Mosaic Intern

THE BLOG

2006-08-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

This blogspot was dedicated to my journey as a Mosaic Intern during the summer of 2006. I encourage you to click on some of the archieved months to see some of things that I was able to experience during my 10-weeks in L.A.

Please feel free to e-mail any questions and inquires you may have. Mosaic is a beautiful place to be apart of. To live in L.A. was a blessing.

"Live to Love and Love to Live"

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

2006-08-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have been home from my internship for a week now and, well, to be quite up front -- I am pretty much missing everything at this point. It's kind of weird to think that only a handful of days ago I was chilling with people from USC, Mosaic and the Union Rescue Mission just to name a few.

If someone were to hand me a $1,000,000 right now to trade in all my memories and experience from this past summer, there is absolutely no way I would do. I would not exchange my journey for anything in the world. Not a thing. It's great to look back and realize that I had a "full experience" during my 10-week adventure!!

Certainly there are a few singular experience that stick out more than others. The evening with Erwin, Baptism, the Picnic and my first visit to Dodger Stadium just to name a few. It was just the culmination events that made it one of the best, if not the best, experiences of my life.

During my drive back I thought it would be a good idea to list all the specific memories for the 10-weeks ... Well, I had that piece of paper full in like 10 minutes! I was giving such a blessing that I will probably never be able to repay. God really taught me a lot of loving people well and being grateful for what He has provided for me.

I loved L.A. and not just Mosaic. The people there, for the most part, are spiritual but they have no idea who God is. It is such a unique culture that, at least to me, is the most beautiful I have ever been around. Sometimes tough to love but always a blessings to be there.

Trying to live like a Barbarian ...

PICTURES FROM FINAL WEEKEND

2006-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

The last two days were spent doing one of three things: hanging out, Baptism Party or at the final gathering on Sunday. Just a few pictures from those events ...

MEET ANNIE, DAVE, KYLE

2006-08-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to put the final three interns on the page so here's a brief snapshot ...
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ANNIE

NAME: Annie Braine

SCHOOL: Was at Ferris State, might go to Liberty!

AGE: 21

CLAIM TO FAME: Somedays I felt bad for any because seemingly she was at the tail end of every joke during the internship! Sorry Annie!!

She worked with the Artisians at Mosaic during the summer and did a pretty awesome job at it. Very loyal to making her phone calls and keeping the artisans community informed.

Her Love Language: Physical Touch (for some reason I can't remember her Myers Briggs!)

DAVE

NAME: Dave Gerber

SCHOOL: Recent Graduate of Cedarville College

AGE: 23

CLAIM TO FAME: Still at Mosaic as apart of the Portege' program. Over the next two years he will work with college students while attaining his Masters in Global Leadership.

During the summer internship he worked extensively with college students at Loyola Marymont, FIDM and others schools. He did an amazing job.

Dave is also a solid baseball player as well. A fan of the Minnesota Twins but I didn't really hold that again him - HA!

MYERS-BRIGGS: ISFP

KYLE

NAME: Kyle South

SCHOOL: Manhatten Christian College

AGE: 22

CLAIM TO FAME: Probably the best athlete among the internship group and by far the most competitive person in the group. Pretty much a stud basketball and volleyball player.

Besides the fact that he had probably the most goofy laugh among the group, he worked with the college students in the Southern California area.

I gave him the title of "Lead Chair Guy at Mosaic" because he was ruthless about getting all the chairs set up correctly and quickly.

MYERS-BRIGGS: ISFJ

UNLIKELY HEROS

2006-08-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

During my final Sunday at Mosaic they launch a new series called "Unlikely Heroes" based around certain individuals in the Bible. To kick off the series Eric Bryant broke-out this absolutely amazing talk on the life of Joshua ...
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"Don't limit people by their status level or title"
-Eric Bryant

Exodus 24:9-14

- Moses' aide, intern, assistance - Joshua - followed first and used that process to learn how to lead. If you can't be entrusted to follower, you will never be entrusted with followers.

Joshua 4:20-24

- Joshua gave praise instead of trying to recieve it when God blessed him. Joshua stepped into his moment of blessing because he lacked selfish-ness.

Phil. 2:3-11

- Question: If serving isn't beneath Jesus, why should it be beneath us? Are we living our lives trying to lead Jesus around or are we allowing Him to lead us?

THE SETTING SUN

2006-08-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

Friday was a some what strange day in Southern California as I woke-up to rain the morning but only a few hours later the sun was brightly shining all around and good times were had at Huntington Beach.

For the first time in roughly 15 years I went swimming in the ocean. I don't know mean just sticking me feet in the water so it only gets ankle deep, I mean I was all out in the waves having an amazing time. Makes me wonder why it took me so long to get back in the ocean.

In a lot of ways I felt like a kid who just hit his first home run in little league. It was just a blast to interact with everyone in the ocean for about 90 minutes.

The last weekend here is going to be quite interesting. I have enjoyed this journey / adventure / experience so much more than even I anticipated. I can not truly describe how bittersweet it is to be leaving. I am going to miss everything that is going on here so much. More than I can even describe. However, I can not wait to see what God has for the next chapter of my life.

I will update more once I return to the midwest. Enjoy the Pacific Coast ...

FINAL VENTURE TO SKID ROW

2006-08-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

So after 10 weeks of visits to the Union Rescue Mission to clean toilets, serve meals and help out with various events I had to say "so long" to one of my favorite places during my time in L.A.

The people that I have met during my time there have shown me so much about so many different things. More specifically, I will always have a fond memory of Victor (pictured). This guy's story about being addicated to a variety of things and being able to get help and live a life that is God honoring is so freakin' inspiring.

The full-time kitchen staff was a fun bunch of people. It was such an "experience" each time I stepped into that place to serve a meal. I will miss them greatly.

I also will never, ever forget the first time I served there the first Saturday in June when cleaning out the public toilets in the back alleyway of the mission. Talk about being faithful in the small things!

Each and everytime I went down there, the emotions that ran through my body were countless to remember. Feelings of sadness, hope, love, grace and optimism just to name a few. Did I make any impact on anyones life down there? I may never know. However, I do know that they have made an impact on mine!

FULLER VISIT

2006-08-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

I think I might be holding on as tightly as possible to this area. Recent evidence of this comes from my visit to Fuller Theological Seminary. Maybe I just need an "excuse" to move out here on a more permanent basis.

Prior to coming here I had absolutely no intentions of even stepping on the campus of the school let a lone actually sitting down and talking with an admission counselor about the application process, classes, cost, etc., etc. However, there I was at 11 a.m. on Thursday morning talking about the possibilities of going to school there.

Since I have a year left of my Masters Degree in Ministry at Bethel to complete, I figured it wouldn't hurt to see what Fuller has to offer. So it turns out that I could actually transfer many of my credits into Fuller's program if I wanted to go for another Masters Degree.

After all that Masters Degree talk we started talking about Fullers Ph.D program -- Hello!?? Earth to Stephen ... What are you doing? I have yet to finish one Masters Degree let a lone actually even thinking about Doctoral work! I can barely spell the word "Theology" without looking it up!

Shoot who knows; maybe I will end up back in Southern California. At least I have a place to further educate myself.

Still holding on ....

ONE LAST SMALL GROUP

2006-08-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Our final small group proved to be the longest one of the 10 weeks. We all got a little keep sake from one another without it costing us anything. One by one were asked to describe each person with a word or phrase that best describes their character in Christ. Dana then wrote that on the white board beneath this really cool quote ... here's the quote and my word:

"God utters me like a word containing a partial thought of Himself. A word will never be to comprehend the voice that utters it. But, if I am true to the concept God utters in me, if I am true to the thought in Him I was meant to embody, I shall be full of His actuality and find Him everywhere in myself, and find myself nowhere. I shall be lost in."

- Thomas Merton

GOOD BYE TO "THINK TANK"

2006-08-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Quite possibly one of my favorite things to do week-in and week-out during my summer has been attending Think Tank each Tuesday evening on the campus of USC.

The wide array of questions was great each time. Some serious, some not so serious but either way it was really cool to watch people get totally engaged in one another lives.

Plus, Rosie (one of my favorite people in Southern California) made homemade cookies that were most excellent!! Because, after all, cookies are my favorite food.

Got Questions, Get Answers at Think Tank! (Ok, sounds corny but it was a great time each and every Tueday evening!!)

LUNCH FOR THE OFFICE

2006-08-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

So what do you get when you put four guys and girl in a kitchen with three hours to cook food for roughly 35 people? Pretty much madness occurs!

It was a great thought. As a gift to the paid staff at Mosaic, let's cook up some chicken and steak fajitas for their lunch after their weekly office meeting. Fortunately for all the interns the cooking turned out to be a success.

We cooked up about 15 pounds of chicken and 10 pounds of steak along with massive amounts of rice and beans for Monday's lunch. Chopping onions and peppers and oh yeah, we also made up our own guacamole dip!

After slaving over a oven for about 2 1/2 hours everything was complete and the meal must have cooked well because we recieved no complaits from any of the office staff!

RUN TO ROSES

2006-08-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

All summer long I told myself that I would run to the Rose Bowl from William Carey University. Since I am quickly running out of time to accomplish that feat, this morning I ran the 4.5 mile route one-way in about 30 minutes. Gotta tell you, it feels pretty good. I ran a little bit on the way back and probably ended up running about six of the nine total miles.

My legs are sore!! ... However it worth it!

ON A "TEAM"

2006-07-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Mosaic wrapped up the six week series on Sportscenter with the theme of Team. And to no surprise it was amazing.

During the entire series, there have been a series of interviews dones with various athletes who have attended or in some way have a connection to Mosaic. On Sunday there was a interview with John Neighbor who won four gold medals and a silver during the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. He brought in one of the gold medals to share along with the tourch that he used while carrying the Olympic flames prior to the 1984 games. What an experience to be able to hold those two items for just a few second. I mean an Olympic Gold Medal!!

Aside from the amazing site of the medal and tourch, Erwin's message was once again outstanding as he wrapped around the idea team with I Corinthians 12:4-14 and how we have to use our gifts and abilites "correctly" to the get the best result for the team.

"We are all created with uniqueness and gifts that are meant to be lived as a team and in community ... You have to value the gifts of other people and just those 'like you' so the team comes together"
- Erwin McManus

Pretty sweet quote if you ask me. He went on to talk about how when we value our gifts instead of having "gift envy" of others is when the great commission is fully unleashed onto the world.

He gave the community a challenge and he wants people to e-mail him (erwin@mosaic.org) --
For 30 days be The Best at something so that your gifts are used to your best potenial and after that month tell him your story. He is convinced of a life change in anybody who tries it. Are you "in"?

BASEBALL TIME

2006-07-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

So over the past two days (well actually during a 20 hour period) I went to two ballgame at two entirely different areas of Southern California. All this to prove that baseball is a great way to craft relationship.

On Friday night I went to watch former South Bend Silver Hawks pitcher A.J. Shappi - who is now playing with the Lancaster Jethawks - and hang out with his wife, Katie, and another friend Raynel. There is something always fun to chat and catch-up with people at a ballgame.

I got to know the three of them fairly well during their time in Northern Indiana last summer. Just a great bunch of people. More over, A.J. came and spoke a little bit at nevaeH last summer. He is one of the coolest guys around. It's like, have you ever been around people that just make you smile? That's kind of how I feel about them.

Unfortunately the Jethawks lost the game 9-2 but A.J. pitched fairly well. Only three of the runs he gave up were earned in seven innings of work.

Then on Saturday afternoon me and Winston went to the Dodgers-Nationals game. I have gotten to know Winston fairly well the past few weeks and it has been great to connect with him. He has got some amazing stories that he has shared with me and I truly count it an honor to have been able to speak into his life the past month or so.

He graduated from UCLA a few years back and has been apart of some interesting things since then. Personally I take great pride in the fact that can beat him in ping-pong -- HA!!

If the reason that God has put me out here this summer was to connect with him then so be it. Then I count this experience and summer and major victory in the advancement of God's kingdom.

THOUGHT FROM THE WEEK ... PART II

2006-07-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe a spend too much time thinking. However when you spend time in L.A. and you interact with all sorts of people with all kinds of ideas, it gets your brain working more than normal.
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During the last few weeks at the Rescue Mission I have had the chance to serve along side another group of interns who are staying at the Mission for the summer. A pretty fun group of people to interact and work with. So I was chatting with one them about what I would like to do with my life ... plant a church in Colorado in the Denver/Boulder area, etc. etc.

Then she breaks out this question: "How much focus will your church on 'urban ministry.'"

Hmmm ... can't say I was really sure how to respond that with. Not really the kind of conversation I was expecting to have while cutting potatoes on a Friday morning. Considering both of us had sharp objects in our hands, I wanted to answer in an appropriate way :-)

The person went on to say about the social injustices done to those living in cities and the frustrations she has felt from that. Really it was very cool to hear a person talk with a lot of passion about something, anything. It was clear they felt very strong about reaching the inner-city groups.

After giving a few moments of thought I told that everyone on this earth (black, urban, middle-class, blue collar, Asian, whatever ...) was on a search for three things: Destiny, Community, Significance (i.e. -- Faith, Love, Hope). As I continued to answer, my goal is to speak to humans because, well after all, that's who everyone is.

So I'm now stuck on Matthew 9:35-38 where Jesus talks about the harvest being plentiful but so few workers. I'm interesting in helping reach those who are need. That seems pretty simple. If they are inner-city that's great, if they are Asian that's cool, if they are White then no problem. Who I'm I to pick and choose who God sends my way? I just want to help.

Ok, enough of these crazy thoughts for now ...

TENNIS NIGHT

2006-07-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

So I have finally seen a live professional tennis event. And it was worth it!

On Tuesday evening I ventured out to the tennis center on the campus at UCLA to watch the Countrywide Tennis Classic for $40.

The main attraction was a chance to finally watch Andre Agassi live before he retires at the end of the US Open in September. I have admired the guys game for years and this was really my first legit chance to see him in-person. It was such an awesome experience. After looking kind of rusty and dropping the first set Agassi cruised, and I mean cruised, to an entertaining three-set win.

In addition to watching Agassi play in front of a soldout crowd (about 7200 people), I got to watch the #1 doubles team in the world - Bob & Mike Bryan - prior to the Agassi match.

After the evenings play was complete, about 150 lined up for a chance at an Agassi autograph for about 30 minutes but unfortunately he snuck out the back door and didn't sign any. Oh well, still a fun evening!!

It is one thing to watch professional tennis on TV; it is a completely different thing to watch it in person. I have played tennis at a fairly competitive level for about 15 years and these guys are just amazing to watch.

THOUGHT FROM THE WEEK

2006-07-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

So this random question keeps rolling around in my head since I have been in Southern California.

For nearly 10 weeks now I have served countless numbers of meals at the Union Rescue Mission to homeless people who usually only eat because we provide a service for them. But yet so many walk through the food line and complain about, mock, distain that day's given meal. I don't get it, I just don't. That individual probably wouldn't eat if it wasn't for that services of the Rescue Mission but they still get upset they may not get what they want or what they think they derserve.

So the question is: "How can you make a person who un-grateful and make them grateful what they have"

As a Christ-Follower it goes to Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." OK, I sin and thus I have earned death. Yet God in all of his grace and mercy pours out blessings and gifts that I don't deserve. Everything (sunsets, meals, each day, friends, etc.) is a gift and not only that but, in some sort of odd, way a miracle.

I'm sure that many of those who are reading right now are thinking something along the lines - But, Stephen you still complain. Well true and I'm not perfect but I've got this strange thing going on in my head almost everyday that tells me that complaining doesn't get you anywhere. Be more grateful. More over, complaining doesn't help and individual learn gratefulness.

Ok, just a thought ...

THE LETTER

2006-07-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

Last night before the start of our small group session, each of us was handed back our letter that we wrote to ourselves during the first week of the internship. That was an "interesting" moment to read what I wrote to myself eight weeks ago.

My letter was pretty basic. I asked myself three questions up front:

1) Are you more patience?

2) What can I do to be a better "lateral leader"?

3) How can I improve my conversation with God on a daily basis?

As I thought about all the things that have happened thus far, it feels good to know that God has moved in my lift in each of these questions. By no means am I some great expert in any of them but I am certainly at least one step closer to reaching my God given potenial in each area.

DRIVE

2006-07-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

I have now been apart of eight Sunday's at Mosaic and had the fortune of hearing Erwin speak on each occasion. This guy is just downright "on" everytime. This past message was no different.

The topic of "Drive" came up and how to move forward in life. And what will happen to you if you fail to stay driven in your given endeavors. Just to give you the three passages of scripture that were walked through:

Proverbs 16:26, Proverbs 20:4, Proverbs 26: 13-16

- What are you hungry for? When you are not hungry, you won't work as hard
- How are you using your talent? Talent without drive is dissapointment.
- Without being a driven for something, someone, anything all you have is an excuse not to "really live"

The one quote that has really stuck out from this message:

"People who lack drive have time to judge others and tell them what they are doing is wrong."
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Aside from another great message - I am really starting to get this feeling of "I am really going to miss this place." After weeks of trying and trying, people that I am interacting with are getting connected with groups and other individuals on the Mosaic community.

I can't tell you how cool it is to get some connected who previously wasn't in any sort of relational setting. It is one of the most energizing things I have experienced.

COMPLAINT DEPT.

2006-07-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday the interns took the day and went swimming at the McManus pool for a few hours. I came across this great sign at their place:

BAPTISM

2006-07-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

So something really, really cool happened on Saturday afternoon. I got baptized! For many, many years I never really thought it was something I needed to do and more over, I was pretty much against the idea until three or so years ago.

For some reason that I can not describe, it just felt like the right thing to do while I was out in California. Besides the fact that it is ulta-awesome to get baptized in the Pacific Ocean, it was time to finally take this step in my life.

One of the Pastors, Eric Bryant, was the one who did the actually baptism. It was just such a neat experience. Makes me wonder what I was doing waiting all this time? Oh well, better now then never (or worse, later)!!

I could go on but just wanted to share a few pictures from the experience ...

BIBLE JOURNEY

2006-07-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

So I have been going through the New Testament these past few weeks. Sometimes a few chapters a day, others a little bit more. I came across the last verse of John. The context of the verse is after the resurrection and Jesus is appearing before the disciples before ascending to heaven.

John 21:25 -- Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Kind of makes you wonder what Jesus did, doesn't it? I'm sure that John is using a little bit exaggeration but that would have been so amazing to witness those events.

QUOTES

2006-07-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Came across these two quotes that I wanted to pass along:

EGO -- Edging God Out

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is creating yourself"

When you serve at a place like Mosaic you better learn those two concepts rather quickly. Well, if you want to live a life worth living these go a long way in creating that.

FIVE DYSFUNCTIONS

2006-07-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

This book is pure brilliance. Brilliance I say!!

As apart of the internship, we were required to read it. Last night we had our discussion about the book during our small group time.

How on earth a leader could read this book and not get anything out of it, is totally beyond my thinking. There is so much to unpack from each dysfuction and to learn from.

As a group we watch Patrick Lencioni's presenation from the 2003 Willowcreek Leadership Summit before talking about it. I would say it was a fairly solid discussion based around the idea - how can each of us be a better team member? Where do I struggle the most?

TRUST
- As a leader, how defensive is my language I use? Am I open to ideas and thoughts to those around me?

CONFLCIT
- There is no such thing as "choosing your battles" so, are you mining for conflict to bring out the best in everyone?

COMMITMENT
- Are you commitment to personal development or the development of the whole unifying goal of the team?

ACCOUNTABILITY
- Are you holding those around you to the "higher standard" and allowing them to reach the potenial the entire team has?

RESULTS
- Is the results based on team or on my desires and needs? Do I throw a "cry baby" fit when the results are what I want?

I heard a very interesting thought that seems so obvious but, once again, until I hear it or see it I don't always understand.

Q: How do you have something considered a good result and successful when working in church? There seems to be too much focus on growing in numbers (i.e. megachurch)
A: When people are living a life on mission. That's a success for Mosaic.

KEEPING "FOCUS"

2006-07-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was a good one on a few fronts. It was one of those Sundays were as I was going back to my room after the 14 hour day, you give a "fist pump" in satisfaction because some good things were done!

During the Pasadena service I have been trying to get better connected with this one guy so in-turn I can introduce him to some other in the Mosaic community. Without going into a whole lot detail, the process is working! It is a definate blessing and step in the right direction.

At the Mayan 5 p.m. service there was this guy who was just standing around by himself so being the extrovert that I am, I went over to start a conversation. After about 15 minutes, I found out it was his first and he was new to the area. Got him connected with a few other people in his age range. Good Things!

Finally, right after the 7 p.m. service at the Mayan I got introduced to another first-timer who hadn't been to church in 10 years. After some conversation I got him pointed in the right direction with the right people and he will be back. Awesome stuff!
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The message for the fourth installment of the Sportscenter series revolved around "Focus" and being tuned-in with the life God has for you.

Erwin walked through the following passages:

Proverbs 4:20-27
II Chor. 10:3-4
Isaiah 26:3-4

Here are a few thoughts for the message --

"Decide who you want to become in Christ and focus. You have very little control of what is around you. There has to be an intentional life course."

Your brain is going to wonder and imagine but don't let it be the "decrease" of your life but let God take your mind captive

Finally, Erwin gave this really interesting example between the internet and focus. He encouraged us to look at the history of the websites we have visited and said, "Our internet give you your inner-self."

MEET MICHAEL

2006-07-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

NAME: MICHAEL SECHRIST

SCHOOL: Georgia State

AGE: 18

CLAIM TO FAME: A member of the Junior High staff at Mosaic who will start his freshman year at Georgia State this fall - possibly as a communication major!

From what I hear, he is a pretty good line dancer with a few other people from the Mosaic community. He is also quite the ladies man!

MYERS-BRIGGS: INFP

AN EVENING WITH ERWIN

2006-07-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

This was a moment my friends, a moment in deed.

On Friday evening for a little more than two hours the interns had the distinct privilege and honor to enjoy the dinner company of Erwin, his wife Kim and daughter Mariah. There are so many people all over the country (forget that - the world for that matter) that want five minutes of Erwin's time and we got two hours!

Just imagine for a moment that you have had your life changed, ideas formed and character shaped by some one you never thought you could even meet let along have dinner with. I mean, how cool is that?!?!

After an hour dinner of just general chat, we moved into the living room for a Q&A session. I had to ask a question and since no one else would start, I did. In his book "Unstoppable Force" Erwin uses the phrase "Apolostic Ethos" like 300 times. So my question was -- "What do mean by Apolostic Ethos? How do you form that? Are you a culture that brings that forward?"

Not actually thinking it would be answer, it went into a 15 minutes long talk about it. The key quote being, "it's about a movement of people living a missional life for Christ. It's not a instiution. It is a culture that erupted in the first century and they did it without a copy of the New Testament!"

There were a few others questions and answers that just rocked my world. I wanted to take all these notes but I was just soaking up the moment as much as I could. As corny as it may sound, I felt like Mary in Luke chapter 2:19 ... The treasure of the evening will be stored in my heart forever! I just so appreciated the guy taking sometime out of his busy schedule to chat with us. That, if nothing else, speaks to the type of character the guy has!

OH ... I would be neglecting this part -- Erwin is a Notre Dame football fan! We talk about Irish football for a few moments and he is pretty "jealous" of the fact that I watch every game on the 47-yard line for free!

What a night that I will never, ever forget!

MOSAIC BASKETBALL LEAGUE

2006-07-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday I "play" in the Mosaic Basketball League on the Pasadena team that consist of about nine other guys on a weekly basis. I put the word play in quotes because I do more of the running up and down the court then actually playing.

In the four (or is it five?) games I have played this summer, I am a combined 0-for-10 for the field! Yes, I haven't scored a single point yet. I am like the Ben Wallace or the Dennis Rodman of the MBA as I give a solid effort by rebounding and playing defense but I offer not much more from a basketball standpoint.

However, the whole point of the league is not about playing basketball. There are a lot of individuals in the eight team league that come just for the hoops and now have started their journey with Christ by coming to Mosaic on a regular basis. It's been very cool to watch the leaders at Mosaic care more about the people then the outcome of the game.

Today was a cool experience for me as I was talking to the referee, who is not a Christ-Follower, about what Mosaic is all about and how God has things in your life that He will do if you allow Him to move through you. A neat little moment after going 0-for-3 from the field with two rebounds! ;-)

SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAINS

2006-07-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

On Friday morning at 8 a.m. a group of four of us headed out for what we thought would be about a four hour hike in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

The city of Pasadena and many other L.A. suberbs along the 210 Freeway sit at the foothills of these massive mountains. After my first hiking experience through the mountains, I can not wait to go back for another round on another trail.

Our hike was listed as a five mile round-trip hike that will take moderate effort with some boulder jumping required during the hike. We were headed out to find an old mine that was used during the days of the California Gold Rush.

Let me tell you, this was not as simple a hike as the four of us thought it would be. Aside from the fact that it was at least 90-degrees the entire hike we came across a whole bunch of odd turns and tough boulders to get around but man it was a blast. At least one mile of the hike was boulder jumping.

We finally found the old mine around 11 a.m. and inside it was pitch black. I mean the kind of black were you can't see your hand in front of your face. Inside the mine there was a well that must have gone down at least 100 feet among some amazing waterfalls. Thank God for flashlights! Also, Thank God for no bats!!

The return hike was quite awesome. There was this really cool natural "slip and slide" ... We did get lost and decided to take a "short cut" up a hill with loose rocks and no firm footing at a 65 (or so) degree angle. As Clint said, "It's a lot more exciting and fun when death is involved" ... Well, it was fun and a certain amount of fear was involved that's for sure!

We finally ended the hike that ended up probably being around 6.5 miles round trip and six hours long! Can't wait to go back!

FUN AT USC

2006-07-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

So once a week me and about 10 other people get together on the USC campus. This was my fourth visit and since the group is kind of getting to know each other a little bit better, I thought it was time to break-out my "2005 Texas Longhorns National Championship" t-shirt.

Let me tell you that was a fun experience. Although they did make me turn the shirt inside/out! I think my fun was taken in a good light-hearted way. I mean they didn't say I couldn't come back next week! Of course, there was no invitation to return either ... hmm ... maybe I'll wear the National Champions hat next week -- HA!! (Yes, I am joking!)

SMALL GROUP

2006-07-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Every Monday (or in this case Tuesday), we get together as a intern group to do a variety of things for about two hours. The past few weeks, we have each told some of the stories that have shaped who each of us has become today. It's a great time for each of us to get know each other a little better, hang-out, pray and grow.

Braden decided to jump the gate instead of letting some one come down and unlock the gate at the apartment complex. The landlords weren't too pleased but after about 20 minutes of so everything seemed to be smoothed over and back to some level of normal-ness. Really, it was a rather tense moment. Lesson learned!!

I wanted to share something from the group that Dana (the internship director) gave each of us:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?"

"Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."

"We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Nelson Madela
Inaugural Speech, 1994

You know, there is so much that I can write and wrestle with over that comment but rather maybe you as the reader should take a few moments to reflect upon it and shine on ...

MISSION STATEMENT

2006-07-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a task that I wasn't ready to undertake. We all live our lives everyday based on our purpose, mission, core values, etc. but have you ever taken the time to actually write out and investigate what your personal Mission Statement is for your life?

Sounds pretty simple, just take a few minutes to scribble down a few words on blank sheet of paper and BAM! ... You have the statement to live your life by! Not so simple!

It took me a long time and many hours reading through scripture along Lake Ave. to finally come to the conclusion of what my Mission Statement will be from this day forward.

First I wrote out what I thought would be it:

"To be living a life that is first, and foremost, dedicated to the advancement of God's kingdom on a daily basis; by being servant and letting the needs of what God wants to be more than mine."

OK, sounded good and that was that but the more I looked at it, wrestled with it and mulled over it; it was crap at least to me.

I started writing down some words and phrases that I wanted to be known by:

- Connected to God
- Surrended
- Love God, Love People
- Grace
- Trust
- Integrity
- Humility
- Courage
- Servanthood
- Faithful
- Whole
- Grateful
- Leader
- Compassion

Then I with that kind of as the back drop, I started going over some verse and passages in the Bible that help reflect that --

Matthew 11:12, Matthew 8:20, Luke 11:35-36, Matthew 20:27-28, Luke 11:17, Matthew 15:18, Luke 12: 33-34, Luke 16:10, Matthew 5:44-46, Eccl. 3:11, Romans 6:13, Romans 12:8, James 1:2-6, Genesis 1:27

Please feel free to look all of them up. I hope it is worth you time to wrestle with those verses and what they mean in your life. After all that and many moments of thought, here's my Mission Statement for my Life:

"To be built in Christ's character to further the advancement of God's Kingdom"

(Genesis 1:27 & Matthew 11:12)

PROPS TO A FRIEND

2006-07-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

You know it's great that my church back in Granger, IN broadcast their services over the internet. Of course, I never actually sat and watched an entire service. Until Now.

If you get a moment (well, more like 60 minutes) just feel free to check out the weekend service at Granger Community Church (July 9-10) and find out how your puzzle is getting put together

Well Done Corey!

SUNDAY "PRESSURE"

2006-07-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Aside from the usually set-up and tear-down that the interns do on Sunday's, something really cool happened. Every now and again you have a moment when you hear this message and you get to be apart of something that is so special and unique that you can just "feel it" in your body. During Erwin's message on Sunday, was one of those moments.

OK, I know that almost every Erwin message he gives resonates with me some how, some way but this one was a little different. It was the third installment of the Sportscenter theme with the message of "Pressue" ... During the 9 a.m. Pasadena service I just sat and listened. After a while I realized I should have brought my notebook with me!! So I brought some paper and pen for the 5 p.m. Mayan service!

He grabbed four seprate stories from scriptures where some of the greatest leaders in biblical times, just crumbled under the pressure:

Abram (Genesis 12:1-20)
Moses (Exodus 2:11-14)
Aaron (Exodus 32:19-24)
David (II Samuel 11:1-17)

Just a few thoughts from the message:

Pressure will reveal character and expose who you truly are under all your "trappings and out layers" ... The process(es) you have previously gone through will reveal who you are in the moments of pressure.

The pressure comes when the majority expects you to one thing but you do what they need. Understand? It might be unfair but God calls us to a higher standard. Will you let Him mold you into that person? (example - are you listening to your friends who step into the pressure and are trying to help when you have a drinking issue? are you letting your co-workers assists you when you are involved in a lustful affair?)

Running into pressure will refine and mold you so that you thrive under it instead of just surving. To live the life God has intended you to live, you must step toward the moments that God placed in front of you, regardless of the pressure involved.

GOD MAKES US STRONG ENOUGH TO RISK FAILURE TO BUILD US UP IN HIM!

CNN @ MOSAIC

2006-07-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

During the service at the Mayan last Sunday (July 2) a crew from CNN taped some of the service and did some interviews. You can watch the three-minute clip - here.

There is some talk that there will be longer piece during the Paula Zahn show at some point this week. Maybe even tonight (July 10) but whenever it airs, it will be posted on the Mosaic site.

The reason that CNN was here is that Mosaic was recently named as of the Most Influancial Churches in America. The entire list can be see at the Church Report.

MEET VICTOR

2006-07-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

NAME: Victor Saad

SCHOOL: Moody Bible in Chicago

AGE: 21

CLAIM TO FAME: He is my roommate during our 10-weeks together at Mosaic. So far so good. In fact we get along fairly well considering he comes in late and I rise early and often operate on opposite schedules.

Victor is doing some really good things with the junior high ministry. He has gone through a fair amount of frustration through it but I think he is handling it well.

On the fun side, he is taking country-line dancing lesson during his time in L.A. Please feel free to check out his website - here.

MYERS-BRIGGS: ENFJ

DODGER GAME

2006-07-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Finally went to my first Dodgers game on Friday were the home team played their up-state rival the San Fransico Giants. I knew the two teams had a fairly good rivalry going but it's not far off for the rivalry of the Red Sox/Yankees or White Sox/Cubs.

The game itself was highly entertaining. In the bottom of the 8th Nomar Garciparria hit a two-run homerun to break a 6-6 tie as the Dodgers went on to win the game 9-7. In addition to that there were numerous Barry Bonds jeers, boos, etc. through out the evening. He did, however, he a 450-foot bomb of a homerun in the fifth inning. I can't stand the guy but it was an impressive homerun.

As for the experience of watching a game at the famed Chavez Ravine, I was pretty impressed. The lady at my ticket window was very friendly as I paid for my $17 seat (as seen in the picture). To make for an even better evening, it was hat giveaway night so I walked away with a free Dodger hat.

I didn't buy anything except for my $5 program (reasonable price) because the concession are pretty much out of this world expensive. I didn't pay to park because nearby is a park were people just line their cars along the street for free and the walk isn't much farther than the $10.00 you'd pay otherwise. Welcome to MLB in a big-time city:

$3.50 - Soft Pretzel
$4.50 - Dodger Dog
$6.00 - Nacho
$5.50 - Souvenir Cup Soda

Overall, it was a great time. It was made even better because of a great game that featured some great action through out. And on top of that, the fans were friendly. Looking forward to going back.

GAS UPDATE

2006-07-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

$639.50

That's the amount that I have paid in gas since leaving South Bend on May 26. The average price of gas in the L.A. area is right around the $3.23/gallon. I have paid as little as $3.05/gallon and as high as $3.27/gallon in the Southern California area. Fortunately my CRV gets pretty decent gas miles and I am averaging right around 25 miles per gallon. I am filling up on gas once every week. Not a bad ratio, I believe.

Since that Friday in late May, I have driven my wonderful vehicle almost 4600 miles in just over six weeks ... Insanity!!

FROM WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

2006-07-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Most of Wednesday was spent recovering physically (and mentally for that matter) from the picnic from the previous day. There was some small clean-up that needed to take place and after about an hour of cleaning, the 2006 Mosaic picnic was completely put to a close.

Around lunch I was given the opportunity to go to the Dodgers game that night and help pass out that night's promotion. Get paid $15, watch the game and get dinner in the process. I passed on that opportunity because ...

... ROB BELL WAS IN TOWN

There must be a serious shift going on in my life that I turned down getting paid to go to a baseball game to see an individual talk about Spirituality. I made the right decision. Here's the thing though, the event was listed as a sell-out and I didn't have any tickets. So me and my roommate get to the venue at 5:00 p.m. for a show that won't start for another three hours!

After grabbing a quick snack from 7-11 we start looking for tickets around 6:15 p.m. After about 20 minutes we had two tickets for a total of $10 (face value for two was $20). So not only did we get the tickets, we got them for cheaper! That's a win!!

The doors opened at 7:00 p.m. and we sat down in the third row and just started chatted with those around us. This is when another one of my moments of genius comes in:

I was chatting with this guy who sitting next to a lady who was involved in a different conversation. So after a few moments of talk I asked the guy, "So this lady with you, is this your mother?" The lady looked about mid-40's while the guy looked about mid-20's. The guy says, "No, this is actually my wife." Oh my, what did I just do?!? Fortunately for me they weren't too upset/angry and I come to find out that the guy was 36 and the lady was 35. Another insert food into mouth moment!

Anyway, Rob got up to talk and just went right into it. I had my pen in hand and ready to take notes. After about five minutes, I knew that my brain was going to hurt by the end. I took notes from the huge blackboard that he wrote on but he was just giving some much information that if I tried to keep up with it all, I would have missed something.

His "Everything is Spiritual" tour went over so much stuff, but it was so good. I couldn't even begin to do what he talked about any justice. Rob did give this one quote that struck me -- "We have a lot of material to find what you are looking for. So go search." (i.e. just live in the questions!)

It was an amazing evening. The 90 minute talk was taped by the Nooma people so hopefully it will turn into a DVD sometime soon!

MOSAIC PICNIC

2006-07-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

So the last two days have been spent planning, discussion and working on Mosaic's annual July 4th picnic. This was the first time that Mosaic has put the interns in charge of the picnic.

I say without reservation, that it was a success on so many levels. Have you ever had the feeling that once you complete a big task that something great was just accomplished? (I hope you have). That was the feeling that I had late last night. The 10 of us really accomplished. What an amazing feeling.

What a long day it was. The first big task was to arrive at the park at 7:00 a.m. to secure the location for the 400 person picnic. Well, we got to park around 7:10 a.m. and our location was half taken away because of another group got there about five minutes earlier. So, there's a lesson in being on-time. With some churches/groups this might be an issue but not Mosaic. Everything was re-arranged rather easily and no problem from that.

This is were the picnic set-up got interesting, at least for me. Prior to Tuesday we had two cars break down and those were two cars the interns needed to help transport supplies. Well, instead of making one trip from Pasadena to the Dodger Stadium area (about 20 miles away one way) I made three in the morning to bring tables, chairs, tents and food. Let me tell you, the 110 Freeway got old by the third trip that morning. But everything was set-up great and, more importantly, on time!

The food was served at 12:30ish and the line of people flowed for about 90 minutes and everyone that wanted food was served just before we ran out of food. After lunch there was soccer games, volleyball matches, mini-concerts and all kinds of conversations going on. It was so cool just to watch people have fun and to be involved in the games.

Everything started breaking down around 4:30 and three trips back-and-forth between the picnic site and Pasadena. By 7:30 everything was packed away and the event was totally broken-down and the event was done. The mission was complete!

"PRACTICE"

2006-07-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

The second installment of "Mosaic Sportscenter" was focused around the idea of Practice and what it means to practice something, anything.

Erwin took the quote of Allen Iverson from a few years back when head coach Larry Brown was trying to get him to attend practice (see the clip - here). It was actually a great anology to how some people, me included, attack life. We can be the best performer during the game but, like Iverson, he never made the people around him better and since Brown left as head coach, the team hasn't been back to the NBA Finals.

So how are you practicing? Erwin made this really interesting quote, "Often times we make our best decisions and choices when others are around us but when we are alone and by ourselves is when we make decisions that are foolish." (para-phrased but that's about right)

Then you have to wonder, if we made our "best" decisions regardless of who was with us or watching, how much better would we be living life?
---------------------
On a side note to Sunday, July 1 -- The A/C in the Mott Autorium felt freakin' great! ;-)

TIME WITH "THE CUZ"

2006-07-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

I had a special visitor to hang out with on Saturday evening. My cousin Jesse was in the L.A. area for the last few days of the week so it was nice to see a friendly and familar face for a few hours.

We went out to the Westwood area and I introduced her to the landmark ice cream place that is Diddy Riese and got our picture taken on the Red Carpet. It was a nice relaxing few hours that was much appreciated!

(Cuz -- Please forgive me, at least little bit, for putting the picture as you stuff your month with the ice cream cookie sandwich! I just couldn't pass up the chance!)

AMAZING RACE

2006-07-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

On early Saturday evening about 30 people took part in the first of many Amazing Race events which are being held for the various small groups at Mosaic.

It was a blast of an evening to help co-ordinate the teams and the scanvenger hunt which all took place along Hollywood Blvd. Each team had 90 minutes to complete their photo assignment then create a story board detailing their adventure. We made them be creative by telling them to find things like: Faith, Love, Hope, Adventure, etc., etc.

I served as one of the judges and their were some extremely creative storyboards that be put together. Yet, I shouldn't be too suprised because, after all, these are Mosaic people!! In all the event took about three hours and it was a great time of connections and fun on a Saturday evening.

MEET CLINT

2006-07-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

NAME: Barry "Clint" Clecker

SCHOOL: Auburn Unversity

AGE: 19

CLAIM TO FAME: He is in-charge of the annual Mosaic picnic on July 4th; so needless to say he is feeling a bit of pressure and stress. In addition, his weekly duties at Mosaic include working with Kids Mosaic.

The guy is definately from the south and his accent is only one of the things that gives it away. He uses the word "fixin" a lot. (example: "You fixin to leave soon" OR "I'm fixin to go to dinner")

Clint always (I repeat, ALWAYS) is wearing his Auburn University hat wherever it is we go. He is certainly a loyal fan to the Tigers. He will be a sophomore next year while studying for his degree in Nursing.

MYERS-BRIGGS: ENTP

THE LEGACY

2006-06-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

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"

2006-06-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

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.

----------------------------

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

2006-06-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

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"

2006-06-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

... 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

2006-06-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

(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

2006-06-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

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"

2006-06-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-06-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-06-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

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.

I'VE ARRIVED!!

2006-05-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

I have finally made it to sunny So-Cal!!! I can't even describe what it was like to go through southern Utah and driving by a sign that said, "No Services Next 106 Miles" on Sunday afternoon ... That's kind of freaky.

The views in Utah were either one of two things. Boring or absolutely stunning! The picture does no justice to how amazing some of the rock formations are. At one point during my drive in Utah it started snowing! Yes, snow in May at 11,000+ feet!

Southern Utah at its "finest"

After "getting through" Utah and doing some chatting on the phone, I finally made it to Las Vegas on Sunday evening around 7 p.m. local time. That town is not for me. It just felt kind of evil from the moment I stepped foot outside my car. The fountain show at the Belligo Hotel was pretty cool to watch though but overall, the town is overrated!

On Monday I drove all the way to Monterey, CA to see Jon and catch up with him for a little bit. I got to see the famous 18th green at Pebble Beach Golf Club. Oh my what an amazing view!

The famed 18th Green at Pebble Beach!!

Dinner with the Anderstrom's at Bubble Gumps!

So now I am just about done moving into my room at William Carey University in beautiful sunny Pasadena!

SINCE FRIDAY AT 7 a.m.

- Just under 3,000 miles driven
- Around $300 in gas ($3.39/gallon is highest thus far!)
- Countless CD changes and phone calls!

I MADE IT!!

"RELAXING" DAY

2006-05-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

So today I just spent time around the greater Denver area. The highlight of the day was finally getting to the top of Mount Evans. It's the highest paved auto road in North America and at the peak it's altitude is 14,264 feet. The pictures below were taken from the drive-up the road that has no guard rails and has about 10 "switch backs" the final two miles of the drive. At the top of the mountain it was roughly 40 degrees with the windchill making it feel about 20 degrees on a day when it was 90 degrees in Denver!

This was my goat "friend" who blocked the road for a little bit!

This picture doesn't even come close to describing how amazing this view was!
Absolutely stunning!

The wind was gusty in this picture and I have nothing to fall back on but a big huge rock. But I've never been at 14,000+ feet so I have to live a little!

After the four-hour round trip journey that only lasted about 80 miles (a lot of slow driving), I went to Red Rocks then Boulder and walked the Pearl Street Mall (an outdoor street basically) for about two hours. I ran into a guy; talk about Buddhism for a little bit. That was fairly interesting then about five minutes after that chat I walked into a store that had a shirt with this quote on it:

"Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men." -- Martin Luther King Jr. hmmm ...

Then I went to Flatirons Church which was about 20 minutes away and it was a great service as they kicked off their "Google Earth" series. Dinner was at Pasta Jay's back in Boulder and now I'm out for the night before traveling to Las Vegas on Sunday!

TRAVEL DAY 1

2006-05-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

I have successfully completed the longest day of driving in my life! From South Bend to Denver it took:

15 hours, 50 minutes and 1102 miles. That averages just under 70 mph. I am rather pleased. It wasn't that bad but I'm not sure I would recommend it either. I did get be-fuddled in Des Moines, IA and started going on I-35 South for three miles before I realized what in the world I was doing.

There isn't much of anything to see after Lincoln, NE. The last seven or so hours of the trip were filled with empty fields and a whole lot of nothing. Kind of felt like a Stephen King novel. THEN, in the middle of Nebraska there is this rapid dog in the middle of I-80 pulling along this dead deer in the medium. It felt like the twilight zone!

I found out that full tank of gas gets about 350 miles in my car. After four stops for gas, I spent right around $120 today in fuel!!!

Some other of the highlights included:

2 Rob Bell messages
1 Erwin McManus message
1 John Ortberg message

Keith Urban's "Golden Road"
Passion '05 soundtrack
Bruce Springsteen "Seeger Sessions"
Dashboard's Confessional "Greatest Hits"
David Gray "Life in Slow Motion AND
Norah Jones "Come of Away with Me"

You can also add about two hours of phone time to a variety of people. I'm a big fan of the speaker phone feature on my new phone!

Travel Day 2, no serious driving!

IT BEGINS

2006-05-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I am off on the first leg of what will be an amazing journey. This is were God wants me to be for the summer. There is no doubt in my mind!

Thank You for all your support thus far! None of you will truly ever know how much it means to me!!

Please continue to pray for safe travels and that I will be stretched in ways I have never imagined!

Matthew 11:12

THE TRAVEL PLANS

2006-05-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

So you ever wanted to know what mapping out a drive from South Bend, IN area to Pasadena, CA looked like, now you know - HA!

Since I am less than a week of getting out of Michiana, here's what my travel plans toward the west coast are looking like:

Day 1 (May 26): Head westward on the Indiana Tollroad with the final destination of the first day in Denver, CO (South Bend to Denver: 1081 miles, or about 16 hours)

Day 2 (May 27): Spend entire day in Denver/Boulder area and probably visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Day 3 (May 28): Visit Flatirons Community Church before traveling to Las Vegas (Denver to Las Vegas: 748 miles, about 11.5 hours)

Day 4 (May 29): Leave for Monterey, CA to visit Jon and spend the night there (Las Vegas to Monterey: 510 miles, about 8.5 hours) ... This is the first time I'll catch-up with my friend since Jan. 4 so it is worth going out the way.

Day 5 (May 30): Final Day of driving as I head to Pasadena to meet up with everyone at Mosaic (Monterey to Pasadena: 347 miles, about 6 hours)

THE CHALLENGE

2006-04-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have been choosen to serve as an internship at Mosiac - A Community of Faith, Love and Hope. My journey will begin the final week of May and continue til the second week of August. Throughout the next few months, this spot on the web is dedicated to that journey and challenge!