P. Diddy's Blog

Jack Rabbit stew

2009-08-31T07:47:00.000-07:00

5:30am today I ran over a jack rabbit while rollin at about 22 mph on my bike. Scared the living crud out of me. Didn't fall but I thought I was going down. Pitch dark riding on the American River Trail with a bright light and all of the sudden a large jack rabbit shoots out in front of me. My common practice is to give a shout and usually the rabbit or squirrel will hear me and run off the road. This rabbit darted around back and forth and then jumped directly in front of me and snap, crackle, pop, he was a gonner. 245 lbs of bike and well, me, rolled over that guy. Couldn't see anything in the dark after the incident.

Anyway welcome to my morning.

Doug

Quiet

2009-08-19T07:47:00.001-07:00

The moments of pure silence in our lives are nearly impossible to find. The rush of our culture like the white water rapids of a river seem to never end yet if you follow the river long enough there are the most peaceful places on earth. Are you living in the rapids and never finding the quiet times of your life? I think all of us fall into this trap, which leads to discontent, burnout, shallow relationships and limited potential. Live life to the fullest, take time today to stop and listen and think in the midst of beautiful silence. You may have to practice this, at first the silence may be defening to you because your mind won't slow down. Keep at for a few days and what how serenity sets in.

Live the Epic Life.

Giving not getting.

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

Living life around what you can give rather than what you get? Sounds crazy, this is the kind of life Jesus lived and compelled us to live as well. A life of giving. Amazing how it works, the more I give the more God provides and trusts me with. He knows I'm not going to hoard and keep things to myself. Check out what Ephesians says.

Ephesians 5:25Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor—since they're already "one" in marriage.

This doesn't just count for marriage, it applies to our whole life. Let's live this kind of life together.

Pd

Refreshed By Generosity.

2009-07-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

If you missed the message today in church, I spoke on being Refreshed by Generosity. Using the gifts God has placed in you! Check it out the message at ccconline.cc. Notes will be available as well.

Pd

Refreshed by Generosity!

2009-07-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

Mike Mallot - Rockin it at the xterra nationals last year!! Team Captain. Team Epic Life!

I'm excited to see what I can do in addition to what I already do. I want to be that generous person referred to in Proverbs. Giving not getting that's where it's at. What is the one thing you can give to use your the gifts God has given you. I love what Ashley L has started using the gifts God has given her to help others get in shape. They call it the, "The Fit Factor"! Way to go Ash, I'm really proud of you for stepping out to make this happen. God is going to bless you as you do this.

Making lemonade out of lemons.

2009-07-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

Missed a few days after messing up my knee! I have an MRI first thing in the Wednesday morning to find out what's going on. Dr. says I blew my ACL. Wow, I love doing active things and it looks like right now that I'll be stuck for a few months of nothing.

I've already been challenged to keep the right attitude and find something else to do that I love. I've had the opportunity to catch up on things I just wouldn't have done without being forced into this situation. Sometimes I think God knows when we need to slow down a little and look at life a little different.

Making lemonade out of lemons.

Here's a cool video of my dogs, I made while having some time on my hands.

Diligence

2009-06-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Diligence is a big word that we are often scared of, sounds like work, responsibility or duties. We often don't talk about the reward of diligence. The reward of diligence is amazing, look at those that have been successful in starting there own business or some kind of new venture. When we are diligent in our lives, amazing results come out. Diligence requires time, which goes against our fast food, get it now, info savvy world. Diligence takes time, patience, endurance and well, work. God wants us to live our life using diligence and hard work.

Proverbs 10:4-5, talks about it. Take a moment and read this passage and apply it to your life with God. Are you diligent daily to know God in all areas of your life? That's what I'm working towards, allowing God to help me develop diligence in all areas of my life.

Living the Epic Life requires hard work and diligence, and as you see from the pic on top, if your willing to pay the price to make the climb the view from the top is amazing!!

Photos by Russell Breton

Have a great day!!

Pd

Never to late!

2009-06-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

For fathers day, I gave my dad a bike. I don't remember seeing him ride a bike growing up but he mentioned to me a while back that he'd like to start riding. I thought that was so awesome, it's never to late to start something new or try something different. The bible teaches us that all things can be made new. God wants to give us all kinds of opportunities and fresh starts. It's just up to us to jump on a give life our best.

Check this out.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.

I love fresh starts, new things. God wants each of us to experience this daily. We know we are forgiven, our past is gone and a new life is available. Sweeeeet!!!

D

The Target.

2009-06-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Do you know what you want our life to look like? A great passage out of the bible that I love that is also an example of what we can look like as humans is Galations 5:22-23 .The bible talks about the fruit of the spirit. Sounds kind of wacky with those words but is basically saying, the results of your life with Jesus should produce these things.

Are you producing theses things? We'll talk more about it tomorrow.

Doug

Debt Free forgiveness.

2009-06-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever made a mistake that made you feel guilty for a long time? I remember a couple of times in my life feeling so guilty about something I had done that whenever I saw certain things or heard something I felt bad about it. Now, for you private investigators out there, none of it was against the law but against the character I wanted to have in my life. Here's the thing about Jesus, he knows our failures and our mistakes, and still accepts us however we come. But He never leaves us the same way he finds us. I love that!

Forgiven, think about that word for a moment. What does forgiven mean to you? Have you experienced real, deep, genuine, forgiveness?

This is exactly what the bible offers. Deep, authentic, forgiveness. If this is something you need in your life, or you need to talk through what this means for you let me know.

D

Rise and Fall

2009-06-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a hard fall while doing something? Last night my son Kiah took a hard fall while racing his bike. I was so proud of him, after we made sure he was ok, he jumped up and took off. He went from being in 8th place to 32nd after his fall and made his way back to 18th! He fought back, he didn't stay down and let his fall change his outlook.

Many times in life, we take a hard fall and have a really tough time getting back to where God wants designed us to be. What about you? How do you respond when life is difficult or you make a bad decision and are forced to deal with the consequences? Do you jump up and move on, I hope so, and God is counting on it. We all fall, but not everyone get's back up and finishes the race.

Finish your race, God's available to give you the strength and knowledge to make it through. Life is full of rise and falls.

You can make it.

Pd

Faith or Work, what is it?

2009-06-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Killer photo of one of our missions teams in Fiji, motivated to share God's love even in the rain.

Read James 2:18,26

How does faith and works work together?I don't know. Are your works a result of your faith or are you trying to earn your way in to God's grace? I think this is a natural perspective that each of us must come to grips with. WE CAN'T EARN GOD. In seeking God and learning about his character and his desire for our character we are transformed, not because we must earn anything.

Are you someone who struggles with this? If so, Read James 2:18 and 26. What should be your attitude about faith vs. Works? Write me about this I'd like to hear it.

I Believe

2009-06-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

There is a myth that says pleasing God is something that can only done by people like Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, maybe your Grandmother or Grandfather. Hebrews 11:6 says, without Faith it's impossible to please God, what does that mean to you? It says to me that if I do have faith, which millions of average people do have, I can please God. God is simply saying, you must believe that God does exists, have faith. Do you believe? Do you have faith? If so, God is smiling at you. I'm so thankful that I don't have to earn God's love. He loves me regardless of what my past is. Do you know that you are loved unconditionally loved by God?

I believe.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and He rewards those who seek Him.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Can't earn it, it's the best gift you could ever receive.

Jesus' life

2009-06-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Born in a barn, next to animals and alot of regular people as well as royalty. Jesus from day one connected with everyone even as a baby. Jesus gave two very specific directives.

Look up Luke 10:27. Wow, sounds simple right. The two key things, love God, love people. Jesus was simple, direct and practical. This is what it really comes down to, can I genuinely grow in my love towards God and people?

Great passage to memorize. This is foundational in your development as a Christian. How can you grow in these two areas?

Love God, Love people.

Pd

Foundations day 2 - Jesus

2009-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

The way Jesus entered the world is impossible unless set in Mary's womb by God himself. We believe that is exactly the truth. Remember our beliefs our founded in the fact that we believe the bible is true. Crazy thing about Jesus coming to earth.

I. God's Son
II. Born from a virgin.
III. Lived a perfect, non sin bearing life.
IV. Was martyred because of his claim to be the son of God.
V. Died according to prophecy.
VI. Came back to life three days after dying, as was also predicted would happen. Witnesses were available for all these events.

How do I believe this? FAITH. What we talked about yesterday, believing in something I know to be true but can't totally explain it. I believe in what I believe because I know God is real, I feel Him, I see the effects of Him, history proves Him, nature gives us no options but to believe. Jesus was the God on earth showing the way to live, giving us proof of God's power, Jesus rewrote the possibilities with God. Jesus fulfilled everything the old Testament in the bible said must happen.

Read Matthew 1:18-2:12. The birth of Christ.
What about Jesus' birth impacts you the most? Send questions my way.

Tomorrow we'll continue to look at Jesus.

Foundations 1 - Faith

2009-06-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

Letting go because you believe the tools will help you accomplish your task. The moment of letting go, leaving the plane, diving in, believing in things you can't see necessarily to work right and do there job. That in a nut shell is faith. I believe. Faith in Jesus is the foundation of being a christian. What is faith? Read Hebrew chpt 11, I like the NIV version of faith in Hebrews 11:1.. What does this passage tell you faith is?

Ok, what is it that I have faith in, what do I believe? Over the next few days we'll work on building a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. Be sure to follow through with the action points at the end so you can be geared up for your day!

To start with we believe the bible is totally true, it's the inspired word of God, the words written in the bible were written by man but given to them by God himself. Think about this, over hundreds of years of time written by numerous writers, from different walks of life yet it all proves itself, stories match up, beliefs held and prophecies fulfilled without always knowing there were prophecies. The bible backs itself up, still to this day, much of our history is taken from the words in the bible and considered factual by the greatest of historians.
Do you believe the bible is true? This is fundamental in being a christian, our beliefs are founded in the bible.

Take a minute and write out what your faith looks like now, and what you would like it to be.
Hebrews 11:1 is foundational in our lives of faith, great passage to memorize.

Tomorrow we'll hit up Jesus's birth Foundations #2. Why did he need to come to earth and go through what he went through?

I'm praying today that God gives you the strength to deal with your current reality!

The Virus

2009-06-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

The modern day dilemma, how funny is it when our big problem for the day is a virus? I love my air conditioned car, to my air conditioned office back to my air conditioned car and into my air conditioned home with a Latte and my sunglasses. How good do I have it? I'm reminded daily that my troubles are light and momentary compared to 95% of the rest of our world. My little friend in Africa fighting for another day that was born with aids or the beautiful little girl living with cockroaches and bugs in Oakpark, Sacramento. God help us keep life in your perspective with our influence and attitude in the right place. Forgive us when we are insensitive and miss the point. Make us effective and strong in your world of mercy and grace.

D

Planning Ahead

2009-05-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

How much time do you spend planning your days? If each of us would take a few minutes at the beginning of the day to think, and intentionally plan what we want to accomplish, how much would we get done? Are you in control of your schedule or is your schedule in control of you? In the past year I've been working with a ministry coach and the thing that has been most beneficial for me is the tools I've been given to take control of my schedule. Being a good steward of our time is something I believe makes God smile, and it helps each of us have fun with the important people in our lives!!

Happy Planning!

D

Something New!

2009-05-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you did something new and LOVED IT!! I decided to try mountain bike racing, I knew it would be a huge stretch but thought I'd try it anyway. I'm so glad I did! I love it! Serious challenge and total motivation to continue to get in shape!

2009-05-05T17:11:00.001-07:00

Facebook phenomenon.

2008-12-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

Millions of user profiles, thousands of friends hanging out online, staying connected, going deeper in relationship.

Sounds like something God would host.

Wow, made me tear up.

2008-07-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Alright, does this mess you up. It does me. I love my animals and this is what all little boys and obviously grown men like to imagine. The thoughts that this video provokes in me brings me back to students and adults that I haven't seen in a long time that have made an awesome impact in my life. I wish I could talk to a couple of those people. One is a man named Glen Finch, he played the trumpet for our church when I was in highschool and without knowing it made a crazy cool impact in my life. I think about him often and have never been able to track him down. I've searched him out on the web and no such luck. He worked for citi bank when they were getting started. I'm still working on tracking him down. I'd like to simply say thanks and tell him how much the little things he did for me made such a crazy impact.

D

Around Us?

2008-05-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Jesus in the background

2008-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Are you more of a reactor or planner. We know that our productivity goes up when we're thinking ahead rather than reacting to our circumstances. Imagine what would happen if Jesus was leading the way in each of our lives. Our daily consultant. What next. We have the greatest consultant in history.

Huh? Where'd this come from?

2008-04-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

2008-04-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Lisa Vannalee update

2008-04-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! Lisa is sitting up, talking and smiling. She is an inspiration. Against the odds she's fighting through. Lisa told me last night that she can't wait to come to church and her family said they would all be back in church this Sunday again.

I'm thankful that God is truly giving this family hope. They have hope for what will happen even in the middle of this horrible situation.

Mr. Vannalee is in the middle of reading the book of Mark and learning about the life of Jesus. Please pray that God will continue to give him hope and strength as the leader for this family.

The diagnoses for Lisa hasn't gotten better but she continues to improve. She was moving her fingers last night ever so slightly and was told that would be impossible. She said she felt warmth in her legs yesterday and you know what, my faith is growing and I'm believing for a full recovery!!!!

Why not! Imagine the power if we all, with GREAT FAITH, pray for an amazing full recovery!!!

Lets pray!

Popcorn

2008-04-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hair Wonders

2008-04-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

What's up with hair? Some have it some don't.
Why do we need it. So we have something to consume our mornings? Some more than others. Bald spots, dry patches, itchy scalp, dandruff, curly, straight, oily, well kept, mohawk's, bowl cuts, hives and more. Hair, one more thing that God added to make us who we are.

Wow.

One more. Lisa and Chris.

2008-04-07T13:57:00.001-07:00

Chris is Lisa's sisters boyfriend.

Lisa Vannalee

2008-04-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Lisa V. Please keep her in your prayers.

Truth

2008-04-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

What is Truth.

The Truth will set you free.
The Truth and nothing but the Truth
I speak the Truth.
Jesus, "I am the way, the Truth and the life"

"The truth is relative to what you believe." - Univeralist Pastor
"The truth is what I think it is." - Tattoo artist.

Do you have a definition for Truth? How have you defined Truth?

Jesus. He was Truth in human form. All that is right and good. Truth.
The writings in the bible and the principles Jesus stood for confirm and scream authentic people caring Truth.

Jesus.

Truth.

CCC Challenge

2008-04-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Vannalee's

2008-04-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

I met the Vannalee family one week ago today. I wish I could have met them under different circumstances. Last Sunday morning after the message in the 11:15 service a young lady named Boula Vannalee approached me in tears with her boyfriend Chris. They told me a story that will forever change my life and for the last week has impacted me in a way that nothing else in my life has. I am still amazed at the love, endurance, and strength that I've seen in this amazing little family.

Last Friday night actually early Saturday morning the Vannalee family sat in there home watching a movie together, not knowing that in the next few minutes there lives would forever be changed.

Preceding this night at there home "Sam" or Patthana Vannalee, 19 year old brother had been acting very strange since being brutally assaulted and beaten horribly. The injuries he sustained were noticably located on Sam's head and upper body. Sam's behavior was now extremely random and unpredictable which had his family worried for his health.

While watching the movie together Friday night Lisa Vannalee, 16, left the room and was followed by Sam in the next few moments Sam attacked Lisa with a knife and delivered life changing injuries to his little sister. The rest of the family heard the commotion and went to find Lisa injured and Sam literally out of his mind.

Lisa is now in PICU at UCDavis in critical condition with massive cuts on her face and neck area with injury to her spinal chord. She is slowly regaining feeling in her upper body but still hasn't felt anything in her lower body.

Sam is in the Sacramento County Jail.

There family is staying at the hospital with Lisa and we are praying with Lisa daily and daily her improvement is amazing. She was told she wouldn't be able to feel anything and everyday more feeling comes back. She's communicating well and is getting stronger daily.

Gretchen and I have fallen in love with the Vannalee family and are spending time with them daily as they walk through this life changing circumstance.

I'm asking everyone I know to please pray for God's peace and strength for the Vannalee family. I'm believing for a miracle with Lisa! Will you have faith with me for a great recovery. Lisa is extremely smart young lady who is attending Grant Highschool and has competed in beauty contests. The little I know her has been inspiring as she is in the fight of her life.

Good morning

2008-03-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is what my Monday mornings start like.

? You Write the title.

2008-03-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Life this way and that
The ups the downs
The straight the narrow
The quiet the loud
The calm the storm
The rush the relax

Just in tune with the melody of our time
Life like this with the daily twist of cirmcumstance
With 24 hours today and a few tomorrows
How will I spend this precious gift I've been given called time.

Time, Yes, Time
Can I find more, or will it shrink as the days go by.
Will Time be friend or foe
Eternity, forever, when time calls for you which direction will you head
Door one or is it two.

Do you know your options, what's on the other side of your door.
Maybe you should look or search and seek for more.

For which door you go through will tell the rest of your days.

My Friend

2008-03-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

The Falls on Highway 50. Kiah and Tate in Awe once again.

Do you have someone in your life that is a real friend? Loves you regardless, forgives you when they shouldn't, gives you that word when you need it. I need that, you need that, we all need that. I'm thankful for my friends and I don't use that title lightly. Those of you that are friends of mine, thank you, when you've spoken I kind word or said a prayer or smiled my way. Thank you.

Amazing.

A little pic of my boys and I in the snow last weekend.

My Dream

2008-03-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Do you have a dream? I'm going through a section of my life where dreams are becoming reality. What does it take to make a dream come true! It's something we all probably have thought about but do we ever make it happen? I want to make it happen, I want to see my boys live happily ever after, my wife to come home with a smile and what I do all day to count.

Dream it 08 is a place where all of us can come together for a couple of days and just dream. Tap into what God has for us and dream.

Pd.

What do you hear?

2007-08-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

(My Boys and I)

Have you ever noticed that all of us hear things differently. We can hear the same thing, said by the same person even at the same time and still we walk away hearing something a little different. I guess what I'm getting at is this, I want to hear what God wants me to hear. I think sometimes that when we hear things our opinion enters into the equation and we hear what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear and what God wants us to hear. "God, help me to listen deeply for Your message in what I hear and work at putting my own opinion aside in order to hear YOU. "

I'm sitting backstage listening to Pastor Ricks message this morning and I'm realizing there's a whole lot of things I need to work on. Pastor is speaking out of James, my favorite book in the bible. Wow, I've heard this so many times and yet, it sounds different again. I guess that's how God works.

Pd.

Day one done.

2007-07-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Great day! Day one of our remodel service settings for Capital Christian Center is over. Beginning last night at 6pm then today at 8am, 9:30am, 11:00am and then 12:30pm. I'm totally excited about everyone that showed up. What a crowd. overflow was packed, and all the services looked great!

I believe change is huge in our culture today. Pastor Rick talked about living in a lazyboy culture and he's totally right. We are comfortable and because of it often times we never really push ourselves to become what God has for us. Even in church culture, we are comfortable, the change we are going through right now is amazing and actually making us so much stronger. This change is stretching us and causing people to experience church and God from a different angle. New perspective sometimes bring about new thinking which allows us to GROW. Yep, that's what God wants, he wants us to GROW. Never be the same.

Big Question

2007-05-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

How should we deal with homosexuals in the church? How do you think Jesus would have us deal with them? Any different then someone else who isn't a christian? These questions are provoked because of some individuals who have decided to parade there message about homosexuality infront of our church. I spent some time talking with one of there young men and now I'm interested in what you have to say.

Pd

2007-05-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I didn't really think that something so simple could become so profound. God is literally challenging all Christians at CCC and around the world to quit just attending and start doing. Individuals who begin to do and not just sit will experience a whole new vitality in there relationship with God.

I'm in. Yes I'm a pastor I'm in ministry full time but it's a new day calling for new thoughts, new insights, and new action plans.

I hope your in to.

Pd

I'm Sorry?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

2007-04-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

I believe these are the two most important words in a relationship. No matter a marriage a friendship or whatever. I'm sorry is also the phrase that is most difficult to say. Does it seem that often times that are difficult to do are also things that benefit us most. Nothing good comes easy. I think that's true except in one area. Forgiveness. God does this for free, all we have to do is simply say I'm sorry, forgive me, and it's done. Wow, if we could live that way wouldn't it be awesome.

Lord, we're sorry for not being sorry. We'll definitely work on it.

pd

Colossians 4:5

2007-04-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Kiah's Tball game. Thought you might like this picture.

This is a profound passage of scripture, as well as our memory verse for this week of the 40 days of community.

"Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity." Col. 4:5

This is something God is really speaking to me about. Making the most of every single opportunity, every person that needs my help, taking time to think an help them come up with a great, God solution.

God bless, let's all make the most of every opportunity God puts in our way.

Pd

What matters most?

2007-04-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks for hanging out at my blog. This is the message I presented Wednesday 4-11-07. I've asked anyone who listens to give me some feedback on how they are deciding to improve in the areas of loving others.

Here's my notes. Now I'd like to here your story of how you are loving others.

Thanks

Pd

Love.

What Matter’s Most?

Doug and Conor - 4/11/07

Intro: Story about unconditional Love.
(Missy play song – What’s love got to do with it? Tina Turner)

I. Why Love? Because He first Loved us. I John 4:7-11
a. Often a failure to love others comes from a lack of focus on God’s love for us.
b. Gen. 2:18 It is not good for man to be alone…We are created for love. Ted Cozinsky – Cal Berkeley

1 John 3:16-19 (MsgB)
This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. [17] If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.
[18] My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. [19] This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality.

We choose Love. We choose Love. Sometimes we don’t realize it but we do choose love. It doesn’t come natural.

Love is an act of our Will.

I John 4:11. Since God first loved us, we should love others.

II. How Love? Sacrificial - Cost you something. Time/ patience.
i. John 13:34-35-All Rabbi’s had disciples, Jesus’ would be set apart because they would love one another, and promote one another before themselves.
ii. John 13:4-14 (MsgB)
So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. [5] Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. [6] When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, "Master, you wash my feet?"
[7] Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later."
[8] Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet—ever!"
Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing."
[9] "Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!"
[10] Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you." [11] (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.") [12] After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.
Then he said, "Do you understand what I have done to you? [13] You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. [14] So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet.

III. Results of Love. What happens when we love like Christ? I Peter 1:22-23
a. Lift Weights - Strengthened/removal of corruption and corruptibility. Purity Proverbs 30:5
b. People are drawn to us like a magnet, crowds following Jesus because the message he preached was that of love not of condemnation. -Matthew 16:14-16(people were drawn to Jesus not because he was the Christ, they didn’t know he was, they were drawn to him because he preached a gospel of love.)
1. Removal of lust, gossip, dirty talk, self interest, greed…
2. Our tongue has better uses, thanksgiving to God, and encouraging one another.

IV. Sincere Love: Altar: Love must be sincere.
a. Romans 12:9-10 (MsgB)
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. [10] Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Many of us struggle more on what we get out of a relationship rather than what we give to the relationship.

• God’s love FOR us gives us the reason to love others.
• God’s love IN us gives us the ability to love others.
• God’s love THROUGH us gives us the way to love others.

We know that we have really experienced God’s love when we can begin to love others genuinely.

Sincere.

Handout that says I’m committed to a life of Love.

What Matters Most? Love . . . .
I’m committed to loving people in these ways:
At home:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At school:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________At Church: (Oxygen/forward Motion)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Pastor Doug’s feedback blog is at oxygen.cc/doug.html

What Matters Most? Love . . . .
I’m committed to loving people in these ways:
At home:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At school:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________At Church: (Oxygen/forward Motion)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Pastor Doug’s feedback blog is at oxygen.cc/doug.html

Christmas

2006-12-23T23:57:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!

2006-12-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

Yep, Right Here. Capital Christian Center.

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

David Crowder Band - Everything Glorious

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Alrighty Then.

2006-12-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-12-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-11-01T22:21:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-09-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

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:

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

Sorry for the Delay!!!!

2006-07-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

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.

2006-03-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

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

2006-03-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-03-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

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

2006-03-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-02-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-01-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-01-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

(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

2006-01-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

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

Party!! Your all invited.

2005-12-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

Little Pic of kiah leading worship at home.

Ok this Saturday night. We are going to hang out at our home for a little new years celebration.

The address: 8060 Huxley Ct.
Sacramento, Ca
95829

From 50 you go south on Bradshaw, about 6 miles then take a right on Vintage park, take vintage park approx. 2.5 miles to Caymus Dr. Turn left (Caymus Park is on the corner), take the next right on Halkirk, then right on Huxley. We are at the end of the court on the left. You'll see the cars.

We'll see you there.

Pd

Christmas

2005-12-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

I hope you are having a great Christmas! I love Christmas, the incredible times we have and the joy that comes from these times, wow. Does it almost seem to you as if for a couple of weeks of the year people become kind, less angry, more loving, not quite as intense and focused on others? Maybe this is the way Jesus wants it, in fact people who don't even understand Christmas behave this way during this time. Jesus is definitely in control!
I hope you are loving people with all your energy and time during this season. I pray that God will bless all of you in this season.

This morning Kiah finally got his little guitar, wow what a wait, I thought it would never get here. I think I was as excited as him. He ran down the stairs and looked at the milk and cookies, which was actually egg nog, cookies and carrots. Carrots for the reindeers. They were gone, hmm wonder who ate those, anyway a big box sitting right next to fireplace was ripped open and shabamm! A guitar. Tate was excited about a little tricycle, Drew about his new watch and madden 06 and Bo about his puma warmup suit. Gretchen is snapping pictures wildly with her new little camera. There isn't much better feeling then to watch your kids enjoying life in this way. Just a little view of our christmas.

We are so thankful of the grace of our God and his provision. we don't for one minute take even the smallest gift for granted. The things we treasure most are family, incredible friends and most of all our great God.

God bless,

Pd

Today . . . . . if it were the last.

2005-12-18T20:34:00.000-08:00

Thank you Lord, the snow is back!!!!! Thanks to everyone who did the snow dance!

If this day was the last
Would I live different would I laugh?
If this day was the last
Would I find the same things interesting as in the past?
If this day was the last
Would I talk to people the same way?
Or would I speak to there deep parts in hope of a change.
If this day was the last
Would I say thank you and I love you
More than I do now?
If this day was the last,
Would I take time to talk about the hidden things with my creator?
Would I cry or would I weep like a baby with my regrets so visible and so vast?
If this day was last?
Would my God, my Jesus, my saviour finally become first? Yes,
and because this day could be last, I choose to put You, God, on the top of my list not in hopes of things this world will bring.
But in Jesus , my Lord, my saviour and my King.

Living for Your hope.

Pd

Where are you? Oxygen Message 12/14/05

2005-12-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the leadership team in Training. "The Urban Challenge" I hope some of you will be involved next year.

Where are you?

· Intro: Have you ever been at place in your life where you were like, God where are you right now? I need you and I can’t see you at work. The holidays can be times when we feel very lonely. Disappointed because of family situations. Bottom line is this. HURTS ARE MAGNIFIED during this time.

· Then there are others of us that Christmas is so incredible and comforting and warm and well we can’t get enough.

· It’s the most amazing time of the year. Good times seem great, and bad times seem horrible.

· I think tonight we can talk about working together, where those of us who are asking the question where are you God and those of us who feel encouraged and close to God can point the way.

· There was a story in the bible that talks about asking the question where are you God. Check this out.

Exodus 14:1-31 (NIV)
[10] As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. [11] They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? [12] Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"
[13] Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. [14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
[15] Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. [16] Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. [17] I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. [18] The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen."
[19] Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, [20] coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.
[21] Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, [22] and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
[23] The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh's horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. [24] During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. [25] He made the wheels of their chariots come off so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, "Let's get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt."
[26] Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen." [27] Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. [28] The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen--the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
[29] But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. [30] That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. [31] And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

Ok, here’s some points we can look at:

1. Remember the Facts.
a. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
i. God’s very nature is this. He can’t lie to you. Like Lier, lier.
1. This is opposite of what we think in our world many times we assume people won’t follow through with what they say or what they say is just an empty promise. God isn’t that way.
ii. He’s omni-present. (Big Word) Everywhere at once.
iii. He loves you unconditionally.
iv. 2 Tim. 4:16-17 (MsgB)
At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn't matter— [17] the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion!
**Sommers cry.** David’s words.
2. Talk to Him - God - Simple but easy.
a. Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Examples: Psalm 142:5 (MsgB)
I cry out, God, call out:
'You're my last chance, my only hope for life!'

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Many times we don’t want to ask for help and in this case it’s that simple. Cry out.
· Not just here, we’re here to get motivate you to cry out the rest of the week.
· When it’s you and him.
· Tonight as well.

3. Be thankful. Focus on What God has given you. Even when you don’t want to.
a. 1 Thes. 5:18 (NIV)
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
2 Cor. 6:9-10 (NIV)
known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; [10] sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Those of us who feel blessed and God is near.
4. Give your life away! Do what Jesus would do, live life to Give.
Luke 6:38 (MsgB)
Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
a. A kind word
a. Letter
b. Message
c. Face to face
b. Give your stuff away
a. Clothes
b. Money
c. Something that has value to you.
c. Time to someone who needs it.
d. Your story - Project 52.

Assignment:

Give something away that is worth something to you. This is Christmas. Ask God what he would have you give. And give it away.

Find the one kid you know could use it. And give.

Altar: If you would like to experience Jesus and his love, his forgiveness, his purpose for our lives. We want you to respond. Tonight.

Pastor Doug

Update

2005-12-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here's an update on some of the fun things we're involved in right now. We just had youth convention in UC Davis. About 5000 students attended the recreation hall on the middle of this awesome campus.

The CD with some of our original music is now available.

The 11:15 services on Sunday Mornings is going well, for those of you that don't know, we've been asked to lead worship on Sunday Mornings in this service. We are excited to see what the new year brings and to hear God's voice in 2006.

Drew, Bo, Kiah and Tate are doing great! There growing up way to fast, I wish I could keep them nice and little. Drew is almost as tall as I am and Bo is as crazy as ever. Kiah insisted on calling Santa Claus and Tate does whatever Kiah does. We are looking forward to a memorable Christmas with our boys.

Talk to you soon.

Doug

Christians

2005-12-06T00:58:00.000-08:00

Picture: Last time I was in Tahoe, thought it was a cool pic of God's creation.

Ok, What is a christian? I know we as christians know the answer to this question, but what do people who don't claim to be christians see? I think the answer to this question is quite revealing. I'm up late tonight, Monday night trying to catch up on some thinking time and just kind of hanging out. I've been thinking about the answer to this question alot lately, what do people who don't know Jesus actually think about me, do they see someone who has real concern for them? Am I approachable? Does it appear that I look down at people? I certainly hope not, but I do think sometimes as christians we live in this little cocoon of church people and culture and don't really understand nor care to understand what people see in us. The assumptions run wild, people know who I believe in, everyone knows the basic story of Jesus and his death and resurrection, when I bring someone to church, they'll get it.

I'll get to the point, reading and studying Jesus has caused me to realize that he loved to explain things in general to everyone he came in contact with. He used stories, testimonies and miracles to explain the love, grace, mercy, anger, kindness, and patience of God. I'm definitely challenging myself to be more explanatory in a way that makes knowing God a possibility instead of a just an experience. I would love some feedback on this these questions, what do you think?

PDoug

The Mind

2005-11-29T21:07:00.000-08:00

What do you think about? From people to kids to God to bills to grades to family to friends to well, everything going on in life. I'm wondering if I give God the appropriate mind time? To simply think about God and focus on him, this might be a key point for many of us. Could it be for you? I'm issueing you a challenge, track your thinking, keep some paper and a pen with you and every few minutes try and write down what you've been thinking about. I think maybe you'll be amazed by what you spend your time thinking about. We make budgets on what we spend our money on, we use planners to write down how we will spend our time, how do we budget and measure our think time? Kind of amazing to think about this considering the most important part of our being is our mind and the way we think.

Think about it.

Out,PD

Thanksgiving Day

2005-11-24T22:01:00.000-08:00

Man I feel huge right now! I ate way to much today or at least it feels like I did. Have you ever done this? No breakfast, no lunch and then, bring it on! I don't think I actually ate as much as normal I just ate all at once. Tomorrow, fasting.

I was actually thinking today of things much more important, I was wondering how many of my kids, (oxygen, kaio kids), were lonely today. Sometimes this actually weighs me down a little because I know not everyone that I love is experiencing the same love and exceptance that I feel every year around the holidays. I guess that's really what Thanksgiving is genuinly about, love, exceptance and I totally feel that so much from the people around me, I just pray the students God has placed in my life feel the same way. Sadly enough I know all of them do not. If I could today, Christmas day, Easter, New years and any day that was important to each of them, I would tell them how proud of each of them I am and how much I love them. . . . . . . . . The one thing that makes this feeling somehow Ok for me every year is that I know God is there Dad, he loves them more than the most incredible dad in the world.

My Prayer,
God, put Your arms around all of Your kids today. Let each them know how much You love them and care for them. Selfishly, I ask that each of them would know somehow, how much I love them as well. Sometimes life has dealt so many different hands out to so many different kids and they need to all feel that they are just as important to You as the next. The embrace of a father is something so many of Your kids need to feel right now. I know You hear me and respond, thank YOU.

Hears a few first names to help out: ( Like You need it)

Jeff,
Roman,
Ashley,
Brian,
Mark,
Chris,
Mikey,
Rocky,
Andrew,
Tyler,
Morgan,
Micha,
Michele,
Amy,
Will,
Brandon,
Ryan,
Keith,
Matt,
Joe,
Joseph,
Moses,
Adam,
Ross,
Amber,
Alison,
Amanda,
Gabe,
Nate,
Trevor,
Travis,
Alisha,
Sarah,
John,
Aaron,
Mikey,
Kyle,
Josiah,
The Porkers,
DeWayne,
Dwight,
Tamara,
Stephanie,
Virginia,
Bethany,
Heather,
and You know the rest.

PDoug

Youth Convention 05

2005-11-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Wow, convention was awesome! Friday night started with a bang, literally, as the pyro technics blasted a deafining sound followed by dancers and then the sound of thousands of students worshipping God with all there might! I'm not exactly sure what heaven will be like but I feel like we all had a glimpse on these two spectacular days.

One of the stories told at convention was the story of a young lady named Morgan. My life will be changed forever. The story told of abuse and self mutilation, eating dissorders and other self destructive behaviors to God's grace moving her into hope, passion and excitement about her future. God is incredibly good.

I'd love to hear from you if you have some great new songs. Or if you're a song writer and would like to share some music send me a link!

peace.

Another Day in Paradise

2005-11-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 4th.

This morning I'm sitting at home with my 2 little boys and I'm amazed at how God creates a life and allows that life to grow and change. I'm so thankful God has given me the most incredible 4 boys and I'm also thankful that God has filled my life with students from Jr. High through College that are full of life. I think the greatest priviledge in my life is watching the students grow and succeed. Even the rough times are ok, because those are the times which make the great times even better!

I am personally involved in more areas of ministry than I ever thought would be possible. I'm in a new phase of life with God allowing me to lead in worship on Sunday mornings as well as Wednesdays. I'm loving it!!! I totally believe God is moving our church into something new and life changing. (God help us to be what you need us to be.)

I know that I'm challenged to be better with time and my energy and love how God is stretching me. I wanted to you something, are you currently in a place where God is stretching you and challenging you to grow? Sometimes we are in these places and we don't like them. I've found that celebrating even in the bad times helps me to understand what God is trying to do with me. Anyway. God bless and have a wonderful day.

PDoug

Back in Action

2005-10-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

Well after an awesome Summer full of memorable events, the school year is in full swing and it's time to get busy teaching students to reach there campus with the hope of Jesus Christ.

I'm more encouraged by our staff, our students and the possibilities of what God has in front of us than I have ever been in my life. I can see how God has put our team together to be passionate about helping the students of Sacramento.

Next Wednesday night on the 12th of October we are hosting the "Oxygen Season Premiere"! This night is designed to communicate with all of our students, there parents and friends exactly what oxygen is about and why we exist and what is coming up in the next year. We will provide calenders. And tons of other interesting facts about where we are going as a youth ministry and how students and parents can be involved. The night will feature our Dance team, the band, many students giving there life stories about changes they've made and the new look and promotion for Oxygen and 678! We believe this year we can make a huge impact in the lives of students across Sacramento. We hope each of you will come and experience what we are all about!

What a summer!!!

2005-08-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

What a great summer! We started with Collide summer camp then moved on to the South Africa missions trip as you may have read about on this blog. My summer continued with a trip to Denver for the Assemblies of God General Council for meetings about our future and Speed the Light. I just arrived back from my final trip this summer to the mighty state of Louisianna. I was invited to speak and teach at a campus ministry conference for the ministry to public schools. I'm excited to be home and am anticipating the result of all these events as students step back onto there school campus.

We are counting on hundreds of new students coming to find Christ and discover there destiny! I know God's hand is moving Oxygen to a place of increased effectiveness. What does increased effectiveness look like? More lives transformed, more students finding God and spreading his love and mercy.

Please pray with me as we count on God to continue his incredible work. With school back in session, we are preparing for Burn Sideways, leadership retreats, and a halloween outreach.

Here's a picture of me and my boys as we finished our trip to Yosemite.

Talk more later.

Pics of our last day!

2005-07-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Last Day :-(

2005-07-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

Well everything comes to an end at some point. I can't say enough about the joy that we've had to serve together here in Africa. From working at Freedom Park to Schools, churches, the shelter and all of the people we've come in contact with, it's simply been amazing. Today we finished up with our last schools and heard from Ashley W and Jessica B. They were amazing. They both spoke with great confidence and maturity. We spent quite abit of time after the assembly just talking with the kids and having fun. The video of our kids being mobbed by the students is pretty amazing. The african students simply wanted to come in contact with one our students, a hug, a hand shake or just a smile sent them skipping and jumping on there way. What a blast. We finished with a muslim school that we cannot represent the gospel but we can love kids and pray that they see Jesus in us.

Today we ministered as a a team to 2700 students and teachers!!! WOW The response has been amazing. The last school was the largest and best school we've done. God has a way of putting an exclamation point on what we do! Sara, Rebecca, Bo, Connor and Nicole addressed the students at the last school and they were.....wow. Stunning, Sara had a young man who's going through the loss of a sister just like Sara talked about. Another young lady proclaimed with tears in her eyes. I thought Jesus was still dead that he only died on the cross. I didn't know he is alive for me! Amazing.

Tonight we are packing up and getting ready for the long journey home. Thank you again to all of the people that are responding to the blogs. Kids are waiting with great excitement to see who recieved mail. We will be leaving thursday morning to go to the special place in Soweto where Mandela began the revolution, then allow kids to have one last chance to shop at Bruma Market. We then jump on a plane and head out to Frankfurt with a short layover and to SanFransisco by 1pm on Friday. The students will be traveling for about 38 hours to arrive home and will be tired but excited to talk about there time in Africa.

Please pray for health and a safe journey home.

God bless, and for the last time from South Africa this year.

Pd

Pics of schools

2005-07-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Tuesday!

2005-07-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

Well this was a day I've been waiting for. We finally had a chance to get into the schools. My heart is definitely for the youth and because of that I love going to the highschools, J highs and colleges. The enviroment on these campuses is very challenging. The students are becomming more and more westernized. I wasn't sure what to expect from our students when they walked in front of a couple of thousand screaming students from Africa. They came out like champions. Connor and Morgan got us going at the first campus and then Jordan, Chelsey and Mandy took over for the second campus. They were simply magnificant! After the dances, human video's and testimonies the altar call was given and every student responded to pray the prayer of life. Then we stayed and mixed with the students for a quite sometime. The principle asked us to come back any time and even asked us to stay for an entire day with there students. (I've never had this question) Anyway the morning was spectacular. We should all be extremely proud of this group of kids. They are doing the things we all need to do everyday to change the world. God help us to live this way everyday.

Thank you for the comments about Johannes, pretty amazing that people around the world in three days have heard this name and are now praying for his healing. The internet in this case is an incredible tool.

Ok, tomorrow is the last day. and the students are being asked to finish strong. Obviously how we finish the race is more important than how we started. Our students are at there best right now. Everyone is feeling good and we are ready for our last day. Pray for them as we finish up and travel home for safety and good health.

God bless and let's all finish strong.

Love ya Gretch, Kiah and Tate I'll see you soon.

Pd

Johannes

2005-07-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Sat,Sun, and Mon.

2005-07-18T03:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Sunday and Monday! Back ONLINE!!!

2005-07-18T02:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the short delay. The last three days have been stunning!

Saturday was a free day for the students and started later than normal to catch up on rest. The students have been working so hard. We first stopped by a place for the students to pick up little trinkits to help them remember the trip. I'll let them tell you what and how much. We then went to the Famous "Carnivore Resteraunt"!!!! For dinner we ate Hardabeest, Sable, Crododile, ostich, pork, beef, Kudu, and finally and incredible desert. I think almost every student at least tried everything. The meat was great, they cook it over a huge open fire and bring it to you on huge swords then cut it off the sword on to your plate. Quite an experience for all of us. We headed back and had airsoft wars at the school and went to bed early in order to be ready for our Sunday am church service.

Sunday - We left around 9am to head to the Restoration Christian Church. The service began at 10am where we did the worship and spoke the word and were surprised by a very famous african group called The Mighty Gospel Sound. What a treat, they heard we were here and made a special trip to sing for our team. This group travels world wide to sing and dance the word of God. I'm so glad our students had a chance to meet these close friends of mine and that they took the time to come and greet us.
After church we headed to Pilansburg National Park where we began our game drive. We loaded in 3 seperate jeeps and headed into the bush praying to see some animals. I've been on 6 safari's in my life and not once have I seen the number of animals we saw on this drive. We all were able to see, Elephants (in big numbers), giraffes, Lions, rino's, Kudu, Empala's, wart hogs, zebra, hardabeests, and many other types of deer. One of the jeeps were able to see an entire herd of elephant cross the road all around them. The kid's were well, kind of giddy. It was so awesome!!!!! We wish you all could have all been there! Hopefully next time. Which by the way we are beginning to work on next year already, start praying about maybe going with us. After we finished the drive we at dinner at the park and headed home. This day will not be soon forgotten.

Monday we arrived back at the prison with a huge group waiting for us to enter the courtyard. We were able to speak to every prisoner at this large prison. This day was special. God began to move in the middle of the presentation and we decided to call men who needed prayer. Our young men stepped up and began to lay hands on the prisoners that God would deliver them, forgive them and restore them! I watched in tears as my 11 and 13 year old together prayed for the men and I could hear by the sound of there prayers that they believed God was going to touch these men!!!!!!! I was so proud of our young men. They were simply being men of God and everyone could see it. I can't tell you as a youth pastor how incredibly proud of each of our young men I was. Young lions. As the guys prayed the girls with hands raised interceded for the guys and the site was awesome and God's power moved through the prison with great boldness.

We are now helping unload the container from the US and cleaning the facilities we're staying in. Tomorrow we will be ministering in many schools. Please pray for us in the schools, this is the most taxing part of our ministry. We show up and one school and have 45 minutes to set up and present the message and then move on to the next all day long. The students will need the power of God to make this happen. Please pray for there strength and endurance as we finish stong.

Thank you again for all the support. I'm reading the comments to the students everyday at one of our meals and they are loving it. I can tell they cherish every thing you say to them. Family and friends look and feel alot different when you on the other side of the world. They aren't so easily taken for granted.

Thank you and God bless, I love you Gretch, Kiah and Tate. I'll see you soon.

Daddy first and Pastor Doug Second.

Technical Difficulties

2005-07-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the recent technical difficulties with Ps. Doug's Blog. He has been unable to post for the last few days due to server issues on our end. These have been corrected. You should be able to read this blog without difficulties. If there problems, check back in as we'll continue to monitor and keep the site up.

Thanks,

Ps. Jason

New Images

2005-07-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Day 6 of Ministry!

2005-07-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Another Great day!!!!!!!!!!!! We started this morning at 7am for breakfast and headed back to the prison where we presented the gospel of Jesus to young africans age14-22. What an experience, I've added a picture of the morning for you to see. I can't believe they let us take a picture inside the prison. Normally they search everyone and don't allow anything like this. They told us they enjoyed the ministry so much that we could do whatever we wanted as long as we would agree to come back on Monday for the last ward. As a team we learned an african song and sang it to the prisoners at the end of the program and they sang with us it sounded incredible! These african people have such an amazing spirit about them. It is truly amazing to listen to them sing and talk, we are so blessed to be here. I hope the next time we come we will have the opportunity to bring many more from Sacramento.

We left the prison listening to cheers from the prisoners and headed again to Freedom Park. This was our last day of ministry with these precious people. We again arrived to children chasing after the bus and truck. Except this time the crowd was much larger. In our trailor we brought with us about 1700 oranges to give out for a healthy snack actually the oranges were probably the best meal these children have had in a long time. We went thought our program, we danced, sang, did dramas and loved the people. The only difference was that we prayed for the sick to finish the day. Almost every adult came forward to have a student lay hands on them and pray. What a site!!!!!!!!!! Our students praying for these people, I truly believe we will hear of miracles that come from these students and there prayers and generosity. Today we didn't buy the oranges for them to give away. If they wanted to give away oranges they had to purchase them themselves and they did exactly that. I'm so proud of our kids. We handed out the oranges after praying for the kids and waved goodbuy. Many of our kids and the african children said there goodbyes with tears running down there faces.

We then headed back to work at the school and shelter. The story that stuck out in my mind today was this little boy about 2 months old that was living at the Lighthouse childrens shelter. Hi name, Johannes. His mother died a week ago of aids and my son Drew was holding Johannes when the missionary told him to pray for a miracle. Drew was simply told if God doesn't intervene the child your holding will be dead in 6 months. My son was stunned, he was holding a soon to be dead baby. I watched him closely to see how he would respond and within about five minutes he was simply weeping while holding this precious baby. We talked and decided that our God was more than powerful enough to touch little Johannes. Drew said, "Dad can we take him home and help him?" I explained how that wasn't possible now but maybe someday. Please pray for Johannes. God can do a miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This baby can grow into a strong man of God. We believe it. The students all gathered around Drew as he wepped for this child and together they cried and prayed to God with great passion and desperation. I believe God will heal this baby.

Please pray.

In tears,

PDoug

Day 5 of Ministry!

2005-07-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't forget I just haven't gotten back until just now. It's 9pm here in SA. We just returned from a night of dinner at Sun City! Wow what a contrast from what we've seen so far. The kids enjoyed a relaxing night and incredible food at the Gary Player Sun City Resort just outside of Rustenburg. I must apoligize, I'm not going to be able to give you the full story right now as the missionary is waiting to take me back to the school. I will update the sight fully tomorrow. Pictures and all. I can tell you one incredible thing that happened to Jessica Boulen yesterday. As we arrived at Freedom Park a little girl screemed out in her native tongue words that caused all of the little children around her to get excited and run after the bus again. Our interpretor giggled and Jessica asked her what the child said. Gloria (our interpretor) told Jess that the little kids were saying, " the americans are here to love us again". I think in all the years of doing missions trips, this is the one comment that pretty much made my year. We were definitely there to love them again. Thank you Lord for the opportunity. I know you've placed us right where you need us.

I'll write more tomorrow. With incredible picture of day 5 and 6. Wait until you see the pics, awesome! I'm using a computer that won't allow me put the pictures up at this moment. And just so you know, I'm printing out the comments and giving them out in front of everyone at breakfast, it's quickly becoming one of the days highlights. Thanks again for the comments, prayers and love!

PDoug

Pictures of Day 4!!!!

2005-07-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Day 4 of ministry!

2005-07-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm overwhelmed with everyone reading the blog. I'll do my best to get pictures of everyone and keep you updated daily. The kid's are loving hearing from you, it really means alot to each of them. Also you can right clip on any of the picture and save them for your kids.

Ok, day four. I woke up this morning at about 3:30 to get a warm shower and while walking down to the shower I heard the most interesting thing. I stopped to listen for some time and finally realized it was one of the students from the college praying. I believe he had been praying all night for his Country - (South Africa). These people in SA are so passionate about there people and there land. We are learning so much, we watched a movie the second night with the missionaries called the "The Power of One". If you have a chance to rent the movie and watch it before we get home I would recommend it, extremly compelling and you will see exactly what it looks like where we are working everyday.

We began the day at about 8am for breakfast and devo's, we read out of Romans 14 and 15. We talked about complaining and saying things to encourage our friends and people around us rather than point out the stuff that we feel is wrong. We had a great time together talking about this passage of scripture. One of the comments made was simply, "I will never complain about anything at home again, after what I've seen, I have no right." Thank God for his word and encouragement to all of our kids this morning. It was great.

We arrived at Freedom Park at about 10am with a large group of students waiting for us to come. As we drove into the little village down the dusty road a large contingent of children began to run down the road after us in expectation of what was to come. I think this was really encouraging to our students, and helped give them energy to accomplish our task of loving these precious little kids with all our strength. As we parked the kids waited patiently for us to pour off the bus and as we exited the bus many hugs and smiles of renewed friends began to fill the air. I think the little guys and gals really wondered if we were actually going to come back.

Our students divided into groups of five and headed out to invite people to come to the program we were about to present. At about eleven the teams arrived back flanked by large groups of children waiting to hear the message for the day. The dancers began with there normal excitement and charisma while the drama team waited eagerly for there turn and the chicken skit. (you'll have to ask them about that one) Johnny Wilson gave his testimony first followed by Drew Reid then ended with Ashley Beach. The local children's pastor was there to give his presentation with us watch what we were doing. We he finished we gave the call and every child who was in attendance prayed with realness that is hard to come by. I believe they were praying the prayer begging God to deliver them and give them purpose and new hope for there life.

We finished the rally and said our goodbyes promising to see them tomorrow. We loaded on the bus and headed back to the school where we had lunch together and began our work. Today we are finishing the painting and tile work as well as reviving the volleyball court and soccer field.

Please pray that the students remain healthy and in good attitude. This is the time of the trip when things get more difficult the new is wearing off and the fact that we are digging in for the next week is sinking in. Every student is doing great. I have no complaints. The work is tiring and difficult. And the adrenaline of arriving is now gone.

I haven't often seen a group that is as this excited everyday about what we're doing. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will hold.

I have passed on all of the comments you have sent in and the kids return them all with gratitude and love. They miss you all, and can't wait to see you.

Love you Gretch,

PDoug

Day 3! Wow what a day!!

2005-07-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for your comments. The team loves hearing from you! I will pass on all of the new comments.

Ok here we go. Our day started today at 7:45, we pulled out of the school where we're staying and headed to a huge prison on Rustenburg. We arrived at the prison and it took us about 45 minutes to check in, everyone was searched and our vehicles checked. We were then led in to a huge out door yard area for the prisoners where we set up our sound system and instruments. The low risk prisoners were brought in the yard about 250 then the additional prisoners watched from inside there cells and hallways. The dance team started then we continued with the human video diversity about race relations. Billy, Corey and Chris Stahl gave there testimonies and they were incredible!!!!!!!!!! When Conor finally gave the opportunity to except Christ every prisoner in the place raised there hand and prayed the prayer of salvation!!!! Incredible. The warden then came to the mic and invited us back anytime we would like and the whole prison sang a song for us! HOLY CRUD!!!!!!! How incredible to hear from hundreds of South African men as they sang in unison. I wish you could have all heard it with us. No problems at all to all of you moms out there wondering why we were in a prison:-)

We left the prison and moved on back to Freedom Park where we arrived with hundreds of kids waiting for us! We immediately began ministry. The clowns were stunning, Jessica B., Noah K., Genesis, Steph, and Trevor! The kids flocked to them as they dances and sang and played with children for the next 2 hours. I have never had more fun watching clowns do there thing and today. After the program began the dance team danced then Katie, Morgan, and Andrew Lopez gave there testimonies. I guess we all were well prepared because they are all speaking as if they are Billy Graham! We finished lunch and the students are finishing putting gravel on a long road, painting there second room, demoing tile out of a large room and cleaning all of the restrooms here at the college. As you can see these are long hardworking days! Some of the ladies who showed up late this morning enjoyed a long lap around the school, what a site at 7am!

Attitudes are imaculate and spirits are high, Andrew Allen is in top shape today and doing better every minute. We didn't have to take him to the doctor. The kids prayed for him and he felt bettere so off we go.

Tomorrow we will be back at Freedom park for a longer time of ministry as well as a longer day of labor tomorrow. We will be digging a foundation pit and unloading a container that just arrived from America.

Andrew L says his misses and loves you mom, thanks for the note. Rebecca say's hi family can't wait to see you and I'll deliver the new comments today.

Zack there's one here for you and I'll let her know! I would love for us to hook up when we get back. See ya

I love you Gretchen, I'll see you next week.

Enjoy the pics,

Doug