Running Mentoring - Wow!

That's right, folks, we started our after school program, again... we have over 40 kids coming! Wow-wee - I'm looking forward to getting our mentors more involved this year, and can't wait to hear how God will be touching these kids lives!



These guys make me smile ;)

Wall Street Crisis a crisis of the heart

Julie came home yeasterday and today, and as typical - she shared with me all the drama of working in a low-performing Public High School... This time, there was a story of a teacher and students talking about the Wall Street Crash, housing industry... all very worry-some and negative.

I found this all interesting - Last night, I caught Charlie Rose's interview... with some real sharp cats talking about the state of American fiscal markets. Working and living in LA, none of this really surprises me too much, (recently, LA was called the 'capital of the poor'). Sadly, I watch high schoolers and college students live like there are no consequences to over-spending. Also, I live in a neighborhood where housing prices are ridiculous - and I'm continually amazed by the number of people buying without any real income or bad credit with enormous mortgages.

All this to say, the main thing I took from Charlie's interview was this: American markets haven't needed to be honest. So business has reported from a place of 'falsehood'. One interviewee likened it to Business reports/earnings have been Opaque vs. Transparent. Click here if you want to see the interview -

Opaque Versus Transparant; isn't that interesting, as a follower of Christ, I believe it is Jesus, his work and his Spirit, that lead me to be Authentic; That is to be Transparent versus Opague. Something to think about when I consider business, markets... and discipleship; am I modeling opaque or transparent behaviors?

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If you find markets and world economy interesting, you might look at this link. A friend of mine in Amsterdam, a Christ-follower, emailed this blog - which gives an interesting description of future world market issues.

Josh Garrels

Many of you know that my good friend, Josh Garrels, played in Julie and mine's wedding.

He just came out with a new album!

and if you don't know his music, you can find it online at www.joshgarrels.com

OR, if you live in the midwest, you can check him out LIVE!

Also, if you follow Paste Magazine, you might know this writer, who gave Josh a real nice review - click to check it out...

I've had the pleasure of watching Josh mature in life, Christ, and in music. I'm real proud of his new stuff, and it gets heavy rotation in our household. ( I know, iPod's don't rotate... but you know what I mean ;) (maybe, I should do an album review? ;)

"Josh Garrels....New CD Release show " on Saturday, September 27 at 8:00pm.

Event: Josh Garrels....New CD B-lated Release show
What: Concert
Host: Muncie Alliance Church...aka...Mac
Start Time: Saturday, September 27 at 8:00pm
End Time: Saturday, September 27 at 11:00pm
Where: Muncie Alliance Church...Mac

Truth and Justice

My interest in Architecture... is a daily fixation. Not something you probably expect. I'll explore more later... but first, Today, I had the opportunity to meet the new Dean of Religious Life at USC. We're working on a conference at USC through the Marshal School of Business. Our part will focus on Theology and Sustainability. I had the thought going into the meeting - This is like the days of old - How could my 'lowly' position of a Religious Director, a volunteer, be used to influence and befriend an institutional decision maker?
We had a good connection. We both use the word, "Dude", and for all his accolades, he's incredibly down to earth - and he was really impressed by many of the things we're doing in the neighborhood - and even encouraged questionable behavior, (I shared about Stephen and Chris sneaking up on the roofs of USC, in order to make a point.)

I had a unique opportunity to share with him about my love for Architecture. For me, architecture is about anthropology and social sciences. Helping and Serving. It designs space - which influences relationships. I've been thinking about created space a lot, lately, especially concerning - issues of Justice. How space and design functions can, ultimately, be matters of justice.
Cameron Sinclair, of Architecture for Humanity, speaks to this issue.
This sort of approach really does inform my faith - as I think about Leadership, Discipleship and multiplication - how does what I do create space for Truth and Justice in the lives of others?
Architecture for Humanity has certain values, do's and don'ts, in order to help them achieve their goals - some of which are really practical, and inspiring.

Continuing on my Architecture rant... I stumbled across these Wineries with massive pieces - The Herzog is quite famous here in California, but I've never been. Julie would love to tour Napa!

Last, but not least, in my younger days, I experimented with Graffiti. Thinking back to my talk with Varun, I couldn't help but think - I can't encourage this - but it is darn creative... and seems to inspire others to truth and justice....

Experiments, Crazy Iron Chef

Some one asked if I put pictures of me and a 'stach on here to get more comments... Regardless, here I am deep in decision making with a goatee, one Brian Powers. My little 'stach experiment was fun...



Speaking of Experiments. Have you every tried this? Julie was swimming three days a week during her off time, and she started having hearing problems. The docter said it was ear wax. She tried this candle thingy with a towel on her shoulder. She said it had a minimal effect. The ear drops the doctor gave her, she said did work, but was... crazy feelin'!


Speaking of Crazy. Julie was a Mad Iron Chef! Here is Amy and Dave - with napkins tucked in ;)



Genisis sporting the napkin proper.

So, "Julie, an iron chef?," you ask. Judge for yourself

Judge for yourself: Ingredient - Mango

appertif: Mango, Buffalo mozzerella, basil - capresse salad

Main Dish: Mango Chutney Turkey Burger (After Julie conconted this one based on a similar Apple Turkey Burger, she had me make the patty's - this got a little slimmy - and we had 12 patties left over - that a large recipe!)

Dessert: ...?.... think you can guess?.... Mango Cheesecake with a lemon-lime-basil syrup drissle!

Elevator Heart

Elevator Heart: by Gman

Elevator Heart
Always kept low, held down
Free me from heavy fearful sounds
Heart over flow the lips for a new start
Rise Elevator Heart

Gravity, Always brings me down
The quips and snips - like personalized Blips and Beats
Gravity, Always brings me down
Dragged down by the voice of others

Defy Gravity!
Recognize the tension in my body, relax
Defy Gravity!
Your Work Free's my Heart
Defy Gravity!
Your Spirit, my guide as I step out

Defy Gravity,
Elevator Heart
Soar in His Sacred Freedom

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I like writing speed poetry. At USC, we would have a speed poetry night, where someone would throw out an idea, and everyone would get 10 minutes or so, and then share. It's a great way to get into the discipline of writing, and getting immediate feedback.

JR, on sunday, asked everyone to write a poem at Kairos in a similar way. He was speaking on the Psalms - and ask everyone to write their own Psalm. This is what I wrote.
This past week, I'd been thinking about about how easy it is to push down my heart. Difficult situations would happen and I recognized something. As I allowed my Heart to come up, sharing candidly, then the Spirit really seemed to move!
(In another way to think about it, this notion relates to Emotional Intelligence.) There is an obvious reference to the popular song, Defy Gravity, from the play Wicked. This idea of "Defying" gravity and faith just seem to go together like hand-and-glove. - don't you feel like you're floating when faith takes over, or when negativity just rolls off your back? (For the music heads out there, not as obvious, but if you know the group UNKLE, there is a line in the poem that I use that's from them. I have to give credit where its due.)

Olympic Fever!

We have a friend -

Peter Marshall

- Hopefully You'll be hearing a lot about him -
Because He'll be swimming in the Olympic Trials in the next two Days -

This brings to attention - Julz and I have Olympic Fever!

This may explain the skin outbreak we're having.... well, actually, that is from mosquito bites (straight craziness, as we've never - yes, never - had mosquito in LA) - We had a really wet rainy season this year - and it's been crazy hot and humid... atypical...


Back to our Fever!

If you have USA Network, he swims the backstroke.

Monday and Tuesday Evenings

Last but not least, Julie has been working on a number of projects during her off time.

She is really proud of our "cork wall" that is going in our kitchen. She has been saving Wine and Beer (when possible, i.e. Chimay) Corks for the past 3 years. Pictures will follow.

Another project is this little Cactus garden (did I say it was humid here?... a'typical, though)

So she loves this - below a prepotted picture - also, the table cloth comes from Kitsch Kitchen in Amsterdam - very mod and summer-y!

(It should be stated that a few folks shared with Julie that she is displaying "Nesting" behavior - not surprising since this has been her first real School Break in 3 years - it could be noted, for clarity, that we don't have any little chics for all this nesting... we'll let you know if and when :)

Exploring LA's Lourve

Julie and I went to the new BCAM, at LACMA yesterday. Our friend Brian Powers worked on the project. It is a Renzo Piano. The Modern/Contemporay art was interesting - Koons especially. Although, the building, the excalator, the elevator - all over-sized and fun to explore - really stole the show for me.
After exploring BCAM, we went into the "Phantom Sightings" exhibition. This was a highlight for me, as it illuminated a lot of my own experiences and aethetics with Los Angeles. I appreciate how this show was very collaborative - all the artists worked together on it, created music playlists (something that I love!). There was everything from paintings on plywood, to oversized "quincejare and wedding buckets", to paintings done with glittery car paint - all overwhelmingly said LA to me.
Julie and I had never been there. LACMA is a huge complex. We really only had the energy for BCAM, the Phantom Sightings Show, and the Philip-Lorca photographs (also an LA artist - who captures people and place really well), but there is photography, classic paintings, and Japaness art that we hope to see in the future.
We did wonder around the grounds and see the Tar Pits - saw the whooly mammaths and sabor toothed tigers! Imagining a "wild" LA never seemed so real :)

This week we're taking some time with our friends the Powers. They are just starting the support raising process - as new staff with Kairos - this is very exciting! They will be serving with us at USC.

Yesterday we spent the day at Huntington Gardens - which is a spectacular place. I was reminded how many truly interesting gems are in the LA area!

We are taking today to go to the beach together... and make a fire, and spent some time in prayer...Should be nice. Surfing is one of Brian and I's favorite things to do... I'm sure I'll have some pics... I"m really enjoying spending time with them - the whole family is a delight :)

huntington continued

We went to the Gardens with our friends, Brian and Sara Powers. None the least, Liam. Of whom Julie Loves Entertaining!















Here is the little man himself, Liam - Straight chillin.

Huntington Gardens and Library

We went to Huntington Gardens and library yesterday.

They have some amazing books! From Medieval (First ed. Chaucer), to Romantic, to Early American (First Ed. Waldon, Congressional Notes, ...).

I was amazed by how ornate these early writtings are. It really seems like a lost art.

It was interesting to me to see this 1840's drawing of the US Army in Monterrey MX - as I was just there! A pastor and friend took me up on a hill were we looked down, and he explained how the American army passed right through - this is the picture!



There is a new area that opened this year in the Gardens. It is a Chinese Gardens which was all made in China! All the tile... architecture, sculpture... and this beautiful wood carving.

Julie and I went to See Wicked last night with our Friends brian and Sara!

I don't tend to be a "musicals" type of guy - but I am a "Live" performance type of guy - and I thought it was good show! It has some really great themes; looking beyond the outside, seeing life from a new perspective, not letting circumstance get you down... and it's quite funny!

We were given the tickets - and sat at 4th row - what a blessing!

Star-sighting/Fun Reality of Living in LA - At intermission, I stood up and turned, two rows back was Carri Ann with her man - I, ever so subtly, leaned into Julz and shared - and What does she do? She stares... wondering, perplexing, maybe even disbelieving, and then turns to me and goes - she's from Dancing with the Stars!?! (Yes, Julz has a hidden interest in Ball Room dancing - you should see her practice in the apartment! Maybe some pictures will be in order :) I did restrain myself from the ever so tempting "dance off" in the lobby, but Brian and I couldn't resist saying in a british accent, "Carri Ann Inaba".

Crazy Pedastals at the new Starck Restuarant. This is at the new hot corner at Vine and Hollywood.

We didn't eat - $100 p/p - but I wanted to go in because I've had an interest in the designer.

It had a classic hollywood posh... err... irony to it all.







The Deco ceiling at the Pantages...
Sandy would love these...

From Monterrey To LA

I returned from my trip to Monterrey this week. It's been a whirlwind.

If you're interested in seeing pictures. You can click the below link.

http://picasaweb.google.com/gmaaan/KappaPrimeMonterreyMX

Gotta get back to my Thesis work - Hope to keep posting...

Labor Day Sailing

Julz and I had a blessing of a Labor Day - We got to go Sailing with a classmate of mine - Ray - He lives in Marina Del Rey (notice the pun?) - We got to visit some of Julz favorite friends - Seas!

Ray sails - while relaxing!

Labor Day Sailing

Julz loves the Seals!

We had a relaxing time on the boat with Ray!

Ar, Ar, Ar... Yeah, the seals are fun!

HOMEMADE

It's been an incredible start to '08! I've started getting healthy - from my cold - finally!
One thing that Julie and I have been busy with is getting ready for the LA Marathon on March 2nd. We've been getting our runners out on the road 4 days a week with a hill work out on Wednesdays, and a Long Run on Saturday mornings.
Something we've learned over the past couple of years is that these kids don't eat healthy. A large part of our role is teach them about food, nutrients, healthy diets. A big part of this is diet for running is getting enough protein. My dad would be proud! (He is all about the protein as of late:)
And Protein can get expensive. All the protein bars and drinks start to drive me a little crazy, especially when buying for 20. So, I was really excited when I found a recipe to make Homemade Protein Bars!


Here are the more "granola-y" ones... I added Soy and Whey Protein. The kids like them best. They have a great honey taste. The key to these; after baking, press down firmly so once they cool, they keep their shape.

Here are the more "Cake-y" bars. I didn't have Apple Juice, but substituted with a Tangerine/Orange. The kids liked these as well. The peanut butter taste appealed to some, but they liked the crunch of the previous ones. I have to agree.

All at the percentage of the price of store bought protein bars, and they just taste so fresh... I really don't like the processed/chalky taste of store bought. I gotta give credit to Alton Brown. Love that guy. He is so "Bill Nye, the Science Guy", but with just enough of a great Cook in him. I'd like to try this homemade recipe next.

Posting Christmas...

So, It's after Christmas! We made it through the holidays... although, we've decided that New Years has become more of a Sports Holiday in the country - So yes, next year, Momma C., we're going to have some sort of semi demi quasi 'who knows yet' Cornbeef and Cabbage tradition.
My past month has looked a lot like - Sick, just barely healthy to get on top of 'immediates', Sick, recovering, Sick, getting back on top... well, you get the jist.
Julie and I did take time to reflect on our year. A friend of mine introduced me to these questions... So we went with it... I'm sure there's more we could add here, but it was more of a little exercise just to get into meaningful reflexion. Next we're going to look ahead. Do the 'set some goals' thing. but for now... We're Reflecting...

1. What was the hardest thing you had to do this year?

Going to Julie’s mom’s wedding the week after my parents visited which was right after we got back from Europe… and all the emotions.

Earlier this year, I had some difficult conversations and misunderstandings with a college student... yeah, difficult.

2. What was the most fun this year?

• Lake Tahoe! Jumping Rocks and playing two dogs at Chimney beach, and followed up with Smoothies.
• Watching Food Network. Making Food Network Meals with Friends! (smoked salmon on the grill with wood planks with glaze, Pumpkin Cheesecake, trying Rachel Ray dinners/reading her magazine, grilled sweet potatoes, eggplant, and mojitos!)
• Going to Sea Shamu World.
• Going to Yosemite. Water Falls! Brown Bears!

3. What were the milestones of 2007?

• Europa Trip!
• Getting into Grad School at Pepperdine.
• Teaching High School (after 4 years in Middle school).
• Getting Grad School Paid For!
• Seeing Two awesome people respond to the Call of Following Jesus.
• Playing in a International LA-based Soccer League
• Two Week Intensive: studying Ephesians and serving our pastors
• Sharing Season Tickets to the LA Galaxy – Experiencing Beckham Mania

4. What was your biggest accomplishment?

• 33% of Middle schoolers score proficient.
• Getting into Grad School.
• Being in Grad School!

5. What was something you wanted to do, but didn't?

Start swimming on a swim team. Stay in touch with friends. Study Spanish.

6. What was your biggest surprise?

The transition to High School was very difficult and unexpected. Finding out our friend, Sara, was pregnant, and then the baby being born 6 weeks early!

7. What was the meanest thing you did?

Yelled at julz in Staples over something frivolous. (Julie wants to rank hers; depending on the class time and week ;)

8. What was something you worried about that you don't worry about now?

Getting into Grad School. How we would pay for Grad. School. (yes, there is a theme here… simple, yet true.)

9. What made you proud?

• Seeing Two of our runners becoming leaders for the squad.
• Seeing Stephen share his faith.
• Hearing other teachers Praise Julie.
  
• Hearing other teachers praise Julies students.
• Concert for Kenya with Josh Garrels

10. Meaningful Visitors to LA?

• Beau and Carmel stayed at the Vagabond. It was so stinking hot in LA, we had to find AC!
• Josh and Michelle – we had a blast, cooking and surfing.
• Mom and Dad Christman – it was so meaningful to have them share in our lives and work – Dad’s wisdom and Moms contagious excitement about all things life... and shopping.
• Julies mom, Cecelia, visited San Diego – we had great weather and fellowship.
• My buddy Brad Wisler – Experiencing South Central together, just sharing our hearts, seeing over priced real estate and US Soccer team from a fancy box seat
  

11. Finally, describe a moment you want to remember.

Europe. Over and Over. Tulleries. Orsay! 7 Mile Jog – all over Paris. Came around this building, the wind hit my face, and BOOM, right there was the Eiffel Tower! Amsterdam. Running out into the countryside, seeing the rowers, the young men yell at the old women, seeing the poo, and then I (Julie) had to poo, then it rained that night and we rode bikes across town, 20 min., in the cold rain. Experiencing the first sabbath of Advent in the medieval church, Cathedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia, with believers singing from their hearts... in Catalyunian Spanish...

(We took our running squad to this crazy lite up house in South LA... and Manny in the back ground jumping crazy, like he is... he makes us 'light up' :)