Since I'm back to trying to regularly blog now, I thought what better way to start than wrting a post about "A few of my favorite new things" ok maybe just 10 things.
10. Tiramasu cake - Fresh and Easy.
9. Surf laundry detergent 3X.
8. Ambiance coffee - Smart and Final.
7. Redbox movies.
6. Dawn dish soap.
5. Girls Scout Thin Mint cookies.
4. Lever 2000 body wash.
3. Titleist ProV1 golf balls.
2. Borders bookstores.
1. Bridgford Monkey Bread. - Smart and Final
There are plenty of other things that I really love that didn't make the cut this time. Who knows it may all change in a week or two. As for now these are just few of my favorite things!
Bless!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Let's try this again!
I dont know how long it's been since my last post. All I know is that I am probably going to be very rusty getting back into it. However you've gotta jump back in somewhere. So here we go...
Life has been a roller coaster the past several months, they've been filled with times of struggle and times of fulfillment. They've been filled with joy as well as pain. I've been learning to jump and I've learned to just wait and listen. GOD has definitely been working in our lives, sometimes the results aren't the ones we want or desire. I have my moments when I whine and complain, rebel and get pissed, only to realize after my sulking it all goes back to the simple truth that my GOD who created me and loves me knows whats best for me.
This year we've been on a cable televsion fast, well...not really we just dont have the budget for it. To be quite honest it's been nice without it. Without cable we've been able to spend a lot of quality family time together, whether its playing board games, reading kids books, or chasing each other around playing cops and robbers, it's definitely been a blessing in disguise. It has also forced me to get back into reading books and journaling. I've also used it as a great opportunity to self lead.
However the one thing I love about our cable fast is that it has opened my eyes to see how much time and investing I get to be a part of in our everyday family life. I admit that I suck at it and it's one of those things that I really want to work on this year. I dont want to be a lame parent whose kids are more influenced by what they watch on tv than teaching of their parents. Statistics show that we have lost our edge in growing our kids to be successful in whatever they decide to do, because we stop parenting. We stop caring, we've stopped listening and stopped disciplining. We lost control because we gave it up. Unfortunately I'm surrounded by too many friends who are giving up left and right. They've given up on their marriages, their church, their communities and some have even given up on GOD. I think that is the number one tragedy that we're facing today, we just give up and give in. No one wants to fight anymore.
I may not be successful in the worlds eyes but that doesn't matter to me. What matters to me is that at the end of the day I would've been successful in the Lords eyes. I would've done his bidding the best I know how. I may not have a flashy car or huge home, but what I do have is fight. Enough fight in me to keep my marriage alive and healthy, enough fight to show my kids that they are two of the greatest gifts that GOD has ever given us.
That's why I fight! How about you? We've been given a huge responsibility to lead our families well, and to lead our communities well. To lead our churches well and to lead our lives well. The longer we wait to do so, the more we lose our edge, and chances are you'll lose your fight too. So lace up the gloves and go another round, there is too much at stake not to.
Steve
Life has been a roller coaster the past several months, they've been filled with times of struggle and times of fulfillment. They've been filled with joy as well as pain. I've been learning to jump and I've learned to just wait and listen. GOD has definitely been working in our lives, sometimes the results aren't the ones we want or desire. I have my moments when I whine and complain, rebel and get pissed, only to realize after my sulking it all goes back to the simple truth that my GOD who created me and loves me knows whats best for me.
This year we've been on a cable televsion fast, well...not really we just dont have the budget for it. To be quite honest it's been nice without it. Without cable we've been able to spend a lot of quality family time together, whether its playing board games, reading kids books, or chasing each other around playing cops and robbers, it's definitely been a blessing in disguise. It has also forced me to get back into reading books and journaling. I've also used it as a great opportunity to self lead.
However the one thing I love about our cable fast is that it has opened my eyes to see how much time and investing I get to be a part of in our everyday family life. I admit that I suck at it and it's one of those things that I really want to work on this year. I dont want to be a lame parent whose kids are more influenced by what they watch on tv than teaching of their parents. Statistics show that we have lost our edge in growing our kids to be successful in whatever they decide to do, because we stop parenting. We stop caring, we've stopped listening and stopped disciplining. We lost control because we gave it up. Unfortunately I'm surrounded by too many friends who are giving up left and right. They've given up on their marriages, their church, their communities and some have even given up on GOD. I think that is the number one tragedy that we're facing today, we just give up and give in. No one wants to fight anymore.
I may not be successful in the worlds eyes but that doesn't matter to me. What matters to me is that at the end of the day I would've been successful in the Lords eyes. I would've done his bidding the best I know how. I may not have a flashy car or huge home, but what I do have is fight. Enough fight in me to keep my marriage alive and healthy, enough fight to show my kids that they are two of the greatest gifts that GOD has ever given us.
That's why I fight! How about you? We've been given a huge responsibility to lead our families well, and to lead our communities well. To lead our churches well and to lead our lives well. The longer we wait to do so, the more we lose our edge, and chances are you'll lose your fight too. So lace up the gloves and go another round, there is too much at stake not to.
Steve
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!
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