Dare2Dream

Pointing to Jesus

2010-08-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

I got off the phone earlier ago with my Pastor, Dan Vera. I'll be honest I love to tweet, Facebook, and blog encouraging thoughts. To be even more open with you, when I post encouraging stuff, I'm really posting for my own reminder because I'm smack in the middle of a tough round in life.

Lately those tough rounds have been even more frequent and it's been trying on my mind and heart. So today when my Pastor called me I couldn't help but breakdown after the call, matter of fact it's happened that way the last two times we've spoken on the phone. Yes, it's been that tough. I thank God for my Pastor who without a doubt is my spiritual father. I thank God for making me better through example my Pastor has shown me. I thank God that my Pastor has always demonstrated great wisdom, incredible vision, and flat out wholeheartedly believes in people. I honor you Pastor Dan, I honor you as my spiritual father, my coach, my friend and so much more.

I want to be a better Husband, father, leader and follower of Christ because of what I've seen in my Pastor. Thank you for setting the standard, thank you for pushing me, thank you for seeing in me what I struggle to see in myself at times. Thank you, for pointing me to Jesus. Strength & Honor!

One way ticket

2010-08-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

For most people Wednesday July 21st, 2010 was a normal day that ended with a normal evening with our normal shows playing on prime time television. For my family and team it was everything but normal July 21st. Tara was on the computer getting ready to click the final submit for our airline tickets. $150 dollars per ticket is a fantastic deal but as the final submit button was clicked a thought ran through my head. Oh, I've had this same thought before, hundreds of times; YOUR CRAZY! Let me tell you the real price of these tickets, they cost everything! Yes I said everything, our comfort, our friends, our families, our jobs, and the list could go on. EVERYTHING!

Wednesday July 21st we picked up our One way tickets to a destination 2000+ miles away. Our lives as we know them have been far from normal. My family is far from normal. The team we have is far from normal. Our prayers are far from normal. We are giving up everything normal to simply do one thing, win people to Jesus.

I'm not sharing this post to praise our sacrifice, I'm sharing this post to challenge and encourage you. Here's my point, even though our daily life is no longer normal, something deep inside tells me this is the way it was always supposed to be. We're supposed to live like everyday could be our last. We're supposed to risk like it totally depends on God. We're supposed to make a difference for Christ by Loving All, Giving All and Telling all. We're supposed to live life for Jesus and no one else, live for God's will and nothing less. Life was meant to be lived like a "one way ticket".

What are we going to do?

The Path Pt. 2

2010-06-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

Oops! This was supposed to go out last week, I guess that lets you know how my path has gone lately (unpredictable terrain change). That's OK! It's part of life. Can I give you a side note, the more you don't have to know everything, the more you will trust God with everything. End side Note.

Here's what I really want to say. Have you ever had the question God where are you right now, that question you will have more than once in life. Here's a lesson that I've seen in my life. The harder it is to track God, the harder you'll need to push your trust in Him. Trust that although the path has changed, God does not! Trust that God is still leading you. Trust that God will make a way. Finally, trust that God is doing something in you when everything all around you might not seem like it.

God has created you for the long haul. At the end of the day encourage your soul to find rest in the fact that God is still God no matter what and, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion... Phil 1:6"

The Path Pt. 2

2010-06-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever known where your headed in life but not know where your at right now? We are at the half way point of 2010 right now and I don't think I've ever lived life like I've lived it in the last 6 months. I've never had a relationship with Jesus like I have today. I haven't dreamed, pursued, had a stronger marriage, been a better father, prayed, worshiped, studied, grown, hungered or engaged life like I have in the last 6 months of my life.

The flip side I've never been more stretched, never experienced more fear, have never felt more alone, never had more insecurity, never worried, never wanted to quit as much as I have in the past 6 months.

Like a famous man once said "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get." They key is sticking to the path even when you get what you didn't want or expect. Too many people get off the path that God has for their lives, for their marriage, for their children, for their purpose the minute they encounter what they do not understand. If you have to understand everything before you can trust God, then you don't have faith. The path will become invisible, impossible, impassable, impenetrable and your ability to trust God no matter what will be the only thing that keeps you on the right path.

Fear will get you to camp, Faith will get you to contend! Contend for the future that God has planned for you, don't stop! More tomorrow...

The Path Pt. 1

2010-06-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's clear, other times it's fuzzy, sometimes everything lines up and other times you have no idea where you are at. Sound familiar, The path of life...We are all on a path. I think we all have dreams and idea's of the ideal path. We have moments when we wished we had paid a little more attention to signs of the past on our path. The path can be exciting, risky, unknown, adventurous, sorrowful and joyful. The truth is, your path has the potential to become a legacy leaving a trail of future opportunity or your path could fade away known only to the feet that walked it, your own. No matter what, you will determine the path you travel on.

Big Decision...I know, so here's some encouragement for your path. The bible is filled with so much hope and direction for your path, from God setting you on the right path, to making your path straight, to choosing the right path and so forth.. One of my favorite passages is the following:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

The next few blog posts will be dedicated to the path, these will be fresh ideas that I'm in the middle of right now. Hopefully your encouraged for the path your on. Oh yeah the picture above, that's my son Isaiah and I walking on a path in Hawaii. God is walking with you too, trust Him, take His hand and he will make your path straight!

Princess Leia

2010-06-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

My little girl Leia turns 3 today. I love playing tea, love making faces with Leia, tickling her, rubbing her little feet, chasing her and kissing her. I wont be able to explain in this post how incredibly wonderful and awesome she is. What I can say about my little girl, is that she has changed my life and made me better all around. It's an honor to be the father of Princess Leia.

A friend of mine yesterday gave me a great nugget of wisdom on raising daughters. I was told every girl needs to know one thing from their Dad, "Daddy am I worth fighting for?"

My daughter is worth fighting for, her purity, safety, honor, future, hopes, dreams, her entire life and all that God has created her to become it's worth fighting for. I will fight for my marriage so she knows how to fight for her's one day. I may not be the best Dad, but I will fight to be the best that she needs in her life. I will fight to be an example of a Christ follower in her life. You are mighty, valuable, precious, beautiful, purposed, unique, and there is only one of you on this entire earth. I take this mission, this mandate, this God given opportunity to fight for my daughter. Yes baby girl, you are worth fighting for and Daddy will be sure to fight for you every step of the way!

Happy Birthday!

Trust is everything

2010-06-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the Geico commercial that talks about trust? A man demonstrates his trust by leaning back and putting his complete trust in a small gecko to catch him. Two thing's mentioned by the ad is "trust is everything" and "you gotta feel trust" I agree trust is everything when it comes to God. You gotta trust God with everything and in every situation but to tell you the trust, you won't always feel it.

Matter of fact the barometer of your trust level with God is if you can still trust Him even when you don't feel it. Can you trust God even when you don't feel safe? Can you trust God even when you don't understand? Can you trust God even when you don't see a way? Trust is everything, but you won't always feel it.

People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing. Isaiah 26:3-4 The Message

Stick to the dig!

2010-05-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

There are weeks when life has such a wrap around me that it's hard for me to wrap around what God is doing or speaking to me. This has been one of those weeks. Usually the earliest part of my week is the easiest, I can see and perceive what God is showing me and speaking to me through the word more than at any other time. Why the earliest part of my week, I might just be wired that way but I'm thinking it has to do more with the fact that my week has yet to become filled and crammed with work, life or problems that needs fixing.

So what did I do this week? I stuck to my spiritual shovel and kept digging. That's what I would tell you "Stick to your dig" Keep digging through the word of God and through prayer until you can understand and perceive what God is doing/saying. Stick to your dig!

A story is told of two brothers who bought land in California during the gold rush era. The brothers had high hopes of making it big! Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and nothing was happening. The brothers begin to lose hope and soon they stopped digging and sold the property. The next person that bought the land began digging in the same exact spot that the two brothers had stopped. The new owner dug 6 inches more and hit the jackpot. Let this story encourage your heart today. STICK TO THE DIG, your closer than you think!

Get Hungry for Wisdom

2010-05-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, occasionally we would have frozen entree's (tv dinner's). I say occasionally because my mom can cook, BIG TIME! Ok, back to the frozen entree's. I used to love eating those Hungry Man entree's, especially the chicken dinner with mashed potatoes, corn and to top it off chocolate pudding. BAM!

Just like a Hungry Man entree can provide a complete meal, Wisdom will provide a complete life!

Here's what Godly Wisdom will do for your life:

1) Shield- There are two teachers in life, experience and the other is wisdom. One will hurt more than the other. Too many folks are living today with failures, decisions and hurt that happened years ago. Wisdom will shield your life, it will fool proof your life, it will protect you. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. Proverbs 2:7

2) Sign- One thing certain in life is at times life will be uncertain. We need signs in our life of escape, direction, guidance and counsel. We don't have all the answers, don't have what it takes to make it successfully through life by our own thinking. Seek His will in all that you do and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:6

3) Strength- The wisdom of God will bring strength to your life and strength for life. The wisdom of God sustains our life both physically and spiritually. Then you will have healing to your body and strength for your bones. Proverbs 3:7

4) Success- A full life is a life full of wisdom. Wisdom is the tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18

Get Hungry for Wisdom!

Hope Anew

2010-05-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

A phrase stuck out reading Psalm 78 today. "So each generation should set its hope anew on God" Psalm 78:7

It's so easy for one generation to blame the previous..."this didn't happen, this should of happened, this is why we are where we are today?...can you hear the complaints? Have you felt that way? As I read Psalm 78:7 though I felt such incredible grace for today. Each generation has an opportunity to set it's hope anew. Each generation will have a chance to discover, create, and live for God anew; despite what may have taken place in the past or where we stand today. Each generation will have it's opportunity to make it's mark for God. Is there anything more powerful than hope? Hope let's us know that our best days are ahead of us, that opportunities still remain, untapped potential still exist. History making dreams are still out there, history making songs, history making purpose, history making people walk the earth today.

Set your hope anew in the Lord today, there's a grace upon you to live, encounter and see something new today. What hope will you live, what hope will I give, what hope will I leave behind. The next generation is depending on what you set your hope on. Set your hope anew on God...

Two sizes too small

2010-05-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Occasionally when I arrive home and slip off my shoes a pair of little feet will slip right in after. My kids walk around the house slipping and sliding, the real fun begins when they try running in shoes way too big for their little feet.

God's purpose in our lives will usually feel the same way, two sizes too big for you. God size dreams, God size purpose, a God size calling will always make you feel two sizes too small. To grasp even the smallest bit of understanding of what God wants to do through you it's enough to rattle your knees.

So how do you gadge progress? How do you know if your making any headway at all when you feel two sizes two small? Here's what I would tell you.

When you begin to embrace what was previously impossible, you've grown two sizes bigger. If your taking steps today that previously you feared to take at all, you've grown two sizes bigger. If your dreaming bigger today then you did yesterday, you've grown two sizes bigger.

Two sizes too big for you is never too big for God. Today is important, get growing!

Convinced

2010-03-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

He stretched and pushed himself beyond what he's ever done before in his short eight year life. Through rocky steep terrain, strong chilly wind, and the occasional slip; Isaiah pushed his body 8 miles to an elevation of 2200 feet and reached the summit of Mission Peak in Fremont Ca.

The most memorable moment for me as a Father is when my son became completely convinced the mountain he was climbing was his.

I was reminded of a quote from Mark Batterson's book Primal. "Few things are more thrilling than doing what you didn't think could be done." Hearing my son say "we are not quitting" gave me a glimpse of what God probably feels when He sees us totally convinced of our biggest purpose and most incredible dreams. I was absolutely thrilled seeing my son trust me and believe my words of encouragement every single step of the way to the top.

Can you hear God encouraging you to the top of your biggest dreams? Are you convinced the mountains in your life are yours? "Breaking a sweat for a God-given vision is the key to fulfillment and fruitfulness." Walk, dream, and live completely, wholeheartedly, and undeniably convinced!

Going to the Top

2010-03-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Taking the day off tomorrow but I'm still going to work. See that mountain in the background, my 8 yr old son Isaiah and I are taking the journey to the top (hopefully). Supposed to be an awesome day and I'm sure we are going to have an incredible time. We'll begin our trek at 9am PST, and I'll post updates via twitter along with pictures of our journey. Follow along, shoot us a prayer and we'll see you at the top!

God Bless!

THRIVE

2010-03-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

I was reading out of Psalm 69 this morning and it challenged my heart so much that I wanted to share two pieces of scripture.

"...you who seek God, may your hearts live!" Psalm 69:32

When you seek God, your heart will find His heart for your life. When you find the heart of God especially through scripture it's not hard to find strength, relentless love, perfect peace and hope.

"...those who love his name will dwell there." Psalm 69:36

Think about how many names there are for God. Jehovah Jirah: God is our Provider, Jehovah Shalom: The Lord is my peace, Jesus the name above all names! Pick a name, and dwell under it.

Let God's thoughts bring you strength today, allow who God is to bring you hope and assurance. It's God's desire for you to thrive.

Thriving, Green and Growing

2010-03-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

I paid a visit to the church I grew up in today, spent about 5 minutes inside the building but left with the most powerful thought. While talking to the receptionist, I noticed how many plants she had in the office. Mary began sharing that one plant was about 7yrs old and another about 10. Both plants were thriving, green and growing. I honestly didn't not know plants lasted that long.

Here's the powerful part of the story. Two of the plants we were talking about were gifts from the former Pastor Dr. Richard K. Tanon. You see, Pastor Tanon went on to be with the Lord as of Feb 7th, 2008, yet in that office that I walked into today, there still remained something growing that he had left behind. I was left with this thought, "Are you living to leave something behind or will your life simply be forgotten?"

I'm not talking about success, I'm talking about significance. Are you living with a sense of destiny about your life? Plants are not the only thing Dr. Tanon has left behind. Templo De La Cruz, is a thriving church 90+ years young now being led by another great man Pastor John Masis. There are many sons and daughters, marriages that are still thriving, ministries that continue till this day because of Dr. Tanon. Pastor Tanon baptized me when I was a kid. My first ministry opportunity came at Templo. I was taught how to preach by Pastor Tanon. I felt a sense of awe and privilege as I left the parking lot earlier.

This Sunday I return to my former church with humbleness and gratitude. I'm returning back to my roots, where it all began, where the dream first burned in my heart. I'm still thriving, still moving forward, and today I'm on the verge of my biggest faith move yet. Thank You God for putting a man in my life like Pastor Tanon, who lives beyond the grave and has paved the way for someone like me. Can't wait to preach on Sunday!

Quick thought on Courage

2010-03-16T13:24:00.001-07:00

"Existing is easy, living takes courage"

I don't know who this is going to, maybe it's just me. Maybe your on the verge of stepping into something big, or in the middle of an unknown and crazy storm in life.

"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." Deuteronomy 31:6 The Message Version

Those who live are able to leave their country because of their trust in God like Abraham. Those who live are able to stand where nobody else will stand and take the giant out like David. Those who live understand that with God on your side your the majority like Gideon. Those who live are able to endure hardship and still move forward even when it seems like all hope is gone like Paul. Those who live know that the cross isn't the end like Jesus.

Don't exist, LIVE!

My #1 Goal

2010-03-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

I met last night with our church planting team and shared with them my number #1 goal for this year. As much preparation, praying, stretching and meetings we have had to plant a church, my number one goal is not to plant a church this year. My number one goal is to make sure my life, the life of my family and the lives of my team operate whole. To me wholeness looks exactly like the list above. Get the list right, keep it a standard and God will bless your obedience. Get the list wrong and cracks will develop just about everywhere. Believe me, I've worked with my list out of order before and it's the most unfulfilled and most tiring journey. Just like changed people change people, whole people fill people. You can't give what you don't have and if you keep trying you will lose it all. To prove my point even further check out the following twitter post by Rick Warren just 18 hours ago "In Texas for funeral of a pastor who took his life."

Listen Pastor, Ministry Directory, church planter, Christ did not die on the cross for you to do ministry, He died for you to have relationship, He died so you could live Whole. What's your number #1 goal today?

More to Inspiration Pt. 3

2010-03-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

If one word from God can change a persons life, it makes you wonder why so many people live with the same problems, hangups, and mistakes for years, sometimes their entire lives.

Everyday we have the opportunity to be the recipients of a life changing, now word from God. Remember the intended target of a word from God is ultimately transformation. Inspiration+Revelation=Transformation

Two Points that have rocked my world recently like never before:

Invest in Listening: Position yourself to hear from God, specifically through God’s word in Prayer. (Podcast, sermons work) God still speaks through His word! Ask God to search your heart through His word.

Invest in Understanding: Take time to allow what God is showing you to transform you through deeper revelation. Ask God to change your heart through his word.

Don't miss out, or take another day for granted, live inspired, live with revelation, be transformed.

Happy 8th Birthday Isaiah

2010-03-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

Eight years ago today I experienced one of the most trying and joyful experience of my entire life. Although the circumstances were not ideal and stretched my faith, I would not of changed not one second the day my son Isaiah was born. This morning as I reflect back eight years ago I'm reminded of three very important things that came front face in my life, three things that came to life more than ever. These three things I'm writing to you my son, I hope they will remind you of how incredible you are son and how big God is and lastly that your story touches others who read this.

1) God is Faithful- At one point we didn't know if we would even be able to have you, but God blessed us. The day I found out that I was going to be your dad I knew in my heart I would have a boy. I pictured us doing everything together, still do. I know I haven't always been faithful, gotten busy at times, even messed up saying the wrong things but I'm praying and I'm trying and I will never give up trying to be the best Dad you need me to be. When you were born son, I saw the faithfulness of God at work in your life and mine. I saw that God will never leave us no matter what. You know the way Dad sometimes throws you in the air and you know every single time I'll catch you? Yes, God is the very same way, He will always catch you in life, no matter what!

2) God is our Healer- I would not of changed being separated from you for the first nights of your life, I would not change 5 days of you being in the ICU, would not of changed a collapsed lung because in the end God showed Himself true to His word as our healer. "You'll never know God is your healer till you've been in a place that you needed God to heal" You know how you bring your toys to me son and you ask me to fix them when you've played with them a little too rough. Well life can be rough at times and sometimes you'll need some fix'in. God is your healer, He's done it once in the most incredible way and He will do it again and again and again if needed.

3) God is Love- I walked into a love the day you were born unlike I had ever experienced before in my life. It was then that I was introduced to the Love of God at an entirely new level. I quickly realized that as much as I love you Isaiah, that God loves us even more, God loves us even enough to send his son to die for us. God is the perfect example of a Father because of his incredible love. It's God's love that I'm striving for as I raise you my son. You see Zai, God's love covers faults like I cover you when you go to sleep, God's love encourages us to just like I believe you can do anything in the world, God's love also corrects us to make sure that we stay on the right path. I want you to know that everyday I'm asking God to help me to show you love just like He shows us in the bible. I love you son, you don't have to do anything for it, you can't do anything to stop it, I just love you, your stuck no matter what.

Isaiah you see how special you are? God taught us a lot the day you were born and probably showing others who read this today. You are my son of promise, my son that has brought healing into my own life, helped open my eyes at times, you are the son I've always wanted and more. Thank you for being you "no one is more you'er than you.- Happy Birthday to You.

-Love

Dad

More to Inspiration Pt. 2

2010-03-03T08:06:00.001-08:00

INSPIRATION+ REVELATION

Imagine getting ready to jump off a diving board into a swimming pool. You stand at the edge, heart is pumping, your feet and legs are getting ready to work together to build the momentum to spring off the board but then you don't. Imagine just standing on the diving board looking at the water, then 5 seconds turns into 15, 20 turns to 30 and the inspiration that you once had to even climb on the diving board in the first place begins to slowly die. Still standing there or backing down the ladder, either way you haven't lived the full experience yet. This is the perfect example of inspiration without revelation, you haven't experienced everything yet.

Can I challenge you to pursue the depth of what God has been stirring in your heart. Don't take the small impromptu highlights about yourself, God and life for granted. Sometimes it's a single words that seemed to grab your attention when reading the bible, other times those ideas and thoughts that seemingly came from nowhere. Sometimes the inspiration starts through a sermon, a book, a conversation or a song. The life lesson that I'm trying to share with you through the diving board illustration is, inspiration doesn't have longevity. Inspiration will jump start your life but only revelation will keep you going through life. If inspiration is the wow, then revelation is the why. Inspiration will excite you but revelation engulfs you just like the water that surrounds you in a pool. Ask God for understanding, ask God for revelation about what He is stirring your heart about. You haven't seen anything yet until you take the dive.

More to Inspiration Pt1.

2010-03-02T11:42:00.001-08:00

I’ve come to the difficult realization that many times when I’ve become inspired by God about life, the inpiration to reprioritize, rethink and change remained at inspiration.

Too many times I’ve allowed a sermon, scripture, rebuke, counsel and encouragement to open my eyes yet my heart remains unchanged. The intended target of a word from God is to be transformed not just to be inspired.

Monday Morning Encouragement

2010-03-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

A lot is happening in the world right now, natural disasters, economic woes, wars, and the list could go on and on, the bottom line is people are suffering everywhere. To even try to come to grips with everything that the world is facing, to attempt to reason and understand seems just as discouraging. If your feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, stressed or concern. If you feel like your hands are tied or your at the end of your rope. If hope seems just a little further away today then this scripture is for you.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Life Lesson #1 - Everytime I've asked God for help in life, my life changes. I may not have the answers but I have a certainty, problems may not fixed immediately but I have peace and so can you. Ask God for help today!

Pt. 2 of my Encouragement
Life lesson #2 - Help others before yourself and your life changes. Everytime I've given when I was in need, shared encouragement in the middle of needing encouragement, helped others before myself, I've seen immediate results in my own life.

"Most of us let what we cannot do keep us from doing what we can" Mark Batterson. Do what you can today, I challenge you, matter of fact I urge you, people need help right now. Check out this video from my friend Shaun King who has started a project called "A Home in Haiti" Check out this link from Samaritans Purse who was on the ground in Chile the same day they had the 8.8 earthquake. Make a contribution, buy a tent, sow into the kingdom today!

Hey there!

2010-02-26T23:06:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to say welcome to my blog visitors from the Philipines, Pakistan, Russia, and Canada. Thank you for visiting my site, I pray that my journey can bless yours.

God Bless, and Dream BIG!

-Anthony

Now I Know

2010-02-24T11:05:00.001-08:00

"Sometimes to be able to even muster enough faith to see what's ahead as possible, you may need to look back."

Now I know why moments of intense pressure and desperation exist because I needed to resolve that God is the only way.

Now I know those moments that I wanted to quit, were actually the moments God was pushing me forward.

Now I know why there were times in my life that I didn't understand because God was actually bringing clarity... clarity about Him.

Now I know why it hurt so much to stretch more, love more, forgive more because you can't help hurting people when your not whole yourself.

Now I know why I've gone through what I've gone through, experienced what I've experienced, had victories and failures, blessings and droughts, pain and joy.

Everything has set me up for this moment, my destiny, dream and purpose in God await! I'm being prepared for what's ahead and so are you! Don't stop, keep moving forward! God loves us just as we are, but too much to let us stay that away. The breath of air you just took is proof that your best days are still ahead of you.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

A thought on Faith

2010-02-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been feeling a tremendous overhaul taking place in my faith with God. I feel like God is my mechanic and a trading of parts is taking place from yesteryear's faith to a newer higher performance faith. This new, improved, untapped faith will be needed for what I have yet to do. I'm a work in progress, not yet done, but you better believe I won't stay in the shop, and when it comes time I definitely won't stay in neutral.

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. - Mark Batterson (In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day)

5 Tips for the Process

2010-02-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

Are you aware of what God is teaching you, growing in you, pruning off of you, building in you, stirring through you, taking away from you, shaping you, working in you? How is God working in your life?

One thing that can be certain, God is always working in us. "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting it and bringing it to full completion in you. Philippians 1:5 Amplified Bible

Sometimes it's easy to see the work of God taking place in our lives, and other times it's not so easy. Sometimes it's easy to allow God to work in our lives and other times it's flat out difficult to understand and trust God through the process.

5 Tips for the Process

Trust God - Trust God when you can't track Him. God knows what's best for your life, He created you.
God will not always work the same way - It may not be your way, may not be easy but if it's God's way it's the best for your life.
God's purpose endures - Nothing can stop the work of God, not the loss of a job, home, finances, relationships. Nothing! The only thing that can stop the work of God in your life is You, even then God has a way of realing us back.
Listen for God- God is the GPS of life, take time to listen for direction, warning, wisdom, correction. Life is a journey, and it's about who you are becoming through that journey. You cannot navigate the journey of life alone.
Understand God- It's not enough to know God, God's plan or God's purpose you need to understanding. Understanding God comes through fellowship with God. Understanding God is like having HD Television, it's widescreen, so you see more, and defined so you trust more.

Dream Test Part 4

2010-02-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

**See I HAVE A DREAM...below**

This is for all of you who have something still living inside of you tugging at you every day. It's bigger then you, way bigger than you, but somehow you revisit this incredible desire time after time. Sometimes it's through a movie, a story or a song that triggers this deep emotion lying within you. Then there are the days, the days that everything feels oh so far away.

If sometimes it feels like your dream is far fetched, like it will never happen then this challenge is for you. Do you want to know where the richest place in the world is? It's not the diamond mines, banks or the stock market. The richest place in the world is the cemetery, every single one is filled with dreams that were never lived out, time that was wasted, and opportunities missed. Don't let that be you.

The facts might tell you that your bank account is too small, that your too old or too young. Facts might tell you that your education, skill or talent is not where it should be. Facts might tell you what your trying to accomplish can never be done. Listen to this it's a quote shared to me just a day ago from my friend Dan Caraballo lead Pastor of the Bay Area Dream Center. "Faith will take you, where facts will leave you." Dreams don't show up when faith is not present. The topic this past week on my blog, Dream Start is to get ready for you start your dream today. Too many people are looking for the perfect start to start their dream. I'm telling you, that you already have in you what you need to start your dream right now. Are you ready?; Here's the challenge, I seriously wanna hear your dream. Not only that I want to help you share it with your everyone you know. Here's how send an email to dreamstart10@gmail.com and include your full name, city and a small description of your dream. I will attach your dream to this post. When YOU DREAM has been added send the link from this blog to Facebook twitter or email with the subject line "I shared my dream and you can too!"

Let's see how many people you can inspire by taking a chance and voicing what's in your heart. I'm telling you everything changes the day you share your dream...everything. I'll have one final post next week on Dream Start and it will be a very exciting one.

I HAVE A DREAM...

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Lisa Cruz - Newark, Ca
It had been bothering me a lot the last few days that I could easily see everyone else's potential/gifting possible ministries/callings but yet for myself I could not.. I could not say that I had a vision or dream for my life, but couldn't understand why..

Another usual morning of rushing off to work.. In the car I just had to put on a CD, I put on my christian rap CD and God immediately began speaking to my spirit as the music brought back memories of a lifestyle/mentality I used to have as a teen/young woman...Then God immediately gave me visions of youth.. Bus fulls being driven to church.. youth
from SF, Oakland, Hayward.. at risk youth, with enormous talents/giftings... So I got my vision and I felt like I was going to explode with emotion (already cried and felt overjoyed and filled with excitement) if I didn't immediately tell someone...
___________________________________

Reuben Maza, Milpitas Ca
I could honestly say that it was music that saved my life. I grew up in church but yet I was in the world doing drugs and doing no good. I dropped out of school and was going no where fast. I had a daughter at 19 and just felt so lost .. It was worship that kept me connected to God and that took me out of what I was going trough. Being a worship leader is a big part of my dream but that's not where it ends. I really feel called to be a counselor to be able to help youth,young adults and single parents. I know if there was someone to talk to me when I was younger to mentor me and teach me how to not to just no God but to have relationship with him things would of went a lot different in my teenaged years. But, I thank God for my past because it helped me build my future. Now I am currently an intern at CWC interning to become a worship pastor. I know its not gonna be an easy road but I'm willing to do what ever it takes to save lives for Jesus Christ because that's exactly what He did for me..

___________________________________

Shannon Araujo, Santa Clara Ca
Ok, so honestly, it's a little scary for me to post this. It's been hiding in my heart for so long. For a while I tried to ignore it and hoped it would just disappear, but it didn't. Then it seemed as if it was stolen from me, but it wasn't. It turns out that God was just molding and shaping me into a person that could better understand what my dream would take. Am I there yet? Nope. Do I know exactly what steps I need to get there yet? Nope. But my trust is that God will lead me to exactly where He wants me to be, and doesn't let me dream in vain. He dreams with me. My dream, is to bring God's unfailing love to the orphans of South America. (and all over the world) I want to start a home for homeless, parent less children where they can know LOVE, ACCEPTANCE and HOPE. I want them to have a warm safe place to sleep, healthy food to eat, regular check-ups and people to love them as their own. I want them to know the Love of God, and the saving grace of Jesus. I want them to be able to dream the dreams that God has given them freely. Will some be adopted by warm and loving families? I pray they all will!! I want to be able to pour out the love I was so graciously given by my wonderful parents, my awesome hubby and son, and (of course!) by the creator of the universe who loves me exactly for who I am. My heart breaks for these young ones that have no hope, and don't know love....and while I alone cannot accomplish the task of bringing love and hope to thousands, I invite God to use me to bring it to those I can, in hopes of producing others that in turn will do the same. Love God, Love People, Change the world....
___________________________________

Leebo Pomele Tiffin, Ohio

Ever since I knew what football was, I dreamed of one day making it a means to provide for my family and I. After graduating high school in 2004, I walked away from the game I knew and loved since I was four years old to go to Masters Commission (Bible College/Discipleship Program).

Six years from walking away from my dream, I stand in the midst of my destiny. Entering my senior year in college and my last year to play college football.

I hope to one day be able to establish programs to aid low income families and equip them about the power of getting educated. As well as reaching out to single parent families who are in need. And lastly, being able to mentor teens and help them reach their dreams. Football is a great start to making these dreams a reality!

Dream Start Pt.3

2010-02-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

The reason why you need to say something about your dream...

I've carried a dream in my heart for 11 years now, it's weathered plenty of storms, at some points seemed to die and has gone through a lot of testing. As I look back through time, the day my dream actually took off from the starting line was the day I was willing to make my dream known, not just to one person but to many. Something happens in the heart of an individual that can share something they are destined to fail in without God. YES my dream is that big, and without God I'm done, and so are you, but those are the dreams that God wants us to have.

If you can attempt your dream without God it did not come from Him, blame it on the pizza, the cookies or an inspiring late night movie. The dreams that God has for our lives always outlive us long after we are gone.

Everything you've gone through, everything you are today, your passions, your experiences, your heart breaks, your victories, everything, has led you to the moment you are at right now. The day I made my dream known, to plant a church in Hawaii, something activated in my life. I've experienced so much in the last few years from job promotions, incredible responsibilities, leadership opportunities, leadership challenges, new grace, a deeper understanding of God, my faith has been stretched, and so much more. God was growing my character to fit the dream. I feel like I've lived life more in the last few years than I've ever lived before and it all started when I acknowledged God's plan, God's call and God's dream in my heart and I made that known. Yes I was scared to share my dream, taken my brunt of criticism, heard the question "are you sure?" Even been asked "is that God or is that just you?"

Life changes when you acknowledge and speak out what God has placed in your heart to do; your dream takes on legs and an incredible journey will unfold. I'm convinced that the life I've experienced in the last few years and the chapter that is getting ready to unfold would not have taken place at all if I had not said something. Do you see now why speaking your dream out loud is so important? Isn't that they way the world was created "...And God said, let there be..." What do you want God to create out of your life? Are you willing to share it? I'm going to give you the opportunity in my final post to take some incredible faith steps, again I'll setup the platform, I've been doing so all week, you just need to show up. Get ready!

Dream Start Pt. 2

2010-02-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

Late 2006, something begins to stir in my heart, like a new chapter was about to unfold. I couldn't quite pinpoint what I was to do but I knew I was going to need to do something. I enter into the new year with these litteral words "this is my year"

Every year at our church, we open with a week of prayer. One night my Pastor Dan Vera, called me out and pointed to me, he echoed the same powerful 4 words that I was already feeling in my heart. "This is your year" Something was about to take place and I knew it, I could feel it, I was convinced that in 2007 I would take some major faith steps.

So what did I do? I waited, and I searched and I looked for the answer that God was actually dangling in front of me like a carrot. The light had turned green and the next move was mine. You see the bible say's that "before you ever lived a day on this earth, all of your days were written beforehand" What that scripture tells me is this, Life is about showing up...it's about showing up to your purpose, showing up to your potential, showing up to the you that God has designed you to become. It was time for me to show up, I was beginning to feel an urgency a deep soul craving.

Frustration began to set in, but I knew in my heart what I needed to do. I needed to take a crazy step and do something that I was afraid of doing. I needed to acknowledge a feeling that I had in my heart for a very long time. It was time for me to make my dream known. Not just to one person, it was time for my dream to go public. Sharing a dream is scary, especially when it's super sized. I was afraid of what people would think? I was afraid of failing? I was afraid of being wrong. Till this day my knee's buckle when I think of what I'm getting ready to do.

This is the first part of my challenge. Some of you know what I'm talking about when I talk about frustration. You've felt the tug to take some steps but feel stuck in the quicksands of "what if" and "I can't." Many people stop right at this point when it comes to dreaming. People discount themselves out of doing anything great for God because they don't feel great. We're afraid of failure, so why try? We're afraid of what others think, so why say anything? I'm too small, don't have what it takes, lack the talent, the skill or the ability so why even dream?

This is where I believe most dreams die, sadly before they even take off. If your right there, right now, don't let it die. Just dream, think what God thinks about you, embrace God's word about you as it say's in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I think towards you say's the Lord, plans of a HOPE and a future"

Listen to this, I believe that this is speaking to you at this very moment. The very thought that God would give you a picture of something great is proof that He trust you to do something great. Do you understand that "YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made" Check this out, experts have discovered that if you were to take a single cell from the human body, and from that single cell extract the DNA; the DNA strand would extend 6 Feet long. And if you were to take that DNA strand that extends 6 feet long, you would find the coded message of you, 3 Billion characters long. How complex is this? If you were to to take that 6 foot DNA strand, that came from a single cell and began to read 1 single character every second night and day, it would take 96 years to complete.

"You are fearfully and wonderfully made." I'm going to go out on a limb with this, you won't find it in the text books and I'm not a scientist, but if you take that scripture and the facts presented it's not a hard thing to believe that God's purpose in your life can actually be embedded in you.

When you live your life the way it was designed, it's the greatest form of worship unto God that could ever take place out of your life.

Maybe your at the point I was several years ago, something needs to happen. It's time for you to show up to your greatness. Your tired of the frustrated feeling that there's more to your life but your not living it yet. Maybe it's time to make known that knee bending, heart pumping, passionate dream that's in you. You may be wondering why? It's important, very important, let's just say it's a darn right critical step that cannot be taken lightly. I'll share "the why's for taking these steps and making your dream public" in my next post and what I believe happens when you speak your dream. I'm going to give you a chance this week to do something, I'll set the platform for you, you just need to show up. More on that thought later. Oh yeah, one last thing THIS IS YOUR YEAR.

Dream Start Pt. 1

2010-01-31T21:05:00.000-08:00

10 Years ago I shared a dream with my Pastor Dan Vera, it was personal, crazy and scary all at the same time. The question that was asked was "what is it that would make you feel like Christmas everyday if you could do it" I began to share a vision about planting a church in Hawaii. My Pastor did not laugh, he didn't say are you crazy, he just said "ok". Several years went by, there had not been much talk about planting a church. I went to church, I joined internship, was involved somewhat but ministry was not really in my immediate heart.

As time went on we had a Masters Commission Student living with us named Santos Samayoa "Santz". I honestly did not want to let anyone in our house I was scared that they would see my flaws but we took a risk, and I'm glad we did. I honestly would like to believe we impacted Santz life that year, but it was the complete opposite that young man blessed me, he ignited the dreamer again and stirred my heart. It was one of those stories where you try to bless someone but in the end you end up being blessed.

I felt like Rocky getting back in the ring again. The dreamer was out of shape, I had been out of the ring for a while but I was hungrier then ever to do something great for God. We had a wedding coming up and it was in Oahu. Immediately a deep burden began to set in all over again. While on a sunset cruise in Waikiki my wife noticed something different about me and asked "what's wrong" I mentioned to her "for some reason I feel like this is where we are supposed to be." It was weird, I never wanted to go to Oahu. Anyway we came back didn't say much then came year two with Santz...

The second time around housing a studen was different.Santz didn't come by himself that next year, we had two additional and remarkable young men living with us. Two boys were cousins and they were Samoan. Leebo and Ulla Pomele. Again we set out to be a blessing but that year our lives were dramatically changed. Something happened in our home that amazing year. Till this day Ulla, Leebo and Santz still call each other brothers. Till this day we remember those times. I love the Samoan people, their hearts, their culture, their anointing for music, all of it. Something was happening in my heart, it was getting bigger...

Later on that year we went back to Oahu for a conference. I'll never forget the moment, we were leaving from Oakland Airport to Hawaii and the security guard looks at my ticket and says "oh going home sir" I'll looked back at my wife and just laughed. What an amazing time in Hawaii, got to visit some family and things began to solidify in our hearts. We knew where we were going to be, didn't know when, didn't even know what were going to do but we just knew Hawaii was the place we were going.

Stay with me I know this is long but I need to share it. We came back I acknowledged to my Pastor that we felt we were going to head out to Hawaii one day but I did not acknowledge my dream. I had yet to acknowledge what we were to do. Honestly I was scared, did not feel qualified and truthfully felt that I would fail.

YEAR 3 Masters Commission
Two new students were in our homes this year, it was Jon and Samson, we instantly saw the potential in these guys. I remember Samson coming over our house, he was going through a lot of stuff and was wandering and searching for himself. I remember thinking come into my home, and we'll make a champion. I remember seeing Jon with his large Samoan hair and thinking I want that kid too. We'll they stayed in our home and for 10 months we had our late night cereal talks, character building and lots and lots of guitar and worship. Why do I mention this, because this is Christian Worship Center of Hawaii in the making. There was a reason why we had all of these young men in our lives. There was a reason why I was introduced into the Samoan culture. There was a reason why Santos was in the middle of all of this too. Now that I look back at my story I could see God orchestrating HIS story and a big one at that.

There's always something bigger then what you see right now. I know this is getting long, and so I'm going to close it for now, believe me there's more. I'm going to warn you though, prepared to be challenged and to be pushed over the edge. I'm sharing these very close events to my heart because I want to set some folks to flight this very week. I believe there's a reason why I must do this now, so get ready and stay tuned tomorrow.

Original You

2010-01-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how it is in your neck of the woods but in the Bay Area right now the fad in terms of hats are these hats with flaps that cover the ears. A lot of kids and young adults are sporting these "duck hunting" hats, at least that's what I call them. Anyway, as I drove home from work yesterday I passed by a bus stop only to notice that half the kids waiting for the bus were duck hunters, yes they all had the same type a hat. I drove down the block a bit further and what did I see, yes more duck hunters.

It's not that I don't like the latest fad or hate duck hunting (truthfully never been duck hunting) but what struck me is what I felt God saying to me through the story above. God has created you to be an original, not a copy cat, not a cookie cut human, an original.

The only part of duplicate in you is the image of God. God is so incredible and so vast that even being created in his image He's created you to be an original.

There's an original purpose, original potential, and original dream with your name on it and nobody and I mean nobody can live it like you can. Live Original!

23 years delayed

2010-01-26T14:41:00.001-08:00

I got into a conversation the other day with a man who has worked with the same company for 23 years. At first I thought about loyalty, faithfulness and dedication both on the employee and the employer. Then the conversation became shocking because I asked another question. "Is there something else that you would rather do?" The man looked at me a bit puzzled and said "what do you mean?" As if I knew something that was about to take place with his job, which I didn't. I enlightened the question a little bit by asking the following:

Is there something else that you would much rather do, something that your passionate about, do you have a dream? Immediately I got the attention of the man and I could see through years of desire, passion and struggle. The answer is yes. The man began to share his dream but it quickly turned to "Do you know how hard that it would be?" "It's way to difficult."

Instantly the coach in me began to take over and I said "yeah but you only live life once." "Wouldn't you much rather like to live trying at something you love and have passion for then settling for something you just show up to?"

My point is this, if your alive today and your not living what you love don't settle for where your at. I don't care if your 23 or 63 years old don't delay another day what you were created to do. You only have one life to live, so live it well and live it with purpose. This conversation although it probably got than man a little disturbed that he delayed his dream for 23 years and counting, I hope it encouraged him to live life on a limb and to truly live what is in his heart.

I recently watch the movie Avatar and in it is a powerful quote by the lead actor. The quote say's something like this. "Sometimes life boils down to one crazy and insane moment" You see if your willing to step through the threshold and cross into that one crazy and insane moment than you'll never delay another day of your God given potential ever again. On the other hand if you let fear grip you, if you allow what if to stop you and if you allow how to be a mountain in your life, then you will delay day after day and just might find yourself 23 years later still looking for the perfect opportunity to finally try.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Life is bigger than your cubicle

2010-01-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

A pen holder, PC, monitor, telephone, your favorite quote strategically displayed, and some pics of the family...does that sound familiar? If it does, it's probably where you spend 8+ hours a day in an 8x8 space called your cubicle. This may not be everyone's space, but we all have a space that we work from. We all have a space where energy is exerted, tremendous effort is made, and time is spent. Then, as it happens almost every day during the week and especially on Friday's check out time is here, but I'll be back. I'll be back either tomorrow or next Monday, then I'll began the routine all over again. Ahhh cubicle life isn't it awesome!

No, I'm not trying to make your life feel dull but check it out. Our lives count for something so much bigger than what we can see right now. Maybe just maybe I hit a nerve and even got some items right about your workspace but what does your Heartspace look like? How about your thought space? How about a vision for your life? Here's a simple analogy from the Dr. Seuss', as big as your heart is for God's purpose, is as big as the life you'll live. Even the Grinch ended up making an impact on his community. What if I told you God wants to do something incredible with your life to make a difference in your job, community, church and in the world, have you ever thought about this? Are you living this way? Do you love what you are doing and are you doing what you love?

Today as I look at the world and some things I'm feeling in my heart I want to encourage you with some simple and challenging words, "Life is bigger than your cubicle." In fact, life is about working from a purpose more than a paycheck and the greatest discovery you can ever make in life is finding what you have been placed on earth to do and actually living it out. Take that purpose to work every day like you do your favorite coffee mug and you'll have more than a job, you'll have purpose. Pray that God grows your heart two sizes bigger so that it can be filled with His heart and His purpose and His plan for your life. There are people all around you that need you to be the person that God has called you to be that's why your lives have crossed paths. I'll leave you with three words that I've seen on twitter and facebook in response to the terrible tragedy in Haiti. Make an Impact. I challenge you, I dare you, I urge you make with every fiber of my being as I type this. Make an IMPACT!

Disaster Relief for Haiti

2010-01-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

Change Is Tough!

2010-01-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

Today was our first Sunday of the year and the first Sunday at our lead church in San Jose. I thought I was going to be extremely excited but honestly it was a day of mixed emotions. I guess you can say my heart was in two places at one time. I wondered throughout the day how the campus we just concluded leading was doing. Honestly it felt like the first day away from your child when they enter kindergarten. As I pondered here and there I received a txt message while in service that read "Your Bro. is tearing it up." It was from my buddy Santz. As I read the txt my heart knew we were doing what we were supposed to do.

Change is not easy, sometimes it's painful and even after it's taken place at times you will wonder "am I doing the right thing" Why does God take us though change? You'll never reach your purpose without changing chapters. Each chapter is a new season, a new opportunity, a new adventure and it's part of the journey of life. Every year at this time I'm reminded of some powerful words that were once said to me. "If you keep doing the same thing, you'll get the same results"

Take comfort in the fact that when God navigates you through change, God is navigating you into a new chapter. As the page turns into this new year, new decade, and new season, realize you are a chapter closer towards your destiny. Embrace change and know that He who never changes is with you forever.

I know it's been a while

2009-12-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

As most probably know I've been by vocational for the last two years in ministry and in the marketplace. I've been working on some pretty big projects and by the time I hit 3pm I don't want to touch another computer thats the reason for my absence. Anyway I just wanted to leave a thought or two before closing out 2009. Here are some immediate personal plans that I have for my spiritual life.

1)Read Primal by Mark Batterson. Right now I really feel God wants to reveal His heart to me in a new and deeper way. Glad I have Primal to assist with that, it's a good read. I've received a few emails, had a few conversations and have experienced some incredible heart surgery from God in the last few weeks. I'm still on the table, so I can't tell you everything yet.

2)My son and I will be diving into the book of Proverbs starting tomorrow. Last night we had a talk about investing money. I compared an empty ziplock bag and what daily investmants into that bag looks like after some time. I told Isaiah, we are going to invest into his life with wisdom and life lessons from Proverbs. Since Isaiah likes Star Wars, I put it this way it's Jedi Training through Proverbs.

3)Last Sunday was our final Sunday being the Campus Pastors of Christian Worship Center Milpitas. With the Holidays and just being busy, I've had little time to debrief things in my own life. For the first week I plan on really getting quiet with God and listening, finding new energy, new passion and deeper insight. Now is the best time. For those who don't know a team and myself litterally went from attending a church to leading a church in a matter of days. It's hard work especially when everyone works, goes to school, has families, and wear multiple hats in ministry. I really feel like God had us in boot camp. "Suffering clarifies the call" As much as I tried to strategize for a war it was too much. You can't strategize a war when your still being made into a soldier, you have no idea how to fight it. I learned alot being in Milpitas a new way how to fight for my spiritual life, marriage, my children, my integrity and for people. I discovered a whole new level of leadership. I litterally can take a look back at the last two years and can identify chapters from God's chalkboard lesson that he had us on. A Major part of my debriefing is to identify and document those chapters and I hope to share those with you soon.

For right now those are the top three things that I'm intensely focusing on in the next week(s) for my spiritual life.

In a little over 12 hours, for some less, a new year unfolds and not only that, but a new decade. When I look at the last decade, I realize that there were some moments when I wasted time, opportunity and had some priorities mixed up. My number 1 goal for 2010 and as a new decade unfolds, Make sure God's in it or I don't want to be a part of it. I need and want God DESPERATELY in EVERYTHING I put my hand, heart and energy to. When God's my priority, desire, and purpose, life is SO MUCH better. Get ready! It's a new time, a new season, your time is now, the best is yet to come. Shake off failure, past dissapointments, hurts, procrastination and hesitation and put the pedal to the metal on your potential and thrive in the life that God has for you. IT's YOUR YEAR! See you in 2010!

Gratitude Challenge - Day 7

2009-11-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1: 20-21

Impossible! A virgin women pregnant? Not only did Joseph believe it , but Mary did as well. In fact, I love the response of Mary that is found in Luke 1 “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

This passage today made me think of my own mother and the women of God that she is, she dared to believe God and always stood by the scripture with God all things are possible. My mom absolutely refused to allow our ship (family) to sink! My mother made sure we ate as a family at the table because "the family that eats together, stays together." My mom worked, cared for a home, washed our clothes, had to be a father at times, sacrificed constantly, raised four children by herself and managed to be in the choir at church and teach Sunday school.

One time, on my birthday my mother could not afford a birthday cake, so what did she do? My mom looked for bottles to recycle just so that I could have a cake for my birthday. I could go on and on of the hard times we went through and how we weathered the storm but I choose to dwell on the facts that my mom always had a song in her heart, always knew God is faithful and made sure as a family we would stick together no matter what. Nothing was impossible, she believed it, passed it on to me and today I'm passing that on to you. I'm so thankful for my awesome mother Sandra Vasquez who is the best. I'm living a great story because of great mother who lived her story great despite the hardships and difficulties. Thanks Mom!

Whats been happening at "The M"

2009-11-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

The M is short for Milpitas and I'm talking about Christian Worship Center Milpitas. It's been a while since I blogged about what's been happening at the M. Just felt like we were in a slump and batting avg. was dipping. I was determined to press through as was the team. Can't wait to tell you what took place this Sunday. So here it goes.

-We've been on a series entitled "Inspired" The story God's telling. In life there are two stories the story we are living and the story God want's to tell. When our story and God's story link up that's where the greatest dreams, biggest potential, and greatest life is discovered and lived it's where you live life and give life "Inspired"

-Prayer/Team journaling was incredible this weekend. How important it is for every member of the team to speak the same language, have the same heart and feel the same burden. Amazing things happen when there is Synergy!

-Spoke on Dreams this weekend and how inspired people live with Great Dreams. “God doesn't like hard or difficult dreams, he likes them impossible!” It’s amazing the size and amount of doors that God will open if we simply dare to go after the impossible.

-How can we put this into practice today! On our notes was an area to write My Dream: I then gave the opportunity for people to read/share their dream to everyone in the crowd. Tears began to flow as people began to share their dreams. Especially when two homeless guys began to share what their dream was.

Charles- Who was a sniper in the military has battled with Post Traumatic Stress for sometime now. With tears in Charles eyes, he simply said "I just want to do God's will" It was the simplest and most powerful declaration of a dream that I've ever heard. We honored Charles not because he's homeless, but because of what's He's done for our country, what he's battled with and how he's still has a dream to please God!

-There was such a "BIG Atmosphere" this weekend; it allowed people to see God bigger, believe God for Bigger and dream Bigger. Bases are loaded, were bringing in the runs, and I can’t wait for this weekend!

Truett Cathy

2009-11-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

72 Hours

2009-11-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Amazing 72 hours to sum it up: conference, birthday party, church, preach, after church birthday cake, then off to another birthday party, then off to see friends and family at another church. If I added Thursdays events I might start to get really overwhelmed but here are some highlights that I've discovered in the last couple of days.

1) In leadership seperation is a good thing. I need to seperate, gather my thought life, hear from God through the bible/journaling. Seperation and Isolation are two different things. Seperation I'm running to God, isolation takes place when I'm running away from everything including God. I found I seperate better on paper then in front of a computer. The computer poses to many distractions for ie. Twitter, Facebook, Tech stuff. I'm learning to steward my computer time.

2) I've been asking too small, and walking like it. God's grace goes so much further than just to get you through the day. God's grace empowers your to live extraordinary. With God's grace comes inspiration, rejuvination, encouragement, creativity, productivity, ingenuity, strength, rest, future and that's just a small list and it's yours to live and yours to give. Take a whole new approach when you ask God for Grace. Take a look at John Bevere's book Extraordinary

3) It's amazing the doors God will open if you just begin to walk towards them. Whatever it is that stops us from walking towards God's plan, His Will and purpose for our lives, when we finally break free of those barriers and just walk, God will start opening some amazing doors.

There's so much more that I received from the last 4 days but these are the main highlights. Inspired Sermon #2 coming up shortly.

Did you know that you inspire God?

2009-11-02T10:17:00.001-08:00

How precious are your thoughts about me, oh God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! Psalm 139:17-118

Inspiration in it's simplest definition is the overwhelming urge to do something creative. Have you ever had a great idea that would not go away? Chances are that idea was being fueled by inspiration. Take a look at Psalm 139. The author of this Psalm David, declared this thought about God "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Did you know that you inspire God? You have been created for one amazing story and out of God's overwhelming urge to see YOUR life, your story come into existence, God made you, and right now even as you read this God is inspired about you. In verse 17, 18 of the same scripture it reveals that God thinks about you constantly and even God's thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand. What is God inspired about? God's inspired about the potential of your life, plan of your life, purpose for your life, reason for your life, God is inspired about the story that HE wants to tell through your life.

Two Stories being told

Life has two stories being told, the story your living and the story God created you to live. Our greatest desire in life should be that our story lines up with God's story because that's where the greatest inspiration takes place. But, often our stories and God stories don't line up, either it's a hurt from the past, a failure, or a present circumstance.

Isn't it true we all want a story that can be told well?

When it comes to your marriage, isn't true our intention that our story be told well? When it comes to our career we want a story that can be told well. When it comes to our children, we would like to inspire them with greatness so that later in life they would tell our story well. Everyone wants a story that in the end can be told well, live past our grave and inspire someone else.

What should I do?

1) Inspired living is living with a heightened awareness of who God is.

Everyday I should live with a heightened awareness of who God is, right here, today, right now!

2) God wants to inspire you through his thoughts.

Everyday there is a new thought that is waiting to fall upon your ears, mind and heart.

3) It's the thoughts of God that bring life to my story.

Everyday your life is designed that it needs to be inspired by God because without it we just exist. To live is to be inspired...

He's only 7yrs old and he inspires me...

2009-10-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

I walked past his homework hanging on the refrigerator this morning. I wished I snapped a picture with my Blackberry, maybe I'll get it later and post on this same entry. The words good job were written at the top of the page by his teacher. Underneath I could not understand a single word, why; because everything was written in Mandarin. When I look at the dreams and the accomplishments of my seven year old, it does something inside me that amazes me. I really believe what God has inspired in my son has already begun to take fruit. My son believes one day he will go to China to tell people about Jesus and he tells me we're going to open a CWC (Christian Worship Center) one day.

Then last week we got on the topic of Brazil for some reason and the question came up. "Dad do we have a CWC in Brazil", I replied "no son we do not." The response I got and what followed is still blowing me away days later. "Well dad we gotta go to Brazil and open a CWC over there too" I replied "replied what about China?" "We're still going to China, then after it will be Brazil" my son replied.

Again, these are the words of a seven year old and to him traveling around the world, preaching Jesus, and opening churches is normal thing, it's just the way that life is and what we are suppose to do. When I look at the destinations in my son's heart compared to the destinations in my own, his look much riskier, and crazier but he belives and say's it like it's completely accomplishable and something that will happen in the future.

I thank God that my wife and I have been able to encourage my son to believe God in the impossible and he believes it. I also thank God for allowing us to install compassion in my son for those that do not know Jesus. But today, I must say son, you inspire me, you inspired me to continue to believe as you do with a childlike faith and trusting God will provide a way no matter what. Thank you Lord for my son Isaiah and my daughter Leia, the lessons, encouragement, and strength that you have taught me through their little lives is priceless.

Welcome All!

2009-10-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

I just checked my Google analytics for my blog and saw that I have some new visitors from very far away. Just wanted to say welcome to my new visitors from Cochin India and Lucknow India. Also for those of you in the states that are new as well, I would like to say Welcome and thank you for visiting. Feel free to post comments I would love to hear about you. I hope that in anyway that I can, I can serve you with my life lessons, encouragement and hope that I find daily through Jesus.

God Bless and Welcome!

The Bumper Sticker

2009-10-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

We were stuck in traffic last Friday, the work week had officially closed, kids were hungry, I was feeling a bit cranky and although we were not at each others throats the atmosphere had the potential for it. Since we were in the carpool lane I was passing cars by but it was slow enough that I was able to catch a bumper sticker that sparked something. I asked my wife "did you see that?" She replied "the bumper sticker?" I replied YES! Then it came to me, at that moment we installed a tradition, something that we would train up our children with, something that we would always remember. The bumper sticker simply asked a question, it wasn't magical, wasn't outrageous, even the text looked normal but in the stage of our life that we are in, what we know is ahead of us and the attitude that we had at the time it made a profound impact.

What are you thankful for?

Yup that's it, told you it wasn't magical. We made a decision after reading that bumper sticker that when life get's tough and when we may not be seeing each other eye to eye and the air is thick with attitude we are going to stop and tell each other what we are thankful for. I declared it, we agreed as a family and we did it.

So, in our little green Honda Accord, we went around saying, what we were thankful for. Even my 2 yr old gave her thanks. "Uhm I'm thankful for Zai Zai" (her brother) What a powerful moment, what an attitude adjuster, what a powerful life lesson. If your going through it today, if your attitude is slightly sour, if your confused or frustrated, stop and think: What are you thankful for?

With Excellence

2009-10-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

I am a student of one of the greatest teachers of excellence that I know. I've learned a whole lot from my Pastor, mentor and friend, Pastor Dan Vera, What I've learned most is that excellence must be a standard that we always keep ahead of us in anything we do for God. Excellence is as plain as black and white. Sometimes excellence means you must play hurt, other times it means suck it up and get the job done all the way, but one thing that excellence always is, "Doing the best that you can, with what you have"

Just moments ago I text some of my team and I brought up a question that we ask now and then to grade our level of excellence. "Can you see the heart?" Here the answers I got back:

1) Getting back...
2) No, I feel disconnected
3) I feel like everything is moving too fast
4) Vaguely

Why am I showing this too you? Why am I exposing our current struggle? Why am I being so vulnerable? Because, You can't do anything excellent if one ingredient is missing, HEART, and all of our hearts have a way of straying. Life, schedules, jobs, problems, family, stress, etc. all of it has a way of affecting your heart and if your in ministry like I am how do you continue to do things with excellence when your heart is under all of that? Truthfully you can't, and if you try, there will be this unsatisfying feeling in your gut because heart was missing. I'll be honest I hate that feeling. I can't stand to think I'm wasting time, life and energy because I can't find the heart.
So what are we going to do?
Maybe under difference circumstances, but we've been here before, so we know what to do. We may be tired, stretched thin, and even burdened with some stuff, but we know where we want to go, and where God wants us. We know how to find heart again.

I know with that simple text just moments ago, people are beginning to think, regroup and prepare to encourage one another. I can hear the question now, "How's the heart?" Can you see it? Can you feel it? Can we pray about it? If excellence is your standard, find the heart, don't wait, find it now. Say a simple prayer and ask God to help you get back on track. David's prayer in the bible was this "I will not offer to God that which cost me nothing"

Anything with heart involved will cost you something, but in the end, it cost you more if you live without heart. Find the heart again and live excellent.

I don't have what it takes, but I'm still standing

2009-10-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them Romans 8:28

No, I haven't arrived, so don't let this post fool you. I don't have what it takes, but I'm still standing. When I look back at how much I've been stretched, pulled and pressed in life, those words in Romans 8:28 mean so much more to me. "Everything... every difficulty, every pressure, every time I wanted to give up, every time I thought things were not going to work out, every time my wife and I prayed and wondered who are we kidding? Every time I confessed, apologized to my team for not being the leader I felt they deserved, Every time I ran inside, screamed inside, was spinning out of control in my mind.
E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G worked together for my good.

I can't explain it fully, all I know is I've had to hunt for what I did not have. I've had to depend on what I could not produce on my own. I've had pursue, depend, and lean on a strength that is not my own. I've had to quiet my life and listen for that single sound whisper that is louder and more powerful then any word produced on this earth. I stand today because of God, and to continue to stand will be because of God, there's absolutely no other way I can put it. I realize now that the times that life felt like it was spinning out of control the most is actually when God was doing His greatest work in me. God loves me, and He loves you, and truthfully you don't have what it takes...but you can still stand when you sit at the feet of Jesus and depend on Him more then you depend on yourself. Your going to make it, you can pull through, because Jesus will get you there...

Inspired Pt.1

2009-10-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Ideas capture the mind, inspiration compels the heart. Why is this, because, anything birthed in the heart is hard to let go. I've had ideas that come and go, ideas that never quite take off or ideas that were just bad all together. Being inspired has a way of getting my full attention and getting the attention of others. Inspiration has a resounding effect on the heart when pursued. When I've been inspired to do something, experience something or accomplish something, there is very little that can stop me especially when I know it's God doing the inspiring. Inspiration is like a fire that consumes a person from the inside, ignites anyone around and spreads even further. Take a look at Twitter, how many times have you seen someone post something inspirational. 75% of people I follow on Twitter and Facebook say something inspirational more than once a week, is that coincidence or am I just following inspirational people? Where does this desire to leave something behind, make an impact, and to say something important come from?

There must be a common denominator...

I believe God wants us to live inspired lives for Him. What does that look like, an inspired life for God? A life inspired by God, is living with a heightened awareness of who God is, His purpose in our lives and lastly a heightened awareness to those who around us daily.

You see, your life is a story, it's a story fearfully and wonderfully created, it's unique and it's to be filled with inspiration. Be inspired... There is more to come on this thought later.

I'm curious though, what or who has inspired you in life? Why? Feel free to comment below.

Just let it go, somehow, some way...

2009-10-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm literally writing this blog just minutes outside of a big disappointment. I have a lot on my mind, plenty to still do, oh yeah and I'm preaching tomorrow to people on how to live a better life. Immediately I began to call on the Lord because the best thing to do when you feel alone is to get alone with God. I had a decision just a few minutes ago, I could continue to be disappointed, hurt and angry or I could just give it to God and let it go. I asked God what I should do and really felt in my heart just to let what I was feeling go.

Listen, people are going to disappoint you, you will have unmet expectations in life, and you will experience hurt and after each of those moments you will have a decision to make. You will have the decision to let it go on, or to seriously let it go and give it to God. I look at it this way, the longer I hold onto things that hurt, disappoint and anger me the longer I get hurt in the end. If you grabbed a cast iron pan that was hot by the handle you would get seriously burned, but who would continue to clinch their fist around the handle and hold onto it? It's the same way in life, you have to do everything in your power to let things go otherwise you'll continue to get hurt. Truthfully I've gotten burned while cooking a lot, but I hardly have any scars at all because I let go quickly, get the picture?
Let it go, somehow, some way, find an alone place with God and let it go, you'll be glad that you did.

The Back Burner

2009-10-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

If I ever have the chance, I just might take up being a chef on the side... I love cooking so here's another cooking illustration for you. Sometimes when I cook I can have as much as three to four things on the stove as I prepare a meal. The front two burners are the most important, I need to watch those items, pay extra attention and make sure I revisit them often. The items on the back burner however are different. Items on the back burner are an important part of my menu, but they will always have reduced flame, reduced attention and reduced priority.

Sadly many people, (and I have been guilty of this as well) place God on the back burner of their lives. How can we expect to have a life that is piping hot with purpose, bubbling with blessing, and as flavorful as life can get, if our relationship with God is on the back burner? Isn't it true that the minute things go wrong, take an unexpected turn and we have no answers, is the same minute we put God back on the front burner again? If there is one thing that I've learned is this "if anything is before God everything will eventually fail." You and I cannot, and should not, even attempt life with God on the back burner. You need God, burning, bubbling, and boiling hot first in your life otherwise your purpose, destiny, and greatest dreams are just simmering and probably just barely at that. Keep God on the front burner and your life will flourish beyond measure.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4

Something small but powerful...

2009-10-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday October 13th, and we are experiencing our first real storm of the rainy season. Tree's are blowing in the wind, palm tree remnants are on the roads and visibility was extremely poor at times during my drive. Something small but powerful caught my attention this morning though as I passed a church during my drive into work. On the church property there are three flag poles, each with a flag hoisted atop. The first flag I noticed was the California state flag, this flag was not blowing at all. Matter of fact the California flag looked like it had been wrung. I begin to think, similar to the state of the California flag, California has been through the wringer in terms of the economy. Families, homes, communities and jobs, have all gone through a tremendous storm that has affected the luster of the Golden State.

Next I saw the American flag, although it was flying, it was barely able to fly. A corner of the flag was actually folded up and the flag looked incomplete. I believe that there is a grace upon our nation that is allowing us to rebound from one of the greatest economic struggles we have ever seen. It's not the Fed lowering interest rates, it's not jobs starting to come back, it's not even a different president that is keeping America flying, it's the grace of God.

Lastly I saw the Christian Flag, and this flag although it was being pounded by wind and rain continued to fly as if there was no storm at all. I love what a visiting speaker at our church recently said "There is no crisis when Christ is." When Christ is...your trust, hope, strength, and faith, no matter what, you will be able to fly. The crisis, rain, wind, and storms of life no matter how ugly, how big, and how long they may seem to last cannot stop who Christ is. Your meant to soar, meant to fly, meant to spread your wings in this life and be the best You that God has called you to be. Fly today, no matter what your crisis is...because Christ is...

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life..." Psalm 23:6

The Daisy Cutter

2009-09-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

Heard something from The Nines conference yesterday that really spoke into my life, I'm applying it a little different, it's about The Daisy Cutter weapon. The Daisy cutter is the largest conventional weapon in existence, it weighs 15,000 pounds and 17 feet long. I learned originally the Daisy Cutter was used less as a lethal and destructive weapon, and more as a psychological tool. In other words it had a lot of bang but not a lot of buck.

In life, leadership and ministry it's easy to get spread really thin fast. Here's the danger: although you may be competent of many things you can only be great at one thing, several things at most. Chances are, if your plate is filled too much, your making a big bang, but that bang doesn't have a lasting effect. In other words I've become a weapon of intimidation for the kingdom instead of a weapon of transformation. The danger of being a Daisy Cutter leader is at first it seems like it works, but in the end you work harder especially after you find out it's not working. Here are some things I recommend.

1) Find out what your core competencies are (In 8 words or less can you define who you are as a leader)

2) If multiple responsibilities is a must, what is the first hat that you can give away? I guarantee there is at least one hat you might be wearing that fits you good but it will fit someone else great.

3) Ask for Wisdom on how to lead. Wisdom was the first thing King Solomon asked to lead God's people. God loves people, and if He trust me to lead them, they deserve to be led well.

And Dad...I love my God

2009-08-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. Psalm 144:15

Joyful are those who have made the Lord their God. When I read this scripture today I was reminded an event that took place approximately two weeks ago. It was a Sunday and we had a great time at church and also went out to eat with some friends after wards. My son and I were alone in the room taking his shoes off when he mentioned to me. "Dad I love my my mom...and I love you Dad...and I love my God." I was taken back by the words of my son, because they are powerful words.

I've often said this, anyone can be a father, but not everyone can be a Dad. To me a Dad shows love to their children is their for them but not just physically but spiritually as well. I've realize that I have a responsibility as a Dad to spiritually nurture my children just as much as I do physically. But here's the way this works my actions physically, my words, my behavior, my character will setup and example whether my children are receptive to what I try to teach them spiritually. If I'm just talking but I'm not walking what I'm trying to teach them about the bible will go in one ear and out the other. I need to make sure that I remember these two components to fatherhood go hand in hand. You can teach your children spiritually if you haven't walked it physically. In a few weeks I'll be sharing at our men's conference and I will be speaking from the movie Gladiator. In particular I'm speaking on one famous phrase and it's messing me up inside. "Your faults as a son, are my failures as a father" I never want those words or that thoughts to be true of my life. It's important that I take this scripture to heart today and live it and duplicate it in my children.

Sunday Recap (Just being real)

2009-08-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

Changing things up from my regular Sunday recap post, hoping it encourages someone out there to hold on, stick out, and know that God will make a way.

If you only knew how many times I've felt like I just didn't have it in me to preach on Sundays. It's not a bad place to be in because even when I thought I've had it, I really didn't, truthfully I never have had it. It's always been the strength of God that has carried me and allowed me to do what I do. Not having it means I'm depending more on who does have it and He's the one I'm preaching about every week. Yesterday was one of the "I don't have it" mornings but I've quickly been able to train my heart to recalibrate to Who does, so yesterday ROCKED!

If you only knew how many times I've felt alone. Like I'm carrying something all by myself, am I kidding myself in thinking this could really be done? "Is there anyone else that believes as strongly as I do?" Is it supposed to be this way? The truth is yes, at least for a portion of the time. Somebody has to feel the burden, someone has to feel the pain of "what could be and should be", someone has to dream, if not you then who? You might dream alone, burden alone, even feel like it's your pain alone, but don't you dare ever run alone. You need God and you need people to help you accomplish what He has birthed in your heart to do. Yesterday we came together not as ministers, pastors or interns. We simply came together as a family, as a team of people who love God and we ran together. I took what I had prayed about, worked hard to prepare, and prayed over throughout the week and multiplied it in the leadership, then we together multiplied it in a service so it could be duplicated in homes, families and eventually a city. Your not alone in the mission, it just starts with you.

If you only knew how many times I've felt lost, like I've missed a turn somewhere along the way and don't know where to turn next. Saturday, the day right before I'm supposed to speak into peoples lives and show them the way I felt like I lost the way. It wasn't just last Saturday, it's a lot of Saturdays. That phrase "living by faith" is not a loose term for me anymore. I listened to a message last Saturday that was passed on by my good friend Pastor Nick. A quote was mentioned that rocked my world. "The biggest room in your brain better be reserved for things you don't understand, because if you need to understand everything before you trust God or serve God then you don't understand the concept of faith"- Jentezen Franklin. Listen to me your only as lost as your faith is. You can be 100% certain in the unknown if you have faith. I allowed Saturday to fuel my Sunday.

Yes Sunday was a great day, but what it took for me to get there was priceless. Just wanted to be real. Appreciate your Pastors, the leaders of your church by praying for them, they could really use it today.

Project: Giving A New Start

2009-08-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

What is Project Giving a New Start?
I'm excited to tell you about an opportunity that is presently taking place within Christian Worship Center of Milpitas and San Jose. Every year more and more children are showing up to their first day of school without school supplies such as pencils, folders and backpacks. With the current economic downturn we want to be able to help our community by assisting as many children as we can by providing the necessary tools to start the year right. Our interns program has recently launched Project: Giving a New Start which will collect monetary donations as well as school supplies to help the school children of our community.

How Can I Help?
There are three ways that you can help Project Give a New Start

1) Clicking the following link Giving A New Start to find out more about donating safe and securely online.
2) Follow us on Twitter or our Facebook page and pass the word around to your friends and families.
3) Lastly you can help by purchasing items that we are in need of.

The Blog for Giving A New Start can be found here

Every little bit helps, together we can invest into the future of children who are desperately in need.

God Bless

Sunday Recap Aug 16th

2009-08-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

-One crazy Saturday night. Ever had a dream that is so real it feels like your awake? Yeah I had one of those kind of dreams. Such a powerful experience that I could not shake it entering into Sunday.

-Same time, different schedule today. I started playing some music over the sound system and just focusing on God. Before I knew it there was a group of people with me praying and stuff. It's those impromptu moments when God gets your complete attention that changes everything in your day.

-The worship team setup the service so crazy today, music was on, words were on, most of all the heart was on. When we bring our best to God as ministers, God does amazing things in our lives and the lives we are ministering to simultaneously.

- We continued our "At the Movies" Series. Santz spoke on Life Lessons from the Darkest Moments of your life. Santz spoke on when it's our darkest moment, God is actually doing his greatest work. The final question was simple and straight to the point. "Do you trust God?"

-I really believe that there is a lot of heart surgery going on in our church right now. I mean that in a good way. I guess that's why this post is so serious. I feel my heart being worked on and I can see it taking place in the lives of others. People are receiving hope, healing from hurts, past is being broken and hearts are being stirred for an incredible future. Something powerful and special is happening. Can't wait to speak next week.

Much love everyone, have an awesome week.

Google vs. God

2009-08-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

Are we trusting Google more then we trust God? Is Google getting more hits then people are praying to God? Reading an article earlier today certainly points that way. "Google it" has become a popular catch phrase probably more then you hear "pray about it." I know God and Google are not in a search engine war, but here's my point and this is where I believe the heart of our society has gone. With Google I can find results almost immediately. With God sometimes my search results are "wait". With Google I can pick and choose which answer I like best. With God His answers are not always easy to accept. "Googling it" doesnt take much effort, while "Seeking Him" will require effort through prayer and reading the bible. So what's the point?

We want answers in life quick, want answers our way and we want them with little to any effort. But here's where Google cannot compare:

Google made the application "google earth" but God created that earth and everything in it.
Google's super powered servers cannot compare to the knowledge of God.
Google results cannot compare to the best results that God has for your life.

What else?
Today, people are facing the greatest amount of uncertainty that they've possibly have experienced their entire lives. Another fact of life is; Life will produce more questions then answers at times and during those moments only God can help. People are searching...bottom line. People are searching for hope, peace, encouragement, value and purpose Google may be able to point you to some sites to find direction but only God can make those things come into fruition in your life.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." ~ God

August 11th 2009 Journal

2009-08-11T08:57:00.001-07:00

I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. John 13:15

When John 13 takes place it was custom to have an area for people to wash their feet. The roads were not paved and were pretty much loose gravel and dirt. There were no cars so you could imagine what the feet of of someone who wore sandals looked like back in this day. Jesus does something extremely incredible in this chapter he washes the feet of the disciples including the disciple who would betray him. After all is said and done Jesus say's "I have given you an example to follow, Do as I have done to you." So I asked myself what are the examples that we see that Christ is asking of me today.

There are three things that I see in the example of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples:

Humility

Servanthood

Forgiveness

These three areas do not come easy. Matter of fact for most people none of these characterisitcs come naturally. Jesus said follow my example so if I am to do this what must I do. I took self inventory and came up with the following:

Humility- It's not about me being right it's about what's the right thing to do.

Servanthood- It's not about me being a slave, it's about putting values on others before myself.

Forgivness- It's more for me then for the other person that has offended or hurt me.

Do as I have done to You ~ Jesus

Going throught the motions Pt. 2

2009-08-07T11:54:00.001-07:00

Have you ever done something any old way, just to get the job done? If it's gift wrapping a gift for a party that your late for, no harm done; but if it's life and the important things in life, going through the motions won't cut it. God has given you and I the opportunity to live a grade A life (Abundant) not perfect, but it's still an A. The problem is most people live their lives comfortably with a C Average within their family, marriage, job, and entire life.

I don't want to just show up, I want to be ALL there so here are a couple of questions that I've asked myself to get myself all there.

1) What does my life look like right now?
Life is either invested or spent. Investment means there will be a return. If I'm spending there will be little to any return at all. Are you a spender or an investor of your life?

2) What are the important things that I need to keep important today?
It's easy to replace the important things in life with the urgent things of life. What are the important things you might ask? The important things are the things that are going to matter, 2, 5, 20, 100 years from now, those things easily get lost within the urgency of life.Write down a list of the top 10 things that you absolutely cannot ignore for the day. Take care of today and tomorrow will take care of itself.

3) What refuels my life and how often do I require a recharge?
I am good for nothing if I do not have rest. I'm not talking just 8 hours sleep. I'm talking about rest in my heart, mind, soul, finding this type of rest is intentional. When the refueling of my mind, heart and soul is absent in my life I'm heading for a breakdown. It's not that I've lost my passion, energy, my creativity, it's that I haven't taken time to recharge the very things that ignite those things in my life.

If you are leader in anyway, work, home, church etc. You are responsible for bringing the best you possible, this means that you are all there. Your passion, energy, and presence is critical and it's vital. Take advantage of these three questions and apply them to your life.

Going throught the motions Pt. 2

2009-08-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever done something any old way, just to get the job done? If it's gift wrapping a gift for a part your late for, ahh that's not too bad. But if it's life and the important things in life, going through the motions won't cut it. God has given you and I the opportunity to live a grade A life (Abundant) not perfect, but it's still an A. The problem is most people live their lives comfortably with a C Average within their family, mariage, job, and entire life.

I don't want to just show up, I want to be ALL there so here are a couple of questions that I've asked myself to get myself all there.

1) What does my life look like right now?
Life is either invested or spent. Investment means there will be a return. If I'm spending chances are I won't little to any return at all. Are you a spender or an invester of your life?

2) What are the imporant things that I need to keep important today?
It's easy to replace the important things in life with the urgent things of life. What are the important things you might ask? The important things are the things that are going to matter, 2, 5, 20, 100 years from now, those things easily get lost within the urgency of life.Write down a list of the top 10 things that you absolutely cannot ignore for the day. Take care of today and tomorrow will take care of itself.

3) What brings refuels my life and how often do I require a recharge?
I am good for nothing if I do not have rest. I'm not talking just 8 hours sleep. I'm talking about rest in my heart, mind, soul, finding this type of rest is intentional. When the refueling of my mind, heart and soul is absent in my life I'm heading for a breakdown. It's not that I've lost my passion, energy, my creativity, it's that I haven't taken time to recharge the very things that ignite those things in my life.

If you are leader in anyway, work, home, church etc. You are responsible for bringing the best you possible, this means that you are all there. Your passion, energy, and presence is critical and it's vital. Take advantage of these three questions and apply them to your life.

Going throught the motions Pt. 1

2009-08-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

A sign that you may be to busy in life is when you find yourself going through the motions. When your busy beyond your capabilities you find your life showing up for everything, being all there for nothing. I think we've all been there, show up to work, church, family time, and not being fully there. When life management slips through the cracks, everything we show up to, are in charge of and are accountable for is average at best. Even our core competencies the things we are good at turn out average because we have just enough emotion, just enough passion, just enough energy to barely get by.

Here's where barely getting by gets you to, it get's you to A-V-E-R-A-G-E. If you want the average life, the average marriage, average job, average everything in life then just keep showing up and going through the motions, but if you want to be all there in life, if you want passion, energy and enthusiasm in life, relationships, and purpose then you can no longer just go through the motions.

I'll cover some questions in my next blog post that will help get out of going through the motions.

Been a while

2009-08-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

It sure has been a while since I last blogged. So I just wanted to give an update on things. I've been CRAZY busy. So busy that it's been difficult to find time to relax and gather my thoughts. I plan on getting back soon though, really soon because believe it or not blogging relaxes me, settles my spirit and anchors my life back to what really counts. On another note for several weeks now I've been dealing with this ear problem. As of today I've been to the doctor three times, taken anitbiotics, ear drops, decongestants and now they are sending me to an ENT specialist. Appreciate the prayers and if there is anything I can pray for you about just let me know on the comments. God Bless and Much Love.

-Ant

Problem or Opportunity?

2009-07-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

When God put's opportunity in front of us it's often packaged as this impossible feat. The feat is too big for us, too much for us and to great for us. "Thanks God for reminding us how small we are..." Nope it's quite the contrary God is reminding us how BIG He is inside us. The longer we focus on the smallness of our lives the more we feel inadequate, pressured and frustrated. Then in the middle of the chaos God put's a pause... into our lives. Just like a commercial mid abruptly putting the current program on hold . That pause serves as a infomercial to inform you that God is with you, that nothing is impossible with Him. Practically speaking when faced with insurmountable odds I've noticed the following stages:

Breakdown Phase: When everything is overwhelming, unsettled and direction is hard to find. I can hear life, hear problems, hear circumstances louder then I hear God at this moment.

Pause Phase: Like calm in the middle of a storm. Sometimes I can intentionally pursue these moments, other times they are just planned by God and His direction and His plan is clear as day. Renewed strength, passion begins to build and purpose becomes clearer.

Breakout Phase: Just like Beniah of the bible of II Samuel 23:20. I begin to chase what I was running from before.

Just Thought You Should Know...

2009-07-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

Wake up! and smell the Jehovah Java, this is is one of those double shot of espresso scriptures challenging my life today to wake up. Look alive, walk with some hope, with some trust in God. Walk like your Daddy can beat up anything, because He can. Isaiah 40:25 say's "Who is my equal?, say's the Holy One. God's never had a challenge, never been contended against, never been rivaled. God does not worry, does not get tired, does not lose energy. The doors God opens nobody can close, and the doors He closes nobody can open. Nobody's NO is bigger then God's YES. He is second to no one, before was, was, God WAS. He is the undisputed, undefeated, HEAVY weight Glory of the entire universe and them some. Would you help me welcome into your life, into every circumstance, into any and every arena of challenge life might present. He's the dream maker, the purpose behind my purpose, the author and finisher of our faith, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the bright and morning star, the always present, all powerful... the one...the only....God the Almighty.

Just thought you should know...

Default Setting

2009-07-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

"...But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done... Psalm 75:9

There are two types of people in the world, complainers and worshipers, and there isn't much circumstantial difference between the two. Complainers will always have something to complain about, worshipers will always find something to praise God about. They simply have different default settings - Mark Batterson, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.

Reading this scripture today reminded me about my default setting. I'll be honest, there's a lot going on in my life right now, a lot of pressure, a lot of demand and it almost seems easier to set my heart on complaint mode rather then worship mode. There are moments when a default setting to worship God, and trust that God is bigger then our problem will not come automatic, it's times like this when worship must become intentional. The scripture today gives perfect example of what intentional worship looks like. You may be going through a struggle right now, But as for me... may be facing tremendous pressure in life right now...But as for me...may even feel like giving in...BUT-AS-FOR-ME... I will always proclaim what God has done... Where's your default setting today?

Much Love

Vision Test

2009-07-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

For the Lord has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has closed the eyes of your prophets and visionaries. Isaiah 29:10

It did not take me long to journal on this passage today. What caught my attention was the word "Visionarie" A Visionarie is what I believe God has called me to be, a person who brings life to people, families, regions, for without Vision people perish. This scripture today is talking about a people who had their own plan, tried to do things their way and stopped being obedient to the word of the Lord. As a result the Lord poured out a spirit of sleep, and the eyes of the prophets and the visionaries were closed.

"To test vision, you must test the heart first" If disobedience closes the eyes of vision I want to be obedient to the point that I live life in High Definition. I want to be able to hear a now word from God, not yesterdays revelation, not a revelation from someone else, I want to hear what God wants to do and say today. What a terrible sight to be closed off to Vision. To be closed off to the heartbeat of God, to be closed off from His plan, His purpose and His will.

Let me see God, and when I can't or if my vision becomes faint help me to go back and check to make sure that I'm doing everything right, everything the way you want. Help me Lord to remember the vision test.

A Beautiful Struggle

2009-07-16T09:45:00.001-07:00

Feeling the grind today, the best way that I can explain it is that in between stage of where I'm at and what I'm called to do. Sometimes it's easy to get impatient and frustrated because life goes around once. I don't know if you have ever been there, but I guarantee you, you will. Like a butterfly in the cocoon it must go through a struggle before it can become all that it was intended to be. In the struggle is where the greatest work of God is taking place. Remain faithful wherever your at and God will promote you to where your supposed to be. Thank you Lord because the metamorphosis has begun.

Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—may He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

The Path

2009-07-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

"...Mark out a straight path for your feet..." Hebrews 12:13

Recently I heard Andy Stanleys Leadership Podcast on the principle of the path. The principle of the path says this: "Your direction determines your destination" and to take it even deeper "intention will not determine your destination." These are pretty easy concepts to understand especially when we are driving or on a hike. If I want to drive to the beach which is west of us but I start driving EAST it does not matter how much I intended to get to the beach I will not end up there. My destination was determined by path I chose and the direction I took. This is where this scripture spoke to me because in life the principle of the path is something that we easily ignore and we find ourselves lost, find ourselves without direction and then ask ourselves later "How did I end up here?" The bible says to "Mark out a straight path for your feet..." and in Hebrews 12:2 we find exactly what path to take and it says, "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."

The encouragement of the bible today is "Make sure Jesus is in front of the path that your on." When Christ is leading the path, the destination of my life will be exactly where it's supposed to be and it will be the most fulfilling and rewarding when this takes place. I've always said it takes 3 people to make a marriage work, it takes a Husband, a Wife and Jesus, I've marked out a straight path for my marriage. I believe the key to me being the best father, leader, friend and person is when my life is guided by the standards that God shows us in His word. Maybe you need to mark out a straight path for your marriage today, as a parent, for your finances or in your spiritual life, mark it out, make sure Jesus is in front and follow Him.

If there is any area, any area at all that I am not on the right path on I give you permission to realign my life, my heart and my direction today. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Seeing From A Distance

2009-07-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

"...but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it..." Hebrews 11:13

Faith gives us the ability to see from a distance what may be extremely far away. Sometimes victory in our lives seems so far away. Sometimes a dream is only but a beat in your heart but faith brings the assurance that one day it will eventually be in your hand.

Ever watch something from a distance, to catch a bigger view you look through binoculars. Faith is just like a pair of binoculars it allows you to see from a distance no matter how far or how absent your promise may seem. The moment you look through a pair of binoculars, what may be far away jumps in front of you instantly. There have been times in my life when what I dream about, hoped for and believed in, seemed so far away but the minute I look through God's binoculars I find the assurance and strength to keep moving on. Those "binocular moments" though at times are small, are incredibly powerful, powerful enough to get me through a tough day, powerful enough to keep me from the tipping point and powerful enough to keep me going stronger then before that moment took place.
Can you see from a distance today, take time to peer through God's binoculars and see what God has planned for you...

Without wavering...

2009-07-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise Hebrews 10:23

The potential to lose at anything in life is when you waver. In sports, nobody has ever played a perfect season, not every pitch is a strike, not every ball is caught, and in life it's the same way. Hebrews 10:23 say's "Let us hold tight without wavering" "Without wavering does not mean perfect progression, it means progression without losing sight of your goal no matter what"
Wavering is not when you are tired, frustrated or even pushed to the limit of breakdown, wavering is when facing those challenges and becoming undecided about your goal. It's when your mind becomes unresolved about who God say's you are. Wavering is when all of the sudden you begin to think, "who was I kidding", "what was I thinking", "this is not me". Without doubt, your life will face challenges on the way to believing and seeing what God has actually planned for your life. Too many people give up when their victory is right around the corner, they give up on their children, give up on their marriage, give up on God, give up on life.

Don't allow what's happens to you in life to effect your God given goal for life. I prayed for a young man this weekend at church and God put something in my heart for him that was powerful. I mentioned to this young man "Life has tried to make you feel like a bronze all your life, but God is telling you to go for the gold." Don't allow God's word, His promise, His design for your life to become skewed, hold on with every bit of strength you have and when your out of strength know that God's strength takes over. Frustration will challenge your grip, but wavering begins the process of loosening it. Hold on tightly without wavering...

Sunday Recap July 12th

2009-07-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

-Went to sleep thinking about church, woke up thinking up about church. Every Sunday I get to influence, challenge, and encourage lives to live for Jesus. It's some of the most precious 75 minutes of my week and I absolutely do not take it lightly NOT ONE BIT.

-Felt like tweeting the following post last night, but really felt it should wait. Found out a few other Pastors that I follow on Twitter had the same encouraging heart this morning.
Here's what they posted, mine is towards the end:

Pastors...if HE really is THE MOST HIGH GOD...then PREACH today like THAT IS TRUE!!! BRING IT...hell is too hot for us to be cowards! - Perry Noble Newspring Church, South Carolina

Pastors-today you'll come to a point in your msg where you'll think: "I can't say that." Say it.
Steve Furtick, Elevation church, North Carolina

Hey Pastors & Worship Leaders: Let's serve God with our whole heart today! Our God is ALIVE and cares about us! How awesome?! Shaunk King, Courageous Church, Atlanta

Is there any greater cause than the cause of Christ? Luv incredibly, inspire hearts & touch lives. Preach 4 a generation u might never see.

- I visited our lead campus in San Jose early before our service, had to see the rest of the family. Feeling like God is about to do something incredibly special and unique...and I'm not just saying that. It's time for the greatness to show up in peoples lives, take a risk for God.

-Our worship band is going through a HUGE transition right now. Our team of musicians and singers are up for the challenge and they brought it HARD today. So proud of them. Incredible time praying with people smack in the middle of worship. Great call Jesse, great call.

-Something that has happened often at our church is meeting new faces from far, far, away. Met a new guy this weekend all the way from Germany. Toby loved service, loves journaling and we loved him right back. Hey Toby I feel like your family already man.

-My Boy Santos preached, he lived with me for several years while in Masters Commission, you know what that means it's roast Pastor Ant time. Man Santz called me an instigator, big smack talker and super competitive. I get to preach next week bro remember that. Ah ah aha.

- We've been discovering God's blueprint the past weeks, this week Santz talked about living it. Straight from 1 Kings 19, Elijah hid in the cave, although victorious in the previous chapter, in 19 he was fearful and discouraged. Sometimes that's us in life. We stop living God's purpose, we hide in the cave and God calls out "What are you doing?" Some people are afraid to live amazing but God has called us to live amazing. -Santos Samayoa. LIVE YOUR PURPOSE. Powerful message. I love to hear Santos speak, because I remember him when he was just a ruddy kid like David in the bible, now he's a Giant Killer. Love you Santz, your the man dude, you and your soon to be wife had such a HUGE influence on today's service, amazing.

-Getting ready to start a new series in a few weeks. "At the Movies" courtesy of Pastor Angel Menchaca from CWC Dinuba Thanks bro, you inspired me. Also we are taking a new initiative towards building a journaling culture and life on life growth. Can't wait to unveil this new experiment.

Sometimes it's easier...

2009-07-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

Been having this thought and have experienced a bit this week so I had to blog on it. "It comes natural to live by feeling then to live by faith" It's easier to live by what you know then to pursue what you don't know. It's easier to believe where your at then to trust in where your going. Truth is, you block the greatest you when you allow feeling to run your life rather than faith. Your greatest purpose, your greatest potential, your greatest dream, the greatest you will remain unknown without faith. My prayer is that faith becomes natural more then our feelings, deepest fears or biggest roadblocks. God has not called you to live by feeling, He's called you to step out and live by faith. I have a friend who recently wrote a poem. Matter of fact I did not even know that she wrote but glad that she did because it's perfect for this post.

The Lion
by Amanda Mikkelsen
My mind is racing
Cant seem to help my mate
Brings back such feelings
I cant shake
I know uncertainty; I know the way
It makes you feel as though
The road is clear yet youre no where
Near the path
Lock eyes with the lion
Its your turn to fight
Get up on your game and stride
The strides you know you must take
Your eyes are weary but keep that lock
On him
Things will open up
Things will fall in place
Things will work
Dreams will work
Work until its done
Work

"Faith makes the impossible work"

Sunday Recap

2009-07-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

-Had a fantastic 4th so I was expecting a great Sunday on the 5th

-Launched a new off site LifeGroup at Starbucks. This thing has some amazing potential, were expecting BIG things out of this latest experiment.

- On a weekend we celebrated the freedom of our great country a mother and child attended a church service for the very first time in America at our church. We made a big deal, because it is a big deal so we recognized and honored this tremendous journey of a family being reunited. Prayer works Sumant! Congratulations on your family arriving and welcome Geethu and Advay!

-T.L. the ministah unleashed his latest song to open the message. By the way a new CD is due to be out soon available on iTunes. More info on that to come within the next three weeks. We can't wait!

-We continued our series on "The Blueprint", but with a twist. Complete video driven sermon, other then the first and last 4 minutes. Great success, many people were touched, a lot of positive feedback. Great experiment... definitely won't be our last.

-Had a chance to talk to several folks during the day and heard some beautiful stories. Take some time, listen to the stories of peoples lives, they are amazing. Thanks Kanchan for sharing your heart and your amazing story, more people need to hear it.

-Ended the day with a great lunch with the team and some shaved ice. Started brainstorming our next series. We have some great ideas, can't wait to see things unfold.

Should have some more pics later during the week!

My warning lights

2009-06-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

WARNING, WARNING, WARNING Just like a warning light to any gauge in a car, my life's warning lights are going off and it's time to pull over and refuel. There are some simple but extremely practical signs that remind me that it's time to pull over and recalibrate:

1) I can always tell the order of my life by the order of my computer desktop. If my desktop is crazy, icons everywhere, some even overlapping others that's usually how my life is going. Oh I'm productive and I'm busy but too many things overlapping, and the important things easily get missed.

2) Blogging, When I'm blogging it means I'm thinking, when I'm thinking it means I'm finding rest. It's been difficult to find rest lately. I'm talking about that rest in my heart and my mind when I can easily discern the voice of God speaking to my life. If I can give you a better picture it would be like this: at this level of rest it literally feels like God is speaking constantly to you. I'm talking life defining stuff, things that you would not normally think of, things that you could not think of on your own.

3) Physically my body will start to tell me it's time to rest: I know it's not in the bible but sometimes I think God uses a cold to slow me down because sometimes that's the only way I will.

Last year at this time I was burnt and I would continue to ignore the warning lights. I'm not ignoring them, now. Matter of fact I do things a lot differently now. We all have our kryptonite, can't deny it or ignore it. Don't ignore the warning lights when they are blinking in your life. What are your warning lights? Care to share, please comment below, would love to get some feedback on this topic.

Blueprint Moment

2009-06-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

Met with my son earlier today, it was his last day at school and he is getting ready to start a new school next month. My wife was also there so I walked both my son and her to the car. As I walked away, I looked back to say bye one more time, sitting in the back seat was my son, his eyes said everything he was feeling. "Daddy, why can't things be the same, why can't I stay here, why can't we just be normal?" Up until two weeks ago my family has lived in the same city for the last seven years. I've had the same job for the last 10 and little Isaiah has gone to the same school for the last two. As of today we have sold much of our possessions, living in one room, my son will be heading to a new school in a new city in a matter of weeks and that's just a small piece of what's really about to happen. Our normal life has changed, it's changed so dramatically that it almost seems easier to go back to being normal.

But, is normal what I really want? Is it where I'm supposed to be?

I think today I experienced one of those blueprint moments with God. I felt as if the creator of my life unfolded the schematics before my very eyes and heart. In fact a scripture that I read today say's this "and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." "Your life was never intended to be normal it was intended to be purposed." Within normality I create my own blueprint only to discover it leads to a dead end. Man is intended to live life everyday with a sense of destiny and to discover how our lives are truly supposed to count for the creator that created us.

I'm not going to lie, I'm uncomfortable, my faith is daily being stretched, but I can't live in the norm because I'll die inside. Today I put my complete trust for my life, my marriage, my family, my team in the hands of an all powerful, all knowing and ever present God. My life was not intended for normality it was intended for a purpose

June 14th 2009 @ "THE M"

2009-06-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday Recap 06-14-09

2009-06-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

-Seems like the night before service I was tossing and turning and praying for much of the night. Honestly at around 4am I had a lot of concern going into Sunday. A lot of change in my life taking place right now and still adjusting. But I maintained my position in prayer and wasn't going to allow anything to stop a great day.

-Got to service and I was pumped. Finalizing our message series "Moving Forward", trying some new technical elements, new band on stage, oh yeah and a bbq afterward, can it get any better? You better believe it...

- LifeGroups begin: New folks showing up to journaling class almost an hour before service starts. enerGY, enRGY, ENERY

- And the countdown begins t-30 till service starts, the lights are set, the sound is getting prepped and my heart can't wait to preach. Troy Lepisi has his RUN DMC glasses on. Amanda Mikkelsen and Big Roob are getting ready to lead the team into worship.

- The team prays in the back, we focus on one word. A word that is actually a title from Jake Hamiltons latest CD. The word is "Marked". Our prayer is that people would leave marked by God today and on their way to the mark of their God given destiny.

-Ready, set, go it's 11:17am time for service: Newest addition to CWC Milpitas and the CWC Hawaii team Rev. Julie Grimes opens service for her very first time and definitely not her last. Great job, great intensity.

-Missed a portion of worship. I walked across the way to pick up some Indian food with my buddy Sumant for our BBQ after. That's right Indian Food. Every week I get to preach, Latinos, Whites, Islanders, Asians and Indians. "All races, All Generations, Serving one God"

- My mouth drops for a minute as I walk back into service. Much bigger crowd then last week. Santz opens the sermon, recaps how far we have come the previous weeks. We open with a question via a Txt message poll. As the figures start tallying right before our eyes, people start gasping. (pretty cool). Todays message "Chase the Lion" from 2 Samuel 23:20. When your pursuing a God given destiny you will have to come up against a lion that roars fear, uncertainty, failure, past...Lock eyes with your lion, chase it and take it out.

- Great service, great response, most of all people came to know Jesus as their saviour.

-BBQ time. Actually could smell the smoke during final prayer. I'll admit it, my mind wandered for a split second. Wow Jesse and Troy and Nelson got everything ready to go. I look out and see an awesome community being built. Can't help but smile because of the culture God is building at CWC Milpitas is incredible.

-Almost forgot to mention "I PREACHED IN CONVERSE ON A SUNDAY" Man it was comfortable, wish I could do that every week.

HUGE Momentum at CWC Milpitas right now. I have a convincing feeling, we haven't seen anything yet. BACK to BACK BIG Days coming up. New Message Series "The Blueprint" launches next week. We're also Getting ready to make some big announcements soon toward the building of our community.

Sunday Recap June 7th 2009

2009-06-09T11:54:00.001-07:00

-Out the gate we're ready to go. One thing that I love about our church is the atmosphere is charged before things even start. The 10 minutes before service are quickly becoming some of the most important and fun minutes of the day for me. Don't get me wrong, it has not always been that way, but we have made it a point to start strong, start passionately and start with fun. You never know what your going to get, rap sessions, blast sessions, movie scenes, or just an incredible one liner from God.

- PBen and the team from San Jose jammed this weekend as Mantana is in London and our team took a breather (kind a sort of). PBen you guys brought it, thank you so much, appreciate you guys.

-We continued our series on Moving Forward and I talked about How to move forward when you hit "the wall". The wall is when you want to give in, throw in the towel and call it quits. Seems like many people have hit the wall these days even church leadership. God has called you to scale the walls, and break through them. If there is one thing I'm tired about in my life and in the lives of people are detours that could of been avoided. Stop wasting time, you have a purpose to fullfill on the other side of that wall.

-Hearing a lot of stories, beautiful stories of what God is doing in folks lives. Slow down , pay attention to the stories behind the faces. I bet you your life will be blessed.

-Journaling 101 LifeGroup and journaling in general is about take some huge leaps. BIG announcements coming soon. Great Job Jesse Contreras for leading Journaling 101 and doing life together through Journaling.

-Congratulations to my little sister, Masters Commission Graduates and CWCBI graduates. So proud of you all. Troy your a big sissy, but so am I, it's all good uce, shhh I won't tell anyone.

NEXT WEEK: Moving Forward continues, Chillin and Grilling after service and who knows what other surprises. BTW a twist to our worship team is taking place this week. Amanda and Big Roob YOU GOT THIS!

Proverbs 31:12

2009-06-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Our journey...has not been perfect but I would not trade the journey I'm on for another one or to experience it with anyone else but my wife.

Today I was reading out of Proverbs 31:12 which reminded me of my wife it says "She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." I'll be honest I've slept on the couch but never because my wife has made me. I've blown it big time but have never have been called a bum or a loser. There are promises that I've broken, things I've forgotten, times when I wasn't listening, words I've said that I wish I could of taken back, but my wife in over 10 years of marriage has never made me feel worthless, never tried to push me down, and has never threatened to leave me. Proverbs 31:12 is my wife, she seeks to bring good to me, good for me and good through me, and she has done it ever since I've known her.

Oh it get's gooder, she sacrifices like crazy for our children. She runs with me in ministry, dreams with me in life, and I know that every step of the way if there is anyone in my corner it's her. And still yet even gooder then that, she recently left the comfort of our home, is walking away from security, peace of mind, selling it all, leaving it all, risking it all on the field of life to follow her crazy husband and chase a dream of building a church to reach the islands.

My God is her God, and my people are her people. My dream has become her dream, and my vision has become her vision. I'm not forcing her, not demanding this of her, she is not a slave, our hearts share the same heartbeat, it's bigger than us, how can it work like this? Has to be God. To my wife, you have built a warrior, a champion, a person who feels like he can touch the entire world, you've made me feel like the man every single step of the way. "You've brought me good" ever since we've first met" I love you babe.

Sunday Recap

2009-06-01T20:50:00.001-07:00

And the momentum continues...

-It was another great Sunday @ "the M"

-The ladies took the mic this weekend, way to go Carolyn, you were awesome! Can't wait to watch Amanda and Big Rue spearhead the music the next few weeks.

-More new faces, and different races.

-New member recognized Rose Bracamonte, she heard about CWC Milpitas from a crossing guard, visited us 1 day and has been here ever since!

-Awesome message PD. I'm loving the recharge series...perfect timing and a life transforming word.

-Great to see a former co-worker of mine and family at church, God is doing a beautiful thing in their lives. Equally awesome to see second time visitors coming back and some thirds.

-New addition to CWC HI team introduced. Welcome Rev. Julie Grimes. It's great having you aboard.

-Awesome culture being developed at our church. It says a lot about the culture of your church if people hang out afterwards. If folks are up and gone then something is missing. Since everyone likes to chill we figured we add a grill to that...Sunday June 14th "Chilling and Grillin" CWC Style. (hmmm maybe a lil competition?)

Can't wait till next week, we'll continue our series "Moving Forward" Have a great week everyone!

S-A-C-R-I-F-I-C-E

2009-05-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

If you know guitars, you'll know who Les Paul is. For those who don't know, Les Paul is an accomplished American jazz guitarist and one of the pioneers of the solid body electric guitar. What do Paul Mcartney, The Rolling Stones and Bob Marley have in common? You got it, at one point they all played a Les Paul guitar. Bob Marley's Les Paul custom is actually buried with him in his mausoleum. Here's another interesting fact about Les Paul. In 1948 during a road trip Les Paul was in a major car accident. Paul suffered severely broken bones, his right elbow was essentially destroyed, and doctors were seriously considering amputating the arm. Les Paul refused to let the operation be performed; when his elbow had to be fused into an immobile solid mass, Paul directed his surgeons to place it at a roughly 90 degree angle, to facilitate his guitar playing. Sure, Les Paul could of picked up another instrument or another hobby with the use of only one arm but it wouldn't of been him. Sacrificing the mobility of his arm was small price to pay in comparison to sacrificing who Les Paul was destined to become.

What are you willing to sacrifice to become all that you are supposed to be; To do what you were destined to do?

Sunday Recap

2009-05-25T10:39:00.001-07:00

What a Sunday

-Lite team, lite schedule, probably would be a lite crowd, but our hearts were full.

-The best way for our team to start Sunday's is having fun. So we had an impromptu rap session in the back. Too funny, wished we had it on video. Maybe I'll shoot video from now on, what takes place in the background of every service is a riot.

-Didn't take long to see what I had expected was wrong. Great crowd, great energy, and an awesome day began to unfold.

-Troy thanks for playing Michael Buffer... Flashing lights in the back Marsha was the icing on top!

- I love seeing new faces in the crowd, it fuels me. I think I met more new people this past Sunday then any previous Sunday.

-Felt great speaking! Funny as I was preparing this week I started getting ready for the next message at the same time, usually doesn't happen that way.

-My tech guy Julian rocked...never misses a beat. Oh yeah he's 13.

-I love those Sunday's when everyone just likes to hang out after service, we had another one yesterday...hmmm maybe an after service BBQ is due...

-Great teams have great gap players, people who fill the gaps and get the job done, people who play hurt and get the job done. I love our team. It was an All-Star performance yesterday.

-CANT WAIT TILL NEXT SUNDAY!

Gut Check (Moving Forward)

2009-05-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

"Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping..." Romans 4:18

Was reading this chapter on faith today and really just saw this scripture as one of those gut check scriptures. A gut check in life asks these questiona "Do you have what it takes?" "Is this true of you"

Fill in the blank with your name below.

"Even when there was no reason for hope, _____________ kept hoping..."

Is this true of you? "Is this what you are really made of"

We will all face hopeless situations in life, situations that have no immediate answer, direction will be faint, and the problem will feel like a mountain. Do you have the kind of faith in God to keep hoping when everything else is telling you not too?

It has your name on it...

2009-05-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses. 1 Kings 8:56

I'm holding onto promises today, promises so big they can only come true through the hand of God. You've heard the saying "Promises are meant to be broken", this is not true of God. In an effort to find meaning we build our lives so much on temporary promises, promises in relationships, promises in careers, promises in temporary fulfillment when all of those promises fail we are still looking for meaning. I love what my friend Jr Gonzalez of CWC LA say's "there are over 800 promises in the bible, one of them has to have your name on it."

The truth is, God is a God of promise and not one of His promises has ever failed...EVER. Listen, if you need hope today, analyze what you have built your life on, has it been the promise of people, possessions or opportunity or has it been on the unchanging, unwavering promises of God. Moses saw all the wonderful promises the Lord gave to him because He had a hunger and a pursuit for the promise and the promiser. I want this to be true of my life. So today I remind myself as I blog and I remind you as you read. Seek God, and the promise of God for your life, for your family, for your dream. Seek it out, don't let life pass you by without living the wonderful promises that God has for you. I believe that there are promises lined up for my life and yours, some promises we may know of others we do not. The question is will you show up to your promise? Will you truly live it out? Will you see it? It's waiting there, your promise, and it has your name on it.

Sunday Recap

2009-05-17T22:42:00.001-07:00

-I had an awesome Sunday. So much so that I asked myself can it truly get any better? I know it can , so I won't limit God, but that's how good the day was.

-Crowd started late at church, Bay Area heat wave is keeping people sleeping in? Maybe. Anyway people started trickling in and it was great to see all who came out.

-New Series started this week and T-Roy did great. Full plate, camping trip, work, school, then he cooks. Wow Troy, you left all on the field brotha.

-I've been getting this new series Moving Forward in my heart all weekend. Can't wait to preach, still praying about the direction I'd like to take. I'm really feeling this series though. I'm praying for incredible growth in peoples lives, and huge leaps of faith.

-We Build People class went awesome. Small group, but very, very good. We have attracted and are continuing to attract some folks with huge potential. Can't wait to see what God does next in these folks lives.

-Had a great time with friends and family later. Oh man, so much food. Thank you so much for all those who came out, hung out and pigged out (j/k) ate. Family and friends are the most rewarding thing in life, Period.

Hold on to your seat belts CWC Milpitas, were going for a ride. It's time to MOVE FORWARD!

Standing Firm (Moving Forward)

2009-05-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

At times moving forward in your life will require you to do nothing else but simply stand. As much as we want situations to change, problems to go away, for "Calgon to take us away, sometimes you just have to stand. Ephesians 6:13-14 says "and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then" Ecclesiastes 10:4 says, If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post.

There's a post with your name on it. Think of your post as your family, home, potential, purpose, your biggest dream. You've got to stick to that post and let nothing pull you away. The post is what I wake up to and the last thing I think about every night. My post grounds me, roots me, pushes me, it's my responsibility. My post is next to me, in front of me, always in proximity. You got it? don't you dare leave your post, no matter how tough it gets. When you've tried everything else, just stand. As for me...I'm done allowing people, problems or fears trying to drive my vision, dictate my position, and tell me what I can't do. I'm gonna stand, what are you going to do?

Detour or Derailed (Moving Forward)

2009-05-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

I've experienced both in my life. Although the detour and the derailment can feel the same at times they are not. Detours still have progress. A derailment means your off the tracks. A detour has a lesson to be learned. Derailments have pain and frustration until you get back on track. One common trait the detour and the derailment share is they both will cost time. Time cannot be made up, it's not borrowed or saved, it's either invested or spent. Andy Stanley says "it's not about the amount of time you have left, it's about what you will do with the time you have left" As you have read this post, it's taken 45 precious seconds of your life that hopefully you feel were invested and not spent. If your on a detour the quickest way to getting back on target for God's will for your life is to submit to God's process daily during your detour. If your derailed, realize that God's grace is sufficient to pick you back up. Don't waste time, Move Forward!

Developing Thought: "Created to move forward"

2009-05-13T07:28:00.001-07:00

Getting ready to start a new series at church entitled "Moving Forward." We were created to move forward in life with incredible purpose. Anyone who has ever made their life count moved forward...but what if they didn't? What if Martin Luther King never moved forward in what he believed? What if Abraham Lincoln was stopped in his tracks after his first of many defeats? What if Michael Jordan gave up the day he was cut from his High School Basketball team. Think about the greatest causes, inventions, dreams, events, championships never taking place.

You might never invent anything, play for an NBA championship or even run for president but God has created you with ability to move forward despite fear, lack, or problem. Check this out...1 Samuel 17:34-35 say's But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, ³⁵ I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. What are you chasing today in life? Are you chasing a dream, chasing unused potential, chasing purpose? It might sound crazy to some, like chasing a lion but someone has to champion the idea of moving forward otherwise the greatest you will never be realized. Think about a Ferrari, cherry red, an engine that roars, but it's sitting on idle, potential is the exact same way. Move Forward

Even GIANT Killers Get Weary

2009-05-12T23:34:00.000-07:00

Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel. And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted. ¹⁶ Ishbi-benob was a descendant of the giants; his bronze spearhead weighed more than seven pounds, and he was armed with a new sword. He had cornered David and was about to kill him. ¹⁷ But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue and killed the Philistine. Then David’s men declared, “You are not going out to battle with us again! 2 Samuel 15-17

David the Giant killer is in yet another war with his old enemy the Philistines and this time against a new Giant with a new weapon and this giant was after David. BTW You will always have another giant coming your way...but that's another journal. This very battle could of become the end of one of one of the greatest kings of the old testament, David. The bible says at the most intense time of the battle King David became weak and exhausted. Not knowing that a giant was coming his way to kill him, David had a man next to him who killed the giant. The next verse let's you know how close David came to being killed this day, the bible says David's men declared your not going to battle again. The kings men were adamant about protecting their king and the kingdom that they gave the king an order.

Life is surrounded with giants. What does this mean for me right now? In this story the Giant Killer was surrounded by Giant killers. 1) David would of lost his life this day if he was surrounded by anyone else but a giant killer. If you surround yourself with people who just sap your strength, people who just complain, people who always have the answer for everyone else but not for themselves, those are giant killers, those are wimps. How many people do you have in your life with wisdom, integrity and true character. Another reason it's important to have giant killers around you in life is because life is daily and eventually the daily gets exhausting. 2) David had someone close enough, that he trusted enough to allow to speak into his life and give him an order even though he was the king. Even though David was the king he knew his limitations. Nobody likes being vulnerable and exposing their limitations, we all want to act like we have it together. Truth is we can't even be real with God let alone allowing others to see what's really going on. "Vulnerability is a sign of spiritual maturity" Even giant killers get weary. You can't climb life's mountains alone, you need strong relationships that will encourage you, build you up, tell you the truth, urge you forward and pour life into you. Most of all you need God. "My dream is so big that I need God and others around me to help me realize it almost daily."

Sunday Recap

2009-05-12T09:25:00.001-07:00

-Mothers Day at CWC Milpitas went great. I love honoring mothers because I'm a mommas boy. -Had a chance to honor two mothers that are incredible. Great job Antoinette and Rosemary. Click here for highlights.

-Loved hearing one of the team members saying "man I'm excited, like we are having a conference today or something"

- Troy Lepisi and Vince Pomele tore up A Song for Momma.

-Completed our series on Defining Moments. I spoke a message titled "Imagine"
-Often the Defining Moments are the toughest times in our marriages, finances, careers, homes, and lives.
-On the other side of your Defining Moment there lies the potential for a greater you. Imagine what that looks like?

-Can't wait, next week we begin a new series entitled Moving Forward.
"Moving forward, breaking past the treadmill of life"

What's the alternative?

2009-05-06T14:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday marks the day exactly that a year ago my pastor and I spied out the land for our future church plant in Hawaii. Till this day my stomach churns when I think about what's ahead, but it pales in comparison when I think of the alternative of living without a God sized dream?

So let me ask you, Is there a better alternative to living life with vision and with purpose? Is there a worthwhile alternative to knowing who you are, what you are created to, and actually doing it? Is there a meaningful alternative to making your life count for something and truly living, not just existing? What's the alternative? If you say "there is no other alternative"...then what's stopping you?

Sunday Recep

2009-05-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

May has officially started with a BANG!

-Woke up praying for the service today and praying for each member of the team. Felt great coming into today.

-Received a text from my Pastor it read "Ant...Make today YOUR defining moment" Pumped me up.

-Enjoy God, Enjoy people just kept feeling that in my heart, shared with the team.

-Snowball effect of momentum kept building throughout the morning.

- Man that dude Santz, he's a good preacher. I missed part of the message because I was video taping the kids Mothers Day messages.

- Great conclusion "Moving Forward" song by Israel "Hey Troy Lepisi! I'm waiting for that album bud.

-Had a chance to pray with an entire family today. I was blessed having the opportunity.

-Can't wait till next week. HUGE MOMENTUM running into Mothers Day. I have some plans up my sleeve to really honor the moms. I might cry... Lol

Much Love family, team, friends, church...Everyone! I'm out

Sunday Recep

2009-04-28T11:12:00.001-07:00

It's better late the never so here it goes a run down of the fantastic events from Sunday.

-And we tried again streaming our service over the Internet. IT WORKED! We had a buddy of mine @ the Univ. of Kentucky who tuned in live. Gonna get better before we start advertising. But were almost there.

-Same Place, Different Heart. Coming to the same church with the same heart week after week will not cut it. Your heart must be moved to see something and experience something greater in God. Push the envelope, try something different, push to see God results.

- What if we developed a culture of greeters?
One of the things we struggle with is we have a small team wearing many hats. Imagine going to a restaurant and you were not greeted. That can't happen in church but were spread so thin. Our goal have everyone connected with someone at some point during the service. Now we don't have 1 person doing 15 things, we have 15 people focusing on 1 thing and doing it well, now we have developed culture.

-A good friend of mine came to church today
Danny, Gia and Cara it was great seeing you guys. Hope to see you again soon so we can sit down and catchup.

-Plenty of new faces
I think we have a certain level of energy we bring despite the crowd, but I love seeing new faces in church, it's one of those things that energizes me and then some in fact I watched it energize the entire team.

-RECHARGE
Pastor Dan brought it. Learned something about recharging that I plan to blog on later on today. So many people were blessed and I heard reports instantly. Thanks P.

-Great Lunch
We all went out to eat at Jesse and Marsha's. All I can say is DUUUUUUUDE! Thanks guys love ya, we had a great time.

I'm looking forward to next week. My boy Santz is gonna tear it up.

Same Place, Different Heart

2009-04-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is for all you in leadership heading into another weekend of influencing, challenging and touching lives for Jesus. Prayerfully consider doing something different this weekend. Consider where God wants you to push the envelope. I guarantee God does not want to work the same way in you or through you that He did last week.

Don't do something different just to do something different, do something different with the intention of seeing different results. Strive for different results in your life first, it should always be about what God is doing in you before He does anything through you, then it naturally exports to those who are around you. Influence sells best when it's not sold just lived.

Show up with a different heart this weekend, a heart touched and influenced by a raw encounter with God. Encounters between God and man have always led to incredible moves of God, things that the wildest imagination could not dream up. Go to the same place with a different heart and expect different results.

The Only Time You Should Look Back Pt. 2 (Milestone Lessons)

2009-04-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

7) Your only as good as your team
I can't do anything successfully without those around me. Take time to praise and bless your team. Challenge their vision, but don't become their biggest challenge, just because it's not done your way doesn't mean that it's wrong. You will kill people's dreams, break hearts and damage relationships if you don't allow people to try. By the way your number one team is your family, don't try to get it right anywhere else until it's right at home first.

8) Strive for excellence not perfection
Perfection will eliminate people, you will never be satisified and your standard will never be reached. Excellence puts nothing else but heart on the line and considers hearts in the process most of all the heart of God.

9) Find out what really mends the nets...
Everyday I'm fishing fishing to share Christ, fishing to challenge someone to another level, fishing to encourage someone to dream. All that fishing takes a lot out of the nets. Find out what mends the net in your life. Find out what brings rest to your soul, relationships that bring water your spirit, places that help you relax from the inside out.

10) Keep the important things important
I love what John Maxwell say's, "If I take care of the important things, then everything else will take care of itself" I have non negotiables in my life, things that I cannot live without. The minute prayer, journaling, family time are out of whack in my life the more my life get's whack.

11) Steward your time wisely
This is a constant battle in my life, stewarding my time. Making the most of my time. As a husband & parent "being all there" in my time in my home is a constant struggle. Andy Stanley say's "It's not about how much time you have left but what you will do with the time you have left." You will never have enough time to do things that you are not supposed to be doing, but will always have enough time to do the things that you are." God will provide resources, opportunities, relationships, ideas, creativity to do what He has called you to do. Live your life well... steward your time that you have on earth.

12) Dont lose the fun aspect
Laugh, laugh alot, tickle your kids, play jokes on your loved ones, have inside humor with your team. Don't be so driven in life that you don't know how to enjoy the journey. I love making people laugh.

The Only Time You should look back Pt. 2 (Milestone Lessons)

2009-04-20T14:08:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post. The last 8 years at Christian Worship Center have been some of the most incredible years of my life. My Pastor, the leadership of CWC and great relationships have taught me a whole lot. Some of my milestone lessons are the following:

1) At times learning is a backward process. Sometimes part of your learning process is actually a lot of unlearning. I've had to unlearn my way, my thinking, my experiences, my conclusions to trust the pure wisdom that can only come from God.

2) God's way is not always the easiest way but it is the best way. God will take you through some challenges to promote growth in your life. There are tough times in your life that God will take you through, that will require a faith that you have not yet walked.

3) There are no problems only opportunities. Leaders make things happen, they are agents of change. I've been challenged not to look at problems as problems but as opportunities for God to shine through my life, lead through my life, and love through my life. You can't find a solution when your focused on the problem.

4) R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y
There is no pretty quote that I can put for this one. It's plain and straight to the point. I am responsible for me, my walk with Christ, my family, my marriage, my home, my children, my purpose, ministry, leadership, job, etc. I am responsible for being the best me in each of those areas. Excuse making will cripple your success in the key areas of life, the areas that nobody else is responsible for but you.

5) Love your wife like Christ loves the church.
Christs love towards the church, is merciful, hopeful, giving, kind, gentle, considerate and the list can go on. Ephesians 5:25 is the standard for all husbands.

6) Your greatest asset can be your greatest liability.
I don't know how to live life any other way but passionately. My passion can kill me though. Sometimes I can get too emotional, quit just as easy as it was to start something, forget about the cost of things, say stupid things, and ignore planning.

Six more lessons coming up...

The Only Time You Should Look Back Pt. 1

2009-04-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

The only time you should look back at anything in life is to see how far you've come. This weekend marks the 9 year anniversary of my church Christian Worship Center of San Jose. My journey actually began 8 years ago, I was frustrated, felt dreamless and had lost my purpose. My wife and I were expecting our first child and little did we realize how wounded our marriage was. If you would of asked me 8 years ago what I would be doing today it may have angered me because that's how much frustration I was living with. As a result of a gracious God and a praying wife my journey has been marked by incredible moments, incredible people and one incredible church.

Moments I remember...

The first heart to heart with my Pastor
(The famous question that haunts me till this day "If you could do anything for God that felt like a little kid in a candy store what would it be?" I didn't believe my answer at the time but I dared to believe that it would come true. )

The first time I taught marriage class (Wait a minute I'm young, my marriage was far from perfect, what do I have to offer someone else) I did it and it ignited an old flame for speaking again.

The first time I helped with youth (We had just left running a youth group, I missed my kids. These new kids could not replace our old relationships but it brought energy to my spirit
Thanks to my brother Matt for asking me to help out.)

The first time I preached at CWC (Boy was I rusty. I was like the tin man. I had a great setback the week before tried to get out of speaking but my Pastor got in my face and told me I had to do this and I was going to do great and that God was going to use me)

Our first Masters Student
Another life changing question this time from my wife. "Whats stopping us from giving?" This one moment has sparked an incredible relationship with a young man that I believe will one day change history and mark the world with an intense passion for God.

My first Heart to Heart with our MC Student
I found purpose again, I felt passion. It was time, time for the dreamer to start dreaming again. Our relationship was God designed. Thanks Pastor Nick for trusting me, my home and keeping Santz at our house althought it was supposed to be temporary.

The first time we announced we were planting a church in Hawaii
To hear the support of the church, the cheering, the excitement to have incredible people standing next to me willing to put their hearts to the greatest risk possibly ever in their life is priceless. Till this day I'm humbled by this memory.

There have been plenty of other moments, and plenty of other people along the journey but these were the moments that marked me. These were the moments that I can look at and after I can say was never the same again. Thank you Lord, thank you for an incredible church with incredible people, thank you for my Pastor, and most of all thank you for my wife because today we are living the dream together.

The lessons I've learned coming next...

Hill or Mountain

2009-04-14T22:12:00.001-07:00

Just got off one of the most inspiring team conference calls yet. Have you ever had the feeling that there's gotta be something more then what I am seeing? This has been my feeling personally in life, ministry and church, and the team I work with has been feeling it as well. If I can give a visual it would be like this. "God wants us to climb a new mountain but were stuck climbing the same hill"
A hill is safe, doesn't require much risk, much sacrifice, and there's pretty much nothing unknown. Living in Colorado for a period of my life I saw one of the greatest sights in the world, The Rocky Mountains. The Rockies become mysterious as the tops are hidden by cloud cover and extreme weather. Nobody would think of climbing those mountains.

In life, in ministry, chasing a dream it's like looking at a mountain, it's unknown, feels impossible, and sometimes you feel like you don't have what it takes but I believe this is where God wants us. Climbing a mountain takes risk, it takes sacrifice and it takes a team to get to the top. Most of all it takes a consistently growing faith with each new step to the top. To this day I've never heard of anyone being recognized for climbing a hill yet the mountain climbers make history.

If in life, ministry, chasing after purpose, new direction, or seeking new vision, it feeling like it's getting repetitive, like something needs to change, like something is missing, maybe it's time to look for a mountain and stop climbing the same hill. Practically speaking: Get God inspired about what He wants to do in your unique and incredible life. Develop relationships with like mountain climbers of life. God put's people in our lives for a reason. Go to the top together, there's no such thing as king of the hill when your mountain climbing. What do you want a hill or the mountain?

Stick to the Mission

2009-04-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

"But I did obey the LORD," Saul said. "I went on the mission the LORD assigned me..." 1 Samuel 15:20

God had given Saul a mission to completely eradicate the Amalekites who were an enemy of Israel. The bible says that Saul allowed the king and the best of the plunder to remain and because of Saul's disobedience he lost the kingdom and the spirit of God left him. Even when confronted on the issue Saul is still in denial and say's "I did obey the Lord, I went on the mission the Lord assigned me" When I read this I thought about the mission, the plan, the direction that God has me in life. You can still walk in the direction that God wants you to walk in and still do the wrong thing. Because of Sauls incomplete obedience he saw an incomplete blessing of God up on his life, so close yet so far away. When did Saul stop sticking to the mission?

1) v.24 say's " I was afraid of the people so I gave into them." Anytime you notice the favor of people outweighing the favor of God in your life, your in a dangerous area.

2) v.26 say's Saul had "rejected the word of the Lord" Instruction from the Lord can never be leveraged to satisfy those around you. You are responsible for carrying out the plan, the mission, the God given mandate on your life, any voice louder then God's will destroy your greatest dream and the best you.

3) v.29 reveals that Saul had a wavering mind. Your heart can be easily swayed by the thoughts you allow to dwell in your mind. David's heart was a heart after God because His mind continually dwelled on God, for God and in God. Take a look at Psalm 27:4-6

4 One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. 5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.
6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

Davids words remind me to continually keep my eyes, my heart, my life on God. A map is never looked at just once while on a long trip. Our minds and hearts must continually check the instructions and check your obedienceometer to make sure to Stick to the Mission.

At Least We Tried

2009-04-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we attempted broadcasting our service live across the internet. We had a handful of hopefuls standing by that logged in (Even had some in Hawaii). Everything worked great the day before, but the next day there were camera connectivity issues, then some latency issues. Pre-Service I was pumped, there was nothing that was going to stop me from trying this out, so you can imagine what I felt when it didn't work. In the attempt that didn't work I learned more. In my return to the drawing board I'm learning more. And when we try again with a new game plan we will learn even more. All in all, at least we tried and all although it failed it wasn't failure at all.

What's in your ability to try today that could potentially catapult your life, your ministry, and influence for Jesus?

"Just Do It" - Nike

Has it been that long?

2009-04-12T22:14:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I last blogged. Leading up to Easter Sunday, things have been ridiculously busy; in fact so busy I've blogged less, slept less, read less, even my personal thought time has been much less. When it gets busy though a few things that I absolutely refuse to let go of are the following:

Journaling/Reading the Bible
Prayer
Family time

All of the above are my non negotiables in life. I won't replace these, negotiate them, make a deal on them or any other way you wanna slice or dice it. I refuse to let my non negotiables leave my life. What are you non negotiables?