I'm preaching and Hannah's leading worship up at Heritage Marysville this weekend. Grab a friend and come worship with us at 11am. The church launched a year ago, and Hannah's family has been a big part of making it happen. We have the great privelege to give Pastor Brian Brooks and Sherri Hauer a break from leading, and to partner together to lead folks towards Jesus this Sunday.

http://www.marysvillehcc.org/ 940 London AveMarysville, Ohio 43040

mission accomplished

you can view/read pics and thoughts from my walk here. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19531&id=759418942

good morning

i am brewing a pot of coffee, pouring a cup, bundling up, and going to take pics of our neighborhood. should be a good crisp fall morning.

Ruth and Doug Kauffman

Here are pictures from my sister, Ruth's wedding taken by my old friend Jason Montgomery. Pretty special time. I got to officiate, Luke was a groomsman, and Ben the DJ. It was a rollicking family affair.

Smash and Grab

You can watch Hannah and I on 10TV here. They left in little bit of our commentary. They made it more of a scare piece than they needed. But, thats alright.

Hannah and I on TV

So,
I really need to start writing updates on our life down here in Olde Towne East.
Hannah and I were interviewed by 10tv and the story will air at 11pm tonight. We will see what shows up. We have had our cars broken into 4 times this month, among other wild things.... We had a great chance to share our story with the news crew and how God has influenced our decision to live here.

Who wants 2 Cheap Dylan/Costello Tickets?

I have 2 tix to see Dylan/Costello tonight, 7pm at the Schottenstein Center that I can't use.
They are in the closest Huntington club box to the stage. Section 204, Row C, seats 5,6.
Great seats, the cost for the tickets after service charges is $120.00. I'll sell them for $60.00 OBO. Call me 614.327.4299 with an offer if you are interested.

Arcade Fire?

Anyone going to Arcade Fire this Friday night? I got a ticket for dirt cheap and now I need a posse or a compadre(Hannah is not a big fan of the AF).

Getting Back into the Swing

Talk about a summer of change...

I'm married to the beautiful Hannah. See Pictures Here, more to come soon.

We live in Olde Towne East - 180 South 20th Street Columbus, OH if you want to pay us a visit.

Cisco, Ryder, Tim, and Jimi have all taken off from Columbus. Good luck gents.

I put on my belt from right to left instead of left to right the other day. Those things happen at 5:00 in the morning.

We are hunting for a new place of worship if you know of a good one downtown drop a comment.

the last days

tomorrow is my last day at HCC, from this day forward my sole email address will be jeddearing at gmail. please update your contact list. thanks, jed

darkness hurries in

My Uncle Richard is sandy blonde haired with sparkling blue eyes. The ladies loved him, he could charm a woman within minutes. He served in the military while a young man, then moved to Ocean City, Maryland. His apartment was just 2 blocks from the boardwalk, and the sights and sounds of the sweet Atlantic. If you walked just two blocks the other way you would come across the Bay where my mom would reel in softshell crabs. Richard was a surveyor. Richard was also an addict, to many things, he went through women like he went through drinks. The combination landed him in jail multiple times. The saddest moment came 6 years ago when he stole my Grandmom's car on the day of her wedding and traded it for heroin. The police called us during the ceremony. They found Richard in a ditch. The police called my dad tonight at nine, they found him again, this time dead on his favorite path in the woods behind his house in Pennsylvania. Richard lost his job today, and his mind. He told my dad he was checking into the VA hospital tomorrow. He didn't lie, he had registered. Richard just couldn't hold out in this life one more day.

Last month I went home to Md, my Grandmom came down with a gift for me that Richard helped her put together. A toolbox loaded with great gear so that I could fix things for Hannah. I should have written Richard a thank you note.

Pray for my family. My mom and Grandmom especially. They will be at the morgue tomorrow. Pray for strength for my father - He will probably lead the funeral, and he is looked to by my mom's entire family as the spiritual leader and counselor in these times. Pray against the lie of satan condemning my family. Pray that God will use this moment to bring attention to Jesus.

a day of discovery

the columbus metropolitan library is fantastic....i love that it is less than a mile from my house.

I had a fantastic walk today that included a serene stroll through a beautiful topiary garden just east of the library. it is fun to stumble across the hidden treasures of the city. Also, i discovered what look like 2 tasty new restaraunts on Main about a mile from my place. Oodles (a dumpling and noodles place), and Indian Oven. Anyone ever been to either restaraunt?

now, on to writing a business law paper. woohoo.

a little online quiz on theological worldview

You scored as Neo orthodox. You are neo-orthodox. You reject the human-centredness and scepticism of liberal theology, but neither do you go to the other extreme and make the Bible the central issue for faith. You believe that Christ is God's most important revelation to humanity, and the Trinity is hugely important in your theology. The Bible is also important because it points us to the revelation of Christ. You are influenced by Karl Barth and P T Forsyth. Neo orthodox 82% Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 79% Emergent/Postmodern 68% Charismatic/Pentecostal 54% Reformed Evangelical 43% Fundamentalist 43% Roman Catholic 36% Classical Liberal 36% Modern Liberal 14% What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

you should probably buy "weekend in the city."

As I have been spending time in my room in prayer I had music on in the background. during a moment of flipping opening the scriptures these words raced from the stereo through the speakers into my ears, and my heart was flooded with thankfulness for God's revelation and its unchanging relevance for the world. they come from "prayer," by Bloc Party.


"I am a martyr, I just need a motive
I am a martyr, I just need a cause
I'm a believer, I just need a motive
I'm a believer, I just need a cause

We're finding it hard to be alone
We're finding it hard to break the mould
We're finding it hard to excite myself
We have nothing at all to say

Uniform

There was a sense of disappointment as we sped away
All the young people looked the same"


this will continue to be a rich time of prayer......it is lyrics like this that move my awakened heart to watch out for the sleeping world.

Life...in a nutshell

dear friends

Life is full and going well. God is doing a lot of work both within my heart and all around me. the big day is June 23rd and the plans are coming together. It is exciting to think about marriage being a means to an end to Hannah and I's life. God is beginning to cultivate some important transformation in continuing to move us towards Christ likeness.

Hannah finishes school next week and begins to study for the state medical boards. I will be the proud husband of a licensed massage therapist. Hannah has been an amazing example to me of discipline as she has pulled a 3.9 while planning a wedding, working 4 different jobs, and running around with me.

My last day at HCC is May 31st, I am preaching at my final CT, this Sunday, May 20th at 7. Root is also leaving HCC at the end of May and will be leading worship for the final time, it would be great to see you there. It should be a cool night.

I interview for a new job tomorrow and have made some good headway into the Nationwide scene. I have 2 weeks to find a job, so pray that God delivers. A friend shared with me today that the one thing I can count on God for is, "his faithfulness to keep me dependent on him." Gotta love the way God works.

Living at http://www.google.com/maps?q=180+S+20th+St,+Columbus,+OH+43205,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title in Olde Towne East has been a blast. I really like my new place. God blessed me with 2 good roommates for the month of May who both needed a temporary place to stay, Bill (dollar) and Jimi. Hannah and I got to celebrate with Jimi and friends last night as Jimi is officially becoming Doctor Jimi.

may god penetrate your jadedness and fatigue,
jed

Yard Sale: This Friday & Saturday 8-2

Yo,

If you need furniture, books, video games, clothes, cookware, golf clubs, a snowboard, boots, inline skates, tools, or just want to drop by and say hi, make your way out to my new place from 8-2 the next couple days for Hannah and I's yard sale. We both have a lot of stuff to unload as we begin to merge our lives. I now live at 180 South 20th Street. Columbus, OH

You can check out our Craigslist post for more info...

hmmm

“The truth of Christianity is life. The implications of this are vast.”

peter rollins

Entering New Space

A man was shot to death this afternoon 4 blocks from my house. Early reports suspect the culprit was a known drug user. It is hard knowing that I don't have the time to begin to engage in the lives of my neighbors yet. It will be exciting when Hannah and I are married and I have a new job, so that Hannah and I can begin to spend our time building relationships with our neighbors and partnering with local ministries and organizations to begin to address the spiritual and physical needs of the community.

An Invitation

Hey Friends,

I will be preaching my final message at CT on Sunday night, May 20th, and I will be accompanied by David Root who will be leading worship for the final time at CT. We are both moving on from our positions of leadership at Heritage at the end of May.

I would love it if you would be able to join us for this special evening. There will be a definite spirit of celebration throughout the night and I will be sharing my thanks for many of you who have impacted my life. If you have ever been part of CT, past or present, I'd love to see you. The program starts at 7, but we will kickoff the night with a BBQ and Backyard Games at 6 on the back patio at Heritage.

Peace,
Jed

Brainstorming Session

I am compiling a list of spiritually profound movies. Movies that cause you to think deeply on love, God, evil, judgment, purpose, death, ect... What movies have caused you to stay up late at night wrestling out thoughts and praying, or have been catalysts for deep conversations with friends?

List your top 3 spiritually profound movies for me in the comments section. It would be a huge help and enlightening to find other movies worth watching. thank you.

off the top of my head I'd say

Magnolia
Eternal Sunshine
Training Day

Addressing Kenya, on a lighter note...

This clip from Ricky Gervais (Creator of the Office) and company is hilarious and makes a good point. Thanks to Marko for the heads up about it

True Life Spoof: I'm an Emo

My friends Ryan and Luke just made this True Life Spoof on the life of an emo high schooler. one of the funniest and most spot on videos I've seen in awhile. enjoy

sunny day musings

joy = driving fast in my car to Hannah's house, sun shining, windows down, shirt off, dirt caked on my hands, and Mysterious Ways from U2 cranking at full blast.

word to the wise: people will continue to be in your space no matter what and you can't dictate just how your life will go, so roll with it and look for how God might be using interruptions, annoyances, and inconveniences to open doors for flexibility, patience, service, and love which will transform your world. or allow yourself to be frustrated with it and wallow in self pity. the latter is debilitatingkills off your relationships, and will send you spiraling into depression, run from it - the Holy Spirit has an amazing ability to help you reevaluate what intitially seems like a crappy situation and turn it around. an expectant, hopeful life that anticipates God is fun....i do enjoy following Jesus.

even when there seems to be total silence from God and no silver lining, God is present, perhaps not active in the way you'd like, but present. Jesus suffers with us, his cross is an eloquent picture of that. it is not just about Jesus suffering in our place, it is about Jesus suffering with us and having the unique ability to fellowship with us through our darkest times. in our deepest loneliness Jesus goes deeper still, for he bore what we won't, abandonment by the Father. the good news is that hidden in that horrible, "end," was a new beginning, resurrection. so let each of us be attentive to whatever we feel is at the end, and begin to look in hidden places for the new beginning God has in store.

wading into God's new creative work

"don't outsource your conception of what church communities ought to be to any other time.
this is not something to outsource. you were invited to be people who form communities of hopeful, optimistic Christianity. and you are called into that endeavor completely, theologically and ecclesiologically........ You need to be fully engaged in the formation of what it means to be people who live as a church in Christian community without having to outsource it to any other period of time, because the time that we live in is as good a time for the gospel, as good a time for theology, and is as good a time for creating church community as any period of time......we have the opportunity to do wonderful things in collaboration with God's continuous plans for this world"

Doug Pagitt at North Park

New Beginnings

It is official. Hannah and I are the proud renters of a 100 year old, 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, sweet home at 180 S. 20th Street in the Old Towne East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. We signed the lease and paid the deposit today. Our move in date is May 1st, but the landlord gave us the keys and the freedom to paint, clean, and move in furniture in the meantime. I will post pictures real soon.

It is an exciting and eclectic neighborhood to move into that is a great central location for living downtown. The couple blocks surrounding us have been redeveloped and the neghborhood is popular among the rich, white, homosexual community. We are just a short walk from Franklin Park, the biggest park in downtown Columbus, and only a mile from downtown.

But, 2 of the poorest neighborhoods in Columbus are only blocks away, an area with both physical and spiritual needs. One where we could see ourselves ministering for a long time. We will also be just a mile from a developing muslim community and 2 miles from Bexley, a predominantly Jewish area. The opportunities for the gospel will be endless. We have already established a fun relationship with both our landlord and property manager. I was interested to see how they (both are gay), would respond to me being a minister. Not even an issue, we had good honest conversations, and already have an invitation to the next neighborhood party or to play our landlord's (he lives 4 houses down) sweet 150 year old piano which has been meticulously preserved.

God is good. It will be fun to partner with him in his new creative work in this community, and to see how he will use this move to refine us.

Roommate Needed

Hannah and I found a house today that we are excited about renting.
It is a real nice duplex in Olde Towne East at Bryden and 20th. 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, new appliances, flooring and carpet, and completely refurbished and clean interior. The only catch is that the landlord needs a tenant soon.

I am looking for a roommate to help with rent the first 2 1/2 months. April 1st - June 15th. You would have your own room and pay about $250 a month. If you or anyone you know would be interested in an arrangment like this please contact me asap. jeddearing@gmail.com

beautiful sound

check out this great performance from Arcade Fire - the song is from their new album, Neon Bible that Matty B turned me onto. you have to love the accordion and violin infused rock sound.

the midnight office

BRETHREN, take care lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

The deceitfulness of sin is a powerful thing - what a great verse from the writer of Hebrews.

I like the emphasis on "exhorting each other every day." Too often we don't dig into one anothers real junk by asking the questions which bring light into dark places and allow truth in love to be spoken. According to Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, that is how we will grow up into Christ. Let us make a commitment to challenge one another to say no to sin and yes to Christ day in and day out that we might more and more be transformed, live within the blessings of obedience, and reflect God to the world.

a little bit of pride

so I have a couple minutes to kill after work, before a friend arrives. I am surfing around online and find a poem I wrote posted on someone elses website. someone I've never met. kind of cool.
he gave me credit for it.

I have to say, I think my poem went well with his picture...

Global Warming as a Moral Issue

This is a portion of a letter composed by Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family and other voices from the conservative corner of the evangelical movement, addressed to the National Association of Evangelicals.

More importantly, we have observed that Cizik (NAE Vice PResident of Government Relations) and others are using the global warming controversy to shift the emphasis away from the great moral issues of our time, notably the sanctity of human life, the integrity of marriage and the teaching of sexual abstinence and morality to our children. In their place has come a preoccupation with climate concerns that extend beyond the NAE’s mandate and its own statement of purpose.

The line that bothers me within this paragraph is "are using the global warming controversy to shift the emphasis away from the great moral issues of our time,"
Now, I understand that issues relating to abortion, marriage, and sexuality are all important. However, if the preservation of our earth isn't an important moral issue, I'm not sure what is. The Earth and its resources sustain life, and from the beginning (see Genesis 1), care for the earth has been a primary mandate for mankind.

Whether global warming is a reality or not is hotly debated, but care for the earth should always be a moral issue that we have a pulse on. We should at the least, be actively particpating in the conversation. If Christians aren't a prophetic voice in this area we miss caring for the very earth God created for our enjoyment and his glory. Oh yeah, he looked down on it and and called his creation good.

I wonder if this kind of thinking stems from a thin eschatology that supposes we will all be wisked away to another place high in the sky? Christians realize that Jesus will be returning to earth right? And that for a season he is going to rule here? Personally, I'd like to present him with an earth that has been cared well for.

plateau or pruning

i feel like I've plateaued in my spiritual life and personal growth, they tend to go hand in hand.

what is going to bring transformation? seeking God no doubt, but will he reveal that key to transformation or does he have me in the middle of a long slow process that I can't see unfolding because I'm inside of it? for one of the first times in my life I feel inadequate. I suppose thats a start to transformation, total brokenness. this lent has been all about pruning so far. maybe that means change is on its way. I hope so. Come on God's Word, be true.

I don't feel like I'm living out my call any more. The things that used to get me excited and reignite me don't anymore. Where is God taking me? Is there sin in the way? Is it how I spend my time? Do I need to return to things of the past or press onto new practices in the future? These are all questions I am asking right now.

All I know is that I didn't feel this way a year ago when I got back from Europe. Or for that matter, Today, 6 years ago as Cisco and I began our drive to Orlando to attend GCM's support training to learn how to raise money to move out here. Today, 6 years later I completed my resume to start hunting for a job outside of ministry. Not quite the way I pictured this going.

I understand that God's divine hand is in this and that in time, hopefully soon, I'll get why he is taking me down this trail, and truly see that it is him and not just my own deficiencies or other human's choices that are determining this.

I truly want to be partnering with God in his new creative work he is doing in the world right now. It is exciting to see the way he is moving within neighborhoods, cities, states, and countries. I know I will play a key role in bringing Jesus' new creative efforts to the city, but where, when, how, and with who are all so up in the air.

patience, thats what I need - this reminds me of a little something, something Axel Rose penned.

...little patience, mm yeah, ooh yeah,
Need a little patience, yeah
Just a little patience, yeah
Some more pati... (ence, yeah)
I've been walking these streets at night
Just trying to get it right (Need some patience, yeah)
It's hard to see with so many around
You know I don't like being stuck in a crowd (Could use some patience, yeah)
And the streets don't change but maybe the name
I ain't got time for the game

thick in the head

great conversation today with Pastor Jim.
his humility and conviction to follow God's prompting is encouraging.

We had a pretty sterile conversation yesterday, and this morning during his QT he felt God prompting him to follow up with me. I was feeling the same thing today, then he knocked on my door, thats when you know the Spirit is working.

I haven't had many 20 minute conversations that included tears, laughter, conviction, sadness, exhortation, compassion, dreaming, and encouragment all rolled up into one.
we don't always see eye to eye, but he is a guy worth following.

ps...you may be sick in the head, apparently I'm thickheaded.
we get these two things solved and I'm pretty sure we take over the world.

Bobby J

As a former homeschoolee who was raised in my early years on Bob Jones Text, and who finds the uber conservative/fundamentalist school quite disturbing, I got quite a kick out of this blogger who found a close connection between Bob Jones and Gay Rights.

http://www.homecomers.org/weblog/index.php/six-degrees-of-bob-jones/

the exhilarating beauty of vulnerability

tonight was a brilliant portrayal of the power of community.
our life group is taking what I feel is a healthy approach to the 40 Days and not just regurgitating the sermon, but applying it immediately.

Thus, tonight we opened by reading Nehemiah 4, and discussing what areas of our walls were in need of repair and where we could use others to stand guard with us. Sharing honestly about what areas of our lives feel exposed to the elements was powerful. So many ventured into the dangerous waters of vulnerability, and it deepened the group immensely in just an hour. Then, each couple shared an area of their wall that is broken in their relationship and how they could use their friends in the group to stand with their marriage/engagement.

The brilliant thing Nehemiah does when the people are tired and worried about attack is to not only station others with them, but is to point again to the greatness of God. So after sharing where we felt exposed and in need, we meditated on Psalm 145, listening to the passage read in both male and female voices. It was so powerful to have the greatness of God rise above the text and move from my mind into my heart and begin to shape my will.

Following our meditations we prayed for each other, and it was good.

as i lay me down to sleep

With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundred-fold.

excerpts from a Greek Orthodox prayer to Saint Prokopios, the Confessor of Decapolis.
I want to allow sorrow deep into my heart that they may shape my life in such a manner that I bear fruit. this prayer reminds me of Nouwen.

rediscovered

jon marette was flipping through his cd case and I saw the unmistakable cd art for Aerosmith's "9 Lives," album. Such a goodie that was overshadowed by "Pink," being played to death. enjoying listening to it tonight.

Andrew Sharp and Dolla Bill follow Jesus....fo real

Gills...that one was for free....Matty and I will come back with a vengance, and our jumpshots.

btw Gillis...you really need to start a blog... 4 reasons why,
1. you have a unique perspective on the church as it relates to the world that folks need to hear
2. you are smart - we need more smart folks blogging (i really drag the blogging world down)
3. you can introduce us to good music
4. a profile picture of the best looking Gillis, by that I mean Heather of course :)

initial musings

a few notes from lent thus far...

i woke up this morning after dreaming about sportscenter and analyzing the events which happened in the highlights. I clearly needed to fast from sports.

Hebrews 10 speaks of holding to the hope we profess....I want to talk hope with people more often, to dream about what God will do both in this age and the next.

I'm glad Pavi is at Heritage. I'm hoping he'll be a catalyst for some real change. His arrival is one of the things that makes me sad about leaving staff. I feel like I could learn a lot from him. I'll see what I can milk out of 3 months. that sounds a little selfish. I'm learning how selfish I am these days. that leads to today's devotional.

Warren's line, "real love is making your problem, my problem," is easy for me to think about when it comes to inner city ministry. However, it is not so easy when it comes to Hannah. I expect her to be like me and often invalidate any of her problems because I don't feel they are legitimate. I don't understand why she feels the way she does, so I leave her in the dust by demanding she change (feel differently about a situation). Boy am I a jerk.

God, help me to take the time to get behind Hannah's feelings and come to understand what drives her, and when I don't understand to gracefully allow her to navigate her way through situations uniquely.

Door to Door Jesus

Check out this video from my boy, Luke O.
All you evangelicals out there should get a kick out of it.

an intriguing director

The director of Pan's Labyrinth was interviewed by Tavis Smiley last month. I really liked some of his thoughts including his perspective on the parables here. I feel like the perspective he has in developing his story could apply to preaching as well.

del Toro: I tried to create, like, a fable or a parable about something. “Cronos,” and this one, to an extent, is about a choice, disobedience, immortality. Our dealing with mortality, which is a much better subject.
And I try to layer them very carefully, very densely. And then if people watching them like a Saturday night movie, that’s fine by me. If they wanna study them a little more, I put things in there that they’ll find.

Tavis: Yeah. To your point now, are there messages here that you are trying to deliver? Because you could obviously do a film that is just entertaining, or to your point now about choices and about morals and about mortality versus immortality. You trying to send a message through “Pan's Labyrinth?” Messages?

del Toro: Well, I think that when I was a kid, I'm an ex-Catholic. And when I was a kid, I would go Sunday church, and I would be mostly interested in the parables of the bible. They really took me. And it’s not so much disclosing a parable as it is bringing it forth as a point of discussion. I don't have a point that I need to drive in, but I do show the different destinies of characters that are confronted with a choice in the movie. And those that choose to obey, and those that choose to disobey. And contrary to the classical fairytale, I'm in favor of disobedience.

Reconciling Prophecy and Humility

"Humility is difficult for people who think they are, or want to be, 'radical Christians.'

Humility is difficult when you're always calling other people – the church, the nation, and the world – to stop doing the things you think are wrong and start doing the things you think are right.

Humility is difficult for the bearers of radical messages.

When we're always calling other people to repent and change, it's not always easy to hear that message for ourselves.

I want to suggest that there is a real and very deep tension between humility and the prophetic vocation."

Jim Wallis

Wise words from Jim that anyone with a prophetic voice should cling onto. Moving into urban ministry I've run across a lot of community development folks that have an "our way is the only legitimate way," mentality and can invalidate anyone who practices differently. Usually these community developers have great things to say, but they alienate themselves from the people who desperately need to hear from them because of their arrogant and tactless stance. The funny thing is that so many people doing quality community development work got there by first doing mercy work, the very work community developers now decry. (Mercy work is the gateway drug to community development) I wonder if having a humble prophetic voice in this arena wouldn't sound more like an invitation than a declaration.

PS: a quick differentiation between mercy work and community development sounds like this.

mercy = Doing for. IE: A Soup Kitchen or a Clothing Pantry. (Valuable ministries that are needed for people to survive - especially relevant among the homeless -, yet do nothing in terms of transformation and in many cases enable people or cause them to build a dependence on a service)

community development = Doing With. IE: Opening a thrift shop that is cooperatively owned by neighborhood residents and employs them -- Recruiting benevolent landlords to invest in property and rent them out near cost to allow folks to save to purchase their own homes.

Jesus the Liar

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his Word has no place in our lives. 1 John 1:10

I don't know that I've ever considered the idea that I am framing Jesus as a liar when I disregard confession and claim a false holiness. This is a challenging verse. I don't think I want to be in the camp that calls Jesus a liar. I've always focused more on verse 9 which is his promise to purify us should we confess, not this verse.

In light of that last verse read these words from David.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.


Cool Connection. David acknowledges his weakness, the truthfulness of God, and the rightness of God's Word.

Joining with the Saints

Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of lent. This beautiful, simple season of restraint which allows further room for the voice of God is a favorite of mine. Each of the past 2 years has launched a significant movement in my life.

During my reading in 2005 God pushed me towards establishing a Sabbath.

If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day,if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable,and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob. "The mouth of the LORD has spoken

Last year during my trip to London and Rome with Chris I felt God pushing me towards urban ministry and sensed that it was time to wind down my commitment to Heritage. I also recognized that I loved Hannah and was going to marry her. Who knows what this year will bring.

During lent I like to make adjustments in 3 areas.

1. I abstain from something that could potentially master me to hand over lordship of that area to Jesus. This year it is alcohol.

2. I cut something out of my life to create space for extended times or prayer, meditation, and and reading the scripture. This year it is any sports. No sports on tv, the internet, or the radio. Total abstinence.

3. I fill the new space I have with a new habit. This year I will be reviving the habit of reciting the Jesus prayer and the Lords prayer 100 times. each morning when I wake and at night before I sleep. Repitition has a powerful impact on helping me stay humble and expectant. I'll also be reading the Divine Hours as often as possible.

New York, New York

Over the great bridge, with the sunlight through the girders making a constant flicker upon the moving cars, with the city rising up across the river in white heaps and sugar lumps all built with a wish out of non-olfactory money. The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world.

F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby

"the Office" quotes of the week

"poop is raining from the ceiling, poop." - angela

"your welcome." dwight

Weekend Wrap Up

Friday night I watched "The Constant Gardner," again with Matt. What a stellar movie. The movie is like a slow burn, you don't realize how much its impacting you until you are considerably into it, and before you know it, the fim has left its mark. It is a love story masked in the template of a global conpiracy. The movie has a surprising amount to say about both love and the current impact of large corporations on the impoverished in Africa. Throughout the film you see the love and courage of Tessa (Rachel Weisz) awaken her husband Justin (Ralph Fiennes) from a life bound by policy and inaction to a desire for truth and transformation in a world being drained of life for the sake of the wealth and power of a few. Check it out.

Saturday morning I had a make up class because of Wednesday's snow and found that I enjoy class so much better during that time. My ability to focus on financial management was far superior than when I arrive at class at 6pm after a full day of work. I also think it helps that my work week is complete so I don't have anything hanging over my head.

Sunday was a cool day for me in that, I got to sitback at both Storytellers and Crosstrainers and listen to 2 solid teachings. Hannah shared Sunday morning and hit the ball out of the park while teaching through the Good Samaritan. She did a great job putting a fresh twist on the story, being vulnerable from her own life, and encouraging good interaction with the kids.
Sunday night, Andy Holt shared with the boys of Crosstrainers on sex. He did a great job of engaging the guys right where they were at, challenging them through the scripture, and being provocative with a purpose. Lines like, "you can use your penis as an instrument of righteousness," and "your penis size doesn't define you," are great launching points for transformative conversations with 15 year old guys in this area.

Also, I think some of my bball skills are coming back. good weekend

--Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. -- Proverbs 16:32

This is a hard one for me to believe sometimes. Coming out of Pastor Brian's message yesterday I was really challenged. His hypothetical area for spiritual change was patience, which happens to be the very thing that I need growth in. Thanks BJ...

I've been studying passages on patience today. Oftentimes I feel like being patient means giving up, both in relational conflicts and career decisions. I want to win and move on to the next thing, oftentimes leaving a trail of dead in my path as I abandon love and commitment for accomplishment.

-- A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.-- Proverbs 19:11

-- So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. -- Colossians 3:12 (The Message)

Challenging - Encouraging - Healthy Passage of the Day

Reading this passage today was powerful on many fronts - one it lays out a practical Christian ethic, it really simplifies the big focuses we should have.

Care for each other and the stranger -fight injustice - live purely - honor your commitments - live simply and contentedly - trust in God's presence - find faithful men and women to emulate - stay focused on Grace, not the rabbit trails of religiosity - follow in Jesus' sacrificial footsteps - put our hope in the eternal promise of a recreated earth - let Jesus' message and deeds always be on the tip of our tongue - look for ways to bless people - be responsive to leadership - pray

-- Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you. "So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Pray for us. --

Hebrews 13

I had to answer these questions today

1) something you envision God doing in 2007
I envision God pruning me a lot. Using the rigors of all the pressure on me now to both push me to personal transformation and also refine my ability to understand what is important and what isn't.


2) your plan to grow in your walk with God:
Studying the book of Colossians and writing a personal devotional over the next 3 months. Focusing on Silence, Word, and Action
a. Silence: Taking the time to confront sorrows and sin by allowing myself space to be silent, uncluttered by tv or internet.
b. Word: Taking the realities that confront me in silence to friends and mentors who can encourage me and push me towards spiritual maturity
c. Action: Choosing to be intentional with how I spend my time, being active in addressing sorrows and sin, and partnering with God in what he has called me to instead of just being busy.

3) a personal goal for 2007:
a. Find a Job – Get Married – Graduate College – Move into an Impoverished Neighborhood
b. Give up all things ESPN

March 30th will be electric

Ferrell, Heder(Napoleon Dynamite), Arnett(Matt's boy from Arrested Development, and Amy Poehler in an epic tale from the figure skating world. View the trailer here

dumb move

so i was playing the best poker of my life tonight then I pulled one of my stupid gambling moves where I threw all percentages out the window and took a chance. not the way to play when you want to win $200.00. I had played for over 2 hours, outlasted 10 people at that point, and was winning hands consistently, but i got bored and wanted to have fun with a hand which for me always equals losing. so, i basically gave my money away to Matt and he didn't even win - that would have made it easier, being his birthday and all. dang you Matt! One day I'll be pateint and play smart, then i won't kick myself all night. this is why i only play poker once every couple months.

So True

Give your sorrow all the space and shelter in yourself that is its due, for if everyone bears [their] grief honestly and courageously, the sorrow that now fills the world will abate. But if you do not clear a decent shelter for your sorrow, and instead reserve most of the space inside you for hatred and thoughts of revenge - from which new sorrorws will be born for others - then sorrow will never cease in this world and will multiply.

- Etty Hillesumquoted in Marc Ellis, "Toward a Jewish Theology of Liberation"

My World

I guess there is still ministry to be done in Westerville.
You have to read this story.
This happened at the high school I visit every week. It will be an entertaining story time when I visit the lunchroom tomorrow.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/01/30/naked.guy.ap/index.html

Psalm 23:1-3 [the message]

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

"...and the dead shall ride again."

I was standing at a bus stop yesterday morning, gazing at the Rocky Mountains towering above Denver, when 3 Hearses roll in. I sauntered down to talk to the folks and found out they were part of the Denver Hearse Club . This one was by far the coolest.

Blowin Up

My cell phone is broken. A victim of the, "laying in my lap when I get out of the car catastrophe."
If you need to get ahold of me, email is the best bet. jdearing at heritagecc.org or jeddearing at gmail.com. you can also try the church phone during normal business hours. 614.898.9412.ext410