drew moser: August 2007

File under [awwwwww]

30 August 2007

Isa, when are you coming home?

Listening To: Once Soundrack

I haven't had a chance to see the movie yet, but if it's as good as the soundtrack, I'm in. Simply beautiful. This is a great album. Find it. Listen to it. Enjoy it.

(many thanks to my good buddy Sev, for the tip)

Labels: once movie, once soundtrack

The 1st Photo in my iPhoto

28 August 2007

I've been tagged by Todd Hiestand, pastor/web designer/fellow Guata-dad. Todd and I have never met, but it's freakishly weird how parallel our lives are. We keep discovering new common facts. For example: We just realized that we we both came into this world in the cornfields of Nebraska.

Anyway...he' asking the question: What's the 1st photo in your iPhoto library?

Number of photos in my iPhoto library: 3570

First picture in my iPhoto:

Who: 2 college students madly in love
Where: The Pyramids, Giza, Egypt
What: A dirty hippy with dreads (yes, dreads), his very beautiful, very patient girlfriend who would become his wife, the Sphinx (its way smaller in person), and the Great Pyramid (it is much larger in person)....and some random people staring at us weird Americans.
When: Spring Break, 2001
Why: We were studying abroad in Israel/Palestine, and Spring Broke it in Egypt with some great friends. Trip of a lifetime. So many stories to tell...buy me a drink sometime and I'll fill you in. One involves puking, another hitch-hiking, another also involves the Israeli Defense Force...
Random fact: Due to my dreads, I got offerred pot more times than I care to remember. (settle down: I refused every time)

Bekah and I have vowed to never ever (ever, ever) lose that adventurous spirit. Whether it's embarking to a far off land for the sake of Christ, or it's adding to our family through some crazy notion like Guatemalan adoption, we never want to lose the heart of an explorer.

Have you buried your adventurous spirit? I hope not...dig it up and let it loose.

"One love, one heart; let's get together and feel alright..."

Recent Read: Tortilla Flat

I chipped away another one of Steinbeck's short novels last week, Tortilla Flat. A whimsical, idyllic look at the Paisanos, a merry band of Californian men too busy sucking the marrow out of life to work...or care about much else but wine...or care about working at all. But man, Paisanos know how to have fun.

Fun little read, but I'm beginning to realize that after East of Eden and The Grapes of Wrath, my best Steinbeck reads are behind me.

Labels: steinbeck, tortilla flat

El Pastor's Fantasy Football Team

Here it is, my starting lineup for my Fantasy Football Team.
League Name: The Chicago's Savants
Number of Teams in League: 10
Team Name: El Pastor

QB: Drew Brees
RB: Joseph Addai (keeper from last yr.)
RB: Rudi Johnson
RB/WR: Clinton Portis
WR: Donald Driver
WR: Laveranues Coles
TE: Kellen Winslow
K: Nate Kaeding
DEF: Broncos

(i won't bore you with all of my bench players, but here are the primary backups)
RB: Julius Jones
WB: Reggie Brown
QB: Alex Smith
TE: Jason Witten

Game on.

Blogreaders: Meet Angela

27 August 2007

She embarked on her maiden voyage about a week ago.
Stylish. Simple. Green. Free transportation.

[gulp]

22 August 2007

This is an ultrasound.
In the middle of that photo is our third child,
all of 9 weeks, 3 days old and 1 inch crown to rump.
We're thrilled about Moser baby #3!
I got to see the lil' peanut squirming and kicking yesterday morning.
I got to hear the heartbeat.
God is amazing with His blessings.
We're going to need a minivan...
We're going to have 3 children under the age of 3....
We may need medication.
We definitely appreciate prayer!
Bekah and baby are doing great!

Brotherhood...

I leave tomorrow for what is always a highlight of my year. Every year since my college graduation (2002), some of my closest college buddies have gathered together to spend a weekend catching up, reminiscing, grilling, playing basketball, and doing other stuff not fit to publish on this blog (trust me). I'm blessed to have such incredible brothers-in-Christ who commit to this annual reunion. It's such an eclectic group of guys: we've got a pastor (me), a non-profit administrator, a med student, a history grad student, a biology grad student, a social worker grad student, a non-profit intern, commercial real estate developer, a pizza shop owner, a marketing/business guy, a college student development guy, and I think I hit them all. . . It's more fun than you can imagine, and it's always an encouraging and refreshing time.

Just to give you a glimpse of our commitment to do this, here's a rundown of where all the guys are traveling from (We're meeting in Indianapolis this year):

Ohio (yours truly)
Grand Rapids, MI
Omaha, NE
Kentucky
Washington, DC
Peoria, IL
Upland, IN
Kansas City (the Kansas side)
Honduras

Yes, Honduras; living in another country is not considered an excuse for being absent. In addition to brotherhood, camaraderie, basketball, and middle school antics, there is another incentive to do this every single year:

FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT

No, I"m not kidding. Yes, I'm serious. Yes, we draft with a big board. Yes, we have a traveling trophy, and a weekly newsletter. Yes, we are drafting at the aforementioned pizza shop. Yes, it takes up too much of my free time. Yes, Bekah thinks it's ridiculous.

And yes, it's a big deal.

I'm feeling good about this year. Why? Well, because I'm a pastor, of course:

Yes, Jesus has to be on my side, right? Plus, Joseph Addai is my keeper. I can't wait.

Moo Cards...

21 August 2007

I just got my first set of Moo Cards. Moo Cards are tiny info cards (aka 'business cards') that you can customize yourself. You can upload your own image(s) on the back, or choose one of Moo's. I chose a Celtic Cross I found while in Scotland. You can get an assortment of images in one 100 card order, and put any info you want on the reverse side (name, contact info, favorite scripture, website, slogan, knock-knock joke, etc.).

Very, very cool...

Labels: moo card

I'm on my way to feast....

18 August 2007

HERE. I'm wearing my loose jeans. If you've ever been, you know why...mmmm.

Labels: original pancake house

God's Hiddenness vs. God's Absence

15 August 2007

[disclaimer: All of this wisdom is not mine. I gleaned it from a sermon preached by Lauren Winner on the book of Esther. Her ideas, spinned in my own words]

So often during difficult times we claim, "God, why are you absent? Where the heck are you?"

But yet with the same mouth we proclaim that God is omnipresent. In other words: He is always there, and there, and there, (well, everywhere).

If we play this out, it's impossible for God to be absent from trials, from suffering, from heartache. God's never absent. He's too sovereign, too mighty, too powerful to be absent. A more proper way to view it is sometimes God seems hidden to us.

And when He's hidden, He must be present. One can't hide somewhere that He isn't (that would be silly/nonsensical). Thus, God is always there. He always sees. Often He's not readily apparent in the trials of our lives.

This is really helpful to me, but still confusing. For how can God truly and completely be 'Emmanuel' (God with us) if he's hiding? Why would He hide? This is a question that Jewish scholars and Christian Old Testament Scholars have pondered for centuries. To claim that I have the answer would be stupid. I don't.

But, as Winner spoke:

"God's hiddenness is supposed to prompt us to action."

Thus, when God seems hidden in a given circumstance, we aren't to doubt whether or not He's present. Rather, we're to get on our knees and plead for him to reveal Himself, for His pure and perfect light to shine amidst the darkness that pervades so much suffering and heartache.

Bekah and I pray daily that God would reveal himself in our adoption. That His light would break forth amidst the darkness of that wretched international adoption red tape. He has often seemed hidden, as we wait, and wait, and wait for this grueling 14 month process to end with Isa in our arms.

And all the while, while God seems hidden, we have a responsibility, as Christ's ambassadors, TO ACT ON HIS BEHALF. We are His witnesses. We are to act on His behalf, to reflect His love and purpose in lives and situations.

God's not absent from your life. He may seem hidden, but He's not absent. It's our duty to find Him, be the vessels of His light and truth, and pray for his divine intervention.

compulsive capitalist craving...

14 August 2007

...if someone wanted to buy me a nintendo wii, i wouldn't be opposed to that. i even might be compelled to hug you.

Labels: nintendo wii

On Mentoring/Life Coaching

I've been spending a lot of time recently mentoring and life-coaching young adults regarding their future, helping them plot a course to discern God's call for their lives. It's been really fulfilling and energizing for me; something I really enjoy.

I don't claim to be an expert in this, nor do I have any 'life coach' training, but I try to help journey our young adults on a path that typically looks something like this. It's no perfect formula, and I have no plans to write a book, workbook, journal, bracelet, or action figure line based on this (nor should you). But I throw this on the blog in hopes that it may help:

1. Prioritize. Why are you embarking on this journey? Is it for you? For those around you to be assured that you're 'doing something with your life'? If this journey isn't about glorifying God and obedience to Him, then priorities need to be adjusted.

2. Determine your gifts and strengths. What is it that makes you really great? What are the things that refresh your soul? What are the things that you are passionate about? What are the things you do that energize and motivate you?

Prayerfully consider what God has instilled within you to make an impact on this earth for His kingdom. Journal about it.
Seek the wisdom of men and women whom you respect. Ask them: What are the gifts and strengths that you see in me?

3. Develop and enhance those gifts and strengths. God gave them to you for a reason. You have a responsibility to use them effectively and develop them.

4. Explore what you can do for a living/career that allows you to utilize those gifts and strengths. Ask yourself:

Who do I need to contact/network with?
What kind of training/education do I need?
What steps/sacrifices do I need to make to get there?

5. Take the leap. What are you waiting for?

Again, I make no guarantees with this (I'm sure there are holes), but so often young adults feel paralyzed when discerning their call, because they want to skip ahead to the very end: "God. What specific job am I supposed to take?" The cart gets placed before the horse. And maybe God uses a burning bush to explain the course of their lives to some, but for most, it seems to be a journey and process of discovering how God uniquely made and wired the individual.

Frustrated with your current situation? Feel paralyzed? Do something about it!

Labels: life coaching, mentoring

Shameless Plug: Sara's Garden

12 August 2007

My family is heavily involved with a non-profit ministry called Sara's Garden. Sara's Garden (named after Bekah's sister Sara Rychener/Burkholder) is a hyperbaric oxygen therapy center, conductive education therapy provider, and a host of other services to people with special needs, primarily children with Cerebral Palsy. Bekah even bases her massage therapy business out of their main building, and offers massage therapy to clients and relatives.

Sara's Garden exists to offer services that are desperately needed, but so often not covered by insurance providers. They offer expensive services at minimal cost, and rely on donors to help cover the gap.

Every year, Sara's Garden hosts a big fundraiser to keep their budget balanced, and grow into the future. The ministry just took a huge leap of faith, and broke ground on a new building, which will primarily be used for their conductive education program (an innovative approach to helping children with C.P. gain critical motor skills and coordination).

There are a number of ways to financially help. See HERE.

But more immediately, we're looking to sell as many raffle tickets as possible prior to the fundraiser (Sat. Aug. 25th). It's a vacation raffle, with 3 amazing prizes:

1st prize: 5 night Bahamas vacation for 2
2nd prize: 4 night Los Cabo Vacation for 2
3rd prize: 3 night Branson Getaway for 2

More info HERE. Tickets are $10 each, or 6 for $50. You can purchase tickets securely online by clicking HERE.

So, if you could, please take a few minutes to buy some raffle tickets, and we hope you win! Thanks for helping.

Labels: conductive education, hyberbaric, saras garden

Digging This: Mute Math's "You Are Mine"

09 August 2007

You Are Mine, Mute Math (self titled)

by Mute Math, 2006

Everyone has their obsession

consuming thoughts

consuming time

they hold high their prized possession

it defines the meaning of their life

You are mine

You are mine, all mine

You are mine

They're our objects of affection

that can mesmerize the soul

there is always one addiction

that just can not be controlled

You are mine

You are mine, all mine

You are mine

[Q: What's the obsession that defines the meaning of your life?]

Labels: mute math

De-motorize your soul..

Seriously. Free yourself from the vice-grip of oil on your checkbook and your soul.

From their website:

"Wean yourself. It's time for the spiritual transition to a post-oil era. The internal combustion engine is suffocating our souls as it suffocates the planet. So give your soul a break from the gas-powered frenzy. Relax a bit, and join the spirited slow-down."

This is more than just an 'environmental issue' (though that would be sufficient). For me, it's a spiritual issue. The convenience of the automobile is nice, but we often fail to see the subtle, dangerous consequences. When we get into a car and drive it somewhere, there are always costs:

The energy consumed (gas)
The pollution emitted
The wear and tear on the vehicle
The physical isolation from the world around you.
The fostering of the need to be there as FAST AS POSSIBLE.
The flooding of your mind with noise (radio/music) at all times.
The calories NOT getting burned while you just sit there and let the vehicle do all the work.

So de-motorize. For God's creation's sake, and for the sake of your soul. Slow down. Soak in the world around you. Open your eyes to the needs of your community. Save some money. Get some exercise.

In light of this, I'm proud to announce the new arrival of the Moser family second vehicle: a bike; a vintage Huffy cruiser found on Craig's List for CHEAP. Our first vehicle, a '99 Toyota Camry we call 'Phyllis,' is still kicking, and I'm thinking I'll call my bike 'Angela' (in keeping with the female characters of The Office theme).

Angela is currently in my parent's care in Indianapolis. I'll pick her up in a week and a half, and will certainly post pictures.

De-motorize.

Labels: bicycle, de-motorize, environment

It's a monumental day...

Bekah and I just booked our first ever free flights, courtesy of 50,000 Northwest Airlines WorldPerks miles. It's been a long time coming, and we each even have some miles left over. We're heading to the Pacific NW (Seattle and Vancouver) to hang out with some good friends in January.

You: Seattle in January?

Me: Um. It's a long story, but there are people to see and places to go. And yeah, in the economic world, I think they call it TNSTFL (there's no such thing as a free lunch). In other words: free comes with a 'price.' Anyway, Ohio is January is absolutely miserable, so this will be a slight improvement.

An additional 'cost' to our free transport was the brain cells and hour of my life it took to book 2 free tickets using 2 separate mileage accounts. Apparently it's utterly ridiculous for a married couple, who live together, who have shared bank accounts, who file taxes jointly, who are united as one through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, to even think that an airline would allow for said couple to book flights together, ON THE SAME PLANE! But after an oh-so-fun conversation with a customer service agent, I got the skinny and figured out how to get us on the same flight.

But not after a few interesting exchanges, like so:

Me: "So you're suggesting that we just use miles for one person and pay full fare for the other to ensure that we get on the same flight?"

Agent: "Yes, that's the most effective way to ensure that you and your wife travel together. The airline only allocates so many seats for WorldPerks redemption."

Me: "Do I have any way of knowing how many WorldPerks seats are left on a particular flight?

Agent: 'No."

Me. "Oh. Okay, how much is the full fare for the Detroit-Seattle flight?"

Agent: (as if this were a steal) 542 dollars!

Me: (choke) "Are you serious? I've flown to Italy for less than that" (no lie folks: $400 from Denver. Boo-ya.)

My smart remark didn't exactly help the situation, but in the end, the deal was done.

Labels: airlines, seattle, vancouver

How I Use My Moleskine...

08 August 2007

I've come to realize that while some people journal naturally, many others must make it a practice in order to find a good groove. I fall into the latter category. No two journal-ers are alike, and I've definitely had my struggles finding a method that really resonates with me. But I've found a general way that works, and maybe it'll help encourage all 3 of you who read this blog. (bless your hearts)

Journaling Rules I Live By:
1. My moleskine is (nearly) always with me. Moments of inspiration come at random, and (at least in my mind) they are fleeting. Often times if my moleskine isn't within arm's reach, I'm too lazy to go get it; then, (poof) inspirational thought is gone.
2. I make it a point to write something, anything every day. This keeps me in the rhythm of journaling, and often times when I think I have nothing good to write, I'm surprised at what ends up on paper.
3. I try to blend my thoughts on my Scripture reading with stream of consciousness thoughts on the condition of my soul, my prayers to God, and whatever is on my mind. This freedom is helpful because it doesn't confine me to self-imposed expectations of literary genius. I also will tape/glue memorable scraps/photos, etc. from experiences that shape who I am.
4. I make it a point to review what's in my moleskine every few weeks. This is due to my poor memory; I wrote all this stuff for a reason, and I don't want to forget it.
5. I use the pocket for a few pictures of my family, a few business/moo cards, and anything that I need to keep a temporary hold on (other people's business cards, etc.).
6. I save the final few pages for a few consistent lists:
a. Books to Read
b. Wish List (for me and others)
c. Things To Do Before I Die
d. Prayer Requests (for me and others)
7. Finally, I use a good, fine, ball-point pen that doesn't smudge and writes neatly. I have poor penmanship, and I need all the help I can get.

Labels: journaling, moleskine

A Spiritual Gut Check...

06 August 2007

I centered my times in Scripture last week on Romans 12. Verses 9-12 have been, and still are, consuming me. Paul has just finished his famous clarion call to become 'living sacrifices.' In these verses, he explains the embodiment of true, pure love in action; one could say that these verses help explain HOW we are to become living and sacrifices. I rephrased the passage into questions, which I'm dwelling on. I encourage you to ask these questions of yourself:

Is my love sincere?
Am I hating evil?
Am I clinging to what is good?
Am I devoted in love to my brothers and sisters in Christ?
Am I honoring others above myself?
Am I guilty of lacking zeal?
Am I joyful in hope? Patient in suffering?
Am I faithful in prayer?
Am I sharing with those in need?
Am I practicing hospitality?
Am I blessing those who persecuting me?
Am I rejoicing with those who rejoice?
Am I mourning with those who mourn?
Am I living in harmony with one another (and creation as a whole)?
Am I guilty of being too proud to spend time with people who are not like me?
Am I guilty of repaying evil for evil?
Am I careful to do what's right?
Am I living at peace with all?
Am I guilty of revenge?
Am I overcome with evil? Or good?

Labels: apostle paul, romans

What the heck is a 'moleskine'?

I'm glad you asked. Upon first glance, a moleskine is a simple journal. Upon further inspection, a moleskine is so much more. The moleskine line has a number of different journals for different purposes, but they all have a common heritage. Moleskines have been used by European artists and thinkers for the past two centuries (Van Gogh, Picasso, Hemingway, etc). Originally produced by small French bookbinders, moleskine notebooks can now be found in most bookstores world-wide.

Here's why I love the moleskine:
1. Durability--These things are tough.
2. Consistency--With each moleskine, you know exactly what you're getting.
3. Size--I use the large ruled, which is perfect for me. Large enough to write as much as you want, small enough to be portable.
4. They have a bookmarking strand, and an elastic strap (very handy).
5. Each moleskine has a pocket in the back for business cards, scrap paper, pictures, etc.
6. Each page guarantees inspiration. (Ok, maybe not...but you can't go wrong using the preferred notebook of the aforementioned.)
7. It's a hardcover journal, but you can open one at any page, and it will stay flat without having to break the binding in half.

There. Now you know. Journal more. . . you'll be better off for it.

Labels: journaling, moleskine

Stirring my soul....

04 August 2007

"But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands." --Isaiah 32:8

Labels: future, manhood, vision

drewmoser.com v. 1.1 (or something)...

03 August 2007

This site has undergone a visually slight, yet still profound shift. I long ago ditched the notion that this could be a serious contribution to theological blogging. I'm by no means an aspiring blogger nor a serious one. I don't have the time nor the energy for it and others are more capable than I. Sure, I'll post serious content here and there, but this site is, for the most part, just a fun hobby, a nice way to keep people updated on life and ministry. I've been focusing more of my serious writing in personal journaling (in a moleskine of course), and it's been a much needed spring of life and refreshment as I seek to deepen my communion with Jesus. I still plan on writing some stuff that gets published, but no longer care how often that happens, for what publication, etc. Writing is how I process my communion with God best, and I don't want any attempts for success or status to tarnish that.

So, take a self-guided tour through this site again, and if you were expecting a wellspring of profound insights, lower your expectations. There may be some in spite of myself (God's grace is sufficient), but I sincerely hope that this site is a productive outlet for me, a digital journal on some of the lighter things in my life. Nothing more, nothing less.

In other words, I'm giving myself permission to make this blog as personal as I want. If I want to post a week's worth of knock-knock jokes, I will. But I probably won't...

In the same vein, I just did an extensive purge of my RSS reader, cutting about half of the feeds. That felt good. I'm no longer a slave to my google reader (I'm now just a good friend to it...I hope).

(sidenote: Bekah just purchased her first moleskine. I'm such a proud husband)

Ok, off to fun, always exciting, never-a-dull-moment denominational meetings!!!! (I hope I can find some wi-fi)

Labels: blogging

drew moser : : theological riffs, cultural rants, anecdotal quips

journal : : field notes

File under [awwwwww]

30 August 2007

Listening To: Once Soundrack

The 1st Photo in my iPhoto

28 August 2007

Recent Read: Tortilla Flat

El Pastor's Fantasy Football Team

Blogreaders: Meet Angela

27 August 2007

[gulp]

22 August 2007

Brotherhood...

Moo Cards...

21 August 2007

I'm on my way to feast....

18 August 2007

God's Hiddenness vs. God's Absence

15 August 2007

compulsive capitalist craving...

14 August 2007

On Mentoring/Life Coaching

Shameless Plug: Sara's Garden

12 August 2007

Digging This: Mute Math's "You Are Mine"

09 August 2007

De-motorize your soul..

It's a monumental day...

How I Use My Moleskine...

08 August 2007

A Spiritual Gut Check...

06 August 2007

What the heck is a 'moleskine'?

Stirring my soul....

04 August 2007

drewmoser.com v. 1.1 (or something)...

03 August 2007

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