Jason-Williams.net

Servanthood

2009-06-14T23:29:00.002-04:00

Just getting started with a great week... late nights, working all day with middle schoolers, lots of laughs. This is one of the hardest weeks ever, but also one of the greatest! This will be my last Servanthood, kinda sad, kinda exciting about what God is doing now in Batesburg-Leesville

stuff happening...

2009-05-10T22:23:00.003-04:00

first of all sorry that I haven't updated in a while
there is so much craziness happening in our lives right now and it's all good!
We have our house on the market. Last week someone narrowed it down to our house and another- they went with the other! oh well. Tomorrow we have someone coming to look at 3pm. please pray!
Batesburg-Leesville is really moving quick. We picked a name for the church there- River's Edge. God is opening up so many opportunities. Several weeks ago I was able to meet the faculty and staff at BL Elementary and pray for the sick teachers and pray that God would provide. This past week I met with the head football coach at the high school, he is a great guy. I am excited to see what God does there. We are doing backyard bible clubs this summer, a soccer camp, and helping at the school this summer, it is going to rock! I know that in a couple of years, BL is going to be different because of the power of Christ working through our church! Praise God
Thomas turns 1 this thursday. He is wide open! I love having a boy.

see yall later

Snapshot

2009-03-17T10:43:00.007-04:00

I don't know if I have said this before but I got a camera for Christmas. I love it!

Here are a couple of my favorite pictures taken recently...

Youth Ministry and Church Planting

2009-03-16T15:28:00.002-04:00

What other youth ministry is involved in a church plant? I was asked this question today. I think it is a great question. I don't know of any (that doesn't really mean anything, but I don't know of any). What if the students here are Riverbend adopted the plant as their own? What if they decided to do all that they could to see it as a success? I have spent 6 years with some of these Sr and Jr's, why wouldn't I want them involved with what God is doing in Batesburg-Leesville? It's an interesting question. If the vision is set before them, what would happen if they decided to act? It would help to further our vision of changing the city.

Also, some of our 11-12th graders could inspire adults in B-L. I know that they inspire me to seek God in a more profound way!

Seeing the Inside

2009-03-11T11:01:00.004-04:00

None of us like to deal with hard times...maybe we have a difficult conversation at work, something has come up with family. These times are really stressful. I have had to learn, force myself, to deal with whatever is happening. It hasn't been easy. However, those times give you a unique opportunity to see inside someones heart.

It's during those tense moments that the real person comes out. All of the usual guards that help us to contain our real self is let down when we get angry or lash out. It reveals the heart. So next time you are in one of those situations, what comes out? Take note, where does God want you to grow? When you can peak into the yuckiness of our deepest self, we can see how much we really need God.

Man's Best Friend

2009-02-28T19:54:00.004-05:00

Today I buried my dog. It was hard. We found out about a year ago that his heart was on the fritz and he only had about 6mths left. He did pretty well. But today he got out of the front door and we didn't realize it. He spent his last moments in total freedom running through our neighborhood. He was a great dog. He protected us one time when someone tried to mug us in Finley Park, he did great with our kids.

So farewell Ty...you were a great dog and we will miss you.

Moses

2009-02-26T09:36:00.003-05:00

You know, Moses was just a normal guy. You can forget this as you read about him standing in front of Pharaoh demanding "let my people go" or as he touches the Red Sea with his staff and the sea splits right in front of him- amazing! But if you look at the beginning of Moses journey back to Egypt, you find a normal guy who is scared to death to return to the place where at one time there was a price on his head.
In Exodus 3 & 4, God meets Moses at the burning bush. His life would never be the same after that day, although he fought it with all of the objections he could think of. But God says that I will be with you. This is HUGE!

I have been sitting at Moses feet, trying to gain some wisdom from his life. I know this possibly sounds prideful, but I feel like Moses in some ways. Yesterday I saw a burning bush- just kidding. Recently with the decision to answer God's call to be a part of a church plant, I have been looking for a mentor. Moses had a mission from God that was impossible- without God. I feel like that. For all of the parts to line up just right, and a church plant to actually take off will, without a doubt, take a move of God. I can't do it, like Moses, I am not an eloquent speaker, I'm not a theologian, I'm not the guy that can do this. I'm more quiet, my leadership skills aren't there. These are just the beginning of my objections to God and yet in the midst of that He whispers I will be with you. I have no other option, I must move forward and obey. Thank You God for calling me to walk with you into this unknown. I will lay it all down for You because I know You will be there, waiting.

Youth Workers Conference

2009-02-23T22:32:00.002-05:00

Tonight was a great night, the youth ministry department at CIU is putting on a conference for youth workers. There are about 35 people from all around the country. I am excited to meet with the Lord during some quiet time and just be refreshed. Part of that is not staying on the computer. Pray for our time!

Twitter

2009-02-19T14:39:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to be up to date- I now have this blog (which I am not sure if anyone reads), and I am trying to set up a twitter account (which I don't know if anyone cares to follow me on twitter) but I figured I would give it a try. I am jbwilliams273 on twitter.com, if you would like to follow me- cool. If not- cool.

Technology is getting harder and harder, or ... Am I getting older and older?

The Common Cold

2009-02-11T10:26:00.004-05:00

I realized today that the sweet kisses that Anna Grace has been giving me are tainted! Last night when I laid down to go to sleep, I could feel it coming- the cold. It's a terrible disease...brings you to the brink of death, your nose is about to fall off, and you always have to sneeze. But... I will survive. And those sweet kisses are so worth it.

Wisdom...

2009-02-10T14:17:00.003-05:00

How many times have we asked for patience or wisdom or courage? I have recently been asking God for wisdom to know how to handle all of life's stuff. As I am asking, I am realizing something. I know as we spend time in the Bible, God gives us wisdom. But when we ask God for these things, in my mind I kinda see God pulling an old box off of the shelf that has wisdom on the side and as I pray He opens the box and gives me some wisdom, or courage, etc. And that is how you are given wisdom from God. I am not saying that this is right, it's just how my crazy mind works sometimes. James 1.5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." I guess I have never thought about the way that God gives it to us.

So recently, my idea has changed a little. I think that when we pray for wisdom God puts us in situations that require wisdom. Then we have two options- the first is to try and figure this out on my own. The second is to ask God and after we have searched His Word, trust the Holy Spirit to guide you. I think God puts you in situations that require wisdom so we will ask him to provide it in those times. And He will.

A good day

2009-01-29T11:20:00.003-05:00

yep, so far so good. it's about 11:30am, finishing up some studying, going to pick up AG, and we are headed to San Jose for some lunch with a dad in the youth ministry. Then headed to the Ridge. Gonna go for a run with my bro- Dan.

Side note- yesterday, I didn't have my Ipod and went for a run on the treadmill. Do you know when ou first get married and you are sleeping and you hear your wife breathing and then you start thinking about your breathing, trying not to breathe in the same rhythm as her, but then breathing is weird. There was a girl running behind me and I could hear her stride. It totally messed me up, we kept stepping/ running together. It was the worst day of running so far.

Then we are eating with some friends in B-L, I'm fixing his brakes. Then hanging out in the
ridge. Good stuff. Oh yeah, I am driving my moms car this week while they are on a cruise- WOW! I am going to be totally sad when I have to get back in my truck

This is how I have looked all week---I look Good!!

The Bird is out of the cage!

2009-01-28T10:41:00.002-05:00

Well, this past Saturday night we held a vision dinner at RCC. We talked about several new initiatives, one being the new church plant in Batesburg-Leesville. With that announcement, everyone found out that Jay and I will be partnering in the leadership there. That means that I will be transitioning in the next 6 mths- 1 yr to the pastor of the church plant. I am really excited, God has done so much! It was hard at youth group this past week. At the end, we talked about the transition and what that means. Some of the kids were shell shocked. But I tried to encourage them that I am doing what we have been talking about almost ever week- listen to God and step out and move, obey.

So from here on out, I will share what is happening in the youth ministry and church planting world. God is good, I am so excited to see what He is planning for B-L and RCC

I got a new camera

2009-01-26T10:24:00.003-05:00

Simple Things

2009-01-22T09:58:00.002-05:00

Today Anna Grace and I were on the way to her school. As we were stopped at a light she said, "Look daddy, trees!" I just said, "yep." And she looked across me to some trees on the other side and said, "You have trees too." I smiled and gave the same response, thinking of the things that I need to do today. Then I thought/ God said, I don't know, "You overlook so much of the great things, the simple things in life, take time and stop, look at the trees."

We do get to busy and we take so much for granted. Stop look at the trees, tell your spouse you love them, hold your little girls hand.

enjoy the simple

Time with God

2009-01-21T15:00:00.003-05:00

Just some thoughts from my time with the Lord lately.

Romans 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God"

What does it mean to be a servant of God? Let's think about what a servant is. A servant is someone who performs duties for others. Another definition is a devoted or helpful follower. I thought about the life of a servant. I have never been a servant formally but I have seen one on TV. :) A servant has laid aside thier wants and desires to serve another. Sometimes it's to repay a debt, sometimes it's because its a job. But either way, a servant has laid down thier life for someone else.

Do we live lives that show that we are servants of Jesus Christ? What would that look like? Our lives should be about what Jesus was about- loving God and loving people. I am convinced that when we live our lives for God, He will change us. He will make us different than those around that don't have Christ in their lives. There will be an extra something that will draw curiosity from others. as we spend time with God in His Word and in prayer, we will change, and be filled, and experience joy. Then we will do things like sacrifice, and love undeservingly, and give and show mercy and rejoiced in trials, and desire to see God. Then something will be different. We will be able to live and love others like Christ. How did he love Judas while he knew that Judas was betraying him? How did he coninue to love the disciples when they were such bone heads sometimes? We will love with a love that is not from us, but from God.

Next we will think about what it means to be set apart

A New Goal

2009-01-20T14:55:00.002-05:00

The other day I was flipping through channels when I came across the Documentary Channel. It was showing a doc on the Boston Marathon. I thought that it would be cool to run that race. The buildings, the city, not to mention the finish line after running a marathon. I just kept it in the back of my mind. The next day, I was talking with my brother in law. He had just bought a new pair of running shoes, so we were talking about running. I hate to run. It does nothing but hurt. But I began to feel inspired to run.

So Daniel and I decided that we would train and run a half marathon this year. I'm pretty excited and have been training for the last two weeks. It really hasn't hurt as bad as I thought. We are planning to run the Cooper River Bridge run in April, it's a 10k. So anyway, it's been pretty cool to be serious about the exercise. I have already run more in the last week than I have in the last year!

Life's Joy

2009-01-15T09:05:00.002-05:00

I absolutely, without a doubt, holding tears back right now, love to hear my daughter, Anna Grace sing. When we are riding in the car, and a song comes on that she knows, it is wonderful. She loves Toby Mac and Laura Story, but now she is catching on to most songs on WMHK.

I think I am going to get her some earphones, just so it can be quiet in the car and she will sing. It is really a beautiful thing!

The other day, as I was listening to her, God spoke and said this is how I feel when you sing praise to me. I thank God that he has allowed me to be a father to experience just a small slice of what it is like for Him. Becky and I didn't think we would be able to have children after we struggled through three miscarriages in one year. It was hard. i think about that often as I love on my children, they are wonderful.

So this morning, as I was running on the treadmill, I was singing along worshipping God, it was great. Pumped out 2.5 miles this morning. I know it's not too much but its a start. My brother in law, Daniel and I are training to run a half marathon this year!

So anyway, I can hear AG now, "Sabior, he can move the mountums, My God is mighty to save..."

Great Quote

2009-01-14T15:37:00.002-05:00

I didn't know how to write all of this neat and eloquent so I just left it like it came out.

"God didn't call us to just do church...but to be a catalyst for change in our community" I came across this in Perry Noble's blog today. It really got me thinking. Most people in the church are happy just do church. It's sad, because we are missing out on so much more that God has for the church, not to mention has for someone's life.

We are called to make a difference in circles. We are not called to go to church and just sit waiting patiently for the last song so that we can move on to lunch and football. Where have we lost it? How do you teach this or pass this on? Is it God's responsibility to do this or have we dropped the ball so far away from what we have (the way that we do church) that we don't even know what we are playing anymore? (Sorry if that's confusing) So much of Christianity isn't passed on just by passing along knowledge, it's rubbed off in real life. With all of the joys and pains of life as people live together. So how does that apply to making an impact in our communities? We can show others what it looks like and tell about our passion and purpose. We usually use guilt to motivate. "Your a christian so you should be doing this." But what if it were done, we made an impact in our communities not because of guilt but because of love and passion?

What would be our communities anyway. I don't want to sound like the pharisee who asked Jesus, "who is your neighbor?" But I think it is good to ask. I have a hard time with the dry evangelism stuff. I know that makes me unspiritual and shows my lack of faith especially is you grew up baptist like I did. But I just don't like it. What I do enjoy is really getting to know my lost neighbors and sharing Christ as we live together in our community. Situations arise where sharing the gospel isn't forced but flows easily as I share what God has done in my life. So to answer my question- it seems that our community would be just that. The people that we are near, the people that we see regularly, the people that we will meet as we are intentional as we are out doing life. Those are the people that we are supposed to impact. Maybe we have already earned the right through loving others to share what God has done in our lives.

What is just doing church anyway...that sounds so boring. Why not just stay home and sleep or hang out in pajamas! If the options are come out of obligation and do nothing but listen or stay home for some good family time, then stay home. BUT...if it's more than just doing church, if there is a reason ans a passion and a purpose then that changes everything. That means that we don't have much time to fulfill this mission that God himself has given us. And not only are we on mission but we have the Spirit of God empowering us to complete that mission. This is sounding pretty exciting! Now it's an adventure, with the Creator and Savior of the universe. Now what can we not do? That's what church should be like, not just doing church

New Year-New Passion

2009-01-08T14:45:00.002-05:00

I hate new years resolutions. They only bring guilt and failure, I guess unless you keep them. So I don't call my "decisions" a resolution. Instead, I tell my wonderful wife what I would like to change. I'm sure that mine are similar to millions of other peoples but...

Become an amatuer photographer (I am below a beginner right now)
Have fun more- with my family, just my wife, and with close friends
eat healthier
Memorize scripture
Be a man that delights in the law of God- Ps 1 inspired me!
Learn how to juggle!

so that's it. Good look keeping your resolutions. I mean decisions :)

Living like everyone else???

2008-12-23T09:10:00.002-05:00

What about my life says that I am different than the world? When you look at other people, even those who don't know God but are good people, how is my life different. God promised us that we would have the Holy Spirit living in us, that we would be free from the chains of sin, that we would live a life of victory because of the shed blood of Christ.

So now the question is... "Am I living differently than the world?" Do I live in a supernatural way, a way that screams something is different (because of God is my life) or am I just a good person, trying with all that I have to live good? I am tired of just living good. I am tired of living like everone else. I want my life to be supernatural through the Spirit of God. that only happens with dependance and relationship with God.

God, help me to live in whatever way helps my life be a conduit for you and brings you the most glory.

Unconditional Love

2008-12-02T15:30:00.002-05:00

So I'm reading in Luke today and a small phrase stands out...Jesus knew their thoughts... for some reason this made me stop. I have known for a long time that God knows what you are thinking and stuff but wait a minute.

Jesus knows when I am riding high feeling good about my walk with him and when I am turning away, even for a brief moment to do my own thing. What even more amazing is that He still loves me.

So here is my question, "How can you love when you know everything about me?" I don't deserve this kind of love for sure. I guess that's what makes it unconditional

2008-11-19T15:18:00.001-05:00

Good Stuff

Friendship

2008-10-27T15:03:00.002-04:00

Can you love someone more than the friendship? That's question on my heart today. Am I willing to do the right thing in a friendship even if it means that we won't be friends anymore. I have made that choice already and now I am no longer friends with them. It's hard. Last night I couldn't sleep thinking about how this all went down. I know that I did the right thing but I am not sure I did it the right way. I know this means nothing to anyone else but I'm just thinking out loud.

What is a person worth, even a good friendship?

Love one another

2008-10-20T15:11:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's sermon really shook me up. In the midst of betrayal and denial (Jn 13), Jesus loved. I think about the people who have betrayed me and it has been hard to love. Not only that but, if I have come to the point of loving, it takes a while to process and ask God to deal with my heart. Jesus did it instantly. He was so good that he didn't need a week, month, or a year to deal with everything and love. He did it instantly.

What would it look like if we loved like this. What would happen if we went to the people that have hurt us and asked them for forgiveness for our bitterness. I know what you are already thinking because I am thinking the same. They will think that we for sure have lost it- You are a weirdo! Probably so, but what about the freedom that we will experience knowing that we have followed Christ and that we have released them, given that hurtful situation to God.

Something to think about...

Life changes FAST!

2008-10-16T10:48:00.002-04:00

Just got off the phone with a friend of mine who's life almost changed forever. Last night while loading their one year old daughter into their car a drunk driver hit them. They were parked outside a friends house, just finished dinner, and were on their way home. Just a second earlier, his wife would have been crushed by the oncoming car. No one was seriously injured, the guy was arrested, the only casualty was their car.

I remember the way my life changed in 1999. July 3rd, we were getting supper ready when the phone rang. It was MUSC saying that they had a liver for my dad. We left the food on the stove. 10 days later, he died.

I remember sitting in the doctors office looking for a heartbeat on the screen. Realizing that we just lost our third baby.

I remember the day I saw Becky at the fair. I was asked by a friend if I wanted to meet her. I did, but not there. We met that next week.

I remember the day the gospel changed my life. Sitting, listening to someone speak, and for some reason it made sense. My life would never be the same.

Wordle.net + jason-williams.net

2008-10-13T09:15:00.003-04:00

take a look at this, pretty cool
this is my blog according to wordle.net

Pretty cool thingie. The more a word is used the bigger it is. So if you insert a section of scripture it can tell you the main idea, the main word. Pretty cool. You can try it. Go to Wordle.net and then open up another window and open biblegateway.com Copy and paste any group of passages, even a whole book and see what the biggest words are. This will tell you what the main idea is in the passage.

Fear

2008-10-06T15:40:00.002-04:00

I know it's wrong to fear. But it's still here. Sometimes (like right now) I am overcome with fear. When I realize that people's lives are in the balance, I become fearful. I meet so many people who were hurt or turned off by church, I don't want that to happen because of me. I can't do it...I know how little I actually know about so little, whether youth ministry, church, money, family, life. I so badly need God to speak and guide. I am thinking of Moses. While going through life he meets God, face to face. Ex. 2.10 God says, "So now go, I am sending you." What is Moses response? Who am I, that I should go?" and God said, "I will be with you."

That is my only comfort. I feel refreshed even now. God has told me that He would be with me. I can last one more day, I can touch one more life, I can take one more step. Only because of the One who sustains me and walks with me. Thank you God

What about you? Have you ever done anything that requires God to show up or else?Maybe you should...go

Worst Financial Mistake...

2008-10-01T09:07:00.005-04:00

We both had new jobs, married for about a year, and one day we were walking to our car and decided that we needed a new one. We went to the dealership, just looking of course, but ended up driving it home. I am sure that the salesmen were high fiving when we walked out the door! It was a very expensive lesson, and we paid on it for about 4 years. I know your thinking- YOu almost had it paid off, why would you sell it? Oh no, we thought seven years was a great amount of time to pay back a loan so we had a while to go. So we rejoiced the day we sold the X-Terra and broke even.

2nd worst mistake...

Are you noticing a pattern here?

We had some great mentors/friends who sat us down, cried with us, and helped us decide what to do next. We paid off all credit card debt, sold both cars, and simplified life. It wasn't that easy, but now I sleep when I lay my head down at night. You can keep all those fancy toys!

Sermon Prep

2008-09-25T09:38:00.003-04:00

Recently, I have been thinking alot about God...changing the hearts of men. How do we pray in a way that can bring this about. There are several people in my life who, if I were honest, I would say that it's gonna bring a miracle for them to come to know God. But I have such little faith.

First, God can do anything. Gen. 18:14 "Is anything too hard for the LORD ?" Matt. 19:26, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
God wants a relationship with People. 1 Jn. 4:19, "We love because he first loved us." Lev. 26:12, "I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people."

So let's pray for those that we think are a lost cause. Ask God to show himself to them today.

updates coming more frequently

2008-09-23T11:04:00.002-04:00

Sorry that I have been slow in posting, will do better.

I am preaching this coming week for Youth Sunday. I'm really excited about it. I have a friend that I really respect, he's also a great communicator, so I asked him to look over the sermon and let me know what he thinks. That was HARD! It's hard to open yourself up to someone like that. Just got his thoughts and I feel really good about them. He gave some valuable insight and suggestions. So, it was worth it but hard to do.

I'm sure there is a lesson in there somewhere. (You don't have to look too hard either!)

New Family Pictures

2008-09-12T22:32:00.009-04:00

2008-09-03T23:32:00.002-04:00

2008-09-03T23:23:00.001-04:00

The pictures below show Anna Grace and Thomas at bath time--always having fun! Also showing Anna Grace leaving for her first day of Kids Morning Out--she was so cute with her little backpack and all. Lastly, it showed Thomas just hanging out in the exersaucer--a new favorite! Our children are so beautiful.

2008-09-03T23:05:00.008-04:00

Please Hold for Technical Support

2008-09-03T09:36:00.003-04:00

So after years of begging at the beginning of football season, we have finally upgraded to full cable- including ESPN! We ended up bundling our services- phone, internet, and TV. Which actually was only $3-4 more than what we were paying. So that's cool.
But, they changed our internet service, and sent us a new modem for DSL. I have had the hardest time setting this thing up! I know computers fairly well, at work I am the go-to-guy for computer help. So I have to call technical support (I have called the last 2 days with no success) . I am put on hold while my phone call is transferred to India. I know it is because I have talked to 3 people and they are all Indian and hard to understand. I don't care who helps me as long as it works. But thier computers are always "experiencing difficulties". So I wait and then repeat my phone number again and again and again. "Thank you for your patience, you are our highest priority, please hold." So we are going to talk again today, I can't wait to be put on hold. :)

So at home we are still down, but at least we have ESPN.

I just want to preach Jesus

2008-09-02T15:11:00.003-04:00

Is it enough to just want to preach Jesus? I just got off of the phone with a friend who was telling me about a mutual friend that we have who just accepted a new position at a church. It is clearly going to end bad. He is at the opposite end of the spectrum from this church. He is pretty crazy and loud, loves to have fun, etc. And this church was founded in 1812 and still do things the same way. God bless those churches for what they have done and for what a few still do to impact the kingdom. However, this church is very liberal in their view of God and His Word. Our friend isn't.

In his very zealous state of mind and the excitement of being a paid youth pastor, he says that all he has to do is preach Jesus. What he doesn't realize is his view of preaching Jesus and the Jesus they believe in is very different. So please pray for my friend, I am sure he is going to be burned pretty quickly. After being here for 6 years, I have known many youth pastors who have started with great enthusiasm only to become cynical after they have been burnt by the pastor and the church. You really have to be careful which church you agree to be a part of. It is very much like a wedding when you go on staff. Your life can become very difficult if you are not careful.
Anyway, please pray for him, his name is David.

Things in my head

2008-08-25T14:42:00.002-04:00

I think some guys call this a mind dump

our youth group is going well, leaders are being developed, thank you God

How can I be a better leader

I want to be a strategic leader, this takes time to think and listen to God

Excited about home group in Batesburg-Leesville

I love my wife and kids, home is a great place to be

I am blessed

Our church is growing really fast, we need to put together systems to handle growth, we met and talked about this today! Good stuff

Becky wants to see Toby Mac at the fair this year, I have to make this happen!

Can't wait to get home and take a nap

we had a great camping trip this weekend, but I am tired!

Last night taught about "being a hypocrite" great discussion with students

that's it right now, Praise God

Challenged

2008-08-21T14:20:00.004-04:00

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while, it's been pretty crazy. I went to the low-country Mon-Wed to help Robbie put a roof on his mom's house. Something interesting happened. Robbie thought it would be a good idea to say Bible verses while we worked and started. He said you go next...and I couldn't think of anything! It was bad, talk about looking bad in front of your boss! I knew which ones that I should know, but nothing was coming out. It could have been the heat and the exhaustion, i don't know. But one thing it did was challenge me. So...I made a commitment on that hot roof that I was going to memorize one verse a week. I know it's not much and I should have been doing it the whole time but I haven't. So I have a lot of catching up to do, one verse at a time.

Raising Children

2008-08-13T14:31:00.003-04:00

Let me start out by saying that I LOVE my children. If I think about them too much I could get emotional. Only three years ago, we didn't know if we could ever have children. After our third miscarriage, the outlook was pretty slim. So all of that to say, I am truly blessed! Our children are great.
But man is it hard to raise them. Anna Grace is now 2. I don't know when it happened, but one day she decided that she didn't want to listen anymore. So we are adjusting to a new phase of loving and disciplining our children. Is it wrong to demand first time obedience? (I know what I think, but what about you?) Is it possible for that to work? A couple of weeks ago, we were talking to a couple of ladies in the church and they laughed at us for thinking it could happen.

So any encouragement, advice would be great.

Too much to worry about...

2008-08-11T10:29:00.002-04:00

So I used to listen to talk radio a good bit. It got to the point that I didn't even listen to music, maybe the occasional worship CD. But I noticed something started to change within me- I became very anxious. I started thinking about what this world would be like for my children, would America become a Muslim country, would we be severely persecuted for our beliefs, Who would be the next president and how bad it would be no matter who won. I noticed at night when I laid down to go to sleep I had a heavy load of anxiety. It wasn't good. I had to make a change, several actually.

Even though I loved the humor on Glen Beck, etc I had to give it up. I don't listen anymore. Matter of fact, I really don't watch the news much-but that's more because I am never home at 6 and asleep by 11, or watching Scrubs. I know that some would day that it's not good to know what is happening in the world and I am just putting my head in the sand, but that's just where I am right now.
Also, I had to do away with my anxiety. It's sin, lack of trust in God. "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God, My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me, Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love." Ps. 31.14-16

Photos of the Family

2008-08-06T23:09:00.007-04:00

Encouragement

2008-08-06T16:08:00.002-04:00

What if we all had someone that we could go to that would encourage us in the Lord? What if we were that person to someone else? What would our lives look like? the church? The world? I just spent part of the afternoon with a guy that does that for me. We get together every other month or so, but he really challenges me to stop and hear the voice of God and then follow whatever He says. It is so refreshing.
Then, I am always looking for someone to encourage with the same. I tell my senior high guys over and over that they need to listen to the voice of God. He wants to speak to them. He is speaking, it's just most of the time we don't take the time to listen.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus Romans 15:5

I love A/C

2008-08-05T15:06:00.002-04:00

Man it is HOT! So I thought that I would just send a shout out to the guy that invented A/C. What a guy! Hip Hip ... Now if I could only get him to come and fix the A/C in my truck, that would be nice :)

A funny blog I came across

2008-08-04T11:15:00.001-04:00

enjoy!

click here

Conflict- I love it and I hate it!

2008-07-30T15:55:00.002-04:00

So when a difficult situation comes, I hate it. Naturally I run from conflict. I don't really like any of it. Thinking of how you are going to handle everything, what are you going to say, how will it end? All of this drives me crazy. I can't really let go of it when I go home, it stays on my mind. So it can be really difficult.

However,

Some of the times in my life when I have seen the most growth has been during times of conflict and confrontation. I have someone in my life that almost weekly says, "A leader always does what is right." Sometimes that involves face to face conversations where emotions are high. When I do what I don't want to do and stand up for what I believe is right, God has always grown me. I know that every time I have to have a difficult conversation, or confront someone about something that is wrong, God strengthens and builds me into the man and leader that I need to become.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

Going to HSLT

2008-07-12T11:43:00.003-04:00

Please be praying, we leave today with 19 HIgh school students for Myrtle Beach. Pray that God would move in a mighty way in all of our hearts.

I will try and send updates.

I Believe

2008-07-09T09:09:00.003-04:00

I Just started doing something recently that I thought I would share. As I am on my way to work, or during my quiet times, I start listing out the things that I believe about God. You can also incorporate something that you just learned from your time in the Word. I have heard a ton lately about unbelief, I seem to resonate with the man in Mark 9:14-25 who brings his son to Jesus and asks Him to heal him. He says, "If you can..." Jesus catches this and says, "If I can?" Then the father says, "I believe, help me with my unbelief." I have started a war with my unbelief, I want to totally believe God in HUGE things. So one of the ways to believe God more is to immerse yourself with His Word. And I have started to verbalize all of the things that I believe God can do, has the power to do, who He is, etc.
It has really helped me.

Time at the zoo

2008-07-08T14:58:00.002-04:00

Spent the morning at the zoo, hanging out on the rocks praising the Lord. Had a great time. Next week we are going to High School Leadership Training and I am teaching a break out session. I am going to be teaching on spending time with God and who God wants to make you into.
I am really excited about it, but I want to make sure that I am spending time with God before I teach on it. I have been consistently meeting God at CIU and now the zoo (since the railroad guy at CIU said he was going to charge me $500 if he catches me again on the RR tracks, so I changed locations.)
So please pray for next week, thanks for reading this
J

2008-07-01T09:48:00.002-04:00

A couple of things on my mind:

Church Planting- Who is responsible for the vision needed? God or us? I think that it has to come from God and then leadership is needed to pas that on to others in a way that people will be motivated and follow what God is calling them to do. That is really a hard thing to do. I know of churches that have a hard time casting vision. Without it, we all lose sight of the goal-what God has called us to. This may seem like gibberish, sorry if this is scatterbrained.
Matthew 23- Jesus lays into the pharisees. No apoligies at all. But He is hammering one thing- Humility. Don't be a hypocrite, live a true life. The first will be last and the last will be first. How are we making ourselves last so that we can serve others today?
My family- Man I live Becky! Don't anyone tell her that she could have done soooo much better. Thank You God. And my children. There was a day that we didn't think that we would even have children, and then they are perfect!
Chickens- that's right I am thinking about chicken! I am selling chicken with Becky's uncle in Ridge Spring tomorrow and thurs. it awful good, we will be a t Cones meats, $7 for a half.

Back in the action

2008-06-25T11:01:00.002-04:00

Alright, I'm back from our Jr High trip, "Servanthood" It was great. Our students worked at a number of places, serving tirelessly. We served at Christ Central (a homeless ministry downtown), Open arms (a home for mentally handicap adults in Chapin), Ronald McDonald House, Atria Nursing Home, Homeworks, Heartworks, and a few others. It was a hard week, the youth pastors only had about 4 hrs of sleep every night, but it was worth it. It was the most spiritually fruitful week that we have ever had at Servanthood. So there it is, everything should return to normal now. But what is normal anyway?

Movies I want to see

2008-06-10T13:57:00.002-04:00

This doesn't really matter much but there are several movies that look great.
Here are the ones Becky and I are looking for a babysitter so we can go see-

Indiana Jones (Maybe I will name my next son after a state) Just for the record my middle name is a county here in SC...
The Happening- Becky and I always love his movies, they always have an interesting twist
Prince Caspian- Loved the first one-

So rarely do I want to go see a movie in the theater, but these look good!

How to be a finisher

2008-06-02T14:23:00.002-04:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about finishing. Not necessarily life, but more of the everyday projects. I just built a 8 x 12 utility building in our back yard. I haven't quite finished the trim on it yet but it looks awesome (I should have posted a pic, that would have been cool, sorry) But for the last 2 weeks I have been trying to build shelves and clean up and move everything over. It just hasn't happened. I really enjoy building stuff, it takes my mind out of all of the day to day stuff. It's is definitely a stress reliever for me. So here is the question of the day, "how do you become a finisher? Are there other places in my life that I have some loose ends...oh yeah,
anyway, that's what I am thinking.

Husband to one, father of two

2008-05-29T14:30:00.003-04:00

Sometimes it seems that life is way too complicated. There are days that everyone needs your attention and you don't even know who needs it first! And that's not counting work! I know everyone feels this pressure, no matter what they do for a living. I was recently thinking about having a hobby, but I really don't have time, at this stage in life anyway. I used to ride mountain bikes and do some camping/hiking, but lately it's too hard to pull away. So here is where I am at right now...I have to focus on my family. It's not like that's not fun. I love being at home. It's the best place to be. I love Becky, and our children are always up to something. It's good stuff.

But how do we do it? Everything is pulling at you in such a way that the most important things seem to be the easiest to neglect. Recently, I rode with a friend of mine and his daughter called, they talked like normal and then at the end she said, "I love you, thanks for the birthday present." It really touched me, not because my daughter is two and we haven't bought her a birthday present yet (the grandparents do way better than us anyway! Next year we will, I promise!), but because she is 18 and really meant it when she said that she loved her dad. That is one of my goals, for AG to be 18 and still really, really love her dad. It will happen, I promise. Not to mention that Becky and I will still be happily married in 16 years. We just crossed 7 years of marriage last week!

Anyway, just thinking of family stuff,

Do we ever really totally let go...

2008-05-27T11:14:00.003-04:00

I really want to let God have every part of me. I don't want to depend on myself, to allow decisions to be made because of selfish ambition, or manipulate others for my gain. Do you ever have those moments when your eyes are opened and you see yourself as you are. I have been really spending time with the Lord and thought that I had finally established a pattern and a need for God that would make me spend time with Him more. I need to meet with God. I say that with my head, but then I can go days without spending time with Him and it shows me who I really am. That has recently happened. Last week I went from Wed. to Sunday without even looking at my Bible!!
Anyway, I just don't want it to be like that. I want to be consistent.

How are we doing...

2008-05-21T11:05:00.003-04:00

Really Good. Just talked to Becky and she said that they had a great morning. Thomas is sleeping about 4-5 hrs at a time at night. It's a beautiful thing! And he is pretty content during the day- Eat, poop, sleep, what a life!
There are times during the day, just about every day, that I am just overwhelmed by how blessed I am. Usually it's when Anna Grace just does something SO sweet. Like kissing me on the forehead, or when she just comes and leans on me, or says something so cute. Yesterday the first thing she said after nap was that she wanted to, " Wub Thomas and give kisses." God has been so good to me. Life is good.

Baby Photos #2

2008-05-16T23:16:00.002-04:00

Baby Photos #1

2008-05-16T22:37:00.003-04:00

It's been a couple crazy days
Thomas was born wed.-- 7 lbs 13 oz, 21 in long
everyone is doing well, thought I would post a picture or two.

2008-05-13T11:11:00.002-04:00

Just came across a neat verse that I would like to share...
1 Thess. 5.4
But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart.

Sons of Light, Daughters of Day. That spoke to me this morning. We aren't just people. We are children of the king. Let's live like it, in victory!

2008-05-09T22:38:00.002-04:00

Went to the zoo today with the family, it was great. But I couldn't stop thinking about something. Here we are just 30 feet away from a tiger that would rip you to shreds in the wild. We would be lunch. But he was kept in his cage and he couldn't hurt anyone. Here is a powerful hunter, the lion, the bear, the tiger, even the snakes behind the glass, with tons of kids watching them. Just like they were harmless. Their eyes were hollow, they just laid around or walked in circles. They weren't doing what they were meant to do, hunt, roam, live outside of bars.
But isn't this a great picture of what most Christians are like? We are penned up by our sin that so easily entangles. Even though we are made to do mighty things, here we are walking in circles or sleeping all day in our cage.

Less of myself

2008-05-07T09:07:00.002-04:00

I am tired of me. Here's what I mean. I have done ministry before in my own power. The truth is that I have done more ministry in my own power than I have done in the Spirit. Well I don't know, God does. the point is, I am tired of my own strength. I want to operate in a realm of power that I don't have. I want God to make things happen and then He gets the glory.
I have felt the fatigue and hopelessness of ministry in my own power. And I know what it feels like for God to move and work through me. That's where I want to be!

God, You have it all...do what You will.

trying something different

2008-05-05T09:01:00.003-04:00

This summer we are going to scrap the old way of doing youth group and try something different. I don't really know what it's going to look like yet, but here are my thoughts.

I want God to speak to each student, not just to me
I want each student to seek the Lord and see what happens
I want each student to tell other students that God is doing something in their lives
I want to empower them to go after God with everything they have.

So what will happen? I don't have a clue. But I do know that this is bigger than me. God has to show up if it is going to work. We might even lose some kids, I don't know. But I do know that God wants them to seek after Him and He wants them to be an active part of the body.

What will it look like? At this point, here's what I am thinking. circle, multiple people sharing about their time with the Lord or a song, anything. Then let the body of Christ encourage each other.

Will it work? I don't know, but I do know this...It's bigger than me. The only way it will work is if God shows up. Join with me as I pray for God to change us radically

Desperation

2008-05-01T10:58:00.002-04:00

I think the times that I experience God the most is when I am the most desperate. During those times I come to the Lord and I don't have anywhere else to turn. When things are good I have this false sense that I don't really need God. I wouldn't say that, but that's what my actions say. The Israelites were the same way, maybe it's human nature? God would do amazing things, like delivering them from Egypt, splitting the Red Sea, opening up the ground and swallowing people who disobeyed. Ans they would follow for a season. Until everything was going right. Then they would start to worship the gods of the surrounding countries. Then something bad would happen and they would cry out to God and He would deliver.

I used to read about the Israelites and think that they are so stupid. If God did those things for me I would never turn away. But God has done amazing things for me and I still forget and turn away.

So desperation, are we really desperate for God and what he has for our lives?

Most embarrassing moments

2008-04-30T10:00:00.002-04:00

Most embarrassing moments...

I tripped coming off of the stage at my preschool graduation. IT has haunted me since that day. I was scared to death I would have a repeat at my HS graduation
At church when I was about 14, I did a trumpet solo (such nice people for putting up with that) and I forgot the notes and ran out of the sanctuary. Never stop playing, even if you forget the notes!
Once at USC Sumter I was coming out of a building and completely missed the stairs. Fell flat on my face! Got up quickly, kept going.

So this doesn't include all of the open flies, food in the teeth, and stupid stuff I will do on occasion. Just my top three. So this is me, what about yours?

Doing Church

2008-04-28T12:00:00.002-04:00

Doing church... how is it supposed to be done? In the context of today, how would Jesus set up the church if he were here now? I don't know. Been thinking about it a little. I sometimes think that we are off just a little and then there are times when I wonder how did we get so far off. Just some things I have been thinking.

cute

2008-04-23T15:53:00.003-04:00

Rollercoaster Ride

2008-04-23T15:40:00.002-04:00

Why is it that sometimes we don't even have to try to have a great relationship with the Lord and other times we strive for that relationship but it just doesn't seem to be there, the feelings I mean? I have just had some of the best times with the Lord ever. Each week I would go to CIU on Tuesday mornings and each time something would stand out, maybe through prayer, reading the word, or even in a song. But now, even though I don't want it to happen, I feel some of that is fading. It's harder for some reason. I think that in these dry periods, that's when our perseverance is tested. I still want and need to hear from the Lord. I desire and long to hear his voice and feel His direction in my life. So now the question is, "Will I continue to seek God when I don't "feel" His presence? How about you?

Power in your words

2008-04-16T16:29:00.002-04:00

What would it be like to speak and 3000 people come to Christ? It's only happened to me a couple of times, ok, maybe just once. Alright, never has happened. But what would it be like? I read of Peter speaking to the crowds and thousands placing their faith in Christ at one time. How? Two things I notice.

First, His message is about the risen Christ. When you read his message to the people in Acts, the only thing he speaks of is Christ. Chosen, Crucified, Risen. Except for the brief, "You guys are the ones who chose a thief to be released instead of Jesus!" That's the message that sometimes would bring in a crowd, but it also got Stephen stoned!
The next thing I notice is the power of the Holy Spirit. There is a power to his words that is beyond himself. Only the Spirit of God can draw people like that. I long for God to use me in a way that when I speak, people come to Christ.

We studied the life of Christ in our youth group all of last year. We had some neat stuff happen but nothing like that. Why is that? I understand that this was the beginning of the church and maybe God poured out His Spirit in a unique way. But why wouldn't He want to do that now. Maybe He does. These disciples had just spent several days together in prayer. When was the last time that I spent extended time with God, expecting him to do something miraculous? Jesus promised the disciples that they would receive a gift from God. They were waiting expectantly for God to move and He did.

May God do some of these same things today. Would you be willing to put the time in praying and seeking? Most of the time I don't' know if I would. I want it easy. Not everything is like that, some things take time and work.

How to Love?

2008-04-14T12:11:00.002-04:00

Last night I was really challenged. We had a city wide youth group gathering and it was awesome. There were about a dozen groups, 350 teenagers. Foster Christy spoke. He asked how we are getting out of our bubble and interacting with people that are different than we are. I have been thinking about this alot lately. Just finished reading "UnChristian" and it challenged me in numerous ways to love others that aren't like me.

Do we love people different than us? Do we give without any expectations of return? Do we reach out to those we think are beyond hope?

I don't always, but I want to more.

The Sweet Spot

2008-04-10T15:34:00.003-04:00

So I'm thinking of the sweet spot. I've been there before in competitive sports- that day when everything you shoot goes in the basket. Your feeling the MOJO, everything is falling right in place. But what I am talking about here is a little different. What about your God sweet spot? That place where God has total control of you and you are walking step for step with God. He is blessing you with a vibrant walk and bring fruit in ministry. That's what I am striving for. That's where God wants us to be.
Are you in your sweet spot?

First Blog

2008-04-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

Oh, the first blog, such possibilities! I am thinking of writing about my wonderful family, or maybe the awesome volunteers that help make FOG and D-Groups work every week, or maybe the unbelievable students we have here at RCC. Where will I go next... come back later and see.