tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336036892011-07-07T15:02:38.595-07:00Writing About Science Fiction and FantasyDaniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.comBlogger1091100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-4622090427447025942009-03-04T16:05:00.000-08:002009-03-04T17:11:58.978-08:00

We often think of heroes as having some sort of superhuman or miracluous power that makes our mouths drop, our eyes bulge, and the hairs on our arms & neck stand up. This, I believe, is what draws myself and countless others to such thrills as the Sierra Nevada mountains, epic movies like Gladiator and Troy, amazing comic books and novels like Batman and Odd Thomas, the beautiful introspective

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-71949313158463244152009-01-21T12:34:00.000-08:002009-01-21T13:02:30.838-08:00

"Sand and Stone"by: Daniel RhotenDigital Sketch and PoetryThis is a new art concept I'm working on. I'm sort of in the design/hashing-out-the-look-and-method phase, but I think it's coming together really nice. This is the first in a series of about 40 on the parables of Jesus. The final pieces will look and be experienced far differently than this web version; however, I had hoped to get some

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-49822469144483509322009-01-03T01:17:00.000-08:002009-01-04T18:53:06.710-08:00

Well, first let me start by offering my apologies for those of you who have stopped by, and haven't been able to look at anything because you were locked out. You're all still my friends, I hope... and I wish I could be a little more honest here about what has happened recently in my lfe, and why I would choose to shut down my blog. Unfortunately, I feel that the internet is probably not the best

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-78498616443528373652008-09-30T15:45:00.000-07:002008-09-30T15:54:51.369-07:00

Yep.It's the only thing on television that turns this 35 year old man into a 10 year old boy again (besides sports). And the characters on this show are the rawest kind of people always living somehwere inbetween good and evil, wise and foolish, joy and pain, fighting and forgiveness... there is no static character on this show - they're always changing, becoming, transforming; and we never know

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-10327626572703722732008-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:002008-09-28T21:01:58.561-07:00

The other night I was awake at 3 AM. Awake - not asleep - not dreaming... I could not shake the emotions pressing into me; welling up in me. One thing was painfully clear - these emotions were REAL: pain, fear, despair, loneliness, depression... all crashing into me - crashing out of me. I tossed and turned for an hour trying to shake all this. I was tired. Very tired. It was too much to ignore.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-2394437536945326392008-09-03T11:39:00.000-07:002008-09-03T12:18:41.658-07:00

First let's start with two mind-boggling statistics:$253,000,000,000.00 (that's billions) Spent on church buildings and properties every year - just in America. That includes rent, technical junk, energy bills, mortgages, upkeep, etc.$9,000,000,000.00 (that's billions) Currently being sought by churches to build more buildings and own more properties just in America.If anyone would like to throw

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-67344015776025926482008-07-28T08:15:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:32.779-08:00

So the big short film project I've been working on recently is finally on its way to be released via mass mailing and internet. Over 2000 churches in California will get a copy. You can watch the short film (in four parts) here.Here is what they're all getting in the mail: I'm pretty proud of the team that produced the products this year. It's a big step forward for what has been done previously

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-46324734420151932622008-07-23T14:33:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:33.621-08:00

This is where the men stayed for two weeks in Russia. It's a farm house in the country village of Robolava about 1.5 hours outside of St. Petersburg. No TV. No cell phone coverage. No internet. We lived with about 15 Russian men who are fighting for the lives to get off of drugs and begin a new life in Jesus Christ. They were gracious, strong, talented, and joyful. I will share some of their

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-46241434884448454482008-07-03T09:21:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:33.813-08:00

I just finished my first short film this week. It was an exciting yet grueling process - but I loved it. One of the most daunting parts of the project was the writing the script. I had a vision for it to be very realistic portrayal of evangelism, ministry, and giving to missions. The hardest part was taking what was in my head and putting down on paper so that what was there on paper could be

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-34599746166050019692008-07-02T11:56:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:33.963-08:00

Hey Fresno peeps (which is probably 95% of you). We're having a little get together for those of you who don't already have plans this Friday (which seem to be us every year). Come on over and eat, drink, and maybe even blow up some stuff. Here's the details:Where: HereTime: 4:30ishWhy: FreedomWho: Everyone (including the kiddos)What to Bring: Some food to share (chips, drinks, meat, salad, fruit

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-60794182214942364922008-07-01T10:25:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:34.341-08:00

Next Monday I will be on a plane with about twelve other missionaries on our way to St. Petersburg, Russia. It has not even come close to sinking in yet. I'm not ready. At all. I'm going to be doing mostly video work there with a little construction thrown in on the side. Suppossedly I will be blogging our trip as well on this site.Project:We're going to be building something on this foundation

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-54670614993735416772008-06-26T13:47:00.000-07:002008-06-26T13:50:31.260-07:00

Here's your first look at our little project. This was editied by my friend Paul Carlson on his shiny new Macbook Pro. The song was written and recorded by my friend Paul Haugen and some buddies of his in Clovis. I heart me some Pauls. Bright Hope for Dark Days CMO Trailer from Daniel Rhoten on Vimeo.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-15533178878428180272008-06-18T08:36:00.000-07:002008-06-18T09:32:29.569-07:00

This is Neal Boyd. He grew up in poverty with his mother and brother. He loves his mother. His "real job" is as an insurance salesman. He was introduced to opera when he was 9 years old, when his brother was doing a book report on opera (he took his brothers Three Tenors record and never let it go). He's been singing opera ever since. I like Neal because he exemplifies passion. He's not just an

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-51473124660399234792008-06-12T10:26:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:34.944-08:00

We've heard or read the phrase: "Plaese silence your cell phones" so many times in church, that we probably don't even hear or see it anymore. It's deemed rude and unnacceptable social etiquitte, and the social pressure to conform is huge. Everyone stares at the cell phone junky. Questions: Why are we asking people to disconnect from their community during a church service?Why aren't we using the

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-45311216719005051632008-06-11T08:55:00.000-07:002008-09-25T16:01:01.386-07:00

If you can name just one thing you would like to change about your church, what would it be? If you'd like to explain why - that would be very cool. Everyone is welcome to reply, but I'm really looking for the "average joe" perspective for a book idea.I would be really grateful for your really honest input, brutal even - if need be. If you'd like to be anonymous to the world, then please email me

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-63614768578787437002008-06-05T08:30:00.001-07:002008-11-13T11:35:35.771-08:00

These were the immortal words gleefully shouted over the speaker phone by my two year old Carter yesterday, after dropping a duece on the big boy. YES!!! Son number one, you make me so proud. I actually got misty eyed and choked up over it. Am I a little off? C'mon! The sheer excitement of my son's conquest was so awesome - he also added that he, "Flushed the poo poo bye bye!" and waved. The joy

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-76598785753531746042008-06-03T09:04:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:35.951-08:00

Yesterday afternoon I was hangin' with my friend Josh from Christian Music Sucks. It's a blog about being real in regards to everything having to do with church and the Christian sub-culture (i.e. music, movies, books, church services, clothes...). Josh is a crazy good graphic artist, technical hero, and slighty off-the-wall in a good way. Oh, and he's really jimmy with a camera crane jib. You

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-48371009657433036352008-05-30T12:04:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:36.060-08:00

Ever suffer from this disease?I once asked a friend of mine's wife who I hadn't seen since their new baby was born "When is your baby due?" Her 3 month old baby was right there in the stroller. The only response response I got was the look of death from her, and an embarassing silence from him. I tried to recover, but failed miserably. There is no coming back from that! Idiot!What's your dumbest

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-83045083496257413572008-05-29T08:53:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:36.366-08:00

I know many of us are already using many Hollywood produced films to communicate in our services. I think that's great! But, what I'd like to suggest is creating the films yourselves; within your church. There is a great benefit to creating, building, and utilizing a team of creative people to produce really cool short films (or feature length films) for your church. Most of this team is already

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-62581290342666921342008-05-23T09:09:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:36.525-08:00

I've been having some great conversations with some atheist bloggers lately. Sometimes I don't know why, but I just love some of their questions, rhetoric, and thoughts. They know so well why they don't believe in God, and that challenges me immensely in my faith. Questions, quite frankly we as Christians never really here in church, or really ask ourselves.I'll give you a few:1. Do you think

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-33947832627238689892008-05-20T07:51:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:36.695-08:00

Welcome to my cynical and sarcastic Christian mind. This is my new side project aimed at speakers who want to teach about authenticity in their churches. If this were rated, it'd probably be rated M for mature; but it will be a funny way to introduce thought and discussion on some difficult issues in your church. I won't list all my topics for fear of someone ripping them off, but let's just say

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-12684724969963848292008-05-15T14:47:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:37.024-08:00

This last Friday past my good friend Brad and I performed a live acoustic show at this little coffee chop in Old Fig Garden (Fresno, CA) called Vintage Coffee House. It was so fun! Small intimate crowd, lots of friends, the smell of coffee, and some great acoustical tunes vibrating through the place. They're trying to promote more music in our vein (acoustic) - so if you ever have a free Friday

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-63813531189685444942008-05-12T12:26:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:37.447-08:00

Last week I posted about our photoshoot with Melissa and Shalene. Here's the results: Vote for your fave. I liked the first one.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-48643480430210350062008-05-05T10:02:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:45:04.607-07:00

Photoshoots:This weekend we did the photoshoot for Bright Hope for Dark Days with photographer Melissa Hansen, actor/writer Shalene Kearney, and me playing the part of annoying director. We created images of our actor sitting on the steps with the emotion of desperation. The light was spilling down the steps towards the bottom where our actress was in the shadows. To filter and define the light

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-12244202154919725192008-04-29T19:28:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:45:17.766-07:00

Hi everyone. I wanted to introduce you all to a new friend of mine named Eliza Rickman. She is an amazing songwriter from Pasadena, CA. She is recording this song for my short film project: Bright Hope for Dark Days. She is ultra-talented and artistic. The first time I saw her perform was in a church doing an old hymn with just her and a grand piano... uh - WOW! She's working to bust into the

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-87003223293385788042008-04-25T09:45:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:38.106-08:00

It came from above. After weeks of brain-stretching creative thought and search-and-destroy typing - I have finished my first short film screen play. (golf claps)I have discovered through this unfamiliar process that I'm somwhat of a perfectionist. No, not somewhat... total. I'm a full-blown, has-issues perfectionist. I think my script stinks; no matter how many compliments I get on it. I keep

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-26113279914649754032008-04-24T10:20:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:45:47.949-07:00

Just wanted to give a little shout out to my new friend Paul Haugen. He is the music director for this church in the No. I met Paul a couple of weeks ago to ask him for some help on a little Missions project I'm working on for California. He is nails when it comes to music and theology. I like this guy a lot. Check out his blog to give him some love, and get just a little snippet of his amazing

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-60594927782831524312008-04-23T11:08:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:38.674-08:00

I think every Christian likes a little heresy. I often watch youtube for my heretical kicks now and again. I don't know why, really - I guess I have this little need to drop my jaw once in a while at the shocking things that people actually say sometimes. I'm sure it's listed as a mental illness in a medical journal somewhere...So here we go:Who's your favorite Christian heretic? What's he/she

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-3204199697740801952008-04-21T09:43:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:48:11.791-07:00

I'm not dying. At least in the physical sense. Maybe just in the spiritual sense... I have recently developed this yearning for celebration. I think Richard Foster lists it as a spiritual discipline (one I - being a hard-core introvert by nature - am not accustomed to practicing). This "preference" of mine has been killing me. I'm soul sick. My friend Brian Hale summed up postmoderninsm as "a

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-46128772861946320952008-04-14T17:49:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:39.008-08:00

I've been a part of lots of different churches. Everything from this:to this:Please take this in context. I've been a Christian for 18 years now. I love Jesus - I love the church (people). What I seem to have issue with is its structure and design. The gatherings are boring. I base that opinion on four things: simplicity, clarity, grace, and beauty. Church gatherings seem to flunk out from being

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-67901543997734685902008-04-11T11:23:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:39.322-08:00

So, this last couple of weeks I've been hammering out this short film script. It's a project I'm working on for the California Mission Offering. We do this every year around this time. Basically, CMO is a statewide giving campaign that we do to promote missions work in California. It's a pretty big deal. We produce DVD's, posters, inserts... the whole nine yards. Every year in the past we have

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-58365102536544128712008-04-07T09:37:00.000-07:002008-04-07T09:41:18.095-07:00

So, let's hear your thoughts on this question:In your eyes/heart/mind, what would the ideal church look like and be?If you don't want to post here, please send me an email. I'd love to get deeper into this topic with you.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-66139573802863577222008-04-03T17:23:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:49:15.034-07:00

There's so much of this stuff floating around that's it's sort of confusing the heck out of me. So, I'd like to know...Post away my postmodern friends.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-48739122273485156602008-03-26T08:59:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:49:51.341-07:00

So, my last post on this was really pretty amazing... how God seemed to come through in so many ways financially for us. The car, the money in the mail...Okay, reality check time = this last check we wrote put us in the hole about $300! Can anyone say overdraft fees?!? Honestly, it's been pretty darn tight financially for us this time. Do I feel like throwing in the tithing towel? A little. Do I

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-13090153425123824932008-03-18T08:13:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:50:08.689-07:00

Just a little viddy I did for a local church in The No. Thought I might share it with you all. Enjoy.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-19661605521866343862008-03-10T11:54:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:50:26.553-07:00

I've always hated tithing - that is until about 2 weeks ago. I heard a great message from a pastor on the fact that he tithes 90% of his income, and doesn't take a salary. In fact he had paid his church back for the time that he took a salary there. What impacted me most was the raw reality of his giving: he gave so much not to impress people, but because he loved God and people that much. I've

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-76532203160362917972008-02-28T08:36:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:41.202-08:00

The CSBC (California Southern Baptist Convention) puts on a yearly conference about evangelism. SCRRRRAAAAAAAATCHHH! Evangelism? What?!? That's right. And it's awesome. I'll tell you why... because it's awesome.Here's the rundown:Monday morning was Aubrey Malphurs. He's on another cerebral wavelength than most people, but if you're into that sort of thing (like I am) then it would have been an

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-15917510851181094752008-02-13T10:26:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:41.790-08:00

I have some friends Ragamuffin Soul, Whittaker Woman, and Flowerdust who are in Uganda right now visiting some of the work that Compassion International is doing there. The goal is to show us the real and very great needs there, so we can make a considerable difference in the world and sponsor some kids. Friends, this is so worthwhile - let's open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts to this... Why

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-13047101216711703452008-01-22T08:29:00.001-08:002008-06-11T08:40:58.268-07:00

From the place where nobodies are bornGrown in the gutters and harsh city streetsDestined to become heroes of loreSurviving every bullet, claw, and bladeForging a path where none before daredFacing the beasts our ancestors madeHolding death and life in both their handsRelentless souls who search and toilSimply to gaze on an abundant landFor love, for glory, for thrill, or for gainWill be laid to

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-55133969301170950552008-01-15T08:52:00.000-08:002008-06-11T08:40:15.125-07:00

I was reading Acts 2 last night and trying to wrap my feeble mind around that scene. What was going on? What happened? Why was it so significant? So many questions...You can read it here.Here's my thoughts. Please add your own.1. Kind of the opposite miracle as the Tower of Babel. Hmm. Tower of Babel - tower to the heavens - wanted to be like God - everybody was one - nothing was impossible for

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-4099351856233039762008-01-09T12:38:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:42.016-08:00

Every so rarely a movie comes along that captures my heart and my mind. Being a guy - to capture my heart is very tough. My mind is a little easier to engage, but I've turned into a sort of "movie watching snob" lately where the art and message have to be captivating as well (so I'm not that easy to please in my head either). I'd heard so little about this movie before watching it - maybe one

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-34046016638496465612007-12-12T13:41:00.000-08:002008-01-09T13:00:57.021-08:00

This sets a new era in political advertising. C'mon! How lame will politics get? It's clever, yes. It's funny, yes. It will win votes, sadly, yes. But how stupid have we become as a culture to buy into this stuff? This just further endorses the idea that all politics is about is a massive scale high school prom king/queen contest! To which I spew a heaving stomach-load of regurgitated bile at.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-43335995626618443102007-12-11T09:13:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:42.137-08:00

Just in case anyone out there needed some help dealing with the messy stress that so often defines this time of year.And here's an example of "what not to do" when it comes to venting your rage on the elderly.I laugh - but I'm that guy honestly. Even when I'm not toppling over desks and running old grannies off the road - inside I'm cursing them to the eternal lake of fire. I'm comforted to know

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-52136287967229716882007-12-04T07:03:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:42.779-08:00

Friends... meet Reverend Billy.This is no joke. Remember that movie documentary about the guy who ate nothing but McDonald's for a month? Well, he's back with a movie documentary on the perils of America's addiction to shopping - and it looks awesome! I can't wait. This is the kind of movie that fills me with glee; not the enfattoned, ridiculous hypercrazed consumerism that Xmas has

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-49801382481662313462007-11-28T21:14:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:42.942-08:00

I'm caught between two worlds living most days of my life. I rarely function completely in one or the other. I hate extremes and gravitate more towards balance.If you're like me (as someone striving to follow Christ in America) you have often wondered about purity, holiness, righteousness, etc. and also about sin, evil, and condemnation. We know the "givens" of basic Christian theology about this

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-50026842636375799282007-11-21T11:10:00.000-08:002007-11-21T11:41:02.745-08:00

Brought to you by AdBustersI'm so on board with this! The day after thanksgiving sales hold absolutely no interest for me anyways, usually because I'm drugged up on triptophan from the night before, and really don't feel like driving with a bunch of idiot paleolithic drivers, and being crammed up in some store surrounded by the most crazed shoppers on planet earth. Seriously though... Can we do

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-14112179944843888042007-11-19T14:42:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:43.082-08:00

This hummer gets 100mpg!!! But wait - it gets better... It also has about 800 horse power of get up! It can also run on gasoline, diesel, biofuel and waste fuel (like chicken grease from KFC, or oil waste from Panda Express).The guy who suped up the engine in this Hummer dropped out of high school to pursue this dream to make eco-friendly SUV's - (he loved big trucks and he loved the environment)

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-6720790966975433022007-11-05T17:02:00.001-08:002008-11-13T11:35:43.222-08:00

This last Sunday night our lead pastor flipped off the congregation! Yes people - he flied the middle finger - with the curled up knuckles next to it and everything! I was shocked! The whole place was mouths agape. I'm sure he had a point. I mean, he must. Shouldn't he? I just don't know what it had to do with Craving My God-given Meaning. Anyways...I told him I felt a blog comin' on - so here it

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-37618581799958615192007-11-01T10:05:00.000-07:002007-11-01T10:07:32.081-07:00

What are your impressions?How do you define great design?

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-8612254469628124792007-10-30T07:28:00.001-07:002008-11-13T11:35:43.513-08:00

R-E-P-E-N-T... (I spelled it like a parent who doesn't want their children to know what they're talking about)... Why is there this compulsion to run from this word like it's a zombie from 28 Weeks Later?!? Is it such a distasteful word? Is it so cutting and rigid that we've decided unanimously to just drop it for a gentler one? Have we dropped it's meaning with it?Let me say - I don't like the

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-24350408956040928912007-10-24T12:34:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:42:02.932-07:00

Ron Paul (Republican):Issues:War in Iraq: Opposed.Federal Income Tax: Opposed. Raising Taxes: Opposed.Foreign Policy: Non-intervention and diplomacy - not war. United Nations: Get us out.Patriot Act: Abolish it. National ID Card: Opposed. Federal use of torture methods for information: Opposed.Domestic surveillance: Opposed. Presidential autonomy: Opposed. Free trade: Supports. NAFTA:

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-22931968186304290222007-10-23T09:41:00.000-07:002007-10-23T10:59:59.978-07:00

That noise my kid makes at the end when he's running towards the camera is hilarious.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-23094946009000517752007-10-22T13:19:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:43.715-08:00

So this weekend I performed my second wedding ever! (golf clap) Thank you. Tous and Kasey tied the knot with me officiating the masterful 10 minute ceremony. I'm not kidding -it was literally 10 minutes. I met Tous (and his bride-to-be) three weeks ago through my friend Mike. This was my first time marrying people I didn't really know - which was kinda strange honestly. Not only that, but they

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-91659939198293280882007-10-19T12:58:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:43.815-08:00

I saw this the other day in our local Christian bookstore:Why do I hate this T-shirt so much?

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-76952620121214842952007-10-18T11:06:00.001-07:002008-11-13T11:35:44.025-08:00

This last weekend our church did some really strange stuff, but it was actually sort of beautiful too. Not that the picture of my craggy mug here is beautiful - leave that description to my wife! These snaps were taken by our pastor (Joe Green) at a photo booth station that people could go to during our night's theme on "craving intimacy". For a ten minute segment we were encouraged to get out of

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-8303395126668010982007-10-17T11:44:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:52:54.568-07:00

I have developed a love for fine cooking. I don't how this ever came about either - I was raised pretty much on American food with a pinch of Italian/Swiss flavor. You know, lasagna, mac & cheese, BBQ, bacon and eggs, hamburgers, spaghetti and meatballs - basic Americana staples.But I have a certain passion for creating fine dishes! Roast lamb, beef wellington, butternut squash soup, pistachio

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-80376547377148226712007-10-09T09:46:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:44.200-08:00

So, back to the discussion about whether or not wrapping up the gift is important or not:(Let me lean towards the side of having appealing, relevant, thought-provoking wrapping.)1. People are designed to respond to design. Think biblically for a moment about all of the "design elements" God gave people: all of known creation, clothes made of animal skins, the ark, the Temple (and everything in it

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-53880538733477661332007-10-08T13:35:00.000-07:002007-10-08T13:44:10.356-07:00

Wait until the end - they're all there. You all rock! Many were enriched in their faith!

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-65258575214585734632007-09-25T09:09:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:44.363-08:00

Lately, I have been wondering about something that I've been seeing a lot more of in the church... wrapping paper. I'm not talking just a little either - but loads. It ranges anywhere from drab to fabulous, comes in all colors, and textures, and flare... okay where am I trying to go with this?So, the church has this gift (Christ) which is priceless, that we're working to share with the world -

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-66895740022281495912007-09-20T12:47:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:44.664-08:00

Hot woman, right? Well, now imagine her drinking a tall cool glass of brown toilet water.That's right, actress Cate Blanchett (Lord Of The Rings, Babel) has stated that she plans on installing a system into her Australia home that recycles toilet and waste water."Green before it was hip—she cites Al Gore and David de Rothschild as heroes and believes that leaf blowers “sum up everything that is

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-78655014640970633912007-09-18T09:16:00.001-07:002008-11-13T11:35:44.913-08:00

This is my second son Cade (4 months old)... I'm not sure what in the room he is looking at...What is he thinking?

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-67532325684700750642007-09-14T14:24:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:45.128-08:00

Friday this place will turn into a giant discussion on word definitions that pop culture is unaware of and not using. It's a lame attempt to bring some vintage English language back into postmodern pop culture and make people smarter so they can show off their new found speech skills and intellect. This is quite possibly the nerdiest thing I've ever blogged about.Here is today's word: PAPHow it

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-21839486575577358322007-09-10T13:41:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:45.354-08:00

A young woman working at McDonald's was sent to jail for one night with a bail of $1,000 for serving a burger that was "too salty". She now faces criminal charges. The guy who bought and ate the burger was a police officer who complained that the "salty" burger made him sick. The officer actually sent the "salty" burger to the crime lab for testing. The young woman admitted to pouring too much

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-68332503975078443022007-09-07T12:42:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:45.516-08:00

The left, the middle, or the right... which style would you go with?Talk amongst yourselves.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-58970908611312696502007-08-29T11:06:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:46.151-08:00

This last weekend we finally got a break! A break from the stress and speed our life is being lived at right now: nursing school, getting out of debt, work, church, dishes, meetings, blah, blah, blah.......much deserved rest, fun, and reconnecting with old friends.We went to Carmel-By-The-Sea; which is the central coast of california by Monterey Bay - BEAUTIFUL PLACE! It was our first trip as a

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-15935303889854966922007-08-21T08:48:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:46.333-08:00

This last weekend a friend (Craig) and I were having a conversation about humor in the Christian church. We were talking about this specific video that poked fun at how we sometimes worship ourselves and not God. We just began asking ourselves why this was funny to us, or to anyone...Note: I enjoy humor immensely - I love to laugh boisterously. What I never really ask myself though, is how this

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-82536633104187982592007-08-16T15:19:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:46.699-08:00

That's right! I'm honored to be a part of the conversation at Dan Kimball's blog; if you don't know who he is he's Pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, and author of several books like The Emerging Church and They Like Jesus But Not The Church. Very good conversation - get your coffee, beer, energy drink, wine, bottled water, whatever and indulge...

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-57857926215799528292007-08-14T09:08:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:46.786-08:00

Last week our church started a series called Directions 1.0, which is about God's vision for us and how we might fit into that great vision. We spent some time thinking about and discussing this passage of scripture from 2 Chronicles 34 where the Israelites found the Book of the Law (written through Moses) that had been lost in the temple...While they were bringing out the money that had been

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-85090299057417055992007-08-10T12:37:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:46.948-08:00

I was at Starbucks this morning, hoping to have a meeting with a guy about doing some video productions together... I thought it was a pretty out of the way, sort of random Starbucks that no one I know really goes to. It seems like everytime I go to Starbucks I see someone that I know and get distracted from why I'm really there. (I'm like a gnat when it comes to distractions.) So I see some old

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-54659427999478062872007-08-06T08:02:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:47.178-08:00

I have to travel alot as part of my work. Last week I spent about four days and three nights alone in Vista, CA. I noticed something about myself - that I'm really uncomfortable spending time by myself. It's strange because I'm an introvert - I like to be alone - and that should be the time where i get re-energized, but for some reason it tires me out even more. It's the silence that gets me - I

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-67931851585730334892007-07-24T08:21:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:47.325-08:00

Do we even realize that America is a kingdom?... or like a kingdom? It has laws, we pay taxes (on land, and goods, and what we make), we build extravagant houses for the rich and powerful, we build fences to keep out the unwanted, we have a grand army, etc...I think about this often... where would Jesus spend His time in America? What would He say about our giant kingdom? Would the church in

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-70965055512440639542007-07-23T14:35:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:47.462-08:00

I have a new friend Phil Brewer who is a cartoonist/artist/counselor/writer/theologian. He's got boxes full of great cartoons that have never been published. This is one from his blog-site I thought I'd share with you all. You can see his blog at: http://perfectblendcoffeeshopcartoonist.blogspot.com/

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-37306306345214720852007-07-18T09:26:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:47.626-08:00

On this site: http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/main.html you can build your own Simpson's character. Here's what I'd look like...

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-17594776596667401832007-07-17T08:10:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:47.775-08:00

The second verse in the Scriptures says, "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."I never really thought deeply about this before... that is until last night at 12:30am. I have a huge project going on right now at work, and I've been working12-16 hour days and sleeping less than 5 hours a night. Needless

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-82960405385759611822007-07-12T08:12:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:47.878-08:00

So yesterday I finally got a chance to sit down with one of my favorite mags: They had this feature article in there about the bottled water industry. I was shocked what I was reading! The author Charles Fishman (The Fish, they call him) really did some incredible homework on this. Here's some powerful highlights for accumen:- 24% of the bottled water we buy is tap water repackaged by Coke and

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-64759624786580041432007-07-09T09:41:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:48.558-08:00

Democrat CandidatesRepublican CandidatesLet's get a little political bruhaha going on this blog. Our political system is always a thrill - and '08 is shaping up to be a pretty explosive race. Let the fireworks begin!Right now this guy has my vote: former senator Mike Gravel. After seeing him interviewed this Sunday on This Week With George Stephanopolis I'm am simply intrigued. Why do I like this

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-9632835645025462942007-07-06T14:00:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:48.681-08:00

There is a song on Pink's new album called If God is a DJ. The chorus goes like this:If God is a DJLife is a dance floorLove is the rhythmYou are the musicIf God is a DJLife is a dance floorYou get what you're givenIt's all how you use itPink means this song to be about dancing even though life sucks. To her it's a finger to the world and all the crap people give her. It's in your face attitude -

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-44656729587727649732007-07-05T10:14:00.000-07:002007-08-22T12:11:41.120-07:00

This video made me want to cry. What is it? Is it the old man with tubes in his nose singing a song about dying? Is it the fact that he is singing a Coldplay song - and should be singing a George Beverly Shea song? Is it the audience reactions? What is it? I don't know, but something about this is beautiful to me.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-19678855088197104342007-07-03T08:57:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:48.784-08:00

I just took a survey about what it's like being in church ministry in some way. Take survey here. If you are a pastor, staff person, volunteer, or just attend a church - you should check this out. I'm not sure when it hits the shelves yet, but when it does you have to collect this. Anne Jackson has written articles for Relevant magazine such as Dirty Girls: The New Porn Addicts and Forgiving the

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-75592785933873363752007-06-26T08:15:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:48.985-08:00

You may or may not know the real reasons why people look at and use porn in their lives. You may think they are just rash perverts, or horny sex-ahaulics, or demented rapists... but the real reasons are actually simple and few, and in most cases are symptoms of addictive behavior. What's really disturbing is how similar they are to how people "use" the church and their faith!Sexual sin is like

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-43999241800367566702007-06-18T08:34:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:49.782-08:00

This weekend I went to Fresno's Christian Music Awards at the Save Mart Center. First I'll give you the facts: around 500-600 people, big stage with cool lighting, rockin sound system, and that's about it.I was bored.This event had tons of hype - commercials, print ads, word of mouth, etc. I was expecting so much more than what I got.Here's my list of reasons why it sucked:1. It should have been

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-56220617480045453202007-06-11T13:29:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:49.937-08:00

My sister (who I respect very much as an honest and spiritual person) and I were having a conversation about spirituality and church leadership. She is not a Christian, does not go to church, believes in a "higher power", is deeply spiritual with questions and ideas, and is openly gay. We had a long and very in depth conversation about God, religion, Jesus Christ, truth, salvation, life-choices,

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-26693940464959711532007-03-22T08:45:00.000-07:002008-11-13T11:35:50.035-08:00

This weekend I was videotaping a Korean Women's Missions Conference in Los Angeles. I was the only white male in the entire building, and the entire conference (99% of it anyway) was in the Korean language - needless to say I could not understand a single word they were saying except the occasional word or phrase in English. I felt awkward and sort of ridiculous being there. It was one of the few

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-20929472263864624152007-03-09T22:09:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:50.433-08:00

Reasons # 1 - 300: It's Freakin' Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!I just got back from seeing 300! This movie is filmaking magic! This movie holds every single reason why people love to go to the movies! Two hours of blockbuster entertainment like nothing you've ever seen before!I'll start with the bad first: nudity (boobs, sex scene, guys fanny), and graphic, bloody violence. If you can deal with those - GO

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-74092111269310123482007-03-06T17:09:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:50.574-08:00

I have been depressed lately. Or rather, depressed and so joyful. A paradox, I know - but I am so in love with my wife - more than I have ever been before in the history of us. I have posted often of my failures and my struggles with pornography, meeting girls online, and masturbation - all such hurtful and devastating things to expereince as a wife. She had absolutely no idea this would ever

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-91603455726262398942007-03-02T09:22:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:50.739-08:00

This is a 4D image of our "bun in the oven". That's his little face. So he's due to be born in May and the wife and I haven't decided on a name yet. We hesitate to throw this out there, but we know you have some good creative ideas.So, what should we name our second son?

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-9506015546240290052007-02-25T17:44:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:51.210-08:00

These are some snaps I took at a new church forming in Fresno called Axis Community Church. If you don't currently belong to a church, or if you want to be a part of dreaming up a new vision of church - I would highly tip you to check it out! It's pretty cool. They're doing church differently and it's totally relevant to today's world. Tell them Daniel sent you.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-24846304167904293612007-02-21T13:36:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:51.421-08:00

This is going to be a little raw and offensive to some people, but I'll risk it anyways. The risk is a positive one, I think. So then, time for the rubber to meet road... this is a worldwide experiment in self-control that I'm calling:How Long Can You Go?It's like this... every person probably thinks that they can stop looking at porn and masturbating whenever he/she wants right? Well, let's

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-68675113482012492732007-02-12T14:42:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:51.666-08:00

It's Monday morning. I walked into the office and someone asked if I had a good weekend... I said, "No." This is a close up picture of my face this morning. Can you see the broken blood vessels. That's from violently puking into a paper bag Saturday night! I spewed dinner, lunch, and quite possibly a poppy seed muffin I had for breakfast - I think that was the last thing I tasted?... I don't

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-46039833857839871422007-02-09T11:31:00.000-08:002007-08-22T12:20:35.303-07:00

The amazing thing is, she's painting from her visions, thoughts, her mind; not from pictures or from looking at something. She's 12 folks!!!! When I was twelve all I could do was trip over my big feet and think about cute girls. Did you hear the part where she grew up in an atheist home - is God huge or what!?!?! So much bigger than the box I like to put Him in sometimes. What do you think?

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-58240397199724928212007-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:51.809-08:00

Wednesday night I went to a Celebrate Recovery meeting, or CR for all you church goers who are in the know... and wow... what an experience!First, some of my back story, to get you caught up:I have struggled with porn for most of my life (since age 9 or 10) and most of that time has been spent while following Christ, serving in church leadership, being a husband and a father, and even as a pastor

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-82492611635461678892007-01-18T13:37:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:51.980-08:00

So these last few weeks I've been a sick puppy. My sinuses feel like someone dumped a bunch of bleach and fists and crazy glue into them. My noggin feels like their are a bunch of angry chimpanzees inside my head squeezing every nerve between my eyes and my brain stem with giant metal nutcrackers. My nose is actually training for the Boston City Marathon. My throat feels like a there's a battle

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-6322679544275004902007-01-17T11:40:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:52.229-08:00

Alright people. My wife and I are now part of the dorky parents mob of millions who think that their baby is the cutest thing in the whole world. So we went and entered our son Carter in the Live With Regis And Kelly Beatiful Baby Search. First place gets their kids picture on Parenting magazine, gets to appear on the show, and gets $5,000. There's also 4 runner prizes of $1,000. We have

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-52234055124373005612007-01-16T16:27:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:52.454-08:00

I saw this on a blog and just had to post it here. This is an actual kid's Christmas list.Number 13 on the list, too - before SpyGear stuff and a PSP. Awesome... totally awesome. And his parents couldn't let him down. They said he gnawed on it like candy all day.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-37216186053263295882007-01-16T15:52:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:52.662-08:00

Art is subjective and the meaning is often in the eye of the beholder... What does this mean to you?

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-85024821324919917482007-01-16T11:50:00.000-08:002007-08-22T12:23:26.716-07:00

I heard this word in a seminar on Pope John Paul II's writings on "The Theology of the Body". It is an incredible word...concupiscencecon·cu·pis·cence [kon-kyoo-pi-suh ns]–noun1. sexual desire; lust.2. ardent, usually sensuous, longing.The word in Latin:concupīscēnsfrom cupere - to desireThe word in theology:The Pope used this word as a means to describe one's passions to be in chaos because of

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-6176263547697859112007-01-12T14:11:00.000-08:002007-08-22T12:23:51.992-07:00

Love this. Watch. Be as confused as I am.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-86616072161391953962007-01-12T08:52:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:52.994-08:00

Recognize? Okay, if you're 30-something, and grew up with GI Joe's, star wars figures, and transformers - then you probably already know what's coming out this summer. That's right! If you haven't heard yet, well you just did, and if you don't recognize the symbol you won't really care about this movie. Even though it will be the most %#@* kicking movie of all time. And it's not going to be a

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-88437236586117804732007-01-11T16:33:00.000-08:002008-11-13T11:35:53.973-08:00

These have been a long time coming, but I wanted to share them with y'all. My family this holiday season: My son Carter's first birthday. He wouldn't touch that cake.Grandpa & Carter with some QT. Look at those curls, boy. My sister Kelly, my wife Lori, my son Carter, and me in snow-laden Nebraska. What's up with the kung-fu hand?One happy family this Christmas. My son is a ham already.

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603689.post-3461978175128013602007-01-10T09:28:00.000-08:002007-08-22T12:25:05.391-07:00

You gotta see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvrzsoCunssI would have this video on here if I knew how to make the dang thing work from youtube.I've never seen a commercial packed with so much truth and emotional punch. A commercial folks. And all they're trying to do is sell you soft, little paper napkins to blow your snot on. I was chatting with a group of guys I get together with every

Daniel Issac Rhotennoreply@blogger.com1