Cold Play

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

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

Loving life,

Pd

Last Night

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

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

Pd

Sunday was a great day.

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

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

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

Looking for more humility,

Pd

Horse from .... . . heaven!

(a view of the scenery along the coast.)

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

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

Oh well

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

Pd

6 days into the year

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

Pd

2006

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

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

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

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

Pd

Party!! Your all invited.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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!