Game Face

End of the Season

2010-11-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Ojai Eagles J1 football season came to an early end for Josh. He suffered a concussion in practice two weeks ago and missed the last two games. It took a good 10 days, but he is back to being 100% Josh.

Though the record didn't necessarily show it, the team improved a lot from last year. I am very proud of the guys and their effort to the very end.

Hi, Luke H!

2010-11-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Crazy Hair Day At Anna's School

2010-11-08T16:09:00.001-08:00

2010-10-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Nipomo Cowboys soundly defeated the Ojai Eagles on Saturday afternoon. Nipomo is always a force, and Saturday was no exception. Josh played a solid game on defense and continues to improve each week.

Next week we make the long trip up to Vandenberg.

The Eagles are 2-2-1.

King of the Nerds

2010-10-05T13:26:00.001-07:00

I don't win a lot. The rafters of my life's arena have few championship banners. So, when I do win something, I must make a big deal about it.

So, I am proud to announce my recent championship in a 16 team Yahoo! fantasy baseball keeper league. Let the party begin!

Temperature Crash

2010-10-05T13:24:00.001-07:00

According to weather.com, Ojai was 108 last Monday and 65 yesterday.

A Ridiculous Day

2010-09-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

(This is a picture of Josh from two seasons ago. It is amazing how much he has changed).

Saturday's Eagles' game was a circus. I won't say much about it except that we won by forfeit because the other team was playing with at least one player from an upper division. Ridiculous.

We play perennial powerhouse Nipomo at home this Saturday at noon.

Reds Clinch NL Central Division!

2010-09-29T12:50:00.001-07:00

My beloved Cincinnati Reds are champions of the National League Central division! Neither years of losing nor a move to Southern California have caused me to give up on the Redlegs. I remember in high school (and after) living in Northern Michigan and straining through the static to hear the radio broadcasts from 700 WLW in Cincinnati. Now the games are crystal clear via the internet. The Reds don't match-up very well with the Phillies, so the playoff run could be short, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

The Heat Is On

2010-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Ojai set a record yesterday at 112 degrees. It's OK though because it was a dry heat :)

Eagles Soar! Beat Carpinteria 28-6

2010-09-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

We're in the win column and improve to 1-1-1. It was a great effort on both sides of the ball. We are at El Rio this coming Saturday.

Eagles Mauled By Bears

2010-09-17T18:14:00.001-07:00

The Eagles took to the road for the first road game of the season last Saturday. It was a tough match-up against the very talented Santa Barbara Bears. The day was extra challenging as we lost our starting quarterback probably for the season earlier in the week. At the end of the day, the guys played hard but came up on the short end of the scoreboard 30-0. The Bears may very well be the best team in the league. We hope for a better day this Saturday against the Carpinteria Indians.

Opening Day Of The Football Season

2010-09-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

Saturday was the first game for the Ojai Eagles. Five weeks of hard work prepared us for the clash against the Santa Barbara Chargers. We were ahead most of the game 8-0 and then had a punt blocked with only a few minutes left in the game that resulted in the score being tied 8-8 after the two point conversion. Neither team could score from the 10 yard line during two overtimes, so the game ended in a tie. I was really proud of the effort of our guys as they battled through a day of really intense heat. I think we are in for a really good year. Here are some pre-game pics:

Happy 12th Birthday Josh!

2010-08-26T14:31:00.001-07:00

Pictures from recent mission trip with Mexican Medical Missions.

2010-08-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

2010-07-21T15:12:00.001-07:00

Currently Reading: Violent Prayer by Chris Tiegreen

Prayer warriors must be legal experts. We have a court order from the halls of heaven, signed in blood, and we're sent into all the world to enforce it. If we don't see the kingdom of God spring up wherever churches minister, we need to shout into the heavens the dictates of the cross until the kingdom comes. If we feel defeated by the pervasive evil of our world, we need to sound the sirens in our prayers. We haven't been given the badge of authority so we can hide it underneath our robes of righteousness. Jesus commissioned us for a purpose, and he didn't leave us without ample resources. We've just forgotten the law along the way (116)."

2010-07-01T13:31:00.001-07:00

Currently Reading: Radical by David Platt

"We have taken the infinitely glorious Son of God, who endured the infinitely terrible wrath of God and who now reigns as the infinitely worthy Lord of all, and we have reduced him to a poor, puny Savior who is just begging for us to accept him. Accept him? Do we really think Jesus needs our acceptance? Don't we need him?

I invite you to consider with me a proper response to this gospel. Surely more than praying a prayer is involved. Surely more than religious attendance is warranted. Surely this gospel evokes unconditional surrender of all that we are and all that we have to all that he is (37)."

2010-06-30T13:04:00.001-07:00

Currently Reading: Radical by David Platt

"No sound system.

No band.

No guitar.

No entertainment.

No cushioned chairs.

No heated or air-conditioned building.

Nothing by the people of God and the Word of God.

And strangely, that's enough.

God's Word is enough for millions of believers who gather in house churches just like this one. His Word is enough for millions of other believers who huddle in African jungles, South American rain forests, and Middle Eastern cities.

But is his Word enough for us? (26)"

Happy Anniversary!

2010-06-18T14:36:00.001-07:00

Sixteen years ago today I married Christina Elizabeth Walker. I am one smart dude.

2010-06-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Currently Reading: Radical by David Platt

"This is the picture of Jesus in the gospel. He is something--someone--worth losing everything for. And if we walk away from the Jesus of the gospel, we walk away from eternal riches. The cost of nondiscipleship is profoundly greater for us than the cost of discipleship. For when we abandon the trinkets of this world and respond to the radical invitation of Jesus, we discover the infinite treasure of knowing and experiencing him (18)."

Dodger Game Tonight

2010-06-11T08:46:00.001-07:00

Dodgers vs. Angels. Should be a great time with some friends.

Currently Reading: Radical by David Platt

2010-06-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

"...I could not help but think that somewhere along the way we had missed what is radical about our faith and replaced it with what is comfortable. We were settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves (7)."

"And this is where we need to pause. Because we are starting to redefine Christianity. We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with (13)."

"But do you and I realize what we are doing at this point? We are molding Jesus into our image. He is beginning to look a lot like us because, after all, that is whom we are most comfortable with. And the danger now is that when we gather in our church buildings to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshiping the Jesus of the Bible. Instead we may be worshiping ourselves (13)."

Special Gift

2010-06-07T21:10:00.001-07:00

What if you could meet the actor from the very best scene of your very favorite movie? That was the gift Josh gave to me yesterday for my 39th birthday. If I was stranded on an island with only one movie to watch over and over (and lots of batteries) it would be "Field of Dreams." My favorite scene is when Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Kostner) plays catch with his Dad, John Kinsella (played by Dwier Brown). Dwier Brown's son is in Josh's class at school and Josh arranged a meeting for my birthday. It was way cool. Thanks Josh!

End Of School Year

2010-06-07T21:03:00.001-07:00

Fifth grade comes to a close for Josh. Here is a picture of him with his teachers Mrs. McMichael and Mrs. Mahler.

2010-05-19T15:09:00.001-07:00

Currently Reading: The Christian Atheist (Believing In God But Living As If He Doesn't Exist)

By Craig Groeschel

"In the first church described in Acts 2, "church" wasn't something people added to their lives. Church was the center of their lives. Church was not a physical building; it was the community of people who shared a belief and faith in Christ. Their extreme commitment to Christianity contrasts sharply with our attitude today: "The devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). They didn't go to church; they were the church, devoted to God's Word, God's people, and God's mission (222)."

Keep It Simple

2010-05-12T08:36:00.001-07:00

More and more I find that the most effective ministry is the simplest. Here is an example of an effort to keep ministry simple:

Brown Bag

Brown Bag is a an opportunity to fellowship after the Sunday morning service each week. Here's what you do:

1. Pack a lunch for you and your family, plus a little bit extra.

2. Bring lawn chairs.

3. After the Sunday morning service, sit under a shade tree and eat your lunch with other "brown baggers." (The little bit extra you brought might be used to share with someone who didn't bring any, kind of like the loaves and fishes in the Bible.)

This time is perfect for dialogue about the message that day and for getting to know people on a deeper level. It is also a great time for kids to run around the property and play on the playground. So, come and enjoy the shade and a great time of fellowship.

2010-05-11T08:40:00.001-07:00

Currently Reading: Breakthrough Prayer by Jim Cymbala

"Remember too, that the teaching and miracles of Jesus himself failed to convert most of Jerusalem. Our task is not to widen the narrow road as if God needs help to build his church. Instead, we need to be faithful in delivering the message. God will take care of the results...Any ministry that is faithful to God will reap a harvest, but it will also confront the mocking rejection of multitudes. Unfortunately, the wide road still has lots of folks on it (131)."

Volleyball

2010-05-09T20:54:00.001-07:00

Currently Reading: The Reason For God, Belief In An Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller

2010-03-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

"People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic (xvi-xvii)."

Retreat at Genesee Home

2010-03-31T13:20:00.001-07:00

March 14th - 19th Christy and I drove 10 hours into northern California to a pastoral retreat called Genesee Home. It is a working cattle ranch with a restored 1881 farm house set aside for pastors and wives to rest. It was a fantastic week with great food and scenery. Genesee home has no TV, internet, or cell service, but it does have lots of books. We did a lot of reading.

Victory!

2010-03-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

Josh's Marlins opened the season with an exciting 7-6 extra inning win on Saturday. Here are some pics:

2010-03-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

Currently Reading

2010-03-05T09:31:00.001-08:00

"The answer to our spiritual crisis will not be found in the ballot box but in the prayer closet. The answer to our personal and corporate dilemmas will not come through high tech, hyperbole, and hype. It will come through a fresh touch from the Lord who wants to speak to us, move us, and manifest His mighty presence. Moving the furniture in our churches, denominations, or our own lives will not be enough. the answer to our spiritual crisis will come when we put off our mind-sets of self-worship, territorialism, and the spirit of arrogance and pride, and put on the sackloth of prayer and fasting and humiliation and repentance before God (25)."

2010-03-05T09:13:00.001-08:00

Currently Reading

2010-03-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

"The core message of the New Testament is that the power of God changes lives, transforms points of view, moves nations, and makes people new creatures. Power is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, but still, for many of us, we have only begun to understand teh full ramifications of this power in our daily lives (3)."

"This I do know: every time God has called me to fast for whatever periods of time, he moves in my life profoundly. I believe He will do the same for you (8)."

More Birthday

2010-02-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

Currently Reading

2010-02-23T08:43:00.001-08:00

"God can do more in a moment than I could ever do in a lifetime (xiii)."

"Our God reigns and we must live like He does (xvii)."

More Birthday

2010-02-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Birthday Continued

2010-02-21T07:39:00.001-08:00

Birthday Continued

2010-02-20T12:27:00.001-08:00

Birthday Continued

2010-02-19T08:34:00.001-08:00

We got a crazy good deal on a hotel room for one night through hotels.com. It was the Hilton connected to the Anaheim convention center. They upgraded us for free to a room overlooking Disney. It was especially cool at night when we watched the fireworks from the room. Breakfast at a nice restaurant was included too. We like deals!

Birthday Continued

2010-02-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

After dinner at Captain Kidd's we went to one of my favorite places--Krispy Kreme.

Birthday Highlights

2010-02-17T09:33:00.001-08:00

Here is Anna at her favorite restaurant.

I think I will post a birthday picture a day to spread them out.

Happy Birthday Anna!

2010-02-15T07:51:00.001-08:00

My girl turns 10 tomorrow. We are going to spend the night in Anaheim tonight and do Disneyland tomorrow. Anna's favorite restaurant is a tourist trap across from the park called Captain Kids. It is a buffet full of fried foods and carbs. I appreciate Anna more each day. She is definitely a special gift from God.

Run With the One You Love

2010-02-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

Christy and I ran the Heart Association 5K yesterday which uses the church as its staging area. It was an absolutely perfect morning and we had a great run together. Christy actually finished second in her division. Way to go! The 87 year-old runner in our church finished the 10K yet again. Very impressive.

Baseball Draft Wednesday

2010-02-08T08:57:00.001-08:00

Josh's baseball draft is Wednesday. I'm not coaching this year, but it is always exciting to see what team he ends up on. He moves up to the Bronco division, so it will be an extra challenge. Spring is coming!

2010-02-06T09:13:00.001-08:00

Here's a picture of the group of pastors I meet with once a month in Santa Paula. We read a book each month, discuss it, share, and encourage each other. I appreciate them very much.

1-1

2010-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Lost our church league basketball game last night by four points. Our best player, who is the best player by plenty, wasn't there. Without him we have trouble scoring. Still a good time and walked off the floor healthy.

Lots of rain expected today. We'll take it while we can get it. Summers are hot and dry.

QBQ

2010-02-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

I head to Santa Paula today for my monthly meeting with a group of pastors. We will be discussing a leadership book we read called QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: What to Really Ask Yourself to Eliminate Blame, Complaining, and Procrastination. The emphasis of the book is on practicing personal accountability at work and in life. I really think this is an important concept, as we can be so quick to blame others. Even Adam and Eve placed blame when confronted with their sin. It is a very short book and quick read. I always like that.

2010-02-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

Opened a new season of church league basketball last week with a victory. It is a great group of guys to play with. Game #2 is tonight. I appreciate the ability to connect with them there. I am really out of shape and fighting to keep the weight at or below 200. My hero is a guy in our church who just had a birthday and wrote a book called Feeling Great at 88. He has 50 years on me and still plays tennis and golf every week. How will I feel at 88?

Currently Listening

2009-12-31T11:13:00.001-08:00

Artist: Leeland

Album: Love Is On The Move

This has become one of my favorite worship albums. I highly recommend it.

Currently Reading

2009-12-29T13:56:00.001-08:00

From the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards:

Resolution #5: "Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can."

Resolution #6: "Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live."

Resolution #17: "Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die."

Resolution #22: "Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring on myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of."

Christmas Highlights

2009-12-29T13:50:00.001-08:00

Rite of Passage

2009-12-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Josh reached another young man milestone yesterday by mowing the lawn.

Anna did not.

Pretty Is Painful

2009-12-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

Last Friday our church had a young ladies' high tea in which they got all dressed up and talked about young lady stuff. Here are some pics of Anna getting ready.

Snow!

2009-12-08T10:00:00.001-08:00

Currently Reading

2009-12-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

"One of the greatest spiritual benefits of fasting is becoming more attentive to God--becoming more aware of our own inadequacies and His adequacy, our own contingencies and His self-sufficiency--and listening to what He wants us to be and do (18)."

Currently Reading: Fasting For Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer Towns

2009-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

"If you are serious enough about the personal and social tasks before you as a Christian to take up the discipline of fasting, you can expect resistance, interference and opposition. Plan for it, insofar as you are able. Do not be caught unawares. Remember that you are attempting to advance in your spiritual journey and to gain ground for the Kingdom. That necessitates taking ground away from the enemy--and no great movement of the Holy Spirit goes unchallenged by the enemy (14)."

Thanksgiving Blog Break

2009-11-21T13:05:00.001-08:00

The blog will be back after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Currently Reading

2009-11-14T12:04:00.001-08:00

"Catch your breath as you read this: We will follow Christ to subdue the nations of the earth in the final battle of history! We will stand with Him on the Mount of Olives and march with Him to victory. Those who have never had the good fortune to visit the land of Israel in this life will get the grand tour in the next. Christ Himself shall lead His people into victory (183)."

Oaks Christian 56. Nordhoff 6.

2009-11-14T07:32:00.001-08:00

Tough night for the Rangers. Few observations.

(1) Not only is Oaks Christian talented on the field, but their coaching staff included Casey Clausen (played QB at Tennessee) and former NFL stud Clay Matthews.

(2) Starting RB Malcolm Jones (headed to UCLA) was as good as advertised. He was big, strong, and lightning fast.

(3) Nick Montana (headed to Washington next year) played QB the first half. Trevor Gretzky played the second half. Both have extremely strong arms and move well.

(4) I overheard Trey Smith talking with one of his coaches following a fumble. He sounds just like his Dad. Also funny.

(5) Highlight for me was standing next to Joe Montana for a while. No interaction. Just standing. Still pretty cool for a big kid like me.

Big Night Tonight

2009-11-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

Nordhoff plays Oaks Christian for the league championship at home tonight. The Oaks Christian roster includes Nick Montana (father Joe), Trevor Gretzky (father Wayne), and Trey Smith (father Will). I will be on the Oaks Christian sidelines doing the chain gang. Go Rangers!

Give Her a 10

2009-11-12T14:23:00.001-08:00

Anna has been improving rapidly in gymnastics. She has quite a passion for it. Here are some pictures of her in action:

Currently Reading

2009-11-12T13:46:00.001-08:00

"A godly man will not go as far as he may, lest he go further than he should." -- Thomas Watson

Currently Reading

2009-11-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

"Yes, lightning and thunder occur at the same time, but we see the lightning first and hear the roar of the thunder later. At the Cross, we saw the lightning; but there is a lapse of time before we hear the thunder. Satan continues to fight, no doubt communicating optimistic reports to his minions. But even now, as you read these pages, the war is over (167)."

And So It Ends...

2009-11-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

The 2009 season for the Ojai Eagles came to an end Saturday after a playoff loss to the Nipomo Cowboys. Josh missed the game because he was out with the flu all week. Here are some end of season reflections:

1. I know that a lot of people debate whether kids should play tackle football, but I am firmly on the side of letting them play. Here's why: (1) Learning proper technique at a young age protects them if they play when they are older; (2) I have seen Josh grow up right before my eyes as he has embraced the structure and discipline of football; (3) Kids today need a safe environment where they can be pushed to their limits and learn just how far they can go. Where else in our culture of comfort does this happen?

2. Josh is a hard worker. My greatest joy through the season came just watching him run sprints and do drills in practice. There are some other kids with more talent, but Josh gives all he's got. I'll take that any day.

So, the journey that started with conditioning in July is now over in November. Good job, Josh. I'm proud of you.

Currenlty Reading

2009-11-02T10:49:00.001-08:00

"Unless we are under the authority of God, we cannot exercise His authority. Recall that the sons of Sceva tried to use the name of Jesus, and a demon tore off their clothes and they fled naked (Acts 19:14-16). The Word of God has power for us only when we are submissive to it (148)."

Eagles Win!

2009-10-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

It must have been the fact that Grandma and Grandpa Z. were in the stands. The Eagles beat Carpinteria 12-6 in double overtime. The win insures a spot in the playoffs. Josh recovered a fumble, caught a pass, and had a big sack in overtime. Next up: The Santa Barbara Bears.

The Good News

2009-10-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Josh played one of his best games, especially on defense. The team outcome was the same.

We play at Carpinteria Saturday. I believe they also have 1 win. Something's gotta give.

After The Rain

2009-10-15T08:34:00.001-07:00

First rain since June 6th. About 5 inches worth the past couple of days. It is hard to describe how blue the sky is and how clean the air is this morning. Here are some pictures, including the aftermath of Josh's football practice last night.

Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before...

2009-10-13T16:06:00.001-07:00

Eagles lose Saturday to the Santa Barbara Dons. Josh sat this one out due to a gimpy ankle. He is good to go this week. We make the hour and a half trip to Santa Ynez this Saturday. Great facilities (field turf!) funded by the local Chumash Indian casino. Practice canceled today due to the rain. In California whenever there is precipitation it is called a storm.

Let it Rain!

2009-10-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the first rain since June 6th. Awesome.

Deja Vu All Over Again

2009-10-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Made the long trip to Nipomo Saturday. Fortunately it is one of the most beautiful trips I can imagine (ocean and mountains). The game started almost exactly as it did a few weeks ago: We were down 16-0 before we even ran a play from scrimmage. The final score was 42-6. Josh is keeping a great attitude in the midst of some tough times. Great life lessons. Home this Saturday against the Santa Barbara Dons.

Currently Reading: Forgotten God by Francis Chan

2009-09-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

I don't want my life to be explainable without the Holy Spirit. I want people to look at my life and know that I couldn't be doing this by my own power. I want to live in such a way that I am desperate for Him to come through (142).

And while I might be able to get people in the doors of a church or auditorium if I tell enough jokes or use enough visuals, the fact remains that I cannot convince people to be obsessed with Jesus. Perhaps I can talk people into praying a prayer, but I cannot talk anyone into falling in love with Christ. I cannot make someone understand and accept the gift of grace. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. So by every measure that actually counts, I need the Holy Spirit. Desperately (143).

Ugh!

2009-09-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

A really tough day Saturday. We lost to the Santa Barbara Raiders 12-6 at home. It was a team that we probably could have beaten. Our starting QB, who represents the vast majority of our offense, got knocked out of the game and we couldn't do anything after that. What made it worse is that the Raiders kept fumbling the center-QB exchange and giving the ball back to us. It was as if they were taunting our inability to move the football. Learning a lot of humility right now.

We make the long trip north to Nipomo again Saturday to play a very good team.

Currently Reading: Forgotten God by Francis Chan

2009-09-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the "Helper" or "Comforter." Let me ask you a simple question: Why would we need to experience the Comforter if our lives are already comfortable? It is those who put their lives at risk and suffer for the gospel (Phil. 1:29) who will most often experience His being "with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20 NASB). Though this verse is true for all believers (of course God is always with us), if we are never alone or feeling like we need Him, how much do we care or need to know that God is with us (107).

Victory!

2009-09-21T09:04:00.001-07:00

We got our first win (1-2) on Saturday by beating the El Rio Raiders 14-0. It was a solid game on both sides of the ball. The offense was effective and had some big plays. Josh played linebacker, slot receiver, and split end. We go back to work this week to prep for a home game against the Santa Barbara Raiders. Temperatures are supposed to be triple digits the next few days. We'll drink lots of water.

Chain Gang Tonight!

2009-09-18T15:19:00.001-07:00

First home game tonight: Rangers vs. Santa Ynez Pirates. Here's hoping for a measurement in front of a packed house. It will probably be difficult for most of you to understand, but there are few things that I enjoy more on this earth than working the chains at a Friday night home game. Good times.

Training

2009-09-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Mike is a personal trainer who is attending First Baptist. He has worked me out the past two days and turned by body to jello. I go to the gym regularly, but this is an entirely different experience--expertise, challenge, and accountability. I get way more out of my time at the gym with Mike. It also hurts a lot more. I can't help but think of the spiritual application here. How many of us go through the motions of our spirituality like I go through the motions at the gym? How many of us would benefit from a personal spiritual trainer who would bring expertise, challenge, and accountability? What would this practically look like?

Overmatched

2009-09-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

We made the two and a half hour trip north to play the Nipomo Cowboys this past Saturday. Nipomo is hard core about its youth football, as evidenced by the Mom who had the logo of her son's team tattooed on her arm. It was a tough day. Before we ran a play from scrimmage, we trailed 16-0 with two of our top three offensive players on the bench with injury or sickness. On the plus side, we did put the ball in the end zone twice in the second half. On the negative side, it wasn't nearly enough.

This Saturday we finally get to have a home game and play a team viewed to be beatable, the El Rio Raiders. We need a win really bad.

A.W. Tozer Quote

2009-09-10T08:12:00.001-07:00

"We may as well face it: the whole level of spirituality among us is low. We have measured ourselves by ourselves until the incentive to seek higher plateaus in the things of the Spirit is all but gone...[We] have imitated the world, sought popular favor, manufactured delights to substitute for the joy of the Lord and produced a cheap and synthetic power to substitute for the power of the Holy Ghost."

Currently Reading

2009-09-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Forgotten God by Francis Chan

"However, I also believe that the Spirit is more obviously active in places where people are desperate for Him, humbled before Him, and not distracted by their pursuit of wealth or comforts (like we are) (17)."

Now Reading

2009-09-09T08:23:00.001-07:00

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan

"The benchmark of success in church services has become more about attendance than the movement of the Holy Spirit. The "entertainment" model of church was largely adopted in the 1980s and '90s, and while it alleviated some of our boredom for a couple of hours a week, it filled our churches with self-focused consumers rather than self-sacrificing servants attuned to the Holy Spirit (15-16)."

Dodger Pics From Sunday

2009-09-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Anna's First Day of School

2009-09-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Why does she look so happy? Because the long summer with her Dad is over.

Eagles Fall In Season Opener

2009-09-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

Tough day for the Eagles. We made the hour trip north to play the Santa Barbara Chargers and lost 20-0.

Coach Chad does a pregame prayer. Should have prayed more I guess.

Team captains get ready for the coin toss. Josh is #15.

Back to the drawing board this week. Lots of games to be played.

She Looks Spec-tacular

2009-09-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

The princess of fashion has added a new weapon to her arsenal: eye glasses. She had been complaining of headaches while reading and a trip to the doctor showed she needed a little assistance. She can now better see how handsome her Dad is.

A New Adventure Begins

2009-09-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

Big day for Josh. First day of school. What makes it unique is that it is his first day of public school. We have always taken the education of our kids on a year-to-year basis. Thus far they have experienced Christian schools and home school. We wanted as parents to build a solid foundation so that we could feel confident in one day releasing them to be salt and light. Josh and Anna were both signed-up for the Christian school this year. But yesterday we found out that Josh's good friend and the only other boy in the class would not be attending, leaving Josh alone in a class full of girls. In a few years he may appreciate that scenario, but not now. So, this morning he is off to San Antonio elementary school where a lot of his football buddies attend. I am excited for him. He is a great kid and I really am confident in his ability to represent Christ. That's a great feeling.

Currently Reading: Tortured For Christ (continued)

2009-09-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Underground Church knows how to use atheistic literature, too, feeding upon it just as Elijah was fed by ravens. The atheists put much skill and zeal into ridiculing and criticizing Bible verses. They published books called The Comical Bible and The Bible for Believers and Unbelievers. They tried to show how stupid Scripture is and, to do so, quoted many Bible verses. How we rejoiced over it! The book was printed in millions of copies and was full of Bible verses, which were unspeakably beautiful even when the Communists ridiculed them. The criticism itself was so stupid that no one took it seriously. In the past, "heretics" burned by the Inquisition were taken to the stake in a procession, dressed in all kinds of ridiculous clothes with hell-flames and devils painted on them. And what saints were these heretics! In a similar way, Bible verses remain true, even if the Devil quotes them. The Communist publishing house was very glad to receive thousands of letters asking for reprints of atheist books that quoted Bible verses to mock them. They did not know that these letters came from the Underground Church, which had no other opportunity of receiving the Scriptures (100)."

It works! (I think)

2009-08-31T06:20:00.001-07:00

The Ojai Eagles had their first scrimmage against other opponents Saturday. I missed it due to a funeral. I was more than a little nervous because it would be the first indication of whether or not the spread offense we have implemented would actually work. Some of the more experienced coaches in other divisions who run more of a traditional "power I" have expressed their doubts. Well guess what? The reports from our other coaches and parents are that it worked beautifully. There were three teams in the scrimmage and we moved the ball better than the other two including some big plays. Whew!

One funny thing I wish I could have seen on Saturday: Josh was playing split end and was lined up against some really big, nasty kid who liked to play dirty. The scrimmage only had one referee who mostly paid attention to the line and didn't see a lot of the extracurricular stuff. He would pick up my 72 pound son by the shoulder pads and body slam him to the ground when the ref wasn't looking. Well, one of our coaches had seen enough and told Josh to switch positions with Hunter (one of our biggest and nastiest kids). Hunter had one job on the next play: to send a message. Things got a lot better for Josh after that. He caught two passes and also made a couple tackes from the corner back position.

We do it for real this Saturday on the road against the Santa Barbara Chargers.

Happy Birthday Josh!

2009-08-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Josh's 11th birthday. We celebrated by taking 5 of his buddies to the beach to try out a new surf board. I would love to show you some pictures, but we found that pocket digital cameras must be taken out of pockets before going through the wash. Bummer. (I have also found that usb storage devices may go through the wash without consequence). Anyway, we all had a great time, got sun burn, and celebrated the life of a great kid.

Currently Reading: Tortured For Christ (continued)

2009-08-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

But looking at men like this (those who abused him in prison)--not as they are, but as they will be--I could also see in our persecutors a Saul of Tarsus--a future apostle Paul. And some have already become so. Many officers of the secret police to whom we witnessed became Christians and were happy to later suffer in prison for having found our Christ. Although we were whipped, as Paul was, in our jailers we saw the potential of the jailer in Philippi who became a convert. We dreamed that soon they would ask, "What must I do to be saved?" In those who mocked the Christians who were tied to crosses and smeared with excrement, we saw the crowd of Golgotha who were soon to beat their breasts in fear of having sinned.

It was in prison that we found the hope of salvation for the Communists. It was there that we developed a sense of responsibility toward them. It was in being tortured by them that we learned to love them.

A great part of my family was murdered. It was in my own house that their murderer was converted. It was also the most suitable place (58).

Currently Reading: Tortured For Christ

2009-08-25T07:47:00.001-07:00

It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners, as it is in captive nations today. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their terms. It was a deal: we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching; they were happy beating us--so everyone was happy.

The following scene happened more times than I can remember. A brother was preaching to the other prisoners when the guards suddenly burst in, surprising him halfway through a phrase. They hauled him down the corridor to their "beating room." After what seemed an endless beating, they brought him back and threw him--bloody and bruised--on the prison floor. Slowly, he picked up his battered body, painfully straightened his clothing and said, "Now, brethren, where did I leave off when I was interrupted?" He continued his gospel message! (41)

One great lesson arose from all the beatings, tortures, and butchery of the Communists: that the spirit is master of the body. We felt the torture, but it often seemed as something distant and far removed from the spirit which was lost in the glory of Christ and His presence with us.

When we were given one slice of bread a week and dirty soup every day, we decided we would faithfully "tithe" even then. Every tenth week we took the slice of bread and gave it to weaker brethren as our "tithe" to the Master (42-43).

First Day of Full Pads

2009-08-17T19:49:00.001-07:00

After one week of shorts and T-shirts and another week of helmets and shoulder pads, it was time to suit up today with full pads.

Nothing like the sound of pads cracking.

2009-08-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

"Because how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -- Annie Dillard

"sons of God" in Genesis 6

2009-08-13T08:51:00.001-07:00

Erwin Lutzer gives a new (to me) perspective on this interesting issue. I posted an excerpt from his book at our ministry blog www.firstbaptistojai.typepad.com.

Football Update

2009-08-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

The kid with the inside track to be our starting quarterback is out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury that he sustained prior to training camp (water skiing I think). On to plan B.

Wooden On Criticism

2009-08-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

"Good leadership requires all the resources of the head and heart you can muster. Too much from the head and you forget that all leadership is about people; too much from the heart and you can't make those tough decisions that may hurt some of those people (90)."

Do you tend to err on the side of the heart or the head?

Tressel on Success

2009-08-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Success is an everyday proposition. It isn't defined by a championship game or the day you get your diploma, get drafted by an NFL team, make the big sale, land the account of a lifetime, or get your law degree. Don't get me wrong, those are great days, and we should celebrate those accomplishments. But the key to a successful life is the journey and the process. It's the emphasis on the journey to success that we work on each day, step by step (8-9).

Offensively Uncoordinated

2009-08-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of a new adventure as I agreed to be the offensive coordinator for Josh's football team. As the name implies, the offensive coordinator is responsible for implementing and teaching the offense. It can really get pretty complicated when you are trying to get eleven 5th and 6th graders to execute a football play. What is even more interesting is that we are trying to run a spread offense with lots of motion and short passes. The reason for the spread is (1) To make the defense defend the whole field and not just the box; (2) To be more unpredictable than your average youth football team; (3) To have a lot of fun. I've been doing a lot of studying to master the spread myself so that I can teach it in the next few weeks. As far as practice goes, no pads this week, helmet and shoulder pads next week, and then let the real fun begins! I love football.

2009-07-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

"In order to plant the Gospel, we must take risks (31)."