Gotta go now and get the boys sized up for some overalls!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
That der is a John Deere...
A few weeks ago we went to our friend Ashlee Town's softball game at Leesville High. When we got there we saw what many people in North Carolina have in there front yards... Yeah you guessed it, a John Deere lawn mower. So my boys decided that they would check it out. Here are some pics of the first Samoan Future Farmers of America:
Gotta go now and get the boys sized up for some overalls!
Gotta go now and get the boys sized up for some overalls!
Monday, April 21, 2008
An All Star....
It's been 4 months in Raleigh now and we're absolutely loving our new life. Being so far away from all that we've ever known (San Diego). God has been blessing us with new relationships. Both Lauren and I love people and both agree that life is to be done with people. As many of you know she is playing softball and having a blast doing it too.
Last week, Cameron and I went to see her first game. It's a lot different than the league we used to play with in San Diego, they're a lot more serious about their softball here. Because she's soo competitive she does whatever it takes to win even if it means scraping both knees playing defense.
Yeah she scraped her knees and they're killing her. O.K. this may sound mean but as she's hurting, I'm proud.
Let me explain.
I'm glad that I have a wife who is competitive and does whatever it takes to win. She works hard and it shows and will prove to be worthwhile in the long run. She had batting practice yesterday and as I sat there watching I could tell that her team really finds value in her being on the team. And that's what makes me proud. I honestly have to admit that I wasn't too fond of her playing on this team because they weren't Christians but she insisted that it would be O.K. and it has been AWESOME for her.
Every athlete gets sore and every once in a while needs a good massage so i think that my wife deserves one. Not only for being a great athlete, but for being an awesome mom and wife! An all star in more ways than one! I love you babe and your boys (all three of us) are cheering you on!
Last week, Cameron and I went to see her first game. It's a lot different than the league we used to play with in San Diego, they're a lot more serious about their softball here. Because she's soo competitive she does whatever it takes to win even if it means scraping both knees playing defense.
Yeah she scraped her knees and they're killing her. O.K. this may sound mean but as she's hurting, I'm proud.
Let me explain.
I'm glad that I have a wife who is competitive and does whatever it takes to win. She works hard and it shows and will prove to be worthwhile in the long run. She had batting practice yesterday and as I sat there watching I could tell that her team really finds value in her being on the team. And that's what makes me proud. I honestly have to admit that I wasn't too fond of her playing on this team because they weren't Christians but she insisted that it would be O.K. and it has been AWESOME for her.
Every athlete gets sore and every once in a while needs a good massage so i think that my wife deserves one. Not only for being a great athlete, but for being an awesome mom and wife! An all star in more ways than one! I love you babe and your boys (all three of us) are cheering you on!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Celebration!
I'm one who loves to celebrate EVERYTHING! In fact one of my pastors use to say "celebrate until further notice" I think that we as Christ followers don't celebrate enough, we sell ourselves short and never fully experience the fullness of that joy that comes from GOD'S blessings. One of the phrases that I've always heard and found to be trite is the phrase "YAY GOD". Bill Hybels (whom i love and respect) one of the top leaders around and one of the most respectable people in the Christian community says it all the time. I don't disagree with Bill in celebrating and praising GOD for his goodness but "YAY GOD?" When i think of that phrase, it feels like we think GOD is a three year old and we say "YAY GOD" because we're surprised at what he's able to do. It feels like when it's said it comes with a wink and a gun almost with a sense of sarcasm. When i hear it said it feels like a cheerleader cheering GOD on. I know that i may be stirring the pot a little bit about this. But GOD is in the miracle business. He's in the business of changing and saving lives, he's perfect and pure, majestic and holy. "YAY GOD" is an understatement. Sometime the best way to celebrate is a simple Thank You. Let's not patronize him, hes the maker of all things perfect, let the way we live our lives celebrate GOD. Save the cheese and wine for Oprah..
Shalom,
Steve
Shalom,
Steve
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
What ever happened to GOOD music...
I've been scouring YOUTUBE in search of videos featuring probably my favorite singer of all time, Eva Cassidy. Now I consider myself eclectic and I LOVE all types of music, but what I find myself listening to the most is folk and jazz. I know some of you probably would've guessed Tupac or 50 cent. I have moments when I listen to those guys too, but there's just something about the sulky sound of smooth jazz and the simplicity of folk that draws me to those specific genres. I stumbled upon Eva Cassidy while doing a Google search for Norah Jones. I found that they were signed by the same record label and have a similar sound and style. I also found out that in 1996 Eva Cassidy (33) lost a battle to cancer and passed. I don't know if Eva had a relationship with GOD and don't know anything about her spiritual life. What i do know is that GOD gave us Eva to grace us with pure music. In a time where the music business is more interested in your look than your talent, there's a hunger for PURE music and she has been my favorite example of that.
There are a couple of YOUTUBE videos of her singing at some of her last shows that you should really check out. I watch those videos to re-up my passion and love for music. Thanks to technology I'm just a few clicks away from listening to GOOD music.
Here's one of my favorite songs from Eva:
Peace!
There are a couple of YOUTUBE videos of her singing at some of her last shows that you should really check out. I watch those videos to re-up my passion and love for music. Thanks to technology I'm just a few clicks away from listening to GOOD music.
Here's one of my favorite songs from Eva:
Peace!
Monday, April 07, 2008
Cameron for President?
One of the coolest people I know right now is a guy we call "Homeless Kevin". HK has been attending CATT for five weeks straight now and as of two weeks ago made a commitment to jump in serve where needed. We love HK. Homeless Kevin has a unique story and a love for life that's inspiring to all of our leadership team. We first met Kevin at our first public service at the Royal Bean coffee shop. He and about three of his buddies were just hanging out and when they saw us setting up for service they came over and struck up conversation with some of our volunteers. When our Sunday Experience ended we were tearing down and Kevin comes over to help us. We loaded our vehicles and as we were leaving Kevin said "I'll see you next week" now i don't know if it was the free coffee we offered that Sunday or God working on his heart but ever since that weekend Kevin's hasn't missed an Experience.
This guy knows more people and has been more places than anybody I know. If you need information on anything and everything I'm pretty sure if you were to ask Kevin about it he's got an answer. Kevin filled out a communication card with his address and his email, all of it legit. How homeless is he? We're still trying to figure that out right now. Here's a cool thing that you should know about Kevin, his (home?) address is 8 miles away from church and he doesn't have a car, so he walks 8 miles every Sunday morning to serve at CATT. He's never late and never complains about it. We've offered to pick him and drop him off after service and he refuses every time.
Anyhow after service yesterday we were setting up for our Triangle Basics lunch when Kevin and I had this conversation:
Kev: "Hey Steve, where's Cameron?"
Me: "He's at home sick"
Kev: "Bummer, i miss not seeing him around this morning."
Me: " I know, he'll be here next week though"
Kev: " I had a dream about him this week"
Me: "Really?, what about?"
Kev: "That when he grew up, He became the President of the United States of America"
Me: (chuckling) "That's funny"
Kev: "I'm serious,(sincere look on his face) I'd vote for him"
Me: "Thanks Kevin."
Kev: "Anyhow tell him that i said Hi and that i hope he gets better."
Me: "I'll let him know."
President Cameron Lee Faiai, that sounds pretty cool. Who knows, what we do know is that he's got Kevin's vote, I guess we'll join the race for office now.
All joking aside...
Here's what i appreciate about Kevin, he's choosing to get in the game in spite of the stage of life that he's in. He desires to be there and is willing to serve where needed. God is using him as a daily reminder to me that GOD loves and cares about everyone no matter what your status is. Only GOD knows the work going on in Kevin's heart right now, and the cool thing for us as a leadership team is that we have front row seats in watching it all unfold. Through what's happening with Kevin, GOD is allowing us to live out who he has called us to be as a CHURCH as a COMMUNITY and as his BELOVED.
P.S. If you're reading this and you're involved in any kind of ministry and you've had those days where you feel like giving up, Remember Kevin. The homeless guy who walks 8 miles to church to serve. Remember Kevin who has less than you and i do, but lives life like he has everything he's ever needed. Let it serve as a reminder to us when we're having those little pity parties that WE sometimes throw for ourselves that we need to stop whining and complaining and get our asses in gear, there's much Kingdom work to be done! Sorry i just had to get that off my chest.
Shalom!
This guy knows more people and has been more places than anybody I know. If you need information on anything and everything I'm pretty sure if you were to ask Kevin about it he's got an answer. Kevin filled out a communication card with his address and his email, all of it legit. How homeless is he? We're still trying to figure that out right now. Here's a cool thing that you should know about Kevin, his (home?) address is 8 miles away from church and he doesn't have a car, so he walks 8 miles every Sunday morning to serve at CATT. He's never late and never complains about it. We've offered to pick him and drop him off after service and he refuses every time.
Anyhow after service yesterday we were setting up for our Triangle Basics lunch when Kevin and I had this conversation:
Kev: "Hey Steve, where's Cameron?"
Me: "He's at home sick"
Kev: "Bummer, i miss not seeing him around this morning."
Me: " I know, he'll be here next week though"
Kev: " I had a dream about him this week"
Me: "Really?, what about?"
Kev: "That when he grew up, He became the President of the United States of America"
Me: (chuckling) "That's funny"
Kev: "I'm serious,(sincere look on his face) I'd vote for him"
Me: "Thanks Kevin."
Kev: "Anyhow tell him that i said Hi and that i hope he gets better."
Me: "I'll let him know."
President Cameron Lee Faiai, that sounds pretty cool. Who knows, what we do know is that he's got Kevin's vote, I guess we'll join the race for office now.
All joking aside...
Here's what i appreciate about Kevin, he's choosing to get in the game in spite of the stage of life that he's in. He desires to be there and is willing to serve where needed. God is using him as a daily reminder to me that GOD loves and cares about everyone no matter what your status is. Only GOD knows the work going on in Kevin's heart right now, and the cool thing for us as a leadership team is that we have front row seats in watching it all unfold. Through what's happening with Kevin, GOD is allowing us to live out who he has called us to be as a CHURCH as a COMMUNITY and as his BELOVED.
P.S. If you're reading this and you're involved in any kind of ministry and you've had those days where you feel like giving up, Remember Kevin. The homeless guy who walks 8 miles to church to serve. Remember Kevin who has less than you and i do, but lives life like he has everything he's ever needed. Let it serve as a reminder to us when we're having those little pity parties that WE sometimes throw for ourselves that we need to stop whining and complaining and get our asses in gear, there's much Kingdom work to be done! Sorry i just had to get that off my chest.
Shalom!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Reading List.
My friend, Rod recently came out with his first quarter reading list and as always comes up with an amazing one. What I appreciate about all of my years working alongside Rod was that he always challenged his team to be readers and self leaders. So I thought that I would share with you my own reading list that I'd like to finish by the end of summer. Here they are in order:
Launch - Nelson Searcy
Stripped - Jud Wilhite
Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy
Beautiful Boy - David Sheff
UnChristian - David Kinnaman
In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day - Mark Batterson
Followership - Barbara Kellerman
Strengths Finder - Tom Rath
Fired up or Burned Out - Michael Stallard
I LOVE how GOD uses great authors and thinkers like the ones listed above to challenge me in my life as a leader, husband and father. I just recently invested in a Barnes and Noble discount card and it has increased my desire to read more.
As my family and I embark upon this journey in starting a church, there is a "must" in staying sharp, fresh and inspired. Thanks Rod for the challenge in being a self leader.
Launch - Nelson Searcy
Stripped - Jud Wilhite
Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy
Beautiful Boy - David Sheff
UnChristian - David Kinnaman
In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day - Mark Batterson
Followership - Barbara Kellerman
Strengths Finder - Tom Rath
Fired up or Burned Out - Michael Stallard
I LOVE how GOD uses great authors and thinkers like the ones listed above to challenge me in my life as a leader, husband and father. I just recently invested in a Barnes and Noble discount card and it has increased my desire to read more.
As my family and I embark upon this journey in starting a church, there is a "must" in staying sharp, fresh and inspired. Thanks Rod for the challenge in being a self leader.
Monday, March 24, 2008
What I'm diggin on as of late...
It's been almost a month since my last post so i thought that I would share a list of my top ten things that I've been excited about lately....
10- Figured out how to make Chicken Katsu. (Move over LNL's)
9- A Dulce De Leche Latte from Caribou Coffee. (See ya Starbucks)
8- March Madness. (Ooh the drama)
7- Super Wal-Mart. (One stop shop, where else can you do it?)
6- The Royal (Where our church meets)
5- MY CHURCH! (CATT)
4- Carla Towns (Superwoman!.. I told you that you'd be in my post.)
3- Our friends Kevin and Heather Spruill, Alex and Ann Centeno, Joe and Leslie Kim, Lee and Carla Towns (These are my peeps!)
2- Writing songs with my wife. (Boy am I lucky...hey get your mind out of the gutter)
1- Last but not least and what i'm excited about the most is that, I'm doing what God has called me to do, and for the last 10-12 years has been shaping me for. (No better feeling than being where you're suppose to be and doing what you're suppose to be doing.)
I LOVE that we're here in Raleigh now and what excites me even more is that we've only just begun. I'm soo excited about many other things but these were just some of the ones right of the top of my head. I honestly have to confess that every once in a while I miss my family and some close friends back in San Diego, but knowing that they share in this excitement and support the calling on our family is pretty special to me.
One of my prayer partners said something that I've seen everywhere and heard plenty of speakers share it, he said "it's about the Journey not the Destination." I've taken that to heart and it serves as a constant reminder that LIFE is to be savored not rushed. We're in this deal for the long haul and as long as GOD is pursuing us we're never going to stop pursuing him. Man I LOVE MY JOB!
For the KINGDOM!!
10- Figured out how to make Chicken Katsu. (Move over LNL's)
9- A Dulce De Leche Latte from Caribou Coffee. (See ya Starbucks)
8- March Madness. (Ooh the drama)
7- Super Wal-Mart. (One stop shop, where else can you do it?)
6- The Royal (Where our church meets)
5- MY CHURCH! (CATT)
4- Carla Towns (Superwoman!.. I told you that you'd be in my post.)
3- Our friends Kevin and Heather Spruill, Alex and Ann Centeno, Joe and Leslie Kim, Lee and Carla Towns (These are my peeps!)
2- Writing songs with my wife. (Boy am I lucky...hey get your mind out of the gutter)
1- Last but not least and what i'm excited about the most is that, I'm doing what God has called me to do, and for the last 10-12 years has been shaping me for. (No better feeling than being where you're suppose to be and doing what you're suppose to be doing.)
I LOVE that we're here in Raleigh now and what excites me even more is that we've only just begun. I'm soo excited about many other things but these were just some of the ones right of the top of my head. I honestly have to confess that every once in a while I miss my family and some close friends back in San Diego, but knowing that they share in this excitement and support the calling on our family is pretty special to me.
One of my prayer partners said something that I've seen everywhere and heard plenty of speakers share it, he said "it's about the Journey not the Destination." I've taken that to heart and it serves as a constant reminder that LIFE is to be savored not rushed. We're in this deal for the long haul and as long as GOD is pursuing us we're never going to stop pursuing him. Man I LOVE MY JOB!
For the KINGDOM!!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
The Best Birthday ever!!!
No other way I'd rather spend it. My Birthday that is. When i woke up this morning I knew it was going to be awesome and it was. The first person to greet me was Riley and in his own way was wishing me a happy birthday. Next came Cameron, he had a different greeting. He was crying when he came into the room. I asked him why he was crying and he said that Mommy was being mean to him. After a little research, the real reason he was crying was because he wanted to surprise me with a birthday cake when i woke up. What a sweet boy.
My wife made me some biscuits with apple butter and fresh coffee, which are my favorite things to have in the morning. After that she had me open my cards and gifts from her and the boys. Everything thing that i got was awesome. After opening gifts we got dressed and went to join some of our peeps from church to go on a prayer walk.
The prayer walk was awesome, i had a chance to partner with my friend Phil Shepard. Phil is a real GODLY dude so i knew GOD was going to bless out time together. As Phil and I were walking i received an email from my friend Becky P and a text message from my other friend Jerry Ring with birthday greetings. That really blessed me. After the neighborhood walk our prayer group drove over to our possible location of the church and prayed there, that time was AMAZING and really powerful.
After that we had lunch with Lee, Carla and Carlee. That is always fun times especially with Carlee around. She's always good for a laugh.
After Lunch, Lauren and I went to her softball practice, I'm sure she'll post about it soon. My wife is an amazing athlete. I loved watching her because i know that she enjoys it and whatever she enjoys makes me really happy.
After practice we came home and much to my surprise my nieces who are here visiting from San Diego made me dinner and a birthday cake. I told you they were awesome!
Of all the activities of the day, my favorite part was after dinner. I spent some time with my boys, jumping, wrestling and roughin each other up. Here's what got me..As i was playing with them i realized that these are the best gifts that i could ever EVER get, and if all i were to get for the rest of my life on my birthday was time with my sons, those would be the best birthdays ever. Thanks Cam and Ri for making the happiest Dad in the world. I love you!!
Steve
My wife made me some biscuits with apple butter and fresh coffee, which are my favorite things to have in the morning. After that she had me open my cards and gifts from her and the boys. Everything thing that i got was awesome. After opening gifts we got dressed and went to join some of our peeps from church to go on a prayer walk.
The prayer walk was awesome, i had a chance to partner with my friend Phil Shepard. Phil is a real GODLY dude so i knew GOD was going to bless out time together. As Phil and I were walking i received an email from my friend Becky P and a text message from my other friend Jerry Ring with birthday greetings. That really blessed me. After the neighborhood walk our prayer group drove over to our possible location of the church and prayed there, that time was AMAZING and really powerful.
After that we had lunch with Lee, Carla and Carlee. That is always fun times especially with Carlee around. She's always good for a laugh.
After Lunch, Lauren and I went to her softball practice, I'm sure she'll post about it soon. My wife is an amazing athlete. I loved watching her because i know that she enjoys it and whatever she enjoys makes me really happy.
After practice we came home and much to my surprise my nieces who are here visiting from San Diego made me dinner and a birthday cake. I told you they were awesome!
Of all the activities of the day, my favorite part was after dinner. I spent some time with my boys, jumping, wrestling and roughin each other up. Here's what got me..As i was playing with them i realized that these are the best gifts that i could ever EVER get, and if all i were to get for the rest of my life on my birthday was time with my sons, those would be the best birthdays ever. Thanks Cam and Ri for making the happiest Dad in the world. I love you!!
Steve
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Because of you..(Not a Kelly Clarkson song)
Every now and then when I'm driving a song comes on the radio that reminds me of certain things, places and people. "I believe i can fly" came on and i was reminded of all of my friends who helped shaped me into who i am today. So if you were to ask me who my top ten influences would be, they would look like this.
10. Rob Beatty - We have been friends for almost 13 years now and he has never failed to show me what a humble heart looks like.
9. Russ Kusumoto - If i could mirror the way he cares about others, i would be a better person.
8. Mike Burns - Talk about someone who has his ducks in a row, he is an amazing man of God and believes the best of everyone.
7. Daryl Holmes - Probably the hardest working man i know, his work ethic is crazy and yet he still makes time to be Husband, Dad, Grandpa and my father in law.
6. Nanette Ayers - She is deeply gifted and what i take away from her is her servanthood and willing to stay behind the curtain while doing it. Simply Amazing.
5. Junior Faiai - A great and example of perseverance.
4. Lauren Faiai - I'm learning everyday that my life without her would be tragic.
3. Jason Denison - He's a blonde haired, blue eyed Ghandi. The way he cares for the world is truly inspiring and something that i'm working on being a regular part of the way i live my life.
2. Rod Kaya - An AMAZING leader. One of my best friends. An inspiration of what it means to be a learner and stay a learner.
1. Suitulaga Faiai - All of the above in one person, i'm a little biased because he's my dad, but if there is anyone that i would want my life to mirror it would be his.
There are so many others and my list can go on and on. All that to say if you're reading this, you've made an impact in my life too! Thanks! We all have lists of people who have shaped us to be who we are today, take some time to honor them and pray for them.
Blessings,
Steve
10. Rob Beatty - We have been friends for almost 13 years now and he has never failed to show me what a humble heart looks like.
9. Russ Kusumoto - If i could mirror the way he cares about others, i would be a better person.
8. Mike Burns - Talk about someone who has his ducks in a row, he is an amazing man of God and believes the best of everyone.
7. Daryl Holmes - Probably the hardest working man i know, his work ethic is crazy and yet he still makes time to be Husband, Dad, Grandpa and my father in law.
6. Nanette Ayers - She is deeply gifted and what i take away from her is her servanthood and willing to stay behind the curtain while doing it. Simply Amazing.
5. Junior Faiai - A great and example of perseverance.
4. Lauren Faiai - I'm learning everyday that my life without her would be tragic.
3. Jason Denison - He's a blonde haired, blue eyed Ghandi. The way he cares for the world is truly inspiring and something that i'm working on being a regular part of the way i live my life.
2. Rod Kaya - An AMAZING leader. One of my best friends. An inspiration of what it means to be a learner and stay a learner.
1. Suitulaga Faiai - All of the above in one person, i'm a little biased because he's my dad, but if there is anyone that i would want my life to mirror it would be his.
There are so many others and my list can go on and on. All that to say if you're reading this, you've made an impact in my life too! Thanks! We all have lists of people who have shaped us to be who we are today, take some time to honor them and pray for them.
Blessings,
Steve
Happy Birthday....
Well it's not until tomorrow, however I wanted to be the first to wish my mother in law a happy birthday. It's hard for us to celebrate with her because were in Raleigh so I thought that I would list my five things that I love most about her.
1. She loves Cameron and Riley soo super much.
2. She is very thoughtful and is always thinking of ways to bless others.
3. She works super hard (sometimes too hard) I think.
4. She is an awesome scrabble player.
5. Last but not least, she loves me and Lauren.
Charlene Renee Holmes, may God richly bless you this year. May he shine down on you and show you his love more than ever before. Thanks for being who you are to us. Thanks for making the best Mandarin Orange cake in the world or like my peeps would say in Raleigh (Pig Pickin) cake. You are awesome and amazing and we who know you are blessed to know you!
Love,
Your favorite son in law!
1. She loves Cameron and Riley soo super much.
2. She is very thoughtful and is always thinking of ways to bless others.
3. She works super hard (sometimes too hard) I think.
4. She is an awesome scrabble player.
5. Last but not least, she loves me and Lauren.
Charlene Renee Holmes, may God richly bless you this year. May he shine down on you and show you his love more than ever before. Thanks for being who you are to us. Thanks for making the best Mandarin Orange cake in the world or like my peeps would say in Raleigh (Pig Pickin) cake. You are awesome and amazing and we who know you are blessed to know you!
Love,
Your favorite son in law!
Monday, February 18, 2008
For I Am Convinced
It's Monday afternoon and I'm sitting here on our big comfy couch staring outside my window taking in the beauty of a clear blue sky. I'm reflecting on the service we had at Church At The Triangle last night. Last night was one of those huge ONLY GOD moments for us as a church. Many times in the service last night I found myself teary eyed and unworthy to be serving such an awesome GOD. Lee shared some vision stuff with us that really fired me up and as i looked around the room i saw heads nodding with agreement.
Last night was one of those nights that reminded me of GODS passion for us. It reminded of the responsibility that I have to take my calling seriously. I walked away thinking of a new song on the Passion album called "God of the city" by sung by Chris Tomlin and when I got home I journaled this prayer:
"God would you use me to do great things. Help me God, in ALL that I say and do to point people towards you. God, I am convinced now more than ever that greater things have yet to come in this city, in our nation, on this earth. I am convinced now more than ever that people that are broken need healing. I am convinced now more than ever that people that are hurting need hope, that people who are lost without purpose need to know that there is a God who loves them and wants whats best for them. I am convinced now more than ever that "Unity" happens when one experiences true "Community". God I no longer want to see this world deny that everything living and breathing is a gift from you. So GOD please use me in spite of my iniquities to further Your Kingdom"
Have you ever wondered in this next chapter of church, what will we write?, how will we be remembered? What will our children say about our church history? I don't know, just some things to ponder....
Peace
Oh by the way check out the song, I promise it'll inspire you! I found a video on youtube with the song on it. Not sure who made the video, but I wanted to use it so you could hear the song.
Last night was one of those nights that reminded me of GODS passion for us. It reminded of the responsibility that I have to take my calling seriously. I walked away thinking of a new song on the Passion album called "God of the city" by sung by Chris Tomlin and when I got home I journaled this prayer:
"God would you use me to do great things. Help me God, in ALL that I say and do to point people towards you. God, I am convinced now more than ever that greater things have yet to come in this city, in our nation, on this earth. I am convinced now more than ever that people that are broken need healing. I am convinced now more than ever that people that are hurting need hope, that people who are lost without purpose need to know that there is a God who loves them and wants whats best for them. I am convinced now more than ever that "Unity" happens when one experiences true "Community". God I no longer want to see this world deny that everything living and breathing is a gift from you. So GOD please use me in spite of my iniquities to further Your Kingdom"
Have you ever wondered in this next chapter of church, what will we write?, how will we be remembered? What will our children say about our church history? I don't know, just some things to ponder....
Peace
Oh by the way check out the song, I promise it'll inspire you! I found a video on youtube with the song on it. Not sure who made the video, but I wanted to use it so you could hear the song.
Monday, February 11, 2008
BBQ soo good... it make you want to slap yo' momma
Really it's that good. Of course, I wouldn't dare slap my momma because she'd slap me right back and her hands are a bit heavier than mine so hers would hurt more. Anyhow like in the previous post, I mentioned my nieces were here for a month. This past Saturday we went on a date night and took advantage of our free babysitting. (Thank God for Karla and Malae!) Because we don't know Raleigh very well, we invited our friends Craig and Kara to come along with us on a double date night.
Earlier that day Lauren, Kara, and Diane (Kara's mother in law who I'm praying about asking to adopt me and have her become my East Coast mom) went on a short road trip. They scoped out yard sales, cool shops, and gave Lauren their own tour of Raleigh. While they were in downtown Raleigh, they decided to check out a restaurant called "The Pit". When they got there they realized that it was closed for lunch on the weekends and was only open for dinner. So that evening we called the Craig and Kara and went to "The Pit" for dinner. IT WAS FREAKIN' AMAZING!!! It was the best BBQ I've ever had in my life. The atmosphere was hip and cutting edge. The service was o.k. But the best part of the evening wasn't the food, It was meeting The famous Ed Mitchell. Ed is the Pitmaster and the owner of the restaurant. He came to our table to meet us and talk with us for a few minutes, it was like I was meeting a celebrity! As we were waiting for dessert, Lauren and I decided that we would go and hunt Ed down for a picture and he obliged us with our request.
Lauren had gone back to the table while Ed and I talked a little bit, I told him that I was from Samoa and he said "Our hogs ain't got nothing on yours". I took that as a compliment and felt a little pride because if there is one thing that my people can do.. It's cook! So we got to talking about why I was here and I told him that I was here planting a church in the triangle area with some friends. He handed me his card and cell phone number, and told me to call him because he wants to come check it out!
Before we left the pit we made reservations to go back for Valentine's Day. Except we've got special seating arrangements this time, Ed Mitchell invited us to sit with him at the counter where we'll have front row seats to watch the Legendary Pitmaster do what he does best... Make you want to slap yo momma!
Peace!
Earlier that day Lauren, Kara, and Diane (Kara's mother in law who I'm praying about asking to adopt me and have her become my East Coast mom) went on a short road trip. They scoped out yard sales, cool shops, and gave Lauren their own tour of Raleigh. While they were in downtown Raleigh, they decided to check out a restaurant called "The Pit". When they got there they realized that it was closed for lunch on the weekends and was only open for dinner. So that evening we called the Craig and Kara and went to "The Pit" for dinner. IT WAS FREAKIN' AMAZING!!! It was the best BBQ I've ever had in my life. The atmosphere was hip and cutting edge. The service was o.k. But the best part of the evening wasn't the food, It was meeting The famous Ed Mitchell. Ed is the Pitmaster and the owner of the restaurant. He came to our table to meet us and talk with us for a few minutes, it was like I was meeting a celebrity! As we were waiting for dessert, Lauren and I decided that we would go and hunt Ed down for a picture and he obliged us with our request.
Lauren had gone back to the table while Ed and I talked a little bit, I told him that I was from Samoa and he said "Our hogs ain't got nothing on yours". I took that as a compliment and felt a little pride because if there is one thing that my people can do.. It's cook! So we got to talking about why I was here and I told him that I was here planting a church in the triangle area with some friends. He handed me his card and cell phone number, and told me to call him because he wants to come check it out!
Before we left the pit we made reservations to go back for Valentine's Day. Except we've got special seating arrangements this time, Ed Mitchell invited us to sit with him at the counter where we'll have front row seats to watch the Legendary Pitmaster do what he does best... Make you want to slap yo momma!
Peace!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Family and Friends
Today my nieces arrive to stay with us for about a month. I can't explain to you how refreshing this is going to be for our family. The boys absolutely LOVE them. So this is going to be extra special for them to see familiar faces. Lauren and i haven't been on a date night in a while and we're looking forward to breaking away a few times to just BE with each other.
We've got a lot planned for the girls, we're probably going to drive out to Washington D.C. and New York city to take them site seeing. I really want them to see our new life here and how close we are to some of the coolest places in the United States. But most of all I want them to see God's blessing on our lives here in Raleigh.
Anyhow they arrive today, but a couple of days ago our REALLY good friend Becky from San Diego left to go back home after being with us for about 4 days. We had a blast with her here. We showed her a little bit of lifestyle here in Raleigh. We fed her some of our infamous southern cooking, took her to the farmer's market. We took her to see 2 of the 3 big universities here in Raleigh, and on Sunday attended church at The Summit in Durham and a Super bowl party at Lee and Carla's house with some of our church folk.
Out of all of the things that we got to do, my favorite part was just having a familiar face that we did life with in San Diego in our home. I also loved the fact she values our friendships so much that she would come out to visit us. Yesterday I was looking through some boxes and i found a Christmas card that she wrote to our family. It was one that we received the Christmas before Riley's surgery, and as I read it I was reminded of the power of "community" and why the Philippson's have a special place in my heart.
Gregg, Becky thanks for being such great friends, may God richly bless you guys for blessing others. We love you!
Peace.
We've got a lot planned for the girls, we're probably going to drive out to Washington D.C. and New York city to take them site seeing. I really want them to see our new life here and how close we are to some of the coolest places in the United States. But most of all I want them to see God's blessing on our lives here in Raleigh.
Anyhow they arrive today, but a couple of days ago our REALLY good friend Becky from San Diego left to go back home after being with us for about 4 days. We had a blast with her here. We showed her a little bit of lifestyle here in Raleigh. We fed her some of our infamous southern cooking, took her to the farmer's market. We took her to see 2 of the 3 big universities here in Raleigh, and on Sunday attended church at The Summit in Durham and a Super bowl party at Lee and Carla's house with some of our church folk.
Out of all of the things that we got to do, my favorite part was just having a familiar face that we did life with in San Diego in our home. I also loved the fact she values our friendships so much that she would come out to visit us. Yesterday I was looking through some boxes and i found a Christmas card that she wrote to our family. It was one that we received the Christmas before Riley's surgery, and as I read it I was reminded of the power of "community" and why the Philippson's have a special place in my heart.
Gregg, Becky thanks for being such great friends, may God richly bless you guys for blessing others. We love you!
Peace.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
My boy, CRAIG
In my lifetime I've only moved a few times, but never has it ever been this involved and extensive. We are finally getting settled in with help from a few friends. It's amazing how "community" has come to life here. We've only been here for about a month and we've connected with so many new friends and met people who are just selfless and willing to go the extra mile for and with us. We've been so fortunate and blessed that GOD would cross our paths with such awesome people.
Part of getting settled into a new place especially clear across the country means starting fresh and new or used. For the past few days Lauren and I have been racking our brains trying to find cheap furniture on line and there's no better place than... Yep you guessed it Craig's List. So far we've scored on a sweet couch and an amazing looking dining table and today we just scored on a $3000.00 Sealy Posturepedic Pillowtop bed for 300.00 bucks. We've got a few more things that we need to get to kind of complete our place and for the first time call it "HOME"
As some of you may know, part of the Craig's List process is usually meeting the "seller" and checking the item out before buying it. Well, today after I landed the deal with the bed, I went to pay for it and met the owner, John. If you know me, I'm all about getting to know people and meeting new friends. When i got to John's house he showed me the bed and then we got to talking about why I left San Diego to come to Raleigh. I shared with him the vision of CATT, and he was amazed that I moved this far to be a part of something like starting a church. So then we got to talking about what he did and he shared with me that he was a film producer and frequents California a lot, mainly Hollywood. Turns out this guy is BIG TIME in the film industry. We got to talking about music and he shared that he was a musician too. So long story short, not only did we score on an amazing bed but we possibly might have landed a new invaluable friendship.
Last night we had our friends Craig and Kara over and we talked about life stuff. One of the things that we said we wish we would do more is "CELEBRATE". Celebrate anything and everything.
Tonight I celebrate the fact that GOD can use a website like Craigslist to potentially win people for the KINGDOM.
Anyhow gotta go... looking for an entertainment center now.
Peace!
Part of getting settled into a new place especially clear across the country means starting fresh and new or used. For the past few days Lauren and I have been racking our brains trying to find cheap furniture on line and there's no better place than... Yep you guessed it Craig's List. So far we've scored on a sweet couch and an amazing looking dining table and today we just scored on a $3000.00 Sealy Posturepedic Pillowtop bed for 300.00 bucks. We've got a few more things that we need to get to kind of complete our place and for the first time call it "HOME"
As some of you may know, part of the Craig's List process is usually meeting the "seller" and checking the item out before buying it. Well, today after I landed the deal with the bed, I went to pay for it and met the owner, John. If you know me, I'm all about getting to know people and meeting new friends. When i got to John's house he showed me the bed and then we got to talking about why I left San Diego to come to Raleigh. I shared with him the vision of CATT, and he was amazed that I moved this far to be a part of something like starting a church. So then we got to talking about what he did and he shared with me that he was a film producer and frequents California a lot, mainly Hollywood. Turns out this guy is BIG TIME in the film industry. We got to talking about music and he shared that he was a musician too. So long story short, not only did we score on an amazing bed but we possibly might have landed a new invaluable friendship.
Last night we had our friends Craig and Kara over and we talked about life stuff. One of the things that we said we wish we would do more is "CELEBRATE". Celebrate anything and everything.
Tonight I celebrate the fact that GOD can use a website like Craigslist to potentially win people for the KINGDOM.
Anyhow gotta go... looking for an entertainment center now.
Peace!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
I'm back!
Wow... well I honestly don't know where to start. It's been a while since my last post and I'm feeling a little rusty, signing in was a little rough because i forgot my password, it's been so long. Anyhow there is so much that has happened between my last post and now, so I'm going to spare you all of the details and just take it from here...
We now live in Raleigh, North Carolina just in case you didn't know and WE absolutely LOVE IT!! For those of you who have never been to Raleigh, you must come visit it is soo BEAUTIFUL. The weather is AWESOME and the landscape of this whole state is GREEN and luscious. The people are super friendly and very hospitable. That's how they roll here in the south.
My wife and kids are diggin' it which really sets my heart at ease. In October 2007 when we made our decision to come out here one of my big prayer requests was that my family would LOVE it and they do. It's soo cool how God worked it all out. We left San Diego, family and friends and pretty much all we knew behind to follow God's calling on our lives. Yeah it was scary and a little crazy, but isn't that what living by faith is all about?!
We miss our friends and our families and our church back in San Diego soo much, but we know that this is life now for us and we must live it full and make new friends, seek a new community to do life with.
If you reading this from San Diego, I want to say THANK YOU for blessing our lives with your friendship, your love and letting us share life with you. Our family will forever be in debt to God for crossing our paths.
More to come!
Steve.
We now live in Raleigh, North Carolina just in case you didn't know and WE absolutely LOVE IT!! For those of you who have never been to Raleigh, you must come visit it is soo BEAUTIFUL. The weather is AWESOME and the landscape of this whole state is GREEN and luscious. The people are super friendly and very hospitable. That's how they roll here in the south.
My wife and kids are diggin' it which really sets my heart at ease. In October 2007 when we made our decision to come out here one of my big prayer requests was that my family would LOVE it and they do. It's soo cool how God worked it all out. We left San Diego, family and friends and pretty much all we knew behind to follow God's calling on our lives. Yeah it was scary and a little crazy, but isn't that what living by faith is all about?!
We miss our friends and our families and our church back in San Diego soo much, but we know that this is life now for us and we must live it full and make new friends, seek a new community to do life with.
If you reading this from San Diego, I want to say THANK YOU for blessing our lives with your friendship, your love and letting us share life with you. Our family will forever be in debt to God for crossing our paths.
More to come!
Steve.
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