without reservations…… November 12, 2008

So, my last post must have been a bit controversial…..I had a great conversation with a friend (you know who you are) about my last post.  We facebooked each other multiple times and had quite an in-depth conversation about politics, Jesus, guns, our freedoms, our actions and how the communicate who we are and what we value.  It was a good conversation.  

If you read my last post you’ll understand what I’m talking about here.  I said something to the effect having the right to keep and bear arms and using them if necessary to defend that right….  I’m not sure if I have everything figured out with this issue or not: the issue of having guns & using them do defend our freedoms (including the freedom to have guns).  My upbringing and my nature would tell me to grab my 12 gauge and defend myself at all costs.  It would be hard pill for me to swallow to step aside and let the government take my guns or, not use a gun to defend myself or my family in my home.  [i know there are two separate issues here] Obama wants to prosecute people for using guns to defend themselves in their own homes……I think that’s ridiculous!!!  

I’m just not sure on what Jesus would want.  Sure, its clear he wants peace, he wants us to overcome evil with good, he wants us to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. On the contrary:  ”If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

But man, if a guy busts into my house to rape my wife and kill my son, I’m gonna have a hard time sitting on the sidelines and watching it happen.  

Also, if it ever comes to the point where the government comes door to door to take all our guns it’s gonna be hard for me to hand them over.  

 

I’m really wrestling with this stuff.  I’m not sure what to do about it.  Any thoughts?

You know what happens when you assume……. November 4, 2008

This morning I fulfilled my civic and Christ -Follower responsibility and voted.  An interesting thing happened while I stood in line for about 1.5hrs.  When I arrived to my polling location there was already a line of about 50 people formed.  I parked the Jeep in the packed lot, got out, locked the door and walked up to the back of the line.  Directly ahead of my in line were to older ladies (who later in the conversation assured me that they were as they put it, “young chicks” and only 55.)  I think they were lying; they had to be at least 60.  Anyway.  I’m standing in line outside, wishing I had a cup of coffee and trying to look as uninterested in anyone around me as possible.  I didn’t feel like talking,  and certainly if I did get sucked into interaction with anyone in line I didn’t want to talk about politics.  However, I’m the type of person that it takes great amounts of effort to keep quiet when I’m around people. I love to talk, I love to hear peoples stories and try to get people to smile.  But this morning, I didn’t want that.  I wanted to vote and go to work with out getting in any messy interactions.  So, back to the to ladies. They’re talking, and having a good time standing in line and for the first 15 minutes I kept quiet, but then the started showing each other their scars from surgeries they had on the wrists. It was kind of weird actually.  The lady on the left was like, “hey, let me see your wrist” and so the lady on the right pulls her hand out of her coat pocket and rolls up her sleeve and there is an incision with stitches still in it.  That’s the point where I couldn’t keep my mouth shut anymore.  I said, “Is that from carpulltunnel (s/p?) surgery?” She said, “yes.”  Then she asked me if this was my first time voting ( I guess I look young enough that I couldn’t possibly have voted before) I told her that it was my first time voting, but that I could have voted 4 years ago, but was in college in Indiana and didn’t get registered in time.  Then she made the greatest and dumbest assumption that I’ve experienced in a while.  She said (with much angst), “well you should have voted; your vote could have been the one to keep Bush out of office.”  At first I was just astonished that this old lady assumed that I would have voted against Bush…but after I composed myself, I thought, “what is it about me that makes her assume that I would have voted against bush?” Is it because of my earrings, my trendy beard, my black modern style zipper hoodie, my jeans and docs?  Maybe it was because of the hat I was wearing.  So here was my response to her blatant ignormaous of an assumption.  I looked her straight in the eye and said with all the conviction and a little voracity in my voice, “YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME!”  And with that she realized that she made a mistake.  

It so infuriates me that this liberal minded democrat had the gull and nerve to vomit her thoughts and assumptions about politics and who I supported in this little side walk rondavue.  In my heart I was screaming, “are you nuts! You don’t know who I am, why are you assuming this about me!!”  I wanted to tell her, that yes, “I am a 25 year old conservative with tattoos, earrings, and trendy clothes.  I don’t support Obama and his left wing liberal crap.  I do own guns, and I don’t want them taken away…and if it comes down to it, will fight to keep them (perhaps even using them).  I do like Sarah Palin and believe that someone with some morality and family values would serve us well in Washington.  And yes, I do think Mccains service for this country is honorable and contributes to his likeability and suitability to be the next president.  And if he wins, awesome!”  That’s what was going through my mind.  But I didn’t say any of it.  Because any time a conservative opens their mouth and says something that is different from a liberal point of view they are considered short-minded/racist/ignorant of the issues/intolerant.  It’s funny how liberals are all about tolerance until they themselves have to be tolerant of an idea that is different from theirs……hmmm.  Funny how that works.

BUT

Regardless of what happened this morning.  And regardless who is our next president, God is God.  Jesus wants to work…and the Holy Spirit is still makin it happen.  I have a bigger story to join in.  Do you?

Cinnamon Life October 2, 2008

If I had to pick a flavor to characterize myself I’d pick Cinnamon Life.  I recently rediscovered this great breakfast cereal.  It’s awesome.  Anyway.  This blog isn’t about Cinnamon Life; rather, life-in-general.  Archery season is now only two days away….last post it was two weeks away.  I’m in my third week as pastor of youth and worship at Prince Street and things are going well.  In the last two weeks we’ve seen 4 people make significant faith commitments.  That has been awesome.  In other news, I’m working through the process of becoming a licensed minister in the United Brethren Church.  That’s pretty cool because through that process there is a whole bunch of affirmation given by the pastor, members of the church and UB church leaders.  

In other news:  Elijah can say his name [lie-'jah], he also can say “all gone” [all-'gon].  It’s pretty cute.  I love being a dad.  Probably the greatest thing that has ever happened to me aside from marrying my beautiful wife Amanda.

Back in the saddle September 22, 2008

Well, 

I figured since I back to having a regular internet connection I should pick back up with this blog.  Right now I’m laying in bed with my wife, we both have our laptops out and we’re on the internet doing email, facebook, and blogging……..I haven’t figured out yet if that is a good thing or not.   I know that 100 years ago, married couples weren’t laying awake at 10:11pm on a Sunday night with their laptops out.  They were (a) sleeping, (b) making their 15th kid to do the work on the farm, (c) sleeping.  I think my life is more complicated than a guy my age 100 years ago.  Anyway.  

 

I’ve completed my first week of work at Prince Street.  Things went well.  The church family is warm and receptive.  The pastor is a good leader; (even though he’s an eagles fan); and I’m stoked about what God’s going to teach me as I minister here.  Amanda and I are happy to be closer to family and friends and are looking forward to installing some roots here…..maybe installing isn’t the right word, perhaps growing would be more accurate.  At any rate.  It’s good.  Life’s good. Elijah is good.  Archery season is a little over 2 weeks away and that’s good.  So, all in all……I’m feelin’ pretty good.  Good night.

J

Lasts……. July 31, 2008

Today is my last day of employment as Youth Pastor of Refton Brethren in Christ Church.  Wow.  Because of this day [my last day] it has made me think a lot.  I’ve been thinking about all the “lasts” in my life and how it’s not normal to think or celebrate the last day of something.  We often celebrate and look fondly on the first day of something: the first day of kindergarten, first day of high school, first day of being married, first day of buck season, first day of trout season…..you get the point.  We always think about and celebrate the beginning of something…..why is that?  Isn’t the end more important?  Is it more important to dream or reflect?  I certianly have learned more from reflecting than dreaming.  Today….I celebrate my last day.  I celebrate my past three years of fruit-bearing ministry.  I celebrate the relationships I’ve made.  I celebrate the learning experiences I’ve had.  Most importantly I celebrate and thank God for giving me the last three years with my Refton community!  I’m learning that we need to celebrate the lasts in life!!  Ending well is important….with jobs….and with this human life.  It’s the ending that really matters………………………………..

Capture me with Grace July 23, 2008

“You are the source of life.  And I can’t be left behind.  No one else will do.  I will take hold of You.  Cause I need you Jesus to come to my rescue.  Where else can I go?  There’s no other name by which I am saved.  Capture me with grace.  I will follow you.”

Theses words have meant a lot to me lately.  They’re from a song called Rescue by Desperation Band.  Often we find ourselves in a place where we need [rescued].  We try to rescue ourselves, we try to save ourselves, but all efforts in the end to produce safety, hope, comfort and ease are insufficent.  Jesus is the only one who can rescue us.  That’s what I’m learning today.  There’s also a line in the song that says, “This world has nothing for me, I will follow You.”  What if we could have that be the cry of our hearts everyday?  I wish I could.  Check the song out if you haven’t heard it.  Google Desperation band and find if for yourself.

Headin’ Out! July 12, 2008

I am officially leaving for Mississippi in 4 hours and 53 minutes.  Am I ready for a 20 hour bus ride?  I think so.  I’ve spent 48 hours on a school bus with 100 high school students before; driving from Iowa to Mexico.  I think I can handle a short trip to Mississippi on an air conditioned coach bus with 35 other poeple on it!  Piece of cake.  What won’t be a piece of cake will be trying to sleep on that bus.  I don’t sleep on busses.  Just doesn’t happen.  I think you could shoot me with an elephant tranqualizer and I’d still stay awake.  Anyway.  There are a few expectations that I have for this trip.  (1) I expect to connect with God on a deep level as I serve people who’s lives have been destroyed by the natural evil that exists in our world. (2) I expect to make eternal memories with my students. (3) I expect to have joy from being able to serve with my wife for the first time on a mission trip. (4) I expect to sweat. (5) I expect to watch my students love each other regardless of how hot they are and how cranky they might become.  (6) I expect to be challenged and pushed to my limit; spiritually, mentally, physically & emotionally.

That’s what I’m looking for.  I’m excited about the fact that God is giving us the opportunity to join Him in His story of recreation, redemption, encouragment, and salvation as He rebuilds lives through us rebuilding homes!  It’s great to live out the gospel!

 

Also, if you’d like to see pictures from the trip follow this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7546117@N06/

When the bottom drops out…. July 10, 2008

Back in November I was in Hotlanta with one of my good buddies Derek for National Youth Workers Convention put on by Youth Specialties.  I got to see one of my favorite speakers of all time (Louie Giglio) speak at one of the general sessions at the conference.  He gave this talk about hurt and what do we do when we hurt; how will we respond when the bottom [of life] drops out?  What will we do?  This talk was really powerful for me at the time and still is.  Louie told a few stories from his own life that really made what he said powerful. 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about his talk.  What will I do when the bottom of life drops out?  What will I do when I hurt?  Well, a lot of times I get angry…depressed…worry…many other things.  I’ve come through a lot lately and am learning that really all we can do is just trust that God is good, that He has a plan and in His time it will be revealed or realized.  Yesterday I read this verse in Romans, Paul was talking about Abraham; “When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn’t do but on what God said he would do.”  I read that verse once, then read it about 15 more times replacing the name Abraham with Jared.  When everything was hopeless, Jared believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn’t do but on what God said he would do.” Will someone ever write that or think that about me?  Man I hope so.  Man, I hope I’m the dude that people say, even when things were hopeless and cloudly, Jared stuck with God.  I’ve got to say, that’s not easy.  Not at all.  I’m living it right now.  I think we all are living it.  Everyday is a new chance to live it.  Welp, that’s all I got.  Nothing super spiritual, nothing amazing.  Just my life.

Expectations….. July 7, 2008

Life has a way of not giving us what we want (or what we think we want).  Let me unpack that statement.  Because of recent events in my life I’ve been thinking a lot lately……..probably too much.  I’ve been thinking back to when I was at home and in high school.  Back then I never thought that at 25 years old I’d be married, have a 10 month old son, have worked as a youth pastor for three years in a local church, and then be transitioning out of that position….I never thought I’d be living in Lancaster.  There were a lot of things I didn’t expect to happen……that did happen; many of them healthy, positive things.  Some not so good, like my wife having emergency surgery…and coming close to going to heaven.  But that experience did draw us much closer.  God used it.  Anyway.  All my thinking brought up some questions about what I expect in my life, what I expect from God, and what I expect from myself.  I have to admit that I’ve fallen prey to the great idea of consumerism and prosperity.  If I do things right, if I work hard, if I live a good life I will get good in return (I’m pretty sure that is Oprah’s philosophy).  I have expected to gain wealth, prosperity, health, good times, and easy living.  But my expectations are wrong, way wrong.  The Jesus I follow doesn’t ever promise any of that stuff.  In fact, he promises the contrary.  “Follow Me and you face a lot of hard times, life will seemingly suck and you’ll fail here on earth, but I’ll give you abudance after you die”  (My very loose parahprase of Jesus’ words).  I’ve learned and am learning that God doesn’t care about my expectations of what I think could/should happen.  He only wants me to expect to follow His lead.  Man, that’s tough for a guy who wants to make it all happen himself.  The ole’ “pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps” mentality that exists in our culture doesn’t hold much water for living the God-following life.  Jesus tells me, He’ll pick me up, when He’s ready and how He wants to do it. 

Anyway,  this was my first attempt at sharing some of my thoughts about my life as it is currently being lived out in Lancaster County. 

I also want to put a plug in for my buddy’s music go to: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=369746357 , and listen to his music.  It’s good stuff, especially the song, “Lesser of Life.”