Calling all Peng . . .

You don't have to go far to express yourself creatively . . . Thanks Ray and Shay

Want to serve our homeless youth this Sun?

This Sunday is our opportunity to serve our homeless youth in downtown Portland. The winter location is indoors. If you would like to help prepare food or serve (or do both) please email me as soon as possible - Bruce

Brucea@livinghopechurch.com

Last time we served our homeless youth Tiffany sent me an email expressing how much of a joy it was for her. Here are some of her comments (OH WOW - THIS IS REALLY GOOD!):

"Last Sunday was a clear indication of how much this world needs Jesus, myself included. It was a day where I anticipated sharing God's love and compassion with those desperately in need. And it was; the group of us from Living Hope engaged in fellowship with complete strangers, served food to those who were hungry, and witnessed God's ability to provide abundantly for those in need. But it was also a day where I was reminded of how much I too need to constantly be seeking Jesus."

There was another aspect of the day that I definitely did not anticipate. Parking is free on Sundays in downtown Portland except in private parking lots. None of us realized this until I saw a man writing me a ticket. I quickly ran over to speak with him and he told me to move my car immediately or else he would give me a ticket. So I moved my car and ran back over to where we were serving. And go figure, the 'ticket guy' was in line getting food! I noticed my mouth dropped; I couldn't believe he taking food that was for the homeless! I finally realized that out of all those people maybe he was the one who needed Jesus the most. That meant I needed to show him the love and grace of Christ. So I asked Jesus to soften my heart and help me respond as He would. All was good; until the guy got in line again! Irritation set in once more, even though I thought I had come to the place where I could accept him. So yet again I had to ask Jesus to soften my heart, coming once more to that place where I finally let Jesus take control of my emotions. And no joke the guy got in line a third time. So yes, once more I had to give up my judgmental thoughts and ask for God to once more soften my heart. I finally could look at him with compassion, because who knows what his story is even though he has a job, maybe he really was super hungry and strapped for cash. And I guarantee if Jesus had been there serving food He would have given the man extra! As the man walked passed to continue on with his work, we offered more to him; he declined and went along on his way.

learned three things from this. One, I need to continually go back to the cross and remember what and who it is all about-seeking and showing the heart of Christ to EVERYONE. Two, we have awesome people that go to Living Hope. We had all realized that the 'ticket man' had come through the line taking the food for the homeless, but everyone still gave with a giving heart. I don't know of many people that would have humbly served him, been honest about their struggle to do so, then asked Jesus to open their mind and heart to him. And three, we serve an AWESOME GOD!!! ONLY GOD!"

I so dislike "religion" & so does Bono

I've always admired Bono and have ignored the Christian gossip regarding him and others. I've not the slightest doubt that power, money, and fame are very hard on anyone. But to see a man who has been married 25 yrs + and loves his wife so deeply always opens me up to hear more.

Bono grew up in Dublin, Ireland, which is some 96% Catholic. He met Jesus in a very personal way as a teen. While hanging out in a local McDonald's he and his friend observed a man being abused by a Hare Krishna for reading his Bible. the guy Denis Sheedy became their friend and they then began to attend a small Christian community called "Shalom." Growing up in the absence of TBN Christianity Bono and his friends had a much smaller list by which to be judged by in regards to his "spiritual maturity." Bono has struggles big time with American Christianity. I was very touched by his quote that I used a couple days ago in my blog:

"Religion to me is almost like when God leaves -and people devise a set of rules to fill the space." 1997

While still attending the Shalom church the band, U2 began to get some international recognition. The response by one man in their church, a self proclaimed prophet, was that God wanted them to give up their music to show Jesus how much they loved Him. This was a huge falling away for Bono and his band member-best friend, the Edge.

In 1987 Bono told Robert Hillman, "I go to America and I turn on my television set, and I start sweating profusely because those guys have turned faith into an industry. It's appalling. It's ugly . . ."

Bono has been very open about how hard it is to follow Christ when so much fame and wealth have touched his life. He one shouted in one of his Popmart concerts, "I went looking for spirit and found alcohol; I went looking for soul, and I bought some style; I wanted to meet God, but they sold me religion."

Bono truly feels he's called to be a rebel: "Rebellion starts at home, in your heart, in your refusal to compromise your beliefs and your values. I'm not interested in politics like people fighting back with sticks and stones, but in the politics of love."

When Bono was interviewed by the Irish journalist Joe Jackson about a Samuel Beckett Film Festival there was a repeated attempt to get Bono to admit he and Beckett had nothing in common. He pointed out that Bono believed in God and Beckett saw a godless universe - this he said must leave Bono feeling cold. Bono's response: "No, it doesn't because a lot of my friends are atheists. It's lukewarm believers that drive me out of the church."

It wasn't until 2002 that Bono began to meet with Evangelical Christians. He visited Wheaton and Willow Creek (did a video interview with Bill Hybels). He then met with dc Talk, Jars of Clay, Sixpense None the Richer, Steve Taylor, and Michael W. Smith (all Christian superstars).

Lead singer, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot later wrote that the headlines should read, "Bono Comes to Nashville to Convert the Christian Music Industry." He then says, "I was convicted. Guilty." Michael W. Smith spoke of being "woke up." It changed his focus, his energy, and his service to a dying world.

Again, religion makes Bono sick! He says, "I'm not often so comfortable in church. It feels pious and so unlike the Christ that I read about in the Scriptures." He then says, "To some people the church is their ticket to respectability, a certain bourgeois point of view, a safety net for when they go to bed. My idea of Christianity is no safety net, a scathing attack on bourgeois values, and a risk to respectability."

Perhaps in another blog I'll share with you more the man who loves the "Message" Bible, has sent "What's so amazing about Grace" to a fellow rock star, has read Watchman Nee and reads the Psalms daily. Maybe I'll also tell you of how his belief led him to ask the most powerful nations in the world to come to Africa's aid (30+ billion forgiven in debt so far)!

The question is, "Would you have ever guessed what a huge ministry one man had in simply reading his Bible in an Irish McDonald's?"

Serve God where you are - nowhere; that is NOW HERE in the present moment.

Linda's support

I'm in process of building a team to help me reach some "physical health goals." So far my three team areas I'm planning to build are 1) Encourager, 2) Enforcer, and 3) Support (running and cycling friends).

Here is one of Linda's support members - can you guess which area he's strongest? Weakest?

Don is always willing to "T" it up for our Kid's world!

U2 (Bonon) & Laurelhurst - WOW

I'm reading a book about U2's spiritual journey and their willingness to make a difference in their one and only life here on planet earth - it's good. I'll blog more later but I do want to share this "very Living Hope quote" by Bono --

BUT FIRST - TOMORROW (Laurelhurst's first ever "Discovering Living Hope" potluck will take place following the service (Oct. 21). We will have lots of food (bring your favorite dish too) and show you a new video by John Bishop (never shown at any other campus). It's going to be fun. Will and I both will be sharing our story and then explain what makes Living Hope so passionate about loving people as they are and our HATE of religion (it's very dangerous).

Here's that Bono quote: "I have this hunger in me . . . everywhere I look, I see the evidence of a Creator. But I don't see it as religion, which has cut my people in two. I don't see Jesus Christ as being any part of religion. Religion to me is almost like when God leaves -and people devise a set of rules to fill the space." London: Omnibus Press, 1997

Wow Trip to Montana

Very, very fast - That's how I would describe the trip Laura and took to Montana last Sunday afternoon. But even after 20+ hrs. in a car in less than three days I found so much joy, and realized again - most of us are very, very blessed.
Details: Flathead lake lays just south of Kalispell Mt. It's a huge lake and Laura and her siblings have enjoyed their special cabin and house there for many years (45 +).
Driving from Spokane to Flathead lake has some very beautiful fall scenery - wow!
There is one "ok" restaurant in Polson Mt. (Hot Spot Thai).
Huckleberries are great (Huckleberry wine not so great)!
Pouring 1,300 + lbs. of cement - all by hand (no mixers or trucks) is a huge workout (24 hr. fitness didn't prepare me well enough).
Laura and I love being together - romance, great books, fun DVD movie, and some wonderful family (sister and husband) to hang with.
Enjoy the pictures:

Penguin on the loose!

Here are a few more great pics. to make your day.




Do you know where this is?




Guess whose car this is?

The Linda Taylor Story (Part III)

I woke up this morning and asked myself, "Bruce, what citadel have you erected or place in the way of recieving a huge morning hug from your best friend Jesus?"

I've been in a "difficult time" spiritually for nearly a month. I find myself early in the morning reflecting, being honest (ouch), and listening to whatever and however Jesus wants to speak into my life.

Often the answers I hear encourages me to dig down deeper (like peeling an onion - Shrek is one of the "great" relationship movies -don't you think?) and look at some of the root causes to my current heart-spot (attitude).

Today, one of those favorite "lies" came rushing to the surface. The word I love to hate and so often fall into is, "Justice." It's so, so easy for me to fall into all my rights, how fairly I should be treated, how much I deserve in this, MY LIFE. We often live in a society that is crazy-drunk with one's personal "rights."

It's easy to mis-believe that "my freedom" is to do whatever "I want" and not have anyone else stop me, slow me down, or criticize me! What a lie! Whenever I focus on MY RIGHTS I always move towards isolation and self-focused ME-NESS (meanness)! I really believe life has very, very, very, very LITTLE to do with rights and "my justice" and so, so, so, so MUCH more to do with grace (the gift given "just because"). Grace is Gift-giving because someone wants to not because of any actions on our part ("We are able to love BECAUSE God first loved us!" - See I John 4:19).

My focus on everything as a gift, a blessing. so helps me when I'm in a weird "self-funk." Today I heard God say, with a smile, "Bruce yours so looking for heaven to be here right now. It's not yet. Relax. Focus on all the gifts I've given you (jot them down right now) - there are a lot of them." It's so true! AND THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO MY FRIEND, LINDA TAYLOR (make sure you read my previous two blogs re. her Marathon), Linda looked at her toes 12 yrs. ago and knew that the spinal infection could kill her. Instead of looking at how unfair it all was she notes the gift of some of her toes wiggling and waving back at her. SO, Linda focused on the hope and promise of walking, working, and living. Linda not only learned to walk, to continue working as an amazing nurse. She brought joy, encouragement, and adventure to a lot of people last week when she finished the Portland Marathon.

Life is a gift - Jesus is the best gift ever given. He's wanting you to say thank you and never ever once think it has anything to do with how good looking you are or how much you "deserve" to be treated fairly.

You are blessed - have a "I've been gifted" aware-kind-of-day!

Linda Taylor Wins - Portland Marathon

It's a miracle (did you read my previous blog about Linda?) and it was so fun for Laura and I to be there to witness it!

Laura carried one of our Portland penguins and I took pics (a short video too). About mile 24 or 25 we got hit with a huge storm - We are so proud of Linda and her amazing accomplishment. Linda volunteers in our Kid's world as well as babysitting her husband Don (a very difficult task). Her daughter walked the marathon as well - Again, GREAT JOB LADIES!
(DON TAYLOR & PAPARAZZI)





(THAT PENGUIN IS DOING THE PORTLAND M!)




Linda, you are truly an inspiration! Because of you I'm doing my famous "Lemon juice cleansing drink ALL day!"

My Friend Linda - The Portland Marathon

Linda and Don Taylor have been friends, leaders, and great support for Laura and I for about 8+ years. Linda is one of the most wonderful counselors I know for people going through the trauma of death. Linda is a hospice nurse and has touched the lives of thousands of people.

When Linda told Laura and I about her new life -her dream of walking 26.2 miles (a full marathon) tomorrow we got so excited for her.

Linda has experienced so many wonderful changes, 50 pounds less in weight, 60 inches lost, and she has already walked a 2o mile and 16 mile training walk. Here are a couple of pictures we took of Linda's sixteen mile walk a couple of weeks ago. Send up a prayer for our own Linda of Laurelhurst tomorrow as she does the Portland Marathon.









Linda's support group can be visited at www.womenwalkthemarathon.com

Here is an email by Linda's coach telling the story of transformation in Linda's life (it's a great story):

COURAGE
After the last lecture in September, a few of us were standing in the lobby of Memorial Health Center. Mignonne looked at her mom, Linda, and asked, "Do you remember that you had to lean on
my arm to get up those stairs in January". Linda just smiled.

Some of you have quietly followed the progress of Linda Taylor this season. Linda is a hospice
nurse. Twelve years ago, she was paralyzed by a spinal cord infection that nearly took her life.
She's a tough, courageous woman. When she realized after surgery that she could wiggle her
toes, she decided she'd walk. PT got her walking, but limping to the bathroom wasn't all she had in mind. Linda wanted to go back to work; she had no
intention of hanging it up and going on disability.

She talked her docs into allowing her more physical therapy geared specifically towards the demands of her home health care job. Her boss let her go back to work part time. "Since I worked
out of my car, they didn't know how long it took me to do a half day's work. If I needed six
hours, I did it. At least I was back working." she told me.

Last fall, Mignonne and Linda attended the showing of Lani Jo Leigh's documentary "Walk to
Me" at the Hollywood Theatre. They decided that night to give Women Walk the Marathon a try.
Although Linda was clear with me the first night that she didn't know what she would be able to
do, she clearly showed me she had the spirit to do something that would give her cause to smile. Neither of us knew if that would be to walk the Portland Marathon on Sunday.

On Sunday, Linda WILL walk the Portland Marathon. It won't be a cakewalk. It will be a triumph.

More Penguins

MORE FUN!

More penquins & Surprises this Sunday

Don't miss the early morning surprises this Sunday at Laurelhurst - 10 a.m.

Here are a few more penguin pics: More next week!

1st Penguin Pics - WOW

The contest is to take pics. of our ARK penguin and then get them to me, Bruce. Here are our first ones to come in - Fun.

Kids Count - more words from kids; Amazing ideas

More from the weekend: 4-8 yr. olds commenting on "What does love mean?" (thanks Pam for sending this to me)

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine-age 5

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - age 7

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day" Mary Ann - age 4

"You really shouldn't say ' I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8

Great tips, ideas, and other parenting "stuff"

From my mentor, Dr. Steve Stevens (Lists to Live by for Every Caring Family)

Meaningful Touch ideas:

Hold hands during mealtime meals.
Make Hug sandwiches. Surprise your unsuspecting children.
Declare a "100 Hugs Day" among your family. Keep count.
Wrap your arms around your kids in church, while waiting in a line, or while watching TV.

Affirming your Children

Indiscriminate praise doesn't motivate - it confuses. When your kids are acting out, don't believe flattery will help them. Praise ONLY when behavior or character reflects your desire. DON'T DELAY PRAISE, it means less. Catch them in the "act." Be specific ("I like the way you just shared your toy - wow! Did that feel good?")

Love this Quote:
"Live your life so that when you're old, people will know that you -loved others clearly -loved your family dearly -loved God completely." Bruce & Stan

Jazz in the Park - Nice Smiles

Our Jazz in the Park was so much fun and a lot of people in the neighborhood dropped by - what a fun Sunday afternoon (Thanks Will and our amazing set-up team)! The musicians knocked themselves out sharing and even tearing down gear in the dark. We'll do it again!
So, the music was "way cool" and the food and friendships so, so good! Here are a few pics. - enjoy!

Penquin Contest Begins - You can be part of the fun!

Penguin fever had begun! We started our contest this week by giving out three penguins (we are doing a series called ARK right now) and we will have more penguins to loan out this coming week. Be watching for more on how to play, and WIN big!!

Tomorrow: the first of our pics. of our Jazz in the Park (so, so, much fun)!

Also more dog stories to cry yourself to sleep to . . . (my second dog was a very cool dog named Husky).

My dog "Lucky" (Kleenex reading zone)

It all started when I named her Lucky! Why did I choose that name? Looking back, I certain that my seven mature years of life could not have had anything to do with her tragic fall from grace.

I lived for three glorious years on the banks of the Snake River in Easter Oregon. Being about a quarter mile from the river, possessing my own fishing gear, spotted pony, and bow and arrow, I was destined for a famed life of adventure

Lucky learned fast, “sic’em” meant he was to run with all speed to his master’s pant leg and furiously hang on for dear life –what a fun game!

“Thank you Master Bruce for teaching me such a wondrous trick!”

Every summer my father, with the help of other “Zane Grey” types, would drive the “little doggies” (Old West lang. for "cattle") into the Snake River and force them to swim to a lush island for summer grazing. It was a Kodak moment as grown men brought their best horses and coolest hats and played “wild, wild west” again. This was to be the day Luck lost her luck.

The big cowpoke rode a magnificent Palomino stallion and when he saw my dog Lucky, he whistled my dog, with a shrill note of confidence, then tossed out that famous two syllable command, “sic’ em.”

With all the natural dog-obedience within her, Lucky raced over and took a healthy snip at the Palomino’s heels. Suddenly everyone was treated to a free rodeo show as Sir “Cowboy” hollered and hung on for a seven second free bucking-bronco ride –If that $10,000 video show had existed and camcorders had been invented I would have been a rich kid! I was laughing, Lucking was still attacking and no one noticed my father dismounting and reenacting a History Channel special of the “David and Goliath” fight! The big rock locked onto it’s target (my dad had a good arm) and little Lucky suddenly felt the incoming concussion against her head. Lucky let our a yelp and ran straight down to the river. She leapt in; swimming around and around in a mad circle for about five minutes. Lucky was never the same again. A couple of months later my father informed me Lucky had died of “lead poisoning.” Yes, I did cry for my tragic loss. It was several years later that I understood what lead poisoning meant.

There’s a favorite book title that has stuck in my head for a long time; it simply reads, “Hurt people Hurt people.” It's so true. I didn’t know how to train my little dog. My ignorance hurt Lucky.

“There is a way that seems right to a person . . .” says the wisest man who ever lived , “but the end is death..” (Proverbs 14:12) I’ve often thought, “every moment I’m free to choose 'my way.' ” But there is always a choice that if followed to its end will bring death. How many people have I hurt without even knowing it? How much can I trust the many choices “I think” are best?

So who’s got your back? Who’s your trainer? I sure hope it’s not me! My luck isn’t so good.

“We love because He first loved us!” I John 4:19