Brothers and Sisters, it has been awhile, and my blogging has well been extinct until today, so Hi, How are you?
More Importantly How am I?
I could say I was busy, but anyone can say that, I think the real reason for lack of blogging and communication was balance, or lack there of.
I think if I had one word to describe my entire semester out here in the treacherous land of the Ol'West I would say it is
BALANCE.
What is Balance?
For me it has been elusive. I have been pushing my self, pressing on for the name of discipline and perseverance, when God wanted me to simply rest, aka Be Still and Know that he is God. I have been learning this lesson in a number of different ways this semester.
1. Sleeping, A few weeks in a row I would push myself all week until I got to a point when I would just have to sleep, and I would sleep like 10-12 hours. 1 Week it actually made me sick, I came down with some flu thing and slept like 14 hours! Crazy but it was a clear sign to me that I need to learn how to rest. It seems kinda foolish, like come one do I really need to learn how to take a sabbath, Commandment number 4, But then I tried to rest one Sabbath day, and It was hard I literly had to sit and be like no don't get up stay here, sit and read or listen to worship or pray, seemed rediculcous but I felt much better afterward, and rested for my week of work ahead.
2. Eating, So I don't think I have made it know yet but I have been vegetarian this semester, Ok so I have broken it a few times, a few piecies of chicken here and there, and some fish at a diner I was invited to, but for the last two months I have been legit Veggie only, and switched to Rice milk, GOOD STUFF, anyways So In doing so I have found how important it is to have three consistant meals each day. I believe I have what is know as acid reflux disease, basically the entrance from my esophgous to my stomach stays open after I eat food causing alot of burping and indegestion, Im not really sure how long I have had this I just kinda lived with it and didn't notice, until many friends and family, were like you burp alot. So In my great wisdom I thought I will avoid all foods that make me burp or have indegestion. Also eat smaller meal portions and take medicine to help with indgestion. And Im prolly gona have to get checked out by a doc. So any ways that was long and random, but It has taught me to try and be balanced with even meals rather than a huge meal at the end of the day or something.
Ok now that I have bored you with my words, yeah Im just gona start another post to explain what and the world I have been doing the last couple months...
but enjoy this
Proverb: 15:17 Better a small meal of vegetables with love
than a fattened cafe with hatred
(I don't think this verse means we should all be vegetarians or anything, I mostly thought it was fun to use, I think it truly means to value love more than food or something like that, Or maybe don't settle with hatred in order to have a fattened cafe or full meal.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
All night.
Skin feels, dry, clammy, cold, feel slightly out of my body, slept for maybe 40 minutes in a chair last night, then 10 minutes on my bed, then a nap for 40 min in my car. Its a feeling Ive become quite used too in the last year and a half. Insomnia? maybe, not quite that bad. Worn out yes, lack of balance sometimes, stupidity sometimes, not knowing when to say no, and retreat for rest sometimes, but what is our rights? Is our idea of comfort, our right to a good nights sleep? our right to warmth, a bed, comfort, shelter, is that a God given Blessing? or are we simply in the financial means to do so. What does it truly mean,
The foxes of holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest his head?
I have wrestled and explored what this means and many other calls of Christ for his disciples. And yes we are all disciples, but not all accept the call, The full of call of SURRENDERED life!! Even those who saw him like Peter, did not fully surrender at first, but once he did, he was unstoppable, a force of good on the earth used by God, with the Holy Spirit burning in side of him, SPIRITUAL BAPTISM, do we even know what that means today? Have forgotten his words, his call to be completely different from the ways of this world that we might offer the truest of all LOVE, PEACE, and HOPE! The kind of love that fills the aching void in humanity, the un-answered questions of what more is their to this thing called life?
Once again I challenge myself, and anyone who might listen, ARE YOU a Servant of the MOST HIGH GOD?
ARE YOU LOVING THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART SOUL AND MIND? AND LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF?
IF MY MOM, OR DAD, SISTER, BROTHER, BEST FRIEND, SCHOOL MATE, GIRLFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND'S MOM, DAD, BROTHERS, MY GRANDMOTHER, MY AUNT, WERE STARVING, THIRSTY, NAKED, COLD, UN-SHELTERED, UN-FEED, WOULD I REALLY BE ABLE TO GO ON LIVING IN PLENTY, WOULD I BE ABLE TO EAT THREE MEALS A DAY AND NOT SO MUCH AS OFFER A PRAYER FOR THEM. THIS IS NOT ABOUT FORGETTING WHAT GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH BUT, DIEING TO OURSELVES
To the Jews who believed Him(to the Christians who believed Him) Jesus said,"If you hold to my teachings, then you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. JOHN 8:13-32
Many Christians believe in Him, but how many are holding to his teachings?
How many are really his disciples?
How many are free?
Free from sin?
Free from death?
Free from lying?
Free from cheating?
Free from course talking?
Free from materialism?
Free from addiction?
Free from worldly success?
Free from performance driven life?
Free from gossip?
Free from sexual impurity?
Free from sin and become a slave to righteousness.
Free from fulfilling the hole in your heart with the temporary things rather than the eternal Glory of the Creator of the Universe, who wants communion with you!
These are my words I want you to know them, I want you to hear them I want you to feel. - Gwen Stacy (An old song from an Christian Hardcore Rock Band, Yes the irony but their lyrics hold TRUTH)
The foxes of holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest his head?
I have wrestled and explored what this means and many other calls of Christ for his disciples. And yes we are all disciples, but not all accept the call, The full of call of SURRENDERED life!! Even those who saw him like Peter, did not fully surrender at first, but once he did, he was unstoppable, a force of good on the earth used by God, with the Holy Spirit burning in side of him, SPIRITUAL BAPTISM, do we even know what that means today? Have forgotten his words, his call to be completely different from the ways of this world that we might offer the truest of all LOVE, PEACE, and HOPE! The kind of love that fills the aching void in humanity, the un-answered questions of what more is their to this thing called life?
Once again I challenge myself, and anyone who might listen, ARE YOU a Servant of the MOST HIGH GOD?
ARE YOU LOVING THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART SOUL AND MIND? AND LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF?
IF MY MOM, OR DAD, SISTER, BROTHER, BEST FRIEND, SCHOOL MATE, GIRLFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND'S MOM, DAD, BROTHERS, MY GRANDMOTHER, MY AUNT, WERE STARVING, THIRSTY, NAKED, COLD, UN-SHELTERED, UN-FEED, WOULD I REALLY BE ABLE TO GO ON LIVING IN PLENTY, WOULD I BE ABLE TO EAT THREE MEALS A DAY AND NOT SO MUCH AS OFFER A PRAYER FOR THEM. THIS IS NOT ABOUT FORGETTING WHAT GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH BUT, DIEING TO OURSELVES
To the Jews who believed Him(to the Christians who believed Him) Jesus said,"If you hold to my teachings, then you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. JOHN 8:13-32
Many Christians believe in Him, but how many are holding to his teachings?
How many are really his disciples?
How many are free?
Free from sin?
Free from death?
Free from lying?
Free from cheating?
Free from course talking?
Free from materialism?
Free from addiction?
Free from worldly success?
Free from performance driven life?
Free from gossip?
Free from sexual impurity?
Free from sin and become a slave to righteousness.
Free from fulfilling the hole in your heart with the temporary things rather than the eternal Glory of the Creator of the Universe, who wants communion with you!
These are my words I want you to know them, I want you to hear them I want you to feel. - Gwen Stacy (An old song from an Christian Hardcore Rock Band, Yes the irony but their lyrics hold TRUTH)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Storms
written on Monday 2/21/11
Lord time is short as always. I'm in the middle of a challenging storm. A storm I'm excited to be in. The storm of God that takes away the dirt. The lose soil. The left over stain from sin. It makes the land new for better production of fruit. The down pour of rain replenishes the cracked dry earth. That has been abused and mistreated. The rivers that have been waning are gushing with life. The lakes that were dying are full and abundant. The lake is ready to clean and to baptize.
Storms take away sin fear, doubt, guilt, and stains.
After the storm comes life.
Psalm 119:147-149
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes stay open through the watches of the
night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.
Lord time is short as always. I'm in the middle of a challenging storm. A storm I'm excited to be in. The storm of God that takes away the dirt. The lose soil. The left over stain from sin. It makes the land new for better production of fruit. The down pour of rain replenishes the cracked dry earth. That has been abused and mistreated. The rivers that have been waning are gushing with life. The lakes that were dying are full and abundant. The lake is ready to clean and to baptize.
Storms take away sin fear, doubt, guilt, and stains.
After the storm comes life.
Psalm 119:147-149
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes stay open through the watches of the
night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Lane Change
WHACK!!!
I pull over and glance in the rear view mirror. Seeing the car that I had just drove by as they were pulling out of the parking spot. I put my blinkers on get a pen and paper and get out of my car. I walked around and inspect the damage. From front passenger door to the rear tire my car is dented and scrapped. The back passenger door seems to taken the bulk of the damage. Looks fixable, just feel stupid for not paying attention more. I try to open the back door no luck. Front door opens.
I walk back to the man who was in the truck. A black Ford Bronco, 1990. Frank, he is mid 50's dark complected Hispanic yet very American. He asks for my insurance & registration, I go back to my glove box to find my insurance, its expired great. But I figure it will be ok. We exchange information, saying little at first. Then I explain I;m from Indiana here at film school, he asks me what I want to do I say direct documentaries. I ask him what he does, he is an EMT, he asks if I was alright, I was like yeah, just feel stupid for changing lanes so fast. He was like yeah be careful. We inspected the damage, his car seems untouched a few small scraps on the bumper. The last thing he said was "I'm in the business of helping people" We shook hands then left.
Lesson:
So what did I learn in all this. BE PATIENT
The day started out like any other, hit the snooze sleep in for another 30 min, I need to work on that. I barely had time for devo, I just read some verses of scripture I have taped to the wall in our apartment. i grab my things and head out the door. Tim a fellow student at LAFSC is waiting in the lobby. Tim is interning on the same floor as me but with a different company, so we carpool to work now.
We are driving along jamming to some mewithoutYou. Traffic was not bad so we were moving a little faster today. the left lane was slowing down, I saw an opening in the right lane and figured I could get over, I quickly put my signal on then start to change lanes, and out of the corner of my eye I see a black truck pulling out of a parking spot, WHACK!!!!!
I stop my car. Get out and realize, it was my fault I changed lanes so quickly and didn't see him pulling out.
Thankfully, no injures, only some body damage to my car. The back right door is dented badly but it still opens. The wheel well was rubbing against the tire when I went over some bumps, but I managed to bend it back with a rubber mallet.
I am officially a red neck!
I pull over and glance in the rear view mirror. Seeing the car that I had just drove by as they were pulling out of the parking spot. I put my blinkers on get a pen and paper and get out of my car. I walked around and inspect the damage. From front passenger door to the rear tire my car is dented and scrapped. The back passenger door seems to taken the bulk of the damage. Looks fixable, just feel stupid for not paying attention more. I try to open the back door no luck. Front door opens.
I walk back to the man who was in the truck. A black Ford Bronco, 1990. Frank, he is mid 50's dark complected Hispanic yet very American. He asks for my insurance & registration, I go back to my glove box to find my insurance, its expired great. But I figure it will be ok. We exchange information, saying little at first. Then I explain I;m from Indiana here at film school, he asks me what I want to do I say direct documentaries. I ask him what he does, he is an EMT, he asks if I was alright, I was like yeah, just feel stupid for changing lanes so fast. He was like yeah be careful. We inspected the damage, his car seems untouched a few small scraps on the bumper. The last thing he said was "I'm in the business of helping people" We shook hands then left.
Lesson:
So what did I learn in all this. BE PATIENT
The day started out like any other, hit the snooze sleep in for another 30 min, I need to work on that. I barely had time for devo, I just read some verses of scripture I have taped to the wall in our apartment. i grab my things and head out the door. Tim a fellow student at LAFSC is waiting in the lobby. Tim is interning on the same floor as me but with a different company, so we carpool to work now.
We are driving along jamming to some mewithoutYou. Traffic was not bad so we were moving a little faster today. the left lane was slowing down, I saw an opening in the right lane and figured I could get over, I quickly put my signal on then start to change lanes, and out of the corner of my eye I see a black truck pulling out of a parking spot, WHACK!!!!!
I stop my car. Get out and realize, it was my fault I changed lanes so quickly and didn't see him pulling out.
Thankfully, no injures, only some body damage to my car. The back right door is dented badly but it still opens. The wheel well was rubbing against the tire when I went over some bumps, but I managed to bend it back with a rubber mallet.
I am officially a red neck!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Humility
Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor
"Trying to be Paul, without first being Saul"
- A Disciple
Throughout the past couple of weeks I have been going through a trial of humility. I have continually found my self in situations that everything I'm trying to do is failing or being frustrated so I just need to stop, sit, listen, and wait for God's timing in my life. Even something as random as stubbing my toe seems to have occurred in order to allow me to just stop and wait on God. Through this time I have realized that I am trying very hard to serve God in every possible way that I can but in doing this I have very much ignored what he has already done in my life and placed in front of me to do through Christian service that is more about waiting than action. I am trying to be Paul, without first being Saul. Being thrown from a horse and blinded by Jesus, so I may stop relying on what is unseen but rather what is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
(Journal entry 2/3/11 - 10:10am)
Lord I thank you for rest. Lord I thank you for dreams. Hope. Peace. Warmth. Goals. Ideas. Passion to do great things for your name. Father I have been going through this changing experience and I'm not sure where you are leading me. But its not easy its a little painful. Lord I feel I am here for a different purpose than I originally thought. Yet don't let me harbor spiritual pride. I often think the walk with Christ is like a ladder you climb with different people all over the place, and I think I'm farther than others based on my experiences and choices.
God how can I think that!
You are the one who knows us and where you want us. Lord may I be so oblivious to my own path that I'm constantly relying on you to guide me. May I constantly see others and ask them to get back on the path with you Lord.
Exert from Streams in the Desert
But do not suppose that He has cast thee aside. Thou art still in His quiver; He has not flung thee away as a worthless thing.
He is only keeping thee close till the moment comes when He can send thee most swiftly and surely on some errand in which He will be glorified.
- Streams in the Desert
Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor
"Trying to be Paul, without first being Saul"
- A Disciple
Throughout the past couple of weeks I have been going through a trial of humility. I have continually found my self in situations that everything I'm trying to do is failing or being frustrated so I just need to stop, sit, listen, and wait for God's timing in my life. Even something as random as stubbing my toe seems to have occurred in order to allow me to just stop and wait on God. Through this time I have realized that I am trying very hard to serve God in every possible way that I can but in doing this I have very much ignored what he has already done in my life and placed in front of me to do through Christian service that is more about waiting than action. I am trying to be Paul, without first being Saul. Being thrown from a horse and blinded by Jesus, so I may stop relying on what is unseen but rather what is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
(Journal entry 2/3/11 - 10:10am)
Lord I thank you for rest. Lord I thank you for dreams. Hope. Peace. Warmth. Goals. Ideas. Passion to do great things for your name. Father I have been going through this changing experience and I'm not sure where you are leading me. But its not easy its a little painful. Lord I feel I am here for a different purpose than I originally thought. Yet don't let me harbor spiritual pride. I often think the walk with Christ is like a ladder you climb with different people all over the place, and I think I'm farther than others based on my experiences and choices.
God how can I think that!
You are the one who knows us and where you want us. Lord may I be so oblivious to my own path that I'm constantly relying on you to guide me. May I constantly see others and ask them to get back on the path with you Lord.
Exert from Streams in the Desert
But do not suppose that He has cast thee aside. Thou art still in His quiver; He has not flung thee away as a worthless thing.
He is only keeping thee close till the moment comes when He can send thee most swiftly and surely on some errand in which He will be glorified.
- Streams in the Desert
Day 38 - LA
2/14/11
Sometimes God puts us through the experience and discipline of darkness to teach us to hear and obey Him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and God puts us into “the shadow of His hand” until we learn to hear Him (Isaiah 49:2). “Whatever I tell you in the dark. . .”— pay attention when God puts you into darkness, and keep your mouth closed while you are there. Are you in the dark right now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? If so, then remain quiet. If you open your mouth in the dark, you will speak while in the wrong mood— darkness is the time to listen. Don’t talk to other people about it; don’t read books to find out the reason for the darkness; just listen and obey. If you talk to other people, you cannot hear what God is saying. When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else once you are back in the light.
- Oswald Chambers
Sometimes God puts us through the experience and discipline of darkness to teach us to hear and obey Him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and God puts us into “the shadow of His hand” until we learn to hear Him (Isaiah 49:2). “Whatever I tell you in the dark. . .”— pay attention when God puts you into darkness, and keep your mouth closed while you are there. Are you in the dark right now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? If so, then remain quiet. If you open your mouth in the dark, you will speak while in the wrong mood— darkness is the time to listen. Don’t talk to other people about it; don’t read books to find out the reason for the darkness; just listen and obey. If you talk to other people, you cannot hear what God is saying. When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else once you are back in the light.
- Oswald Chambers
Monday, February 7, 2011
Week 5: 2/6 - 2/12
Sunday: Woke up, went to Ecclessia, heard an amazing sermon on sexual purity, and it was National Porn Awareness Sunday, sponsored by xxxchurch.com We watched a video with NFL athlete's who are open about their struggle with sexual addiction, it was inspiring to see what God is doing!
Monday: Our God is Greater!
Woke up, had just enough time to get dressed grab my stuff, hit the road, I had to fill up on gas. $3.55/gal, could be worse. I felt pretty out of it and kinda just going to internship, then the worship cd that was playing caught my attention, the song Our God is Greater.
I was instantly flooded with memories and emotions of this past summer when I first heard this song. The words of this song gave me great comfort this past summer when I was the video guy at a church camp for Florida Central District and was going through the height of the storm during my summer. I had just finished grueling weeks of balancing, two summer school classes, mowing Lawns three days out of the week, and working video at Shepherd Community the other two days. In other words I was spent! This was also the week before my grandfather passed away. As I listened to the song on my way to work I was just overwhelmed with God's love and power and reminded of the trials he has gotten me through, how easily I forget sometimes.
My toe
So its Monday night, just get back from work down some food, then I board over to the school for a production meeting, I get their and my roommate forgets his binder, I tell him I can get it quicker on the long board. I skate back, I'm about to the steps of my apartment and I think I can power slide to a stop and run in, I miss the stop and my right foot kicks forward from the momentum kicking the bottom step. I foot throbs! I pause for a second wondering if it broken, I think its alright and run up stairs get the binder. I feel my toe to see if its alright, its still in a state of shock, I start boarding back to school and realize, this HURTS! Its not broken but really bruised, like the worst toe stub of my life. I have to limp back home after the meeting. I get back and examine it, no bones sticking out, its swelled, and bruised. I make some ice in a zip lock bag and then prop my foot up.
I take it easy for the next couple days, but find it ironic that I have been learning humility and have this happen in which I have to stop and rest, and rely on others to help me along. Thanks God! and who ever said you don't have a sense of humor...
Friday
Went to work, average day printed scripts, and answered phone calls. That evening though my roommate Gordon and I had planned to hang out, we went on a raid for scrap wood to have a bon fire on the beach Saturday! we ate some freezer pizza after work, then set off armed with flashlights and head lamps. First couple of stores nothing, then we went behind a K-Mart, some broken pallets, score. We realize we might need a hammer or something to break them down so they better fit in our car. We go to Target I but a hatchet, and he bus some hot dog scours to cook over the fire. We drive to another shopping area to search for more wood. We find some more broken pallets, score again!
On the way back we are exhausted and have my back seat and trunk full of wood. We see a Yum Yum donuts that is open 24 hours, we can't resist we stop and get some freshly made donuts!
Saturday- Beach Day
Went to the beach with our production group to just hang out and get to know each other. Gordon, Tim and I go early to save a fire pit, and start setting up the fire wood. Another beautiful sunset, Man I'm blessed to see this so much! I just enjoy sitting and watching it go down over the vast ocean!!! God is cool, he made that big body of water!
Monday: Our God is Greater!
Woke up, had just enough time to get dressed grab my stuff, hit the road, I had to fill up on gas. $3.55/gal, could be worse. I felt pretty out of it and kinda just going to internship, then the worship cd that was playing caught my attention, the song Our God is Greater.
I was instantly flooded with memories and emotions of this past summer when I first heard this song. The words of this song gave me great comfort this past summer when I was the video guy at a church camp for Florida Central District and was going through the height of the storm during my summer. I had just finished grueling weeks of balancing, two summer school classes, mowing Lawns three days out of the week, and working video at Shepherd Community the other two days. In other words I was spent! This was also the week before my grandfather passed away. As I listened to the song on my way to work I was just overwhelmed with God's love and power and reminded of the trials he has gotten me through, how easily I forget sometimes.
My toe
So its Monday night, just get back from work down some food, then I board over to the school for a production meeting, I get their and my roommate forgets his binder, I tell him I can get it quicker on the long board. I skate back, I'm about to the steps of my apartment and I think I can power slide to a stop and run in, I miss the stop and my right foot kicks forward from the momentum kicking the bottom step. I foot throbs! I pause for a second wondering if it broken, I think its alright and run up stairs get the binder. I feel my toe to see if its alright, its still in a state of shock, I start boarding back to school and realize, this HURTS! Its not broken but really bruised, like the worst toe stub of my life. I have to limp back home after the meeting. I get back and examine it, no bones sticking out, its swelled, and bruised. I make some ice in a zip lock bag and then prop my foot up.
I take it easy for the next couple days, but find it ironic that I have been learning humility and have this happen in which I have to stop and rest, and rely on others to help me along. Thanks God! and who ever said you don't have a sense of humor...
Friday
Went to work, average day printed scripts, and answered phone calls. That evening though my roommate Gordon and I had planned to hang out, we went on a raid for scrap wood to have a bon fire on the beach Saturday! we ate some freezer pizza after work, then set off armed with flashlights and head lamps. First couple of stores nothing, then we went behind a K-Mart, some broken pallets, score. We realize we might need a hammer or something to break them down so they better fit in our car. We go to Target I but a hatchet, and he bus some hot dog scours to cook over the fire. We drive to another shopping area to search for more wood. We find some more broken pallets, score again!
On the way back we are exhausted and have my back seat and trunk full of wood. We see a Yum Yum donuts that is open 24 hours, we can't resist we stop and get some freshly made donuts!
Saturday- Beach Day
Went to the beach with our production group to just hang out and get to know each other. Gordon, Tim and I go early to save a fire pit, and start setting up the fire wood. Another beautiful sunset, Man I'm blessed to see this so much! I just enjoy sitting and watching it go down over the vast ocean!!! God is cool, he made that big body of water!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Week 4
Monday: 1-31-11
My second day in the office, I got in early and stood in the lobby not knowing what to do, then the other intern came and showed me how to open the front door and turn the lights on. It was a good day, ran the mail, phones, and front desk. Still waiting to read my first script.
Mid day I got a call that my glasses and contacts were in! So I Google map how to get to the Target in Burbank, its only 20 miles but takes 50 minutes in traffic.
I leave right after work and get there around 7:20pm Check em out!
Then I drive back to the apt, and then realize we have a quest speaker named Doug Jones: a.k.a. Abe Sapien in Hell Boy series; Faun and the Pale Man from Pan's Labyrinth; Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four; and many more creatures and actor in other films.
Wednesday: 2-2-11
I wake up, feel tired. Drive in to work. Have cereal with milk for the first time in four weeks. I bought soy milk the first week, then have been having cereal and water ever since. Stomach felt a little funny at first but then got used to it.
Surf Board:
At the internship I had a random delivery, a surf board needed picked up and taken to an office. I gladly accepted the task! I felt like a complete surfer dude, walking into the lobby of this high rise office building. I'm filled with some joy and a slight smirk on my face! Man do I want to just go surf, if only I had a board and knew how, for a second I think, hmm I could just jump in my car try out the board then come back before anyone would notice! But I just go up the elevator and then drop off the board into someones office. I get to the office, its filled with like five other surfboards, and a long board hanging on the wall.
only in L.A....
My second day in the office, I got in early and stood in the lobby not knowing what to do, then the other intern came and showed me how to open the front door and turn the lights on. It was a good day, ran the mail, phones, and front desk. Still waiting to read my first script.
Mid day I got a call that my glasses and contacts were in! So I Google map how to get to the Target in Burbank, its only 20 miles but takes 50 minutes in traffic.
I leave right after work and get there around 7:20pm Check em out!
Then I drive back to the apt, and then realize we have a quest speaker named Doug Jones: a.k.a. Abe Sapien in Hell Boy series; Faun and the Pale Man from Pan's Labyrinth; Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four; and many more creatures and actor in other films.
Wednesday: 2-2-11
I wake up, feel tired. Drive in to work. Have cereal with milk for the first time in four weeks. I bought soy milk the first week, then have been having cereal and water ever since. Stomach felt a little funny at first but then got used to it.
Surf Board:
At the internship I had a random delivery, a surf board needed picked up and taken to an office. I gladly accepted the task! I felt like a complete surfer dude, walking into the lobby of this high rise office building. I'm filled with some joy and a slight smirk on my face! Man do I want to just go surf, if only I had a board and knew how, for a second I think, hmm I could just jump in my car try out the board then come back before anyone would notice! But I just go up the elevator and then drop off the board into someones office. I get to the office, its filled with like five other surfboards, and a long board hanging on the wall.
only in L.A....
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Day 17 – Burbank, CA
(written on Monday 1/24/11)
Psalm 63:2-5
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and Behold your power and your glory.
Because your Love is better than Life
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied with the richest of foods;
with the singing lips my mouth will praise you.
I’m currently sitting outside a Dazbug coffee shop, I didn’t get any coffee but they have free Wi-Fi! Where to begin. It has been just a little over two weeks since I arrived in L.A. and as you can tell from the absence of blog material, I have been busy! But I wouldn’t have it any other way, to quote myself in talking with Aaron the other day, “A disciple’s work is never over.”
I said it in a comical sense but the more I think about it the more I realize the work that God has given me and the calling to be a Disciple of Christ is never over, and it only increases with time. But I give praise to that Fact, and I rejoice with my hands lifted high! I take great joy in the trials and tasks assigned to me for it is achieving for me an eternal glory and I stand firm walking forward each day.
Psalm 61:5-8
For you have heard my vows, O God;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name....
... v. 8 Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
Week 2 Jan 16-22
These are my Roomates!
from left: Lex, Andrew, Gordon, Anson, Aaron
Sunday: We went to Ecclesia Church in downtown Hollywood, It was really amazing, and we were worshiping in an old theatre which was surrounded by the city. I could just feel the Light of God shinning out from our praise.
The week went about the same as the week before, classes homework, no sleep!
Then I got to pick the place I Intern at I picked Radar Pictures, they have produced some great films like, The Last Samurai, Jumanji, and Dumbo Drop. I will be reading scripts and summarizing them! It should be some good experience to just understand the industry and how it works.
Saturday: Breakfast
Aaron and I convinced our roomies that Pronto Donuts was amazing and we had to eat their sometime, so we did, Saturday morning my new pal Gordon and I woke everyone up at 9:30am and forced them to go get donuts! It was a twenty five minute drive but so worth it. The donuts were a sugary taste of Heaven, and it was my roommate Andrew’s Birthday so what a great way to start it off!
Later that day we went to Dockweiler Beach near LAX, It was my first time in the Pacific Ocean since 2007 but so WORTH it!!!
from left: Lex, Andrew, Gordon, Anson, Aaron
Sunday: We went to Ecclesia Church in downtown Hollywood, It was really amazing, and we were worshiping in an old theatre which was surrounded by the city. I could just feel the Light of God shinning out from our praise.
The week went about the same as the week before, classes homework, no sleep!
Then I got to pick the place I Intern at I picked Radar Pictures, they have produced some great films like, The Last Samurai, Jumanji, and Dumbo Drop. I will be reading scripts and summarizing them! It should be some good experience to just understand the industry and how it works.
Saturday: Breakfast
Aaron and I convinced our roomies that Pronto Donuts was amazing and we had to eat their sometime, so we did, Saturday morning my new pal Gordon and I woke everyone up at 9:30am and forced them to go get donuts! It was a twenty five minute drive but so worth it. The donuts were a sugary taste of Heaven, and it was my roommate Andrew’s Birthday so what a great way to start it off!
Later that day we went to Dockweiler Beach near LAX, It was my first time in the Pacific Ocean since 2007 but so WORTH it!!!
Table
Journal Exert: January 15, 2011
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies
You anoint my head with oil my cup overflows.
*I wrote this while sitting at the table in my room after breakfast.
I thank you for this table. The Table is used for a lot of things. Food, games, fellowship. As I embrace the day of rest I pray one thing.
Place my table in the presence of my enemies”
Because this is where the men of God reside, this is where the disciple way dines. This is where the crucified with Christ find joy, fellowship, nourishment. This is where battles are won and fought. Hearts are mended. Relationships restored.
Those who dwell here are, ”anointed with oil and their cup overflows.
The table for the disciples where the broken are restored...
Week 1: Jan 8-15
The first week was super crazy busy, fun, exciting, new, exhausting, and draining.
Saturday: the 8th
We moved in to Park LaBrea Apartments (pictured above)which hold over 11,000 residents, and located in the Heart of West Hollywood, we are about two miles from Sunset Boulevard and thirty minutes from Santa Monica Beach, “depending on traffic”. That gets said a lot here. Which I have learned if Google Maps says it take 15 minutes double that time, and hope for the best.
My week consisted of going to orientation meetings 4-6 hours each day, shopping for food, which is harder than I ever thought. Hanging with the new roomies, going to Chipotle, and staying up super late almost every night to finish homework which was assigned when we arrived here.. Yes I procrastinated..
Friday: We played some night football, which was really hard because there were no parks with lights, and little open space near our apartments, but it was still fun and no one was seriously injured.
Saturday morning: a group of guys got together and we made pancakes for Breakfast!
Then we went to the Kodak theatre where they hold the Academy Awards every year!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sight & Sound
Journal exert 1/8/11.
Morning.
As I awake here in LA, I have this familiar feeling. I can’t quite place it at first, the sound of plans landing nearby. The scent in the air. The city smell. I’m reminded of Miami. Of waking up in the Hogar. Of finding a quiet place to pray and worship you. Lord I’m reminded of being in your will, of being sent somewhere other than my home. My home was made a mission field as well. My Life is in your hands. May I be crucified with Christ so that I may be living through him, and I pray once again, ”SEND ME TO THE WORLD!” and you have, I thank you for this step of the journey.
Psalm 29:4-5
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
The voice of the Lord is Majestic
Late Night: 1:15am
Here, I am in Los Angeles California on a Saturday Night January 8th, 2011. If you had asked me five years ago where I would be on this date I would have probably had no clue. If you would have asked me 5 days ago I might have said the same thing. Father God, I hope that I would say “The only place I need to be is FOLLOWING CHRIST!” Everything else is secondary. Lord may I live and breathe that every day.
And Jesus said, Come Follow me.
Morning.
As I awake here in LA, I have this familiar feeling. I can’t quite place it at first, the sound of plans landing nearby. The scent in the air. The city smell. I’m reminded of Miami. Of waking up in the Hogar. Of finding a quiet place to pray and worship you. Lord I’m reminded of being in your will, of being sent somewhere other than my home. My home was made a mission field as well. My Life is in your hands. May I be crucified with Christ so that I may be living through him, and I pray once again, ”SEND ME TO THE WORLD!” and you have, I thank you for this step of the journey.
Psalm 29:4-5
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
The voice of the Lord is Majestic
Late Night: 1:15am
Here, I am in Los Angeles California on a Saturday Night January 8th, 2011. If you had asked me five years ago where I would be on this date I would have probably had no clue. If you would have asked me 5 days ago I might have said the same thing. Father God, I hope that I would say “The only place I need to be is FOLLOWING CHRIST!” Everything else is secondary. Lord may I live and breathe that every day.
And Jesus said, Come Follow me.
Road Trip, Part Two
Thursday: Driving time: 14 hours.
Aaron’s Camaro was fixed and ready to go at 11am; we went to pick it up and were on our way!
We made our way past St. Louis and it was then my turn to delay the trip, in my stubbornness to get to Cali without using GPS and with me trying to drive and take a picture of the Arch we missed the exit and when thirty minutes in the wrong direction towards Kansas city.. I felt dumb.
We continued on our way. Found another Chic-fil-A.
Next, we drove, and drove, and drove some more. If I ever have kids, and they happen to read this, don not do this!!!
The Gauntlet: We drove from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 8 hours.
We spent the night in a hotel parking lot, in the front seats of Aaron’s Camaro with a beautiful view of the night skyline.
Journal exert: January 7th, 2011Friday: Driving time: 12 hours. Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles, CA
Lord against all odds we are here in L.A. We got here at 8:30pm, 2 hours before Lauren’s flight got in. Lord may we be in your presence. Lord may we do your will. Shelter us tonight give us rest. Heal our tired bodies.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
To go out without knowing.
Day 1
Aaron's car was having some problems, so we decided to get it looked at. We took it in and had the fuel filter, and some fuel injector cleansing fluid put in. Delayed us for about 45 minutes, but we figured it would be better than waiting on the side of the road somewhere.
We pull over on the nearest exit, and end up in Maryville, IL. The first place, is some towing and repair place, they tell us to go further down the road, we find a Midas. They tell Aaron his whole muffler and exhaust needs replaced, and they can not get the parts till the morning.
5:00pm cst
Two hours later, we are sitting in an Econo Lodge down the street, thinking wow, that just happened...
and I’m left thinking, PRAISE GOD!!! He is so good, thank you God for this day getting us this far in the journey, thank you for being with us this far in the journey, I don’t deserve to be going, I don’t deserve to have this life, yet you give it anyways, and I’m thankful.
But I wasn’t that joyful at first, but then something wonderful happened.
I stopped, looked at the sunset, and realized, Wow God, thank you. Immediately something I read the other day came to my mind.
“He went out, not knowing where he was going”
- Hebrew 11:8
“One of the most difficult questions to answer in Christian work is, What do you expect to do?
You don’t know what you are going to do. The only thing you know is that God knows what he is doing...
All of you, Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble
Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
-1 Peter 5:5-7
3 1/2 hours done, 1 day, 7 hours to go...
Well the saying goes, getting there is half the fun..
Then you could say we are having way too Much Fun!
We woke up at 9am, ate baked french toast for breakfast (Thanks MOM!!!), left the house at 10:30am.
Aaron's car was having some problems, so we decided to get it looked at. We took it in and had the fuel filter, and some fuel injector cleansing fluid put in. Delayed us for about 45 minutes, but we figured it would be better than waiting on the side of the road somewhere. His car is ready to go, Aaron spots the Chic- Fil-a across the street and picks up a chicken sandwich for the road.
12:30pm EST
We set off for L.A. taking 1-70 west towards St. Louis.
It's a beautiful day, sun is shining, we plan to make it to Tulsa, OK for the night, a 10 hour drive!
I spend the first few hours, just thinking, praying and feeling excited for the journey.
3:55 pm EST
Then about 20 miles outside of St. Louis, Aaron calls me," Dude, something is dragging under my car, I'm gona pull in front so you can see"
This is what I see!
We pull over on the nearest exit, and end up in Maryville, IL. The first place, is some towing and repair place, they tell us to go further down the road, we find a Midas. They tell Aaron his whole muffler and exhaust needs replaced, and they can not get the parts till the morning. 5:00pm cst
Two hours later, we are sitting in an Econo Lodge down the street, thinking wow, that just happened...
and I’m left thinking, PRAISE GOD!!! He is so good, thank you God for this day getting us this far in the journey, thank you for being with us this far in the journey, I don’t deserve to be going, I don’t deserve to have this life, yet you give it anyways, and I’m thankful.
But I wasn’t that joyful at first, but then something wonderful happened.
I stopped, looked at the sunset, and realized, Wow God, thank you. Immediately something I read the other day came to my mind.
“He went out, not knowing where he was going”
- Hebrew 11:8
“One of the most difficult questions to answer in Christian work is, What do you expect to do?
You don’t know what you are going to do. The only thing you know is that God knows what he is doing...
...Do you believe in a miracle-working God, and will you go out in complete surrender to Him until you are not surprised one iota by anything He does?”
- Oswald Chambers, Utmost for his Highest, January 2nd.
All I have left to say is PRAISE GOD! He is GOOD. I’m thankful for his protection this far on the journey and trust him with the rest.
- Oswald Chambers, Utmost for his Highest, January 2nd.
All I have left to say is PRAISE GOD! He is GOOD. I’m thankful for his protection this far on the journey and trust him with the rest.
All of you, Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble
Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
-1 Peter 5:5-7
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