The week that was:
Taught class on Saturday where we talked about worship and the sacraments. We had a great discussion, especially about infant baptism. It's so much fun to be an integral part in helping people formulate their theology and helping them to rethink past positions. I also sold our living room set on Craigslist last week. I put all four pieces for $50 because I wanted to make sure it was sold by Friday when we picked our new sofa. Let's just say that I had a lot of interest since they were in such good shape. I wound up selling the set to a family who had refinished their basement for their two girls who are 15 and 10. The set sold for $100, because demand was driving the price up, and they pitched in another $20 when I helped them load it up. They seemed to be a nice family and I hope the girls enjoy the furniture as much as Holly and I did. Lastly, we picked up our new sofa and it is awesome! I feel so grown up with a new baby and a new sofa.
The week that is:
Lent starts tomorrow so I've been preparing for our Ash Wednesday service and our first week's message on Sunday. Hopefully things will settle down a bit, but with a newborn I don't think that's possible.
What I'm listening to:
Lots of different albums. Passion: God of this City, Downhere: all 3 of them, Chris Tomlin: Hello Love, DMB: Live at the Mile High Music Festival, The Fray: The Fray.
What I'm looking forward to:
I'm really anticipating lent this year as I'm fasting from something totally different than I normally do. I'll put up a separate post on it tomorrow, just know that it will stretch me quite a bit. I have also put together a lenten devotional for our students that I'd love for you to use if you need something. You can find it on our church website. Once it's up tomorrow I'll post a link. I will also be blogging through lent on the church website to try and generate some discussion there.
Karis update:
Here's a new category. Karis is doing really well. She's starting to learn to swat away things from her face that she doesn't like. Namely the suction bulb thing that we use to get boogers out of her nose. She's also starting to turn when you speak to her. She has also outgrown a few of her preemie outfits!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Life of Jared (2/16)
The week that was:
Not a whole lot happened. My in laws came in for the weekend to see Karis and help out, which was appreciated. Holly and I were able to go out by ourselves for the first time since Karis came home. We went to a wedding of two of our youth workers, which was awesome. Then we went to a place called the Dump and bought a sofa! I led worship with Doug and spoke on Sunday night and enjoyed both very much. I hadn't played the guitar in over a couple of months and really missed it. I was also very please with my message on Sunday night in talking about God disciplining us. I just hope and pray that our students heard it!
The week that is:
My mother in law is here until Thursday helping out with Karis, so therefore Holly and I are working later to try and get caught up with other things. I am working to get our Lenten devotional together and starting to study for our lent series. We are going to be following the lectionary for the rest of the year, which I think will be fun. I also have class on Saturday so I've gotta get that all together as well. Our new couch will be here on Friday and I'm trying to sell our older pieces on Craigslist right now. So far I've had 3 bites!
What I'm reading:
Same old things for class and a secondary source called Ancient-Future Worship. I really like that book a lot! I'm also enjoying my new Wesley Study Bible.
What I'm listening to:
Today I was listening to a band that a friend of mine used to be in called Kurios. I was walking down memory lane.
What I'm looking forward to/keeping an eye on:
Sitting on my new couch. Teaching on Saturday. Lent beginning. Carolina creeping up to #1. Phillies starting Spring Training. Holly going through the residency match.
Not a whole lot happened. My in laws came in for the weekend to see Karis and help out, which was appreciated. Holly and I were able to go out by ourselves for the first time since Karis came home. We went to a wedding of two of our youth workers, which was awesome. Then we went to a place called the Dump and bought a sofa! I led worship with Doug and spoke on Sunday night and enjoyed both very much. I hadn't played the guitar in over a couple of months and really missed it. I was also very please with my message on Sunday night in talking about God disciplining us. I just hope and pray that our students heard it!
The week that is:
My mother in law is here until Thursday helping out with Karis, so therefore Holly and I are working later to try and get caught up with other things. I am working to get our Lenten devotional together and starting to study for our lent series. We are going to be following the lectionary for the rest of the year, which I think will be fun. I also have class on Saturday so I've gotta get that all together as well. Our new couch will be here on Friday and I'm trying to sell our older pieces on Craigslist right now. So far I've had 3 bites!
What I'm reading:
Same old things for class and a secondary source called Ancient-Future Worship. I really like that book a lot! I'm also enjoying my new Wesley Study Bible.
What I'm listening to:
Today I was listening to a band that a friend of mine used to be in called Kurios. I was walking down memory lane.
What I'm looking forward to/keeping an eye on:
Sitting on my new couch. Teaching on Saturday. Lent beginning. Carolina creeping up to #1. Phillies starting Spring Training. Holly going through the residency match.
Good quote
I'll try to post my weekly update soon, but I came across this quote as I prepared for our Ash Wednesday service and thought you might like it.
By virtue of who we are, we will sow in tears; by virtue of who God is, we may reap in joy.
By virtue of who we are, we will sow in tears; by virtue of who God is, we may reap in joy.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Words to build a life on
So I've been listening to the Mike Crawford and His Secret Siblings album in my car again. I've really been captured by the last song called "Words to Build a Life On." Here is the a link to their myspace page where you can give it a listen to and below are the lyrics, what do you think?
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words how can they be mine
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words I want them to be mine
Blessed are the poor
Blessed are the weak
Blessed are the ones
Who can barely speak
Blessed in your hurt
Blessed in your pain
Blessed when your teardrops
Are falling down like rain
Blessed when you’re broken
Blessed when you’re blind
Blessed when you’re fragile
When you have lost your mind
Blessed when you’re desperate
Blessed when you’re scared
Blessed when you’re lonely
Blessed when you’ve failed
Blessed when you’re beat up
Blessed when you’re bruised
Blessed when you’re tore down
Blessed when you’re used
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words how can they be mine
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words I want them to be mine
Blessed when you’re heartbroke
Blessed when you’re fired
Blessed when you’re choked up
Blessed when you’re tired
Blessed when the plans
That you so carefully laid
End up in the junkyard
With all the trash you made
Blessed when you feel like
Giving up the ghost
Blessed when your loved ones
Are the ones who hurt you most
Blessed when you lose your
Own identity
Then blessed when you find it
And it has been redeemed
Blessed when you see what
Your friends can never be
Blessed with your eyes closed
Then blessed you see Me
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words how can they be mine
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words I want them to be mine
Blessed when you’re hungry
Blessed when you thirst
Cause that’s when you will eat of
The bread that matters most
Blessed when you’re put down
Because of me you’re dissed
Because of me you’re kicked out
They take you off their list
You know you’re on the mark
You know you’ve got it right
You are to be my salt
You are to be my light
So bring out all the flavor
In the feast of this My world
And light up all the colors
Let the banner be unfurled
Shout it from the rooftops
Let the trumpets ring
Sing your freaking lungs out
Jesus Christ is King!
Jesus is my Savior
Jesus is divine
Jesus is my answer
Jesus is my life
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words how can they be mine
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words I want them to be mine
Give us ears that we may hear them
voice that we may sing them
life that we may live them
hope that we may give them
hearts that we can feel them
eyes that we can see them
thoughts that we may think them
tongues that we may speak Your words
How would your church handle the line, "sing your freakin' lung out that Jesus Christ is King!"
Monday, February 9, 2009
The life of Jared (2/9)
The week that was:
Not much went on last week. I'm still getting adjusted to life with a baby at home. I'm the one who gets up in the middle of the night and changes/feeds her since Holly is pumping. The problem is that we aren't on the same schedule so we wind up waking the other up at various points in the night, especially if Karis happens to be fussy. I also taught on Saturday and had a great discussion over the philosophy of the church. It's amazing for me to think about how far we have gotten away from the vision that is found in the early church. I'll try to post a little more on that later.
The week that is:
Same old, same old here. Juggling job, baby, wife, class, etc all at once. It's fun and tiring. Karis has her next Dr's appointment on Thursday, hopefully she's still gaining a good amount of weight. Speaking of Karis, she's on my chest sleeping right now as I type. Pretty cool, pretty cool.
What I'm listening to:
I just picked up the new album from The Fray and it's pretty good. I usually have to listen to an album a few times to make a good informed judgement about it. But so far, I like this one.
What I'm reading:
Same old stuff for class but also at least one new book, Ancient-Future Worship by Robbert Webber. If he's able to deliver on this book what he claims in the opening introduction, I'm going to really like this book. Here's the cover and a link to amazon.
What I'm keeping an eye on:
North Carolina and Duke play on Wednesday, that's always a huge game. Go Heels! Other than that I'm out of touch with the happens of the world.
Not much went on last week. I'm still getting adjusted to life with a baby at home. I'm the one who gets up in the middle of the night and changes/feeds her since Holly is pumping. The problem is that we aren't on the same schedule so we wind up waking the other up at various points in the night, especially if Karis happens to be fussy. I also taught on Saturday and had a great discussion over the philosophy of the church. It's amazing for me to think about how far we have gotten away from the vision that is found in the early church. I'll try to post a little more on that later.
The week that is:
Same old, same old here. Juggling job, baby, wife, class, etc all at once. It's fun and tiring. Karis has her next Dr's appointment on Thursday, hopefully she's still gaining a good amount of weight. Speaking of Karis, she's on my chest sleeping right now as I type. Pretty cool, pretty cool.
What I'm listening to:
I just picked up the new album from The Fray and it's pretty good. I usually have to listen to an album a few times to make a good informed judgement about it. But so far, I like this one.
What I'm reading:
Same old stuff for class but also at least one new book, Ancient-Future Worship by Robbert Webber. If he's able to deliver on this book what he claims in the opening introduction, I'm going to really like this book. Here's the cover and a link to amazon.
What I'm keeping an eye on:
North Carolina and Duke play on Wednesday, that's always a huge game. Go Heels! Other than that I'm out of touch with the happens of the world.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Totally Dependent
So Karis has been home for two nights and I'm so fascinated by her. What I'm the most fascinated about is the fact that she is totally dependent upon Holly and I. Her very well being and survival is contingent upon us feeding her, keeping her warm and discerning certain warning signs that might indicate that something is wrong. Lucky for Karis, Holly and I have so much love for her that we will probably overprotect her until we are confident that she is fully healthy.
You can probably see where I'm going with this, but I'll say it anyways. I'm appreciating my own dependency upon God a bit more lately. I can totally see how I mirror Karis in my relationship with God. How God is always watching over me and trying to lead me in my journey. I am so helpless on this journey with finding the right path, knowing which way to go, even having provision to make it to completion. It kind of makes the portion of the sermon on the mount which says not to worry about what you will eat, wear, where you will sleep, for the future, etc. stand out in a new way. We cannot fully live into this until we are OK with being totally dependent on God. Able to soak up the love, grace and provision that comes our way from a God who cares more about us that the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.
God grant me the grace to accept my total dependence upon you and the strength and knowlege to take care of this precious baby that you have blessed us with.
You can probably see where I'm going with this, but I'll say it anyways. I'm appreciating my own dependency upon God a bit more lately. I can totally see how I mirror Karis in my relationship with God. How God is always watching over me and trying to lead me in my journey. I am so helpless on this journey with finding the right path, knowing which way to go, even having provision to make it to completion. It kind of makes the portion of the sermon on the mount which says not to worry about what you will eat, wear, where you will sleep, for the future, etc. stand out in a new way. We cannot fully live into this until we are OK with being totally dependent on God. Able to soak up the love, grace and provision that comes our way from a God who cares more about us that the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.
God grant me the grace to accept my total dependence upon you and the strength and knowlege to take care of this precious baby that you have blessed us with.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The life of Jared (2/2)
I guess I should date these things for the few of you who care.
The week that was:
Not much happened last week. Time in the office, at the NICU, etc. We did have a snow day which was pretty cool, but Karis wasn't with us so that sucked a bit. I had a Middle School event on Friday night that went really well. Doug is battling a persistent form of strep so I told him to stay away. Besides he's covered for me a lot lately.
The week that is:
The doctors keep talking like Karis will come home sometime this week. Holly and I trying not to get our hopes up too much because they've talked like this before and then have said, "We want to keep our eye on her for a few more days." As I said in an earlier post, I want her to come home now, but also when she is ready. That's more important. I think I'm speaking for our high school kids this week on the topic of 1st temple Judaism, which I'm calling the Ultimate Home Court Advantage. Should be fun!
What I'm listening to:
Right now, Starfield. I've also listened to Los Lonely Boys alot last week. I love those guys. Wouldn't you like to create a whole new genre of music? There's is called Texican rock.
What I'm reading:
Still stuff for class, but one book in particular is called "Missional Church." It's awesome, pick it up and plow through it. I've also updated my book page on this blog. Pretty soon I'll get around to talking about each book, if you care.
What I'm keeping an eye on:
Other than Karis coming home, not much else. Things are on cruise control in the youth ministry until March so I'm going to take advantage of that. I'm teaching again on Saturday which will be fun, assuming that I can get fully prepared.
The week that was:
Not much happened last week. Time in the office, at the NICU, etc. We did have a snow day which was pretty cool, but Karis wasn't with us so that sucked a bit. I had a Middle School event on Friday night that went really well. Doug is battling a persistent form of strep so I told him to stay away. Besides he's covered for me a lot lately.
The week that is:
The doctors keep talking like Karis will come home sometime this week. Holly and I trying not to get our hopes up too much because they've talked like this before and then have said, "We want to keep our eye on her for a few more days." As I said in an earlier post, I want her to come home now, but also when she is ready. That's more important. I think I'm speaking for our high school kids this week on the topic of 1st temple Judaism, which I'm calling the Ultimate Home Court Advantage. Should be fun!
What I'm listening to:
Right now, Starfield. I've also listened to Los Lonely Boys alot last week. I love those guys. Wouldn't you like to create a whole new genre of music? There's is called Texican rock.
What I'm reading:
Still stuff for class, but one book in particular is called "Missional Church." It's awesome, pick it up and plow through it. I've also updated my book page on this blog. Pretty soon I'll get around to talking about each book, if you care.
What I'm keeping an eye on:
Other than Karis coming home, not much else. Things are on cruise control in the youth ministry until March so I'm going to take advantage of that. I'm teaching again on Saturday which will be fun, assuming that I can get fully prepared.
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