Planting, Growing...

We're getting ready for Costa Rica! Yes... Julz and I have prayed and talked about doing this since we first got married (five years in August!). This will be an immersion/Mission project. We leave this coming thursday - 6am. We're very stoked. We have about half of the money raised, and are trusting the rest to come in. I hope to be posting from there, as we'll have internet.

Spring has Sprung - and Life is moving along... This is more of an update than usual... in the sense that we've been bizzy-bees... Love this photo above, at our community garden we have been harvesting our first crops, and this seems appropriate - as we are in the midst of Church planting in South Los Angeles... we have seen some first fruits... And it feels like we're always on Adventure...
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This past week I spent a day and a half hiking "the last damned river" in southern Cali - with two incredible guys; Ben and Jeff. Jeff just graduated from USC and will be taking a job in San Diego. He has been a 'groundbreaking' disciple - always serving, hosting, practicing hospitality to our incredibly diverse neighborhood - His BBQs would be a third Indian and Chinese, respectively, and the third third, a mix of anglo, latino and other minorities. He will be greatly missed. This trip was a great time to connect and was a great challenge.
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The new "Art of Living" organization moved into the neighborhood last month. Its something to note, as USC has the largest per capita population of Indians on an American campus. This building is quite historic, as well. For a number of decades it was the largest dome west of the missippi. In the neighborhood, we also have a significant Mosque in LA county, two Mormon wards, three large Catholic churches... This diversity is very rare. The place where I see the most migling? On the soccer field. It is World Cup time, and this doesn't surprise me. This is a reason for prayer and engagement on multiple levels.

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I'll leave you with PROM! Yes, Julie finished her 7th year of teaching - and we chaperoned Prom... whew... from high up in a downtown building... you can see above with some reflection of the dancers in the window. Julie loves to see the impact on her students, and she works so hard. Here I'm with Daniel, a senior. He has been a part of our mentoring program - and has really taken steps forward in leadership this past year. One being, he started volunteering with our Bread outreach to the neighborhood. He is helping bake, and is really learning a lot about what it means to engage your neighbors and share the Love of Christ!

Grandma McCarthy, in Memory

Julie got news late friday night that her Grandma McCarthy passed on. She was a dear soul. And when I say "dear", I don't mean fluffy or the like. This isn't to mean she wasn't nice - quite the contrary. What I mean by 'dear' - is that she was endearing! In the years that I knew her, she had a common reply to most requests. Grandma could you get... Would you check...? And she'd reply, slyly, "I'm retired." Everyone would laugh, as she'd have a big smile on her face.
I didn't know the Grandma McCarthy when she wasn't in a wheel chair, but Julie shared some 'endearing' stories of her working in her garden, 'out-doing' Grandpa, and always mentioning how 'the floors need to be cleaned.' As Julie shared these memories, I stopped in my tracks in amazement at how Julie takes after her! It was as though I was hearing her grandmothers voice as Julie shared. Just yesterday, I came in the kitchen to see Julie looking curious at the floors, she stated, "I gotta get down there and clean this, they need to be cleaned."
The picture above was taken at Christmas this past year. Grandma was 94 years old. She was surrounded by her family. We are flying out today, Sunday, to go visit. I was reminded of these verses in 1 Corinthians 15 by my dad yesterday... They hold so much promise and hope... and encouragement.

"For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
"O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

My City... micro-time-lapsed wonder

This past week we've had some wonderful weather - it is changing to cool and rainy - but this time-lapse video made me think of all that is LA. Julie and I are off today to explore and find adventure with in!

The East Side of Los Angeles on a Sunny Day from clark vogeler on Vimeo.

Easter Meditation

This easter I'm really excited! It's amazing what can happen in one year! Last Easter we prayed and formed a team for the South LA church plant. Being Launched, and Planted, now we're having our first easter service - in the park, with a BBQ, and hand-made easter bags that will be given to anyone who wants one.

(Before this - tonight, Julz and I are going to Prom! Yeah - we're going back. I think we're going to dress '80s style. Should be fun.)

Between Good (actually GREAT for us) Friday and Easter Sunday, I take time to reflect on this ultimate act of selflessness and redemptive act by Jesus. Two songs that speak deep to my soul are by my friend, Josh. I've printed the lyrics/poems below. May they refresh your soul with the grace of God.

Good Friday By Josh Garrels

Broken wing, forgotten dream, shattered thing
That a mans hands can’t ever truly mend
Shadow land, desert sand, a man searches
For a love that’ll never die
Truth be known, you’re not alone
Your aching bones will find a home
In place where God he sets us free
Wake me up before you go
I will listen for the sound of your voice
Hear the wind in the trees
It goes where it please
Like the breath in me
And all who have breath can sing

When we layed your body down
In earth and in the ground
Oh child, rest your soul.
Will a hope be made good
When a word is understood
In the day, will we see you again?

Gather round, hear the sound
Of a story that’s so old that it’s been told
Before time
He was born in the flesh and the blood
In a world that was dark as hell, and dead in sin
Born of the spirit, and the virgin child
He’s the son of God, son of man
I didn’t recognize that look in his eyes
When they cried
With a sorrow that no man has ever known
Hang him high, watch him die, hear the cry
Crucified up on that God forsaken tree
And all who have breath can sing

When we layed your body down
In the earth and in the ground
Oh Lord, rest your bones
Will a hope be made good
If your words are understood
In the day, will we see you again

Oh Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?
Oh my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Oh Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?
Oh my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

YHWH by Josh Garrels

Holy, holy, holy is the lamb
Almighty, almighty, almighty is the Lord

It’s unlocked in his left are the keys to death and hell
And in his other palm are seven stars
Silently circling like seven seals and sounds and seven cycles
Seventy sets of seven are prophesied
Before the king comes from heaven
The earth will quake and men’s hearts will shake
When they hear the war drum
And I’m talking about creator of the mountains
I’m talking about the one who gave up his son
I’m singing about the one who died for everyone
And in his blood he’s giving us real freedom
Brought by one, bought by one son
Someone from the kingdom come
He was, and is, and is to come
Healing the deaf and dumb
His words cut the dark like a sharp weapon light
Wrong or right?
All mankind was blind and he came to give us sight
Wrong or right?
Tell me, what is it about the name of Jesus Christ
It makes men fight within
Against the sin, against the night, dark or light
Day and night
Polarized
This is not a grey matter choice
And don’t blame it on another mans voice
Because time keeps on slipping, into the future
I don’t lose you
You must make a decision soon
Be it life, or death

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lamb
That was slain, that was slain
Worthy is his name, worthy is his name

YHWH

He was, and is, and is to come
He was, and is, and is to come

First fruits...

This turnip is very curious. Other than being enormous! See the 3- seperated stalks on the top? The only thing we could conclude is this is the evidence of 3 seperete seeds that grew into one!

There are many things that this brings to mind: The flexibility of bio-mechanics... Given the SoCal sunshine, our watering and rich soil care, these 3 seedlings found a way to grow... I'm thinking of the verse in Ecclesiastes - A chord of Three Strands is not easily broken. There is probably a case for 3-in-1 here, too. I'm just in awe of how the first fruits from our garden are blossoming!

K-Town!

This is my friend, Dennis. He graduated two years ago from Foshay. He did the marathon 3 times in High School - and since then has gone on to be a running mentor and done two more marathons! It's great to continue this relationship, and we had a rich conversation about relationships, and the ultimate relationship - especially leading up to Easter - had greater significance. I took him to my favorite Sushi place in Koreatown - Fat Fish. Here he is with the "Burrito Roll"! He love it! (and named it:)

Fat Fish is the only 'rotating sushi bar' in K-town. Its great fun and they make incredible creations.

I asked Dennis if he'd every been to Pebble Beach - or Monterey Bay. He said he hadn't to either - So I took him to Pebble Beach... On 6th street in LA! :)

Yes, the Virtual Famous California Coastline! This place is always busy, too. Get your tee-times early.

Saturday Events update

This morning had a great 2nd mini-retreat with the Bicycle Bread Co! This group is a faith-filled bunch, who put in some serious work for their project to deliver the healthiest bread with a life changing message in the neighborhood! Next Thursday we're having a celebration dinner at Paladar - should be a great time!
... btw, Go Butler! Glad to see a 'hoosier' team in the final four!...

Tonight is the Marathon Runners Banquet! This is always a blast. The mentors do a great job of putting together a great event, the seniors have fun stories, and the toasts and stories just cap off the night. Pictures to come.

I'm struggling with my (another, my 3rd of the year) nose infection. My allergies don't like the wet rainy year... I'm hanging in their... Gotta run, to meet up with the runners!

Post Marathon update

A brief update:
Our runner, Gerardo, was released from the Hospital on Tuesday. Come to find out he had a history with stomach virus' and bleeding, but he is doing ok. Please keep him in your prayers. He has been humbled and is really open.
Tomorrow, this Saturday will be out Banquet. This is will be a great celebration. I'm very proud of all the runners, what they've accomplished - and like one of the parents, Jorge Orellana, said best, "This relates to all of life! Now we need to help the students set goals for the marathon of life - and they can do, because they did this!"


This is ruben, whose father passed away earlier this year. He did great. This is him at mile 18. He has been a warrior. It was a very meaningful time seeing his peers support and surround him.

This is Julio - one of our Most Improved! He used to sprint and fade-out - here he is on his last Half mile, and he finished in under 4 hrs - a great accomplishment and his first marathon!

Matt, one of our mentors, at mile 18. He made a huge contribution - as an accomplished runner, who ran this marathon in 3hr. 12min - that is smoking! But he also shared his faith in a meaningful way, especially with Gerardo and gave him a huge boost through all of his difficulties.

The marathon 2010...

Yesterday was truly amazing! It was a really long day! But fun, emotional, tiring, jubilant - With the new course came knew challenges. Dodgers stadium was a zoo. Traffic was terrible - they started the race 30 minutes later. The course was fun and vibrant - very hilly.

All of our runners and mentors finished strong... most 'hit the wall' (as to be expected), but all kept persevering and met or surpassed their goals! One of our gals, Ana, who had knee issues, did great! Our guy, Gerardo, who had knees issues, finished strong, but not without complications. I didn't leave Santa Monica until after 5pm because I spent a few hours with him and nurses - we eventually got him to a hospital - and today I found out he is having stomach bleeding. This guy made some huge steps forward last week spiritually and in his character. All the mentors and I were commenting on Saturday how much we've seen him grow. Please keep him in your prayers. I hope to hear more from him tonight.

This is a big transition week for our runners and their goals. We have them set post-marathon goals. Please keep them in your prayers. A number of them have a godly hunger! I look forward to seeing what is next for them. This Saturday is our annual banquet. It is always a touching time.

New Growth in the marathon of Life...

The Marathon - Is this Sunday! Yikes, it's amazing how this past season has come and went. We've had so many wonderful stories; after the loss of Rubens dad being able to minister to him - and how his testimony of God's love has affect others!, Daniel - a senior - leading by example and actively sharing his faith, and most recently, Ana, who has made a 180 degree turn from hard shell to being open and caring, in spite of an injury, which she has been diligent to take care of and will be taking on the Marathon. Above is a picture from our 18miler event. A cool, cloudy, high of 60 degree day - This sunday is supposed to be clear, sunny, high of 77 degree day. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. For more; Below is a map - yeah!
Our Garden continues to impress us! We've planted butter lettuce, spinach, parsnips, beets, collards... and something else that I'm forgetting (probably because I don't like to eat it ;) We've had some wonderful harvesting - we've had greens coming out our ears! We've shared with friends and neighbors, which is really nice and a great way to bless others. I'm continually amazed at how much weeding goes on! It's a constant affair. There is a good metaphor for my personal life and growth there. Below, our turtle protector and butter lettuce.
-- Julie doing some weeding. --
Ah, yes, Julz just can't stop! She won't Stop! Oh no! Plus she's amazing and amazes me, continually. So, she's now the head swim coach for Foshay. Yesterday was her first day. Here she is with some of her gals. Giving meaningful insights for sure. This more "Swim Club" than swim team, as her gals are swimming for the first time, and have a lot to learn. Plus, the pool where she swims - albiet a grand history hosting 2 Olympics - is home for 6 schools, simultaneously. This is very different than those schools who have their own pool, funding, athletics... things that middle class would expect. Notice the grand USC Colliseum in the background. I'm really happy for Julz - she's getting in the pool today with swimmers to make sure some hands on instruction happens!