Okay... This is now becoming more real....
I just booked the two hotels that my dad and I will be staying in. The one in Green River, Utah will be at the Ramada Limited. It's a nice little 2 star hotel that will be right off of our path and won't give us too much trouble with parking.
The one in Omaha, NE (I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!!) will be a Quality Inn & Suites which will be right off of the I80.... nice....
No other news as of now other than I'll be talking to my new boss Brett Hersma, Chicagoland Regional Director, about fundraising strategies in a few minutes :)
More updates to come...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Cell Phone Use in Cars Is All About the Brain, Not the Hands
Below is an article that my friend Dia Becchio sent to me from the web site imakenews.com.
I think that a state-wide or country-wide ban of cell phone usage while driving will never pass because of how innate cell phone usage has become in society while driving. So, that takes me to thinking about who will create the necessary "gadgets" to make driving while talking on the cell phone safer? I'm thinking along the lines of auto-pilot using GPS systems and magnets on the roads. These are things that are already being experimented and might be applicable within our lifetime. But how many people will get into accidents until then? What do you guys think??
This also reminds me of a Rob Bell Nooma video where he talks about how noisy people's lives are and how that noise interferes with listening to God's voice. I used to talk to God for at least a bit over an hour while in college since I drove from Lompoc to Santa Barbara very early and I couldn't talk on the phone. Since then, while driving I have usually either been on the phone or with Anna so that time alone with the LORD has be nixed. My wife actually called me out on it and I've gotten a bit better about that... Any similar experiences out there?
Here's the article:
Cell Phone Use in Cars Is All About the Brain, Not the Hands
Bluetooth notwithstanding, humans just aren’t wired to drive and phone.
I think that a state-wide or country-wide ban of cell phone usage while driving will never pass because of how innate cell phone usage has become in society while driving. So, that takes me to thinking about who will create the necessary "gadgets" to make driving while talking on the cell phone safer? I'm thinking along the lines of auto-pilot using GPS systems and magnets on the roads. These are things that are already being experimented and might be applicable within our lifetime. But how many people will get into accidents until then? What do you guys think??
This also reminds me of a Rob Bell Nooma video where he talks about how noisy people's lives are and how that noise interferes with listening to God's voice. I used to talk to God for at least a bit over an hour while in college since I drove from Lompoc to Santa Barbara very early and I couldn't talk on the phone. Since then, while driving I have usually either been on the phone or with Anna so that time alone with the LORD has be nixed. My wife actually called me out on it and I've gotten a bit better about that... Any similar experiences out there?
Here's the article:
Cell Phone Use in Cars Is All About the Brain, Not the Hands
Bluetooth notwithstanding, humans just aren’t wired to drive and phone.
Many states have made it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Experts believed the danger was in driving with one hand and manipulating the cell phone with the other. That has spurred the popularity of hands-free cell phone technology, most notably enabled by Bluetooth connectivity. Unfortunately, further research is showing that hands-free phone use is no safer than hand-held talking. The hands are NOT the problem. It’s the brain!
“It’s not that your hands aren’t on the wheel,” said Dr. David Strayer, Director of the Applied Cognition Laboratory at the
The New York Times article pointed out, “Laboratory experiments using simulators, real-world road studies and accident statistics all tell the same story – drivers talking on a cell phone are four times as likely to have an accident as drivers who are not. That’s the same level of risk posed by a driver who is legally drunk.”
Researchers believe that talking on the phone requires significant brain resources, enough to hinder the ability to process all of the information required to safely operate a motor vehicle. For example, eye-tracking studies have shown that safe drivers continually look side-to-side, scanning ahead as they are driving. When they tracked the eye movement of drivers using cell phones, they found the cell phone users tended to stare straight ahead.
Studies using a driving simulator and volunteers wired so researchers could see how their brains were processing information have shown that cell phone conversations are far more distracting than other speaking (chatting with a passenger) or listening activities (music or talking book) while driving.
The Journal of Experimental Psychology published a report in their December 2008 issue presenting the findings of a comparison between drivers conversing with a passenger in the car and drivers talking hands-free on a cell phone. The drivers were instructed to drive several miles until they encountered the exit for a rest stop that they were supposed to take. Nearly every driver and passenger found the exit and entered the rest stop. Half of those drivers using their hands-free cell phone system missed the exit.
Dr. Strayer’s interpretation? “The paradox is that if the friend is sitting next to you, you drive safer. When you talk to that person on a cell phone, you’re much more likely to be involved in an accident.”
Tell that to the “wired generation” who virtually live on their cell phones, say critics who believe it’s too late to change people’s habits. In fact, the distractions of car technology are greater with every new gadget. Bluetooth enables cell phone chatter. Voice recognition gives you command over virtually every user-controlled system in the cabin. Central control joysticks encourage you to surf the car’s network while attempting to operate the vehicle. Still, cell phones pose the most dangerous distraction of all. Unfortunately, cell phones and driving seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. We’re realizing the peanut butter may be tainted.
There is room for common sense on this issue. Fact: Young people are the most enthusiastic and persistent cell phone users. Fact: Young people are inexperienced drivers who are just developing the mind/hand/eye coordination needed for driving competency. Conclusion: Young drivers need to focus all of their brainpower on processing the information related to operating the motor vehicle safely. Advice: Parents should ban cell phone use by minors while they are driving.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Chicago Update
Hi guys. Some more updates as of a few minute ago!
We got the house locked up for the first two weeks!! We are SO SO excited about this as we will have a place to stay the first two weeks! That would be from the 15th of May to the 31st of May! Praise God!!
And another thing is that some plans have changed a bit. Tony Gonzalez from San Francisco Young Life will be speaking on Friday morning (15th of May) at a men's Bible Study in Chicago and Brett Hersma (my new boss) wants me to be there. The meeting with Tony and these guys is because these guys are interested in the Young Life area and Tony will talk to them about how I will be continuing the legacy that Tony started 23 years ago. Cool! So, my dad and I will be leaving on Tuesday the 12th, and instead of getting to Chicago on Friday, we'll push ourselves and get there on Thursday afternoon. Here's what we'll be doing:
Mon May 11th: Pack the uHaul truck with the help of friends and family
Tues May 12th: My dad and I leave for Chicago (Anna will be staying in SB-read below)
Tues May 12th: We get to Green River, Utah after an 11+ hour drive
Wed May 13th: Leave early and arrive in Omaha, NE after a 12.5+ hour drive
Th May 14th: Leave early and arrive in Chicago in the afternoon!
Fri May 15th: Meet for 7:30 am meeting downtown
Sat May 16th: Pick Anna up from airport
So, I mentioned that Anna will be staying in Santa Barbara for a while longer. That's great news to us! The dentist that she works for loves her so much and needs her so much that he is willing to pay for Anna's flight out to Chicago just to have her stay for 2 more weeks! He's such a great guy! If you don't have a dentist, check this guy out as he is one of the top dentists in Santa Barbara! His name is Doctor Thomas Blake, DDS. Anna staying a couple of extra weeks also means that we will be able to have a little more money in the bank than we expected!! Praise God!
So, please be praying for all those things as well as what's below.
A few people from our church have SO GRACIOUSLY taken on the challenge of doing a fundraiser for us! Miguel and Nancy Cornejo have volunteered to head up the planning for a soccer tournament that we are hosting in the the brand new synthetic soccer field in Girsh Park. This is great as it will also help up get more money for the move :)
One last update is that Anna has a phone interview scheduled soon! So we'll keep you updated on this as well :)
Thanks for all of your prayers guys!!
We got the house locked up for the first two weeks!! We are SO SO excited about this as we will have a place to stay the first two weeks! That would be from the 15th of May to the 31st of May! Praise God!!
And another thing is that some plans have changed a bit. Tony Gonzalez from San Francisco Young Life will be speaking on Friday morning (15th of May) at a men's Bible Study in Chicago and Brett Hersma (my new boss) wants me to be there. The meeting with Tony and these guys is because these guys are interested in the Young Life area and Tony will talk to them about how I will be continuing the legacy that Tony started 23 years ago. Cool! So, my dad and I will be leaving on Tuesday the 12th, and instead of getting to Chicago on Friday, we'll push ourselves and get there on Thursday afternoon. Here's what we'll be doing:
Mon May 11th: Pack the uHaul truck with the help of friends and family
Tues May 12th: My dad and I leave for Chicago (Anna will be staying in SB-read below)
Tues May 12th: We get to Green River, Utah after an 11+ hour drive
Wed May 13th: Leave early and arrive in Omaha, NE after a 12.5+ hour drive
Th May 14th: Leave early and arrive in Chicago in the afternoon!
Fri May 15th: Meet for 7:30 am meeting downtown
Sat May 16th: Pick Anna up from airport
So, I mentioned that Anna will be staying in Santa Barbara for a while longer. That's great news to us! The dentist that she works for loves her so much and needs her so much that he is willing to pay for Anna's flight out to Chicago just to have her stay for 2 more weeks! He's such a great guy! If you don't have a dentist, check this guy out as he is one of the top dentists in Santa Barbara! His name is Doctor Thomas Blake, DDS. Anna staying a couple of extra weeks also means that we will be able to have a little more money in the bank than we expected!! Praise God!
So, please be praying for all those things as well as what's below.
A few people from our church have SO GRACIOUSLY taken on the challenge of doing a fundraiser for us! Miguel and Nancy Cornejo have volunteered to head up the planning for a soccer tournament that we are hosting in the the brand new synthetic soccer field in Girsh Park. This is great as it will also help up get more money for the move :)
One last update is that Anna has a phone interview scheduled soon! So we'll keep you updated on this as well :)
Thanks for all of your prayers guys!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Young Life Chicago on FACEBOOK
So I hope if you're reading this you are on Facebook. If you are not, then GET ON IT! tThere are over 200 million people on Facebook!!
Anyways, seriously, if you're not on Facebook, then it's time you were. And if you are on Facebook, come join the NEW group that I just created for our new Young Life ministry in the Chicago Northside areas of Hermosa and Humboldt Park.
This will be a way to stay up to date with our ministry and our lives. I will continually post pictures, videos, and blogs about what's going on. Also, I will be making a web site for the area as well, but that's in the next few months.
Click on the image below and it will take you right to the Facebook Group so you can sign up!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Young Life Chicago Update
Speechless..........
Thank you LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speechless..........
Seriously though... Anna and I just came home from being gone the whole weekend for a wedding and opened up some mail and our jaws dropped. The LORD is SO good!!
And yeah, everyone know that the LORD is good, but when He comes through and is faithful to His character.... it makes me just be speechless, tear up, and drop to my knees with praise and thanksgiving.
So to continue my story, we can home to 2 miracles. We had 3 letters that were return envelopes from the letters that we sent out to people to be able to know that we were called into ministry with Young Life and to also give them an opportunity to partner with us as we are being sent off as missionaries. All three checks were very generous, but 2 of the three people either know us very little or not at all!
The "Not at all:"
We sent a letter to a friend in Arizona and we received a letter back from that address, but from people that we do not know. They explained that they read the letter out of an impulse and they sent back money to support our ministry!! Praise God!! Talk about a divine appointment!! Only only only our God Almighty can do something like this. This couple are believers as well, so the chances of the people that opened up the letter being Christians as well makes the story even better!!!
The "very little:"
We also have spome married friends that know about our ministry with YL and they told their parents about us. So, our friends urged us to write the parents and their generosity literally left me speechless. I won't say how much they gave, but I WOULD HAVE NEVER EVER EVER thought that we would see a check for the amount that they gave us. All I can say is PRAISE GOD!! Even when we write them a thank you it won't seem like enough... Thank you LORD!!!
So, I'm going to go praise the LORD with my wife right now, but please continue to pray for us as we follow the LORD'S will in this calling and faithfully believe that He will provide from nothing...
Thank you LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speechless..........
Seriously though... Anna and I just came home from being gone the whole weekend for a wedding and opened up some mail and our jaws dropped. The LORD is SO good!!
And yeah, everyone know that the LORD is good, but when He comes through and is faithful to His character.... it makes me just be speechless, tear up, and drop to my knees with praise and thanksgiving.
So to continue my story, we can home to 2 miracles. We had 3 letters that were return envelopes from the letters that we sent out to people to be able to know that we were called into ministry with Young Life and to also give them an opportunity to partner with us as we are being sent off as missionaries. All three checks were very generous, but 2 of the three people either know us very little or not at all!
The "Not at all:"
We sent a letter to a friend in Arizona and we received a letter back from that address, but from people that we do not know. They explained that they read the letter out of an impulse and they sent back money to support our ministry!! Praise God!! Talk about a divine appointment!! Only only only our God Almighty can do something like this. This couple are believers as well, so the chances of the people that opened up the letter being Christians as well makes the story even better!!!
The "very little:"
We also have spome married friends that know about our ministry with YL and they told their parents about us. So, our friends urged us to write the parents and their generosity literally left me speechless. I won't say how much they gave, but I WOULD HAVE NEVER EVER EVER thought that we would see a check for the amount that they gave us. All I can say is PRAISE GOD!! Even when we write them a thank you it won't seem like enough... Thank you LORD!!!
So, I'm going to go praise the LORD with my wife right now, but please continue to pray for us as we follow the LORD'S will in this calling and faithfully believe that He will provide from nothing...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
We Need Prayer - Chicago Young Life
Hi everyone,
Thanks for continuing to pray for us. I just want to update you guys on the process. I just received an email from Chicago that said that we are not going to be able to get the transitional housing that we were hoping for. It would have been for free, but the place that was in question needs some much needed repairs.
So we are a little bummed... more than a little bummed about that. It seems that as soon as we accepted the job, the enemy started to pounce on us. We know that the LORD will provide, but right now I feel that He is taking away anything that "we" had planned and any source of provision that "we" had in line. Go figure God wants to provide for us in His way and in His timing.... It's hard though :)
So please continue to pray for us as we keep fighting against feelings of frustration, anger at times, and for us to continually be faithful in remembering that our God is our Jehova Jireh...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Hurdles
The Enemy is REALLY trying to discourage us and somehow impede Anna and I to both be joyous of our calling to go to Chicago and of us actually be able to go to Chicago...
We need to raise over $10,000 to be able to go to Chicago so we cannot waste money on any leisure things. And, since the time that Anna and I accepted the job offer and started to walk into the calling that the LORD has for us we got hit with medical and car bills that reach the $3000 mark!!
I've been a little concerned and I have even momentarily questioned if we were right to accept this job, but now I can only laugh at the Enemy's attempts to thwart our going... cause he can't!!! I mean, "If He is for us WHO WHO WHO can be against us?!?!?!"
I the name of Jesus we COMMAND the enemy to leave our family alone and leave the presence of His children!
I know the LORD is allowing Satan to do this and as soon as Anna and I learn to completely rely on Him about this, I know that the LORD will stop all of this and miraculously provide for us!!! AMEN!!!
Family.... and I mean all of my Community in Christ.... keep us in your prayers as we have moved to the front-lines and the enemy doesn't like it one bit :)
I feel so empowered even though I have been "weaker" than any of the last 16 months since I have been attacked by the Enemy... How good it is to be strong in our weakness because of the LORD's strengthening us :)
I could write forever about the LORD right now... but I gotta go be with my wife :)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Selling Full Bedroom Set
Anna and I are moving to Chicago and we need to sell my bedroom set from my bachelor days :) Please let me know if you are interested and PLEASE spread the word. We need to raise a considerable amount of money and it would be a HUGE double blessing if we received funds through this sale AND we got rid of the bedroom set that we will not use. Comment on this blog if you are interested. The bedroom set is in Lompoc, CA 93436.
Here's my Craigslist Description:
Full Bedroom set in very good condition. I am the orginal owner and the item was bought brand new. Imported from Italy $1800.00 value. The set contains 2 night stands with 2 drawers each, a beautiful headboard as well as a bed frame. The dresser has 6 drawers with the size of 8 drawers (see photo) while a big vanity mirror rests on top. The wood on all surfaces has a slick feel to the hand. $500.00 or best offer. Will help with loading from house to your truck. Please email me at the craiglist email above. Furniture is in Lompoc; mattress not included.
Here are some pictures.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Westmont in the West Side - Ministry opportunity
Hey guys! If you are wanting to connect with some amazing ministries in the Santa Barbara Area, check out Facebook's "Westmont in the West Side" Group.
You don't need to be a Westmont Student to be in this ministry!!
Here's the direct link once you are logged in. I think you'll have to be Jeff's friend to see his profile, but here it is anyways: CLICK HERE
Here's their most recent post (Jeff Shaffer):
How do you like that for an intro!
Here are some important things for you to know about to continue the incarnational revolution!
WED APRIL 15TH
Local churches are joining together to consider transformation for the local poor in SB. We are meeting at Community Covenant Church on April 15th at 6:30pm if you want to bring something for a potluck dinner, or 7pm if you just want to come for the meeting. More info to come.
WED MAY 2
From 9am to Noon there will be a unique gathering for leaders for kids club goleta, east side, and west side. Kelly Soifer will be doing the training. If you are involved with Village Kids, this will be good to go to. I am awaiting more specific info on this as well.
SUMMER OF LOVE 2009
Every 40 years there is a revolution. Last time for us - the 60's. Since I am jealous of the 60's, we are going to have our own summer of love here summer 2009. If you are around this summer, let me know and I will fill you in. Buy a black light poster and bring your lava lamp.
Jeff
You don't need to be a Westmont Student to be in this ministry!!
Here's the direct link once you are logged in. I think you'll have to be Jeff's friend to see his profile, but here it is anyways: CLICK HERE
Here's their most recent post (Jeff Shaffer):
How do you like that for an intro!
Here are some important things for you to know about to continue the incarnational revolution!
WED APRIL 15TH
Local churches are joining together to consider transformation for the local poor in SB. We are meeting at Community Covenant Church on April 15th at 6:30pm if you want to bring something for a potluck dinner, or 7pm if you just want to come for the meeting. More info to come.
WED MAY 2
From 9am to Noon there will be a unique gathering for leaders for kids club goleta, east side, and west side. Kelly Soifer will be doing the training. If you are involved with Village Kids, this will be good to go to. I am awaiting more specific info on this as well.
SUMMER OF LOVE 2009
Every 40 years there is a revolution. Last time for us - the 60's. Since I am jealous of the 60's, we are going to have our own summer of love here summer 2009. If you are around this summer, let me know and I will fill you in. Buy a black light poster and bring your lava lamp.
Jeff
Chicago Update
Anna and I have been praying and we are both in agreement that the LORD is saying for us to move May 12th. We will be packing May 11th and leaving early May 12th. Here's our tentative itinerary:
- pack things into the truck may 11th
- leave SB May 12th
- arrive in Cedar City, Utah and stay the night
- Leave Cedar City May 13th and drive to Denver, CO
- Stay the night with Anna's sister Jessica in Denver
-Leave Denver May 14th and arrive in Omaha Nebraska
- Leave Omaha on the 15th and arrive in Chicago May 16th!!!
Wow, that's 1 day, and 7 hours of driving with a car... so a big truck will take longer so I might need to rearrange my plans. We'll see. My dad will be taking the whole week off to help us move and Bob (Anna's dad) will help us pack before we leave. Bob also mentioned that he wants to come to our house once we are moved in, so that he can help us fix the place up a bit like he did in our current apartment :)
So, we were off for sure, and now we know exactly when we are off :)
Keep us in your prayer. I will also be making a Young Life Chicago Blog that I will shoot out to people so if you want those amazing stories from Humboldt Park and Hermosa neighborhoods in Chicago, then keep your eye out for it!
- pack things into the truck may 11th
- leave SB May 12th
- arrive in Cedar City, Utah and stay the night
- Leave Cedar City May 13th and drive to Denver, CO
- Stay the night with Anna's sister Jessica in Denver
-Leave Denver May 14th and arrive in Omaha Nebraska
- Leave Omaha on the 15th and arrive in Chicago May 16th!!!
Wow, that's 1 day, and 7 hours of driving with a car... so a big truck will take longer so I might need to rearrange my plans. We'll see. My dad will be taking the whole week off to help us move and Bob (Anna's dad) will help us pack before we leave. Bob also mentioned that he wants to come to our house once we are moved in, so that he can help us fix the place up a bit like he did in our current apartment :)
So, we were off for sure, and now we know exactly when we are off :)
Keep us in your prayer. I will also be making a Young Life Chicago Blog that I will shoot out to people so if you want those amazing stories from Humboldt Park and Hermosa neighborhoods in Chicago, then keep your eye out for it!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
FREE MUSIC ONLINE
I just found this web site and it's totally cool when you don't have your music with you!!! Or when you want to hear some music that you don't have but don't want to buy.
www.justhearit.com
CHECK IT OUT!
www.justhearit.com
CHECK IT OUT!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
God is a God of Covenants
I am SO encouraged with everything that is going on. God never forgets His covenants nor His people. He swears by Himself since there is no one higher and He ALWAYS brings things to pass since He will allow nothing to tarnish His name.
Once I left SF in Dec 2006, I remember driving from Lompoc to Santa Barbara and hearing the LORD tell me, "You will be involved with Young Life." In my "microwave world" I sought out Young Life right away instead of allowing the LORD to bring it to me in His perfect timing. Two and a half years later, the LORD reminds me of that prophesy. PRAISE GOD!
And now, I am in a place where I need to trust my God in that He will provide so that we can leave in mid-May. We need to raise quite a few thousand dollars and it seemed impossible that we would be able to leave Santa Barbara when we wanted to leave. However, the LORD plays by His own rules and allows situations to seem impossible so that HE AND HE ALONE can get the honor and glory!! AND I say again: PRAISE GOD!!
Young Life has agreed to pay for 2/3 of the truck/food/hotel/gas on our way there! Praise God indeed! That still leaves us to raise some $ since Anna will not have a job right away but my trust is in the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! My Provider! I do not trust in myself or any man because, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD" (Jer. 17:5)!!
Praise God!!! And I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW that He will provide for us to leave in time!! And I want to be specific that I mean His time... However LORD I pray that if it is your will, and I believe that it is, we will be leaving Santa Barbara May 12th... :)
Once I left SF in Dec 2006, I remember driving from Lompoc to Santa Barbara and hearing the LORD tell me, "You will be involved with Young Life." In my "microwave world" I sought out Young Life right away instead of allowing the LORD to bring it to me in His perfect timing. Two and a half years later, the LORD reminds me of that prophesy. PRAISE GOD!
And now, I am in a place where I need to trust my God in that He will provide so that we can leave in mid-May. We need to raise quite a few thousand dollars and it seemed impossible that we would be able to leave Santa Barbara when we wanted to leave. However, the LORD plays by His own rules and allows situations to seem impossible so that HE AND HE ALONE can get the honor and glory!! AND I say again: PRAISE GOD!!
Young Life has agreed to pay for 2/3 of the truck/food/hotel/gas on our way there! Praise God indeed! That still leaves us to raise some $ since Anna will not have a job right away but my trust is in the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! My Provider! I do not trust in myself or any man because, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD" (Jer. 17:5)!!
Praise God!!! And I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW that He will provide for us to leave in time!! And I want to be specific that I mean His time... However LORD I pray that if it is your will, and I believe that it is, we will be leaving Santa Barbara May 12th... :)
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