Why I love Clearwire.

So the power is out here again (stop putting powerlines next to trees on hills) and I figured out how to stay connected!

(Clearwire + wifi + ac to dc converter) - electricity = me connected!

The end looks different up close.

For those friends and family who haven't heard yet, Sandy and I, after nearly TEN years of youth ministry here at Cedar Park, are taking a senior pastor role beginning in May. Now don't worry, because it isn't far away (sorry to disappoint a few of you)--we are going to be lead pastors at Cedar Park NorthShore, over in Kenmore (only 4.5 miles away, which greatly increases my commute)!

Over the past few months as we have been a part of this process of transition, we have spent most of our time thinking about what we are going to rather that what we are leaving from. However, this being my last official week as youth pastor at Cedar Park Bothell, I am experiencing a few different emotions. While I am more than excited about our future at NorthShore, and so glad that Brad and Leah Fox will be following us as youth pastors here, it is difficult to leave. As we say our goodbyes, and pack up the office, and give everyone hugs, things look a little different. Not bad different, just different different.

It really reminds me of the difference between making plans, and making progress. The latter does not always tranlate into the former. God has called us to be people of action, not just plans!

Think Safety!

I can't decide if the writing on the back of the hard hat is for the benefit of the guy walking behind the guy with the helmet on, or some strange attempt at subliminal impression for the wearer. Nonetheless I felt safer knowing it was there as we toured Eastridge's new campus after staff meeting today.

Timely advice to Timothy

Just read this earlier, and it made me think of a few things:

• How timeless the Word of God is
• How easily we forget the advice of the Word of God
  

2 Timothy 6
¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Speaking Freely

"Today we went to the hospice center to visit pastor Thor. Since Saturday he's kinda taken a couple of turns downward in his health and we went to visit him and pray for him. During the time of our meeting we ended up singing one of his favorite hymns, all hail the power of Jesus name. It was pretty moving to see him even though his eyes are closed and he doesn't seem to be interacting, when we began to sing the song his mouth start to move to form the words. Any day now he could be with the Lord, and we want to pray that God is with his family and friends here. It reminds me that in the end, the things that are most important are not the things you can buy. Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy and thieves cannot break in and steal."

spoken through SpinVox

We Might Have a Problem

A picture is worth....well, see if you can spot what's wrong with this picture. This is in the bathroom at Lincoln Rock State Park where we are camping this week. Other than the mistaken signage, this place is awesome. Camping here is becoming our family tradition. We have been busy swimming, riding bikes, roasting marshmallows, and tonight we are planning on counting shooting stars.

What the Future Holds

Apparently this is what I will look like in 50 years....that's right, when I turn 80 I can expect to look in the mirror and see this.

This was actually from a computer at Disneyland that takes your photo, then manipulates it to guess what you will look like in 50 years.  Scary!

I honestly found a patch of white hairs on the side of my head the other day!  Look out world.