Monday. 19-01-09
These days, with “on demand” on most flights, including the one I was just on, the time spent on flights go much faster.  Likewise, so did my time in Atlanta and on the East Coast.  It’s hard to believe that 2008 came and went just as quickly.  When I was home during this holiday, I sorted through some of my older belongings and such, and I realized that many things were about AUSTRALIA or HILLSONG.  I dreamt that one day I’d get to go to this far away land and perhaps even experience Hillsong full tilt.  That dream began MANY years ago, and by the grace of God, I have had the privilege to be there, to smell it, hear it, and see it with all my heart and mind.

And yet the time IS going by so quickly.  I don’t want to be one of those who lives with regrets or moves slowly.  I totally believe in waiting on God.  But I also don’t want to move slow on MY part, know what I mean?

On the flight, I ran into my friend Danny, who is a fellow musician and one of our regular worship leaders back at Northpoint (and its campuses).  Of all the flights in the entire world, how on earth do you end up on the same flight as someone you already know just unexpectedly like that?  “It’s a small world afterall.”

Tuesday. (Next Day 20-01-09)
I got to try Red Mango yogurt for the first time yesterday.  I prefer the following over it: Pinkberry, Yogurtland, Yoforia, Cali Yogurt and even the kind they serve at Maum.  It was good for sure, but Yogurtland still takes the cake in this category.  If you’ve never been to LA or tried any of the Pinkberry type yogurts, be sure to put that on your list of things to do while here.

Later that evening, we met up with a bunch of former East Coasters (mostly Georgians) who have all been living here for a few years now to grab dinner at this delicious Thai restaurant called Coconut Bay.  It was weird, though, b/c the Kobe vs LeBron (is that how you spell it?) James game was on all over the restaurant like it was a sports bar or something.  What a weird combo, but you know what?  It worked, and I liked it.  Then we hit up Yogurtland for dessert.  That’s right… 2 yogurt stops on my 1st day back here.  HAHAHA.

Wednesday. (The next next day 21-01-09)
So today is my last day in the States for another good chunk of time.  I am so glad I was still in the country to witness (via tv) the inauguration of our new President - Barack Obama.  It’s been an emotional last few days with the MLK Jr holiday and then this the following day.  Whether you are an Obama supporter or not or what you think of his policies and who you voted for, the truth is… this was an historical moment, and he now shoulders the heavy cost of leading this country.  Let’s pray for him and the leadership of this nation.

In other news, I tried yet another yogurt place called Mumbles over in Riverside yesterday.  Yogurtland is still in the lead.

Lastly, Lost starts tonight. 

Technically, I’m still in the country while the show airs but will be at my gate in the airport.  And I’m not sure Lost is the best show to watch just before you board a flight.  Ha.

I’m excited about this new year.  It’s already off to a great start, and I believe this new year is going to a great one.  If we keep our eyes peeled and our ears more attentive, I know we are going to taste and see greater things than we’ve ever seen before!

Well, I know that was long, but I just write to say that it was (and still is) great being here.  I look forward to this new semester and new year with both feet in.  There are some big decisions to make by mid-year this year, so a prayin’ and a seekin’ I will do.  Please pray along with me, won’t you?!

OK friends!  X’s and O’s.