11.03.2007
Acts 17:28
"For in him we live and move and have our being".
I'm starting my own personal 40 days of gratitude. Today I'm a grateful just for simply being alive! Because I'm alive I still have a chance to ...
• taste another chocolate ice cream sundae,
• watch the sun set over the Pacific,
• hear my kids squeal when I chase them through the house,
• listen to Beethoven's 9th again,
• feel the cool air of a crisp fall evening on my face,
• smell all the wonderful smells of the holidays fill our house as my Bella Italians does her culinary magic,
• get covered with flour and sugar sprinkles from head to toe as we make Christmas cookies with my little kids, older kids, their mates and boyfriends,
• feed peanut butter to our appreciative black lab Missy,
• laugh out loud with our family and friends as we recall our favorite goofs, gaffes, and blunders,
• sing the Hallelujah chorus one more time at the top of my lungs,
• recite my favorite lines for the umpteenth time from my favorite movies like ..It’s A Wonderful Life, Spinal Tap, Young Frankenstein, and Nacho Libre,
• hold on tight to my boys as they climb the ladder and swing their little hammers as we hang Christmas lights together,
• watch the faces of the little girls from across the street as they oooh and aaah when we finally fire up our 13,678 strands of lights,
• drop everything when my wife gives me one of her patented Elizabet Taylor looks with her gorgeous green eyes,
• gaze up at a big pumpkin shaded harvest moon rising over our little cul-de-sac and tell "The Boss" he's just showing off,
• lay my head down on a cool pillow and smile for getting another chance to do it all again tomorrow.
Thank you God for the miracle of life.
Today, and every day, remind me what it truly means and how it feels to be ALIVE!
08.13.2007
This is Celebrate Recovery Summit week at Saddleback Church. That means literally thousands of folks will be coming together form all parts of the globe for a week of sharing stories, attending workshops, and learning about how they can be part of a movement that God is using in a BIG way. Participants will leave with the know-how and support to help folks in their own churches and communities overcome hurts, habbits, and hang-ups.
For Danny and myself, it means reconnecting with hundreds of friends we've made through the years. It is truly an honor working side by side with this great group of servant hearted folks.
We'll be performing a concert on Friday afternoon. Word is , the event is sold-out. Should be an exciting time with John Baker's new book being introduced.
We can hardly wait. See you at the Summit!
Danny and Dan
08.06.2007
I was reminded recently, that when I'm at the water's edge, that place of no escape, whem I'm stuck in something I can't get out of.......that's the time the Lord does some of His best work. The Lord promises...."Don't be afraid"...."Stand firm"...."Be still"...and "See the deliverence of the Lord"....TODAY"
Exodus 14:
10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. 11 They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"
13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
05.17.2007
Just got back from a great weekend in Northern California. We performed at the Neighborhood Church in Redding California. The people were sure friendly and the scenery was spectacular. Took a drive up to Mt. Shasta. Had to be 200 miles of visibilty. Snow capped volcanos, green pines, and blue sky sure helped us see more than a glimpse of God's glory.
Most importantly, God showed up and did his thing. People were touched by his amazing grace! The CR at Redding has a heart for the Lord, as was witnessed in the way they truly celebrated his goodness!
Hope to get back up there someday soon!
08.23.2006
What an event!! According to John Baker, founder of Celebrate Recovery, there were almost 3500 pastors and lay ministers in attendence at the annual National Summit Conference at Saddleback Church this year. All we can say is "God is good...all the time!" Danny and I want to thank all of you who stoped by our booth to say hello. We are so grateful for your friendship. Your encouragement and feedback make all those red-eye flights and triple-shot-latte monday mornings seem worthwhile. Never give up on the mission that you have been given. What you are doing to help hurting people is so important. We can't wait to see you again "on then road". Until then, "May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you, and give you peace."
Amen!
07.28.2006
Danny and I wanted to let you know how excited we are to tell you about our new CD titled, “ This Side o f Heaven ” . The themes of this album seem to be timely. The first and central theme is that in spite of the hardships and heartaches we have on this side of glory, we also have a hope…hope that is not dependent on circumstances or the fickle winds of fate. Rather, hope that is built on the unchangeable attributes of a sovereign God who loves us and calls us each by name. The second theme highlights the fact that as long as we live on this side of heaven, we have kingdom work to do! We all have an assignment that is unique, and that requires our individual set of skills and experiences. Our greatest fulfillment in life will come when we begin serving others with our God-given gifts.
Main Verse: Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
04.20.2006
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
I love the spring. Even in sunny California we see things coming back life that have been sleeping during the winter. In particular, one overly-motivated hibiscus bush that I planted for my wife Heidi not long ago, has been offering a new bloom a day for the last two weeks. We both start our day by pouring a cup of coffee, looking out the kitchen window, and counting the new flowers on that invigorated little plant. Sometimes I think I need to be renewed like that bush. I want my life to be fruitful and add a small amount of beauty, somewhere where it is most needed. To make someone smile the way my wife smiles when she looks at those crimson hibiscus buds.
Lord, on this spring day, and on everyday, help me begin again ...."Renew a right spirit within me".
Amen.
12.23.2005
But when the right time came, God sent his son, born of a woman, subject to the Law. Galatians 4:4 (NLT)
God sent Jesus into the world at just the right time to fulfill dozens of prophecies about where and when He'd be born. Jesus came into my life just at the right time too. Before my unhealthy habbits destroyed me, before my heart was too hard to accept his love, and while I was humble enough to know I needed him.
This Christmas, I hope it's your time. Time to share in the joy, purpose and excitement of a life that has encountered Emmanuel...God with us!
Merry Christmas 2005 from Danny and Dan... "The Shoes".
11.24.2005
Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Psalm 105:1
Here's hoping all of our friends will have a Happy Thanksgiving! Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all your prayers and support. God Bless you and keep you in his care this Holiday Season. See you soon!
08.23.2005
It was a blast to see so many of our good friends again at this years Celebrate Recovery Summit Conference at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California. John Baker, founder of this international faith-based group, told us that almost 3000 people were in attendance this year!
We praise the Lord for His faithfulness and for all of you who have worked so hard and stayed so committed. Like Pastor Rick Warren said during his captivating presentation, there is nothing as exciting as seeing a changed life! As we travel across this great country and hear all of the amazing stories of how hurting people are finding help, there is no doubt that God is honoring your efforts.
God Bless you and hope to see you on the road again soon!
08.04.2005
I just returned from a fishing trip in Alaska. My father, my oldest son Jeremy and I spent a week on the Kenai Penninsula, about 150 miles southwest of Anchorage. In the Wildlife Department we saw bald eagles, sea otters, whales, porpoise, and a host of other critters. (sorry to say no bear or moose ). As far as scenery, we viewed majestic white peaks, deep green forests, crystal blue hanging glaciers, U-shaped fjords, mighty roaring rivers and clear salmon filled streams.
And speaking of fish....yes, we caught fish. Enough to fill my upright freezer. The fish it seems, like everything else in Alaska, are big and wild. I had a great time hanging out with my dad and son and reconnecting in an inspiring setting.
I hope the Shoes can do a gig in Alaska some day! I have many great memories and when I do reflect on this journey to the North, I will look up and say again..."Good work boss!"
04.27.2005
Last weekend, I attended my church's (Saddleback Church) 25th anniversary celebration at Anaheim Stadium. I was inspired and motivated by what my Pastor, Rick Warren had to say as he shared his vision for the next twenty-five years.I don't know exactly how but I know Danny and I will be part of this. Inspired, we just finished writing a new song that will be included on our next album called "Send Me". It's modeled after Isaiah's simple response to God's question, "Whoom shall I send?". We wait in anticipation for our marching orders, excited to find out when and where God will send us!
Excerpts from the event....
THE PLAN
"Thousands of churches around the world will be setting out to eradicate five "giant problems" that oppress billions of people", Pastor Rick told a near-capacity crowd at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, April 17.
THE PROBLEM
"Billions of people suffer each day from problems so big no government can solve them," said Pastor Rick. "The only thing big enough to solve the problems of spiritual emptiness, selfish leadership, poverty, disease, and ignorance is the network of millions of churches all around the world."
This event included greetings to the congregation from President George Bush and evangelist Billy Graham and featured music from Michael W. Smith, Salvador, and Tait.
THE VISION
Pastor Rick used the occasion to announce his dramatic vision of a spiritual awakening that would sweep the world as Christian churches tackle the problems that Jesus Himself confronted during His ministry.
"The Scripture shows us that Jesus shared the Good News, trained leaders, helped the poor, cared for the sick, and taught the children," Pastor Rick said. "Our P.E.A.C.E. Plan will just do the five things Jesus did while He was here on earth."
P.E.A.C.E. is an acronym that stands for "Plant churches, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick, and Educate the next generation," Pastor Rick said. The emphasis calls for church-based small groups to adopt villages where spiritual emptiness, selfish leadership, poverty, disease, and ignorance keep people from experiencing the kind of life God wants them to have, he said.
ROLLOUT IN RWANDA
The official rollout of P.E.A.C.E. will focus on the small country of Rwanda in eastern Africa, where a million people were killed in a 100-day genocide in 1994. A recent visit to the country convinced Pastor Rick that Rwanda had the right qualities for what he called "the first model of national cooperation" between churches and a country's leaders.
Pastor Rick then introduced President Paul Kagame as a "wonderful Christian leader" who has demonstrated his trustworthiness in rebuilding the country.
BIG GOAL, SIMPLE STRATEGY
Kagame praised the P.E.A.C.E. plan as "a vision with a big goal ... but one that also is simple in the strategy it proposes." He announced that 16 leaders of Rwanda's key Christian groups would visit Saddleback in May to discuss the details of launching P.E.A.C.E. in the country.
"Each partner -- church, government, business, education -- has a role to play, and we are more effective when we cooperate," Kagame said. "Rwanda is emerging from a difficult time. Together, we will learn from each other and create a future of P.E.A.C.E.."
'REVOLUTION'
The P.E.A.C.E. plan will be a "revolution" for global Christianity, Pastor Rick told the congregation.
"I stand before you confidently right now and say to you that God is going to use you to change the world," Pastor Rick said. "Some will say, 'That's impossible,' but I heard that line 25 years ago, and God took seven people and started Saddleback Church. Now we have a new vision and a whole lot more people to start with.
"The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody said, 'The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him,'" Pastor Rick said. "I'm looking at a stadium full of people who are telling God they will do whatever it takes to establish God's kingdom 'on earth as it is in heaven.'
"What will happen if the followers of Jesus say to him, 'We are yours'?" Pastor Rick asked. "What kind of spiritual awakening will occur?"
FIND OUT MORE
To find out more about the P.E.A.C.E. Plan, log onto Saddlebackfamily.com or this link at http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/home/todaystory.asp?id=7316
04.06.2005
"For we walk by faith and not by sight." - 2nd Corinthians 5:7
I just came across this quotation and wanted to post it here. It sure hits me where I often live.
"One of the most difficult tests of our faithfulness to God's call comes when His timing of events does not correspond with our expectations. Many of us will give up and move on to a place or task where success comes easier and sooner. But a few will remain where God sent them - in spite of disappointment, suffering and lack of results. They will cling to His promises, learn endurance and, in His time, reap a mighty harvest." - K.P. Yohannan
Lord, forgive me for my impatience and unbelief, and for always seeking some kind of "miraculous sign". Thank you for the times you have sent me “God-sightings”. For the times when you don’t….help me to be faithful to my calling and “keep walking”.
02.11.2005
We had a great time again this year at Myrtle Beach Community Church where Danny and I helped kick off the two-day “Hope For Hurting People Conference”. It was well attended by lay people and Pastors from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Everyone really seemed enthusiastic about learning more about how they can reach out to their neighbors with a message of hope. It was a time for renewing old friendships, and making some new ones as well. We just seem to get on the same page real quick with our brothers and sisters in this part of the world. We always see the love of the Lord shinning brightly through their eyes as they offer their encouragement. Because of that, this Southern seaside city is quickly becoming one of our favorite yearly stops.
01.01.2005
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14
Happy New Year to all our family and friends! As Danny and I embark on another year of music ministry with Sunday Shoes, we will try to keep these important words close to our hearts. There is, we believe, a lot of wisdom in them:
Slow me down, Lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book.
Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny.
Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
Be patient and wait for the LORD to act; don't be worried about those who prosper or those who succeed in their evil plans. Don't give in to worry or anger, it only leads to trouble. Those who trust in the Lord will possess the land, but the wicked will be driven out. Soon the wicked will disappear, you may look for them, but you won't find them; but the humble will possess the land and enjoy prosperity and peace. Psalm 37:7-10
May you have a prosperous, joy-filled, and A LITTLE SLOWER 2005!!
12.23.2004
Merry Christmas 2004 from the “Shoe Guys”!
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke2:17,18
In the forwarding comments to the original printing of my second favorite Christmas story, “A Christmas Carol”, Charles Dickens wrote the following,
“It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas when it’s Mighty Founder was a child himself.”
Remember, no matter what your circumstances, it’s never too late to catch the Spirit of Christmas. Remember what happened to Scrooge, the least likely candidate of his day to become “as a child”. After enduring a sleepless night of unexpected visitations, he woke up as a changed man. Here’s what he said….
"I don't know what to do!" cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath; and making a perfect Laocoon (foolish person) of himself with his stockings. "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy…. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!" Running to the window, he opened it, and put out his head. No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells. Oh, glorious. Glorious!
"What's to-day?" cried Scrooge, calling downward to a boy in Sunday clothes, who perhaps had loitered in to look about him.
"Eh?" returned the boy, with all his might of wonder.
"What's to-day, my fine fellow?" said Scrooge.
"To-day?" replied the boy. "Why, Christmas Day."
"It's Christmas Day!" said Scrooge to himself. "I haven't missed it!!!
Don’t you miss it either! Jesus said in Mark chapter 10, “Let the children come to me, don’t keep them away from me, for to such belong the kingdom of heaven.” He goes on to say that it is a childlike faith that will allow us entrance into this new and glorious place. To have this kind of faith sometimes seems foolish and out of place, especially when the circumstances around us are bleak.
Danny and I want to encourage you. If you want to have the same Joy that caused sheppards to leave their flocks to go on a midnight baby hunt, that made wise men mount their camels, hit the road and become star-chasers, and that changed the heart of the biggest curmudgeon of them all, then become as a child. Fall on your knees, ask him to become the Lord of your life, and begin to worship him. Remember..It’s never too late!
Merry Christmas!!
11.22.2004
Happy Thanksgiving To All Our Family and Friends From The Shoes!!
This is a scripture I’ve been reading the past several days. I hope it speaks to you like it does to me.
May the Lord of all good things fill our hearts with joy and gratitude as we celebrate this season of thanks.
God Bless!
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Excerpts from Psalms 107
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say this!
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20 He sent forth his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.
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28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
35 He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36 there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
that yielded a fruitful harvest.
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42 The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.
43 Whoever is wise, let him heed these things
and consider the great love of the LORD!
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08.25.2004
What a mountain top experience we had at the 2004 Celebrate Recovery Summit Conference. We have so many great memories; being reunited with all of the friends we have made over the years, hearing the voices of 2800 committed believers singing praises to our God, and the excitement of being introduced by the "Purpose-Driven" man himself, Rick Warren. When we hear all your stories about how lives are being changed through CR...All we can say is, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!” Danny and I are so thankful to be a part of the awesome things God is doing through this ministry. Thanks, Celebrate Recovery, for all your prayers, encouragement, and support. We Love you guys and can’t wait to see you on the road again very soon.
07.30.2004
I'm about half way through reading Max Lucado's new book, "It's Not About Me". This is a "MUST READ" for all Christians like me, who struggle with perfectionism, people pleasing, performance/reward issues, and purpose issues. This book drives home the point that there is a huge difference between the life that I thought would make me happy, and the life that God has designed for me.
Max raises a great question.."What would a world look like where we all played our parts, and they harmonized perfectly with every other part? Where we were "GOD- Reflecters" instead of "ME- reflecters". Danny I know that the very best moments of being in Sunday Shoes come when we prepare like crazy, show up, and then "step aside" and let God do His thing. This book is encouraging and challenging, and it has given me a new goal for our ministry..."Try to make everyone I meet think more highly of our Heavanly Father". Maybe I'll relax a little more. After all, "It's not about me".
07.15.2004
Danny and I just returned from beautiful Santa Cruz California where we had the opportunity to participate in the first Annual Festival In The Park. This event was sponsored by Jim Taylor, Director of Celebrate Recovery at Santa Cruz Bible Church and held at Harvey West Park. What a setting! Blue skies, green Redwoods, and miles of smiles from all the volunteers and concert attendees. What an honor to be on the same stage as Bryan Duncan. Man that guy can sing! This is the second time we've appeared with Bryan and we've come to love his "Robin Williams" style of quick witted humor, his honesty, and passion for Recovery. God sure has been doing his thing in Santa Cruz, as evidenced by the turnout of over 600 praising, singing, and celebrating attendees. We hope we can be part of this event again next year.
06.09.2004
There is a side to Las Vegas that is seldom seen. And up until our recent performance at Valley Bible Fellowship, one that Danny and I didn’t know existed. Ironically, this "Hidden Las Vegas" is located only a few blocks from the glaring lights and crowds of the world’s largest upscale casinos. These are the “long-term” hotel suite’s that are not mentioned in travel brochures, and never noticed by most tourists. They house hundreds of hopefuls who set out to cash in on the opportunities of this expanding city (7000 new residents move to LV every month!). While some have found a better way of life, for various reasons, many others have been unable to attain their dreams. Many end up moving from temp job to temp job, never securing the lucrative life style they had once imagined. As a result, these modern day “heart-break hotels" are home to a growing number of prostitutes, drug addicts, single working moms, and residents living from one day to day to the next. Most we’re ignored and forgotten until Valley Bible began doing something about it.
According Pastor John Tweed, a few of his members have had a real passion for the less fortunate. These members have made extra efforts to reach out to them. Over time, relationships have been forged and a handful of these “hidden-ones” have become members of his congregation. Filled with new hope and purpose, these new believers have brought the message of God’s healing grace back into these hotel suites with them. The results have been astounding.
Now dozens of single moms and their children, recovering substance abusers, former prostitutes and drug dealers, are coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Vans are provided on Sundays, and for special events like our concert. As we we’re heading back to the church with a van filled to capacity, Pastor John Tweed leaned over, smiled and said, “Look at those kids laughing and singing Sunday school songs in the back, they we’re dodging bullets in the parking lot a month ago.” One young single mother told me that since God has moved in, many of the drug dealers have moved out. This is no doubt due to a shrinking clientele. One man we met named Able, who was converted only a few months ago, told me he has introduced dozens of his neighbors to the Lord.
All of this reminds me of a Galilean carpenter who reached out to the “hidden ones” of his day. Praise God for Valley Bible Fellowship! They are a body of believers who are fulfilling the great commission in their own city. I know I'll never be able to drive past the strip at Las Vegas again without thinking of the many lost and hurting people who live only a few hundred feet away..and the ones who are doing something about it.
02.11.2004
Just as Dan Epp said, Myrtle Beach, SC was wonderful. People are finding a personal relationship with Jesus when they come to CR and that’s what its all about!
A couple of weeks before SC, we caught up with Bryan Duncan at a concert we did in
Riverside, CA. Bryan was gracious enough to join us on stage and help us out with a couple of our songs. It was fun, fun, fun till your Daddy took the T- Bird away, you know what I’m sayin’?
Bryan Duncan is one of the best voices in Christian Music and it was a kick in the head singing with him!
Hey, you’ve got to check out Bryan’s radio show “Radio Rehab” it’s very cool. You can hook up on line at: www.bryand.com It’s a half hour show that’s getting played on stations all over the world. And let me just tip my hat to Bryan’s good taste in music for playing KEEP CHIPPING AWAY by Sunday Shoes to close out his Radio Rehab show #16, entitled Stinkin Thinkin. Thanks Bryan.
I also want to thank everyone who supports us and is praying for us, you make the difference,
Danny Van
02.10.2004
Danny and I just returned from a whirlwind tour to the Carolinas, South to be exact. We had a great time performing at Myrtle Beach Community Church this past weekend. The event was the South-Atlantic Celebrate Recovery Conference, an annual meeting of lay ministers and pastors who are seeking new tools to help start Christ-centered recovery groups in their home churches. Great crowd, great spirit, great time! We made what we know will be many life long friends.
This was one of several trips we’ve made to the south, and our second time back to the beautiful shores of Myrtle Beach. As always, we experience some of that world famous Southern hospitality…which besides laughing a lot, means experiencing some good southern BBQ. For you Yankees, that does not mean cookin’ out. It means hooking up with some savory smoked pork shoulder. My, my, my! There is nothing better than that this side of glory!
I can’t wait till the next road trip for the Shoes. Untill then, it’s sure good to know that our Father‘s family is alive and well and thriving all over this great land, and all over the world. What a party (fiesta/smorgasbord/shindig/feast) we’ll have when we all get to heaven! I just know there will be southern BBQ on that glorious banquet table.
12.31.2003
Well another year is coming to an end. Time seems to move so quickly these days and I can’t help but be reminded of how life is but a vapor. 2003 has been very good to my family and me and of course the SHOES have had a wonderful year. The release of our 3rd CD, I thought if we could just do one album and here we are with number 3. GLORY TO GOD!
Thank you so much to everyone who has encouraged us through this past year. John Baker,
Ron Wilkins, Rick Muchow, Ron Ruiz, Bob Pascoe and Tony Guerrero, just to name a few,
and to all who have come to the shows, prayed for us and supported the ministry.
We couldn’t have done it with out you!
May the Lord bless you in 2004,
Danny Van
12.29.2003
As I close the chapter in the story of my life called "2003", my heart is filled with joy and gratitude for everything the Lord has done. I guess the subtitle of this chapter could be called...New Beginnings.
In the spring, my son Jeremy graduated from college and is now working full time as a Respiratory Therapist at Saint Mary’s hospital.
In June, I walked my beautiful daughter Jennifer down the aisle and gave her away to a good man, my new son-in-law Thomas.
In August, Danny and I, back again to being a "duet", released our third Sunday Shoes CD, Significance.
In November, my wife Heidi and I hosted the marriage of my 70-year-old dad Gene (Saint Eugene as I affectionately call him) to his lovely new bride Jeanine, at our home in Southern California.
Like I said, it was quite a year!
As I look forward to 2004, two versus keep coming to mind.
First, a reminder to have the right attitude…. 1 Peter 5:6… "Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up, in due time."
Second, a reminder of what our purpose is…Isaiah 60: 1b – 3.. "..to preach the good news to the poor, …to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release the prisoners from darkness, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, …to comfort all who mourn, …to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
I pray that the Lord will bless you and your loved ones with a joy-filled New Year!
Dan
12.11.2003
Danny Van and Dan Epp- Our "Favorite Christmas Things"
Favorite Christmas Carol
Danny - Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Dan - Joy To The World
Favorite Christmas Song
Danny - Jingle Bell Rock, by Brenda Lee
Dan - The Christmas Song, by Nat Cole
Favorite Christmas Movie
Danny - It's A Wonderful Life.. especially the part where George
Bailey tells off old man Potter and says, "In the scheme of things, I'd
say you're nothing more then a scurvy little spider!!" .. That was
great!
Dan - Ditto on It's A Wonderful Life.. my favorite parts are when George despondently says to Clarence."You look like the kind of angel I'd get", and the "home made" honeymoon scene when Bert and Ernie serenade the slightly drenched newlyweds.
Favorite Christmas Treat
Danny - See's Candy
Dan - My wife's chocolate fudge
Favorite Christmas Tradition
Danny - Participating in the Franklin Graham's Shoe Box ministries.
Dan - Adopting a struggling family for the Holidays
Favorite Family Thing
Danny - Christmas morning, under the tree with my three wide-eyed
kids.
Dan - Joining my father in law's family for a night at Fashion Island Newport Beach, California. After a fine meal at my favorite restaurant,
The Cheesecake Factory, we go strolling through the outdoor mall, and
wind up under the amazing 100 foot high Christmas tree in the main square.
Favorite Christmas Story
Danny - Luke, chapter 2
Dan - The Gift Of The Magi by O'Henry
Favorite Christmas Verse
Danny - Isaiah 9:6.. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is
given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name
shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting
Father, the Prince of Peace.
Dan - Luke 2:13,14.. And suddenly there was with the angel, a
multitude of heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, Glory to God in
the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
Favorite Christmas Memory
Danny - When I was a boy I lived with my family on a farm in Northwest
Iowa. I'll never forget one Christmas Eve when I was about nine years
old.I joined my father and his 12 brothers and sisters, and all my
cousins, for an evening of old fashioned Christmas caroling. We hiked
for about a half of a mile, in knee-deep snow, up the lane to the
country home of my grandparents. When we arrived, the entire clan of
more than thirty people raised their voices together to the light of
flashlights and lanterns and sang "Silent Night, Holy Night". When they
peeked out of their doorway, my Grandpa and Grandma's eyes were filled
with amazement. I'll never forget it.
Dan - Mine is of my dearly departed mom. Every Christmas she would
hide all of her grandkids and children's gifts in the craziest places,
give us some corny clue, and then send us off on our wild goose chase.
One year we had to search her entire house to find a pair of gloves with
our name pinned to it, only to find that portions of the cash gift had
been sewed shut in each finger of the glove. Whenever I think about it I
smile.I can still hear her high-pitched squeals of delight and laughter
ringing in my ears.
11.25.2003
It's Thanksgiving week 2003 and to quote a tune "I can't believe how fast these days go rushing by". When I slow down at times like these, and think about all of the good things I have in my life, I discover once again, I am a blessed man.
First and foremost I'm thankful that God, in spite of a million shortcomings, loves me and has adopted me into His awesome family.
Second, I'm so thankful for the love of a good-hearted woman, my "bella italiana", Heidi. Where would I be without her in my life?...Stuck at home trying to find my car keys, that's where.
Next, I'm thankful for my kids. They keep me young and in touch.
And besides, it's really hard to play a game of sandlot softball by your self.
I'm thankful for a church and pastor that teaches the true Gospel from the perspective that we were made for a purpose.
High on the list, That the Lord has seen fit to call Danny and I to the music ministry of Sunday Shoes. God has given us such a deep desire to share His unbelievable love through our music. We pray that He keeps us unpretentious, unselfish, and uninhibited as we try to "run the race and walk the walk".
Last, I'm filled to the brim with the joy of having met so many incredible servant hearted leaders like Pastor Wally and Pastor Frank from El Paso(we just got back from the lone star state)and have met so many great friends across this great country like Dr. "B" in Tennessee and Captain Phil in San Francisco, and Lori form UTEP, and across the world like Pastor George, his awesome missionary family and "godly Vica" from Kiev, Ukraine and ...oh well, there are too many to mention...Any way, we are grateful to you all for your friendship, prayers and encouragement. Danny and I hope each and every one of you has a joy-filled Thanksgiving.
God Bless and hope to see you all on the road again very soon!
Dan Epp
10.24.2003
This past Tuesday night Danny and I performed for the inmates from the Brother To Brother ministry at Terminal Island Prison in California. What moved me was the fire we saw in the eyes of the men we've shared with over the years, who have come to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It reminded me that God's loving arms can reach anywhere, and His redeeming grace can touch anyone.
Someday the Lord will ask all of us, "I was in prison..did you visit me?" I pray that all Christians will be able to answer with a resounding yes!
10.22.2003
Our much anticipated website has been lauched! We will be having new information for you on a regular basis so come and visit us online whenever you get a chance. Feel free to let us know what you think on our Guestbook. We love hearing from you and are so encouraged by the stories we hear about how the Lord has effected lives through our music.
10.10.2003
On Friday October 10, Sunday Shoes enjoyed the Radio Debut of their recently released album "Significance" on 99.5 KKLA's "Duffy And Company" program and received Duffy's whole- hearted personal endorsement. Thank you Duffy and L.A. listeners for all of your support!
08.22.2003
We're thrilled to say that the new album is finally complete! Thanks to everyone for all of your support, feedback and encouragement. Blessings to you all. Enjoy:)
