Amber and Sean Surfing Pismo

I recently published these videos of the kids learning to surf.  I am grateful for their trust and their adventurous spirit.  Listen to little Sean's voice.  So precious and full of excitement.  Thankful for these little gifts for sure...





Praise God for these experiences...

Queens, not Kings of the run!

The girls kicked butt.  For years of chasing the boys around, it's a delight to give the real credit due for accomplishments - the girls (Donna, Jenn, Cheryl, and Debbie) did awesome and we really appreciate watching their efforts this past weekend.  All the girls surpassed their expectations, and ours for that matter, and Donna pulled off a third place in the women's division.  While not quite as impressive as the ladies, the men did not do bad themselves.  Sean was blasting the early hills and great competitive pace only to pay the price for the recent injury.  John much of the same but he finished.  Bart was dealing with no training and sleep depravation and finished admirably.  Rudy was flying but seemed to constrain himself to the fellowship.  And me, I was simply having a blast with not much care but recording the experience - albeit fun to blast and compete the early climbs...

Good on Sean for getting the group in this very meaningful time together.  It was a charity race in a very unique setting - Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands chain off Santa Barbara.  We got to run 14 miles on some of the best terrain in California for a trail run and the group seemed to raise $15000 towards charity.  Not bad.

The video says it all - c'mon, you can always spare 10 minutes for something fun and interesting.  Watch it to the end!

Uncle Sean

On our way home today we had the treat to catch my brother on duty in Ventura.  He looked great and really loves being part of such a great law enforcement team.  I will continue to pray for Gods work in him and his safety.  May God bless him and the rest of the men that serve and protect...

Big Seany Boy!

A quick greeting with their hero Uncle Sean - and a cup of coffee!

We love you Sean!

Sean or Jeff?

When we were kids, that was constantly the question.  The next question, for whatever reason, who was stronger?  Now I wonder why we always competed against each other...?

Outward Sign of Faith - Sean's First Communion

Praise God.  Sean experienced his first communion at Grace Church this morning.  After much discussion in the household, and even some tearful moments, we were blessed to present the opportunity for Sean to outwardly declare his love for God and his absolute need for Jesus Christ, our savior.

I believe it is important to share this event with my family and give even my personal testimony in this experience.  The timing of Gods word was and is always timely and nourishing.  And today was no exception to that fact.  Before sharing the message today, let me share what has been going on with my son.  He desires to take communion.  Partly because that is what we do, and because he thinks he is ready.  I was trying to do my best to discern his understanding of the gospel and the right timing of this celebration and communion experience.

Prior to worship this morning, and over many months, our family contemplated what the essence of communion really is with my son.  Notwithstanding the important biblical command, I enjoyed explaining to my son the version that my pastor explained, which I believe is consistent with being centered in the gospel.  Pastor Tim described communion as being an "outward sign of an inner reality."  Since I believe that salvation is by Gods grace alone, in faith alone, through Jesus Christ alone, the concept of an outward sign of an inner reality really describes this best, which is another description of faith and outwardly professing our need in Christ, our savior.  I don't believe my son at age 8 perfectly defines this and understands it the same as I do, but I truly believe he loves the Lord and believes Christ Jesus saves.  He acknowledges we are sinners, in need of a savior.  And he knows who Jesus Christ is.  This is enough.

But even with all this knowledge from my son, I continued looking for more surety of the right time...  I continued looking for unwavering understanding from my 8 year old son.  It was as if I believed that my instruction, timing, and the success of my father pastoring was a key element in Gods work.  As the elements were being passed this morning, I told Sean I would prefer to let the elements pass from him and he looked at me sadly and respectfully and said "I will do as you tell me dad."  As I took the elements in my hand, and at just the right time, I repeated to myself that salvation is of the Lord.  I looked at his precious face knowing that he desired to be part of the Lords table and the only reason I was wavering is I thought he was not fully confident in the Gospel and he could not perfectly recite the answers I wanted.  It was at this time, I looked at Sean and told him he and I would take communion together.  I declared this is Gods work and needed to let that stand as it should.  Tears of joy immediately sprang from the both of us!  I was emotionally reminded that this is Gods work and I need to be graceful in this, and especially to my son.  I needed to give him a gift during this worship Sunday that God provided us both.  How precious, and how fortunate it was to experience this moment with my son.  As my Pastor preached the word, I began to whisper to Sean in his ear the significance of each element of the supper we were about to take.  About this time, as we were taking communion, I realized it was not just Sean and I becoming emotional and tearful since both Amber and Jennifer were both in tears of joy.  What a blessing...

Today was a message on Psalms 78.  The message focus was the importance of equipping our children and disciples in the gospel so that the generation to come may know and continue it's teaching in the word of God.  It was fitting timing to pass the baton on to my son today.  It is my prayer that we do this well.  It is also my praise that God will get it done.  May he give me strength to be part of his work.  I plan to continue instructing my family in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and thankful that I have trusted men and a Pastor who continually poor it in to me with love, truth and application.  He who began a good work in you, will take it on to completion until the day of Christ!

There is many reasons to remember this date.  Partly because of the tragedy of 9-11 where so many lives we lost in our county.  That tragedy is still vivid in my mind and I still grieve for the families affected by it.  But to remember this time and Gods blessing in my son will be the prize and focus of this father.  I will do my best to remind my son of this memory for many future years.

We celebrated the day by enjoying a lunch together following worship service at Sean's favorite spot, Habit.  His grandparents also treated him to a great dinner complete with cookies.  Great day, this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Dinner time with the Grandparents!

Mammoth Lakes 2011

Our trip to Mammoth Lakes this year did not disappoint.  Tons of adventure and family fellowship.  Most people could not handle the adventure on these trips.  We never sit and rest - always moving and doing.  I love Gods creation in Mammoth and the greater East Side of the Sierras.  It is a wonderland for sure.

Just so much fun and thanks to everyone for making it such a special trip.  Some of the many highs:

• A meal at Angels and the typical Stove last day.  Ran into Dave Neal and his fam.  This guy is the tops...
• Fishing, fishing and more fishing.  John and I woke early for an East Walker run.  Hooked a 24" fish or bigger only to loose it at my feet.
• Hiking to Duck Lake with my family and 11 year old daughter Amber!  Missed da wifey who was recuperating from her digger on the MTB.
• Watching Sean going for it on the trail and his bike.  He crashed, but got right back on.
• Bears in the woods.  So cool - lil trash diggers.
• Running the trail with the family and tasting blood in the lungs!
• Beers pool side!
• Climbing the east side with my bro on the MTB.
• Hanging with John and just catching up with him.  Love him very much.
• Great time with the Cierly's, Otis, Rays, and other Martin clans.
• Just seeing the great landscape God created on the East Side - what a place...
• Rock Creek Lake, East Walker, Convict Lake, Duck Lake, George, Mary, and the rest of the fishing holes!  Especially Rush Creek...
• Seeing the kiddos fish and Seanys first fly fishing experience.

Seany getting his first experience in the float tube with his dad.

Amber going for the 11k foot Duck Lake Pass.  She hiked 11 miles on this day and pushed the pace on the way home.  My 11 year old daughter...

Is that my daughter in front of me?

Amber, John, and me on the pass - see Mammoth in the background?

Da wifey groovin at Rock Creek Lake - she hooked up just after this shot...

Sean snagged a water snake

Donna, Amber, Sean, Kenyan, John, Kai, and Kevin ready for the ride down...

Da wifey and me!  Had a picture in this spot before...

Da wifey post carcuss.  Ouchy!!!  Both the girls hit the deck on the way down...

Leaving Duck Lake

Sean and Deb on the hike to Duck Lake

Donna and Nana on the way up.  Three generations of women on the trail.  Praise God.

Thank you Lord for these times and experiences.  I love the family you gave us...  Until next time in the mountains.

Seany Boy on the descent

Rush Creek Fly Fishing - Sean's First!

Praise God for these experiences.  I am so thankful for the outdoors and Gods gift of fishing...

Amber Climbing High!

Playing Hooky...

Great time had by all.  Got to get out for Rudy's bday recently to celebrate his day on the water.  Tested out his new electronics and took a run approximately 20 miles south to the Mussel Shoals Point near Point Sal.  Everyone had a great time.

Rudy getting his navigation on!

Rudy making sure everyone else is getting fish!

Rudy's little hand puppet

Korey got his big Red...

Praise God for these times and Happy Birthday to Rudimus!

PSL Fishing with the Theulegans!

Had an unusual opportunity to take some boys fishing which included my son, Korey, and Tim and his boys Zeke and Haak.  The conditions lined up well and we decided to make it a go and there was available anchovy bate.  We were on the hunt for rockfish and halibut.

(Smiles on board with the first fish on the deck - a tasty Blue Rock Fish)

(Da boys ready to drop lines!)

(Haak and his Olive - note the dad in the background who hates fishing - he is closet fishermen.  Look at the bend - FISH ON!)

Loved this time with the boys.  Good to see the experience and the excitement with a fish on the line.  Praise God...

The Alabaman Clans

To our sincere delight, our distant Alabama Clans paid us Californians a visit.  And what a time it was...

My grandfather Robert Martin, Aunt Kay Hodge, and cousins Athesia Davis and Deanne Slaughter spent a recent two week vacation with us here on the central coast.  I can only imagine they were exhausted on their way home after their time here which was filled with adventures, food, family time, lots of activities and visits, wine, and tons of fellowship.

While I have found memories as a child spending occasional summer vacations in the south with our Alabama relatives, I(we) had no idea how much we had in common.  But most notable, I am so grateful that God blessed us with the time in fellowship and the discovery of love and affection that we all had for each other.  We just immediately hit it off and got along better than I could have imagined.

There was so much experience in our time together and I will post more photos.  But for now, I wish to share some of the experiences:

• Spending time in fellowship every day with a little wine and food.
• Sharing how God is at work in our lives.
• Praying together at meal times and enjoying the prayers of my grandfather.  He shared to me the prayers that he covers until he falls to sleep at night.  If only I could pray like that...
• We are a hugging family, great to hug each one of them and let them know we appreciate them and their visit.
• Eating moms food with everyone in town, over and over again.  They probably think we eat this gourmet stuff everyday.  
• Spending time showing them the SLO town, AG, upper coastline, Avila Beach, Hearst Castle, So Cal areas, and Reagan Library.
• Independence Day celebration at the house and seeing them enjoy some of our friends here on the central coast.
• Having supper in shell beach and a good one at that - Ventana does not disappoint...
• Getting to know our cousins better.
• Getting to know Aunt Kay better and know more about her life over the past 25 years.
• Seeing our father enjoy his family connections and see the joy in his relationship with his Alabama relatives.
• Seeing our family, and my own kids love on our relatives.
• Seeing our children love on their great grandfather and experience this time.  

(This is part of the family visiting a Cal Poly Memorial - From top to bottom and left to right:  John, mom, Athesia, Seany boy, Deanne, me, Donna, Jenn, Amber, and Aunt Kay)

(The homeboys - Dad aka JD and Grandpa Martin)

While it was sad to see them depart, I was totally encouraged by the experience of being with them.  I am excited to know there is a solid bond between so many of our California and Alabama families and look forward to the fact that we will see each other again.  I know when this time comes the fellowship will be rich, meaningful, and lots of fun.

I am so grateful to God for his blessing in all of this.  I believe this experience has had a profound affect on everyone involved and hope my children are taught the importance of keeping family bonds and relationships...  Praise God.

P/s - I need more pictures visiting family!  I only have my dads so I am a bit limited.  Send me a few of your favorites so I may post them!

Lopez Pedalin

Family Weekend

Started Thursday with a drive to Valencia to hang with the brother brohem Uncle Sean and his wife Deb.  We started things off with our treat at La Cocina for some awesome mexican cuisine...

On Friday, we started the day off with a morning run and Sean ripping my legs off in the neighborhood.  We then got the family ready for the day and headed to Hurricane Harbor at Magic Mountain.  At the park all day until 6pm and then headed to my sister Donna's house for some more family get togethers with our visiting Alabama family.  Great time.

(The Martin Fam at Hurrican Harbor ala 95 degrees F!)

On Saturday, spent the day at Castaic Lake and had a blast.  Tubing, food, site seeing, swimming, boating, and a little bit of fishing.  Great time and memories were being remembered and created on this lake.  When we finished, we hit the pool for a bit more of water - we were water logged by 7pm...  My kids could not get enough of it.  I'm tired, and cannot explain why...

(Tubing Castaic Lake)

(Heading into Elizabeth Canyon at Castaic Lake)

(Wifey enjoying some summer sun in the Canyon)

(Martin Family Totem Pole!)

Really enjoyed the adventurous weekend.  I don't think I took a shower the entire weekend.  My wife confessed she took one shower!!!  We never got out of the water.

So thankful for the experiences and what God has provided in our lives.  I woke this morning and had the delight to read Isaiah 53 in the Bible and was just simply humbled to read about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament.  Sweet time this weekend.  Good rest for the brain, even though we never slow down...

Looking forward to more of lifes adventures.

Spring Break 2011 - Mammoth Mountain

Desert adventure fun...

This is how we roll...

Fathers Day Fun 2011 - Lopez Adventure Challenge

Got to experience the 2011 Lopez ARS with my good friend and boss, Rudy.  The weather and race did not dissapoint and the race directors added a new special treat to the format - a zip line!

We entered the event with no expectations except to work as a team.  For the first time, Rudy and my age totaled 90 years which through us into the Masters Men mix.  Don't let the age bracket fool you, there was another very competitive team who was primed and ready to win the division.  To our surprise, we beat the other team and won the Masters Male division and hit the 2nd place spot overall...  So cool.

Rudy did a fine job and pushed himself on the MTB.  He was even kind enough to talk me through a quad cramp on the run.

It was fathers day that day.  A fitting day to exercise and take on a treat as men!  The kids and our wives had a blast and we are grateful to them all for their support to our madness.

(Yours truly going Tarzan!!!)

(The kiddos in their groove.  What a blast!)

(Rudy and Jeff 2nd Overall and First Place Masters Male)

So grateful for these special times.  Praise God for Rudy and my family for the enjoyment on this years fathers day.  Hope more of these adventures are in the future...

14 Years...

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

This is the wedding vow made to each other on June 21, 1997.  This is Gods word.  We are grateful that Gods love for us, and our faith in Him, gives us the power to live out these things together.  Without God, these important marriage vows and scriptures flee and we would be self absorbed in our own individual needs.  Praise God for his faithfulness in our lives, especially in our marriage.

I met my beautiful bride at Cal Poly in 1994 as we were waiting for class early one morning.  This blog photo marks the spot which was just under the canopy.  Only the original canopy was much smaller.  She looked at me, and I stared at her.  I did not stop staring.  As our invitations said when we married, a glance and a smile, turned into friendship, and then fell in love...  Her outer beauty caught my attention - her inner beauty captured me for good.  This is Gods work, and I am thankful for that fact.

Looking forward to more marriage adventures...

Seany Boy Lopez Campground Loop

Seany boy going for it on Cougar Trail at Lopez Lake Campground loop.

So thankful for these times together.  Summer is on us and today was his first official Monday following school.

Good job Seany boy - we love you!

Central Coast Adventure Sprint - Santa Margarita 2011

Our team, "you shoulda seen the other guy," took first overall and mens division on May 15, 2011.  This picture was taken before the race and we looked all serious tough.  Truth be told, we were cold, and simply standing away from the pre-race instruction in the sun to simply get warm.  Our pre-race plan was simply go hard, have fun, use teamwork and make good decisions along the way.  We got the first three right, and suffered mild time loss in the latter - but that is exactly how adventure racing goes.  Everyone has issues along the way, you just continue to do your best.  My team mate Korey was simply on fire.  We paddled hard, rode hard, and ran hard (if you call it a run?).  It was more of a mountain climb up a waterfall canyon.  Simply amazing...  In the end, it was good enough for first overall.

I've been involved in various multi-sport activities since 1992.  Adventure races never dissapoint in the end, but you may go through the post race " I should done this or that."  No matter your placing, they are a blast, and you will be glad you did it.  I hope to do this one day with my children and set an example of a very rewarding activity.  These races are not overly selfish, as many individual sports become.  You complete the task with a person you choose to finish with - good or bad, you must complete it together as a team.  So much to this concept that words cannot explain.  Go find out for yourself.  I am thankful beyond words for this young man in my life and these experiences together.  It was truly a blessing to enjoy this day with him and see his training pay off.  Praise God for these experiences and and this special friendship.  Looking forward to more of these...

Pismo Beach Volleyball

Proud of Amber and her friend and teammate Jennifer aka "Boo"...  They both played in a local tourney this past weekend and placed third with very little practice together.

Looking forward to watching them go for it again.  God bless these great young ladies!

Banzai! Seany Boy's 2nd day on the ski's!

Easter Break 2011

The Martin Family had the joy to spend our Easter celebration on a road trip.  The main attractions were Death Valley and Mammoth Lakes with cool travels and places along the way.

The first day we left early and drove eastward across the lower central valley, through both Tehachapi and Mojave until we reached the Owens valley in which we took an abrubt right hand turn in Olancha.  Death Valley would be our next step over the beautiful Panamint Mountains.  We landed in the valley and Furnace Creek campground at approximately 3pm and set up camp.  It was an awesome desert landscape.

(The great Owens valley and dry lake bed.  Sierras at left and the rise of the Inyo Mountains on the right)

(The descent into the valley via atop the Panamint Range)

(desert camp out - a comforting fire...)

The second day was planned ahead and we rented a Jeep Rubicon for a mountain and desert adventure through Titus and Echo Canyons with several stops along the way including the famous DV sand dunes.  Mid day between the canyons, we poached the ranch inn pool to enjoy refreshment poolside and wipe the dust of our bodies.  We encountered petraglyphs, historic lead and silver mines, reptiles, and just amazing desert landscape...

(Jeep packed and ready for exploration!)

(Lunch in the canyon!)

(Sean feeling his scale against massive and beautiful canyon walls - Titus Canyon is simply a must visit!)

The third morning we all woke together to worship our risen savior Jesus Christ!  It was a delightful morning as family as we read 1 Peter together and reflected on the Gospel in our lives.  It was great to hear the kids and my wife talk about the scriptures together.  It was awesome to praise God in His creation on a day of resurrection celebration.  The balance of the morning was spent quickly packing and hitting the road for Scotty's Castle, and northern Death Valley run, and a trip back westward through the Inyo/White Mountain passes into Bishop and then to Mammoth Lakes.  This drive did not dissapoint and the new landscape was an amazing adventure.  The Castle too was a great history lesson on early California and it's folks.  We arrived into Mammoth Lakes in time for another quick dip in the pool before an Easter dinner at a family favorite restaurant known as Angel's.  Great time.  Sweet time.

(Death Valley Ranch aka Scotty's Castle)

The next two days was spent on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain and both Sean and Amber got their alpine game on with Seany skiing with his dad, and Amber snowboarding with her mother.  Awesome time.  First day it snowed and the wind blew.  The next day was a beautiful sunny day.  Both days were nonetheless very enjoyable.

(My girls on their sleds!)

(The fam in their groove on the mountain!)

Our final night, after a day of skiing entailed a quick 90-100 mile drive south on 395 along the eastern Sierra to Independence in which we turned again abrubtly right straight into the mountain foothills and made camp at Grey's Meadow at approximately 6,000 foot elevation.  We were so close to Whitney and other major mountains simply directly above us.  The mountains towered above us with snow caps.  Simply massive and awsesome.  Made camp, cooked dinner of quesadillas, and enjoyed some refreshments and family time around an open fire.  It was an amazing time to end our Easter road trip before returning home the next morning.

(last night with wine, sodas, and grilled quesadillas on open range - does not get any better than this)

We are so very grateful for the blessings God gives us in exploring His landscape.  Praise God for these future memories and this great trip...  He is Risen and risen indeed!

More pictures of this great trip - Just click on the active FLICKR site at right...

Suited up

The Martin men in their snappy dress.  Seany boy's first suit....

Ambers Musical 2011 - Camp Will-A-Mocky

Amber had the privilege to participate in the leading role of Megan Riley in the traditional musical show Camp Will-A-Mocky.  It is a story where children are impacted by the love of Christ and it transforms them into lives different from how they were.  Amber's part as Megan could not be a bigger contrast from how she is in real life.  Megan is a princess, full of selfishness and pride.  Amber does a great job in playing the part for sure.

So glad she loves the performing arts.  It helps that she has been blessed with the desire to sing, dance, and be willing to go in front of a crowd.  Thankful for the Saint Pat's teachers and staff who made this night possible. Also, thankful for the wifey's work in setting up the background set.

Enjoy this clip.  Wait for the singing - its worth it.

Happy Birthday Dear Mother.  You are one amazingly lady at the age of 69!

The family and I had the pleasure to dine at the Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos, Ca.  Started with some pea soup, and then some amazing flatbread pizza.  Pepperoni, prosciutto, potato, egg, onion, avocado, and many other goodies on the flatbread for our delight.

The desserts were over the top!  Brownies, creme brulee, and date ice cream...

It was an awesome time tonight and seeing my parents so encouraged in the time together.  Had a great time together tonight. 

Jenn caught the wine in the foreground of the picture with the label of Kummu - meaning family.  Perfect wine for the time...  God bless you mom and happy birthday.

Romance and Bromance!

Pinch me!  Living the dream in a big way.  Had the opportunity to hit the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains this past weekend for a long overdue fishing trip with my brother in law.  To my delight, we also got to mix it up with our wives on this brief trip since they decided to jump on to our once established "guys" trip.  What a time indeed.  It was extra special to have my wife with me on a fishing trip...

(The romance!  The wifey enjoying the hotel creekside - she snowboarded the next morning)

We all stayed in Bishop, CA and enjoyed a beautiful creekside setting in our accomodations.  Jenn took advantage of some rest, reading, running, and wine sampling for the day until I got back from fishing.  We enjoyed some food and time together that evening.  It was awesome to see her just enjoy some quiet time before hitting the slopes the next day.  She is such a trooper to let me run in the outdoors and do my thing...  

We fished the east Walker River approximately 50 miles north of Mammoth Lakes under the instruction and guidance of Dave Neal of Mammoth Lakes, CA.  This is the second time I have had the fortune to be under his guidance and care in his backyard playground and business office.  Dave's experience and care did not dissappoint.  We fished our tails off for 2 full days along the miracle mile and landed some fine and fat German Brown trout along with an occassional football sized Rainbow trout.

John and I are close and he is definitely considered one of my brothers.  Fishing has been a big connection between us both and this time brought back memories that are precious.  The time was simply magical and full of fun.  I look forward to more times with John on the water and hooking 'em up!

(Both of us with full blown grins!)

(Check out the color of this fish John caught - he slayed 'em the first day!)

(John, Dave Neal, and yours truly - celebratory beers for the bromance!)  

Dave is the real deal.  He fit in just like a long time friend.  He is a cycling guy, outdoors guy, and loves his family - he fits right in... We loved hearing his experience in both life and fishing and really enjoyed his local mountain knowledge.  John and I decided we are going to treat ourselves at least once per year under his guidance and make him a family friend.  I highly recommend Dave should you be in Mammoth for fishing.  His website and blog is attached at http://flyfishingmammoth.typepad.com/fly_fish_with_dave_neal/ and www.reelmammothadventures.com.

This last photo was taken on the first day of the trip and I hooked up for the first time.  It was nothing short of awesome.  Fishing takes me back to so many childhood memories.  I am thankful that I have many close friends and brothers such as John who have helped me enjoy the outdoors.  My mom and dad made it a priority to be in the outdoors and I am truly grateful for this.  I look forward to handing this tradition on to my dear children Amber and Sean.  I enjoyed taking in the landscape and this mountain wonderland.  God is the ultimate artist in His creation.  I am grateful and humbled to play and experience the wonders of His creation and His creatures.  Thank you God for these precious times and joyful memories.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created though him and for him - Col. 1:16.

God created fishing for his Glory and I get to share in it!  Thanks for reading.