Christmas

Merry Christmas,

What a great time of year for most and a touph time of year for countless others. I think of how many will have great time during the next two days and then my mind wonders to those who will not. God, will you comfort those that feel lonely and helpless, the homeless the heartbroken will you walk with those have lost someone this year and feel the hurt of seperation deep in there soul. God, help us define Christmas as a time for helping those who hurt and teach us to love when it seems impossible. Somehow, Lord, please do the impossible and provide your true unconditional Love for all those in need. Help each of us as Christians to feel Your love and pass it on to all.

Pd

DAVID CROWDER SHOW!!!!!

Yep, Right Here. Capital Christian Center.

February 8th, You can get your tickets at ccconline.cc

David Crowder Band - Everything Glorious

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Alrighty Then.

My christmas wishes are pretty simple. I'd love to here from students that have come out of our ministry. I love hearing how everyone is doing and what's going on now. I want spend a solid week just playing with my boys. Nothing else. I know these are some weird wishes but there mine. As I grow older I realize that my wishes are totally changing from things to relationships and friends. I think this is part of God's plan to grow all of us into people that are based on friendships and relationship rather than material items.

Where do you find your identity. Many of us find them in many ways. God's desire is that we find our identity in him. He gives us confidence strength and a full like. These things are promised.

Thanks God.

pd

Puppy Time!

Well, I have an announcement! We have a new DOG!! This little guy is a miniture pinscher. His name is Nash. He's a little fireball and we're stoked to have him. He's 8 weeks old today and has great personality. I'm not totally sure if Dog's go to heaven but I hope so. Aren't animals cool. They don't complain, talk back, yell, gossip, they just love us back. I am a firm believer that having a pet is very healthy. This is what he looked like when we picked him up two weeks ago. Ali and Andy Gregory's parents had some puppies and gave us one for Thanksgiving.

Ton o fun!

See ya

New Stuff

Well, after two weeks of meeting in our new room we are excited about the possibilities with the new tool God has given us. I've been thinking about something specific, I really think that as we use the things God gives us to there fullest potential God will give us new tools to work with in order to grow in our purpose of touching more and more students in Sacramento. So this kind of thought makes us look internally, am I using the tools God has given me personally to fullest? I hope so. I truly want the light of God to shine through me.

Thanks God for this new tool, help us to be wise and use it in a great way, your way.

The Conflict - Wednesday night notes.

Here we go. Man this is huge to me. I know that all of us empowered by God can overcome our selfish desires but I also know that we can't do it with out Him. God help us. . . . . . . . . .

The Conflict

Video: Two Face from Batman.

Intro: Do you ever feel that way. I’ve got a great side that wants to do what’s right and a bad side that is pushing me almost feeling like another person to do what’s wrong? Our goal is to know God in a way that directs our life into change and transformation. When we understand that we have a battle going on within us, it helps us identify what we need to do different.

Drama: Both sides at war.

Believe it or not the bible actually talks about this conflict in Galations 5:16-24

Galatians 5:16-24 (MsgB)
My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. [17] For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. [18] Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?

[19] It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; [20] trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; [21] the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.
This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.
[22] But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, [23] not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. [24] Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.



BackGround:

Paul was writing this letter to the church in Galatia. This was a great church with great potential but they struggled with things much like we do. Paul was writing this directive because there was people that took advantage of the freedom we have as Christians. Some of the Christians said Jesus will forgive us and we can basically do whatever it is that we want.

Paul knew this wasn’t right and wrote this letter in response describing to the church the battle we all fight so they understand it then about loving God and understanding that willingly following His ways take us far but mindlessly following rules do nothing for us. It’s easier but we don’t learn from it.


Two Ways:

I. Our own ways. What we naturally desire.



a. The flesh fights for dominance (v.16)
b. The flesh is contrary to the Spirit (v.17a)
c. The flesh keeps a person from doing what he would (v.17b)
d. The flesh fails to keep the law (v.18)

Results: vs. 19-21
· Repetitive, loveless, cheap sex;
· a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage;
· frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness;
· [20] trinket gods;
· magic-show religion;
· paranoid loneliness;
· cutthroat competition;
· all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants;
· a brutal temper;
· an impotence to love or be loved;
· divided homes and divided lives;
· small-minded and lopsided pursuits;
· [21] the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival;
· uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions;
· ugly parodies of community.



II. God’s Way - His spirit directing our lives.

1 The believer is to walk bearing God’s nature (v.22-23)
a. Source: The Holy Spirit (v.22)
b.Purpose: To stand strongly against fleshly works (v.23)

Results: vs. 22-23
· affection for others,
· exuberance about life,
· serenity.
· We develop a willingness to stick with things,
· a sense of compassion in the heart,
· a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.
· We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
· [23] not needing to force our way in life,
· able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.


The fruit tells you what’s coming out of the inside.

Trees that are well taken care of give out a huge crop.

Eventually it will come out in everyway.



Galatians 5:13-14 (MsgB)
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. [14] For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom.

I'm sitting in a meeting right now listening to a presentation about tax exempt bonds. Would you ever believe that a youth pastor would need to set and listen to something like this? Wow, yep that's me. Believe it or not as a youth pastor your involved in almost every aspect of life. You get to hear everything! I hope some of you that read this will have a call on your life to be a youth pastor. Even though there are some crazy things your involved in most of the time what I do is the single most satisfying occupation on earth. Loving God, my family and the students of Sacramento!
Awesome.

Pd

To the hills

Random Picture - Bagpipe Chick at Spanish Bay

I'm heading to Tahoe today to get the Urban Challenge set up. Oct. 5,6 and 7. We like the name so we decided to keep even though it's in Tahoe. We figured all of us from Sacramento would bring the urban to the hills.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Pd

Alrighty, here's the deal. I'm going to start some random thought provoking discussion on different books of the bible. We are starting with the book of James. Here's the first eleven verses of chapter 1:

• James 1:1-11 (MsgB) I, James, am a slave of God and the Master Jesus, writing to the twelve tribes scattered to Kingdom Come: Hello! [2] Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. [3] You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. [4] So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. [5] If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. [6] Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. [7] Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, [8] adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. [9] When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! [10] And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don't ever count on it. [11] You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that's a picture of the "prosperous life." At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.

Questions:

1. Who is the writer trying to get his point across to?
2. Let's focus and the 5th and 6th verses, how does this apply to you?
3. How are you going to live different because of the direction given in this passage?

Sorry for the Delay!!!!

Ok, I've been gone for a while. I'm back and excited to be communicating again via the digital domain! I'm letting everyone know that next week we will have a daily blog with pics and story for parents! Parents can stay in touch and write a note to your little Johnny or Sally!

We are currently sitting at over 200 students for camp and tons of students signing up daily! Wow, God's awesome! Please pray for God's move and specifically for God to speak to every student and leader while at COLLIDE!

I Can't wait.

Here's a look at the schedule for services for next week.

Monday night is a night of worship, traditionally this night prepares the hearts of kids for the rest of the week.

Tuesday, I bring an illustrated sermon. This year I'm talking about learning to identify God's voice! I'm using the story of Samuel and Eli and how God spoke to a young man named Samuel who had a difficult time identifying God's voice. In our world we find that students still have the same issues.

Wednesday, A full length drama with a hard hitting message of faith and hope!
Thursday, Again, a night of full length drama written by Missy Vaughn!

Friday, we give students an opportunity to be baptised in water. This traditionally has been a passionate and moving time.

I'll talk to you more soon, Please write if you have any questions.

PDoug

Seattle, WA

I'm writing you from Seattle. I'm with Masters Commission Sacramento. We are doing services on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We are excited to tell people about what we're doing and invite students be apart of the 06-07 year! Imagine giving one year of your life, to nothing other than knowing God and following his voice, infact learning to recognize his voice. Pass the word, MC Sacramento is a great opportunity to grow in the knowledge and relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray for us that God will do his work in and through us as we minister to the students of Seattle.

pd

Grandma Seeber

Have you ever had someone in your life that had a profound impact but you didn't realize it until they were gone? This happened to me this week. My Grandma, Roberta Seeber, 94 died on Tuesday at 2:43 pm. We were all there with her in the hospital room when she left to be with Jesus. The last comment she made to my mother was simply this, "I'm flying away, I'm flying away". Then we didn't hear from her again. I know that today and everyday since she left us she was honoring the God she couldn't wait to see with her eyes.

When my friends and I used to go see her while she lived in Santa Cruz she would let us stay with her and every night in the middle of the night I would get up to get a drink or whatever and I would hear her praying for me and our family. She would be in tears asking God for his favor and annointing upon all of our lives. This was life changing for me. She would'nt sleep in order to intercede for me and my family and friends. Stunning, God, would you help me to have a hunger to live this kind of life. She wasn't well known, she didn't speak in front of thousands, but she knew how to do something that is more valuable then all the above, she knew how to pray! Thank you Grandma and thank you God for putting someone like this in my life.

So in response what I want to make sure I do in my life is this, give honor where honor is due. This bible says this is a wise practice. Do you have someone in your life that you would look at and say, they are worthy of my honor. They have impacted my life in a way that is amazing. My grandma did this for me along with a whole crew of other people. I'm going to make sure that I give honor where honor is due! Let's do this together and be people that are thankful and gracious and honoring. I know that in this, our God will be honored as well.

I stand in awe of my God and his provision for our lives.

Pd

ps, God, I'm a little jealous because you're hanging out with my Grandma instead of me. I'll get over it and join you someday.

To Pray

Intro: Praying is often times thought of as a mystical portal to the other side. Where if you pray just right, in the right position with the right voice it might just work and God might hear you and something good might happen.

Proseuchomai to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship :- pray (× earnestly, for), make prayer.
Pros - means – Toward
Euchomai means – Face to Face

Watch two people who are in Love. They don’t turn there backs to each other while they communicate. They look face to face.

Prayer is simply that learning to communicate face to face with God!

Jesus even gives us an example on how to pray. Let’s look at it.

Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
"This, then, is how you should pray:

" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
[10] your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
[11] Give us today our daily bread.
[12] Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
[13] And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'

-The opening: Addressing God as our Father.

Showing reverence and respect for God.
-hallowed be Your name
-Your kingdom come
-Your will be done.

Asking for help in Physical needs
-Give us this day our daily bread.
-not just wonder bread
-physical needs
-daily struggles to survive
-practical needs made on earth – not supernatural

The Us Stuff
- Forgive US our debts - Confess
- Lead US not into temptation - Help me to learn from my mistakes
- Deliver US from Evil. Protect me and my family

Closing: God to Rule in our LIVES all the time.

Couple Key points to remember about Prayer.

Luke 11:1 (MsgB)
One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, "Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
- Learn How

Philip. 4:6-7 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-Be specific know what your praying for.

An African missionary was walking down a path when he was confronted by a huge lion. The missionary hit his knees and began to pray saying, “God please let this be a good Christian lion.” Immediately the lion fell to the ground and put his front paws together and said, “Father, I thank you for the food. Now, bless it to my Body.

1 John 5:14-15 (MsgB)
And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he's listening. [15] And if we're confident that he's listening, we know that what we've asked for is as good as ours.
- God always hears us.

Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. [16] Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- Pray with faith.

Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
- Pray Alone

2 Chron. 7:14 (MsgB)
and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health.
- The Result of Prayer:

James 5:16 (NIV)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
- Include others

The prayer of a righteous man or woman is powerful and effective.

Where does the bible say that David was a man after God's own heart? ( Bring the answer next wednesday and get a free tshirt.)

Simply Worship, April 2

Here's the address for simply worship my space

http://www.myspace.com/simplyworshipoxygen


Sunday, April 2nd was an awesome night! Approximately 700 adults and students gathered together sunday night at 5pm for our semi annual Simply Worship. This night was designed to be a night of total worship and thanksgiving to God. Wow, to see the hunger for God and the passion to watch him move in our lives was great. I was so encouraged by the crowd that showed up to do what the name says, simply worship God. Nothing more nothing less. Thank you God for what you have done and continue to do.

Lord you are simply Amazing.

We are starting a movement of people who want to worship God first and formost in there lives. You can join the team by going to the Simply Worship my space site and requesting to be a friend. Simply Worship Oxygen.

I hope you enjoy the photos of the night. I'd love to hear your comments on the night and maybe something God began is doing in you.

Pd

Da Boys - Life moves fast.

Have you ever noticed that life moves real fast! Wow, it seems like a couple of years ago I was teaching Drew how to walk and now he's almost as big as me! (I can still kick his butt for those of you who were wondering.) Drew - 13, Bo - 12, Kiah - 3, and Tate - 2. What a crew. I love these guys so much. As I type the two little guys are divising a way to scale the wall next to me, stacking a small ladder on top of boxes desks and whatever else they can find. A definite accident waiting to happen. I wanted to leave you with one short challenge. Is life passing you by, are you busy with the things that are important or the things that don't mean much. This is something I'm constantly looking at. It's so easy to get caught up in things that just don't mean much. I hope and pray that you and I both can be about things that leave a legacy that God will be proud of.

Pd

Future plans/redcarpet
The Red Carpet Theory

Intro: Red Carpet represents your dreams and goals and vision for the future. Arriving at your potential.

None of us want to fail….., none of us plan on failing.

***Video***

I. What holds us Back?
a. Whatever Mentality
i. Lost Passion
ii. Not having a clear view of our goals.
1. Where there’s no vision people parish.
iii. Postmodern mindset of Go with the flow.
1. Don’t make waves, anything goes.
b. Cheerleaders
i. People who believe in You.
ii. People who love you enough to give you direction, and correction.
II. How do I get to my Red Carpet?
a. Get Online with God
i. Dedicate your life to him
1. Luke 5:11 (NIV)
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
ii. Communicate with your creator - Pray
1. 1 Thes. 5:16-18 (MsgB)
Be cheerful no matter what; [17] pray all the time; [18] thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
iii. God will get you where your going.
b. Take time to Dream
i. Jeremiah 29:11 (MsgB)
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

c. Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
i. Proverbs 17:17 (MsgB)
Friends love through all kinds of weather,
and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

ii. Proverbs 18:24 (MsgB)
Friends come and friends go,
but a true friend sticks by you like family.

iii. Proverbs 22:11 (MsgB)
God loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken;
good leaders also delight in their friendship.

iv. Proverbs 22:24-25 (MsgB)
Don't hang out with angry people;
don't keep company with hotheads.
[25] Bad temper is contagious—
don't get infected.

d. Start Planning.
i. Luke 14:28-32 (MsgB)
"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? [29] If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: [30] 'He started something he couldn't finish.'
[31] "Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? [32] And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?

ii. Imagine - believe.
iii. Commit tonight to living your dreams.

Living the Past or Choosing Your Future!


Live Your Past or Choose Your Future.

Last Wednesday Night:
· Racial Comments
· Opportunistic Cowardice Acts.
· Thank you’s.
· What next: We will work harder, we won’t slow down, we won’t back up, we won’t give in, we will pray harder, plan better, worship with more passion and love more.
Romans 5:3-5 (MsgB)
There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, [4] and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. [5] In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

We know who we are and what we are to do. This won’t change. We’ll just get better at it.

******DRAMA******

Intro: Story of the Pelicano and the trash. 1986 Philidelphia.

The Pelicano was never allowed in port.

· Outside looked fine.
· Crew was Ok.
· It was sea worthy.

Do you ever feel this way? Unwanted turned away.

Life has a way of unloading it’s trash on us.

- People at school that say hurtful things.
- Arguments with parents.
- Something as simple as what you’ve seen on TV. I know guys that see a news report and get mad about it.
- Somebody made fun of you at school
- Somebody looked at you funny.
- Someone Cut you off if you drive.
- Guilt Pessimism, Anger, pride, raceism, bigotry, jealousy, impatience, Anxiety, Bitterness.
- My teacher wasn’t fair.
- I didn’t do it but was blamed anyway.

The result of load after load of trash allowed on board. . . . . . . . . . .
Cain - Genesis 4:6-7 (NIV)
Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? [7] If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
- Cain went on to Kill his brother

When you allow trash on board like Cain:
- Contaminates other relationships
- Comparison Christianity
- Rage
- Anger
- Pessimism
- Negativity
- Hate
- Bitterness.
- Basically, more Trash.

Today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions
Today’s Jealousy is tomorrow’s temper tantrum.
Today’s bigotry is tomorrow’s hate crime.
Today’s anger is tomorrow’s abuse.
Today’s lust is tomorrow’s adultery.
Today’s guilt is tomorrow’s fear.

Maybe this is why Paul writes:

1 Cor. 13:4-5 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Just like Cain could have chosen not to take on the trash of bitterness, envy and jealousy, the captain and the crew could have easily chosen to say know to the first load of trash.

You have a choice. You don’t have to take on load after load of trash.
- 2 Cor. 10:5 (NIV)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.


Jesus set the example:

Matthew 16:22-23 (NIV)
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"
[23] Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Have you taken the opportunity to take on the trash or deny it?

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

Romans 12:14 (NIV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
We often try and change the things on the outside, but it doesn’t help. Replacing the contents is the only answer.

You could have changed the plight of the Pelicano if you changed the cargo. What’s inside.

Rugby History. Football in the trash
Basketball.
South Africa. Making something out of nothing to play with.

Altar: Choose Life.

What would happen if the pelicano was full of flowers and gifts?

What would happen if you would replace your trash with something great? God stuff?

Philip. 3:13 (NIV)
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

Deut. 30:19 (MsgB)
I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live.

Wednesday Night - Last night of Lost

Well what can you say, from amazing to utterly embarrasing. Welcome to the world of some youth. I would never lump our whole crew into the same catagory. Those of our students who have invited Christ into there lives and have begun to allow Him to direct there steps have been doing incredible things. Wednesday night we saw tons of kids invite Jesus into there lives and even more redidicate there lives to Him. Even some adults invited Christ to be there savior and Lord. Great gathering and phenominal students leaders and masters commission making it happen.

During worship we asked Kyle to rock it in a freestyle rap to open one of the songs and he was awesome. Then an amazing ending to the drama LOST. Students flocked to the altar to commit there lives to God.

I heard a saying on Thursday that I'm going to remember. Dr. Paul Youngi Cho, the pastor of the largest church in the world said this, "When God moves, Satan moves also." He's right, after having one of the best nights ever in Oxygen with over 700 students in attendance what happens? Satan fought back, literally.

Many of you have heard what happened but here's the bottom line, a fight broke out over racial slurs that were thrown back and forth. This brakes my heart, I can't imagine what God must have been thinking. The problems were not caused by students that were involved on a weekly basis but students who were simply in attendance to either visit or to cause problems. I know a couple of things God has layed on my heart after Wednesday night.
1. We will increase security and volunteer recruitment will move to the front of our priority list for a while.
2. We were able to get most of the problem students on video from security cameras and they will not be returning, some will have charges pressed against them as well.
3. We have a better understanding of what it takes to house the numbers of students we had in attendance.

and most importantly:
4. WE WILL NOT back down, we will not back off, we will not give in or up, this is our call as Capital Christian Center and oxygen. We will work even harder next week to reach more students and we will become better at what we do because of this event. WE are determined to stay the course because of the students we see changed weekly and those that are now helping by touching other students.


God, You know our cry and the desperate need of thousands of students across Sacramento, help us accomplish Your will.


We increased intensity, passion and desire!

Pd

The Staff Meeting

Let me first of all say this, the team that God has put me on is the best I've ever imagined in youth ministry. Jody Vaughn nonstop laughter and creativity video expert, Missy Vaughn - Drama creator, holy crud awesome, Jason Batt the most overall technically knowledgable guy I know, Tim Simmons organized, focused and precise able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, Conor Manning, well our young lion with passion, zeal, great on the campus and simply the man. Jessie Armstrong - my right hand lady in the office who is stinking incredible at watching for potholes and making sure I'm where I need to be when I need to be there, way organized, totally gifted in administration. Casara more driven, organized and passionate about what she does than most 10 people I know. Amy's great with people and a huge asset as the newest part of our team. Like I said simply the best.

This morning in our staff meeting I asked the team what needs to happen for us to get better, we prayed and came up with one simple conclusion, time with students, Jesus walked with 12 men and gave them everything he had. He lived with them, traveled with them, prayed with them, and learned to give everything with these precious 12 men. Sometimes we concluded we get busy with the wrong things. Things that are just not as important as spending time with our kids, these precious students that God gives us daily to speak to and love.

What are the important things in your life? What are the things that nothing should get in the way of when it comes to your call in life? I think God is constantly adjusting and making our priorities correct, it's up to us to hear him and make the necessary changes.

Time is short,

Live Large and profitable.

Pd

Day Off.

I started this morning with a cup of coffee and my bible. I was reading in Psalms about the greatness of God. One passage says that the mountains melt like wax at the very site of God. I think sometimes we need to grow in the area of the fear of the Lord. I don't know, do we fear him as we should? We live in a place where we are comfortable and things are generally ok, we don't have to be desperate for God. ARe you desperate for God? Am I? What does true hunger for God look like. I know I've been in places like China, Africa, Ethiopia, Haiti where the needs were so great that when Jesus was revealed people's desperation fueled great faith. As they would begin to believe God would show Himself to be so true. I want to see God reveal himself to our culture and generation in a way that brings new faith and passion for righteousness, and a new love for people.
Pd

The S - Word

Sex, This can be a scary word, and invigorating word, a motivating word or simply just another word, but in most cases it's not. Through the ages this topic has been the biggest marketing tool as well as the most talked about gossip, the focus of talk shows and magazines, and the center of the greatest scandles in history. Do you think we need to spend time constructing a correct veiw of sex? I think so. The one word that we as christians attach to sex is purity, this word seems to give us proper perspective and insite into God's will and direction.

Invest in your future and develop your opinion and thinking about sex so when the time come for you to live your belief's you'll know exactly what you believe.

Pd

Last Sunday

Isn't it amazing how little kids think? I had a little guy walk up to me after the 11:15 service last sunday morning and give me a drawing of the group leading worship. Thought I'd let you in on it.

Cold Play

Last night Gretchen and I went and saw Cold Play for the first time. One of the greatest shows I've ever seen. From the first note to the last of "Fix You", the place was ripping with electricity. The crowd was cool, the lights were memorable, the video effects were well planned and fun, the effects were and extra little diddies like dropping 8 foot yellow balloons was intrigueing, but this show, was all about the music and message of positive thinking and hope.

Cold Play has proven you don't need rash, subversive songs to draw people in, instead they use creative ways to help you enjoy life and see the world as it really is and could be. Thank you to the Rock n Roll super heroes U2 for inspiring these modern day poets. These messengers left you feeling encouraged and ready to see the world in a way that is inspiring.

Loving life,

Pd

Last Night

I don't know if you have a day that you look at and look forward to but I do. Wednesday's. They are extremely long and full of stuff to do, but at the end of the day every Wednesday night, I feel great. Last night, I was so proud of our leaders, the student leaders were simply outstanding. They brought it, they were ready and willing to do whatever it takes to connect with other students and basically be God's hands in a room full of students! I can't say enough about them and there passion for what they were given to do. I know the bible tells us that whatever our hands find to do, do it with all of our might. Last night I saw a room full of people that did exactly that, gave it everything. Chris did a great job on guitar, he acted as if he played with us for ever.

Give all you have today! Let's be like Christ.

Pd

Sunday was a great day.

Sunday was a great day! From the minute we started to the end of the day we had a great day at church. I know we come sometimes with certain expectations for the day at church. I've found that when I come just expecting to meet with God, my experience is so much more challenging to my life. ( In a great way) We were honored to have a special guest with us on sunday by the name of Rick Alonzo. For the last three years Rick and I have worked together at the norcal youth convention at UC Davis. Rick paints pictures during worship and does his painting in a way that seems as if he's worshipping God with everything he has and the better I know Rick the more I realize that he is doing exactly that! Rick is one of those guys you meet and are stunned by the way he lives for God. He walks in total humility and is most set on pleasing God by touching people with this unique gift he's been given. Amazing, and simply challenging. I want this. . . in my life.

Rick's paintings are of Christ in different settings and he's even added a painting of the Lion Aslam from the Chronicles of Narnia.

Some of Ricks paintings will be on display in the Cafe area under the stairs at Capital Christian Center. Stop by when you have the chance and check it out.

Looking for more humility,

Pd

Horse from .... . . heaven!

(a view of the scenery along the coast.)

Last weekend we spent the weekend in half moon bay with our team and had a blast together. All of the pastor and staff from CCC. I'm proud to say that I'm on this team. We golfed together, sang together, played games and went horseback riding on the beach together. It's amazing to think that God puts people together like ours and gives us the priviledge of being on such a team.

On a lighter note, I was given a horse by the lady in charge and I noticed she kind of smerked when she told me his name was Geo and that he liked to run real slow. As we went on our little journey to the beach and back we crossed two little streams and walked down a steep path the beach. My horse decided to be the joker of the day. He bit the other horses, cut them off, jumped over the stream instead of walking with everyone else and couldn't handle being in the back. Geo was a blast, I felt like I was on the horse version of me! Here's a little pic of Geo and I as well as the group.

Oh well

I woke up this morning on my way to tahoe for a little fun in the white stuff and no. The storm is something I'm not about to battle with my family at my side. Maybe another day. New plans, I'm not sure yet but something will come up. Maybe a movie or sitting by the fire. Anyway, welcome to day three of 6 days of vacation.

Pd

6 days into the year

Ok, it seems as if we celebrated only last night. Six days gone and the question is, did I use the 6 days right. To there fullest potential? My goal is to do just that. I'm off today and having fun with my little guys, Kiah and Tate. They are the funniest little turkeys, today we watched a little toy story and played a little guitar. We've already had a little skirmish over who's laser gun and who's blanket Tate usually wins. I woke up this morning with Kiah holding on to my back and Tate sleeping on my arm holding froggy. I'm not sure there are much better things in life than a dad looking at his little guys feeling secure and comfy. Anyway this is a snapshot of my morning.

Pd

2006

What does a new year mean to you? I think of a fresh start, new beginnings and new opportunities. It's not really any different than the month before or the week or the day before. But something about knowing that we are now living in a new year gives us a fresh fealing of excitement.

Every year I take this time to get refocused on what is really important. My time with God, my family, and my friends. I love making sure my office is clean before the 1st so my first day of the new year I arrive to desk without piles. I love making sure my email is totally answered and messages all returned. I want clear vision for a new year.

I love hearing from God as he gives me new ideas and direction to be better at the things He has called me to do.

How do you handle a new year? I'd love to hear from you.

Pd