Chris 2.0

Mobile Blogger Test

2011-09-08T20:32:00.001-05:00

New Blogger app for iOS...I may like this?

Kolkata Video

2011-01-21T11:28:00.003-06:00

I will have some journal entries later, but for now, here is a sample of what we experienced in India. Thank you for supporting us in our life changing trip...it was amazing!

Kolkata - A Brief Look from LIFEchurchnow.org on Vimeo.

India Focus

2010-11-18T16:33:00.003-06:00

All things India right now. Ana and I have just put together and sent out our information for the trip.
I'm super stoked to go to another country, but better yet, this place has so much culture and history. I know it will be a huge shock especially since the area we are going has around 15 million people.
I'm looking forward to seeing how another country operates and how other people live and manage their lives.
We will be working with another organization at a medical clinic. I of course will be a gopher but Ana will be able to work her magic with the little ones. Speaking of Ana, I am so impressed with her. I can't say that I have gotten to see her in full Doctor mode (mostly because she is always in restricted areas that I can't go in), but I love hearing her tell me of who she's been able to help or what new thing she has learned. I don't know how I got so lucky but she is AMAZING.
If you haven't been to our page yet, What are you waiting for?
Any way, just a few thoughts about the forth coming trip.

Post Easter Blues :(

2010-04-07T22:40:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since my last post (in fact, over a year) but I just had to put my thoughts down.

First off let me say we had a good Easter service. There were many people who made a decision for Christ, we had our first double service with about 250 people (many of whom where visitors), incorporated the youth and other Lc members into our service, had over 20+ volunteers and other than one technical glitch, everything went very well.
BUT...
I left with very mixed feelings about the selection of music and how it came across, the flow of the different elements and was the goal of the services met?
Another example of my own personal battles is there was just one anonymous card from someone that said they were needing more from the worship and that it felt too performed. It killed me because of how hard I try not become the performer and really the worship leader - LEADING the body in authentic worship (whole other topic here.)
I have been a worship leader for over 12yrs and have had many of these moments after the "big services." I also know that I am not the only one who has felt this way, in fact, I believe all ministry leaders at one time or another deal with this very thing.
I know it is part of my human nature to point out the flaws before I see the gem and I am aware that the enemy is hard at work deceiving and twisting the truth, I am just frustrated that I let it get the best of me and let it cloud the beauty and the power of those moments. I want to be able to walk away from a service and not be overly critical of something that went well.
Someone said it best..."the whole thing feels Anti-Climatic."
We (especially Rich my pastor) worked our tails off to get so many loose ends finalized before Easter. We are in a new building and so there were a lot of things that weren't done yet, like the street sign, lobby furniture, banners, final touches for the kids areas etc. All this work and with our natural eyes we see little payoff.

I had a very encouraging conversation with a friend yesterday and he put it in perspective for me. He said, "what if you were put on a deserted island and all the distraction were gone and you had nothing else to do but think about all that was accomplished in the last 4yrs of Lc? You would be amazed at what God has done and is doing in people that have joined or have been touched by your family." He was right. Lc has touched a lot of people which IS the bigger picture.
I (we) end up focusing on just a small portion or piece of the puzzle and it takes our attention off the more important things (read first paragraph again.)

Just needed to write it all down. I really feel great about what has been accomplished, and look forward to what will come in the future.

Didn't necessarily write this for answers or the sake of comments but if you have any thoughts then please feel free to chime in.

Lovin my Nissan

2009-03-17T19:55:00.000-05:00

Just hit 174,000 on my 1996 Nissan pickup. I have put all but 11,000
of those miles on it and my current Michelin tires have over 60,000
miles with plenty more tread. I do regular maintenance but no major
problems, ever. It's not the quietest anymore, has a few scratches
and dents but all-in-all I LOVE MY TRUCK!

Mobile test 2

2009-03-13T12:10:00.001-05:00

Pic of my Crest X8

Testing mobile blogger

2009-03-13T11:59:00.001-05:00

Sent from Chris's iPhone 3G
chriscary.blogspot.com

Leaving Modesto...the first time

2009-01-06T23:43:00.005-06:00

I came across this video and wanted to share it with all my old intern friends.
BTW...if your not an old friend from Modesto, CA, you probably won't appreciate this and find it rather boring.

Going Away Party 02' from Chris on Vimeo.

Drifting Iowa Style

2008-12-21T15:52:00.000-06:00

Here is a pic of my drive to the airport...30+mph wind gusts, making
it feel like -25 degrees below 0

Music rehearsal turned FUN NIGHT!

2008-12-16T23:42:00.003-06:00

Normally, every Monday night would be just a music rehearsal. We would go over new music as well as the list of music for the following Sunday. However, the last several months I have taken one week out of the month and made it a Fun Night.
We all bring a food item, eat together and either watch an instructional DVD or play games. Last night was the latter and we had a blast. We played Rock Band on the Wii and had guitar, drums and vocals. Let me tell you, the drums were a challenge to say the least...I think I am going to need a little more practice. We missed having a few or our friends with us, including my wife (who is in California.)

Below are a few pics from the night.

BTW...I would encourage all you worship leaders to give time for fun and learning outside of a normal practice - even at the sake (dare I say it) of having a polished Sunday worship service.

Maybe in the new year?

2008-12-16T16:07:00.004-06:00

I used to do wedding videography about 5 years ago and loved the process. I had a couple people help with the editing as I was just getting into it and had very little experience with non-linear editing. I have done a lot of editing since then and after seeing the following video from Life Stage and the lack of videographers locally, it may be just enough to get me back into it.

Check this commercial out for Life Stage Videography

I know it might be silly to put my video up next to the above commercial but I wanted to show the contrast as to what it could be with the proper HD equipment and software.

Here is a video I put together of a few of the weddings that I have done.
Let me know what you think.

Wedding Video Snippets from Chris on Vimeo.

You know it's cold when...

2008-12-16T12:22:00.000-06:00

You know it's cold when you look out your back door and see an icicle
frozen sideways...don't forget your long underwear :)

Just in case...

2008-12-15T16:39:00.003-06:00

Just in case you didn't believe we had Ashton and Demi here...

Tis the Season

2008-12-15T16:31:00.004-06:00

Here I am wanting Pumpkin Pie and no one (grandma, mom or wife) is here to make it for me. So, I guess I will have to get my paws dirty and "Gitr' Done!"

Spending time with Hollywood

2008-12-13T02:11:00.003-06:00

Here are some pics from the night. We had a screening of Ashton's movie "Personal Effects." Seemed to be a decent movie from the little bit that I saw. There were a lot of adoring fans screaming as he took stage. Overall a good event and Ashton and Demi were very nice.

More information... more entertainment...more...more

2008-12-12T12:16:00.006-06:00

Check out this nifty piece of 21st Century genuis...or not?
Slingbox SOLO

I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand there are times when I have down-time at work or when I am out and about, even on a real vacation there are those times that I have nothing to do. Do I make or fill time to watch a TV show or movie?
On the other hand, do I need/want to watch anymore TV than I already do? (I personally don't think so, in fact, less would be better.)
I am in front of a computer most of the day, so Gmail, Reader, Calendar (all things Google) and now Twitter are all an intricate part of how I function and communicate. At this point I can't imagine spending anymore time in front of a screen, TV or computer.
Here are some interesting thoughts from Seth Godin a popular blogger.
Warning the internet is full!

Keep going PLEASE!

2008-11-03T11:12:00.003-06:00

I hope this post doesn't make you angry, but rather brings you hope knowing that your gas prices could drop this low or lower. Ana and I were in Des Moines Iowa on Saturday when we filled up for $1.93 a gallon. YES!

"I Call Your Name"

2008-10-08T21:32:00.007-05:00

"I Call Your Name" from Chris on Vimeo.

This song was written by Ricardo Sanchez and is one of my favorites. It's not one of those songs that you should sing after singing several others, which was the case here. I loved being a part of the Shanes' night - they were so down-to-earth and gracious.

You will notice some camera movement as Ana was trying to capture the audience engaging into the song. Of course my little Canon doesn't do well in darkness :)

"Say"

2008-10-02T20:17:00.002-05:00

"Say" from Chris on Vimeo.

This is just one of the songs that I performed at the Englert Theatre. This is a John Mayer song.

John, Mike and I opened for Shane and Shane on 9/26/08. What a great night! The Shanes were awesome and of course we had a fun time opening up.
Ana filmed it from the balcony and I took the FOH recording for the audio.

"Love Wins"

2008-09-29T11:54:00.002-05:00

"Love Wins" from Chris on Vimeo.

This is one of the songs that I performed at the Englert Theatre.
John, Mike and I opened for Shane and Shane on 9/26/08. What a great night! The Shanes were awesome and of course we had a fun time opening up.
Ana filmed it from the balcony and I took the FOH recording for the audio.

"Rescue"

2008-09-29T11:15:00.003-05:00

"Rescue" from Chris on Vimeo.

This is one of the songs that I performed at the Englert Theatre.
John, Mike and I opened for Shane and Shane on 9/26/08. What a great night! The Shanes were awesome and of course we had a fun time opening up.
Ana filmed it from the balcony and I took the FOH recording for the audio.
I will have a couple more songs to share.....stay tuned.

Shane and Shane 9/26/08

2008-09-17T01:12:00.003-05:00

I am excited about this event because not only do I get to see one of my favorite bands, I get to open up for them. My friends John and Mike are joining me as we do a 3 piece acoustic set. Tickets are $20. If you are in the area please come see us.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th @ 8PM
Englert Theatre
221 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.688.2653

Watch out Starbucks!

2008-08-29T11:05:00.004-05:00

Today I am sitting in a Chicago McDonald's writing this post on very fast, free WiFi. I can now order a mocha, cappuccino, their version of the Frapps and many other specialty coffee combinations at the new McCafe espresso bar.

I had my favorite Bacon, egg and cheese biscuit with a decent cup of the regular premium roast coffee.

McD's have added their "healthier" menu choices and specialty coffees. They continue to serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and now free wifi. They seem to be on the right track to cut into the profits of the popular Starbucks (or the like) stop.

They have added wraps and sweet tea recently which keeps me coming back and now the mocha at a cheaper price may just be the key that pulls me in on a regular basis.
It's a scary thing for most especially after watching the popular Super Size Me. I have to admit that I am not as health conscious as I probably should be, but since that movie came out, there has been a lot of changes at Mickey D's.

Mississippi Palisades Camping Trip

2008-08-04T19:53:00.003-05:00

Here are some pics from a camping trip that my friend John and I went on. We really had a great time and the park was awesome.

To explain the pictures a little, we setup at our first site that had an electric hookup. We then had to move to a non-electric site so that we weren't charged for something we weren't going to use. So we took down the tent and stuck in on top of Johns car and drove to the new site. We had many look at us like we were crazy. The fishing happened on the Mississippi and as you can see I have some mad skills. Those blue gill wouldn't stop biten' :)

Vaca-Day 2

2008-06-22T00:25:00.002-05:00

We just got back from Cedar Point and we had a great time. As you can see above, it did rain but we got to meet some cool folks while waiting for it to stop. We had our fill of fried, sugary goodness, not to mention Bob Evans breakfast to start the day. I have to say that Cedar Point holds two of the top three thrill rides that I have ever ridden (Magic Mountains "Extreme" is the other.) Off to Chicago tomorrow.

Vaca-Day 1

2008-06-20T22:59:00.002-05:00

Had an OK start to the Vaca. We had a long drive but we finally made it to the hotel.
As you can see by the pics the focus is the hotel, because it was not what I expected. I have been tempted several times to just leave, but I can't see losing $160 bucks and then paying for another 2 nights somewhere else. It's not that it is actually dirty, but it feels that way. Very old and musty smelling (Ana with the mask says it all.) The first thing she said when we entered the room was "it feels like we ran away from home with no money."
Anyway, looking forward to a great day tomorrow.

Leaving tomorrow

2008-06-19T23:20:00.004-05:00

Ana and I start out tomorrow for our trip to Sandusky, OH. We will spend all day Saturday at Cedar Point and on our way back on Sunday we will catch a showing of Wicked in Chicago. I don't think we will ever grow up.
More to come....

Dreaming a little

2008-06-14T18:16:00.003-05:00

Here is a pic of the motorcycle that I would like to have. It is the Suzuki Boulevard C50 Black. It is the only bike in it's class that has fuel injection, shaft drive and is liquid cooled. Let me know if you have one to sell :)

IC Flood 08'

2008-06-14T10:21:00.002-05:00

Here are some pics I took over the last 2 days. There is still a chance that we will see 3 to 4 more feet. We are not out of the woods yet so keep the prayers coming.

Feedback

2008-06-11T23:34:00.002-05:00

I am looking for feedback on this "Feedback" form that I have created for our church. Essentially it would be for the first, second, third-time visitor. It would end up on our website for them to fill out. I created it in Google Docs because 1. Easy to create 2. Easy to keep track of the data. Ideally we would not have a separate paper handout but a mention in the program or at the Guest Center. I have carefully picked the questions and also kept it minimal on purpose. Please let me know what you think.
BTW...Go ahead and fill it out :)

Loading...

Moments

2008-05-21T22:23:00.003-05:00

At a stop light today I looked into my rear view mirror and noticed a young man who seemed to be crying. I wasn't for sure until I saw him wipe away the tears. I also could see him look around to see if anyone had seen him and then try to pull it together. We were both driving into the same shopping center so I decided to watch him to see where he would park. I knew that I couldn't just let it go and walk away, so I parked right in front of his car and just made up my mind that I was going to ask if everything was O.K. I walked up to his car and he had his head slumped down toward the seat with tears streaming down and I asked if everything was alright. He was surprised by me standing there and began to immediately toughin' up and pull it together. I told him that I had seen him at the stop light getting emotional and that I just wanted to make sure he was alright. He then began to share that a year ago his 18 yr. old friend died and that when he is alone in his car and a certain group (the Eagles) comes on the radio, he remembers his friends favorite band and the emotions well up. He then proceeded to say that he would be with his family this weekend and that things would be better.

-I wish that I could tell you that I got his name.
-I wish that I could tell you that I gave him mine.
-I wish that I could say he got my phone number.
-I wish that I could say I have his.
-I wish that I could post that I was able to pray with him.
-I wish that I could post that there is more to this story.

I asked if he was going to be alright and he said yes. We shook hands and parted.
I went inside and hoped that he would be there when I got back, but he wasn't.
I am not sure why I didn't do the above, in fact, normally I would have given that information or received that info first thing. It didn't happen that way and so all I can do is thank God for the moment that I did have. I will pray for the nameless young man and believe the Holy Spirit will do a great work in his life.

Awaken Montage

2008-05-01T09:48:00.003-05:00

Here is a glimpse of what our Easter service looked like on 3.23.08. Had a great time doing what I love to do.

Awaken-Life Church from LifeChurchNow.org on Vimeo.

Losing My Religion

2008-04-05T10:31:00.003-05:00

I had a few questions on the title of this series so I decided to post last week's message so you could here for yourself what we going for. This message is entitled Losing My Need to Pretend. Other message in the series are Losing My Need to Detach and Losing My Need to Play God.

Losing My Religion - My Need to Pretend from LifeChurchNow.org on Vimeo.

Video Fun!

2008-03-20T00:28:00.002-05:00

We shot a trailer for a new series coming up the week after Easter and I sure had a fun time doing it. I can't say that it was our idea, but we did make it our own...that counts right?
Enjoy!

Losing My Religion-Trailer from LifeChurchNow.org on Vimeo.

Servant Leader

2008-02-28T21:33:00.006-06:00

An old parable says:
A man who thinks he is leading but has no one following him is simply taking a walk.

I first read The Servant 8 years ago and it really helped form my thinking on leadership. James Hunter does a great job of looking at it from many different angles and positions. It is a simple read but make sure you have pen ready to make notes. One of the lines from the book that I'll never forget is "Who then is the greatest leader?, the one who as served the most." So, I just finished taking my production staff through it and my hopes is that it will have a lasting affect on their lives and the way they lead.

Communication Break Down

2008-02-26T17:59:00.005-06:00

As the spring quickly approaches my work season begins to get busier. We have a lot of shows/events to run and March kicks it off. January and February tend to be catch up time on building or staff related projects, and our shows are usually easier to accomplish. I write this because I have gotten used to almost two months of the slower pace and have settled down in that mind set.
Well, I was quickly shaken out of that mind set this past weekend when we had several shows in a row and there were some minor glitches. Some were controllable others were not. The controllable ones fall on me completely and I take full responsibility. After several days of thinking and having productive meetings today, I realized that the lack of communication was the biggest culprit. You see, when everything is spread out and the pace is slower, it is easier to cover all the bases, but when the pace speeds up, you need more communication more often. Of course this is a NO BRAINER, right? I guess this is the process with me, so I keep messing up and I keep learning. We need to be reminded from time to time to get our act together and get moving. As leaders, we are aloud to make mistakes and grow from those mistakes, and we need people to check us every once in a while. It is never fun to be called out on our leadership.
Here is a link to a post that Mark Batterson wrote about getting called out.

Survivor - Step 1 Complete!

2008-01-26T19:07:00.000-06:00

I did it! It only took me a little over an hour and it was done. They held the casting call at Core Fitness in North Liberty and many had traveled many miles to try out. They kept us in lines of 10 and I was #28. The lines moved fairly quickly and it was no time before I was at the door. They give you 2 minutes in front of the camera to tell the producers why they should select you. It probably took only 45 seconds and I was done. Hopefully the shorter, quicker interview was a winning strategy.
By the time I left there were over 60 registered and there were more mature individuals there then there were less experienced individuals (you like?)
The next stage is going to Chicago (if I get the call) and there they will pick out of 800 people. We'll see what happens.

Survivor-Casting Call Step 1

2008-01-25T13:19:00.000-06:00

I have filled out my application, printed out a passport size picture and now all I have to do is show up to the filming location. You see, I have been here before with the application filled out and ready to send it in, but never really have done it yet. They are filming your 2min spot 2 miles from my house. I really don't have any reason not to. Here is the link for the local details.

So, I am writing this post to for two reasons:
1. Share what's going on
2. Hold myself accountable to actually doing it.

I will keep you updated on the process as I move forward.

New meaning to Porta-Potty

2008-01-10T16:27:00.000-06:00

I was driving home from picking up some home improvement items and decided to stop by the local Mickey D's. As I was stopped at the window to pay for my gourmet meal, the attendant looked at me and asked if what I had in the back was for real. I said what do you mean, she said you are carrying a toilet-to-go in the back of your truck. It was one of those had-to-be-there kind of moments but what a laugh I had.

Big...Loud...Lots of Lard...it's a Mexican Family Party

2007-12-28T12:02:00.000-06:00

Just had a get-together with Ana's extended family and friends. We had a good time talking over one another and seeing who would be the first to make the kids cry (usually that's me). Although there were a lot of people, it wasn't near what it could have been :) I love being with my wife's family and I think after being around for almost 8 years they are finally letting me into the fold.

Meet the Ming Kids

2007-12-27T13:29:00.000-06:00

I had the chance to see my extended family in Selma. Here are a few pics of my brothas and sistas. In order from oldest to youngest: Macie, Hailee, Tanner and Hudson. We were at their Grandparents house in Selma.
I lived with the Mings for a couple of years when I was in Modesto, Ca. As you can imagine, I got real close to them and still miss being around now.

Gifts...

2007-12-26T13:12:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of my gifts this year...a Big Reese's cup and a pack of gum wrapped in a $20 bill.

Final Destination

2007-12-25T12:07:00.000-06:00

I thought my last post was the end but it wasn't. We left Denver over an hour late because the FO(First Officer) got stuck in Salt Lake. We had to wait for a reserve FO and he forgot his bag at another gate and had to run to the other side of the Denver airport (it's not a small airport). Once in the air we had to circle Fresno airport for about 30min. because of fog. They needed 1200ft visibility and only had 500ft. They diverted us to Bakersfield then gave us the option to stay there or after refueling, risk another try at Fresno. The options were slim, because if they couldn't land in Fresno then they would be diverted to Sacramento. Of course there was no guarantee that we would get bused back to Fresno and did I mention it would be a 4 hour trip.
Long story short, we got off at Bakersfield and rented a car and drove to Fresno. We made it to my sister-in-law's house around 11:30pm on Christmas Eve. To summarize, a 5hr. trip took 29 or so hours. We are here and are so glad to be in Cali. Have a Merry Christmas.

Travel Time-Part Deux

2007-12-25T11:40:00.001-06:00

Well, after posting "Travel Time" we ran into some major snafus in our trip. How ironic that I had to live out what I had just said. We were delayed so long that our flight in Denver (also delayed) had taken off before we arrived. Of course there was no other flight leaving for Fresno so we were out of luck. Further, because it was weather related they were under no obligation to provide hotel accommodations or food. So we chose to leave the airport and get a hotel so as to have a good nights rest. The flight today doesn't leave until 6pm, so we took the opportunity to go and see a mall and ride the Denver public transportation.
I have to point out that they did give us a discounted rate coupon for the hotel and first class seating on today's flight. The Double Tree took nice care of us; providing transportation to and from the airport, tooth paste, brushes, late checkout and of course their warm chocolaty cookies.
I choose to focus on the good things that are happening right now and not get bogged down by what has gone wrong. We have enjoyed our trip so far, even though it didn't happen as we planned.
Life is very unorganized and spontaneous and we have to be flexible so as not to become angry and bitter.
Let's live life with joy!

Portable Church in Iowa....in December

2007-12-25T11:08:00.001-06:00

A day in the life at Life Church. Here we are with our second attempt in getting the church's trailer up the hill. All I can say is "What dedication!" We have a great team at our church and even though I was one of the ones saying let's cancel, I am glad we didn't because we had 65 turn out for the Christmas service. We had several recommit their lives and at least one new conversion. It was worth every second of it.

Travel Time

2007-12-23T19:06:00.001-06:00

Ana and I are delayed at the Quad Cities Airport in Moline, Il. There are so many delayed flights, cancellations, lost or damaged luggage and the list goes on. The interesting thing is that most people make a bad situation worse for everyone else. Believe me I understand missing important meetings or events because of a flight issue, however, you can't change a single thing. I don't know if they are just wanting to get something from the inconvenience or they really think that yelling and making a fuss is going to make the plane arrive and/or take off faster.
I guess this all boils down to being content with the situation now. For the last several years I have been trying to live my life by enjoying every moment and the process as it comes. I fail miserably sometimes, but the majority of the time I try to live that way.

Mission Elijah Project 07'-DVIP Complete!

2007-12-18T12:16:00.000-06:00

We Did It!
I have created a slide show to give a small glimpse of what we have done. I have included a few before shots to compare. The pictures really don't do the project justice as there were a lot of details that are missed through the lens. Many thanks to all of the Life Church community missionaries and all of the good people out there who gave to the project. Although there are a few minor things that need to be finished, we have successfully completed the mission that we set out to do.

WOW! Dream Guitar Unveiled

2007-12-16T15:24:00.000-06:00

My wife rocked my world last night (no not like that) by surprising with the guitar that I have dreamed about many times over. The Taylor T5-C2 Koa Shaded Edge is a hybrid hollow body Electric Acoustic. Very thin with 5 pickup positions, each having their own unique sound.
Check it out
I am very blessed with so many things, but my wife is the best gift God has ever given me, Love you babe.

Mission is why we exist...DVIP Makeover

2007-12-13T01:46:00.000-06:00

We are doing an Extreme Makeover-esque renovation to a Domestic Violence Shelter in Iowa City. We started last Sunday, but with my work schedule and doing the actual renovation, I have neglected to share with everyone the progress. I will have more before and after pics to share but for now you will see people getting involved in such an awesome project. For more information click here.
I am starting to see people change...from shelter staff, women who live there and our own Life Church missionaries. We are being unified by one common goal and that is being missional to our community. Mission is why we exist......love is how we do it.

Ana and I in the holiday mood!

2007-12-13T01:28:00.000-06:00

Check this link out if you want to see me really get down.
Click Here

Wrestle - Part 1

2007-12-04T18:07:00.000-06:00

I have been challenged today by Rob Bell in his book Velvet Elvis. He points out the challenges with putting "Christian" labels on things, potentially leading to the consumption of things that we have been told are safe and acceptable.
I am wrestling with thoughts on how I as a Christian view certain things. I was raised to be a "Christian", but I think some of my views and language are that of someone who has consumed the "safe and acceptable". To be more specific, I like many other ministry leaders/Pastors work a full-time job. I happen to work in a very culture rich downtown city at the Englert Theatre. I am the Production Manager there and get to be a part of some amazing shows and see so many different art forms. It would be easy for me to separate my two worlds, "Ministry" and "Secular" work. College and different ministry teachings have clouded my thinking on how I should view my role. The last several years I have tried to see that as Rob Bell says "If you follow Jesus and you are doing what you do in his name, then it is no longer secular work; it's sacred. You are there; God is there. The difference is our awareness."
I am wrestling and I like it.

Kauai-Last Day

2007-12-01T20:24:00.001-06:00

This was the first image of the morning on our last day. Tom and Beth left later morning and then we headed out shortly after. The airlines were soliciting for over 40 people to take a two day paid vacation - to accommodate the smaller plane they had to use because of mechanical problems. I was definitely tempted but we were unable to take the juicy deal. We had a great time and I can see us going back sometime in the future.

Kauai-Day 6

2007-12-01T11:10:00.000-06:00

This was our last full day in Kauai and it was Thanksgiving Day! Tom and Beth planned the whole thing and Ana and I just went along for the ride. Literally went along for the ride, because this time we went to the North West Coastline and went as far as a vehicle could go and then some. We traveled off-road style in a front wheel drive Grand Prix (can we say bottom out). The coastline was just beautiful and as you can see, very little population was even there. I had Ana bury me in sand, we played all morning in the powerful waves and had a picnic style lunch. The night ended with a fabulous turkey dinner and pumpkin Tiramisu.

Kauai-Day 5

2007-12-01T10:48:00.000-06:00

This was my brother and sister-in-law's last day, so we hung with them and drove the entire North East coastline. We basically went as far as you could go in a vehicle. We saw some of the most gigantic waves that I have ever seen and of course weren't aloud near the water :(
That evening we went to a very popular Luau. In fact, many locals recommended the Smith's Family Luau. I recommend at least going once just to experience the food, entertainment and sites.

Kauai-Day 4

2007-11-26T23:56:00.000-06:00

Another excursion day and it started early. Paddling, hiking, swimming, and paddling (did I mention that?) were just some of the things we did. I have to say that Ana and I did win the race back to the finish and we did receive our quota of exercise for the week.
Dinner was great but luckily the lemon took the lobster tail stench from my mouth :)

Kauai-Day 3

2007-11-23T11:19:00.000-06:00

This day was more exploratory. We headed up to to the Northwest and started the day snorkeling and lunch at the beach. We ended up at the Kilauea Lighthouse. Soon after that we found a secluded beach where we continued to snorkel. The best underwater pick of the week was our Sea Turtle pic :)

Kauai-Day 2

2007-11-22T21:00:00.000-06:00

Because of the time difference (4hours behind Central Time), we got up around 5:3o am and got ready for our ATV excursion. The ATV tour took us around to some impressive sites. We went to places where Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and the like were filmed. You will see the pics above with the mountains in the back ground. They were part of Jurassic. Also, the rope that I am swinging on is next to the tree where Harrison Ford swung in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
I loved the power in the machine but like all tours, there is a limit on where you can go and what you can do.
After the rage of the machines, we hit the highlight of the day....the falls. I and several others jumped off a 60ft falls into a fresh water pool :) Refreshing!

Hawaii Day 1

2007-11-21T00:39:00.000-06:00

We started our trip on Thursday Nov. 14th. We drove to Chicago and stayed the night at the O'Haire Marriot (thank you World Points). We left Chicago on the 15th for what would be the best plane trip of our lives...not. For starters we went to the wrong terminal and got in line for the US airlines ticketing and luggage check-in then came to find out that the flight was actually "operated by" United Airlines. So then of course that airline was at a different terminal....yeah it was fun. On the flight, we watched Transformers and two chic-flicks, Without Reservation and Because I Said So along with episodes of The Office. We read books and bought extremely over priced airplane food but it's not like we had a choice because you get pretty hungry after NINE HOURS. Hopefully we didn't form any blood clots in our legs. We finally arrived in Honolulu and met up with my cousin Tom and his wife Beth. After a short lay-over and 15min before our take off, I realized that we were not ticketed all the way through to our final destination. After a quick panic and a run to the counter I was able to secure our two seats on the we 25min flight over to Lihue on the Island of Kauai.