank you for Bobbie, thank you my friends, thank you for my... (looks at me) what's it called? Oh yeah, thank you for my family. (looks at me again) And what else?"

I said "just say whatever you want to" which is what I normally say to that question. And Dante did what he normally does... he said whatever he was thinking. Tonight it was "I want to go to Heaven and play and run around and give you a big hug. In Jesus' name. Amen."

What a cool prayer. I mean, when I hear things like that I realize why Jesus said we should be like the children. I never remember praying to God letting Him know that I want to go to Heaven and play and run around and hug Him - but I will now. Yep. My prayer before I go to bed tonight will include that. Because let's face it... I really would LOVE to go to heaven and run around and play and hug God. I would rather do that than have a good night's sleep (my standard line) or wake up happy (another standard line). So tonight I'm telling God what I really want.

I want to go to Heaven and play!

Matthew 18:3
And he (Jesus) said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Be blessed!
Vince

Thought for the day... Courage

2006-08-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a situation where you realize that you have to try harder than you already are - even if you thought you were already trying hard?

I had that happen to me this week. I've been dealing with a situation for a long time now and trying to do everything right. I've been using advice from others, giving it lots if thought, and trying to put the best solutions I knew to fix it. But somehow, it just wasn't working. I finally passed my problem onto the next person in line who had a simple solution - and one I agreed with! So I thought my problem was finally solved.

But, it turns out that instead of the simple solution, it eventually ended up back at me. That's right - it was now my problem again and I was told to not take the simple way out but to somehow "make it work"! I was even asked "so, what's the next step"?

I was stunned. I thought I had already taken the next step and passed it on. I didn't know what to do next! So I prayed about it. And I thought about it. And I talked about it. And I prayed about it some more. Then, the answer hit me...

Get in the ring.

See, what I had been doing this whole time was similar to what a boxing manager does. I was telling the people closest to the problem how to handle it. I was giving them advice, telling them to use their jabs and stay on their toes. I was giving them water and stitching their eyes. But they were tired, so I threw in the towel. I figured it was time to leave the ring. The problem won.

But now I realize what I had been doing wrong. Instead of throwing in the towel, I need to give them a break and go in the ring for them. I need to go in and lead by example. I need to help knock the problem down myself. I can't just give up and let the problem beat me.

So I accepted the challenge and have a new outlook. I know that if I do what is right, I should not fear anything. Sometimes in life we all have to face something that we know is going to hurt. We know its going to beat us up. But we fight for what is right, we do what is right, and in the end we will win. No, GOD will win!

Romans 8:31 - "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

May you all be blessed with courage!

Its not where or when you worship its HOW you worship!

2006-08-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well vince has asked me to write blogs on the youth group web site.im not sure exactly what to write because he said he would write about spiritual things and I could write about anything. What Im writing about is what I learned at youth wave. To begin with there was so many things I learned at youth wave! It was such an awesome experience! Something that hit me during our daily quiet time was that it doesnt matter where or when you worship its HOW you worship. I was reading the story of the woman at the well. We have all heard the story of the Samaritan woman and Jesus! I know the girls in our youth group have (Vince always talks about woman in the bible when only girls show up to youth group) as it says in Psalm 100: Worship the Lord with gladness: come before him with joyful songs. Enter his gates with thanksgiving. (Vince your favorite song) When Jesus was at the well the Samaritan woman tested him by saying our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem. Jesus answers her by saying you Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation comes from Jews. Jesus then tells the Samaritan woman that the time is coming when you will worship the father in spirit and truth. He told her this is the kind of worshipers the father is seeking. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:1-26) I think what Jesus was saying is that you should always be worshiping the Father; No matter where you are. God seeks worshipers that are praising him at all times. I think that sometimes our church gets into a routine, a pattern of worship. We just follow a list. We need to worship with our whole heart. Worship is such a powerful thing. The Lord loves us to worship him and as the commandment goes love the lord your God with ALL your HEART, SOUL, and MIND. How you worship, in my opinion, is so important. To me its a very personal thing. Its between you and God. It doesnt matter what the person in the row behind you thinks it matters what God thinks. Worship the way you feel comfortable, dont care what others think! Put your whole heart, soul, and mind into worship!

Ginormous Canyon

2006-08-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have to admit. When we first planned our trip to the Grand Canyon I wasn’t excited. I knew it would add a few good hours that could be better used directed toward home. We even pushed our Grand Canyon experience to the end of our vacation. I think we both hoped that the kids would beg to just head home and skip the whole thing.

We headed toward the Grand Canyon not because it was a childhood dream or something that we’ve been wanted to experience. Really it was because it was something we needed to do to say we did it. It was unpatriotic to ignore the canyon. Everyone else has seen it so we should too.

We drove up to the South Rim and found a parking place. You can see the walking trails and plenty of people with cameras but I still wasn’t impressed. I couldn’t see anything worth whipping the camera out for. We parked on the road and got the kids out of the car (after explaining in great detail the consequences of getting too close to the edge) and walked towards the trails.

Wow! There it was! It took my breath away. Never in my life have I wanted my eye balls to be 100X bigger than they are. My mind could not process the depth and beauty of the canyon. My eyes could not reach the bottom of the canyon. The zoom on my camera could not capture how vast this amazing wonder. To call it the Grand Canyon is an understatement. I would call it the Ginormous Canyon. It’s Gigantic. It’s Enormous. I’m calling it the Ginormous Canyon.

I now realize now that we weren’t being unpatriotic for trying to avoid the Ginormous Canyon. We were missing out on one of God’s most beautiful gifts to us. You know when the Bible talks about how all you have to do is look around and you will know that God is our creator. Ya – this is one of those signs! No one is their right mind and see the canyon and believe there is no God. They can say there is no God, but they have to know in their heart that nothing could have made something that amazing if it wasn’t God. Never again will I avoid the Grand Canyon. In fact, we all agreed that when the kids are old enough we are going to explore the bottom of the canyon and take a raft! Woo Hoo!

And Indians

2006-07-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we did some off roading (not on purpose) to Palatki Ruins. We had to make reservations which seemed strange. I have never heard of making reservations to hike. It rained the night before so the road had some muddy spots and areas we thought we might get stuck. It was a fun drive, but it would have been funner in a Jeep. The scenery was amazing though. The red rocks have distint horizonal lines and so many different shades of red and pink and some areas of white. It's so cool. The green trees and plants on the red sand really makes every pop out at you.

We found the parking lot and walked up to the information desk. The park rangers where very nice and loaned us some handmade hiking sticks. They pointed out the two different hikes and sent us on our way.

The first hike was up a hill to the Rock Art. Once we reached the top there was a park ranger there waiting to give us a tour. He pointed out the art work and explained the meaning. It was very interested. We then toured a cave dwelling that a farmer made and lived in 1920 while he built his home. I can see now why you need to make reservations. It's very small and fragile and the walking trains are very narrow in some parts.

- boys in old Farmer's house.

Our next hike was to the Indian Ruins. As we hiked up the red dirt road we stopped to get a lot of family pictures. I'll be adding the pictures to the blog when we get home. The more we hiked up the hill the cooler it got. The trees became thicker and created a tunnel or shade for us. It was very pretty and something I wouldn't expect to experience in Arizona.

We finally reached the top and found another guide waiting for us. Dante asked where the Indians were since we were visiting their homes. He's been curious and excited to meet some Indians since he saw their dancing video at the shops in town :) We walked around and even went inside one of the ruins. It was very interesting.

- Tough guys!

Cowboys...

2006-07-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

Today was all about the "good ole western days". We took a short scenic drive through Old Town Cottonwood and the road ended at Verde Canyon Railroad. The train ride was very interesting and beautiful. The landscape went from lush, green valleys to red, dry rock within only a few miles. We saw old Copper mines, Indian dwellings (caves carved into the rock), homes and deserted ranches. The boys enjoyed the journey for the first 2 hours, but lost interested on our way back home. Luckily my genius husband bought a deck of cards at the gift shop before we boarded the train! Overall it was a beautiful, relaxing ride.
Our next stop was Blazin' M Ranch. It was only about 10 minutes from the railroad station in Cottonwood. We arrived early enough to visit the gift shops, pet the animals and shoot a round. What's an Old West experience without a 6 shooter? I'm impressed with our little family, we all did really well! I felt like Annie Oakley for a few seconds :)
The dinner bell rang at 6:30 and after chomping down on some delicious bbq chicken and all the fixin's we enjoyed some cowboy songs and poetry by the Blazin' M Cowboys. It was much funnier than I expected it to be and very family friendly. During one song in the show they interrupted with a comedy act (which was scripted) and a few things happened unexpectedly which made the singers laugh. You could tell they didn't mean for it to happen but it made the act funnier and then the singers got the giggles and kept trying to pull it together. It was funny.

By the way, while California is experiencing a heat wave with humid weather and record high temperatures we are keeping cool here! On our way home it was about 70 degrees. It's supposed to be 85-95 all week. So ironically we came to Arizona to "cool down".
Tomorrow we are visiting the Indians...

Sedona - Day 3 - PRAISE

2006-07-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Wow. There are so many amazing things about Sedona. But here are some interesting thoughts I've had through the week...

Sedona is a mecca for people who believe in mystical spirits. But I look around and all I can see is extreme evidence for a Creator. I mean, there are lots of great theories about how all this rock formed the way it did (we heard one lecture where they claimed everything used to be completely flat and then through a series of tectonic plate fluctuations, volcanic activity, and water) and they very well MAY be true... But to imagine that all came together by coincidence is just too much. I think Sedona proves there is a Creator and not the other way around.

We are sitting in a thunderstorm. Yep. California is having a heatwave and we are in Arizona watching the rainfall. It doesn't seem right, does it? If it offers any consolation, we don't have any power due to the storm. Fortunately, my laptop has standby power and a wireless connection so I can still write this. This got me thinking... In the "good ole' days" we would have been stuck playing games as a family... And how sad would that be? I mean what would we ever do without electricity? How did the native people live though this heat without AC? Maybe its not all that great to be known as the "world's superpower"!
(for the record - we are playing Bingo at the resort in about 30 minutes... as a FAMILY)

Today we went out for a three hour ATV ride through some mountains in Sedona. I realize how cool my kids are. Dorian went with the guide, Derek was on my ATV (yeah, he's the brave one), and Dante went with Bobbie. Dante surprisingly thought it was a video game (Kirby's Airride) and Derek kept telling me to go faster. They loved going over the bumps and rocks and we were on the lookout for snakes the whole time. And through 100 degree temps, dirt, rocks, etc - they never once complained. They are easily the coolest kids and I think its because they have the coolest parents!

Last thought... Vacations are fun but the key is who the vacation is with. I have so much more I want to write but I'm on vacation with my family and really want to get back to them now.

CV - We're having rattlesnake tonight...

Oh, and I suggest you take out yourBible and read Psalm 148 and think about all that God created. All the things I see and the things you see. The sun, the moon, the rocks, the sky, and YOU. And look at how many times the word PRAISE is written in this Psalm! Look at how many things are supposed to praise Him. Say a prayer of thanks for all the things He has given you as a PRAISE to the Creator!

We miss you all and hope you have a wonderful week. Be blessed.

Sedona, Arizona

2006-07-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yello!
Yesterday we drove from Las Vegas to Sedona. What a long drive! I have to admit I was a little skeptical about our vacation. First of all, I can't handle the heat. I grew up in Lompoc and the only place I've ever lived other than that is Minot, North Dakota. It snowed in July when I was there! So 100 degrees is an oven to me.
We cruised into Sedona around 4:00 p.m. not knowing what to expect. The scenery is BEAUTIFUL! Driving through Flagstaff we were amazed how cool it was (70 degrees!) and how many trees, rocks and creeks there were. The kids thought we were in Tahoe! As we descended down the hill we dropped into the cutest little town, Sedona! Small and cute. We passed a Church of Christ on our way to the resort and we will be visiting later today.
We checked into the Sedona Pines Resort. They are great! It took about 1 minute to check in and then the concierge to helps you with your questions and tells you all about the resort. They have an 18 hole mini golf course, basketball courts, huge pool, two spas, and so much more. They also have so many activities for families to do we could just stay here all week and be entertained.
Last night we went to a flute concert in the activities room. It was so cool. It was just one man playing different flutes he made. He said he spent years in the canyons playing and then duplicated the sound with his special flutes. He sang Amazing Grace in his native language too! Derek said it almost made him cry!
We played a very competitive game of Mini Golf and I got 3 hole-in-one's back to back! Oh yeah - I'm pro status! Vince some how still beat me... he had the score card... hmmm. The boys did great too. Derek each got a hole in one too!
Our suite just sealed the deal though. They are like single-wide mobile homes. Actually, I think they are! Full kitchens (dishwasher, fridge, microwave, stove top, full stocked with pots, pans, plates, etc) , living room area, dining table inside and outside, patio, huge jet tub, master bedroom with TV and all that jazz! And that's just our room! The boys have a completely separate room with their own tv, dvd, bathroom, shower, tub, etc.! It's soo cool! We aren't connected to anyone! There is a BBQ grill and a small creek just off our patio. It's so relaxing and it's not as hot as I imagined! We have AC in our rooms, but we've left the doors open most of the day. This place is hooked up with wireless connection... so I'm sitting here in our living room typing this!
We are just so stoked on this whole place and experience and we haven't even been here one full day! We are looking into the soonest we can come back!
Blog ya later!

JULIE'S BAPTISM!

2006-07-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

Julie Montes was baptized into Christ on Friday night, JULY 14th in the Pacific Ocean!

While praying down at the beach as part of the YouthWAVE event, she heard that somebody else was being baptized. At that very moment, she realized that she could also give her life to Christ in baptism, something that had been on her heart all week. Without hesitation, she grabbed Bobbie and some others and ran into the water. She had no change of clothes, no towel, no worries, and now... no sin! It is a moment in any Christian's life that they can look back on and remember the commitment they made when they confessed Jesus as their Lord and symbolically followed Him to the grave only to be raised up to live a new life. For Julie it will hold an even more special place in her heart since she did it in front of 60 of her "closest" friends - the other teens and leaders from YouthWAVE. The Lord does amazing things and it is so refreshing to see Him bring this kind of joy into our lives.

Julie is an amazing person who has overcome many things. She will undoubtedly lead many people to the knowledge of the truth by simply doing what she does best - love people.

We love YOU Julie and are so happy for you. You have been an encouragement to many of us on our faith journeys and I pray we can do the same for you as you continue in your faith journey!

Praise God!

YouthWAVE Slideshow

2006-07-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day!

2006-07-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

On July 4th we celebrate our nation's independence from England and at the same time celebrate our nation's values, creativity, perserverance, pride, and honor. Have you ever thought about what makes the United Sates of America such a great country? Most of us don't - at least not on a regular basis. So I would like to tell you some of the reasons that I love the USA!

1. Freedom. We take it for granted, no doubt about that. In many countries around the world, it is illegal to do many of the things we do every day! What are those things? In some countries it is illegal to: own a Bible, eat meat, wear jeans, cut you hair, listen to music, say something negative about the government, vote, own a business, just to name a few. Also, in some countries, marriages are arranged, cars are not used, cows are sacred, healthcare is shoddy, and the color of your skin determines where you are allowed to live. But here in the USA, we have many freedoms we take for granted. The next time you play your IPod, remember that if you didn't live in he USA, you might not even be allowed to own an IPod!

2. Pride. We are blessed to have people in our country that are so proud of the freedoms we represent, they are willing to die for it. Thank God! There have been hundreds of thousands of men and women that have died so that we can enjoy those freedoms I described. It is because of this freedom that we are the most powerful country on the planet - and will stay that way as long as we continue to love the USA.

3. Compassion. The USA has shown so much compassion towards other countries over the past 200 years. We are always ready to help, either with out military or our money. We have allowed billions of dollars to go unpaid by third world countries in order to help them establish themselves. We have given thousands of our soldiers lives to help people gain the same sort of freedoms we enjoy. I love that about the USA. We are a country filled with compassion for the world and use our resources for the good of mankind.

I know there are many other reasons to love the USA. As a matter of fact, I could probably go on for the whole day! But instead, it's time to go enjoy my day and celebrate the country that has given me so much!

May you enjoy your day and be blessed!

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed!

2006-06-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today I literally woke up on the wrong side of the bed. And yesterday too. And the day before that. See, a few days ago my wife and I switched the side of the bed we sleep on. So everyday since then, I have been getting out of the opposite side of the bed.

I know you're probably thinking its not that big of a deal, but think about this: We have been sleeping on the same side of the bed since the night we got married - almost 6 years ago! And it was so natural to sleep in that side of the bed that we have now to remind each other that we are on the other side. And neither of us slept well the first night. I mean, pulling the covers off each other, kicking each other, and falling off the bed (OK, we didn't actually fall but I sure thought I was going to a few times). And then waking up... your body gets used to a routine and having to get up the "other" way just doesn't feel right.

The only reason we did this is because we switched some things in our room and it just seemed to flow better with each of us on the other side. And I must admit, I actually kinda like it! Why? Read on...

Doing this got me thinking about how we get pulled into routines so easily. Sometimes its refreshing to try something new. It won't always work, but its worth a try. After three nights, I'm getting used to it now and even kinda like it. And in some weird way, it makes me feel like a more well-rounded person. Yeah, because now I know what it feels like to get out of the wrong side of the bed and still have a great day! Not only that, but it is becoming my new routine!

I know what you're thinking... So what Vince?

Pay attention because here's the tie-in... in Romans chapter 6, Paul writes:

"1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Paul is telling us that when we become Christians, we break our old routines. We leave our comfort zone. We get out of the other side of the bed! And let me tell, that's not always the easiest thing to do! But once you do it for a while, it will become your new routine. It will become your new comfort zone. It will become the "right" side of the bed.

Remember that when you talk to people about Christ. Understand their hesitation. Realize their fear. And then encourage them as they follow Christ and gain a new life through Him.

Of course, sleeping on the other side of the bed doesn't do anything glorious for God. But following Christ to live a new life is all about God's glory. So if you haven't already, it's time to try the other side!

Be blessed!
Vince

A tired Superman...

2006-06-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

So here it is, already June! What happened to May? Isn't that supposed to be a long month or something? Anyway, now we are into June and doing VBS and beginning our "Summer Calendar" and staying up late and for some reason I feel tired. I just don't get it. I mean, I never get tired. I'm SUPERMAN! But then I remember that even Superman has a weakness!

Did you know that not all kryptonite is harmful to Superman? Yep, there are 5 kinds of kryptonite and only three are harmful to Superman. One can cause death, one can take away all his powers permanently, and on turns him into wired creatures. Superman would rather not be around any, but can stand being around some of it for a little while. Why the Superman lesson? Because its a good lesson for each of us too!

Do you realize that we really DO have super powers? That's right, through the Holy Spirit and prayer, you really do have super powers to accomplish amazing things for God! The problem is that our superpowers only work when we are close to God. We all get away from God and hang out around kryptonite too much. Sometimes we work and play more than worship and pray. And that's when the problems start.

check out Isaiah Chapter 40:28-31:

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Sounds like the Lord can give us some amazing powers! How do you take advantage? Just spend some time PLEASING GOD, BEARING GOOD FRUIT, and GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE! Read Colossians Chapter 1:10-12:

10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

What an awesome thing to realize that we are given super powers of strength and energy and patience and endurance and joy! Spend some time with God TODAY. No, right NOW. And be renewed! I already feel like Superman again just from writing this!

Well, I'm off to help those in need! :)
Be blessed!
Vince

Some humor

2006-04-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while. Here's a little humor for you to help me get back into the swing of blogging!

THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED. INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN.

1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.

2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.

3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT.

4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.

5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.

6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.

7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS.

8, THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

9. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.

10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.

11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA. THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.

12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.

13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.

14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.

15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.

16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.

17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION.

18. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.

19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.

20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.

21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.

22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.

23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.

24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.

25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.

What's Coming Up?

2006-02-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

Life just keeps on going, doesn't it? Well, in case you didn't realize it, today is February 2nd. That mean there are only 326 shopping days left before Christmas!

And it means that our February Calendar is already filling up with stuff, so let me get the Youth Group events put on your calendars NOW! Here are some events this month:

Sunday, February 5th: I will be watching the Super Bowl with my family. We will be at church that night to debrief it if any of you want to come and congratulate me! Be there at 6:00pm!

Friday, February 1oth: Everybody is invited over to our house for lunch! We will have lunch waiting so you get to spend some time. Bring a friend or two and spend your lunch with the coolest people you know! Be there when you get out for lunch!

Sunday, February 12th: Bible Bowl practice at our house right after church. Lunch will be provided! If you are going to Bible Bowl, you need to be there!

Friday, February 17th: Overnighter at the Surra's house. That's right - it's a campout! Bring sleeping bags and pillows and we will pitch a few tents in our backyard. We'll watch movies, play video games and, of course, do some singing! The next morning is Julie's birthday so we will celebrate with a birthday breakfast! Be there at 7:00pm!

Sunday, February 26th: It's my birthday! Please... no gifts. I have more than enough already (especially if the Steelers win the Super Bowl). We will be having Bible Bowl Practice again. That's right, be here right after church and we will do cake and study.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

March 18th: BIBLE BOWL. I will have permission slips by the end of this week. If you are going, we need to confirm! It will be an overnight trip to Whittier, CA.

July 9th-16th: YOUTH WAVE at Pepperdine. This event is HUGE! It's the biggest event of the year and the most costly. It is a week-long spiritual retreat that will challenge you to take your faith to the next level. I encourage all students to consider going to this but will only accept those who are committed and excited about it. In order to go, you must fill out an application, participate in several service events (to be planned), and participate in several Bible studies. For those who go, you will experience an event like nothing you have ever been to and will return with a new perspective on life!

Don't forget to stay PLUGGED IN on Wednesdays and Sundays by getting to Youth Group. Don't let your batteries die!

Call me if you have any questions!
Vince