Bruce's Personal blog

Gordon Avenue Show last night

2010-09-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

What a show!

If you've not been to a Gordon Avenue show you've got to make it part of your 6 month Bucket list! Found some great new places to eat - the Hawthorne is a great place to hangout!

This video clip was shot with my Blackberry (turn the sound down) and enjoy the visual! Imagine rocking out with us at the next show!

More from Blackrock

2010-09-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

So we didn't do any Black Diamond at Black Rock but here's the closest I got:

Here's a video from some guys riding some jumps and tec. rides:

Day with the Guys!

2010-09-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

"Give up what you love for something you love MORE!"

Those are the words Jim Brownlee and I were discussing as we began our "suicide mission." It was the celebration of Steven Brownlee's birthday and he had invited Matt to join us -four guys on a road trip to one of the top 5 Mt. Biking parks in the NW.

Both Jim and I have been "giving up" (I like the word "exchanging" better.) "it-looks-like-food" for REAL FOOD! Jim is doing fantastic; I made it all day with my Cardio holding on strong!

Here are a few pics and videos from my phone (Anyone want to join us on our next adventure?):

This jump requires about 10' to hit the landing ramp and throws you about 8-10' up in the air - None of us attempted these jumps (there are more difficult ones)! We actually took the easiest trails and they were very fun, adrenaline charged, and challenging (there is a gravel road that families with small children were taking (very pretty).

Here's a pic of me trying to do the balance beam - Check my next blog for my "win" and Matt showing us how on the "real deal!"

STOP ASKING "WHAT SHOULD I EAT?"

2010-09-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

200 years ago people died from childbirth, poor medical practices, and a lack of antibiotics! If you factor out these variables, people were much healthier than we are today. Try Googling "French Paradox" and you might discover some interesting, simple ways to boost your physical health (60 minutes aired it with a focus red wine being the secret to better health. Red wine consumption jumped 44%). HERE'S A SIMPLE FACT!

Our obsession with "What" we should eat has added to our very unhealthy relationships with food (We have more obesity, overweight, diabetic, cardio-time-bombs, and anorexic people than every before). For every child born after 2000, one out of every 3 will have diabetes in their lifetime! The more we focus on RIGHT EATING the sicker we get!

Three short sentences can set us free: "Eat food. Not to much. Mostly plants."

These amazing three sentences can be explored in a "very small" but BIG impact book, Food Rules, an eater's manual by Michael Pollan.

MY FOUR SIMPLE RULES (Thank you Jillian Michaels):

1. Eat Breakfast (within 1 hour of getting up): Your brain WILL eat if you don't (If you don't feed it, it will eat away at your muscles). Why not feed your body real food

; i.e. Steel Cut Oat and Yogurt w Frozen Blueberries!

2. Never go more than 4 hours w/o eating: Don't go by your hunger gauge, it's meant for something completely different. I eat every 3-4 hrs. and it's amazing how much this will burn off fat in your body.

3. Cut out ALL HFCS: High Fructose Corn Syrup is SO harmful is a number of ways; but it increases your appetite for food that is harmful. You will gain more weight and have more cravings by using HFCS (Note: Never say Never; Never :). I may have a treat with HFCS in it when I'm at someone's house (people matter more), but the best Chocolates, most amazing foods use real sugar, not a cheap substance that helps giant corporations make even bigger profit.

4. No carbohydrates after 9 p.m.: This is hard, so on my "date nights" I may have a homemade Margarita (no HFCS in the one's I make), but I try to really follow the rule, "Treat Treats as Treats."

(Hey: Don't forget to drink 3/4 of a gallon of water every day!

Even without exercise YOU WILL LOSE FAT if you add these four simply powerful rules to your life. Remember: Giving up what we love for what we love MORE is a great way to do life.

We can learn from the French: They ask "Why?" and "How?" much more and always BEFORE asking "What?" when it comes to food.

Why should I eat? Pleasure and the celebration of life (Re-read Genesis 2. We were physically made for pleasure. When I realize that food should be eaten with friends, then food becomes a fantastic gift. Food can be us

ed to make very strong memories and keep us "loving people and using things, not loving things and using people." This sets us up for the "How" question.

How should I eat? I should try not to eat alone (especially treats)! I should eat slowly and luxuriously with friends. I will stop buying cheap, food-like-substances, that don't taste as good as real food. I will take time to prepare it artistically and with great flair.

Last night was my pre B. Day dinner (I had an appointment cancel last night so . . .)! I prepared pizza (real dough that took 15 min to kneed; and 1.5 before baking). I used a real pizza stone, the best cheeses (5 kinds). Use Fennel, Rosemary, freshly cracked White Pepper, and other fresh herbs. The Chicken was made on Monday - 1.5 hr slow cooked Beer Can Chicken w Cajan spices. These pizzas were to die for (they were healthy, made an eaten with love). We had a salad, fantastic wine, and lots of laughter. My weight we down this a.m. but my lean muscle mass was up! What a way to live (the old fashion way). It's simple, fun, and I spend so much LESS time asking "What should I eat." I look for real food, the best quality, and lots of variety. My 15 + diet books are going to Good Will! Good luck on a fun, healthy relationship with food - it's a gift from God; let's treat it that way.

OH WOW: I almost forgot, Sep 19 at 7 p.m. is Gordon's

Newest Show at the Hawthorne Theater. If you've been saying your going to come and haven't this is your date! There's a fun crazy theme: Mustache Madness! Gordon will have a raffle for all who sport a mustache (real, fake, painted, ect).

New songs and a show you'll not forget for a long time. Come join Laura and I (call us and we'll do dinner early:)!

LINK to Gordon Avenue

Sick pics of Gordon (Chinese Fire-pot experiment)

2010-07-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

A cotton swab, with rubbing alcohol, and a BBQ lighter; that's what she used to ignite the round glass balls that ignited with FIRE and then were extinguished as they were pressed against my oldest son's back. We were doing a BBQ at one of our "girl's" homes (Laura and I have so many "non-biological" kids - what a blessing), and Gordon got volunteered for our entertainment.

Here those "Sick" pictures!

Hey, Only God International is coming to our East Vancouver Living Hope Campus this Sunday (check it out) . . . AND we are going Rafting on the White Salmon July 24 (send me an email if you want to join us - bruce.lhceast@gmail.com).

New experiences - starting your golf swing early!

2010-06-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

I posted some unbelievably beautiful pictures on Facebook of my, just turned

two years old, granddaughter hitting her first golf ball with a real iron (7). This took place on Memorial day! This little bundle of energy, who's growing like a "flower," is such a joy to have in our home and our lives. We are so very blessed!

We also did our first-ever-bike ride on her new bike (she needed Grandpa-power to make it work, but the idea has been introduced). This way, not only can she become a road racer, but will be read

y by to inherit her daddy's Mountain Bike soon (an aluminum beauty that's got her name written all over it. It's so hard to wait!). I'm, even now, visualizing us doing some serious downhill'n together after getting in an early 18 holes at the Skamania golf course! Wow, I can hardly wait. Enjoy the photos:)

As Memorial day ended, we had time to squeeze in a horsey ride! What pure, 100% fun! This IS what heaven will be like!

Memories this Weekend - Want to hang w Laura and me?

2010-05-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

Funny how we (I) love excuses! I was at our new Mall campus for a big chunk of Tuesday and I had planned to get several blogs ready for this week (I'm blogging on "infidelity," unfaithfulness in all areas of our life, and how examining what we "worry" about can get us under the surface to look at the source of distrust and unfaithfulness to those we love), BUT (this is a very powerful, often dangerous word -"but"), I couldn't get the connection to link up. The rest of the week is history and I've little time to share the juicy excuses I baked up.

CUE (What Laura and I are up to Sun. afternoon):

You may want to join us (following the 11 a.m. service on Sun. at E. Vancouver Campus) if:

1) You like laughing and taking pictures at the same time.

2) You've got an appetite for seeing something "very cute"

3) You like simple, but grand, picnics

4) You need to be at another appointment about 6 p.m.

HINT: What we'll be doing involves a digital camera, the ability to swing one's arms, white wooden objects, an adorable 2 yr. old, and lots of green stuff! It only costs possible sore ribs (from laughing and swinging) and grand conversation (plus fresh air)!

INTERESTED? Email me by Saturday midnight at Bruce.lhceast@gmail.com

The color "pink" is definitely part of this Sun. afternoon adventure!

The Monday after LOST ended (Safe to read random thoughts)

2010-05-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

DON'T BE AFRAID, I'M NOT GOING TO GIVE AWAY ANYTHING FROM LOST & MY "ONE" COMMENT DOESN'T REVEAL ANYTHING! PROMISE!

It funny how much "props" visually change so much for me. I hated (emotionally turned off) some of the props used in the LOST finale. I love the study of the human psyche. The most fun was watching how very much our oldest son enjoyed the show! But it's sad to see isolated people so obsessed with a show - without friends to enjoy life with, all props (TV included) are empty and have very little meaning.

Some random thoughts on this Monday a.m.

1. What fascinates us, sometimes, with evil people?

2. Who are you most jealous of? What are the sources of jealousy?

3. Am I "Ok" with me today, right now? Why?

4. "Don't get into a battle without some wise mentors close beside you; victory means having many counselors." From Proverbs 24 What could this l

ook like? What are the biggest benefits of following this advice?

5. I've spent several minutes this morning musing on Proverbs 24:27 (applied it to relationships too). Houses and friendships both have "maintenance" costs. Do I have an ongoing, renewable source of income so I can keep pouring into who/what counts most in my life?

Hey: Our East Van. blog is all about "infidelity" this week. The first one is how "worry" can help you see who or what your most unfaithful to - check it out!

Gordon Avenue plays at the Portland Hawthorn Theater this Friday at 7p.m.

2010-05-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

You need to come and hang out with Laura and me this Friday night! The band has added a couple new songs and some fun surprises. It's happening at 7 p.m. - Hawthorn Theater (Link).

If I tell you more then I'd have to kill you (not even figuratively speaking . . . I'm very tired this morning . . . :)

Seriously, Laura and I would so love to have you come enjoy the evening with us. It's $10 and it so benefits our son's band if you buy tickets ahead of time. It's easy (We'll make it so!) and you won't be disappointed in the investment.

Go to Gordon's link or email me - Bruce.lhceast@gmail.com

WHy buy $100+ running shoes?

2010-05-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

So this has been one major week of "running" - not on pavement as much as in my little Honda, on my MacBook, and using my cell phone.

This morning (Just after midnight) I preach to 3,000 people in India (via cell phone). 500 pastors were at this special gathering and over 1,000 believers. Some 1,500 people who had never heard of Jesus were there as well. I slipped into bed after preaching (it was 1 a.m.) and woke up to an email (5:45 a.m.) telling me that 700 people accepted Jesus when I preached at m

idnight. So many people came up for prayer and were healed! I'm exhausted today but still so full of energy to pour into people's lives.

What does this have to do with $100 running shoes?

I'm running the Hood to Coast with a team of 12 people. I get to improve my health, invest into others

lives, and lower my "slightly high" blood pressure.

I bought these shoes because 14 years ago I did the same thing in Seattle before I ran my one and only one marathon. I bought these shoes after having two experts watch, film, and analyze my running (barefoot). They then tried different shoes on me and watched me run. From this I've used a team of experts to fit the best shoe for my running style.

Apply the principle of "team" to how you build your business, relationships, and spiritual journey and (exercise goals)!

1. Add people to your life that have strengths you don't

2. Associate with people who are wanting the same things you do

3. Hang out with others so you don't become isolated

AND YOU WILL GROW BETTER FRIENDSHIPS (Business too)!

New shoes, Three word prayers, & a cool Acoustic Show

2010-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

NONE OF MY three faithful readers bugged me about posting my famous "three word prayers!" Come on guys, your letting me down :)

My favorite 3-word prayer is, "I am Yours!" I breathe this out in the a.m. and often throughout the day; why? It's the bases of great friendships -the reason for our existence. We were built to BE in powerful, life-transforming friendships. And any (that's a big word) great friendship needs mutual value (admiration and affirmations that the friendship matters)! Mix "high value" with the assurance of commitment (I'm there for you, even if I win a 50 billion dollar Lotto)! Commitment without value is slavery or some form of psycho-mess-up.

When you pray this prayer you affirm a reality that can't always be seen with our senses or feelings. Belonging is a fantastic gift; especially if you like the person you belong to - and they like you just as much!

Another 3 word prayer I like is, "For my friends." Thinking about others is such an "out of jail free" card to my feel-sorry-for-myself moments. I also like the 3-word prayer, "I am blessed." It so helps me to keep in the zone of being gifted rather than an "I deserve," or "it's my right" wrong attitude. Enough 3-word prayers for today (I've got more :).

NEW SHOES: Setting up mile markers can be a good thing (if you don't measure your value by them; or others). I just set a new PR for running distance last week so I celebrated by buying a pair of shoes & fit! Sixteen years ago I went to Jack & Jill's next to Green Lake (Seattle) and had a store employee go joking with me - then fit me to the right running shoes. I did it again this week and I'm loving the difference (this time they slow-mo-video you while running barefoot on a treadmill. They do a bunch of other voodoo stuff as well. My ankles, knees, and shins are very valuable to me - I'm so glad I reach this health goal (would you like to see a pic. of my new shoes? :D

Hey, Check out the Facebook and our blog re. the acoustic show, art exhibit, and great food this Friday, the 23rd at 7 p.m. It's fun, free, very relaxing - You should check it out, and then come and enjoy. My son Gordon, of Gordon Avenue, is teaming up with a fantastic bass player, and a couple other great musicians to do a very cool Acoustic concert. Check it out here, NOW!

Facebookers - do a search for Living Hope Church East Vancouver!

Prayers that benefit almost everyone (atheists too)!

2010-04-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

So I've got this thing about 3-word prayers! Three word sentences can be powerful, i.e. "I lv U!"

This week (please bug me if I don't get these posted) I'll be posting some of the most powerful 3-Word prayers I find so helpful in forgiving myself. Check out our East Van. Living Hope blog for even more about forgiving yourself (www.lhceast.com).

Also: An Acoustic Concert by Gordon Avenue (www.Gordonavenue.com) and friends Friday, April 23, at 7 p.m. (705 SE Parkcrest Ave. Vancouver, Wa 98683 - Just East on Mill Plain off of I-205). It's free and there will be an art exhibit and great food! Come hang out with Laura and I. If your too old for "serious rock and roll" you can enjoy the mellow acoustics of Gordon Avenue in this special appearance at our local Living Hope Campus.

Easter at East Vancouver Living Hope - 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

2010-04-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Laura and I have so much to share about Easter! Come join us and we'll buy you a latte! More to come all week about Easter as never seen before :)

On the Mt. with my Sweetheart, meeting Richard the Great

2010-03-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

So today was one of the most glorious days on Mt. Hood you could possibly experiences - WOW, wow, double wow! In this retelling of one fabulous day, I'll share with you the story of Richard the Great (Our first time to meet), our adventures on a new trail, and the very fun coffee shop (with cool hand-made earrings for $7.98).

We first met Richard in the snow park lot - he was parked next us. I commented on his ski boots and he told me he was learning to Skate.

Laura and I were trying out the Tea Cup Nordic trails for the first time. It's a great place; so well groomed and a nice Lunch cabin. The view of Mt. Hood and variety of trails make this a great place to cross country ski.

We were about half way around our 1.5 hr. loop when we caught up with Richard. He was skating uphill, working hard (Skater's skis are shorter and smooth bottomed: stiffer boots are the final part that make this type of Nordic skiing different than Classical Nordic). Nordic skating is much faster, more demanding physically, and lots of fun. We visited with Richard for a few minutes and then pressed on ahead. Richard told me he had started Cross Country skiing when he turned 54. How fun it was to meet this guy who at age 71 was learning the demanding sport of Nordic Skating.

As we were parting ways, I asked the man, I call Richard the Great, what his name was; his reply, "Dick." I'm sure his Birth Certificate must say his name is Richard. No one who is so full of adventure, energy, and

strength should be called Dick.

After our 1.5 hour warm-up Laura and I again took on the White River Trail on our snowshoes. This time we left the river and followed a ridge that was simply a great workout. Coming back down the trail Laura simply kicked my butt. It was a warm, sun drenched workout with Mt. Hood staring down at us the entire time. We had so much fun!

We left the Mt. and stopped in the little Hwy 26 pit-stop of Welches Oregon. This time we were trying to find a small eclectic coffee shop we had heard about. After a couple "not the right place" we found it! They not only serve Stump Town Coffee

but they make a wonderful latte! If you bring your own cup they give you a 50 cent discount (they clean and pre-heat your cup too). Laura bought a chocolate cookie that was about 3/4" thick, and baked to perfection (How do you do that with a cookie that thick?). It was full of the perfect f Chip to Cookie ratio. This little Jewel of a hangout also makes breakfast and lunch items that look wonderful. It's a very fun place (free internet, a yarn shop connected, and creative hand made earrings). Check it out - Cafe Aria

I found Laura the perfect pair (and $7.98)! On the trail, and again on the way home we had an invigorating discussion about; "Who in the Old Testament are the three people you admire most?" I started by choosing Abraham then switched to Moses after Laura's persuasive arguments. I almost chose Esther, but a tie between to other people still has me struggling (I'm still trying to decide . . . maybe I blog on it later).

We arrive home just in time to shower and make it to the 5 p.m. service at Living Hope. Pastor John and I have been very much taken up by 3-D forgiveness idea, but tonight John took it to another level by introducing 4-D forgiveness (It was a fantastic talk).

So after a phone visit with my old cycling buddy from Seattle, I'm ready for bed. What a wonderful day. I'm praying I will be on new adventures and great physical challenges when I'm 71, just like my new inspiration, Richard (Dick) the Great!

Snowshoeing details

2010-03-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Even more details yet to come this week - keep checking back! Updated 3.24

LAURA AND I ARE GOING UP THE MT. NO MATTER WHAT . . . YOU CAN JOIN US :)

Overview: March 27 (8:30 a.m.) at Government Camp (NOTE: From Vancouver, you will have to leave about 7 or 7:15 a.m.). This is on Hwy 26 (to Mt. Hood). At Gov. Camp take a left at the first "flashing light" (across from Ski Bowl). You will see the Ski Rental Shop, Mountain Tracks, just right of the Huckleberry Inn (LINK). The rental price is $15 for boots, snowshoes, & poles.

Snowshoeing destination: T.B.D. Most likely near Meadow's Ski hill - a bit beyond Government Camp (this will depend on the snow report). NOTE: Starting early will make for better snow conditions (The snow will be very wet and heavy afternoon).

What to wear: Bring layers, base layers of sports tops, ski pants, or exercise - long pants with under-layer. One heavy pair of socks, a medium pair, and think wicking pair (this will give you the best fit if your renting boots. A light windbreaker and gloves (light running gloves and/or ski gloves.) Hat or ski hat if you get cold easy.

Food, ect: Bring protein bars, nuts, and peanut butter. Two 16 oz. bottles of water and extra for the car afterwards - good! Sun screen and sunglasses will be needed.

NOTE: If you want to come snowshoe, but are afraid of how hard of "workout" it will be - there are options (I can tell you about some great handout places - couches, art, book-store) and you can always met us later on if you like. I hope we can be snowshoeing by 10 a.m. and then be 1/2 down the Mt. (Hwy 26) in time to eat by 2 p.m. I need to be back to the main campus by 5. I think everyone can easily be home no later than 4 p.m. if you wish.

Email me and we can connect (I'll phone you too). More details to come. Brucea@livinghopechurch.com

Our Saturday Night date (You're invited) March 20

2010-03-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

So we invited some friends (Our whole East Campus Living Hope Church) to join us this last week for a date. The date is Sat. night - it's a progressive date (Please feel free to join us at one of three locations. You can met us at stop #1):

Feel free to email me at bruce.lhceast@gmail if you want to exchange phone numbers.

1st stop - 5 p.m. at Living Hope Church Main Campus) to hear one of my friends tell his story of how forgiveness changed his life. I think you like it!

THEN - the 2nd stop, 6:45 p.m, is at the Fusion Bubble Tea shop (13503 Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver, Wa 98684). This place is just East of the old G.I. Joe's in the same strip-mall. It's a funky cool place with some nice art displayed. There will be a band playing there (It could be crowded, and could be crappy music . . . but, hey, it's an adventure. We'll just have to find out . . . . Besides, that makes stop # 3 a good option!).

# 3, our final stop is at Panera Bread, 15 SE 164th Ave, Vancouver, Wa 98683 Time: TBA (it all depends on what we find at stop #2). If your driving East on Mill Plain (from Fusion) it's easier to cross 164th Ave and then turn right and pass the Olive Garden into Panera).

Note: Stop three will involve discussion (Bruce picking apart your brain) of Bruce's sermon he's giving the next day (March 21). Let us know if you want to join us.

Don't forget to check back for details regarding our snowshoeing trip on March 27 (What to wear, options of trails, cost of rental, places we might eat).

The World's Greatest (Perhaps) Love Saga

2010-03-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

Well hydrated on Shel Silverstein’s 46 yr. ol

d story, The Giving Tree, I was hurriedly assembling my arsenal of fuel for the day; apples, water, and almonds.

Suddenly my prepared assault on life was interrupted. It was to be a divine interruption!

My little grandda

ughter, Elena, was staring up at me from beyond our cooking island. She was furiously waving at me, all the while expertly chirping,

“Bye! Bye! Bye Papa, bye.”

This, nearly-two-year-old slayer of old grandpa-like hearts was doing it again –

“Killing me softly,” I sighed –then mumbled out loud,

“Dang, if your not the cutest little girl in all the world.”

You may be asking,

“Why Bruce, are you erupting in such a passionate, emotional homily (most likely you aren’t ask this at all - laugh)?”

Because, my friend, Life-breathed experiences like the one I’m about to mesmerize and memorialize you with should never be taken lightly! In fact, these encounters should be immortalized and celebrated – So, let the saga begin (Wow, are you ready?)!

My response to Elena was both normal and predictable.

“Bye sweetheart, Papa loves you. Bye-bye.”

Now before we crash together into an emotional pay-dirt like euphoria, an in-the-ballpark-home-run kind of bliss, I must warn you that one might suffer strange unexplainable symptoms or even physical side effects that could leave a person temporarily paralyzed from all practical activities and rational thoughts (that might be a good thing). What I’m about to share could cause you to feel like the words my father used in a letter to my mother more than five decades ago. My sister and I successfully stole and read this letter out loud, amidst enthusiastic cheers, laughter, and some frantic attempts by my father to stop us. This successful reading was due in part to our bathroom having a solid-core door and sturdy lock. My dad had ended his letter to in a most masculine, Zane Gray, sort of way. He signed off with the words,

“My heart drips puddles of purple passion for you.”

XOXOX

Gordon

I’ve never met a man who loved his wife the way my father loved my mom. Their love story is far more incredible than the TV's Fringe! It's beyond CSI solvable - they married 3 months after they met. Their love touched hundreds of lives!

Ok, so here goes . . . I’m back on track to telling one of the greatest love sagas ever recorded . . . trust me.

After Elena tossed me her goodbye, I instinctively echoed back, to my future golf/tennis/cycling and running partner; sweetheart # 2, Elena:

“Bye-bye sweetheart. Papa loves you.”

I’ve said these words at least 2,012 times to my little girl, but this time . . . wait, just one more side street, please? Thanks.

WARNING: Be careful if you’re reading this while driving. Please! Friends don’t let friends drive and read! Ok, the rest of this story is commercial free, promise!

Elena’s flickering, fluttering eyelashes framed her dark chocolate eyes, her eyebrows traveled up and down in metronome-perfect synchronization to her cowgirl “queen-of-the-rodeo” goodbye wave. She then proclaimed with Charlton Heston-like-sincerity . . . did I mention that Elena’s voice was, at that precise moment, the most “wonderful-in-all-the-universe" perfect tone, pitch, and accent? It was so awe-tingling-ly-ly beautiful that I’m sure even Heaven held its breath. Elena said, and I quote,

“I love you.”

Let me repeat, Elena said to me this morning (March 11, 2010),

“I love you.”

Today (March 11) was the first time humankind has ever heard my little Elena utter these revolutionary words. Her mother instantly pumped out pure high-octane joy, like an Indy 500 racecar sucking in fuel at 3 gal. per second during a pit-stop (Honesty friends, I know almost nothing about auto racing)! A mixture of jealousy, happiness, unadulterated laughter, and a lot of well founded pride flooded her eyes. As for me, I cried, I died, and I was reborn again and again (Like, over and over and over and . . . .).

This is one of the greatest days of my life. Elena proclaimed those words so easily, so freely. They are a priceless gift to me, no strings attached. Elena had zero awareness that I would blog, brag, and annoy others by going on and on and on and on about this world shattering, life transforming experience; possibly the world’s greatest love saga!

Hey everybody, did you hear the news? Elena said “I love you” for the first time today! And she said it first to her grandpa!

Later, while tooling down the road, (Old guys lingo for driving.) my phone’s digital recorder zoomed into action. Words bubbled and burst from my os (Latin for opening, or mouth). Small scraps of paper (Fred Meyer gas receipts to be exact) voluntarily enlisted as a primitive Beta iPad, and my #1 sweetheart Laura, had to put her ICU patient on hold so she could take my urgent phone call. She listened as I ranted and raved about how real, lasting, and worth everything love really is (Don’t worry, the patient is still alive)! Here’s a personal truth-note: Laura was genuinely thrilled that I was the first one Elena said these words to. My wife is such a saint! A sexy one too (Just joking – not really. Ok, she really is! If your face has presently begun to resemble a prune, take five, then smile because Bruce is bonkers over Laura. Ok? Feel better now?)!

I’m thinking about some words I jotted down a few days ago; I saw them this afternoon on a scrap of paper next to my black leather recliner. They still illuminate my brain. Their dark, cursive ink whispers,

“Love gives because it wants to, is free to, and chooses to.”

An worn-out old man, nearly a century in years, once said,

“We love because He first loved us.”

Yes! Love is a gift we are able to give because someone loved us before we even knew how to say thank-you.

It was maybe fifteen or so years ago that I restated to Elena’s father, my son Marcus, some words I’d read in a Hippy-type book: A saying that concisely expresses reason why we exist:

“Love people and use things, never love things and use people.”

This morning my little Elena revived an ancient, anti-Greek, Hebrew philosophy. It’s one of those original Avatar-like truths: A Genesis concept that says that physical things are good, not evil. If you’ve no clue what I’m pontificating about your probably much safer and saner than me. Don’t worry it’s only my dislike for Greek beliefs that became A priori voodoo (mistruths) for almost all of the Middle Ages (I still think Dark Ages is a better phrase) and the basis of what most world religions define as sin –"don’t touch, look, taste or listen to . . . ." Any-how, that’s a coffee date, right?

Elena has successfully performed a permanent catheterization of this timeless truth, deep into the left ventricle of my cor (Latin; core; M.EN, hert; E., heart). Undisputedly, the most important chamber is the left ventricle, I think. Nevertheless, I don’t believe we are truly human, only potentially so, until we are in real, authentic friendship.

Elena wants to be my friend and I am hers. I am a very blessed man. What a gift I’ve been given! And I did absolutely nothing to “earn” this gift. I don’t think I deserve it. I doubt it has anything to do with deserving or not deserving –IT’S SIMPLY A VERY PURE, GENUINE, GIFT! A freebee from a little girl I love very much! What a grand memory.

I hope this story has blessed your life. Try Loving back as much as you are loved. Have a great day! And for sure, re-read Shel’s short story, The Giving Tree (LINK).

The Band, The Snow, and 2nd Saturday :)

2010-03-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

2nd Sat. Serving Others Event: Laura and I will be joining about 800 other people who "hate" religion (rule-based fear driven organizations) and love God (www.livinghopechurch.com) and serve the community. Go to our East Vancouver blog for details this week (www.lhceast.com). Date: Sat. March 13, 9a.m.-1p.m. (Meet at Living Hope's Main Campus).

My friend Adam sounded like the Band "Everclear" (to my ears) this week during one of his songs (LINK). It made me smile.

Want to go snowshoeing? Laura and I going Sat. March 27! Use the following email if you want talk with us about going, Brucea@livinghopechurch.com. We many have families with kids. It all depends on who wants to go. We WILL have fun!

Check out these books? Laura and both loved Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson (so inspiring) and then got turned onto Half the Sky by Kristof & Wudunn (We went to Lloyds theater to see the event too) - Wow, what a tragic and inspiring book for a lot of people.

My favorite authors book I'm just finishing: I've got five pages left on Brennan Manning's The Furious longing of God. This book turned me onto a new way of looking at Shel Silverstein's classic poem from 46 years ago, The Giving Tree. This author so inspires me how much God loves me (you too)! After reading this book, I wrote a paraphrase with some of my favorite thoughts. Check back tomorrow & see if I've posted it yet.

The final book that I'm so enjoying right now is an author I've never read before, Timothy Keller - the book? The Prodigal God. This book, unfortunately, uses some old "religious" language, but has some thoughts on Luke 15 that I've not found very many places. It also has some incredible "one liners." It's an amazing read of Jesus' story of the two sons and the one who came back to life (known as the Prodigal Son).

Fun this Thursday Night

2010-03-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

Want to join us for a movie this Thursday Night?

Also: Snowshoeing this Sat. at Mt. Hood (check back Thurs. for details).

Laura and I are reading Half the Sky right now (I just finished it) and really want to go to this Movie event. It will introduce the authors of the book and several people working to free women around the world who are enslaved in many different ways. I was very touched by this book and especially how it focuses on direct connections we can each make in freeing people around the world. There will be some featured music and then a short film.

The short film is about a young girl in Ethiopia who, with her father is fighting back. It's an inspiring story. I just reread it in Half the Sky.

Let us know right away if you want to go: Here's a bit more info.

The movie: Half the Sky: a one night event

Where and When: Regal Lloyd Center 10 (Link) at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $11.50 at the window ($12.50 online)

Links: The Event

Book review

Review of the Filmed Event (Link)

Want to come play with us? Check it out

2010-02-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

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!)

2010-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

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!

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).
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.
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).
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?).
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."
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 :).
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!
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)!
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 :).
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)

2010-02-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

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 :)

LIfe in 2010 - My Agnostic Friend sends $1 to India

2010-01-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

"I'll pay for you to come hang with me at the Gordon Avenue, Battle of the Bands show tonight." I wasn't desperate, just promoting! I shamelessly plug my son's amazing band (Try reading the words to perhaps, his most violent song - Gordon's blog is a must read - LINK UP right now).

My friend (the $1 guy) is a Salvador Dali of the English language when it comes to the art of writing. He's smart (way) and also very numb to the plastic religious rhetoric of our prehistoric voodo fears (lies wrapped up in King Jimmy colloquium) that make "Religion" evil. He's sarcasm and pessimism blended in a powerful juicy blend. I love this guy! Every time I think of my "$1" friend I'm reminded of Acts 17 and the hidden reality that "God is really much closer to us than we can imagine. (bga translation). I will always choose relationship over religion.

So, at the "you-could-catch-something" Satyricon I met my very sincere agnostic friend (he's a very loyal guy) and we caught up on the Foo Fighters and some really great movies that we hope to watch together this year. Without warning my friend reaches into his right pocket and deposits his $1 on the cement counter (CSI would have so much fun analyzing the past mayhem of this establishment ). "I don't believe in your God," his smile and twinkling eyes matched his enjoyment of the moment. "But I do," he continued, "believe in you, my friend." To which I whipped out my pen and promptly asked him to sign his dollar. I promised to carry his dollar to India and I also warned him that my Best friend-Creator-God can do big things with $1 agnostic, U.S. bills!

The show was the best Gordon Avenue has done (they won the evening competition and are now in the finals). Seeing fans sing along, and the great energy - it's so cool. My friend casually mentioned, before he left, that he reads my Pastor Dude-friend John's emails, blogs, and other communication (Pastor John we're team-wrestling this guy for God - pretty sure we'll win). S my friend is moved by the movement of somebody to DO SOMETHING! Hey what will you DO with your "one and only life." Who will you invest richly in? "We can't do everything, but we all can do something!" (Guess who said that these last few months?). Pray for that agnostic dollar (and the giver) - I'm very excited to see what the Best Being in all the Universe will do with this very significant move. Let me say it again, "Every $1 Laura and I take to India with us will make a forever difference in the life of someone who is NOW in darkness!" Keep checking in on the latest re. our trip (lhceast.com).

What you invest in, with all your passion will shape your values and dreams! Who should you spend more time with right now? "It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything." Proverbs 11:24

"But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice," Philippians 1:18

Absolutely fantastic Movie! State of the Avery Union Address - 2010

2010-01-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

State of Our

A very Union in 2010

Falling in love again this a.m. with a fantastic movie – intense, bloody, incredible picture of love – for humanity and a woman! A movie that I forgot how much I loved – cinematography is more than WOW, the acting is killer and the young heroine is whoa!! Plus (bad way to start a sentence, Mrs. Stoops –right?), a lot of people say I look like Clive Owen, the lead actor).

And you can read about my first breakfast of pizza, potato pancakes, shortbread cookies, and great coffee with a filled-cupcake (one of Laura’s secret recipes) . . . the future of my two boys and our wonderful granddaughter (what Laura is doing on her new computer – hint: has to do with India and REI). Read me please! Happy New Years 2010!

We welcomed in the New Year by continuing to add to our sleep deprevation – up until 2:30 a.m. watching season 5 of LOST.

6 a.m. fell out of bed, without injury, and stumbled down the stairs without falling . . . finished sermon for cell-phone-India preaching (Dr. Kumar didn’t call – no response to my last two emails) . . . interesting way to remind me of my “control-freak nature” and God’s amazing grace (not mine) . . . glad I got up!

Started with Laura’s amazing filled-cupcakes (1^st made for trip to Mackinac Island, MI in 1985) . . . let us know if you want the recipe – very good tasting, very bad on my desired-six-back :) Pizza custom remodeled from New Years Eve. Wishing I had bought some Stumptown coffee. Praise #101 for 2010 – I was .4 lb lighter this a.m. that the 31^st! Thanks to Laura and Julian Michaels (Laura killed me for 50 min. via Ninja Workout queen – Julian angry workout queen; what a way to finish the Old Year!).

Marcus let us watch Elena (age 19 months) last night (to bed at 8 – she blew me kiss and said “night-night” in the world most heart-melting voice (It’s so good that she doesn’t know she could milk me of all my assets with her voice and those huge beautiful eyes . . . protect me Father, please!). She woke up at 9:05 for another hour go-around (not so happy this morning :)

The movie? King Arthur (Director’s Cut) – Jerry Bruckhheimer (I like CSI). The picture of how evil Religion is (especially when God’s name is attached) is so clearly seen in this movie. The concept of freedom in this rivals Braveheart. The accuracy of what Roman era Britain was like is very impressive for a film (one of the better portrayals would be Edward Rutherfurd’s Sarum – all of his books are fantastic – they are sociological portraits of a country over more than a thousand years – London and the Ireland saga’s are wow! They are historical novels at their best – great way to see how evil the dark-ages church really was!). Back to the movie. It’s an artistic marvel of color and shadows with sensuality, deep philosophy, and serious questions about psudo religion and people we think are far from God. This is one perfect movie for our big screen and creative thinking boys! This may be my favorite movie (with a few others also being my favorites)! There is so much room to see how God is using Living Hope in our current society (NOW you’ll really thing I’m crazy). I like this movie more than Braveheart and even more than Gladiator. Intellectually it bumps up against the Truman Show for intriguing insight into God’s gift of Free Will (choice) and the very cool way God reaches out to those who don’t have Scripture (see Acts 2 & 17:). Warning: lots of ketchup in this movie (bloody) and very real questions about voodoo-fake religion. So re-fell in love with this movie – WOW, what a morning.

Following this sensory hors d’oeuvres, my main course was Oswald Chambers, Chapter one of Ecclesiastes (wow – so powerful after watching this film- I’ve got a bunch of notes on this chapter – will share in a future blog – perhaps this week) and re-reading chapter 3 (Read Dec. 30^th). I still have to read Proverbs one and my section in 2 Corinthians I’m reading.

Today – Finish the LOST finale, read more, give my wife a great massage on her very cool massage table, back Christmas stuff . . . more India Mission trip planning (visit this link!).

Elena talks so well . . . is so tall for her age, so physically coordinated . . . so, so beautiful (lifted my 7.5 lb dumbbell last night) . . . Tennis, golf, cycling scholarship are waiting for her, I’m sure!

Marcus – there is no better 21 year old father in the world! Seriously. He such a fun guy to hang out with!

Gordon – at work already with his Kid’s World Team (NO, nearly 25yr. old man is as disciplined, hardworking, and talented as him). His music will touch millions – I seriously have no doubt. I believe it’s God’s destiny for him. You should consider seeing his concert this Sunday in Portland (Link). You might consider subscribing to his blog (it’s a relationship building giant – very impressive).

“We can’t do everything, but ALL of us can do something!” For $1 you can make a forever-difference this year (Link)!

Fall in love with God (even more) in 2010!

After Christmas wipe-down report

2009-12-30T15:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas of 2009 remembered

Biggest hit: Elena's electric car (her favorite companions are her new doll and Camelback water bottle - her very own; v. cool)

Best Bang-for-$: My very cool Kettlebell (I've wanted one for a long time - there are s

ome very excellent exercise you can do easily with anything else - love it - there's a pic on my previous blog).

Most practical: New bathrobe and slippers (Oh my my kids went over the top on these - best quality - like'n lots).

Still waiting: To take down our bigger tree (16+'), to use our new snow shoes (Great dates in sight for my sweetheart and me!).

Hot: My favorite cologne from my favorite girl!

Remembering- still: The annual "It's A Wonderful Life" movie night with our whole family; The 45 min. "Avery Christmas story" we've read for 33 Laura and Bruce Christmas Eve's. I will not forget how much my kids love giving to their mom (Yes, she got more than 20 gifts - the most of anyone in our castle!). And our Christmas celebrations on Dec. 4 at our East Vancouver Campus and then the Week of Christmas shows at our main campus - so inspiring to see thousand of people focus on Jesus. The most wonderful gift was the hundreds of people who said "yes" to Jesus' forever-friendship this month at Living Hope (even the bad Camel who is also a donkey killer - sad story).

Tomorrow (perhaps): New relationship possibilities, Our January 14 trip to India (Laura, Gordon, me & a several friends), and continued investment in those friendships we've been given. Praying and wishing YOU a very grand Happy New Year!

Pictures of my cell-phone preaching in India, 2009

10 Great Gifts to Give (Some of these are very creative)

2009-12-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Healthy, Long-lasting, Christmas gifts – 2009

1. Investing in the East Van. Living Hope Jan. 2010 India Mission trip!¹

2. Buy a “Blue”² exercise ball or balance ball, or maybe a Kettlebell^2a w DVD³

3. Pick up two pair of “Snow shoes” or “Cross Country Skies” for winter fun.⁴

4. Send someone a subscribe to Nutrition Action Healthletter (www.cspinet.org).⁵

5. Look for cheep Yoga and Palates DVD’s at Target, Fred Meyer as a “resource” gift.⁶

6. Create a card that pays for (& joins them) the STP Bike Ride in 2010.⁷

7. Give a subscription to a cycling, running, hiking, or golf magazine.⁸

8. Purchase a Pedometer along with 52 “Free Walks” certificates.⁹

9. Buy a quality Body Fat/Water scale.¹⁰

10. Buy two heart-rate monitor watches and add 52 “activity card invitations.”¹¹

^{¹ Think of someone you love who needs Jesus in their life. If God has someone who would be able to connect with them and the result would be life-changing, how much would you pay to see this happen? What if it would only cost a dollar to connect them together and see Jesus’ love flood this person’s life? How quickly would you invest this dollar? For every dollar Laura and I now take with us to India (Jan. 14) one person will receive a new life in Jesus! Email me – bruce.lhceast@gmail.com. $25 per month rents a new church in an area where there are NO churches; $50 per month gives full-time support to a pastor and his family to serve an instant congregation of hundreds! Your endorphins will thank you. You invest even more wisely into what God has given you to manage in the future. Others will be inspired and their spiritual, emotional, and physical health will be directly or indirectly improved.}

²These are the “exercise balls” that are used for sit-ups, push-ups, waist/side-strengthening exercises. Get the Large size (about $14) and keep it in your Family Room. The color doesn’t matter :-). Use while watching a movie or TV. Strengthening the “core” is critical to protecting back injury or healing damaged back, hips, & knees!

^2aThese are unique exercise weights that are excellent for flexibility, strength, and speed. You can get them with a DVD/CD at Kohls for a good price (Big 5 has them too). I’ve seen people use them to do both cardio and muscle strengthening at the same time. Remember, if you or your friend doesn’t have a workout partner it’s not going get used.

³With all exercise equipment, you need first build a “team plan” or it’s going to be a worthless gift/investment. Buying any exercise, weight-loss, or health-improvement “tool/system” is silly unless you have a detailed plan to grow a team around you to help develop this new discipline into your life! Catch up with Bruce for details as to how to start. This will change big areas of your life! Promise!

⁴Costco has them! REI has a bigger selection at a much bigger price!

⁵This little public Health letter is one of the very best – readable, fun, practical help in every issue. AND they have received no money in their 35 years of print, from the Government or Industry. They don’t sell any advertising space. It’s a very trustworthy source for health tips. It’s the largest Health letter in the world, and oldest.

⁶I like to buy these, then glean off of it some exercises that really work for me. This is a cheap way to find some great stretching and core strengthen exercises. My hip flexor exercises came off this.

⁷The STP is a fully supported bike ride from Seattle to Portland. Bruce and Laura will be doing this ride in 2010. We will be doing the two day ride. We camp half way. We will have a great time – also having made our own Living Hope Jerseys with the finest European materials :).

⁸The people you hang with and what you read and view does influence your lifestyle changes!

⁹Get a good quality Pedometer, like the Tanita (www.thecompetitiveedge.com). Making up 52 certificates that promise to “walk or hike” is what makes this a great gift. Having a measurement to set goals does help a lot of people aim for something and actually reach it!

¹⁰Again I love the Tanita brand – quality. Measuring fat, muscle weight, and keeping track of your H²O hydration levels is a much better way to measure health. I set a goal to reach before I bought my scale – I love it. It really motivates me and gives me the right goals to focus on.

¹¹This is one of the very best gifts for anyone who exercises regularly – walking, running, hiking, going to the gym. Why? Almost everyone’s body reached a level after a few weeks of repeated activity. We have no way of knowing if we’re improving or not. Buy a heart-rate watch that also measures calories burned and you can see your heart rate, see how much you burn and now do something about it. When I’m about to take a walk with family visiting for the holidays I often climb our stairs before leaving the house. I then jump around, play around and get my heart rate up to about 128 bpm before we even leave. My entire leisurely stroll will see more calories burned because of this quick 2 min. warm-up. I can swing my arms or jog up and back if I desire. These monitors are now very affordable and really can improve your health. Timex and Polar are two pretty good brands.

Want to read my Christmas blog (Dec. 2)?

Surprises, Burning Calories, Making Headlines - Luke 2:8-20

2009-12-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

Check out Luke 2, verses 8-20. I love this story!

Luke 2: 9 "suddenly . . ." (King Jimmy uses the wd "lo") - a demonstrative particle (WOW!); in other words "Check this out" (the dramatic "pause" in a film; the surprise sound effect).

Verse 10 "Don't be afraid." There are two kinds of fear in the Bible; One when I follow my way (sin) and the other which is a deep admiration (awe) that gives us goose bumps from the beauty, power, and goodness of someone we value immensely! What kind of fear do you have in your relationship with God! "Don't be afraid!"

Verse 10 "good news of great joy. . . " Greek = mega chara (Mega = Super, super, super-sized deep-heart-warmth). The word "joy" is part of the same root from which we get the word "grace." God wants us ALL to have deep inner peace that "in the end" everything will be alright (no matter what)! This is a great gift to get VERY excited about!

Verse 13 "Suddenly. . ." Have you been surprised yet today? If not, why?

Verse 16 "they ran . . ." The Greek word, "speud0" is where we get the English word "speed" and "Speedo" (Do not wear one, please!). What would be worth "running" for in your life? The after-Christmas 90% off bins? An opportunity to clothe and feed the homeless? The chance to serve love and hope? To kneel before the One who will change your life forever?

Verse 17 "The Shepherds told everyone . . ." What kind of Facebook invitations are you going to share today?

Verse 18-19 "All . . . were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often." Two very opposite reactions; both very cool, both to be treasured! Are you still astounded? By what? What have you "treasured in your heart and thought a lot about" this week?

I plan to finish Luke 2 tomorrow (I also plan to publish my Top 10 Healthy gifts List).

Hey, don't forget to read Proverbs 23 on the 23rd of December (a very cool chapter!)

Please join Laura and I - This Sunday @ 7 pm

2009-12-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

Laura and I would so love to have you disrupt your plans this Sunday afternoon and join us for our son's concert at the Hawthorn Theater. Our son's band, Gordon Avenue, is playing through a new booking company and we are very excited for this mini-Christmas Concert (one Christmas song - ha). Four other bands will be playing.

Here's the deal - the tickets are only available online and none will be sold at the door. Even if you don't want to go you could buy tickets and support a great musician (Gordon is now working on his second album - an acoustic one). If you can make it or you want to send someone else it's all for a great Christmas boy - Gordo!

Hawthorn Theater in Portland

Sunday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Ticket web site: http://tickets.aftonshows.com/Gordonavenue

or check it out at www.Gordonavenue.com

Fantom fears of noisy people

2009-11-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

"Wicked people flee when no one is chasing them, but those who walk "straight" are as confident as a lion." Proverbs 28:1.

The word "wicked" as used by that smart guy Solomon is "Noisy" or "one who makes a commotion." When my life is following chaos I'm tormented by lots of fantom fears. How badly do I want to have confidence like a lion? It requires that I live a "straight" life (this is the word us

ed in the Old Testament of the Bible for "righteous.").

It's so easy to be filled with random, unreal fears. Yesterday while we were cutting down trees for our Christmas our son Marcus suddenly cried out "Watch out." Everyone fled (baby in arms), only to discover it was a false alarm (not only was the tree still standing strong, but it was only the baby of the two we brought home (a ten footer).

I was thinking this morning. I had no clear plan while my son tortured that harmless tree with his "un-woodsman-like" blows. I was mindlessly wandering in my ADD world and not even looking out for my wonderful little granddaughter's first tree-murder experience.

Many of my random dashes into fear-driven running is because at that moment I'm without a clear plan. Life isn't straight because I've either got the wrong map or no map at all. Today I get to consciously say "Thanks" for the presence of my best friend Jesus whose Spirit is in me and will keep me authentic, straight, and real! No Fear, my favorite Lion is near! Happy post Thanksgiving!

Come Climb a COOL Mt with Me!

2009-11-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

Want to Climb Mt. St Helen's Tue. Nov. 24?

Ok, I'm so excited and if you would like to try this 7-12 hr. snow climb with me. You can email me and I'll share all the details. You will need snow shoes (REI rents them) and winter gear. I can share with you more details. We will leave Vancouver at 4:45 a.m. and be getting our passes at a lodge near our start at 6 a.m.
The challenge, beauty, fun together, and 8,000 calories burned may make it worth it! Let me know if you want to go. We also are looking for ONE Mountaineering coat to borrow if you know someone who is the lending kind.
Email me at bruce.lhceast@gmail.com

Bruce & Laura's Random, Wild Roller Coaster Ride (in-process thoughts)

2009-11-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

The details of the following stories will be updated throughout this week

He stood in a cold, wet, empty parking lot . . . I could tell by the sound of his voice, this out-of-control business man was about to jump off the edge of the world (more on this miracle story soon)

Gun in mouth . . . 19 years old . . . the end. The whole story to a family blow-up. A family breaks up; a young man my boys went to school with comitts suicide - the story of the funeral Laura and I participated in on Saturday (Why the deceased's Mom wore Wedding clothes to the funeral).

What you many have missed on Movie Night (the review of a very grand "scary movie.")

What 60 people experience on Sunday afternoon . . . so cool, so courageous, such a great pay-off (you've got to check back on this story).

The grim details on Bruce's pre-Thanksgiving climb up Mt. St. Helen's. You might decide to join him on this 8 hour climb (details to help you to decide - coming soon).

Monday Ramblings . . . Mt. Biking . . .Oswald Chambers . . . Why I hate Religion!

2009-10-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

So nice to be riding with my sweetheart at 5:17 a.m. today (Laura rides to work and I get to burn about 550-650 cal before the clock hits 6:30 a.m. - my Cardio is doing great now!) and then I'm gifted with about three hours of quiet-time in Oswald Chambers and the book of Proverbs (So fell in love with Chapter 3 of Prov . . . today is chapt 5 - the 5th of Oct . . . get it?).

Yesterday Laura and I slipped away before being brought back into the Pit of Despair (not the Movie, rather the Seahawk's playing the "perfect quarterback" and a most impressive team) . . . We Christened my new Mt. Bike (the picture is the ONE & ONLY Laura snapped on her first try with my Blackberry) by trying to find "single track" on Larch Mt without the use of a map (we used my Verizon GPS - not good) . . . after one hour we ended up on a private road . . . the East side of the Mt . . . after 20 min on our bikes we found the single track (Gordon and I will revisit it today). Laura IS the most amazing girl/woman/mother/best-friend/girlfriend/lover and "Adventurous Queen" in all this world! Want to know why (of course you do)?

I didn't have time to change out her Mt. Bike tires (Her bike was the best of our Mt. bikes before I got my new one - hers is only 15 yrs old). Laura's bike still had road slicks on them. She also was using Clip-in Pedals for the first time (on a Mt. Bike) and trying to do some serious single track, mud-roots-rocks &logs: All of this with Mt. Bike slicks! Who in their right mind would do this? ONLY someone in love with her "man" and wanting to be with him on his virgin ride! She also road down a steep gravel and rock trail to get back to our car (her bike has no shocks) . . . the hard -pressure-filled slicks transfered everything to her lovely hands (I did promise her I would get her shocks for her bike . . . this is where you feel compelled to send me money!) . . . :)

We endured the SeaGawlks (with new friends) and then went to bed early . . .

I just finished reading four days of Oswald Chambers (O.C.) - these are some of my favorite of devotions . . . here's one of my TOP 100 of O.C.

"After every time of exaltation we are brought down with a sudden rush into things as they are where it is neither beautiful nor poetic nor thrilling. The height of the mountain top is measured by the drab drudgery of the valley; but it is in the valley that we have to live for the glory of God. We see His glory on the mount, but we never live for His glory there." Mark 9:22 From Oct. 2 - My Utmost for His Highest

I was struck well: Look for God in the beautiful, majestic, the mystical and on "out-of-this-world single-track trails!" These Mt. Top experiences (gifts) most often brief (very powerful, concentrated stuff), and usually spontaneous in nature. But they DO recharge, refuel, us for the dark, normal, boring, and everyday world we live in. It's in the valleys, we get to Live out the Love HE First Lived into us (Totally, because He wanted to - see Ephesians 1:4-5; 2:1-1-) - I John 4:19!

Allow and celebrate any Mountain tops God gives to you today - Remember not to live there - come back down and expect God to use you to touch someone else and perhaps give them the inspiring hope needed to never give up on Love! Have a great day!

Try this great Salsa recipe

2009-09-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

Fresh Salsa (Bruce & Laura)

Roma tomatoes (10-12)

Corn (1.5 cups of corn – fresh/frozen/crisp-canned)

Black beans (1 can)

Fresh cilantro (1/4-1/3 of bunch – to taste; cut & dice fine)

Cumin (1/4 tablespoon)

Salt (to taste)

Fresh Limes (juice 2-3 limes)

Avocado (2-3 "very firm" Avocados, diced)

Optional – Walla Walla Sweet Onion (1 chopped fine)

I dice the Avocado’s last; then salt and pour lime over them before re-mixing and refrigerating for 1-2 hrs. before serving.

Salsa, Salsa, Salsa

2009-09-29T11:56:00.001-07:00

Don't get tired . . . If you check TONIGHT (Tue, Sep 29) you will get our Salsa recipe and more! PROMISE (I hope:)

Promised links - Gordon last night (v funny), Amazing song & video I'm about to order

2009-09-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hey if your not in a Life Group then you are missing a gift that's right on your door step. Last Thursday was weird, at first, being the ONLY guy at Life Group (4 women). But how surprising to see God's encouragement and the recharge that all of us got from doing Life Together! Here are the promised links I spoke of - The clip of the film re. forgiveness in Rwanda is amazing (I'm going to buy the film)!

But first check out what I missed last night (Family Night at Living Hope Church) - this world famous illusionist and ventriloquist used my son Gordon as a prop - very funny!

Gordon sings and dances

Father Forgive them "Hill"

Forgiveness in Rwanda

Notes from Last Thursday Life Group

Sunday Afternoon - Come play in the Rain w US!

2009-09-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

So, the BBQ and worship at our East Campus is already a given - BE THERE! (Link for more) . . . BUT our family, and friends, will take our golf umbrella's and drive up to beautiful Stevenson to the XFest Show (LINK). Gordon's band - GORDON AVENUE will be playing at 3:15 p.m.

We will most likely stay for the Chick Band (Oh my, really????) and goof off . . . You should join us (email me - I'll get it on my phone - Brucea@livinghopechurch.com).

NoonDaySun band link

Don't sit at home - let's get out (wish we could golf :)

Smoke Signals, Learning to hear others better!

2009-09-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Our Life Group had a grand time sitting on the patio and eating some outrageously good food together this last Thursday: here's a review and some added notes from our time sharing about the challenge of great communication.

Question: Who is the hardest person for you to co

mmunicate with on a regular basis? Why?

Why wouldn't you want to communicate well with someone?

If I hate someone or want to hurt them then I don't care how well I listen, open my heart, and come closer in my friendship with them. We love, I John 4:19, because God loved us FIRST!

Question: What does great communication look like?

1. It hears the heart (intent) of the person

2. Defensiveness is very low or non-existent

3. A natural result of great communication is we care more!

Question: Do you know how good your doing communication with those you love, work with, and those "far from God" who need to see His love? How do you measure your effectiveness?

Bruce and Laura use 3 "C's" to check up on how good their communication

is with each other. C1 - Do we feel CLOSER as a result of our communication?

C2 - Do we CARE MORE about each other as a result; and

C3 - is there greater CLARITY (understanding), we hear better?

Communication includes a blend of words, expressions, tones and actions!

The level of value and commitment are constantly affected by our communication.

A big, bad, very disturbing Scripture we read and discussed (with great gusto):

I Kings 13 (This is NOT a bedtime story . . . caution)

1. Does God tempt us? Read James 1

2. Why doesn't the story beat up on the lying prophet (he gets off scotch free - NOT fair!)

3. Is is hard to know if it's God, my own self, or Satan speaking to me?

When dealing with difficult stories in the Bible it's good to review some basic principles for the study of God's Word: 1. Context, Context, Context (read before and after; then know the people this was first written for - Children, abused-barbaric-slaves, the culture.) We need to remind ourselves - God came down in human skin so we could understand Him - Scripture uses the language of the people to whom it's given! 2. What's the point (the message)? What life change is God wanting to bring? In this scary story God seems to want to say, "Don't listen to other voices when I've made it clear what your to do!" Balaam's donkey (Numbers 22). Many weird theologies and misunderstandings come from missing the point (usually there's ONE big one). 3. Look at the BIG Picture! How does this match with God's character (what He's like) and very clear stories and Scriptures (for example: God is Love and perfect love throws out fear - I John 4:18. When I see fear as motivation in Scripture it's often of human origin. In the Psalms it often means Awe or deep respect. When reading "hairy" stories like the one above, look for the cumulative picture of God from the entire Bible. This is usually best seen when studying with a group of people seeking to come closer to God. Prayer, a desire to know God's plan, and a willingness to follow help open our eyes to God's way - Read James 1:5 and I Peter 1:3-7.

Who do you need to reach out to, in their "language," and share Jesus with? We are God's LIGHT on a hill so those in darkness can clearly understand and accept God's forever-love!

The "long" Promised BBQ Rub

2009-08-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

So my Rub (good on chicken too) that I use "every time" for burgers is from the famous Barbecue Bible - How to Grill by Steven Raichlen.

Here is how I build my basic burger:

Two hamburger patties of good quality meat: add between the two a thin slice of Walla Walla Sweet onion and three pats of Seasoned herb butter. mold the two patties into one (this maintains moistness to the max).

Then after searing each side add liberal amounts of the rub with a spoon: top with Chedder cheese and mozzarella - Wow!

The basic ingredients for the rub mix:

1/4 cup Coarse Salt (Kosher or Sea)
1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Sweet Paprika
2 tablespoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper

The actual recipe I use is as follows:

6 Tablespoons of dark ground coffee (fresh)

2 T of course Sea Salt

2 T of brown sugar (I often double this amount)

2 T of paprika

2 Teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper

2 t of garlic powder

2 t of onion powder

1 t of ground cumin

1 t of ground coriander

1 t of unsweetened cocoa powder (I often double this amount)

Mix with finger together in a bowl (watch that your brown sugar isn't lumpy when you add it); Extra flavor comes when you grind whole peppercorns, cumin, and coriander seeds yourself. I use a high quality cocoa powder - NOTE: These babies aren't good for your body - cut down your fat intake for 3 days before then use ALL the good tasting stuff and live it up (If you want to be really healthy use Buffalo burger and drop the herbed butter). This rub is best on beef and pork - not bad on chicken that you are putting in a bun! Enjoy! This rub keeps for about 6 months in pantry. I sprinkle about .5-1 tablespoon per burger.

Time-dated note: We are doing a killer White Water Rafting trip and BBQ on Aug. 15, 2009, on the White Salmon (class 4 rapids) - email me if you want to have a blast (www.Brucea@livinghopechurch.com )

We survived the STP

2009-07-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

So Laura and I survived (and enjoyed) our 204/5 mile ride from our former home of Seattle to Portland this last weekend. We started with 7 of us and ended with 3 (we promise to have more riders next year and a greater % of finishers).

We had 5 friends brave the rain to come out and see us. We should start getting some pictures back in the next couple days. Lots of stories to tell so stay tuned.

The BBQ Rub recipe I promised from our last E Vancouver Campus BBQ will get posted soon! Promise.

Amazing New's Flash (Did you miss this on the evening news?)

2009-05-12T11:40:00.002-07:00

This story in about my sweet wife Laura. Check it out here!

My "every-other-Saturday" work-out - 2,222 cal burned

2009-05-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, balance is so, SO, important! I love pouring, investing in other's lives. I get to touch so many people's lives at the gym! It's a blast. Laura is working today and I did my "max-out cardio & legs day!" I burned 2,222 calories (not counting the 400+ extra my body will burn today because of my A.M. workout.

Here's the short version, then a couple "amazing tips" just for you; finally the details for those who don't have a life (LOL).

SHORT:

Did stairs/stretching/warm up for 20 min

Spin Class for 1 hr. 10 min (max hr was 167)

Weights (legs)

Sit-ups & calves

Stretching & working legs on roller ball (20 min)

Walking on the tread mill/stretching (5 min.)

Hot shave in the locker-room/stretch (10 min.)

TOTAL TIME = 3 hrs, 25 min. (I go to work at 2 pm & first stop includes decadent food, fun - absolutely NO guilt!)

DETAILS (thanks for reading :)

Did stairs/stretching/warm up for 20 min - Warming up maximizes the time "in-zone" for cardio.

Spin Class for 1 hr. 10 min (max hr was 167) In zone (124 bpm - 160) 1 hr. 11 min. Above - 2 min. 43 sec (ouch). 45% of cal. burned were fat. Average hr 119.

Weights (legs) Squat machine, leg extensions, hams, and "Suzan Summers " machine

Sit-ups & calves Alternating until you die (4 sets of calves, 6 of sit-ups - ball, iron bridge, three diff. machines)

Stretching & working legs on roller ball (20 min) Using a foam roller hurts so, so good - I'll be happy tomorrow that I did it!

Walking on the tread mill/stretching (5 min.) I use this time to finish letting my body wind down and stretch my neck while walking.

Hot shave in the locker-room/stretch (10 min.) I stretch lower and upper back while shaving - legs some more as I take off my shoes - a very useful 10 min.

The best part is I got to personally invest in three peoples lives (2 people from the club have started coming to Living Hope - neither had attended church after the age of 12 - HOW COOL is GOD!)

TIPS:

1) Use a heart rate monitor (they start at about $40) to push yourself - it makes a huge difference (you need a coach to get you going and someone to be your hr buddy - ask me sometime for details)

2) It's amazing how much you can stretch throughout the day. Be conscious. This is one of the very best things you can add to your life.

3) Set goals and healthy rewards (I ate steak with a friend last night - I hope to buy my dream scales if I stay below the weight goal I set three months ago (I see if I continue to make it this week - I'm sure I've got it!)

4) This is one of the easiest and best . . . (Oh, I forgot . . . I'm going to share it in a couple weeks :_)

Invest in your body so it will allow you to invest more in friendships and fun with others! I stayed up until 1 p.m. doing a guys movie with one of my sons (I couldn't stay awake that late about 6 months ago)!

700 calories in 1 hr, & 3 min lifting weights - Learn cool tips

2009-04-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

So in High School one of my hobbies was helping girls lose weight (You can hit a lot of doubles and few home runs doing this . . . :) . . . and I've had a mother obsessed with natural foods. SO, I it was only natural that in 1988 when I decide to reshape my sagging body that I not only hit the gym, started cycling, and began to apply my background of health to the bigger picture.

I do believe our bodies (not church buildings) are the Temple of God's presence (John 4, I Corinthians 6). So I go on a yo-yo ride from time to time with getting this body in shape (ran one marathon, did a few Olympic & other distance Triathlons, tried a few bike races . . . love tennis . . . ).

Today's Tips:

1. If your goal is to lose weight try doing at least 5 min. of cardio before lifting weights, participating in other Gym classes (or even walking).

2. If your "ticker is strong" try using a Stair Machine to get your heart rate up fast (I was up to 135+ in about 20 second by running that puppy,the exercise rig, at full speed.). Then you can switch to whatever type of cardio machine you want (At home I climb our stairs several times to get my heart rate up quick).

3. If burning lots of calories is your goal - Do "cross-activities" between sets when lifting (see details of my "fun a.m. at the gym."

My 700 Calorie Hour:

I started with 1 min on the stair machine then switched to the elliptical (warming up my arms and shoulders/legs) for 10 min. I then was ready to do "Chest" today. My work-out partner was sleeping (Son -Gordo) so this is how I burned extra calories (note this is my month of switching up my Pecks workout (We've got a 4 month rotation). In between lifts I did sit-ups (using a ball, then doing seated crunches on the weight bench). Then I would switch off doing stretches between the next sets. By the end of one hour (& 3 min.) I had hit 700 calories and had added another 19.5 min. to the 10 min. of cardio time I started with.

I then did another 20 min. on a spin-bike, and then a cool down (shaving my mug) to finish with 1,024 calories in 1 hr. & 33 min (I had showered and combed my mass of hair, and jumped back into my regular daily actives in less than 2 hrs.

After Effects:

I was in cardio zone for a total of 39 min. (my max heart rate was only 148 and my average, 119). 50% of my calories burned were fat (YES!) and I had so much more energy and better focus today. Very cool is the knowledge that for the next hour I burned aprox. 200 hrs (just driving, phone & computer work) and the hour following that I added another 150+ (I normally burn about 100-110 cal per hr in sedentary activities). My body will actually burn more calories all day long because of an A.M. workout - cool!

Very cool web site (check out "The daily plate" feature - it's amazing) by Lance Armstrong!

Gordon Avenue's Latest CD Release Show Update

2009-04-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Friends, Laura and I are beyond excited about tomorrow night's show! Our son's band is amazing.

Quick Update: Gordon Avenue will play around 9 p.m.

Gordon's Web site is

www.Gordonave.com

Hawthorne Theater link

The two bands to follow, Tango Alpha Tango and Black Mercies are very good bands (big in Portland . . . Black Mercies is headed to play the UK)

Cost at the door: $8

Twitter, Tweet, and Face book everyone you can think of (Text message the world!) . . . see you there! Crazed Parent Fans, Bruce & Laura

Please DON'T miss this Amazing night with us!

2009-03-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

Laura and I can't began to express how very exited and proud we are of our boys! This Thursday night we will take our hats off to our son Gordon. It's a long term dream come true for him. This Thursday we will celebrate the CD release show of our son's new full length album. It will be at the Hawthorne theater in Portland. Great food, wonderful coffee are so close to this theater. One of Portland's hottest bands, Tango Alfa Tango are honoring our son's band and will be performing at the show. The band Black Mercy (just getting ready to play in the UK this next month) will play as well. The bands start at 7 p.m. (check in later to find when Gordon Avenue plays).

It's $8 at the door and you will be amazed at the fun Gordon Avenue will bring into your week. Their new album is fantastic - wow (so much variety - the words are so deep/fun/real)!

Check out my son's web site and his myspace, then invite as many people as you can to come and have a magical night with us (use your Facebook, myspace, Twitter, email, text . . . signs on Interstate 5 & 205)!

Web: Gordonavenue.com

Myspace: myspace.com/gordonavenueonline

Why do I love pain?

2009-03-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

It started with some unhappy Yoga instructors (& owners) next door to our new Living Hope Campus and ended with me trying out "Hot Yoga." Yesterday afternoon I arrived in a pair of running shorts, a mat, bath towel and hand towel. The yoga room had heat panels that kept the room at 105 degrees (humidity set at 60%). This made it feel like it was 145.

I wore my heart rate monitor and was so hot that I was in my cardio zone for 50 min of the 90 min class. I hit a high of 155 bpm. I was unable to complete the last two poses (26 total done twice) as I was so nauseated and dizzy that I thought I would either faint or throw-up. Why did I do it? Curiosity. The challenge. Knowing that I'm so "stiff" that it might actually help me. And a chance hang out with people who don't know much about my best friend Jesus.

I've done some painful stuff when it comes to exercise, but this takes it all when you pack it into 90 min. I did live through it (kind of) and was worthless for the rest of the night. I did have one of the "regulars" ask me what kind of church was going in next to them (We had a fantastic visit).

Should you do "hot yoga." I'm not sure. I paid $29 for unlimited use for 2 wks. We'll see what happens next time (I'm still a bit afraid of the pain).

On a happier note: the owners of the hair studio, Ethos just down from our new digs is going to do my hair (cut/color/highlights - my choice) for free (Anyone who comes to the Fisher's campus on Easter (9 & 11) can get a free hair cut (color or high light) for free too - COOL! The one stylest says he's going to come to church. He's don't the band "Guns & Roses" hair and worked on the TV set of Hero's this last season - fun!

Learning to dance (Why did I wait 30+ years?)

2009-02-28T15:36:00.001-08:00

So, I’m here (hear me) to proclaim that I’ve been acting very, very stupid for a long time. I love to talk about how cool, essential, it is to pour into your spouses life! We are difference makers, built in our Creator’s image (passions, values, and needs) . . . Yes I believe God has needs (GOD IS LOVE . . . therefore God' needs objects, creations, being to be in relationship with.)!

Back to acting stupid; I gave Laura the ultimate Valentines gift (for her), I bought her a lesson with a 2008 champion swing dance finalist. We went last Monday to one of studios she teaches at – what a flight of stairs I had to climb. It was worse than K2 or Mt. Mckinley. I have several “left” feet and when I try to move them to music (so I’ve always believed) I turn into a Gerald Ford in terms of gracefulness! I’d tried dancing at a church hoe-down once (it may have been the Country music that messed me up) and it was a huge disaster. Everyone got they entertainment out of laughing at me and they even made a video which they showed in church the next week (just before I got up to speak).

But Laura was so encouraging (almost giddy) and after another quick trip to the bathroom and breaking my dancing shoe laces we were ready . . . NOW HERE’S PROOF that I’ve taken GOLD in the “act real stupid” category: The minute I began the lesson with her she began to glow (light an airport strobe) and she continued to glow for three more days.

I even caught her bragging it up to four other friends (ladies) what a super-human husband she is married to . . . Stupid Bruce; it cost so very little and paid out so very big! I’ve known for a long time this little act of giving would bring so much happiness and speak so much to Laura’s language of love. Why didn’t I do this for her long time ago? That’s why I saw I’ve been acting very stupid. Wikipedia has updated it’s definition of acting stupid with a picture of me and the truth that I had NO GOOD reason for holding back this gift from my wife all these years!

So, why didn’t I do this for my best-friend/sweetheart long time ago?

1) Ignorance is bliss (but still very stupid)
2) I didn’t want to look stupid MORE than I wanted to bring real joy to my true love
3) I thought if I didn’t think about how much this would bless my wife then it wouldn’t make it so stupid
4) I’m very lazy when it comes to doing things I don’t have any motivation to do
5) I closed the door by saying I do lots of other great things for her
6) I compared myself to other men and was able to hid behind that
7) I lied by saying, “It’s just not me!” This is such a top-10-lie
BOTTOM LINE: (8) I was being selfish!

I’ve met so many people who could add so much to their spouses, kids, parents, siblings, and friends lives but they live out of fear, the comfort of predictability, and selfishness.

What should you plan to do right now that you KNOW will add to a relationship that is very important.

p.s. The day after; the dance lesson wasn’t that bad. Laura and I are now practicing (it’s such a wonderful gift for her). I love a challenge and so I’ve booked a second lesson. I wonder what will happen when we start moving to the music!

I’m no longer acting stupid. It’s such a great feeling.

Paul is a friend of mine who wrote this famous love advice (considered by some to be the greatest definition of love): read what he said about these moments of opportunity.

Oh yea . . . Final two days of V day with my sweetheart

2009-02-19T19:01:00.001-08:00

Sunday, following a very fun Birthday party with our friend Emilee we hit the road. I had several bags packed with decorations, decadent deserts (dark Chocolate) and bubbly!

Laura dropped me off at our hotel (She had been so curious) – The Aloft (a W Hotel). I want us to stay someplace different that anything we’d stayed in – it fit. While Laura did a coffee run I decorated, candles, a desert bar, and more . . . the decor of the room was new, modern, and fun. Our 42” flat screen hung on the wall about three feet from the end of our bed . . .

The shower, in our room, was to die for . . . and I had hearts stuck everywhere; with appropriate comments . . . My two best, killer cards were waiting for Sun night and Mon. morning. Shop way ahead of time for cards . . . the relaxed atmosphere and larger selection will pay off – Laura really loved her cards (I love cards- WOW!)

Monday morning we slept in (7 for me) and then found the Hotel gym to be the best we’ve ever experienced for a hotel. We then went back to our room and read and hung out until we left.

An amazing breakfast (1 pm) at the a little hole-in-the wall on Division St in Portland (Detour) . . . I love this funky, great-food, cool owners hangout (Laura’s first time here). She really liked it!

Then we went to the Driving Range and hit golf balls, practiced putting and chipping (the 60 degree wedge is a golf club . . . thanks for the comments new readers – do I have 7 faithful readers now?)

We sat in the sun (of our car) and read from our new “Seattle-based” novel . . . Then it was home for our Monday night Family date with our kids (They insist we have Mon. nights for family night – how blessed am I?)

The result of these seven days of romance? I’ve noticed great wonders and marvels not seen for a while in the ordinary moments of Tue. & Wed. Laura’s glow is still lingering and my sense of how great of gift she is in my life is so strong. We were made for romance. How’s yours?

Idea: If you’ve been burned by religion and broken friendships try searching again for romance with God. I believe you will find it if you admit, even embrace your fear-based core, then willingly hand yourself over, the way you REALLY ARE to your forever Creator-friend! I’d love to sit with you and tell you more grand romantic stories. My dream? To see you become so hungry and thirsty for this deep love that you risk everything to reach out one more time! You will win! Start planning now for that next opportunity to be romantic!

Tomorrow: The Ultimate gift I gave my wife Mon. morning that made her cry tears of joy. It’s the most expensive gift I’ve ever given (in US currency it cost me $70, but in soul-gold it cost a whole lot more . . . Can you guess what this incredible gift is? Laura actually gets it this next Monday!)

Oh Wow – You’ve got to read this!

2009-02-14T07:10:00.001-08:00

1) Don’t stop reading what happened the last two days of my V-prep with my sweetheart and I!

2) Here is my “Easiest Ever” Tip for supersizing romance with that special person (will work on friend, mom, or sibling).

Tip: Do the old-fashioned Stare-down! Look deeply into your mate/friend/parent/child/Politian's eyes. Then add another one of your 5 senses: Tell them you love/like/find fascinating, this love/friendship gazing! Try to really mean it (Joke)! The second level of human bonding is “eye to eye” contact. It’s so basic we forget to use it enough. If your a bit out of shape in your “eye-ball staring exercises” you may even find it makes you feel a bit vulnerable (sometimes even the other person will sense this) – It’s OK! Keep exercising and you’ll be even more fit!

Thursday,Laura and I didn’t see each other until about 10 p.m. – I gave her a very wonderful, romantic gift. I came into the bedroom (this is safe reading) and lay down beside her (on top of the covers). She had her eyes closed so when I gave a descriptive hint re. her soon-to-be receive gift she began to laugh (Laura has one of the most amazing laughs)! Then she opened her eyes to discover I had bought her a 60 degree wedge! (Right now if your a man you may be feeling very intimidated. Ladies, your men will learn to be this romantic too – someday)!

Then last night, (Laura worked a 13 hr. shift at the hospital) I transformed our Volvo into the Love-Mobile! It’s so romantic, and has so many elements that were “for her eyes only” that I can’t give you any details. Needless to say, I did cover the windows with red paper; there were multiple candles, orchids, and lost of trays of rich, Eastern delights. We did dinner at one of our favorite Thai restaurants afterwards. What a day before!

Today: 3.5 hrs doing Cardio for me; Laura going to a funeral & then late lunch at the new Tommy O’s off of 192nd (We love this place – wow, wow). Our real V. Day is Sunday evening and Monday (You will not believe the get-away I’ve got planned for the most wonderful girl in all the world – God give the very best gifts – It’s true).

Only Three days Left (Romance tips # 2)

2009-02-11T23:11:00.001-08:00

Today, my pre-V gift is one of those “time-released” capsules, like a very expensive vitamin (such a romantic image). It started with me having Laura’s “foo-foo” drink ready for her when she came downstairs (this is her day off). I also had the cat fed (she was surprised) and I was waiting with my arms outstretched (standing by our kitchen island) and gave here a hug/backrub combination. The point is to disrupt your “normal” activities and surprise the one who counts so much in your heart. Laura is used to me being in my recliner, lost in thoughts, reading and writing. This surprised her so much that she even asked me, “What’s wrong Honey?” Great question –perfect set-up! I now was able to hit a triple by simply saying I wanted to surprise her, by being ready to tell her how much she meant to me on this pre-valentines day!

Questions (for this very moment):

What “morning habit” could you alter that would surprise the one you love (in a good way)?
What “act of service” could you do that you normally never/seldom do that would surprise your mate (Leave a note; sometimes I leave a text message on my wife note alerting her to look for the note – the message can be encrypted).

The next part of my pre-V day was to pick up several cards for the remainder of the week (Try to get a card by tomorrow or the good ones will all be gone – trust me I got some great ones today). I had set a 1.5 hr date with my sweetheart today and the sun played peek-a-boo enough to entice me to grace Laura’s golf shoes, and several irons and together we hit a bucket of balls at the driving range. We then sat in our car (she had to close her eyes) and I gave her some new pucker-up candies and a wonderful card (what you write counts a lot –taking time to get a very artistic, well worded card is that added plus). I had picked up a very cool novel based in the WWII days in Seattle Wa. I place the card, candy, and book in her lap and then after she had read the card I suggested we talk about how we could read the book together. We settled on reading a few pages before we went back to work. The warm sun, short break outside, and time to share and look forward to a book we can enjoy together was a warm, romantic moment that was so rich (I love seeing my wife’s eyes light up).

What was your day of romance like? I loved reading Proverbs 11 today! It’s some very wise stuff!

Romantic (ONLY 4 days LEFT!) tips for V Day!

2009-02-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

The book, Song of Solomon is one of the most sensual/sexual pieces of literature every written. It never mentions God’s name, prayer, or “religious words.” It so embarrassed theologians and religious teachers that for more than 1,000 years it was turned into a spiritual metaphor and translated so that the idioms and metaphors were not hidden. Why? I think we’ve boxed God outside of the gift of romance and intimacy.

This week (and perhaps beyond) I hope to blog about the Romance of a deep intimate friendship.

I’m going to share a web site that has a lot of tips (I wouldn’t buy the books or buy a whole lot of the advice . . . that’s just me . . . I’m careful about what I buy into when it comes to relationship experts . . . and NO I DON’T have all the answers . . . I’ll explain another time). The web site for Valentine ideas: THE ROMANTIC.

Feb 10 - BRUCE’S ROMANTIC (pre)V. DAY TREAT (I’m prepping for that amazing girlfriend and wife, my best friend Laura): I jumped out of bed at 5 a.m. and as soon as Laura was in the shower I took her towel and Head wrap and fast tracked it to the dryer. When she stepped out there was a note (w a heart) and very warm towels (she loved it). The bed was made and I’d already fed the cat . . . Tomorrow I kick into TURBO. Come back tomorrow for an update!

Who will you romance today? Will you allow God to romance you today? Is there stranger who needs a kindness act (a kind of romantic touch that says “Everyone is someone special!”).

Several years ago my sweetheart gave me a romantic verse that is an amazing reminder of the ultimate gift! Read it now?

The very best Present is the celebration of God’s Presence (no where but NOW HERE with YOU!) here with you and in you, now!

My new passion for India

2009-02-03T18:27:00.001-08:00

God is very much into surprises! It's a long hard lesson for me to believe that whatever happens, God will use it to bring amazing blessings.
My good friend and fellow pastor, Duane Warren, set me up with Preaching on the cell phone to People in India. Dr Kumar holds these evangelistic outreaches and works with our Only God International ministry.
My voice is broadcast over a loud speaker and hundreds show up to listen to an American speak. Dr. Kumar then translates and this has become a weekly event.

Every week Dr. Kumar sends me a report of the number of people who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and forever-friend for the first time – I’m always amazed. This week Dr. Kumar sent me pictures from the gathering; the largest I’ve preach to via my cell phone: 1,200 people came out and 97 accepted Jesus into their lives.

I feel so small and so full of joy at the same time. God has so many adventures for all of us. It doesn’t require being able to see all the details (or any), just that first step in reaching out and experiencing the thrill as God works His magic.

Every Friday morning I remembering telling Duane I would help him once in a while (I did not want to do this!). The first two times I spoke it felt horrible. But seeing God work and knowing it’s NOT me has been one of the richest experiences I’ve had in a long time! Take a risk. Go out, even if you don’t know where God is leading You!

You're invited to a very special CD Release Show

2009-02-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

Laura and I are so excited to invite you to the CD release show of the band our son is in: Gordon Avenue!

Quick Facts

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2009 (exact time not set yet)

Place: Hawthorne Theater - Portland OR - SE Hawthorne & SE 39th Ave

Doors open at 7 p.m.

New Album: Broken Pieces Make the Beautiful things

We are so proud of the Band and the Album is fantastic! The songs our son, Avery has written, range from Fun, to very deep. And to see him live is such a powerful experience. Come join us for this new album release show. If you feel your a bit old there are a couple options to consider - ONE, bring earplugs and enjoy the energy of this cool show; or SECOND, invest into some young person/s and treat them to some free tickets (They will very much appreciate your kind act!).

We will keep you updated. Please feel free to email me (Bruce) at Averybruce@gmail.com

In Addition: Gordon has three guest bands playing that night so it will be a Big night for great music!

The Story I promised . . . (sorry)

2008-12-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

For all six of my faithful readers, please accept my most humble apologies for not finishing my story when I said I would. (Parents, I messed up so many times by promising my kids time with them and then not following through - learn from my screw-ups, OK!). Woe, I wrote this and left it in draft mode for the last several seasons . . . years? This is beyond saying I'm sorry. Does it make sense to say, "We've been really busy"? Anyway here's the story and we'll see how much I improve at blogging on a regular basis.

Mike Miller was our guest speaker at Living Hope several weekends ago, and I smiled when the key passage he choose was Romans 8:28 - EVERYTHING works out for good for those who are linked up with Jesus! How well I know that! I had just blogged about it two days before . . . funny how God links us up to each other.

Here's the story: (Want to read my set-up blog? Check it out: "sitting on the throne" intro.) My difficult start with preaching via my cell phone to a large number of people in India, was offset by a story that God brought back to my mind; I call it "the Bird Lady Story."

My oldest boy, Gordon, was about three and a half and loved to go to the gym with me. It was a gorgeous day, sunshine, and absolutely perfect! As I drove past the golf course it called out wonderful promises to me. I had the stereo turned up and my custom Z28 was sounding fine . . . Oh what a wonderful life!

After the workout at the gym (Gordon worked out hard in the daycare) we were walking across the parking lot and were just crossing through an alley when Gordon let go of my hand and started running. He was so cute. So full of energy. Then I saw her; "Oh no!" I thought, I knew exactly what Gordon was up to -He was running to greet "The Bird Lady."

Ok, just hang on for a moment. I'm fully aware that my labeling of this person was cold, yes, even mean. It's totally fine for you to judge me, but please DO remember how easy it is to judge otheres without even consciously thinking about how harmful it is. Living in the bliss of ignorance doesn't make us once ounce less responsible. The scary thing is how easily we can do it while playing brain dead.

I had seen this woman once before. The lady was anorexic, with shoulders that hung down as if almost all the life was gone from her. If I had taken time to really let my heart recognize her, my heart could have cried out for someone who had so little hope. Her unwashed hair covered her entire face except for that huge beak-like nose. She walked as if she was an extra in the cult classic "Night of the Living Dead." And here was my innocent little boy running towards her.

I began to call out after my son, "Come here son. Daddy's in a hurry, come here." But the truth was that this preacher-dude was very uncomfortable. I felt uneasy around this person who appeared to be so messed up. Gordon didn't listen (at least to me), but began to jump around this shuffling shell; he was leaping all around her, and with warm laughter in his voice crying out, "Hello! Hello! Hello! My name is Gordon. How are you? What's your name? Hello, hello . . ." His merry little dance with this new, potential friend never lost its intensity. In the eyes of this uninfected boy, this lady was just like any other person, as beautiful as all other humans.

I eventually grasped Gordon's arm and pulled him towards the Z. The entire time Gordon was waving and shouting to his newly discovered friend, "Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye!" I'm so glad God reminded me of this story! I remember the beat-down, rejected, nameless child of our Creator lifting her head just an inch. For one second there was a connection with my son. Then her head returned to it's defeated stance and she continued on as if we didn't exist.

My worship of being safe, in my comfort zone, detached from what I viewed as ugly and messy, had so imprisoned me that only later that day did I hear what God's Spirit had been saying to me all along. God had to use one of his most powerful agents to open my eyes - the heart of a little child!

The entire mess of not being ready to preach in India let me to cry out to God. He brought back one of my most cherished stories. I was a preacher, but not in a light that reflected God's love. I find so much joy in viewing others as GOD'S KIDS. Some will say that until you accept God's love into your life you are not one of His children. From our perspective I agree. A relationship of friendship is always a number greater than one. But from God's perfect perspective He views ALL OF US as His kids! We may be kids who don't know who our Heavenly Father is; we can be rebellious kids in denial. We can be brain dead to the reality that the Creator of the Universe chose us and loved us long before He even created our planet! He had chosen us in His Eternal Heart before time even existed. The Bible says that God considers us His even when we hated him and are in a non-existent relationship with him (check out the verses please)!

The more I believe God will never fall out of love with me the more I allow Him to remove the fear that keeps me from loving everyone and seeing everyone for the true beauty that no one can remove from their hearts. God HAS already planted eternity in every one of our hearts!

Please take a moment to think about my son. The love God put in his heart for that lonely child of his and the promise of love made to everyone of us! It's what Christmas is all about - The free gift of love!

All (big word) things work out for . . . (what a morning!)

2008-11-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to see some (most :) of you this Sunday morning at the Greek Cusina! (hint, hint). Living Hope Church Portland is meeting on the second floor (go to my blog about this here) at 10am. I'm going to be sharing the exciting vision of being at Living Hope in Portland. Little did I know how much God would touch my life this morning in preparation for my sharing this Sunday!

Bible Guy, Paul (wrote most of the New Testament), had one unusual life - wow; big "theology guy", religious zealot, passionate Christ-follower, a guy beat up by the church he loved and served, misjudged constantly for the letters he wrote, physically beaten several times, shipwrecked, and finally beheaded! The words he wrote in Roman 8:28 sang out to my frontal lobes this morning: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." I like how the Message Bible says it; "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good."

My morning started with some uneasiness, @ 5:08am, when I woke with the realization that even though I had not confirmed preaching in India (via my cell phone - see previous story) it might happen anyway (a cultural thing?) Dr. Kumar had asked me to speak at 6:30am. I had decided I couldn't do it, but . . . I still thought he might call anyway. . . well he did. But did my doctor friend call at 6:30? NO he waited until 7:05am. That's a BIG problem. I had already assumed he wasn't going to call and by 7am had begun to do some paperwork (see picture) - Then the phone rang ("Oh crap!"). Preaching via cell phone has it's advantages (having to wait for the translator to speak does too) . . . by the time I finished preaching I was in my car, up at Q.F.C. (the best cell reception) . . . AND sure enough, GOD fulfilled His promise, given to all His kids, in Romans 8.

This evening I will blog (I hope) about the amazing story God led me to tell (it's a story of when Gordon was 3.5 yrs old and how the "Bird Lady", who we met in the alley by our gym, changed the way I view the "untouchables" of our world.) Little did I know how Gordon would speak again into my life when we had coffee together after I was done preaching . . . please come back and read the story when I've posted it. Once again, God used my family, and some strange "circumstances" to speak to me and through me (ONLY GOD!).

Bottom line: AS FOR ME AND MY HOME . . . we will continue to believe that God is BIG enough to take care of all our environments and situations. EVEN BETTER, GOD IS GOOD enough (so very good) as to always work out life-changing miracles of renewed or new "forever friendships!"

I'm so optimistic about God's future (and very excited to see His next great move)! Yes, Microsoft stock did crash (drop) to $20 a share yesterday. . . P.S. - I stopped watching the "news" a long time ago (and my health keeps improving). I stand in such awe at how great it is to be in a long-term friendship with Jesus! We are "Difference Makers!' Talk to you soon - Bruce

This Sunday

2008-11-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

It will be a great adventure meeting at the Greek Cusina this Sunday (10am) and I still believe God has that perfect place for us in Portland. As several of us loaded vehicles this afternoon at Laurelhurst I was struck by how temporary everything is and how permanent our friendships can be.

We get to invite others to join us for a forever-friendship with God. This Sunday I'm going to share about God's focus for the time we are in - Our hope when things don't look so hopeful. Come join us for the adventure of a lifetime.

New Adventure For Portland

2008-11-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

[Need information on Living Hope's NEW location for Nov. 16 - jump to the bottom of this blog] Not sure if you're a "glass half full" or "glass half empty" kind of person. Many of us have environments that change the way we view life (I tend to be a "half empty" guy in terms of politics). But I look at God's love moving in stronger waves in Portland. If you look at the challenges Living Hope has faced in the greater Portland area, let me share my "half full" perspective. We have been in three very different locations, had multiple staff help lead, and even had a traditional Baptist black church join us. We've seen people who used to attend a conservative denomination in Vancouver join us, and now we are in a very difficult economic time. And yet I see God raising up people who LIVE IN Portland to passionately desire to reach out and love people with the love God has put in them! Our Life Groups are growing and more and more people are finding our church to be the place where God meets them just as they are! We are moving once again, and the search for a new location has been a bit of a "boot-camp" experience. Just yesterday Don Taylor showed me a very cool venue that is being rebuilt, and again my hope took off. We will be walking in the dark for a few weeks more as we look for this new home. Pray with us, join us if you feel God's Spirit leading you. We are on God's adventure! We may have some wandering to do (like Abraham - no GPS). We may be tempted to doubt God's promises on "Mondays" (Abraham struggled with this too). And like Abraham's grandson, Jacob, we might have to wrestle with an American Gladiator all night (perhaps in the morning we'll find we were wrestling God - see Genesis 32). But God will shine out in Portland and religion that dresses up like a safe place to become friends with Jesus will either be reborn or die! Guilt, judging, and focus on external rules will no longer be called by the name, "Christian". I dream and believe God IS doing this even now. The dream to open an Arts Center where we can worship and then serve seven days a week is still burning in my heart! We are still looking. Next week (Nov. 16) will meet for church at: The Greek Cusina (404 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97204)

We are meeting at 10am and then will order food afterward. (We can help if you don't have a budget to eat there - there are some excellent breakfast or lunch options for cheap.) We won't have children's classes next week. Together we will explore this next stage of God's journey. DON'T WORRY, WE DON'T DO ANY GREEK DANCING! Check out to the Greek Cusina's website, look at their menu too).

It's going to be fun! See you there!

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Story continued . . . (sorry)

2008-10-14T07:15:00.001-07:00

Shorts story continued (Want to start at Chapter one?) . . . so, I'm all messed up because Dr. Kumar called me 30 min. early . . . now I've just finished my opening prayer and I lose phone signal. I drop everything and race up the stairs to our bedroom. There are a not-overused pair of shorts laying on the floor (no one picked them up in the middle of the night). Like a "drunken-Jackie-Chan" master I'm in the shorts and racing back down the stairs. Bible, notes, cell phone, oh, I need my keys . . . I'm just sliding into our car when the phone rings: India! I answer and hear Dr. Kumar say, "We sorry, you continue to preach Pastor Bruce." Preaching, driving, putting on my seatbelt and trying to pull up my shorts (hadn't even got them fastened properly yet), and pulling out my notes from my Bible makes for some very disjointed thoughts. I was so, so grateful to have to stop every sentence and wait for Dr. Kumar to translate.

After parking at QFC I tried to settle in and focus on the story I was telling (the Good Samaritan). I told of how each of us follows a path trying to please someone . . . our god or gods. I spoke of how so many people tell us which path to follow. I told them the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis chapter four. I talked about how all try to be more loving or kind. I then highlighted the Priest in Jesus' story as representing a "holy man" who had too many things to do to stop and help the dying man by the road. The Levite was the highest Caste in their culture. He wouldn't even sit in the market where a Samaritan had been. He also crossed over to the other side of the road and followed his own way.

It was so hard preaching on a cell phone with no one to look at . . . I did get a couple funny looks as people drove by what looked like a naked man from their view (I wished I at least had socks on). Here I am feeling like I sound fake on the phone, getting cold and starting the car, and praying that God would somehow use this to touch the lives of those who don't know how mad-in-love He is with them.

When I came to the Samaritan in John's story, I highlighted how much he was rejected, didn't go to the temple enough, and definitely wasn't as good as the holy man who had passed by. But in his heart he heard God's call of love and chose a path that was not his. He stopped and cared for the man and took him to a hotel to recuperate.

I told them of how my little brother was saved from drowning and what it means to have someone save you when you are powerless to do anything. I reminded them that good parents love their children before their children ever know how to love them back or try to please them. I read to them John 3:16-17 and Ephesians 1:4-5. I then explained what it meant to accept Jesus' way, His gift of eternal life, free. I told them that being with Jesus forever meant there would be no fear, no more pain, tears, or death, but God's love being shared with each other forever.

I had to explain very carefully what it would mean and the following steps they would take if they stood up and let me pray for them. I was told that a good number had stood. I prayed and said goodbye. I felt relieved it was over. I so wished I had been ready for that early call.

It was two days later that my Blackberry buzzed and I looked at a new email that had arrived . . . it was from Dr. Kumar. He spoke with such honorable words and as I read tears filled my eyes. 1,200 people had come to hear an American speak to them. My voice was heard over a loudspeaker and when I explained what it meant to accept Jesus, 79 people who had never known the True God or His Son Jesus stood and are now planning with pastors that were there to be baptized.

It's really not about us, is it? We are God's Shadow (I spoke this weekend at Living Hope on being made in God's image and being connected in Jesus - more about that soon . . . I hope). We are not the spotlight, we are to reflect God's forever love. "Christ lives IN you, your hope of glory!"

You and I are difference makers . . . we are reflecting, encouraging, or tearing down everyone around us . . . I so want to share some practical prayers, thoughts, and a couple books that have touched my life. We were never meant to do life solo. Is there a part of your life you're living all by yourself? (It will always be small and disappointing if it's not including others.) Do you have lonely moments, hours, or maybe days? (I have a friend who's been lonely and depressed for several years.) I want to share the stories I shared this weekend, but in greater detail as they have so powerfully touch our families lives. These are not just self help stories, they are the path of our Creator God, the one who's nuts about us. The one who pursues us and waits for us to believe what He says about us. See you tomorrow. (Sorry it took me so long to finish the story.)

Beautiful Golf, Amazing Pics, & Brotherhood of the Traveling Shorts

2008-10-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, I will tell my "Traveling Shorts" story of preaching in NOTHING but my shorts to 1,200 people in India - "True Story". And no, it's not a dream or some "play on words", it really did happen . . . BUT first:

Last call to play golf this Sat. (Oct. 11). Our tee time is 10:30 -11am. I've only got 3-4 spots left open. We will play at Beacon Rock Golf Course (east of Vancouver WA on Hwy 14). It's a 30 min. drive from Vancouver and so beautiful this time of year. The course is small - some narrow fairways - very beautiful shots of Beacon Rock. (Have you ever climbed it? Very cool!) Let me know soon if you want to go! I hope there's a spot open for you.

Catch this: Our granddaughter, Elena Renee Avery, at 4 months of age - Wow (I hope to open a YouTube account and post the video clip I showed last week at Living Hope in Portland)!

Traveling Pants story: I was scheduled to preach for the first time ever on a cell phone to a group of people in India. Dr. Kumar had contacted me through our ONLY GOD network and spoke with me by phone last Thursday night. He had instructed me to be ready to preach at 8:30 a.m. our time. He said that they would all be ready when he called so I was to pray as soon as he said, "You pray Pastor Bruce". Then I was to preach my heart out (easy)! I had been up for 2.5 hrs. Friday morning when my cell phone rang, but . . . it was 8 a.m., not 8:30. I was still in my robe. I heard Dr. Kumar say, "Now you pray for us Pastor Bruce. We ready." I wasn't! I didn't have my Bible or notes and I was still in my robe. I multi-task well. I prayed, gathered notes and my faithful Bible and moved to our formal living room (the best reception). I had a few moments between each sentence as I was being translated into their Hindi (or maybe something else?). I had finished my prayer and was into my opening story when I lost our signal - the phone connection died! I had planned to be sitting in my car, up at QFC and next to Blockbuster Video (I had checked it out the day before). That's where the "Preaching in my Shorts" comes in . . . (oh no - I have another appointment coming up soon - must go . . . I promise (I hope) to continue this story tomorrow . . . (I'm speaking 7 times this week . . . very excited about it).

Hello planet EARTH, I've just touched down!

2008-10-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

OK, 5 of my 6 faithful readers have so consistently encouraged me to blog that I've "reassessed" and "recalculated my route" and I'm back on my blog. (I even forgot my password . . . too many years gone by . . .)

This weekend I'm going to share one of the cutest videos ever made. (Thank you Terry L for the early morning shoot!) And I'm throwing in a clip just for guys too! All this takes place at our Living Hope Church in Portland.
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I'm speaking at our Portland church at 10 a.m. and I'm so excited to have my oldest son leading us in music. Come hang out with us!

ALSO - on Oct. 11th (Saturday) a bunch of us are doing a little "golf outing" in a beautiful, yet inexpensive, location . . . let me know if you'd like to join us. . .

And either tonight or tomorrow I'll be sharing some 4 month old pictures of our first granddaughter and a story about last week when I preached to 1,200 people in nothing but my shorts (no shirt, no socks, no footwear)! No it was not a dream! I didn't plan it this way, but what happened is so amazing that it literally made me cry! I'm so anxious to share this story . . . soon . . . promise! I am back!

Everything we seem to initiate is already a response!

2008-08-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

Even my desire for God's love is something I didn't create. My desires are fed by a Hope someone else gave me as a gift.

Yesterday I helped load $750 + worth of groceries for the homeless (Living Hope drive this weekend) from Costco to my friend's rig and then at Living Hope. They were thanking me, but what looked like my part of my doing was not at all. I didn't call my friend, he called me and invited me along for the adventure. I didn't help pay for any of the food (still thinking about that). I've been gone on vacation so I didn't even know about the food drive. What I keep thinking I'm initiating is almost always a response to something someone else has already done.

God so loved US (everyone in the whole wide world) that He GAVE his much loved son . . . to win us back! Read John 3:15-17. Even before He made this world, He was already thinking of us and in love with us and CHOSE US!

How would my life be different if I viewed everything as something I'm responding to - not making, creating, taking credit or blame for?

Here's my Thomas Kelly quote for the day: "In this humanist age we suppose we are initiators and God is the responder. But the Living Christ within us is the initiator, and we are the responders. God the Lover, the accuser, the revealer of light and darkness presses within us. 'Behold I stand at the door and knock.' And all our apparent initiative is already a response, a testimonial to His secret presence and working with in us."

"The secret places of the heart cease to be our noisy workshop. They become a holy sanctuary of adoration . . . where we are kept in perfect peace, if our minds be stayed on Him who has found us in the inward springs of our life."

Vacation Pictures & Intro to the "Deepest Little-Big Book"

2008-08-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

So playing golf on the lake's "Old Course" is a must - Marcus and I played 5x, Gordon 4, and Laura 2x (Laura and I played near Spokane on the way home). Gordon squints at 8 a.m. - 1st tee. Marcus had several NOT-OB 300 yd drives (This one was a birdie - drove 315 and was on in 2 - par 5). The lake is just over the hill.

Laura got free lessons - She's so much fun to hang out with - We had a grand time!

Laura and I read every summer Thomas Kelly's little book, "A Testament of Devotion". This book was given to me as a gift by one of my favorite professors some 14 years after I graduated. The edition I have is an abridged, with some slight editing of a few words. It's a HarperCollins '92 publication (I've been trying to find another one like this - still can't). I think it's much better than the original (it's rare for me to say that).

Kelly died in 1942 unaware that two or three articles would be put together and go on to influence millions (Richard Foster says it changed his life). Like Watchman Nee and Oswald Chambers, Kelly had no idea that God would use him to set free so many caught up in Religion and Legalism.

I didn't read this 69 page book until some 6 years after it was given to me - I may read it every year until I die. Laura and I read it while on vacation at Flathead lake. We've read it together for the last six years.

Thomas Kelly was a professor who failed his second PhD and then went into deep depression. He visited Hitler's Germany in 1938. He taught Eastern Philosophy while growing a deep friendship with his forever friend and savior Jesus. He wrote of what we call today Quantum Physics. He understood how his Quaker roots led him to go beyond performance and outward obedience. He died of a heart attack at age 47. I'll let the following quotes on my blog (for the next few days) speak for the power of this book. I hope you like it.

Back from Vacation

2008-08-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hello out there . . . I'm back from vacation. Our whole family spent a week at Flat Head Lake in Montana. I've been there for 30 or 31 summers. Laura's grandfather homesteaded this lake property and it's a wonderful time of swimming, water sports (jet skis, boating fun), and golf. I got to read and write, and do some great BBQ new stuff at the lake. Only 16 of us this year (a couple of guests and a few "friends for the day") but we had a blast. Laura and I ending up coming home by ourselves (wow, we still know how to have tons of fun after 33 years of M).

Got home Monday afternoon and then had to fly out Tue at 6:20 a.m. for Boise (my mother's husband had a heart attack). Everything's cool now and I'm back at work.

Hope to post some of the "best of Thomas Kelly" on my blog this week. Laura and I have been reading this "deepest little-big book" every summer for the past 5-6 years. It gets better every year. You can read it out loud in three settings. I'll also try to post some pics of the lake.

Pictures - Finally! And those Great OC quotes

2008-07-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Bring back the iPray bumper sticker: This was from a series a couple years ago and it's one of the coolest B stickers I've seen (the color of blue makes this one of the most visible stickers I've ever seen). I do hate bumper stickers (my one and only one is on my Volvo and it was so I could get a discount at Les S. tire store - it's my Volvo service shop)! I often rant a bit on how passive-aggressive religious types put bumper stickers on their car to make those behind them see "who" they are - then they drive like they got their license at K-Mart and tick people off - bumper stickers are not so cool in my book. I do like the iPray Living Hope one because it reaches across so many cultures and uses something a lot of people have in common. It's not "in your face" (turn or burn) and it piggybacks the iPod in a clever way - it's not bad . . . I might even be willing to put one on my car (I'm still working on letting Jesus give me input when I drive). Sometime I'll have to write about how the Hebrew words behind the commandment "Have no other gods before me" tie into the whole bumper sticker issue (Don't hold your breath).

Great memories from last week when a bunch of us went to the Beavers game after church - while there Katie sent me these pics of her and Kate (Katie has the "Big Brain").

Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite writers. After listening to Paul Young (The Shack) speak last weekend these two comments from O.C . hit home runs in my brain and heart.

ONE: "Jesus Christ did not come only to teach— He came to make me what He teaches I should be." Wow! I grew up in the Western mindset that INFORMATION was what you needed! Information removed from a heart-connection (friendship) is worth little. In fact, it made me more confused and afraid of God. Paul Young grew up with LOTS of religious facts, doctrine, and theology - but seeing a God who is smiling and waiting to swing you around and walk with you into your Shack is not the gospel that "information" gave him. O.C. back in 1917 saw this and invites us to the "more." I can BE in relationship! And with Jesus living IN me HE does work out love in a mysterious, marvelous way!

TWO: "As long as we have a self-righteous idea that we can carry out our Lord’s teaching, God will allow us to continue until we expose our own ignorance over some obstacle in our way. Only then are we willing to come to Him as paupers and receive from Him. 'Blessed are the paupers in spirit.' This is the first principle in the kingdom of God. The underlying foundation of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is poverty, not possession; not making decisions for Jesus Christ, but having such a sense of absolute futility - 'I cannot begin to do it.' Then Jesus says, 'Blessed are you . . .' ( Matthew 5:11 ). This is the doorway, and yet it takes us so long to believe that we are poor! The knowledge of our own poverty is what brings us to the moral frontier where Jesus Christ works."

I want to view all of life as a gift. I want to be a "learner" forever! Poverty strips away the illusion of "rights" and my supposed "justice." It lets me view everything as a "gift." I need to relax and let Jesus bring me into the Shack. God's there - smiling, and so loving all that He will do in us!

Living Hopes Best Bumper Sticker & Oswald Chambers

2008-07-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Off to Portland this morning to look at some new possibilities for our campus (exciting)!

Two of my Oswald Chambers' quotes will have to wait (and that LH bumper sticker), BUT . . . today's OC was very good, especially the last paragraph.

This is why I've been reading this guy for 11 years (The same book . . . Laura's going on 8 years and Gordon 9)!

"When I pray, 'Lord, show me what sanctification means for me,' He will show me. It means being made one with Jesus. Sanctification is not something Jesus puts in me— it is Himself in me ( 1 Corinthians 1:30 ).

This is opposite of what most of the "big boys" who wrote in England and America in the 19th and 20th century taught. When I was a boy, I was taught (in our little clap-board church) that this BIG word "Sanctification" meant that someday I would have my character so like Jesus that I would be able to stand alone (without the Holy Spirit) for a "short while" before Jesus returned.

Even today many churches focus on "becoming" like Jesus. We tend to want to "work" at overcoming something. "I need to get rid of . . ." and we end up focusing even more on what we want to be free of; we end up looking and worshiping ourselves. Our love and care for others lessons and we become proud, stiff, and very useless when we get caught up in this deadly self-absorption.

Being holy (the Greek word for Sanctification) is not something Jesus gives us or puts in us! It's a relationship! Jesus in us! Read John 15 and you will see - go back to John chapter one and it will all become easy.

Later: Great pictures from the weekend. Two more amazing OC ideas (they so fit The Shack), and that LH bumper sticker we should resurrect!

The Day After Paul Young spoke at Living Hope

2008-07-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

I've only asked for four autographs at this point in my long, long, life. I once asked a cat. 1 female bike racer to sign my boy's riding jerseys when they were kids. I also had the Ray Brown Trio sign their album in Seattle. And then Joe Montana on his comeback Sunday after recovering from back surgery. (He was standing in front of the hotel we had both stayed in - a fun story.) Saturday afternoon, Paul Young (author of The Shack) who spoke at Living Hope, signed a book for my sister and brother-in-law. I've never been big into signatures. But after hearing Paul speak this weekend I must say his book has shot up MY best-book list to become one of my top 25

(Good to Great, The Jesus I Never Knew, A Testament of Devotion, The Ragamuffin Gospel, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, Abba's Child, My Utmost for His Highest, The Normal Christian, Grace Walk, Seizing Your Divine Moment, The Cost of Discipleship, Dare to Desire, The Amazing Body Human, The Kosakovsky Brothers, Night, The Signature of Jesus, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Princes of Ireland, Epic, The Kitchen God's Wife, Team of Rivals, The Bible (Have you read this one?), and . . . (The one book I forgot).

Anyway . . . What struck me about Paul's story was what birthed this book - a desire to leave, out of the pile of crap, a legacy for his family and friends. The book is a monument to all those who are willing to let God rescue the "through the fire" instead of insisting God take them around, over, or under it! It's a walk up to the door of everything "hidden" and the joy of opening all this ugly stuff (memories, scars of self-mutilation, guilt, shame, broken relationships, shattered dreams, and betrayal) only to find that God is behind that door (literally in the shack of "shoot" you've been hiding from others (and yourself). God is in your pain, so very close to you in your agnostic moments (or years), and loves you so much that waiting (and being misunderstood) will never make our Creator-Friend force love on us - simply wait and overwhelm us when we want with the realization that "love is always both gift-based and relational." There is no God outside of relationship (that's why God appears as a Trinity (3) in Genesis one and John one.

I will now be recommending that people first watch the Living Hope video of Paul Young (William P. Young is his book name), then reading (or re-reading) the book. Our life group has been going through The Shack this summer and I must say that it may very well become a classic in history (like Pilgrim's Progress).

Paul's Big Ideas: (as my mind gathered them)

1) We all have a shack (our past failures, expectations, and hidden stuff). We ARE as sick as the stuff we keep hidden. (Learning to let it out in a healthy, healing way IS a process, never an event!)

2) Religion is very often a tool that keeps "hidden" what needs healing. Religion can be used as a drug. (Performance is a very big drug; Jesus spoke of the religious types who kept the outside of the cup very pretty, but never washed the Giardia from the inside). The way out is almost always from within (Guard your heart for out of it comes everything.)

3) Jesus came to save you, AND this means to heal your broken Shack. It's through the fires of pain, sorrow, and great loss that you gain that simply best gift, a forever friendship with Jesus.

Paul speaks of being free of measuring up, needing the measurement and approval of others, needing success, and "doing", to be at peace, and having a renewed love with his wife and kids.

Several hundred years ago I said to a professor I couldn't stand; "I can't respect you at all!" To which he calmly replied (to that very mature, brilliant, soon to be great scholar, Bruce Avery) "If you move close enough to an enemy they will very likely become a friend." I must honestly say I never tried out his advice in our relationship, but I learned, and am so thankful for what he said to me that day (I should thank him in person, and ask forgiveness - you think?)! I really believe those who have so strongly expressed, before thousands, their belief that William P. Young's book, The Shack, is heresy should, First - read the entire book first! And then Second, try to meet the author, or at least listen to his motives and purpose for writing before ripping on him.

Most of the criticism has been for what he didn't write (as if he was obligated to write a dull, often worthless, apologetic). Paul Young's journey is similar to many who have found healing at Living Hope. His freedom from legalism and his story of finding God as a friend (the greatest compliment God ever gave to a human) is powerful. We need hundreds of books like these. Last night I met with two inmates at the Clark County Jail. Both have been passing around The Shack to the other inmates. One said to me, "Several of the guys who won't read anything religious have been willing to read The Shack. It's changing their lives." He went on to tell me about an inmate who is very hard, and far from a relationship with God, who after reading the book has said, "Please tell me about God. I want to know Him." How many of our "Christian books" are reaching and touching the lives of those who don't yet have their hope in Jesus? I rest my case. (Cheering sounds in the background!)

I've long walked with a permanent limp in my heart, and loved Paul Young's retelling of Jacob's fight with God. Jacob, the one named "thief and liar," gets a new name after wrestling all night with God (disguised, not as a large black woman but rather a UFC fighter who dislocates Jacob's hip. Ouch! I had my shoulder dislocated on a black diamond ski hill once, and also, upside down under a kayak . . . not fun!), THEN God says, "What in the world do you want Kid?" To which, after 6.5 hrs of wrestling, Jacob replies, "I need real peace. Please bless me!" God then whispers, "Already done dear friend. You now have a new name, it's "Israel". (The guy who fought God and finished last!)

You really can go to your own personal, private, unique shack and discover that God is there already. You can wrestle, throw punches and do a round-house kick or two. God can take it (and give it back), but God's motive for winning (beating you up) is always the same: (I want to be your best friend ever) so that you will say yes to my healing (freedom).

Buy the DVD! Read The Shack, then read John one; chapters thirteen through 15, and the entire book of 1 John (especially I John 4).

"Perfect love," (that's God!) "throws out fear. Because fear has to do with punishment . . . we are able to love BECAUSE God first loved us! If you have (a friendship) the Son you have life. If you don't have the Son (you can heal, raise people from the grave, write and preach very religious stuff, be a "good person" and still not have a friendship with Jesus) you don't have life. Today, right now, you can KNOW that you are forever connected with God! Will you say yes to love? God IS love! We get to reflect, shadow, live it out to others!

Thank You Paul Young for not hiding! Thank you for sharing what was given as a gift to you. Thank you God for not having any big "Christian" publishers publish this book (God has an amazing sense of humor!)

A side note (grinding my ax): If you call a book "Christian" or a "Song" Christian you often take away the neutral choice of those who read or listen to it. I got this idea from my son Gordon. As he shared with me this morning, "If you have a "Christian" coffee shop then people who drink your coffee and don't like it are very much influenced to associate your "bad coffee" with the name "Christian." I believe we often fail to see how dangerous labels can be - that's why I don't like bumper stickers (I don't drive that safe and I hate making others read my opinions from my most unattractive side).

Don't miss tomorrow's blog: Two amazing Oswald Chambers quotes (so like Paul Young's story) and the ONE bumper sticker Living Hope I would consider putting on my car (I'll tell you why . . . maybe we can get this bumper sticker brought back?) - I'll share it ALL tomorrow!

Friendship Frenzy # 3 - personal dirt on the author of the Shack!

2008-07-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Just got out of our weekly pastors meeting and I'm blogging and eating lunch in my office. Having pastors who really are friends, meeting and sharing our "real" stuff is so refreshing. After years of seeing pastors "look good" while with other pastors, its so inspiring to live and work with friends in God's ministry. Pastor John founded Living Hope on friendships. Those core couples are still doing life together and it's rubbed off on those "newbie" pastors who are living this dream.

So I ended my blog yesterday talking about SIN! I made the statement that sin's root, the basement level core, isn't selfishness. I do think this ties into my series here on "friendship." Here's what I suppose --- Sin is a relationship word. It simply means, "I'm into me more than you!" Sounds like selfishness don't you think? But I still don't think the self-mush-ness is the core! I love the A&E story. Two lovers lusting after a tree ripe with avocados! They were warned about the guacamole mojo but somehow forgot (?). The first thing the dragon (want to refresh on this story right now?) says to them is, "Is God holding out on everything wonderful in your life? Did He say you couldn't eat any of the great treats from ANY of the trees in this luscious garden? Sin is DISTRUST! The very first fall was Adam and Eve questioning, then believing that maybe God wasn't 100% good! It's not that they saw their Creator-friend as bad, just off on the current avocado tree they were about to chip into (Who said it had to be an apple?).

Sin takes us away from that vital friendship with the one who makes us whole. Sin's result is we become more isolated, pulling away from friendships (hiding from God and each other . . . "Don't look at me like that!"). Our selfishness is a result of distrust!

Oops I ran out of time (tomorrow I'll attack those who are afraid of "The Shack"). To call a book heretical is a very, very strong statement at best . . . tomorrow I'll examine Tim Challies' review of the "The Shack". Tim is a self-employed web designer, and is a pioneer in the Christian blogosphere, having one of the most widely read and recognized Christian blogs. He is also editor of "Discerning Reader". It seems to me Tim needs a God with big steeples and great "Otherness." Tim gets a bit wrinkled with a God is our friend and can understand even our outbursts. This is from Tim's review:

"This portrayal of the relationship of man to God
and God to man is a far cry from the Bible's portrayal.
And indeed it must be because the God of The Shack is
only a vague resemblance to the God of the Bible.
There is no sense of awe as we, through Mack, come
into the presence of God."

Friendships (WOW advice today) and The Shack, day # 2

2008-07-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

Let's start with The Shack! I told you I had a theory as to why some have gotten so tweaked about the book. So!!! Here's my Frankl Theory:

"Every person searches for personal meaning. Some can only relate to the God who is totally OTHER than them. This Bigger, Beyond, UN-like, and Perfectly Omnipotent Powerful-all-the-time GOD is what enables them to continue to hope. Without something to hope in, life loses all meaning. People lash out at whatever appears to be attacking their continued search for meaning."
So, those who relate totally, only, or mostly to this picture of God can find stories, Bible texts, and theology that supports this view. But when a book comes along that touches millions of people and presents God as a being who wants to be so close that S/He takes on human form (a large motherly black lady no less) and lets Jesus play with her feet after messing up breakfast . . . , well, that's way too much! From this sense of protecting the LARGENESS of God, some may be tempted to construct some very creative, unusual arguments to protect their view! In medieval times this was done by building HUGE churches that would "blow away" the poor peasant who felt unworthy even to enter such a vast "Disney-and-beyond" fantasy structure. I've stood in a few of Europe's churches and felt overwhelmed, small, and very "other" than God. I felt like kneeling, asking forgiveness, and hoping for Grace. I must admit, I'd much rather be in the observation chapel overlooking Clark County at the Grotto (Portland) when I listen to God's smile.

There I said it - REMEMBER, IT'S ONLY A THEORY (I find so much built-in custom prejudice in some of my previous sentences . . . I relate to the God who speaks as one would to a child, giggles, and wrestles with me in a "WWF, Unlimited Fighting" kind of way. I smiled deep within myself as I read The Shack - over and over again. It' s my way of refueling up on HOPE. Is my way the only way? Of course (And you're an idiot if you don't agree with me . . . that was a joke! Relax)! I really think we need a kind of Yin-Yang in our picture of God (The Yin-Yang has a history before Eastern religion - Really!). God comes in clouds, and sunshine. He speaks in thunder, a whisper, and even when we only hear silence. But God speaks over and over to us a friend! John 14-17 presents one of the most perfect pictures of God. "Remember," says Jesus, "Every time you really see me you are seeing the Father." Read John 15:15 three times, or more, a day for a couple weeks and then tell it's dangerously wrong to portray God in a way that cracks our hollow "holy" pictures that keep us from trusting Him deeply. The Shack is willing to mess with you in an attempt to bring you to the promise of Hebrews 4 (read it and believe). God wants to sit with you over fish and chips and ask you three questions: "DO YOU REALLY LOVE ME?"

Friendship is about expanding to become more of who God made you to be. To do this we need:

1) to move towards someone other than our own "self-limiting self " (proximity always benefits friendship)! Laura and I have been together about 35 years. We keep looking for things that keep us close - physically, emotionally, spiritually - in every part of our being! You want great friendships - draw close . . . walk , crawl, limp, take little-bitty-baby steps. Keep coming closer. The first perfect day in a perfect world was spent doing NOTHING better than just BEING together - To enjoy our being in our connected friendship is what makes us alive (it's the master plan - the perfect CAD drawing).

Check it out: What does that "other person like?" Cycling (Laura is watching the Tour de France with me for the first time - it's just one more "proximity" experiences). Maybe your friend hates running but loves shopping (Bribe a friend to get you a pass to the Nike employee store - wow . . . think and plan proximity into your life!). I can find something in common with anyone if I want to grow closer!

Listen to others. Listen to their fears (be still and you will hear them come out), their dreams (also hidden from one's first layer of what we usually see), and their daily happenings! If you listen to others (and respond), you will find yourself coming closer.

2) What activities can you do with "friends" that recharges their battery the most? This takes the proximity practice and super-sizes it because it leads you into another key factor of friendship practices (tomorrow I'll focus on this key). When you do things with others that they "love to do" it so fills your sails with life. Do you know what your spouse, friend, or co-worker gets jazzed about? Read up on it. Buy them something fun that has to do with your friend's hobby or interest.

By the way, I was very touched by Frankl's life about 20 years ago. He's a cool guy. Frankl is thought to have coined the term Sunday Neurosis referring to a form of depression resulting from an awareness in some people of the emptiness of their lives once the working week is over. If you don't have moments to look forward to, dates with friends, then you might be suffering from nothing to look forward to after work. (Men struggle with this when they're not working.)

Another - off the subject thought: Sin IS NOT selfishness. Selfishness is the radioactive after affect. More on that tomorrow as it relates to the idea that true friendships make us less selfish! I'll try to convince you that Sin finds it's roots at a deeper level than self-focused selfishness!

Vital Friends - The Shack, day # 1

2008-07-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

So, hopefully I've cooled my jets and can talk about "The Shack" without sounding self-righteous and condescending towards those who are so "narrow" and "closed-minded" and "totally ignorant" about what really matters (sound OK?)!

Here's what I think is wrong with "religion" in America - I believe we are far more devoted to a "cause" than we are a "person." Knowing religious facts, possessing missiles of destruction wrapped in the "King Jimmy" holy language of "TRUTH" can make one feel so safe, so right, and so able to depend on oneself. I'm like Nick in John's gospel (John 3) - I start arguing "left-brain" details about doctrine when I feel the uncomfortable call to trust the Wind ("You can't tell where it began or where it will end!").

You can't expect me to talk about friendship without quoting my favorite author, OC, right?

"There is a difference between devotion to a Person and devotion to principles or to a cause. Our Lord never proclaimed a cause— He proclaimed personal devotion to Himself. To be a disciple is to be a devoted love-slave of the Lord Jesus. Many of us who call ourselves Christians are not devoted to Jesus Christ."

In the next few days I'll examine some of "questions" raised by those who write "with great passion" against the author of "The Shack". I find it interesting that several of these "well-known" writers have no problem with C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia or the classic Pilgrim's Progress. I can understand someone finding fault with the "Left Behind" series which attempts to promote "just one" doctrinal position regarding the End Times (I don't like the fear-based emphasis in this popular series). I could even get someone questioning a series like Frank Peretti's "Present Darkness", but why "The Shack"? (I think maybe I know - this is a guess at best as none of us can get inside another person's motives - more on a later blog.)

"The Shack" is now #1 on the NY Times best seller list (paperback fiction). It's pretty amazing considering the lack of a major publisher. A local Portland guy writes and prints at Kinko's a few copies for his kids, family, and friends. Paul Young never planned to publish a book for millions to read (over 1,000,000 in print as of now)! But the book has touched off a fire. I've personally seen it's affects on those burned by religion, those who are currently stuck in our county jails and by many friends who don't read much! I started reading this book before it became such a huge bestseller (I was very skeptical because it was praised so highly). I actually heard of the book about a year ago from a very dear friend in Idaho, but because he rarely reads, and I'm not so impressed with his reading choices, I blew it off. To date Laura and I have bought 36 copies of the book. I really don't think this book will go away anytime soon.

Why the big hoopla about this book? It's a picture of "Friendship." A picture so appealing, so attractive, that you want to believe it's true. IN FACT I DO! I really believe we are only Human when we are IN friendship (I just spoke at Living Hope this weekend - check out the story of John and Bob at our Living Hope Resource Center - ask for my DVD from last weekend).

Vital friendships are what we are described as BEING (Genesis 1). Tomorrow I'll elaborate more on two of the most important elements of growing a fantastic, authentic friendship. They are 1 - Proximity, and 2 - Being Invested. Laura and I have been working these out for 33+ years now and I really think you will see how simple, hard, and good they are . . . tomorrow!

Sponsor our friends

2008-07-06T03:05:00.000-07:00

Our friends have decided to go to India. Audrey is already there, but Dustin and Ashlin are now going to be going to our new children's center. Laura and I love the Lewis family so much. Here's an ONLY GOD experience that was born out of our Portland campus. I feel this is a wonderful opportunity for so many of us to invest in eternity. Check out Dustin and Ashlin's blog. God may be setting you up for a huge blessing!

Lewis family Blog

All this week I'm going to be blogging on Vital Friendships AND, William Young's book, "The Shack"!

Our own Audrey is in Korea

2008-06-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

Take a moment and send our little violinist and Laurelhurst friend a note - You can post a comment on her new blog. Read about Korea and be ready for her arrival in China. Check out her blog. Give her some encouragement!

Audrey's blog site

Final "Letter" in MaskS (Status)

2008-06-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is the final installation of my acronym called MASKS. This is a test in the discipline of consistency. (Yes I do grade myself on the curve!) SO, here it is - we are all hard-wired with those famous 5 senses (the sixth sense is a great movie, but not science). Society naturally follows A&E's lead (don't blame those gorgeous avocados) and judges by their senses and therefore has created a mask of value which it willingly (forcefully) attaches to humans. Our true value gets lost, covered up, in this self-evaluation. These masks deaden the song of our heart (God's Spirit singing into our heart) and create illusions of being ok. But masks never seem to stay in place and we keep finding ourselves disappointed, and tempted to believe life, love, and true friendship to be a joke. We believe even more lies and then have to create mini-masks, stacked at multiple depths, to try and keep believing the mistruth that what we do makes us valuable. Religion is one of the biggest peddlers of such poison. Only the TRUTH can set us free. The truth is never found in ivory tower or some Eastern philosophy (Yoga is great for the physical well-being), but in a being - a real live, I want to be your friend being - JESUS who lived and walked and looked like a Jew. (Maybe because He was/is one?) Here are my jumbled thoughts on the last letter of my word MASKS

M oney
Appearance
Skill
Knowledge
STATUS

I wanted a fake Rolex watch! I thought "how cool to be riding on a plane and kind of hang my hand out there . . . just look at me." This was in the early years of "knock-off" watches. We were in Mexico and I had found one for $25. It looked amazing. The good ones were made in Hong Kong at the time. (Laura and I had looked at those while in the Orient - people were paying a few grand for what they thought was a real Rolex only to find out when it was looked at in the US that they were incredible fakes - they probably lasted as long as the real "R".)

I begged for my sweet, so-easy-to-get-along-with wife, but she is "tight" when it comes to money (it's a good thing) and said it was one of my 10 greatest "stupid spontaneous spending ideas" ever. I did get one, but I had to wait a few years. I had told this story as a guest speaker in Boise, ID. A year later I was speaking there again and a businessman who travels to Mexico on a regular basis gave me one. He had bought one and had saved it until I returned. Wow! When he gave it to me, a lady who didn't know either of us was waiting to talk to me. She became very upset at the way I kept laughing when I got this "expensive" gift. She almost left without me having a chance to clarify (another great sermon for another day). Anyway I got my watch and did wear it for social experimentation purposes. At times, with certain people it really did work.

Status can be a watch, a title ("My son is a doctor!"), or any of several "social idols." Some of the reason the "rich and famous" waste money is that it's part of that Status mask. But if anyone could be a poster child for Status being a poor measurement of value, that Charles fellow has got to be the man (He once hung out with that Lady Di lady). All the High English blood in the world still can't fulfill what God alone can do!

Do you have something in your life that gives you that sense of "being ok?" Last week it was my BBQ Monster (Mine is bigger than Kasey's- Ha . . . Summertime is here and watching Shrek again would be a great idea).

Perhaps you hang onto the the fact that you're a "great parent"? It may be your status title. What a great thing to value, your investment in your kids. But what a poor way to know why you are valued. I'll end with one of my top 50 verses in all the Bible - It's why we're valuable!

"Before God even got around to making this amazing world, he was daydreaming about how in love He was, already, with you! He already looked at you as unique, perfect, and 100% real! This wasn't blind sentimentality, God knew we would take a side street, but He predetermined to win us back through His Son."

Warning: Someone has determined that "Knowledge" can be harmful to your health

2008-06-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

[This continuation has been in draft mode for the past couple weeks -long weeks with a cold, stress, and some personal wrestling. Letting God lift you back up on the horse and heading out with the wagon train is a wonderful, refreshing experience. We are not yet meant to be Settlers. We are on an adventure, a rescue mission of love. Heaven has not come down yet, it will, and I believe soon. But I leave the "soon" up to God. I'm so anxious to write about again about the book The Shack. Our life group is going through it and looking at God through Scripture and this creative novel. It's been so wonderful. I've been puzzled by those who DON'T just dislike the book, but feel compelled to write against it and use their platforms of influence to attack it. I mentioned not relating to Frank Peretti's book "This Present Darkness" in an earlier blog (I dislike the book a great deal), BUT I've never put it down when preaching or attacked it in writing. I have seen God use it to touch other friends' lives. It's a novel too and I hesitate to apply apologetical questions and require it to give definitive, proof-texting, type descriptions of God. I want to reply on one of my blogs to these attacks but must "cool" down a bit and listen to God's plan for this hothead. I most likely will blog on it, as the author of "The Shack" will be coming to Living Hope in July! But for now, let's try and finish my MASKS acronym.]

So I've been blogging about "false identity" and I've been doing this acronym called MASKS. It's taken me like 600 months to try and finish it, so if you're older than 29 you may need to jump back to my earlier blog and refresh.

Money
Appearance
Skill
Knowledge
S (still to come)

I've never struggled with trying to wrap my sense of value around my IQ. In fact I was told at the end of high school that I would have a hard time finishing even a 2 yr. degree at a community college. I did, in accounting, and then went to work with my father in his businesses. I returned about four years later and finished a BA in theology, with a minor in Biblical languages (Greek). I then went to Michigan and finished a M.Div. (Masters of Divinity). That's when I realized that the knowledge mask can sneak up on you in various shapes and forms.

I got bit by thinking I knew a lot about God. I loved to debate with other "believers" about theology, ethics, and Bible truth. I loved to discuss "free will" and "Calvinism." I thumbed my eternal nose at those who were blinded by 1,600 + years of darkness in history. I felt sorry for people who worshiped traditions and theories that were never part of Scripture.

I WAS BLIND to my mask of spiritual knowledge. It hurt me very badly. One of the ways this false mask got glued to my face is that I never saw how much I was trying to play the Holy Spirit's role in others' lives. I was so worried about others misrepresenting God that I felt compelled to correct them. I would point out how what they said was not in sync with the Bible. The end result was very consistent. They seldom, if ever, saw "the truth" but instead became even more entrenched in their "error." I no longer had the same influence on them (at least not in a positive way) and everyone around us were drawn into attitudes of negativeness.

I've seldom seen people in Biblical swordplay come closer as friends, or even understanding something in a new way. There is almost NEVER a positive result from such apologetics. So why did I get so sucked into this cover-up? (Isn't it wonderful to say "I'm no longer bitten by this snake!" Ha!) I believe I was so concerned about others being "lead astray" that I didn't realize the sense of value I was deriving from "playing God." This is not to say there isn't a time and place (and way) to share with others God's love, His plan. But as I was re-reading a review by a "big time" cyberspace Christian blogger I felt the mask reappear.

How does the Knowledge mask grab you? Any attempt to use things, or my abilities to measure value will always result in a performance-based relationship, not one of love as a gift!

Christians, I fear, are too often bitten by this false sense of superiority because of their "it's-all-figured-out" theology! God is so close to us - He will be our best friend, AND God is so different, so beyond us, that we will always be in a "mystery" relationship of total "awe" because God is beyond all that I could ever think, dream, imagine, or even believe! God IS GOD and I am not! To think that a God so vast that I can never understand Him is able to come so close and relate in my human ways so that I can love, trust, and grow a friendship with Him forever! Wow - ONLY GOD!

There's only one "letter" left in our MASKS of false value - Status! I'll share with you my "Rolex".

Check out Aria's web site

2008-06-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

It was so cool to have Aria lead us in great worship and share passion and gifts. Here are two links to her web sites:

My Space

Aria Anaforian

Learning to Risk . . . God's Adventure today

2008-06-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

One of God’s “Big 10” values has got to be adventure!
In Genesis we see Adam invited into an adventure on his very first day of life (in a perfect, brand new world)! In this perfect world there was no fear in adventure. But with our natural distrust of anyone but ourselves, we often feel uneasy or perhaps even terrified when God invites us into His adventure.

Last night I was visiting with a couple who greet at our Saturday night service in Vancouver. They’ve been married 44 years, but it looks like they must have gotten hitched when they were 9. They are one cool couple, inside and out. He’s got some killer tattoos (they actually look good on him) and she matches him perfectly! Together they exude a rare joy, and they're are on God’s adventure together. They are a couple who have left the safety of the calm bay and let God take their Viking ship out into open water. The big waves have carried them away from “church people” who go to church to “hear deep sermons” and enjoy their “church music".

After the 5 pm service they said to me, “We live to be a part of a church that is more about lost people (I would add, “people at sea without clear direction") than about those who already have a close relationship with God.” In all their years of “doing church”, they have never seen a church like Living Hope. Last night was no exception; Living Hope opened with three classic rock and roll songs (no worship) and used this as a way of connecting people to the idea that God’s priorities are upside down in relationship to societies. When we did worship via music, at the end of the service, it was so powerful, so clear, because of what Pastor John had shared in God's world.

Perhaps you saw the news clip of the elderly man being hit by a car and no one stopping or coming to his aid for over a minute. People jay-walk across the street, passing within a couple feet of the man. Cars slowed and drove around him; one car even backs up and turns around. No one comes to his aid. Was it Fear or an unwillingness to risk that hardened so many people? God help us in our idol worship to "safety!" (See more regarding this story on Pastor John's blog)

Laura and I have only a few (maybe 50) years to live and nothing has brought us closer to God than risking, moving out of our “safety bay” and into unknown, uncharted waters. (Yes, I’m currently reading a book about early Vikings traveling to Iceland.) We've used up some of our retirement funds, refinanced our home, and worked harder and for less money than ever before - BUT we are so abundantly blessed, so constantly overwhelmed with God's amazing love. In the last four years we've seen more miracles, more baptisms, more lives dramatically changed, more deep friendships established, more joy deep in our hearts than at any other time in our lives. Living in life's calm, protected bay is wonderful. Having our boat moored, connected to electricity, cable TV, and being close to grocery stores is real nice; but worth nothing compared to the open water adventure of God's plan! What is God calling you to risk? If you cut the ropes that keep you moored to the dock and allow God to take you wherever He knows best, you will KNOW Him deeper! No one can tell you what "cutting the ropes" means for you! Cut them, you will know, and then you will see God's plan as He knows best to show it to you.

I was thinking these thoughts and read Oswald Chamber's devotion this morning – Wow, catch this, “If you do not cut the moorings God will have to use a storm to break them and send you out. Launch all on God, going out on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and your eyes will be opened.”

Are you still waiting to see the map before you row out into open water? Do you need to hear a voice from Heaven before you become a Barbarian for Jesus? (Check out Erwin McManus’ book.) There is always a counterfeit for following God’s plan, it’s called “self-manufactured sacrifice.” Israel’s first King chose this “human-doing” sacrifice over risking God’s unknown adventure. We sometimes sacrifice in order to remain the Martyr-Hero, to keep the focus on ourself. The very first murder was all about this (Genesis 4) – Cain wanting to offer to God what he had produced. God invites us to risk and follow His adventure over our own hard work and effort (I Samuel 15:22).

Don’t focus on what you once did for God or how you used to be so close to Him: look to the open water, risk, and let God lead you into a deeper closeness (true knowledge) with Him. What is your open water today? Again, it’s not necessarily someone else’s adventure.

I’m looking and listening right now, because all this week I’ve been tempted to stay moored in the bay that’s so nice, so safe, so full of wonderful shops and restaurants (my own “good life). I've felt fear, the unknown this week. I've prayed for Portland, for people far from God, and my own "safety bays" that God is inviting me to sail out of. So, sharpen your knife, cut the ropes . . . there are far too many "civilized" religious folk. God needs a few more barbarians who will follow him before they see how! Is it fun? Not always. For some, it can mean suffering for a long time. Is it worth it? God's friendship and any adventure with Him is worth everything! Drop everything; your diamonds, baseball cards, and even your nachos -push away from the dock and sail! What your open hands and open heart will receive is far greater than anything we can create or get through human means. Let sail out into open, uncharted water right now!

BACK to my "MASKS" Acronym re: False Identity

2008-06-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

We are still in the Identity series, Rockstar, at our church. And I want to finish the acronym I started at the first of this series. It represents 5 ways we typically try to build our identity (false ways) . . . but FIRST . . .

. . . a report on my sweetheart's 39th birthday. (Laura gave up calling it her 29th a couple yrs. ago.) We had a blast. It really reminded me of heaven, because I was disappointed that I didn't get to be with her until about 5 pm. Laura and I snuggled on the couch looking at the Alaska cruise her dad is taking us on in September and the excursions we might take. It was fun. We so are into dating and we love setting dates in the future that we can dream and anticipate for a time before it happens. If you want to know how to supercharge your dating, give us a buzz -we love to share.

When all our family got home we took a trip up the street to 360 Degree Pizza. (Their salads are fantastic and I love their Garlic and Chicken Pizza it's wonderful - Margaretta pizza, and other unique high quality authentic pizzas . . . great place - same owners at ROOTS.) We finished up at home and Laura was once again overwhelmed by her jewelry and clothing gifts (1 pair of shorts and one shirt didn't fit - all the rest were home runs!) We finished with four gourmet ice creams (Laura loves ice cream). Marcus entertained us with "silly laws" that are still on the books in several states - Great evening (not as adventurous as some years . . . we usually do some "flower bed" project on her birthday (felt bad and good at the same time - I'm not a yard guy). I can't think of a more amazing woman, in all the world, than my sweetheart and best friend! My father is the most amazing human I've ever met (Jesus is beyond the "human" category).

OK, now it's back to our MASK acronym:

You may want to brush up on my initial MASKS blog before proceeding (A - Appearance, S - Skill)
OK, our fourth COVER-UP mask is Knowledge.

Knowledge - This mask hasn't been one of my favorites. It was usually the nerds in my high school or that quiet girl who most often resorted to this false value measurement. Karl Sagan could be poster child for this mask. But the classic representative is still Albert Einstein. Brilliant, insightful, Einstein was a powerful mind who left a permanent mark, an unremovable dent, in our lives. Who better to represent this seductive mask of false worth?

Einstein had a brilliant mind and he came to be valued by society for his knowledge. Society values bright minds and Albert's was no different. But his life was one of profound loneliness. No matter how others value us our true value can only be met by God. I've had friends rely on their ability to make a name for themselves by using their IQ. But our Spiritual and Relational IQ are much different and that inner call of our hearts can only be met by a deep friendship with Jesus. If you rely on how smart you are to feel valuable you know how empty this measurement gauge is. I think in the end Einstein understood this. I love some of what he wrote. Here's what he said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

More quotes from this incredible, lonely, intellectual giant:

"Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind."

"My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind."

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has not forgotten the gift."

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; It is the source of all true art and science."

"We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles but no personality."

"The human mind is not capable of grasping the universe. We are like a child entering a huge library. The walls are covered to the ceilings with books in many different tongues. The child knows that someone must have written these books. It does not know who or how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. But the child notes a definite plan in the arrangement of the books -a mysterious order which it does not comprehend, but only dimly suspects."

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."

. . . more later on how I found I was using this mask in my "spiritual life." This is a very dangerous and poisonous variation of the Knowledge mask.