We've moved out.
To make a long story short, Aimee and I found a great little apartment on the Westside. 2 bed, 1 1/4 bath in a 4-plex. Yes! Last Tuesday I saw a place on my way home. Within the hour I had seen the sign I had called the guy, viewed the apartment, and set up an appointment for A to see the place. Within 24 hours we had decided to move out, told the parentals, had an intervention, divided up the furniture, and assembled a moving team.
The process wasn't as easy and exciting as I thought it was going to be. Apparently you need money and more than just bedroom furniture to exist on your own. To add to that, moving out has been an emotional roller coaster. I have been waiting for this day since I moved home three years ago. On the other hand, Aimee has loved being in the safety of our home. She's always been like that. When she was in elementary school she cried when my parents sold their beat up Chevy. She still has the seat belt buckle she kept from that car.
She gets it from our dad. Our first night in the new place dad's good-bye hug seemed a bit tighter and I swear he was more emotional when we left their house for the last trip of the day. Although he was the one who encouraged us to move out, I know his heart was a bit sad that his two daughters had left the nest. It's that fine line between being the protective father and allowing his girls to grow up.
Aimee and I have the same perspective on the purpose of our home. We want it to be used for Jesus. We want it to be a safe place for people to come and be ministered to. Before we went to bed our first night we prayed that God would anoint our house and the two of us to use this place and stage in life to glorify His name.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Dad
If you know my dad, you know he loves the Lakers. I can remember him watching games when A and I were young - seeing Pat Riley, with his slick back hair, yelling on the sideline with his hands on his side. He has been a fan of the purple and gold prior to my conception. He rooted for them during the Bird vs Magic era, Kobe and Shaq duo, and of course the Kobe years. He has been a constant fan - taking the journey from getting titles, not getting titles, player scandals, and coach changes. You know he's a true Laker fan because he doesn't like Boston - never has, never will. So last week's win was that much sweeter for him.
Aimee and I inherited that same devotion and love for LA teams. We also root for the Dodgers, UCLA, USC (except when they're playing against one another) Pac-Ten teams, the Clippers, and of course the Lakers. Beyond sports, dad has also instilled in A and I a love for the church and the people, a heart to see transformed lives, a desire to have a faith rooted in a firm foundation, stability, an appreciation for the corny.
I recently had a very memorable moment with dad. I have been part of a renewal team at Venice. We are looking at what it will take to see true renewal, change, and a revival at church. We know what we want it to look like, but we have struggled with how to get there. At Annual Conference a few weeks back we heard Bishop Matt speak on the difference between a transformational church and a non-transformational church. After he finished I ran over to dad and we just hugged each other and cried - he knew what I knew - God had just dropped the answer we had been seeking right into our laps. It was a moment I will cherish forever.
Many people long for a father to provide them with the basics - love, support, encouragement, guidance. Nowadays, such a man is hard to come by. I feel so unworthy to not only have a father who provides me with these, and a million other things, but also a father who I can serve Jesus alongside with. I thank Jesus for my dad. For his gentleness, love, and constant support; for attending every single one of our volleyball games - home and away, for cooking us breakfast when we were really young, for tucking us in each night, for going through the effort to surprise me with the pink bike, for holding me each time I failed my drivers test, for allowing me to make mistakes, for being home for family dinner every night, for not always throwing out his opinion but allowing me to just talk, for letting me walk to school in the fourth grade - and for following me at a distance in the car without me knowing, for getting the girls expelled from school who chased me home, for trying the spank on his leg first before giving it to us, and for continuing the legacy that grandpa began of loving Jesus in all things.
He is a man of all men, and a father of all fathers. Happy Father's Day, dad.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Facebook Funnies
Kevin (28) and Matthew (14)
Kevin Wong it just took me 40 minutes to get from my house to the 90. fml. longest commute to Starbucks centinela EVER.
Monday, June 7, 2010
"Josh for the Win"
And people say he doesn't talk...
Kevin Wong Looks like the NBA wants to elongate this championship series as long as possible to maximize profit . . . (thanks refs)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Growing Up is soooo Overrated
Dear friends,
The time has finally come (again) for the young (relative) seedlings to sprout their wings and leave their beloved nest. I have an intricate puzzle to lay before you in hopes that someone can solve the riddle and assist the birdies in their quandry.
Need
2 bed, 1-2 bath
condo, townhome, or duplex (no apartments)
4 star +
in the greater West Los Angeles area including the South Bay
Prefer
in home Washer and Dryer
great area where 2 girlies would be safe
The budget is around $1700. If you know of anyone who has a place and is willing to lease to 2 working professionals who have GREAT credit, are clean, and like it quiet, please send over an email. And the prize for the winner who is able to hook us up with all our needs... our guest for our first gourmet meal in the new pad!
The time has finally come (again) for the young (relative) seedlings to sprout their wings and leave their beloved nest. I have an intricate puzzle to lay before you in hopes that someone can solve the riddle and assist the birdies in their quandry.
Need
2 bed, 1-2 bath
condo, townhome, or duplex (no apartments)
4 star +
in the greater West Los Angeles area including the South Bay
Prefer
in home Washer and Dryer
great area where 2 girlies would be safe
The budget is around $1700. If you know of anyone who has a place and is willing to lease to 2 working professionals who have GREAT credit, are clean, and like it quiet, please send over an email. And the prize for the winner who is able to hook us up with all our needs... our guest for our first gourmet meal in the new pad!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sheldon
Last Sunday Josh's best friend, Sheldon, experienced some chest pains. He went in to the doc, was cleared, and sent home. After review the doctors called him back in for further testing. Last Monday, April 26, Sheldon was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Josh and Sheldon have been best friends since middle school. They have gone through tests, grades, girls, basketball, volleyball, friends, homemade videos, heartbreak, separation, snowboarding, family issues, college, and everything else that encompasses 10 years of friendship. They're actually more like brothers. Sheldon is one of the few people that Josh opens up to, readily drives to the valley to hang out with even though he's spent the prior 16 hours studying, and is honest and forthright to with all the opinions and ideas rolling around in his head (and if you know Josh, that's saying quite a lot). When it comes down to it, Josh trusts Sheldon and I believe the visa versa is also true.
Yes, if you're going to get cancer this one is probably a better one to get than others. There's a high chance of beating it. But even in knowing all this, stuff like this really shakes you to your roots. It has shaken Josh. There hasn't been someone this close to him who has gone through something like this. Sheldon loves Jesus so even though he has already gone through chemo and experienced many of the terrible side effects that comes with that, he is holding firm in his foundation in Christ. And out of the ashes there has already been so much beauty - in Josh, in Sheldon, and in the lives of the people that Sheldon has touched.
If you'd like to follow along with Sheldon - and with Josh - on this journey...
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sheldonsheehy/journal
Josh and Sheldon have been best friends since middle school. They have gone through tests, grades, girls, basketball, volleyball, friends, homemade videos, heartbreak, separation, snowboarding, family issues, college, and everything else that encompasses 10 years of friendship. They're actually more like brothers. Sheldon is one of the few people that Josh opens up to, readily drives to the valley to hang out with even though he's spent the prior 16 hours studying, and is honest and forthright to with all the opinions and ideas rolling around in his head (and if you know Josh, that's saying quite a lot). When it comes down to it, Josh trusts Sheldon and I believe the visa versa is also true.
Yes, if you're going to get cancer this one is probably a better one to get than others. There's a high chance of beating it. But even in knowing all this, stuff like this really shakes you to your roots. It has shaken Josh. There hasn't been someone this close to him who has gone through something like this. Sheldon loves Jesus so even though he has already gone through chemo and experienced many of the terrible side effects that comes with that, he is holding firm in his foundation in Christ. And out of the ashes there has already been so much beauty - in Josh, in Sheldon, and in the lives of the people that Sheldon has touched.
If you'd like to follow along with Sheldon - and with Josh - on this journey...
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sheldonsheehy/journal
Sheldon and Josh during college.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Authentic Worship
We didn't have a drummer today during second service. He had a middle high airsoft birthday party. :p But praise without drums can be rough so right before we started I eyed a handheld percussion and scanned the congregation for anyone who might be able to hold a steady beat during the music (welcome to small church 101). I landed on my mom. Now, if you didn't know, my mom is quite musical. She grew up singing with her family and can harmonize in several ways. So I motioned to her to see if she would come and play.
Well, in my split second decision I failed to take into account 2 things: 1. She oftentimes gets quite emotionally involved in worship - so holding a steady beat wasn't an ideal situation for her, and 2. She's a freebird, which means along with trying to hold a beat AND remember the words to the songs she was also harmonizing at the top of her lungs, dancing, rejoicing, yelling, and just plain ole worshipping Jesus in the most authentic way only she can.
I realized this halfway during the 1st song and couldn't help but laugh and smile. I mean, seriously I wasn't able to lead the song. All attempts to gain composure were lost when I accidently made eye contact with A - we both died. She knew what I knew. We both knew.
Can you see the two small fists raised behind Jenna and next to Eric (the ones holding the tambourine and not playing it)? that's her. :)
My mom has been the one to teach me about authentic worship. Even when I was growing up, it didn't matter who was around or where we were - if she felt the presence of the Lord in song - she would whoop it up. Although I kid here, I thank her for instilling in me the freedom to lead without restraint and in total abandon to my King.
Oh yea! And just in case you needed to see the proof of THIS. I love it!!!!!!! Rock on girl.
(Thanks to Special K for the pic)
Well, in my split second decision I failed to take into account 2 things: 1. She oftentimes gets quite emotionally involved in worship - so holding a steady beat wasn't an ideal situation for her, and 2. She's a freebird, which means along with trying to hold a beat AND remember the words to the songs she was also harmonizing at the top of her lungs, dancing, rejoicing, yelling, and just plain ole worshipping Jesus in the most authentic way only she can.
I realized this halfway during the 1st song and couldn't help but laugh and smile. I mean, seriously I wasn't able to lead the song. All attempts to gain composure were lost when I accidently made eye contact with A - we both died. She knew what I knew. We both knew.
Can you see the two small fists raised behind Jenna and next to Eric (the ones holding the tambourine and not playing it)? that's her. :)
My mom has been the one to teach me about authentic worship. Even when I was growing up, it didn't matter who was around or where we were - if she felt the presence of the Lord in song - she would whoop it up. Although I kid here, I thank her for instilling in me the freedom to lead without restraint and in total abandon to my King.
Oh yea! And just in case you needed to see the proof of THIS. I love it!!!!!!! Rock on girl.
(Thanks to Special K for the pic)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
In Celebration of a Life Well Lived
And even though it hurts like crazy, there is a peace that invades my heart. Even the hospice nurse noticed. Yesterday she said there was something different about this family than many she has seen before. She attributed it to a deep faith in the Lord. Yes, it's painful to lose Linda - but there is an everlasting knowledge that she is with her mom and Judy, celebrating being with Jesus in Heaven. I told A that I bet she's naming all the prophets and disciples as they walk by - and meeting the people from the Word who's lives gave her conviction and purpose.
But still I know it can be hard. This helped me, maybe it can help you too.
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" Isaiah 43: 1-3
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