10 Years of Unanswered Questions

It was 10 years ago today that Kristin Smart, a classmate of mine from Lincoln High School, disappeared from her dorm at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I remember the media frenzy that ensued following her disappearance, and never did I think that ten years later we would still be wondering what happened. I remember her as a beautiful, tall, athletic girl (she was on the swim team at LHS) with many friends. Today, I'm thinking about her family and the years of pain they've had to endure, and the years of pain to come. I wish for them some kind of closure...the finding of her remains and justice for her killer. Peace and prayers to the Smart Family today.

For more information about the Kristin Smart missing persons case, please visit:

http://www.findkristinsmart.org

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060525/NEWS01/605250335/1001 (the Record, 5/25/06 article)

http://www.myspace.com/find_kristin (Kristin's MySpace page)

"I Had the Time of My Life..."

Our Revolution Ministry Appreciation 80's prom has quickly been hitting the blog-waves, as I see that Trotter and Bobby both have Prom-postings up. No worries...I have an added bonus for you later. Sunday night was bumpin with sounds of drum-machines and synthesizers as we hit the dance floor. Yep...this was an era of extravagance. More makeup, more hair, more fabric! I still wonder how we made it out of that decade alive, and why we choose to still revisit the hideousness. I remember a time when I wanted my wedding colors to be peach and teal, when I owned a pair of pink legwarmers, and when...sadly...I knew all the words to "Kharma Chamelion."

With that being said, I felt very appreciated for the work I've done at Revolution in my short time there. It's clear that the MANY volunteers that serve each week look forward to these events from time to time, and I can see why. Rev's staff is crazy, and we LOVE it! In between a great dinner and dance contests, we did have time to snap a few pics (thanks, Stephanie!)

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"...Bridget, Steph, Rachel and me.

And, the LBC Life Group gang (or...our nostrils, at least.)

BONUS TIME!
YOU MIGHT BE A CHILD OF THE 80's IF...

You remember Don Johnson when he was "cool" ('specially in that white suit!)
You know who shot J.R
You owned at least one skinny leather tie.
Your first Walkman weighed 10 pounds and was the size of a brick.
You wore L.A. Gear tennis shoes.
You know the meaning of Wax on/Wax Off
If you can "See Better" with sunglasses that have paint splattered all over the lenses.

You can feel St. Elmo's fire burnin' in you.
You need a shopping cart to carry your personal stereo with you.
You remember what Michael Jackson looked like before the surgery.
You go rollerskating every Friday night (not to skate, but to 'hang out')
You still want to take Karate...(after you move to California)

"Outrageous!" is the term to describe something neat and cool
There was nothing to question about Bert n' Ernie living together
The phrase "Where's the beef?" still doubles you over with laughter.
You went out and purchased the sound track for 'Miami Vice'
You remember the magazines of song lyrics
If you think Hulk Hogan is the best wrestler of all time.

Two words: The Clapper.
Six words: "This is your brain on drugs."
You want to live in 'the Valley'.
Ferris Bueller was your idol.
You watched 'Star Search' on a regular basis.
Every now and then, you blurt out: "Ooh noo, Mr. Bill!!!"
If you had an entire wardrobe of Esprit clothing (or coveted one.)
Your bangs are teased perfectly to 7 inches above the rest of your hair.
Have multi-colored earrings that touch your shoulders
You wore lace gloves with the fingers cut off, bangle bracelets up to your elbows,
bright red Reebok high tops and parachute pants to a school dance

You're still bitter that WHAM broke up
You know whose phone number is 867-5309
You drink Diet Coke because Max Headroom told you to
You still watch things on Beta tapes
You have the tendency to turn up the collar of your polo shirts
Everything in your wardrobe is either pastel or fluorescent

You know all the words to "I'm just a bill, sitting up on Capitol Hill" and "School House Rock."
The feeling in your thumb is only now just returning after holding down the Atari joystick to control the racecar in Enduro Racer
You still can't believe that Milli Vanilli was deceiving you all that time
You still wear a bandana tied around your leg and/or a ponytail off-center on the side of your head.
You still carry your boom box on your shoulder
A piece of folded paper and two hands could tell your fortune.
You ever wanted to learn to play "Stairway to Heaven" on the guitar and choreographed "Dancing Queen" by yourself in your room.

You ever had a Dorothy Hammill haircut.
You thought a Commodore 64 was the highest technology available
You want to be "Where Everybody Knows Your Name"
One Phrase, "The Plane, The Plane"
You can name at least three members of the Brat Pack
Still think banana clips were a godsend
Still wear Wet n' Wild makeup
If your idea of hi-tech toys is still the heat-sensitive color-changing sticker on Transformers
If you remember Bruce Willis from Moonlighting, not Die Hard
You still wear your "Members Only" jacket.

You had snap bracelets
You remember when Pee-Wee wasn't a pervert.
You had had five pairs of socks on at any given time
You still think Donkey Kong can beat Mario up
If you still have your scratch-n-sniff sticker collection
If you remember when you heard that drinking soda and eating Pop Rocks would make your stomach asplode
You still play with that CASIO SK-1 Keyboard (literally...I just gave mine away last year.)

I've got NO TIME...NO TIME!

That was my Jack Bauer impression, in honor of tonight's season finale of the highly acclaimed "24." I'm heading down to Irvine tonight to spend the momentous occasion with Justin and Phillip Hersh & friends. It also means that I've got no time to blog somethin' fantastic for you today. HOWEVER, be sure you check back this week for pictures of our INCREDIBLE 80's prom night at Revolution (ooohh, yeaaaah). That wasn't the only fun time had this weekend...I had dinner with a friend in Hollywood, CA, and walked the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" for the first time in years. (Brock...I wish I had a camera with me. Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper were on site in front of the Kodak Theatre. Priceless.)

See you all back here soon!

Love, Love Me Don't?

Alright, I feel a little bit sacrilegious posting this, but for lack of other creative content, I dedicate this backhanded homage to the greatest composer of all time...Sir Paul McCartney. My mom and I saw the musical legend perform in Las Vegas last November. I'm still shaking off the goosebumps when I listen to "Live and Let Die" and "Maybe I'm Amazed." For my mom, who was a Paul McCartney fan from the original inception of the infamous group, this was the climax of years of Beatle's fan-dom. For the generation that studied The Beatles in Music Appreciation classes (mine), it was rock history coming alive.

After all those compliments, now I don't feel so bad for this: In light of Sir Paul McCartney's separation from his wife of four years, former model and anti-landmine advocate Heather Mills, we submit these TOP 10 revised titles for your approval...
 
10) We Can't Work It Out
9) It Isn't Getting Better All the Time
8) You Say Goodbye, and I Say Goodbye
7) Got to Get You Out of My Life
6) And I Don't Love Her
5) Can't please please me
4) She Doesn't Love You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
3) I Don't Feel Fine
2) Live and Let the Marriage Die
and...(drumroll, please)
1) I Want to Hold Your Alimony Check

Anybody have another suitable addition to the list? Or, just want to berate me for my irreverant entry?

Just an experiment...

Worlds Apart

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest songs ever written. Yes, more spiritual introspection in one song than ALL Beatles songs combined. Just reading the lyrics moves me, as it tries to define the desperation of our hearts- to know Him and love Him. And it's a scary thing...opening yourself up to being broken. It's the duality of living the Christian life. It's daily sacrifice, followed by infusion of the spirit. It's 2 Corinthians; "I will very gladly SPEND and BE SPENT for You." If you haven't listened to this song in a while, it's time to dust off the old Jars of Clay album, skip past "Flood" (isn't everybody sick of that one by now?) and give it a spin. Or, just sing along as you read...

WORLDS APART

I am the only one to blame for this
Somehow it all adds up the same
Soaring on the wings of selfish pride
I flew too high and like Icarus I collide
With a world I try so hard to leave behind
To rid myself of all but love,
To give and die

To turn away and not become
Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves
More deeply than the oceans,
More abundant than the tear
Of a world embracing every heartache

Can I be the one to sacrifice
Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow

To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees

All said and done I stand alone
Amongst remains of a life I should not own
It takes all I am to believe
In the mercy that covers me

Did you really have to die for me?
All I am for all you are
Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart

And I pray,
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees

I look beyond the empty cross
Forgetting what my life has cost
And wipe away the crimson stains
And dull the nails that still remain
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
The battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
And wash the feet and cleanse my pride
Take the selfish, take the weak,
And all the things I cannot hide
Take the beauty, take my tears
The sin-soaked heart and make it yours
Take my world all apart
Take it now, take it now
And serve the ones that I despise
Speak the words I can't deny
Watch the world I used to love
Fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
Forgetting what my life has cost
So wipe away the crimson stains
And dull the nails that still remain
So steal my heart and take the pain
Take the selfish, take the weak
And all the things I cannot hide
Take the beauty, take my tears
Take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
Take my world apart

Worlds Apart.

SPARAGUS?

While shopping in Food 4 Less yesterday, I witnessed a most disturbing sight...cartons and cartons of asparagus, topped with a bright yellow sign reading: "SPARAGUS." Now, perhaps the average joe would disregard this unfortunate verbiage, but I hale from Stockton, CA...home of the Asparagus Festival, and producer of 70-80% of domestic asparagus. No one seemed to give this sign a second thought, but it was an unheralded reminder of home for me. This April, I missed the festival for the first time in years.

Many of my friends have had a hard time grasping the concept of an "Asparagus Festival," writing it off as a few roadside carts full of green veggies placed at an intersection in some hick-town. I'm here to dispell those images, and testify to the valley fun we have annually at the Stockton Asparagus festival!



Festival-goers wait hours in line to get some Deep Fried Asparagus.

...And this is worth the wait! YUM!

The festival takes over the downtown waterfront, and offers lots of entertainment.



The festival also showcases Stockton's diversity.

What a fun day for the whole family!

It's called ROCK.

Howdy, ya'll...thanks for dropping by.

I've heard some of my friends mention that they will be attending SPIRIT WEST COAST, DEL MAR on May 26-28. You are all in for a treat! Please be sure to stop by the Tooth + Nail Stage at 3:00 on Saturday to see STORY SIDE B rock out! I had the opportunity to meet these guys last summer- they are legit! I'll be attending their concert at DAY 7/Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside on Sunday, May 28 @ 6 pm. Listen, also, for their songs "Miracle" and "More to this Life," now playing on the Christian Radio airwaves!

Somebody Get Me a Latte!

Mike Erre, from Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, along with Todd Proctor as Worship Leader, were our guests at Biola’s undergraduate chapel this morning. I got a rare opportunity to ditch the office for a while to enjoy worship with the Biola student body, and was blessed by the message that was delivered.

A survey was taken at Rock Harbor asking it’s congregants about their biggest obstacles in the faith. Surprisingly, the most popular answer was their skepticism toward the forgiveness of God. How can God repeatedly forgive my sin?

I’m sure the answer to this question was a paradigm-shift for many students, as it was for me. When we ask God to forgive us, typically we appeal to the MERCY of God. That is to say, if God is in a “good mood,” perhaps he’ll forgive us. Doubt arises out of this mentality because we think that one day God’s mercy will expire if we tap it too many times. Our appeal, rather, should be to the JUSTICE of God.

He used this illustration: It’s like going to Starbucks, and ordering a latte from Joe behind the counter. Let’s say that the next day you come in, you have forgotten your wallet. In desperate need of a caffeine fix, you beg Joe to give you a latte. Since you are a good customer he agrees. The next day you do the same thing. Appealing to his MERCY, you beg for a latte. Somewhat agitated, he concedes again. If you were to do that a third time, Joe may not be so gracious as to help you. His mercy has run out. We often view God in the same way.

But, here is a second scenario: Let’s say your mom knows you are quite irresponsible with your wallet, and also recognizes your need for a daily latte boost. Unbeknownst to you, your mom calls Joe at Starbucks and buys a gift card for you. Knowing you will probably lose it, she asks Joe to keep it at the counter, and charge her whenever it runs out. This time, when you come in without your wallet, Joe gladly rings you up for a latte…and even offers you a scone.

The justice of God is the reason we can be completely forgiven, because it would be unjust of God to charge you for what has already been charged. Jesus was this pre-paid transaction; not that it gives us license to sin freely, but that when my fallible self screws up, Jesus has satisfied the justice of God on my behalf.

I loved this word picture, and hope it sheds new light for you on this difficult concept to embrace. Have a beautiful day, and bask in the grace of God.

We Need Jack Bauer

It was brought to my attention by Bobby that I haven't even MENTIONED 24 on this blog yet! That is purely an oversight, as my blood runs loyal to Jack Bauer and his world-saving ways. To remedy this problem, I'd like to present the following quote that I found in an article by Peter Suderman for National Review (www.nationalreview.com/comment/suderman200601230849.asp). This isn't one of those Chuck Norris/Jack Bauer homages, but rather, a commentary on the nature of 24. I particularly enjoyed the following quote (perhaps because it's true):

"Kiefer Sutherland plays Bauer, CTU’s toughest counterterrorist hombre, as an Americanized, cowboy version of James
Bond: more brutal, more determined, more prone to extreme measures. Bauer is the sort of guy who, even after more
than a year in hiding, still answers an innocuous knock on the door with a Glock held behind his back. Supervisors,
bureaucracy, and regulations are merely obstacles to be bulldozed. He doesn’t just ignore the rulebook; he shreds it,
incinerates the scraps, and blows up the building the incinerator is in on the way out."

Yes, friends, with phrases like "Somebody get me a hacksaw" and "After I'm through with you, you're gonna wish you felt this good," Jack, at first take, appears to be heartless and bloodthirsty. But a simple analysis on his psyche would uncover a deep loyalty to family (namely his daughter) and, not so subtly, his country. The motivation for everything he does is truth and justice. Sure, he goes about things differently than the norm, but he achieves his objectives. He gets the job done.

The question arises: How, with this "I don't play by the rules" mentality, would Jack Bauer be received in the church? If, in the quote above, you replaced "Supervisors, bureaucracy, and regulations" with "Elders, bylaws, and religious traditions," how would the church respond to such upheaval? A challenge to pharisaical thinking, an extreme makeover for lathargic liturgy, someone who will stand up and YELL, "We're losing them...we need to go, NOW!" Where are those who will sacrifice for the kingdoms sake? Who will figuratively hold their breath and run out into this nerve-gas infested world to save those who don't know they are dying? And who will challenge religious heirarchy to bring relevance and compassion into the church, the Bride of Christ?

I say we need more people like Jack Bauer.

A Night at the Chateau

Hi friends. Welcome back.

It's been a couple days since I had a fabulous girls-night-out at Chateau Marmont, but I just got the pictures and thought I'd share : ) Several of my girlfriends and I decided to venture out into the Hollywood nightlife scene on Sunset Boulevard for an upscale dinner and good fellowship. Silke joined me, as well as Chrisi Phillips, her sister Cheri, and Cheri's good friend from Pepperdine, Tia Mowry (of "Sister, Sister" fame). Tia's twin sister, Tamara, was in Napa and unable to join us this time around. At the Chateau, we enjoyed appetizers of Grilled Artichoke and honey, as well as garlic risotto. My meal was delictible...herb roasted chicken and potato puree (which, come to find out, is just mashed potatoes). Some flourless chocolate cake was the grand finale of our time together.

Somehow, upon arriving home, our classy dinner out turned into a kind of giggly-schoolgirl slumber party. We stayed up late on Cheri's front lawn just being silly. Isn't that freeing to do sometimes? I love it. And, we have photographic documentation of the event.

Philly, Shocker, Jzamie, Tia and Cherbear.







(Above...that's Cheri jumping OVER a bush, not mounting it!)

Blog-o-rific!

Hi Friends!
I saw this on Bobby's blog quite some time ago, and finally decided to try it for myself! This website will take the most frequently used words on your blog/website, and make them into a word cloud. You can then turn them into a t-shirt, which would be an interesting gift. Check it out if you're curious. www.snapshirts.com/custom.php

In The Words of Bono

Hi everyone...Thanks for dropping by.

I came across some quotes from U2's lead singer-slash-activist, Bono, and thought they were particularly thought provoking, especially in relation to his thoughts on worship. We've talked a lot about how we worship things all the time that aren't God- the overglorification of the ordinary, to our own detriment. The problem is that we don't recognize it most of the time. Of all people, Bono is quick to point that out. I love that he is so open about his faith. Take a look:

"Anyway, I stopped going to churches and got myself into a different kind of religion. Don't laugh. That's what being in a rock'n'roll band is. Not pseudo-religion, either...Showbusiness is Shamanism; music is Worship: whether it's worship of women or their Designer, the world or it's destroyer, whether it comes from that ancient place we call soul or simply the spinal cortex, whether the prayers are on fire with dumb-rage or dove-like desire...the smoke goes upwards...to God or to something you replace God with...usually yourself." (an excerpt from Bono's introduction to the book of Psalms, entitled "Elvis, the Bible and Me." New York, Grove Press 1999)

"I'm frightened, but I'm not cynical or pessimistic about the future and a lot of that must come down to my beliefs. It is my belief in God that enables me to get up in the morning and face the world. I believe that there is a logic and a reason for everything. If I didn't believe that and thought that everything was simply down to chance, then I'd really be afraid. I wouldn't cross the road for fear of being run over."

"People think that because I'm attracted to people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr or even my faith, my belief in Christ, that I am therefore some kind of hero or man of God or peacemaker. One of the reasons I'm attracted to these people is that I'm the very person who would not turn the other cheek. I grew up with a violence in me and it's still in me, and I despise it."

"The truth is when that singer is saying something that comes from right down within him, and it affects you right down within you. That's when you start talking about great music, as distinct from nice music."

"I believe that if we follow logic all the way to the smallest point we will find God."

...Now, isn't that refreshing?

Lady is 80!

Hi all, and thanks for stopping by. This was a whirlwind weekend of activity and air travel for me! I flew up to Sacramento on Friday night in order to surprise my grandmother (Lady Laudine Pickle-Petersen-McBeath) at her 80th birthday party on Saturday. We assembled in Turlock, CA for the celebration, which included family and friends from near and far. I was able to share with many of them about my life in Long Beach, and my impending trip to North Africa. Pickle family functions are always infused with ridiculous skits, laughter, and the communal singing of "Country Roads." Later, I enjoyed dinner at Stockton's Garlic Brothers Restaraunt with JD and Chris, followed by some victorious rounds of "Speed Scrabble."

On Sunday, I flew back to Long Beach to serve on the Worship Team at Revolution for the first time. It was great being a part of worship leading again. Then, it was off to Fullerton for a meeting about the cultural differences between America and Morocco, in preparation for my trip. God is good...especially seen on days like this where I am depending on Him to infuse supernatural energy in me! Today is Monday, and I'm feeling somewhat of a "spiritual hangover," but coherent enough to bring you some pics from the weekend. Happy Birthday, Grandma!

The Whole Pickle Gang

Jamie and cousins Payton and Mallory

Grandma is serenaded with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday.

Molly Malone's

Hey folks!
I never posted pics from Carrie's last show at Molly Malones (primarily because no one sent them to me...), so without further ado...









Missed out on the fun?? Don't worry...we'll be performing at the same venue on June 2nd. Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to visit Carrie Turner's website! www.carrieturner.com

10 Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health

I just finished reading Donald Whitney's "How to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health" with the Biola staff and faculty. If you are a checklist sort of bloke, you will probably glean from these benchmarks. However, as we discussed around the lunch table yesterday, disciplines and checklists won't do you any good if you aren't IN LOVE with Jesus in the first place. (Donald Miller writes extensively about this in his book "Blue Like Jazz," which I highly recommend.)

1. Do you thirst for God?
2. Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?
3. Are you more loving?
4. Are you more sensitive to God's presence?
5. Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?
6. Do you delight in the Bride of Christ? (the church)
7. Are the Spiritual Disciplines increasingly important to you?
8. Do you still grieve over sin?
9. Are you a quicker forgiver?
10. Do you yearn for Heaven to be with Jesus?

I'll share with you one of my favorite quotes from A.W. Tozer, also referenced in this book, that pretty much sums it up for me:
"O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.
I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire.
O God, I want to want Thee;
I long to be filled with longing;
I thirst to be made thirsty still."

Blessings to you as you continue to grow in Him.

Come to Me, All Who Are Weary...

This picture is complements of my friend Miriam, who obviously has too much time on her hands. But, it's nice to know that even Ninja Turtles are worshipers of Jesus Christ! : )