Want to come play with us? Check it out

Thursday March 4 - Our Life Group (some of us) are going out to see a movie (not your normal movie) - It's at Lloyds Center and it starts at 7:30. What to join us - it will be an adventure! Want to do dinner with us? It's possible :) More info - email me at bruce.lhceast@gmail.com

March - at least two Saturdays we are doing snowshoeing: Our Life Group and others friends were planning on going March 13, but Living Hope is now doing 2nd Saturday project so . . . anyway . . . email me if your interested (I'll be posting when we're going hopefully this week).

How to give more: thoughts I hope to share with our friends tonight

For more on this story about this eight year old boy (pic. right) - go to www.lhceast.com

This last weekend our family looked at the subject of “money” once again (at church). I’m thinking that with so many organizations talking about giving, Laura and I should talk about money even more. Why?

1. Knowing where you stand and why is a good thing: Our values and motives can change colors throughout each chapter of our life. Re-evaluating brings clarity in how and who we spend our resources (money, time, and thoughts).

2. Having your eyes opened-wide, very wide, to the subtle “fear based” appeals we meet on the "Short track" of life can help us better decide which investment is best for you.

Note: These two points are really abstract so you may want to hand copy them on a card and read them several times each day for ONE week. Keep asking yourself, "If I could reinvest all my resources from 'Last week' how would I do it over (time spent shopping for that "specialty item," that "Almost $3 Haagn Daz Dark Chocolate, ice cream bar," or that person you could have invested in but didn't)?

The following are some questions, a few passages from the Bible, and “who knows what else” that Laura and I hope to use for the small group of friends we hang out with every Thursday evening. I can’t wait for tonight! :)

Have you ever fall for a “get-rich-quick” investment opportunity? It might have been as simple as one of those opportunities to save $5 or $10 bucks - like getting a “non-family” member into the zoo for free. However big or small, it’s likely we’ve settled for a “microwave-now savings” more than once these past few months. Think back to one of those "I'm saving" opportunities and ask yourself, "Was it worth it?" Have you reflected on the long-term cost?

Digging deeper – Mark 10:17ff is a key story of a “Rich, Young person” who is serious about getting advice from Jesus. It’s a great story (Click here for more).

What would be worse than losing all your financial resources? Make a list of 10 things you feel you “couldn’t do without.”

Our motivation for giving is often tied to a feeling of obligation. Perhaps it that someone did something for us (maybe we didn’t deserve it). Maybe someone has made such a significant contribution to society that we feel like “freebee-user-loser-types” if we don’t join the cause. Gratitude can easily elicit a “What should I do?” response. I hate it, but I suffer with this all the time (my sister is even worse :). Zac, the little Dubai-rich guy who climbed a tree to see Jesus, was so thankful to be accepted by Jesus that his spontaneous question was “What more can I do? Have I done enough?” Jesus answer is shocking for those of us trying so hard to show our appreciation. A similar response came from those who heard about Jesus in Acts 2:37. Thousands cried out in one voice out, "What should we do?"

Here’s a common problem; like Zac (Link to Story), we can easily feel like we “must” do something. Then we can get “sideways” in our thinking and began “performing” in order to be loved and accepted. In the religious world it’s simply called “works.” Here are some “I’ll deserve this if it kills me” antibiotics –Romans 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:4-5; 2:1-10, and Romans 6:23.

If your still hungry try doing 10 sets of these two verses (do 3 reps, very slowly for each set -LINK). Have an invigorating workout!

Finally my friend (Are you tired of reading yet? Be honest :), my friend Pastor John said to me last week, “Sacrifice is the way to blessing.” Do you believe this? It could sound a bit religious. Especially if your Guilt-bank is full. I believe it's true. What might be the perimeters that make this a true or harmful statement? Again, do you personally believe this, how has this belief or disbelief, added to your life this week? Try reading one of my favorite “relationship tips,” Proverbs 11:24-25 (LINK).

Who will you invest more in today? Who was the lucky person yesterday?

Valentine's Report Card (We WON Gold!)

So it's over and my sweetheart has decreed, (several times) that this was the "best" Valentines ever - I think she's right! The truth is, in spite of my dedication to preparing for this love-memory, it was a series of Miracles that really made this 26 hour V. date unbelievable! And the Miracle of having such an amazing Father to mentor me for many years.

SO, why am I publishing this (yes, my love language is "words of affirmation" - go ahead, tell me what a great job I did - ha . . .)? My biggest motivation is the possibility of even one more couple pouring into their friendship all of the resources, thoughts, prayers, and creativity humanly possible!

My father was the world's greatest lover and inspired hundreds of people (I think perhaps 1,000's) by the way he loved my mom. I DID NOT choose my parents, so all I can do is continue to be so grateful and then give back as freely as God gave to me. Here the recap report card from our Valentines date! I'm hoping it will make a GIGANTIC difference in your life!

1. Sat. night Laura got her first two cards (the first one she opened said she would have to wait until Feb. 15 to read what was inside. I had taped it with shop tape to make sure).
2. Sunday after the wedding (5 p.m.) I did in Canby Or. our first get-away stop was at a Starbucks in Wilsonville. We laughed as we went past the Thai place where we have had dinner with our special friend Ginger (no Thai tonight) - such fun memories.
3. When I then turned off of I-205 heading East on Hwy 212, Laura asked if we were going to Timberline Lodge for dinner ("I gave her 5 guesses, but she wasn't willing to play that game . . . She knows it's hard for me to keep a surprise. I answered her with a big "No!" It was fun because then she didn't know where we were going).
4. The moment I turned off of Hwy 26, at Welches, Laura knew we were going the the Resort. But she didn't know that I would park next to "Building 7" and there would be a "stick-um" love note on the door of room 711 signed by me! Opening the door she could see the Champaign and Dark Chocolate-covered strawberries. The room was wonderful - original art work on the walls; a bathroom shower that was to die for; time to relax with the fireplace going and watch a bit of Olympics before going to dinner. We walked to dinner and had such a relaxing Valentines time. I gave her the bracelet and earrings I had bought - they were so perfect; the black dress she wore so make the moonstone rocks and other gems stand out. Then we walked in the mist back to our room (I had successfully got everything we needed for the night, except her hair brush and pants (I got all our ski stuff, work out clothing, and some cute tops - but forgot to grab any jeans . . . who needs pants at Valentines?).
5. Two more cards, one at dinner (made in Austria) and one anxiously waiting on the bed finished off a great evening. The final card was the "funny one."
6. Monday morning was a nice miracle - I actually slept in until 8 a.m. and then snuggled and dozed next to my sweetheart until 9:20 a.m. (Even with the sleeping prescription meds. this is an unheard of event . . . I wasn't even nervous)! Laura was amazed, and so happy . We didn't check out until noon. Here are a couple shots of us getting ready for the next part of our adventure (Nothing was staged - right :).
7. The miracles of how God blessed us with Sunshine, some helpful people at Government Camp, and the rest of our day kicked into high gear. The owners of the Ski shop directed us to the perfect snow-shoeing place to try out our new snow shoes we got at Christmas. The beauty of Mt. Hood crowned in sunshine was so fantastic. I had researched some great places to have lunch or dinner at on Monday, but couldn't remember the name of the place I wanted to take Laura. The Ski-shop knew instantly which restaurant I was talking about - this is a miracle, because we had decided to to turn at Zig-Zag and go shoeing in that area (we found out later there was not snow there). At the last moment I had decided to proceed up to Government camp to look for some different boots for Laura -We wouldn't have found out the name of the wonderful Restaurant or found a great place to snowshoe. The Ski shop owners were very cool people and we had fun meeting them too!
8. Snow-shoeing was such a blast and taking pictures a wonderful break from our normal life (more pictures to be posted on my Facebook). We had Beef-jerky for breakfast and lunch so by the time we got back to Welches to eat at the Rendezvous (link) we were hungry. We started with a Yukon potato and Delecata squash dish covered with Raclette cheese appetizer (Little pre-mature baby Cornichon pickles and marinated red onions garnished the delightful cheese roof of this delightful appetizer). The soup was a yellow lentil-squash-kale-curry soup that was some of the best soup I've had in many years (they are famous for their soup). Several people have made that "sour cottage cheese face" when I tell them about the soup, but the proof is in the taste-buds - seriously taste stuff! Then we both chose the same Smoked Chicken Ravioli with Champaign sauce main dish - it had hazelnuts, cranberries, and mushrooms added; and, oh my, it was unbelievable! I wanted the salmon or halibut but . . . The drinks, the deserts (all made there) are all made there - We didn't know it, but this was their Happy-hour menu. We laugh, because not only did we get to share some of our India stories with the waitress, but then she told us, after our meal, that our food was 1/2 price. It doesn't get any better (at least this last Valentines)!
9. After resting our little Honda in our driveway, Laura did a show-n-tell, for the kids, of the Jewelry I had given her (including earrings from the Art/book store next to Rendezvous). Laura also got a kettle ball (I got her a 5 lb one) and the new massage book -Reflexology of the feet. Like the gift of Dance lessons I gave last V. day, this gift surprised Laura into a laughing spell when she opened this gift. Her eyes still large, and in a dumbfounded tone, she asked me, "Are you really going to massage my feet?" I've had a serious "anti-foot fetish" (I can't stand touching feet) for many decades. I decided last week that this was something I could overcome (I've not tried it yet, but will). Laura's family has a long history of giving each other foot massages (it's very scary). Laura also got new snow gloves and of course, the new snow hiking boots. All of this, including the night out and two dinners, added up to less than some nice diamond jewelry (wow - budgets ARE a good thing :).
10. We finished our Valentines experience by watching a bit of the Olympics with our family. Dropping into our own bed so that the 5 a.m. alarm thief didn't destroy us was so welcoming. Before falling to sleep, we began dreaming of next February 14. My wife truly felt like the princess God has called her to be - we both were so grateful for God's lavish love and the way we were able to share it with several people we met. I've got a surprise started already that will be given to Laura next year on February 12! Your not to late for starting to plan for 2011 (single, married, or in a special friendship - YOU CAN DO IT!).

Valentines Emergency instructions (for men & women)

Valentine's Alert: You are already late Superman! If your a women, you've still got time :)

Men: First you need to begin with "imagination" - Yes, daydreaming! It's one of God's amazing gifts (The Dark One knows this so He big at twisting it).

1. Set time each day to imagine your sweetheart and how much "more" you are "who you are" because of her! Then jot down words that are descriptive of what she means to you - Pick a word and then use Google or Word to look for synonyms. The more you practice this the better will be the words you write in those cards (plural) your going to buy her today! Get her a cute card (ask a woman who is shopping the card isle if you are clueless - you can tell your wife you risked looking stupid to get her the best card - Because she "so deserves it!" Then tell her that next year you're going to graduate to finding the ultimate card "all by yourself." Cute animal pict. cards are usually a big hit (If you are not yet at a "401 level" Valentines card-shopper then be very careful about buying one of those sexy sensuous type cards - it could backfire). Multiple cards placed in unique places - the Car dash, at her work, at the gym she goes to at 5 a.m. on Saturday (One early V. card is very cool - my first one will be delivered tonight). Next year plan to mail one (like real snail-mail mail) so it arrives on a couple days before V. day.

2. Gifts, and cards, need to match the season of your loves life (warm, excited, refreshing, adventurous, tender . . . ). If they also speak to her love language then you can really hit a home run (or win the gold metal in the Giant Slalom event)! Candy isn't that cool unless it "very unique."

3. Start some "invisible gifts" a couple days before: I cleaned the kitchen and family room two days ago. I gave Laura a deep tissue massage last night (I bought her a massage table & book last year - I'm learning how to give sports massages). She's not even aware that these are "foreplay" gifts - Remember guys, women are like an expensive diesel Mercedes - warm those glow-plugs up before trying to turn her on - but get them going and they run forever! Men are like Funny-cars - Jet fuel, very squirrelly, but real, real fast (they last about 4.7 seconds and then the parachute brings them back down - ha)! Nascar is cool!

4. Surprises at Valentines are excellent (One year I did a CD with wedding pictures on the jacket and the top 12 love songs from the last 20+ years of our love story). If you can find a a female friend who has great taste (my youngest son is very wise when it comes to buying clothing and jewelry for women - I use him sometimes) you get her to help you buy some great jewelry for that special woman ( I've found some incredible stuff in the price range from $7-220. Get that guy a very cool watch - Suunto has amazing watches - I love the one at Costco that is a heart-rate watch - very cool watches - really! I SO hit a home-run this year for Laura (an unbelievable unique bracelet and ear rings - I think she'll just melt). I've bought very unusual books; one year decorated our Volvo as a Love-mobile, and this year I've got a Resort destination decorating a "get-away room, with fireplace." AND in the a.m. we will do European Lawn bowling and croquette . . . Then we're off for a snowshoeing adventure Monday afternoon (Don't tell Laura as it's all a surprise). All of this starts at 5:15 p.m. Sunday after a wedding I'm performing - send up a smile and prayer for us, ok? :)

Catch this . . . I've got friends that mistakenly believe they are NOT creative; they call me and together we see home-runs (I had a wife call me this year for ideas - very cool).

V. DAY IDEAS FOR GUYS: buy a Wii fitness for your wife & set it up with candles and music - dress in funny 60's exercise gear and DO the Wii with her. If you think she would like to get out, you might do a marathon of stopping at YoCream near IKEA - by the airport, then off to a cool little restaurant in Portland (spend the time on the web or call someone like Dondi T at Living Hope - Don Taylor in Portland is a walking yellow-pages) - Try something in the Hawthorn district (amazing sushi there) or NE 22nd or 21st area in Portland are fantastic! I once bought champaign and some Larson's Bakery "delights;" then finished the evening by "parking" under the big planes landing at the airport. Parking if you've been a couple for a long time is a very cool memory lane experience (Oh my can Laura kiss like WOW . . . sorry, I'm getting a bit excited). I'm really into bracelets right now (not the tennis diamond kind) but funky, unique, cool bracelets - You need know what setting she will best wear it for (ask someone who's an expert) . . . The one I got this year will dress up so well, but also works so well on a casual date!

THINK ABOUT THIS LADIES: A very cool gift is the "Kettlebell" (I've got a 15 lb. one and it's one of my favorite workout tools - Google it & see what it is (They sell them at Big-5, Walmart, and Walgreens). Download some cool "Youtube" exercises and then tell him you'll get sweaty with him - Great for core work, hip flexors and bum! Now for that brave married couple: set up your room with a digital camera and camera stand. Buy Valentine's boxers & a teddy (for you :) Use the Kettlebell as a prop. Buy or make up some Blank cards ahead of time, then after doing your own photo shoot, you can print print and paste them in the cards (keep them in your "safe" and they will bring so many smiles and laughter in the years to come).

Does your special guy play golf? Try a lesson & video analysis from Golftec (near the airport) - from beginner to bogy golfer they will enjoy (Laura takes me golfing for father's day - it would work well for Valentines too).

Cinetopia, in Vancouver is another unique place to dine and watch a movie - the seating is a must for any movie over 2 hours (Living room theater or even their Grand theater - If you've not see Avatar yet this would be the place to go (reservations or great food to eat while you watch in 3-D). Most guys and gals will really like this movie.

SUNDAY AT 8 A.M. OR 12:30 p.m. YOU COULD JOIN LAURA AND I IN EAST VANCOUVER FOR A 30 MIN. "FROM INDIA WITH LOVE" story and video clip extravaganza. You will be inspired, touched, so filled with love - some fun food treats too (check it out right now)

Remember, my romantic friends, great friendships are made up of people who are experts at expressing how valuable the other person is to them (in the language the "other person" best understands) on a regular basis. The other key ingredient is a continual showing (display) of commitment that says, "I'm there for you - forever. I've got your back - I'm stuck to you - very, very sticky!"

Every year I hear someone putting down Valentines: I could care less how commercial Valentines is - really, I'll use every opportunity I can to express to my sweetheart (more than 35 years loving this beautiful woman) how wonderful her friendship, love, companionship, and life is to me (Don't worry, Laura won't get conceited as she doesn't read my blogs)! I got started late this year "imagining" how valuable she is and how best to express it this Valentines (But I still think I'm going to score the winning touchdown . . . I can hardly wait to find out . . . must run get a couple more cards). Dream on my friends, daydream about the one you love - then study as to how s/he will best hear it from you this Valentines!

I'm thinking and praying for you this Valentines - everyone can find someone to share a smile with - God bless . . . now GO FOR IT! Be brave, adventurous, risky (in a good way). The more vulnerable and real you are to those you love, the more they will glow with God's love!

Hey, Check back next week for my Valentines report-card update :)