Because We Were Meant to Live for So Much More

The APU Degree

2008-12-15T01:45:00.000-08:00

As a student of Azusa Pacific University, I am proud of this place for what it has offered me and continues to give daily. As I look to the future, I am confident that APU will allow me to perform well in this world because the school has a steady track record of transforming dynamic leaders for a world that is lacking of excellent leadership.

I had the privilege of meeting Debra Walsh, an APU Alumna with a Master's in Nursing, who recently became the President/CEO of USC University Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital. To me, that is remarkable! I cannot help but be proud of a woman who has used her degree to bring Christ-centered leadership to one of the best hospitals in the world.

I believe in Azusa Pacific University. They understand it... they really get this thing called education.

APU Soccer

2008-11-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Azusa Pacific Soccer lost to Westmont in a huge match, but it was much more than a game.

Check out this article in the LA Times:
Soccer team helps Westmont rise from the Ashes

Why I Love APU

2008-11-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

Bryan Clay, now the "Best Athlete in the World," is a great example of the way APU transforms its students.

Funniest Video You'll Ever See

2008-11-17T16:03:00.000-08:00

My Schedule

2008-09-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Here's my schedule for the week, and almost every week as a matter of fact!

My APU Journey

2008-09-23T01:55:00.001-07:00

Last March, I was asked to share my APU journey to the current Trustee Finalists, 40 smart, committed, Christian high school seniors who were facing the toughest decision of their lives: which college will I attend?

My heart ached for these students. In hindsight, APU was the best decision of my life. I love being able to convey my experience to them and reveal to them the incredible nature of this university. As I continue to discover more about this place, I continue to fall more in love with it. My heart beats with the heart of APU, my goals align with those of APU, and my motto is that of APU: God First.

I wish everyone in the world could come here... I believe there is not one person on the planet who couldn't benefit by becoming a student of APU. However, I realize that is not possible for everyone. For those who are considering APU, I will talk you into coming here. For those who are here, make every moment the best moment of your life. This is truly the closest to Heaven that I have ever been. I will be radically different when I leave than when I came.

It is not to say that I haven't experienced difficulties at APU; I have! I had the two hardest times of my life last semester. However, I grew immensely through both of them because I was supported by friends here, some that I had just met and some that had invested in me for a while.

My favorite part of the speech was when 5 students came up to me afterward and said: "That's exactly what I needed to hear. See you in the Fall." I was so humbled to hear that they identified with my story and my struggles and were now making a commitment. Yay God!

Here's a video of the speech I gave. 5 months later, I now have so much more that I could say! Hopefully I'll be asked again to share... :) (see below)

Click here for Kyle's Speech to Incoming Trustee Finalists

If you would like to talk about APU, please contact me:
Kyle Cleveland
(949) 285-2260
kcleveland@apu.edu

APU is Up and Coming!

2008-09-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

Recently, APU was ranked #9 on the Up and Coming Colleges list by US News and World Report. I'm so glad that others are starting to recognize the incredible accomplishments of Azusa Pacific. I have been incredibly impressed by its commitment to God-honoring excellence in scholarship, sports, community, service, and Christ. I wouldn't be at any other university... there is something different about this university.

“This classification affirms Azusa Pacific University’s place among the best universities nationwide,” said APU President Jon R. Wallace, DBA. “Today’s students are looking for the highest quality programs, and APU is able to meet those needs with the help of our world-class faculty in our undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.”

Check out the rankings here!

Bryan Clay Speaks at Republican Convention

2008-09-14T17:52:00.001-07:00

Bryan Clay, '03 Alumnus of Azusa Pacific and gold medal winner for the decathlon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, spoke at the Republican National Convention. He talked about God First, the motto of Azusa Pacific since 1899. What a man! Check it out:

New Venue at Saddleback

2008-08-31T18:34:00.001-07:00

New venue at Saddleback Church starting in a couple of weeks … live teaching … shorter service … younger target but everyone welcome. Can’t wait!

Notary

2008-08-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

I am officially a Notary Public in the State of California! My seal came in the mail a little while ago... so I can start notarizing all your documents. ;) Let me know how I can serve you!

When I opened my Notary package, my mom wanted to see my notarization in action... so she asked me to notarize HER (her left arm, to be exact) as my first notary job! She even paid me! So cool.

Sweet Shirt

2008-08-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

I've been eyeing this beautiful little number for a while... it's an incredible Switchfoot shirt. I'd love to buy it, but $20 seems a little too much right now. I <3 Jon Foreman.

A Gift from APU

2008-08-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Look what APU gave me for being on ASB! A lovely, embroidered moleskine! Today is my lucky day.

I thought Saddleback was the only organization that actually used moleskines.

The HSM Office Video

2008-08-10T15:08:00.001-07:00

Here's a video the fellow summer interns and I put together. The staff loved it! It was a blast to film, act, and edit. It's full of inside jokes that will only be understood by the staff for the most part. Fun!

Where I Left My 100 Rocks

2008-08-10T01:17:00.000-07:00

Here's where I left each rock each day this summer (see previous post). Each location has a significance, whether its where a meaningful conversation occurred, a cool event took place, a learning experience took place, etc. I'm not perfect, so some days I forgot to leave my rock somewhere!

Day 1: Student Zone Construction Site
Day 2: Danny's house
Day 3: 24 Hour Fitness in Ladera Ranch
Day 4: Jerry Garcia's car
Day 5: Underneath my good friend's seat
Day 6: Fell out of my pocket, where did it go?!
Day 7: Crave
Day 8: My mom's office
Day 9: Arroyo Canyon in RSM
Day 10: Inside my grandma's chair
Day 11: Inside the planter of La Fiesta Mexican Grill in RSM
Day 12: I left my rock at home today
Day 13: Hid it in a plastic bin in my friend's (Michael Gonzales) garage
Day 14: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 15: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 16: In the electrical room in Tent 2
Day 17: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 18: Behind the cushion of my best friend's (Cody Moran) chair
Day 19: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 20: Desk drawer at my mom's office
Day 21: Back room of Crave
Day 22: Street corner where we drug a computer monitor
Day 23: In the ocean at the end of the pier at Avila Beach
Day 24: Stuck in gum in "Gum Alley" at San Luis Obispo
Day 25: Inside my dad's organizer above his desk
Day 26: In shoe basket at my brother's girlfriend's house
Day 27: Danny's storage above his desk at the office
Day 28: TGI Friday's in RSM
Day 29: Fell out of my pocket!
Day 30: Juice It Up in RSM
Day 31: Inside my couch in the living room
Day 32: On top of the rock wall in Ladera
Day 33: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 34: On the window sill of the meeting room in MC2
Day 35: Inside drawer of team room in HSM office
Day 36: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 37: Booth at Island's in Foothill
Day 38: Underneath the "Refinery" nameplate with fiberoptic lighting
Day 39: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 40: Worship Center
Day 41: The Ellipse storage center for Saddleback Church
Day 42: Front bushes of my house
Day 43: Under front table at In-N-Out in Foothill
Day 44: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 45: Bushes in the back of my house
Day 46: Josh Griffin's office inside the whiteboard marker container
Day 47: In the middle of the Refinery
Day 48: Gas station at Oso/Marguerite
Day 49: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 50: Fuddrucker's in Foothill
Day 51: Cherry on Top in Mission Viejo
Day 52: Inside candy machine at movie theaters in Foothill
Day 53: At the bottom of Lake Mead in Nevada
Day 54: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 55: In flower pot at Miguel's in Foothill
Day 56: Inside my brother's girlfriend's sectional couch
Day 57: In sugar container at Denny's in Foothill
Day 58: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 59: Kaleidescope movie theater
Day 60: El Capitan Theater in Hollywood
Day 61: Plaza room at Saddleback
Day 62: Movie theater in Foothill
Day 63: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 64: Palm Springs Resort
Day 65: Palm Springs Resort
Day 66: Palm Springs Resort
Day 67: ATV Offroading course in Palm Springs
Day 68: Soak City USA in Palm Springs
Day 69: Palm Springs Resort
Day 70: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 71: Palm Springs Resort
Day 72: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 73: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 74: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 75: Executive Leadership Conference Room at Saddleback MC1
Day 76: In-N-Out in Foothill
Day 77: Sports Park in Coto
Day 78: Costa Mesa
Day 79: Salt Creek Ocean
Day 80: Saddleback parking lot
Day 81: Refinery
Day 82: Chili's in Foothill
Day 83: Claim Jumper in Mission Viejo
Day 84: Huntington Beach
Day 85: Wal-Mart in Foothill
Day 86: In-N-Out in Foothill
Day 87: Chili's in Foothill
Day 88: Doheny Beach
Day 89: Red Robin in Foothill
Day 90: MC2
Day 91: Chick-Fil-A in Irvine
Day 92: Carino's in Lake Forest
Day 93: MC2
Day 94: Six Flags
Day 95: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 96: Irvine Spectrum
Day 97: I left my rock at home today (oops!)
Day 98: Inside ceiling of MC2 outside JG's office
Day 99: HSM room of Refinery
Day 100: Taped to a letter sent to Jon Wallace thanking him for inspiring the rock idea in the first place

100 rocks, 100 days.

This Summer Rocked

2008-08-07T23:19:00.000-07:00

"Lord, teach me to number my days so that I may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

I lived by this verse in a unique way this summer. I literally numbered my days by buying 100 rocks that represented my 100 days of summer and put them in a canister at my desk. Each day, I took one rock with me, prayed over it, and left it in a meaningful place.

In a notebook, I recorded my activities for each day, my prayer, and where I left my rock. It literally became a road map of my summer.

As I review my summer and reflect on the incredible life change that has occurred in such a short period of time, I can highlight a few particularly poignant moments:

Day 12 of 100 Days of Summer
I was invited by Switchfoot to the Jay Leno show to watch them perform their new song "This is Home" from the Chronicles of Narnia. I sat with Switchfoot's family during the show and had an incredible time in Hollywood with Dennis. What a unique and special opportunity!

Day 18 of 100 Days of Summer
After 2 weeks of waiting hopefully, I was accepted as a summer intern in the High School Ministry! I was so excited to become part of a team that I so admired and respected.

Day 21 of 100 Days of Summer
My friend and I had an extra computer monitor and a mini fridge, so we dragged them behind my car and lit them on fire. We had no reason to do so, but it was such an exciting and crazy experience... dangerous, but fun!

Day 35 of 100 Days of Summer
My first day at work... I dressed up like Jim Halpert from The Office. For me, it was a dream come true to come into a ministry team with my great friends and people whom I trust, respect, and love. It was my honor to give back to the ministry that changed my life.
Also, Petty spoke at Crave about God's plan to bring his creation back to him, even from the initial fall of man. He revealed to me a huge Truth about God and His plan for us.

Day 36 of 100 Days of Summer
Jason Petty took me out to coffee and asked me, "Kyle, what do you want to learn this summer?" I was blown away by his care and initiative to want to impact my life, even if I was only there for a summer.

Day 37 of 100 Days of Summer
In the 6:30 HSM service, students who made a commitment to ministry texted their names to my phone, and we threw their names onto the big screen during the last song. What a cool moment for them and us!

Day 45 of 100 Days of Summer
We held Checkbook Tours at the Refinery. Doug let me be the "closer" and give the money pitch to 3 different groups of people. I love that he trusted me enough to allow me that amazing opportunity... he's an inspirational leader.

Day 51 of 100 Days of Summer
Just as I crept over the halfway point of summer, the Refinery opened! This state of the art, 51,000 square foot, $20 million student building will change thousands of lives. My heart rejoices for the many students who will be different because of this huge tool that God has placed in our hands. I love that our students now have a place to call home.

Day 61 of 100 Days of Summer
Today was my grandma's funeral. My heart was saddened, but joyful with the knowledge that she is finally free. I am so thankful to have met Sam Lewis; he astounds me! Jason Petty, Josh Pease, and Josh Griffin attended, which warmed my soul. They are such compassionate men seeking God's heart.

Day 70 of 100 Days of Summer
My family went to Palm Springs for vacation. We rented sea-doos and spent the entire day on the lake! Sea-dooing is one of my favorite activities; it's such a rush!
I love being with my family and creating positive memories that we'll look back on with joy.

Day 78 of 100 Days of Summer
This was the last day of the PDYM Student Leadership Conference. Leading a hotel room with 3 guys was an awesome learning experience. I loved getting to know them; all 3 were exceptional. They're my favorite! I know that one guy in particular will be my friend for life.

Day 98 of 100 Days of Summer
My last day working in the HSM Office. The other summer interns and I held a meeting where we thanked by 1) playing a video we made that captured all the fun memories of the summer 2) giving them each a unique gift that had a meaning behind it and reflected our appreciation for their character, love, and overall person.

Day 100 of 100 Days of Summer
Today I head back to APU after my last 2 services as an intern. While everyone goes to Ojai Summer Camp, I will be training for ASB this upcoming year. My heart is invested completely in Saddleback, and I have no desire to leave, so it will be hard. However, I must take what I've learned this summer and apply it as I start the new year.

This was absolutely, positively, no-doubt the best summer of my entire life. I met some life-changing people, found out some truths about life, and began a journey in ministry that will continue for a very long time.

By intentionally grabbing a rock each morning out of my rock jar, I forced myself to live differently. I could not waste one single day! Each day is a new beginning and has significant importance. I tried to live like I was dying. What if I only had 100 days to live? Once I had such a passionate "seize the day" perspective, I started to truly live!

All in all, this summer literally rocked. I will never, ever be the same.

HSM Weekend in Review: Volume 13

2008-07-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

Message Title: Flooded (featuring Josh Pease)

Sermon in a Sentence: We're sunk when we try to live on our own power because God wants us to do our good works through him instead of for him.

Key Verse: "Jesus looked at them intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.'" Mark 10:27

Weekend Scale of Difficulty: 4 out of 10. Pretty simple weekend, very few elements. One glitch in starting a video, but it turned into a funny bit.

Attendance: up 4% from last weekend, up 76% from the same weekend last year, up %24 from the same weekend two years ago
Service Length: 70 minutes
Understandable Message: A Josh Pease used a story about getting his car stuck on a flooded street to illustrate how silly it is when we try to get unstuck in life on our own power while completely ignoring God's ability and willingness to help. This was a strong message that was easy to understand and apply. Josh's use of the illustration had two key attributes: it was memorable, it was immediately applicable to the student's lives.

Volunteer/Student Involvement: B/B Volunteers were actively involved at the tables and greeting students. Students led in the band, and handed out programs and pens as people entered. Still noticed that many student leaders had isolated themselves to the separate balcony. A few students, however, stepped up.

Element of Fun/Positive Environment: B The video of the cameras trying to keep up with Josh Pease at the beginning was very entertaining. It could probably be tied to the theme of the service, but I'm not sure that was the point. It seemed to be just an element of fun to reinforce the point that church doesn't have to be boring; it can be fun.

Music Playlist: The Grateful, Salvation is Here, All I Need Is You Lord, Hosanna,
Dominik dominated this weekend. He's got great talent combined with a powerful passion for worship.

Favorite Moment: The most powerful moment of the night was near the end of Josh's message. He finished telling the story of being stuck in the flood with his car. Nobody was around to help him. He didn't want to turn to God for help because he was intentionally trying to keep God out of his life. The situation helped him realize that he can't do everything on his own and that he needs God. The story of Josh reconnecting with God was powerful. The miraculous resolution to the crisis was even secondary to Josh's telling how God had his attention and bonded with him in that moment.

Overall grade: B+

(this report was written by HSM volunteer Dennis Beckner)

Dealing with Discouragement

2008-07-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

I was having some discouragement today and thought about what I could do to handle it better. Here's what I came up with:

1. Realize it's not about you. Discouragement is very me-centered. It's ugly, selfish, and wrong. For example, I'm discouraged because I don't get what I think I need, I receive negative comments from others, or I think my leadership isn't strong enough. Especially in ministry, you have to ask yourself, "Who are you doing this for?" Is it for you? For your image? For others? Or is it for God? Can you honestly say, "I'm doing this for you, Lord"? If you're truly doing it for God, you can't go wrong... He sees every action, appreciates every act of service, and smiles at every single glory.

2. Respond to discouragement with encouragement. Although it may be the hardest thing to do in a situation, it is the most rewarding. If you can receive negativity and counter it with positivity, you can never go wrong! You improve every situation and bring light to darkness. If you always encourage instead of discourage, you will always be a part of the solution and never a contribution to the problem.

3. Reconsider your expectations. Don't project your expectations onto others! Just because you are motivated, don't expect others to be motivated. Yes, you are always on time, but you can't expect everyone else to be on time. Sure, you always go out of your way to encourage others, but you shouldn't expect your co-workers to encourage you. Having high expectations of others sets you up to be constantly disappointed. Simply be who you are, and accept others as they are. You will not be the one to change them!

4. Recognize your role and push your limits. If you are frustrated with your role or feel like you aren't being challenged, encouraged, or appreciated, do something about it! You're as discouraged as you choose to be. Figure out a solution... find a way to challenge yourself, and think of creative ways to come to a solution. You may say, "But I'm just a ______ (your position/role), I can't fix this!" Instead of throwing your hands in the air and wallowing in pity, go beyond your self-imposed limits! You're only defeated once you've given up. So don't give up!

Wow. Discouragement? Come on... hit me, I'm ready!

Why I Changed My Last Name (Updated)

2008-07-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

I changed my last name about 8 months ago. I went from being Kyle Namisniak to Kyle Cleveland. It's hard for me to remember who knows about it and who doesn't... people are always asking me, "When did you change it?" and "Why?"

Well, here it goes:
Cleveland is my mom's maiden name. She and my dad have been happily married for over 25 years and still are, but 8 years ago she legally changed her last name back to her maiden name when she created her own business, knowing it would be easier as the President of a national company with a last name like Cleveland. So she can actually use either name because she is legally married to my dad so when she is a mom, she is Dianna Namisniak, in business, she is Dianna Cleveland, and when she wants to be both, she is Dianna Cleveland-Namisniak.

One night all of us, including my dad, were at dinner and everyone was talking about how much I seem to be more like my mom and the Cleveland side of the family than my brother and sister are. My mom was saying how I had a right to the Cleveland name just as much as the Namisniak name. We were talking about how some families have blended both last names for their children. She talked about how Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez are both Martin Sheen’s sons, but Emilio chose to take his mother’s last name to carry on her genes and that name. She said if I ever wanted to have the Cleveland name that I had every right to it.

Well, I love the Clevelands and the name is so easy to spell, pronounce and remember! It’s always been hard telling people my last name and having it be remembered, before or even after they brutally butcher it. So I thought to myself how I want to be “remembered” by people as I fulfill my purpose in life, and how much I like the name Cleveland, being so presidential and all, and I am just as much a Cleveland as I am a Namisniak, so I asked if I could really could consider changing it. My dad said right then that he would be fine with it, but my mom said I would have to get my dad’s blessing in a separate talk with just him and make sure he really wanted me to do it. My mom also said I would have wait till I was 18 as it would have to be something I would do as adult on my own as my parents would not have any reason to change my name for me.

So once I got this in my head I couldn’t think of anything else. It just felt right, so I asked my dad again, and he was more than okay with it. My dad is a very contemporary, progressive kind of guy who doesn’t get caught up in labels. He’s one of the nicest people I know!

So I decided to do it and after turning 18 I went to court and legally changed it (with both my parents standing there with me). So….. my brother will carry on the Namisniak name and I will carry on Cleveland name. I love being Kyle Cleveland, son of Lee Namisniak and Dianna Cleveland. How can you forget it! Although now I’m shocked how many young people don’t know how to spell Cleveland! Have they never heard of the city or the past president? Shocking!

Sincerely,
Kyle Cleveland

Will It Blend?

2008-07-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

This website is genius... a great tool for youth ministry. It will get a crowd rolling with laughter at a weekend service!

www.willitblend.com

Why Student Leadership Works

2008-07-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

We just finished our 2008 PDYM Student Leadership Conference. I've been thinking a great deal about Student Leadership, how it functions in a student ministry, and its importance to the health of a church.

Here's why Student Leadership works:
1. It gives student leaders ownership in the ministry. When students are given more responsibility and freedom to step up, they establish a meaningful connection with the church. They catch the vision and goal of the ministry. They want to be a part of it! Their involvement leads them to appreciate the work of the ministry and stirs them to give back with their time and effort. They move from attending the ministry to running the ministry... and they have a blast!
2. Student Leadership trains students and nudges them to think bigger. In our High School Ministry program, we meet with our student leaders on a monthly basis and challenge them with the fundamentals of Christian leadership. To many, the idea of servant leadership is brand new. We ask our student leaders to unselfishly sit with students who are alone instead of sitting with their friends. Once they start to gain knowledge of leadership, thoughtful students consider applying their leadership beyond our ministry and into their schools and community.
3. Student Leaders multiply the work of the staff. As we pour into student leaders, we are developing trustworthy resources who add power and potential to our ministry. For example, when I look at the crowd and see 4 students sitting alone, I can only sit with 1 or 2 of them. I look for student leaders whom I trust and ask them to connect with those lonely students. Not only are the student leaders being challenged to grow, but that allows me to establish a deeper connection with my 1 or 2 students instead of a shallow connection with 4. Everyone wins!

Oh, how I love Student Leaders!

My Xterra, The Tank

2008-07-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

I love my Xterra... It's the best car in the world... I had it six months before I even had my license! I'm going to drive my kids in this car.

Yesterday, I was given yet another reason to love my Xterra.

As I was leaving the resort in Palm Springs, I was following my brother's car through the front gates. He was entering an address into his navigation system, so he was inching through the gates... I tried to go around him, but there was no room to get by.

My car was stuck in the way of the gates. To my horror, they started closing! These heavy, huge metal gates slowly made their way in my direction. I knew that if I went in reverse, the gates would scrape the entire length of my car as I went backward. If I went forward, I would hit my brother's car.

As the gates hit my Tank, I mean Xterra, my car shook from side to side. The gates slammed against my car for about four minutes as I frantically sat in my seat, wondering what to do. We had my brother drive around and trigger the sensor for the gates to open again. As they did, my car shook from side to side again as the gates peeled themselves away from my car.

I was horrified to look at the damage. As you can see, there was almost no wreckage. The few chips of paint that my car managed to take from the gates as the gates cried for mercy were minimal, and I wiped them easily away after taking the picture.

I feel like I could go to war with my Xterra. Man, what an SUV! It only gets 12 miles per gallon, but I will drive this thing as long as gas still exists on planet Earth.

Rock Band, Rock On

2008-07-09T15:08:00.001-07:00

My family has a Wii, so we decided to buy a video game called "Rock Band." It comes with a guitar, a drum set, and a microphone. It's basically a more advanced version of "Guitar Hero," which I'm sure you're familiar with.

This game is crazy! I can't believe the technology involved in this... how the microphone detects your voice and if you're singing on-key, how the drums can pick up the beats... it's an amazing technolgical innovation.

My only complaint is the limited number of songs available on the game... most of them are from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It's difficult to play to a song that you don't know. PLUS, they don't even have one Switchfoot song!

My Rating: A-

Thankfulness Makes You Feel Better

2008-07-06T23:52:00.000-07:00

Did you know that being thankful actually has physical benefits? Showing gratitude makes you happier and increases the joy in your life. Don't believe me? Check it out here.

In light of this... I was sitting in the courtyard by the Pizza Hut in Ladera a few days ago, and I just decided to make a list of all the things I was thankful for. I know people do this as a cliche during Thanksgiving season, but it's the middle of summer, and I wanted to take a few moments to stop and reflect. This is what I came up with:

Saddleback Church
Texting
Josh Griffin
Women
The Bible
Jon Wallace
Jon Foreman
High School Ministry
Dennis Beckner
Diet Coke
APU
Mom, Dad, Eric, Ayla
Cody Moran
The Refinery
Cool T-Shirts
Sam Lewis
Michael Gonzales
Eternal Life
Hair Gel
Ladera Ranch
Nissan Xterra
Tesoro High School
Email
Purpose Driven Youth Ministry
Mentors
ChaCha
William Adams
Grammie and Bumpa
Prayer
Supporters
The Johnson Family

This is not complete nor in any particular order... but honestly, I felt more joyful after doing this. I highly recommend it.

Save the Planet

2008-07-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

This vehicle is probably the reason we have pollution in the world... I would love to see this parked out in front of the Refinery for the "Save the Planet" series.

This is actually someone's personal vehicle... Wow.

Palm Springs Sunset

2008-07-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is what I saw last night as the sun was setting on Palm Springs... God paints with a beautiful paint brush.

Only Got 4 Minutes to Save the World

2008-07-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

I heard this all the time in the office... "Only Got 4 Minutes to Save the World."

I am totally out of the loop on this one... I have no idea what it's from or why people say it... can someone fill me in?

The Real Wall-E

2008-07-03T22:54:00.001-07:00

There's a real Wall-E... it's not just a cartoon! Check it out!

No Response ... No Surprise

2008-07-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

So you don't get a response? That's not a surprise.

Send out a text? Shoot an email? Leave a voicemail? Still, you get nothing.

Is this normal? Yes. Should it be normal? Absolutely not.

I've noticed in the last few years and particularly the last few months that people are becoming less and less responsive. I'll send out a text to 20 people and will get 1 response. I'll email a whole team of people asking them a question or begging for help, but won't end up hearing back from a single soul.

Yikes!

In the last year, I've probably let four or five texts go unanswered and not a single email. I see responsiveness in direct correlation to dependability. Being a dependable person is a HUGE deal to me... I want people to be able to count on me. This makes it hard when I try to count on others, but the only thing I can count on is that I can't count on them.

This is something that has really got me tied up lately. Is it just me or is this really a problem? I'd love to hear your input!

Why I Love the Refinery

2008-07-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

The idea for the Refinery was originally created with "community" in mind. That is a theme that runs throughout the building and is intentionally integrated into the plans. One seating area upstairs has a group of couches placed in a circle around each other. It was amazing to see students ACTUALLY USING THEM! They are using the resources we have provided. What a blessing!

Our New Building... the beautiful Refinery

2008-06-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Refinery!

Stop and Smell the Flowers

2008-06-24T20:52:00.001-07:00

One day at APU... I was walking back to my dorm, and I saw this guy walking in front of me. All of the sudden, he stopped walking, walked over to the left where there was a bed of white roses, and smelled them. Then he kept walking. I was almost in shock.

He literally stopped and smelled the flowers.

The last two days, I was at Lake Mead... such a beautiful place. My best friend's family has a boat and it's one of their favorite spots. We were cruising on the lake, wind was blowing, heat was pouring down... but it was peaceful, refreshing, and sweet. I couldn't help but think, "God is good."

I need to stop and smell the flowers more... even if it means literally stopping to smell flowers.

Review of "Summer" by Jon Foreman

2008-06-22T00:21:00.000-07:00

Jon Foreman just released his last EP, "Summer," in his 4-part set.

Best parts:
My favorite song on the CD is "Instead of a Show."

Jon points out the hypocrites in the church and those who are concerned with showy appeal. He emphasizes, "Instead, let be there a flood of justice... an endless procession of righteous living... instead of a show." With the Refinery opening today, this really hit home because I know and trust that Saddleback is NOT about a show, but about loving people and seeking to bring them to righteous living, more "refined," if you will. :)

He pulls this right out of Amos 5:21-24. What a powerful message!

Overall Album Grade: A

Incredible Moments

2008-06-21T01:38:00.001-07:00

After Freshman Frenzy tonight, Dennis and I headed up to the Refinery to take one last overview of the building before students would be flooding its hallways.

We walked through the entire building, in awe and filled with hearts of gratitude for what has been done in that place. I prayed constantly as we made our way slowly through, imagining the things that are going to happen there. I was almost brought to tears a few times as I realized the enormous potential this building has to change lives. It was incredible to be silent and walk around in a building that would so quickly be filled with thousands of students.

When we had finished, we went up to the highest balcony in the HSM room, spent a few minutes in silence, and then switched off praying for the students who would come into this building, the volunteers and staff who would take the time for students, and the community that this building creates.

It's Incredible Moments like these that absolutely convince me that God is good, has a plan for his creation, and wants to see life and love poured into humanity.

Students have never had a place to call "home" at Saddleback Church. We've always had to adapt uncomfortably to our space and limitations. But this building was built FOR us. This is it.

Welcome Home.

Such a Great Team

2008-06-20T01:48:00.001-07:00

I feel so blessed to be part of such a GREAT Student Ministries team. These people are all incredible children of God, outstanding youth workers, and just plain know how to have fun! I've had a blast with them in the last two weeks! I've learned a TON from them individually and have gained some wisdom from them as a whole team. So so so great!

Sometimes I Feel So Stupid

2008-06-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

The lesson for today: never guess about women's apparel if you aren't absolutely sure.

Josh and I went to TJ Maxx today and as we were leaving, I saw a girl who had attended our ABS. She said "Hi" and was wearing a very noticeable necklace. To me... it was a no -brainer... the necklace looked like a stoplight. So I said, "Is that a stoplight on your necklace?"

Of course it wasn't... it was three yellow sunflowers.

I stand humbled.

Thoughts about the future: never guess at that, ever, ever again.

Come To The Refinery This Weekend!

2008-06-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Bring a few friends and come to the Refinery at Saddleback Church this weekend! You will not regret it... I promise!

Mac vs. PC Refinery Video

2008-06-16T19:33:00.001-07:00

A Rockin' Summer

2008-06-15T16:45:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of my summer, I asked myself, "How can I make the most of this summer?"

I had remembered when the President of APU, Jon Wallace, spoke in chapel, he challenged us to not let this summer pass us by, but to take advantage of it and number the days.

He shared Psalm 90:12, "Lord, teach me to number my days that I may gain a heart of wisdom."

I realized that I have exactly 100 days of Summer until I needed to be back to APU. So, I stole Jon's idea and bought 100 rocks and a canister to put them in. Every day, I have taken a rock out of my canister, put it in my pocket, and prayed over it as the day went on. I then left the rock at my favorite spot for that day.

I have kept a journal of my days, my activities for that day, my prayers for that day, and where I left my rock. It is literally a map of where I've been this summer.

One day, I had an incredible experience in the Refinery, giving tours and watching students get excited about the place they will call "home." I stuck my rock for that day underneath the hole in the ground where the "Refinery" nameplate was going to be filled in with cement. That rock is buried underneath the building!

Today is Day 45 of 100 Days of Summer.

It's already been the greatest summer of my life. :)

Basecamp

2008-06-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

I <3 Basecamp.

Taking the Time

2008-06-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

I met an inspiring, spectacular man today.

I was up at the Refinery doing some measurements for balloons to decorate the building for Grand Opening Weekend and Fields said to get the measurements from Sam.

I found Sam, a short man with a large beard and a baseball cap. I immediately noticed there was something different about this man.

I got to talking with Sam, who is the contractor for the $20 million dollar building that we stood in front of, and we could not stop our conversation. I told him about my grandma who is about to pass and we got to talking about his youth. He explained how he preached at his high school and then after he graduated, he preached at high schools across Orange County.

A principal of one of the high schools didn't like that Sam was preaching in front of his school, and he said that if Sam came back again, he would call the police. Wouldn't you know it... Sam was there the next day, and so was the principal and two police officers. However, Sam let the principal know that he loved students, just as the principal did. Sam wanted to help the principal, not undermine his authority. Sam asked him, "How can I help you to help these kids?" The principal was stunned... and inspired. A week later, the principal called Sam and told him about a law in California that mandates that students be allowed one hour of religious instruction per week if requested by the student's parents. So, Sam came to the high school for one hour a week and preached to hundreds of interested students. He even provided lunch for them!

That was just a glimpse of the many things Sam and I shared today. I am so incredibly impressed by his heart, his passion to do God's work, and his love for people.

In addition, I was inspired by Sam's commitment to put people above all other things. He is in 2nd in charge of opening this huge building in 7 days, busy with pastoral care, and starring in a play... but he took a significant amount of time to talk to me today. That's what putting people first looks like.

I'm thankful for people like Sam.

Know-Nothing

2008-06-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

Youth ministry is complicated. It's tough, difficult, and never ending.

I know nothing.

Everyday I interact with youth workers who have had an extensive history of ministering to students, some for a few months and some for 30 years. I am surrounded by huge minds that are full of wisdom on teaching students.

I know nothing.

Yesterday I started reading Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry and Next Generation Leader as I begin to learn the fundamentals of what it means to be a youth minister and a next generation leader. Fields has so many nuggets of wisdom to take away from just the introduction that I'm blown away, yet inspired by his youth ministry experience. Stanley talks with such knowledge and clarity on the topic of leadership. I can't wait to see what these two great minds have to say.

It's incredibly humbling to realize that I know absolutely nothing, but I'm learning, not only from books but with real, in-the-trenches experience. Leaders are learners, and I'm working on both.

Gone Music Video

2008-06-12T00:08:00.001-07:00

A music video a few friends and I made last year... we did some silly stuff and put it to a sweet Christian rock song. Check it!

Flexibility

2008-06-11T22:42:00.001-07:00

Before I took my internship at HSM, the staff kept stressing flexibility... being able to go with things at a moment's notice and having a good attitude when plans change.

I think I'm beginning to learn flexibility.

Last weekend, I spent 3 hours working on a PowerPoint presentation that would be used in the service. I was super excited about using it; it was about 4 minutes long. When I got there... I was told I had 45 seconds. I had to cut most of my work. I had to be flexible! Having a good attitude about it surely helped. Everything ended up great!

Yesterday, I spent a while calling plane companies to tow a banner in the sky. I was getting quotes and arranging prices, having the companies compete with each other. I finished the project today and got a final price, only to be finally told that the plug had been pulled on the project.

This morning, I had a full list of things to do when I got into work at 9. Around 10, I was asked to help pick up some furniture in Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, and Foothill Ranch. I went and didn't get back until 2. What a change of plans! But I did my best to be flexible and joyful by considering that time a service to others.

In all, I am so grateful to be slowly learning flexibility. I can't wait to spend 100 hours on a project and then have to re-do it because something changed. :)

I'm loving to painfully learn flexibility. Bring it on.

Appreciation

2008-06-10T23:16:00.000-07:00

In the staff meeting this afternoon, Pastor Rick brought up an excellent truth.

The more somebody (thing) is appreciated, the more value it has.

When things like gas prices and real estate appreciate, they gain value.

Similarly, when you appreciate someone, that person gains value. He or she receives praise, gains confidence, and raises ability. As a result of your appreciation, that person will try harder, perform better, and go further.

You give out appreciation, and in turn you receive value. Simple, easy, but genius. Thanks, Rick!

Reflections on Switchfoot

2008-06-10T22:04:00.001-07:00

If you hang around me for more than a few minutes, you'll discover an important truth about me: I love Switchfoot.

I am in love with the way they write their music, the meaning they infuse into their lyrics, and the sound they produce as a musical crew.

On or off the stage, in or out of the studio, they promote living life that is deep, raw, intentional, and unrestrained. I'd like to emphasize two Switchfoot proverbs that have changed my life.

"This is your life. Are you who you want to be?"

This is your life. You only have one. It's yours. You are completely in control of it.

This forces me to think differently... am I going to live intentionally?

Am I looking at the choices I make everyday and confirming that these are what I should be doing?

Or have I fallen into a routine of actions and become so dulled to them that I don't desire more for my life?

"Every day you wake up, you change the world... and that's whether you like it or not."

From the moment you turn the sheets on your bed, you are changing the world. You consume resources with your morning coffee, disrupt traffic patterns with your daily drive, and add to the never-ending dialogue of the world with your selected speech.

Literally, you change the face of the world with every action you make.

And everyday, you decide how much you want to change the world.

Personally, I strive for days that impact others, change people, and make the world better than it was when I woke up.

I've had days where literally the only change I've made is by moving a few things around. But I've also had days where I've served students, encouraged my family, inspired people to daily devote themselves to reading the Bible, fed starving children, and given a young man 100% assurance that one day he will be in heaven.

Everyday, what a choice!

My hope is that my change is never again just turning sheets on a bed.