Thursday, December 20, 2012

RICO

Came across this video while looking for some happy christmas stuff.

didn't find what I was looking for...
...but glad i found it.


RICO from Jeremy Snell on Vimeo.

...wisdom

If The World Ended

So as you know, the world is ending.

Some say really really soon.

Some say later.

Either way, people handle crazy stuff in different ways.  Ignore it, make fun of it, take it seriously and go into their underground forts.

Me?  I guess if I had a fort, I might go into it...just in case.  But I don't have a fort.  So.....getting on with it...

Stuff like this causes me to reflect.  Take inventory of what I have and what I believe.

So here we are.

I believe in the God of Israel and in Jesus his son.  I believe in His love for us.  And I trust what the bible says in Matthew 24:36 NIV "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

So the end most likely will not happen on the 21st.  But it could happen on the 22nd!

Anyway, that's not the point of this post.

The point is if the world ended...if I died tomorrow, I have much to be thankful for.

I have a wife who loves me and believes in me.  She sees things in me that no one else sees and somehow brings it out of me.  She is strong and passionate.  She is kind and tender hearted.  When she dances...when I think of her dancing, the world slows down for those few short minutes.  I feel like angels stop to watch her.  And I am so blessed...lucky to have her.

I have two children who mean the world to me.  As I see them growing, I marvel at the miracle that they are.  That only a few years ago, they were not even here.  They were a hope...they were a dream my wife and I had...and now they are here...more incredible than we could have ever imagined.  When they smile and laugh it is magic.  They try to dance like their mother...and that is magic, too.

I have a lot more to be thankful for.  For family and friends, for being able to see the world beyond the US and for seeing that as bad as we think our problems are, it cannot compare to what others face daily.

So when the end comes...
...when ever it comes...
I can at least say that I've lived a good life and I am blessed.

See you tomorrow!

Friday, November 30, 2012

The Rebel Jesus

This song cuts me to the heart.  Especially the 3rd and 4th verse...



All the streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
While the sky darkens and freezes
Will be gathering around the hearths and tables
Giving thanks for God's graces
And the birth of the rebel Jesus

Well they call him by 'the Prince of Peace'
And they call him by 'the Savior'
And they pray to him upon the seas
And in every bold endeavor
And they fill his churches with their pride and gold
As their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that I worship in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel Jesus

Well we guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why there are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus

Now pardon me if I have seemed
To take the tone of judgement
For I've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In a life of hardship and of earthly toil
There's a need for anything that frees us
So I bid you pleasure
And I bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel Jesus

Friday, November 23, 2012

Powerade was enough

So I biked in to work again today.  It's the Friday after Thanksgiving and there was very little traffic.  Either everyone is at the malls or they are at home sleeping off the meal/s they had yesterday.

Anyhow...after I got to the office, I went over to the gas station to get a sports drink (cause that's what athletes have to do after they do their...athlete-ing). 

Powerade was on sale. 2 for $2.50

So I got one red and one blue.

As I was walking back to the office, I saw my buddy Steve at the bus stop.  He said he was listening to the LSU vs Arkansas game (I should've asked him the score)...on a new walkman that he got (which is cool cause his other one got stolen). 

I say, "Hey that's cool.  You want one of these (Powerade's)?  Red or Blue?"

He takes the blue and says thanks.

After short meeting, at the office, I go back to the gas station and pick up a 3 spam musubi's.  2 for me, 1 for Steve.  With my musubi's in hand, I walk back to the bus stop and offer one of them to him.  "You want one of these?"

I expect him to say yes and thank you as usual.

But he says, no.  He's fine.

It's not that he doesn't like them.  I've gotten some musubi's for him before.

"Ok," I say, "take care."

And as I'm walking back to my office with Steve's musubi, I wonder if he was too proud to take it?  I wonder if he doesn't like to just take and take and take.  I wonder if he'll receive things that he needs...but for the things that he doesn't...he won't.

I look at him and ask myself: What does he want out of life or does he have everything he wants?

I wonder.

But for today all he wanted was a Powerade...and that was enough.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Random thoughts while riding to work

So today is Wednesday.  I usually try to ride bike into work.  Not sure exactly how long it is has been since I started, but it has at least been a few months.  It's getting easier.  Now that's not the same as easy.  Just not as hard as it was when I started. 

But it has gotten to the point where my mind can wander to other thoughts than, "Crap. I am so tired" or "Should I just turn around and drive to work?" or "I wonder if my wife would pick me up from here and take me the rest of the way..."

So here's some randomness...

1.  All you cars shouldn't bang me.  You know why?  Me using less gas getting to work means there's more gas for you!

2.  Wow, gas is $3.99 now!  Maybe me riding to work IS helping?!?!?  Gas has gone down.  That fact is indisputable.

3.  I love it when cars cut in front of me only to be waiting at the stop light for me when I pull up. <-- insert heavy sarcasm

4.  It is very fulfilling when I pass cars in traffic.  I take it to mean that I'm getting into better shape.

5.  Thank you all the cars and drivers for not banging me.  My wife and kids thank you as well.

6.  I wish PRP would start a bike lane campaign. <-- not really.  and I didn't think that up while riding.  Just while typing.

Ok, that's all.  I'm pretty sweaty and tired and am still typing on this keyboard.

Laters...

Monday, November 19, 2012

Paula Fuga & Mike Love - Misery's End

Really like the feel and groove of this song.  Just thought I'd share.  Enjoy!


Friday, November 16, 2012

FREE Jesus Culture Song

This song is free for a few more days before the album releases next week some time.  You can sample it before you download.  I got it.  The song is good.  (Very appropriate for where I am in my journey with God.)   Hope you like it too.


Song Time - Tell The World

Here is the latest...not necessarily the greatest...song from yours truly. 

Possibly the most upbeat song I've written.  Song is about telling people of our Savior.  The main part of this song (for me) is the pre-chorus based on Matthew 5:14.  That we would let God shine His light, his love through us.  Then the second half of that comes out of Matthew 28:19 where Jesus is says to go and make disciples.  Most of the songs I write are just prayers.  I hope that even without music, if you just read the words, they would make sense and would be something you could imagine yourself saying to God.  Anyways, if you have any questions about the songs or whatevers, just comment below.  Thanks for stopping by and for listening.

And with out further ado...




Tell the World
You are the truth, the life, the way
Our hope is found in You
We will declare
We will proclaim
Our hope is found in You

    Make us shine like a city on a hill
    Let Your light shine
    God let Your light shine
    Send us out so the world may hear
    For God You so loved the world
    That you came for us

    You came to seek and save what was lost
    You came to save the day
    Rescue us from the grave into life everlasting
    Joy, You are the hope of the world
    Lover of our soul
    We will tell the world
    We will tell the world

You are the light shining in the darkness
Our hope is found in You
You are the peace that comforts in the storm
Our hope is found in You

When we were lost and far away
You came for us
When we were broken and in pain
You came for us

Now we will testify of Your love in our lives
Of all You've done and all that You are
God be lifted high

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Failure

I've always been afraid of failing.  I am still very much afraid of failing.  But I came across a great new perspective on that subject recently.  I was watching a movie with my wife and two girls and this little clip kind of...got to me.  Now I didn't start crying right there on the spot.  (I waited till everyone went to sleep then had a good hour and a half sob session.  Just kidding.)

But it actually did give me a push...

To go try things...

Go try things that I might fail in.

Learn from it.

Then try to get better.

Here's a clip from the movie "Meet the Robinson's"



"Keep Moving Forward"

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Voting, Elections, & God

Today is election day.

We have the privilege and honor to elect our government officials.

No matter if the person you voted for wins or loses, we are truly blessed to be able to have a process like this.

Not sure why, but this election season has been tiring.  Candidates are running and campaigning, but we the voter have to sift through smoke screens and misdirections and find what is true and what is real.  To be honest, I feel lied to by just about every politician (...and it hardens my heart as towards this whole thing.)  Maybe they're hiding something from me for my own good.  Maybe if I knew all that went on, I would move to New Zealand (or somewhere). 

But inspite of all that...
...we are blessed to be able to do this.

The truth is we can do the best research we can.

We can actually have the leaders that we want in office.

But at the end of the day, that is just man's best attempt to right the wrongs.

And only God can bring the change we truly need. 

So right now, pray.

And after this election is done, pray.

Because we know we need God to live how we should live and whether those who get into (or back into) office knows it or not they need God, too. 

But it is our responsibility to pray.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Song Time - Be Lifted High

This song came together in about 4 days.

It's a simple song that aims to exalt the Lord.  Hope you love it.



Be lifted high, God almighty
Be lifted high, Savior of the world
Be lifted high, God almighty
Be lifted high, Savior of the world
Be lifted high

No eye has ever seen
No ear has ever heard
No mind can concieve
All the wonders of Your love

Glory to the Lord almighty
To the one who was and is and yet to come
Joining with all of the heavens
and all of creation
"Holy is the Lord"

Here's some song notes that hopefully help deciphering what I've written here:
- The middle section references 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.  In it I'm trying to communicate the greatness of God's love.  That however great or incredible we have seen, heard, or understand God's love to be, it cannot compare to what God's love really is.

- A lot of times I sing songs that I have no idea what it means.  I just sing it cause it sounds nice.  So the part "to the One who was and is and yet to come"...yeah.  I didn't really understand that.  So I did a little researching and God is known as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.  He was there when the world began, he came to us as Jesus, and will come again for us one day.  It's kinda funny that I need to research the meaning to my own songs. Anyway, just being real with you.

- I did have an issue with the "all of the heavenS" line.  I thought about changing it to angels or something like that, but Psalm 19 says "The heavenS declare the glory of God..." So if it's in the bible, it can be in my song.  In that line though, I just wanted to encompass all things we think of as heavenly: angels, heroes of the faith (like Moses, David, Noah, etc), all of those who have past on...that we join with them in our praise.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Bethel Church - The Loft Sessions

In my quest for music and also not having to pay too much money for it, I have most recently come across this album:  Bethel Church - The Loft Sessions

It came out on iTunes, January of this year.  But I just picked up the CD/DVD combo at Logos Bookstore for $11.99 plus tax! (Cheaper & better than iTunes! My kind of deal.)  Logos Bookstore can be found right here.  Check them out if you can and support your local businesses.

Here is a great song off of that album called "Come to Me" featuring Jenn Johnson.



Also, here's a little trailer for the album.  These are always fun to watch.  Kind of a "behind the scenes" thing! (More videos can be found on their YouTube Page)



For chord sheets and other cool stuff check out the Bethel website, here!

Hope you pick up the album and hope you love it.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Soap, Chips, Veggies, & a Coke

Well, the other day I walked past Steve on my way to the gas station to get a cup of coffee.  I was going to say something to him, but he had headphones on and looked like he was resting.  So I tried to make eye contact and acknowledge him and then went and got my stuff.  On my way back, he was lying down with a cap drawn over his eyes.  Sleeping I guess...or so I thought.  I didn't want to bother him if he was sleeping, so I just went back to the office.

(Thinking about it now, it's kinda ridiculous.  I should've just said hi.  Anyway...)

I get back to the office and a little while after, Max says hey, I think Steve is still out there.  We should make him a plate of food.

(Great, right after I walk by the man, Max has this great idea...but often, I feel that's how God works in my life.)

So we get to it.

All we have in the fridge are some veggies...and I'm feeling a little embarrassed cause that's all we have to give.  And then I think to myself, "Why are you embarrassed?  He doesn't have anything to eat.  Something is better than nothing.  Right?"

So I get over that.

Max also gets some chips, soap, and a Coke.  Doesn't look like that pitiful of an offering anymore.

As we are walking out, we say a few short prayers.  We ask God to bless Steve.  We ask God for wisdom as to how to love Steve.

We get there and this is not a movie, so this picture also comes with smells and I can smell Steve.  Which makes it a little more difficult to be there.  He's lying down curled up, headphones on, with his cap still drawn over his eyes.  He's resting.  I'm ready to tell Max let's leave the plate and other stuff by him and let Steve rest, but before I can say anything, here's Max nudging Steve's arm...

Steve wakes up with a tired and confused look on his face.  But he gets up and acknowledges us. So we (re)introduce ourselves and give him our little gifts of soap, chips, veggies, & a coke.

We talk stories.

We hear how he tries to keep his area clean so the cops don't bust him or tell him to move.  We hear how he is still healing from a hip replacement.  We hear how other people steal his stuff like his blanket and soap...and as he mentions the soap, he looks at the big plastic bag full of hotel soap and shampoo and says how it was just what he needed. (Wow.)

We stay there for a little while longer and before we leave, we ask Steve if we can pray for him.  He says it's alright.  So we do.  We pray.  At the bus stop.  We pray for healing to come to his hip and to his ulcers.  We pray for God to provide for Steve.  We pray for God to bless Steve.  (Amen)  We shake hands and let him know that our office is around the corner if he needs any help.

Then Max and I head back.

As we do, I think about what just happened.  I think about what my plan for Steve was: to provide a few things, gain his trust, infuse a little hope into his life, pray that Steve comes to the Lord, gets off the streets, gets a place to stay, gets a job, comes to church and tells everyone how God changed his life!

But that wasn't God's plan.  Not that day anyway.  God's plan was for me to get to know Steve better.  God's plan was for me to see how grateful he was for those simple things.  My plan was for me to go and bless Steve and for me to teach him something about God, but God's plan was that Steve was going to teach me...about contentment...about being grateful...and about what we need to "survive".

If we think about it, what do we need?  Not that much.  But we stress, fight, and work so hard for things that really aren't that essential.

This is a difficult verse because of the culture most of us live in, but it comes to mind:

Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV
7“Two things I ask of you, Lord;
do not refuse me before I die:
8Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

...so thanks, God.
...and thanks, Steve.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Small things can still mean a lot...

So there's this guy outside of my office.  He's homeless.  His name is Steve.

I started talking with him a while back because of a message at church.  In the message, Pastor Mark shared the story of the Good Samaritan and challenged our view of who our neighbors are...challenged me.

So as a result of that, I've spoken with Steve a few times.  He's from Houston, Texas.  Not really sure how he got here.  But he has a cane and he's had hip replacement surgery...so he walks with a limp...when he does walk.  He mostly stays at the bus stop outside my work.  He doesn't really like IHS or the other shelters.  He's slept at the bus stop outside my work and at the old Advertiser building on Kapiolani (among other places).

Recently, I've been walking by the stop and I kinda say hi as I go by and didn't really get an acknowledgement from him.  So believe it or not, I got offended. (Sheesh. I suck.) So for a little while I was thinking, "O, so you don't wanna say, 'hi'. Ok, I'm not gonna help you or get you stuff."

But as soon as I got that bad attitude, I could feel God say, "Jared, are you serious?!?! A homeless guy doesn't say, 'hi' to you and you're gonna act like this?  C'mon now" <---this is a paraphrase BTW

So of course I'm wrong.

Of course I am.

I know I am.

So I ask myself, how do I love this guy?  How do I care for this man?  How do I love/care for my neighbor as myself?

The next day I bought him a Gatorade. 

He was so stoked!

"Hot tamale!!! Thank you, thank you," he said.

Today, me and Max got to talk stories with Steve again and got to pray for him, too.   In doing that, it made me wonder about something...

How much is enough?  Tell you about that later.

But for now, if you wanna help someone out, it doesn't have to be a huge life changing thing.  It could be small...but still life changing thing. 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Fantasy Football

According to Matthew Berry, I had a terrible draft.

Maybe. Maybe not.


***The Black Unicorns*** in honor of the departed @1987Marty.  Go Cowboys!!!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Let my eyes see...

Been journaling at YouVersion.com for a while.

Here's a little something I feel like God is trying to tell me.

Gotta reorganize my priorities...



If you're on YouVersion, let me know...
Here's me.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

FREE Music from Jars of Clay

I went to a concert of  theirs way back, when they came to Oahu.  It was at the Hawaii Theater and I was so excited!  But then as Jars of Clay was about to play their set, I remember someone coming out on stage or someone speaking on the speaker system saying that there would be no dancing or anything.  That we were required to say in our seats through out the concert.... (WHAT!!!!) I was so mad about that (and still am somewhat). 

Anyway, on Noisetrade.com there is a free download of a new album of theirs.  If you like the music, you can tip them.  Listen to the album right here below and even leave a tip as well...and DANCE AS MUCH AS YOU'D LIKE! 


Friday, September 7, 2012

One Sonic Society

I just recently discovered this worship band: One Sonic Society.  I know I'm late to the party, but even so, just wanted to pass the good word along.  They are worth listening to.  To be honest, the only reason I checked them out was because I recognized Jason Ingram's name who has a few songs on a couple of Hillsong albums (of which I am a huge fan).  So I was so pleased to find, see, and hear a few of their songs.  This one is called Light Shine In.

Hope you love them.



What are you listening to? I'd love to know.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Getting close to my goal!!! 30 min or less

Blogged about riding bike to work instead of driving a while back.  (click here to read it)

Took a longer but a little safer route at first...and that took me about an hour to get to my office...sometimes more.

Now that I've been doing it for a couple of weeks, I decided to take Waialae Ave. 

First time it took me about 45 min.  Today?


Getting better!!! 

Also once again, I'd like to thank all the drivers of motor vehicles for not banging me.  Much appreciated.

What if we really believed this?

And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’

These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. 

Matthew 6:28-34 NLT

If we really believed this, how would our lives be different? I confess I waiver back and forth in seeking God's Kingdom first and worrying about "this and that". 

But what if we lived this out?

Fully.

Completely.

What would change?

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Alaska Abaze 2012

Here's a little recap video from our team that went to Alaska this summer.  Thank you for all your prayers and support.  To God be the glory.


Alaska Ablaze 2012 from KCFHAWAII on Vimeo.

(I'll try to blog more about the camp later.)

Saturday, July 14, 2012

I miss this...

In a little while, my family, myself, and a few others from our church will be going up to Alaska. We'll be helping out with a camp.

Makes me think about earlier times.  I'll try to blog about it more, but this is one of my favorite pics and memories.



We were at a smaller village outside of Savusavu, Fiji.  The house we were in didn't have windows or doors...just frames & we didn't have electricity.  So at night, we had to use our flash lights to see & when our team would have dinner or talk about stuff, we would notice dozens of little eyes staring at us following our every move...like we were a TV show.

The next morning, we got to hang out and play.  We passed out stickers and little bouncy balls...and other kinds of stuff.  It was really amazing to see how excited these kids were to get these gifts.  Made me think about how simple things can bring so much joy...and how we...I might take those types of things for granted living in Hawaii.

Moments like these have shaped...and probably changed the way I see the world and the people living in it.  There is a lot of beauty in the world, we just need to dig a little deeper sometimes to see it.




Me, the bike, & the POOP

If you know me, you might have heard this story before.

But as I just wrote a little blog about riding bike to work, this story came blazing back to the forefront of my mind.

It's funny. Pitiful. and maybe a little disgusting.  Ingredients to a great story if I do say so myself.

So this happened in California where my uncle lives.

I guess during the week, my uncle and cousins were planning a mountain bike ride.  You know cause we were visiting from Hawaii, so they wanted to do stuff that we don't normally do.  So on the way (it was early and) my stomach wasn't feeling very good. IT'S NOT AN EXCUSE! IT REALLY WAS NOT FEELING GOOD. So there was that.

So in my mind, I know I can ride a bike.  How hard can riding through a few "hills" be?  Plus I'm the oldest of all my cousins so that automatically makes me the most athletically gifted! I should shine here.  This is my time!

So we get out.  There's me, my two cousins, & my uncle (as I remember this...although there could have been more, but I feel like the four of us will be the main players in this story). We all get our bikes...except for my uncle.  He's gonna run it. That's right, I said run.  He's crazy.  But he runs marathons...so you kinda gotta be a little crazy to run marathon, right?  Anyway, on to the story...

this isn't the mountain we rode up. but it could've been something like this!
yeah, it probably was...I'm sure of it.
I don't really remember the beginning...so that part must have been easy.  Until THE HILL. Virtually straight up.  Like trying to climb a vertical wall w/ a bike.  I don't know how my little cousins did it so quickly.  But all I remember about this part is...
not.
moving.
at.
all.

Until my uncle comes and saves the day!  He comes up behind my bike, grabs the seat, and pushes me up the hill.

Yup, I'm officially embarrassed.

My "little" cousins, just pumping their pedals beside me and riding like it's nothing...and here I am...now going smoothly up the hill powered by my uncle, who was running.  And now that I think about it, he made it up really fast.  He didn't just give me a boost and say, "Go Jared!" He kept pushing me to the top.  [pitiful][...in reference to me of course]

(Now that I'm writing this, I realize that the bike I was using must have been broken or something.  Probably couldn't go up hills)

Ok, so we're at the top of the hill...I mean mountain. Now is the fun part down the hill...I mean mountain.  It's not too steep and kinda zigzags down.  My cousins have done this before so we wait a bit, which gives me time to watch how other people are going down.  Doesn't look that hard...and we're off!

Down hill is WAY funner than up hill.  For sure.  It'd be even funner if there weren't so much rocks on that path.  Bumps all the way down.  No smooth areas.  And you know how my stomach was giving me problems in the beginning of this story?  Well it wasn't getting any better going down this path.

Finally we make it to the bottom and I gotta go. Take a crap.  But this is the mountains.  No 7-11 or gas station bathroom to stop by here.  It is just trees and grass and mountain and...that's it.  At this point, after coming down this mountian, I will not be able to ride back to the car, wait for my uncle to finish his run, get into the van, drive back to the house, and use the bathroom there.  No.  This is happening now.  Another minor detail...I don't have any toilet paper.  GREAT!  This is turning out to be the best bike ride EVER.  I ask my cousin if they have any and he says, "yeah, I do." No he didn't, cause who packs toilet paper on a bike ride?  But he does rip off his sleeve and gives that to me to use.  Wow.  That's family. (sniff sniff)

Ok, so now I run to an area with a few trees and a lot of bush for covering.

I do my thing.
[Poop]
Relief.

Didn't think I was gonna make it there.  But I did.  So after taking care of business, I get back to my cousins who were waiting for me.  They ask me I went to take my crap and as I'm pointing to where I went, along comes a deer...goes right to the spot where I went...puts it's head down...sniffs...& leaves.
[funny]

Wow, I just saw a deer.  In the wild.

The end.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Poems & Dust - "Dirty Words" JAPAN EDITION

I tweeted about this and posted on Facebook, but here's another notice.  If you like great lyrics put to killer beats, I would recommend PND's "Dirty Words". The album is only $5 here.

This is one of my favorite tracks on the album.



You can actually sample the whole thing at their bandcamp page and then purchase it there too.

Who are you listening to that I should know about?  Lemme know.

Love supporting talented independent artist.

Thanks for stopping by.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Da-Bike experiment

This is me super tired, but trying to look cool and not tired. (failed on both counts)
Also the seat on this bike really hurt my butt. But I got a new one after that as you'll read.
So, I thought it would be a good idea to ride my bike to work.

I thought it was a good idea.

My legs sometimes tell me otherwise.

Now there are a number of reasons why I did this.  One is because I don't want the rail to be built here (just being honest)...and I figure if I'm gonna ask someone to not drive their car and catch bus or ride bike, I better do it myself.  So here we are.

4 weeks into the trial.  I've biked at least once a week (Wed)...sometimes twice (Wed, Thurs) if I'm feeling ambitious.

Now the first time I tried it...I seriously was doubting my ability to ride 10 miles w/o quiting or getting hit by a car.  But you know what? Neither of those things have happened!!! (and haven't YET!...crossing my fingers).

Now one might think, "Hey Jared, you must be some kinda ultra fit person to do that kind of stuff."
(I said might...)

And I would respond, "Why thank you for thinking that, but not really.  I love to eat pizza, candy, and all kinds of other stuff full of delicious sugary magic!  My doctor says I have borderline high blood pressure.  I have had gout.  I have a little bit of asthma...and I weigh about 226lbs.  So not as ultra fit as you might imagine."

So anyway, back to riding bike. It does take some courage to bike on the road WITH CARS!!!  But so long as you ride straight and be courteous to drivers, they won't really bother you.  (Actually I could just be so tired that I don't even notice people trying to bother me.  Anyway in either case, there is no bothering to notice!)

OK, so for the positive things about this experiment: 1) I made it to work  2) I made it home from work  3) It is getting easier  4)umm nothing I can think of...yet.

The negatives? None. Na. Just kidding. It does take me longer to get to the office.  But I'm just starting this bike thing and I imagine as I get into better shape and figure out the best route to work I'll shave minutes off the travel time. I also did get a flat tire cause I ran over a branch w/ a HUGE thorn.  I don't have a repair kit (which I should buy). And I don't "really" know how to change my tire...but hey! That's what YouTube is for, right?

What else should I talk about? Bike stuff/equipment!

So I have a helmet.  A BIG ONE...made by Bell.  They call it the XLV. (DON'T LAUGH) (OK LAUGH but not too much please).  I need a big helmet cause...you guessed it I have a big head.  What I also have purchased is a new seat...some kind of gel thing. It has been like night and day w/ this new one.  If you are considering riding bike, I would definitely recommend a good seat.  Here's the one I got...I think. Another thing you should get are lights.  I have something like these.  I think they work pretty good.  Also another thing I decided to get were some sleeves...CAUSE I WAS GETTING BURNT! They're something like this. They also have been a great purchase IMO.

When deciding to ride bike, I never realized how much stuff...extra stuff you need.  But it's been good.  Nothing really spectacular in this post.  It could be though that I am so exhausted from riding, that I can't formulate my thoughts properly and therefore can't write a better blog post. Hmm.

Anyway, that's all for now.  I have really good story about biking that happened to me like 15? no...MAYBE 20 YEARS AGO!!!! Oh My Lord I am getting old.  But come back for that.  It involves me, riding bike, & poop! C'mon add poop to a story and it is like a MILLION TIMES better than w/o right?!?!?! Anyway that's all for now.

P.S. Gonna go to Alaska (w/ my family and a team from church) in a couple days to help out w/ a camp!  Pretty excited about that. 

...OH and have fun biking!...and support your local bike shops.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

All For Love (DEMO)

So here's the newest song I have.  I really tried to write a song that convicts the heart...BUT it somehow ended up very happy and singsongy at the end.  I guess that's just the kind of person I am.  Also, I really need help/tips on recording...cause this is just...not good.  Or if I could find someone to sing my songs!!!???!?!?! That'd be good, too. I think really it's just that I need a church/congregation.  I really am uncomfortable singing by myself.  Anyway, to God be the glory.  

All For Love


Broken for me
The crown of thorns & nails in Your feet
& hands flow blood
All for love


You took my place upon the cross
You died the death that I deserve
You paid the ransom for me
Once and for all
for love
All for love


So I will sing
& I will praise You
& so I will worship You
with all my heart
And I will live
Giving You everything
for You gave everything
& You held nothing back
for love 




Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Spoken words...


During the past couple of days I've been...captured by stories told by poets of Passion for Christ Movement (P4CM).  They have challenged me, given me new perspective, they have brought things to light which I rarely thought of or considered.  Through their experiences and words, they have helped me to see more, feel more, understand more...

hope they do the same for you...

Here are some that moved me.
(To God be the glory)

Ready or Not by Janette...ikz & Ezekiel


"I will wait for you" by Official P4CM Poet JANETTE...IKZ


Identity Crisis of a Misfit by Ezekiel


Only the Good Die Young


P4CM Presents I Promised I Wouldn't Tell! by Featured RHETORIC Poet J"O" Speaks

Friday, June 15, 2012

Need a pair of glasses? Try Warby Parker.

A while back a friend let me know about this company. 
Now that it's about time to get my eyes rechecked, they kinda came back to mind. 

So if you haven't heard, this is Warby Parker.  And with a name like that how could you forget it? 

Check them out when you need a pair of new glasses or shades (men or women).  You'd be helping yourself AND someone else who could really use it.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Something about worship & anointing



This past Sunday we went to church at SRM Kona. If you're in Kona on a Sunday, go check them out for sure.  But it was a good day.  God showed me stuff about worship and I guess wanted me to see/understand/experience something about anointing.

Now for me, anointing is a funny word.  I understand/understood it to be when God's blessing or God's hand is on someone for a certain task.  But it kinda always meant: skillful.  I though that was the church word for skillful:  Anointed.

Oh, that person was an anointed speaker...means that person gave a great message.

Just fill in the blank for ministry...worship leader, guitar player, singer, children's worker, etc.

But last Sunday during worship at SRM, there was an anointing I believe.  Not necessarily on the whole team, I would say...but at least one, for sure.  My father-in-law.  It was weird because I have been to this church so many times before and have experienced their worship and church and only once have I ever felt something similar.  The one time before was when Jimmy Bohol lead a song.  Kind of a husky bigger guy, broad shoulders, dark skin, hair slicked back, huge smile.  Didn't really have the best voice but he had a nice voice.  The thing about it was he had cancer.  He was dying.  Yet he lead on stage with passion and praised the Lord with all that he had.  You would never know he had cancer or that he would die soon by watching him praise the LORD.

I thought to myself, "Wow, that is worship."

...I cried a little that day because I saw a man who loved the Lord so much and I saw myself who needs to love so much more.

So this past Sunday, nearly the same thing.

My father in law was just doing his thing...playing bass.  But every time I turned my eyes to him, something between my heart and throat started to well up. So I would turn away...and it would go away.  Till finally, I just locked in on him...and just like that, tears started to flow.  It wasn't that I was blown away with his musicianship (which I was cause he's really really good), it wasn't that I was suddenly convicted of some major sin in my life (which I probably should have been), the song that they were playing has been played many times before, but it was more that he was just "in his own world", giving glory to God.

That is what my eyes saw.  That is what my heart felt.

Anointing, I don't believe is just so we can say, "Wow, that person is really great or anointed at what they do," or "Look how God anointed them!"

It's has to be about, that person really loves God. Then somehow when God infuses them with his spirit for that time or season...something happens...something affects us...deep in our soul and somehow we are closer to God.

To God be the glory.

What does anointed mean to you?

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Song time - Oh My Soul (the rewrite)

I've heard it preached/taught before that David was commanding his soul to praise God (in Psalm 103:1NASB).  That despite the hardships and difficulties we encounter (or bring upon ourselves), God is worthy to be praised and we need to remind ourselves of that...we need to sometimes command our soul to praise the Lord.

So here is the 3rd re-write of this song.  I think it is finished...
(Also I kinda messed up while singing it, but I'm too lazy to fix it up...and it doesn't sound THAT bad.)

Anyways...here we go again.

Oh My Soul



Oh my soul
Oh my soul
Oh my soul
Praise the Lord

He is good, He is good
and His love forever endures
He is peace, He is peace
Comfort for all who are in need
He is hope, He is hope
Like the dawn comes our Savior
He is God, He is God
Glorious, Sing my soul
sing now

Holy is the Lord
Holy is the Lord

Let everything within me
respond to all my eyes see
through the veil of faith and the living Word
Holy Spirit come let me see the hope
That I have in You
You alone are worthy to be praised
Forevermore
Hallelujah Hallelujah

Thursday, May 31, 2012

DaBus experiment

So I didn't drive to work yesterday.

I caught the bus.  (Or for da locals: I caught bus.)

There's a few reasons why I did it.  AND NO, my car wasn't broken.

1. Gas - Gas has been going up, up, up, down a little, then up some more and I have been wondering for a while, how high will the price of gas have to go before I start riding the bus? or before I would consider riding the bus? or before I would HAVE TO ride the bus? (It's getting there.)

2. Rail - I don't want it.  SORRY for those of you who do, but I do not.  I feel that it's too expensive, for one.  For two, (haha...who says for two? anyway...) I think using/improving the bus system is a cheaper & better alternative.  I know, people say, "You want to add buses to the traffic? It'll get worse." My thing is if people...we ride bus, our cars will not be taking up space on the road, therefore alleviating some of the congestion.  And FOR 3, I rode the bus because how can I tell/ask someone to do something if I'm not willing to do it myself?  So there you go.  (There's more about this, but I'll just cut it off here.  If you wanna talk w/ me about this transit issue, great.  Let's do it.)

3. Get a feel for my community - I've lived in Hawaii all my life.  I love this place.  But to be honest, I don't feel like I know the people who live here...or I don't know them as well as I'd like to.  I know I can't know ALL THE PEOPLE.  But what I'm trying to say is I guess I feel detached...in a sense.  (When you drive, it's just you, the road, and all the other cars slowing you down.  I'm kidding.  I don't think like that.) Of course I know some people.  I know you.  Probably.  There's probably...like a...86% chance I know you if you're reading my blog.  To other 14%, nice to meet you & thanks so much for stopping by!

So now we all know each other, but there's a lot of other people who live here.  And I'm not satisfied with living my life just to get as much as I possibly can.  I want to try and help make this place better than how I found it.  (Especially for the little ones.)  I just think that trying to understand where people are at is a necessary step in trying to make things better...and I also think riding the bus is a way of doing that. 

So yeah, I rode the bus...and it was good.
and here are a few random thoughts I had during my short trip.

- Google said that I saved $2.49 by riding the bus ($2.50 fee) as opposed to driving ($4.99 est. cost).   
- It did take me a little longer than what they estimated, but I wasn't in a rush. Google est. time was about 36 minutes.  It took me about 40-45 minutes to get me to work.
- If you ride bus to and from work/school/wherever at least 12 times in the month, you make your money back on your pass...if you buy a pass. (Monthly bus pass: $60 / Daily bus fair: $2.50) Every ride after that is bonus!  FREE!  What a deal...and I know we all like deals!
- At one bus stop, an older fellow wanted to get on, but wasn't sure where the bus was going.  The driver got out and pointed out the route we were on and explained to him what the best option was regarding getting to his destination.  I thought that was cool.  I like to see people helping other people.
- There was a guy who got on the bus who ended up sitting right in front of me...and he was smelling pretty RIPE! But hey, that's life.  That's reality.  But it was cool.  We had to transfer buses because of something, so he and I were one of the last people off the original bus.  He was getting up a little slow, so I asked him if he needed help.  He kinda shook his head and looked at me casually, then asked, "We switching buses?"
"Yup, uncle.  We switching..."
Kinda got to know somebody new.
- It was nice to hear people conversing about their jobs or the new bus schedule that's supposed to come out.

Well, that's all for now.

Would I catch bus again?

Sure.

Helps me to see other people & think about other people.

Oh! and one more thought - When you ride bus, you no get road rage.

So yeah, that was that.  Maybe I'll see you on the bus next time?

Next experiment...

RIDE BIKE TO WORK! (Please don't bang me if you see me on the road.)


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Where does our food come from?

Lately, I've been...hmm what's the right phrase?

I've been trying to get more information...trying to educate myself on  a particular issue that has become important to me.

Food Security

The state of Hawaii currently produces only 10% (some say 15%) of the food we consume.  The rest is shipped in from various places.  Another stat I recently heard was that Hawaii only has a 3 day (some say 7 day) reserve on hold should there be any interruption to the importation of our food.

That's the sad & scary part.

But, there are people who are and have been working to turn Hawaii out this mess.

I recently got to see a 30min documentary called Ingredients Hawaii.  It shares the inspiring stories of groups and individuals working hard to bring light to issues such as food security, nutrition, sustainability, & culture.  Here's a preview of this great little film:



If you get a chance, I would also recommend seeing Ingredients the film, which Ingredients Hawaii is based off of.  It might still be on Netflix streaming if you have that service.





Now you know a little bit about this issue. What's next?
Well, we can do a few things.
1. Support local & buy local as much as possible If you can check these places out, please do.  If you have already been to or are supporting these places, then right on.  Keep it up.
Town
Sweet Home Waimanalo
Heeia Kea Pier General Store & Deli
Ma'o Organic Farms
2. Check out your local farmers market This falls under the buy local support local idea.  My wife and I have 2 young children and it IS a little difficult to get us all out of the house, but once we're moving, it's all good. Click here for a listing of Farmer's Markets in Hawaii. (Maybe we'll see you there!)
3. Join a CSA. We recently joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  It's through Kula Fields.  Once a month we get a box full of fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables! If you subscribe to an annual membership, delivery to your home is free.  We've gotten two boxes so far and when we get them, it kinda feels like Christmas!  Like Santa came and left you a present.  A big box gets delivered to your home, you open it, and inside there are all sorts of great stuff!  We joined while there was a LivingSocial deal going on, so I think the membership fee was waved.  But still, it has been great. Also, in joining a CSA, you directly support local farmers and their businesses.
4. Try grow something Through out Ingredients Hawaii, there are other stories of regular people (& EVEN KIDS) growing their own food.  Just start with something small...and take it from there.  We'll be trying a few things in the near future...and I'll let you know how that turns out.  Well maybe just one thing and I'll let you know. (While I have you here, if you know of something easy to grow, let me know! I'd love to hear what you're doing...and I'll take some tips if you got any! Thanks.)

Lastly here are a few organizations I follow.  They are actively doing great things to take care of our islands.  Check'um out:
Blue Planet Foundation
KYA Sustainability Studio
Kanu Hawaii
...and find them on Twitter or Facebook if you can.

Ok, I've written enough.  That's all for now.  Let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas about this kind of stuff.  I'd love to hear from you.

Till next time...take care.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

This looks interesting

Lately I've been getting into stuff about Hawaii's food security.  Or our lack of it. 

And I would do something about it except I don't know how to farm...ANYTHING.

But then my wife came across this little video that kinda inspires me to try chance'um. We'll see. Anyway, here it is for you to check out as well.

Friday, April 20, 2012

The thing (I think) Rich Mullins said...

I can't remember where I heard this story.

But it's relevant to me because I struggle with...stuff.

I wonder a lot of times if what I'm doing matters. I wonder if I'm "good enough" or "skilled enough" at (fill in the blank).

I'm not sure of myself, so I look to others for approval or validation.  I figure if they don't see "it"...or if you don't see "it" (whatever "it" is) then "it" must not be in me.  I must not have "it".

So I just continue on with life doing what I'm doing...and in that doing, I think that I am safe.

Anyway, the story is about Rich Mullins & actually the story is more about what he said than it is about him.  He was a musician.  He was a singer.  He was a song writer.  He loved Jesus.

The story goes something like...
A young musician came up to Rich one day and gave him a recording of some songs he had written.  He asked Rich to listen to them and tell him what he thought of the songs.  Rich told him, he wouldn't listen to the songs, but instead first responded with a question...

Did God tell you to do this?  If He did, then it doesn't matter what I think. 

That's the best I could do.  Most likely not a word for word recap of what happened that day, but that was the gist.

The point is, it doesn't matter what anybody thinks.  Whether they think you are the best thing EVER! Or the worst. All that matters is if God said to do it.  If He said so, then do it. 

I think my problem is that I don't want to ask God.  Or maybe it's more that I don't want to wait for His answer...cause truth is sometimes I'm not sure what He is saying...I'm not sure if I hear Him correctly.  So I look to you.  Family, friends...strangers sometimes...you reading this blog even, for validation if what I am doing matters...if what I am doing is good.

But what this story reminds me of is that if God says, then do it.  No matter how it ends up, all He wants is for me & you to listen...& do it.  He'll take care of it being "good enough".  He'll take care of it mattering.  He'll take care of it making a difference.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Boys better watch out... (REPOST 4/27/11)

better watch out cause I'm gonna start sending my girls to take lessons at this place!



Does anybody know where this place is? Or know where to get lessons like this? Also anyone have an extra sword we can borrow? Thanks.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Song Time - Oh My Soul

This is kinda a four part song. It goes from part 1 to part 4 and then back to part 1 again.  The main theme is commanding our soul to worship the Lord in any and all circumstances (but especially in the bad times).  I was looking for a reference and the closest thing I could find was Psalm 103:1 Praise the Lord my soul, all my inmost being, praise his holy name (NIV) 

I think this is the final product, but we'll see.  Thanks for stopping by. - Jared



Oh my soul
Oh my soul
Oh my soul
Praise the Lord

Holy, Holy, Holy
Sing my soul

Holy is the Lord
Holy is the Lord

Let everything within me
respond to all my eyes see
through the veil of faith and the living Word
Holy Spirit come let me see the hope
That I have in You
You alone are worthy to be praised
Forevermore
Hallelujah Hallelujah

Friday, March 23, 2012

Dear girls,

You both are growing up so quickly.

I remember the day that your mom gave birth to you.

You changed our lives forever.  You changed us forever for the better.  You are miracles.  We love you.

The other night, I was thinking about that...
and thinking about how quickly you both are growing up.  Not too long ago you were just little crawling babies and now you both are running around, jumping, climbing, and playing...singing songs, making funny faces, and acting so silly! You both are such big girls.

I just wanted to write this down, so I don't forget.

Soon, there will be boys.  (Not too soon, but it'll be sooner than I can imagine.)
Boys who you think might be funnier than your dad.
You might think they are more handsome than me.
Like better music than me.
You might even think they understand you better than me.
And there will be lots of them.  Trust me. 
But I promise you this.

There is only one...
who will love you more than me.

You might not trust me when I say that "this" boy or "that" boy isn't the one for you.  But believe me when I say that I want only the best for you.  I know he is out there.

And one day...
On your wedding day...
your mother and I will give you to him.

But until that day comes, through all the arguments we will undoubtedly have, know that I love you.
Help me to see what you are seeing...
Remind me that I don't know it all...
and I'll do the same for you.

Love you, my babies.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Song Time - Revived (3/9/12)

Changed up the song a bit.  I like it a little better than the other version.  Hope you do as well.



REVIVED

breathe in me
Your breath of life
breathe in me
Your breath of life

And I am revived, filled with Your life
Consumed by the power of Your great love
Your mercy Your grace
My redemption from shame
My sin's washed away and I am made new
In You
In You

the deaf will hear
the blind will see
the lame will rise up
the captive will be free

And we are revived, filled with Your life
Consumed by the power of Your great love
Your mercy Your grace
Our redemption from shame
Our sin's washed away and we are made new
In You
In You
If you 'like' the song, you might 'like' my FB page, too...right here.

Thanks...See ya next time.

Friday, February 24, 2012

PI, HI, & me

A few years ago I got to go to the Philippines for a short mission trip with YWAM (Holoholo Ministries).  It was really great.  I love to see different places and experience different cultures.  Not only do you get to learn about other people, but you learn a lot about yourself.

Let me say that the Philippines is a beautiful place.

But like all places, there are areas...that could use a little more beauty.  Areas you don't see on the vacation brochure...

This is the Balatas dump.

(click on image to enlarge)
We went to the dump on more than one day.

There were a lot of things you don't want to see there.  Homes...built on trash.  The ground you walk on sinking just a little under the weight of your foot...because it's not soil...it's trash.  At another site named 'Smokey Mountain', methane gas would be visibly rising out of the 'mountains' of rubbish.  But the most heart breaking thing about this whole scene is the people...kids even...going through the trash for things they can recycle for money...or for things they can eat like left over hamburgers and other food.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Someone was here...


Saw this hand print on a window at the airport.  I imagined a little kid looking outside, watching planes, luggage trucks, and other kinds of airport vehicles.  

It made me wonder what kind of mark am I leaving here in this world.  

Good?  Bad?  Am I even leaving any mark at all? 

Not sure.  I hope that if I am leaving a mark that's it's a good one.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Audrey Assad's new album Heart...

...comes out February 14th!  Pretty excited about it.  Really love Audrey's voice...and her lyrics are outstanding...stories in songs.  Love it.  Here's the promo video.  Check it out and pre-order...or mark 2/14 down on your calendar and then grab it at a music store near you!  Maybe here?

Friday, January 20, 2012

Perspective...


Pretty much all of these pictures are taken up close.  So the perspective of each shot is basically really pulling in tight to something.  I tried to see them from angles that I don't normally look from as well.

I think just seeing things from different points of view helps to appreciate the beauty they contain so much more. Beauty that...I know I often miss out on because I'm too busy looking at things the way I normally do, doing my normal routine, or simply not taking the time to look at things from a different perspective.

So now, I think I'm gonna try to take more time to see things in different lights and perspectives.

Not just pictures...

but life.

How's it going from your point of view?

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Did you know me then?

This is 1995. 

Senior picture. 

Me.

Castle High School.

For this particular picture, I remember the photographers giving me the shirt and tie (probably a clip on) and jacket to wear...and for my legs, I probably had jeans (or shorts), socks, and shoes (CAUSE I NEVER WORE SLIPPERS).

I played trumpet back then.  Actually not my senior year.  Too much pressure. But back in high school and intermediate...I did.

Do you call it 'intermediate'? or do you call it 'middle school'?

For me?  It was King Intermediate.  Not King Middle School.  I wonder why it's not just one or the other. Do you know why?  What makes one school an intermediate school and the other a middle school? Anyway...

There you go.

Just a random post.

It's good to look back sometimes.  Remember the good/funny stuff...and see how far you've come in life.  I'm gonna try to do that more.

Also, hope the picture made you smile. 

-J

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Song Time - Revived

UPDATE: changed this song a little bit. You can find the updated version here.

So just wrote a new song...
Calling it "Revived".
Just a simple prayer to the LORD.
Let me know what you think! (but be gentle please)
Here's the lyrics...

breathe Your breath of life
breathe Your breath of life
breathe Your breath of life
into me
(into me)

And I am revived, filled with Your life
Consumed by the power of Your great love
Your mercy Your grace
My redemption from shame
My sins washed away and I am made new
In You
In You

the deaf will hear
the blind will see
the lame will rise up
the captive will be free

Oh Lord we hear You
Oh Lord we see
Oh God we rise up
For You have set us free

And we are revived, filled with Your life
Consumed by the power of Your great love
Your mercy Your grace
Our redemption from shame
Our sins washed away and we are made new
In You
In You



So there it is...
I'm just trying to write songs because all I want is for us to be able to sing and give thanks to our Savior.
Hope it connected with you in some way...hopefully a good way.

If you 'like' the song, you might 'like' my page, too. I have a FB page here.

Thanks...See ya next time.