going home...

"...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

We will be packing and cleaning here in Santa Cruz today for our trip home back to Spokane. I am very excited to return to Spokane after this month of personal rest, reflection and prayerful vision projection for the people of New Heights Church. I am excited to just talk with, hug and enjoy the company of all those who have partnered with the overall mission and vision of New Heights over the years. Our first two weeks of family vacation included me performing two weddings for two very special couples, and those weeks were followed by Myrtha and the kids returning to Spokane to leave me alone with the Lord. My experience with my loving Lord is beyond words. The affirmation of His continued favor, love and anointing in my life is beyond anything I have ever deserved, yet reverently receive. The healing in my heart and the much needed adjustment of looking through my heavenly Father's eyes has brought an incredible peace, literally above and beyond human understanding. I found tons of rest in that peace, loads of comfort from the company of the Holy Spirit, and a renewed sense of calling to blossom where God has so graciously planted us. My love for God's Word has grown enormously in these few weeks. I didn't realize there was more room in my heart for such a love for His Word. But there was, and still is. God has revealed to me the quality servants of the Lord that he has so graciously gifted New Heights with to come alongside Myrtha and I to accomplish his call and purpose for our fellowship. The breakthrough that we have been praying for is already on the way. The past few weeks have been a lot of work involving listening, leaning and learning from the Lord. I have felt in these past few weeks like I dropped my nets at the end of June and have had the opportunity to follow my Lord town to town, circumstance to circumstance, and I have watched him, listened to him, leaned on him heavily and as a result, have learned so much. I realize that what I have experienced out of town can also be realized daily in my town. It is a mindset, an attitude of the heart that wants nothing more than to be with Jesus on a daily basis. I look forward to seeing Him in places in my city that I never saw Him before, seeing Him accomplish things that I have never seen before, and then hearing Him so clearly say to me as he did to his disciples long ago as they looked star gazed watching him in action say, "...greater things than these you shall do!" I'm ready for "greater things."

Myrtha flew down and joined me for the last remaining few days here in Santa Cruz, just the two of us. We began our lives together here in Santa Cruz twenty-two years ago. We visited Carmel together yesterday where we spent our one year anniversary twenty-one years ago. I couldn't ask for a better life partner and co-worker in the ministry. She is faithful and has been so quick to forgive over the years. I see so much of Christ in her, always have. I'm blessed. This Sunday I will be sharing simply from my heart more about my time with the Lord in a message entitled, The Naked Truth: Confessions of a Senior Pastor, it will be good to be home!

If you would like to partner with our ministry at New Heights Church by giving a financial gift to strengthen the support base of our ministry, visit our online giving link at www.NewHeightsSpokane.org and thank you for giving to the Lord.

any last words...

"I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:17,18

Peter's last written words to believers everywhere is just as relevant, if not more so, than the couple of thousand years ago they were first written. A man full of passion for the Lord and a strong drive to protect and keep the Gospel message as pure as it was first preached by Christ himself. Peter even went at Paul on at least one occasion, debating intensely concepts of salvation and holiness as it relates to being a true disciple of Jesus Christ. By the end he seemed to have a strong grasp at some of the strongest needs at hand within the body of Christ. One of these was a believers tendency to be deceived, led astray. It is fitting that his last written words be in the form of a strong warning, "Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing." He fully understood what it meant to fall, to slip while assuming that all you believed was securely placed deep in the crevasses of your heart, mostly because you were sure that you had all things figured out. Where does our security lie? In our doctrine or dogma? In our buildings and programs? In large crowds and being liked? Peter didn't write it, but the great hymn to hit the church many years later would say it all, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness..... On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." Peter says that while we need to be careful, we need to "grow." Particularly in two things that only come from being with Christ daily, His Grace and His Knowledge. What do I really know today about the Grace of Christ? Not just the doctrine of Grace, but the actual Grace that Christ owned and practiced? What do I really know this minute about the Knowledge of Christ? Am I too caught up in continually working with my own knowledge of things (past, present and future)? How can I grow today in His grace and His knowledge? Only one way, be with Him, walk with Him, listen to Him, believe Him. Thank you Peter for some fine, from the heart, last words, they speak to me in these last days.

If you would like to partner with our ministry at New Heights Church by giving a financial gift to strengthen the support base of our ministry, visit our online giving link at www.NewHeightsSpokane.org and thank you for giving to the Lord.

r u stuck? -some thoughts on vision...

I say quite often at New Heights, our vision is to help your vision become a reality. I'm believing that as the Word of God is taught and we are led by His Spirit that all followers of Christ can experience being full of vision for their families, place of employment or business, neighborhood, community and more. When it comes to spiritual direction - hearing from God and applying what he is saying to us - can be sticky business. Most people consider "a vision" to be some great idea someone has or a set of goals we hope to achieve. But vision is much more than that. It is the hard work of walking with Christ and attempting to see what he sees in every aspect of our life and ministry. A vision is not a wish list, but it is a greater purpose and plan that God intended for our lives. To overly define this early on in ministry settings can be an early end to something that was meant to be so much more. Serving the Lord now for a couple of decades has proven that to be true. Much of what God intended to be our vision "evolves" more than it arrives. I talk about this more in this video. You were meant to be full of vision as a follower of Christ. Don't let the bumps and bruises along the way lead to a destination that was only meant to be a pit stop. Don't settle for less than what God has intended for you and your ministry! There are divine appointments with lost people who are depending on it.

If you would like to partner with our ministry at New Heights Church by giving a financial gift to strengthen the support base of our ministry, visit our online giving link at www.NewHeightsSpokane.org and thank you for giving to the Lord.

shout out to friends and visitors of my blog...

WARNING! the following blog entry may cause you to give a generous donation that will help further the overall mission and purpose of New Heights Church for years to come and in return bless your socks off....

Summers are notoriously tough on church's financially. It seems no matter the size of the church, the weekly donations drop drastically. We do our best each year to prepare for this. Many of you are aware of the ongoing growing expenses at New Heights as we take further steps to transition into ownership of our current North Central campus. We have recently had to make our first unwanted layoff of much needed staff here at New Heights, and we continue to do all we can to trim expenses. The reality is, we will need to make more layoffs in the near future if things don't turn around financially. We minister mostly to the poor and needy in a very economically challenged part of town. Because of this, the leadership of New Heights is praying that God would bless New Heights with at least ten new monthly generous supporters to come alongside the outreach and equipping endeavors of this ministry. Would you consider two things.....
1. Consider coming alongside in supporting New Heights Church prayerfully? Our ministry could not function without the many intercessors who cover us daily.
2. Consider visiting the online giving link on our church website http://www.newheightsspokane.org/ and prayerfully give to the work of the Lord.

Thank you for helping New Heights continue to GROW BIG PEOPLE. We couldn't blossom where God has planted us without your faithful support.
LET ME PRAY WITH YOU AS YOU CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH US AT THIS TIME...
"Father, I pray right now for those stepping out in faith this moment to give to your work. For the giver, I pray your blessing on them, their family, their place of work and business. For the gift, I pray no matter the size, that it will bring forth in due time the fruit it is meant to according to the heart and intent in which it is given. In Jesus name, Amen"

Sincerely communicating the current urgent need,
PV

wisdom's voice...

I found myself this morning going a little off schedule with my regular life journal Bible reading schedule. I was strongly drawn to the voice of wisdom in Proverbs. The precursor to this draw was a very open and honest conversation with the Lord about nearly everything that was on my mind. I always find him able to handle my blunt honesty, confusion and frustration. His response to me when I'm like this quite often is complete silence, like a person you're trying to fight with choosing to simply not fight back, leaving you feeling pretty foolish. But this time he responded with a strong tug at my heart toward the wisdom in Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 21 thru 23. I devoured them, meditated on them, memorized two of the verses, wrestled with seven, wished to remove from my Bible three of them and finally surrendered and gave in to the power of all of them. Wow! The Word works. Like going to a good chiropractor who twists, pulls, yanks and rubs until that which is out of place, slides back into proper alignment. How had I thrown my spiritual back out so badly? But I must confess his adjustment this morning has not left me sore or sour, but free and mobile.

If you would like to partner with our ministry at New Heights Church by giving a financial gift to strengthen the support base of our ministry, visit our online giving link at www.NewHeightsSpokane.org and thank you for giving to the Lord.

santa cruz, ca '08- tuff day on the job...

I took this pic while watching some local guys, old and young, hittin it hard in Santa Cruz. Check out the video below that I shot on the same day at the same location. Many of these local surfers are very talented and have been surfing most of their life. Several have been very friendly to speak with, extremely laid back...

keepin it real...

FROM JAMES 2 - LIFE JOURNAL ENTRY
"My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism." (vs 1)
As the pastor of the church in Jerusalem in the early years of the church, James dealt with some of the members not feeling comfortable in the company of other members based on cultural and economical differences. These differences show up in the way people appear, the clothes they wear, the food they eat, the language they speak. Pastor James was strongly reprimanding members who were favoring people like themselves for fellowship and social interaction. All these years later, this is still a very prominent issue within the lives of many who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. How easy it is to get off track and desire personal comfort over love. I've personally been guilty of this on many occasions. I also have known many who have struggled with personally quickly labeling and judging people in their mind before getting to know them. I know literally hundreds of people who have chosen to stop fellowship with our church because we have many of a lower socioeconomic level worshipping with us regularly. I have heard some of these past members refer to New Heights as "Dysfunction Junction." It is precisely this attitude and belief system that Pastor James is addressing. I can only this morning look deeply into my own heart on the issue. Who would I prefer to fellowship with? Do I have a preference? Is my preference revealing my pride, fear, etc? How much of what I call a "target group" in the ministry is just my selfish desire to only reach a certain kind of people because I would rather be around those kind of people? Am I open, hopeful and longing for "All People" to come to know Christ? Then am I willing to befriend, know intimately, invest time and any other needed resource to love on "All People" for unity sake. A long time ago (age 15) I knelt down at an alter and told God that I would go where he needed me to go and I would say what he wanted me to say and I would do all I could to reach those he wanted me to reach. At fifteen I didn't know it would take me to the unwanted citizens of Dysfunction Junction, but even if I had of known, I would have gladly gone! The reason is simple, because I'm one of them, and I don't want to live in the realm of self-deception believing that I'm not. If it is God's will that "All People" be saved, then "All People" need to be "My People." If I'm a true follower of Jesus Christ, then his reputation will be my reputation. He was a "Friend" of sinners, not the chairman of the board of some elite social club that met in a building once a week with a cross on it, listening to speeches on why their better than everyone else on the outside looking in.
PRAYER
"God, help us!"

a gift for all my hard working friends back in spokane...

Take five... minutes that is!
This video below is just less than five minutes (4:33) long of nothing but the sight and sound of the Santa Cruz coastal tide coming in against the rocks. I shot it myself thinking of all of you. Here's what I suggest, since I couldn't bring all of you with me here, I thought I would bring a little of the beach back to you who work so hard daily. Sit back, take a deep breath and while you watch and listen to what I've been seeing and hearing lately, work on your "pan theology." That means your firm belief that "it will all pan out," as you trust in the Lord. So no matter what is stressing you out right now, give God the next five minutes and let one of his greatest creative gestures, the ocean and its sounds, take presitence over your "to do" list. I love you. I appreciate all each of you do for the Kingdom of God, and lastly I miss you and can't wait to come home to see you. "May God bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you his PEACE..."
PV

santa cruz, ca '08 - surfing museum field trip...

Instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for myself with the rib injury and all, I decided to go on a field trip to the surfing museum off West Cliff Drive. As you can see in the pics, its housed inside a historical lighthouse and has several very cool items inside.
I took some video footage inside, but it didn't turn out well, so you have to put up with photos this time. Notice the surf board with an actual Great White Shark bite in it.

How crazy is that? Also notice the bronze memorial marker on the wall that I shot.

The wording is interesting for all you theology buffs out there.

"...may their spirits find new demensions in the unknown horizons that await us all." What is that supposed to mean? Wow! People need the Lord. Boy, this old lighthouse below could tell a tale or two.

santa cruz, ca '08 - painful end to some real fun...

Well, it's official. I really messed myself up (that's not me in the pic to the left by the way, although the circumstances were similar - rocks & all). I don't know what I was thinking, not surfing for ages then hitting it hard after all this time. It appears that I have "Costochondral Separation" or strain. In layman's terms, I have separated or strained a rib from the cartilage that connects the rib to my sternum (Its kind of ironic because last Monday night I had "all you can ribs" at a local restaurant). Anyways, I did this by twisting or landing harshly in the water. I have to rest and not do any strenuous exercise for 3 to six weeks. Anything that causes me to breath hard is pretty painful (so Myrtha better not walk near by) he he he he he...
Well, chalk one up for the gipper. It's strange when your brain says you can do something, but your body doesn't cooperate. I think I need to remember that next time... and oh ya, there will be a next time!
Myrtha was only able to catch this little bit of video of me due to the fact that most of the time I was surfing in the early morning when everyone else was sleeping.... the waves weren't too big in this afternoon clip, but the guy who gets in the way of the camera is huge! Good times! Enjoy...

can i get a witness...

FROM ISAIAH 25 - LIFE JOURNAL ENTRY

Today's reading in Isaiah 25, verse one particularly, has me on the edge of my seat reminiscing of all that I have witnessed God do over the years. Great things. Things beyond anything I could have ever dreamt up.

"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago."

What births praise in your heart? What really gets you excited concerning the things of the Lord? Like Isaiah, I too have witnessed God do marvelous things! How quick we are to forget. How quick we are to assume that God is no longer in control. How quick we should be to praise! Our God is an awesome God.

PRAYER

"Father, forgive my informality, but you rock dude! I could never love, serve or trust another. Your faithfulness has been proven over and over again in my life. Thank you for surrounding me with people of great faith my entire life. Thank you for equipping me for marvelous things, great things - those which have occurred and those which are coming!"

santa cruz, ca '08 - where I'm chillin - pt2

A good surfing beach is roughly a couple of miles down the street from my sis' home. Today I spent the afternoon checking out a new surf spot called, "pleasure point," it is well known among the locals, not many tourists to be found. Just north of that I found two guys wind surfing, they were crazy, but very "fresh" gliding on the waves and catching some serious air. I'll stick to the long board. I had a great time in prayer for the first half of the day. That gentle soft voice still takes my breath away. It made my time later today at the beach extra special, you know, talking to the One who made it and all...

santa cruz, ca '08 - where I'm chillin - pt1

The high cost of lodging on vacations has simply kept us in the past from truly getting away and resting. This year, my sister Chandi and her companion, Janelle, who live in Santa Cruz, CA gave us an open invitation to stay at their small bungalow while they vacationed in Mexico. Needless to say, we would not be enjoying some much needed rest here in Santa Cruz without their generosity. For those who are curious of where we're staying, I've given a short tour on this first clip. More are on the way... I'm thinking and praying a lot of for all of you back at home in Spokane. Thank you for praying for us while we rest and focus on vision and messages for this fall and throughout next year.

santa cruz, ca '08 - sour candy challenge...

The kids challenged me to keep a straight face while eating an extra sour candy. I was determined to keep a straight face..... Daniel then gives it a whirl as well.... fun times while listening to a free concert on the beach here in Santa Cruz.

santa cruz, ca '08 - fancy foot work...

Daniel has visited now two local skateboard parks. I took several videos of him. The following video mastering some foot work in the air... enjoy

santa cruz, ca '08 - not all boards were created equal...

Not all boards were created equal, or so that's what I'm trying to convince Daniel of...

A little bit of fatherly wisdom, "Every man must eventually choose his board and then hang on for the ride of his life!"

Dan's lovin the skateboard. While here in Santa Cruz it has felt great getting back on the surf board after so many years on dry land. This Soft Top long board does the trick. I've been getting up early in the morning and hitting the beach. There's a great cove just south of Capitola Beach here that is breathtaking in the morning. This morning there were only four of us out there, it gets crazy when its crowded. But this morning I was in heaven. The waves came in intervals that aloud this out of shape has been to get some much needed rest after each ride. I'm having fun in the sun...

4th of July - Disney Fireworks

We enjoyed the Disney fireworks this 4th of July. Only Royale and Dan were with Myrtha and I, but we had a blast you could say! The entire fireworks show was nearly thirty minutes long, I captured a bit of it. I apologize up front for not being able to work well enough with my video editing tools to cut off the last 46 seconds of nothingness in this video, just turn it off when it hits the 3 minute time frame. Enjoy!

santa cruz, ca '08 - myrtha's goat envy...

There's this great neighbor next door to my sister's in Santa Cruz that raises goats. Myrtha has always talked about us doing the same in Spokane on our acreage someday, so you can imagine how tough its been keeping Myrtha away from a daily visit to the goat ranch. This video shows how upset she's made a mother goat from these frequent visits... enjoy!

PV

santa cruz, ca '08 - watsonville, the beginning...

santa cruz, ca '08 - on the boardwalk...

hope for the self-absorbed, like me...

FROM TITUS 3 / LIFE JOURNAL ENTRY
Paul wraps up his letter to Titus with these words, "Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive" (vs.14). There is usually a lot of thought put into the ending of any letter, you know, the last thing you want on the mind of the recipient. I find it so easy to get caught up in being self-absorbed daily in activities, schedules and even things like daily devotions that we sometimes shun the "urgent needs" of others. Paul says that making a habit of meeting other people's urgent needs is the key to living a productive life. An urgent need is usually not foreseen, planned out. It means that dropping all else to truly love others by meeting their need is more productive than keeping a rigid schedule. I'm challenged by this truth. Going with the flow, being ready for anything rather than trying to do everything all the time, is living the way God intended. Busyness is not next to Godliness. What urgent needs are within my reach and my means to meet? Living life outside of "self," sounds extremely Christ-like doesn't it?
PRAYER
"Father, give me the wisdom and discernment to recognize a true urgent need when its near me so that I can enjoy a productive life of serving others with a right heart. Forgive me for being self-absorbed, even in Godly activities. I give you my scheduled events and my unscheduled events. I'm yours and all that I have is yours. Meet the urgent needs of your people today, I pray, in the name of your Son, my Lord, Jesus, Amen."