On Fire!

Samantha and I are getting ready to leave for the states for the next 8 months. The last couple of weeks were pretty hectic trying to get everything situated.   We are really excited because it is going to be our first time there together....She will get to see where I grew up, meet old friends, meet my family, travel....

There are so many things that we will miss about this place but here is few.

PEOPLE--FAMILY, CHURCH FAMILY, FRIENDS, I am so grateful that God has surrounded me with such wonderful people....Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...

FOOD--I don't even want to attempt to list down restaraunts because I will start to cry thinking about it.....ok not really....it might be a good thing though, might be in shape when I come back:)

TRAFFIC--Yeah right....

BEING TALL--In 24 hours I will officially become a midget again...

FILIPINO CULTURE--I love my culture...

I know I wasn't able to say GOOD-BYE to many of you properly, know that you are all in my prayers and will see you all soon.....INGAT:)

During the prayer meeting this afternoon God really spoke to me.  It is the strongest encounter I have had since I have started this fast.  This has by far been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.  I have done a 3 day water fast before, but I have never done a 7 day.   I have lost 20 pounds already and have never felt so weak. All I could do is think about is what food I am going to eat tuesday evening.  Of course not all, but it just seems like for most of the fast I have just been slugging around and complaining how tired and hungry I am.  Maybe on the outside you wouldn't see that, but that is what is going on in my heart. 

Every day my prayer has been Lord I pray my heart is in right standing with you and that you would honor that.  But my actions if I am being truly honest are basically counting down the days until I get to eat my extra large pepporoni and italian sausage pizza from Sicilian that I have been craving, with soup and salad of course:)  Which leads me to today at the prayer meeting on the 6th day of our fast.

God said if I asked you to go 7 more days would you?  Why are you really doing this fast anyway.  Is it to prove to yourself that you can do it, or maybe to chalk it up as one of the religious duties you have done?  Are you really trying to seek me?  Because I am seeking you my son.  I love you more than you know!

I totally broke down and got so convicted and I told Him yes I would go seven more if that's what it takes and if that's what you want.  I guess I will see what happens tomorrow night if God wants to call my bluff, but I would like to think it wasn't a bluff, but that was my sincere heart.  Many times the Lord speaks on the 59th minute, but we react on the 58th.  The question is are we willing to wait and hold on.

I really asked God that question yesterday, even though  I believe I  know the answer.  Yesterday VCF Staff had a Christmas Party at Enchanted Kingdom,  Before that, we went had lunch at this great restaraunt Kainin something, I forgot the name.  While we were all enjoying our delicious meal, when we were getting ready to leave, Samantha noticed her purse was stolen from our table.  Apparently a team of 3 people did their rounds and went around stealing purses. Right before they were at the restaruant, they were in Jolly Bee doing the same thing.  She lost everything, cell phone, wallet, and cash that works so hard for.

I felt absolutely awful, the feeling of betrayal or taking advantage of  is the worst feeling in the world.  Besides Samantha has to be the most thoughtful, kind, generous, person I know.  A liar I guess I can handle, but I thief I can't stand.  Not to mention someone stole her video ipod a few weeks ago...urrrrghhhhhh

But I must say I learned so much from my wife yesterday.  Although she was so hurt, she went straight to God.  It totally broke my heart when we were in the car she opened her bible and she was crying out to God, asking why does He allow these things to happen to her.  She kept telling HIm how much she loved him and would continue to praise Him.  She stayed strong, and she wanted to go to Enchanted Kingdom to join everyone.  Despite what had happened, we had such a great time with everyone there.  I am so grateful being surrounded by wonderful people. 

I know it's not a question whether or not will storms come or not, it's all how we respond.  I know God is in control, and what the enemy steals, He will return 100 fold.  I am so proud of my wife, and how she is handling the situation.  Babe, I love you so much....

I just got an email from my best friend Lamont who is now in Iraq serving our country.  He is a Captain in the United States Air Force.  To be honest I seldom pray for our troops and the war in Iraq, either because I am to busy or just forget to pray for them(which is selfish and sad).  I mean I pray, but I don't really pray if you know what I mean. 

When it hits real close to home, my perspective definitely changes.  I had a friend from my hometown Bellevue, Nebraska who was killed last year by a road side bomb. I also have another one of my good high school friends serving there in the Army and is constant contact with the oppostion. There are many other troops that I know there, but just not that close to. 

 Lamont is in his final term and has already put his resignation papers in. He is planning on coming to the Philippines to pursue a career here after he is done early next year.  He will be in Iraq for the next 4 months.  If you have time please keep him and the rest of our troops in your prayers.  Thank you

I went to the gym last weekend and I tipped the scales at a whopping 242 pounds.  That I is the heaviest I have ever been.  All my life I have been active, but this past year has been pretty rough.  I hardly have time to go to the gym, and I just eat like crazy.  Well I made a commitment to start working out again and try and get in decent shape. 

So I changed my diet...actually never had one to start, but I trying to go on this no carbs diet.  To stop cold turkey on carbs is really tough.  I have a friend who is a chiropractor and he is fully convinced that carbs are the worst thing for your body.  He says if you eliminate carbs then not only will you lose a lot of fat, but you will have a lot more energy.  He says the best source of energy comes from animal fat, so I can eat as much bacon as I want:) 

Well this past week, I haven't eaten any rice, well a little at the Kris's wedding. But I have couldn't stop eating all carbs.  So I have replaced it with bread.  Still not good.  But this week I am going to try and eliminate bread as well.  But even with bread I have lost about 3  pounds and I know I have lost at least an inch on my waist. 

I have several friends who have been on this diet and they lost so much weight and they say they feel so much better.  So I guess I will have to see what happens. Pray for a mataba brotha, I need it.  Because me and Food get along real well:)

It's been a while and my wife keeps telling me I need to blog.  So many things have been happening with school and everything.  Samantha and I were the candle sponsors in Kris and Malou's wedding.  It was such a beautiful wedding, and I think I cried more in that wedding than my own.  I am such a whoos!!!  

After the wedding, another one of our good friends Sarah Meier-Albano had an old school 90's party at this club called Rock Candy.  It was great time to see old friends.  And this is one of the few dance clubs that don't allow smoking inside, so I was able to there for a couple of hours.  It really was nice friends I haven't seen a while. What's funny is that at least 6 people mentioned something to me about God or Church in this time.  Some opening up about their lives. One particular guy that I met before who is one of the pioneer's of bringing Hip-Hop to the Philippines, apparently has been to Victory a few times, and he just started sharing what God is doing in his heart.  It was so refreshing...

When I was leaving, a guy came up and introduced himself to me and started asking me all these questions. The conversation went something like this..I will try and summarize it....

guy " Hey man what's up man, what do you do? I have been watching you, there's something about you... I have never seen you before"  Are you really famous or something?

Me- Actually bro, I am pastor and I just seen some of my friends in a long time. 

guy- A PASTOR..You mean like a Preacher...

Me- Yeah something like that...

guy" really wow that's cool, I am kind of religious myself..

Me- that's cool, man so what do you do? where you from?

guy- I do parties and events blah blah...My mother is from Australia and my dad is from Africa.

Me...Very Cool, (actually I didn't say that, I said "that's wassup", but it means the same thing), well It was nice meeting you...hopefully I will see you around...

so I am walking out and he stops Wait!!!! I have a great idea....I have an event this Monday, there will be a lot of people, there will be freestyle-battle, a "booty-shaking" contest....but How about you come and give us a positive message.  You can preach, talk about religion, or something, whatever you want.. we all need someting postive...it will be great....blah blah...he was just going on and on how this is going to be powerful or whatever....

I must admit, I wasn't too sure about it.  He texted me yesterday to remind me.  And as much as I am not sure, I am feeling the Holy Spirit saying, YOU ARE THE CHURCH....Bring ME to the people who need it the most, they need to hear about my love. I later got confirmation from Pastor La when I bumped into him at a children's party and he said do it...

So tomorrow night I will be at the club sharing whatever God puts on my heart to share...but right now I am thinking about John 3:17....I guess I will have to see...pray for me and the people of course....thanks.............................................................................................................

Well it's Tuesday morning and I just came back from Rock Candy.  Two of my good friends Dane and Miro came with me.  Going into this I really didn't know what to say.  I wasn't very familiar with the crowd.  I was really nervous and a bit hesitant to share if I am being totally honest.  Before I got up and spoke I still wasn't too sure what I was going to say.  They were getting to ready to have their "rap battle" and their "booty shaking" contest, but asked me to speak before they started. He introduced me as Reverend Robert...hahahah.

Well when I got up there I just shared a little of my testimony and shared with them Jeremiah 29:11. While I was talking I some people were talking, some were texting, but some were actually listening.  I talked a little about hope, dreams, and that's pretty much it.  I said that there is hole in everyone's heart and there is only one person who could fill that hole.  I kept it at about 5 to 10 minutes. 

When I got done, I immediately started to beat myself up, and tell myself I should have said this, and I should have said that....but when people started coming up to me and say they were touched it made me feel a little better.  But I am my worst critic.  After that they proceeded to their contests, first a drinking contest, then the dance and freestyle rap contest.  But we left so weren't able to see any of that.  which is a good thing:)

I have no idea what God did there tonight.  I just know I tried my best to as obedient as I could.  Even though I know I could have done better, I know the Holy Spirit will fill the gaps that I missed and is in total control. 

Super Dane and Miro were great.  Dane and Miro were a big blessing and were a big encouragement.  Thanks fellas and thanks to all those who were praying.

Yesterday was the 50th Birthday of Pastor Joey.  He is officially my boss for the past month, but he has only been there past week because he has been in the states.  I have known Pastor Joey for the past 4 years or so and hasn't changed much.  I just want to say how priveledged I am to have met this man.  Seriously, just in the past week I have already learned so much in the few meetings that we had.  I love the way this man thinks.  His views, ideas, and insights really just blow my mind away.  He has so much wisdom.  He is so honest and so easy to talk to.  He makes me feel good when I am around him. 

Another wonderful thing that I admire about this man, is his passion.  He is so passionate about His relationship with God.  Yesterday during worship I saw him in tears and just enjoying God's presence.  I said a quick prayer which also made me a little teary eyed as well, I prayed, Lord when I get to 50 I want to have that same time of Passion for and love for you.   He is so very passionate about his Wife.  He is also very passionate about his children.  Lastly, he is very passionate about his work...in that order:)

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  I am honored to call you a my boss and friend.  You are such a wonderful example of a Real Man.  Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do in my life. 

Last Friday Night we had a worship night for for the singles and young professionals in our different churches. We had in it our Youth Hall, but we almost ran out of space. Lana J of Galleria led worship and did an amazing job with the team.  I thought the worship was awesome and Pastor Joey Bonifacio spoke a powerful word on taking the church beyond the walls of the building.  WE ARE THE CHURCH!! Following the Worship Night, Lana J stayed and had an acoustic Jam Session for people who wanted to stay back and CHILL, Different people got up and Jammed on the stage.   What an amazing night.  I felt like we ran out of time.......

Give me your thoughts and feedback on what did you thought?  What you liked and disliked?  How often would you like something like this to happen?  Any topics you would like to have discussed?  IF YOU HAVE PICS FROM THE EVENT, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!  I had a lot of nice pictures, but somehow lost the memory stick:(

Today I have been thinking it has been officially 2 weeks since I became a "Pastor".  It has been a very interesting, exciting, challenging, humbling, experience.  To be honest, not too much has changed in my life. Besides the fact I go to work everyday and having to sit up front in Sunday services. I get to meet and interact with new people which is great.  As far as my walk is concerened I have been growing rapidly.  I love it.  I am so grateful for my new job.  I was telling my friend, I honestly think I have the best job in the world.  I really enjoy going to work everyday:)

Interesting:

It has been very interesting trying to adjust to a new team.  I have been a part of team's my entire life, so it's always interesting to see how my teammates and I will adjust.  Most teams I have been on, I have been there since the beginning.  A few teams,  I came on during the middle of the season.  Meaning, they already have a team in place, and I am just there trying to see where I can best fit and be the most helpful.  I know I have a very strong personality, so I am still feeling myself and everything out. But I do, thank God that He has put me on such a great team.  The staff at Victory are great, they have done their best to make me feel welcome, and I appreciate that dearly. 

Exciting:

I am so excited about this season in my life.  Working with singles and young adults are great.  So far things are going well and I forsee them getting better and better. Have gotten the priveledge to meet a lot of new people and some great leaders.  I am just really excited to continue to meet new people.  There are so many amazing people at our church that I really want to get to know.  I am also excited to go into ENLI 3.  I am very excited to learn and grow in my walk with Jesus.

Challenging:

It has been very challenging trying to adjust.  Its always a challenge when you are on a new team.  Trying to prove my worth and trying to convince my teammates that I am worthy to be on the team  But then again, I know I am placed there by God so that is comforting.  I also know He will work everything out.  The whole trying to convince my teammates could be very dangerous if I am not careful.  Being very competitive by nature, I can get into STRIVING and trying to please man, which is not the heart of God.  I have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and make sure I am being led by Him and Him alone.

Humbling:

During my walk with the Lord, the thing that was really preventing me to surrender entire life to the Him was my Pride.  Yeah, Lust and Sexual Sins was really tough as well, but I could deal with that at times.  Pride was the toughest because, I didn't even know that I was filled with so much of it.  Being dead serious, if you was to ask me 3 years ago, I would have told you that I was probably one of the most humble guys that I knew.  So at work it's not much different, I have to continue to remind myself to walk with humility.  I need more Christ-Like Humility.  I think we all do....

Overall, I seriously couldn't be happier.  God has put some new amazing people in my life that I am excited to grow with.  At the end of the day it's all about relationships to me.  I have always been a guy who wanted to meet new people.  Especially, positive, encouraging, purpose driven people.  I am so blessed to be a part of such a group....

During our staff meeting today we were asked to discuss a couple of questions?  The first one was what was your most memorable sermon and what was your most life changing serman.

My answer was Discipleship is Relationship by Pastor Joey Bonifacio.  It was preached at either the Asian Invasion or Philippine Invasion a couple of years ago.   I was so moved by this message because he was talking about the importance of relationship and being available.  This really hit home for me?  I remember him talking about a time where he was in a watch shop?  I don't want to get into the story, but i highly recommend the sermon.  RELATIONSHIP is the key to discipleship. 

When I look at my life and one of the things that really turned me off to Christianity was people trying to preach down my throat, without even trying to get to know me.  I believe that in my personal walk, one of the key reasons in my growth was how I was discipled.  I was roomates with the guy who was discipling me.  I saw the way he lived his life. I saw how interested he was in my life.  He didnt' judge me.  He accepted me.  He encouraged me.  He prayed for me.  He didn't tell me what I had to do.  He was a lot like how my father treated me.  My dad never forced me to anything, whether it was sports, school, or whatever.  He always supported me.  Of course if there was things he didn't agree with that I was doing,  he would give me his advice, but he would never pressure me.  He allowed me to grow and was always on my side.......

Now back to my life, it took years.  I remember in 2000 when I first was introduced to the church, I was at a point in my life where I was very proud of the man that I was.  I mean, I was in my 3rd year of college, I was finally getting good grades, I had all the material things as far as nice clothes, a nice car, a nice motorcycle, a business, had many friends, and I had a beautiful girlfriend. I went to a Christian Church and after seeing the people there worshipping God, the way they were dancing, I knew there was something in my life that was missing.  The Pastor preached a powerful message and asked if you want Jesus to come into your heart, and want a "relationship with the God"  come up to the front.  I did, and immediately was involved in church.  I went to weekly bible studies, gatherings, and was at church religiously.  I loved it, but one thing that really kept me at that church was the people.  They were great, they always showed a brotha love, they were always happy to see me, and always had a word of encouragement for me.  They weren't usually the people I could see myself clicking developing genuine friendships with.

Anyways, my point.  The importance of authentic relationship.  People can tell if you are sincere about there lives or not.... relationships take time. For me to finally get right with God took almost 5 years from when I started going to church.  I think it was really God's timing, it wasn't because the prior years I didn't want to get right with God, but it took 5 years for me to fully grasp everything.  It all just finally made sense.  I thank God for being so patient with me.  I couldn't be in a more happy place in my life.

What was my most life changing sermon?  Pastor Noel Nanez message about the CROSS.  I mean I heard a lot of preachings about the Cross of Christ, but this one was different.  I saw him preaching with such passion.  To the point when he was in tears talking about what they did to Jesus Christ.  He painted a picture of what He did, why He did it.  It was so powerful.. I saw Pastor Noel's heart and I could feel it.  I appreciated that message so much, it was so simple, to straight to the point, I remember he played a video of Jesus....Everyone in the room was in tears, I mean they had to be.....POWERFUL...

I think of why those two particular sermons were so impactful in my life.  My most memorable, had to deal with true relationships.  My most life changing, the most heartfelt message I heard.  But a close second is Kevin Connor's preaching about the life of Joseph.  Everytime he mentioned anything about Joseph he couldn't help but cry.  Am I being a little sensitive?  I don't know?  I don't think so......

So you heard mine, what is yours? and why? 

4:30 a.m, I woke up.  I can't sleep.  I keep thinking about what God is doing in my life.  I seriously have never been so happy and so secure in my entire life.  I have an amazing wife, I about to start a new career, I am just overwhelmed by His goodness. 

You see today, I am officially employed by Victory, Fort.   I will be working there as a paid full-time staff.  I am an "Associate Pastor"...  that doesn't even sound right....About  6 months ago I felt God was calling me full-time in the ministry and it was pretty clear.  Funny thing about 8 years ago, my best friends' mom told me that I would be pastor someday.  I laughed at her, and said you must be out of your mind.  A pastor? Your kidding, right!!!! 

Anyways, I talked to one of the pastors  about it and he asked?  If you were to go into full-time what ministry would you do you see yourself doing?  What ministry?  I honestly had no idea and couldn't give him a straight answer. I mean I am an athlete, so Champions For Christ,  seems like a good fit, but not sure.....i love kids, so kids church could work..........but i don't think so...... I do have a business, so maybe Victory Biz.... All I knew is what I felt in my heart.  So he told me keep praying and don't be in a rush....maybe wait until after the wedding just focus on that first. So I did, and I took another job playing basketball in Mindinao in a league called the NBC,...

I was contemplating on what I should be doing in my life at the time.  

Ok I will try to summarize, On Sept. 25 my birthday, I had a little party.  Most of my friends are non-believers so the majority of the people there was just that.  But towards the end of the night, my Christian friends stayed behind and wanted to pray for me.  I got a word/prophesy from a good friend on mine named Mags.  She said that God was going open doors up with basketball and the next 3 months were going to be very crucial in my walk.  That God was going to stretch me like I have never been stretched before.  I didn't know what to think.  Basketball wasn't really in my heart, and besides I am so out of shape, I haven't played in such a long time.  Well to make a long story short, a couple of days later, I recieved a call from Nelson Asaytono( a legend of Philippine Basketball).  I don't know how he got my number, but he asked if I wanted to play ball in Pagadian City, in Mindinao. 



My first question was WHERE?  and How much they paying?  I quickly shot him down, there is absolutely no way I am going to Abu Sayaff territory. besides, I am about to get married, I don't want to leave Samantha here. It will be a 3 month commitment and I will based there.  After a week of prayer, fasting, seeking advice, and really seeking God. I ended up taking to the job.  And it was the most amazing basketball experience I ever had.    I always wanted to see the Philippines, and really experience the provincial culture. I know Samantha wrote about it in her blog before.....but back to my point....

I spoke to a good friend of mine around Christmas time and he said a couple of things that really stuck with me and made me think.  He said Rob, find what your passion is and committ to it for the rest of your life.  I also told him about my plans on going into the ministry but I really couldn't put my finger on exactly what ministry I would be doing.  Then he said most people tend to be most effective in ministry where or the setting they got saved.  meaning, a lot of great kids church pastors most likely got saved while they were kids....etc.  So I got to thinking a lot, especially while I was in Abu Sayaff land:)  and I finally could put my finger on it. I was called to minister to Young Adults, singles, young professionals, young marrieds....That was it.....

After the wedding I met with Pastor Steve again and I told him how I was feeling about everything.  He had to leave for the states I think, but we met again when he got back. And now I am officially "full-time" as people in the church would call it.  But I if we are supposed to be Christians, we are all supposed to be "full-time" right.  I have never been real big on titles, I think the only people that titles really impress are themselves...but that's a whole other blog.....ok back to my train of thought...

When I woke up this morning I started to research about Young-Adults or I like to call it the "Generation X" Culture and churches.  Emailed a couple of Young Adult pastors who had very successful ministries in their churches. about advice, etc.  I came across some pretty cool things and then I came across an article that moved me to tears.  Not because it was so moving, but God really answered my prayers, why this was such a burden on me.  If you want to read the article I will paste it.  ...also this friday, we are having a get together with some friends and leaders from the church.  To help share the vision, share ideas, on what we are trying to do at Victory.  Trying to get people more connected and involved and build authentic relationships with another. If you are interested or know anyone who might be, need prayer or anything else....please email me thanks...

The New Wave of Gen X Churches: Get Your Glimpse of the Future Here by Eric Stanford Gen X churches, more so than Baby Boomer churches, show us what the Christian community of the postmodern age will look like. At around 7:00 on a Tuesday evening in Denver, young men and women, most displaying body piercing or tattooing, are directing traffic in the parking lot of a converted warehouse. By the time they’re done, more than 1,500 people—averaging about 26 years of age—will have filed into the building for the weekly service of a six-year-old church called The Next Level. (The church picked Tuesday evening because they thought it would be easier for people to attend then; they picked 7:17 as their start time just to be different.) Those wandering inside will pick up the bean-based beverage of their choice, take a seat on the folding chairs or the floor, sing along to alternative Christian music, and listen to a blunt sermon by 28-year-old pastor Trevor Bron, he of the shaved head. Welcome to church, Generation X-style. The Next Level and dozens of other congregations founded in the 1990s (and still being founded) form a new wave of churches in North America. And yet little has appeared in print anywhere about the Xer congregations. Baby Boomer churches like Saddleback in California and Willow Creek in Illinois continue to garner most of the attention, just as they have ever since they were the new wave of churches in the 1970s and 1980s.  So, whenever I can, I like to point out the significance of this newest wave of generational churches, the Xer churches. For one thing, while at this point they are newer, fewer, and smaller than the Boomer churches, the Xer churches represent a significant sociological phenomenon in their own right. But there’s another, much more important reason than that: these Gen X churches give us our first clear glimpse into what the postmodern church will be like. Everyone’s story of what postmodernism is and how it has arisen seems to be a little different from everyone else’s, and yet one point on which most agree is that postmodernism began coming on strong in the U.S. only in the 1960s. But by that time, most Boomers were already in their teens or early twenties. In other words, their formative childhood years were mostly modernistic. And for that reason, even though postmodernism has continued to exert an ever firmer grip upon this generation, many Boomers feel pulled one way by the old paradigm and another way by the new. And so it is that Baby Boomers are the hinge generation when it comes to the passage from modernism to postmodernism. The honor (or dishonor, take your pick) of being the first truly postmodern generation belongs not to the Boomers but to the generation perpetually in their shadow, the Gen Xers. If Boomers are partially postmodern and Xers are fully postmodern, as I have suggested, then you would expect their churches to represent the same breakdown. They do. Boomer churches tend to be casual in dress and rhetoric, are open to a constant process of change, and are attuned to the needs of the unchurched in our post-Christian society. All of these characteristics and others apparent in the Boomer churches show the influence of postmodernism. And yet, in other ways, the Boomer churches remain modern. Let me illustrate how the Xer churches are different from, and more postmodern than, the Boomer churches by presenting half a dozen contrasts between the two. • First, while Boomer churches tend to be highly structured and organized, Xer churches tend to operate by what you might call charismatic leading. Church staffs are smaller and less hierarchical. There’s a strong emphasis on all church members helping out in the activities of the church. These churches take seriously the idea that God is the leader of the church, moving mysteriously and powerfully in individuals’ lives, and so church ministries are not always planned by the church leadership but instead are instigated by church members who feel led by God to start a ministry. • Second, while Baby Boomer churches tend to rely heavily on programs, Xer churches put their emphasis on relationships. There’s a very clear understanding in Xer congregations that programs are means and not ends. Their purpose is the lacing together of souls. Church events, as well as spontaneous gatherings of church members, are less about learning or doing than about just being together. Xers seem willing to take the time that is required for developing relationships; that’s where their priority lies. • Third, while Boomer churches emphasize "excellence" in church ministries, Xer churches emphasize "realness." Xers don’t seem to care much if the preacher stumbles over his words or the singer is of merely karaoke quality or the small-group leader doesn’t know much about the Bible. But they insist that people be authentic. Don’t pretend you’ve got it all together, spiritually or otherwise. Admit your mistakes and struggles, for then we can work on them together. No posers allowed. • Fourth, while Boomer churches often tout themselves as "contemporary," Xer churches are typically "ancient-future." That is, the Xer churches have a dual orientation when it comes to time: they are naturally and comfortably up-to-date with the culture (such as by using the latest technology) and simultaneously they have a high degree of respect for the traditions of the Christian past. It’s not unusual for an Xer pastor to refer meaningfully to Thomas à Kempis and Bill Gates in the same sermon. More than one hip Xer Web designer practices the lectio divina. • Fifth, while Boomer churches are basically rationalist, Xer churches are more holistic, honoring intellect and emotions, doctrine and intuition. You can see this in Xer preaching, which is highly narrative, emphasizing both the stories of the Bible and the stories of Christians of today. You see it as well in worship, which involves a broader and more frequent use of the arts than ever before. You can see it in Xer apologetics, which is not a matter of presenting evidence and demanding a verdict but rather of urging people to say yes to Jesus on a daily basis. • Sixth, while Boomer churches often have a competitive streak, Xer churches are more cooperative. It’s not us-them; it’s all us. Xers see, on the one hand, that God is working in the lives of non-Christians and that, on the other hand, Christians are not too different from nonbelievers in a lot of ways. Xers note things of value in other congregations and don’t care for the walls put up between denominations. To many Xers, even the walls between the big three—Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Protestantism—seem as ready for demolition as was the Berlin Wall. One side of these six contrasts is not better than the other. Let me say it again: Xer churches are not better than Boomer churches, nor vice versa; both are serving their target populations appropriately. My point is merely that the Xer church movement happens to be the more postmodern of the two because it came along later. If you want to know where the Christian church is headed in the future, you should drop in for a service at the Xer church starting up in the storefront down the street.

I watched the movie Facing the Giants last week with some friends.  Great movie by the way, I recommend everyone to watch this film.  It is a Christian film that is about a high school football.  One of my favorite sports movies of all time.  There was one particular part that really had me thinking.  I don't want to get into the details of what was going on  (watch it for yourself) because I want you tobut "prepairing for the rain" was mentioned. I believe God wants to bless the crap out of us....I mean really bless us.....But sometimes there are things in our life that He wants to deal with....sin, pride, relationships, past, or maybe just teaching us about having more faith, more patience....Or it's because we aren't ready for the blessing. We aren't prepaired, we just aren't ready....it could be financial blessing, if God wanted to bless you with a million dollars today, would you be ready???? Would He be able to trust you with it....Or if God wanted to give you the man or woman of your dreams, are you ready???? Have you been faithful to your future wife or husband?  Are you staying pure?  Do you think God is truly in control and able to provide? Questions that we all should ask ourselves...While we are waiting let us continue to keep our eyes focused on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith, meditating on His word day and night....continue to grow in our walk....As long as we are on that path, the blessing is there, just stay on the road and be patient, it's just a matter of time:)

If we aren't growing spiritually everday than we are missing the point of Christianity .  Lordship is a continuous walk right?  I was thinking about this for a while and it made me think of one of my favorite childhood stories The Turtle and Hare. Sometimes our Christain walk can be like that. We initially get saved, excited, and that fire eventually burns out. If we take a break, get tired, or comfortable, we are will end up losing at the end and miss some of the blessing He has for us. Which leads me to one of my favorite verses Hebrews 12:1-2. Therefore, since we are surronded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with pereverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.    I knew that I was growing in my walk but I was convicted during our small group meeting last week. I sometimes think that just because I am not sinning not nearly as much as I used to, or that I sincerly try to avoid sin, I am growing in my walk. I think that although that is a good thing, I can end up like the Hare.  If I can fully grasp Hebrews 12:2, I would want to grow deeper, more intimate with Jesus, carrying the cross everyday. I can't be content with how much God has changed me, but focus on what's ahead and continue to grow spirtually.  More Faith, More Wisdom, More Understanding, Deeper  Prayer, More Humilty, More Obedience, More Passion, Deeper Love for Him and one another:)

I will be gone for the next 5 days, so I won't be able to write.  I am a counselor/coach at the Nike Elite Camp.  The Nike Elite Camp is spear headed by one of best friends Alex Compton and Coach Eric Altimarano.  It is going to be held at Brent International School in Laguna.  The camp is made up of the countries top 80 high school basketball players.  It is the country's premeire basktball camp.  The kids will go through super intense training and at night there will be life talks where the gospel will be shared through a guest speaker.  I will have to leave my wife for 5 days, because I will be staying overnight.  I will actually be rooming with 3 of the players.  This is the time where we get to build relationships with the kids. I have put on about 20 pounds since the New Year so I am pretty out of shape.  But I do plan enrolling in a gym once I get back.  It's actually pretty embarassing.  Speaking of emabarassing, last year at the camp I had the worst headaches.  I couldn't sleep at all because of the level of pain. I had  a horrible tooth-ache, and somehow the nerves were connected to my head.  I had to get a root canal.  Exactly 1-year later today I was driving, and I just felt my tooth wasn't right. So I was kind of pulling on it and the tooth came out.  I called my dentist and he is out of town until next week. So for about a week I am going to be walking around with a missing tooth.  It is on the top so it is very obvious. Samantha kept teasing me all day.   I definatley won't be smiling as much, haha.  Please pray that I will be excellent at the camp. thanks