Church

I've been thinking a lot about church lately and what its all about. It started with a conversation with some friends about looking for a church that fit them. I'm not sure what that really means, but its a statement that many of us have used when looking for the "right" church. 

The church we belong to can be very telling of how we participate in life with God. It will shape and many times dictate how we are involved in ministry. So finding a church that can help us go deeper, challenge our understanding, grow in our love for God and others, extend our reach, and also care for our needs is a daunting task.

I read a book a few years ago that shaped some of my ecclesiology (the study and theological understanding of church) called The Local Church Agent of Transformation. This book was written from a Latin American perspective about the qualities that the local church must have to be prepared to take on the task of being "salt of the earth" and "light of the world." 

One thing I know about church is that none are perfect. And no one model is perfect. It's not easy finding a church that fits with your personality and comfortability and at the same time is "missional" meaning; the church is  investing in kingdom work outside it's four walls and building up those who are already within the community of believers. 

I've been fortunate to be a part of Mosaic a faith community that works hard at trying to do this. Like I said no church is perfect, because the people involved are imperfect. But I believe Mosaic desires and constantly tries to be salt & light. 

Here are a few other communities that I've visited or read about that I think have the same heart:

Quest Church: Seattle, WA

Cornerstone: Simi Valley, CA

Mars Hill: Grandville, MI

Simple Way: Philadelphia, PA (not a church but communities living on mission)

{DISCLAIMER} There are many churches and communities that are kingdom minded and are doing amazing things in their communities as well as globally. I don't think you have to be a large church or have flashy websites to communicate this message. Although the four communities that I highlighted may have some of that. 

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day:

It may not be wise to stick your finger into baby's mouth to see if they are teething. Ouch!

Surprise!!

Surprise a new MacBook!!!!

I was speechless.  I must have looked and sounded very silly as I thought about how big a gift a new laptop was. Really I never know what to say in situations like that, when the gift is so "over the top" that you don't know how to receive it or express your gratitude.

Lisa and I gathered family and friends together to celebrate my graduation, but also to thank them for encouraging and supporting us throughout this crazy seminary journey. I didn't expect them to get together and buy me a MacBook as a congratulations gift. I was thinking ,"maybe they'll get me a cake!"

To all who chipped in, all I have to say is WoW! I don't know why God chooses to put such amazing people in my life. I get to share life with people who are generous beyond imagination. And to everyone else who couldn't make it to the party or got me other great gifts I thank you also.

I ran out and bought the new aluminum MacBook on Monday and my buddy Mike came over to help me break it in. Very exciting. 

Thanks again everyone!

Raising Daddy Tip Of The Day

If you let the little ones run around naked after bath time make sure you keep a close eye on them. Peeing on a power-strip can make daddy's heart stop. And who knows what it can do to Jr.

Graduation Day!

It’s the morning after my hooding ceremony, when they recognize me as a “master.” I think to my self, “A master of what?” I have not mastered anything about God or the spiritual life. I know that I have been “mastered” through this process. God has put me through the fire, burning away so much that I had thought was absolutely true about the Christian life and adding into so much more life then I could imagine. I walk away with the thoughts of the tremendous burden I have been given through the seminary process. I’m reminded of Luke 12:48

But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

I’ve been entrusted with so much knowledge and thousands of dollars of scholarly training. It’s a scary reality kneeling in front of family, friends, and the Christian community while my mentors, professors, and the seminary powers that be recognize, affirm, and endorse my scholastic efforts. I have been entrusted with much, and I know more will be required of me.

The big question is, “Now what?” I have no idea… Over the last few years at George Fox Evangelical Seminary I have learned to loosen my grip and step aside. I have dreamed, schemed, and made plans only to realize that much of it is out of my hands. Yes, I have a responsibility to move forward and put myself in positions so that things can happen (being stagnant is not a good option), but ultimately my prayer is always, “Your will be done.” It is God’s will that I want completed in my life. I must hold my plans loosely in my hands and not force things to happen, because I may not know the best things that Christ has in store for me. For the first time in my life I am comfortable without knowing the future. I don’t feel like I have to make something happen for myself or for my family.

Lisa and I have decided to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Each day we will ask, “How do I serve you today Lord?” Each day there is new possibilities to glorify Him. Each day he will direct our path. Each day he will reveal His heart and his desire for our lives. And each day we will know what the next step is.

Thank you to all of you who have journeyed with us through the seminary process. I am so grateful for your love and encouragement.  Life was not meant to be endured alone and we are so blessed to live life with you.

 In Love & Gratitude ~  “Master” Joel To 

Raising Daddy Tip Of The Day

Bring cookies, snacks, and quiet toys to Graduation or any other formal ceremonies. Kiddos love pianos, tripods, and many other potentially embracing equipment. 

Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere....

There is some pleasure in being home alone for a few days. One of them is being able to sprawl out all over the house. Being a bachelor for me has always meant I could toss my clothes and junk around everywhere. 

Oh but as a daddy I now pay the price for my wild unkept ways! Lisa and Kaden are due home in about 4 hours. Plenty of time to do a deep clean. So I'll slam down a cup  of coffee or two, eat a hearty breakfast, crank up some good 90's Grunge/Alternative, and dive into the mess that I called freedom! 

Hmm..... I wish I had a maid!!!

Someone like Alice from the Brady Bunch. She always knew how to clean up the kids' mess.

Maybe Rosie the mechanical robot from the Jetsons. She would zoom around the Jetsons pad and use crazy gadgets that shot out from her iron stomach.

Florence the Jeffersons maid was pretty awesome, but she had more attitude then I could handle.

Oh boy... spent too much time on this post! Mommy and Baby will be home in no time. Gotta turn on my Pearl Jam & Nirvana and get to work!

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day

Using more detergent doesn't help to make the clothes cleaner... there is actually a setting for "heavy soil."

Crunch Time

I've had my face buried in books all weekend while the Mrs. and baby are out of town. It's a blessing to have a wife who understands what I need to get things done. Lisa grabbed Kaden and took off to Seattle so that I could have the entire weekend to finish my term paper. Amazingly I have used the time pretty wisely. 

The only problem is that I can't get myself to sleep at night. I toss and turn just missing them and then my mind wont stop processing all the information from the day. Oh I can't wait to be done with this program, but I also know when I'm done there will be a weird longing to be back in classes.

Hopefully my blogs will get back to fun random daddy & baby stuff soon. Life has just been a little too serious lately!

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day

Stripping baby down to the diaper during meal time can save you lots of energy when doing laundry! Schedule baby's bath time right after and you are halfway done...

Legacy

I'm blogging today with a sentimental message. I received word that my grandmother on my dad's side past away last week. My parents were able to be in Vietnam during her final months on earth. Which was a great blessing to our family. I was able to observe this process via my dad's e-mails and have to say that I am more emotional than I thought I would be.

I've only met my Grandmother twice, both times for only a few short days. She was a strong women even in her old age she would be close to 100yrs old this year. Grandmother was known for her strength and love for her children. 

My dad has been on an emotional roller coaster this last month and I have grown a greater respect for him as I listen and observed how he has handled the passing of his mother. I pray that Kaden would love his mother and honor her as much as my dad has done for his mom. 

I am thankful for the legacy my Grandmother leaves behind. She has faithful sons and daughters who care greatly for their families. I pray her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would continue this legacy of loving and caring for family.

In a sense I have grown closer to my roots this last month. I received pictures today and just wished I could have been at the memorial service to be with my parents and the rest of the family. It would have been nice to have had Kaden meet his great-grandmother. He will just have to hear all the fun stories of her carrying wood into the house at age 90+. What an amazing women.

Many flowers were sent from the US. The one Lisa and I sent is on the left.

Vietnamese traditionally wear headbands and white clothing during times of mourning.

My dad between two of his brothers.

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day:

Give your family hugs today and tell them you love them and you are proud of them.

Supralapsarianism vs. Infralapsarianism

I spent most of my yesterday evening trying to understand the 

differences between Supralapsarianism & Infralapsarianism. 

I even had nightmares about it last night. I couldn't get the 

words out of my head. Some of you are wondering what these 

two words even mean and some of you really do know 

(that's just wrong).

If you're wondering in it's simplest form:

Supralapsarianism – God predestined before the fall (where election begins before creation)

Infralapsarianism – God predestined after the fall (where election begins after creation)

So what??? Yeah I know... with a lot of this stuff I wonder why theologians through the years get so hung up? Why do we try and figure out God and put Him into our boxed in definitions? It just seems futile. 

I look at Kaden and I ask God what do you want my little boy to know about you? What is going to point him to an all loving God? How do I direct his path toward a heart that desires to follow the way of truth, mercy, and grace? I ask these questions of God and realize so many times my heart doesn't even desire these things of Christ. 

So I pray this prayer for myself and for my family:

Jesus, let my choices in life be about you and not about me. Let my heart want to honor you and glorify you. Let my actions bless others before myself. Let my trust be placed in the hope that you have given me. The hope of your Kingdom coming here now on earth as it is in heaven only because of your great sacrifice. ~AMEN~

Raising Daddy Tip of The Day:

Swinging baby in a sheet is a fun and inexpensive game... just make sure you are holding on to ALL four ends before you start swinging.