SoCal Fires

Well, there is a big fire near where I live. I can see flames reaching over the mountains several miles from where I am. But, compared to last years 'ring of fire' surrounding SCV, this really doesn't hit my hometown as much. This Sylmar Fire is a devasting one, but thankfully, at this time, it does not appear to be heading towards me. The fire is to the south of me, located on either side of the I-5 where the 14, 210, and 118 converge. Pray for those that are being affected by it! This fire is a massive one, and the winds are ridiculous right now.

Snipets of Grace

So I don't have one 'big' thing to write about. Instead I'll write about little things the Lord encouraged me this week. Some aren't that little actually...

1) Got to serve at the Fall Festival at my church. I worked with my 1st and 2nd graders. It was such a joy to play a bunch of crazy games with them and have them cheer me on during the leader competitions (I won the whipped cream eating contest...)! It was a bit of a shock helping out with the 1st and 2nd graders in August... now those kids have become so dear to me. One drew a picture of me today and gave it me... the picture is complete with thick rimmed glasses! haha.

2) A dear friend of mine had a friend of his saved! Praise the Lord! I got teary hearing him tell of God's amazing grace. My friend not even a year ago was not walking with the Lord. In the Spring he came to me and confessed much sin, and I realized that God had worked mightly in his life that day. I knew that the change that was taking place in his life was only by God's good grace. Now, my friend was telling me about his friend getting saved and how excited he was to see God work in someone who he never expected God to work in! What an amazing thing it is to see the cycle of grace. My friend who normally has little emotion over anything was borderline giddy when he told me about his friend's salvation. A year ago today my friend would have never been excited about the Lord or His work... now thanks to God's work in his life he is rejoicing over our Lord's work! Amen!

3) An older gentleman delievered some paint from another store to my job on Saturday. He was a very joyful fellow. When I signed my name on the delivery ticket he mentioned that my name was a biblical name. I smiled and said 'yes, Matthew was a tax collector but was saved.' He smiled wide and said to have a blessed day. I thought how cool it was to be encouraged by a brother in Christ. He was old, African American, and I had never met him before... but my brother encouraged me that hour. We didn't need anything in common, we have Christ already.

4) I've gotten to enjoy much good fellowship with my roommates, a dear friend, and my brothers and sisters in Christ. My time spent with some of them is short, but what a joy my time is with them!

5) Sunday night dinners continue to be an encouragement to me! Tonight was no exception. It's such an amazing blessing to have fellowship with my dear brothers and sisters.

6) I got to have lunch with a very godly couple, Micah and Molly. What amazing examples of Christ's love, service, and encouragement.

Its 9:42pm

I'm not really sure what I want to say.

I'm in one of those moods where you want to write, but there's not one thing that shouts 'write about me'!

Life is interesting. Nothing 'big' is happening, but the Lord is revealing to me what it means to live a 'normal' life. Gone are the days of college, and now working life becomes more real. I love school so much it seems strange not to have it. Life in college can be so simple... its more a challenge to get involved in others lives, to serve, to stay in and study the Word, to seek fellowship... and yet all those things are possible by God's grace. It's just a different challenge to do those things when you're in the real world.

I miss NorthCreek, but I am beginning to love Placerita more and more. I am torn between two amazing churches where people love God so much. I am blessed to teach the 1st and 2nd graders on Sunday morning (this week's lesson: Joshua and the battle of Jericho!), Awana on Wednesday, and be involved in different bible studies - one on 1 Corinthians and one on 2nd Corinthians!

Well, that's all for trying to blab tonight. Hopefully my thoughts will be more cohesive later!

Fall Thing

Last night was Fall Thing. A group of 6 of us went out to a Chinese Resturant before and had a blast, and then had the party in Echo Park, and then went to Denny's afterwards. I should write something about life, but I'll wait a couple more days when I'm not exhuasted! haha.

It's Been Awhile...

So I'm not sure if anyone reads this anymore. Summer rushed by with its typical craziness and somehow I have not signed in here in almost 2 months.

I am now living back down in SoCal, just a few blocks from where I attended college. I am attending and serving at the same church I went to during my time here. This year I will be teaching 1st&2nd grade on Sunday mornings and 4th-6th grades for Awanas. I haven't really worked with either age group exclusively before, so it should be a fun challenge and joy to serve those children!

I learned a lot over the summer... maybe I'll do a fun little history blog about it sometime soon. But for now I had something different in mind.

I have been in SoCal for two weeks as of today and just wanted to reflect on those two weeks a smigen. Working (almost) fulltime has shown me a more complete picture of what the 'real world' is and how desperately it needs Christ. Seeing customers and co-workers so far from Christ is a bit of a jolt to my system. The 'Master's Bubble' does exist, and I don't think its necessarily a bad thing - God taught me so much in that environment, but bursting somewhat out of that bubble I've seen the wretched state of a world opposed to Christ more fully.

Doing delivers for my job all over the LA county I see a lot of sin being proclaimed as a respite from worries and cares. Sex, booze, and wealth are the selling points for businesses. City life is different than old suburbia... the sins of both might be the same but city life proclaims its sins on billboards.

I've been thinking a lot about sin and how we interact with it, comfront it, deal with it. I've haven't come to absolute conclusions on everything just yet, but i think understanding the nature and severity of sin helps us as Christians understand the culture around us that hates the Lord. When people swear, act angrily, act loose, or whatever actions offend us... its good to be reminded that those people are not beyond the reaches of God's glorious gospel. God came to save the sinners not the righteous! Its the sinners who need His message of salvation. When people swear against our Lord we should not be surprised... those whom the Holy Spirit has not regenerated cannot do any good. The people that steal, lie, cheat... we were those people before God opened our hearts to his grace!

People seemed surprised by sin. My coworkers always complain that the world has gone down the tubes since their childhood. Has it? Has the world gotten worse? Why are people surprised that politicians aren't trustworthy, that other nations war against each other, that theives break in and steal, that crime seems rampant? Do we not understand the severity and awful digusting vile sin that has corrupted our very nature! NO we are not a good human race, NO we are not kind, loving, unselfish. Man is wicked. Read the histories of Germany, Russia, Darfur, Serbia, China, Japan... the men who committed countless atrocious acts were no different than the gentleman who lives across the street! Sin is devastating, far more awful than most people realize.

But praise be to God that he sent His only Son to die for our sin! Oh what wretched creatures we are, and yet how powerful is His love and grace!! I want to worship and cry out praises to His name for His love is higher than we can ever understand. Oh that our world would only fall to their knees in repentance and humbless and confess their sins to the One who grants forgiveness. He gives grace beyond measure to those that trust in His holy name.

Wednesday Afternoon

I just off the phone with one of my good friends. It was great to catch up with him and hear about what is going on in his life. As the conversation closed, we talked a little bit about going through trials.

Earlier today I was reading through MacArthur's commentary on James. James 1.2-10 says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf on the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Blessed is a man who preservers under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

That's kind of a long passage right there, but it's all great truth. MacArthur lists several great things about going through trials; they strengthen our faith, they humble us, wean us from depending on earthly things, call us to a heavenly hope, reveal what we love, teach us to value God's blessings, and they teach us to comfort others in trials. He also talked about how we should respond to trials; with a joyful attitude, an understanding mind, a submissive will, a believing heart, and a humble spirit.

The last response was echoed by my friend when i was talking to him. He asked me how i was doing and wanted to hear how i was growing in the Lord through the trial. My friend is going through a trial, too, and he reminded me of the need to be humble. We are to be humble before the Lord in a trial, and be humble before others as we care for their needs above ours (Philippians 2). While life can seem hard, I have friends who have lost their jobs, friends who can't find jobs, friends who are struggling with disconentment, friends who are having trouble paying for school, friends whose parents are dying. We all don't necessarily understand what it is like to experience those things, but we all have experienced God's abundant grace in our own circumstances. God gives us the strength to endure trials, and He gives us the strength to love and care for others even in our trils. Its so easy to be selfcentered and selfish. Praise the Lord for his grace to perserve and for his grace to make us more like His loving Son.

Reflections on Grace

I haven’t updated for 3 weeks! Time is flying by so much faster than I realized it would.
I have enjoyed being home: gotten to hang out with some friends, worked on my 30-page senior history paper, read 3 books, gone dancing once, hung out with my family, went on a ridiculous day trip to 10 cities, hiked from peak to peak on Mt. Diablo, … and gotten to keep in touch with my beloved Hotchkissians.

Earlier this week I read one of my favorite passages in the Bible: John 1.

I wish I could write about the entire passage, but I’m just going to talk about a section of it. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. … And from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.”

One, one of the phrases that always sticks out to me is that Christ is full of “grace and truth.”

Two, that from Christ’s fullness we have received “grace upon grace.”

I decided to mull around my reference books to get some background on these passages. What I found was encouraging, so I thought I’d share. Truth is what accords with reality. Truth is not abstract, but revealed in the actual person of Christ. He is truth because he is the revelation of God. Boice said truth “did not come to the world through philosophy or through any other form of human speculation. Truth came into the world through Jesus Christ.” That’s just astonishing to me whenever I think about it. Christ, the Logos, is truth. In him there is no falsehood. Christ revealed in the Scriptures is true. Amen! And Christ was full of grace.

Because of man’s sinfulness we do not deserve anything from God. We deserve to have awful, miserable lives. Yet God gives his children grace upon grace. I think even as Christians we forget how much the Lord blesses us with. As Christians we have peace with God. We are no longer enemies and under the wrath of God, we are no longer in bondage to sin, we have hope in Christ! If we lived in awful circumstances, yet knew Christ, could we complain? We’d have enough to forever sing praises. And yet the Lord gives us so much more than even that ultimate gift.

We’ve received grace upon grace.

I love how Verbrugge explains ‘upon’: it denotes a perpetual and rapid succession of blessings, as though there were no interval between the arrival of one blessing and the reception of the next. ‘Grace’: is poured out in overflowing fullness. MacArthur says grace is that ‘abundant supply [that] will never be exhausted or diminished; grace will continually follow grace in a limitless, never-ending flow.’

Ironside applies it: We are not called to live upon past experiences. Many of us remember when were first saved of the grace that was poured into our souls when that took place… but that is not our experience today. That was grace indeed, wondrous grace! What we have now should be grace against grace, grace following upon grace, all down through the years.

How apathetic can we become to grace. May it not be! As James says, every good gift is from above. Everything good is from our Father. How much do we have to be thankful for, how much grace are we showered with daily, hourly. Do we praise Him for his kindness, mercy, faithfulness, justice? Do we praise Him for fellowship with our fellow believers? Do we thank Him for his grace in covering our sins? Do we thank Him for answered prayer? Do we thank Him for his Word?

Psalm 86:8-13.
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord; that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depth of Sheol.

If you know Him, praise Him.
If you don’t know Him, why do you not trust in the One who is full of all truth and grace?

50th Post - and last one from Hotchkiss

So, it's very late and I'm having trouble staying awake. But...

I just wanted to say what a blessing it has been to live in Hotchkiss and attend Master's. The Lord has taught me so much through my friends here and I leave Master's with a meloncholy heart. I am so excited to see where the Lord will take me soon, but I also am reflective on my time here. I have been shown so much grace while at Master's in so many ways - and to leave this context is a bit hard.

So, congrats to Tanner and Jimmy - my fellow HUB graduates, and all my other friends who have graduated tonight!

Wed-Thur-Fri

These past few days have been amazing. I've had a lot of fun and been blessed to see the Lord's grace in different areas very clearly.

On Wednesday I had my last lecture of my college career! So strange to be done with "class." I have one book report, a 30 page essay, and two finals, but that's it. That's all that left for me to do before I get my diploma! Crazy. Thankfully, my large paper won't be due for several more weeks. I also hang with my best friend and then chilled at Baskin Robbins with friends. Wednesday night I also got to see a friendship restored. It is so sweet to see a friendship restored by the Lord. I've seen it in five relationships this year at Masters, and everytime I have been so amazed at how the Lord works. He always works in a mighty way that I can't understand. It's been so humbling to see my brothers and sisters walk like Christ.

Yesterday I didn't have class, but kept busy somehow. Had homework, then lunch with Tanner and Beaks, coffee with Telle, took a friend on an errand, and then spent the rest of the day at the Keller's. I absolutely love Joe and his family. I can't begin to say what a blessing it was to spend time with them. Joe is such an example to me. It was so great to spend time cooking with them, hanging, running to the store. The Lord has taught me so much through Joe, and it was a blessing to be able to spend time with him before I leave Masters. I think Hotchkiss/Placerita Baptist/Joe are the three things I'll miss the most about being here.

Today I went to my last chapel. Hung at Starbucks with one of my professors and my class. Wrote a five page paper. Went to McDonalds. And saw Iron Man with Tanner, Matt, and Ryan. Amazing movie, and it was a blast to hang with those three!!

At Baccalauratte Chapel with Jimmy, Tanner, and Ryan.
At 31cent Baskin Robbins night with Beaks and Tanner.
Hanging with friends.
One of my favorite guys: Joe Keller.

Good Friends, Lots of School

Time has flown by so fast since I last posted. I've written two major research papers, one of the Decembrists (fascinating!) and one on John Quincy Adams's time in Russia as our first minister to Russia. Those two things consumed much of my time last week, but I was still blessed to hang with some friends and enjoy some good times of fellowship, and a trip to Santa Barbara. Oh... and I got history major of the year award!! AND... Tanner and I won for dorm spirit in the school competition! Go Hotchkiss!!

Today is my best friend's birthday. So, Happy Birthday bud! It is cool to look back a year ago when we didn't know each other that well to today where we have a good friendship. I am so blessed to call him friend and brother! I think he's probably taught me the most out of any of my peers. It's been cool to watch his life lately - he's got an amazing relationship with an godly girl and is a great example to many, he passed his ridiculous senior exam, is working towards what he is doing with his life, and is preparing to serve the Lord in New Zealand for several weeks. It's really cool to see the Lord working in his life.

I've been so blessed with great friends here. Some that minister so much to me, and some that I have been privlidged to minister to. It's cool the 'circle' that friendships take.

I have two weeks left at Masters. That is incredibly exciting and makes me a little bit sad, too. It's strange to have opposing feelings. But I don't want to write about that just yet.

Spring Party

Last night our school hosted their annual "Spring Party" at Union Station in Los Angeles. After a very spirited 'dorm day' at school (where Tanner and I sweeped any competition for most dorm spirited!), Hannah, Stephen, Jenna, and I headed down into Los Angeles to go the party.

The room was amazing! It was built in the 20/30s I imagine, and had a bar (stocked with soda and grendine - served to us by our RD's), a huge bar filled with desserts, and huge posh areas to sit down and talk. The four of us met up with my good friends Tanner, Valinda, Matt, Abi, Amanda, Adam, Jimmy, Sarah, Brian, Stacie, Jody, and Ryan. It was a blast! Hannah and I got to go around and mingle, take ridiculous photos, and have a good time being surrounded by my good friends. After the party, most of us headed down to the pier at Santa Monica to hang for a bit. It was a gorgeous night!

Well, now I need to write a 10-page paper on the 1825 Russian Revolution led by the Decembrists. =)

Sunday Update

I got a card from someone today that was really encouraging. The last few days have been peaceful as I've seen the Lord's strength in my weaknesses, but they have also been taxing. The Lord really blessed me with the card that quoted:

Psalm 31.1-3
"In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me."

Sometimes you have those moments when you feel the Lord sends you something where you see his grace in such perfect timing that you stand back and praise him. You're encouraged by the actions of others, but the timing is just so perfect that you fall to your knees in praise to the Lord. That's how I felt today when I recieved that card. I read the first half of the card and just stopped and thanked the Lord for being Him being my rock this week. He has just poured grace and peace and mercy upon me abundantly.

The second half was encouraging as well. God has been showing me so much grace through several friends here. From my best friend to a friend I have not seen in weeks, the Lord has just reminded me over and over of his goodness. In hard times its so good to be around those who praise the Lord. What a blessing my brothers and sisters are that I have in Christ! My 'extended' family is such a blessing.

This morning in church we sang Psalm 62. I first learned this song in the back of the CALTC building in Almaty, Kazakhstan. I remember it vividly. "Only in God is my soul at rest in him is my salvation, he only is my rock, my strength, and my salvation. My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be afraid at all. My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be moved." It's a simple, melo, understated song, and Psalm 62 has so encouraged me in so many circumstances. When will the peace and strength of my Lord not comfort? I've seen the Lord give me peace in the blood of Christ, in witnessing to Kazakhs, in sitting down with homeless in Skid Row, in leaving friends, in confronting people in sin, in so many circumstances and situations. God alone is my rock and salvation.

Sunday Reflections

So I wanted to write this yesterday, but I had too much to do until now.

Saturday was a rough day for school, but it ended really well. My best friend and I stayed up late on Saturday and talked about a variety of things. I have been so busy lately, and it was really encouraging to spend time talking with him. I walked away with a deeper love for the grace of God that night. The more I hear about my fellow believers' lives, the more I end up encouraged by the workings of our Lord. Between my best friend, and hearing the testimony of another friend this weekend at a birthday party, I have been moved towards trusting the Lord more in his gracious works. I can think about my own lif and how the Lord has called me and be amazed by God's grace, but the more I learn about my fellow beleivers and the innumerable ways in which the Lord has drawn people to himself the more I just am filled with joy and awe our God! Saturday night (Sunday morning...) I went to bed just filled with a joy, a joy in knowing more about how the Lord has worked. Praise the Lord!

Sunday morning... went to church with my friends and Scott closed his message by quoting two verses:

Psalm 107.28-32
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Isaiah 43.2-3a
When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Now, here's the cool part... After church I went to prepare to teach my Sunday school lessons. I opened up my curriculum and the verse for the week was the quoted Isaiah verse! It was so encouraging to read that and teach to my kids that God is with you in hard times.

And the Lord is. He's always there when you're going through hard times. Praise the Lord and rejoice in his goodness.

2 Timothy

So in theology class today I decided to read 2 Timothy. The Lord really encouraged me and challenged me.

Here are some quick thoughts and commands from the book:

God gave us a spirit NOT of fear...
... but LOVE, POWER, and SELF-CONTROL

GOD called me because of his own PURPOSE and GRACE

Be STRENGTHENED by the GRACE in CHRIST JESUS

Pursue RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, LOVE, and PEACE

Be KIND to ALL
Be able to TEACH
PATIENTLY endure evil
CORRECT with GENTLENESS

So that "God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured to do his will."



I had a challenging and encouraging conversation with Siona today. I was definitely encouraged in Christ's grace during our conversation, and it was joyful to rejoice and glory in his grace together. But, I also feel challenged to an even more radical love and more dependent prayer life. The Cross can break the chains of any sin. The grace of our Lord can cover the most vile of all sins. May we be reminded of the grace we've been shown, and may we plead with the world to repent and receive that wonderous grace!

Ona and I talked about the fact that Christ is alive! Amen. We talked about being so amazed at Christ and so joyful in his grace that that knowledge and experience of loving and walking with him causes us to rejoice to in all circumstances. We know Christ and therefore rejoice. I feel like words on this page can't describe what I'm trying to convey.

Praise the Lord for his grace! And plead with the Lord to show that grace to sinners!

Time to Relect on the Cross

It's Easter, or as some say, Resurrection Day.

It's a day we Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We proclaim that "He is Risen." We dress up in our Sunday best and sign hymns like "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Many of the millions who attended an Easter service around the world today have heard the gospel message before. They know they are celebrating the day in which Christ rose from the dead.

What an amazing thing it is to look back to the day Christ broke the sting of death and sin and rose to life! This Easter is only my second Easter as a believer, and it has been encouraging to look at that historical event. But, I suppose that as important of an event it is to commemorate, it is also important to look at what Christ's resurrection and life means for us today.


This week has been marked by much grief and a sober mood. When you love someone and their sin is exposed it hurts. Someone very dear to me brought unexpected news this week that I must confess did not completely surprise me, but nevertheless shocked me in a way. A reaction is to be grieved by the sin a loved one is convinced is righteous. Another reaction is to be hurt by the realization that your relationship with that person has been broken for sometime. But, another reaction is to understand that people choose sin. I can not, and I will not, accept the sin that my friend is practicing as righteous, but I also know that Christ has called me to continue to love this dear person. There is supposed paradox in how you can love someone and hate their sin, how you be longsuffering and share the truth.

But these paradoxes aren't what they appear to be. Both sides are true, and with God's wisdom and grace both are achievable. A reaction to someone's sin has to be to share the truth in love and to patiently wait upon the Lord to change someone's heart. You can be grieved by someone's sin, but you can't be controlled by it. You can be saddened by their wavering from the Lord, but you can't control them.

Ultimately, you must trust the saving work of our Savior and the purposes of the Lord. Only Christ's blood and work can change a hardened heart and forgive sin. And, only in God's timing and will will those things come to fruition. That is harder to rest in, but nevertheless, only waiting on the Lord and trusting in him can give peace.

2 Thessalonians says, Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.


Back to my opening comments. Christ is risen. Amen? Amen!! I feel there is a danger to relegate Christ's work to the resurrection day. We can forget that the gospel and hope of Christ is not confined to the act of salvation. God's grace is poured out to us daily! Grace upon grace. I looked at the oceans this week in Pacific Grove and reminded myself about my thoughts on rain and grace. Imagine looking at the Pacific Ocean and seeing water as far as the eye can see... that is what God's grace is like to us Christians. When I was reflecting on God's grace I didn't expect to face trial later that week, but God knew.

I think the only reason I'm able to stay at peace in this situation is through God's grace. Looking to Christ as my hope is what comforts. Not past experiences, not worldly statistics, or conversations. A song I've sung over and over is "Inside Out." I've quoted this part before: Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades. Never ending your glory goes beyond all fame. And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise.

Christ's light will outshine any darkness that sin and the world produces. In trials, Christ is your light. Look to the Word and see the supremacy of our Savior! The blessed Lord!

In all things God's glory will prevail. We can't always undestand how God will receive glory in circumstances, but all things will be worked out to his glorious name.

In trials may my prayer be to praise the Lord through it.


Therefore, may I glorify and praise Him for his wondrous grace and will.

A busy weekend

The past few days have been amazing... but it's Tuesday and the weekend's craziness is causing me to be tired! haha. So, here's brief update on what happened...

Friday afternoon Amy, Tanner, Valinda, Abi, Meghan and I headed down to Huntington Beach for a Foosball Tournament at Abi's house. We got there early, so Amy and I took a stroll on the beach and walked around downtown Huntington Beach. So fun to be a on beach again! The party was amazing, even though Amy and I got booted out of the game in our first round. Intense! Saturday, did what's called 'Community Day.' Tanner, Stephen and I went to a house and helped clean up their yard. A lot to get done, but it was encouraging to make a difference at least. Went to the intermural soccer game. Then, Amy, Tanner, Valinda and I went to a pizza place called Numero Uno... amazing pizza! HAd a blast. Came back and saw "The Importance of Being Ernest." Then the four of us went out to Starbucks. A great night. Had a very important conversation with a friend who is going through a hard time. Hard night, but it is so encouraging to see the Lord working in his life! Can't write much about the situation, but praise the Lord for his work and grace. I had a difficult time understanding the situation, but Sunday morning the Lord humbled me and I remembered once again his love, grace, and sufficiency. Taught sunday school with Amy. We took our kids for a walk. Went to the Ghetty with a friend and his brother, then came back and did some homework and watched parts of Indiana Jones with Amy. That's a survey of this weekend... Hope you all have a great week!

Another week gone by

So, it never ceases to amaze me how fast time goes by. I feel like it's a total lie that time will ever slow. But I'm not complaining! Life is great right now, it's just amazing to me how much there is to do.

Lets see what's happened since Saturday when I last posted...

Had some great conversations with Amy, Tanner, Josh B., Joe, and Siona.

Seen two ridiculous movies.

Read several hundred pages for my history classes, had four exams, and lived through endless pages of science questions for my DS.

Started a new Bible reading plan.

Played a crazy game of ERS.

Visited a potential graduate school I'm thinking of applying to.

... well that's some of what's happened this week. The conversations have been a huge blessing! It's been inredible to talk about so many different things throughout the week. Last night I stayed up until almost 4am talking to my friend Josh about his life. He is an MK from South Africa. We watched Hotel Rowanda, and then he told me about his experiences there in Africa, and then just about life. It was incredibly encouraging to me. I was super tired, but I feel like knowing someone better is always more important that getting rest. If I could have the depth of conversation we had last night with every conversation, I would have no problem staying up late often.

I think it's amazing how often you can hang with people and be around people and still not know them well. There's guys I've known my whole time here at Masters and yet I still do not know them well. It takes time and honesty and trust to get to know a person. There are less than five people on campus that I would say I know well, and yet I still learn more about them everyday. I feel so encouraged when the Lord gives me the opportunity to know some of my brothers better. When you know someone more you can pray for them better, minister better. But it's hard work to know someone. It's scary, too. The closer you get to people the more of them you see - and more frightening is that you become more exposed to them.

And yet, walking with my brothers the more I get to know them the more I hear about the Lord in their lives, and the encouragement that comes from learning about how my God has worked in their lives is just astonishing. Our God is great! Amen! No one has had the same experiences, and yet my brothers have all been saved by the same grace that I am justified by. I think about Galatians 3.28. I am so blessed to have brothers, and sisters, in Christ. What has made my time here at Masters has not really been the school at all, but the people that are here who love the Lord. My time here would not have been the same if I had not known those whom God has placed in my life. So, I am thankful to the Lord for the friendships that he's given me here. And, if you're reading this, you know how thankful I am for you!

To close: Happy Birthday Gramps!!

Valentine's Day

Well, it's Saturday, and I've been at my homework for the past 3 hours. I decided I could use a break... and what other great thing to do during a quick break than write a blog?

Thursday was Valentine's Day - and what an amazingly fun day it was! Thursday morning Amy and I gave each other 'sweet' cards before walking to class. All I'll say is that they are hysterical and nice. I had lunch with Steve Severance (Kent's dad). It was a really encouraging lunch and he asked some great questions. My best friend and I went out to figure out some things for the night. Came back from that, and Amy had surprised me with a journal with Russian writing (!!) and candy. So sweet! She totally surprised me =) Amy and I had night class together - our favorite class - Dr. Roland's "Early National Period of the United States." We were going out after class, so we went to class all dressed up! Went out to 'our' Starbucks for our thursday night ritual. Met up with my best friend and his girlfriend and...

Went to Hollywood! What a blast and great way to finish the evening! We all went to Grauman's Chinese Theatre (the famous theatre with the handprints in the concrete) and saw Jumper!! We had all been to the theatre on the outside - never on the inside. What a pleasant surprise - the theatre was amazingly beautiful on the inside. An old 1920s movie house restored! The movie wasn't incredible, but our time together was. We got to roam around the Kodak Theatre region and take goofy pictures. Stopped at McDonlands on the way back for sundaes, and then made it back to Hotchkiss about 1.30am.

I had an amazing time throughout the entire day! It was such a blessing to spend so much time with my girlfriend, and then to catch up with my best friend and his girlfriend. For Amy and I, it was great to return back to Hollywood - that's where we had experienced 'russia' last semester. So many great memories in Hollywood. (shout out to my family - Hollywood! in the Taurus). Well, I need to get back to school... but that's a little recap of a great day!

The Weekend

Saturday: Slept in until about 9:30am. Had brunch with my roommate. Then, studied in the library for over 5 hours. Have to make a 50-piece bibliography for one of my history classes. Not a super hard project, but just annoyingly long. Amy came and visited me, and we decided to go off campus to study. We found this place called "Bridgeport." It's a subdivision in Santa Clarita where all the colonialesque homes are situated around a massive manmade water feature. We found a park bench to do homework on for several hours. Once the sun went down we just hung out and talked - and watched bats fly by. Went to my last basketball home game as a college student. Then, we finished watching Bourne Supremacy.

Sunday: Went to church, taught our 3rd and 4th graders outside because it was a gorgeous day, then had a sunday school meeting. Drove down to Orange. A beautiful city! Walked around downtown and visited antique stores, then my sis Sarah and her friend Rae met us. We had dinner at a bagel shop. Went to a beauitful Lutheran church to hear Azusa Pacific University's choir and orchestra. Amazing! I've heard them numerous times, but I never get tired. This concert was especially Christ-centered, and it was incredibly encouraging. Loved it! It was cool to get to show Amy APU's choir because she'd never heard them before. Amy and I then headed over to Downtown Disney. We got there right before the fireworks went off! Amazing. Hung out there for about an hour. Two great days!!

One Way Out: Prayer

Yesterday was a great day. It was jampacked with things from when I woke up at 7am until I went to bed around 2am. The day started off normal - chapel, class, lunch with friends. Then, Amy, Betsy and I decided to go for an adventure. Now notice I don't say hike... but adventure. We were going to climb to some radio transmitters above the 14, but decided that it was too late in the day to begin such an obstacle as that. So, we found some hills/mountains that are near the school that we've always dreamed of hiking on. These geographic features are not part of a park, or have any trails. We would have to trailblaze up and down these mountains if we wanted to achieve our goal: reaching the top. We made it up the mountain without too much difficulty. A few scrapes here and there, some dirt in our shoes... nothing too eventful. Towards the top of the mountain we got stuck and had to hike down and hike up another ravine before we could reach the crest. We made it to the top of the mountain, and we got to look out all across the Santa Clarita Valley. Beatiful! Squished a bug and claimed the top for BAM and Hotchkiss.

Here's where the fun began...

We headed back down the mountain only to deadend at a cliff with a 30' drop. Now, hiking down to this deadend had been quite eventful in itself. We had slid down a steep hill for about 40', kept outselves from rolling down sandy areas by holding on to bushes. We truly felt like we were on an adventure deep in the brush of some other country. We were a little dissapointed to reach a deadend, but headed back up to the crest again. Headed down another ravine. This was crazy... fought our way through brush and trees. Clung for life to bushes to keep ourselves from sliding down 20'. I slipped over a small hill and fell about 6'... got a nice spanking on a rock. But, our spirits were still high.... until we reached another cliff. Another deadend. This dropoff was even bigger than the first. We had to hike back up to the crest, but we had skidded down such a steep embankment that it would be very difficult to get out. Betsy started to get upset and worried that we'd have to be helicoptered out... but the three of us sat down and prayed for a while. Almost immediately Amy found the trail we had come up on not far from where we were. We headed back down the mountain and made it down safely. We got to the bottom and praised the Lord together.

It was amazing to climb a mountain thinking we could conquer all things, and then come off the mountain praising the Lord and giving him glory for giving us strength and wisdom. Not the lesson we expected to learn yesterday.

After that Amy and I had a nice talk at In N Out (something we were craving on the hike). Went to a Ghetto party and played Old Maid (yea, kind of ironic). And then watched parts of Bourne Supremacy. Such a great day. We got to see the Lord give grace in ways we couldn't expect.

New News

Well, I suppose most of you who read this already know... but I have a girlfriend now! My good friend Amy and I became 'official' last Thursday. We've been great friends for a long time - we did theatre together 10 years ago, and then became close friends here when I transfered to Master's College last spring. It's been so much fun strengthening the friendship that we already have. There's no girl that I can talk as freely about the Lord or Christ or grace or the Bible with, and there's no girl who I enjoy being around more. We've done so many fun things together: going into San Francisco, visiting a Russian Church in Los Angeles, been on numerous hikes, and the list goes on. So, needless to say, I'm super excited!

These past couple weeks have been pretty ridiculous at times, but I've learned so much through the times the Lord has placed before me. I've been refreshed in seeing the Spirit work in guys lives on my wing - being reminded that my God is alive and active. I have seen Scripture come alive numerous times. Ephesians 3.20-21 "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Praise the Lord! I have seen the love of Christ displayed to me in many of friends, especially Tanner, Josh T., Josh B., Josh T., Siona, Joe K., Amanda, Jody, Caroline, and Valinda. It's been so humbling to see their care and love for not only me but for those I love as well. It's been amazing to get to teach Sunday School (3rd and 4th graders!) with Amy and to teach our children about the truths of God's Word. These last two sundays the Lord has let us teach on subjects that have been on our hearts lately. I have seen the utter grace that God gives in all circumstances. From who the Lord let me be roommates with, to the timing of certain friend's returns to the dorm; from the encouraging converstation, to the challenging prayer. The Lord is ever pushing me on towards knowing him more. To see how previous trials that seemed random teach me so much in some current trials! Praise the Lord! I've been refreshed to hear the gospel preached on sunday night and to be reminded of the implications of Christ's love for me and his forgiveness of my sins and what that means in my relation to my brothers.

So much is going on... and I am so excited to continue to see where the Lord takes me in my walk with him. James 1.2-3 says "Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." What an encouragement it has been to have joy in Christ when all things seem wrong AND when all things seem right.

I'll leave you with a great quote from a song by Hillsong:

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades.
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame.
And the cry of my heart, is to give you praise.
From the inside out, Lord my soul cries out.

Blog Night

To start this off... tonight I had a conversation about blogging and realized I hadn't blogged in a bit. So, here I go...

Today was a marvelous day. Went to chapel with friends this morning. Had two very nice classes. In one Sam Erikson talked, and the other was sort of like a tv-trivia game. Went out to the store with Tanner and picked up food to cook tonight... Siona turned 30 at 12:15am today (Tuesday... Happy Birthday Dad!!). I cooked him a lamb and pasta dish. It was great. Tanner and Matt H. ate with us. Our dinner conversation turned into a 2 hour talk on everything from blogging, respect, relationships, to sanctification. It made me laugh hard and think hard. A sweet mix. It was encouraging to spend time with those guys. Then, at midnight, a large group came in and sang happy birthday to him. Loads of fun! Laughed hard for the next 30 mins.

This weekend was great. Went to the snow again on Saturday with my friends Amy, Betsy, Sam, Zach, Caroline and others. What a blast! Sunday, had two nice services at church. Between church services Amy, Betsy, Stephen, Jade, Jesse and I went and hiked 3 miles to a waterfall - and Amy and I jumped in it! I'm not sure what is colder - that waterfall or Lake Tahoe. It was pouring down rain the entire time, but we all had a blast.

This week has just been amazing to continue to see the Lord's goodness. I have been blessed to have several good talks with close friends, and I've definitely seen some friendships strengthened this week. Praise the Lord! The more you know people the more you can love them more deeply. It's hard to push people closer to Christ when you just observe them from a distance.

I'd love to keep writing, but it's 1am. Da Svedanya!

CLEP and Rain

I sit here at my computer while the rain turns to hail outside my window. I can't help but smile. I sat outside under the protection of an overhang and watched the rain pour and puddle on the ground this morning. A professor of mine passed me and asked me why I’d be outside on such a cold day. I just smiled.

I love water. Especially rain. Many people here on campus have been complaining about the rainfall that is pounding our campus hourly this week. Everyone runs to get inside and escape the wet weather. I’d rather be outside in the falling water. Water reminds me of God’s goodness in several ways. Rain is something that God has used to remind me of his goodness so many times.

Today as I watched the rain fall across North Campus, I sat on a bench and thought about God’s grace. I’ve heard a verse several times recently in chapel and at church: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace (John 1.14,16). God pours grace out to us, and water creates a picture in my mind of that grace. As I look out as far as I can see today water continually falls from the sky. How much more does God pour out his grace upon us? I have been overwhelmed by God’s grace this week – and watching the continual rain come out of seemingly inexhaustible clouds reminds me of the limitless grace God gives to us because of His Son’s sacrifice for us.

Can I ever understand God’s grace? Last semester I heard a sermon on Titus 2.11-14 that was amazing. It says “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Back to water… In Matthew 5, Jesus said that God gives rain to the just and the unjust. The Lord gives salvation to His chosen, but he even gives grace to the reprobate. The Lord gives us rain (water) to survive. I think also of my experiences with springs; in Zion, Utah; Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Burney Falls, California. I don’t know how many of you have been next to a spring, but it’s an awesome experience seeing water pour forth from rocks or the ground. Again, springs remind me of the Lord’s supply of grace to us.

Finally, today I took the English Literature CLEP test. By God’s grace I passed it! It was so encouraging this morning to see God’s grace in my test and in the rain. And, yesterday was encouraging as well. Had a nice time of fellowship with my ‘brother’ and had a good conversation with Siona. This is too long… so go out in the rain, and praise the Lord for His grace to us!

God is Good

I feel like I could write a book right now, but for the sake of those who read this I will try and keep this short. I realized that I haven’t written anything here for about a week… and in that past week so much has happened. Externally, I finished my winterim class, attended the Truth and Life Conference here at Masters, went on two hikes, went to Big Bear for snow, and started school. “Internally” the Lord has taught me so much these past few days, it’s been an incredible blessing.

A quick catch up on what has been going on…
Tuesday: had a difficult day, but it was probably one of the most amazing days I’ve had in sometime. The Lord taught me more than I can write here. I was overwhelmed by the Lord’s goodness and grace to me. The day began incredibly hard, but it ended with me praising God for all his blessings and love to me. I had to learn some things a hard way, but I saw the Lord’s grace in so many ways.

Wednesday: Met with Joe for our ‘one-year anniversary.’ It has been an incredible blessing to have him as a brother in my life. I could write for some time how much the Lord has worked on my life through our friendship. We had lunch and I was greatly encouraged and challenged. Later in the day I was greatly encouraged by one of my friends. We had had a hard time the day before, but I now see our friendship as being far stronger than it ever has been before. I am so amazed at the Lord’s grace to me in my friendships, especially with him.

Thursday: the conference started. And, a large group of us from Hotchkiss and some other peeps went hiking out in Santa Clarita. Lots of fun. Got poison oak though. A real adventure! Played games late into the night. Went to Denny’s with Tanner, Stephen, and Josh.

Friday: the conference continued. Went hiking with my good friend John (who had been in IBEX last semester), Betsy, Jody, and Marie at Vasquez Rocks. We hiking and climbed rocks for most of the afternoon. Loads of fun!

Saturday: had brunch with Stephen, and a nice conversation. Went to Big Bear with Amy, Abi, Betsy and Hannah. It took us four hours to get there, and then Abi hurt her ankle in the first five minutes we were there. But, we had a blast! Ate at this restaurant called the “Teddy Bear Café.” Had Starbucks in Azusa. What a fun road trip!!

Sunday: church was amazing on Sunday morning and Sunday night. Went to Starbucks with John. So good to catch up. Later, went to dinner with Amy, Ally, Stephen, Brandon, Brittany, and Ben. Then, played games with Tanner, Abi, and Valinda later that night. Had a blast playing games.

Monday: had chapel (amazing! Joe talked). Had a really nice and encouraging brunch with Siona. Then, had a nice lunch with the wing and some friends. Studied for my CLEP test coming up. Went out to Starbucks with Tanner and Stephen last night.

To wrap it up…. this week has been tough at times, but through it all the Lord has been continually revealing more of Himself to me. It has been such an amazing time of learning to love the Lord ever more! I’ve had to learn a lot about friendships and how to love others, but the Lord is faithful. I would love to write all about what the Lord has been teaching me, but I have to go to class now. So, I will finish by saying the Lord is ever good and loving and gracious, and I am continually amazed by my Lord. Slava Bogu.

Endurance

At night church tonight we had a visiting pastor who spoke on endurance. The sermon didn't say too much, but the Lord used the sermon to remind me of some passages and thoughts on the subject. ... kind of.

The pastor emphasized the idea that we are to endure for the sake of the elect (1 Cor 9). He said that we endure so that we might share the hope that we have in Christ and spread the good news. When I was first saved I remember asking Kent Dresdow why I couldn't just go to heaven - life is too hard, and to be with Christ would be so sweet. Kent told me that God doesn't take us immediately into heaven when we're saved because He still has plans for us here on earth. God uses humans to spread His Word so that the elect might have a knowledge of the Lord. How would people hear the good news if there was no one to share it? How would people see examples of Christ? Obviously the Lord could, in His sovereingty and wisdom, choose to save people soley from putting the Word before them, or just saving them by other means, but that's not the Lord's plan. God uses people to shine His light.

This made me think less about endurance (umm...) but more about witnessing and why the Lord has me here, and about the hope that He's given me. So, I remember talking to Kent and thinking about how key people were in the Lord bringing me to Himself. Several believers on my first missions trip to Kazakhstan (Greg, Adam, Kaitlin, Tiffany, Justin, Tyler, Tanya) and people in Kazakhstan (Maxim, Slava, Andre...) showed me so much love in a different context while at the same time the Lord was revealing Himself to me in His Word. While the Word was giving me the Lord's truth, my conversations and interactions with believers were key in moving me towards to the Lord. Their radical love for the Lord spilled out to people was so incredible to me.

I think about trials and how we always say to endure because the Lord is sovereign, He has a plan. Endure because it will be for your good. Endure because when made weak you will see the Lord's strength. I don't deny that these are good reasons to endure... but I think enduring for the sake of sharing the Lord to the elect is forgotten sometimes. At least in my own life it is.

1 Corinthians 9.22-23 'To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.'

I do it all for the sake of the gospel! Is that really what I strive for? Do you remember the first time you received the good news? Can you remember the joy that was sent on fire in your heart? Can you remember giving up your life to gain it? Do you remember the hope that was in the grace of our Lord?

What is it that you love? What is that you desire?

Whatever you live for is obvious I think. You talk about it all the time. Am I so satisfied in the gospel that I want to share it with all men? Do I love the Lord so much that its the first and only thing I want to give to others? I want to love the Lord so much that I want to share Him with all I know. I want to know the Lord more that I am so satisfied in who He is that I can't wait to tell all about Him. I want to worship the Lord so much that I can't ever stop praising Him before the world.

What we love we want our loved ones to share with us. If I love a certain culture, I want to share that culture with those I love. If I love a certain movie, I want my family to know that movie. If I love a certain person, I want my other friends to love that person. May the Lord give me the grace to love Him so much that I want to share Him with the world. What greater thing to share than our Lord?

A Lesson Before School Starts

Who said learning needs to wait until school actually starts?

This week has been rough, but I needed to learn some things before the school semester began. I went to bed on Monday night a happy man, all was right with the world, and then woke up Tuesday morning with one of the worst attitudes I've had in some time. The Lord had some lessons in store for me, but I couldn't tell what they were when I woke up. I have to admit I was angry because I thought everything was going well and I couldn't understand why so many things had become so exaggerated in my mind.

I began to stress out about school... about the CLEP test I have to pass, about the DS science class I have to finish, about the winterim economics class, about my 18 units... about where I'd be applying for graduate school, about what geographic region I'd be applying to, about where I'd be living this summer, about where I'd be working... about relationships that have faded over the past several months with friends from last Spring, about relationships this semester that I'm not sure about where they are going, about relationship with girls and where those should be... about my family that I was barely home with... and the list of things to worry about jusy compounded and compounded upon itself inside my brain.

I used to stress o so much, and I knew I didn't want this. But my mind was a path to destruction, and all I could do was cry out to the Lord. I prayed and read the Word. Prayed and read the Word some more. And then prayed for some time. I thought I knew how to fix stress... meditate on Philippians where it says "The Lord is hand: Do not be anxious, but in everything, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord." I've been tempted by anxiety so many times, and that verse was normally so sweet. But I couldn't shake the overwhelming fear that was building up.

I began to get upset as I knew that I was sinning against the Lord by not trusting Him. I cried out to the Lord asking him to change my hard heart. I kept thinking I just needed to not worry, the Lord was trying to teach me to trust Him. But, the Lord had a different lesson in mind. In reading Scripture I eventually was convicted and encouraged reading 2 Peter. 2 Peter 3.13 says "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." I could not escape my flesh, but I have the hope of Christ today to help me through my trials AND I have a hope in the knowledge that the Lord will one day return to take me to heaven with Him. There righteousness will dwell! What hope! My Savior will come, and I will go with Him BECAUSE of His death for me. What a blessed day it will be when I will praise my Lord without sin!! Oh, Lord, I can't wait! Where is my focus here? Is it on relationships, on school, or on the Lord? Where is my hope? On earth or in heaven? I realized that I had become far too 'earth-looking' in my life. The Lord so encouraged me with reminders of His love for me and how I will be with Him one day! O the grace that one day I will not seek to love and serve the Lord with temptations to sin begging at me.

I read Romans 8 thinking still that the Lord would encourage me in His sovereignty. But that would not be what would encourage me. As I read the 'sovereignty' verse 8.28, I instead was convicted on something else. I kept reading Romans 8 and instead saw again that nothing can separate me from my Lord's love. Why does school and friends and family and my future cause me so much stress? I have all I ever need in Christ. I have His love! He died for me, and he loves me more than I can ever understand.

It came down to this: Do I desire the Lord's love or do I desire xxx? I could put any of the things I was stressing about in the blank. What do I most desire? A good friend, a good graduate school, an easy school semester, a girlfriend, a better relationship with my family? Who is it that I desire? I desire to know, and love, and worship my Lord Jesus!

This is long... but this was an important thing the Lord humbled me on this week. Conclusion... I love the Lord ever more for His grace to me and his sacrifical, amazing, and unconditional love towards me! I will not give up on my life here, I won't give up my friendships and so on, but I will seek to love my Lord even more, ever more. To God be all glory and praise.

A Blessed Week

These past seven days I have been blessed to spend them with my best friend Tanner. I flew up to his house in Washington on Monday morning, and we drove down yesterday (and today). I have longed to visit Washington for sometime, and Tanner invited me up during finals. The week will go down as one of my fondest memories. I am so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to go and visit my friend. I have so many great memories, I will try and share some:

December 31 - Went to Starbucks, Borders, walked the beach at Mukilteo, played an intense 4+ hour game-a-thon including shuffle board, Sorry, and foozeball, blew off poppers at midnight, and stayed up late watching a movie.

January 1 - Had one of the best conversations I've ever had (the Lord has really given me great conversations at Starbucks...) on a variety of topics. I couldn't help but praise the Lord for his amazing grace in our lives. I am so blessed to call Tanner my good friend. Played Risk, and then Tanner's mom's family came and I played games with the counsins for at least 5 hours. Watched 'Rush Hour' and 'Frequency.'

January 2 - Tanner and I missed the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston by several seconds. Visited Stephen in Kingston and went kayaking in his 'backyard.' Incredibly beautiful area. Went to Outback Steakhouse, watched the 'Fugitive' and played the old Mario Brothers for many hours. Tanner and I made it to the 4th world before we were too tired to continue.

January 3 - Went to McDonalds, went and saw 'I am Legend' at a movie theatre. Went into Seattle and went up the Space Needle. Took some awesome pictures, and then had Starbucks in Seattle. Watched 'Dirty Dozen.'

January 4 - Had pizza at Alfy's, had a nice conversation on Placerita, went to Starbucks again.

January 5 - Left Tanner's house at 5:15am and arrived at mine 18 hours later. Tanner and I braved rain, snow, darkness, sleepiness and other crazy things. I got to be outside in falling snow for the first time. Had several nice conversations along the way. Got lost for an hour near my house.

January 6 - Left my home, ate at Tomitina in Walnut Creek, followed each other down to Masters, where we arrived 5 hours later. Unpacked at ate at Panda Express. Had an amazing conversation with Tanner and Siona until 2am in the morning.

To rap it all up... I feel so blessed on this trip to have gotten to know my friend even better, to rejoice in God's grace, to reflect on the Lord's workings in our lives and in His Word, to strengthen our friendship, AND to have a complete blast. I have so many sweet memories (crossing sign, music...) from this trip.

At the Space Needle!

New Years at midnight-ish.

On the ferry.

In the snow.


At Stephen's House.