tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-106171592011-11-03T16:10:20.337-07:00I'm seeing life increasingly through a lens of my contribution toward goodness, life, and grace and then my efforts that take away from these things. I'm only one life, just like any of us. And I want my life to be given toward positive contributions of the whole. That's the way of Jesus of Nazareth, whom I'm patterning my life after. So it seems to me that being a citizen of the whole is a choice that you can't assume. And it's the path I've chosen to follow.David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.comBlogger1041100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-81706596458863668552011-02-05T11:23:00.000-08:002011-02-05T11:44:31.234-08:00

I got an email today that reads: David,Thank you again! He already took a few spins on it. Look forward to catching up again.SteveThat note is priceless! Recently Steve and I agreed we'd pass on Conor's old bike to Jason Hong. That little red bike had been used by each of my three children. It's not a very impressive bike. I picked it up for David back in 1998 when he was 4 years old. I got

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-70502736511939697062011-01-14T21:43:00.000-08:002011-01-14T21:56:37.638-08:00

Thanks to the Lam family for hosting a special small group meeting tonight. My faith is richer because of the other Jesus people in my life. "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." It's a strange thing to consider myself an alien in the only home I've known. But, that's just what the Bible calls on God's

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-27144236423266695762011-01-14T16:29:00.000-08:002011-01-14T16:38:50.094-08:00

If you've haven't visited Washington D.C. it's worth doing. America has many unique features in our society. They were built into the fabric of the country at the founding. Certainly, things have changed. Some for the good and some not. One thing that is in our fabric is faith. Check out this link that shows off some paintings in the capitol. There were 3 different churches that met in the

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-29812516886781576392011-01-03T18:06:00.000-08:002011-01-03T18:40:30.011-08:00

At the end of today, Marcia brought the kids to our office to help take down the Christmas decorations. I notice that when Jillian and Conor come into the office they respond with curiosity to my work. As I'm busy doing what I'm supposed to be doing, they want to come around me. They want to see what I'm doing, ask questions about it, and just be with me. Now, don't get me wrong. Every child

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-19449002011096677212010-12-31T06:40:00.000-08:002010-12-31T06:51:18.065-08:00

"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you; the God of Israel will be your rear guard." Isaiah 52:12This verse reminds me of the phrase, "I've got your back!" When you know someone has your back, it sets you at ease. Really when that someone is a someone you know you can trust, that's what sets you at ease. I'm interested in having that level of trust in

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-26675879285948144602010-12-30T07:24:00.000-08:002010-12-30T07:46:19.100-08:00

"All of my fountains are in you" Psalm 87:7 (NIV)Capacity and potential. It's fair to ask, "What am I capable of?" It makes me evaluate my ambition. And what prospects for growth are in me? That question speaks to my desire and plan for growth. In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers says, "It is the saddest thing to see people in the service of God depending... on what they have by

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-44606992211460172392009-04-29T19:46:00.000-07:002009-04-29T19:57:15.377-07:00

Sunday night I had one of the most powerful moments I've had with one of my children. Jillian broke a window at our house with a rock. It's a small window, not a major deal. Marcia found out first and was inspecting the damage. Jillian broke it by accident. She was hiding a unique looking rock as part of a game with Conor and our neighbor Allyssa. I walked into it and started by teaching

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-66965805584287049202009-04-18T00:48:00.000-07:002009-04-18T01:14:30.782-07:00

I'm really enjoying my relationship with my son David. He's 15 years old and is blossoming in so many ways. It's a joy to see him developing and learning lessons of discipline and hard work. He plays baseball on the JV team at Balboa High. This week his team took first place for the season. What a win! Those boys played some good baseball. 7-1 for the season. He even caught a dramatic out

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-595879104663893502009-03-28T23:08:00.000-07:002009-03-28T23:36:26.745-07:00

Tonight we feasted on excellent home made pizzas in the home of our friends Jonah and Billie. Jonah made veggie pizza with olives, mushrooms, and jalapenos. As a certified carnivore I was missing the scores of pepperoni, but I really did like it. It was a great night. I do want to briefly share a bit of a conversation we had. Billie is writing a book on Happiness to be published next year.

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-34235138008807824532008-06-01T21:09:00.001-07:002008-12-09T11:56:25.257-08:00

This is a picture over looking the OMI Festival last year. It takes place around the corner from our office on Ocean Ave. Last night we opened up our office for a community fund raiser. The fund-raiser is for our upcoming OMI International Family Festival. It's Sept. 13. I invited some folkes from First Baptist Church, the church my family is part of. I had a couple of conversations about why

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-23370010441201338732008-05-31T15:57:00.001-07:002008-12-09T11:56:25.501-08:00

Last night we had a powerful breakthrough with Jillian. My oldest son David had a few friends over. They went to hang out at Sunnyside Park. Jillian wanted to go, but I did not let her. She went to room to cry. I called her out and we had this amazing talk where I was able help lift her out of feeling sorry for herself. We're helping our kids learn to rule their emotions, instead of being ruled

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-67004768084074323382008-05-01T22:38:00.000-07:002008-12-09T11:56:25.606-08:00

I arrived home late at the end of the day. Marcia had dinner waiting, the kids were ready to eat. As I walked into the house I rushed around, emptying my arms of stuff - lunch box, computer bag, papers... Watching my mad rush, my son Conor asked me, "Dad, do you like yourself?" I took pause. "Yes, Conor I like myself. How about you? Do you like yourself." His simple reply, "Yeah, I do." I asked

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-63966413282422787092008-04-20T21:00:00.000-07:002008-04-20T21:19:40.445-07:00

Today I ran into a friend who moved from San Francisco to Atlanta a couple of years ago. David Jordan was here on business and we saw each other at the worship gathering of First Baptist Church of San Francisco. He asked me how things were going and we got to talking about N-Hance, the business I partially own. As we talked I reminded David of a conversation we had seven years ago, when he was

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-7022655551443622007-12-24T12:19:00.000-08:002007-12-24T12:27:18.567-08:00

"Balance, properly understood, is a cyclic dance of learning, meeting challenges, more learning, more accomplishments. At each step, you are able to bring a higher order of understanding to handle a greater degree of complexity in the challenge. Now, how long do you think these cycles of development and accomplishments go on? Forever. Lifelong learning is a way of life, not just an idea.-Joel

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-72450737963329214312007-12-23T01:21:00.000-08:002008-12-09T11:56:31.188-08:00

Celebrating EasterDavid in a humorous stage adaption of Cyrano de Bergerac, called Sir Nose, the Burger Rat. Marcia and Conor making birdfeeders to place around the yard. The recipe calls for pinecones coated with peanut butter and dipped in bird seeds. Tie a string to it and hang it from a tree. They were big hits with several species for weeks! Give it a try.Conor and Hannah helping in the

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-35382101680735366682007-11-22T08:06:00.000-08:002007-11-22T08:39:16.761-08:00

Dilapidated play structures. Cracks in the sidewalk. Overgrown bushes. Outdated equipment. Weeds growing on the tennis court. How long should it take for an old city park to get an update?Never underestimate the power of stubborn people, inefficient power structures, and just plain human error. Would you believe it took over 20 years for Sunny Side Park to be renovated? This past week our

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-67842229874066401302007-11-03T18:05:00.000-07:002007-11-04T12:33:54.446-08:00

I read an insightful article today. It's about Willowcreek Church, one of the most influencial Christian churches in the U.S. The leaders of the church have come to believe that they have poured millions of dollars, countless hours, and energy into the wrong things! For followers of Jesus, there is a call to help people find faith in the way of Jesus and increasingly live lives of significant

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-39268234198469165252007-09-22T20:00:00.000-07:002008-12-09T11:56:31.431-08:00

UC Santa Cruz has a pretty cool interactive resource for use in mapping global inequality from many perspectives. It show poverty related issues such as income, gross domestic product, and foreign investments. Then also tracks internet users and telephone lines per capita, as well as number of women compared to men. And of course health related issues - specfic diseases like measles, polio,

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-67799566816750127562007-09-15T21:48:00.000-07:002008-12-09T11:56:31.657-08:00

Today was the OMI International Family Festival. The festival is held the third Saturday of every September on Faxon at Ocean Ave. It was a big success, both inclusive and celebrative. For the first time a mayor of San Francisco even made an appearance. I started the day intending to be at the festival, setting up and helping ensure it's success. Unfortunately, Michael Waddell our head technician

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-15268749740998767552007-09-14T23:22:00.000-07:002008-12-09T11:56:31.866-08:00

It's tough to be a spokesperson in an entertainment consumed society. I saw this clip from CNN about Christians and Yoga. John MacArthur has been one of the popular spokespersons for his brand of Christianity for years. He looks very comfortable doing his thing on national media. Doug Pagitt looks a little uncomfortable, newer at it no doubt. His nuanced answers don't seem to fit in with the

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-86602893715647619292007-09-09T17:13:00.000-07:002007-09-09T18:33:49.919-07:00

My friend Jose Ortega visited with my family Friday and Saturday. He and his girlfriend spent the night in our home. Jose is one of my oldest friends, having known each other since we were 10 years old. We've seen each other go through so many life phases and changes over those 27 years. As he left last night I couldn't help but reflect on some things that have changed. As Jose pointed out I'm

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-68583486475246527622007-05-07T21:01:00.000-07:002007-05-07T21:24:04.046-07:00

A young lady I know found herself in an uncomfortable situation. Someone asked her how much she was paid for her job. She didn't feel free to share this private information. She felt it was between her and her employer. But she also didn't feel the freedom to say so. She thought the person would think of her as rude. So, she tried to change the subject severl times throughout the day. The

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-82632277025505144392007-04-22T19:51:00.000-07:002007-04-22T20:28:27.974-07:00

Today we went to the Earth Day Festival at McClaren Park. We ran into a couple of sets of friends, including one of the bands that was playing. It's days like this that I recall what a small town we reside. Relatively speaking. The first Earth Day was in 1970. I was less than a year old. The environmental movement was in it's infancy stages. Many of the futurists of the day predicted a coming era

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-76512821891064213012007-04-12T20:56:00.000-07:002008-12-09T11:56:32.074-08:00

A few hours ago I walked near the Embarcadero and the Bay Bridge. I was going home after a meeting. I found myself noticing a part of the city I hadn't really walked before. The best way to discover a place is to walk it. You get to see things in a different light. Most of the time I'm in this area it's to get to another area: the ball park to the south or China Town to the north. I enjoy looking

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-15321269659836187362007-03-31T19:01:00.000-07:002008-12-09T11:56:32.206-08:00

"If you do not let other people indescriminately spend your money, you have no obligation to let them spend your time. Your time, like your money, is yours to spend and to control." Fred Smith, Author of "You and Your Network"I read that statement in an old book. It rang loud and clear because my friend Ken says it in many different ways and fairly regularly. Years ago, someone encouraged me to

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-21882512900235674622007-03-24T18:05:00.000-07:002008-12-09T11:56:33.651-08:00

Marcia and I don't take many pictures together. This was from our anniversary in Dec. 06. Now you know why I don't grow facial hair. Playing with/learning light at the Exploratorium. Jillian is in Brownie Troop 7215 at Miraloma Elementry School. Jillian is learning to play guitar. Pictured here with one of her favorite friends, Chase McCord. A fun day at Golden Gate Park.Am I catching the ball

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-84074295802587100842007-03-24T17:43:00.000-07:002008-12-09T11:56:33.797-08:00

Jillian recently heard a retelling of John chapter 13. Soon afterward she wanted to wash everyone's feet in our house. So we pulled out a basin, filled it with warm water and soap. We instantly had context for a family meeting. It was fun and silly, as we made jokes about Dad's big and smelly feet. Why is it always easiest to make fun of a dad doing something different? :-) This picture of

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-17966558674833014742007-03-16T00:49:00.000-07:002007-03-16T01:25:15.649-07:00

The latter part of my day had some challenges. It started in the 5 o'clock hour. I was parking one of our company vans in my driveway, like I do most nights. Unfortunately, I was doing a 3 point turn in limited space with a more cars than normal parked on the street. Another unfortunate thins was the fact that I had a cell phone stuck in my ear at the time. This was perfect combination for one

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-23763147641934708462007-03-13T19:22:00.000-07:002007-03-13T19:32:51.094-07:00

Last week we served a client by renewing 30 year old kitchen cabinets. There was a significant transformation at the end of just one day. His wife said her cabinets looked like they were new! They were very pleased. He told me another company quoted him triple our price and it would take two weeks or more.So, before we left he asked me to wait. He wanted to give me something. He brought out a jar

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-67027152991712523562007-03-09T00:33:00.000-08:002008-12-09T11:56:33.985-08:00

Last night I attended a PTSA meeting of my son David's middle school. We discussed a miriad of topics, dreams, and plans for the school community. After brainstorming about ways to involve more parents in the school something stood out very clearly. Several parents stated a desire to be resourced in their parenting, hoping for answers to topics like, "How to communicate with thier 13 year old

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-69515086883997565512007-02-15T23:14:00.000-08:002007-02-15T23:47:39.076-08:00

Tonight I sat in on a discussion group where several people stated they were drawn to the concept of "mass collaboration." It's a term filled with both contradiction and promise. Something about the idea seems attractive and relevant, especially when I consider the infinite number of possibilties to make the world a better place. Toward that end the more of us the better. Power to the people!

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-35307887916022622742007-02-06T23:53:00.000-08:002007-02-07T00:09:47.959-08:00

This past week my father had a mild stroke. It got me thinking about my life. The day it happened I worked with a man two years older than my dad. As I watched this man work with ease I was struck to think about his age and stand-out endurance. His obvious care for his body got me thinking about what I'd be like in 25 years. One thing is certain - it won't happen by accident. Whatever my health

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-56442537081858189842007-02-04T20:24:00.000-08:002008-12-09T11:56:34.229-08:00

I saw the movie Facing the Giants last night. It's got a good storyline with a "made for TV" quality. That's ok for me - a good story is a good story. Besides that, inspiring sports films have become a family favorite in the Lantow house. When we popped it into the DVD player we didn't realize it was a Christian film. It was released by Sony films, but completely produced by a church in GA. I

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1161058981963539642006-10-16T20:49:00.000-07:002006-10-19T21:59:03.776-07:00

When I hear Scott Stapp's song "You will Soar" I think of something I love about being a father. I love to encourage my children; to challenge them to be who they're meant to be. It's an amazing call to invest your life into your children; correcting, empowering, modeling, teaching, and coaching.Too often the role of the parent is misunderstood and neglected. What a shame... Give it a listen:http

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1160636630500260352006-10-11T23:47:00.000-07:002006-10-12T00:03:50.510-07:00

Sometime around 1862 in the midst of the Civil War Abraham Lincoln wrote a letter he never intended to send to anyone. He penned private thoughts as he sought to make sense of a reality well beyond the comprehension of any one man. The letter has come to be known by the title, "Meditations on the Divine Will." The following exert is a powerful word for our day:"The will of God prevails. In great

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1160019719524691412006-10-04T20:39:00.000-07:002006-10-10T21:17:59.006-07:00

Someone asked me to contribute a thought on being a man for a collection she's passing on to her son as he enters adulthood.A man need never be stuck on any failure or success. The best of life is there for the taking as we believe. God intends for us to live life rooted in his abundance. A man must have the humility to know that all things begin and ends with God. We need our Creator. Because of

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1156320102766472792006-08-23T00:16:00.000-07:002006-08-29T15:59:53.840-07:00

I go through these times when I blog and then no blogging for while. I still can't get away from writing things with a pen. There is something old-school about it that apeals to me. And I know it's so 20th Century. But, what can I say? I just like it. Michael and Ken, this is for you. :-) So I was talking with my friend Chris about being who we're meant to be. We're both thankful for the witness

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1147417315982763642006-05-11T23:40:00.000-07:002006-05-12T00:01:55.996-07:00

I work with some amazing people. It's a great joy to be part of a winning team. Fabian Bruzone is a significant part of our team. I love working with Fabian. He is an upbeat person, full of faith and trust. He's generous with his words and efforts. Today we renewed a set of cabinets, stairs, and window trim. Early in the day as we surveyed what was to be done, Fabian said, "This job is like a

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1143391276332965942006-03-26T08:22:00.000-08:002006-03-26T08:41:16.346-08:00

This week I asked myself, "Why am I doing what I'm doing?" I went further saying, "Why do I live in San Francisco?" It was apparent that something in my heart had changed. There was a day when I could clearly answer both questions. But not now. It created a crisis within. My crisis affected those I hold dearest - my family, partners, and community. In that sense my crisis became

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1142160115098317022006-03-12T02:23:00.000-08:002006-03-12T02:41:55.120-08:00

Today, I was inspired by a middle aged baseball coach named Stacy. He's the coach of David's baseball team. Stacy recently completed a long-term volunteer coaching situation with a group of boys he'd coached from 4th grade through high school. He loves the game and to coach kids to be the best players they can be. He's faithful at what he does with a long term perspective. Not just this season,

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1142060592889049642006-03-10T22:30:00.000-08:002006-03-10T23:30:07.296-08:00

It was unusually cold in SF today. As the temperatures dipped, we were all glad to stay in for the night. We sat at the dinner table chowin' Tony's Pizza with some crisp brocoli and swapping stories of the day. About that time we could hear that the sky started to pour. The sound of rocks pounding on the glass of the kitchen sky lights caught Jillian's attention. She walked over, looked up, and

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1141975206096256442006-03-09T23:07:00.000-08:002006-03-09T23:22:56.063-08:00

I read this little book on Mother Theresa. She once said, "At the moment of death we will no be judged according to the number of good deeds we have done or by the diplomas we have received in our lifetime. We will be judged according to the love we have put into our work." Her words stood out to me today and reminded me of the call many of God's people have answered to throughout the ages. It

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1139901413164342112006-02-13T23:07:00.000-08:002006-02-13T23:17:24.400-08:00

Perhaps for the first time in my life I'm learning to appreciate work. Not because it's spectacular, but in the meaning of doing what I was created to do. I found this prayer of John Calvin that struck a chord with me. There is a resonance that sounds within my soul."My God, Father and Saviour, since you have commanded us to work in order to meet our needs, sanctify our labor that it may bring

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1138535285981269542006-01-29T02:54:00.000-08:002006-01-31T21:29:09.220-08:00

On Friday, my son David had a day off from school. It was a good opportunity to follow through on having him go to work with me. He's been wanting to see first hand what NHance is all about. I had told him that I thought it would be more valuable for him to work with me than to attend school on a given day. It's not that I think school is invaluable. The fact is that he will best learn to be

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1137292068591334452006-01-14T18:01:00.000-08:002006-01-29T03:50:07.083-08:00

My Grandfather died a week ago Friday. All 29 of of my cousins and me, as well as our combined 20 children called him "Grampy." He was diagnosed with cancer in Nov. and now his life on earth is over. The rest of his life has begun! My son David and I were in Long Beach this week to grieve with the rest of the Lantow clan. This picture is of my Grampy - Jack; my father - David Sr.; his brother -

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1136450094579760762006-01-05T00:13:00.000-08:002006-01-05T00:34:54.600-08:00

I love it when Bert Decker comments on communicators. He really knows communication. This year's list includes several Bush Admin folks. How do you think they fared: Condi, W, Chertoff? Check out how Steve Jobs rated. I once attended a seminar with Bert and he told me the best thing I had going for me is that I speak with passion. I was told that by a speech prof. in college too. I've found that

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1136448523457273442006-01-04T23:50:00.000-08:002006-01-05T00:08:43.476-08:00

The neighborhood we've grown to love continues to change. Somewhere at the heart of the OMI (Oceanview, Merced, Ingleside) community there is a transit hub. It's the Balboa Park station. It's actually one of the busiest hubs in SF. But like so many things in our nieghborhood it was poorly planned. It's a huge disjoined network of Muni and BART tracks. Seriously, try taking a walk through this

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1135984122486191352005-12-30T14:48:00.000-08:002005-12-30T15:08:42.500-08:00

I have to admit that for most of 2005 I dropped off the radar screens of the circles I'd been traveling. This was a hugely formational year for me, one of the biggest of my life. Yet, I'd expect 2006 to be even more so. If you track this blog and go back to June you'll see the decisions Marcia and I made were indicative of entering a new world: Selling our home; Getting out of financial shackles;

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1133933019593710552005-12-06T20:56:00.000-08:002005-12-06T21:32:41.126-08:00

I received a call this past weekend from a friend in Texas. We hadn't spoken since our last visit, six months ago. As we caught up on our lives I told him about my work with Ken McCord in the NHance Wood Renewal business. (Check out our blog for great before and after pics of jobs we've done recently: www.woodrenewal.blogspot.com). He seemed really surprised and asked several clarifying questions

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1133507570467767172005-12-01T22:39:00.000-08:002005-12-01T23:14:43.816-08:00

Tonight I shared a dinner table with families from my daughter's Kindergarten class. It was an important night of relationship building hosted by the teacher. I found out I'd been neighbors with a family in the class for five years and we never connected. I shouldn't be shocked, but I really was surprised. I mean we lived half a block away. My kids were surprised too, because they pride

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1131882556588757652005-11-13T03:11:00.000-08:002005-11-13T03:49:19.426-08:00

"How can a man be satisfied to entertain an opinion merely, and enjoy it? Is there any enjoyment in it, if his opinion is that he is aggreived? If you are cheated out of a single dollar by your neighbor, you do not rest satisfied with knowing that you are chated, or with saying that you are cheated, or even with petitioning him to pay you your due; but you take effectual steps at once to obtain

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1131760284799018692005-11-11T17:31:00.000-08:002005-11-11T17:51:24.810-08:00

I love it that our city is a major proponent of efficient and responsible mass transit. This past week SF hosted the World Congress on Intelligent Transportation. Some innovative items are in the works these days. MUNI modeled a "Superbus" this week on the 30 Stockton line. Its equipped with on board internet access and entertainment as well as vehicle tracking and location based passenger

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1131518870363534312005-11-08T22:26:00.000-08:002005-11-08T23:22:47.896-08:00

I picked up Donald Phillips' book study on the leadership style of Abraham Lincoln. I was telling a friend today that I'm impressed with how enduring Lincoln has been in American life and culture. I mean we consider him on a par with the founding fathers, who were certainly Mr. Lincoln's heroes. He became President during a major test of the American experiment. The country was about to be

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1131384977096902062005-11-07T09:27:00.000-08:002005-11-08T02:29:39.633-08:00

In a recent issue of Time Magazine U2's Bono writes a piece on poverty and disease. He likens the adventurous spirit of America to the world's need to pull together for the greater good. America has in its DNA an adventurous restlessness. It's what led us to send men to the moon a generation ago. I love what Bono just did. We went to the moon for advancment, competition, for legacy, and yes for

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1131272442292683702005-11-06T01:52:00.000-08:002005-11-06T02:20:42.386-08:00

It's been a little while since I last posted. I wouldn't say life has been boring, so I've had to measure where I pour my time. Over the past few years I've been maintaining journals for each of my children. Someday, I want to pass onto each one a book filled with captured moments; hopes and dreams; prayers; concerns; and whatever wisdom God grants me for my children. When they're ready to

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1127037674436834742005-09-18T02:46:00.000-07:002005-09-18T03:01:51.626-07:00

We took the kids to the arboretum at Golden Gate Park earlier this week. They love going there, mostly because the squirrels are so friendly. Conor says he likes feeding the "Squirdles". It was a typically foggy SF day, so we bundled up and enjoyed the picturesque scenery. Urban parks are some of the most beautiful parks in the world. It seems especially important to get out and enjoy creation in

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1127036015323226192005-09-18T02:33:00.000-07:002005-09-18T02:33:35.406-07:00

Jillian has been into taking pictures lately. I kind of like the angle she caught me on this one. It reminds me of the way my mom takes pictures. She often cuts off the heads of tall people. What can I say, mom? It's true. I love you.  

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1127030826687937512005-09-18T00:39:00.000-07:002006-02-01T02:13:50.700-08:00

Today was the fifth annual OMI Festival. As I sat at the dinner table tonight with Marcia and my children we all reflected on what a good day it was. We were tired, yet for very good reason. The OMI is the neighborhood where we've lived for the past five years. The festival is becoming a magnet of inclusion in a once neglected region of San Francisco's western neighborhoods. I've actually had

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1126571385466297152005-09-12T17:11:00.000-07:002005-09-12T19:33:17.680-07:00

Plenty of things are happening in our lives. Thanks for tuning in. In mid-July we moved to our new home at 429 Melrose Ave. SF. 94127. In early August we went to rural Ohio to rendevous with Marcia's family. This picture was taken at the "Bridge of Dreams" with cousin Olivia. The bridge appeared misnamed with piles of seasoned horse manure spread over the pathway. Upon our return it was time for

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1125427776857978062005-08-30T11:02:00.000-07:002005-08-30T11:49:36.870-07:00

I was in Utah for most of last week for training with NHance, the amazing wood renewal process. This is an invaluable resource for conveniently restoring and preserving wood floors and cabinets (http://www.nhance.com/). I had never been to Utan before. It's one of those overlooked nooks and crannies of the U.S. in my experience. And there were many assumptions that I had about Utah because of

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1124645367991211922005-08-21T09:44:00.000-07:002005-08-21T10:29:56.003-07:00

I like to start my day be reading a little from the Bible or from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest." Its' one of the things I do to prepare to live well each day. Of course I make many bad decisions on the way to a well lived day. But, I've got to start somewhere. Chambers focused on the phrase, "Blessed are the poor in spirit", from Jesus' monumental and widely known discourse on the

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1122254929074753802005-07-24T17:48:00.000-07:002005-07-24T18:46:12.110-07:00

My good friend Kenny responded to my "Unleashing Goodness" thought with a great word on the mystical things that happen within human beings by the power and goodness of God. He spurred me on to write more. Thanks Ken. You have a good habit of stretching those in proximity to you.Doing a good act apart from God is incomplete. Goodness is inherent in all creation because God is good and magically

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1122097606863912462005-07-22T22:27:00.000-07:002005-07-22T22:46:46.866-07:00

Jesus of Nazareth once said, "Let your light shine before people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Good deeds. Just what are good deeds? And who does them these days? Dictionary.com says a good deed is "an act or action that is positive or desirable in nature". If that is so aren't there lots of good deeds happening in the world? Like when my daughter Jillian

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1121585064944250072005-07-16T23:59:00.000-07:002005-07-17T00:24:24.950-07:00

On Wednesday morning of this week we moved from 318 Holloway Ave. That house has really been a wondeful place to rest our heads for four and half years. After everything was moved out I walked around a bit. It's a strange feeling to walk through a house you've lived in when it's empty. It looks so different when the signs of life are gone. No pictures hanging on the walls. No unmade beds. No toys

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1119897161111114292005-06-27T11:15:00.000-07:002005-06-27T11:32:42.573-07:00

Why are we compelled to spin our reality to hide so much? We hide our hurts and sometimes our joys. We hide our weaknesses. We hide feelings. Why do we even have secrets? Is there really any value in hiding the truth? We live in a world that prepares us to have lots of secrets, to hide things so that we maintain what we have (or the illusions that make us feel secure). One of the things about

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1119753050792714242005-06-25T18:17:00.000-07:002005-06-25T19:30:50.806-07:00

This past Wednesday I essentially secured that my days moving forward would look monumentally different than current ones. Marcia and I met with our realtor to sign the papers to sell our house. The reason is because we're shedding baggage that holds us from fully following God. We've got a load of debt that is out of sync with our values. The load is heavy and the journey requires only the

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1118202536162860732005-06-07T20:13:00.000-07:002005-06-07T20:48:56.166-07:00

It was a sunny day in the city. I was headed to a meeting in the SoMa neighborhood. As I came out of the MUNI tunnel at Civic Center Plaza I happened upon an unexpected site at U.N. Plaza. Hundreds of workers were busy giving a significant facelift to the birthplace of the United Nations. They were preparing the plaza for what was to come. This past week the U.N. recognized the formation of the

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1117238715911558232005-05-27T17:05:00.000-07:002005-05-27T17:05:15.936-07:00

This is a picture of my dad, David Lantow Sr. and me from his last visit to SF. It was taken while we were at the Aqarium at Fisherman's Wharf. I remember when I was five years old he seemed like such a giant man. He seemed so invincible, strong, and big. I guess that's how my children think of me. I wanted so much to be like him, to get his attention, to have him notice me. It's a profound duty

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1116959641926885792005-05-24T11:19:00.000-07:002005-05-24T11:34:01.943-07:00

A recent gathering was convened in London of European Christian leaders. It was hosted by Next Wave International http://www.nextwaveonline.com/default.asp. A statement of Intent was published outlining the principles church network leaders are committed to putting into practice within their European cities and nations. As I read about the initiative and the heart behind it I was encouraged. It

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1116801109251359022005-05-22T15:31:00.000-07:002005-05-22T15:31:49.256-07:00

This is a great picture of Conor smelling a flower at the Tulip Garden in Golden Gate Park. The garden is on the western edge of the park just couple hundred feet from the Pacific Ocean. On this day we met our friends the Lovejoys for a fun day in the sun. We played, laughed, and ran all around. The city has so many beautiful places to soak in the wonder of life. As I watch my children live and

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1116794653229247882005-05-22T13:44:00.000-07:002005-05-22T13:49:43.233-07:00

I've been influenced by some amazing people - family members, mentors, and friends (too many to name in this forum). I am very thankful for who I know. Some who have influenced me are authors. By God's grace I've had to chance to at least meet almost every living author I've been significantly influenced by. I especially enjoy meeting people because I have the opportunity look in their eyes and

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1116528904875543222005-05-19T11:35:00.000-07:002005-05-19T11:55:04.883-07:00

"Our heavenly Father knows the circumstances we are in, and if we keep concentrated on Him we will grow spiritually as the lilies." (Oswald Chambers, from My Utmost for His Highest). I know how to make things happen - planning, preparation, execution, follow up. But the trouble is that I cannot force "being." I am a child of my parents. I did not make that happen. I just am. Nothing can change

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1116009477523252052005-05-13T11:10:00.000-07:002005-05-13T11:37:57.526-07:00

Last night Kenny and I went to see the recent movie about the 11th Century Crusades. It speaks powerfully to the motives behind this dark chapter in the history of Christendom. To be honest you have to realize the movie makers do implant post-modern ideas into a pre-modern era. I.e. The earth as belonging to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, worldview. My reading of history finds no

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1115837651551441202005-05-11T11:54:00.000-07:002005-05-11T11:57:14.456-07:00

Kids learning basic acrobat skills at OceanviewLast night I skipped out on the second half of David's baseball game to be at a community town hall meeting. OMI (Oceanview, Merdced Heights, Ingleside) neighbors gathered at the Oceanview Park and Rec. Center (commonly called "Oceanview") to be heard on an important community issue, which is about Oceanview itself. The room was packed full of

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1115834038392768072005-05-11T07:01:00.000-07:002005-05-11T11:05:03.586-07:00

My son David is a people person. He thrives in group situations, enjoyes leading out and certainly enjoys being the center of attention. David recently began playing baseball with the Park and Rec. dept in the Sunset District. His team is the Marlins and his number is 29. He's never really played organized sports before so this has been a high learning curve for him. David is an athletic boy, no

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1115686971920510672005-05-09T18:02:00.000-07:002005-05-09T18:02:52.020-07:00

Mother's Day gave me a moment of gratitude for Marcia and her role in loving, shaping, and caring for our children. I tried to do my part to show appreciation to her. In the course of the day I had several low points. (One of the highs was taking her to a good Thai Restaurant on Irving Street). But I also don't want to think of a day like this as something I turn on like a light switch. The

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1115256225716298962005-05-04T17:47:00.000-07:002005-05-04T18:27:24.940-07:00

To many San Franciscans one of the most sweeping issues of recent years has been the number of chronically homeless people on the streets. It's astonishing the number of people living on our wealthy streets (estimates as high as 12,000). The most obvious centers are the Tenderloin, Civic Center, South of Market, and Golden Gate Park, near the Haight. Mayor Newsom actually gained recognition when,

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1114912654552359052005-04-30T18:29:00.001-07:002005-05-04T17:45:01.213-07:00

Yesterday as I was rushing in preparation for the start of a new day my son David asked me a question. With curiosity and tinge of disbelief he asked, "Dad, did you know that some people smoke pot to cure their sicknesss?" I asked why he was bringing this up. He then told me about a scene from the movie "Step Mom". Susan Sarandon is a mother stricken with cancer who smokes pot to ease her pain.

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1114910451979183862005-04-30T17:34:00.000-07:002005-04-30T18:20:51.980-07:00

This past week I feel like a cosmic mirror was held before me. I got a glimpse into my soul, seeing what's there and what isn't there. I drove down to So. Cal. with Linda and Brad to my point of origin on our silent planet (Long Beach) for a "simple church" gathering hosted by Church Multiplication Associates http://www.cmaresources.org/ The quality of people present was humbling. The feel of

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1113983354735314592005-04-19T09:10:00.000-07:002005-04-20T00:49:14.736-07:00

The church bells are ringing... As I sit at Java on Ocean sifting through the Chronicle I can hear the bells of St. Emydius ringing just a block away. It signifies the election of the new pope. I wouldn't have guessed how meaningful this process would be to an increasingly secular Western world. But, here we are... People who practice no religion are talking about it and watching this antiquated

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1112822008410985022005-04-06T14:13:00.000-07:002005-04-06T14:13:28.410-07:00

Jillian recently learned to ride her bike. She's so excited about her blue basket where she can take her little bunny with her. She loves the streamers that decorate her little red bike. And her ringer warns all in her path that she's coming. Since she learned it's been an almost daily request that she go out riding. I'm very proud of my little princess. Watching her grow and learn new things is

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1112305143810276282005-03-31T13:08:00.000-08:002005-03-31T13:39:03.813-08:00

The topic continues to pop up daily in the local news. This growing SF industry is largely unregulated so it's reletively simple to set up shop. All that is required is a landlord willing to set up a lease with the prespective pot entrepreneur. Some are joking that its "the" business to set up in town, because the profit margin is good and you don't have to pay taxes. I don't think that's what

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1115838552543333312005-03-23T23:50:00.000-08:002005-05-11T12:13:22.203-07:00

What the Bleep do we know?! Movie Cover Tonight I thought and talked deep. I went to a gathering focused on some things near and deer to my heart and pursuits: What is the reality beyond what we see? Is life not more than money, reputation, and power? Who are the people most at peace with God? How does one experience peace with God? The thing about this event is that it wasn't a church gathering

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1111570226635025582005-03-23T00:18:00.000-08:002005-03-23T01:30:26.636-08:00

Tonight I thought and talked deep. I went to a gathering focused on some things near and deer to my heart and pursuits: What is the reality beyond what we see? Is life not more than money, reputation, and power? Who are the people most at peace with God? How does one experience peace with God? The thing about this event is that it wasn't a church gathering and I'm pretty sure my companions and I

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1110919105566016652005-03-15T12:23:00.000-08:002005-03-15T12:38:25.566-08:00

You might be surprised at how easy it is to set up a pot club in San Francisco. Within blocks of my house there are currently two Cannanbis Clubs where folks can legally sell and purchase pot. And there is a third club seeking to get in on the action. Now, I'm not even going to talk in this entry about the issus of using marajuana in cases to ease suffering for certain medical conditions. The

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1110654911915331792005-03-12T10:43:00.000-08:002005-03-12T11:15:11.920-08:00

Sometimes I feel more like a little kid than how I look. To most observers I appear to be a thirty-five year old man, husband, father, pastor, and what-ever else. But, inside I definitely feel the same kinds of insecurities and battles that I felt as an eight year old boy. But I will say, I've mastered the ast of pretense, which is required for adequete functunctionality in the world of current.

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1110233033633223652005-03-06T23:03:00.000-08:002005-03-08T12:19:59.416-08:00

Today was an amazing day in San Francisco! When we have weather like today, this city instantly transforms into a beach culture. People head to the beaches in droves. You put away you long pants, sweaters, and coats - and trade them in for shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops. It's a very cool dynamic. The weather was as good as it gets in this town. So after gathering with Clay House church for an

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1109926654027529932005-03-04T00:38:00.000-08:002005-03-04T01:07:02.443-08:00

Tonight I was wearing out a DVD of "Shark Tale" with Marcia and the kids. What a hillarious tale... We kept playing over a few scenes, particulary the Godfather inspired ones. I'm interested in knowing how many times one of the mafia sharks says, "Fo'ged about it."So the noteworthy image that stood out to me was when Oscar the Shark-slayer finally comes clean with his lie. It's the moment he

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1109725375225013842005-03-01T16:39:00.000-08:002005-03-01T17:02:55.226-08:00

"Dear friend, pay attention to this, my wisdom; listen very closely to the way I see it. Then you'll acquire a taste for good sense; what I tell you will keep you out of trouble." Proverbs 5:1-2 (from the Message Translation of the Bible). Some say that "wise" refers to skills in living. If that's so it's no wonder there is so much chaos in some of our lives. Wisdom doesn't refer to what we know

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1109726283260456582005-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:002005-03-01T17:22:32.246-08:00

It’s early 2005 and I have already participated in three funerals: two of them were connected to Clay House, where I provided pastoral care to the familes under the church banner and one for my neighbor, where I continue to provide informal care outside the formal church. Last Friday I led a graveside funeral overlooking a beautiful valley with bagpipes playing Amazing Grace in the

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1109370681119524192005-02-25T14:31:00.000-08:002005-02-28T03:09:12.590-08:00

At the end of my life the greatest contribution I will have made toward anything is seen in my three treasured gifts from Above. Today, as I had a shaping conversation with my son David about his attitude toward Jillian, I was struck by the always "ON" posture I desire to have with my children. I mean, I don't stop shaping, confronting, and disciplining them. Every moment is an opportunity to

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1109365823427716432005-02-25T13:10:00.000-08:002005-02-28T12:41:21.150-08:00

Marcia and me on the night of our twelfth wedding anniversary. Whoever said that love is a choice was onto something. Actually choosing to love Marcia and to receive her love is one of the most powerful cornerstones to our marriage.

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1107511084664998712005-02-04T01:03:00.000-08:002005-02-28T12:38:52.283-08:00

I'm about to move from San Francisco to Anaheim and I feel like it's an internal repeat of the 2002 World Series. It's funny, you talk to folks around here and they'd say there's no contest. SF has it all - world class city, diversity, efficient (?!) mass transit, traditional neighborhoods, new urbanism (http://www.missionbaysf.com/), the Bay, the Arts, and so much more. But, there is another

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1107512912594216062005-01-03T10:54:00.000-08:002005-02-04T02:28:32.593-08:00

One of the characteristics of successful cities is that they are usually centers of creativity. They attract ingenious and diverse people who love to create masterpieces, to re-envision life and society for greater good, and to thrive economically at the forefront of technology. Urban Studies Prof. Richard Florida says that creativity is now the main driving force in the developement of cities,

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1107514952054586392004-12-22T13:11:00.000-08:002005-02-04T03:02:32.053-08:00

A question haunted me this week: "What are the patterns and rhythms of my life?" As a follower of God I have to continuously evaluate and improve the quality of my commitment and integration of my faith with how I live. Tom and Christine Sine lamented in their book Living on Purpose (http://www.msainfo.org/) that, "For too many of us our life has become little more than a living blur. If we have

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1107513791468748182004-12-18T08:32:00.000-08:002005-02-04T02:43:11.466-08:00

I once heard Dallas Willard say that God's fingerprint has grafittied the essence of everything you see. In a city renouned for being "tagger friendly" that thought seems especially poignant. I'm a compulsive peolpe-watcher so the idea captured my attention in relation to my subjects one afternoon. The other day I was watching people walkby on 16th Street in the Mission District. The variety of

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1107514085289788272004-11-19T21:22:00.000-08:002005-02-04T02:48:05.290-08:00

Yesterday I was out for stroll down Ocean Ave. I worked out at the gym and stopped in a Java on Ocean for a cup of strong coffee. Hussam, a Palestinian immigrant owns the cafe and really does quite well. Java is place where SF State and City College students plug away at the books, moms eat with their toddlers, and community activists plot their next move. It's alive with local people every day.

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1107514308316478242004-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:002005-02-04T02:51:48.323-08:00

Today I learned that another friend is about to leave the city. She's selling her house and heading for Oregon. The cost of living in SF was the decision maker. This tale is too common and I'm getting tired of hearing it again and again. I'm saddened, but I also understand why. I mean, I'm not too far from the same decision. My family moved to the city because we see a need to represent Jesus

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1107514442142973822004-11-06T14:52:00.000-08:002005-02-04T02:54:02.143-08:00

"Aspiration is an impatience with mediocrity, and a dissatisfaction with all things created until we are at home with the Creator, the hopeful striving for the best God has for us." - Eugene Peterson Human beings are the kinds of creatures that are meant to pursue. That's the way we're wired. Striving is nearly as much a human way as breathing. I see it in my son Conor's relentless curiosity at

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10617159.post-1107515062639419172004-08-23T04:22:00.000-07:002005-02-04T03:04:22.640-08:00

Clay House has a good deal of promise and hope. I was thinking about the condition the people who make up the church; about the character and quality of our times together; and about just what we're building together. The people are certainly works in progress. Aren't we all? That's why we call ourselves "Clay House." As followers of Jesus, we're pursuing God and His purpose for our lives. God is

David Lantowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14884185162522010106noreply@blogger.com0