THE LEGACY

My tenure at Mosaic is now complete. The legacy I leave behind is solid and intact because myself and three other individuals have installed a brand new A/C unit at the Mott Autorium (the location of Mosaic Pasadena)! OK, bare with some of the sarcasim here ...

Up until today the autorium didn't have working A/C and the temperatures on a Sunday morning easily got into the mid-80's inside the heat box that is "the mott" but no more!

For about seven hours today we set up two units on seperate sides of the building. Each unit runs some where in the price range of $30,000 to go along with a brand new generator that was right around the $10,000 amount. Mosaic just signed a seven year lease on the building so thus, the reason for finally putting in the brand new units.

Most of the day was spent trying to cut the plywood correctly to fit the air duct vents from the unit. We also got to create holes in walls for the air ducts into the 70 year autorium. Yes, it is one old building. Oh man ... Fun Times!

"THE THEATER"

I will never have another movie experience like I did on Wednesday. Never!

I am not a huge movie going individual but to see Superman on opening night at the world famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre was an opportunity that couldn't be passed up.

This place is freakin spectacular. It is the grand slam of all movie theaters. It's the Mount Everest of seeing a movie. Watching a movie else where is like playing in Triple-A baseball. You know, that you are happy to be playing professional baseball but you are not in the majors yet. If you never see a movie at this place, then you haven't never experienced movie watching at it's peak. It's stunning!

You walk into a vast arena of 2200 seats in front of screen that is out of this world huge. I don't know how huge but, man, it's big and impressive. You can essentially feel the history that surrounds that place when watching a movie there. There is really a sense of awe when you step foot inside the place.

The cost for the ticket was $11.25 while a small popcorn was $4.25 but the experience made up for the overpriced concessions.

As for the movie, it was awesome. Watching it with a 2,000 Superman fans was just awesome. I have never been to a movie were there was just so much "extra energy" in the room. Amazing stuff!

JOURNEYING WITH QUESTIONS

On Tuesday I decided to write down every question that came into my head. OK, not every question; like I didn't write down "I wonder what time I should leave so I avoid traffic" question. I wrote down questions of more serious thought, so to speak.

Some of these are raw and open ended while others I have no idea where the came from but this is what I am mulling over.

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Is being a Christian about listening to God and acting on that?

How do I lead?

What can I dot improve my attitude?

How can I “soak-in” God better?

Am I teachable or does my pride get in the way?

How can an environment be created on a consistent basis so relationship and first connection aren’t based on the outward appearance on an individual?

How do you stretch people’s thinking so that they still respect you and you are not offending them? Or, at least, offending them on a minimal level?

What is an optimal learning setting for me?

How can I help others be more respectful?

How did Jesus lead?

How much time should Christians invest in believers and non-believers? Is there a proper “ratio”?

What is the best way I can do the most good?

What values of Mosaic can be used to help transform the movement of Jesus at my church?

What do I want to learn with my remaining time I have left at Mosaic?

How does God value you?

What about loving humanity?

Are you a Christian or a Christ-Follower?

What is my yelo?

What did blaspheming look like to the religious leaders during Jesus’ time on earth?

Should you try and teach/help those who don’t want to learn or be helped?

The mirror; is it your greatest enemy?

What if you only built your strengths and forgot about your “weaknesses”?

Where is God in this (everything)?

WESTWOOD VISIT

After service on Sunday a few of us went out to Westwood (i.e. the UCLA area) to get some ice cream and just general chat.

If you are ever in the L.A. area you have to, I repeat HAVE TO, visit this ice cream place called Diddy Riese. They sell this cookie ice-cream sandwiches for $1.25 and they are absolutely outstanding. You get to pick the type of cookie and ice cream you want for your sandwich. There is always a line to wait in but it moved quite smoothly. I recommend the Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream!

In addition to the extremely good Ice Cream, the L.A. Film Festival was going on just down the block so I got my picture on the Red Carpet. That's me pointing to my "fans" - HA!! I had quite a few autographs to sign that night ;-)

MAYAN PICTURES

I finally got some of my pictures from the Mayan Theatre to look some what respectable to post on the blog.

The first one looking directly at the stage from what would be considered the mezziane area. The second one is taken from the stage and looks at the seating area. The bottom area seats around 350 (at least that about how many chairs we set out) while the balacony seats about the same but we place about 100 chairs up top. The last picture is the main "dance" floor area with the chair set out.

THUMB WRESTLING @ MOSAIC

This Sunday we kicked off the next series at Mosaic called "Sportscenter" so needless to say I am pretty happy about that!

So if you are a church like Mosaic, what do you do during your gatherings to get people involved and engaged in the message?!? You thumb wrestle! I mean, what else in the world could you possibly do? Amazing.

It was a great way to get some interaction going with the crowd and actually helped make some people better connected or newly connected to one another. Very cool to watch that!

Erwin walked through a few scriptures about David's life were he was doing what God asked him to do and how the Lord got great pleasure from that. God wants us to "play" was the message on Sunday and get our adrenaline going for the right reasons. It was a very good talk.

SATURDAY AT "THE GREEK"

One thing that I really wanted to do while I was out here was go to see a concert at the Greek Theatre just outside of the Hollywood area. I got that chance on Saturday night after the Yelo event.

I went and saw Damien Rice and Fionna Apple for just under $30.00. I could really care less about Fionna Apple but I really like Damien Rice and it wasn't that expensive so I figured why not?

The place is absolutely amazing! It is just kind of tucked in the mountains and you really feel like you are no where near a big city. It's almost like a retreat. The atmosphere was everything I thought it would be and more.

As for the actually concert, Damien Rice was pretty good. I wish he would have played a lot longer (he was on-stage for about an hour) but while he was playing it was very solid. I would certainly like to see him live again. As the for the way-too-long Fionna Apple set, well it was certainly interesting if nothing else. That woman is just not right in the head. Her fans are just about as crazy/wierd as her! Made for a fun night!

The whole evening was really just nice "get-a-way" from everyone else in the group and just a nice way to re-energize!

YELO & PERSONALITY TESTS

For the past few years Mosaic holds a leadership training event that based around the Myers-Briggs and Strength Finders Personality test. The event, formerly called Launch, was renamed to Yelo because the Mosaic wants people to live in the "yellow of life"; by that they mean don't be the normal blue (about 50% of people's favorite color is blue) and be average but step out into a life a adventure beyond the normal.

I was pretty excited to hear about the different ways that using the personality tests can help you interact better with those around. The event did not dissapoint. Plus I got to meet some new people and get them a little better connected. The day was certainly a win!

The Strength Finders test is done by the Gallup group and they break down for everyone who take the test the top 5 themes of the 34 "themes of talent" they have come up with over the last 7-8 years. We spent most of the morning in four different break-out sessions were each theme was discussed in detail along with some group interaction. And I did a whole lot of note taking. Previously I told you what my strengths are but, here's a little discription of each:

Belief - I have a set of core values that is enduring to me and make me a person who is trustworhty
Relator - I have a close group of friends that I enjoy interacting with. We know are strengths and weaknesses.
Includer - I have to make sure that no one is left out and everyone is engaged in the setting.
Woo (Winning Others Over) - I enjoy the challenge of getting to know others
Self-Assurance - I have faith in who I am and I am self-confident in that.

So there you go, there's a very brief look at some of my top five strengths. Mosaic is uber-big on using each persons strength correctly, so to speak. Two very interesting things for the test: #1) The chances that someone in the U.S. has the same strengths in the exact order is 1 in 33 million & 2) If I took the test over again, there is a 89% chances that the top would remain the same. Interesting!

OK, after lunch we all came back together as a large group were Eric Bryant and Steve Sacone each gave a 45 minute talk before Erwin closed the day with an hour long Q&A that was great.

MEET TIM

NAME: Tim Davidson

SCHOOL: Liberty University (Yes, that Liberty!)

AGE: 20

CLAIM TO FAME: Tim might be closer to his family then any other male I have ever met in my entire life ... no seriously! During any given "free moment" you can most likely find Tim by himself chatting on the phone with his parents or his two sisters. It's really quite amazingly. Maybe I should take a hint - HA! ;-)

Tim helps out with the Junior High ministry at Mosaic and more recently had the pleasure of basically staying up all night with the middle schoolers during one of their events. He was none to happy the next day.

In addition, me and him have fun conversations about Liberty University and I keep giving him ideas of a crazy prank to pull before he graduates. I hope he takes me up on it.

Myers-Briggs: And I quote Tim, "I don't believe in the Myers-Briggs, it is just another way for 'the man' to keep me down."

A NORAH JONES DAY

So Wednesday (June 21) was not one of the better days since I have been out here. Thus I label it a "Norah Jones Day" since I needed some good, soothing music for relaxing to end the day.

I spent most of the day at the Rescue Mission. Everything was just kind of "off" almost the entire time I was there. Remember that whole Patience and Lateral Leadership thing that I am trying to use and learn while I am out here? That seemed to be on full display on various occasions through out the day.

Serving at the Rescue Mission has been so much fun and it will continue to be but yesterday was tough. Not necessarily bad but tough. I really struggle when people are disrespected and not treated as they should. It is even more of a struggle when that person is me! I have absolutely no problem working hard, doing what I am told, serving, etc. But when I become the main person on the opposite end of a "leadership power trip" that gets a little problematic for me.

Without going into a whole lot of detail, it felt like massive leadership dysfunction during both lunch and dinner. It was like having to report to three different people and all three of them wanted control. They each wanted the power of "hold the gun in the room."

Then this were the patience part for me comes in ... In the most kind and tactful way possible (seriously!) I expressed my concerns over specific thing or two before dinner. Yet, to no avail. Frustration abounds and after a longer than normal dinner time, it was time for Norah Jones.

I'm not sure I did anything really wrong or un-Christ like. Most of the troubles and frustration comes from the fact that this may not be an issue that goes away. It shall be an interesting next visit to the Rescue Mission.

FROM TUESDAY, JUNE 20

This was a fairly interesting last nine hours of this day. It was kind of odd for me personally because the third Tuesday of June meant that I was at the Midwest League All-Star game the last three years. Something that I looked forward to a great deal and not being there this year just kept reminding me how my life is in a totally different direction.

After meeting with Dana for our weekly gathering were we chatted about earthquakes, family and methods of getting people connected at Mosaic I had about two hours to grab some dinner and relax for a little bit before heading to the USC area for the evening with Braden.

Around 7:30 the two of us got together with Scott from Mosaic for about 90 minutes were we talked at great lengths of how to connect our passions in life and how that can help people who are searching out this whole Christian deal. He brought up a few good questions (in this order):

What are you centraling revolving your life around?
How can you better connect with that? (Three Ways)
How can you add value to others lives with those three ways?

Once again, I am proven dumb that something so obvious eludes me. Of course, I think that it eludes a lot of people as well!

After our gathering with Scott we met up with a group of students on the USC campus. After telling all of them I was a Texas Longhorns fan, they still let me be apart of the discussion! ;-)

What an amazing three hours of talk with some awesome Peanut Butter cookies. In the group of 10, I have rarely felt a level of open-ness with complete strangers in my entire life. It was just another cool moment that I was glad to be apart of. We talk about a wide variety of stuff like wedding gifts, moving, work, relationships, helping others and how people perceive you among other things.

The one question that got a really good flow to it: Why do people procrastinate to the last minute all the time? I thought that I came up with a solid answer:

A: Procrastination is a habit that will not be broken until you fail or don't experience success at the task you just procrastinated on.

Hey, I thought it made sense. It was an amazingly fun evening to interact with a group of 20-somethings. Even if it was on USC's campus - HA!

EARTHQUAKE

Experts say that the L.A. area is in for a massive earthquake at any moment! This is kind of odd that it comes out this week because less than 36 hours ago I was talking with the internship director about earthquakes for like 15 minutes ... hmmm ... what a time to be in Southern California!

GETTING READY

... This Saturday is one of the big events for Mosaic as they host Yelo (formerly the Launch Experience) at William Carey University. The office work seems to be about complete for the event before the hours of set-up on Friday afternoon in the autorium.

I'm pretty excited for this event. It's almost all about how to relate to people by using the Myers-Briggs and Strength finders personality tests. The creativity behind this event is going to be make for an amazing day of instruction, teaching and connections.

... On Sunday the Pasadena location has their monthly lunch gathering at one of the Pastor's house for new attendees of Mosaic. I've been busy keeping people updated with what is going with that via numerous e-mails, phone calls and letters. It's keeping me fairly busy.

This is my first "big event" for the Pasadena location so I am really looking forward to helping people make some better relational connections. Should be a good time!

SUNDAY AT MOSAIC

(I must start by apologizing. You see, I didn't take any pictures because I forgot my camera this week)
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For me, this week was very good on so many levels. From a serving aspect I helped out with the connections team at "10 Minute Party" and the "Connections HotSpot" instead of the cafe area during the morning services at Pasadena ... Each area serves a different purpose with the Party area dedicated mostly to first time visitors who are interested in hearing what Mosaic is all about (5 Core Values, Arts Focus, etc) while the HotSpot is all about getting someone involved in a small group/house group.

It was kind of slow(er) this week at the two areas according to one of the regular volunteers. Personally, it was good to get some solid interaction with the first-time guest and the regular volunteers in those two areas. In working with the Pasadena site, one of my purposes is to better serve the first-time guests and I think working with these two spots is more beneficially for everyone.

I got to watch the service during the 9 a.m. and what an amazing 40 minutes. We watched a short film called "Most" that was made over in Europe and was nominated for several big time awards. It was just amazing. I don't know how else to describe it. At some point when I return to the South Bend area I will be getting people together to watch and discuss. It was just so amazing.

Once we arrived at the Mayan to help set-up at 2:15 p.m., everything was running very smoothly. All the chairs, the clean-up and misc. things were all ready in record time. We usually get done around 4 p.m. but on Sunday it was done by 3:15 p.m. which meant I could actually watch the arts team warm-up and catch a glimpse of what is going on with them. The arts team/department at Mosaic is second to none. They would make "big-time" recording artists jealous!

During the final service at 7 p.m. a handful of the interns meant with Eric Bryant for about 30 minutes to discuss some of different aspects of Mosaic. Maybe the most enlighting 30 minutes since I have been out here. It was an amazing Q&A with the guy who probably second only to Erwin at Mosaic. Some stuff was very confusing but good to hear. The full-time staff here is about as brilliant as church staffs come.

On the drive home after a record tear down, the group of us that was in the meeting was throwing around the question, "could Mosaic happen in other parts of the country?" ... It was a question that was posed to Eric as well. My thoughts on that are - absolutely. But you better make sure that create a quality team that is devoted to reaching lost people and growing their lives in and through Christ. That's a very simple answer and maybe one day I will expound on that more but there's a brief glimpse for now.

Thus ending a 14-hour day at Mosaic ...

BREAKFAST AT THE RESCUE MISSION

So Saturday morning was an early wake-up call. I woke up just before the sun broke through the horizon at 5:10 a.m. so I could get to the Rescue Mission by 6 a.m. to help serve breakfast. After just one week of volunteering there, I have now served all three meals - Woo Hoo!

This was the most quiet meal of all the servings but kind of the most sombering in some ways, so to speak. I'm not sure if the previous night was more rough on some of the people but some of them just really looked down and I mean like way down. Granted I know it was the morning but something really did feel different. I got to chat with a few of them so that was a cool experience just to say "hello" and hopefully bring some cheer to there day.

We served probably around 350 meals or so which is much slower than a lunch or dinner. After we were down serving the meal of scrambled eggs, grits, sausage, peaches and biscuits, I got to interact with some of the guys in the Rescue Mission's program about hear some of their stories. Just thought I would share the experience for the morning with some pictures ...

Just for the record, that first picture is a vanilla soda drink we had to pour into a big tub for a World Cup soccer celebration that was going on during the afternoon. Something like 150 gallons of vanilla soda that I may smell like for days to come - HA!

DODGER STADIUM

After serving breakfast at the Rescue Mission, I got to stop by Dodger Stadium for the second straight day this mornnig. Since I didn't bring my camera, the first time I brought it this time. It was so awesome to be in the park with no one else around. Can't wait to see a game there and eat a $4.50 hot dog or buy a bag of peanuts for $5.50!

When I walk in there all I can think about is watching Kirk Gibson hit that home run off of Dennis Eckersley during the 1988 World Series. Classic but frustrating moment for me. Even as a 10 year old!

MEET HEATHER

NAME: Heather Dye

SCHOOL: Recent Graduate of High School in Missouri

AGE: 18

CLAIM TO FAME: One of the two people who ticked off Batman to chase us down Hollywood Blvd. for five blocks because she didn't tip him. However, in her defense she didn't know to tip him. She's also a big Johnny Deep fan (as evidence by the picture).

Heather works with Kids Mosaic every Sunday morning and is excellent with the kids (or, so I hear). In addition to that she helps out with the children at the Neo Underground on the Southside of L.A.

Let's see what else ... hmmm ... we go jogging every morning and chat about stuff from the previous day and what's going that day. Well, she actually does most of the talking. Sometimes it weird, to me at least, to hear some of thoughts rolling around in her head. Every now and again, I wish I was 18 again!

MYERS-BRIGGS: ENTP

LOVE LANGUAGE: Quality Time

PILE OF "GOO"

I some how came across this free ticket to the taping of a show called "CD USA" on Direct TV channel 101. I was very fortunate that the Goo Goo Dolls were the headlining act. So I figured since I had nothing really pressing to do on late Thursday afternoon, why not go?!?

There were only about 350/400 people that got tickets for the hour long taping at the KTLA studios in Hollywood. I arrived at 3:30 p.m. like the ticket said and finally I was inside the studio at 5:00 p.m.

Prior to heading into the studio I got to talk about Mosaic and my internship to a group of five friends for about 10-15 minutes. They were extremely intrigued about church being held in a dance club. I think they might even show-up sometime. It was a very cool moment.

It was very interesting to be apart of the taping process. We were being directed one way then another, then another, etc., etc. ... Former lead singer of Creed, Scott Stapp, sang two songs then Three Days Grace did one and after about 30 minutes of interviews and ("yawn") things to video tape the Goo Goo Dolls came on and rocked out a 70-minute set.

Not a bad performance and since it was free, who I am to complain! They played all their hits from, Slide, Iris, Better Days, etc. ... It was fun time to be apart of it and it was all done by 7:15 p.m. I mean, only in L.A. I was considering going to their concert in a few weeks but that was at least $30 and free, is well, free!

If you have Direct TV, I think it's on this Saturday. Not really sure though.

RANDOM STUFF

Since I have been so slow in posting stuff from the last few days, here's some things that are rolling around in my warped head:

- How is it that I was a ENTJ in my original Myers-Briggs test back in February and now I am a ENFJ?!? Personality Tests, gotta love 'em!!

- Speaking of personality tests, I took the Strength Finders test recently and here are my Top 5 personaility traits: Belief, Relator, Includer, Woo, Self-Assurance

- As a leader what is it with the phrase, "you have to earn the right to be heard" ... those nine words are seemingly haunting me down

- Running every morning at 8 a.m. is absolutely beautiful in Pasadena

- My love langauge is gifts, acts of service, words of affirmation. I scored a '0' on the physical touch portion! A '0'!!!!!

- I feel for the individuals that I help feed at Union Rescue Mission. I want so bad to make a positive difference in their lives. Just some how, some way!!!

- The Character Matrix task (along with core values deal) is really working! If you read this blog, try it for at least 30 days

- I love my personal reading time on South Lake Avenue in downtown Pasadana during the evenings

- Since I am working with the 11 a.m. service in Pasadena (the only service Mosaic has that Erwin doesn't speak at), I've got some crazy cool ideas in my head. I need some prayers to move forward with them!

That's all for now ...

PICTURES

Thought I would share a few pictures from this past week ..

Downtown L.A. near Dusk
(Notice the "smog effect")

Not the greatest city Skyline but none-the-less, here it is!

Would you trust this guy to protect you?!?

SERVING

Not that this is huge news but if you are interested in really being apart of the Mosaic community, serving isn't an option. So I wanted to share two quotes I came across today at the office and during my time with one of the staff members.

"The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others."
- Albert Schweitzer

"People need to serve, more than you need them to serve."
- Eric Bryant

SECOND SUNDAY AT MOSAIC

I was looking at a few pictures from the Origins Conference and found this picture of Erwin before he was ready to speak. Thought it was pretty sweet looking, so I wanted to share.

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My Sunday morning started at 6:45 a.m. (man, when was the last time I got up that early on a Sunday!). Anyway ... Went to Starbucks for about 1/2 hour to go through some Character Matrix stuff over a tall coffee and banana bran muffin.

I arrived at the Pasadena location at 7:45 to start the set-up process. My Cafe Mosaic friends arrived at the same time and in about 40 minutes we were set-up ready to roll as were the other 10-12 tents are set-up right outside the autorium. It almost utterly shocks me to everything ready to go at Pasadena in about a 1/2 hour.

My main goal is not about being apart of the praise/worship or hear Erwin's message each Sunday morning. If there is one thing that is very evident and apart of the Ethos of Mosaic is, you are a Christian and church isn't about you. I love being involved with that but things were slower and the head lady told me to go to the 9 a.m. service.

After service I served some more muffins and O.J. to the congregation. and the 11 a.m. service started and break-down began and by 1 p.m. the Pasadena location was done and onward to downtown L.A. and the Mayan services.

The heart of service at Mosaic, at least in my opinion, has to be setting up everything at the dance club. There are about 300 chairs to move, 30 tables to clean, hundreds of cigeratte butts to pick, four bathrooms to service and one huge dance floor to sweep and mop among other thigns that need to be completed. Oh, man it's awesome to see it come together in about 90 minutes. I mean, until you actually see it and get your hands involved with you will never truly know how neat and amazing it is!!

Once it was all complete I helped out the connection team by ushering in the balcony at the club. The 5 p.m. service was pretty full (about 400) and the 7 p.m. was much bigger than normal (about 275). It was so fun to be an usher and greet people. A full-time staff member said, "You are always so friendly"

The compliment is great and much appreciated but I quickly explained to that staff member that God is making me interact with people to learn this patience deal, again. I used to love people and be involved with their lives. I some how began bitter and well, I will learn patience and a positive attitude all over again. It is funny that I am involved with all these things with people since I have been out here that requires a smile. Hmmm ... pretty sure God is doing something there.

I actually got to hear the message three times from Erwin. It was really interesting to see how while the message stayed the same, the presentation differed from the previous one. I'm curious to see what they use for the podcast. Very interesting message ...

After the service the break-down took about an hour and another Sunday is complete. It is so fun to be apart of what God is doing at Mosaic and in L.A.

FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES

As a requirement for the internship and leadership training, we all must read "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.

I will never forget when I first found out about the requirement. I think that I wanted to vomit or maybe even go jump off a small bridge. What in the world could this book have to do with an internship at Mosaic!?! Well, once again, I am humbled. This is a solid book. I found myself actually wanting to read it once I started it.

In case you are curious what the Love Languages are:

- Quality Time
- Words of Affirmation
- Gifts
- Acts of Service
- Physical Touch

I am still kind in the blur as to what my one specific Love Langauge is but I have narrowed it down to Acts of Service and Gifts. Of course when all of us get together and take the actually test the author produced it might be something different but I am pretty confident it is one of those two.

While the book is certainly geared for couples who are married (I read the men's edition), there is so much quality stuff in here when trying to understand how to relate with those you interact with on a daily basis.

A hot phrase right now in the christian realm is, "just love on each other." So here's some rather interesting quotes on Love from the book:

" ... Love begins with attitude"

"Love makes requests NOT demands. Requests give direction to love, but demands stop the flow of love"
(Man, I'm constantly learning this one!)

"The heart of love is a spirit of giving"

"Love doesn't erase the past but it makes the future different"

"When an action you do isn't natural but you do it anyway, it is a great expression of love"
(See Jesus' sacrifice!)

If (or when) I ever get married or get into a serious relationship, I will re-read this book. It is really just so good. Some stuff might just be common sense but until you actually read it, it may finally "click on the light" for many and relationships that were just surviving can start thriving.

BATMAN ATTACKS!

This might end up being the story of my 10-weeks out here ...

(Deep breath, here we go)

On Friday evening four of us went down to Hollywood Blvd. were all the "cool movie stuff" is like the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theater among other things. In front of the famous Chinese Theater there are a bunch of people dressed up as a variety of movie characters from Star Wars, Scream, Batman, X-Men, Freddy and just whatever. They are dressed up so people take their pictures with them.

Two of us got our picture taken with Batman and everything was cool and we all got a good laugh at the ordeal. It was just kind neat, you know.

The group of us continues on our walk down the Walk of Fame and after about a 1 1/2 blocks we notice that Batman is following us. What in the world is he following us for?!?! We walk another block and he is still following us. Ok, this is getting creppy at this point. So we cross over to the other side of the street and Batman decides he is going to meet us (or confront us).

None of us are sure what is going on UNTIL he starts dropping a whole bunch of curse words at us. I am totally confused but I know that Batman is ticked off so I just tell everyone to stop talking to him and walk away. Well, Batman follows us for a block just cursing and screaming at us. No real idea why he is angry.

Having no clue what is going on, we duck into a local coffee shop to get away from him. Batman doesn't go into the coffee shop but he decides to stand outside and wait for us with his arms folded. Someone from the group says, "I think we were suppose to tip him for the picture." I'm thinking that can't be the only reason he is upset. Just no way!

So get this ... the two people who got their picture taken with him give two dollars to the girl working at the coffee shop so she will give it to him. Batman won't take the $2 from the coffee shop girl so the two people who had the picture with Batman, give him the $2. Batman says, "This isn't from your heart, so I don't want it."

WHAT ARE YOU KIDDING ME!??! ... He rips the $2 into four pieces and some random homeless guy comes along and grabs the $2 as it falls to the sidewalk! Un-freakin-real!!

He was harassing us over a lousy lack of tip that we didn't know about!?!? Come on, Batman Michael Keaton would not be proud! Granted, I can laugh about this now because nobody got hurt but be sure to tip Batman next time!

CORE VALUES

Each Thursday morning as a group we do leadership training for about two hours. This week, we talked about the core values of Mosaic but for the most part we focused on each of our respective core values. This is a small snipet of what having a core value(s) is about:

Value > Belief > Thoughts > Actions

Basically, everyone on the planet has core values. Whether or not they know it or not, they do. You value something and if you value it then you believe in it (or care about it) and what you believe in the most you think about a great deal and then your actions reflect that.

So how do you find what your values are - how do you use your banking resources (i.e. how do your spend your money)? how do you use your leadership and influance? what do you do with your time? We made a list of the top five things for each questions:

Banked Resouces:
- Tithe, Gas, Bills, Friends, Food

Leadership Used:
- by serving, growing other in God, in thought, by love, in community

I use my time:
- Sleeping, Reading, Working, With Friends, Eating

It was an interesting time of Q&A and figuring out things about myself and each other. After this session, my core values revolve around people and personal growth in Christ. And not to mention food ;-)

We were given an exercise for the rest of the internship on how to further cultivate our core values and really grow them using the Character Matrix of Gratefulness, Humility and Faithfulness

Gratefulness - Each Day write out 10 things you are grateful for and thank someone for them

Humility - Each Day write out three things you are good at and flesh them out

Faithfulness - Each Day write out three things you don't want to do and then do them!

What the difference between Core Values and Vision is a little fuzzy to me right now, but I think I will hash that out shortly.

It was a great session!! I need some prayer on the daily activites list but I really believe that if i do those things, God is going to do some amazing things!

UNION RESCUE MISSION

As apart of the internship this summer we are serving at a location somewhere in the L.A. area. Some are doing pick-up basketball through Mosaic, others at the Neo Underground but I really wanted to see what downtown L.A. is all about.

We were given the option of helping at the Union Rescue Mission. And as I told the volunteer co-ordinators today, I am "all in" for this.

Today I got what you may say was a "wake-up call" or something like that. The area were the URN is on "Skid Row" and has more homeless people then anywhere else in the country. After walking around and witnessing what I did today, I will not refute that. I have never seen an area with more homeless people in my entire life and probably never will. You could "feel" the danger outside the building.

The area is surrounded by all types of people. Some who were left for dead, some who have no family, some who hospitals won't even help and others still who are hanging on to their last glimpse of hope. To summerize, it's filled with people who have just about lost all hope/optismism.

What happens at the URM they are trying to help people find their way back home, so to speak. They get the homeless in a program and try and rehibilate them by teaching them a variety of skills (resume building, GED tests, etc.). They have a medical clinic as well as dentist on site along with a Legal Aid Clinic. They have a desire to help people who really want to help themself. This is all done in an enviroment that is Christ-Centered.

The 90 minutes was so eye-opening that I may never fully process it all but I know that I am going to jump in with both feet and do whatever I can to help these individuals back on their feet. I don't know what it is but everytime I see a homeless person, I just want to help however I can. God has got something in-mind for me in this, I just know it.

MEET BRADEN

So I thought I would introduce you one-by-one to the other nine interns that are on this crazy journey with Mosaic this summer:




NAME: Braden Britton

SCHOOL: Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI)

AGE: 20

CLAIM TO FAME: He might think more than Rob Bell ... No, Seriously!

Aside from the fact that he is wearing a USC t-shirt in this picture, he's a great guy. The dude really makes me think. He loves education and very rarely backs down from a solid theological discussion. He also sparks some great conflict during our group discussion.

Probably one the hardest working people you will ever meet as well. Evidence of this from the first Sunday at the Mayan Dance club when he cleaned-up the worst smelling mess of alcohol I have ever been around from the previous night. Mad props for that!

He bought this sweat Mazada Miata the other day that's a blast to drive with the top down around So-Cal.

Myers-Briggs: INTP (he's a borderline "E" on that Extrovert/Introvert scale)

L.A. THOUGHTS FOR WEEK #1

Alright, so I have been involved in the L.A. culture/environment for a week now and here are some of my observations. (call them over-analytical if you'd like)

* Being three hours behind the eastern time zone is really odd. I mean, REALLY odd!

* Driving in L.A. isn't about driving offensively, it's more about testing your patience

* It's expensive. I mean everything. Not that I was really expected something different but until you experience paying $3.25/gallon for gas or $10.00 for a movie ticket you not prepared for it. on the bright side, Starbucks is the same and so is Chipotle as the midwest ;-)

* The movie "Crash" is fairly accurate. By that I mean, people around here really want to be left alone and not pumped into. Even today I was walking down the sidewalk and it was just me and another guy and I looked up to say "Hi" and he never even turned his head toward me

* If you are white you are the minority. Once again, not surprised by this but until you walk around and really take that fact in; well, it's interesting. You actually find stuff about yourself you never really knew was there

* FINALLY, I am so glad that I am out here for the summer!

FATIGUE?

What in the world is going on?!? Since I have been here I have been feeling fatigue and even sleepy everyday around 1 p.m. and no matter what I do, I can't seem to fight it. It is driving me crazy.

On Monday all of us were in the office and I tried moving around walking outside and just whatever but to no avail! I'm not sure what sleep-walking feels like but I gotta wonder if it is close to what I've got going on right now.

WEEKEND RECAP

Sunday, June 4

What an amazing day.

I got to the Pasadena location at 7:45 a.m. for the 9 o'clock service. Walked up to someone and said, "I'm an intern, what do you need?"

The response was pretty funny, "Oh, we like interns because they do whatever we ask." (kind of had to be there to really appreciate it!)

All morning in Pasadena, I helped at the Cafe by serving muffins, cookies, drinks, etc. for about three hours. I loved it. I'm always wanted to do stuff like that so this was a fun experience. I think I will be able to do this each Sunday morning!

Besides, the cafe I met up with a guy from San Diego who had this amazing story of surviving a car crash but was suffering from massive head injuries as a result. Pretty intense. It's tough to hear stories like that because I want to help so badly but I'm not sure how or what to do most of the time. However, he seemed relaxed and at peace (for lack of a better phrase) about sharing the story to some one who actually cared.

After tearing the tables and tents down at the Pasadena location, I headed to the downtown location at the Mayan. This was my first time stepping into the dance club turned church. It took about two hours to clean-up the place from the night before and get the chairs set-up. It was great to serve along side others in amongst the heat and smog that is downtown L.A.

(None of my inside pictures turned out because it was too dark)

My main job during the downtown services this week was to help with parking because it can be an absolute mess at times in downtown. I had an absolute great time greeting people, helping find a spot, etc. ... It got kind of tough/boring during the services when nobody was in the parking lot but every now and then a homeless guy would strike-up a conversation with me about the CIA, church, drugs and work among other things. Rather interesting.





Overall, my first Sunday serving at Mosaic was outstanding. I would love to continue to do the first impressions type stuff next week and for the weeks to come. I didn't get to hear too much of the message that Erwin gave but I will check out the podcast for that. And along those lines, Mosaic's ethos is very much in-tune with, "church isn't about you, it is about reaching those who do not believe in Christ" ... I am just fine with that and I believe I helped out in a variety ways.

Saturday, June 3

All 10 of the interns went down to southern L.A. to serve at the Neo Underground which is dedicated to helping kids in that area. More specifically that area is were the building is surrounded by gangs. The main hope of the Neo Underground is to give kids hope and build who they are through Christ.

It was an amazing few hours with these children. As the group of us left and then went back to talk about the experience there were a few words that I used to describe it: Strength, Hope and Potenial.

Strength - Some of these kids are in their early-teens and are raising their six and seven year old brothers and sister basically by themselves. Amazing.

Hope - In an area surrounded by gang violence these kids/children have dedicated themselves to helping no only one another but themselves.

Potenial - I know this can be an over-used word but each one of them has so much to offer to the church, their family, the community, etc.

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Found a Chipotle for dinner and In/Out Burger for a milkshake desert!!

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After dinner five of us headed to an artistians rally of about 30 people at the house of a Mosaic staff member. What an amazing evening as we discussed the five core values of Mosaic.

the fifth one - "Creativity is the natural result of spirituality" - is the one that has the most intrigue and interest to me. So I got in a smaller group and discussed this for about 10 minutes and used my "acting abilities" so people could see what that core value looked like.

We did a little skit to U2's "With or Without You" ... No pictures for that ;-)

Friday, June 2

Nothing really spectacular happening. The highlight of the day was getting an oil change and finding out that there is a Coldstones Creamery in downtown

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

On Thursday evening all the interns went over to one of the full-time paid staff members house for a ice cream social to just hang-out and get to know a few people who work at Mosaic.

Most of the time I spent talking to some of the Tech and Arts department guys while watching Game 5 of the Mavs-Sun series at this house which had to cost at least $500,000. The conversation was outstanding and the house was absolutely stunning. I mean, just woah!

After 90 minutes of solid Q&A the gathering of 20 people or so is wrapping up and here's were the unique experience happens ...

... As I'm putting my flip-flops on there's a knock on the door. Not being my house I didn't want to open but I'm just five feet away and no one else is around so I figure I should unlock the door at greet whoever is at the there.

I un-lock and swing open the door and none other then Erwin McManus himself is there. Man, I wish I could have seen my face at that moment. We chatted for a brief moment and he introduced me to his two kids before he continued into the house.

It was so weird (for lack of a better word) to finally meet a guy who has just been a voice on my CD player and words in a book for the last two years. It was a unique experience I will never forget ... Very Cool moment God created for me! We stayed on chatted with him as a group for 10 minutes before leaving.

The group of Interns with Erwin on Thursday evening

RETREAT

To start off the internship all of us went to Santa Monica for a 1 1/2 days were we swam in the ocean, hung-out, talk about our goals and basically just got to know each other a little bit.

After spending some time at the beach on Wednesday afternoon we went back to our hotel and watched the "Wizard of Oz" for leadership reasons ... what is the deal with that movie being about leadership? ... hmmm ... Our internship director, Dana, wanted us to see what "Lateral Leadership" looked like. I gotta admit that I wasn't exactly sure if I still buy into that movie being about Lateral Leadership but it has got me thinking.

That evening I was on the dinner crew were three of cooked Fajita's (Chicken and Steak) for everyone. It was certainly an interesting process but all-in-all the food turned out just fine and nobody got sick so that was a big plus! After dinner we had a bon-fire on the beach and that went well as we continued we our team building. I'm telling you, s'mores should have their own food catagory.

On Thursday morning we spend about an hour trying to define Leadership. After 60 minutes we didn't come close to a clear cut defination so we left it open ended for now. Prior to that, however, we spen about 20 minutes just alone talking with God and seeing what He is looking to teach us. Right now, it's pretty clear:

1) Patience
2) Lateral Leadership (dang, Wizard of Oz!)
3) Listen/Learn (i.e. less stubborn)

Those are the big three, so to speak, that I am praying for right now.

Me and my roomate, Victor, at the Santa Monica Pier.

The group of 10 Interns for the summer at the Pacific Ocean

ROSE BOWL

This really was an amazing moment to see the place that the Longhorns now own after winning the last two Rose Bowls over Michigan and USC in 2005 and 2006 respectively. I tried to talk my way onto the field but just couldn't. The security guard was really nice but wouldn't let me, oh well! ... Just the for the record I was never in any danger during the picture taking.