Espanol

Quería escribir en un otro idioma porque tenia la esperanza de aprender de mas de un otro idioma. Sin embargo no aprendí español, pero he aprendido ASL (American Sign Langauge).

That's as close as I'm going to get to blogging in another language at this point. But after typing in enough Spanish, my computer did start auto-correcting to Spanish. How fancy.

Green Christmas

It's finally getting cold in Southern California (well cold to us is about 50 degrees, which is warm to so many others during this time of year). But for us, it does start to feel more like Christmas time. In honor of the season (and to mark off one of my 25 goals) I've composed a song to the tune of White Christmas...

"I'm dreaming of a White Christmas
Just like the ones I never knew.
With the palm trees swaying,
And Children Playing
On the beach, swim the ocean blue.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas
Not really sure we'd ever get that here.
With the temperatures climbing
And the heat still rising
I think snow, would cast too much fear."

Happy Holidays!

What Does the Fox Say?

So this has been the question of October - what does the fox say? I leave it to you to figure out but I warn you this song gets stuck in my head too easily and you just may suffer the same fate.

Ylvis - a new sensation hitting American youtube channels. I'm a personal fan of What's the Meaning of Stonehedge.

No Pants

This is a part of my family stories recording for my 25 in 25 post:

Growing up my family would camping about 2-3 times a year. Our favorite spots were Dohney Beach near Laguna Hills and Yosemite National Park. Every August we would travel to Yosemite to spend a week hiking, reading, and watching the sun set in the meadow. One of my mother's favorite hike was up the Toloumne River, where we would hike for about a mile, stop by a bridge, eat our snacks and if we were brave enough we'd put our feet in the water.

On one such time up the river, around when I was 10 or 11, I became a little more adventurous. I wanted to walk across the river, prove that I was adult enough to make it across without getting wet.

Of course I wasn't. Not only did I get my shorts wet, I managed to slip on the rocks and sit butt first down in the river. I was soaked up to my waist and had a mile to hike back to the camp sight. I cried in tears at the thought of walking back in wet pants so my mother went running down the trail to get me a new pair. Unfortunately, I had significantly calmed down by the time she returned, and even managed to start heading back on the trail.

To this day my mom never lets me forget the fact that I fell in the river, and even as a 25 year, I will wade in the water and she will still tell me to be careful. And that she is not heading back to get me new pants if I get wet - that is how I will have to walk back. Fortunately I haven't fallen in since.

Top 25 Things I Learned in the PNW - Round 3

Again Sol and I traveled to the PNW for our third year in a row and we learned a variety of new lessons:

1. We are all in this together... until we split up. 

2. Good things come in pink boxes.

3. Australians think American diner coffee is strange. 

4. "The Internet is like a bunch of tortoises held together by duct tape." - Austin from Voodoo Doughnuts

5. Beer aware for Seattle is beer country.

6.Always take the time to make new friends - it leads to unexpected adventures. 

7. Even extroverts need their alone time. 

8. Never take crayons for granted. 

9. Fancy cars can be the most confusing

10. Pigeons never, ever forget. 

11. You are awesome and sometimes you need people to tell you that.

12. There is always a reason to wear red pants. 

13. Some places don't tell you they are closed for a holiday on their voice mail... or website... or Facebook... or Twitter... or Instagram. Instead they go old school and leave a sign on the door.

14. Warnings for bathroom emergencies are always helpful on long road trips. 

15. Making friends with the locals can unlock town secrets. 

16. One of the saddest moments in your life could be breaking your glass at a beer festival. 

17. Until you realize it is really having to sit at an airport for seven hours due to flight delays. 

18. Doughnuts can make everything better. Especially if they have maple involved. 

19. Your eyes are almost always bigger than your stomach. Especially when it comes to sushi. 

20. If you can't decide, just try them all. Especially when it comes to beer and coffee. 

21. Sometimes you need to chose a hotel based on whether or not it offers free wi-fi. 

22. Sometimes you just have to laugh, or else you'll cry. 

23. Never be afraid to go back to the places you love. Even you've been there a lot. In the past 24 hours. 

24. There is almost always a reason to get ice cream. 

25. No matter how many times you've been someplace, you can always find new things you love. 

Wizard of Ahhhs

As you may already know, Pentatonix is one of my all time favorite singing groups. Recently they did a collaboration with Todderick Hall as a spin off of the Wizard of Oz. It is brilliant, genius, and highlights Kristi Maldono, the only female in the group. I've always thought they under play her talent in their arrangements and this one she plays every female role so it really showcases her ability.

You should also check out Todderick Hall's twist on Beauty and the Beast called Beauty and the Beat: Also fantastic.

Old Skin

My new recent song I've fallen in love with is Old Skin by Ólafur Arnalds and Arnor Dan. It begins with a soft piano and builds throughout the song to send a wave of feeling through your chest. One of the best uses to this song was from So You Think You Can Dance. I highly recommend you check it out.

To purchase on iTunes click here.

Brave

Sara Barielles is one of my all time favorite artists. She has an amazing voice, range, and talent. Many artists can either sing well or have amazing lyrics. Sara B has both, and extremely high on both to begin with.

I'm so inspired by her talent and passion. Her newest video - Brave - is an amazing concept. It looks like a normal, sing in public places video, but at the end it reveals so much more than that. One of my students also things the library scene was filmed at the CSUN library. We haven't verified it, but it could be true since it was filmed around LA.

Props to Sara B!

Pinterest Finds

Here are a couple of my favorite Pinterest finds that I've been creating for my 25 in 25 goals:

Modern Wall Art (made this for Amanda's 22nd birthday present).

Pizzadillas - delicious and quick meal to make.

Instagram Bookmarks: the are amazing and fun to make 

     

    

Rolo Ritz Crackers

Horay for Pinterest finds!

Directions: pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Place Ritz cracker salt side down on a cookie sheet. Place Rolo on top and bake for 3-5 minutes. Then add another cracker and push down a little. Let cool and then EAT!

I know what you are thinking? How can something so delicious be so simple? I don't know it's magic? But eat and enjoy.

Twinship

I am very grateful for an amazing start to summer with Sol coming to visit. Some things I'm grateful for: 

I am grateful every time someone asks us how we know each other. It is not a simple story but shows the amazing power of God's timing and sense of humor. We became best friends that summer (or as we call it, "twins") when there was this one student, Alex, who managed to frustrate us both somehow and we responded with the same response, in the same tone, and using the same gestures. We were amazed and our friendship was solidified right there.

I am grateful for the opportunity to make new friendships. Sol got to make new friends with my students (who I have been talking about to her constantly for the past year) and she finally got to meet some of them. It was also a chance for some of my students to meet my best friend, a person very dear to my own soul, and be a part of my life pre-Northridge/CSUN.

I also got to make new friends this weekend and see a part of Sol's life pre-FUI.

Lastly I'm graetful for yet another shirt we have where we match or close enough. That makes a total of 5 (Frybread Power, Powell's, Cookies and Milk, a CBS shirt, and now tie dye). We like to match, as most twins do.

Violins

New music find #3

Lindsey Sterling is AMAZING. I have two videos of her that I love: 

1. Shadows - one her original songs that has a techno/dubstep mixed in with violin. It is beautifully done. And I like the Peter Pan-esq feel the video gives off. Really shows off her talent.

2. We Found Love - Lindsey's visit to Africa. Beautiful cinematography and I love her arrangement of the Song We Found Love. It just kind of makes you cry. 

Birthday Hikes and Beach Adventures

I went on this hike a couple months ago, but we decided to take an easier route this time since there were more of us (less mountain climbing and making our own trails). We also paired it with a beach adventure.

Radioactive

Pentatonix is one of my favorite bands and they sing all their music acapella. They are probably some of the most talented musicians I've ever seen. I first found them on NBC's The Sing Off where week after week they continually impressed everyone with their unique arrangements and their powerful sound for using only five people. Avi (their bass) and Kevin (their beat boxer  are unbelievably skilled at their craft. Kevin is a Christian and I would love to see him perform at Urbana15 with his beatboxing and cello skills.

Speaking of Kevin playing the cello, this is from one of their new singles, Radioactive, a cover of the Imagine Dragons song. They invited violinist, Lindsey Sterling to play with them, and I believe it rivals the original (which is also an amazing song). Take a look and forever be impressed. I warn you - you may spend the next few hours on YouTube, looking up more Pentatonix greatness.

And for a bonus video of Pentatonix's greatness: A History of Music

Who You Are

Every since probably 2000 or so I have been a fan of JJ Heller. She is a really good friend of one my old small group leaders, Sarah, so she actually came to one of our small group meetings. Later she performed at my church and I've been a fan ever since.

While she isn't a new artist I follow, her newest album, Loved, came out this March. I think it ranks in my top favorites - keeping her traditional acoustic style and depth of lyrics, I've always valued JJ for not trying to be "too Christian" or "too mainstream" when it comes to music. She speaks from her soul, and it shows. She loves her daughters, loves her husband, and love God, and writes all of this into her music. She impresses me as a woman of faith and and as a musician.

Here is the official music video for one of her songs, Who You Are, from the new album. As a side note - I want a dinner party like this. 

San Luis Obispo: Instagram Version

Been a while. Been busy. Prepping for Spring Break Camp, going out of town. But I did get a mini "vacation" to visit San Luis Obispo so here were some pics from my trip. Got to even visit some new places while on my trip.

Visiting the campus for the first time in a while.

Eureka Burger = awesome.

Visiting IVSLO's Large Group.

How I missed the Central Coast.

My college roommate of four years and I at Avila Beach.

Enjoying a bit of Firestone's best.

Seeing old friends that know my students from Urbana 12.

My favorite coffee shop before going home.

The beautiful 101.

5k Finisher!

I like lists and pictures so let's recap my first 5k with both!

What I learned: 

- I have a lot more energy, adrenaline, excitement on race day than on a normal day
- I can run a lot faster than I give myself credit for (I finished in 38:00 and I was shooting for just under 45:00 so I blew that goal out of the water).
- I run faster when I can run with someone
- I love having a support team who makes signs. The other runners get jealous.
- I love that you get a medal for finishing. If makes me feel twice as accomplished.
- I now identify myself as a runner. I have a Running Board on Pintrest and everything. 

- I really enjoy running.
- I am exciting to start preparing for another one.
- I foresee running longer races in my future. We will see. I have to get through the 25 goals first.

Picture time!

I passed Jenel and Jaclyn but they weren't looking. A few moments later, Jenel had sprinted up to take this picture. I'm laughing in most of the pictures because Jenel and Jaclyn were being hilarious as I ran by them. The fact that I could smile and laugh as I ran by was pretty impressive.

Almost at the finish line. I was definitely ready to be done. And glad it was a downhill stretch.

Pretty happy when I thought my time was 38:17 (based on what my iPhone said). Little did I know it was actually 38:00. 

My running buddy, Carol.

The signs Jaclyn and Jenel made for me. They were pretty impressive.

Gratitude Snorkle

This weekend was in short amazing. So many unexpected surprises yet so many planned adventures. It was a lot of small things that just added up.

• Skyping with Matt Rogers
• Having Matt come on to teach Mark II with us at Catalina and getting a teacher for every class
• Spending time in scripture as I prepped 1 Corinthians 
• Seeing Noemi 
• Seeing Yolanda unexpectedly 
• Getting invited to stay and hear a seminar at the LaFe staff conference about immigration 
• Seeing Melody and having adventures in Northridge
• Hamburgers with Hawaiian roll buns 
• Spending time at home with Jenel and Jaclyn
• Having support while you do something challenging 
• Hilarious signs (I'd rate them at 7.5)
• An unexpected running buddy for my first 5k. 
• Finishing my first ever 5k at 38:00 - much faster than I expected 
• Breakfast burritos
• The best milk shake ever
• Just watching a movie with a good friend 
• Talking with the twin

Becoming a Runner

I will run my first 5k race ever in exactly one week. I'd have to say I'm pretty excited but I am even more nervous. I didn't really ever envision myself as a runner up until this year. I started as a vague idea of I should get into better shape and I really only have the time to go running. 

It has been a really unexpected and slightly process. I started by walking to campus, which is about two miles from my house. Then I started running (well jogging at the pace I go) for barely a mile. One day, back in late October, I asked a student, Jenel, if she wanted to go running with me. I was trying to put myself in a vulnerable place, modeling what it looks to be intentionally not in a position of power by doing something I knew she would be better at me in. What was supposed to be just a "teaching moment" turned into something so much more. 

Since then I began the process of running regularly. I even played with the idea of running a 5k. I wasn't committed to it really, just throwing the idea out there. Well I learned quickly to never just "throw" ideas out there in front my students because at least one of them takes hold of it and begins the job of convincing me to just go for it. So in December when I made my 25 goals list I decided to just go for it. I have learned a lot about myself through this process. Some it was obvious and some was surprising. 

1. I really like running (this surprised me the most)
2. I process life best while moving (walking, running, driving)
3. I tend to have a naturally slow pace. I even sprint slowly in comparison to most people
4. I run the best when I can let mind fully wander off. I don't think about how hard it is to breathe or how much my legs hurt
5. I love running with 1-2 other people at most because... 
6. I am really competitive and when running with a lot of people I know I tend to go straight to comparing our performances  
7. I take not doing well (such as having to stop and walk, going slow) really personally and don't like to be bad at things (see number #6). 
8. I tend to not participate at things I'm not good at - which is why I never ran much before 
9. I have to run with music. Audiobooks do not work sadly (I wish they did) 
10. Having a routine made running a lot easier 

I guess all this to say, I'm glad I've gone after this goal and I'm glad it wasn't easy. I'm not sure I'm ready to call myself a runner but I think I'm getting there. We will see where I'm at in one week. 

The Journey Home

I just finished Henri Nouwen's book, The Return of the Prodigal Son. As I read through this book I was impressed with not only how much of my own story fits into this parable and painting, but how much the journey to return home to the Father appears in other stories and scriptures. I realized that we rarely give this parable justice, lumping into the tales of why sinners turning back to Jesus is a good thing but this parable means so much more than that.

So because of that I am going to be writing a lot more about how the Prodigal Son narrative plays out in where I see Jesus move in the lives of students on campus and my own life.

What stands out most to me in this book is Nouwen's analysis of the elder son and stating the son's lostness. At Urbana 12, Ram Sridharan stated that elder son mistook proximity to the father for intimacy with the father. As I read throughout the book and saw the desperate lostness of an elder son who was by the father the whole time I see myself as one easily caught up in resentment and bitterness that I never felt I could "run away" and have wild escapades. I was responsible, the good child in my own family and in my Christian family. But here the Father ceases to become a father and becomes a slave driver where instead of joy, the elder son is filled with anger and resentment for never being "good enough" to be celebrated.

"Here I see how lost the elder son is. He has become a foreigner in his own house. True communion is gone. Every relationship is pervaded by darkness... There is no longer any trust. Each little move calls for a counter move  each little remark begs for analysis; the smallest gesture has to be evaluated. This is the pathology of the darkness. Is there a way out? I don't think there is - at least not on my side. It often seems that the more I try to disentangle myself from the darkness, the darker it becomes. It need light, but that light has to conquer my darkness, and that I cannot bring about myself. I cannot forgive myself. I cannot make myself feel loved. By myself I cannot leave the land of my anger. I cannot bring myself nor can I create communion on my own. I can desire it, hope for it, wait for it, yes, pray for it. But my true freedom I cannot fabricate for myself. That must be given to me. I am lost. I must be found and brought home by the shepherd who goes out to me."

What was so profound about the elder son is he has yet to understand how truly lost he is. That is what we see from the younger son. He realizes his lostness and comes home, where he know he will be found. But until the elder son sees his lostness, sees his life in darkness, he can never be found.

In many ways this transition out of college has been my journey home. There are times when I was the younger son - indulging in my own desires and leaving the promise of home. Most of the time I have been the elder son, working hard and expecting praise for every little thing I do. Expecting that my work, my effort, my love should be constantly noticed, reciprocated, and appreciated. But so little do I see my own lostness in that - lost in a world of desired praise without having ever set foot outside the door. This transition has been an invitation from Jesus into trust and gratitude, neither of which I'm natural at (although I would say it's not natural for most humans to be constantly trusting and grateful). Without trust, we cannot be found because we have to trust that the Father actually wants us home, we are important enough to be found. Without gratitude we become buried in resentment and joy becomes almost impossible. We can longer celebrate with those who are found again and feel we have not been given what we deserve.

As I continue on this journey of returning home to the Father, I now carry with me the difficult disciplines of trust and gratitude. We will see how this journey continues to unfold.