Reflecting West

In Loving Memory

2010-03-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

We love you and miss you,

Virginia, Jennifer, and Jeremy

Ricky Lynn Johnson
June 19, 1950 - March 20, 2010

Because Your love is better than life my lips will glorify You - Psalm 63

Ricky Lynn Johnson of Antioch, California died Saturday, March 20 2010 while jogging in the hills of the Contra Loma Regional Park. He was 59 years old.

Rick was born on June 19, 1950 in Elk City, Oklahoma to Dewey and Ruby Fern Johnson. In 1956, Dewey and Ruby Fern moved with Rick and his younger brother Kent, to California. Rick became band president at Hueneme High School, and ran varsity track and cross country. In 1965, Rick and Virginia Bean, his future bride, started sitting next to one another in church. They married six years later, on August 14, 1971, while they were attending Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where Rick also ran for the cross country team.

After graduation, Rick began teaching English and coaching track and cross country at Cabot High School. They returned to California, where Rick worked with the Church of Christ in Inglewood and at Pepperdine University. After their first child, Jennifer was born, Rick and Virginia moved back to Cabot at the request of the superintendent. Rick continued teaching and coaching, and Rick and Virginia's second child, Jeremy, was born two years later. After completing his Master's degree at the University of Arkansas, Rick became a counselor at Cabot Junior High, and continued running.

Rick and Virginia shared a passion for God and for His children. He led singing and worked with children's worship, the youth group at their church. In 1990, Rick answered the call to full time ministry and moved to Houston, TX to be the youth minister at the Sharpstown Church of Christ, which later became the Sugar Grove Church of Christ. Even in the heat of Houston, Rick was running. In 1995, Rick transitioned from youth ministry to worship ministry. He served in Houston until God called again, this time to California. Rick had been serving as minister to the Eastside of Church of Christ in Antioch since 2004 and as a chaplain for the Antioch Police Department. His pace slowed, but he still loved to run in the hills. Rick strived to be Christ to all those he knew, and touched many lives. He will be sorely missed.

Rick is survived by his wife Virginia, children Jennifer Johnson-Leung (Moscow, ID) and Jeremy Johnson (Agoura Hills, CA), mother Ruby Fern (Antioch, CA), brother Kent Johnson (Nashville, TN), grandchildren Kaleb Johnson, Ruby Claire Johnson-Leung, Hannah Johnson-Leung (Moscow, ID) and Welsey Johnson (Agoura Hills, CA), and many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday at 11 o'clock in the morning at the Eastside Church of Christ in Antioch. Donations may be made to Eastside Church of Christ - Food Pantry, Lifeline Chaplaincy of Houston, Texas, or Orphan’s Lifeline of Hope International.

$$$$$

2010-03-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

Interested in seeing how all those contribution dollars are influencing your representatives in Washington? Click here to check it out.

Catching Up with the Grandkids

2010-03-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

OK, so I haven't posted any grandkid pics lately... mostly because it's been a while since we've been able to be with any of them. Sooo... to remedy that for the few who still check here for anything new, I sneaked over to the kids' sites and borrowed a few recent ones to post.

From Agoura Hills

A grill man... in his dad's footsteps.

Ready for spring!!

You can go here to see a more complete collection of Wes pics, in addition to a couple of cute videos.

From Moscow

Hannah is loving life up north!

Claire and Hannah bundled against the cold.

Kaleb in his second year of hockey. He even scored a goal!!

Likewise, more Leung kid pics are available here. And... a really cool essay by Kaleb can be read here.

Would you Believe...

2010-02-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

I guess we all get email forwards, right? You know, some of them are irritating political stuff; some claim God will work a miracle if you'll only forward it on to your 15 best friends; some are dire warnings about some product or habit; others offer helpful hints or interesting paradoxes; many are jokes (some of which are actually funny).

A buddy of mine sent a bunch of newspaper clips, which are all the more funny because they are real. Here are a few of my favorites. Hope you like them as well. Enjoy!

Napa

2010-02-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Virginia and I used some use-it-or-lose-it time share points for a couple of nights at a resort in Napa. Pretty nice place. We hiked around in the vineyard before heading home Saturday. Here's some proof. :)

Well known landmark statue of the grape crusher.

Interesting view.

Looking back down at the Vino Bella resort with the Napa Valley in the background.

Update on My Mom

2010-02-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, my mom, Ruby Fern, moved here to Antioch on January 1. She stayed with us until we got her new apartment ready at The Commons at Dallas Ranch, and a bunch of family was here to move her in on Saturday, January 16. This pic is with her youngest great grandkid, Hannah. On the following Thursday morning she fell and broke her hip. The details are in the previous post. Anyway, here is part of an email update I sent to family and many of her friends and former students.

This week has been one in which Mom has settled into a pretty good routine. Mornings are taken up with all the getting up stuff, breakfast, and her time in physical and occupational therapy. Afternoons are spent reading, resting, and visiting with those who stop by or call her on the phone. Each day she is able to move around and do more on her own, and her p.t. has her walking with the walker a little farther each day, in addition to the other exercises. Her biggest complaints are how uncomfortable the bed is and the almost constant pain in her back. She’s had back pain since she was a young adult, but right now (either because of the fall or because she has been in bed so much or maybe both) it’s bothering her more than usual, hurting pretty much all the time.

She’s been getting to know the staff pretty well… and, needless to say, they are getting to know her. She has at least one story about something that has happened each day. Several people from church have come by to visit, a few more than once. She has enjoyed a variety of cards from all over the country, and she talks enough on her cell phone that she needs to charge it nightly. :-)

Please continue to pray that Mom heals and is able to get back close to normal in the short term. Thank you for your prayers and your interest.

Back in the Game

2010-01-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

Well... I haven't posted much in a while. Much of December we were in Arkansas helping Mom get through a hospital stay for a wound that wouldn't heal and helping her get ready to move here to Antioch. Yes, that's right, after many years of maintaining her persistent independence, Mom decided it was time to move closer to family, so on January 1 she boarded a plane with Virginia and me and flew into the western sunset.

She stayed with us for about 3 weeks, which included a visit from Jennifer and her kids as well as Jeremy, Amber and Wes. Fok was travelling to New York, so he didn't join us, but the rest of us had a blast. Here are a few pics from those few days.

Four generations through Jen's branch of the tree.

And through Jeremy's branch.

Great granddaughter's can learn a thing or two.

Mom moved into her new apartment at The Commons at Dallas Ranch on Saturday, 1/16 and the shot above was taken after church on Sunday. On Thursday morning Mom fell in the bathroom at her place and broke her left hip, actually fracturing the femoral neck. On Sunday morning, after getting the blood thinner out of her system, the surgeon replaced the old "ball" of the hip joint with a brand new metal one. The surgery went well, and recovery has begun. On Thursday she was moved to Diamond Ridge Health Center for rehab... we're calling it boot camp. Hopefully in two or three weeks she will be able to move back to The Commons. Needless to say none of this was expected, so both her and our lives have been pretty hectic... my excuse for the lack of recent posts. :) I'll try to post some more pics soon.

Grandkid Fun

2010-01-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

A friend posted a video using this cool web site, so I thought I'd give it a try as well. Enjoy!!

Curious Quotes

2010-01-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

- Robert Frost

Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.

- Oscar Wilde

The road to hell is paved with adverbs.

- Stephen King

2009-12-31T21:12:00.000-08:00

2009-12-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!

Johnny and Chachi's Christmas Medley

2009-12-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

Another winner from the gang at Igniter Media. Click here for a special medly of Christmas favorites by Johnny and Chachi.

Silent Praise

2009-12-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

I think I've posted a link to this clip before, but, in honor of the holiday season and to offer one more holiday chuckle (actually several), I give you the Monks of St Francis de la Sissies.

2009-12-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

It's the time of the year when a holiday chuckle seems in order. My friend Wendell shared this one with me. You may have already seen it, but my guess is you will still probably laugh a bit. Click here for your holiday chuckle.

2009-12-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

With snow on our Antioch hills recently... with really cold weather in Arkansas where I've been looking in on Mom... with blizzard conditions in some places and likely more on the way... I thought you'd like to see this rare image shared with me by a friend.

Know what it is? Are you sure?

It's actually Frosty the Snowman's baby picture!! 8-)

The Times, They Are A Changin'

2009-12-13T22:47:00.000-08:00

My mom, now age 91, has finally decided it's time to give up her car, move from her house, and join us here in sunny California. We are excited about her coming and her new "digs" at The Commons at Dallas Ranch. She is now in the hospital in Searcy, recovering from a leg wound. Here's a pic of her in her room... with her new specs. :-)

One piece of furniture among the few that will stay with someone in the family is this old singer sewing machine that dates back into the early 50's. Note the cool wedding photos from 72 and 78. Were we all really ever that young?

Snow on Them Thar Hills

2009-12-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

When I talked to Virginia this morning from here in Arkansas, she told me there was snow on the hills in the regional park behind our neighborhood where we often hike. Then this evening one of our church members sent me these pics. This is the first time in our six years in Antioch that snow has accumulated at so low an elevation. Maybe this means a chilly winter!?!

Arkansas Visit

2009-12-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

My mom, Ruby Fern, has been in the hospital in recent days for treatment of a stubborn infection on her leg. I came here to Arkansas to hang out with her and get her ready for a transition to Antioch. More about that later. Here are some phone pics I took last night when Kent, Susan and family were visiting.

Here are Susan, Randi and Ryan.

Mom with Kent and Russell.

Mom explaining something... ever the teacher!

Images of Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T18:22:00.000-08:00

Jeremy and Amber hosted their first family Thanksgiving... Virginia and I loved getting to know Wesley better... we all had a blast!!

2009-11-26T06:59:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Quotes

2009-11-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder. (Alfred Hitchcock)

Quotation, n: The act of repeating erroneously the words of another. (Ambrose Bierce)

The Girls

2009-11-20T14:59:00.001-08:00

The other day Jen sent us a pic that someone took of "the girls" getting ready for the parade that Saturday in Moscow. It's obviously breezy, but I love all the smiles.

And, as long as I'm sharing, I love this shot of Virginia with Hannah.

Greening Hills

2009-11-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

Wow, this week has gone by quickly! It hardly seems like a week ago that we were wrapping up our visit with Jen, Fok and the kids. Been a busy week for us both.

The weather right now is really nice for doing almost anything outside... high of about 63 today with blue skies and sunshine. We went for a hike over the hill to the lake late this morning... beautiful! One of the odd things about living here is how, just as trees are dropping their leaves and preparing for the gray winter look in much of the country, the dry hills here, responding to the beginning of the rainy season (such as it is), are starting to green up. Here's what we saw after cresting the hill and descending to the lake.

Moscow Trip, Part 5

2009-11-05T21:35:00.001-08:00

Fall in this part of the country means lots of leaves falling from the trees... no, no, I mean LOTS of leaves. In this part of town there are many, many huge old trees, so there are literally tons of leaves each fall. The city even has a huge truck vacuum that goes around sucking them off the streets so you can find the curb. The house Jen and Fok bought does not have nearly as many trees as the one they were renting, but there are still many in the neighborhood and plenty of leaves to go around. Kaleb was out of school today, so he joined his Nanna and Papa in raking and bagging... Oh... and Jen helped a little too. (Claire and Fok were at school and work, so they missed out.)

You can see that we had our work cut out for us.

We all worked hard, but Kaleb seemed to have almost magical powers over the leaves... they seemed to just fly his direction at times!

Creating a large pile of leaves... hard work.

Diving into said pile... well-deserved.

Soaking in the satisfaction... priceless!!

Moscow Trip, Part 4

2009-11-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

Leaving no doubt whatsoever that she is a wonderful Nanna, VJ has been taking shots of the kids each day. Here are some of our favorites.

There is a wonderful park just a couple of blocks from their house. Here we have just left Claire and Fok and are headed to the grocery store... all on foot... nice!!

Hannah and her "binky"... much to Jen's chagrin! :-)

Not many tasks more satisfying than this one. Claire is not doing a pirate imitation... that's just her expression when she says "cheese" for a photo.

And Hannah decides she has something to say too!

Already to head out to preschool.

Claire loves to make this boxy car (or truck or school bus) with Lego's.

Kaleb is such a good big brother... and he loves his Nanna too.

Moscow Trip, Part 3

2009-11-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Whew! We've been busy the last couple of days!! Grandkids are great, and then there is also yard cleanup, house repair and upgrade projects, and did I mention the grandkids?? And the weather has been beautiful... down in the 30's at night, but up almost to 60 today!

I'll post some more kid-pics tomorrow after I download them from the camera. For tonight I'll just share this one that our friend Katie shared with us. Talk about getting into the Christmas spirit!?!

Moscow Trip, Part 2 - Homecoming and Halloween

2009-10-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

We started the day with the University of Idaho Homecoming parade... which includes all sorts of community groups as well as bands from all over the area. Claire wore her monkey costume and joined with her mom, nanna, sister and many others to make up the University Children's Center entry. They were entry number 11 I think, so they finished early and watched the rest of the parade. Kaleb walked along with other kids from the Youth Hockey Association, and they were entry number 102, near the end of the parade. All had fun, and there were lots of people along the route. Here are some shots from the morning.

Today was also Halloween, so Kaleb and I carved a Jack-O-Lantern, and Nanna and I took the kids out Trick-or-Treating.

Kaleb and I begin the grisly task!

The finished product... totally designed by Kaleb.

Kaleb and his creation, complete with candle.

Claire's monkey costume did double duty today, and she was deemed one of the cutest to hit the Trick-or-Treat circuit tonight.

Kaleb as the Grim Reaper... pretty convincing if you ask me!!

The obligatory front porch photo before heading out in search of candy!!

Moscow, Part 1 - Hannah's Birthday

2009-10-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Our flight to Spokane and drive to Moscow went well. It's a bit cooler here than at home, but not bad. It was really special to arrive today because it is Hannah's 1 month birthday!! Evidence below. :-)

AAhhh... the good old Arkansas chocolate sheet with plenty of cinnamon! Kaleb did a nice job of spelling "Hannah" with the candy corn.

Posing... Claire loves to say "cheese."

One more.

The birthday girl with her Nanna.

And getting a much earned rest.

And Claire decided to celebrate with stickers.

What Happened to Those Dinosaurs??

2009-10-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Those who believe in a really old earth say the dinosaurs died in some cataclysmic event millions of years ago.

Those who believe in a really young earth say that either there really were no dinosaurs or that they died off more recently.

Here's one more theory, courtesy of my friend, Wendell.

Philosophy of Quotations

2009-10-28T09:18:00.001-07:00

Finally... a quote that helps me undrstand why I love quotes!!

"About the most originality that any writer can hope to achieve honestly is to steal with good judgment." - Josh Billings

Won By One

2009-10-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Virginia picked me up at the airport Friday night and we headed home to finish getting ready for "company" to show up in the wee hours. The singers in Won By One, Pepperdine's accappella six person singing group, were heading north to participate in the annual Scary Monsters youth rally at Martinez, and we love to have them stay at our house. Their concert Saturday night was great, and they sang on praise team with us Sunday morning. Here's what our Sunday worship assembly looked like:

Arise and Sing
I Sing Praises

Welcome and Family News

O Worship the King
Days of Elijah

Prayer

Reading: Zephaniah 3:17

We Shall Assemble
The Lord Thy God

Reading: 1 John 4:7-8

I Love You with the Love of the Lord

Communion: Sharing His Love
Why Did My Savior Come to Earth
A Common Love

Offering

Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church (age 3 – 3rd Grade)

Jesus, Draw Me Closer

Sermon

Lord, I Give You My Heart

We Are the Body of Christ

Shepherd’s Blessing

2009-10-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying a few days in Cabot, Arkansas, visiting my mom. It's been a pretty soggy day today, but rain doesn't interfere with cups of coffee, whole wheat muffins, and long conversations... even a trip to WalMart.

Last night we headed up to church for the weekly Wed night meal and Bible class, so I got to see a few familiar faces. Hard to believe it's been 19 years since we moved away.

Thanks to my laptop and Mom's wireless network, I can even get some work done as well.

Heading home Friday afternoon.

Sunday Musings

2009-10-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

I love this quote from Heartlight: "Any concern too small to be a prayer is too small to be a burden." (Corrie ten Boom)

Within the last couple of weeks I heard a couple of news stories that really bothered me... as an individual... as a believer... as one who is seen by many as a "face" of a local church. On pretty much any theological scale, those of us in the Stone-Campbell tradition fall somewhere on the conservative side of the scale. We believe the Bible is inspired, trustworthy and speaks of a living God who loves us enough to send Jesus as our redeemer. We accept what few commands there are in the NT as authoritative, and we attempt to follow the practices of those ancient first century believers where they make sense culturally and theologically. Those on the so-called "liberal" end of the scale do not necessarily accept all of these things. And, of course, there are some believers who are much to the "right" of our group. Well, with that as a backdrop, I'll share those two news stories.

The first one was about a Christian group in the southeast somewhere who had decided they needed to burn all the Bibles they could find that weren't the King James version (KJV). They were also going to burn Christian books written by such "liberals" as Billy Graham and others as well as CDs by various Christian artists. When someone interviewed the preacher who was leading this crusade, he said something about any translation of the Bible other than the KJV being from the Devil. Oh my... I have neither the time nor the desire to write about all the reasons why the KJV is probably the least reliable of the major translations, so let's just say that any translation that has been done under threat of punishment, if it doesn't come out reflecting critical party positions, has problems from the get go. Alexander Campbell, one of the founders of our particular Christian tradition back in early 19th century, thought the KJV was so bad that he did his own translation called The Living Oracles in 1826. I can hardly imagine the level of ignorance and pride stirred together it would take to get to the point of the preacher above. Sigh...

The other one was also a radio story I heard while driving. It seems there is a conservative group (as in conservative politically and economically) who are planning a new translation of the Bible to emphasize things they think are important that other translation groups have left out or gotten wrong. They say that other modern speech translations have a "liberal bias" and they want to correct that. They plan to emphasize, among other things, a logical doctrine of Hell, free market principles (is that a goal of the NT writers??), and the elimination of gender neutral language (like going back to "every man needs to repent" instead of "everyone needs to repent"). Here's their web site link. Now, I'm all for Bible translations, but the best ones have generally been produced by committees of translators from across the theological spectrum to minimize bias. It seems to me that these guys are purposefully starting out with a particular bias and are going to look for ways to translate the scriptures that will support that bias. That doesn't mean their entire product will be lousy (even the Jehovah's Witnesses translation has some some good parts). I just believe that anyone who uses this translation will need to spit out plenty of "bones" to get at the "fish." And... beginning with such a bias can hardly yield a result that is equal to or better than many other translations, and I fear some will actually use it just because it has the word "conservative" in title somewhere. When will we learn that the beauty of Christianity is (at least in part) it's ability to live and grow in any culture and any economic or political system? We'd be better suited to let Christianity influence our nation instead of nationalizing our expressions of faith.

Back to the Hills

2009-10-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

This morning Virginia and I headed off to hike in the hills again. We really love it when we have time to get out there, and this makes two weekends in a row. Today, in order to get farther into the hills, we drove to the trail head instead of starting from the house. It was a beautiful day and not quite as warm as last Saturday. The rain earlier in the week meant damp ground and some humidity, but it wasn't bad. The shot above is looking back toward the city, the river and the Antioch bridge. I love the panoramic view from some of the trails. We then hiked on higher up to the Ridge Trail.

Mt Diablo in the distance.

Back toward the river and city from the Ridge Trail.

From the Ridge Trail we headed down a narrow, windy one called the Corchran Mine Trail. VJ always takes advantage of the shady spots.

Ranchers still run cattle in the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve grasslands, and the corral below is kept in shape for use, although I've never actually seen it in use. Usually we'll see cattle at various spots just grazing. From there we headed along the Stewartsville trail (actually sort of a gravel road) back to the trail head and took the car home. Great way to spend some time.

Odds and Ends

2009-10-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

I was leaving the Kaiser Deer Valley Hospital after looking in on one of our members and was struck with this view of Mt Diablo, shrouded in clouds left over from our storm, so I took the shot below with my phone. Doesn't really do justice to the view, but maybe you get the idea.

As I entered the locker room at the gym today, another guy who was getting dressed to work out looked at me and asked if people ever asked if I am Norv Turner, current head coach of the San Diego Chargers. I said he was the first, and we both had a laugh. Sooo... check out the pics below and see if you can find Norv.

Finally, I heard today that the group who is trying to purchase the St Louis Rams decided to drop Rush Limbaugh from their number due to the controversy of his involvement. I guess I have three reactions to that news:

Rush is actually being held accountable for what comes out of his mouth?
A media campaign and more or less threatened boycott of the Rams by some NFL players brought him down... talk about one's own medicine!!
Maybe Donovan McNabb isn't so overrated after all, Rush.

Rain... Rain... Rain...

2009-10-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, California has been in an increasingly serious drought situation over the last few years, and, while yesterday's deluge did not reverse that trend totally, the rain we had yesterday set records all over the area. I'm not sure how much it rained here in Antioch, but probably 3 or 4 inches based on other areas nearby. Many spots set records for rain in October or rain in a 24-hour period. One area in the Santa Cruz Mountains got over 8 inches, and I heard of one spot (not sure where) that got 20 inches... that's a lot of water anywhere.

Of course, hilly areas that had fires recently or even a year ago are particularly susceptible to mud slides, so there's a lot of preventative work done there. We're in good shape at our place.

We had some "flooding" in the fellowship hall downstairs (sort of a half-basement). The drains and sump pump were clogged and the overflow seeped into the youth room and hallway before one of our members got it cleaned out. As a result, Brice, Kyle and I spent some time with shop vacs, sucking up water, and we have fans running, trying to get the carpet dried out. This has happened numerous times over the last 30 years, so it's nothing new.

Totally unrelated, today is the birthday of Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe in WWII and 34th President of the United States. Most consider him to be an outstanding military commander, and opinions about his presidency run the gamut, usually along party lines. One of his most noble ideas was to grow the Republican Party from one known mostly as a "rich men's club" in those days to something more inclusive. It was known as a "big tent" approach... to more or less compete with the Democrats, "the party of the common man." Not sure how successful he was, but I heard a related quote the other day from my daughter, which paraphrases something like this, "The Big Tent of Eisenhower, has become a one ring circus today." Not sure if those of you reading this will agree with that, but I thought it was a creative quote for Ike's birthday.

Time, time, time...

2009-10-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Simon and Garfunkel's song, "A Hazy Shade of Winter" begins:

Time,

Time, see what's become of me

While I looked around for my possibilities.

Brice has been talking about our schedules, how we use our time and our relationship with God. Good stuff... challenging stuff. Here's what our assembly looked like today:

O Come, Let Us Adore Him

Come Worship Christ the King
Welcome and Family News

Shout Hallelujah

Prayer

My Everything
Responsive Reading: Psalm 42:2-5

As the Deer Thirsts

Here in this Place

Communion: Giving Thanks Together

Boundless Love

You Have Been Good
Offering

Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church (age 3 – 3rd Grade)
Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus

Sermon

More Like You

The Joy of the Lord

Shepherd’s Blessing

Hike in the Hills

2009-10-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

We've had really nice weather of late... you know... that "California weather" that includes lots of sun along with cool breezes and temps in the 70's. So, Virginia and I decide to go for a hike in the hills that begin just south of our neighborhood. We walked over that first hill down into Contra Loma Regional Park, and continued on over the next set of hills to some of the trails in the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. It was a hilly hike, taking a little over 2.5 hours and leaving us both leg weary. But it was fun, beautiful and a great time to just talk. Here are some shots from our phone cameras.

Looking back at the Contra Loma Reservoir from the Lake View Trail.

From about the same spot.

At the beginning of the Homestead Loop, on which various small farms were back during the coal mining days and long prior to this area becoming a preserve.

They still run cattle back in the preserve for grazing, which means providing water as well. I liked this shot... 19th century windmill technology replaced with 21st century solar technology to pump water... or it could be some odd hybrid.

Yes, we just did hike up that trail, Virginia!!

Downhill most of the rest of the way home!!

Nanna's Trip Pics

2009-10-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! Virginia flew home Friday evening and both Saturday and Sunday were pretty full, then the week started again... soooo I'm just now getting around to posting some pics from her trip to Moscow for Hannah's birth.

Also, Claire is really starting to enjoy singing. Here's her version of the Julie Andrew's favorite, D-Re-Mi.

Hannah Gah-Yan Johnson Leung

2009-10-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

September 30, 2009

11:17pm

8lbs 4oz

21-1/4 inch

Hannah and Jennifer and the whole family are doing great!!

2009-09-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it. - Flannery O'Connor

Looking for a Father

2009-09-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

This morning was a bit different but really special at Eastside. Many of our ladies (including almost all our praise team singers) were at a ladies retreat in the mountains, so we used a male quartet to lead worship. Worked pretty well. I was proud of Kyle singing that high 1st tenor (alto) part. Also,a former Eastside member and current missionary to Honduras, Mark Tindall, talked about their work their, reminding us that in life we all are seeking a father... really the Father. Much of there work is with very poor children and families. Anyway, it was a good morning... both inspiring and convicting.

Then tonight on 60 Minutes they did a piece on Pete Carroll, the football coach at USC. Now, growing up in SoCal, I've always rooted for the Trojans, but in recent years it's been fun watching Carroll rebuild the USC program and hear about his unorthodox and fun-loving ways. Well, after watching the interview on 60 Minutes tonight, I will be even more of a fan, and I imagine that many across the country who might not root for the Trojans on Saturday will certainly root for the man. I have no idea about his faith, but I do know he understands what Mark Tindall was talking about this morning. If you have 12 minutes, the piece below will remind each of us that it's important to figure out a way to make a difference.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Puns

2009-09-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

I believe that to fully appreciate puns, one has to have children who are old enough to sigh heavily and roll their eyes.

A friend sent me a bunch of puns the other day, so I thought I'd post a few here... especially for all those dads out there who enjoy torturing their kids with "clever" word play.

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent.

A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."

Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"

What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.

A dwarf, who was a mystic, escaped from jail. The call went out that there was a small medium at large.

Movin' on Up

2009-09-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday was our annual time to remind ourselves of the blessing of children in our church family and make "prayer apples" available to our members (each with a child's name) to encourage praying for them throughout the school year. Kyle preached and did a great job. Here's what the morning looked like:

O Worship the King

At the Name of Jesus

Welcome and Family News

Ah, Lord God
I Will Call Upon the Lord
As the Deer

Prayer

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Scandalous Love

(Michele reads names of birth-K kids, Kyle prays, Kyle talks)
You Are My All in All

Concepts and Habits

(Michele reads names of gr 1-5 kids, Kyle prays, Kyle talks)
Tithes and Offerings: Our Gifts to God

Thank You, Lord

Symbols and Fruits

(Michele reads names of MS & HS kids, Kyle prays, Kyle talks)

Communion: Our Family Meal

When We Meet in Sweet Communion

A Common Love
Blest Be the Tie
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

Prayer Apples for Our Children and Teachers

Shepherd’s Blessing

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And... in light of Jesus' invitation for us to become more like kids, I thought this quote from Heartlight fit as well.

"Humility is the Christian's greatest honor; the higher men climb, the farther they are from heaven." - Burder

The 31st State

2009-09-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

On this date in 1850, California became the 31st state in the Union.

Interesting information I think, and perhaps even historically significant, but with all that is going on with the economy, apparently not a particularly "front burner" topic today. The only reference on the state web site is buried down in the history section where you would expect to find such info. But... no banner on the front page, so the one above will have to suffice. Have a blessed 090909. :-)

What Was that Title??

2009-09-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

A friend from church sent me this one. Sadly, no comments needed... (insert sigh)

Do-Re-Mi

2009-09-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

Jen and Fok tell us that this video is currently Claire's favorite. Actually, her Papa thinks it's pretty cool as well.

Removing All Doubt...

2009-09-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Remember the old saying, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt?" It seems it has many variations and possible sources. Among them are:

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - George Eliot

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. - Abraham Lincoln

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. - Mark Twain

But it seems to find the source one needs to go back to the words of a truly wise man, Solomon.

Those who have knowledge use words with restraint, and those who have understanding are even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. - Proverbs 17:27-28

Now that I think about it, many of our public figures, especially talk radio specialists might heed the suggestion. Some of the propaganda and nonsense they spew is an insult to anyone who bothers to think about it.

And... here's another quote that at least a couple of them may have on their wall.

Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once. - Evan Esar

Finally, maybe we should all heed what our moms taught us...

If you can't say something nice (helpful), just don't say anything at all.

Sounds almost biblical (1 Cor 13:1).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Speaking of encouraging words, Brice wrapped up his "I Met Jesus" series and Josh Spainhower and Kim Sloat talked about their mission trip to Tanzania. Here's what our worship looked like:

He Lives! (w/ refrain of I’ll Fly Away as a bridge after v 2)

Welcome and Family News

My Life Is in You

Prayer

I See the Lord

Reading: Galatians 4:4-5

Tell Me the Story of Jesus (v 1)

Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2

We Saw Thee Not (vs 1-2)

Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-22

Low in the Grave He Lay

Communion: The Body Remembers and Celebrates Bread

Reading: Acts 2:41-47

Come Share the Lord

Lord, I Give You My Heart

Offering

A Mission to Tanzania

Invitation to Children’s Church

God Is So Good

Sermon

Jesus, Draw Me Closer

He Is Wonderful

Shepherd’s Blessing

2009-09-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

God is not moved or impressed with our worship until our hearts are moved and impressed by Him. -- Kelly Sparks (courtesy of Heartlight)

2009-08-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

Antioch, California

Seen the name of our fair city in the headlines or heard it on the news lately? I'm sure you have. With all that has been said and written about the unexpected resolution of an 18 year kidnapping, one more word of explanation needs to be shared.

Other than the overt sneakiness of the kidnapper, there is one other primary reason why he was able to elude law enforcement over the last 18 years: jurisdiction. The area of Antioch where his sprawling compound was put together is actually not in Antioch. It's in a fairly small unincorporated section that is really Contra Costa County, not city of Antioch. Thus, the law enforcement agency charged with this area is the County Sheriff's Department, not the Antioch PD. Contra Costa County contains more square miles than any other county in California, so the Sheriff's Department is spread rather thin even if fully staffed. Sometimes these small unincorporated areas within the limits of a city just don't get the attention more active areas do.

Could they have discovered this earlier? Did they have at least a couple of opportunities? Certainly... but when you combine the isolation of that unincorporated area with the extreme efforts by the kidnapper to conceal what was going on, you can at least see how it was missed.

The Antioch PD is now involved in the investigation (along with the Sheriff, FBI and Pittsburg PD) because the case is potentially spilling out well beyond that small unincorporated area.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Here's what we did Sunday as we looked at the crucifixion through the eyes of the Roman centurion who was overseeing the execution that fateful day over 2000 years ago.

He Is Exalted
Show Your Power

Welcome and Family News

Come into His Presence

Prayer

Shout Hallelujah

Reading: Hebrews 11:17-19
My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Reading: Hebrews 10:4-7
Salvation Belongs to Our God

Communion: Looking into the Face of Jesus

Lamb of God

Offering

Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church (age 3 – 3rd Grade)

Behold the Lamb

Sermon

My Everything

At the Name of Jesus

Shepherd’s Blessing

How Do We Remember Ted Kennedy?

2009-08-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

As one whose views of the Kennedy family were most shaped by the deaths of Jack and Robert during my teen years, I admit that I have always wanted to see their family in a positive light. While much of what has been done by others in the family, including Eunice Shriver's work building the Special Olympics, has happened outside politics, Ted's personal struggles always gave me pause and caused me to feel as if he had squandered both opportunity and legacy.

What I did not know until recently is how he rose to the occasion of caring for his brothers' kids... how he genuinely cared for his colleagues and others he met. And it seems that in the last 17 years or so of his life he grew into being the person he perhaps could have been along.

I offer this quote from President Obama's eulogy at today's funeral.

We can still hear his voice bellowing through the Senate chamber, face reddened, fist pounding the podium, a veritable force of nature, in support of health care or workers’ rights or civil rights. And yet, while his causes became deeply personal, his disagreements never did. While he was seen by his fiercest critics as a partisan lightning rod, that is not the prism through which Ted Kennedy saw the world, nor was it the prism through which his colleagues saw him. He was a product of an age when the joy and nobility of politics prevented differences of party and philosophy from becoming barriers to cooperation and mutual respect – a time when adversaries still saw each other as patriots.
And that’s how Ted Kennedy became the greatest legislator of our time. He did it by hewing to principle, but also by seeking compromise and common cause – not through deal-making and horse-trading alone, but through friendship, and kindness, and humor.

My hope is that perhaps his death will remind all our legislators that they can work together as patriots, as those who love this nation, in that same spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. I for one have had enough of the hateful posturing and vitriolic speech.

Various

2009-08-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

Character

The best index to a person's character is (a) how he treats people who can't do him any good and (b) how he treats people who can't fight back. - Abigail Van Buren

If you don't have enemies, you don't have character. - Paul Newman

It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. - The Apostle Peter

I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? - Jesus of Nazareth

Health Care Reform

There are plenty of people on all sides of the issue expressing a variety of opinions, but one thing in particular has grabbed my attention. One "side" seems to be using fear as a primary tactic, and there may indeed be things in some of the proposed bills to be afraid of. However, one of their principal arguments is that health care reform will be bad for senior citizens. They go on and on about "death panels" and cuts in services... none of which actually seems to be part of any of the proposed bills. Well, I did a little checking. We have one organization in our country that has advocated for the interests of seniors for decades... over 50 years to be exact: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). They have some good articles on their site. It is most interesting to me that this organization, which has a progressive leaning but nevertheless goes to great lengths to remain politically impartial, both supports the idea of health care reform and many of the proposed specifics before congress. There are other very vocal organizations that purport to represent the interests of seniors who stand firmly against any health care reform... these are the ones using the fear tactics. The Senior Coalition, United Seniors Association and USA Next are three of these. They've been around since the early 90's and are basically funded directly or indirectly by the pharmaceutical industry. You can click around and read about them here. Now, you tell me which side is more likely blowing smoke.

Grand Kids

This is now the pic on my Ipod touch. :-)

Wesley Pics

2009-08-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

OK, I thought it was time to post a few Wesley pics. I certainly don't want to preempt his parents, but a couple of pics by Papa won't hurt, right!?! :-)

He's already thinking it over.

Napping in his Nanna's arms.

Enjoying time with Daddy.

Mommy and Daddy sure love that boy.

Finally, I took a hilly bike ride this morning, stopping at the crest of Empire Mine Road to get this panorama of Antioch, looking toward the river. Pretty nice view, even with my phone!

How Great Is Our God!

2009-08-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning was one of those times when not only God shows up (as He always does), but nearly all of the rest of us noticed and "showed up" as well. Great morning!!

Here's a snapshot:

Lord, Reign in Me
Glorify Thy Name

Welcome and Family News

Awesome God
How Great Is Our God

Prayer

Reading: Romans 11:33-36
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
Holy, Holy, Holy

Reading: Psalm 133
We Are the Body of Christ

Communion: United in Christ

By Christ Redeemed
Blest Be the Tie

Offering

Children’s Sermon and Invitation to Children’s Church

How Great Is Our God (reprise)

Sermon

Lord, Take Control

Show Your Power

Shepherd’s Blessing

And... last night was our final Summer Sunday Night Event: Eastside's Got Talent. What a blast!!! We had guitar pickers and singers and keyboard players and a trumpet... a skit... a dramatic reading... it was just simply a lot of fun.

Acappella Music Link

2009-08-22T18:35:00.001-07:00

Keith Lancaster linked to this article on his blog, and after I read it I thought I'd do the same.

Hilarious!!!

2009-08-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

My high school chemistry teacher and good email buddy sent me this link. I had heard this great Ray Stevens song but never seen the video... makes it even better. Click here.

Anniversary Trip, Part 3, the Clips

2009-08-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Driving down Hwy 1 on Thursday a stiff wind began blowing the fog in.

The dolphins and sea lions were enjoying the fishing and seemed to have better luck than those fishing from the pier.

Our pelican friend on the pier.

Some of his buddies fishing.

Anniversary Trip, Part 2

2009-08-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

During our brief stay in Cayucos, we saw lots of sea birds, including pelicans, as well as dolphins and lots of sea lions. For the most part the pelicans, dolphins and sea lions spent their time fishing a few hundred yards off shore, but we could get a great view from the fishing pier. One pelican seemed to enjoy hanging out on the pier with people instead of dive bombing for fish. My guess is that he was hoping for a handout. He was quite at ease around people and snapped only if you reached your hand out toward him.

Here he is walking along the pier with a sea gull buddy on the rail.

We thought this was a cool shot of him by the "doo not feed" sign.

During low tide many of the birds were hanging out on these rocks, doing some tide pool fishing.

I love this black and white shot of the pier... actually a double exposure with two shots of VJ enjoying the water.

Anniversary Trip

2009-08-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

Thirty-eight wonderful years... how do you celebrate and honor that time? Well, if you are Virginia Bean Johnson, a trip down Hwy 1, a night in a beach bed and breakfast, and walks along a beautiful beach.
Sooo... last Thursday we drove down the coast and stayed in Cayucos. Here are a few pics. More tomorrow...

Restoration: Jesus Style

2009-08-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today Brice used the healings of the blind man and the woman who had bled for 12 years to show us they were not just healings... they were complete restorations for these people to their lives, their families, their faith communities. Jesus doesn't mess around!

Here's what the morning looked like:

We’re Marching to Zion
Come, Worship Christ the King

Welcome and Family News

That’s Why We Praise Him
I Will Praise You

Prayer

Reading: Romans 5:9-11
Nothing but the Blood (sung antiphonally)

Reading: Romans 8:35-39
What the Lord Has Done in Me

Communion: A Faith-Filled Response

When We Meet in Sweet Communion

Offering

Children’s Sermon and Invitation to Children’s Church

Restore My Soul

Sermon

There’s a Stirring

O Worship the King (v 1)
I Stand in Awe

Shepherd’s Blessing

Cool Quote

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

Nobody denies that we are almost daily becoming more and more dependent on technology to accomplish things, to communicate, to stay in touch and on the cutting edge of society. I mean, who would have thought, even a couple of months ago, that a hacker crashing the Twitter site would be a top new story?

My guess is that most of us would also say that our continuing boom in the use of technology has also often increased our "techno-headaches" along the way. We all have computer crashes, cell phones that drop calls or "misplace" data, text messages that seem to disappear, and so forth. My mom is having problems with her computer right now, and she's about ready to "pitch the whole thing," except for that glimmer of hope that it may get better.

Well, having said all of that, I ran across this quote which I thought you fair readers would enjoy:

"Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog." (Doug Larson)

2009-08-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

On this date in 1945, the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, hastening the end of World War II.

Speaking of bomb shells, Lucille Ball was born on this date in 1911.

...and...

Cy Young pitched his first game in 1890.

Have a great day!!

Dance Clips

2009-08-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

OK, I realize I'm not usually on the cutting edge of things, but how did I manage to let over 15 million people see this before I did? Click here. It's GREAT!!

This next clip was created using professional dancers as a spoof of the first, and it's just as funny!! Click here and enjoy!!

And, finally, if you want to dance once more, here is a live recreation on the Today Show by the original wedding party.

The Kingdom is like...

2009-08-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Brice spent his time unpacking Matthew 13 today, encouraging us to both let the Kingdom make a difference in our lives and to be sowers so others can make that choice as well.

In addition, Roland talked about communion as a "thin place" where we can draw close to God.

Here's a glimpse...

He Has Made Me Glad
I Will Call Upon the Lord
Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down

Welcome and Family News

We Praise Thee, O God
Salvation Belongs to Our God

Prayer

Reading: Matthew 13:44-46

You Are My All in All

Reading: Hebrews 10:19-23

Jesus, Draw Me Closer

Communion: A Time to Draw Near

Offering

Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church

Ancient Words

Sermon

Ancient Words

The Joy of the Lord

Shepherd’s Blessing

Home from Moscow

2009-07-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I was able to finish pretty much all the tasks Jen had on her list for me to do... plus a couple of others. As I've mentioned before, the house she and Fok are buying is a neat place with lots of unique character traits dating back to 1938. Here are some exterior shots just to give you a feel for the place. It's really much roomier than it looks due to both a full finished basement and third floor... just lots of stairs. :-)

And... while I'm at it, here's a shot of beautiful Jen and baby Hannah to wrap up this post.

2009-07-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

The last few days have blessed me with the opportunity to both be with my brand new grandson, Wesley, and to be with Claire in Moscow (Kaleb is visiting out of town, but I'll get to see him in a couple of weeks.) Anyway, thought I'd share a couple of clips of Wesley... singing tenor in his sleep I think!! In the second clip you can also hear a Chick Filet order coming together. :)

I also want to share this pic of Claire with her brand new "big girl bed" that I put together for her today.

Moving in Moscow

2009-07-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

... Idaho that is. I caught a 6:00 a.m. flight to Spokane Monday and am pitching in to help with Jen's and Fok's move to the house they bought. It's just a few blocks from the house they were renting to the one they are buying, but a move is a move, complete with lots of boxes, a healthy amount of disorganization, and some joy and relief as things begin to take shape.

My assignments are mostly things like assembling a cool new platform bed for Claire, putting together a couple of desks, making some cabinet repairs at the old house, and a variety of fix-it things around the new one. However, I have carried my share of boxes as well. :-)

I'll try to post a few pics when I get the chance. For now... it's almost time for dinner, and then we need to do some cleanup at the old house.

First thing in the morning... a trip to the hardware store. :-)

The Price of Fear

2009-07-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

What are our fears? What are you afraid of? Those were among the questions Brice asked us today as we looked at how fear of who Jesus was and what he was teaching led some of his day to not only reject him but to kill him. Thank God that he is indeed the Cornerstone for all who believe.

Praise the Lord
We Shall Assemble

Welcome and Family News

We Have Come to Worship Him

Shout Hallelujah

Prayer

Reading: Mark 8:31

Why Did My Savior Come to Earth?

Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-5

In Christ Alone
Communion: Remembering Our Cornerstone

O Sacred Head

Offering

Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church

In Christ Alone (reprise)

Sermon

Here Is My Heart

Days of Elijah

Shepherd’s Blessing

The Saga of Wesley, Part 5: Pics

2009-07-25T22:26:00.001-07:00

Well, after a wonderful visit with Wesley early this afternoon at the hospital, we drove home. Here are a few of the pics... just to tide you over. :-)

... and finally...

The Saga of Wesley, Part 4

2009-07-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your prayers! At 11:45 tonight (Friday) Wesley Stephen Johnson safely made his appearance in this world. At 8 pounds 7 oz, he’s almost grown, and Amber and Jeremy are thrilled. Photos tomorrow!!

The Saga of Wesley, Part 3

2009-07-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it's 9:15, and we hope things are underway. Jeremy texted us that 9:00 was the time to begin pushing.

For your enlightenment and entertainment, here are some shots of the hospital.

The Saga of Wesley, Part 2

2009-07-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it's now 7:45 and things are still progressing in the labor and delivery suite. Amber's body is almost ready to give birth, and we are all looking forward to little Wesley making his appearance. All the grand parents are doing well at this point, and the hospital cafeteria food isn't too bad. :-)

The Saga of Wesley, Part 1

2009-07-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

VJ took off work a bit early yesterday (Thursday) and we hopped in the car and headed south, arriving at Alan and Sharon Beard's place around 10:30. They had graciously offered their place for us to stay on our "birth trip," and we gladly accepted their offer. Jeremy and Amber checked into the hospital around 7:30 and settled in for the night.

This morning we got a fairly early start, getting to the hospital around 8:30. Steve and Gail (Amber's folks) and Neisha and Zeke (Amber's sister and son) arrived a bit later, and we settled in as well, receiving occasional text messages from Jeremy as to how things are progressing.

The latest text indicated things are beginning to move along, so we may have a new grandson by supper time. We'll see!!

Los Robles hospital in Thousand Oaks is really nice. Seems really well equipped, but not too big. You can check out their web site here if you want.

More later...

One Small Step...

2009-07-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

Forty years since the moon landing. Wow! I remember the excitement of the moment... watching the TV in our living room in Oxnard the summer between my freshman and sophomore years at Harding.

I doubt any of us realized the huge impact the space program, directly or indirectly, would have on developments in computer technology and electronics in the decades to follow. We even have insulation in our house based on the design developed to keep the astronauts from freezing or burning up in space.

I also imagine many of us thought we'd have Mars vacations by now.

And, all our efforts seem to pale when I read "In the beginning..."

Responding to Jesus on His Terms

2009-07-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today Brice drew a contrast between the way the 12 responded to Jesus and the way the "rich young man" responded to him. The 12 pretty much left their lives and followed him. The young man seemed to be pretty satisfied with his life, look more for confirmation of his spiritual accomplishments than for something more. No matter where we are with Jesus, he loves us... but he wants to grow in our relationship with Him.

Here's a look at the morning:

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
He Leadeth Me

Welcome and Family News

A New Anointing

Prayer

Reading: Matthew 4:18-20

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
My Everything

Here in this Place

Communion: Gathering at the Table of Mercy

Surely the Presence
Have Thine Own Way

Offering

Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church
My Everything (reprise)

Sermon

Into the Heart of Jesus

Blessed Be Your Name

Shepherd’s Blessing

And that's the way it is...

2009-07-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid I didn't pay a lot of attention to the news, but I remember 3 names: Huntley, Brinkley... and Walter Cronkite. The impression I had of all three of these guys, and especially Cronkite, is that they were giving us the unvarnished news, before the days of "spin."

My two vivid memories of Walter Cronkite but two: his nightly sign-off, and his announcement of JFK's death... that emotion he so obviously felt and did not hide. I don't remember his laughing reaction to the moon landing they've been showing on TV... must have been watching that on NBC or ABC. :-)

People make their marks on us and on society, and they pass on. It seems to me that at least part of the depth and value of the marks they make have to do with the extent to which their character qualities match those of Jesus. What do you think?

Summer Microclimates

2009-07-15T11:09:00.001-07:00

Well, we've reached that time n the summer when the Bay Area microclimates are painfully obvious. High pressure has brought us some desert heat, and the on-shore air flow is just strong enough to impact areas close to the water. Sooo... today it's supposed to be 103 here in Antioch, while a mere 40 or so miles away it will be a pleasant 72 in SF.

Oh well... at least it's a dry heat. :-)

Bean Family Visit

2009-07-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Virginia's youngest brother, Larry, his wife, Erinn, their 4 boys (Eric, Scot, Brian and Mark) and their baby girl, Nicole were with us for a few days late in the week. They live near Dallas, but both Larry and Erinn grew up in CA, Larry in Oxnard and Erinn in Walnut Creek. Their California vacation included Disneyland, showing the old home places to their kids, seeing some sights and checking in with family in the area. Sooo... we got to have them at our house a few nights, and it was really good to catch up, see how much their boys have grown, and get to know Nicole. Virginia had seen them all not too long back in Dallas, but it had been a while for me, and I had not met Nicole. We had fun having them here. Here are some pics

Erinn and Nicole... such a cutie!

Brian... always a smile.

Eric... can't believe he's 16... how time flies!

Larry, Mark and Scott enjoying some ice cream with fresh Oxnard strawberries (they brought some up with them).

Mark and Brian show off their sister.

Sunday, A Day of Refreshing

2009-07-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Brice is gone to camp this week, so here's what we did to run parallel to our series about people who were and are touched and changed by Jesus.

Arise and Sing
Hosanna
O Worship the King

Welcome and Family News

Lord, Reign in Me

Prayer

That’s My King (video)

He Is Exalted
Sing to the King

Prayer

The Lord Thy God

Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

My Everything (introduce)

Communion: Remembering the Journey of Jesus

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Are You Amazed? (video)

Offering

Invitation to Children’s Church

My Everything

Ministry Moment

Heart of a Servant

CCIM (update on children's home in India)

Let Us Be You

At the Name of Jesus

Shepherd’s Blessing

Sunday evening about 45 or so of us gather at a local park to just hang out, talk, toss a Frisbee, enjoy the cool air, and watch the kids play and have fun. I think everyone who came went home somewhat refreshed!!

Park City Extra - Song and Dance

2009-07-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Claire loves to sing and dance, and Kaleb will make a great director some day!!

Changed by Jesus

2009-07-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today Brice continued his series on those who have met and been changed by Jesus. He talked about how the 12 were called and forever changed, and he showed a clip of one of our members talking about how her encounter with the gospel totally changed the direction of her life many years ago. Here's how the service looked.

Step by Step
I Sing Praises

Welcome and Family News

We Will Glorify
Holy Ground Medley

Prayer

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
Holy and Anointed One
I Worship You, Almighty God

Reading: Luke 24:28-32

Abide with Me

Communion: At the Table of Jesus

Come, Share the Lord

O Come Let Us Adore Him

Offering

Invitation to Children’s Church (age 3 – 3rd Grade)
I Keep Falling in Love with Him

Ministry Moment

Let Us Be You

Sermon

Here Is My Heart

Step by Step

Sing to the King

Shepherd’s Blessing

Park City #5

2009-07-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

Friday was another busy day. Late morning through early afternoon was park time. Here are a few pics.

The sky was simply beautiful most of the week. Virginia and Kaleb had fun finding animals and other shapes in the clouds. What do you see here?

After a hike back to the car, we visited Olympic Park for the second time this week. We forgot our camera the first time. This ski jump area is home for a couple of super zip lines in the summer. On Tuesday Kaleb and I rode the Ultra (as opposed to the longer Extreme) zip line. The Ultra was high enough, long enough and fast enough for me!!

The freestyle ski jumpers practice during the summer by using this pool at the bottom of these runs. Really fun to watch, and we stayed and watched them practice for quite a while.

I'll close with this shot of a couple of people on the Extreme zip line.

Park City #4

2009-07-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

We ran across this library that used to be a hospital (Kaleb took this shot). The grounds were well cultivated with a great variety of beautiful flowers... and don't ask me their names. I'm florally challenged.

Kaleb leaning on the flag pole to give some perspective as to how big these blooms are.

Kaleb's favorite.

Never seen a bloom quite like the one below.

Notice the fuzzy green caterpillar enjoying the blossom.

A full bouquet!!

Park City #3

2009-07-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Even though the climate here is pretty dry, there must have been pretty good spring rains, and there are also those afternoon mountain thunderstorms to help things stay green. In our walks with the kids we ran across some interesting wild flowers.

And, we caught this wonderful winged creature just soaking up the sun in the cool breeze.

Park City #2

2009-07-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Well, the internet traffic is light enough for a better connection right now, so time to post a few pics. It's now Wednesday afternoon, and these pics were at a park we hiked to with the kids on Monday. They pretty much speak for themselves. :)

Park City #1

2009-06-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Well, our flight to Salt Lake went smoothly. We rented our tiny car and arrived at the Prospector Square Lodge and Conference Center some time around mid-night. We got settled in, slept so-so, and had a wonderful day today with Kaleb and Claire while Jen attended the math conference. It's huge! Mathematicians everywhere!!

Our wireless connection isn't too stable, so I'll try to post pics later.

Whew! What a Weekend!!!

2009-06-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Great weekend!! Everyone is worn out, but pleased with how God used both VBS and the Relay for Life.

Now we're off to Park City, Utah to be Nanna and Papa while Jen is attending a conference. Will try to post some pics this week

Father's Day 2

2009-06-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

This morning I received the lastest FAX of Life, written weekly by Rubel Shelly. He almost always writes something challenging or thought-provoking, and this week was no exception. Frankly, no matter what one's politics, I am weary of all the right-wing attack propaganda flying through cyber space. I think Rubels post, entitled Stepping Up to Fatherhood, perhaps shares more of the heart of the man who is our President than all the smear emails put together. The article is pasted below, or you can read it and other articles here.

Title: Stepping Up to Fatherhood
Date: For the Week of June 22, 2009

Yesterday was Father's Day. And I suspect several of you either heard or read some meaningful things about the importance of being a father. If you are a father, I hope you got some affirmation and affection from children in whom you have invested much love and nurture. I hope you felt it appropriate to affirm your father - and found a way to do so. To be a father is a high spiritual calling.
One day doesn't do justice to good fathers. One day certainly isn't enough for making the effort to be one. And that brings me to my point.
There is a wondrous transparency in our nation's president about fatherhood. Barack Obama had precious little time, presence, or influence from his father. "I don't want to be the kind of father I had," he is quoted as having said to a friend.
The president's father left a family in Kenya to come to the United States for his education. Once here, he started a second family - only to leave his wife and two-year-old Barack Jr. to return to Africa with another woman. While the boy left behind with his mother was bright, received an excellent education, and was driven to achieve, the man at the end of the process goes to great lengths to affirm the importance of men who are sperm donors becoming real fathers to their children.
For Father's Day 2008, the man who was running for President of the United States said this about fatherhood: "Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father. It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father."
For this year, the now-president added this: "We need to step out of our own heads and tune in. We need to turn off the television and start talking with our kids, and listening to them, and understanding what's going on in their lives."
I will leave the psychologists to speculate abut the connection between one man's lack of connection to his own father and his present emphasis on the importance of being one. And this essay certainly isn't a Democratic or Republican take on his statements for the sake of partisan posturing. It is nothing more nor less than delight in hearing one prominent male leader of our world say something bold and positive about the role too many men appear to disdain.
Hard work is a good thing. Earning a living is honorable. Achieving success and recognition in a field cannot be wrong. But none of these things on which so many men have expended their energies are nearly so valuable or satisfying as the nurturing of a child to be a confident and functional man or woman - and to reap the dividend of love that comes back from that well-formed adult soul.
"Father's, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master" (Ephesians 6:4 MSG).

Father's Day

2009-06-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today was wonderful as we gathered to worship and to celebrate all our dads. We're experimenting a little with our assembly order... basically doing announcements first and saving written prayer requests to be shared in shepherding groups (adult classes) after worship.

Brice did a wonderful job of sharing the story of Jairus, leading us to see him as a dad who brought Jesus to his family. Here's what the morning looked like:

We’re Marching to Zion
No Tears in Heaven (v 3 of ...Zion)

Welcome, Family News and Greeting

Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus

Shout Hallelujah

Responsive Reading: Colossians 1:15-17

You Are Holy

Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Still

Prayer (final refrain of Still)

Communing as a Family with a Father Who Loves Us

Here in this Place

You Have Been Good

Offering

Invitation to Children’s Church

I Am a Sheep

Sermon

Good to Me
Jesus, Draw Me Closer

Days of Elijah

Shepherd’s Blessing

Various

2009-06-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Our youth minister, Kyle, and some of our teens are in SF this week working in an inner city mission effort. You can check out some of their daily experiences by clicking here.

Jennifer has posted some recent pics of the family having lots of family fun. Click here to see a few in her blog and here to see more. Here's a sample to get you motivated.

Amber has also posted the latest about Little J on their blog. Click here.

Virginia has once again been more than generous for my birthday and Father's Day. A few years back she agreed to me getting a new bike (my idea). Last year she got me an IPod Touch (her idea), which I've really enjoyed ... more than I actually thought I would. Well, this year she's outdone herself, although she will benefit from this year's gift as well. Well, to cut this suspenseful story short, last Thursday we went down and bought a wide screen HD TV. We're not usually "cutting edge, latest thing" people, but this one is so new that the Comcast HD box software does not yet fully communicate with the TV. It works OK, we just have to jump through some hoops each time we use the TV. And the picture... wow!!! If you're old enough to remember the transition from black and white to color TV, and how impressive that was, well, this is even more impressive a change. Come by and watch something with us.

Uno...Uno

2009-06-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a special day at church. As we gathered for worship, we had numerous guests, some first-timers, and the Bryant family had little Mason with them for the first time. That kiddo went through more than usual to make his appearance in this world, and he still has a kidney issue, but he is a sweetie!!

Brice introduced a summer series in which he plans to look at how people (in Bible times and now) have been changed by meeting Jesus. Great job, Brice! In our worship we focused on that old, old story of Jesus, telling it to one another once more as we sang and prayed and communed.

He Has Made Me Glad

Anywhere with Jesus

Welcome and Greeting

The Great Redeemer

That’s Why We Praise Him

Prayer

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Reading: Acts 10:36-40,43

In Christ Alone

Communion: Blessed by His Story

There Is a Redeemer

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Let Me Be a Sacrifice

Offering

Children’s Sermon and Invitation to Children’s Church

I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

Sermon

In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified

Family Matters & Shepherd’s Prayer

In Christ Alone (final vs only)

Oh... and the title of this post? We had a fund raiser lunch for anyone from church who could make it at Unos restaurant. They donated 20% of everyone's bill to our Children's Ministry for VBS. Pretty cool!

Competing Quotes

2009-06-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today. (A. W. Tozer)

Sounds like a principle we should implement... yet there is this other seeming "truth" about us.

When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice. (Otto von Bismarck)

Hmmmm...........

Quotes

2009-06-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of quotes from Brennan Manning, author, speaker, friar, priest, and contemplative.

"When God turns away from us because of selfishness, it is not rejection. Rather, it is an invitation to follow Him to a place we would rather not go."

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

Grads

2009-06-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Senior Sunday, that day each June when we honor and say nice things about our graduating high school seniors. We had 5 this year, and Kyle did a great job talking to them and including the rest of us during his sermon. Here's what the morning looked like.

Lord, I Lift Your name on High
Victory Chant

Welcome and Greeting

A New Anointing

Prayer

Reading: Micah 7:18-19

Lord, Reign in Me

Reading: Amos 5:24

Jesus, Flow Like a River

Communion: Remembering His Love for Us

Why Did My Savior Come to Earth

The Nails in Your Hands

Offering

Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church

There’s a Stirring

Honoring Our Grads: Shepherds

Sermon: Kyle

Prayer for Graduates
Lord, I Give You My Heart

Family Matters & Shepherd’s Prayer

Quote and a Bonus

2009-06-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

"The turning point in our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is." -- Patrick Morley (courtesy of Heartlight)

Wow... what a lesson to learn!!

Now for the bonus! Jen posted a short series of brief video clips of her recent ultrasound, showing the little girl growing within her. Click here to check it out.

Question for the Day

2009-06-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

What do Brigham Young, Andy Griffith, Marilyn Monroe, Pat Boone, and Morgan Freeman all have in common with the Beatles' Sgt Pepper album?

They all had their official beginnings on the first day of June.

Brigham Young - 1801

Andy Griffith - 1926

Marilyn Monroe - 1928 (actually born Norma Jean Mortenson)

Pat Boone - 1934

Morgan Freeman - 1937

The Sgt Pepper album was released in 1967.

Blooms

2009-06-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

A year ago Easter we had a bunch of Easter Lillie's in the auditorium at church, and the lady who provided them gave them away following the service. She gave Virginia one, and we brought it home and enjoyed the blooms until they faded and fell. At that point Virginia transplanted it into a larger pot outside, and we pretty much forgot about it. Well, this spring it started to grow, then to bud, and finally... well... look for yourself!!

Below is a closeup shot. Lot's of beautiful and delicate blossoms. And, you have to understand that neither of us are blessed with particularly green thumbs.

And... the Easter lily with the most beautiful flower in my garden. :-)

2009-05-31T16:20:00.001-07:00

Today was a day to focus on worship, our blessings from God, and growing in our desire to serve Him. Here's what we did.

He Lives
My Life Is in You

Welcome and Greeting

We Have Come to Worship Him
Shout Hallelujah

Prayer

Reading: Habakkuk 2:18-19

The Lord Is in His Holy Temple

Still

Reading: Psalm 86:9-10

How Great Thou Art (refrain of How Great Is Our God)

Communion: How Great Is Our God!
How Great Is Our God

Children’s Sermon & Invitation to Children’s Church
Anywhere with Jesus

Finance Team Report

Prayer

Offering

Thank You, Lord

Elder Confirmation

We Are the Body of Christ

Family Matters & Shepherd’s Prayer

Shine on Us

Closing Prayer

Remembering...

2009-05-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today in worship we paused to give thanks for the blessings God gives us through our nation, including the lives of so many given to protect us in the armed services. We then moved to a period of worship, remembering that our primary allegiance belongs to and the source of our blessings is the Lord, the King, and the Kingdom that is established through Jesus. Brice wrapped up his Christian Life series with a wonderfully creative exposition of the parable of the soils. It was a good morning... blessed by God.

He Is Exalted
Step by Step

Welcome and Thanksgiving for Our Blessings as Americans

We Shall Assemble

Prayer

Reading: Isaiah 6:1-3

Come, Thou Almighty King (v 1)

I See the Lord

Come, Thou Almighty King (v 3)

Congregational Reading: 1 Chronicles 29:11

O Worship the King

Majesty

Communion: Remembering the King Who Gave His Life

Til My Faith Become Sight

Holy and Anointed One

Offering

Children’s Sermon

Invitation to Children’s Church (age 3 – 3rd Grade)
You Are the Song that I Sing

Sermon

Here Is My Heart

Family Matters & Shepherd’s Prayer

Close by singing refrain of Here Is My Heart

Choices

2009-05-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure. (Segal's Law)

You can't spend your life sitting on the fence. (Unknown)

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference. (Robert Frost)

"No one can serve two masters, because either he will hate one and love the other, or be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches!" (Jesus)