My Favorite Restaurant - Pipes Cafe

My absolute favorite restaurant finally has a web site - check out Pipes Cafe. If you are every in Cardiff (part of Encinitas, California) you must go. Great prices, great quality, great quantity.

Spotlight - Turning Point Pregnancy Center

We met with the founders of this organization tonight and I wanted to draw some attention to it. Please consider giving to support this life-saving and life-affirming organization.

Google Earth

Google Earth - Home - I've stayed up playing with this tonight. Really cool!

Spotlight - Care House

Care House - This is an organization worth supporting. I'm looking into it myself. Even the guys from Switchfoot dig Care House and are having a benefit for them called the Switchfoot Bro-Am, a surf contest and much more.

Spotlight - Phil Wickham

Yesterday, a couple of co-workers and I went to the restaraunt of blink-182, Sombrero Mexican Food. While we were in there I recognized one of the other patrons, Phil Wickham and his father John. I've seen Phil a few times at Maranatha Chapel in Rancho Bernardo, a San Diego suburb. Phil is an amazing worship leader and writes great songs. His music is pretty mellow but not cheezy mellow. In some ways his music reminds me of Jars of Clay. Check out his samples on his web site.

Spotlight - Amputees Going Back To Fight

I'd heard a few stories here and there about soldiers who suffered amputations due to combat who were trying to make it back to fight. This MSNBC/Newsweek article will inspire you, put a lump in your throat and will make you so proud that these men are Americans. Here are the soldiers mentioned in the article.

Army S/Sgt. Daniel Metzdorf
Army Pfc. George Perez
S/Sgt. David Chatham
Army Capt. David Rozelle
Senior Airman Anthony Pizzifred
Special Forces Sgt. Andrew McCaffrey
Army S/Sgt. Josh Olson

Pray for them and also thank God for them.

Spotlight - Dream for Africa

Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez as created a new organization called Dream For Africa. Dr Wilkinson created this organization based on a calling from God to move to Africa. It's all about helping the people of Africa helping themselves. Check it out.

Spotlight - Riley's Farm

Riley's Farm -- Oak Glen, California

I went on a field trip today with my 10 y/o son to Riley's Farm. The children were brought back to 1775 during the colonial days in America. There was a mock trial, a display of soldier's provisions, 9 pin, learning to march, weaving, manners, rations and then a mock battle. It was a blast and was a great learning experience. The folks at the farm were trying to show the sacrifices of so many and how we must appreciate it. Amen!

If you are in Southern California, consider Riley's Farm.

Spotlight - Spiritual Excercises of St. Ignatius

Based on a letter I received from Tony Campolo I purchased the above book about the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius. Ignatius was a Roman Catholic during the time of the Reformation. He created the Society of Jesus within the Roman Catholic Church and the exercises he created were a major force in the creation of that society. I'm looking for some more personal discipline in my spiritual walk so I'm open to suggestions. Fortunately, Dr. Campolo responded to my request. In my reading of this book I've been touched by some of the exercises that Ignatius is teaching. As a protestant I don't agree with all of Ignatius's methods but am finding some interesting ideas.

Spotlight - Daytona 500

In a few minutes the "Great American Race" (I hate that term) will start. The pre-race show is a disaster as they have washed-up performers singing (poor Brian Wilson) with silly dancers. The race is still interesting, and I will watch, but there is something missing. With the death of Dale Earnhardt four years ago, the good old boy attitude seems to be missing. I guess with growth has to come change. NASCAR is now mainstream. I pray for a safe race.

Spotlight - Jake Peavy

Padres starting pitcher, Jake Peavy, is a player to watch this year. He's not even 25 yet but his numbers were excellent last year, even leading the NL in ERA. Players in San Diego don't get much publicity but look for Peavy to be a long time contenter for the Cy Young award.

Spotlight - Airborne Formula

A different type of spotlight but I've been taking the Airborne Formula capsules. Many people are dropping like flies with colds but I'm hanging tough. My wife got nailed with it but I haven't (yes I encouraged her to try but to no avail). The next few days will be the real test so I'll keep you all up to date.

Spotlight - Blue Collar Comedy

If you've not seen the Blue Collar Comedy Tour you've truly missed out. It shows on Comedy Central and the follow-up was on last weekend. It was laugh-out-loud-sometimes-tears-in-your-eyes funny. If you remember the "you might be a redneck" guy Jeff Foxworth, he's part of the team. The guy who makes it all worth watching is Larry the Cable Guy. His delivery is priceless. The humor can be a bit crude but the language isn't F-bomb at every turn.

Spotlight - Jars of Clay

There is an amazing band that I've been listening to for almost 10 years called Jars of Clay (JoC). If you are not familiar with Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) then you may have never heard of the Jars boys. Forget all the stereotypes of CCM, Jars of Clay is truly a great band. They rock on accoustic guitars quite a bit and have deep and thoughtful lyrics. No gimmicks, their music could be classified as light rock but I call it accoustic rock (they are electric a bit also). I listen to Jars of Clay on those frequent nights when I need to go back to the office to get some undisturbed work done. Check them out! (Don't let the CCM label fool you, they are great.)

Spotlight - Laird Hamilton

First spotlight is on Laird Hamilton, surf legend. He's invented or pioneered new techniques in surfing that has enabled him and other big wave surfers to reach new heights never imagined. The picture below is from Teahupoo, Tahiti in 2000 when he caught the best wave any surfer has ever caught. To catch some more amazing photos check out Tim McKenna's sight.

Spotlighting Coolness

Over the next few days I'm going to be drawing the spotlight on some things that deserve the spotlight. There are many talented folks out there and I'll be bringing some of those things to this blog over the next few days. I'll try and post a new one every night.