pure 93065.

Sexy.

2007-02-25T23:23:00.000-08:00

Those that know me, know that I have been growing out a beard since the new year.

Those that know me REALLY well, know the hidden reason why I've been looking like Grizzly Adams for the past couple months.

The master plan is finally revealed:

You're welcome, world.

Elliston Creative

2007-01-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

As some of you might know, I have (maybe temporarily, maybe for a while) closed the book on my stint in full-time ministry. It's been an interesting transition out of full-time ministry, though. I have realized that typically pastors leave full-time ministry for 1 of 2 reasons. Either they have fallen, or they couldn't cut it. I have noticed that a lot of pastors who weren't in the process with me don't know how to handle the fact that I stepped down from full-time ministry voluntarily... It doesn't really compute.

For those that would like some sort of explanation of why I stepped down, I'll give you 4 short reasons... If you need more, well, too bad.

First reason: I have realized over these past 3 to 4 years that I love to create. Whether music, art, or whatever- I realize that my soul comes alive when I create things. I hope that it will change one day for someone in my role, but I found myself getting a little frustrated at times because there wasn't very many outlets to create... It would take a major culture change in suburban America for the church I serve in to require a worship pastor to be more artistic than an event planner. Which leads me to the next reason...

Second reason: I have found that my role in mega-church ministry (especially weekend services) requires someone who is gifted (and loves) doing organizational work and event planning. Although the arts play a role in the position, it is a relatively small piece of the pie. I have found that I can do organizational things well, but I don't feel "called" to it. Which brings me to the next reason conveniently enough...

Third reason: I realize that I feel "called" to leading worship and spiritual formation ministries, but not necessarily the 8 - 5 Monday through Friday pastoral ministries. I was attending seminary (and got half way through) but had this thing in the back of my head that I knew I wasn't going to be in traditional evangelical full-time ministry, and felt that I was equipping myself for it. After speaking with Francis (boss, pastor, etc.) who began to speak 2x a month and said his soul felt so much more alive being freed up to do whatever he wanted M - F, we decided that at the first of the year I would move to doing the same for Cornerstone. I have led once so far, and he's right. It's amazing how differently you lead when it's not your "job".

Fourth reason: I have fell in love with graphic design... I have always been drawn to it, and have some sort of bent towards it, but I have always second-guessed my abilities. After a few key people who know what they're talking about kicked me in the butt, I decided to jump out on my own. It's been amazing to sit down for 8 hours a day and design.

So that's it... After a while at the church I realized that I was taking a paycheck for something I didn't necessarily feel called to. Something didn't sit right with that. So here I am- no longer employed by Cornerstone. It's been a trip now when people ask what I do saying "I'm a graphic designer". It's weird having people say after they know what I do "there's good money in that." I don't think that has EVER happened to me before.

So, if you need any design work done, I'll hook you up. Website, print, logos, corporate branding- whatever. You can check out my online portfolio at ellistoncreative.com.

I also have a contact a a major record label in Beverly Hills that looks rather promising. If that comes through, I might take a graphic design job there.

I will leave you with a picture of my new office at elliston creative.

Peace.

Christmas came early this year...

2006-12-10T22:27:00.000-08:00

Sher and I decided this year that instead of purchasing presents for each other, we would buy a joint gift... We have wanted for a while now to get a decent digital camera for a to record the events in the life of the Ellistons. We landed on a Canon Powershot SD550 (Thanks, Todd!). Here are some pics we shot today... Check them out big-style on flickr.

Brilliant.

2006-11-27T23:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks to "Photo Booth" on my new 17" MacBook Pro.

I'm a proud father.

The World's Best Sandwich

2006-11-13T23:13:00.000-08:00

After arriving back from Mexico yesterday, my wife surprised me tonight by making me the world's best sandwich...

Made famous from the movie "Spanglish" feast your eyes on this masterpiece:

the Elliston adaption included bacon, 2 eggs over-medium, tomatoes, avocado, melted cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise all on some sourdough bread.

nearly 1200 calories of perfection... made by my dietitian wife. Man, I love her.

Children at Risk

2006-10-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

This last weekend I was asked to lead worship at a missions conference at Forest Home (which my wife says sounds like a retirement center, and I agree). The conference was just alright, but the speaker was pretty much the dopeshow. His name is Doug McConnell, and he is the Dean of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Seminary.

Probably the biggest item on his adgenda was "children at risk" which include kids from around the world who have been (and are being) exploited. It was super eye-opening, not only for what was happening around the world, but even for what is currently happening in the San Fernando Valley.

Anyway, Fuller is putting on free missiology lectures that focus on children at risk. If you are around the area, check out the itinerary and attend. There are some cool organizations that are available to hop on board and serve with (like VIVA and IJM), but I think these lectures might be super helpful for anyone that is looking for a place to direct their efforts. Spread the news...

Click here for the info.

Musical Interlude...

2006-10-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry about that last post- I fell asleep twice while writing it. It was so boring that I didn't even want to proof read it.

Enjoy some Mute Math.

Postmodernism = Hyper-Consumerism?

2006-10-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

This one might be boring for some, but a good conversation for others...

For the past few years I've been processing through the effects of postmodernism in our culture... especially in regards how our cultural lenses influences our daily lives (faith, relationships, what we consume, etc.).

One of the tendencies of postmodernism (PM) has seemed to be a type of "push-back" against Madison Avenue's attempt to tell us that if we want a cup of coffee we need Starbucks, if we want a hamburger we need McDonalds, and if we want church it needs to look like Saddleback. Those with a PM lense typically will (at least) question what ad agencies tell them they need, where as those without it find comfort in it. We like our "home-grown" "boutique" shops and groups, and don't like anyone telling us what we have to eat or wear.

The thing I have been processing through is that I think that this type of "questioning" might not be a push away from the modernism, but a evolution of it. I'm wondering if it's not that we don't want the big corporations, but it's that we don't want anyone telling us what we should or should not consume. The ad agencies tell us we should want Starbucks, but we want to be able to choose between Starbucks and Cafe Valentino's... It's our right. We don't like people telling us we can't have things... Even in regards to our careers- it'obsurd for us to do something (even on a part-time level) if we don't really want to. We love our choices... I guess I realize that a part of PM is a move towards hyper-consumerism.

Those that have thought through any of this, any thoughts?

What a day.

2006-09-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

What a day.

I went home a little early yesterday from work because I wasn't feeling too hot... you know- the "achy-all-over" feeling, mixed in with a little upper-stomach discomfort. I heard the flu was floating around, but I didn't feel any discomfort in my head region, so I paid no attention.

I went to bed early, and woke up at around 7AM to more stomach discomfort which had moved a little further south. To my suprise my body must have confused which opening to release liquid out of, because for the next 7 hours (every 25 minutes) I found myself wrestling with (and losing to) montezuma.

Thanks to our new Netflix account, I received "the Sentinel" today in the mail, and in between bathroom breaks I was able to "enjoy" a movie.

Tonight was also the planned "pastor's wives" get together at our house. My wife (faithful as always) decided to host it, and so at 7PM the onslaught of women started arriving at the Elliston house. This means that I needed to leave...

I left to the church because there was a bathroom within 15 feet of my office, and I had a little graphic design work to do. I left at 9:30 to come home hoping to find an empty house and dessert leftovers, but I walked into a circle of 10 pastors wives laughing.

Needless to say, Remy and I are baracaded as I write in the back room of my house, and I think my booty is about to explode.

What a day.

Preacher Man

2006-08-23T23:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I told myself I would never do it...
(click on "get a sermon")

All Inked Up.

2006-08-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

Well... my "hard" factor about tripled in June.

I got a pair of tatts from studio city tattoo (named "best tattoo parlor in LA"). I had "love mercy" in old english planned for a couple of years, but the westminster cathedral cross and wedding date was a bit of an impulse tattoo. Sher digs it though (as do I).

Here are the pics:

on left forearm (8 - 9 - 2 = wedding date)

back of right arm (love mercy)

2 to the 7.

2006-07-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I turn 27.

Here are some other (minor) things that happened on the 1st of August:

527 - Justinian I becomes Byzantine Emperor.
1291 - The Swiss Confederation is formed.
1461 - Edward IV is crowned king of England.
1774 - The element oxygen is discovered by Carl Wilhelm and Joseph Priestley.
1779 - Francis Scott Key, American lawyer and lyricist was born.
1834 - Slavery is abolished in the British Empire.
1876 - Colorado is admitted as the 38th U.S. state. (For Sean)
1941 - The first Jeep is produced.
1963 - Coolio is born. Praise God.
1981 - First broadcasts by MTV. The first video played was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by the Buggles.
1996 - MTV2 makes its first broadcasts. The first video played was Beck's "Where It's At".

I hope you learned something. This past year, I learned to love those who you consider good friends as deeply as you can, and that it's OK to have a lot of acquaintances... I also learned that you should never own a Saturn.

Peace and love to you all.

Big Sur 06'

2006-07-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sher and I just got back from the ultimate camping adventure. We took off to Big Sur (state forest on the central coast of cali) for the weekend, and pretty much rocked it.

Todd, Holly and Soda-Pop (their yellow lab) spent the weekend with the Ellistons. This was actually the first time camping with Remy and sleeping in the Element (which performed like a champ).

We take home good times with friends, great memories, great meals, and 29 mosquito bites (Sher = 19, Jim = 10).

Here are some pics from the adventure:

on our way:

sher and I eating some lunch:

remy exploring:

the petersons:

Gag Reflex.

2006-07-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

I like to think that I have a strong stomach.

I can handle most car rides, the sight of blood, and even the typical boat ride. But today I realized something that triggers my gag reflex... let me explain.

We are dog-sitting for our old condo neighbor, LaVerne (a 65+ year old African-American lady who was the best neighbor ever) who is taking a cruise to Alaska. We have her dog "Rudy" (who is a 9-month old, anxiety ridden Bichon Frise). (See picture)

Apparently, along with being prone to anxiety, barking, and a great deal of neediness, the Bichon Frise also has a high need for constant grooming. So today, for the first time in our lives, Sher and I took on the task of "grooming" Rudy. Which leads me into the story of my recent use of my God-given gag reflex.

With tools in hand (picture above) Sherry held Rudy still while I clipped the fecal matter that had been fastened to the hair around his... well, you know. This experience took about 5 minutes- 5 of the most agonizing minutes of my life. Hence, gag reflex.

I'm sure you are a better person after reading this blog, and if you're a sensible human being, you're welcome for that nauseous feeling in your stomach.

In light of all the times I've complained about Remy (my beagle), I would wish each of those experiences 10 times over to never have to "trim" Rudy again.

I heart Remy.

Sactown, Bay Area and Back Down

2006-06-27T23:43:00.000-07:00

Sher and I took a road trip up to Sacramento for our friend Kristi's wedding. We always enjoy our visits to Sac to chill with friends and family. After leaving Sac 3+ years ago, I figured everyone would just stay the same... It's a trip how much everyone has grown up. It seems like just yesterday we were t.p.-ing girls we liked houses at 2 in the morning, trying to kidnap friends for a laugh, and going on dates with old bridesmaid dresses.

To all those who read this blog from Sactown- Peace and Love. To all others, it's a great city with great peeps. Check it out, but don't move there. (you're welcome old friends).

Here's some pics from the trip:

My lovely wife, and lovely neice, Mae.

Adam and Brit at Kristi's wedding.

Our friends Dale and Kelli's daughter, Reese.

Flash Gordon

2006-06-19T00:51:00.000-07:00

I will now reveal my first flash creation.
breath-taking, isn't it?

Top Ten

2006-06-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know a couple of things...

1. I get a lot of negative comments with my job.

2. I don't really care.

More recently, my boss received an email from the worship guy at Saddleback (ironically enough) that was pretty entertaining. He enclosed these "Top Ten Reasons..." in the email. It's kinda cheezy, but it really makes me feel good. It's my little way of "sticking it to the man."

----------------------

The Top Ten Reasons For Opposing the New Music Trend

1. It's too new, like an unknown language.

2. It's not as melodious as the more established style.

3. There are so many songs that it is impossible to learn them all.

4. It creates disturbances and causes people to act in an indecent and disorderly manner.

5. It places too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than on godly lyrics.

6. The lyrics are often worldly, even blasphemous.

7. It is not needed, since preceding generations have gone to heaven without it.

8. It is a contrivance to get money.

9. It monopolizes the Christian's time and encourages them to stay out late.

10. These new musicians are young upstarts, and some of them are lewd and loose persons.

These 10 reasons are from a prominent American clergyman from the 18th Century. His written statement is from 1723 and is directed against the use of hymns in the church.

numbers...

2006-05-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

number of items Remy destroyed within the past 24 hours: 5

number of spankings Remy enjoyed in the past 24 hours: 5

To all the blog soldiers:

2006-05-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

All it takes is a lip ring and an opinion.

2006-05-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make: I subscribe to Revevant Magazine. I know, I know- the writing is pretty bad, and is the 20-something's CCM Magazine, but I will confess that I do like a lot of the design elements of the mag... so I subscribe. $12 a year. Sue me.

I've noticed an interesting trend while reading this magazine, who possibly has the best grasp and promotion of christian sub-culture today.

Everybody is so mad.

People are mad at everything... church, music industry, leadership, religion, marketing, books, Starbucks, and even getting a real job. Now I understand that there is a need in every "reformation" (if that's a time we are currently in) to deconstruct before we can reconstruct, but man, I'm tired of being so mad. It takes too much effort to be so mad.

I was reading this article in my pomo bible you might know as Relevant Magazine on tis band called "Underoath". It's titled "Why is Underoath Losing Their Religion?"
Aparently this band is a Christian band on the "Tooth and Nail" record label, and is comprised of six guys who (from their band picture) seem to all be under the drinking (and possibly puberty) age.

One of the dudes from the band says this (chopped up for all our sakes): "I'm very anti-religion... I have a very spiritual relationship going on. Religion is an organization. If you think about a relationship with someone you're close to- your mom, your boyfriend, your best friend- is it organized?"

Alright... I appreciate guys like McLaren and even Campolo doing their part and asking the right questions, but honestly... Look at these guys. I'd rather not have a pissed-off 14 year-old who's mad because "religion" doesn't like their new lip ring explaining to me why a 2000 year-old faith is "hella dumb"...

Let alone in a religious magazine.

The more I think about it, I realize that so much of what happens in our culture has to do with selfishness and consumerism. We want what we want, when we want (all w's... that's a first). Forget process, forget the faith of Godly men and women before me- if it doesn't fit into my white suburban context, I'm pissed.

Sorry for the rant... I guess I didn't solve much by writing this, either.

If you take anything from this, take this: If you're not absolutely positive about something (or cannot yet enroll in the armed forces), try not to open your mouth on items of importance. Smarter men and women have said smarter things... Just quote them, and not Michael Stipe of REM.

just when I thought he was all grown up...

2006-05-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

Remy ate my lawnmower bag...
I feel like putting Remy in the lawnmower bag - but now it's shredded.
Smart dog.

This Guy Gets It

2006-05-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

Check this out-

I was reading John Bunyan's "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners", and I was blown away with this guy's approach to God. If you have a day, it is such a good read (and a classic, none-the-less).

Look at his approach to the promises of God:

"...I was made to see more into the nature of the promises (of God) then ever I was before; for I lying now trembling under the mighty hand of God, continually torn and rent by the thunderings of His justice; this made me, with careful heart and watchful eye, with great seriousness, to turn over every leaf, and with much diligence, mixed with trembling, to consider every sentence (of the promises in God's word), together with its natural force and latitude."

The conclusion of the writing is pretty phenominal too... The guy knew Christ.
Thanks for the words, Johnny.

Feed My Frankenstein

2006-05-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the words of wisdom, Mr. Cooper.

I've had this delimma over these past couple of years that has been biting at me a bit, and I'm not sure exactly what to do about it. It has do with what our culture's idea of worship has become. I think we might be off... not just "off the mark", but were talking "facing the other way with our eyes closed and aiming at our grandma" off.

I look through Scripture, and it seems that since the beginning of corporate worship, there has ALWAYS been sacrifice involved... from sacrificing non-blemished animals(OT), to giving of all that one has (NT). There always seemed to be loss involved on our end for the greater sake of God's glory.

My question is, where and why has this idea of worship changed so dramatically over the past hundred years? Why have we become a culture that judges our worship experiences by the amount of positive feelings we walk away with after our sing-time? At what point did we completely reverse our concern for God's pleasure in worship to our own pleasure? I'm not even talking ways and spiritual disciplines in worship, but just simply motivation and comprehension.

In the midst of an acoustic worship set this weekend, I realized that I was frustrated because I wasn't "connecting" with the congregation as I normally do with a full, tight band. I'm beginning to understand that maybe I should be less concerned about connecting with the congregation, and more concerned about our community's sacrifice to God. Maybe that is the true call of a worship leader and pastor- to experience sacrifice more than "good connection." But the question is how do you change the cultural mindset that is in motion? I have found that it is much easier to feed my frankenstein than let him starve and get "grumpy hungry."

mad props...

2006-05-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give cyber-props to my friends Todd, Doug, Matt, Geoff and Brian who graduate this week. You guys deserve a fat stogie and spa treatment for your mad endurance. Great job, reverends...

oh yeah. to chris too, who like me worked his butt off this semester and got no stupid party.

Doggie See, Doggie Do-Do

2006-05-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

This week we are dog-sitting for our friends Todd and Holly Peterson while they are on a cruise down to Mexico. We were (and are) delighted to host Soda-Pop (their yellow lab) for the week.

Sher and I thought it would be a great time to see how Remy does with a buddy, thinking that we might get him one some day in the future. It has been a good time, but the oddest thing is happening. It seems Remy is so infatuated with everything Soda does, and is even beginning to mimic some of his actions...

I'm not sure if this a common thing for dogs or not, but it is a bit weird to us.
When we get home, Remy could care less we are here, and he immediately begins playing with Soda. He always makes sure that he has one eye on Soda at all times... He is even beginning to pant like Soda, and even lay on the tile just like he does. Remy is beginning to remind me of Danny DeVito on "Twins".

Here is a great example. As you can see, Soda is faithfully fetching a stick and here comes Remy wanting a piece of the action.

So, our conclusion after this week is that if we want to be able to enjoy Remy, he has to remain an only child. Although this may be sad for him, it's better for us. After all, he is only a stinky dog.

Da Vinci Co(nspiracy theory)

2006-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, our church "hosted" a conference called "The Da Vinci CONference" (pretty original). By "hosted", I mean we allowed those hosting the conference to use our facilities, as well as incorporating our normal Saturday night service into the conference.

We agreed to host this conference because we felt that this book turned movie will be the talk of the town for the next little while, and that we who follow Jesus have a need (and call) to know what we believe, and why we believe it. We understand that there will inevitably be some people attempting to poke holes in the Deity of Christ because of the popular story.

But here's the thing I've been wrestling with- It seems that some who follow Christ seem to put a lot of money, time, words and effort into vigerous attempts to squash any possible false teachings, even if found in a fictional book. It seems that we have created a culture that is quicker to point out problems with doctrine then be Christ in a hurting world. Don't get me wrong, I strongly believe that have a call (especially as Pastors) to refute false doctrines however they might reveal themselves (whether Gnostic doctrine or Mormons)- But I guess more than ever I'm realizing that when Jesus said "he who has ears, let them hear," he meant it... If you don't want to hear the truth, you wont find it and no one will CONvince you. That was funny.

Here's my frustration: I have realized that it is easier for us to point fingers and develop our own "Christian conspiracy theories" which somehow reveal how Hollywood doesn't like the message of Christianity (imagine that), than look at our culture and love people as Jesus would... I'm not sold that Christ would be as concerned with Hollywood as we are, but more concerned with those living in the slums of Skid Row who can't afford a movie ticket.

Here's what I would rather see- Take the money that was used for making a billion specific Da Vinci Code tracks in full color, and feed 3,000 Sudanese refugees- That will speak the message of Christianity louder to the world than creating, buying and littering with tracks.

Just some thoughts...

Patterns In the Lawn.

2006-05-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

There is something very interesting that happens to a man when he walks into the realm of home ownership. While growing up, chores such as mowing the lawn were typically viewed as a time-waster in between my soccer practices and Legend of Zelda quests.

Something has dramatically changed with our recent move.

The more I think about it, the more I can attribute it to two things:

1: Pride in ownership.
2: The innate drive in most males to fix something.

I used to make fun of the old dudes who would cut their grass in a certain way as to make patterns in their lawn. I used to say it was a waste of time because it would just grow back over the next couple of days... I am now that man.

yo.

2006-05-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

I'm here. Finally.
I would like to introduce those who live with me.

This is my wife, Sherry, and my dog Remy. I hope this post begins a very pleasant relationship between cyber-America and myself.