1.31.2006

remember

love always protects.

Gathering Changed

Hey Everyone, all the guys (Joe, Micah, Beau, Matt) have work tonight and can’t host our gathering, so we will get together for praise, lectio divina, and prayer at The Mansion at 7. (No Dinner Tonight, unless any of you wants to volunteer to buy us all New China?)

See ya then,
Jed

1.28.2006

underwater

saw "the squid and the whale," tonight. The movie was written by Noah Baumbach who co authored, "The Life Aquatic." I've been wanting to see this movie for over a year, so I was glad when it finally made it to the Drexel Grandview. Matt B, Jimi, and I headed over.

The movie was a frank depiction of the realities of divorce told through the eyes of the two sons, one in high school, one middle school. The movie was an authentic portrayal of a season many of my friends have gone through. The acting was fantastic (Laura Linney always gets it done), and there were some moments to laugh out loud. It was bittersweet, much like Life Aquatic or The Royal Tennebaums. Some points were tough to deal with, not because they were grotesque, but because they hit so close to home and were moments of my own life or friends lives that I'd rather forget. But, in a strange way I think it is important that shameful moments are resurfaced. It is a good movie for an adult serving in high school or middle school ministry to see. It brings you back to the reality of the lives of the students that we are in friendship with.

2:59:45, I had my longest phone conversation ever tonight and it was good. I should have pushed for 15 more seconds to hit the 3 hour mark.

1.27.2006

ecclesiastes 5:1 (the message)


Watch your step when you enter God's house.
Enter to learn.


but not just about him, about yourself. there is a lot in our heaert i believe God wants to show us, yet we get busy bringing him our worries, our promises, our relationships and don't go to his feet and say, "teach me." "teach me who you are, strip away my misconceptions. teach me who I am, unearth my heart, teach me your ways for me that I may follow."

1.26.2006

on the upswing

nothing makes you feel better than when you are lying down on your couch sick, and you hear the door open and chicken noodle soup, sesame bread, and organic orange juice are delivered to you by a beautiful woman. And to top it all off she throws in a book...in the words of tj...reeeaaal solid.

The book is called a million little pieces by James Frey. It is all about James' fight for freedom in rehab from crack addiction and alcoholism. Seems like it will be real intense.

gah

i feel like poop

not a good day to feel that way either..too much to do..probably means i should pray

1.25.2006

I am an Artisan

ARTISAN. AdvisorTeam

I took this Temperament test on Tuesday along with everyone else on staff at Heritage. It is pretty accurate. The skill set is hit or miss, but the personality section hits close to home. You can click the link and take it for free yourself.

"Artisans are the temperament with a natural ability to excel in any of the arts, not only the fine arts such as painting and sculpting, or the performing arts such as music, theater, and dance, but also the athletic, military, political, mechanical, and industrial arts, as well as the "art of the deal" in business.

Artisans are most at home in the real world of solid objects that can be made and manipulated, and of real-life events that can be experienced in the here and now. Artisans have exceptionally keen senses, and love working with their hands. They seem right at home with tools, instruments, and vehicles of all kinds, and their actions are usually aimed at getting them where they want to go, and as quickly as possible. Thus Artisans will strike off boldly down roads that others might consider risky or impossible, doing whatever it takes, rules or no rules, to accomplish their goals. This devil-may-care attitude also gives the Artisans a winning way with people, and they are often irresistibly charming with family, friends, and co-workers.

Artisans want to be where the action is; they seek out adventure and show a constant hunger for pleasure and stimulation. They believe that variety is the spice of life, and that doing things that aren't fun or exciting is a waste of time. Artisans are impulsive, adaptable, competitive, and believe the next throw of the dice will be the lucky one. They can also be generous to a fault, always ready to share with their friends from the bounty of life. Above all, Artisans need to be free to do what they wish, when they wish. They resist being tied or bound or confined or obligated; they would rather not wait, or save, or store, or live for tomorrow. In the Artisan view, today must be enjoyed, for tomorrow never comes.

Artisans make up between 15 to 20 percent of the population, which is good, because they create much of the beauty, grace, fun, and excitement the rest of us enjoy in life."

best they can do?

Bush plans visit to super-secret spies

does this headline from CNN.com seem funny to anyone else?

1.23.2006

moved

Tonight included quite a surprise. I was commissioned as a minister at Heritage.
I showed up at the office today at 4 and Borst goes, "so are you excited for tonight?" I asked what for and he said, "your commissioning." That was pretty awesome news. I headed home to change because I was wearing Alan's sweatshirt with a coffee stain on it and my old tennis shoes. It was quite the privelege to be able to stand before the church with John Thomas, Aaron Zink, and Dan Euans and be recognized as a minister. The elders and pastors laid hands on us and prayed. Certainly a powerful moment, I am excited for all that God is calling me to at Heritage and beyond. I can't wait to see what God does. He tends to be pretty creative.

good night

tonight's CT was excellent...our students have such incredible thoughts about what it means to follow God in the midst of the envy which plagues us. I love that we have leaders who help to create a safe place for the kids to feel the freedom to share in front of 100 people. My friend Megan shared about her mom's battle with cancer and what it has meant to have friends who walk through the journey with her and how even though she doesn't always sense him, ultimately Christ fulfills the role of a friend better than any person could. She showed great courage, sometimes I forget she is a freshman - It has been a blast watching God work in and through her. The Spirit was moving, it is fun when you are aware of it.

also - laura young and i had a great talk about next week's ct - it could be pretty baller. If you want to come and worship in a new way, you'll want to join us, whether you are in 15, 23, or 48, CT starts at 7 in the auditorium. Linworth and Grace Point are coming over to worship with us and lets just say, "it's a time."

thanks conan

"'The Washington Post' reports that former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry has once again tested positive for cocaine. Apparently, police suspected Marion Barry was using cocaine when they noticed that he was Marion Barry. "

"People" magazine is reporting that Angelina Jolie is pregnant. Jolie's doctor said it was the first time he's ever seen lips on an ultrasound."

1.19.2006

the slopes

if you live in Columbus the stars are beautiful tonight.....be sure to take a peek.

I had the chance to snowboard tonight, which was a great time. It was my first time on the slopes in 4 years and it felt like I had just stepped off, i was real surprised. I wasn't smooth, but I didn't fall often or have to pull up alot. It was nice to ease back into snowboarding at a hill like Mad River--how I long for the Appalachians.... I rode up with Fletcher and Taylor, real solid conversation with them. We talked a lot about how envy drives us and its consequences in our hearts and in the lives of those around us. good stuff. Met up with Brandon and Hannah when we got there, Brandon completed his first successful run down the hill with no spills- he improved at a quick pace tonight.

All in all it was a great warm up for what should be a fantastic trip to the WISP in MD, the first weekend of February. I am so excited for that trip. It will be a great group of friends and we will be staying at these sweet log cabins in New Germany State Park.

I'm pumped for broomball tomorrow - should be a solid evening. 8:30-10:30, we have the chiller rented out. peace....

1.17.2006

such great heights...

I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles
In our eyes are mirror images and when
We kiss they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate that God himself
Did make us into corresponding shapes like
Puzzle pieces from the clay
True, it may seem like a stretch, but
Its thoughts like this that catch my troubled
Head when you're away when I am missing you to death
When you are out there on the road for
Several weeks of shows and when you scan
The radio, I hope this song will guide you home


does songwriting get much better than this?
I've been listening to the Iron & Wine version the last 5 days and i everytime i listen to it i am swept away by its lyrical beauty even more.

ok - i need to sleep...

grace and mercy triumph

today was the single most draining day since September for me. I was in prayer and conversation on one decision from 11am til 6pm. I almost made a really dumb move, and thankfully God was all over it and blitzed me from every side, rescuing me from a situation which would have alientated a close friend in ministry and sent me down a dnagerous road in how i make decisions. God's grace was to smack me around and wake me up to what I was doing, while my friend and his mercy gave me room to fall and get back up again. It is so good to see the Spirit of God preserving me. Thank you God.

prayer...

a friend, Josh, who is 18 just had his 38 year old mom Debbie taken to the ER with a heart attack. Please be in prayer for Debbie's healing and that Josh and his dad, Harold would be comforted. Thanks.

1.16.2006

rejoice

Then I was the craftsman at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in his presence,

rejoicing in his whole world
and delighting in mankind.


A Hebrew Proverb and my prayer for myself and fellow believers everywhere today is that we could echo this cry of Wisdom (Jesus) as we are being transformed more and more into his image as God's work of new creation.

1.15.2006

no faith left

can i watch the nfl anymore - i don't think so - I've been contending all year that it is rigged and now i know it. i'm, i don't even know what to say - this is the worst officiating i have ever seen, they can't be this bad without being paid off.

the steeler's polamalu intercepted manning of the colts and they overturned it, when there was no indisputable evidence - i hate this - i am so angry right now - this is poop. there has never been a worse call in the history of football.

1.14.2006

I am so high right now

my heart is leaping and my smile exploding. the chili peppers are releasing Stadium Arcadium on May 9th - these next 4 months will be sweet torture as I wait with baited breath to get my hands on the 24 new songs being released on the new double disc offering from the boys who fill my soul everytime i hear the sweet sounds of Frusciante's guitars pulsing through my speakers. OH ZAM!

I can't even explain, maybe i'll have to do a chronicles of Chili Peppers post to share how so many of their songs have changed my life at integral points and pushed me towards God and loving others. YES,YES,YES!!

And season 5 of 24 starts tomorrow, its NFL playoff weekend, Moltmann's Jesus Christ for Today's World is causing me to fall in love with Jesus in a brand new way, and tonight I get to devour peanut butter cream pie made with soy - my first expereince with a non-fruit pie - what a weekend.

1.13.2006

conan for the soul...

"'It's been reported that New York Jets coach Herman Edwards is planning to quit. This comes as a shock to the fans who had no idea the Jets had a coach.' "

1.11.2006

rush to the top

In only 5 days this has become the second most played song on my itunes.

Coldplay w/Michael Stipe: In the Sun, live at Austin City Limits. A Joseph Arthur Cover

I picture you in the sun wondering what went wrong
And falling down on your knees asking for sympathy
And being caught in between all you wish for and all you seen
And trying to find anything you can feel that you can believe in

May god’s love be with you
Always
May god’s love be with you

I know I would apologize if I could see your eyes
’cause when you showed me myself I became someone else
But I was caught in between all you wish for and all you need
I picture you fast asleep
A nightmare comes
You can’t keep awake

May god’s love be with you
Always
May god’s love be with you

’cause if I find
If I find my own way
How much will I find
If I find
If I find my own way
How much will I find
You

I don’t know anymore
What it’s for
I’m not even sure
If there is anyone who is in the sun
Will you help me to understand
’cause I been caught in between all I wish for and all I need
Maybe you’re not even sure what it’s for
Any more than me

May god’s love be with you
Always
May god’s love be with you

awakening

When God comes and renews the disrupted and deranged world, it is not extraordinary that the sick should be healed and the germs of illness disappear. It is a matter of course. Jesus' healings are 'miracles of the kingdom'. In the daybreak radiance of the new creation of all things, they are not miracles at all; they are entirely a matter of course. Moltmann

1.10.2006

regrets

i had a long conversation with a friend about regrets tonight and it has got me thinking about what strengths have resulted in my life from these.

I think one of them is my persistence in asking good questions and being able to speak the truth in love to people. I feel like this arose because for so long I put up a front/lied and was concerned with image management and no one ever probed or called something more out of me. My heart is to see people free of the need to control their image and I continually find myself sickened at how hard it still is for me to be entirely transparent, even with my closest friends. Thats why i like the ones who are willing to wade into me and ask questions.

can't sleep

i can't sleep and i need to be up in 3 1/2 hours.

boo.

neither reading, writing, listening to sigur ros, watching u2 live in chicago, or cleaning up my inbox have helped. at least i'm almost to 40 on the u2 dvd, such a good song, almost like it is divinely inspired or something.

new gathering

Yo,

We will be cooking dinner together for our initial gathering tonight at The Mansion. If you or anyone you know isn’t connected into a life group and would like to come out as we begin this new community we will get going at 7. If you can email me if you are coming it would be helpful in planning the meal.

God’s really been stirring a couple things on my heart lately.

Ø First, I’ve had a real craving for community that goes beyond a Bible study where we all spout off our opinions on a passage only to leave at the end of night unchanged and not really understanding the state of each others hearts.

Ø Second, I’ve desired for sometime to be part of a gathering that would be welcoming for long time Christians, beginning Christians, returning Christians, and non Christians. It may seem like a wide gap to bridge, but I believe it can be done and is the healthiest way to live.

So, beginning tonight I’m going to be hosting a gathering at my house along with a few good friends on Tuesday nights. It is going to look different than most other groups you may have been a part of in the past. Each week of the month will have its own unique feel. Here are my thoughts so far, they’ve been shaped by conversations with each of you and I hope they continue to be shaped by our desires as we grow together.

The first Tuesday of each month we’ll actually cook and eat a meal together and well, that’s it. Just spend time together concocting brilliant recipes, slaving over the stove, feasting, and cleaning up. I believe there is real value in serving and eating with one another. It creates an easy place to connect and invite in folks who might be new to the journey or new to our crew of friends.

The second week would consist of asking questions of one another. Guys and girls will be split so that we can really get into the depths of our hearts. The idea here is that we will each bring our experiences, walk with God, and questions to the table and delve into each others worlds.

The third week we’ll go out, sometimes it might be doing something spiritual together, other times it could be something fun, the idea will be that we get to experience something new together and build memories which we couldn’t sitting around in the living room.

Finally, the last Tuesday of each month we’ll come together for worship, prayer, lectio divina, and confession. This night we’ll also spend substantial time apart as guys and girls to focus on matters of the heart.

So there’s that…if you feel like this is a gathering you’d like to be a part of we’ll be coming together at THE MANSION tonight at 7.

1.06.2006

elegant & tired

You know when it hurts to do the right thing, the thing you've been coached well in and understand?? Yet everything in you pushes against it... then God gives a verse like this after you obey and confirms in your soul that you've done the right thing. He's good like that.


You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!

I would not obey my teachers
or listen to my instructors.

I have come to the brink of utter ruin
in the midst of the whole assembly."


Proverbs 5:12-14

1.04.2006

addict

i think i'm addicted to checking my email - i'm not sure i ever went longer than 20 minutes today. I have had wireless everywhere and on my work laptop outlook pops up a little box when i have a new message.

the significance of my work probably rides a little too much on the amount of emails i handle in a day - it certainly doesn't always mean i'm getting work done. But it feels good to answer quickly, it even feels good to write someone telling them a project won't be completed til later. it still feels like work is getting done.

then when you get thos emails from old friends or new ones that are sharing prayer requests or funny stories from the day a smile comes and the day is good. email is probably one of the primary ways i feel connected to people, both vocationally and relationally.

1.02.2006

nice way to start the year

Best Wishes to Tim and Jenny Evans on their new baby girl, Reagan. They will be great parents.