hiltigger's Xanga

Friday, September 05, 2008

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:27:50 GMT

Going camping this weekend in Mammoth with the small group. Looking forward to being out there in nature and just relaxing a bit, something I'm not too familiar with. Would appreciate your prayers for a relaxing time just resting in Him, and for blessed times in His Word as well.

Also, looks like I'm speaking at AACF next week... at USC (gasp!). Would also appreciate your prayers as a prep for that, and as we gear up for the start of our Perspectives class on the 15th! Whoo hoo!

Have a blessed weekend!

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:39:44 GMT

10 Geeky Movies to Raise Your Kids On

Thought this article was pretty interesting, and like some of the comments about other classics like Flight of the Navigator and The Brave Little Toaster, although I'd probably argue that TBLT isn't that geeky compared with the likes of Star Wars. Labyrinth was another classic mentioned, although a little weird (thanks Jim Henson) as well as The Secret of Nimh and The Princess Bride. Not sure of their geekiness though.

I like Robotech, and I'd probably have to throw in Voltron with that. Thought it was a fun list to go through though.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:04:53 GMT

Long weekend leading to another week. Looking forward to going camping with the guys this weekend and hopefully unwind a bit. It's a three-day workweek, and lots to be happy about.

Victory Fellowship retreat was a lot of fun, and it was great serving and seeing so many familiar faces. God is good.

And to top it all off, there's hope in Westwood nowadays, and it's not just in anticipation of basketball season. Had a great time at the Tennessee game last night and almost lost my voice. Must have been once of the greatest games I've ever been to at the Rose Bowl, next to the 'sc game in 2006. And look at that? UCLA is moving up into the Top 25 now!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:37:37 GMT

I really love good orators. I love how people can use language in such a beautiful way as to calm an angry mob, or perhaps even move the most reserved of people to the cry out for action.

I came across an article on MSN.com that highlighted ten of America's greatest speeches the got me thinking about how effective communication has changed (read: degraded) over the years, and the power that it has over the masses. Maybe that's a bad statement in an of itself, but think of it as a great example of what I'm talking about.

I would be the first to admit that I am part of this dumbing down of communication. Back in the day when communication was slower, people took the time to compose a letter, have long conversations, and even read (gasp!). Mastery of the English language was an important skill that has fallen by the wayside in the time of e-mail, instant messaging, cell phones, and text messages. We no longer spend the time to read or listen to great speeches, sermons or lectures. Instead we want to have someone cut out the good parts for us, and feed us sound bites for news stories and slogans telling us to "Just do it." Can this be remedied, or is it already too late?

These days I find myself wishing that I had spent more time reading and just taking it slow, but then I just keep on trudging along at full speed until a collapse into a heap and struggle to try and rest. Is it possible? Yes. Do I think I can do it? Maybe, but probably not.

I don't really know where I'm going with this whole thing. I so inadequate at expressing myself at times, often hoping that my being verbose will make up for my lack of cohesiveness or direction. I feel like what Edward Everett--the orator who spoke before Lincoln at Gettysburg--must have felt when he wrote to Lincoln, 'I wish that I could flatter myself that I had come as near to the central idea of the occasion in two hours as you did in two minutes.'"

Maybe someone more eloquent and thoughtful can come up with something that makes more sense, but for now my stream of consciousness writing will have to suffice...

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:34:17 GMT

Thanks to all of you who prayed and thought about all the stuff going on for the past few weeks with the debriefing, camp, and reunion. It was a real blessing to participate in all of it and to see God really work in peoples' hearts, but I'm pretty wiped out at the moment. Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:20 GMT

Vacation for the next two weeks:

August 4-7: OMF debriefing leading worship and interviewing some of the guys returning from their summer trips.

August 10-15: GVBC Youth Summer Camp, leading worship.

August 6-17: Family reunion in Norcal.

Please pray for me, especially for summer camp and all the logistics with getting all the sound equipment up and back, and setting up the worship teams. Pray also that I might be refreshed by God and grow more in my love for Him, His word, and His purposes.

Have a blessed next two weeks you all!

Friday, August 01, 2008

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:32:23 GMT

Do you love Jesus?

Would you rather be doing things for Jesus, or doing things with Jesus?

At first you might not think it's such a big difference, but when you get down to it, there's quite a big difference, and is something that has been sticking with me throughout the week. Do I cherish my time with Jesus, or would I rather not spend the time with Him and do other things... like do things for Him? Do I love Him and miss Him as much as a boy misses his father who has been shipped off to Iraq?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv2D9ucyDys&feature=related

Makes one think, doesn't it? Time to cultivate my love for Jesus, and not just check off my to do list for Him.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:53:31 GMT

Whew... 5.8 earthquake out in Chino Hills, and we felt it all the way out here in Manhattan Beach.

Less than a week to go, and two week off of work! =D

Monday, July 21, 2008

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:02:58 GMT

Busy weekend between a bachelor party (fishing, BBQ), karaoke, church, quick lunch, meeting, then dinner reception. Need a Sabbath day indeed...

Not much else to post about. Life is pretty boring for the most part... =\

Monday, June 23, 2008

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:59:21 GMT

The travel bug is still biting... how does Washington, D.C. for five days in October sound for $331?