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This Halloween Was a Real Treat!

In my previous post "No Family Fall Festival This Year -- It's A Good Thing" I mentioned that one of the indicators that not doing this event was a good thing was because people were choosing to celebrate Halloween in their own neighborhood.  What really help seal my conviction for not doing the event anymore was the insight I gleaned from reading the book Making Room For Life by Randy Frazee.

In the book (to summarize his point) Frazee mentions how distant we have become from our neighbors with many of us never meeting them even though we have lived next to each other for a long period of time.  Now this insight is nothing new, many studies have proven similar results. 

However the next bit of insight is where I had my "a-ha" moment.  Frazee shared that there is one night when barriers are broken down and an opportunity to meet and connect with our neighbors just makes sense and is very easy to do, the night Halloween.  However he further mentions that on that night when all of our neighbors our out and it gives us (the church) the perfect time to meet our neighbors none of us our home because we are at our Family Fall Festivals.  

So this year -- the first in the nine that I have lived in our neighborhood -- I was able to take our kids trick or treating!  And we had a blast!  It was incredibly cool to meet our neighbors whether it was us going to their homes or staying at home giving out candy.  My wife and I swapped responsibilities back and forth.  I kept internally slapping myself on the side of my head saying,  "This is what I have been missing."  I had such a great sense of connectivity to those who live by me and no longer do I simply see idle homes around me, but rather people that God cares and loves deeply.  

This Halloween was a real treat!

The Routine May Not Be So Routine

Yesterday during my visit to Children’s Hospital to see a family in our church whose 5-month son had open heart surgery -- I was afforded a very pleasant surprise.  Now first I want to mention the best news is that the surgery was a success and his recovery is gong well. 

Now for me the surprise was running into ICU nurse that was assigned to my son when he was there in that same ICU six years ago.  (For a recap of my visit and my son’s medical journey click here.)  I had not seen in her in five years and it a took a little while for her to have some kind of remembrance of me and she could not recall who my son was.  I took no offense to this as I know she has probably seen hundreds of similar cases and patients in the past 5 years let alone her lifetime.  I was just glad that I was able to express my gratitude toward her for the way she took care of my son.  I even showed her a recent picture of my son, though she would not recognize him by any means, just to show that he is living a normal life.  This brief interaction prodded an overwhelming sense of gratitude for not only her, but all who played a role in getting my son and wife & I through this.

In my line of work where I serve as a pastor in a church of over 2,500 people and I have had the privilege of being a part of individual’s and family’s defining moments of their life.  Yet I would be lying if I said I can recall those moments with the same vividness as they do.  Sometimes it takes a little of reminiscing on their part for memory to be jarred of the event. 

However, there was a significant learning for me.  “What may be routine to us in our vocational life, maybe a defining experience for others.”  This prodded me to want to try to give my very best in all that I do because even I don’t remember it they will.

"So We Can Comfort Others ..."

II Corinthians 1:3,4 (TNIV) says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

These verses are often quoted as way of encouraging others or possibly to shed light or offer perspective when someone is going through a critical life situation or crisis.  The notion being that one day, it could be in the near or distant future, the pain or turmoil you are experiencing now will have a purpose to help someone else, though at the present moment it is unsightly.

On Wednesday I went on a visit to Children’s Hospital to see a family in our church whose almost 5-month son was having open heart surgery to repair multiple holes in his heart.  I was approached by the child’s grandmother about 4 months ago when the child was born to ask me to be available in the future when this day would come.

So I strategically went to the hospital at around 11:30am -- the surgery was about 7am.   I say strategically because I figured that it would be right around that time when their son should be out of post-op and in his intensive care unit room.  The parents would have been able to see their baby, get a report from the surgeon and now breathe a sigh of relief that the operation was over.

Now how would I know this information?  And why would I be approached about this unknown future date almost 4 months ago?

Because almost six years ago our son at five months had open heart surgery at Children’s hospital in San Diego.  We like this family had the same time scheduled for our son’s operation and went through a similar process. I was actually familiar with the surgeon that performed their son’s operation.   When I met up with the family it was in the same waiting room that was our residence for about 5 day and when I was able to go in see their little baby boy it was in the same ICU.

Being there was a surreal experience.  The chairs in the waiting room was the same, the layout etc.  It brought back so many memories of what we went through.  I never stop being amazed at how God works!  I would not have thought when we were going through our son’s operation 6 years ago we would have an opportunity to minister to a family in our church going through an almost identical situation in many ways years later.

Most importantly their son came through the operation really well and the surgery was a success!  Praise God!!!

So I don’t know what you may be going through at this moment and the idea of your situation having some redemptive purpose in the future is the last thing on your mind, yet I want to encourage you God is faithful and He will use what you are going through for good.

San Francisco Eating Day 3 Meal 2 -- The Chocolate Festival

Our last few hours in San Francisco were spent at Ghirardelli Square where by chance they were hosting the 14th annual Chocolate Festival.  It was a two-day event that went from 12-5pm each day.  I saw a special on this festival either on the Food Network or Travel Channel.  The way it works is you purchase a ticket for $20 (the proceeds go to a local charity) and you are given 15 sample opportunities that are checked off by each vendor you receive a sample from. There were chocolate companies of various sorts throughout the square and the street in front of it.   The great thing is that you can share a ticket and for Tara and I one ticket was more than enough.  I never thought I would say I can too much chocolate, however after having multiple gelato servings, ice cream, cup-cakes, drinking chocolate, shakes, truffles, cookies and so on -- we were experiencing a chocolate coma.  Our last 2 samples were used on tea -- we just could eat any more chocolate.

Here are a few pictures from our day:

Tara after a long wait gets a cupcake.

One of the many vendors preparing his sample.

Having some drinking chocolate even though it is a small cup I could not finish it.

Well that is it for our San Francisco trip -- thank you for journeying with us. 

San Francisco Eating Day 2 Meal 1 -- Mama's

Day 2 in San Francisco began by incredible breakfast at Mama's in the North Beach area of San Francisco.  This restaurant was featured on Food Network's Rachael's Vacation.  Of all the places we would visit this was the place that I was most excited about eating at.  First I love breakfast food at any time and I have heard from others what a great place this is.  The first thing you notice there is that there is a line.  This restaurant is open only 7 hours a day (8am-3pm) and it takes no reservations.

The food did not disappoint and the next time we get to visit San Francisco -- I will eat there daily if possible.

You order your food first then you are given your seat assignment and you can see your food being prepared as the kitchen is right there.

Tara had the French Toast samplers that changes daily.  I had an incredible Monte Cristo.  This is must visit place!

San Francisco Eating Day 1 Meal 2 -- NOPA

After walking off the meal we had Rocco's, later that night we had a late dinner at NOPA.  We were introduced to this restaurant when we saw it on the Food Network show  The Best Thing I Have Ever Ate.  This restaurant is known for its trendy, hip vibe and it was one of the few restaurants open late night to 1am nightly.

We ordered the dish featured on the episode "flatbread of spicy fennel sausage, lipstick peppers and crescenza."

In addition for dessert we had an almond butter cake with plumb ice cream.  

Earlier that day while visiting China Town we went to oldest bakery there Eastern Bakery.  As you can see by the picture some pretty famous people have visited.  When there order the warm custard tart.  It cost less than a dollar and it great snack.

San Francisco Eating Day 1 Meal 1 -- Rocco's

So I am about 6 pounds heavier than I was last week at this time.  In fairness I was in training. Not for a 1/2 marathon or some other athletic event, but for the eating I would do in a city known for its incredible cuisine -- San Francisco.  Tara & I celebrated 11 years of marriage on Sept. 12 and we went there for a quick get away last week.

(above: It is always great when the owner/chef is in -- Tara and I with Rocco)

From the beginning of our marriage we were big Food Network fans and we created a list of restaurant and eateries we wanted to visit based on what was featured on various Food Network shows.  So on day 1 last Thursday here is where we we visited.  The day began with a late lunch/early dinner at Rocco's that was featured on the show Diners, Drive-inns' and Dives with host Guy Fieri.  The food was incredible!  We had dish we saw on the show -- clam linguine with white sauce & we also had an order of fried calamari with homemade cocktail sauce and they give complimentary fresh bread with fresh garlic/olive oil dipping sauce.  Again can I say the food was incredible!

This restaurant is in the SOMA district and well worth the visit.

The kitchen is real close to seating area -- you could see the whole layout.

Across the street is another cool place to check out that was also featured on one of Rachel Ray's shows called Brain Wash -- which is a laundromat and cafe combo that serves espresso drinks and pastry/desert items.

What Shows are You "Falling" For?

Recently I had a lunch with a mentor/friend and our discussion like always went to the books we were currently reading.  She then posed this question, "How are we going to get all this reading done with new fall television season starting?"  A great question.  I love TV!  If I had to choose TV or movies -- TV would win hands down.  The writing in the television programing these days are exceptional especially the serial shows.  And now with cable channels offering their own original programming and big name actors and actresses valuing the steady work that a television series can provide -- the choices are seemingly endless.  

Now I am not a "real timer." By definition a real timer is someone who watches a television program when it is offered by the TV network not opting to watch it later on their DVR or online or even later in the year when released on DVD (my preferred method).  However, there are some programs that I am committing to watching during the course of season and here it is and I have had to restrain myself:

Mad Men Sunday 10pm AMC 

Dinner Impossible 10pm Food Network

Flash Forward 8pm ABC

30 Rock Thursday 9:30pm NBC

If I can fit these in great ... Lie To Me, The Office, Fringe

What will you be watching?  Let me know by commenting, Facebook Comment or Twitter

Interesting ... Does Anybody Actually Makes Use of This?

On my wife and I's recent trip to San Francisco -- I came upon two interesting signs that got my attention.

Here is the first one found at AT&T Park home to the San Francisco Giants.  Thankfully I did not need to make use of this.

The second was seen at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).  If anyone has seen some one use this booth -- please let me know I would love to hear the story.

a Breath Prayer for Today

63 & Counting ... Why I Love Going to Church

Psalm 122:1 --  I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD!" 
This past Sunday -- I was glad that I was at church.  We had a great a worship experience, I was able to connect with two sets of out-of-town friends visi and what really made the morning special was running into my friends James & Teresa Tucker. 

They have been attending Journey for over 10 years now and over the years a treasured friendship has developed.  However, of late their worship attendance has been inconsistent due to some health challenges that Teresa has been facing.  Yet on this Sunday they were here -- which also was their 63rd wedding anniversary.  Yes you heard me right 63 years!  Talking to Jim yesterday to congratulate him again -- he shared in jest, "She has put up with me all these years."

That is why I love going to church -- the incredible people you meet and get to know.  People I more than likely would not have met not given this common place of connectivity.

Congratulations Jim & Teresa!!!

New Product (RED) items from Starbucks

Today on my second trip to Starbucks of the day I picked up these two portable tumblers.  The first one is for hot drinks, the second is for cold drinks.  What I especially like about them is that not only are they visually appealing they are also part of the PRODUCT RED line where proceeds of the purchase goes to help eliminate Aids in Africa.


In addition I like the notion that I am one of the first to have these products as they are neither on the Starbucks nor the Product Red website.

What God had in mind???

From Last night:

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."  I am not sure if this is what God had in mind when this verse was written.

A Twittering Moment ... Watching Bub Get Baptized!

Bub  (Paul Stevens) commented on my blog some time around August last year.  Being unfamiliar with who he was I checked out his blog godmeandpoker.blogspot.com and I found his latest post very interesting.  He mentioned in the post how he was taking initial steps toward trying to build connections within our church (I did not know he even attended Journey at that point) by commenting on the various pastor's blogs and that he was thinking of possibly getting baptized. 

I commented on his blog and ask what service he attended so we could meet.  Well over a period of time and through his Tweets and Facebook updates myself as well as many of my friends got to know Bub as he initiated following us on Twitter and/or asking us to become his friend on Facebook. 

For those who have been critical of social networking services like Twitter and Facebook of having a negative effect on people establishing "real" relationships and friendships; or for those who have said these means are a waste of time and that foster a pseudo form of community.  Bub's story would dispell these critics.  Just ask him.  He has since attended various classses we offer and served on our weekends and special events and for all intention purposes is fully vested in the life of our church.

So this past Sunday Bub got baptized.  And standing with him was a friend he met through Twitter, Kevin, whom has had a spiritual impact in his life and Todd Tolson, one of our pastors whom Bub also met through Twitter.

And what better way to celebrate this significant moment in Bub's life than to have him come out of the water seeing the following banner (first picture in this post) and having it later signed up by those who are following him on Twitter.

25 Million Pieces of Legos

Yesterday I took my kids to Legoland for the first time.  In addition to my kids having a great time (the rides and attractions are just right for their ages 3 & 5 respectively)  I found myself marveling at how building blocks that I played with as a kids could be used to build such incredible works. 

It is said that over 40 million lego pieces have been used to build the various statues and exhibits seen throughout the park -- with over 25 million being used for Miniland alone.  I could have spent hours taking in the intricacies and details of what was on display. 

Check these out:

New York City

Mount Rushmore

Las Vegas

San Francisco

The inauguration of the President

Ending Well (Thoughts on Jay Leno's Final Tonight Show)

I find a great leadership learning lab for me in respect to observing how leaders handle a significant life transition is watching  farewell speeches by influential people.  Here are some of my thoughts of Jay Leno's final hosting of the Tonight show.

Help With a New Blog Title

I have been blogging for close to two years now and yet over the past couple of months my posting has been somewhat inconsistent.  Sometimes having weeks between posts. 

My original vision for my blog was to have an outlet to share leadership proddings and learnings in an attempt to open dialogue for us to learn together.  However, I have noticed that though there has been leadership content being present -- my posts have also drifted to random topics of life situations.

So I have decided to launch a blog with leadership content only.  I will still keep my current one and keep it up to date as much as possible, but my main purpose is to focus on the new one.

Here is where I need your help.  I have been toying with a few possible titles and your feedback helpful on which one you like or if you have something new altogether.

What I Pray for Daily

For more than five years now there is a prayer I pray daily for and that is the healing of my son, Rhett.  Who was diagnosed a few days after birth with a complex heart defect that required surgery at five months.

In addition we have a pastor's prayer team (ppt) that prays for updated prayer requests weekly.  I usually list about 15 specific items to pray for and I do change them weekly, yet the top prayer on line one has not changed in 5 years as well.

This past Wednesday we had Rhett's annual echo-cardiogram.  This appointment is usually followed up with an appointment the following week with his cardiologist to discuss his development or potential concerns.  And for the second year in a row this follow-up appointment has been canceled and the consultation has been done in a brief conversation over the phone. 

The reason being is that our son's heart development is still at a good place and there has been no real change -- which is a good thing.  Now, is there possible surgeries in Rhett's future?  The answer is yes.  However, at this juncture if things were to remain the same and continue to move in this trajectory the possibility of future surgeries diminishes.  So thank you God! And thank you all who pray for Rhett and I continually and graciously ask that you continue to pray for healing and development his heart -- for this I would be most grateful.

Time to Say Goodbye ...

Just a few days ago I had to say goodbye to something that has been with me for almost 13 years. 

Now this Shirt holds incredible sentimental value as it worn on the very first day of work at the Journey Community Church -- which was a huge ministry appreciation gathering at Coronado Beach Park.

This shirt has survived three house moves, a church name change and literally hundreds of washes throughout the years.  In recent years it has been relegated to a workout shirt and has become pretty holey -- hence the need to say goodbye.

What is Impressive

Our family just back from a short get away to New York City -- my favorite city period!  We got to experience some incredible things in our time there -- a Broadway Production, Incredible food & the first game in the new Yankee Stadium. 

Yet what I experience from my kids was probably the most impressive thing I experienced on the trip.  My children Rhett & Emersen, 6 & 3 respectively, endured an 7-hour delay at JFK airport due to a delay.
During that time they entertained themselves, made some new friends and for the most part was really well behaved all things considered and this was not just a parent's observation -- other passengers commented as well.

"God of the City" my Prayer Walk Soundtrack

This past week our church participated in "Prayer Wave 09 (San Diego County).  The design of this event was that for forty days churches involved would be given a specific day for its members to pray in the communities that they live and work in.  Our day was this past Wednesday April 1.  One of the suggestions was that we do a prayer walk -- which involves walking around your neighborhood and praying for the discerned needs of your community.  I was so encouraged to see on Twitter that many other Journey members were following through and doing prayer walks themselves.

This is how my experience went that day.  I did two two walks, one in the morning and one in the early evening so I could take my son with me.  So I prayed one of side of the main street that I live on and its respective side streets on the first walk and the other side later that day.

On the morning prayer walk -- I felt lead to walk listening to Chris Tomlin's song "God in the City."  I put the song on repeat and must have listened to it about 10 times.  This was the perfect song to under-gird my prayer time -- here are the lyrics to this song:

You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

It also stirred up in me some of the following things to pray for ....

• Protection for our community from evil.
• Spiritual renewal would take place and that there would be increased desire to seek after God.
• Marriages to be healed.
• Homes to sell (any home that a sign up -- I prayed for)
• People to find jobs

Sometimes people can question the benefit of having these type of initiatives or campaigns -- I question as well whether these church-wide events are worth the effort.  Well for me in this case it was.  I find that these events can be used as triggers to either help me take the initiative and step out in faith and try something new or to rekindle a practice that has lay dormant for some time as was the case for me this time.

A Sub-Economic Stimulus Plan

I do not have enough of a business or economics back ground to lend my opinion to how to fix our current economic realities that our country is facing.  And at the same time from general observation it seems that when money is put into people's hands to invest and start small businesses -- jobs are created.

Two friends of mine Eric & Nikki Henry have been on a quest to own their own business. That dream became reality yesterday when they opened a Submarina franchise on the corner of Balboa and Convoy in the Clairemont area.  This has truly been a faith endeavor for them.  Over the past two years they have seen locations that they thought be a future sight fall out and yet they believed.

Their faith has been a blessing to others.  They have employed six people that I know that previously were unemployed and looking for work.

So if you are in the area or if you know of someone who works in the area be sure to tell to stop by their location to get a sandwich.

I have the distinction of being their first repeat customer as I also went to their friends and family private opening on Thursday.

My Thoughts Heading into "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

Today begins what truly is the most wonderful time of the year – the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament!

I have been watching the NCAA tournament since 1978 when I followed the Duke Blue Devils lead by Sophomore center Mike Giminski go all the way to the finals losing to Kentucky Wildcats 92-88. 

In my 31st year of watching the tournament here are my thoughts heading into it …

For a team that has been named the team of the nineties and is the team with the most wins in this decade, winner of its 8th ACC Tournament Championship in 11 years this year– I am wondering why do the Duke Blue Devils get so little respect as #2 seed headed into the tournament?  Sure they do not necessarily over power their opponents, but they have incredible on-the-ball defense and I have seen Duke teams like this in the past that though may lack a strong inside presence, can get on a run, stay focused and go very far in the tournament.  In addition they have a pretty good guy sitting on the bench in Coach K!  He is the difference maker that only Duke has.

UCLA, though I am picking them to go out in the first round, this is a team that no one is talking about and could make a run in the tournament.  How soon we forget that the guy playing point guard for them, Darren Collison, played in the last three final fours.

Can one man make a difference?  We will find out in regards to Oklahoma Sooner sophomore Blake Griffin – who more than likely will be the national player of the year.  Will he be able to carry a team on his back with strong individual performances and take his team to the dance like these players in the past have: Larry Bird (1979 Indiana State University), Danny Manning (1988 Kansas) & most recently Carmelo Anthony (2003 Syracuse).  I believe can in part because he has an incredible coach in Jeff Capel, a Duke alumni.

Teams that are not a 1,2 or 3 seeds that I think can make a run and go far in the tournament:  Arizona State Sun Devils (6), Florida State Seminoles(5), California Golden Bears(7) &  Boston College Eagles (7).

How much of difference will Ty Lawson make if he is not playing?  Experts are saying the North Carolina Tar Heels can’t win it all without him?  Keep this in mind in 1995 UCLA beat defending champions Arkansas Razorbacks without starting point guard Tyus Edney whom, without his opening round heroics would not have been in the finals.

Why "Non-Sports Fans" Should Love the Super Bowl

This weekend at church I will welcome our crowds and thank them for joining us on this "holiday" weekend.  Though no ones get a mandated day off the effects of the game is holiday like -- Christmas holiday like.  Have fun shopping at a grocery store between 1-3pm (PST) this Sunday.

Yet as great as the Super Bowl is for the serious sports fan and even for those who our casual followers of the NFL -- it is even greater for the non sports fan who will not be watching the game.

For you the non-Super Bowl watcher between 3 & 7pm (PST) that is your time to do anything you want -- I mean anything you want!

Here are few things I would do if I was not watching the game:

• Go to Disneyland and ride Space Mountain 10 times in a row then hop over to California Adventure Park and ride Soaring California 10 times.
• I would watch whatever movie that came out on Friday that is the most popular show up right before it starts and still get an incredible seat in the theater.
• Do an extensive work out and never wait for a machine.
• Go shopping at Fashion Valley and park as a close as I want.
• If it was the time to do so -- buy a car and test drive as many cars as I want.
• Go to the beach and have a spot in the front row.

What would you do?

Tithing/Tinkerbell: What Made My Day!

This made my day and this is what I love about Journey Community Church -- its people and how they authentically try to live out their relationship with God.  As a result it is not uncommon to get into some pretty candid conversations about often sensitive issues.  

Here is one example.  There is a friend of mine -- I will call him Joe.  And I have for about a year now and at different times I have been in a tongue and cheek sort of way prodding him to take the leap of faith in regards to tithing.  His family have made great strides forward in this area and yet I know and they know that God desires to do more through their lives in this area.

Last week Wednesday  we had another one of those poignant and at the same time fun conversation about tithing.  I promised to pray for him, which I have been, and he said he would be open to how God would speak.  Here is his e-mail response to what he experienced in church yesterday:

"Hey Rod....sorry this took a couple days....I got a bone to pick with you....YOU SET ME UP SUCKA!!!.. You KNEW that the message from today was coming.....DAAAAAANG....You let me pray for a clear cut sign on "taking the leap"  and you probably put those words into Ed's message just for me huh? I just sat there today in the audience saying to myself...and my wife ..."This was not the answer I was looking for"....LOL....oh my we were laughing out loud....But it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear....
 
Luke 6: 46 was it? "Why do you call me Lord, and not do as I tell you?....OUCH!
 
Anyway...all kidding aside my pay day is once a month and I will continue to pray this week (I get paid Friday).....In case you don't get the message on my tithe envelope...I really did put a sticker on it for you....I put a Tinker Bell Sticker on it...figured THAT suited you more than a star sticker....
 
Thanks for pushing a brother to exactly where I needed to be....seriously"
 
Joe

Kaya's Store: Something New for Me

On our recent trip to Hawaii I was reminded that no matter how familiar we may be with an area; or no matter how many times we may have experienced something there can always be something new to discover. 

Understand that I lived in Hawaii for 19 years and have visited too many times to count since I have moved back to the mainland. Now when I visit it is like experiencing familiar outings through the eyes of my children yet I did experience something a couple of weeks ago for the very first time.

On a couple of occasions when I mentioned my last name to people they asked if I was related to those who owned the Kaya's Store in Punalu.  I answer no and frankly I was vaguely aware of a store that has become somewhat of a landmark on that part of the island.  Well by chance while driving around the island headed toward the North Shore on the Kamehameha Highway we stopped by Kaya's Store for the first time.

Having the same last name does have its benefits.

So next time when you engage in the familiar try to keep an open mind and a fix your eyes you never know when you might experiencing something new no matter how well you think you may know something.

The Terrible Towel: "I Did it!"

To answer the question "Will I Do it?"  The answer is "I Did it!" 

I let our teaching pastor, Ed Noble, in on it and he shared if you have to do it please do it during the announcements and not at the end of the service.  I guess the logic makes sense to do it during the announcements --  it is a heck of transition to go from individuals being lead in a prayer to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord and next opening their eyes and hearing a a whole crowd booing.  I believe in Heaven the reception is a lot different. 

So here is how it played out ....
About to pull out the towel hidden in my back pocket.

Displaying the Terrible Towel and it did have a message tie in.  The message title was called "Dangerous Association" and I shared how we have many associations in our life and one of mine includes an association with a group of arts leaders from all over the country including a friend in Pittsburgh.

I Shared that I would be in the prayer area to my right after service and I will use this towel to wipe away any tears that Charger fans may have after last weeks loss.

Ed Noble asking the congregation to do a corporate forgiveness for my antics.

One of our distinctives as a church is that we are a "casual-come-as-you-are" church and I believe banter is a great example of it being lived out.

What Makes My Trip to Hawaii Complete

Any trip to Hawaii (the island of Oahu) would be incomplete without a visit to Matsumoto Shave Ice in Historical Haleiwa Town.  They are open daily from 9am-6pm and are always packed.  On our last trip to Hawaii just  a couple of weeks ago -- I made it point to get out there at least twice.  On the second attempt I wasn't sure we would make it on time but got there about 20 minutes to closing and again the lines were long with people trying to get in as the store was closing.

An interesting note about Matsumoto Shave Ice they have a competitor that is about a minute's walk away from their store called Aoki's.  From what I have heard their shaved ice is just as good.  Yet you never see any lines that compare to that of Matsumoto's.  Why? I don't know all the reasons but here is probably a main reason.
 
Matsumoto's was the first in the market.  For 60 years they have been making shave ice with a reputation for making the best shave ice that continues to grow.  There is something to be said about being an inovator or simply being the first and being consistent in making a quality product that people keep coming back to.  

 

The Terrible Towel: "Will I Do it?"

After last Sunday -- I have taken a lot of flack regarding me wearing a Pittsburgh Steeler shirt to close our services especially in view of the fact that the San Diego Chargers playing Pittsburgh later that day.  To find out why I wore the shirt click here.

Now that the Steelers have beat the Chargers and are going on the AFC championship I just received a infamous Pittsburgh Steeler "Terrible Towel in the mail yesterday.  This is perfect.  I could close out our services this weekend like I normally do and say something like this ... 

"If you have any prayer need our after service prayer team is here to pray with you and specifically if you need to shed a tear over the Charger loss last Sunday I will be available to wipe off your tears with this Terrible Towel." 

The question is: "Will I Do It?"  The stakes are definitely higher on this one.   If I do, I will have to name my accomplice -- I will not be able to go at this alone.  The person who gave me the shirt and sent me the towel is my friend Meg Tomko.   Meg serves as the Creative Arts/Programming Director at an incredible church in the Pittsburgh area Orchard Hill Church. 

So thanks Meg and the community at Orchard Hill Church keep up the great work and go Steelers!

"Never Trust a Skinny Chef"

Restaurants are a great lab to see leadership lived out.  Though I do not cook myself – I am a great admirer of chefs.  Chefs provide leadership to their staff, vision for what each guest experience should be,  passion for food, incredible business and marketing savvy to be profitable, and dedication to training to be able to consistently provide exquisite meals even if they are not in the kitchen themselves.

One of the things I miss about Hawaii is the food and the island is full of great restaurants and chefs who have become celebrities.  One in particular is Sam Choy.  Sam has been featured on the Food Network and it has become a tradition of our family to eat a late breakfast at his restaurant on the day we leave back for San Diego.

On our last trip just a week and a half ago our visit to Sam Choy’s was extra special. Why?  Because Sam was there!  This is not the first time for me to be at a restaurant when the owner and head chef were there.  And from my experience there presence does make a difference.  It seems like the service is better, the food, maybe this is my imagination, taste better and the overall experience is simply better – just knowing that the main person is there whether in the kitchen or on the floor.  Another great leadership point – the leader’s presence matters. 

Sam has a famous saying that I just love … “Never Trust a Skinny Chef.”