God's Creations Declares His Glory

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse - Romans 1:20

Thank You Jesus

Holly and I are so thankful for our kids...Samuel is almost 6, Hope turned 4 last week, and Jeremiah is 2. Life is full, baby #4 due in May - thank you Jesus!

DP Family Thanksgiving Dinner

The DP House had a family Thanksgiving dinner last night after the gathering...these people are amazing, genuine treasures in the kingdom of God! Please remember to pray for them, as they serve on the front lines living at what is known throughout IV as the Jesus Burger House.

Hope's B-Day Party

Hope turns 4 on the 24th of this month...we had a b-day party for her on Saturday at our house, her only request was no boys besides her dad and brothers. A few extra boys (dads & some younger siblings) came too, but she still had a wonderful day!

The picture above is funny for me as Hope never sucks her thumb, but as soon as all 20+ people started singing she got a bit shy and put it right into the mouth.

10 Books I Recommend

Before I came to Christ at the age of 21 (I am now 30), reading was not my thing...however, as those who know, accepting Jesus into your life and making the King your life will change it in more ways than you could have ever imagined. Reading has definitely been one of those life changing things in my life.

It will be 10 years with Christ this March, and since 2001 I have probably read several hundred books concerning the Christian faith - everything from devotional reading, commentaries, biographies, and much more. God has used the reading of books as a significant way to communicate to me and grow me in Christ.

Here is a list of 10 books I would recommend to all believers, these are in no order of my favorite or greatest significance in my life. Almost all of these are devotional in nature, and most of them I have read multiple times. The best books for me are those that cause me to glorify Him more, know Him more, and provoke me to be like Him more.

And no the Bible is not mentioned, as every believer who has access to it should have it as their most prized possession they own. It's the only book that I have ever read and agree with 100%, as Jesus is the only person I have ever met and agree with 100% (Holly is about 98.7%, as we see food a bit different).

1. Imitation of Christ - Thomas à Kempis

2. Practicing the Presence - Brother Lawrence

3. Humility - Andrew Murray

4. Victory Over the Darkness - Neil Anderson

5. The Final Quest - Rick Joyner

6. The Ragamuffin Gospel - Brennan Manning

7. The Cross of Christ - John Stott

8. Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster

9. The Pursuit of God - A.W. Tozer

10. Church History in Plain Language - Bruce L. Shelley

* maybe I will post another 10 in a few month, it's ridiculous how many good books I wanted to include on this list

Conference Weekend

This last weekend we had over 100+ people at our house for a conference that began on Friday and ended Sunday...it felt somewhat like a retreat, being at our home and having a few meals together. About 1/2 of the people where from out of town (Kansas City & Orange County). As you can imagine it was a full weekend, especially since from Thursday through Wednesday we were housing lots of people each night...people slept everywhere, outside on couches and pews to inside on the floor and in the kids room (our kids slept with us).

The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Children

But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."


Our children praying over our friend Brittany from Orange County this weekend.

Prayer 4 IV

On Tuesday about 30 of us went up the mountain to Lizards Mouth to worship Jesus and pray over IV...it was such a sweet time, as 20 students from a ministry school in Kansas City known as IHOP joined us to celebrate the King and His kingdom over our city!

"Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

My Boyz

I love these guys, it's such a honor to father these boys!

Encouraged - Jesus is good news!

These 2 amazing women of God, Rachel & Allie, were a part of the fellowship a few years ago, both are living incredible lives for Jesus today...this video is the two of them talking about the goodness of Jesus & IVC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrFMbp1Lxls

Halloween Weekend in IV

Here are a two pictures from the weekend, more to come. God did some amazing things both Friday & Saturday night...several people prayed to receive Christ, others who have walked away from the faith got reminded of Him, and a lot of people got loved-on through variety of ways like a bathroom to use, water to drink, a hamburger to eat, a place to throw up, or a ride home.

Jesus loves, His kingdom is advancing in Isla Vista.