The great state of Tex-afornia

A Very Cali Christmas
This time next year, my sister and parents will be in Texas permanently which means that this was my last Christmas in California visiting my home. Kind of sad really. When my parents move my Californian roots will go with them. This means I won't have a set reason to come back here at least once a year. My wife and I were at the beach the other day and I couldn't help but think, I am really saying, "goodbye" to this place. The the pounding surf brought waves of forgotten memories. There have been countless spoken and unspoken prayers on these beaches. These, though lost in the fabric of time, will always be buried treasures in my heart. I realized yet again how much I will never be a true Texan. That I will never get Texas like I get this place. The name of this blog is the Great State of Tex-afornia...a blending of two cultures. Since the 7 plus years I have been in Texas I have never left California behind. And I am OK with that. I will always be more 'Afornia' than anything else. So, I say good bye to my roots yet again, knowing that they will become more cemented in my past. Most of all, I will thank the Lord of Hosts who has given me the grace to be raised in such a godless, creative, beautiful, hilarious, breathtaking, warm, entrancing local. I thank Him because he touched me there, and called me there, and saved me there.

posted by Kevin @ 10:24 AM 0 Comments

Dance Dance Revol-istmas!

For Christmas I bought my wife Dance Dance Revolution for the PS2. As usual I couldn't wait to give her the gift. So we have been dancing our way to health for the past few days. I have tried several times in the past to get into the groove, mostly to make myself look like an idiot. The cool thing is that I am actually getting better and can sort of hold my own. I had one student say to me last week, "You're the first 'old person' I've known who can DDR." I'll take that as a compliment. I am enjoying the excercise. It's been a while since I have engaged in a regular cardiovascular workout. This form of excercise is good because the music distracts me from actually realizing that I was working out. Who knows, maybe I will get a little healthier from this.

We're heading to Cali Friday for Christmas. If I don't post until I get back. Have a merry, merry Christmas!

posted by Kevin @ 1:46 PM 0 Comments

The hope of the world crammed in a cradle.
Yesterday, during a ministry brainstorming session with the wifey I had the thought of how the hopes of all the worlds' people were embodied in this one little child. All of humanity's best thoughts, loftiest goals, highest ideals, and largest loves were offered to this babbling child. In addition to all this the weight of generations of sin, Satan's wildest dreams, society's evils, oppression, lies, pain, suffering, injustice and stubborness toward God were heaped onto His shoulder's from the time he left Mary's womb. Seems like an awful lot for one person to take upon himself.

YET

The entire heavens cannot contain this Savior. His presence spans all time and space. He is as distant as the far reaching nebula and as close as a loved one's hug. In all things, He is supreme. So I must conclude that the immensity of the world's hopes, dreams, sins and schemes are neatly tucked away in a manger some two thousand years ago in Bethlehem of Judea. And He is able to bear the weight. For the heavens declare the glory (weightiness, presence) of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. To the praise of His glory!

posted by Kevin @ 9:39 AM 0 Comments

So, what's been going on with me?

This week started out super busy and finished very bored. My Brother in Law was in town to do some interviews, so there was much fun to be had. Brad is a great guy and I am glad that he and my sis will be moving out here soon. He got two job offers and will take the one from TGI Fridays (mmm Jack Daniel's Sauce).

Then on Wednesday our area had a lot of freezing rain so the schools (and our church) were closed for two days. This meant lots of TV and snuggling. I did enjoy myself, but needed to get out of the house by this morning. I can't imagine living in a place where snow was a super common occurance. I really think I would get a severe case of cabin fever. No offense, a snow day here or there isn't that bad, but I really enjoy spending time outside. Plus, Disc golf in the cold is not fun.

The coolest thing that did happen this week was we got the latest version of Adobe Creative Suite. This software package has all the stuff you need for graphic design. The cooler thing...I got it off ebay for more than $600 dollars off the retail price. Quite proud of that myself. I am excited about learning to use the software, but mostly excited to learn from my wife.

posted by Kevin @ 9:44 AM 0 Comments

Emmie and Sandu
We have had these two pastors from Romania at our church for a few weeks. They have been learning about us and our ministries (please don't copy us guys!). Yesterday was my day with the dudes and I must say that I am super impressed with them. Emmie pastors two churches and Sandu pastors three. They have both been in the ministry for a number of years. Both these men have tremendous hearts for the Lord and for young people. What I observed first hand yesterday was the overwhelming bond of Jesus Christ to bring people from different parts of the world into a unbreakable bond. Last night they spoke to our high schoolers and I could totally feel the Spirit's presence as they spoke the truth of the Gospel. I will thank God always for my two brothers and hope to remain in constant contact with them over the years. May God richly bless you, Emmie and Sandu, with the riches of His glorious grace!

posted by Kevin @ 12:48 PM 0 Comments