New Youth Minister

Last Monday night the elders and I talked with Kyle and offered him our youth minister position. He was excited and eagerly accepted. I think both he and we all think this decision is right in the center of God's will, and we look forward to seeing how He will work in and through this ministry.

Kyle will spend some time at home in Alabama with his family and plans to move here in late August. Please pray for all of us in this time of transition and new beginnings.

Brad told our church family about Kyle yesterday, and the reaction was really good... especially among the kids and adults who really got to know him on the Tuba City mission trip.

The other really cool thing about yesterday was our special contribution for famine relief in Kenya. Our elders had set a goal of $10K, and we gave 12K+... an amazing tribute to God's faithfulness in our lives.

Enjoy your Monday... look or the wondrous things God is doing all around you today.

Hmmmmm....

Today is one of those days to sit back, try to look thoughtful, and just philosophically ponder the wonders of life. Now you might be thinking, "Why is today more conducive to philosophizing than another," or "I look forward to those kind of days," or even "I didn't know you were into deep thinking." I understand, so let me explain... to which you relax, smile, nod and give me a knowing wink.


Very simply, 29 years ago today my daughter was born. Wow!!! Where did the time go, and, perhaps more significantly, did I use that time well?? She is now two years older than I was when she was born... she's almost 30... she's a married college prof with a 7 year old son. I could go on, but you get the point.

I remember so well being 29... looking forward to 30 so I could move up an age group in road races. There've been a lot of sunsets since then. I've long since given up running races... but how else have I changed... grown... allowed God to shape who I am? Certainly food for thought... for prayer... for humble thanksgiving.

But, today isn't my day... it's hers. And when I think about her heart... her compassion for others... her life as a wife and mom... her love for God... the ways she uses her talents... I feel proud and content and grateful to be her dad.

Happy Birthday, sweetheart!! I love you!

Thursday

I ran over the hill to Contra Loma today, and it was much nicer than last week. I didn't go real early, but it was only about 80 degrees... warm enough to be sure, but definitely not sweltering. Did about seven miles and survived just fine. :) It's supposed to be only 95 today... and maybe only up to 89 by Saturday. We'll see.

My sod is sort of surviving the heat, but about 1/3 of the patch looks dry no matter how much I water it. Hope it lives. Again... we'll see.

The beans in the garden aren't producing much... in fact I don't think the pole beans have had a single bean. The yellow squash is doing so-so, however, the zuccini and tomatoes are doing great. Not many things better than fresh vine-ripened tomatoes.

Tonight we're driving over to the Tri-Valley church in Livermore to catch Won By One in concert. They've had a long tour... clear back to the east coast this summer... and tonight is one of their final stops. We always love hearing them live.

Still Hot

Well, I spoke too soon about not losing power at our house. While it's true that we were unscathed the two hottest days, Saturday and Sunday, we did have an outage Monday afternoon... and it was only about 106! :-)

If you recall, I really tried not to flaunt our good fortune in my previous post, so I don't think our outage was cosmic "payback" or whatever. I just think it's been really hot. Fortunately, the power stayed off for only a couple of hours... and I was at a meeting at church for most of that time. Virginia was home, but she said it wasn't too bad. And... I keep thinking about all those folks who've been without power for 24+ hours in this heat.

Tuesday climbed to about 106 again at our house, and it's supposed to barely make 100 today. By the weekend we're supposed to be back in the low 90's for highs. I could see the trend coming this morning when the traffic shot of the Golden Gate Bridge was foggy. Then, Ruth husband, Tim, called to gloat about needing a jacket today at his work in Berkeley. Whata guy, eh!! :-)

Praise Team practice tonight should be good. We're doing pretty much songs everyone knows well... some that are definitely "golden oldies"... so maybe we can really focus on worship. God bless!

Weekend Roundup

Well, it was quite a weekend here in river city... for us... for our church family... for the city as well.

The biggest story is the heat. We are in a record heat wave for the Bay Area. Saturday it was 111 at our house and 113 yesterday... not sure what the official temps were, but much of our fair city was without power on Saturday and then again on Sunday. We feel very blessed that our particular section of town has not lost power thus far. People seem to be not only surviving but even making the most of the situation. Ruth told me much of her family spent a good part of last night out in the back yard, under the hose mister, listening to the kids play the guitar. The last 3 nights Virginia and I have slept on a mattress on the floor downstairs just because it's been so hot upstairs... even with the air on. I think lots of folks just went to the movies... but at least one of the big theaters near us was without power Saturday. Let's just say it's hot!! However, it is supposed to cool down into the 90s as the week goes on. :-)

Yesterday, people were at church with smiles on their faces... even the ones without power. Quite a few stayed overnight with someone else... maybe even doing breakfast together before coming. It was a really good morning in many ways. We got lots of good feedback about Kyle Sapp, our youth minister candidate. Also, it was Children's Ministry Sunday, so our kids read and prayed and sang... Jarrod did a "children's sermon" that kept all our attention. Really good spirit for the whole morning. That positive feeling continued even into a difficult segment of the service. Jarrod announced that he has accepted a position as the preacher for the Riverside Church in the Dallas area, and he and Lauren will be leaving sometime in September.

It was a really hard thing for our church to hear, but a couple of things made it easier. The church Jarrod is going to is trying to take some purposeful steps to be a "different kind" of church... and his training and skill set will help them get there. Knowing that almost helps people feel like they are part of a bigger Kingdom purpose. I think the other thing was the way leadership and others in the congregation responded... pretty much with love and support in the midst of tears. There is also some anger and disappointment and hurt mixed in... certainly legit emotions in these circumstances... but this church is too loving to let those emotions own the day.

Finally, Virginia and I got to spend a couple of hours with Diane and Mel Sunday evening. This week they are staying at a resort near Tahoe off Hwy 88, so Sunday afternoon we drove across the valley and up in the foothills to Jackson to meet them for supper... about 1/2 way timewise for both of us. We enjoyed a couple of hours visiting at Mel's Diner (How about that!) Good food and an even better visit. As we left, they headed back up a winding Hwy 88 to 75 degree highs and a view of snow on the mountain. And we headed back to... well, let's just say that there aren't any frosty mornings in our immediate future.

Hot in the Hills

About a year ago I wrote about a long hot run in the hills that stretch from behind our neighborhood... how it was a time of renewal and prayer. Well, yesterday I decided it was time to do that again, so about 10:00 I headed out for what proved to be a rather warm 80 minutes or so on some hilly trails, heading over the hill to Contra Loma Regional Park (image) and on to the hills beyond. I ran what is called the "Old Homestead Loop" and back through the park home.

It was pretty warm, so I'm glad I carried water. Also, some of the hills are pretty steep, so I ran slow and walked when I needed to on the long uphill stretches. It was a good workout, but that's not really why I did it.

Years ago, my running was "training"... improving my level of fitness to run faster races. Now, I never was in danger of being the fastest 10K runner around, but I always wanted to improve. For the last 16 or so years, running has been more about other things... heart health... weight control... solitary time to think and pray. That last one was what my time in the hills was about yesterday... one of the few times in my life when I get away for awhile to spend time alone with God... just Him and me... and, of course, all the critters He created to keep us company. Thankfully, yesterday I didn't see any rattlesnakes. :-)

I highly recommend such alone times out in creation, whether you're running in the hills, biking or hiking, sitting in the back yard, or just looking out a window. There's just something about those times that are... well... serene is a good word. And those times are good for me as I share my thoughts and concerns with God, listen for thoughts and ideas He sends my way, and just appreciate the wonder of the created world. It's one way He renews me and I renew my relationship with Him.

However... it is more fun and just as inspiring when it's cooler... also a good thing to remember. Blessings!

Youth Minister Reflections

On the wall of the living area in every house we've lived in since the 70's has hung a clock... handmade from a rough hewn board and painted by the loving hands of a friend. We've changed out the actual battery-run clock probably 3 times over the years, but the message brushed on the surface all those years ago is the same... "God's timing is perfect..."

The events of the last couple of weeks have reminded me once again just how profound that simple statement is. While I'm not absolutely certain our church will choose to bring Kyle Sapp on as our new youth minister, I do know that he connected with our kids... and many of our adults... in ways none of our previous candidates have done. I'm sure that part of that is the week he worked along side many of them in Tuba City. But, more than that, I believe it's because God's timing on such things is better than ours... it's perfect.

When I think about Kyle's gifts and energy, I don't understand how some other congregation hasn't already hired him somewhere along the way... God's timing! When I think about the length of our process and the patience both Kyle and our church have demonstrated to get us where we are... God's timing! When I think of the way he was able to connect with teens and adults at Tuba City in ways that never would have been possible in a traditional "try-out" weekend... God's timing!

This week as Kyle talks to friends and mentors about his experience here... as he prays... as our church prays about a decision... as we all seek God's will... I trust that once again God's timing will be perfect.

Back to Boston

It's funny how when I'm home by myself when Virginia is gone that it feels different than when I'm home alone and she's at work or at the store or.... It's not necessarily "bad" or anything, just a different feeling. Well, I experienced that feeling briefly this morning as I stopped by the house on the way to the office after taking her and Kaleb to the airport in Oakland. I imagine I'll experience it this evening as well. Gives me a renewed appreciation for folks like my mom who have lived alone for years.

Kapil brought Kaleb to the house yesterday afternoon, and we all hit In-N-Out Burger for Kaleb's last "fix" before returning to Boston. I really like In-N-Out for a variety of reasons... but that's another blog. Let's just say it wasn't a bad dinner for a busy Thursday night. Kapil had washed Kaleb's clothes, so basically all we had to do was repack, find places for his new stuff and souvenirs, get him a bath, and get to bed... all of which VJ and I got done after Kapil headed back to SF.

Got to admit it was a short night... VJ up at 4:00... me at 4:25... Kaleb shortly after. And I must admit that he was a trooper... "up-an-at-'em" as my mom used to say. Not sure if traffic was so light because of our 5:30 departure or because it was Friday or both, but we were unimpeded to the airport. I got them to the security line, stopped on the return trip for breakfast, made a fruitless stop at Fry's (once again, another story), and made it back to Antioch without a hitch.

VJ called a early afternoon to say they'd made it to Philly and were waiting for the new passengers to get on. Kaleb was enjoying his new Nintendo game-thing... sorry, I'm to pedestrian to even know which one it is. They'll get in about 2:30 PDT after a long day of flying. Jen will pick them up, and Kaleb's summer 06 vacation trip will become a pleasant memory. Let's see... we get to see him next on...

In the mean time, I'll just look forward to picking VJ up at the airport Monday night. :-)

Tuba City

Well, just about all we've heard so far about the Tuba City Mission Trip is really positive. The weather has even been cooperating more than usual, with the temps in the 90's instead of 100+. The three groups represented (Eastside, East County, and small group from Missouri) seem to be blending well together. Work is getting done in the Navajo community in the name of Jesus.

Our youth minister candidate, Kyle Sapp, is on the mission trip as well and doing great with the kids. When they get back this weekend, he'll get to meet and interact with the rest of our chuch family, and we'll begin to nail down if he is indeed the guy God has brought our way. I'm really beginning to think he is.

Well, I'll close out with a few more shots from Saturday's trip to Point Reyes. Enjoy!

Catching Up

The last week has just flown by. Kaleb and Kapil headed back to SF on the 5th, going by the planetarium in Oakland on the return trip. I'm looking forward to hearing all the stuff they did. Here's one more "crazy pic" from when they were here. I heard talking on cell phones might have consequences... but...


Thursday morning Kyle Sapp, our current youth minister candidate, flew into Oakland and I picked him up. He had a great start with us, including a middle school game night Thursday and an all-nighter Friday with the group going on the Tuba City mission trip. He made the trip, and I really hope he and the whole group have a great week... doing the kinds of things among the Navajo that Jesus would do. Kyle seems to have the passion and personality to work well with our kids... I guess we'll see what God will do.

Ron and Tresa Skrehot invited us to accompany them on a day trip to Point Reyes to see the Lighthouse and do some hiking. What a great day!! First off, it was over 100 degrees in Antioch on Saturday. On Point Reyes, thanks to the fog and wind, it was jacket weather. The fog was so thick while we were at the lighthouse that we couldn't even see the water on the west side. It's 300+ stairs down to the lighthouse, but it's well worth the trip down and climb back up.

After some time at the light house, we ate our sandwiches for lunch and then went for a hike across the peninsula. There was less fog there (although it got thicker as the afternoon went by), and the water was crystal blue... just amazing!! If you get a chance to go... jump at it! I think we'll try to go back in the spring when there is less fog and the whales are migrating by the point. That should be something!!

Here are a few shots from the hike. Enjoy!!







VJ with Tresa and Ron.










Cool rock formation.













Only the seals have access to this beach.














Afternoon fog engulfing the peninsula. If we get the rest of the pics uploaded to Comcast, I'll post a link.

God bless!

The 4th

Wow... what a fun whirlwind day. This morning I got up pretty early to work on the order of worship for Sunday. Jarrod is continuing in a series on leadership as we go through the process of selecting elders and deacons. I think this Sunday will be a blessing... the prep time has already blessed me.

About 9:25 we left the house headed for a Starbucks in Vallejo to rendezvous with Jeremy, Amber and Amber's dad, Steve. The three of them, along with Amber's middle sister, Tali, and her 11 month old, Caelan, had all driven up to Santa Rosa from Fresno on Sunday to visit Brice, Neisha, and new baby, Zeke. Since Amber hadn't seen Kaleb this visit, we worked out the rendezvous. We got a coffee, picked up J&A, and headed for Antioch as Steve went back to Santa Rosa.

In the mean time, Kapil and Kaleb were heading to Antioch from SF, and we all got together at our house. We had a nice lunch and visit, and Kaleb was more than excited to see his Aunt Amber... Uncle Jeremy too, but he'd just seen him a few days prior.

Around 1:30 Steve, Tali and Caelan came by to pick up Jeremy and Amber and head to Fresno. Amber's mom, Gail, stayed on in Santa Rosa to continue her help with the baby. It was the first time VJ and I had gotten to see Caelan... what a sweet kid. And she was quite fascinated with Kaleb.

Later in the afternoon we picked and watered the garden. Then we grilled some pork chops and ate them along with fresh cooked green beans and just picked tomatoes and squash from the garden... yummy!!

About 8:00 we loaded up a small ice chest and 4 lawn chairs and headed downtown for fireworks over the river. With VJ's card we were able to park in the police lot, go through the station, and find a primo spot out in front of the APD building. Kapil, Kaleb and I strolled around, noticing all the people, taking in the music and looking at the river. We made it back to our seats about 30 minutes before the 9:30 start and just relaxed and chatted until the show started. It was a pretty good fireworks display. Because the fireworks were shot off a barge as it was pushed up the river, the whole show moved across the sky. Kaleb's reactions to all the booms and visual treats made it an even better show than it would otherwise have been. Pretty cool. I even talked with my mom (cell phones are great, aren't they?!) for about 30 minutes while we were waiting.

Whew!! What a full day! I know the 4th is about our nation, but on a personal level, sharing all of that with family and friends makes it all the more special.

Crazy Pics

Kapil and Kaleb loaded up the car and headed to SF about 11:00 this morning. Kaleb sure was excited to go spend some time with his dad. They're coming back out here or the 4th, and there's a possibility that Jeremy, Amber, Steve, Tali, and Caelan may swing back by here on their way back to Fresno from Santa Rosa to see Brice, Neisha and baby Zeke.

Yesterday Kapil and Kaleb got to playing around with the camera on Kapil's laptop. It has some pretty cool special effects. Here are some funny ones.



Sort of a cyclops look.

2 grandsons are better than one???









Well, Blogger isn't letting me post more pics for some reason, so I'll post this and try to add a few more in a separate post.