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

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

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

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valentine's Report Card (We WON Gold!)

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

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

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

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

Valentines Emergency instructions (for men & women)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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)

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.}

² These 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!

^2a These 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)?