The Running of the Goats

After church we were invited to go to the Groteguth's family ranch for the day. The kids went swimming, bike ridding, played on the trampoline (no one got hurt) and also played with the herd of Boer goats. Jonah and Marlaina grabbed the feed bucket and started running so the goats would chase them. It was a lot of fun.

I saw this wind chime (see photo above) that they had at the ranch. Someone had tied the chimes together. Apparently the Groteguth's like the looks of a wind chimes but they do not care for the sound the make.

Kurt barbecued some wonderful hamburgers. We had a nice dinner and some good conversation. We ended the evening with a homemade (homegrown) blackberry crisp it was unbelievable.

Buggin'

This morning I rounded up the troops to reclaim the tomato plants from a hostile invasion. I am proud to say that Julie, Ben, Jonah, Marlaina, Aubrey and I wiped out 8 Horned Tomato Worms that we found by searching through the plants. Then I did a fly by with the malathion to make sure there was no survivors.

Later we found this praying mantis. Jonah let the praying mantis crawl all over him. The Mantis' prayers were answered, he survived.

Today

I am turning into Chris Jerky.

You make up your own jokes...
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Kinnari Thai Cuisine

I tried Turlock's first Thai restaurant today. I had the Volcano Chicken lunch special with a soda-$9.00, It was tasty and the service was friendly. I wonder why they call it "Volcano" chicken? I thought it was going to be spicy... Now I am nervous.
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Julie Wins Bunko

$18 of ill-gotten gains...destine to be in the hands of Starbucks soon.

I AM GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

It is official !!!!!!!! I registered last night and I will Start class tonight...

Online traffic school... I wonder what our school colors are?

Almond Harvest

The almond harvest is starting in the Central Valley of California. Every time I wash my car I will say a prayer for a bountiful and less dusty harvest.
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Shaking the almonds off the tree

Firefox

I think I like it. Go get it here

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD

JJ Hellar and her very talented husband are giving away their newest album "Painted Red". Click on the album art to go download it on her site. The Nashville couple lead worship today at Monte Vista Chapel it was beautiful music that was easy to sing along with. Sometimes simple is absolutely perfect. She sang her husband played an acoustic guitar and back up vocals. GO GET THE ALBUM AND TELL SOME FRIENDS!

Breakfast Burritos

This morning my brother Jeff and my son Ben and I made breakfast burritos for the men of Monte Vista Chapel. We used the biggest tortilla made at La Perla and this is what the men could put inside-eggs, refried beans, bacon, diced hot links, pork sausage links, ham, grilled bell pepper and onion, cheese, homemade salsa and a variety of hot sauces.

Then pastor Jon Tacoma spoke to the 85 men. He gave some good insight what it is to be a disciple of Christ. I think a lot of Christians like the "forgiveness of sin" portion of Christianity. but when it comes to following the Rabbi's teachings it does not fit snugly in our consumer and entertainment driven lives. The disciples walked away from everything to follow Jesus. In some cases they were young youth (not old enough to pay temple tax) that left there home, friends, parents and jobs. It just makes you think. What have we walked away from...? Are we doing what was asked of us?

What Were You Doing?

Yesterday was the first day I didn't get a single hit  :-(

Lincoln Brewster In Turlock?

Yes! September 24th~a fund raiser for Prodigal Sons and Daughters. More info on the Lincoln Brewster concert here.

Franciscan Blessing

May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.

AMEN.

California Taco Trucks

This site is dedicated to taco trucks.

This site is dedicated to burritos in San Francisco.

Unleaded $3.75

At Costco today.
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high@gas.com

Great Weekend

We had a great weekend at the Harvest Crusade and Disneyland. I got to be with my whole family, Dan and his family came out from New York City to Anaheim. Jeff and his family, my mother and my family, all from Turlock, drove to Anaheim. We all stayed at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.

We also got to see some friends from Harvest Christian Fellowship Riverside. Richard,Terri and Jacob Garcia , pastor Carmen Rieg, Chris Camden, Ron Case, Shannon, Heather & Christina Finnigan, John Collins, Brady Collins, Mike Brazeal, Ken Jacobson, pastor Ricky Ryan and many others. It was so nice to see them all. I look forward to seeing them again in New York City.

Harvest Crusade/Saturday Night

Tonight my good friend pastor Carmen Rieg took my brother and I back stage right before the crusade started. We took some pictures and I didn't get caught touching the guitars. As the crusade started we made it back to our seats.

Okay so... Kutless and Lincoln Brewster were great but P.O.D - Amazing!

Saturday is geared towards the young people and every seat in Angel Stadium is filled. Pastor Greg Laurie is talking with passion as he is addresses the crowed. He seems to be in even better form than last night. As I sit here I feel that the people are listening intently. He is getting close to the alter call.

Me and my to brothers are helping on the field and the field is completly packed. God is good. The picture is taken with my Blackberry.
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Thousands Repond To The Gospel At The Harvest Crusade /Anaheim Staduim

Tonight we were blessed by music from the Katinas, Leeland, Randy Travis. The high point of the evening was when thousands responded to pastor Greg Laurie's heart felt presentation of the Gospel. Just 3 weeks after the death of his son, pastor Laurie explained that death is not the end for a follower of Christ - thousands decided to follow Christ tonight.
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My Brother

Dan at Disneyland the happiest place on earth. He looks happy right?
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Thai Food in Turlock... Lord Hear Hear Our Prayer

Turlock has taco truck and now Thai food.
Kinnari is having there Grand opening in the FOODMAXX shopping center.

Has anyone tried it?

Yes I am rubbing it in...
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Rant on Pluto?

Read it here.

PRAY

The 19th Southern California Harvest is almost here and we needyour prayers!

As many of you already know, we have faced trials unlike any other year, most notably with the sudden passing of Christopher Laurie, Pastor Greg's oldest son. In the midst of these challenges, your prayerful intercession on our behalf is much appreciated.

As with any large event, there are so many last-minute tasks that need to get done before the crusade begins. As we get ready for Friday night, would you please pray for these things?

• Pray for Pastor Greg, who has obviously dealt with various emotions over these past few weeks. Pray that God would guide and direct Greg as he prepares his messages for this weekend. Pray that he will be able to speak clearly and effectively to the audience all weekend.


• Pray for all those who have been invited to the Southern California Harvest. Many will be there because Pastor Greg's name has been in the news recently. Pray that their hearts will be touched by the gospel. Also, pray for Christians around Southern California to go out and boldly invite their family, friends, and neighbors to attend.


• Pray for the set-up crew as they construct the stage at Angel Stadium. Pray that everything with run smoothly with no injuries or difficulties. Pray that the transition between musical artists and speakers during the event wouldgo smoothly.


• Please pray for the webcast team as they get things set up, that the computer equipment would work properly with no glitches, and that many would be able to view the Southern California Harvest online. Pray also for all the sound and video technicians, that everything would run smoothly.


• Pray for the foreign language translators who will be translating Pastor Greg's message into five languages for those in attendance and those watching the webcast. Pray that they'll be able to work quickly and communicate the biblical truths Pastor Greg is sharing.


• Pray for each and every volunteer who will serve at the crusade, that they will arrive safely and be able to do the job that God has called them to. There are more than 4,000 volunteers, from decision follow-up workers to ushers to prayer warriors. Praise God for their willingness to serve and pray for their safety throughout the weekend.

 

Have It Your Way At Burger King

In less your way is... while at work taking a bubble bath in the utility sink on your birthday and putting the video on you tube (according to an Associated Press story). Apparently that is enough to get  you fired at a Burger King restaurant in XENIA, Ohio. 

Silva's Taco Truck

Yes- I did it again. 3 tacos at Silva's for lunch, 2 asada and 1 carnitas and a diet Coke. I dined with 2 of my co-workers Mike Mason and Scott Nottbohm. It was so good and cheap, under $5.oo.

Missing -One Bone From The Apostle Andrew

Okay-apparently this church in Lowell, Massachusetts was in possession of a bone from Saint Andrew and some one stole it.

How do you think the church got Andy's bone to start with?  

Leadership Summit Day 2

 Craig Groeschel had "It" on day 2 of the Leadership Summit. Groeschel from lifechurch.tv was thought provoking and convicting. He started a little slow in his message but it did not take long before he hit you head on with a bus load of "leadership wisdom". It feels good to be      S T R E T C H E  D.

Catherine Rohr from Prison Entrepreneurship to me was the most inspirational speaker out of both days. She was filled with passion and seem to have a intoxicating raw quality to her that I can imagine that Jesus' disciples probably possessed. Personally I can appreciate all that she does in her ministries but more so I appreciate how important her ministry was to her because it was her calling from God. She is clearly focused and sold out for Christ.

Leadership Summit

Day 1 of the Leadership Summit is in the books. The highlights for me and most everyone I talk to was Gary Haugen of International Justice Mission and Efrem Smith from the Sanctuary Covenant Church. 

Gary Haugen challenged us to be brave so that we can lead in difficult times. He also said " if you want your leadership to matter, lead in the things that matter to God". Amen.

 Efrem Smith's session on diversity was inspirational, motivational and entertaining.

It was nice to see all the leaders from Monte Vista Chapel at the Leadership Summit. I would say there must have been close to 40 people from Turlock that made the trip to Cornerstone Fellowship in Livermore, CA.

Gasoline Limbo

How low can you go! $3.85 per gallon at Costco today, one week ago $4.12 one month ago $4.54 - one year ago $2.94 oh yes, the good old days.
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Hawaiian Shirt

It is completely acceptable to wear a Hawaiian Shirt to a funeral for a Hawaiian Native. I wish I would have.
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Spirit West Coast-Monterey

My son Ben (age 10) and I went to Spirit West Coast friday night. We rocked out to the sounds of the 41 year old Toby Mac and the DiverseCity Band. He puts on a great show and he looks like he is still having fun. Then we saw late night comedy show starring funny man Bone Hampton. A great way to spend a Friday night.

Speed limit in Niles Canyon is 45 MPH

The speed limit going through highway 84 - Niles Canyon is 45 MPH as told to me directly from an officer from the Alameda County Sheriff's Department, not 60 mph. He was nice enough to write it down for me.
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