Things have been busy so far this new year, which is why I haven't been very consistent with my blogging.

The weekend was pretty fun, here's the run down:

Friday night: Started out with a cup of Java at Borders then headed down to Ferndale and our second church home for an awesome worship time.

Saturday: Slept in and waited all day for the phone guy to show up to fix our phone. Helped my brother apply to Mission Builders in Kona. Worship practice in the eve followed by a movie.

Sunday: Led worship at church. Jess and I went for a walk in a wildlife refuge 20 minutes away and we're amazed. I've never seen so many birds in one place in all my life, (unfortunately we forgot the camera) there were literally thousands of migrating geese. Jess was more stoked about seeing the baby deer. After a quick stop at the Loleta Cheese Factory for some samples we spent the rest of the afternoon at our new favorite coffee shop out in Bayside. The weekend was rounded out by a candelight vigil down in Old Town for the tsunami victims.  

This weekend I had the same conversation 3 or 4 times about relationships. The thing I found myself repeating in all of them, was something I can't remember where I heard but is so true, and was driven home when I thought about the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

In the normal logical math of the world when we add 1/2 plus 1/2 we get 1. A lot of people are looking for the relationship that completes them. They are a half of a person looking for another half of a person to find their identity, security, love, and whatever else they need. You may think these needs have been filled by a person but just like in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, only for so long, and the mistake is repeated over and over again, relationship to relationship.

With God's math 1 + 1 = 1
When you take two people that look to God  for their identity, security, love, and everything else they need, you have whole people. Whole people make a whole relationship that will last.

I grew up reading the Chronicles of Narnia, and I must admit some of them gave me nightmares as a kid. Ever since I heard that they were making them into films I've been worried that they we're going to be cheesey. I've had flashbacks to the BBC production of them that was aired on PBS years ago. Thank God for WETA, the same people that did The Lord of the Rings are producing The Chronicles of Narnia.
Get your exclusive behind the scenes look at the creatures in the upcoming film here...looks kind of freaky!

Is it all about the money, security, status, comfort?

I prayed this prayer, I can't remember when, but it was sometime during my experience in YWAM. The prayer came out of a realization that so many people (myself included) settle for things in their life. They settle for a relationship that is less then they deserve but makes them comfortable. They stay in a job for years that makes them secure financially but doesn't stir their heart or passions in the slightest. In striving for security and comfort they become complacent and apathetic letting their God given dreams and passions wither and die.
So the prayer I prayed, "God don't let me get comfortable." It's a freakin dangerous prayer. He's held me to it. It's usually hard at first when he does remind of it, but then I'm stoked because it's so freeing. My desire to follow the passions and dreams He has put inside me get renewed and I look around at the empire I've built and just don't care. It's not that I'm not thankful for the things I have, it's that I'm not afraid to let them go.
So if some day you jump on to this here blog and find that Jess and I have sold everything and moved to China, quit a high paying job, or anything else that may seem rash and unwise it's because God was answering my prayer and renewing my heart.

We back!
Jess and I rolled into town Saturday night after a lovely week and a half up in Seattle where we spent the holid ays with friends and family. This next month is going to be busy as all get out for me as I start my new job. It's always a bit overwhelming when you first start out at a place, but so far the people seem really cool.
I would have to say the highlight of the trip up to Seattle was going to the muscial Black Nativity. By far the best Christmas play I've ever seen!