29 February 2004
UPC worship tonight...
I am looking forward to heading back to Fresno tonight to worship with the sisters and brothers at University Presbyterian Church and to hear a representative from International Justice Mission. He is speaking on the responsibility of Power (or something similar). I pray for them as they prepare and I pray that people would be drawn there tonight to have the Spirit do something new in their lives as He is also drawing me. Do a deep work of compassion in our hearts, O Lord.
Now what...
Now that President Jean-Bertrand Aristide of Haiti has left we pray for someone of character, integrity, and the heart and mind of God to put forth a new work that will bring healing and life to this tiny nation. Who can do such a thing?
27 February 2004
Haiti...
Haitian refugees
I don't want to come off as a global thinker or even aware of the whole political arena. I rely on Rudy and Hugo to teach and direct my heart and conscience in that. But I am extremely concern over the potential and the actual of major loss of life in Haiti.
Lord Jesus move in the minds and heart of all the players that are at work in Haiti. I pray for action of Your love to affect them in the ways of peace and love. Give President Bush wisdom and courage to do Your will and have Your heart in conversations and decision that are to be made with regards to this forgotten country. We bind the spirit that has held this country in repeated oppression and poverty. Bring your power, Lord Jesus, through the Holy Spirit to the believers and let them rise up in peace and wisdom. And move in the heart and mind of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to do Your will and to know Your plan. I pray that he would love his country and Your children to treat them with compassion and mercy. Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that Your spirit would bind and cancel the plans of the enemy and bring this country to unity in knowing You. Let justice and mercy, peace and love be in the hearts of all, from the president to the rebel. In Jesus' name. Amen
26 February 2004
When the rain came...
It is absolutely pouring outside. I LOVE IT. Time to read, drink soup, light candles, make a fire, eat buffalo wings.
I love buffalo wings. I am working on my own recipe. I know all it takes to make it is to add butter to Franks Hot Sauce and stir it in the fried wings. But I want more. I make my sauce my way. I add garlic. I add a little worcestershire sauce, and a little more cayanne pepper. I am not usually a buffalo wing kind of guy. It isn't the guy part of it that I like. But I like the sauce.
Sauces are the difference between fast food and gourmet. Between 1st class and coach. Box seats and grandstands... It is the blending and fusion of different ideas and purposes into a cohesive unit. To me, the meat, whether chicken, steak, pork, or spam, is only the vehicle with holds the sauce. It is important that it is a good cut of meat, but the sauce is the embellishment of the event. The deal maker.
I like to lavish sauce on. It needs to get into every thing. Fudge on a sundae, marmalade on an English muffin, hollandaise on a Benedict, it doesn't matter. Lavish it. Lose touch with the main food group be in touch with the sauce. It needs to get on your shirt or blouse (if you are a woman and you know who you are). Lavishing does that. It is messy, not refine. It is grand not controled. Laddled not spooned. Passion at it full understanding with a hint of abandonment. Kramer. Giddy up.
Sauces need to talk to your tongue. It should be in constant communication with the various taste sensor located through the organ, which is often overlooked. Julie made a buffalo sauce today that was marching like solders going to war. It had purpose, it was intentional. I like it. It brought wonder back in my life. Sauces should do that. It should make you stop to taste it and listen to your soul. "What is it" should be echoing thoughout your mind. It should be liturical of sorts. Moving from one experience to another.
A good sauce is more precious than box seats at a David Bowie film festival. I had a good week.
I love buffalo wings. I am working on my own recipe. I know all it takes to make it is to add butter to Franks Hot Sauce and stir it in the fried wings. But I want more. I make my sauce my way. I add garlic. I add a little worcestershire sauce, and a little more cayanne pepper. I am not usually a buffalo wing kind of guy. It isn't the guy part of it that I like. But I like the sauce.
Sauces are the difference between fast food and gourmet. Between 1st class and coach. Box seats and grandstands... It is the blending and fusion of different ideas and purposes into a cohesive unit. To me, the meat, whether chicken, steak, pork, or spam, is only the vehicle with holds the sauce. It is important that it is a good cut of meat, but the sauce is the embellishment of the event. The deal maker.
I like to lavish sauce on. It needs to get into every thing. Fudge on a sundae, marmalade on an English muffin, hollandaise on a Benedict, it doesn't matter. Lavish it. Lose touch with the main food group be in touch with the sauce. It needs to get on your shirt or blouse (if you are a woman and you know who you are). Lavishing does that. It is messy, not refine. It is grand not controled. Laddled not spooned. Passion at it full understanding with a hint of abandonment. Kramer. Giddy up.
Sauces need to talk to your tongue. It should be in constant communication with the various taste sensor located through the organ, which is often overlooked. Julie made a buffalo sauce today that was marching like solders going to war. It had purpose, it was intentional. I like it. It brought wonder back in my life. Sauces should do that. It should make you stop to taste it and listen to your soul. "What is it" should be echoing thoughout your mind. It should be liturical of sorts. Moving from one experience to another.
A good sauce is more precious than box seats at a David Bowie film festival. I had a good week.
25 February 2004
The emergent food show...
I went to a food show yesterday with Sean Oldroyd and his wife-to-be, Julie McCraw hosted by Sysco Foods. I was fairly excited about the event as I was driving to Fresno for a breakfast with my pal, Scott Falk, which was wonderful as always. New things to come!
Anyway after breakfast, I am driving, parking and heading over to the Fresno Exhibit Hall *2 and I am watching everyone getting out of their cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and one guy on a reclining bike with a tall post with a flag on it, and all walking towards the hall. The same gate to their walk... they were going somewhere... in a hurry... lots of expectations. Inside the hall we all were greeted as we got our name badges and were given the agenda for the day and a bag for what we were going to be given. People with shopping carts knew what was in store. They had been there before and knew that no stinking bag was going to contain all they were going to get. There were professionals in uniform, novices with them in their novice uniforms, administrators, and the rest of us food people. We all came to know more about food and how to use it in our lives.
Walking into the hall was incredible... lots of action like in a red ant's nest. Each booth with a presentation... its own environment, different than the guy next to them. Some incorporated other like minded companies into their both. The SM, the sales(wo)man, was engaged in conversations with the public talking about their product, how to use it, answering hard questions, problem solving, looking in the catalog, asking how do they use it and are their any uses they company doesn't know about - new recipes and such. Lots of stories, smiles, training, tasting, people earning their wages on both sides of the carpet.
They greet you by name, like they have known you for years, but then I remember the name badge clipped to my fleece. It didn't matter, I liked having my name said by these people. It is like being called on by the teacher. I like hearing, "how are you doing today, TONY?" I particularly enjoyed meeting Sandi Bland, the Western Regional Distributor, Sales Manager for The Cheesecake Factory. Nice woman in her forties. She asked which one I would like to taste. I pointed to the plain cheesecake and said, "I would like to begin with the basic one." She smiled and cut a small piece, placed it in a mini cup, (like the kind with all the pleats that we use to have in the boys bathroom at Easterby Knox) and handed it to me. "Good" was all I could say. "what's next?" she asks. "The Supreme Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake." She had me. I wanted more. "Supreme Belgian Chocolate Cheesecake", please!" and finally "Supreme Lemon Drop Cheesecake, please." I was taught to say please by my mom, I could tell this impressed Sandi. I wasn't trying to flirt but she had the Supreme Cheesecake. After each time she gave me a sample she watched me ate and would say, "It is very good, isn't it!?" She enjoyed giving me a taste of that which she already had tasted. She knew the joy that she was bringing to me. There was a connection. She asked if there was questions? I asked a few while wiping my mouth, she gave me her card and told me to... "enjoy the rest of the show."
I watched a demonstration by a chef on different ways to prepare salmon. He talked from experience, he prepared a dish, let us try it... "Good." He told us what to be careful of when thawing it, preparing it, cooking it. Gave some great new ideas from an old favorite. I was ready to leave and begin trying what he said. I wanted to tell Christel, no, I wanted to show Christel this new way of Salmon. She would want to know.
The next guy had some taco seasonings, the next some flavoring you add to a Coke. They all let you try a sample. "Taste and see..." They want you to experience that which is offered. They instruct you in the way of the product. Hope you will come back and buy.
I love the food show. Each show I look to try something new. This time it was cheesecake, last time it was sausage, the time before that it was sauces, and the next time I don't know what it will be but I am already looking forward to it.
Might be a great way to meet as believers.
Anyway after breakfast, I am driving, parking and heading over to the Fresno Exhibit Hall *2 and I am watching everyone getting out of their cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and one guy on a reclining bike with a tall post with a flag on it, and all walking towards the hall. The same gate to their walk... they were going somewhere... in a hurry... lots of expectations. Inside the hall we all were greeted as we got our name badges and were given the agenda for the day and a bag for what we were going to be given. People with shopping carts knew what was in store. They had been there before and knew that no stinking bag was going to contain all they were going to get. There were professionals in uniform, novices with them in their novice uniforms, administrators, and the rest of us food people. We all came to know more about food and how to use it in our lives.
Walking into the hall was incredible... lots of action like in a red ant's nest. Each booth with a presentation... its own environment, different than the guy next to them. Some incorporated other like minded companies into their both. The SM, the sales(wo)man, was engaged in conversations with the public talking about their product, how to use it, answering hard questions, problem solving, looking in the catalog, asking how do they use it and are their any uses they company doesn't know about - new recipes and such. Lots of stories, smiles, training, tasting, people earning their wages on both sides of the carpet.
They greet you by name, like they have known you for years, but then I remember the name badge clipped to my fleece. It didn't matter, I liked having my name said by these people. It is like being called on by the teacher. I like hearing, "how are you doing today, TONY?" I particularly enjoyed meeting Sandi Bland, the Western Regional Distributor, Sales Manager for The Cheesecake Factory. Nice woman in her forties. She asked which one I would like to taste. I pointed to the plain cheesecake and said, "I would like to begin with the basic one." She smiled and cut a small piece, placed it in a mini cup, (like the kind with all the pleats that we use to have in the boys bathroom at Easterby Knox) and handed it to me. "Good" was all I could say. "what's next?" she asks. "The Supreme Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake." She had me. I wanted more. "Supreme Belgian Chocolate Cheesecake", please!" and finally "Supreme Lemon Drop Cheesecake, please." I was taught to say please by my mom, I could tell this impressed Sandi. I wasn't trying to flirt but she had the Supreme Cheesecake. After each time she gave me a sample she watched me ate and would say, "It is very good, isn't it!?" She enjoyed giving me a taste of that which she already had tasted. She knew the joy that she was bringing to me. There was a connection. She asked if there was questions? I asked a few while wiping my mouth, she gave me her card and told me to... "enjoy the rest of the show."
I watched a demonstration by a chef on different ways to prepare salmon. He talked from experience, he prepared a dish, let us try it... "Good." He told us what to be careful of when thawing it, preparing it, cooking it. Gave some great new ideas from an old favorite. I was ready to leave and begin trying what he said. I wanted to tell Christel, no, I wanted to show Christel this new way of Salmon. She would want to know.
The next guy had some taco seasonings, the next some flavoring you add to a Coke. They all let you try a sample. "Taste and see..." They want you to experience that which is offered. They instruct you in the way of the product. Hope you will come back and buy.
I love the food show. Each show I look to try something new. This time it was cheesecake, last time it was sausage, the time before that it was sauces, and the next time I don't know what it will be but I am already looking forward to it.
Might be a great way to meet as believers.
21 February 2004
The process...
This was an incredible process. We hired about 80 people. We have two openings still. A men's lead counselor for the Junior High/High School team and a first aider for our 4-6 grade camp. I go back on the road in a week. Call me if you know the right person. 559 683-4450.
I am going to take a short time off and rest, find my heart, tend to my soul and see you soon.
I am going to take a short time off and rest, find my heart, tend to my soul and see you soon.
18 February 2004
Here we are again...
Tomorrow we begin the staff selection process. A lot of women, few men. We need to be creative.
16 February 2004
The Passion...
I have a little fear. Nothing big just a thought.
Here it goes...
Will the movie, The Passion, cause people to fall in love with Jesus or will it only make them fall in love with a movie version of Jesus. Does the movie or the Holy Spirit inspire love for our beloved savior and which will last. I have been a christian for the past thirty-one years and have seen different movies, recording artists, presidents, actors, and other events all bring Jesus to a favorable light and people thought it was cool to like Jesus, but in the long run they didn't follow Him. I remember thinking it was great that Bob Dylan became a believer. That lasted 6 months. When President Jimmy Carter was elected and told people he was born again, being born again was cool. Different movies did the same thing. Chariots of Fire and others lasted a half a year, but it always ended up that I had to follow Jesus in season and out (high ratings or none).
I am not trying to play the devil's advocate here, I hate that term and am uncomfortable with people when they say that, but I think it doesn't help our faith when we get excited by external acceptance. The gospel comes from the revelation by the Spirit, not from a presentation. God can use this movie and I am sure he will, but will they find the same passion in the church. Do we seek to have the passion by asking Him for it when we don't have it, do we remember his love and sacrifice and bend a knee out of sheer thankfulness or do we rely on movies, tapes, songs, blogs, and other external tools?
I am impressed with the interviews with Mel Gibson, his faith is real, not polished, and he risks being labeled a baffoon by his answers of faith. I am excited that this movie will come out soon and that many will hear the story for the first time in its non-Christmas pageant format. I pray that God would be glorified and Mel will be blessed for his obedience to produce it at the price he paid.
I hope this makes sense.
Here it goes...
Will the movie, The Passion, cause people to fall in love with Jesus or will it only make them fall in love with a movie version of Jesus. Does the movie or the Holy Spirit inspire love for our beloved savior and which will last. I have been a christian for the past thirty-one years and have seen different movies, recording artists, presidents, actors, and other events all bring Jesus to a favorable light and people thought it was cool to like Jesus, but in the long run they didn't follow Him. I remember thinking it was great that Bob Dylan became a believer. That lasted 6 months. When President Jimmy Carter was elected and told people he was born again, being born again was cool. Different movies did the same thing. Chariots of Fire and others lasted a half a year, but it always ended up that I had to follow Jesus in season and out (high ratings or none).
I am not trying to play the devil's advocate here, I hate that term and am uncomfortable with people when they say that, but I think it doesn't help our faith when we get excited by external acceptance. The gospel comes from the revelation by the Spirit, not from a presentation. God can use this movie and I am sure he will, but will they find the same passion in the church. Do we seek to have the passion by asking Him for it when we don't have it, do we remember his love and sacrifice and bend a knee out of sheer thankfulness or do we rely on movies, tapes, songs, blogs, and other external tools?
I am impressed with the interviews with Mel Gibson, his faith is real, not polished, and he risks being labeled a baffoon by his answers of faith. I am excited that this movie will come out soon and that many will hear the story for the first time in its non-Christmas pageant format. I pray that God would be glorified and Mel will be blessed for his obedience to produce it at the price he paid.
I hope this makes sense.
14 February 2004
A great meal and wonderful friends...
Tonight Christel and I met Scott and Carol Falk for dinner in Fresno. Easy conversations, great food (provincial Italian), and wonderful coffee afterwards. Friendship at its best.
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