Our newest member...

Matt, Charles, Josh & Emily

The staff posing for this year's Christmas card at our new Sports Wing

Christmas is now behind us and we are getting excited about the New Year. I am excited to announce that starting in January we have a new part time staffer that will be joining us. His name is Alfonzo Nunez and he will be our new Basketball Coordinator. If you have been around any of our open gym's or any of our hoop leagues you might recognize Alfonzo as he is big time gym rat and man that loves God. We are excited to have Alfonzo on board as he is going to oversee a lot of our adult basketball leagues as well developing our new referee ministry. Please pray with me for Alfonzo and his wife as they transition into this new position.

Love...it's that easy

This was sent to me and I thought it was worth the read. Some times kids can really put things into perspective. I pray we can all LOVE the way God intended. Touching words from the mouth of babes. A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined See what you think: 'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.' Rebecca- age 8 'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4 'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.' Karl - age 5 'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' Chrissy - age 6 'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' Terri - age 4 'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny - age 7 'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss' Emily - age 8 'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.' Bobby - age 7 (Wow!) 'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,' Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet) 'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.' Noelle - age 7 'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.' Tommy - age 6 'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.' Cindy - age 8 'My mommy loves me more than anybody You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' Clare - age 6 'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.' Elaine-age 5 'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.' Chris - age 7 'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' Mary Ann - age 4 'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.' Lauren - age 4 'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image) Karen - age 7 'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.' Mark - age 6 'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.' Jessica - age 8 And the final one The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry' When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.!

Moving Mountains

Often times God leads us to places we would of never thought. As I spent time this morning praying for my staff, it got me to thinking of all the different places we come from. My wife and I moved here four years ago from San Diego and we both thought we would never leave Americas finest city. Charles our Youth Sports Director comes from everywhere as it seems he has some family in every state east of the Mississippi. Matt our Adult Sports Director comes from Washington and originally moved out here to pursue acting and has now found himself in full time ministry. Emily our Health & Fitness Coordinator comes from Minnesota the land of the Vikings. We love her anyways.

My vision this morning is that God can move mountains...just as He did with our sports staff here at Shepherd. Four years ago there was no such thing as a Sports Ministry at this church and now we sit with four full time employees who four years ago either lived in another part of the world or had a totally different career path. God worked and moved in each of us to prepare us for this time and this ministry.

God has plans for each of us. The question is, are we heading those plans and submitting to the ONE who is capable of moving mountains. Don't get so settled in that we stop looking for God to move in our lives...don't get so complacent that we think we have life and God figured out...don't stop pursuing God, His word and His plan for your life. He's waiting to move you.

Dodge, duck, dive, dip & dodge

Yes, you read correctly...its time for some DODGEBALL. Nothing says Christmas like throwing some balls as fast as you can with the intent to hit someone and have it be legal. The balls are red after all.

We start next week and have 5 different divisions you can get involved in. On Friday, December 11 we are going to bring the top two teams back from each division to compete for their respected Championship. The prize for the winners...the sweetest dodgeball shirts of all time.

For more info check our site: www.ShepherdSports.org

The NEW Sport Wing

This weekend Shepherd Sports launches it's new Sports Wing. This has been a project in the works for almost two years and the staff and I are super excited about the launch this weekend. This new space at the west end of the Family Life Center will become the new entrance to everything we do in the gym. This new space will also become the new Sports Information area during and after church services. Shepherd Sports will now have a place where anyone can come during church hours to sign up for a program on our two new touch screen monitors or check out upcoming events on the flat screen. Come check us out and scoop up some free goodies...hope to see you there.

Champs again...

Back Row: Me, Dudley, K.C., Steve,

Front Row: Dave, Todd, Tan

Team N.W.O. has gone five seasons and two years without a Championship. To say we were due is an understatement. Although we have had some tough losses and some not so memorial seasons, all the guys that have come and gone have been a blessing to play with.

Dudley and Tan have been with the team from the beginning and we are definitely proud of this most recent Championship. On previous teams we were able to get by on being bigger and more skilled but our league has grown and with it the level of competition has gotten really good. I am proud of the league and the direction its heading and am also proud of this group of guys for pulling together so we can call our self's CHAMPS again.

Shepherd Sports next season starts in January...Including our first ever Women's division. Check it out: www.ShepherdSports.org

What can tall do for you...

The Tree & the Tree Hugger

I have spent most my life being a head taller then most of those around me...on more then one occasion i have been called a tree...both in a funny way and also in not so funny ways. As you can see by this years halloween costume i believe it is better to poke some fun at your self once in a while. To often we try to hide who are as Christians because we think those around us expect us to act in a certain way. I believe we need to let God shine through us in all we do...in all settings... in all walks of life. In no way am i perfect at this, although i strive to never hide who God has called me to be, and God has definitely called me to be tall and there is no hiding that.

What has God called you to be?

Live a REAL life...

To often we want to only remain comfortable...God has called you to do something great. Step out in faith and reach for the stars, God is there to catch you when you fall.

A lot of TALL dudes...

Me and the boys pulling a fast one on Pastor Miles at REVIVAL on Tuesday Night. What a week at Shepherd of the Hills...if you missed any of the speakers from REVIVAL they are worth going back and listening to. You can check them out at http://www.callonjesus.com/

FYI: Miles is like 6'3

REVIVAL

Come this week Monday - Wednesday Night @ 7p.m. to hear

some of the country's greatest speakers. Tonight (Monday) my

old Pastor from San Diego's ROCK Church is hear at Shepherd.

I promise you won't be disappointed.

Hope to see you tonight...get there early, some funny stuff will be

going down as Miles comes to the stage :)

Donovan is ONE

Donovan at his dedication with Pastor D.

I can't believe our boy turns one today...wow, how time flies. It was a year ago that the fires raged through the hills of Porter Ranch and my wife went into labor while working that morning. It was a day that we will never forget...for many reasons including the wild ride to the hospital.

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I am beyond blessed with my family and I thank God everyday for the health of my family. God blesses us in so many ways that are so often not seen. Our human nature is to want things that are tangible and we to often forget to look at how God is moving in our lives. God moves in ways that we will never see but He also moves in ways that we will only notice if were looking for them. Have you stopped and counted your blessing lately??? Would you expect to see God move if you haven't prayed for you family???

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Thank you God for the protection and guidance you show me everyday, may I never take you for granted and may I always seek you in all I do...so I might become a stronger/greater man of for you. May I never forget that all we have is from you. Please protect and bless my family and give me guidance in leading us in all you would have us do...AMEN

Dominican Celebration

YES...my first time playing with a barb-wired fence

The boys playing a little b-ball; Dominican style

This Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills we are having our Dominican Republic Celebration. This is a time that we are going to share photos, video's and stories of our time in the Dominican. All are welcome and we invite you to come out and see what missions and Shepherd Sports is all about. Thanks again for all those that supported this trip financially and with pray. We look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday...see you there.

Date: October, 11

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church (room 212)

Time: 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.

Softball Ministry

We just wrapped up another great season of Summer Coed Softball...Congrats to Brent and Christian Johnson for captaining there team to the championship. It takes a lot of awesome volunteers to pull off such a big league and last week we got to say thank you to those faithful volunteers by taking them to a Dodger Game. Although I was not personally present I can assure you that this group had a great time.

Thanks to all our volunteers who constantly give of there time and talents for the sake of our Lord and Savior....we couldn't do it with out you.

Oh yeah...Go Cardinals

When no one's watching...

When no one is watching, what will you do? In the heat of battle, how are you going to respond? When times are tough and your flesh is weak, how will handle yourself? Will you give in or compromise when you feel like the world is against you?

These are the questions we all ask ourselves from time to time, but perhaps not often enough. Every day we are confronted with little decisions that affect those around us, our friendships, our marriage and most importantly our walk with God. If you think about it deeper, we should all be more concerned with those decisions we make every day that might seem small, but essentially make up who we are. These actions and or responses to life can come and go without us ever knowing they were there. Why are we not more focused and aware of these things?

I think we would all agree that life comes at us fast, and sometimes, in the whirlwind, we have comprised something that is important to us before we even realize it. Just as the Bible says that our mouths speak from the overflow of our hearts, I believe many of our actions stem from the same place. What are our hearts overflowing with? Are we seeking our own personal gain or that which God might desire from our lives? Is living your life according to God's will important or not? If it is, then these small decisions and choices we make every day will be a priority as we make sure we represent Christ to the fullest. Time spent with God and in His word causes the overflow of our mouth and actions to stem from a holy place and not a worldly place.

Below is a letter I recently received from a buddy I have known on the basketball court for over 20 years. We have played both against each other and together. Although we never hung out much off the court, we spent countless hours together playing ball together and as rivals. Recently my old friend found me on facebook and sent me this letter. I don't often get emotional put this letter showed me proof of God working in and through me. I haven't seen this guy in probably five or six years, so what he is referring to is the first two to three years of my walk with Jesus Christ. The point is, we never know who is watching or is being affected by the way we lead our life.

I pray all of our actions and decisions would be based on His eternal Kingdom and not our own earthly desires or pleasures.

A letter from a long lost friend

What’s up man! Wow! You have been on my mind for the longest time and I'll try to make this short! Well first things are great: I’m getting my Masters in Sports Science, I'm the assistant coach at a college, and doing some non-profit stuff for kids, got married in August of this last year, so things are good.

Ok, let me get to the meat…I remember way back when, when people would tell me Josh has changed; he is all into the Lord. It was strange to me at the time I truly didn’t understand. I had different friends that so called changed because God came into their lives but I didn’t get it.

The last time I saw you we were playing on the same basketball team…I had asked you to play in this men’s league and all I can remember was my hot temper...everyone knows I get heated playing hoops and I was cussing and fussing. lol Well, I have been working on that :)

What I am trying to say is I didn’t get it until it happened to me! I didn’t get how you changed your life around and how you felt about God until it happened to me. It was 2006 at the ________ Church when I gave myself to Christ and it's been the best thing that’s happened to me.You know me!

You have played with and against me and Josh, I finally get it and I am glad God gave me the time to get it. My wife now runs the ____________ ministry at the ________ Church and after she started attending church with me. Now she is working with the Pastor on this huge ministry and she is touching so many women’s lives; yep, God is good I have so many great stories since He saved me.

My friend, what I want to say to you is “I get it”! I respect you so much and you are not crazy! People use to tell me something was wrong with you! Yeah, imagine that! You have done a great job by leading by example and I appreciate that. I bet we both have our struggles and trust me I am far from perfect but now it’s not about me! It’s about God! Brotha, you have been on my mind and I just had to find you and tell you thank you! When I didn’t understand it, it was because I was lost...but now I do :) keep in touch! If you are ever here in _______ and want to shoot some hoops or go to church let me know.

Whoops my bad, longer then I intended…I hope all is well with you and the family…how are you doing?

Baltimore

Baltimore's Inner Harbor

Sitting third base side at the Baltimore/Tampa Bay game

A self portrait with my cell phone

I just returned from a short trip to Baltimore where I met with some of the country's biggest sport's pastor's. What a blessings these guys are...to hear their hearts and see there vision is inspiring and re-assuring that Shepherd Sports is heading in a path that not only glorifies God but reaches out to this lost community we live in. It is exciting to see sports used as a tool to bring people closer to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Although it was a short trip it was a long flight but for the first time ever i was able to log onto the Internet while flying at 30,000 ft. It was a good time to get some work done...except for the lady that insisted on talking to me although I had my head-phones on. What's up with that?

I attended a Baltimore Orioles game while i was there and it was a blast exploring a new stadium. Had I stayed put in the first inning when I got to the game i would have snagged a home run ball that ended up hitting only a few rows from me after i got up to walk around 15 seconds earlier...so close. I love attending ball parks and exploring them and sitting in all the different sections. As a kid my dad and I would fly around the country to visit different ball-parks together. They are some of my fondest memories I have as a kid with my dad. I think it might be time for me to know take my dad to some ball-parks...I can't wait for my boy to be old enough for us to get out and explore the world together.

Opening Doors...

Me & Fransisco Garcia
Hanging with the kids for some photos after the game
G.O. Ministries main guys...Will & Pedro

While on our trip to the Dominican Republic this past August, I was fortunate enough to play against the D.R. National Team. Through a connection with the mission organization in the D.R. they some how got this white boy on the court with the locals. It was a fun experience although not a good one basketball wise. The team I played with was the second string to the D.R. Olympic Team that we played against and we had no team chemistry and got beat by a ton. It was so bad, that at one point as one of my three pointers was literately falling through the hoop my own player knocked it out. (legal in international rules, but still cold in any country)

Through it all; it was a good time and in the end we hopefully got Fransisco Garcia an NBA starter for the Sacramento Kings connected with G.O. Ministries. (The organization that we worked with in the D.R.) God sure work's in mysterious way's.

6 Years...

My wife and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary this month. I am a lucky man and I could not do what I do without such a wonderful women by my side. To prove that point, this video below is from the new toy my wife bought me for our anniversary. For those that don't know me, I am hard to shop for...but the wife wins an award for this cool gadget that can capture all my outdoor activities.

Thanks honey...for being the best wife I could of ever asked for. The new toy is also awesome.

Dominican Republic 2009

Here is a great video of our trip to the Dominican this past Month. The video gives you a little taste of what our time in the D.R. was like. However, nothing compares to actually being there. If your watching this and have never been on a short term mission trip, I hope you will consider joining us next year...enjoy.

We're Back!!!

VBS with the kids at a feeding center
A little play time

Getting ready to share with the kids at camp

A little infield practice

We made it...we are finally back from our trip to the Dominican Republic. What a week and what an experience. It feels great to be back at home with family and friends. It also feels great to be back to things such as; hot showers, cool evenings, comfy beds, fast food and organized traffic.

We were blessed as a team and I can honestly say we accomplished our mission and left an impact on the people we meet and came in contact with. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and support while we were gone, they were definitely felt. There is so much more to so check back as I want to post some more pictures and cool video when I get a chance.

Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray...

Front Row: Caitlyn, Cyndi, Liz, Amanda, Emily

Back Row: Me, Charles, Matt, Laurence, James, Roy, Chris, Ryan

A little team bonding through sports...it's going to be a good week

On Tuesday morning August fourth we have a group of 12 leaving for the Dominican Republic on our first ever sports related missions trip. This personally has been a big under-taking and now that we are ready to go, it makes it all worth it. I can not wait for the experience and to see how God moves through all of us. If you get a chance over the next week please pray for the myself and the team.

Camp Life

What a week...Basketball camp ended on Friday with the kids getting a little crazy for the camp photo. The photos above are just a glimpse of the silliness that goes on during camp. I have to thanks all of our coaches and volunteers, you guys did an awesome job and made this camp one of the best around.

If you have never worked a camp there are two things you need to know. First, a day at camp can be like a year. However, second is the joy of watching the kids grow and mature in both there faith and basketball is a lasting impression that you will hold for a lifetime and worth every ounce of energy you put into it.

Oh yeah...volleyball camp starts on Monday, another long rewarding week ahead.

City League Champs

Back Row: Carmelo, Mike, ME, Dennis, Matt, Corey, Jerry, Brent, Chris

Front Row: Ricky, Larry, Chris

On Wednesday this last week our Shepherd Sports city league softball team was able to capture it's first ever Championship. This group of guys are a huge blessing to me and the Sports Ministry. All of the guys pictured above serve as Captains or Volunteers for our Shepherd League and it was so enjoyable to gather every week with these guys to fellowship and play ball. I'm going to miss Wednesday nights at the park. Thanks guys for a great season and for all you do to serve the Lord through this ministry.

So Close...

Monday (B league) CHAMPS
Tuesday (A league) CHAMPS

Thursday (C league) CHAMPS

On Tuesday we wrapped up our Men's Summer Basketball League. My team and I were able to reach the finals for our Tuesday Night league but we were denied the Championship by the Back to Back Champs the Electric Boogaloos. I am proud to say that our Basketball Leagues have become highly competitive in all our divisions. However, because of that my teams have recently been unable to win a Championship. It looks like I will be on the hunt for a few 7 footers. If your 7ft tall or have a 40 inch vertical please give me a call as I have a spot for you on my team.

Above are the pictures of this year's summers Champions at Shepherd. Check our very own Charles Bogray on the Thursday Night Championship Team. Way to go Chuck!!!

getting old

WOW…I woke up this morning after playing my first game of soccer in over 20 years so sore that getting out of bed became a all morning event. Yes, the last time I played organized soccer was 20 years ago. I decided then that there was no need for me to run over 5 miles a day to play goalie.

Shepherd Sports started its first ever soccer league last night and no I didn’t play goalie. From all accounts last night was a big success. The Jerseys looked awesome and we now have 90 new members of Shepherd Sports through the sport of Soccer…Praise God. I see a big future for this sport and can’t wait to see where God moves.

If you missed signing up for this season we will be starting another league in January. Some advice: start training know for January as indoor soccer might be one of the most physically challenging sports I have ever played. Then again it might just because I let 20 years past between playing.

Who thinks of this stuff...

We have all seen this picture a thousand times...yet it never made me think of food. God has made each of us different and special in our own way. I thank God for this guy because I am still laughing at this picture. Enjoy.

Soccer anyone...

With our Coed-Soccer League starting in a couple of weeks I couldn't help but post this picture. I laugh every time I see it. I think some people have to much time on their hands :)

How to start every day...

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you. And, remember.... If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now. Now, you have a nice day.

God

Soccer Camp update...

The campers being silly at picture time
The little campers playing with Coach Charles
Getting ready for the next drill

Aliens will attack...at least one camper is prepared

We just finished are last day of Soccer Camp today...and what a week. I wish I could take credit for the camp but all the credit goes to our Youth Sports Director Charles and his team of volunteers. Everyday of camp was filled with fun and exciting games and ways to keep all the kids engaged in learning the sport of soccer. Of course Popsicles and water balloons make any summer camp a fun experience.

A thank you for all the coaches, volunteers and parents who helped make Soccer Camp a memorable one. We still have Basketball, Volleyball and Surf Camp coming up this summer and we still need volunteers and coaches. If you're interested in bringing your child or volunteering please contact us, we would love to talk to you.

Surf's Up

This is a picture from our little family get away a couple weeks ago. I just love this picture and wanted to show it off. I can't wait for the day that I really get to take my son out for a surf. It is an exciting thing to share things your passionate about with those you love. Including Jesus Christ...have you shared today.

Summer Sports at Shepherd...

June gloom is gone and summer is in full effect and with summer comes two new adult league's that will start in July. We will again run our Summer Softball League at Rocky Peak and for the first time ever we are starting a Indoor Soccer League. I personally am really excited about the soccer as I haven't played organized soccer or indoor soccer since I was 13. Indoor soccer has tons of action and doesn't require as much skill as outdoor, nor the conditioning: thank God. I'm excited for the new people soccer will bring into the ministry and we have already seen a ton of volunteers step forward. If you are interested in getting involved with soccer or softball contact our Adult Sports Director, Matt and he will get you dialed in. See you on field this summer.

Time away...

Hola from Cabo...The family and I had a chance to get away for a few days here in Cabo. We're having a great time relaxing by the pool and watching our little boy swim in a pool for the first time. Here is a little video we took of our boy enjoying his first vacation.

PICS from our Golf Tournament

What a great day we had on May, 18 at Moorpark Country Club for our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament. Below are a few pics from the day. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this day a reality. We couldn't do anything we do within the Sports Ministry without your support. Enjoy the Pics...

The Hargrove Family with Pastor Dudley
Emily with one of our Auction Items
Yours truly sharing about the ministry

Me again, taking a quick break to slice a few

Shawn Parr and Pastor Dudley

One of U.S. finest athletes - Bruce Jenner

More pics from the tournament

Two of our Champs heading out for the day

Putting Contest action got intense for the Best Buy gift card

Some Driving Range action

Every Golfer got one of our new duffle bags